123 Tarot Answers in An Instant PDF
123 Tarot Answers in An Instant PDF
2004
Llewellyn Publications
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0383, U.S.A.
1•2•3 Tarot: Answers in an Instant© 2004 by Donald Tyson. All rights reserved. No part
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Introduction
Tarot Made Easy . . • 1
Chapter One
How to Use this Book • • • 5
Chapter Two
How to Divine With the Tarot • . • 13
Chapter Three
Reading a Tarot Sentence . . • 21
Chapter Four
The Yes-No Layout . • . 27
Chapter Five
The Triangle Layout . • . 33
Chapter Six
The Nine-Card Layout • . • 43
Chapter Seven
The Cross Layout • • • 53
Chapter Eight
The Four-Elements Layout • • . 61
Chapter Nine
Trumps . . • 71
Chapter Ten
Court Cards ... 1 1 7
Chapter Eleven
Number Cards . . • 151
Appendix One
Tables of Tarot Sentences . . . 233
Appendix Two
Glossary . . • 241
Appendix Three
Suggested Reading ... 247
Index . . . HI
introduction
2
Tarot Made Ea.sy
hinders the action of bad cards just as it obstructs the action of good
cards. Sometimes inversion will make a spiritual card more material
in its working, or make a material card less practical.
Tarot sentences, and more detailed meanings, have been provided
in this book for all the cards in both their upright and inverted pos
tures. This removes the need to think in your own mind what the sig
nificance of a card would be were its action to be hindered or weak
ened by inversion. It is a good idea to do this anyway, as an exercise,
since you will have a much better understanding of the complete
sense of a card once both its upright and inverted meanings are
understood. Try reading the detailed upright meaning of a card, then
read its detailed inverted meaning, and ask yourself how the inverted
meaning relates to the upright meaning. After doing this, you will
have a much better concept of the card in its totality.
The number of possible Tarot sentences in any card triplet is quite
large. There are three positions, and each position may be occupied
by any card in the pack. The result is close to half a million possible
combinations. If we add the inverted attitudes of the cards, this num
ber is increased by a factor of seven to over three million possible
unique sentences! It is unlikely that you will ever exhaust the possibil
ities of even a single triplet, and most of the card layouts in this book
contain multiple triplets.
Court Cards
You will notice that the meanings of the court cards - the King, Queen,
Knight, and Knave-in the position 1 in a triplet are expressed in a
slighdy different way from the meanings of the other cards. The court
cards are generally understood to stand for human beings having an
influence on the question that the divination is intended to answer.
This is a little simplistic. Any of the cards may stand for human beings,
and any of the cards may stand for things other than human beings.
However, it is helpful when doing readings to think of the court cards
as persons having an influence on the question.
In the Universal Tarot deck, which illustrates this book, the court
cards of each suit are the King, Queen, Knight, and Knave. The King
How to Use this Book
10
How to Use this Book
Layouts
There are countless different Tarot layouts that may be used for div
ination. Those described in this book are made up of card triplets
that yield composite Tarot sentences, but in spreads described in
other books, the cards are read individually and as they relate to each
other, rather than in groups of three. It is possible to use other popu
lar Tarot layouts with this book and get good results. When using a
layout in which the cards are read individually, rather than in triplets,
you should refer to the general meaning given for each card in chap
ters 9. 10, and 1 1 , and to the expanded Tarot sentences provided for
each individual card in its upright and inverted posture.
Chapter Two
The Reading
Whether you are divining for yourself or somebody else, you should
have the question clearly expressed in your mind all the time you are
shuffling the cards just prior to the reading. It is customary for the
diviner to shuffle the cards, even when doing a reading for another
person. Many individuals cannot shuffle cards at all, or shuffle very
awkwardly, so it may be easier for the diviner to do the shuffling. On
the other hand, some readers like to have the querent shuffle the
cards in order to imprint the querent's mental energies upon them.
This is a matter of individual preference.
Continue to hold the question in your thoughts while you per
form a final cut of the cards. When you read for yourself, you will
both shuffle and cut the cards, but when you read for someone else,
most often you will shuffle, then place the deck in front of the quer
ent and have the querent cut the cards. The querent may or may not
shuffle the cards, but he or she always cuts the cards. The querent
must keep the question firmly in mind all the while you shuffle the
deck, as well as during the cut.
It is usual to cut the cards into three piles to the left using the left
hand, but this is more of a superstition than anything else. Any man
ner of cutting the cards will serve as well. If you use the traditional
cut, gather the cards up by placing the pile that was formerly on the
bottom of the deck upon the middle pile, .and these two on the pile
that was formerly on the top of the deck.
Take up the deck and deal the cards into the layout you have chosen
as the most suitable for the question. Cards are usually dealt facedown
Chapter Two
on the table and then turned faceup during the reading in the order
indicated by the layout.
There are two ways of turning the cards, each with its own pur
pose. Cards may be turn by flipping them over from side to side or
from top to bottom. When they are turned from side to side, their
attitude is preserved. That is to say, if they were upright in the pack
before the deal, they will still be upright when they lie faceup on the
table. When the cards are turned from top to bottom, their orienta
tion is inverted. Cards that were upright in the pack will be inverted
when they lie faceup on the table.
Which way you turn the cards depends on your location relative
to the querent. Cards are turned in such a way that the orientation
which the cards had to the querent when the querent cut the deck
is the same as the orientation the cards have to the diviner when
the diviner reads the cards. Always bear in mind that the diviner
acts as the agent for the querent-the diviner takes the place of the
querent during the reading. For this reason, the cards must have the
same orientation to the diviner that they had to the querent during
the cut.
If you divine for yourself, you and the querent are the same per
son, and the cards should be turned from side to side to preserve
their orientation. However, if the querent sits across the table from
you-as will often be the case-when you take the deck back from
the querent after the cut, the cards in the deck will be upside down
for you in your role as the querent's agent. You can restore their ori
entation in one of two ways: either rotate the pack in your hand as
you receive it from the querent across the table, then turn the cards
side to side when exposing their faces, or take back the deck without
rotating it, and turn the cards top to bottom when exposing them in
order to invert their orientation.
This may sound a bit confusing, but it is really quite simple if you
keep in mind that you as the diviner take the place of the querent
during the reading-therefore the cards must have the same orienta
tion to you that they had to the querent when the querent cut the
16
How to Divine With the Tarot
deck. You do not want cards that were upright relative to the querent
to be inverted relative to you when you read the layout. This would
cause you to give the wrong interpretation.
Each card layout has a specific order in which the cards are read.
Usually, it is the same order in which they have been dealt onto the
table. Some Tarot readers prefer to read each card as it is dealt onto
its place in the spread, but it is a better practice for beginners to first
deal the entire layout facedown, then turn the cards as they are read.
Having the entire layout on the table makes it easier to see the role
of each card in the totality of the reading. Since the layouts in this
book rely upon Tarot sentences expressed by triplets of cards, the
three cards of each triplet in a layout are turned faceup at the same
time, so that the cards of the triplet can be read together.
Many layouts employ a card that represents the querent in the
reading. This card is known as the signifuator. It is most often selected
from the court cards based on the hair and eye color of the querent.
A much better practice, though, is to select the significator from the
court cards based on the personality of the querent. In general, the
four court cards of each suit are as follows.
17
Chapter Two
4. The diviner shuffies the cards while both querent and diviner
hold the question in mind.
6. The querent cuts the deck while both querent and diviner
concentrate on the question.
7. The diviner picks up the restored deck and deals the cards
facedown on the table in the pattern of the chosen layout.
The significator, if used, is placed into the spread at the
appropriate location.
10. When all card triplets have been turned and read, the diviner
gives a summary of the overall interpretation of the layout.
A good Tarot reader will encourage the querent to ask questions and
make comments throughout the reading. The more interaction
IK
How to Divine With the Tarot
there is between the querent and the cards, the more likely the inter
pretation of the spread will be meaningful for the querent.
As a diviner, you should avoid overly dramatic or extreme inter
pretations of the cards. This is true even if you are doing a reading
for yourself. Some of the cards, particularly the trumps, have very
powerful meanings, but in ordinary life the full force of the cards sel
dom expresses itself to the fmal degree. More often, the force of the
cards is diluted. For example, the trump Death can indeed mean a
physical death. However, in the common course of our lives, the
death of someone known to us happens infrequently. Usually, when
the trump Death occurs in a layout, it does not signify the physical
death of a human being but rather an abrupt change of direction or
transformation in the life of the querent.
A good reading strikes a balance between unreasonable optimism
and harsh pessimism. Extremes are uncommon in life, and extremes
of interpretation should be avoided in Tarot divination. The com
mon tendency is to interpret the cards too favorably, by exaggerating
every positive aspect and minimizing or ignoring every negative indi
cator. This has the effect of making the querent feel better about the
matter under question, but, if carried too far, can render the reading
meaningless. On the other hand, too unfavorable an interpretation
of the cards can cause the querent needless worry and distress. Strive
for balance in divination, as in life.
"hapter three
urn the three cards of the triplet faceup, beginning with the
T card on the left. Consider the meaning of the left card. The
first thing to notice is whether it is a trump, a court card, or a num
ber card. The trumps generally signify larger factors in the life of the
querent; the court cards stand for individuals who have a bearing on
the question or personality aspects of the querent; and the number
cards represent more specific factors relating to the question.
When the first card in a triplet is a court card, it is very likely that
it stands for a person. A court card in the second or third position in
a triplet may also stand for a human being, but it is just as likely that
i these positions it signifies a personality trait of the querent that
n
concerns the matter of the reading. Two or more court cards in a
triplet may indicate interpersonal conflict or interpersonal harmony,
depending on the directions in which the figures face. If the two fig
ures of the court cards face one another, either communication or
argument is indicated; if they face the same direction, it shows that
they are concerned with the same matter; if they have their backs to
each other, they are concerned with different matters.
•
When the figures of two court cards face each other, they are
in communication about a pleasant subject if both are
21
Chapter Three
The three sections of the table on the next page correspond with
the three bullet points above. The time frame of interactions between
the court cards-whether the action concerns the past, present, or
future-is indicated by the directions the cards face: both facing left
suggests a past matter, both facing right a future matter, and when
facing in opposite directions, the present is indicated.
In the traditional Marseilles Tarot, all sixteen court figures look
either to the left or to the right. Unfortunately, modern Tarot design
ers do not always understand the importance of making the court
figures face to the side, and sometimes in modern decks, one or
more of the figures look straight ahead. In the Universal Tarot, this is
true of the King of Swords, the Queen of Swords, and the King of
Cups. When these cards occur beside other court cards, notice must
be taken of which side of the card is occupied by the emblem of the
suit, since this can reveal the direction of energies. The sword of the
King of Swords is in the left side of the card, so he may be thought of
as looking to the left. Similarly, the sword of the Queen of Swords is
on the left side, so she is treated as though she looks to the left. The
cup of the King of Cups is on the left side also, so in readings this
card is treated as though he looks to the left.
l<t'adlng a Tarot St'ntt'nu
8�
'"'
4)
..c:
present communication, pleasant subject
(j£)
...
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present communication, unpleasant subject
-5
co:S
(j�
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8£J
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present communication, argument
=
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£)£)
"l:l
v
past agreement, unpleasant subject
� (j(j
4)
�
"'
�£)
0.0
=
....
past disagreement, same subject
£)�
v
� past disagreement, same subject
"'
�8
=
0
.... present separate matters, pleasant subjects
...
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4)
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£J(j
....
�(j
Q.,
Q.,
0
present separate matters, pleasant-unpleasant subjects
·§ £)8
0.0
pr('st•nt separate matters, unpleasant-pleasant subjects
co:S
IJ.o
23
Chapter Three
If the figure on a court card looks one way, but the emblem of the
suit is on the other side of the card, the direction in which the figure
l<;>oks has precedence. For example, the Queen of Wands in the Uni
versal Tarot looks to the right, but her wand is on the left. She is
treated as looking to the right. Only if the figure looks straight ahead
should the placement of the emblem of the suit be used to indicate
the direction of energies.
A court card in the first place on a triplet and another in one of
the remaining positions usually suggests an individual who interacts
with the querent in a personal way. The court card in first place
stands for the individual, and the card n
i the other position expresses
an aspect of the querent's personality that is either in conflict or har
mony with the overall personality of the individual indicated by the
first card. Sometimes, however, two court cards in a triplet indicate
two individuals concerned with the question who have a relationship
with each other.
When all three places in a triplet are occupied by court cards, which
happens only rarely, the information conveyed by the composite Tarot
sentence of that triplet is of a social nature, involving the querent's
relationships with others in his or her life.
The first place in a triplet is the most important. It reveals the
general area of significance of the triplet's composite Tarot sen
tence. When a court card is first, the sentence concerns another
person; when a trump is first, the sentence concerns a larger evolu
tionary aspect of the querent's personality; when a number card
comes first, the sentence is directed at a specific detail or aspect of
the question.
The second thing to look for in the initial card of a triplet is
whether it is upright or inverted. Upright cards are generally more
positive, inverted cards more negative. However, in the case of
strongly negative cards, inversion may actually cause their influence
to become milder and less harmful, since inversion has the effect of
obstructing or weakening the natural action of a card.
Obtain the base meaning for the first card in the triplet by reading
its full, individual sentence. These sentences are found both in the
24
Reading a Tarot Sentence
descriptive text for each card in chapters 9, 10, and 1 1 , and in the
tables in the appendix. If the first card is an upright card, read its
upright sentence; if it is inverted, read its inverted sentence. You may
also wish to read the general meaning for the card, which provides
its broadest interpretation, to refresh your memory concerning the
overall sense of the card.
Thrn your attention to the card in the middle of the triplet. Note
whether it s
i a trump, court card, or number card. Note whether it is
upright or inverted. Obtain its base meaning by reading its individual
Tarot sentence.
Finally, consider the card on the right end of the triplet and note its
type, orientation, and individual Tarot sentence.
Now that all three cards in the triplet have been examined individ
ually, you can consider them collectively. Their group meaning is
expressed by their composite Tarot sentence, the sentence derived
from all three of the cards in the triplet. This is the most important
information conveyed by the triplet, and when interpreting its mean
ing, the composite sentence should be given the greatest weight.
The sentences of individual cards express the meanings of those
cards, but the composite sentence of a triplet expresses a large por
tion of the answer to the question asked by the querent. The individ
ual Tarot sentences are descriptive, but the composite sentences are
oracular. Although the composite sentences sometimes seem more
obscure than the individual sentences, they convey information of
much greater significance to the querent and should be considered
with greater care.
The composite Tarot sentence for the triplet is created by com
bining part 1 of the individual or simple sentence of the card in posi
tion 1 of the triplet, part 2 of the simple sentence of the card in posi
tion 2, and part 3 of the simple sentence of the card in position 3.
The result is a unique Tarot sentence that expresses the joined mean
ings of all three cards in their relative locations in the triplet.
Because the card on the left occupies the position of the subject in
the sentence. it contributes the topic or focus of the composite sen
tence of tht• triplet. The subject is the innate identity of the triplet.
' I\
Chapter Three
. �1�1,·1/41e\. ,�.�,�,{.,
ditec� CJ exj
111 ��;: , \' .
way in which the action is
subject acts through the ac•ia0 t1 1�·1\.J
It is useful to write dow::JJn t �si1 I ,/
he
triplets of a layout while do:iin� a�· 11 1, ,' ."t '! i: t,\;l .
f
together at the end o the cllivtn3�As ytl 1:-/ l'f'\\ �J..1.'
ilt�t ' � ·I \1.
·�j't'\,4Y1��\\:� \1\.'. ,
you will become more farn:.ilitrJI�e
1
card, but the composite s
en _:te\}ce!rellmc 1 '
must be analyzed for the t::llirst �.tt then' 1
•\;� .
technique, you may
\'
�
\ ('
�1 ,',' .0\ \it��.· �;·.
than once, but due to the la ::rg� n� of I ; ,�P\ \ ,
\�
it is not likely, provided the ds ll'l! b
cat eel
� '•:1 �\�\
l';ll
r
�
·
f J ;.�.l\�l,'l
Reading the Tarot with
comes after much practice. Tbe �em o
to help master this art by por<.lvi� ilie g
' f'l ;-. ·
� , n·1Y ·
1•
\
I .. ,,
tion in the smallest space .....With tit bst
1 ') \ 1',
1
1
', J
�
'
m1ssed mere1y as an a1. d too Ioeg�ets. 1 I\ 11' W
� : l\'1 .I·;
.
The card in the middle occupies the position of action, and it con
tributes to the composite sentence of the triplet the action under
taken by the subject. The card on the right occupies the modifying
position, and contributes to the composite sentence of the triplet the
way in which the action is directed or expressed. It reveals how the
subject acts through the action.
It is useful to write down the composite sentences of each of the
triplets of a layout while doing a reading. They can then be considered
together at the end of the divination. As you practice your technique,
you will become more familiar with the individual sentences of each
card, but the composite sentences are almost always unique, and each
must be analyzed for the first time when it appears in a layout. It is
possible that if you do Tarot readings for a number of years using this
technique, you may encounter the same composite sentence more
than once, but due to the large number of composite Tarot sentences,
it is not likely, provided the cards have been properly shuftled.
To gain a fuller understanding of the composite sentence of the
triplet, look up the appropriate sections in chapter 9, 10, or 1 1 for the
cards of the triplet. These sections give an expanded version of the
corresponding parts of the composite sentence. After you have done
Tarot readings for a few months using this book, you may find that
you no longer need to refer to the sections-the words in the basic
Tarot sentences will be enough to trigger your memory of the full
meaning of each card.
Reading the Tarot with clarity and effortlessness s
i an art that only
comes after much practice. The system of Tarot sentences is designed
to help master this art by providing the greatest amount of informa
tion in the smallest space with the least effort. It should not be dis
missed merely as an aid to beginners. The meanings conveyed by
Tarot sentences are not to be obtained in any other system of Tarot
reading.
chapter lour
1 2 3
1 2 3
The Yes-No Layout
1. Five of Swords
2. Two of Swords (inverted)
3. Seven of Pentacles
The short answer to the question is, yes, Grace should go on the
blind date withJerry. This is indicated by the two upright cards, which
give a positive response.
The most important card in any triplet is the first. In this case, it is
the Five of Swords. An unfortunate card, the Five of Swords gener
ally signifies dishonor and loss. The individual Tarot sentence for the
card reads:
There are no trump cards in the layout, suggesting that the ques
tion of the reading has no higher significance in Grace's life, but that
the answer of the cards refers to immediate practical matters. Since
there are also no court cards, the number cards must provide infor
mation about the human beings involved in the question-usually it
is the court cards that represent people. The dominant male figure
pictured in the first card gives insight into the character of Jerry, and
the attitude with which he approaches the blind date-he regards it
as a kind of conquest.
The card in the active place in the triplet is the inverted Two of
Swords. When inverted, this card is less favorable than when it s
i
upright. It indicates the actual process of the date itself, the way n
i
which it will unfold, the nature of its actions. The individual Tarot
sentence for the inverted Two of Swords reads:
29
Chapter Four
.10
The Yes-No Layout
.H
Chapter Five
6 2
4 3
Deal the cards onto the places of the layout in the order indicated
by the numbers in the diagram above. They are read in the same
order in groups of thre�. The first triplet is made up of cards 1, 2,
and 3; the second triplet is composed of cards 3, 4 , and 5; the final
triplet is formed from cards 5, 6, and 1 . Turn the cards of each triplet
in order, reading each composite Tarot sentence as the cards of its
triplet are exposed.
34
The Triangle Layout
1 2 3
1. Justice
2. Five of Cups
The initial card of the first triplet is the trump Justice. This sets
the tone for the triplet, and indeed for the entire reading. The indi
vidual Tarot sentence for this trump reads:
The most significant factor in this triplet, which concerns the true
nature of the matter under question, is balance or equity in judgment.
The middle card of the triplet, relating to the action of the matter,
is the Five of Cups. It is not a particularly happy card, as its Universal
Tarot image suggests. Its individual sentence reads:
Disappointmentfrustrates with bitterness.
The frustration concerns the matter of the reading-that is, being
passed over for promotion while others less qualified for the position
are promoted. Clearly, it expresses the disappointment felt by Frank.
The fmal card of the initial triplet is the inverted Queen of Swords.
Since this court card does not, in this triplet, occupy the ftrst position,
it probably does not refer here to a person, but to an aspect of Frank's
personality or emotions that concerns the truth of the matter under
question. The Tarot sentence of the inverted Queen of Swords reads:
�a.'
�· :-....,
.r.\llONll
�
<IK)M.� :10 NJVIO
3 4 5
The first card is the same as the fmal card of the initial triplet, due
to the structure of this particular card layout. When a court card falls
in the first place of a triplet, it is probable that it refers to an actual
person in the querent's life-in this case, an adult woman. The indi
vidual sentence, as indicated above, is:
XX
'----
f 6 1
.19
Chapter Five
5. Judgement (inverted)
6. Two of Wands
1 . Justice
Due to the way this layout is constructed, two of the three cards
of the last triplet are already exposed. Only the middle card must be
turned. The fmal triplet has to do with the final outcome of the
question, its fulfillment or resolution.
The first card of the fmal triplet is the same as the last card of the
middle triplet. As we saw above, its individual sentence reads:
7 8 9
4 5 6
1 2 3
Deal the cards out in three rows of three, from left to right, the first
row on the bottom, the second above it, and the third above the sec
ond, so that the nine cards of the spread form a square. As always, the
cards of the spread are turned and read in the same order in which
they were dealt.
1 2 3
It should be noted that all three cards of the initial triplet in this
layout are inverted, indicating a general obstruction or hindrance in
the past concerning the matter under question.
The first card of the triplet sets its tone, since the first card func
tions as the subject or identity of the triplet. It is the Three of Swords
inverted, traditionally an unhappy card. However, because it is so neg
ative in its upright posture, inversion actually softens its hurtful effect.
The individual Tarot sentence attached to this card in its inverted atti
tude reads:
In the past, Andrea felt at times that her talent was a burden, and
her need to practice regularly to improve her technique a kind of
servitude. The minor interruptions and distractions indicated by the
first card of this triplet made this torment more unpleasant than it
might otherwise have been.
The fmal card of the first triplet is the Seven of Swords inverted. It
expresses the way in which the activity of this triplet fulfilled itself.
The sentence attached to this inverted card reads:
,... ...
5 6
6. The Magician
The Nine-Card Layout
7 8 9
Since the triplet begins with a trump, it will have a larger or more
cosmic significance in Andrea's life than had it begun with a court or
Chapter Six
The Chariot inverted, as the first card in the triplet, sets its overall
tone. Normally, the Chariot indicates a victory or conquest. How
ever, because it s
i inverted, this victory has been undermined or over
thrown by an uprising of opposing forces. The individual sentence
for this inverted trump reads:
6 8
; ! ._.r,. : o
.:>: 5
.,.l.,I}Afl
et.�·��.;! ,, . IIX •':I)�""'Yl
7 8 9
4 2 5
Deal the cards of the layout in the order indicated by the numbers
i the illustration. The first three cards on the column of the cross
n
constitute the first triplet, and express the querent in relation to the
question. Cards 4, 2, and 5 make up the second triplet, on the beam
of the cross, and express the question in relation to the querent. The
middle card of the cross, which is the middle card of both triplets,
stands for the central factor that has a bearing on the question.
1 2 3
1. Nine of Wands
2. Five of Swords
All of these cards are number cards, indicating that the triplet
expresses specific factors, probably of a material or practical type.
The first card of the initial triplet, which shows Anne's nature
with respect to the question, is the Nine of Wands. Wands in general
express matters relating to the will or n
i tention, and the image on
the Universal Tarot design suggests watchful resolve. The individual
sentence of this card reads:
2 J
5. Four of Wands
Again, note that all the cards on the beam of the cross are num
ber cards. This divination has no higher cosmic message to convey
to Anne, only practical advice on a practical matter.
The initial card, which sets the general tone of the triplet, is the
Ten of Pentacles inverted. Since this triplet refers not to Anne herself
but to the matter under inquiry, the meaning of this card applies to
the question. The individual Tarot sentence for the Ten of Pentacles
inverted reads:
weight and keep it off. The failure of the effort, with its accompany
ing feeling of a loss of self-respect, has caused Anne to fall into a
kind of slothful indifference. She tells herself that the weight doesn't
matter in order to escape from her dissatisfaction.
The message of the Tarot is that she must throw off the compla
cency of her flesh by seeking new resolve on a higher level. Dissatis
faction with her looks will not in itself be enough to keep her to her
diet and exercise. She needs to consider not just how she looks out
wardly to others, but also how she feels inwardly herself, when she is
more slender. The final card, the Four of Wands, suggests that her
power of spirit must be involved in this physical effort-Wands s
i the
suit of the will, and four is the number of matter. By seeking beyond
the physical, she will master her own body.
ll Mf>-110
l£ fOU
SNO!'v'a
IN01S'v'9
chapte:r ela;ht
1 2 3
10 11 12 4 5 6
7 8 9
Twelve cards are dealt in four triplets, one for each of the four
elements. The Fire triplet is placed at the top, the Air triplet on the
right, the Earth triplet at the bottom, and the Water triplet on the
left.
Suit cards act more strongly when the element of their suit is the
same as the element of the triplet into which they are dealt. The
fiery suit of Wands is strongest in the Fire triplet; the airy suit of
Swords is most forceful n
i the triplet of Air; the earthy suit of Penta
cles is most potent in the triplet of Earth; the watery suit of Cups
has the greatest impact in the triplet of Water. Trumps act with
equal force in all four triplets.
self more interested in his elective class on the Victorian novel than
in calculus. Lee thinks that he might enjoy teaching English at the
high-school level, but before changing his major from science to
English or education, he decides to ask the Tarot whether he is
suited for a teaching career.
He shuffles and cuts the cards while concentrating on the ques
tion, then takes them up and deals out twelve in four rows of three,
as indicated by the numbered places in the diagram on the facing
page. Each triplet of cards is turned faceup in the order in which the
cards were dealt. Since Lee is doing the reading for himself, he turns
the cards from side to side to preserve their orientation.
v � :; J ,• ;.t. •.t ·
...� � .· 8 ..
1 2 3
1. Six of Cups
2. Eight of Wands
6.1
Chapter Eight
Ujl, ot l'tNt
.A(.tt'.l
7
A ll
�[ C' I Ut N 'P l.. , ( ... ,... 01 '.
"0" Of (lfNt�$ lf_Y Df !t
�OO( •"'f ....... (. :
4 5 6
4. Six of Pentacles
5. King of Pentacles
6. Seven of Swords
� lt
.la •; f � rt.'iNA et SI'
Ar:>f OUHN c.» � i'OtO)
>tNt. i/ti
H$
' t$rACA�
' AN,t () ( � Jot 1(. ... �.... �! • v
v•,r· t"Jf(.(Afrl!l ,,..,... :v. :·.)fA\ � t ii�Aut
_. ,
9
The Four-Elements Layout
7. Judgement (inverted)
8. Knave of Cups
9. Queen of Swords
67
Chapter Eight
10 11 12
The first card of the Water triplet is the Hanged Man inverted. It
is always an enigmatic card, signifying an overturn of the natural
order. The sentence of this card reads:
e=-=- . - - - _
:
DER WAGEN
chapter ntne
0
IL MATIO THf: FOOL
LE FOU El lOCO
Description
A young man in brightly colored clothing, with a flower in his left
hand and a pack on a pole slung over his shoulder in his right hand,
gazes up at the sky with an enraptured expression as he is about to
step off the edge of a precipice. A little dog barks a warning at his
side but is unheeded.
General Meaning
Spiritual wisdom can seem like worldly foolishness, but it is to be
respected unless it disregards the common sense necessary to survive
a mortal existence.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Spirituality progresses with impracticality.
Inverted: Ignorance wanders with danger.
1
Upright: Spirituality lost in the wonder of interior contemplation
Inverted: Ignorance lost in a maze of illusions and allured by
empty hopes
2
Upright: progresses along the path of life in a waking dream
Inverted: wanders as though blind to the reality of daily existence
3
Upright: with impracticality disregarding the necessities and
duties of ordinary life.
Inverted: with danger in many forms threatening neglected health
and security.
71
Chapter Nine
Description
A serious young man stands behind a table that bears a pentacle, a
cup, a sword, and a wand. In his right hand, he raises high a rod, and
with his left index fmger, he points down toward the ground, from
which grows a profusion of flowers. Above his head floats a lemnis
cate, and about his waist is a serpentine belt.
General Meaning
There is great attainment when ability is focused through the will to
accomplish higher purposes, provided the temptation to use decep
tion in order to manipulate others s
i resisted.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Skill wills with design.
Inverted: Craft manipulates with deception.
1
Upright: Skill in the secret ways of nature and hidden motives of
humanity
Inverted: Craft in using to personal advantage the flaws of human
nature
2
Upright: wills the realization of a higher purpose that elevates the
soul
Inverted: manipulates for self-interest without regard to feelings
or consequences
3
Upright: with design and foresight harmoniously fulfilling the
great wor-k.
htvertcd: with <krcplion �ivin� false promises and empty hopes.
75
Chapter Nine
II
LA PAPESSA THE HIGH PRIESTESS
lA PAPESSE: LA PAPISA
,.----
Description
A woman in a flowing robe with the crescent of the moon at her
feet, a cross on her breast, and a scroll in her hands sits between a
black pillar and a white pillar. What lies behind her is partially
obscured by a curtain decorated with pomegranates that hangs
between the pillars.
General Meaning
The veiled mysteries of higher understanding are revealed to the
wise, but remain hidden from those who approach with conceit.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Mystery unveils with wisdom.
Inverted: Secrecy conceals with jealousy.
1
Upright: Mystery of the hidden sources of higher knowledge
Inverted: Secrecy concerning forbidden knowledge deliberately
withheld
2
Upright: unveils the path of attainment to the sincere seeker
Inverted: conceals and obstructs the entrance to attainment
3
Upright: with wisdom that is suited to the ability to comprehend.
Inverted: with jealousy disregarding need or ability.
77
Chapter Nine
Ill
L'IMPERATRICE THE EMPRESS
L'IMPERATRICE lA EMPERATRIZ
Description
A blond woman in a long dress sits on a cushioned seat in a field. She
holds in her right hand a short scepter topped by a ball. A heart-shaped
shield bearing the astrological symbol for Venus rests upright upon the
ground beside her. Through the forest behind her flows a waterfall.
General Meaning
The vitality of nature expresses itself by the endless birth of new
forms, and, if allowed to expand without constraint, may give rise to
extreme mutations.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Vitality creates with nourishment.
Inverted: Excess expands with wildness.
1
Upright: Vitality of impregnation within the receptive place of
development
Inverted: Excess in vital energies at the time of conception unlim
ited by constraint
2
Upright: creates new forms that issue forth in a natural and
orderly manner
Inverted: expands uncontrolled and unbalanced to fill up every
possibility
3
Upright: with nourishment from their source sustained and
strengthened.
Inverted: with wildm·ss of growth that may produce deformities
or mutmlons.
79
Chapter Nine
IV
L'IMPE.RATORF. THE EMPEROR
l'E'MPEREUR El EMPtRADOR
Description
A mature bearded man wearing a crown and holding in his right
hand a scepter sits on a stone throne decorated at its corners by four
ram's heads. Behind him, a mountain range is visible.
General Meaning
Firm leadership provides stability and order, but too much firmness
leads to the loss of freedom.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Leadership rules with firmness.
Inverted: Power controls with suppression.
1
Upright: Leadership capable in assessing the needs of those it
protects
Inverted: Power hardened into inflexible and unquestionable
authority
2
Upright: rules by providing necessary stability and structure
Inverted: controls all aspects of what lies under its dominion
3
Upright: with firmness that is not shaken by changes in
circumstance.
Inverted: with suppression and intimidation eliminating threats
to its dominance.
Hl
Chapter Nine
V
ll PAPA THE HIEROPHANT
LE PAP[ El PAPA
----
DER HIEROPHANT
Description
A robed man wearing the triple crown of a religious leader sits
between two stone pillars. In his left hand, he holds a triple cross,
and with his right hand, he makes the sign of the Trinity. Two priests
kneel facing him at his feet. Between them is a pair of keys crossed
to form an X.
General Meaning
Moral laws imposed by a higher power provide a useful framework
for a healthy society, but they prohibit dissent through the applica
tion of severe censures.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Authority teaches with certainty.
Inverted: Control imposes with intolerance.
1
Upright: Authority in traditional matters of spiritual and moral
doctrine
Inverted: Control that has lost conviction in the source of inflexi
ble laws
2
Upright: teaches correctness in thought and action in obedience
to higher will
Inverted: imposes through intimidation insensitive to need
3
Upright: with certainty of the impossibility of error or loss of
supernal guidance.
Inverted: with intolerance for what defies its judgment or seeks a
new dirrrtion.
H.l
Chapter Nine
VI
GLI AMANT! THE lOVERS
lES AMANTS lOS ENAMORADOS
Description
A man and a woman, both naked, stand beneath the outstretched
hands of an angel with flaming hair who emerges from a cloud.
Behind the woman, a tree bears round fruit like apples. A large serpent
coils up the tree's trunk. Behind the man is a tree with leaves resem
bling flames. A mountain is visible on the horizon between the figures.
General Meaning
Human love unmixed with lower concerns leads to the attainment of
union and perfect happiness, but when tainted by mundane matters,
the result is division and dissatisfaction.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Affection unites with happiness.
Inverted: Disharmony separates with frustration.
1
Upright: Affection warming the loving heart in admiration of
grace and beauty
Inverted: Disharmony arising from indifference and contempt for
the familiar
2
Upright: unites the twain n
i harmony born of mutual under
standing and shared purpose
Inverted: separates hearts that once sought a shared goal through
the same desire
3
Upright: with happiness that sustains itself on the radiance of
spiritual awart•twss.
lnwrted: wh h fi·ust rat ion that the joy of union was no more than
an lllu�<lon
Chapter Nint
ll CARRO
lE CHAR VII THE CHARIOT
El CARRO
Description
A man wearing armor stands in the box of a chariot beneath a canopy
decorated with stars. In his right hand, he holds a wand. Two sphinxes
crouch before the chariot, one black and the other white. The front of
the box of the chariot is decorated with a shield bearing a wheel
pierced by an axle, above which is a winged disk.
General Meaning
Dominion won by force of arms and maintained by threat of pun
ishment quickly turns into rebellion once the iron rule is weakened.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Dominance attains with victory.
Inverted: Rebellion riots with defeat.
1
Upright: Dominance of the will backed by physical might and a
firm purpose
Inverted: Rebellion against oppression begun in secret and nur
tured in darkness
2
Upright: attains its end by applied force and ruthless intimidation
Inverted: riots in violent and cruel reaction against imposed controls
3
Upright: with victory rejoicing in an outward display of supreme
authority.
Inverted: with defeat the final consequence for the vanity of pow
erless authority.
M7
Chapter Nine
VIII
LA FORZA STRENGTH
LA FORCE LA FUERZA
Description
A woman uses her bare hands to gently close the jaws of a male lion.
The lion licks her right wrist with its tongue. Above her head floats
the lemniscate, a figure eight on its side.
General Meaning
Courage arising from certainty of purpose can subdue violent rage,
provided that doubt does not weaken its control.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Courage subdues with force.
Inverted: Discord abuses with weakness.
1
Upright: Courage of moral conviction in the rightness of purpose
Inverted: Discord between the judgment of the mind and the pas-
sion of the heart
2
Upright: subdues irrational impulses and conflicts born of desires
or fears
Inverted: abuses those under its power and delays the necessary
outcome
3
Upright: with force of will empowered and fortified by a higher
authority.
Inverted: with weakness of the will unable to choose the correct
path.
Chapter Nine
IX
L EREMilA THE HERMIT
L ERMITE EL ERMITANO
Description
An elderly bearded man wearing a cloak and hood stands on a
prominence, gazing downward. In his right hand, he holds up a
lantern, and in his left hand, he bears a staff.
General Meaning
An outer cloak of modest circumspection may signify mature wis
dom and depth of learning, or it may be a disguise that hides treach
ery and guileful intentions.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Prudence learns with profundity.
Inverted: Betrayal conceals with falsehood.
1
Upright: Prudence in the exercise of moderation and self-control
Inverted: Betrayal of trust and abuse of faith of those who believe
2
Upright: learns the wisdom of secret teachings and hidden truths
upon the quest
Inverted: conceals in excessive caution beneath a plausible cloak
3
Upright: with profundity penetrating the shadows and illuminat
ing the source.
Inverted: with falsehood and misdirection its traitorous aspect.
Chapter Nine
X
LA RUOTA
LA ROUE
Description
A wheel bearing the Latin letters T, A, R, 0, the Hebrew letters Yod,
Heh, Vau, Heh, and the alchemical symbols for salt, mercury, sulphur,
and water is surrounded at the top by a sphinx with a sword, at the
right side by an ascending animal-headed humanoid figure, and at the
left by a descending serpent. The comers of the card are decorated by
clouds supporting a winged angel, an eagle with its wings outstretched,
a winged bull, and a winged lion, all four of which read open books.
General Meaning
The wheel of fortune turns upward and brings joy when propelled by
destiny, but its motion is uncertain when driven only by chance.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Destiny rewards with advancement.
Inverted: Luck turns with cycles.
1
Upright: Destiny in pursuit of the highest personal attainment of
the soul
Inverted: Luck that is undependable and of little consequence
2
Upright: rewards unwavering determination and unshaken
persistence
Inverted: turns in a sporadic and capricious manner
3
Upright: with advancement in all areas in harmony with the ful
fillment o f t rut· will.
Inverted: with cyd1·s lc •llnwing the changes of <.·xtcrnal circumstance.
Chapter Nine
lA CIUSTIZIA
lA JUSTICE XI JUS.IICE
LA JUSTICIA
GERECHTIGKEIT GERECHTIGHEID
Description
A crowned woman with a serious expression sits before a curtain
that is supported at either side by stone pillars. She holds upright in
her right hand a sword, and from her left hand hangs a set of scales,
their balance beam exactly level.
General Meaning
Justice acting with impartiality returns fair decisions and fulfills the
purpose of the law, but when hindered by manipulation and favoritism,
its actions become uncertain.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Balance weighs with equality.
Inverted: Partiality withholds with favoritism.
1
Upright: Balance in impartial judgment blind to emotion or per
sonal interest
2
Upright: weighs and assesses the positive and negative factors for
error
Inverted: withholds a true judgment from motives of self-interest
3
Upright: with equality determining truth from falsehood.
Inverted: with favoritism punishing or rewarding regardless of
merit.
Chapter Nine
Description
A young man with blond hair hangs upside down by his right ankle
from a scaffold shaped like the letter T. His left shin is crossed
behind his right leg, and his arms are bound behind his back. A halo
of radiant light shines around his head, and green leaves grow from
the scaffold.
General Meaning
The inability to go forward, though frustrating, may bring an oppor
tunity for patient reflection on the state of affairs, but if the impedi
ment persists and overturns the anticipated outcome, it must be
endured with resignation.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Suspension endures with patience.
Inverted: Inversion sacrifices with resignation.
1
Upright: Suspension between practical concerns and matters of
the spirit
Inverted: Inversion of expectations causing confusion and distress
2
Upright: endures the delay in progress on the way of attainment
Inverted: sacrifices unwillingly happiness and comfort
3
Upright: with patience that recognizes the virtue of reflection.
Inverted: with resignation enduring misfortune that cannot be
avoided.
Chapter Nine
XIII
LA MORT[ DEATH
lA MORT LA MUfRTE
Description
A skeleton knight in full plate armor rides a white charger across the
body of a man, from whose head a crown has rolled. In front of the
horse, a bishop with two children kneeling at his feet pleads for
mercy. The black standard held in the left hand of the horseman
bears the stylized image of a rose. In the background, a ship sails
upon a river through a valley, and on the horizon the sun sets
between two towers.
General Meaning
Every transformation ends the existing state and begins a new condi
tion, carrying events forward through time; for without change,
there is no progress.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Change transforms with finality.
Inverted: Inertia delays with uncertainty.
1
Upright: Change of the familiar state into the new and unknown
Inverted: Inertia of familiar actions and unexamined thoughts
2
Upright: transforms the expectation and requires adaptation
Inverted: delays the necessary ending of the present cycle
3
Upright: with finality accepting that return to the old way is
impossible.
Inverted: with unn.·rtainty hindering the inevitable transition.
Chapter Nine
XIV
LA TEMP[RI>NZA TEMPERANCE
iA TEMPERANCt Lt.. TEMPLANZA
Description
A winged angel with a solar emblem on his forehead pours liquid
from one goblet into another. He stands with his left foot upon grass
and his right foot submerged under water. Beside him grow r
i is flow
ers. A path leads from the pool to the mountains on the horizon,
which are lit by a solar glow in the shape of a shining crown.
General Meaning
Opposites blended produce the mildness of a median condition, but
when they cannot be mixed, they struggle to separate and remain
hostile.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Polarity blends with moderation.
Inverted: Contrariety separates with incompatibility.
1
Upright: Polarity of opposites brought together in a single place
Inverted: Contrariety that cannot in any way be accommodated
2
Upright: blends in equal measure to soften extremes and achieve
concord
Inverted: separates and drives apart the irreconcilable elements
3
Upright: with moderation creating harmony of feeling and unity
of purpose.
Inverted: with incompatibility forever prevented from achieving
union.
Chapter Nine
XV
ll [II.AVOlO TI-l E DEVIl
ll DIABil El DIABLO
Description
A monster with horns like those of a goat and hairy legs that termi
nate in hawklike claws crouches on a pedestal. Bat wings sprout from
his shoulders, and at the crown of his head is an inverted pentagram.
In his left hand he holds an inverted torch. On either side stand
smaller, naked humanlike figures. Both are loosely chained around
their necks to a ring on the pedestal. The tail of the woman ends in a
duster of pomegranates; the tail of the man ends in a flame.
General Meaning
Passion may take the form of a single, overriding, violent urge to dom
inate and satisfy desire at any cost, or it may express itself as numerous,
small, imprudent, and perverse impulses leading to self-destruction.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Passion desires with excess.
Inverted: Pettiness blinds with weakness.
1
Upright: Passion in physical needs too strong to control
Inverted: Pettiness of impulses seeking immediate self-gratification
2
Upright: desires to attain fulftl.lment regardless of consequences
Inverted: blinds the reason and silences the voice of conscience
3
Upright: with excess acting to satisfy the driving and unconsid
ered urgt�.
lnwrrcd: with Wt'akncss of petulant desire disregarding com
mon Sl'llNt'.
' "1
Chaprer Nine
·� 'r' ..'/tP
XVI
t
1/> lC•PP.I
Df TOFHI
Description
Lightning strikes off the roof from a square tower that stands on the
summit of a peak. Flames issue from the broken top of the tower
and from the three windows in its front. Two humans jump or fall.
The figure on the left appears to be a man, the one on the right, a
woman with a crown upon her head. Flaming droplets fall through
the air around the two figures.
General Meaning
The failure of vainglorious ambition may express itself by the col
lapse of an unsound structure or the frustration of an unworthy
plan, but, in either case, the destruction is complete.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Vanity collapses with adversity.
Inverted: Scheming fails with oppression.
1
Upright: Vanity n
i physical power and the strength of material
creations
Inverted: Scheming and malicious plot to bring misfortune
2
Upright: collapses suddenly in utter ruin bringing terror and
despair
Inverted: fails disastrously when exposed to scrutiny
3
Upright: with adversity causing confusion and the inability to act.
Inverted: with oppression and loss of freedom the consequence
for <.�vii.
Chapter Nine
XV I I
u: :::ELF n •E STARS
lb ETOIIf.S Lt>, ��>�RHLA
---- ---
Description
A naked blond woman kneels on her left knee at the edge of water,
her right foot resting on its surface. From a vase in her right hand,
she pours liquid into the body of water, and from a vase in her left
hand, she pours liquid onto the grass. Tiny flowers grow in the grass.
A bird is perched on a bush behind her. In the sky shines a single
large star surrounded by seven smaller stars.
General Meaning
Hope held in the expectation of fulftllment gives enthusiasm for the
future, but when fulftllment fails, that same hope turns bitter and its
remembrance brings only regret.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Hope refreshes with optimism.
Inverted: Loss deprives with impotence.
1
Upright: Hope raised by the bright promise of a better future
Inverted: Loss of the confidently held expectation for a better
condition
2
Upright: refreshes and sustains the heart allowing it to strive
Inverted: deprives the heart of strength and casts the mind into
despair
3
Upright: with optimism that circumstances must improve.
Inverted: with impotence scarcely able to go on.
Chapter Nine
Description
A crayfish rises from a pool of water, from which a path runs to the
horizon. Two towers, each with a single window, stand on opposite
sides of the path. In the sky above them is the face of the crescent
moon, which appears to be asleep and frowns as though troubled by
a bad dream. On either side of the path stand dogs.
General Meaning
Deceptions and dangers concealed under a cloak of darkness cause
anxiety in the imagination, and the resulting mental confusion leads
to uncertain judgment and error in action.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Concealment threatens with anxiety.
Inverted: Error confuses with inconstancy.
1
Upright: Concealment in silence and shadow of necessary
information
Inverted: Error caused by an inability to see the consequences
2
Upright: threatens physical security and peace of mind
Inverted: confuses through doubt and leads to fruitless efforts
3
Upright: with anxiety and apprehension about the chosen course.
Inverted: with inconstancy doomed to failure and greater obscurity.
Chapter Nine
THE SUN
El SOL
Description
A young child, its arms and legs spread wide so that its body forms
the shape of a pentagram, sits naked astride a white horse that has
no saddle or bridle. An enormous, serpentine red standard fills the
right side of the design. Sunflowers grow above a brick wall behind
the horse. In the sky shines the placid face of the sun, streaming its
rays down upon the earth.
General Meaning
Perfect success and the attainment of material goals brings well
earned celebration and happiness, but if this satisfaction is indulged
too long, it weakens the will and causes indifference to future chal
lenges.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Perfection rejoices with harmony.
Inverted: Contentment enjoys with satisfaction.
1
Upright: Perfection of material circumstances to the fmal degree
Inverted: Contentment n
i present circumstances lacking ambition
2
Upright: rejoices in the attainment of purpose and freedom from
striving
Inverted: enjoys what is possessed and does not look for more
3
Upright: with ha rmony enjoying true h appi ness in all actions.
Inverted: with sat isf;Ktion satiated and with indolence softened.
Chapter Nine
ll 0-IUDIZIO JUDGEMENl
LE JUGEMFNT El JUICIO
Description
A winged angel emerges from a cloud and sounds a trumpet that bears
a banner with a cross. Awakened by the blast, the dead rise up from
their tombs. In the foreground stand a woman with her arms extended,
a man, and a child, and in the background are similar figures.
General Meaning
Those who heed the higher call reawaken joyfully to their purpose
and act with decisive force to fulfill their destiny, while others who
heed it not undergo harsh judgment and are compelled to submit to
their fate.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Renewal resolves with truth.
Inverted: Decision punishes with severity.
1
Upright: Renewal of purpose reawakened by higher necessity
Inverted: Decision imposed without appeal from a higher authority
2
Upright: resolves conflict and banishes uncertainty in singleness
of vision
Inverted: punishes wrong action and transgression of responsibility
3
Upright: with truth illuminating the way that must be followed.
Inverted: with severity in evaluation and denial of reward.
Chapter Nine
Description
A naked woman dances upon air, her left leg crossed behind her
right knee. In each hand she holds a wand. A bolt of cloth winds
around her body, concealing her groin. She is surrounded by an oval
wreath. Beyond the wreath at the corners of the card, supported on
clouds, the heads of an angel, an eagle, a bull, and a lion appear.
General Meaning
When the work of life is completed, the dance of existence is ful
filled, but if the great work remains unfinished, no passage of time
can close the circle.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Success fulftlls with absoluteness.
Inverted: Delay impedes with stagnation.
1
Upright: Success in completing the great work that is the highest
goal
Inverted: Delay in progress toward the consummation
2
Upright: fulfills the noble purpose and releases the burden of
duty
Inverted: impedes the fmal realization of a higher purpose
3
Upright: with absoluteness attaining the completion of the cycle.
Invertt'd: with stagnation preventing the end of the journey.
ltREMI1A
U;RMITE
chapter ten
Description
A crowned man sits on a throne with a high back that is covered in a
tapestry decorated with images of lions and salamanders holding
their tails in their mouths. In his right, hand he grasps the upright
shaft of a leafy staff. A single living salamander crawls across the dais
that supports the throne.
General Meaning
The man with a generous heart acts on impulse from noble motives,
without thinking of the consequences, but if the generosity is
absent, the impulse to react to perceived wrongs may be cruel and
judgmental.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The impulsive man acts with fierceness.
Inverted: The austere man reacts with forbearance.
1
Upright: The impulsive man careless of consequences
Inverted: The austere man in harsh judgment
2
Upright: acts unhesitatingly from motives generous and noble
Inverted: reacts in response to perceived transgressions
3
Upright: with fierceness hastening to uphold the truth.
Inverted: with forbearance withholding approval until terms
are met.
Chapter Ten
Description
A crowned woman sits in a highbacked throne with her feet firmly
planted and her knees widespread. A lion is carved into each arm of
her seat. In her right hand, she grasps the upright shaft of a leafy
staff, and in her left hand holds the upright stem of a sunflower. A
black cat sits in front of her feet.
General Meaning
The woman takes the initiative and usually gets her own way, and,
since she is kind and generous, she is well liked and respected,
though when opposed her temper shows itself through prideful
obstinacy and a vengeful attitude.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The adaptable woman persists with calmness.
Inverted: The obstinate woman confronts with resentment.
1
Upright: The adaptable woman steady and determined of will
Inverted: The obstinate woman vexed by contradiction and delay
2
Upright: persists undeterred in pursuit of the final objective
Inverted: confronts and attempts to dominate and subdue
3
Upright: with calmness seeking an honorable outcome.
Inverted: with resentment expressing a vengeful temperament.
Chapter Ten
Description
A knight in armor sits astride a horse. The plume of the knight's hel
met resembles a flame. His tunic is decorated with salamanders. In
his right hand, he holds the upright shaft of a leafy wand, and, in his
left, he pulls upon the reins of his mount. Pyramids are visible in the
desert behind him.
General Meaning
The youth enthusiastic for debate and strong in opinion, unless of
honorable character, will choose the wrong side and defend it with
vigor.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The swift youth expresses with forcefulness.
Inverted: The ungenerous youth asserts with violence.
1
Upright: The swift youth strong in opinion and of noble mind
Inverted: The ungenerous youth of intolerant boasts
2
Upright: expresses the true andjust course boldly
Inverted: asserts in haughty assurance a position of prejudice
3
Upright: with forcefulness asserting the necessary action.
Inverted: with violence defending the unworthy cause.
Chapter Ten
SlAVEN SCHILDKNAAP
Description
A man stands regarding the knobbed end of the leafy staff he sup
ports upright in both hands. In the background, hills are visible.
General Meaning
The girl with an ardent but irrational disposition usually prevails due
to her persuasive enthusiasm, but she may be prey to temper tantrums
and, if thwarted, may try to intimidate.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The daring girl/child imposes with boldness.
Inverted: The superficial girl/child intimidates with instability.
1
Upright: The daring girl/child strongly desiring to get her own' way
Inverted: The superficial girl/child in response to imagined
offenses
2
Upright: imposes in the sudden force of enthusiasm
Inverted: intimidates using theatrical threats and lies
3
Upright: with boldness and courage seeking power of authority.
Inverted: with instability of emotions striving to impose control.
Chapter Ten
Description
A crowned man sits on a throne in the midst of the waves of the sea.
In his right hand, he holds a cup, and in his left, a short scepter. The
ornament on his breast is in the shape of a fish. In the background to
the right of the throne, a ship sails the waves, and to the left, a sea
creature leaps.
General Meaning
The man of amiable but passive disposition becomes enthusiastic
only when roused, and may sometimes take the easiest course and
resort to deception n
i order to indulge his sensual appetites.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The amiable man responds with weakness.
Inverted: The sensual man deceives with indolence.
1
Upright: The amiable man easily attracted by excitement
Inverted: The sensual man of shallow character
2
Upright: responds enthusiastically while attention endures
Inverted: deceives to attain fulfillment of immediate desires
3
Upright: with weakness losing interest when the stimulus has
ended.
Inverted: with indolence seeking the easiest path to amusement.
ll7
Chapter Ten
Description
A crowned woman gazes intensely at a chalice she holds. She sits in a
throne at the edge of the sea. The tall back of her throne is in the
shape of a seashell. Beyond the throne, a high sea cliff is visible.
General Meaning
The woman of imagination but little deep feeling does not like to be
too much troubled by the affairs of others, yet many are attracted to
her because she reflects like a mirror what they most wish to see.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The dreaming woman transmits with passivity.
Inverted: The self-absorbed woman attracts with tranquility.
1
Upright: The dreaming woman unaffected by circumstance
Inverted: The self-absorbed woman reflecting in her own image
2
Upright: transmits accurately without being altered
Inverted: attracts by showing others their desires and expectations
3
Upright: with passivity viewing the world as an illusion.
Inverted: with tranquility unmoved by surrounding events.
1l9
Chaptn-Ten
Description
A young man in full armor sits astride a horse, a cup extended n
i his
right hand. In the background, a river runs at the base of rugged
hills.
General Meaning
The youth, calm outwardly but fierce within, pursues his own advan
tage with subtle craft, and may act mercilessly to clear the way for his
ambitions.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The subtle youth conceals with guile.
Inverted: The crafty youth plots with ambition.
1
Upright: The subtle youth gathering impressions for his own ends
Inverted: The crafty youth using his arts to manipulate circum-
stance
2
Upright: conceals the true purpose that gives motivation
Inverted: plots hidden violence to overcome opposition
3
Upright: with guile working to bring about the secret design.
Inverted: with ambition unrestrained by conscience intent solely
on the prize.
Chapter Ten
-=----=�
BUBE DER KELCHE BEKERS SCHILDKNAAP
Description
A young man gazes at a fish emerging from a cup held in his
extended right hand. Beyond the place where he stands roil the
waves of a troubled sea.
General Meaning
The poetic girl of kind and gentle nature possesses infinite grace,
but her sensual and self-absorbed manner may at times lead to self
ishness and a disregard for the feelings of others.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The loving girl/child shares with grace.
Inverted: The selfish girl/child withholds with conceit.
1
Upright: The loving girl/child who dwells in a world of romance
Inverted: The selfish girl/child sustained in the midst of delusion
2
Upright: shares the rapture of a vision of beauty
Inverted: withholds affection unless indulged and admired
3
Upright: with grace sustaining pure love and perfect charity.
Inverted: with conceit indifferent to the needs or desires of others.
Chapter Ten
KING OF SWORDS
REY DE ESPADAS
Description
A crowned man sits with a sword held at a slight angle in his left
hand. His throne is out of doors, and its high back is decorated with
wings. Trees are visible behind the throne.
General Meaning
The man of strong intellect acts impulsively upon his inspiration,
not pausing to reflect on its prudence, and he often succeeds through
the initial rush of his enthusiasm, but when prey to doubt, he may
vacillate and waste his initial force, and then act weakly and without
conviction.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The clever man conceives with spontaneity.
Inverted: The indecisive man vacillates with futility.
1
Upright: The clever man carried forward on the wind of inspiration
Inverted: The indecisive man acting without preparation
2
Upright: conceives the action without reflecting on its conse
quences
Inverted: vacillates between choices unable to pick one or the
other
3
Upright: with spontaneity rushing heedlessly to fulfill the purpose.
Inverted: with futility wasting the force of the initial motivation.
Chapter Ten
Description
A crowned woman with a serious expression sits holding a sword
upright in her right hand. Wings decorate her throne, which is out of
doors. Several trees may be seen behind her.
General Meaning
The woman of outward beauty observes and interprets with grace,
then acts in a balanced way to offer her advice, but if of an unjust
disposition, she uses her attractiveness with sly skill to deceive for
her own advantage.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The watchful woman interprets with accuracy.
Inverted: The sly woman misleads with cruelty.
1
Upright: The watchful woman who perceives with confident skill
Inverted: The sly woman of superficial grace and deceiving
beauty
2
Upright: interprets and weighs the significance of events
Inverted: misleads by presenting the illusion of an honorable
cause
3
Upright: with accuracy and balanced judgment assessing
consequences.
Inverted: with cruelty disappointing the hopes of the faithful.
Chapter Ten
KNIGHT OF SWORDS
CABALLO DE ESPADA$
Description
A knight in full armor rides a terrified horse at full gallop, a naked
sword upraised in his right hand. Birds adorn the equipage of the
horse. Everything is windblown, including the mane of the horse,
the cloak of the knight, and the trees and clouds in the background.
General Meaning
The youth possesses great powers of imagination and reason, but has
little ability to apply his conclusions to practical results, and when
afflicted by a fanatical or obstinate turn of mind, all his energies are
devoted to destructive criticism, and no solutions are offered.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
1
Upright: The intellectual youth filled with airy ideas and opinions
Inverted: The unreliable youth who obstinately disagrees
2
Upright: plans unrestrained by the limits of practical realities
Inverted: hesitates to commit material resources
3
Upright: with abstraction constructing castles in the clouds.
Inverted: with stubbornness exposing flaws but offering no
solution.
Chapter Ten
Description
A youth with a sword held up in both hands strides across the ground.
Clouds fill the sky behind him.
General Meaning
The girl firm of purpose applies the strength of her mind in resource
ful ways to accomplish practical ends, but when preoccupied and
uncertain, she is reduced to confusion and spends her force in petti
ness and cunning.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The stern girl/child manages with practicality.
Inverted: The frivolous girl/child connives with cunning.
1
Upright: The stern girl/child applying the force of reason
Inverted: The frivolous girl/child unworthy of respect
2
Upright: manages the controversial affair to its conclusion
Inverted: connives by any means to achieve the purpose
3
Upright: with practicality overcoming all obstacles to attainment.
Inverted: with cunning of a base nature striving to prevail.
Chapter Ten
Description
A crowned man sits in a massive black throne that is decorated with
four bulls' heads. In his right hand, he holds a scepter with a globe on
its end, and with his left hand, he balances upright on his leg a disk
inscribed with a pentagram. Plants wreath the back of the throne,
beyond which may be seen the towers of a castle.
General Meaning
The man close to the earth labors without imagination, applying
honest effort and perseverance to fulfill his appointed task, but when
he covets with jealousy the attainments of his superiors, his simple
nature is poisoned by greed and malice.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The dull man labors with patience.
Inverted: The avaricious man seizes with jealousy.
1
Upright: The dull man skillful n
i minor material things
Inverted: The avaricious man desiring to possess what he cannot
understand
2
Upright: labors through instinct rather than understanding
Inverted: seizes the opportunity to meddle and cause trouble
3
Upright: with patience working untiringly to accomplish the task.
Inverted: with jealousy preventing the natural fulfillment.
Chapter Ten
Description
A crowned woman sits out of doors, supporting in both hands an
upright disk inscribed with a pentagram. She gazes down at the disk
as though n
i deep meditation. The heads of goats adorn the arms of
her throne, which rests under a leafy canopy. The landscape behind
her is fertile and alive with growth.
General Meaning
The woman of sound instincts and kindly impulses unobtrusively ful
fills her duty with practical skill, but when her good nature is abused
by the demands of an unsympathetic taskmaster, she becomes a dull
witted and servile drudge.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The quiet woman achieves with instinct.
Inverted: The unimaginative woman toils with servility.
1
Upright: The quiet woman filled with affection and greatness of
heart
Inverted: The unimaginative woman lacking a higher purpose
2
Upright: achieves through practical application and hard work
Inverted: toils in dull persistence to fulftll the obligation
3
Upright: with instinct finding the sensible solution.
Inverted: with servility accepting the control of authority.
Chapter Ten
Description
An armored knight sits astride a powerful black horse that stands
motionless. He holds upon his right palm an upright disk inscribed
with a pentagram, as though presenting it. Behind him is a furrowed
field.
General Meaning
The youth manages affairs with practical skill and steady application,
bringing reliable increase in the matter, but when his insensitive
nature is roused to resentment by arrogant criticism, he digs in his
heels and with dull fury offers opposition.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The energetic youth adapts with ingeniousness.
Inverted: The plodding youth resents with anger.
1
Upright: The energetic youth unemotionally applying his skills
Inverted: The plodding youth unreceptive to other opinions
2
Upright: adapts conditions in reliable ways
Inverted: resents the imposition of higher motives
3
Upright: with ingeniousness causing increase in good or evil.
Inverted: with anger implacable opposing contradiction.
147
Chapter Ten
Description
A dark-haired man supports on his fingertips an upright disk
inscribed with a pentagram. He gazes at it with admiration. Trees
are visible in the distance.
General Meaning
The strong girl of earthy beauty conserves her resources with practi
cal skill and distributes them for efficient use, unless her nature is cor
rupted by sensual ease, causing her to become wasteful and careless.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: The benevolent girl/child preserves with diligence.
Inverted: The wasteful girl/child squanders with inconsistence.
1
Upright: The benevolent girl/child practical in her ways
Inverted: The wasteful girl/child extravagant in the spreading of
gifts
2
Upright: preserves the form and substance using careful management
Inverted: squanders imprudently the reserves of value
3
Upright: with diligence conserving the foundation of growth.
Inverted: with inconsistence consuming or discarding according
to whim.
REGINA Dl COPPE QUEEN OF CHAUCES
REINE DE COUPES REINA DE COPAS
chapter eleven
T
he number cards of the four suits of the Tarot concern prac
tical, specific matters, as opposed to the trumps, which deal
with broader issues and affairs of personal evolution, and the court
cards, which involve human beings and personality states. It is often
the practice to treat the number cards as somehow less important
than the trumps or the court cards, but this is an error. All three
groups of cards are necessary for a complete divination.
Chapter Eleven
1
BASTON I WANDS
BATONS BASTOS
-,
STAVEN
Description
A right hand extends from a cloud, grasping the vertical shaft of a
leafy club with a bulbous tip. In the distance, a castle occupies the
crest of a hill.
General Meaning
Creative energy welling up like green sap in springtime may fail to
attain its goal if its initial impulse lacks the momentum to carry it
from inspiration to established design.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Enterprise begins with creativity.
Inverted: Impotence declines with decadence.
1
Upright: Enterprise arising spontaneously as a natural impulse
Inverted: Impotence striving but failing to attain its end
2
Upright: begins the task in a rush of vigor not to be denied
Inverted: declines due to a lack of clarity of purpose
3
Upright: with creativity expressing the urge to bring forth into
manifestation.
Inverted: with decadence descending into futility and spent force.
Chapter Eleven
2
BASTONI WANDS
BATONS BASTOS
STAVEN
Description
A man stands upon a battlement looking out to sea. On his palm he
supports a globe of the world, and in his other hand, he grasps an
upright leafY staff. A similar vertical staff stands fixed to the stones of
the battlement. On the side of one of these stones is a design show
ing a cross in the shape of an X, with two roses occupying the ends
of one arm, and two lilies occupying the ends of the other arm.
General Meaning
Determination to undertake the enterprise with bold disregard for
the potential pitfalls may lead to harshness and unconcern for the
opinions of others.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Dominion assesses with possessiveness.
Inverted: Pride oppresses with authority.
1
Upright: Dominion achieved by forceful action and power of will
Inverted: Pride of possession demanding complete control
2
Upright: assesses attainments critically in unsatisfied ambition
Inverted: oppresses by rigorous and unrealistic expectations
3
Upright: with possessiveness pleased by what is held but seeking
more.
Inverted: with authority over others dictating remorselessly.
Chapter Eleven
3
BASTON I WANDS
BATONS BASTOS
�---.----.
STAVEN
Description
A man viewed from the back stands within a triangle defined by
three staffs that have been thrust into the ground. He gazes down at
the waters of a strait below his lofty vantage while holding onto one
of the staffs for support.
General Meaning
Sustained purpose carries the work smoothly toward its fulfillment,
provided obsession with the attainment of desire does not lead to
the abuse of authority.
1
Tarot Sentences
2 3
Upright: Virtue sustains with constancy.
Inverted: Strength estabishes
l with arrogance.
1
Upright: Virtue inherent in the source of creation
Inverted: Strength available in abundance and freely used
2
Upright: sustains the enterprise through unwavering purpose
Inverted: establishes the purpose in disregard of objections
3
Upright: with constancy working to fulfill the design.
Inverted: with arrogance determined to maintain the present
course.
Chapter Eleven
4
BASTONI WANDS
BATONS BASTOS
Description
A garland of greenery hangs suspended from two of four staffs that
stand upright in pairs, forming a kind of gateway. Between them, in
the distance, two women hold leafy plants in their hands. In the
background is a large manor or castle.
General Meaning
After attainment comes repose, the well-deserved enjoyment of a
purpose that has been fulfilled, but if there are unexpected delays,
the result is worry that preoccupies the mind.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Completion perfects with harmony.
Inverted: Interruption prevents with unreliability.
1
Upright: Completion of orderly labor through sustained effort
Inverted: Interruption and delay in the perfection of the work
2
Upright: perfects the design by determined application
Inverted: prevents its attainment through unequal effort
3
Upright: with harmony giving satisfaction and repose.
Inverted: with unreliability causing continued anxiety and unrest.
Chapur Eleven
BASTONI WANDS
BATONS BASTOS
Description
Five men brandish leafy staffs in a contest of courage or fighting
skill .
General Meaning
A sudden and unfair attack requires a strenuous defense to protect
the fruits of long labor, but the advantage of surprise and a lack of
mercy in the assault will sometimes prevail .
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Strife opposes with strenuousness.
Inverted: Rashness battles with violence.
1
Upright: Strife arising from a conflict of wills
Inverted: Rashness of attack seeking the advantage
2
Upright: opposes the overthrow of purpose by force
Inverted: battles to impose its intention by any means
3
Upright: with strenuousness defending the enterprise fairly.
Inverted: with violence willing to resort to ignoble methods.
Chapter Eleven
6
BASTONI WANDS
BATONS BASTOS
Description
A man mounted on horseback holds up in his left hand a staff sur
mounted by a laurel wreath. Behind the horse, men stand with five
staffs upraised.
General Meaning
To the victor rightly go the spoils of war, and the recognition of an
achievement won through valiant determination of will, but with
fame and public honor may arise a loss of simplicity and the increase
of pridefulness.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
1
Upright: Victory after strife that has been nobly achieved
Inverted: Pride in an undeserved and empty victory
2
Upright: crowns and honors the triumphant purpose
Inverted: increases vanity over imaginary attainments
3
Upright: with reward giving deserved pleasure long delayed.
Inverted: with insolence swelled by flattery and empty fame.
Chapter Eleven
BASTON I
BArONS 7 WANDS
BASTOS
Description
A dark-haired man defends a piece of high ground with a staff. Six
similar staffs are raised to attack him from below, but those who
wield them remain unseen.
General Meaning
Unequal odds in conflict can produce great displays of valor and may
lead to victory for the besieged, provided there is no hesitation or
indecision in the defense.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
1
Upright: Valor in the face of overwhelming odds
Inverted: Pretense seeking unfair advantage through deceit
2
Upright: resists the attack using courage and decisive action
Inverted: quarrels over minor matters of little importance
3
Upright: with advantage of position turning defeat into triumph.
Inverted: with ignorance and lack of confidence failing to prevail.
Chapter Elevm
8
BASTONI WANIJ)
BATONS BAsros
STAVEN
Description
Eight leafy staffs fly through the air as though thrown. In the back
ground flows a river, beyond which a fortification surmounts a hill.
General Meaning
Swift and steady action speeds the attainment of the purpose, but
excessive haste may overshoot the mark and spend its force impru
dently.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Swiftness conveys with lightness.
Inverted: Haste steals with mistrust.
1
Upright: Swiftness applied steadily and with balanced force
Inverted: Haste resulting in unbalanced and spent effort
2
Upright: conveys the n
i tention successfully to its destination
Inverted: steals unfairly what cannot be won by an honest attempt
3
Upright: with lightness overleaping barriers and outpacing slower
rivals.
Inverted: with mistrust arousing hostility and opposition to the
enterprise.
Chapter Eleven
9
BA')-(ll J, WAND!>
aAi(;r�� BASiOS
--
STABE STAVEN
Description
A weary man stands watchfully with a staff held upright in his hands.
Eight similar vertical staffs are arranged in a palisade-the one he
holds appears to have been taken from the gap in this defensive bar
rier directly behind him.
General Meaning
Sustained and powerful strength of will arising from a healthy body
is unshakable, provided it is not divided by stubbornness of action
combined with uncertainty of purpose.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Strength awaits with formidableness.
Inverted: Obstinacy worries with uncertainty.
1
Upright: Strength sustaining the will and supporting the resolve
Inverted: Obstinacy in the absence of good judgment
2
Upright: awaits in calm confidence the coming assault
Inverted: worries the mind with inner doubts and fears
3
Upright: with formidableness prepared to resist against over
whelming odds.
Inverted: with uncertainty diminishing the strength needed to
prevail.
Chapter Eleven
BASJ•:A'll
Bo\T0t IS 10 NAND'>
BASTC1')
STABE STAVI'N
Description
A blond man awkwardly carries in his arms a bundle of ten leafy
staffs. Preoccupied with not dropping any of the staffs, he keeps his
eyes to the ground in front of his feet as he walks toward a distant
castle.
General Meaning
Dealing with many matters at once causes oppression of the spirit
while simultaneously providing the opportunity for great tangible
gain, but the temptation to prevail through dishonest means must be
resisted.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Oppression burdens with heaviness.
Inverted: Revenge strikes with malice.
1
Upright: Oppression caused by obligations that cannot be avoided
Inverted: Revenge oppressing the thoughts relentlessly
2
Upright: burdens the mind by unrelenting toil that has no higher
purpose
Inverted: strikes using the ignoble weapons of slander and lies
3
Upright: with heaviness oppressing the heart until the task has
been accomplished.
Inverted: with malice and cruel intent seeking the unworthy
attainment.
Chapter Eleven
KELCHE BEKERS
Description
A radiant right hand extends from a cloud supporting a gold cup or
chalice on its palm. Streams of water arc out from the cup and
descend to a pond below, where lily pads grow. A white dove with a
sacramental wafer in its beak flies directly downward into the cup.
The wafer is inscribed with a cross.
General Meaning
The waters of life flowing forth in abundance fertilize the world and
bring joy, but in the absence of control an excess of vital energy can
result in mutations that assume unexpected forms.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Contentment fertilizes with joy.
Inverted: Instability mutates with falseness.
1
Upright: Contentment stemming from the flow of vital energy
Inverted: Instability in the control of an excess of germinating
forms
2
Upright: fertilizes that which was barren and causes renewal
Inverted: mutates creative energies into unforeseen and rebellious
expressions
3
Upright: with joy replenishing the wellspring of creative abun
dance.
Inverted: with falseness striving to overthrow the regular order
and bring chaos.
Chapter Eleven
2
COPPf: CHALICES
COUPES COPAS
KELCHE BEKERS
Description
A young man and a young woman pledge their love by exchanging
cups. In the air above the cups floats the caduceus of Hermes, sur
mounted by a winged lion's head. Both the wings and the head of
the lion are red.
General Meaning
Lovers united in adoration fulfill their destiny together, but when
devotion descends to desire, its power is poured out and dissipated in
foolish acts.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Love attracts with empathy.
Inverted: Dissipation squanders with foolishness.
1
Upright: Love that is a true expression of the soul
Inverted: Dissipation of affection on unworthy objects
2
Upright: attracts so that it may be completed and fulfilled
Inverted: squanders power in futile expressions of desire
3
Upright: with empathy uniting in mutual harmony andjoy.
Inverted: with foolishness wasting the higher on the lower.
Chapter Eleven
3
COPPE CHALICES
COUPES COPAS
KELCHE BEKERS
Description
Three young women dance together in a harvest garden, each ele
vating a cup in her hand. One of the women wears green leaves
entwined in her hair.
General Meaning
It is good to rejoice in the fulfillment of an abundant harvest, but
overindulgence reduces happiness to mere satisfaction, and trans
forms enjoyment into satiety.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Abundance fulfills with perfection.
Inverted: Sensuality satisfies with pleasure.
1
Upright: Abundance in the realization of the bounty of good
fortune
Inverted: Sensuality in the n
i dulgence of the appetites
2
Upright: fulfills all needs and gives rise to celebration
Inverted: satisfies the lower but leaves the higher incomplete
3
Upright: with perfection of circumstances causing true joy.
Inverted: with pleasure pandering to the impulses of the flesh.
Chapter Eleven
COPPE
COUPES 4 CHAlll.F.S
COPAS
KELCHE
Description
A dark-haired youth sits beneath a tree. Three cups stand upright on
the ground before him. He contemplates them with sullen indiffer
ence, ignoring a fourth cup held in a hand that issues from a small
cloud.
General Meaning
Pleasure can lead to indifference, and when the attempt is made to
overcome indifference with more pleasure, the result is aversion and
disgust.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
1
Upright: Luxury enjoyed too long blunts the senses
Inverted: Excess provoking revulsion of the senses
2
Upright: wearies the imagination by repeated dissatisfactions
Inverted: vexes until what was formerly sought is rejected
3
Upright: with discontent forcing the abandonment of indulgence.
Inverted: with aversion purging and ending desire.
Chapter Eleven
CHALICES
5
COPPE
COUPES COPAS
KELCHE BEKERS
Description
A dark-haired figure wearing a long black cloak stares down at three
cups that lie on their sides on the ground, their contents spilled out.
Behind him, two cups stand upright. In the background, a bridge
leads across a river to a fortified keep.
General Meaning
At the expectation of pleasure, disappointment, which may have as
its cause the betrayal of trust.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Disappointment frustrates with bitterness.
Inverted: Trouble betrays with ingratitude.
1
Upright: Disappointment of the firm expectation of happiness
Inverted: Trouble arising from trust ill-requited
2
Upright: frustrates more keenly due to its surprise
Inverted: betrays the hope of lasting benefit
3
Upright: with bitterness over failure lingering in the heart.
Inverted: with ingratitude destroying the expectation of gain.
Chapter Eleven
6
COPPE CHAliCE�
l.OUPES COPftS
Description
A boy in a red hood presents a cup containing a white flower to a
younger girl. Both are warmly dressed. Behind the boy on a stone
block bearing the emblem of a shield with a cross rests another cup
of flowers, and four more cups containing flowers are arranged in a
row across the base of the design.
General Meaning
The beginning of a time of steady increase in pleasure born of con
tented reflection carries with it the danger of complacence and self
satisfaction.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
1
Upright: Pleasure beginning in the quiet awareness of merit
, Inverted: Presumption arising from self-satisfaction
�
Upright: renews a period of deserved contentment
Inverted: contends against those that would destroy the illusion
3
Upright: with reflection enjoying the fruits of past effort.
Inverted: with vanity seeking to preserve the image of perfection.
Chapter Eleven
KELCHE BEKERS
Description
A man stands gazing in wonder at a vision of seven cups that float
upon a cloud. The cups variously contain the head of a boy, a veiled
specter, a serpent, a castle, jewels, a laurel crown, and a reptilian mon
ster with a barbed tongue.
General Meaning
Castles in the clouds tantalize with grandiose promises of wealth,
love, fame, and power, but futile attempts to realize in the material
world the unattainable visions of the imagination may provoke sen
sual excess and folly.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Promise disappoints with unfulfillment.
Inverted: Illusion deceives with dissipation.
1
Upright: Promise of attainment in the absence of realistic means
Inverted: Illusion arising from the false promises and flatteries of
others
2
Upright: disappoints by false hopes and empty plans
Inverted: deceives into extravagant and foolish excesses
3
Upright: with unfulfillment the consequence of vain expectation.
Inverted: with dissipation tempting to self-destructive acts.
IH�
Chapter Eleven
8 !·iALICES
corrE ·
COUPES COPJ\5
KHCHE BEKERS
Description
Three cups are stacked upon a row of five cups in the foreground. A
man with a staff walks away from the cups, his back to them.
General Meaning
The recognition that success is an illusion leads to a careless disre
gard for affairs, and may even cause sadness of heart and the rejec
tion of what has been attained.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
1
Upright: Indolence arising from a lack of enthusiasm for success
Inverted: Misery of depression due to emptiness of heart
2
Upright: declines to maintain a continuing interest in the outcome
Inverted: abandons duties as matters of trivial concern
3
Upright: with inconsequence expressing careless disregard.
Inverted: with indifference rejecting what was formerly prized.
Chapt� Eleven
9
COPPl CHAliCES
COUPf� COPAS
,...--
KELCHE
Description
A fat merchant sits upon a bench. Behind him on a high, curved
counter are nine cups arranged in a line.
General Meaning
Worldly success carries with it many advantages, but a preoccupation
with materialism obscures the importance of intangible pleasures.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Happiness succeeds with advantage.
Inverted: Materialism inflates with conceit.
1
Upright: Happiness attaining its highest sensual perfection
Inverted: Materialism giving satisfaction of the worldly condition
2
Upright: succeeds in its effort to spread concord and well-being
Inverted: inflates the ego by self-admiration and displays of
acquisition
3
Upright: with advantage fulfllling the wish and attaining success.
Inverted: with conceit mistaking possession for attainment.
Chapter Eleven
COPPE
COUPES 10
KELCHE BfKfRS
Description
A man and woman stand together gazing in wonder at a rainbow that
contains ten cups. Beside the couple, two children dance for joy. In
the distance beneath the rainbow is a house sheltered by trees.
General Meaning
Perfect success has been achieved in all endeavors and desires con
cerning the material side of happiness, such as family, home, and
career, yet this perfection carries hidden within it the seeds of emo
tional discontent and material excess.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
1
Upright: Satiety of feeling in all material desires
Inverted: Debauchery arising from the dissatisfaction with satiety
2
Upright: placates the urge for additional pleasures
Inverted: wastes value in a vain effort to arouse the senses
3
Upright: with consummation of contentment dulling the senses.
Inverted: with extravagance seeking to reawaken happiness.
Chapter Eleven
SPADE
EPEES 1 SWORDS
ESPADAS
SCHWERTER ZWAARDEN
Description
A right hand emerges from a cloud grasping the hilt of an upright
sword. Around the tip of the sword is a gold crown that is draped
with boughs of palm and olive. Mountains line the low horizon.
General Meaning
When power is invoked from the source of spiritual strength, it can
be used for justice and truth, but when it is invoked from the dark
ness of the soul, it will accomplish only works of pain and sorrow.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Wisdom triumphs with forcefulness.
Inverted: Conquest precipitates with disaster.
1
Upright: Wisdom in the use of invoked power
Inverted: Conquest using anger in the absence of justice
2
Upright: triumphs over disorganized enemies
Inverted: precipitates ever more numerous difficulties
3
Upright: with forcefulness achieving a just and due victory.
Inverted: with disaster overthrowing the gains that have been
made.
Chapter Eltvtn
2
!:>PADt SWORDS
EPEES ESPADAS
------.
((
SCHWERTER ZWAARDEN
Description
Seated in front of the sea at low tide, a blindfolded woman holds two
large swords so that the blades of the swords extend up diagonally
past her shoulders to form a V. The crescent of the moon shines
down upon the reef-filled ocean strait behind her.
General Meaning
The offer of peace is a precarious balance, either received with honor
and leading to harmony, or seized upon as an instrument of advan
tage and leading to increased conflict.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Peace balances with equality.
Inverted: Affront resumes with insensitivity.
1
Upright: Peace regained after a time of conflict
Inverted: Affront given carelessly without intent to harm
2
Upright: balances opposites in unselfish accord
Inverted: resumes when pardoned and repeats the injury
3
Upright: with equality sacrificing advantage for truth.
Inverted: with insensitivity failing to respect the peace.
Chapter Eleven
3
SPADE SWORDS
EPEES fSPAOAS
SCHWERTER ZWAARDEN
Description
Three straight swords pierce a large, red heart, their points crossing
through its center, against a background of gray clouds streaming
rain.
General Meaning
A heart divided from the object of its affections knows sorrow and
breeds discord and mischief within its darkness.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
1
Upright: Sorrow arising out of forced separation
Inverted: Discord caused by unhappy circumstances
2
Upright: divides the affections and prevents fulfillment
Inverted: interrupts the tranquility it cannot possess
3
Upright: with distance increasing suffering due to loss.
Inverted: with mischief transforming concord into discontent.
Chapter Eleven
4
SPADE SWORDS
EPEES ESPADAS
SCHWERTER ZWAARDEN
Description
A knight lies with his hands joined upon his breast in prayer. On the
wall behind is a stained-glass window depicting a youthful figure
kneeling before a woman, with a castle in the background. Three
swords hang beside the window with points downward, and a fourth
lies on its side.
General Meaning
Rest from strife in time of war, when guarded with care, provides an
opportunity for wounds to heal and strength to return.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
1
Upright: Truce sincerely offered giving rest from sorrow
Inverted: Convalescence gained at the price of appeasement
2
Upright: maintains itself by the honorable agreement of both
sides
Inverted: heals and regenerates available resources
3
Upright: with vigilance allowing recovery from conflict.
Inverted: with time enabling resumption of the battle.
Chapter Eleven
SCHWERTER ZWAARDEN
Description
A man gathers up three swords in his hands. Two more lie on the
ground at his feet. He sneers in derision at two men who walk away
from him toward a body of water. Clouds blow across the sky.
General Meaning
Dishonor arising from surrender causes suffering, which may be
worsened by the spiteful treachery and lies of the enemy.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Defeat dishonors with pain.
Inverted: Spitefulness slanders with untruth.
1
Upright: Defeat that results from the surrender of resistance
Inverted: Spitefulness toward the vanquished foe
2
Upright: dishonors by failure to persevere to the end
Inverted: slanders by malicious and misleading words
3
Upright: with pain troubling the mind and depriving it of rest.
Inverted: with untruth seeking to increase suffering.
Chapter Eleven
6
SPADE SWORDS
EPEES ESPADAS
SCHWERTER ZWAARDEN
Description
A ferryman poles his boat across a river, carrying a woman to the far
shore. The woman is cloaked and sits with a dejected posture. Six
naked swords stand in the craft with their points downward. The sky
is a lowering gray.
General Meaning
Safe passage is attained after much trial and effort, but delays may
cause worry before the fulfillment of purpose.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
1
Upright: Attainment of a dynamic balance of thoughts and
desires
Inverted: Trouble that disturbs the balance of the mind
2
Upright: achieves a well-earned success on the journey
Inverted: delays the progress of personal evolution
3
Upright: with labor and patience maintaining the gains that have
been won.
Inverted: with anxiety caused by the need to pause and reconsider
the way.
.ZCI.1
Chapter Eleven
7 )W(.JP.[):,
':f'AJf'
:·PEES ESP.A.DN,
ZWAARDEN
Description
A crafty man sneaks away with five swords in his hands. Two more
swords stand point downward in the ground. In the distance may be
seen the tents of a military encampment.
General Meaning
On the eve of victory, the battle is forfeited due to unstable effort,
leading to a sense of futility and recrimination, and inviting the
insults of untrustworthy allies.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Futility annoys with conflict.
Inverted: Instability betrays with insult.
1
Upright: Futility arising from a sense that defeat is inevitable
Inverted: Instability of effort when determination is most needed
2
Upright: annoys and exhausts the strength through doubts
Inverted: betrays the trust that was relied upon
3
Upright: with conflict of the mind weakening the will to perse
vere.
Inverted: with insult and falsehood withdrawing support.
Chapter Eleven
8
SPADE SWORDS
EPEES ESPADAS
SCHWERTER ZWAARDEN
Description
A woman stands bound and blindfolded, surrounded by eight naked
swords, their points stuck into the ground.
General Meaning
Distraction of the mind by countless minor concerns temporarily
weakens the ability to act on larger principles, and if allowed to con
tinue unaddressed, results in small-mindedness and enslavement to
petty details.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Interference binds with briefness.
Inverted: Restriction narrows with smallness.
1
Upright: Interference in an important matter by countless minor
concerns
Inverted: Restriction of the attention to endless petty tasks
2
Upright: binds the attention to trivial details
Inverted: narrows the imagination and causes resentment
3
Upright: with briefness temporarily distracting from the main
issue.
Inverted: with smallness incapacitating the noble impulse.
.lU7
Chapter Eleven
9
SPADE SWORDS
EPEES ESPADAS
SCHWERTER ZWAARDEN
Description
In the dark of night, a woman sits up in her bed, weeping, face
buried in her hands. Nine swords float in the air behind her.
General Meaning
Mental cruelty deliberately applied with malice to the defenseless
produces agonizing sorrow, yet even when it cannot be directly
opposed it may be resisted by patient endurance and inner courage.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Cruelty miscarries with despair.
Inverted: Patience endures with obedience.
1
Upright: Cruelty of the mind imposed on the defenseless
Inverted: Patience during suffering that cannot be opposed
2
Upright: miscarries through excess and lack of discernment
Inverted: endures silent and determined in expectation of th e�
3
Upright: with despair aborting the reward for dominance.
Inverted: with obedience of action but resistance of faith.
Chapter Eleven
10
SPADE SWORDS
EPEES ESPADAS
SCHWERTER ZWAARDEN
Description
A man lies pierced by ten swords that stand upright in a line from his
neck to his thigh. Black storm clouds threaten overhead.
General Meaning
The utter ruin of plans and projects, which fail in their execution due
to lack of intrinsic merit, yet sometimes the failure is aided by the
disruptive slanders and lies of a malicious individual.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Ruin afllicts with fatality.
Inverted: Disruption overthrows with misdirection.
1
Upright: Ruin caused by a fatal flaw in the plan
Inverted: Disruption of the enterprise by malice
2
Upright: afflicts through sorrow and doubt the determination
Inverted: overthrows the chance for success
3
Upright: with fatality of result inhibiting a future attempt.
Inverted: with misdirection causing confusion and failure.
Chapter Eleven
DE NAP. I PENlt>Cif S
Dl.NIHIS OROS
MUNTF.N
Description
A golden disk inscribed with a pentagram is supported by a right
hand issuing from a cloud. Beyond may be seen a garden of lilies
protected by a rose hedge. A path leads across the garden through an
open archway in the hedge.
General Meaning
Material well-being is a blessing when it fulfills true need, but an
excess of matter becomes a burden leading to imbalance and
unhappiness.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Health abides with steadiness.
Inverted: Possession disappoints with awkwardness.
1
Upright: Health physical and fiScal continuing strong
Inverted: Possession in excess of what can be well employed
2
Upright: abides and meets all requirements as they arise
Inverted: disappoints the expectation of contentment
3
Upright: with steadiness providing unfailing prosperity.
Inverted: with awkwardness and imbalance causing discomfort.
lU
Chapter Eleven
2
DLN/,YI PENTAClES
)I: t--i ll��· •'.'?OS
MUNZE:N
Description
A young man in a tall, phallic, red hat dances as he balances a penta
gram in each hand. The disks are connected by a band in the shape
of the lemniscate.
General Meaning
The never-ending cycle of harmonious change brings pleasure and
reward, but inevitably what is given is taken away, since nothing
endures forever.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Change rewards with increase.
Inverted: Alternative troubles with instability.
1
Upright: Change of a helpful kind improving the outlook
Inverted: Alternative causing a downturn of circumstance
2
Upright: rewards enthusiasm by giving a cause for celebration
Inverted: troubles through uncertainty over the correct action
3
Upright: with increase making conditions more agreeable.
Inverted: with instability transforming gain into loss.
Chapter Eleven
MliNZfN MUNif�-J
Description
A stone mason stands working at his craft in the vault of a cathedral.
In the arch above him are three pentacles arranged in a triangle. Two
men of the church stand watching.
General Meaning
When construction is well begun, a builder equal to the task per
forms with admirable skill, but if demands of work exceed ability,
the unsatisfactory result discredits the reputation of the maker.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Work proceeds with dedication.
Inverted: Delay inhibits with impracticality.
1
Upright: Work well considered and begun with skill and energy
Inverted: Delay caused by the need to reassess the procedure
2
Upright: proceeds smoothly to a satisfactory completion
Inverted: inhibits the undertaking through error and uncertainty
3
Upright: with dedication rewarded by honors and increase.
Inverted: with impracticality spoiling the quality of the result.
Chapter Eleven
DENARI
DEt--JIER�.
MUNZEN MUNTEN
Description
A heavyset man in a golden crown sits hugging a pentacle to his
breast between his arms. Another pentacle is balanced atop his
crown, and two more lie flat beneath his feet. A town is visible behind
him.
General Meaning
Earthly power and wealth once attained must be jealously defended,
leading to suspicion and unease in the protection of the existing con
dition, with no chance to enlarge the holding.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Power cleaves with greed.
Inverted: Reputation covets with discontent.
1
Upright: Power having attained the seat of authority
Inverted: Reputation of past glory incapable of new achievement
2
Upright: cleaves to its present gains through constant vigilance
Inverted: covets and defends from attack the accumulated holdings
3
Upright: with greed enjoying what is already held.
Inverted: with discontent struggling to keep what is slipping away.
Chapter Eleven
5
DENARI PENTACLES
[)f.NIF.RS CROS
MUNZEN Ml lNff.l,!
Description
A beggar on crutches hobbles through the snow past a stained-glass
window. Beside him walks a woman. Neither notice the window,
which bears five pentacles.
General Meaning
Anxiety of mind over a threatening loss of income or position is a
burden, but heavier still is the affliction of poverty when such wor
ries are fulfilled.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Worry troubles with difficulty.
Inverted: Loss afflicts with deprivation.
1
Upright: Worry over a lack of money to meet necessities
Inverted: Loss of income leading to severe financial problems
2
Upright: troubles the heart and strains the mind to breaking
Inverted: afflicts the well-ordered plan and casts it into chaos
3
Upright: with difficulty stealing away the happiness of life.
Inverted: with deprivation bringing collapse and despair.
l.l l
Chapter Eleven
6
DENARI PENTACL:S
DENIERS OROS
--
@ @
@
@
MUNZEN MUNTEN
Description
Two beggars kneel before a merchant who holds a set of scales n
i his
hand. The merchant drops four coins into the waiting palms of one
beggar, but the other receives nothing. In the sky, six golden penta
cles define the shape of tipped scales.
General Meaning
Prosperity enables the judicious distribution of wealth to the poor,
according to need, but charity must never be withheld from those
without influence or favor.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Success distributes with partiality.
Inverted: Influence withholds with unfairness.
1
Upright: Success in worldly life having acquired wealth
Inverted: Influence leading to the attainment of power over others
2
Upright: distributes liberally using discrimination
Inverted: withholds or grants favor according to whim
3
Upright: with partiality giving or withholding according to need.
Inverted: with unfairness denying aid where there is no advantage.
lH
Chapter Eleven
MUNTEI'l
Description
A young farmer leans on his stick and gazes at seven pentacles that
have grow upon a J,eafy plant. Some of the leaves of the plant are
browned, as though by blight, and the expression on the man's face
is one of intense scrutiny.
General Meaning
The bright promise of success, when unfulfilled, shatters hope for
future prosperity and may necessitate a period of hard toil for little
gain.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Failure disappoints with sorrow.
Inverted: Servitude torments with necessity.
1
Upright: Failure of an enterprise promising greater prosperity
Inverted: Servitude arising from the blight of future hopes
2
Upright: disappoints the expectation of a rich harvest
Inverted: torments by the loss of what was not yet gained
3
Upright: with sorrow compelling acceptance of the loss.
Inverted: with necessity bringing fruitless toil and suffering.
l25
Chapter Eleven
8 PENTACLES
OROS
Description
A mason seated at a wooden bench carves a pentagram into a disk.
Five finished pentacles of similar design are hung up before him, and
two more may be seen by his feet.
General Meaning
It is good to exercise care and economy in the gathering of resources,
bur too much concern over saving trifles leads to a lack of enterprise
) and petty thinking.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Prudence prepares with skill.
Inverted: Avarice hoards with pettiness.
1
Upright: Prudence in using goodjudgment to manage resources
Inverted: Avarice concerning the acquisition of small profit
2
Upright: prepares the ground for the work that will follow
Inverted: hoards what might be employed to better effect
3
Upright: with skill achieving great results through limited means.
Inverted: with pettiness saving the lesser at the expense of the
greater.
Chapter Eleven
P · r I rACl E:.S
9
Dri-'.A P.I
DEl'!If R�· OROS
MUNZEN MUNTEN
Description
A noblewoman with a hooded falcon perched on her gloved hand
stands in a vineyard amid ripe clusters of purple grapes. Six pentacles
are stacked beneath her other hand, and three more pentacles are
grouped behind her. A snail crawls across the ground at her feet. She
wears an expression of tranquil ease. Behind her are two large trees
and a manor house.
General Meaning
Profit resulting from good fortune or the skillful management of
material affairs may be enjoyed openly and with pleasure, whereas
wealth that is obtained through knavery or theft must be concealed
and seldom brings lasting delight.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Gain enjoys with possessiveness.
Inverted: Theft acquires with covetousness.
1
Upright: Gain in material matters resulting in prosperity
Inverted: Theft of value by dishonorable methods
2
Upright: enjoys the blessings of fortune to the full
Inverted: acquires what cannot be openly displayed
3
Upright: with possessiveness delighting in the use of wealth.
Inverted: with covetousness concealing the source of increase.
1.29
Chapter Eleven
10
DEI'JAPI PENrAOE:,
DEf'.IIFR) 0R0S
MUNTEN
Description
Two dogs fawn at the feet of an elderly man with gray hair and a
gray beard, who sits cloaked in rich robes. Beyond him, framed in a
stone archway, a young man and woman talk. A child at the feet of
the woman touches one of the dogs. Through the opening of the
arch appears a tower. Ten pentacles seem to fall through the air like
snowflakes.
General Meaning
When the summit of ambition in material affairs has been achieved,
it brings fulfillment and peace, yet the continuing absence of chal
lenge may cause dullness and a sense of futility.
Tarot Sentences
1 2 3
Upright: Wealth fulfills with completeness.
Inverted: Materialism hardens with stagnation.
1
Upright: Wealth resulting from the fmal achievement of the goal
Inverted: Materialism preoccupying the attention with present
concerns
2
Upright: fulfills the long-held ambition in every respect
Inverted: hardens opinion and resists innovation
3
Upright: with completeness satisfying all material needs.
Inverted: with stagnation reaching the end.
38VlS
SNOlVa
INOls
va
appendix one
Trumps
Card 1 2 3
Fool Spirituality progresses with impracticality.
Inverted Ignorance wanders with danger.
Card 1 2 3
Tower Vanity collapses with adversity.
Inverted Scheming fails with oppression.
Court Cards
Card 1 2 3
K. of Wands The impulsive man acts with fierceness.
Inverted The austere man reacts with forbearance.
Card 1 2 3
K. of Swords The clever man conceives with spontaneity.
Inverted The indecisive man vacillates with futility.
Number Cards
Card 1 2 3
1 of Wands Enterprise begins with creativity.
Inverted Impotence declines with decadence.
Card 1 2 3
s of Wands Swiftness conveys with lightness.
Inverted Haste steals with mistrust.
Card 1 2 3
4 of Swords Truce maintains with vigilance.
Inverted Convalescence heals with time.
Card 1 2 3
9 of Pentacles Gain enjoys with possessiveness.
Inverted Theft acquires with covetousness.
MUNZEN MUNTEN
appendl� two
Arcana: One of the plural forms of the Latin word arcanum, which
means "secret" or "mystery," used to refer to the Tarot cards. A
variant form of the word arcanum is "arcane," which is also applied
to the Tarot. A single card is sometimes known as an '1\rcanum"
or '1\rcane," and a number of cards is sometimes collectively called
'1\rcana" or '1\rcanes." See Major Arcana; Minor Arcana.
241
Appendix Two
Lesser Arcana: The fifty-six suit cards of the Tarot. The Lesser
Arcana may be divided into four suits, each containing fourteen
cards. The suits are generally called Wands, Cups, Swords, and
Pentacles. The Minor Arcana may also be divided in a different
manner into two groups, the sixteen court cards and the forty
number cards.
Cut: Division of the deck into two or more piles, which are placed
back together in a different order to insure that the cards are ran
domized. It is traditional for the person asking the question to
cut the cards before the diviner deals them into the layout. This
is usually done by separating the deck into three piles to the left
using the left hand, then restacking the deck by placing the for
mer bottom pile onto the middle pile, and these two onto the
former top pile, also using the left hand.
rtt
Ele. ents: The four basic principles recognized by European
/p hilosophers as the building blocks of the universe, from the time
of the ancient Greeks until the dawn of modern science. The ele
ments were termed Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. These material
substances are not the elements themselves, but express and
exemplify in physical form the prevalent quality of each element.
Lesser Arcana: The fifty-six suit cards of the Tarot. The Lesser
Arcana may be divided into four suits, each containing fourteen
cards. The suits are generally called Wands, Cups, Swords, and
Pentacles. The Minor Arcana may also be divided in a different
manner into two groups, the sixteen court cards and the forty
number cards.
A 11 of the books in this brief reading list are works that I have
...c-. studied and relied upon for years, so I am able to recommend
them with complete confidence. They share one feature in common:
they are part of the mainstream of the Western esoteric tradition. I
have avoided mentioning books that teach Tarot systems that are in
conflict with this central current of the Tarot, although many such
works exist.
247
Appendix Three
the Tarot cards and the methods of Tarot divination should first learn
the basics of this central current, which might aptly be termed the
Golden Dawn Tarot current, before becoming distracted by less impor
tant systems.
The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages by Paul Foster Case (first
edition 1927; revised edition 1947).
After reading A. E. Waite's Pictorial Key to the Tarot, it is worthwhile
to study Case's book on the twenty-two Tarot trumps (Case did not
include the Lesser Arcana in his own Tarot). The Case Tarot is
closely based on the trumps of the Rider-Waite Tarot, and Case's
detailed analysis of the meanings for the trumps may be applied to
Waite's cards. Indeed, the first edition of this work used the Rider
Waite trumps as its Tarot images. Case draws together the symbol
ism of the Rider-Waite trumps and the esoteric system of the Her
metic Order of the Golden Dawn. This book provides insight into
Golden Dawn Tarot attributions without being too difficult to under
stand for the beginner.
741l
Suggested Reading
The New Golden Dawn Ritual Tarot by Chic Cicero and Sandra Tabatha
Cicero (1991).
the Tarot cards and the methods of Tarot divination should first learn
the basics of this central current, which might aptly be termed the
Golden Dawn Tarot current, before becoming distracted by less impor
tant systems.
The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages by Paul Foster Case (first
edition 1927; revised edition 1947).
?.dll
Suggested Reading
The New Golden Dawn Ritual Tarot by Chic Cicero and Sandra Tabatha
Cicero (1991).
224-225, 239
3 of Cups, 176-177, 237
7 of Swords, 45-46, 65-66, 204-205,
3 of Pentacles, 216-217, 238
238
3 of Swords, 45, 196-197, 238
7 of Wands, 164-165, 237
3 of Wands, 156-157, 237
8 of Cups, 55-56, 186-187, 237
4 of Cups, 178-179, 237
8 of Pentacles, 49-50, 226-227, 239
4 of Pentacles, 218-219, 238
8 of Swords, 206-207, 238
4 of Swords, 198-199, 238
8 of Wands, 63-65, 166-167, 237
4 of Wands, 57-59, 158-159, 237
9 of Cups, 188-189, 238
5 of Cups, 35-36, 180-181, 237
9 of Pentacles, 228-229, 239
5 of Pentacles, 220-221, 238
Note: Bold page numbers indicate entries specifically about the card.
Cards 5 of Swords, 29-30, 55-57, 20o-201,
238
3 of Swords, 45, 19�197, 238
7 of Wands, 164-165, 237
3 of Wands, 15�157, 237
8 of Cups, 55-56, 18�187, 237
4 of Cups, 178-179, 237
8 of Pentacles, 49-50, 22�227, 239
4 of Pentacles, 218-219, 238
Note: Bold page numbers indicate l'lllrks specifically about the card.
Index
Knight of Swords, 138-139, 236 XXI World, 10, 44, 5 1 , l14-l15, 235
cutting the deck, 15-16, 18, 242 layout, 6-7,13-14, 24-25, 242-244
lemniscate, 243
D
Lesser Arcana, 10, 243
Daggers, 244
Levi, Eliphas, 247
Diamonds, 244
dignities, 7, 242 M
E N
236-239
Four-Elements Layout, 61-63, 65, 67,
69 0
ination
inversions, 7, 243 reversals. See inversions
Kings, 8-9 s
2S3
Index
Smith, Pamela Colman, 245 rurning the cards, 16, 18, 50, 245.
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