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 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 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

Tarot Meditation 8: The Chariot, Key 7

The Chariot represents a turning point in The Fool's journey to enlightenment. There are 22 keys in the Major Arcana, with The Fool being numbered 0. The remaining 21 Keys are divided into three groups of seven, with each group representing a stage of The Fool's journey. The Chariot, Key 7, is highly mystical in its meaning for The Fool's journey. More on the numerology of these groups in a minute.

The Chariot embodies The Fool's journey (and growth) through conscious thought, as expressed by an awareness of the Self. On the canopy above The Chariot shine the stars of celestial influence that guide the journey. The Charioteer's diadem is crowned by an eight-pointed star, signifying dominion. The winged symbol on The Chariot's front represents inspiration. In the center is the Hindu symbol for the union of positive and negative forces in the natural world. As we see in almost every key thus far, the call for balance continues, here signified by the sphinexes, which, uncontrolled, could attempt to pull The Chariot in opposing directions. The Charioteer holds in his right (masculine) hand the wand of will, and on his shoulders rest the lunar crescents of the divine feminine.

Numerologically, seven represents mysticism. Seven in the number of the adept, who has learned the secrets of the Arcane and can impart that knowledge to others. A combination of three (balance) and four (steadfastness), Seven joins together mind, body and spirit. Seven also is a number of completion. In the case of The Chariot, seven represents both. The Fool has learned many lessons with a quick and agile mind. Now it is time to journey forward into the next stage of the journey.

Be blessed,

Deb

Tarot Meditation 6: The Hierophant, Key 5

Once again, we see the symbol of balance, of choices facing us. The Hierophant's throne is flanked by two pillars, this time representing Mercy and Severity. He wears the triple crown of the pope (in some Tarot decks, this Key is called The Pope). The crown's lower trefoil represents the material world, the middle trefoil the formative world, and the top trefoil the creative world. This symbol of three also appears on the staff in his left hand, representing body, mind and spirit. His right hand is raised in benediction. At The Hierophant's feet are crossed silver and gold keys, signifying a balance of lunar and solar energy. One of the priests wears the red rose of desire, the other the white lillies of thought.

Numerologically, Key 5 is fraught with meaning. Five can represent chaos and unsettled issues, but it also can represent the union of elements - fire, air, earth, water and spirit. We can see both sides of 5 in The Hierophant. He represents a demand for obedience to authority and religious tradition, which can be difficult for those seeking their own path to Spirit.

The Hierophant tells us we should maintain the status quo, we should never question authority, particularly in matters of Spirit. The Hierophant calls for conformity to rules and outward appearances. And yet.... the appearance of The Hierophant in a reading is a call to do exactly the opposite: to question everything, to form our own beliefs, and to trust the guidance of our own inner wisdom and that of our own guides, angels and teachers.

Be blessed,

deb

Tarot Meditation 5: The Emperor, Key 4

The theme of finding balance in one's life continues in Key 4, The Emperor. He sits on a throne flanked by rams' heads, symbolizing Mars energy. In his right hand (the active, male side of the body) is the Egyptian ankh, also called the Cross of Life. The ankh also is a symbol of Venus, here representing the need for balance with love and power. In his left hand (the passive, feminine side of the body) he holds the same globe found in The Empress' right hand. Again, this denotes the need for balance between love and power and between Spirit and matter. The red of his cloak symbolizes action and determination, as we have seen in The Fool, The Magician and The Empress.

The Emperor, as Key 4, numerologically represents all that is secure, with a four-square base of stability. Four is one of the building blocks of divine thought: the four elements (fire, air, earth, water), the four seasons, four points of the compass, the four rivers in the Garden of Eden, and the four letters of the sacred name of Jehovah: IHVH.

The mountains in the background are the same mountains we saw in Key 0, The Fool. Just as they represented cold intellect in that Key, they represent mental activity and authority in this Key.

To review, The Magician is the active principle of life connecting with Spirit and The High Priestess is the passive principle of life connecting with Spirit. As The High Priestess becomes The Empress after initiation, so the Magician becomes The Emperor.

The Emperor reminds us that the Spiritual world and the Material world must come together in balance and harmony if we are to move forward on our life path. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.

Be blessed,

deb