Tarot Meditation 27: Five of Wands

In all four suits of the Minor Arcana, five represents some kind of struggle. In the Five of Wands, the struggle relates to work issues. While there is prosperity in the end, the battle to get there can be difficult. Do you know the Buddhist concept of "pushing the river"? The idea is that we sometimes make life more difficult than it has to be, and we forget that there is a rhythm and a flow to life, if we would but trust.

In its reversed position, the Five of Wands cautions us to be generous, and to remember that there is always victory if we follow the path the enlightenment kindly, gently.

Be blessed,

Deb

Tarot Meditation 26: Four of Wands

This key reminds me of the Jewish marriage tradition in which the ceremony is performed under a canopy. Indeed, the Four of Wands can symbolize an upcoming marriage. It also represents new beginnings, a time to rest after hard work, peace and prosperity.

The Four of Wands is one of those Tarot keys in which the reversed position is not opposite the upright position, but rather is a degree of change in the key. Reversed, the Four of Wands means the same as upright, but with the blessings coming at a lesser degree.

This key also represents, for me, a person who has found joy within him/herself in terms of the work being done. To find harmony within oneself is a great gift.

Be blessed,

Deb

Tarot Meditation 25: Three of Wands

Three of Wands completes what Two of Wands began - the figure also gazes out to sea, but this time in knowledge that goals are indeed attainable. Where Two of Wands calls for us to find balance, Three of Wands calls us to become more - a trinity of mind-body-spirit, father-son-holy ghost, maiden-mother-crone.

This Key denotes power and hope, but with a caution - when reversed - to be aware of pride and arrogance. There also is a warning for us to learn to be self-aware of who we really are and not to be dependent on others' views of us.

Be blessed,

Deb

Tarot Meditation 24: Two of Wands

Once again, Tarot strives to teach us balance. In this key, a young man gazes out across the battlements of his castle to distant lands. In his left (feminine) hand he holds a flowering wand, signifying that growth and learning come from intuition. In his right (masculine) hand he holds a globe, telling us that all the world is ours, if we but ask. The second wand is stabilized by an iron ring, suggesting that, as we dream, we almost must be grounded in reality.

The battlements are adorned with red roses of desire and white lilies of purity, forming a equal-armed cross. Again comes the call for balance in our lives.

Most interpretations of this Key suggest a sense of boldness when embarking upon a new enterprise. For me, this Key often represents a desire for travel and adventure.

Reversed, this Key signifies a delay in a journey or an enterprise, a time to take stock of what we really want from life.

Be blessed,

Deb

Tarot Meditation 23: Ace of Wands

All four Aces in the Minor Arcana depict a hand bearing a gift from the sky. Aces represent gifts given to us from Above, without our asking, and without our necessarily deserving. They also represent new beginnings. As we saw in several Major Arcana keys, the hand is accompanied by Yods, the Hebrew concept of Spirit descending to Earth.

Because of the creative nature of Wands, this Key may represent the beginning of a new job, a new enterprise, a journey, a new family member.

When this key appears revered (upside down to the reader) in a spread, it may indicate projects deferred or delayed.

If you have pulled this Key for your daily meditation, it's time to count your blessings! It also may be time to assess where you are along your career path. Is it time for a vacation, or a retreat in silence?

Be blessed,

Deb

Tarot Meditation Interlude: The Minor Arcana

I wish blogs didn't publish in reverse order sometimes, because this entry will get buried as we move along through the four suits of the Minor Arcana. I hope you'll remember to scroll down to it periodically to refresh your memory on this part of Tarot.

I've spent months now guiding us through the 22 keys of the Major Arcana, following The Fool's journey to enlightenment. Now it's time to work our way through the Minor Arcana.

The four suits - Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles, are the forerunners of our modern playing cards - respectively Clubs, Hearts, Spades and Diamonds. In Tarot, however, instead of a Jack, we have two keys - Page and Knight - and Aces are always considered the first card in each suit.

The four suits correspond to the four elements - respectively fire, water, air and earth. The four suits correspond to the four cardinal points - respectively south, west, east and north.

As in the Major Arcana, numerology, astrology, sacred geometry and many world beliefs come together to form the intricate symbology of the Minor Arcana. Additionally, each suit speaks its own language of symbols.

Wands, depicted with new growth, represent energy, enterprise and hard work. The animal associated most often with Wands is the salamander (a creature of fire and of the south), although lions (think Leo as a fire sign) are often represented. This is the suit of hard work, learning, growth and change.

Cups, depicted by a golden vessel, represent emotion, often love. This is the key of the unconscious, a key of fertility, beauty and dreams. The creature of Cups is the undine (a female water spirit), along with the Water Carrier (Aquarius). This is the suit of emotion, of connection between the conscious and unconscious minds.

Swords, depicted by shining blades, represent spirit, often in the form of our failure to connect with Spirit. This is the suit of the Warrior, regardless of the kind of battle being fought. The creature of Swords is the sylph (an elemental being of air), along with eagles. Think justice and Libra. This can be a suit of strife, but also of a reminder we need to connect to Spirit.

Pentacles, depicted by golden disc etched with a five-pointed star, represent man bringing magic to earth, particularly in material possessions. The creature of Pentacles is the gnome (an elemental being of earth), along with the bull (think Taurus as a earth sign). Think of the five points of the human body, as Di Vinci depicted in his Vitruvian Man, or Venus in her annual transit across the sky. This is the key of earthly possessions and connection to Mother Earth.

I hope you learn and enjoy our journey through the Major Arcana!

Be blessed,

Deb

Tarot Meditation 22: The World, Key 21

The Fool has finally come to the end of the journey. Or is it just beginning, once again? The road has been long and difficult in some places, light-hearted and joyful in others.



The World key, the last in the Major Arcana, is the reversal of The Hanged Man we saw so many keys ago. Here, the figure stands upright, the triangle formed by the legs forming a cross. Another triangle, formed by the arms and head, points upward, signifying that at last Spirit prevails. The two wands represent both involution and evolution, finding the balance sought by The Magician.


Some Tarot scholars maintain that, while the figure appears female, the scarf hides hermaphrodite features, indicating once again the need for balance of male and female energies. Psychologist Carl Jung would call this a blending of the anima and animus, the unconscious and the conscious, coming together in the superconscious, the destination to which all the keys have led.


The wreath surrounding the figure represents the world, and the red ribbon holding the wreath together is the lemniscate of eternal thought, as we saw in The Magician and Strength keys. The four beasts in the corners are the same beasts we saw in The Wheel of Fortune key, in a slightly different form. They represent the four elements - fire, air, earth and water.



Repeatedly throughout the Major Arcana we have seen the theme of balance (or the need for it). As The Fool has journeyed through physical, emotional and spiritual challenges, s/he has constantly sought this balance - in light and dark, red and white, water and fire, earth and air, mind, body and spirit. Here at last The World awaits The Fool on the Path to Enlightenment.


But wait! As in our lives, just when we think we've reached a point of illumination, there's more. Next week we begin our journey, along with The Fool, through the four suits of the Minor Arcana, beginning with Cups.


While the symbols of the Major Arcana have been deep and plentiful, there is much, much more to learn, in the symbols of the Minor Arcana. Just as in our lives, The Fool's journey never really ends, and the wheel spins again, and again, and again!
Be blessed
Deb

Tarot Meditation 21: Judgment, Key 20

Angel Gabriel emerges from the clouds of heaven, blowing seven notes from his trumpet, giving humanity the creative Word that connects us to the Divine. Attached to the trumpet is the equal-armed solar cross, reminding us to seek balance in all we do.

In the foreground of the Key is the pool of Cosmic consciousness, where all the streams we've seen in previous keys (beginning with melting snow in The Fool key) flow together to become One. Note the same snowy mountain-tops from The Fool key in the background. This is yet another of Tarot's attempt to help us find connection and balance in our lives.

The man, woman and child rise from coffins of world beliefs floating on the pool. This is the re-awakening of our connection to Nature through Spirit and of our connection of birth through death. The man represents the conscious mind, the women the unconscious, and the child represents our ability to regenerate through many lifetimes.

Numerologically, Key 20 represents our evolution through two complete cycles of 10, being renewed and reborn twice in the cycles of learning who we are physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

The Judgment Key is about the gift of decernment that comes from living successfully through challenges and obstacles in our lives. Here, finally, The Fool has found the secrets of living a full and joyful life through both knowledge and faith. The Fool now stands on the edge of blending with universal thought.

Be blessed,

Deb

Tarot Meditation 20: The Sun, Key 19

Such pleasure there is in the light of the Sun! This key is one of celebration, joy, and accomplishment. The naked child rides the white horse of pure solar energy triumphantly from the walled garden cultivated human consciousness. The four sunflowers face the child, not the Sun behind them, indicating the elements of Fire, Air, Earth and Water are paying attention to the child's actions.

The child represents yet another step in The Fool's journey toward enlightenment. Like The Fool, s/he wears a wreath and a red feather in her/his hair, signifying s/he is gaining spiritual victory over the lower aspects of humanness. The nakedness indicates there is nothing to hide. Controlling the horse only with body movements shows the child has reached a balance between the conscious and unconscious mind. The red banner in the child's hand denotes action and purpose of thought related to the Sun's light (opposite of the reflective, quite light we saw in The Moon). Note the banner is in the child's left hand, an indication that purpose is driven by our unconscious mind.

This Key reminds us that, when we are who we are and are willing to share ourselves in gentleness and kindness, the world can be a joyous place. Speaking our truth quietly puts us in balance with All That Is, and within ourselves. There is joy in the process of coming into the Light.

Be blessed,

Deb

Tarot Meditation 19: The Moon, Key 18

Apologies for delay in blogging - too many plates spinning in my universe this month!

I write this entry on the eve of the Full Moon in Pisces, or the Corn Moon as it is called by pagans. Grandmother Moon shines brightly tomorrow night as we celebrate the transition into the harvest season.

In traditional Tarot, The Moon Key is fraught with wonderful Goddess symbols. The Key depicts Moon in three phases (Maiden, Mother, Crone). The Moon is surrounded by falling Yods (as we saw in The Tower Key), reminding us that the Life-force from above always falls on those who seek guidance.

In the foreground of the Key is the pool of the Cosmic Mind, from which a crayfish (symbolic of the early stages of unconsciousness unfolding) emerges. From the snow-covered mountains in the background, the waters of intellect and reason merge into a stream flowing in the pool.

On one side of the stream stands Wolf, Mother Nature's untamed creation. On the other stands Dog, representing humankind's adaptation to the world around us. Halfway up the stream (path) are the twin towers humans have created to protect themselves from a hostile environment. These are not the same towers of spiritual strength seen in The High Priestess Key.

The Moon Key reminds us that Grandmother Moon watches over our spiritual journey toward enlightenment. Numerologically, Key 18 (1+8=9) is the Key of completion of the second phase of The Fool's journey (the first phase ended with The Hermit - Key 9). The Fool continues along the path, learning, growing, falling back, and learning again.

The Moon is the Key of intuitive ability, of dreams and premonitions. If we would only listen to the lessons of the subconscious, learn to trust our intuition, the path that carries us between the towers and to the mountaintop would not seem so steep.

Be blessed,

Deb

Tarot Meditation 18: The Star, Key 17

Much of Tarot symbolism is connected to balance, and The Star carries through this theme. A beautiful woman is poised on the edge of a pool of water, one foot on land (the conscious) and one in water (the unconscious). She is Mother Nature pouring waters of life onto the Earth. The five rivulets from the pitcher in her left (feminine) hand represent our five physical senses before they flow into the pool of Universal Consciousness. From her right (masculine) hand, the pitcher pours water directly into the pool, which is stirred to vibration by meditation.

The sacred Ibis of divine thought rests in a tree over her head, and she is crowned by eight stars, seven of which represent the seven major chakra centers of the body. The eighth, largest, star represents cosmic energy.

This Key is all about meditation, of finding balance in our everyday life - through our five physical senses and our seven major chakra centers - to be still in the pool of the unconscious long enough to truly listen to the divine.

The Star ultimately represents the sacred gifts that are always available to us, if we would but be still and wait for them.

Be blessed,

Deb

Tarot Meditation 17: The Tower, Key 16

In the Harry Potter series Professor Trelawney repeatedly says, "No matter how I shuffle the cards.... the lightning-struck tower!" She is, of course, refering to Key 16, The Tower of Tarot, as a card of destruction and fear, thus predicting Harry's demise. Some readers interpret The Tower as a key of dramatic, unforeseen negative change. I, obviously, see this Key in a different light.

Indeed, the image shows folks falling from a tower, flames leaping from windows, and lightning striking and crashing the tower's crown. One interpretation of this Key is that The Tower represents our connection to materialism, and how that need for the material should topple.

Another way, however, to see the Key is to focus on the Yods falling from heaven. Yods represent spiritual gifts given to us that we don't necessarily deserve, and certainly don't expect. Yods appear in other "gift-giving" cards in Tarot - the Moon and three of the four aces of the Minor Arcana.

Yes, The Tower represents uncomfortable, maybe even catastropic, change. However, this Key also represents the potential aftermath of such change - we don't change when we're too comfortable. The point here is the building anew of who we truly are through our faith in the eternal divine.

The Tower's number, 16, adds to 7, the number of mysticism in traditional numerology. Seven is a number of mystical completion of cycles in our lives. It is time to let go of the tower of our old selves and beliefs and to start a new cycle of connection and divinity.

I spoke with several Tarot readers after the horrible events of September 11, 2001, some of whom believe that this card was predictive of the fall of the World Trade Centers. My response was, "Even if that is so, then perhaps this is a lesson to us all to build a better, kinder, more gentle and peaceful world." Therein lies the true message of The Tower Key.

Be blessed,

Deb

Tarot Meditation 16: The Devil, Key 15

This key is one of the most misunderstood images in Tarot. Other than the Death key, this is the key that most frightens querents when it appears in a reading. The Devil Key actually has a strong and positive message for us. While there are no "evil" keys in Tarot, The Devil is a reminder to us that negative forces DO exist, and that we need to live our lives in the Light. His hand is raised in the sign of black magic and in his palm is the sign of Saturn, the planet of inertia. These are a reminder to us to always move forward into the Light and positive thought.

Probably most often misinterpreted is the inverted pentagram above The Devil's head. Pointed upward, the pentagram is the sign of Paganism, just as a cross is the symbol of Christianity. In Paganism, the five-pointed star has many meanings, but most often is associated with the elements of Fire, Air, Earth, Water and Spirit. In the case of this Key, its position represents the misuse of our connection to nature.

The Devil's goat head and horns come to us from the Christian traditions that tried very hard to eliminate Pagan beliefs throughout history. The goat-headed devil (with horns) was the Christian way of overshadowing the Greek god Pan, the god of the woods, music, dance and revelry. Ironically, the Devil's horns and their representation of plenty live on today on many American Thanksgiving tables in the form of the cornucopia!

The man and woman chained to the cube of half-knowledge (only that which is visible) represent our bondage to the material, to the turning away from Spirit. For me, the most important aspect of the message of this Key is this:

We choose our own chains in our lives, and we ALWAYS have the choice to release ourselves from that bondage, just as the figures in this Key could easily lift off their chains.
Be blessed,
Deb

Tarot Meditation 15: Temperance, Key 14

"Everything in moderation!" is the key to this Key! Archangel Michael, an angel of protection and fire-energy, pours the essence of life back and forth between the silver cup of the unconscious and the gold cup of conscious. This motion speaks to the ancient concept of "as above, so below."

The symbol on Michael's breast represents our four-square connection to reality, centered by the triangle of divinity. This also is the symbol of Tarot. The two symbols together resonate to the number seven, a number of divinity, mysticism and completion. This symbol also resonates to the seven major chakra centers in the body.

Michael stands, as do several other figures in other Keys, with one foot on land, representing connection to the conscious world, and one foot in the waters of the unconscious. The irises at the water's edge remind us of the Egyptian goddess Isis and the promise of the rainbow. The path behind Michael leads to the crown of mystery and attainment of spiritual knowledge.

In The Fool's journey toward enlightenment, his/her path carries him/her through the balance of yin/yang, subconscious/conscious, and so many other mysteries of finding balance in his/her life.

The Temperance Key is about trusting the process, being attuned to the gifts of the Universe, and treading lightly through the balance of every day.
Be blessed,
deb

Welcome to my new Tarot Meditation Blog!

Welcome to my new Tarot Meditation Blog! I realized I needed two blogs (go figure!) - one just for Tarot and one for everything else (I think). Since blogs entries are posted in reverse order, you might want to start at the end of the blog with Key 1, The Fool, and work your way forward through the keys. Please also visit my other blog: http://www.debbowen.blogspot.com/.
This Tarot Meditation blog will continue to carry us through the 78 cards of the traditional Waite-Rider Tarot deck, and then who knows....
Blessings to you,
Deb

Tarot Meditation 14: Death, Key 13

Humble apologies for the break in writing this blog - sometimes life just spin around us, and our time seems out of control - which is what happened to me since the last entry. Ironically, for many reasons, the next key in the Major Arcana with which I resume this writing is Death, one of the most significant keys in Tarot, and a key all about control.

When I read for people who are new to Tarot, often Death is the only key with which they're familiar, and the key frightens them. "Ohhhh I hope I don't get the Death card!" is an exclamation I hear frequently. If the querant does draw Death, it gives me one of my best opportunities to teach about Tarot and the richness of its symbols. Rarely does Death mean physical death in a reading.

I often think this key should be renamed: Resurrection, Rebirth, Renewal, Transformtion, Transmutation are some alternate names that come to mind. This key ultimately is about letting go of that which no longer serves us, so that we have room in our lives for joyful abundance and new life.

We surround ourselves with so much that isn't for our highest good - too much stuff/clutter, people who are not supportive or who are "energy vampires", too much emotional baggage from our past - so much that weighs us down and literally buries us. As long as we fill our lives, hearts, minds with negativity and clutter, there can be no room for the positive, good energy that the Universe really has in mind for us.

Notice the flower on the flag Death carries: it is the five-petal rose of the eternal life-force. The water in the river that flows at Death's feet is carried up to the sky by the light and heat of the sun, and comes down again in the form of blessed rain: a reminder to us that the cycles of life are eternal and giving.

The fallen people at Death's feet - including the Bishop - are a reminder that there always will be endings in our lives, and there will always be beginnings. The cycle spins on and on. This Key, most importantly, represents the notion that Spirit is eternal.

So, I invite you to take inventory of what needs to "die away" in your life so that there is space for joy, happiness and all the gifts the Universe is waiting to bestow upon you!

Be blessed,

Deb

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

Tarot Meditation 10: The Hermit, Key 9

The Hermit is one of my favorite Keys in Tarot. He represents guidance, direction, and light. He stands on a snow-covered mountain, bearing in his right hand the Lamp of Truth, with Light shining within it in the form of the six-pointed Seal of Solomon, representing wisdom. The Seal also represents a balance of male and female energy. The Hermit holds in his left hand the staff of initiation for those who would but ask.

Numerologically, nine represents ultimate completion, the Trinity times three. In this Key, nine symbolizes both completion and a willingness to start a new cycle with the next Key.

This Key is about a search for truth, a thirst for knowledge, a willingness to put ourselves in the path of learning. The Hermit's lonely stance represents that, most often, knowledge comes in the silence of meditation, the stillness of listening.

In Mary Stewart's series on the Merlin legend Merlin's teacher says to him, "Never turn from knowing, no matter how the knowing comes." I suggest that, wherever you are along the path(s) to enlightenment, learn, learn, learn, and discern!

Be blessed,

Deb