Tarot ~ The 22 Major Arcana

[Daniel "AloeMantis"]

Hello Elven! /|\

 

This is a quick summary I wrote in 2009, and now my time is coming to review them all once again (including the rest of them) for my take on how I’ve come to know the cards. I’m starting to work with reversals, and that has totally changed my intuitions to a deeper understanding. Bringing that knowledge full-circle will be a challenge of integration, and I’ll take time with it.

 

I am always studying, and that’s my Scorpio trait. While living with psychics, I do hear the advice about ending these studies entirely, and to start feeling them only. I like to be a bit of both, not afraid of scepticism in reading for others, but looking to have many stories I can relate to the feelings that come. The Tarot is a book of folklore I am reading for the wisdom.

 

The cards speak individually in different ways. With the Rider-Waite there is a basic picturesque center best viewed from all perspectives. This article is now old, but what I’m writing newly may share no better answer, as there are many that our own intuition knows to find. Here now is my shared contribution:

 

Part 1 = The Cycle of Archetypical Selves – The masks of the different people we become throughout life, and the virtues of each we integrate within ourselves.

0 THE FOOL = Enthusiasm – Often mistaken for foolish choices that may result in a downfall, The Fool always represents the pure adventurous spirit, looking forward to whatever may come – This card comes up during the passionate free-loving times. Trust in yourself and don’t be discouraged by what holds you down.

I THE MAGICIAN = Manifestation – The creative drive in full force, and the ability to realize your goals and work to make your dreams a reality – This card comes up as a reminder to act on your ideas and trust that your plans are going in their best direction.

II THE HIGH PRIESTESS = Awareness – The inner positive understanding of all things and light shedder on what’s unseen, often revealing the problems we may ignore or kept hidden that needs honest attention in order to heal – This card comes up as a sign to expect the unexpected, and to look within yourself to find all answers.

III THE EMPRESS = Nourishment – The feminine element of emotions and caring for others, and as reliever of all worries, always assures all is well taken care of – This card comes up as a reminder of child-like pleasures, knowing the joy you bring others is something they look up to.

IV THE EMPEROR = Authority – The masculine element of leadership and strength, and by knowing from experience, always has a rational trusted plan for every situation – This card comes up as a reminder to take a stand for what you believe in knowing you’re an inspiration to others.

V THE HIEROPHANT = Guidance – The wise teacher of all things done by tradition, who may often set the ground rules to go by, but always has a positive plan of self-improvement – This card comes up as a reminder of those around you who support you, and know you always have the advice of a good friend.

VI THE LOVERS = Commitment – The decision to be dedicated to any one value, often friendship/relationship wise, but also more around the area of a job or career – This card comes up as a reminder that this decision will take your utmost attention, and you need to decide for yourself what’s best; no one else chooses for you, and plans that may not work out are still a part of life’s learning process.

VII THE CHARIOT = Movement – The productivity of all goals set in motion, and the steady pursuit toward success that is always sure to come – This card comes up as a reminder that what you work with is in your full control, and to keep with it knowing you handle things naturally.

VIII STRENGTH = Courage – Facing any issues of fears blocking your path, using the powers of light and love to dissolve all that holds you back – This card comes up as a sign of tough obstacles that needs a little bravery to overcome; always trust you have the strength in you, knowing fear only has as much power as you allow it.

IX THE HERMIT = Meditation – The traveler who has explored every aspect of the self, collectively holding the lessons that come with knowledge and experience – This card comes up as a reminder to let the noise cool down and find your inner peace, knowing that nothing is hurried and time will reveal where to go.

Part 2 = The Cycle of Karmic Tests – Includes the obstacles and challenges that at some point we are all meant to face as part of the learning process with the strength we gain towards reaching our higher consciousness.

X WHEEL OF FORTUNE = Chance – Any sudden upcoming positive change, usually by luck and recognition, that opens you up to a new opportunity – This card comes up as a sign to prepare for a new pathway, and to go with the flow when it comes.

XI JUSTICE = Balance – Restoring order between opposing forces in an unconditional way, looking at everything truthfully to find a fair solution for each side – This card comes up as a sign of a present conflict, either in actions or decisions, that needs honest evaluation in order to resolve.

XII THE HANGED MAN = Release – Surrendering yourself to recuperation, letting go of old habits that no longer serve you and forgiving old pains that no longer hurt – This card comes up as a reminder of the healing process in effect, and to allow yourself new freedom to start again.

XIII DEATH = Transformation – The end of all things followed by new beginnings, rarely ever on a psychical level, but the death of personality itself, forcing you to leave old ways behind in order to become a new person – This card comes up as a sign of transition, confirming the phases of maturity and positive growth.

XIV TEMPERANCE = Patience – The virtuous understanding of all things taken in slow contemplation, learning how to find inner calm and mastering the aspects of one’s self – This card comes up as a reminder to trust your intuition, and to take things gently knowing all comes in good time.

XV THE DEVIL = Temptation – The true mockery of sanity, when sometimes a humorous way of letting loose; true evil enslaves under the impression all hope is lost because addiction was what you wanted, and consequence what you deserve – This card comes up as a sign of involvement in something causing you harm; know that no one controls the decision but you when it comes to walking away.

XVI THE TOWER = Destruction – The unfair misfortunes, yet often a harsh life lesson around the plans you build for yourself that cannot work out productively, and soon fail in sudden ruins – This card comes up as a sign to determine what you need, rather than what you may want, and take time to find what works for everyone involved.

Part 3 = The Cycle of Spiritual Attainment – The ultimate virtues we aim to achieve in order to gain the unconditional understanding of all things, becoming true workers in the light.

XVII THE STAR = Revival – The restoration of hope in times of dismay, having faith knowing that all prayers are answered and everything turns out okay – This card comes up as a reminder of guardian angels watching over you; know that you become the bearer of light to others as well.

XVIII THE MOON = Clairvoyance – The veil of mystery where things aren’t clearly seen, but through your subconscious mind psychic messages may come out of nowhere, as long as you’re open to them – This card comes up as a sign to pay close attention to everything around you, also looking into dreams and what they symbolically mean.

XIX THE SUN = Gratitude – The blissful sunny days full of happiness and contentment; the safe place where you can play and let the stresses of responsibility fade – This card comes up as a reminder to enjoy the bright side of life; don’t let the good times pass you by.

XX JUDGEMENT = Awakening – The point of self-actualization; realizing your greater purpose; becoming certain of who you are and showing it by living life to the fullest – This card comes up as a reminder that there is no more room for doubts, and now is the time to follow your heart.

XXI THE WORLD = Completion – The mastery and final triumph of all goals achieved – This card comes up as a sign that you’ve now reached the end of your path, learned everything there is to know, and moving on to yet another new journey.

[Tara]

WOW.  This is really really good summary of the cards. I am totally trying out my elven tarot cards tonight!