|
Learning How to read the tarot - reading tarot cards
Introduction
Who is this guy DragonOak?
DragonOak currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Education.
DragonOak graduated from Southwest Missouri State University (now named Missouri University May of 1992.
Based on DragonOak's education and experience DragonOak is qualified to obtain a certification to teach grades 7 through 12 in the state of Missouri.
His areas of collegiate study include; History, Psychology, Business, and Religion.
DragonOak has over 20 years of experience reading the tarot cards and study of the symbology behind the tarot cards.
DragonOak has read the tarot cards for others and takes an interest on reading the tarot cards for himself as a general day to day guide.
DragonOak is of course the wood crafter of the fine pagan products on dragonoak.com, he also operated a metaphysical store for five years before starting his wood shop.
What is Tarot?
Consider the history of the tarot cards, for a little bit of background on reading the tarot cards.
Tarot cards were first recorded in history at 1332 AD as being outlawed in Europe for political and religious reasons.
The very playing cards used today are based upon the tarot cards of old, by making them into playing games the mediums of tarot cards circumvented the laws of the dark ages.
And of course everyone is familiar with the legends and long use of the tarot cards by the Gypsy culture.
The reason the tarot was a popular medium for telling the future was because of the high illiteracy count during the dark ages.
Visualization of symbols was a much better method of telling the message of reading the tarot cards, then attempting to memorize the literate symbols.
The study and methods of reading the tarot cards have been noted subject of studies by the psychologist Carl jung, Arthur Waite noted occultist, and Aleister Crowley noted occultist.
Tarot reading is classified as a method of divination (foretelling the future) as is Runes, Crystal Balls, Palm Reading, etc. But the phenomena of reading the tarot cards is more widely known thanks to Hollywood's portrayal of the Tarot in many movies.
There are many types of tarot decks and many different styles that still hold the same suits and names as the original. Of the many different tarot cards the Rider/Waite deck is known as the traditional deck. Yet remember find a deck that suits your needs and style, just use the symbolism of the Rider/Waite desk as a guide to learning more about the tarot.
Anglo Celtic Goddess
$24.99
III. How
does Tarot work?
A.
Psychological connection.
1. Our
brain is able to recall more than we give it credit for.
2.
Subconsciously we know where the cards lay.
B. The
symbolism of the Tarot
1.
Pictures
2.
Colors
3.
Numbers
C.
Interaction with the Spirit Guides.
1. Ability
to influence how the cards are picked.
2.
Precautions should be taken.
D.
Practicing with the Cards.
E.
Adequate preparation is extremely important.
F. A
word on the mislead ideal of destiny.
IV.
Do I need to be psychic to use the Tarot?
A. We
all are psychic on one level or another.
B.
Proper preparation will lead to eventual and continual
success.
C.
Practice makes perfect.
V.
How do I prepare for using the Tarot?
A.
Finding a regular session of quiet time.
1. Learn
to meditate.
2. Finding
your safe place on the astral plane.
3. Let go
of your problems.
4. Allow a
minimum of 15 minutes a day at the same time.
B.
Keep a journal!!!!!!
C.
Protect the cards. (Finding a home for
the cards when not being used).
1. A
wooden box has become tradition.
2.
Covering in a cloth bag or scarf.
a. Silk is
the traditional method.
b. Blue,
Black, or Purple is the colors to keep them wrapped in.
D. For
the next two weeks you should carry the cards with you at all
times.
E.
Traditionally you should sleep with the cards under
your pillow. This
will help you develop a psychological connection with the
cards.
F.
Finding a proper setting for reading the cards.
1. Find a
place you will not be disturbed.
2.
Additional Aids from tradition.
a.
Incense – Lavender, Camphor, Cinnamon, Frankincense,
Peppermint, and/or Rose.
b.
Oils can be substituted.
c.
Herbs (more traditional) - Mugwort, Bay, and
Lavender.
d.
Teas – Oolong or Chamomile.
e.
Crystals and/or Shiva Lingam Stones.
f.
Gemstones – Moonstone, Rose Quartz, Tiger Eye,
Amethyst.
G. Watch
the Moon Cycles and keep a record.
1.
Reading is better during the waxing phase of the
moon.
2.
Especially powerful during a full moon.
H. Do not
let others touch your cards unless you are reading for
them.
VI.
How do I develop a connection with the Tarot?
A.
Prepare by utilizing the steps above.
B.
Give yourself time to become aware of your
connection.
VII.
How do spirit guides help with reading the Tarot?
A.
Your Guide may be an angel, another on the other side,
a family member who is passed on the other side, God, etc.
B.
Guides will teach you to be attuned to the vibrations
of the universe where all is known.
C.
Guides can allow us to see forward or back into the
river of time.
VIII.
Practicing with the Tarot?
A.
Practice, Practice, Practice.
B.
Keep a journal.
1. Write
down the event you are or another is asking about.
2. Write
down the cards and the position drawn.
3. Write
down your interpretations.
4. Write
down the results after the event.
5. In the
beginning I recommend a four-card spread.
a.
Four cards in a row represent Past, Present, Immediate
Future, and Likely Outcome.
b. It
is permissible to draw a clarification card for each card the
you do not understand.
c.
Keep it simple at this time, do not
reverse the cards at this time.
IX.
What is Tarot Symbolism?
A.
Pictures
1. A
picture is worth a thousand words.
2.
Pictures tell a story in the scene.
3.
Take time over the next two weeks to review each card
and write down what you see.
4.
Examples of Pictures in the Tarot.
a. Clouds
– Lack of clarity
b.
Mountains – Obstacles to overcome.
c. Rays of
Light – Awareness and revelation.
d. Columns
– Stability.
e. Animals
– Instinct
B. Colors
of the Tarot.
1. Black –
Negativity, endings, sin.
2. Blue –
Idealism, emotion, intuition.
3. Gold –
Success, radiance, enlightenment.
4. Gray –
Sadness, grief, obscurity, learning through experience.
5. Green –
New life, hope, abundance, health.
6. Orange
– Ambition, pride, vitality, action.
7. Purple
– Power, justice, the color of Royalty.
8. Red –
Life, force, sex, passion.
9. Silver
– Mystery, psychic abilities, intuition, emotion.
10. White
– Purity, illumination, truth, joy.
11. Yellow
– Intellect, caution, the will, illumination.
C. Numbers
of the Tarot.
Each has a positive and negative meaning, for this
experience we will focus on the positive.
1 – Creation, beginning, invention, independence.
2 – Waiting, balance, agreement, insight.
3 – Communication, feeling, playing, love.
4 – Working, building, planning.
5 – New thinking, new opportunity, attraction.
6 – Harmony, balance, responsibility.
7 – Knowledge, wisdom, faith.
8 – Success, recognition, accomplishment.
9 – Fulfillment, idealism, inspiration.
10 – Completion.
X.
Typical encounters when reading the Tarot.
A.
Types of people you will read for.
1.
Skeptic.
2. Suggestible.
3.
Argumentative.
4. Open to
new ideas.
5.
Reading for yourself is not so easy. Recommend working with
a partner.
B. Is
the read of the Tarot set in stone?
1. Destiny
is an illusion.
2. We
control our own futures.
C.
Reasons for misread.
1. You
have not properly prepared.
2. You are
not in tune.
3. The
person you are reading for did not properly focus on the
question.
4. You are
to emotionally involved with the client or the question.
5. The
question has struck a personal nerve.
6. There
is discord between you and the client.
D.
Ethics of reading.
1. The
talent of reading is brought forth so that we may
properly warn or prepare others.
2.
Danger in telling people what they want to hear.
E. Can
you charge for a reading?
1.
Gypsy tradition says that silver must cross the hands
of the reader before they can read.
2.
Preference is to barter.
3. Keep greed in check, it will come to haunt you.
F. Can you
ask the person leading questions?
1. This
will aid you in finding the proper interpretation of the
card.
2. Each
card can have several meanings.
XI.
Review and assignment for next session.
A.
Find a quiet place.
B.
Learn to meditate.
C.
Take the time to review the pictures, colors, and
numbers of each card.
D.
Utilize aids.
1.
Scents.
2.
Crystals,
3.
Gemstones.
E.
Find a proper home for your cards.
F. For
the next two weeks, sleep with the cards under your
pillow.
G.
Note the moon cycle during your reads.
H.
Allow no one to casually touch your cards, treat them
with respect.
I.
Keep a journal.
J.
Limit your initial reads to four card spreads with all
cards upright.
Major Arcana
I.
Since
the last class, can anyone share any experiences from the
preparation steps that were
given?
A. There
are no right or wrong answers.
B. By
sharing it will enable all of us to learn from one
another.
II.
Class 2
Format?
A. This,
and the next two classes will be more on a discussion
basis.
B. Outline
is a guide but we will see it has basic meanings.
C. Input
is requested from all participants that feel they have
something to share.
D. Others
perceptions of the Major Arcana can help us in our quest to
understand the Tarot.
III.
What is the
Major Arcana?
A. These
cards correspond to major events.
B. They
can also correspond to influential
people.
C. The
Major Arcana is set up in much the same manner as we
experience our own adventure in life. Beginning with the
Fool in our own child like actions, to summing it up with the
World in the process of our own
enlightenment.
IV.
Step by
step through the Major
Arcana.
0 –10 Are cards that deal with a more physical
existence.
Reversed meanings will be marked as opposite or lessor,
lessor meaning often refer to delays, more difficulties than
expected, or a lesson that needs to be worked
on.
A. 0 The
Fool
1. Central
Color: Yellow =
Caution
2. Other
Important Colors:
White = Purity and Joy, Blue =
Idealism
3.
Numerology: 0 Technically this card has a meaning of
its own, it does correspond with Number 1 in numerology. 1 = Beginning and New
Creation.
4. Picture
Symbolisms:
Mountains = Obstacles, Youth = Naive
ness
5.
Potential People:
A child (or baby), fool, the
eccentric.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: The beginning of a
journey
7.
Reversed = Lessor
B. 1 The
Magician
1. Central
Color: Yellow =
Intellect, The Will,
Illumination.
2. Other
Important Colors: Red = Life, Orange = Ambition and Action,
White = Truth
3.
Numerology: 1 = Beginning,
Invention
4. Picture
Symbolisms: Crown
= Mastery, Lily = Purity, Leaves =
Vitality
5.
Potential People: Son, brother, teacher,
guide.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Mastery of special
knowledge.
7.
Reversed = Opposite
C. 2 The
High Priestess
1. Central
Color: Blue =
Intuition
2. Other
Important Colors:
Yellow = Illumination Black & White =
Balance
3.
Numerology: 2 = Insight
4. Picture
Symbolisms:
Scroll = Hidden Mysteries, Moon = Emotions,
Intuition
5.
Potential People:
Daughter, sister, single women,
psychics.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Intuitive
awareness.
7.
Reversed = Opposite
D. 3 The
Empress
1. Central
Color: Yellow =
The Will
2. Other
Important Colors:
Red = Passion, Orange = Vitality, Green = Life
Force.
3.
Numerology: 3 = Love and/or
Feeling
4. Picture
Symbolisms: Heart & Sign of Venus = Divine Love, Leaves =
Vitality, Crown = Mastery, Bounty from the earth, Scepter =
Authority
5.
Potential People: Mother, wife, pregnant
women.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Mother, abundance,
healing.
7.
Reversed = Opposite
E. 4 The
Emperor
1. Central
Color: Orange = Ambition
2. Other
Important Colors: Red = Passion, Gray = Learning through
experience.
3.
Numerology: 4 = Working and/or
building.
4. Picture
Symbolisms:
Scepter = Authority, Crown = Mastery, Ram’s Heads =
Action
5.
Potential People:
Father, husband, employer,
businessperson.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Order, control,
power.
7. 7. Reversed =
Opposite
F. 5 The
Hierophant
1. Central
Color: Yellow =
The Intellect
2. Other
Important Colors:
Red = Passion, Gray =
Obscurity.
3.
Numerology: 5 = New thinking (in a conventional
manner)
4. Picture
Symbolisms: Scepter = Authority, Crown = Mastery, Keys =
Wisdom.
5.
Potential People:
Clergy, Conservative educators, Spiritual
leaders.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Tradition,
conventional.
7.
Reversed = Opposite
G. 6 The
Lovers
1. Central
Color: Yellow =
Illumination
2. Other
Important Colors:
Red = passion and/or sex, Blue =
emotion,
3.
Numerology: 6 =
Balance!!!!
4. Picture
Symbolisms: Tree
of Life and the Tree of Knowledge = the everlasting story of
choices that we make.
5.
Potential People:
Lovers, partners, good
friends.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords:
Choice.
7.
Reversed = Oppoite
H. 7 The
Chariot
1. Central
Color: Yellow =
Illumination
2. Other
Important Colors:
Black and White = Balance of two opposing forces, Blue
= Idealism, Grey = Obscurity.
3.
Numerology:
7 = Wisdom and/or faith.
4. Picture
Symbolisms: Crown
= Mastery, Sphinx = Mystery of Life, Wings =
Travel
5.
Potential People:
Travelers, Military personnel.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Progress through
balancing opposing forces.
7.
Reversed = Opposite
I. 8
Strength
1. Central
Color: Yellow =
Illumination
2. Other
Important Colors:
Orange = Pride, White = Purity, Green = New
Life
3.
Numerology:
8 = Accomplishment.
4. Picture
Symbolisms:
Feline = Intuition, Psychic Awareness, Crown =
Mastery
5.
Potential People:
Athletes, strong willed,
Arbitrators.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Moral
force
7.
Reversed = Opposite
J. 9 The
Hermit
1. Central
Color: Blue =
Intuition through introspection
2. Other
Important Colors:
Silver = Psychic awareness, Yellow = Illumination,
White = Truth
3.
Numerology: 9 =
Inspiration
4. Picture
Symbolisms:
Lantern = Guidance,
5.
Potential People: Wise people, hermits,
thinkers.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Searching
within
7.
Reversed = Opposite
K. 10 The Wheel of Fortune
1. Central
Color: Orange =
Action
2. Other
Important Colors:
Balance of colors is important
here.
3.
Numerology:
10 = Completion
4. Picture
Symbolisms: Wings
= Messages of good news, Snake = Wisdom, Anubis = represents
the mind
5.
Potential People:
Lucky People
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: A change for the
better.
7.
Reversed = Opposite
Cards 11-22 Are cards of higher
thought.
L. 11
Justice
1. Central
Color: Red = Life
(Justice)
2. Other
Important Colors:
Yellow = Illumination, Blue =
Idealism
3.
Numerology: (1 + 1) 2 = Balance and
agreement.
4. Picture
Symbolisms:
Scales = Balanced awareness, Crown =
Mastery
5.
Potential People:
Lawyers, Judges, Legal
authorities.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Being Judged, a fair
outcome.
7.
Reversed = Opposite
M. 12 The Hanged Man
1. Central
Color: Yellow =
Illumination
2. Other
Important Colors:
Blue = Idealism, Red = Life, Green =
Hope
3.
Numerology:
(1 +2) 3 =
Communication, new
awareness.
4. Picture
Symbolisms: Bound
= Self-imposed restriction
5.
Potential People:
Those who dare to be
different.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Suspension, new
awareness.
7.
Reversed = Lessor
N. 13
Death
1. Central
Color: Black =
negativity
2. Other
Important Colors:
Blue = Idealism, White = Purity, Yellow =
Illumination
3.
Numerology: (1 + 3) 4 =
Planning
4. Picture
Symbolisms: Horse
= Action with great agility, Flag = Freedom from the material
world,
5.
Potential People:
Agents of change,
undertakers.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Major transformation
through ending
7.
Reversed = Opposite
O. 14
Temperance
1. Central
Color: White =
Purity
2. Other
Important Colors:
Balance of colors important
here.
3.
Numerology:
(1 + 4) 5 = New thinking
4. Picture
Symbolisms:
Stream = Flow of life, Scales = balance,
5.
Potential People:
Healers, protectors,
managers.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Patience and
Self-restraint.
7.
Reversed = Opposite
P. 15 The
Devil
1. Central
Color: Black =
Negativity and/or sin
2. Other
Important Colors:
Orange = Pride, Red = Sex without
love.
3.
Numerology:
(1 +5) 6 = Responsibility
4. Picture
Symbolisms: Fire
= Spirit, Bound = Self-imposed
restriction
5.
Potential People:
Greedy people, criminals, destructive
people.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Bondage, self imposed
limitations.
7.
Reversed = Opposite
Q. 16 The
Tower
1. Central
Color: Black =
Endings
2. Other
Important Colors:
Gray = Obscurity, Yellow = Illumination through sudden
change
3.
Numerology:
(1 + 6) 7 = Wisdom through
experience
4. Picture
Symbolisms:
Sudden Change
5.
Potential People:
Aggressive people, those that
disrupt.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Sudden
change
7.
Reversed = Lessor
R. 17 The
Star
1. Central
Color: Green =
New life.
2. Other
Important Colors:
Blue = Intuition and hope
3.
Numerology:
(1 + 7) 8 = Recognition,
success
4. Picture
Symbolisms: Star
= Luck, Balance and Peace
5.
Potential People:
Young women, female child,
astrologers.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords:
Hope
7.
Reversed = Opposite
S. 18 The
Moon
1. Central
Color: Blue =
Emotion
2. Other
Important Colors:
Yellow = Illumination
3.
Numerology: (1 + 8) 9 =
Inspiration
4. Picture
Symbolisms: Moon
= Emotions, Intuition,
5.
Potential People:
Women, psychics, artists.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Deep instinctual
forces.
7.
Reversed = Opposite =
Imagination
T. 19 The
Sun
1. Central
Color: Yellow =
The will
2. Other
Important Colors:
Balance of colors.
3.
Numerology: (1 + 9) 10 = Success,
Fulfillment
4. Picture
Symbolisms: Horse
= Action with great agility, Flag = Freedom from the material
world
5.
Potential People:
Fathers, Inventors,
Scientists.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Success,
Fulfillment
7.
Reversed = Lessor
U. 20
Judgment
1. Central
Color: Silver =
Intuition, mystery
2. Other
Important Colors:
Balance of colors
3.
Numerology:
(2 + 0) = Balance and
insight.
4. Picture
Symbolisms: Flag = Freedom from the material world, Cross =
Union of God and Earth
5.
Potential People:
Judges, executioners.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Summing up,
rebirth
7.
Reversed = Opposite
V. 21 The
World
1. Central
Color: The
balance of colors
2. Other
Important Colors: see above
3.
Numerology: (2 + 1) 3 = Love, playing
4. Picture
Symbolisms: Circle = Completeness,
5.
Potential People:
Winners, achievers, reaching your
goal.
6.
Potential Meaning Keywords: Fulfillment,
attainment.
7.
Reversed = Lessor
V. For next class
separate the Wands and Swords and have them in
order.
Minor
Arcana
I.
What
is the Minor Arcana?
A. The Minor Arcana deals
with life events and the conditions those events
proceed.
B. As is congruence with
other “occult” studies, the Minor Arcana is based on the ideal
of four basic elements.
1. Air =
Swords = Mental activity and decision making process, the
mind,
logic,
reasoning.
2. Fire = Wands =
Enterprise and application of our free will, ambition, and
career.
3. Water = Cups =
Emotions, feelings, joy, artistic
talents.
4. Earth = Pentacles =
Material world, finances, shelter, clothing, even our
bills.
C. Playing
Cards correspond to the Minor Arcana.
1. Swords
= Spades
2. Wands =
Clubs
3. Cups =
Hearts
4.
Pentacles = Diamonds
II.
Swords = Air =
Intellect
A. Ace of
Swords
1.
Keywords =
The power of your mind
2. Season =
Summer
3. Example = One may come up with a
new idea that will succeed.
4. Picture = Sword of
action rises from the clouds with the crown of
authority.
5. Reversed = Opposite,
new action is forceful
B. 2 of
Swords
1.
Keywords = Indecision
2. Example = One must
make a decision between two choices, one or the other, but not
both.
3. Picture = Blind folded women
holds two swords but not sure which to choose. The jagged rocks,
turning her back to the water, and the moon represent the
instability around her.
4. Reversed = Lessor, decision has
been made
C. 3 of
Swords.
1.
Keywords = Heartache and/or
disappointment.
2. Example = One may have
recently or in the future experience a
loss.
3. Picture = Three swords piercing
the heart.
4. Reversed =
Lessor
D. 4 of
Swords
1.
Keywords = Rest
2. Example = One may need
a mental break or a vacation,
3. Picture = the knight
rests on his bed as his swords hang
nearby.
4. Reversed = Opposite,
ready for action
E. 5 of
Swords
1.
Keywords = Empty Victory
2. Example = One may show
lack of concern for others. Legal problems can be
shown in this card.
3. Picture = A victor of battle
holds three swords and two lie on the ground, but what has he
really gained.
4. Reversed =
Lessor
F. 6 of
Swords
1.
Keywords = Leaving your troubles
behind.
2. Example = One will
soon see the end to a troubled or painful situation. Travel by water can be
indicated here.
3. Picture = A sad woman
and child travel to the other shore in search of better
things.
4. Reversed = Lessor,
postponement
G. 7 of
Swords
1.
Keywords = Sneaky
2. Example = There may be
a cloak of deception from others or from the one the read is
for.
3. Picture
= A thief sneaks away with five of the seven
swords.
4.
Reversed = Opposite, deception
revealed
H. 8 of
Swords
1.
Keywords = Restriction
2. Example
= One may be involved in an oppressive
situation.
3. Picture = A woman is
bound in a marsh away from the environment she feels safe
in.
4. Reversed = Opposite,
restriction removed
I. 9 of
Swords
1.
Keywords = Nightmare card
2. Example = Troubled
sleep, depression, confusion may be plaguing the one you are
reading for, based on the dilemmas we put ourselves
through.
3. Picture
= We see a woman in the night crying in her
bed.
4.
Reversed = Lessor, time will heal
J. 10 of
Swords
1.
Keywords = The end of a cycle.
2. Example = An end to a
situation approaches that won’t be missed. A deep sense of loss
will be experienced.
3. Picture
= A warrior is defeated with all ten swords in his
back.
4.
Reversed = Lessor, with
improvement
K. Page of
Swords
1.
Keywords = Unexpected or upsetting
news.
2. Example
= For me it tends to be getting bills in the mail
:)
3. Picture = The young
page is holding a sword and vigilant to deliver the news he is
carrying.
4. Reversed = Opposite,
better news
L. Knight
of Swords
1.
Keywords = Rapid and sometimes violent
change.
2. Example
= One may be in the process of a radical change of
self.
3. Picture
= The knight
valiantly rides with sword in hand during
battle.
4.
Reversed = More emphasis on
change
M. Queen
of Swords
1.
Keywords =
Intelligence and analytical
2. Example = This can
indicate the need for one to make a rational and logical
decision before acting.
3. Picture = The Queen
sits on her throne with sword high and hand out, prepared to
make a decision.
4. Signs
and Gender =
Gemini, Libra, or Aquarian, and
female
5.
Reversed = Opposite
N. King of
Swords
1.
Keywords = Command
2. Example = One may need
to take control of a situation in order to resolve
it.
3. Picture = The king is
seated on his throne with clouds and cypress trees in the
background.
4. Sign
and Gender =
Gemini, Libra, or Aquarian, and
male.
5.
Reversed = Opposite
III.
A. Ace of
Wands
1.
Keywords =
New ventures.
2. Season =
Spring
3. Example = Often this indicates
one is starting a new business or
venture.
4. Picture = The hand of
God comes out of the clouds with a flowering
wand.
5. Reversed = Opposite,
false start
B. 2 of
Wands
1.
Keywords = A period of waiting.
2. Example = One may need
to wait before proceeding until the right timing, and yes this
card may mean patience.
3. Picture = The man holds the wand
and the world in his other hand as he reflects upon the
decisions he has made.
4. Reversed = Lessor, no
movement towards goals.
C. 3 of
Wands
1.
Keywords = Cooperation and initial
success.
2. Example
= One now turns to taking action for future
returns.
3. Picture
= A man observes the merchant ships leaving
port.
4.
Reversed =
Lessor, wasted energy
D. 4 of
Wands
1.
Keywords = Celebration
2. Example = One may find
that they can finally, or will soon, see the returns on their
efforts in a business or venture.
3. Picture
= Many gather to celebrate the bounty of their hard
work.
4. Reversed = Lessor,
still good
E. 5 of
Wands
1.
Keywords = Struggle or
competition
2. Example = Several
partners may begin to argue. Legal issues can be
seen here too.
3. Picture = Five men
battle with one another, while not with swords it tends to be
viewed as a temporary battle much like chickens in the chicken
yard.
4. Reversed = Lessor,
harmony coming
F. 6 of
Wands
1.
Keywords = Success, victory
2. Example = One will win
a court battle.
One may win the job promotion they were up
for.
3. Picture
= A lone rider comes home to a celebration of his
success.
4.
Reversed = Opposite, standstill
G. 7 of
Wands
1.
Keywords = Defense
2. Example = One will
find it necessary to defend their position is court, at work,
etc.
3. Picture = A lone
figure holds a wand in defensive position as 6 other wands
rise in the foreground.
4. Reversed = Opposite,
threats fall away
H. 8 of
Wands
1.
Keywords = Growth
2. Example = Another
period of waiting as the time will come soon that your efforts
are currently in a state of growth.
3. Picture
= 8 wands sprout new life.
4.
Reversed = Opposite, growth is
waning
I. 9 of
Wands
1.
Keywords = Fortitude
2. Example = It is time
for a person to solidify and strengthen their
position.
3. Picture = A lone figure stands
behind the fort of wands prepared to
protect.
4. Reversed = Lessor,
lack of stamina
J. 10 of
Wands
1.
Keywords = Burdens of success
2. Example = One may find
themselves divided by the many responsibilities of parenthood,
business, school, etc.
Kind of, you asked for it you got
it.
3. Picture = A lone figure carries
ten wands that has become both mentally and physically
burdening.
4. Reversed = Opposite,
burdens released
K. Page of
Wands
1.
Keywords = Good news
2. Example
= One may receive news of a job
promotion.
3. Picture = The young page is next
to three pyramids that represent mind, body, and spirit
reading the message he has just
received.
4.
Reversed = Lessor, delay in message
received.
L. Knight
of Wands
1.
Keywords = Growth and creative energy is in the
air.
2. Example = Much energy
is at the persons disposal and should be used for
success.
3. Picture
= The knight
rides the gallant horse of on his own
journey.
4.
Reversed = Opposite, chaos
M. Queen
of Wands
1.
Keywords = Determined, outgoing, career
ambition.
2. Example = This may
represent a woman who has successfully balanced career and
home.
3. Picture = The Queen sits on her
throne as the black cat represents her cat like determination
and her intuition.
4. Signs
and Gender =
Aries, Leo, Sagittarius and
female.
5.
Reversed = Opposite
N. King of
Wands
1.
Keywords = Leadership
2. Example = It may be
telling the person it is time to take the role and the
independent leader they really are.
3. Picture = A king robed with
lions and salamander decorations, that shows his pride and
determination to follow through from beginning to
end.
4. Sign
and Gender = Aries, Leo, Sagittarius and
male.
5.
Reversed = Opposite
I.
What
is the Minor Arcana?
A. The Minor Arcana deals
with life events and the conditions those events
proceed.
B. As is congruence with
other “occult” studies, the Minor Arcana is based on the ideal
of four basic elements.
1. Air =
Swords = Mental activity and decision making process, the
mind,
logic,
reasoning.
2. Fire = Wands =
Enterprise and application of our free will, ambition, and
career.
3. Water = Cups =
Emotions, feelings, joy, artistic
talents.
4. Earth = Pentacles =
Material world, finances, shelter, clothing, even our
bills.
II.
Cups = Water =
Emotion
A. Ace of
Cups
1.
Keywords =
Stirrings of the heart
2. Season =
Summer
3. Example = Joy, happiness, and
good health to come.
Could direct to the conception of a child. New spiritual
awareness is on the horizon.
4. Picture = The hand of
God rises the cup from the water. The cup overflows and
the sign of God brought by the Holy Spirit (dove) to give more
abundance to the cup.
B. 2 of
Cups
1.
Keywords = Friendship/Mutuality
2. Example = The card can
be indicating the best of friendships and/or
relationships.
This could also predict a letter, gift, or happy event
on the horizon.
3. Picture = A couple has meet and
share the cups representing their emotions. The serpents twined
around the staff represent the balance of male and female
energies. The
winged lion represents balance between spiritual and earthly
love.
C. 3 of
Cups.
1.
Keywords = Celebration.
2. Example = This is time
to celebrate and enjoy the rewards of your work. Maybe one has been
invited to a party.
3. Picture = Three women hold their
cups up high as the harvest has been brought
in.
D. 4 of
Cups
1.
Keywords = Discontent
2. Example = The person
may be feeling introverted and like nobody
cares.
3. Picture = A pouting male sits as
a fourth cup is offered to him without taking what is being
offered.
E. 5 of
Cups
1.
Keywords = Emotional Loss
2. Example = The end of a
relationship, a friend moving away, even the disappointment of
the loss of something personal.
3. Picture = A dark cloaked figured
looks down as three cups a tipped spilling the wine of
life.
F. 6 of
Cups
1.
Keywords = Good Memories
2. Example = One may be
spending time reflecting on the past. It could mean a visit
from someone from that past. It could also indicate
the children.
This card often indicates things from the
past.
3. Picture = A little boy
gives a cup of flowers to a little girl.
G. 7 of
Cups
1.
Keywords = Daydreaming
2. Example = This can
indicate that a person is spending too much time fantasizing
and not enough time taking action.
3. Picture = A man has
seven cups before him and cannot make a choice. Notice the cups are in
the clouds.
H. 8 of
Cups
1.
Keywords = Moving on
2. Example = The cards
usually indicate the need to move on to something
different.
3. Picture = A man is
leaving after neatly stacking the cups.
I. 9 of
Cups
1.
Keywords = Wishes fulfilled
2. Example = The person
will get their wish granted.
3. Picture = A well
satisfied man sits before his cups as they are fashioned along
the wall.
J. 10 of
Cups
1.
Keywords = Joy and Success.
2. Example = Your home is
in order, the family is getting along, and you are happy with
your life at this point.
This card can indicate the purchase of a new home,
bringing home a new baby, or even that everything is working
better than you had planned.
3. Picture
= A family looks up at the ten cups fashioned as a
rainbow.
K. Page of
Cups
1.
Keywords = Message of Love.
2. Example = This can
indicate messages from loved ones. Also messages that
bring joy, love, happiness, and an omen that life is changing
for the better.
Often is seen to indicate a message of the birth of a
child or even a wedding.
3. Picture = The young
page is holding a cup outward as the mischievous fish, a
symbol of emotions and imagination peeks
out.
L. Knight
of Cups
1.
Keywords = The Romantic Dreamer.
2. Example = This card
will often represent young romantic men. Often this card can
herald an invitation or proposal of an emotional
nature.
3. Picture
= The white
knight that comes to save the day.
M. Queen
of Cups
1.
Keywords =
A caring woman
2. Example = This is a
woman that devotes herself to matters of the heart. She is well balanced
and nurturing.
3. Picture = The Queen
sits on her throne on the beach surrounded by beauty and
love.
4. Signs
and Gender =
Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces and
female.
N. King of
Cups
1.
Keywords = A leader from the
heart.
2. Example = A calm
compassionate man that serves as well as
leads.
3. Picture = The king is
seated on his throne over the ocean as dolphins play and ships
are anchored, he has dominion over the
sea.
4. Sign
and Gender = Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces and
male.
III.
Pentacles = Earth
= Material matters
A. Ace of
Pentacles
1.
Keywords =
A fresh and strong financial
start.
2. Season =
Winter
3. Example = The beginnings of
wealth, prosperity, and new business. It can also represent
an award or other type of gift.
4. Picture = The hand of
God comes out of the clouds with a shiny new pentacle and
below is a tidy garden with an arched
entrance.
B. 2 of
Pentacles
1.
Keywords = Juggling Finances, a small
profit.
2. Example = The ability
to handle several conditions at once. Beware of starting new
projects. Advice
is on the way.
3. Picture = The juggler is
balancing the Pentacles while walking the
wire.
C. 3 of
Pentacles
1.
Keywords = Recognition for your
skills
2. Example = Bosses will
recognize your work, pay raises can be seen, or you may be
accepted for your trades.
3. Picture = A skilled
sculptor receives acceptance for his work from a monk and a
nun.
D. 4 of
Pentacles.
1.
Keywords = Firm Foundation
2. Example = Good
judgment in money matters that will bring
profit.
3. Picture = The merchant
is holding tightly to his earnings, yet they are the
foundation of his progress.
E. 5 of
Pentacles
1.
Keywords = Poverty
2. Example = Tough times
ahead.
3. Picture = Homeless
people in from of a church window.
F. 6 of
Pentalces
1.
Keywords = A bonus
2. Example = Working well
with others, a raise, a promotion, or even profit sharing
opportunity.
3. Picture
= Two people are offered help and extra
money.
G. 7 of
Pentacles
1.
Keywords = Slow and steady growth
2. Example = Your work
will pay off with time and patience.
3. Picture = A farmer
watches as his crops come to bear.
H. 8 of
Wands
1.
Keywords = Work and productivity
2. Example = You are
focused on your objective and productive in your goals. Continuation of your
skill is indicated here.
3. Picture = The
craftsman is busy working on the eighth pentacle after
completing seven.
I. 9 of
Pentacles.
1.
Keywords = Stability
2. Example = Finances are
stable and you have time to enjoy your rewards. Also gardening skills
and a connection with the earth can be indicated
here.
3. Picture = A woman enjoys the
garden surrounded by rich surroundings.
J. 10 of
Pentacles.
1.
Keywords = Success
2. Example = Wealth has
been reached. It
may be time to consider a large purchase like a home or a
car.
3. Picture = A stable family
enjoying the best that material wealth has to
offer.
K. Page of
Pentacles
1.
Keywords = Message of hope and luck in the material
world.
2. Example
= Check in the mail?
3. Picture = The young page is
studying the pentacle before him.
L. Knight
of Pentacles
1.
Keywords = Financial change.
2. Example = The knight
can signify that a deal or contract will be agreed
upon.
3. Picture = The knight holds the
pentacle in earnest effort to deliver it as
promised.
M. Queen
of Pentacles.
1.
Keywords = Practical manager.
2. Example = This may
represent a woman who is good at business and not afraid of
hard work.
3. Picture = The Queen sits on her
throne covered with nature and animal
symbols.
4. Signs
and Gender =
Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn and
female.
N. King of
Pentacles
1.
Keywords = Prosperous leader.
2. Example = A male can
enter our lives with strong financial
advice.
3. Picture = A king robed with the
best of linens, and signified with the bulls head as his home
and garden is behind him.
4. Sign
and Gender = Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn and
male.
Layouts
I.
What
a layout?
A.
Layouts come in many styles.
1.
Simple spreads of three and four cards give us basic
information about the question.
2.
Astrological spreads can cover a whole year or give a
more complete answer to the question based on house systems
(come to next Sunday’s astrology class for an explanation of
house systems).
3.
Celtic cross is the most used spread. Chart on the back of
this lesson is a Celtic cross spread. If the most common and
most used, no need to fix it if it is not broken.
B. Design
your own spread.
1. If you
feel more comfortable using a spread of your own making use
it!
2. Just
understand the position definitions before you start.
C. Working
with a layout.
1. Each
position defines a specific area.
2. The
card should be read within the context of the area the said
card is trying to define.
II.
Celtic Cross
Spread
A. There are several
variations of the layout, the one used for this class I have
personally found more effective.
1. Debate
of the significator card.
a. Many will use what is
called a significator card. This will be a court
card that fits either the zodiac or description of the person
being read for.
b. Definitely use a
significator card if the querant is on the phone or not
present.
c. When the querant is
present I prefer to use a personal item of theirs in this
position.
Something important of theirs, a ring, keys, wallet,
etc. This way
their energies are present on the table.
B. Drawing
the cards.
1. Use the
preparations as discussed in the first
class.
2. Have the querant focus
on the question.
You need to work on clearing your mind so you are open
for the meanings of the cards.
3. While they are
focusing on the question you or the querant can shuffle the
cards. I usually
shuffle so that the querant is more focused on their
question. Keep
the cards face down.
4. Allow the querant to
cut the deck in any fashion that they
choose.
5. Ask the querant to put
the deck back in place.
6. Now spread the cards
out face down.
7. Allow the querant to
pick the cards one at a time explaining the meaning of each
position. If you
prefer, ask the question from the reader after the cards have
been laid down.
8. The reader will then
reveal each card one at a time, I prefer to wait to interpret
the cards until all have been faced up. This way the story has
been revealed to me one piece at a time.
C. Card #1
= the cover card
1. Place
this card over the personal item laid on the
table.
2. This cards covers the
querant. Usually
is directly relates to the question that is being asked. Use
this card to define where the querant is at and what the
substance of the question is.
3. Example = the Lovers
card can indicate a question about a
relationship.
D. Card #2
= The Crossing card.
1. This card is laid
crossways from the cover card. It is always read in
an upright position meaning.
2. This card tells us of
forces that are working for or against the querant. Usually this card
tells of obstacles, obstructions, benefits, or even friends
that are working for or against them.
3. Example = the ten of
Swords can indicate that the querant has taken on a defeatist
attitude towards the question.
E. Card #3
= The Base card.
1. This
card is laid beneath the cover card.
2. This card tells us the
subconscious nature of the querant. This is the foundation
of the question and tells us why the question was asked in the
first place.
3. Example = The eight of
Wands can indicate that the querant is actually seeking some
kind of growth from this question.
F. Card #4
= The Behind card.
1. This
card is laid to the left of the cover
card.
2. This card tells us
what is behind the querant. Past influences that
have led up to the question of the querant. Note that these events
indicated are moving away from the
querant.
3. Example = The three of
Swords can indicate that sorrow has lead to this question and
this is in the past, time for the querant to move
away.
G. Card #5
= The Above card.
1. This
card is laid above the cover card.
2. This card tells us
what is above the querant. Energies can be
indicated here that are available to the querant. This card tells us of
the goals that the querant is striving for, what they are
seeking to accomplish concerning the
question.
3. Example = The strength card can
indicate they are seeking a stronger position that will give
them more courage.
H. Card #6
= The Immediate Future card.
1. The
card is place to the right of the cover
card.
2. Based on the current
path of the querant this card tells us what to expect in the
near future.
Influences that make themselves known, events that
happen, even people that will affect the querant
life.
3. Example = the Death
card can indicate an ending to the question in the near
future.
I. Card #7
= The Self card
1. This
card is placed at the lower right of the Immediate Future
card.
2. This card tells us how
the querant views themselves concerning the question. The state-of-mind
concerning the querant is to be explored with this card.
3. Example = Temperance
will indicate that the querant is patient and will wait for
the question to resolve itself.
J. Card #8
= The Environment Card.
1. This
card is placed above the Self card.
2. This card indicates
the nature of those around the querant concerning the
question. This
will help us understand the physical reality that surrounds
the querant concerning the question.
3. Example = Queen of
Cups can indicate that a water sign female is exerting some
type of influence over the querants
life.
K. Card #9
= the Hopes and Fears card
1. This
card is placed above the Environment
card.
2. This card will tell us
what the querant hopes or fears about the question. If indicated
throughout the read, this can tell us to encourage the querant
to continue or discontinue the course of action. It can tell us whether
those fears and hopes are substantiated or
not.
3. The Five of Pentacles
can tell us that the querant fears losing material possessions
and sustaining a loss.
L. Card
#10 = The final outcome card.
1. This
card is place to the far right of the
cards.
2. Based on the current
path of the current this card indicates what will be the
likely outcome of the question. Remember, I strongly
encourage that destiny or fate is an illusion. Paths that direct
negative energies can be diverted. Look for other
indicators in the read to aid the querant is avoiding a
destructive outcome.
And encourage your querant to continue the path for a
positive outcome.
After you have given the information to the querant, it
is up to them what they do.
3. Example = the Ten of
Pentacles will indicate success and material
gain.
M. Note = Court cards in
the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and
8th positions usually indicate other people.
N. Time for
workshop.
1. Split
into two groups.
2. Roland
will read for the first volunteer.
3. The
group will work together to interpret the
cards.
4. Keep
the questions as simple as possible.
3. Volunteer note = In
exchange for the read, you will read for the next
volunteer. If you
choose not read the cards, please do not volunteer at this
time.
6. You are not being put
on the spot, we are working together to interpret the
cards. There are
no wrong or right answers. Trust
yourselves!!!!!!!!!
|
