Tarot Meditation 13: The Hanged Man, Key 12

One of the most esoteric keys in the Major Arcana, The Hanged Man represents prophetic powers, but suspended decisions, which later can lead to the transformation of our personality.

The Hanged Man is suspended upside down from living wood in the form of a t-cross. The position of his body forms an inverted triangle, which we see right-side up on Key 21, The World. His tied foot reminds us that we are earth-bound and have not yet attained the freedom found in Key 21. Once again, Tarot urges us to seek balance in our lives.

The numerology of The Hanged Man is significant, in that Key 12 resonates to 3, which, of course, are the numbers in the sides of a triangle. Again, we see the balance of mind-body-spirit, maiden-mother-crone, son-father-holy ghost. Twelve also is significant in terms of the houses of the Zodiac, the tribes of Israel, the steps to recovery..... and many, many more!

The symbol of Key 12, the cross over the triangle, is the alchemist's code for transmutation of base metal into gold. Here the symbol speaks to us of the process through which we must go in order to transform our personality and our spiritual being.

The Hanged Man tells us that, if we are to become The World, we must face the challenges before us, honor our path, and find balance in our lives.

Be blessed,

Deb

Tarot Meditation 12: Justice, Key 11

Apologies for this entry being late - my journey to the Rosebud Reservation both filled and drained me!

Key 11, Justice, is a powerful force in the Major Arcana. As with so many other keys in the deck, she is all about balance - negative and positive, male and female, light and dark. The pillars seen in the Hierophant and High Priestess keys reappear in Justice key, again reinforcing that notion of balance.

In her right hand she raises the double-edged sword of defense, indicating victory and the cutting away of falsehood. In her left hand she holds the golden scales of balance and fairness.

The three points in Justice's crown added to the four sides of the jewel on her breast add to the mystical number seven, the number of Venus and love. All true justice comes from love. She wears the red robe of action, indicating that justice must always prevail.

As The Fool travels along the path toward enlightenment, Justice acts as a reminder that The Fool has reached a place of beginning power - the sword of justice embues The Fool with the gift to discern right from wrong.

The Justice key reminds us that fairness, kindness, balance, harmony and love need to be the guiding forces in our lives.

Be blessed,

Deb

Tarot Meditation 11: The Wheel of Fortune, Key 10

The Wheel of Fortune Key is one of the reasons I so love Tarot! Fraught with symbols from several world beliefs, this Key tells us that the Universe is always in motion and is always watching over us and guiding us, if we just pay attention!

The wheel in the center of the key has three concentric circles. The inner circle is our creative force, the middle circle represents our formative power, and the outside circle represents the outside world (these symbols also appear in The Hierophant's crown). In the center of the inner circle rests an eight-spoke wheel, representing universal radiant energy. Between the middle and outer circle are the letters T A R O T in both English and Hebrew.

On the left of The Wheel is the Egyptian god Typhon, represented here by the serpent. He represents life-force descending into manifestation. This is the same life-force being drawn down by The Magician in Key 1. On the right of The Wheel is the Egyptian god Hermes-Anubis, the jackal-headed god representing intellligence always aspiring to ascend. At the top of The Wheel sits the Sphinx, representing wisdom and equilibrium. The Sphinx denotes that we are not governed by fate, but always have the power to change our lives. Among the serpent, the jackal and the Sphinx, the wheel is turned from darkness to light, from night to day, from evil to good, from negative to positive.

Symbols of the fixed signs of the zodiac rest in the four corners of the Key. The angel/man represents Aquarius, the eagle represents Scorpio, the lion represents Leo and the bull, Taurus. Together, the numerological symbols of these four add up to 26, the number of Jehovah, IHVH, in Hebraic thought.

The Wheel of Fortune Key symbolizes the notion that we are all a part of a universal, constantly unfolding plan. There is orderliness and fluidity in the workings of the universe and in our lives. We always have choice. Those who study this Key also should learn about mandalas and labyrinths as tools for growth. Finally, The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that whatever we send forth always comes back to us!

Be blessed,

Deb