Express Traditional Reading

What Covers You 

The general theme, situation or question, the heart of the matter, what is going on inside of you.

The Empress 



Full Meaning: Key Words for the Empress Tarot Card Meanings
* Promise
* Femininity
* Abundance
* Creativity
* Assurance

The mother figure of the Tarot deck, the Empress Tarot card meanings are all about love, abundance, nurturing, and pleasure. When we observe the card we see elements of nature - all exploding on the card - the Empress brings about the flood of growth and is the epitome of abundance. She reminds us that there is always enough for everyone to enjoy. There is no shortage.

Many decks depict the Empress as pregnant. This is very symbolic, and when pulled, this card conveys a message that the situation is pregnant with promise - full of opportunity. Along with the symbolism of pregnancy holding promise, comes the waiting period. Just as there is an incubation time until the child comes forth, so too is there a time of waiting until our desires become manifest.

Venus is the astral ruler of the Empress card. As such, this card expresses love, beauty, art, and pleasure. When we pull the Empress card it is a clear indication that we're on the right track with our artistic endeavors and should be encouraged to participate in the activities that instills love in our hearts, and creativity in our souls.

The Tarot card meanings associated with the Empress are strongly linked with motherhood. When we pull this card for ourselves or for others it is often a message to a mother or from a mother. Keep this in mind as you are conducting your readings.

Key Symbols Relative to Empress Tarot Card Meanings:
This section focuses in on a few select symbols that can help us further define the Empress Tarot card meanings.

Shield: The Empress abides by one motto: "From love I do come, from love I do go" and her shield is a testiment to this creed. The Empress knows (as we all should) that when we enter all situations with the shield of love, we are always protected. When we envelope ourselves with a force-field of love, there is no need for fear. The shield is a paradox - we think of protection - yet the emblem of love (Venus, a heart) is pictured on the shield. The paradox is that where there is love there is instant protection, yet to love also requires our vulnerability.

Waterfall: Water is a universal sign of motion, emotion, abudance, and also gives the reader a concept of abundance as it is usually depicted on the card in the form of a waterfall. This symbol expresses the ability of the Empress to open up her intuitive resources and allow abundance to flow through her freely. Consider the exhilerating rush of a waterfall - expansive and powerful - even a little frightening as it crashes against the rocks. The waterfall is a reminder that with tranquility also comes extreme force - we must be mindful of our capacity to love and create - as well as our ability to hate and destroy.

Wheat: Wheat is a universal sign for nourishment. With it comes the association of harvest. This symbol is a profound expression of the Empress in her nurturing glory. She assures that all the elements are in place so that growth occurs, and bounty is harvested. She also reminds us that the seeds we sow are in direct relation to the harvest we shall reap. The wheat is also a symbol of a process - a time to sow, a time to grow and a time to pick the fruits of our labor. The Empress is keenly aware of time and the part it plays in manifesting our desires. Let the wheat be a symbol to us that our desires are not usually on "microwave time" (press a button & it's done). In short, it takes time to see the process of our desire unfold into our reality.

Key Questions:
When contemplating the Empress Tarot card meanings, ask yourself the following questions:

How can I nurture myself more?
Am I connecting enough to mother nature?
Am I respecting the process of unfolding my desires?
What does being a mother/having a mother mean to me?
What role does love play in my life - is it foremost in my existence?

 



What Crosses You 

This card is placed over the 1st card and magnifies the forces at work for this question, the card can therefore be a positive sign or one requiring more work or opposing forces. Also a contrary element, source of resistance, balancing tendency, factor for change, something unpredictable, what is rocking the boat, supporting feature, opposing factor.

Eight of Cups 



Full Meaning: Some Keywords for the Eight of Cups Tarot Card Meaning:

* Phases
* Growth
* Maturity
* Progress
* Evolution
* Surrender
* Pilgrimage
* Completion

The ruling element of water no longer flows, and this is noteworthy in a symbolic sense. Indeed, we look into the card and see the water is becoming increasingly shallow, even drying up when meeting the goblets in the forefront of the scene.

Our figurehead recognizes the lessening of emotional flow, and begins to move away from what appears to be scarcity.

The figure is a pilgrim, seeking new heights of spiritual/emotional greatness. His cup once overflowed with understanding, but now it is time to evolve and progress further on his pilgrimage.

The phases of the moon in the eight of cups give a confirmation of the progress we make in phases of our lives. As we satisfy areas of our lives with timeless understandings required to be at peace - it's time to move on to the next chapter, and fulfill our destiny to move onward in a natural evolution.

When we pull this card in a reading it is important to focus on the accomplishments we have made. This card indicates we've reached an achievement of sorts (symbolic of all eight cups proudly erect in their fullness) - it's simply time to embark on another journey into fulfillment.

Furthermore, as we move into new adventures, we turn our psychic focus on the elegance of each step we take into ever higher atmospheres of awareness. When we take our spiritual eyes off the path (focusing on the future, or overly goal-oriented) we inevitably waiver.

This concept is emphasized by the rocks and mountains we see in the card. Challenges are certainly a potential in our pilgrimage, but with properly aligned focus, our path can be a fluid, organic pleasure.

Lastly, the concept of surrender is relevant in the eight of cups Tarot card meaning. Chances are if you are a Tarot practitioner, you're usually evolving in your progress. However, the lure of comfortable places can be enticing.

This card reminds us to always be aware of our inner and outer landscapes - to not be too comfortable with our lot - when the signs come - accept the challenge to progress. As Einstein says: "Nothing happens until something moves." That would be us moving up the rungs of enlightenment.

Some Symbol Meanings in the Eight of Cups:

Moon: The moon symbol meanings deal with cycles, time, psychic power, reflection, and emerging from one phase into another. Consider the power of the moon - able to influence oceans, and affect the realm of nature in strong subtle ways. Also a symbol of feminity, the moon is a sign of the softer, intuitive side of all of us. When the moon lights up on our readings, it is a prompting to consider our level of awareness. The moon asks us if we listening to our intuition and what are we allowing to influence our direction in life.

Mountains: Seen on many of the cards, mountain symbol meanings deal with triumph, challenge, attainment, and realization. Mountains also represent timelessness and an endurance that is infinite. When those mountains peak out of the cards into our attention, we may consider the vastness of our universe, and contemplate our place within it. We may also want to consider the heights to which we are climbing, and what the realization of our goals may mean for us and those around us.

Some Questions the Eight of Cups Asks Us:

Has my emotional well run dry? If so, what can I do about it?
Rather than focus on the pain of surrendering, what would happen if I focus on the pleasure of moving to a new (higher) direction?
Do I have the faith, focus and patience to gently allow my path to unfold before me?
Is this the right time to make a transition? Am I properly geared for the journey?
Can I move out of a desolation while I'm still clinging to the pain of the past?
Better yet, how can release the past to facilitate my growth?

 



What Is Beneath You 

The foundations to this situation or the source of the problem, why things are as they are, soul purpose, what is really going on, hidden influence, starting point, deeper meaning.

Six of Wands 



Full Meaning: Some keywords marching from the six of wands Tarot card meaning:
* Grace
* Pride
* Power
* Honor
* Action
* Victory
* Triumph
* Liberation
* Leadership
* Motivation
* Facilitation
* Vindication
* Illumination

With its bold messages of triumph and victory, the six of wands Tarot card meaning also hints admonishment at loosing sight of our vision in the midst of our successes.

Clearly, we've ascended the conflicting din expressed in the five of rods, and mounted a sure footed campaign. Further, that campaign is met with the support from the majority, and the card indicates our cause (along with our confidence) is greatly bolstered as we swagger into our purpose in full pomp and regalia.

The six of wands reflects this kind of cocky scenario with its use of specific imagery. I'll touch on these symbolic images in the symbol section below, but to elaborate:

Horse:
The horse makes its first appearance in the Chariot card. From that point on, the horse always heeds the fevered battle cries from the charioteer calling for action, response, and high-speed drive. But more importantly, the horse is a magnificently intelligent beast and arguably the single-most influential contributor in mankind's civilization. Why? Because of a unique companionship required between man and nature to facilitate results, productivity and forward motion. The horse invites us to consider this concept of facilitation and partnership as we dwell on the six of wands Tarot card meaning in our readings.
Eyes:
I love the subtle use of "eye-language" in this card. In the Rider version (far right in the card trio above) you can't mistake the hint of distain in the horse's sideways glance at his rider. I can almost hear the horse saying "I can't believe these people are cheering for this putz." In other renditions we can ponder the eyes of the rider which are usually shown half open or half concealed. We get the sense of knowing only half the story of the hero's ascent to this victorious celebration. If the eyes are indeed the messengers of the soul, we have to ask ourselves: Can we keep our eyes affixed on the nobility of our cause without succumbing to the trappings of fame and adoration? Or, is the rider shading his eyes because of compromises in integrity on the way to achievement?
Hands:
Note the right hand (symbolic of action) firmly grips one of the six rods. This is iconic of acting on a singular creative idea. Which is fine, we've worked our way through the suit of wands to come to this singular focus. But what's the left (passive, intuitive) hand doing? It's left ominously understated and often not depicted at all in many decks. The Waite version shows the left hand leading the horse, which would be counter-intuitive (an active hand would be used for navigation, and the intuitive hand would lend faith to see creative passions to their reality). When the left hand is omitted from imagery altogether we have real problems. It suggests neglect in factoring in the intangibles of faith and belief in reaching our goals.
Am I picking at petty details? Perhaps. And I don't want to demean the obvious message of triumph in the card. However, these details will come to bear relevance in future cards as we see a possible backfire in the seven of rods.

In short, the six of wands encourages our exuberance as we meet with support and accolades in our creative vision. We'll just want to be aware of potential diverging thoughts in our readings so we may steer our horse back to our ?true north? if the occassion merits.

More symbolism parading in the six of wands Tarot card meaning:


Horse: Featured on all the knight cards of the Tarot, the horse symbol meanings deal with strength, motion, action, and vitality. Linked in many ancient traditions with the four elements (each leg of the horse representing fire, water, earth, air) the horse is also a strong spiritual symbol and an emblem of incorporating all the elements to maintain an equal, powerful balance with all things in the universe. This is evident in the "either/or" nature of the knights. In a more mundane sense, the horse is predispositioned to have a charging nature. In a reading, this gives us pause to consider where we are charging to and why. In the six of wands, we may also be "sitting on our high horse," placing pride too high on our list of priorities.

Wreath: Typically wreaths of laurel are depicted on cards suggesting accomplishment or choosing high ideals over trivialities. Wreaths have long been a symbol of victory ever since the first ancient games upon mount Olympus where the victor was crowned in laurels (hence the term "resting on his laurels" comes when one relies on his/her credentials rather than further drive/action). A sweet smelling laurel wreath is also a symbol of protection, peace and purification and is associated with the god Apollo. It is a message that the favor of the Gods is upon us, and that we shall be the victor in this stage of our lives.

Armor: Only in certain deck versions (like the Morgan-Greer shown in the center of the card trio above), the symbolic meanings of armor deal with protection, preparation, and strength. Most Tarot deck renditions depict all the knights in full armor (knights typically represents action and strength). The armor indicates a need to protect ourselves when engaging in activities referenced in a reading.

Questions to illuminate our understanding of the six of wands Tarot card meaning:
Can I maturely handle public acclaim and success?
Now that I've reached a zenith, what's my next step?
Am I recognizing partnerships that have facilitated my success?
Positive recognition from others is great, but am I still letting my inner voice take the lead in my decisions?
What is my guiding force?
Am I prepared for the responsibility this public success and exposure implies?

 



What Is Behind You 

What has just past, the influences that are passing away. Also resolved factors, a quality to let go, fading concern, taken care of, no longer useful.

Three of Wands 



Full Meaning: Keywords for the Three of Wands Tarot Card Meaning:

* Time
* Calm
* Power
* Insight
* Solitary
* Journey
* Planning
* Foresight
* Adventure
* Advantage
* Confidence
* Progression
* Perspective
* Forecasting
* Contemplation

"Nothing happens until something moves." This simple yet profound observation made by Einstein set the stage for Two of Wands in which a creative idea was born.

The Three of Wands represents the watcher of these creative ideas we've started in our lives. From high vantage points, and with unlimited stores of resources, knowledge and time we observe the unfolding of our creative desires.

The Three of Rods reminds us that we are infinite in our creative resources. We are in constant motion and the momentum of our manifestations is staggering. This card indicates our powerful nature, and suggests we allow our desires to tumble into our laps like ripe fruit: sweet and satisfying.

No action is needed here. Rather, the movement of which Einstein speaks is the acknowledgment that time (in all its phases) is on our side and our only action is to recognize our presence as the divine overseer of our experience.

We are ambassadors of our own dreams - the Three of Wands reminds us of our nobility in this respect, and indicates all we need do is allow the royal red carpet of our manifestations to unfurl itself right at our feet.

In a reading, this card says: "watch with awareness and with expectation of your highest good."

A few symbol meanings for the Three of Wands:

Mountains: Seen on many of the cards, mountain symbol meanings deal with triumph, challenge, attainment, and realization. Mountains also represent timelessness and an endurance that is infinite. When those mountains peak out of the cards into our attention, we may consider the vastness of our universe, and contemplate our place within it. We may also want to consider the heights to which we are climbing, and what the realization of our goals may mean for us and those around us.

Ship: Yes, of course ship symbol meanings deal with travel and journey's. However a commonly overlooked factor is the medium upon which they said - water - it deals with the deeper levels of the psyche and the subconscious. When Ships sail across your vision in a reading, take into consideration where your thoughts (psyche) are traveling - what kind of baggage (cargo) are you carrying around, and are you charting (navigating) out the best course for your thoughts and emotions?

Some questions the Three of Wands asks us:

What plans have I set in motion that I must now observe their fruition?
Am I observing myself and my dreams from the highest vantage point possible?
Am I allowing my natural power to flow, or am I struggling and forcing things needlessly?
Am I allowing my highest good to unfold on the journey?

 



What Crowns You 

Current situation and influences. Influences that are to come, conscious influence, goal or purpose, what you accept as true, what you intend to achieve, expectations, what you 'think' will happen.

Knight of Swords 



Full Meaning: Some keywords for the Knight of Swords:
* Cold
* Valiant
* Willful
* Valiant
* Dynamic
* Arrogant
* Cunning
* Strategic
* Chiseled
* Immature
* Righteous
* Handsome
* Utilitarian
* Conquering
* Headstrong
* Highly sexed

"I am the Knight of Swords and this is my story.

I am lean and effective in all my ways. I recognize the world has a need for the dandy, the bard and the rogue as seen in my other Knight brothers, I am none of these.

I am the equalizer. My father (the King of Swords) calls upon me when situations have met a deadlock. The moment of negotiations has past. I enforce the wishes of the King.

Words are a waste of time; akin to making daisy chains in a field - quite useless in the final analysis. Deeds and action speak louder than words in superfluous meetings at high counsel.

Although I have little use for talk, that does not mean I'm not thinking. On the contrary, I'm always thinking. I have strategy on top of strategy in my mind, all of them acting out in choreographed precision. My thoughts are like a well planned chess game. Sharp, accurate, and poised (five steps ahead) for the victory.

I've overheard my mother (the Queen of Swords) bemoaning my arrogance and headstrong nature. If inciting my brand of justice is arrogance, so be it. I am usually always right in my estimations, I prefer the term "righteously confident" over arrogance.

Sometimes I hear people say: "The Knight of Swords may be too young to maturely deal with the challenges and battles of his time." I think youth is a handicap. If I were older, people would respect me more.

I also hear people say I have a thirst for revenge and bloodlust. 'Tis true, I relish the heat of conflict. But my edges soften when I am coupled in romance. Adoration and sexual pleasure are just as satisfying as battle and debate.

What people don't readily recognize in me is my mission for a noble cause. Tarot scholars recognize my white steed, and they often compare me to Sir Galahad. I can't deny the similarities. If my father's kingdom is at peace, I would find heaven in embarking a noble quest.

As the Knight of Swords, valor, notoriety and an inner sense of righteousness drives me on such adventures. The opportunity for sexual conquest on these royal expeditions is also highly attractive.

Men and woman both comment on my rugged good looks. I am chiseled, hard and well groomed. I've noticed objects of my desire usually melt into my muscular arms. My hands are calloused from holding the reins and the sword in practice and battle. My face still has the shadow of boyish youth, but the crows feet are beginning to make their tracks from hard squinting in the face of foes.

When I show up in the cards, I will tell you to take action. I will tell you to eliminate fear from your purpose. I will not tolerate doubt, and questioning your inclination to proceed is unacceptable. I will show up when you are at a dead end, and I am your secret weapon to slice through the enemy."

Some symbols from the Knight of Swords:

Birds or Feathers: The symbol meanings of the bird deals with higher thoughts and matters of the spirit. They are creatures of the air, so they symbolize higher ideals. They also represent freedom and ascencion. When the bird symbol pops out at us during a reading it is a message that we are rising to a higher level, that we need to free ourselves from bondage and we must make our hearts light.

Clouds: Clouds hold the symbol meaning of revelation. Consider out of the mists of our deepest thoughts suddenly an epiphany comes, a bright idea comes out from nowhere - this is the basic cloud symbol meaning. Depending on the card, clouds can also symbolize confusion or clouded judgment. Primarily, clouds represent higher thought and messages from the divine.

Horse: Featured on all the knight cards of the Tarot, the horse symbol meanings deal with strength, motion, action, and vitality. Linked in many ancient traditions with the four elements (fire, water, earth, air) the horse is also a strong spiritual symbol and an emblem of incorporating all the elements to maintain an equal, powerful balance with all things in the universe. This is evident in the "either/or" nature of the knights. In a more mundane sense, the horse is predispositioned to have a charging nature. In a reading, this gives us pause to consider where we are charging to and why.

Some Questions from the Knight of Swords:
Are you in a position to lead your troops?
Either lead and act with authority, or let someone else lead for you.
Do you have the strength of presence to take charge?
You will gain no respect from peers or lovers if they smell fear on you.
Are you dodging your purpose?
No more talk. No more procrastination. No more meandering. Now is the time for action. Take the reigns and move!

 



What Is Before You 

What will happen in the very near future if you continue on the current path. Immediate future, approaching influence, feature gaining importance, still pending, to be taken care of, factor to be welcomed.

Ace of Swords 



Full Meaning: Key Words for the Ace of Swords:

* Focus
* Force
* Clarity
* Vision
* Insight
* Intensity

The ace of swords Tarot card meaning has to do with aligning yourself. Visually, this card is clearly making a statement of solidarity. When we see the strength of that sword standing erect in the center of this card, there is no doubt in our mind that we must focus upon the issues at hand (indicated by surrounding cards) and make our stand.

Often the ace of swords Tarot card meaning deals with gaining clarity in our lives after a long bout of disillusionment. Often this card appears in matters of love when the ties need to be cut in a relationship. This is particularly the case in one-sided relationships where the partner requires (excessively so) more of attention than you.

This confirms the ace of swords meaning as this card signals its beaming light to you. This card cries out "this is your time, the focus is on you!" But what kind of focus?

The suite of swords in a Tarot deck deals with thoughts, and awareness. They've also been identified as symbols of challenges or conflict in our lives. Aces in the Tarot deck indicate new beginnings. They are also power cards, and rank high in the trumping factor in a reading, their power weighing in evenly with Major Arcana cards.

This being the case, we can make a simple assessment that the ace of swords Tarot card meaning is symbolic of uncovering a new way of thinking. Or, cutting away at some old thought to make way for a brighter perspective.

More specifically, the ace of swords is a call to stop fooling ourselves and look into the crux of the matters of our soul. The ace of swords is bright and brassy. There is no room for excuses with this card, and it demands full honesty of the querent in a reading.

This card resonates to the vibrational frequency of the number one, not only because it is the beginning of the suite (ace), but also because the erect sword visually mimics the number one. This means that new projects, ideas, thoughts, or relationships are on the horizon. Due to the sharp nature of this card, you had better be mindful and clear about your intentions first before starting these new ventures.

Key symbols pertaining to the ace of swords Tarot card meanings:

Crown: Yes, we might initially think of royalty or nobility when considering the symbolic meaning of crowns. But consider where the crown rests, on one's head of course. Consequently, the crown in the ace of swords is a symbol of thought. Specifically, the clarity and force behind our thoughts. Use this visual image to slice through all the distracting thoughts you may have about an issue and point your mind squarely to the core of the matter. This kind of keen focus will see your way to success.

Rose: The Morgan-Greer (first image shown at top of page) shows a red and white rose in the ace of swords card. These roses are symbolic of choices that we make. We can either (mentally) chose to see our lot in life as a work of beauty, or we can focus on the thorns and pain. The rose on this card also symbolizes the delicate process of our thought. Meaning, just as a gardener tenderly cards of a rose to assure continually beautiful blossoms, so too must we take responsibility to nurture our thoughts to insure positive outcomes.

Clouds: Cloud symbol meanings in this card indicate confusion and distraction. We notice the image of the sword victoriously rising above the cloying clouds in seek of the highest point of inspiration. This is a visual message to us that we must rise above the chatter (nay sayers, conflict, media, negativity) and aspire to our own greatest thoughts in order to make our way to mental clarity and success.

Just from these few and simple symbols we can see a pattern of understanding: When we work towards clarity of thoughts, and choose the proper thoughts for our purpose, we reach the epitome of our goals, obtaining our crowning achievements.

Some points of contemplation about the ace of swords Tarot card meaning:
Simplify your situation.
Focus on the main issue and listen to your own inner guidance
Are you choosing beauty or strife in your life?
Don't be distracted by doubt or negativity around you
What do you want from this new venture or relationship?

 



Your Self 

You are you are, as you could be, how you see yourself, talent or ability you can use, goal for yourself, public face, how you think you should be, self image, sense of where you are, how you limit yourself.

Seven of Cups 



Full Meaning: Some Keywords for the Seven of Cups Tarot Card Meaning:

* Choice
* Illusion
* Variety
* Expansion
* Recollection
* Judgment
* Awareness
* Observation
* Discernment
* Manifestation
* Understanding
* Diversification
* Compartmentalization

We can look at the seven of cups Tarot card meaning in a myriad of ways. This card inundates us with a mass of interpretive possibilities.

When a card like this comes fully loaded with so many possible meanings, it's best to revert back to symbolic foundations. To wit, we know the symbolic meaning of the suit of cups deals with the realm of emotion, intuition, empathy.

We also know cups are affiliated with the powerful element of water. Water symbolism carries with it the concept of rebirth and cleansing.

A little meditation and research will help us with the symbolic meaning of clouds. Clouds conjure ideas, dreams, thoughts, illusions, transitions and mystery. Same symbolic meaning holds for the predominant card coloring of blue.

By refreshing our vision with foundational symbols, we begin to see a trend. We could sum up that trend with one sentence: "Now I observe the diverse manifestations that flow to me on the waves of my dreams and emotions."

I like this catch-phrase combined with the water element. In a cleansing/rebirthing aspect, I'm inclined to wonder if the seven of cups Tarot card meaning deals with a kind of life-reflection. An image of the choices we have made throughout our lives being reflected to us in the pools of our psyche.

With these few foundational aspects in place, we can overlay the additional symbols presented in the card. By doing this, we culminate our deeper vision of this card into a unifying story that speaks of limitless diversity, unbounded potential. In a nutshell, this card leaves everything up to the imagination.

Some meanings to symbols on the seven of cups:

Castle: Castle symbol meanings deal with goals. Castles are physical reprsentations of our need to build (block by block) upon a strong foundation in order to obtain our goals. Castles may also deal with sheltering ourselves or limiting ourselves from reaching our goals. They are also a symbol of obtaining our desires. See also the "tower" symbol meaning.

Snake: Snake symbol meanings deal with renewal, rebirth and development primarily because they shed their skin during each cycle in growth. Snakes are also cold-blooded which means they depend on their environment for their body temperature. This is a symbolic message that we must be adaptive, flexible and adjust as best we can to our circumstances. When the snake slithers across the cards into our consciousness way may need to ask ourselves if we need to shed a part of ourselves to allow further growth, or perhaps we need to be a little more flexible in situations at work or home.

Some Questions the Seven of Cups Asks Us:

How do my life events serve as oracles?
What if I approached every choice as if it were always the right one?
What would my life be like if everything I require for my every success is always available to me?
If my life were a giant pool of water, what kind of reflections would I see in it? (Consequences of choice)
Am I distracted by the diversity before me? If so, how can I obtain clear focus?

 



Around You 

Opinions and influences of friends and family about the matter in question. What others think of the situation, another point of view, as others see you, atmosphere, other persons point of view, what others want from you, what another thinks you should do.

Five of Pentacles 



Full Meaning: Keyword cast out for five of pentacles Tarot card Meaning:
* Outcast
* Enabling
* Fortitude
* Criticism
* Rejection
* Pilgrimage
* Consequence
* Determination

My inner sight can't help but associate this card with the Biblical story of Joseph and Mary's arduous sojourn ending in the birth of the Christ child.

Perhaps it's the hint of a shepherds hook seen in the Aquarian deck (far left in the above shown card trio). Or, the Mother Mary archetypal imagery shown in the center card (Morgan-Greer version).

Whatever the case, the theme of pilgrimage can be easily inferred in the five of pentacles Tarot card meaning (Webster defines pilgrimage as: "a long journey taken as an act of faith or devotion").

It is clear the figures in the card are downtrodden, but certainly not beaten. They endeavor. They find the internal fortitude to persist in their journey.

To what are they driven? Why, against seemingly all odds, do they persist in their quest? Here are some ideas as to why they endeavor:

The promise of security.
The ideal of acceptance.
The hope of better days ahead.
The belief their efforts will be rewarded.
When the five of pentacles shows up in our readings, in some fashion we are encountering the darkest before our personal dawn. This card beckons us to screw our courage to the sticking place and persist in following our anchoring beliefs. The card further urges us to bolster ourselves in the midst of what's likely to be a tremendously troublesome environment.

The conditions we find ourselves in when pulling this card are potentially wicked, and they bite hard at our backs. Lack of money and poor health are cruel enough to darken the heart. But, perhaps the cruelest cut of all is ridicule or rejection from others who would (traditionally) be considered compassionate to us and our cause (i.e., the church, our family and friends).

Indeed, we see evidence of this latter scenario in the card as the figures are often depicted as outcast from what looks to be an orthodox establishment, like a church or synagogue.

The story of Mary and Joseph indicates their enduring hardship because their situation was unacceptable to the established normalcy of their time. The five of pentacles in a reading may indicate we too are moving to the rhythm of a dance that is not any part of the status quo.

This heretical dancing often wreaks fear in conventional, sheep-like mentality (hearken back to my shepherds hook reference). Agreed, rebels aren't as quick to be stoned these days, but can certainly be subject to some painful criticism. Even from people and organizations who are supposed to be in a position of support and love.

Be that as it may, this is the time our strength must be derived solely from our innermost founding faith.

Resist the temptation to succumb.

Drive on and continue following that bright North star to the promise land affixed in the eyes of your soul.

Some symbol meanings emerging from the five of Pentacles:

Stained Glass: Stained glass is symbolic of perception and how our vision (mental, phsyical and spiritual) can change according to our perception and beliefs. The art of staining glass reaches back to ancient alchemy when certain compounds (i.e.: antimony windows) were mixed with glass to bring about transformational effects upon the viewer. When you are looking through the stained glass windows of a reading, it's a sign to begin getting honest about your perception of the situation. Are you seeing things clearly?

Snow: Featured on the 5 of Pentacles, we can derive from this imagery that snow symbol meanings deal with being "out in the cold," isolation, and exposure to harsh conditions. However, anyone who has stepped outside just after a fresh snow can tell you the beauty is stunning. Clean, crystally, and quiet. These are also symbolic qualities of snow. When the flakes fall on your eyes in a reading, keep in mind the snow is needed in order to have spring flowers. Also remember that tribulation is a matter of perspective - we can either see the snow as isolation or we can see it as a fresh clean blanket - waiting for us to make a few snow angels in it.

Some helpful questions pertaining to the five of pentacles Tarot card meaning:
What outcomes did I expect when I started my pilgrimage?
What could I do differently to make the journey less arduous?
Am I still committed to my foundational faith and vision?
If so, how can I strengthen that commitment and reaffirm my faith?
What are some ways I can enhance my self-confidence?
Are there people who share my plight that I can help along the way?
Do I feel I have to suffer for my cause? Why?
How do I feel about being socially accepted? Why?
Why do I care about other people's perception of me?

 



Hopes and Fears 

Your own hopes and ideals on the matter, aspirations and ideas of success, guidance, key factors, overlooked factor, what you might do, how to proceed, how you can make a change, ward of warning, truth of the matter, honest assessment, something you haven't considered. element of surprise, missing piece of the puzzle.

Five of Swords 



Full Meaning: Keywords for the Five of Swords Tarot Card Meaning:

* Faith
* Action
* Change
* Strategy
* Sacrifice
* Amputating
* Standing firm
* Meeting a challenge
* Victory by surrender
* Choosing a direction
* Confidence of position

If you've done your fair share of researching various perspectives on the five of swords Tarot card meaning, you'll know interpretations for this card are all over the place. Some sources take a stance of cruelty emanating from the card. Others see themes of self-sacrifice in the card. Still others offer interpretations of trickery.

When in doubt, I always look to the card preceding the one I'm focused on (in this case the Four of Swords meaning) for clarity. Why? Just like any good book, the Tarot builds momentum, its plot thickens. Knowing one card is a product or has been birthed from the previous card gives us a foothold on meaning.

With that in mind, the five of swords Tarot card meaning is born out of a place of deep inner reflection and contemplation as seen in the fourth sword card.

An interpretive snapshot: Our figurehead has emerged standing triumphantly from a challenge. He is the victor, having won the challenge that threatened his beliefs.

Where am I getting this? We know the suit of swords speaks to us of thoughts and beliefs. Our victor stands holding the majority of his shares (thoughts/swords) in tact. He has gotten his point across, and is met with no further conflict by would-be nay-sayers. Indeed, these usurpers seem to concede, or surrender; relinquishing the honor of righteousness to our figurehead in the card.

The concept of challenge surfaces in the presence of mountains in the cards. We get the feeling a long-standing opposition has been held, and through quiet persistence (as visited in the four of swords) the mountain has been conquered.

I get the idea that faith or beliefs are either upheld or amended in this imagery, primarily from the Morgan-Greer version (center card image up top). Notice how the fallen swords are in the formation of a cross - an orthodoxy-like (entrenched-faith) connotation? Meeting at a crossroads in traditional beliefs?

Unquestionably, the best interpretation I've encountered for this card is provided by Onno and Rob Docters van Leeuwen in their book: The Complete New Tarot (if you don't have this book, it's a must-have in any Tarot scholar's library).

Onno and Rob classify the five of swords Tarot card meaning as: "Remembering the Self." To paraphrase their interpretation:

"Through the reflective time in the Swords Four, we have overcome ourselves and our inner enemies and identifications which sap our energies. These are personified by the defeated persons walking away in the background. These having dropped off from our experience, a new goal and plan for life originates."
I'm particularly fond of the keyword "amputation." The implication urges us to cast off, or amputate those aspects of our lives that no longer serve the goal or plan the van Leeuwens' speak of.

Some featured symbols in the Five of Swords Tarot card meaning:

Mountains: Seen on many of the cards, mountain symbol meanings deal with triumph, challenge, attainment, and realization. Mountains also represent timelessness and an endurance that is infinite. When those mountains peak out of the cards into our attention, we may consider the vastness of our universe, and contemplate our place within it. We may also want to consider the heights to which we are climbing, and what the realization of our goals may mean for us and those around us.

Ocean: Ocean symbol meanings deal with infinite possibilities. Consider the ocean, and you will be considering the essence of vastness, mystery, and depth. It seems in exhaustible and the holder of wonderous things unseen. When the oceans in the cards crash their waves against our consciousness, it is time to pay homage to the great divine - meaning we should recognize the burgeoning power around us, the animating force that runs through us - the expansive and expressive nature of the universe. In other words, we must acknowledge that there may be other (higher) powers at work in our lives and it may be time to release our control in order to allow these powers to open up incredible opportunities to us.

Questions the Five of Swords asks us:

What has got to go so that the "real me" can stay?
Can I break from orthodoxy? Do I want to? Will that serve me?
What challenges have I met with calm dignity?
How can I meet present and/or future challenges with that same calm assurance?
How do I feel about the need to be right? Can I drop that compulsion to be right all the time?

 



Outcome 

This card tells what the overall final outcome if the current path continues. Consider the influence of all previous cards, particularly the 6th (what is before you) card, which is a more short term representation of the final outcome. How the situation will be resolved, lesson you will learn, what others may do, improvement that will occur.

Judgement 



Full Meaning: Key Words for the Judgment Tarot Card Meanings
* Faith
* Honesty
* Judgment
* Resurrection
* Transformation
* Heeding a Call

For many, the word "judgment" evokes some very unsavory thoughts and images. It's no wonder the term makes some people cringe. For eons this term has been associated with religious misunderstanding and intolerance. Wars are waged in the name of religion, and Judgement is the battlefield.

Ironically, the reason for a religious war can be skinned down to one man's judgment against another man's religion. Further pared, it could be said that one man has judged that the other man should have his religion, not another's.

In the Christian faith, Judgment is associated with the "Judgment day." That day, according to Biblical text, in which all souls will be called and each soul is measured and marked according to virtue and obedience to God.

Religion aside, Judgment plays a part in every life in every day. We make judgment calls about how to raise our children. We use good judgment about how we manage our finances. We need judgment to determine what career we want to have.

Now that we've covered the various types of Judgment, let's take a hard look at the card. There is no evidence of fear in the card, and no conveyance of scolding or negativity. This is because the Judgment Tarot card meanings are not about judging against others. It has nothing to do with negative judgments made against our actions or against other people.

This card deals with honesty. Nancy Lopez, one of the most accomplished women of the professional golf scene, made a fine point when she said: "Doubt yourself and you doubt everything you see. Judge yourself and you see judges everywhere. But if you listen to the sound of your own voice, you can rise above doubt and judgment. And you can see forever." This is the prime message of the Judgment card.

When we put a negative spin on this card, it becomes confusing, confounding and seemingly irrlevant to a reading. However, when we understand that judgment is a natural, God-given gift that we can use in order answer our highest calling - it takes on an entirely new meaning.

The Judgment card comes up in a reading when it is time to heed our highest calling. When we are at a crossroads, and it is time to lift ourselves us and transform our lives. It comes at a pivotal time when we must be honest with ourselves, judge what best action should be taken and rise up to the challenges to embrace our best life.

This is an inspiring card. It indicates that higher energies are in motion to assist us in living a new, fresh, wonderful life. Just as the Christ was resurrected to a new phase of life, so too can we transform ourselves and move into a new way of living.

Other deck renditions show the angel Gabriel blowing his horn to call up the souls to their higher understanding. This is precisely the message this card bears. It is time to heed the call of resurrection. Now is the time to make a positive difference in our lives and in the lives of others.

Key Symbols Relative to Judgment Tarot Card Meanings:
This section focuses in on a few select symbols that can help us further define the Judgment Tarot card meanings.

Arms: The figures in this card are accepting higher knowledge with open arms. When we observe our lives with love and honesty, we are fully prepared to except a final judgment. We are willing to take this declaration and move to a higher level. By openly embracing the new-found knowlege of our life direction we are able to more effectively move into a new direction. Knowledge is power when we take it in with open arms, we become powerful ourselves.

Cross: The ancient Greeks created this symbol with all legs of equal length and size. One of the simplest symbols, and used since ancient times, it represents several things to different cultures. In ancient Greece it is an emblem of the four elements. In the ancient Middle East, the symbol represents the four directions (north, south, east, west) and the four winds. Even the ancient Aztecs used this symbol to represent the meeting place of god (at the cross-section). The cross in this card indicates that an even-mind (sound judgment) is of foremost importance in our personal development.

Horn: The horn is the symbol of the angel Gabriel. It is an audible calling to us to rise out of our complacency and heed the call to live profound, invigorating lives. The horn is also a symbol of clarity and divine intervention. The horn sounds from God and our own higher selves. When we hear the horn blow it is time to make a better change in our lives. The horn is also a symbol of our inner calling. When we've been stuck in a situation that does not serve us we hear the horn of our inner voice urging us to move in a direction more fulfilling to our soul purpose.

Flag (in Rider-Waite): The flag is an announcement to change - something has shifted and a flag makes the world aware of this shift. It is a bright, bold obvious sign that a new day is dawning. This is not about subtle shifts - the flag is about "in-your-face" transformation; an event to announce to all who will hear. Click here for more on Flag Meanings in Tarot.

Key Questions Relative to the Judgment Tarot Card Meanings:
When contemplating the Judgment Tarot card meanings, ask yourself the following questions:

What is my highest calling?
Is it time for a transformation in my life
Am I judging others or myself too harshly?
How can I raise myself out of a gloomy situation?
Am I being honest about the way I'm living my life?
Am I listening to to my higher self and my higher power?
Am I making sound judgment in this a situation that's been on my mind lately?

 

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