Express Creative Process Reading

Creative Force 

The Power behind the force; what do I need to nurture my process and turn my dreams into reality.

Two of Pentacles 



Full Meaning: Some keywords for the Two of Pentacles Tarot Card Meaning:

* Flow
* Trust
* Travel
* Motion
* Balance
* Well-being
* Preparation
* Utilizing skill
* Combination
* Contemplation
* Thought before action

At the heart of the Two of Pentacles is the feeling of flexibility. Pentacles represent the element of earth. Within this suit's realm, our attention is drawn to grounding effects, and matters of a physical nature.

However, the this card purposefully reveals an ethereal quality. We see this in the woozy water waves that undulate in the background the card.

Further, we see the prominent lemniscate (infinity symbol) wrapped around each of the Pentacles.

The physicality of Pentacles (stability, earth) juxtaposed with the more intangibles of water and the infinite is a clear message of combination and unification on an energetic level.

When the 2 of Pentacles shows up in a reading, it is a calling to:

Strike a balance
Travel beyond the conventional to reach your goals
Consider the infinite channels of energy that provide you well-being
Root yourself in your mission statement while trusting in the flow of your higher purpose to transport you
These points are the cause for that pensive look on our character's face in the Two of Pentacles card. He is contemplating the vehicles that will move him to his greatest, most balanced, and longest lasting reward.

A few symbol meanings on for the Two of Pentacles card:

Lemniscate: The lemniscate (also known as the infinity symbol) is a geometrical represetation of the endless and eternal nature of energy. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it simply continues on forever in motion. The symbol meanings of this emblem serve to remind us of the infinite nature of our spirit, as well as our thoughts. When this symbol comes to our attention it may be a message that we should consider the consequences of our thoughts and deeds - the effects of which can be infinite.

Ship: Yes, of course ship symbol meanings deal with travel and journey's. However a commonly overlooked factor is the medium upon which they sail - 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 Two of Pentacles ask us:

Am I prepared for the journey I'm taking?
What are my upper-most thoughts, and how are the affecting my path?
How can I use my skills to navigate to my desires?
Personal note:
When I see this card in a reading I'm drawn in by the cross at the center of the lemniscate.

In most card renditions, this cross meets at the character's heart chakra. This is a symbolic, intuitive "hit" indicating whatever is at the heart of the querent's request also hold the solution to his/her conflict.

Within that ribbon of infinite energy is a connection point that launches motion. It is within the crux of the matter (the contrast or conflict) where we find our launching pad for achievement.

 



Ethereal Essence 

Essence of the force; what choices do I need to make in order to begin this journey.

Four of Wands 



Full Meaning: Some keywords erected from the four of wands Tarot card meaning:
* Growth
* Vitality
* Fertility
* Gateway
* Unifying
* Claiming
* Initiation
* Invitation
* Enhancing
* Invocation
* Preparation
* Establishing
* Youthfulness
* Homecoming

When I see those four stoic, inviting poles in the forefront of the four of wands, my mind can't resist the idea of celebrations held at the May pole.

Indeed, Beltane is one of the four major fire festivals of Gaelic origin in which raucous fun and frolic are encouraged and much of it is done around maypoles fashioned around bonfires.

We get the sense of this kind of climbing up, or climaxing to a big event, especially in the Waite rendition (far right card in the trio above). And, as Beltane is a fire festival, it would play nicely to our fire-themed suit of rods.

Further, this particular festival traditionally marked the first day of summer. With that delineation, there is focus on new growth, rites of fertility, and renewed blessings within the homestead. Keep aware of this reference to the season in your readings, as this cue may define a timeframe in your readings (i.e., auspicious dates for new projects, weddings, partnerships, home purchases, etc.).

I also like the idea of those poles "staking our claim" on the richness that is inherent within, and available to all. The energy of number four suggests claiming our foundational heritage and solidifying our personal proclamations in the matter of house and home.

The idea of homecoming holds true when we remember the messages in the preceding card (three of rods). This spoke of being the ambassadors of our dreams. In that phase of our lives we watched patiently after the launch of the ideas we let set sail. Now, in the setting of the four of wands, it seems our send-off is returning with promising results!

The four of wands Tarot card meaning also deals with openings and gateways. We can step right through the makeshift bower, and in so doing we step into the party, move into the mix, and embrace the virile power the 'summer season' of our life.

For those of you who are consistently lured by numbers, I invite you to contemplate the visual presence and ramifications of the number 1, 2 (think of the wands in this card as Roman numerals) and of course the number 4 in the card.

One: Beginnings
Two: An act of joining together; procreation
Four: Stabilizing and solidifying the creative process
Semi-tangentially, I see 11's in this card which always prompt me to shift and move into a new gateway of the mind. I've written some ideas about this my blog post on 11 here.

To re-focus on the four of wands Tarot card meaning, when this card shows up in our readings, it's time to:

Invoke blessings within the home
Stake our claims
Light our creative fires
Let the party begin!

Some symbols poking out of the four of wands Tarot card:

Arch: Arches are symbolic of openings, passage-ways, and initiations. In a reading, the arch is a symbol of a new direction for the querent. This new opening or path is indicated by the card.

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.

Flowers: As we would guess, flowers possess symbol meanings of joy, beauty, growth, sensitivity and unfolding. They are predominant features on the six of cups and four of rods, but they are seen sprinkled throughout many deck renditions (see also the Sunflower symbol meanings entry). Flowers are all about opening up and receiving the light of love, joy and compassion into our lives. They remind us of the better things in life, the good times, the sweet smell of success, and the beauty that surrounds us if only we open up to its presence.

Grapes/Grapevines: Symbol meanings of grapes and grapevines deal with fertility, abundance, transformation and blessing. Considered the fruit of the earth in both pagan and Christian circles, the grape is rich in symbolism. Bunches of grapes have long been depicted in funerary art and are symbols of redemption. Grapes and grapevines are also found in Greco-Roman art as symbols of hospitality, bounty and symbolic of youthfulness. All of these attributes come into play when we see these power-packed fruits in the cards.

Yellow: The color yellow is symbolic of intelligence as well as cheer, satisfaction and all-around contentment. Corresponding with the Manipura chakra, also known as the solar plexus chakra, yellow is an anchoring hue dealing with core issues in our lives. That which is at our emotional center is worth paying attention to. In the four of wands, yellow represents our emotional well-being in the high-bright summer days of our lives.

Questions offering a gateway to deeper understanding of the four of wands Tarot card meaning:
Is the timing right to implement those ideas relating to family, partnership and home?
What, if any, structure should I impose in my home life?
Am I taking advantage of the opportunities and openings available right in front of me?
What am I trying to conceive?
How can I step through the door of consciousness to enter the home of wisdom?

 



Emotion 

Feelings and senses associated with the process. What will assist and guide me during this time.

King of Wands 



Full Meaning: Some keywords from the King of Wands:
* Honest
* Liberal
* Creative
* Integrity
* Effective
* Integrity
* Trustworthy
* Harmonious
* Conscientious
* Compassionate
* Entrepreneurial

"I am the King of Wands and this is my legend.

I maintain my people with high-spiritedness and integrity. I have high family values, and my perception of family is extended to every person in my realm (not just my wife, and children).

I am an innovator, and I enjoy trying new things in my kingdom. As the King of Wands, I listen to my people when employing new systems of law, communication and beautification within my kingdom walls. I believe the best ideas come from the people who are intimate with the work. For example, the farmers are the ones with the greatest ideas of improvement in agriculture, so I listen to them and find better ways to work the land for my people's common good.

I am also a visionary, and I use the arts to express my forward thinking. In fact, the realm of wands is the most advanced art community in the Tarot because I heavily endorse the cause of artistic expression.

I combine a unique blend of spirituality and artistic expression to create an atmosphere of harmony in my kingdom. In fact, compared to my brothers (the other Kings of the Tarot), the people under my rule are harmonious and peace-loving. I can't take all the credit for that, but I believe I maintain an honest rule, and the people recognize that, thus making a peaceful existence possible.

Tarot historians compare me to Alexander the Great. Indeed, I do have immaculate skill in areas of strategy, determination and unifying people for a common goal. I have a keen gift at "seeing things from the end." Meaning, I can visualize the end result and work backwards to attain that goal. I believe the power of the mind is greater than the power of the fist.

I am also extremely flexible and adaptable, and this serves me well in moving my strategies and people in the proper direction effectively.

My eyes are fixed on the western skies as I am always looking for accomplishment in my endeavors. As the King of Wands, I always have the final word and I emphasize my authority with passion, generosity and honesty.

My appearance belies my aristocracy because my looks are quite average. Indeed, in regular dress I can blend in among the common people. I have reddish brown hair, a strong jaw, and I tend to be burley and ox'ish in my build. My eyes are my most telling feature. Changing from greenish to copper depending on my mood, my eyes are soulful and deep. They express my penchant for honesty and bright thought.

When I show up in your cards, I am the authority figure that encourages innovative, entrepreneurial leadership. The kind of leadership that is uncompromising in honesty. I will encourage you to take the righteous route to your goals, and lead with the highest intent and equally high moral standard. Honesty, creativity and soulful purpose are my watchwords."

Some symbols from the King of Wands:

Bird: (Note: In the King of Wands cards for only some deck renditions) 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. See other (Rider-Waite) Tarot cards gone to the birds.

Lion: Signifying one of the four fixed signs of the zodiac, lion symbol meanings deal with strength, courage, royalty, and protection. Much like lightning, the lion is viewed as both savior and destroyer in ancient cultural myth. The lion is a bit of a paradox - while standing as a symbol of spiritual valor it is also a symbol for the beastly needs of the flesh. When the lion roars at us in the cards we are encouraged to consider the level of our courage. Are we seated in faith or flesh? Are we protecting others or ourselves? Are we being strong or just stubborn?

Lizard: With symbol meanings of renewal, vision, enlightenment, and rebirth, the lizard makes its appearance on the male court cards in the suit of rods. The lizard (or salamander in some renditions) suns itself on these cards to signify the importance of vision in the midst of action. In fact, in ancient times (particularly in alchemical lore), it was believed that the lizard renewed its sight by looking into the sun. A symbol of demure perspective in the face of monumental physical force - the lizard is a tiny reminder that big results come from small, conscious efforts.

Some questions the King of Wands asks:
Do you lead with integrity and honesty?
Do not compromise in this area. Your success in leadership depends on your integrity
How adaptive and flexible are you?
As much as I love tradition (especially family traditions), I keep my mind and strategies open to new ideas so I can rule with flexibility. With focus, you can too.
Are you a spiritual leader?
You do not have to be an evangelist to spiritually lead. Just lead by honor and humility.

 



Reflection 

Vision and logic of the creative process. What lessons and guides should I listen for.

Nine of Cups 



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

* Knowing
* Success
* Pleasure
* Assurance
* Allegiance
* Satisfaction
* Confidence
* Congruency
* Sitting Pretty
* A Sure Thing
* Proclamation
* Preparedness
* Consummation
* Accomplishment
* Emotional Intelligence

I'm writing this interpretation of the nine of cups Tarot card meaning at the beginning of the new calendar year. How fitting. Ideally, the new year is a time to reflect upon the ground work we've laid in the past year, that sets us up for achievement and growth for the future.

The nine of cups is commonly called the "wish card." Many practitioners (including myself) shirk at this label. It's not the wishing that puts us in a position of gaining our fondest desires. It isknowing our value, and knowing we've pre-paved our own way on the path of success insures the realization of our desires.

In a reading, the nine of cups indicates we are fully aware of our value, and are prepared for the benefits of that knowledge. Simply put, this card tells us we've made savvy investments (primarily self-investment), and we are now "setting pretty" to receive our just desserts.

By viewing the suit of cups as a chronological time-line (from the ace of cups to present card), we can intuit the journey to this place of confidence, assurance and satisfaction has been rife with plenty of challenges.

This is why our figure head in the nine of cups looks cocky. Odds are, if this card comes up in a reading you have a reason to be cocky too. If not now, then soon enough because the nine of cups indicates a persistent aim for progress in soul development.

I'm particularly drawn to the "X" motif found in the shirt laces featured in the (center card image) Morgan-Greer version. These x's whisper of trials and sorrows having crossed our hearts along our way. Nonetheless, we are now in a position of having overcome those setbacks.

We wear those memories as markers of courage. Now stronger and positioned with knowledge that only comes from life-experience. There is no stopping the fulfillment pouring into our lives.

The feathers featured in this card is also a point of intrigue. Feathers deal with levity, and higher ideals. Jaunty feathers featured on our card character's hat is symbolic of high-mindedness. Further signification that this card hints at a quality of intelligence that is deeper than average. A profound sense of knowing - on a visceral scale - that all things are well, and everything is moving in a beneficial flow.

Bearing in mind cups deal with emotional matters lends further fuel to the nine of cups Tarot card meaning dealing with the concept of emotional fulfillment.

In a reading, this card signals all systems are go, and we are in a prime position for satisfaction and advancement.

Bench: The bench is symbolic of taking a moment to examine the details. In a reading, benches indicate the querent needs to sit back, relax, and take some time to examine or savor the situations expressed in the card layout.

Yellow: The color yellow is symbolic of intelligence as well as cheer, satisfaction and all-around contentment. Corresponding with the Manipura chakra, also known as the solar plexus chakra, yellow is an anchoring hue dealing with core issues in our lives. That which is at our emotional center is worth paying attention to. In the nine of cups, yellow represents our emotional well-being.


Some Questions the Nine of Cups Ask Us:

Can I let go enough to enjoy this time of well-being?
Can I accept that I deserve this span of reward and recognition?
How can I tap into this feeling of calm assurance and access this feeling any time, any where?
How can I make this winning feeling last?
Do I remember the steps I took to get to this zenith?
Can I tell the difference between cocky and confident?
Can I tell the difference between savoring success and complacency?

 



Creation 

Completion, the density or finished manifestation. The outcome based on the current path.

Seven of Pentacles 



Full Meaning: Some blooming keywords for the seven of pentacles Tarot card meaning:
* Focus
* Reward
* Allowing
* Reflection
* Flexibility
* Awareness
* Recognition
* Reevaluation
* Contemplation
* Nurturing the dream

Continuing in the spirit of giving as seen in the preceding pentacles card, the seven of pentacles indicates we've followed through with our intentions. Now is a time of purveyance.

The magic of manifestation has taken root; our triumph grows with Amazonian fervor. It's not really magic though. We know our toil and focus created the physical product - our lush, lavish rewards.

Indeed, the presence of the seven of pentacles in a reading typically comes after a time of back-breaking endeavor. We'll often see confirmation of this in supporting cards, indicating health or financial ruin. That ruin inevitably caused our re-commitment to commanding our focus on shifting our inner landscape to create an mutually satisfying outer experience.

We did it. We hunkered down and now reap the harvest of the heart. This card indicates a time for reflection and appreciation. It's time to recognize the triumph. Time to savor the accomplishments we've earned.

Moreover, the seven of pentacles urges us to re-evaluate our position. How so?

In Business:
Revisit our Mission Statement
Reevaluate the use of our resources
Take a hard look at consumer opinions
In Finance:
Reexamine retirement, investment or savings plans
Take a second look at personal spending habits
In Health:
Reconsider our current diet
Check in with our bodies confirming optimal performance
Ask deeply and inwardly about current health status; observe responses
Just check in. This is what the seven of pentacles Tarot card meaning signifies. Tapping into the ground roots that anchored themselves according to our will. We may find, after tapping in, that no changes need to be made. Contrarily, we may discover our objectives have changed (as often happens during growth). It may be time to adjust our vision.

Foremost, the seven of pentacles asks us to be easy with our observations. This is a time of savoring and enjoying the sweetness we've allowed into our lives. Looking over our bounty with a scrutinizing or criticizing eye is counterproductive. We can choose to be easy with the natural flow of our evolution. In this manner, if we detect a call for change, it can be implemented in a smooth, organic fashion.

Some symbols growing out of the seven of pentacles Tarot card meaning:

Grapes/Grapevines: Symbol meanings of grapes and grapevines deal with fertility, abundance, transformation and blessing. Considered the fruit of the earth in both pagan and Christian circles, the grape is rich in symbolism. Bunches of grapes have long been depicted in funerary art and are symbols of redemption. Grapes and grapevines are also found in Greco-Roman art as symbols of hospitality, bounty and symbolic of youthfulness. All of these attributes come into play when we see these power-packed fruits in the cards.

Hoe: Yes, this is a tool, and as such its sybmolism deals with work, resourcefulness, accomplishment. But the hoe is also a message telling us we can make our way easier by using the resources (tools) that are available to us. The hoe is also connected to the old adage "what we sew so shall we reap." When the hoe pops out at us in the seven of pentacles we might do well to consider what kind of sewing we are doing and how we are utilizing our resources (are we doing things the hard way, or should we recruit some help).

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 sprouting from the seven of pentacles:
Can I truly self-appreciate, and recognize a job well done?
Is it time to rest up and prepare for my next challenge?
How do I feel about change?
Can I be honest with myself about my situation?
Can I allow myself a time of quiet reflection and approbation?
What do I think about the concept of "value" and "worth?"

 

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