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

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 3: The High Priestess, Key 2

The High Priestess is the first of the Major Arcana cards to clearly be male or female. She is the virgin daughter of the moon, representing the potentiality of the Divine Feminine. She is the manifestation of Isis in her maiden, or untried, form. She is spiritual enlightenment, inner illumination. Where The Fool and The Magician have the potential to create, The High Priestess carries within her the latent ability to manifest - she is the link between the unseen and the seen. This card is all about walking our journey in balance.

The symbols on this Key are some of the most important in Tarot. The High Priestess is seated on a throne flanked by two pillars of the Temple of Solomon. The black pillar of Boaz represents the unknown (negative) life force, and the white pillar of Jachin the known (positive) life force. These pillars represent balance that is required if we are to move forward on our journey. They also remind us that wisdom is open to us when we walk in balance. The veil behind her, between the pillars, is decorated in pomegranates (feminine energy) and palms (masculine energy). Her crown, the three phases of the moon, represents the phases of a woman's life - maiden, mother, crone. On the breast of her gown is an equal-armed cross, with the horizonal arms representing the Divine Feminine, the vertical arms the Divine Masculine - again, more symbols of balance. The High Priestess holds a scroll marked "Tora" in her lap, but the last letter, "h," is hidden - a reminder that we will never learn all the esoteric information in the universe.

At the edge of her gown, the crescent moon of potential balances as her gown flows out of the card. Remember the snow and ice-covered mountains in The Fool Key? As the snow and ice begin to melt, they create a stream of consciousness, here represented by the flow of The High Priestess' gown. The stream runs out of the bottom of this Key, then throughout most of the remainder of the Major Arcana Keys.

Additional study of this Key should include a study of Greek and Egyptian mythology, paying particular attention to the stories of Persephone and Isis. A study of Hebraic symbols also would be helpful.

The High Priestess reminds us to walk in balance - in our everyday life, in our spiritual journey, in our emotional life. She tells us that we ALL have potential to be mystics, psychics, and healers. However, we must remember The High Priestess carries forth the lessons The Fool is learning. Just as the Magician reminds The Fool to seek guidance from above, the High Priestess reminds us to use the gifts of discernment and balance as we move along our path.
Be blessed,
Deb