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 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