VII - The Chariot

 

The Chariot

A woman, holding aloft a glowing wand, rides through a dark, foggy landscape that may or may not be treacherously dangerous. Pulling her and her chariot are two strong horses, representing great energy and power that she must control. They don't appear to be well trained, as they are not looking straight ahead but in different directions as if distracted by the ravens and shadowy shapes in the mist. The chariot driver is using all her focus and will to keep the chariot on track.

This card is about victory through mastery. In this situation, there are opposing and conflicting forces, perhaps very powerful ones, that must be made to work in harmony to achieve a common goal. These conflicting energies may be within yourself or external. Either way, it is up to you to harness that energy and guide it to success.

If reversed, this card warns you against two possible things. First, beware of letting other take control of you. Second, there is a danger of you running over everyone in your path in your haste to reach your goal. It might be wise to slow down and see what lies ahead before you go barreling down the road.

Use your intuition:

Is the chariot driver using reins or just her mind to control the horses?

What do the ravens represent here?

Where is the chariot driver going on this dark, foggy night?

VI - The Lovers

 

The Lovers

A man and a woman cling together as they float above the earth. Between them is a chalice with a sword in it and nearby is a rose. The rose and chalice represent the couple’s love, but the sword has separated them. Behind them are two trees. One tree has twelve flames indicating the twelve signs of the Zodiac. The other tree is none other than the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. A huge moon rises over the scene, representing a kind of guardian spirit. It’s a touching scene, but more representative than literal, for while this card may be about lovers, it can also be about other things. This card is mainly about choices. The man represents the conscious mind; the woman, the subconscious; and the moon, our higher self. We can choose with our mind or with our heart. Is it possible to choose with both or are they forever separated by the sword?

This card represents a choice to be made. More importantly, it represents different ways to make decisions. When this card comes up in a reading, you are being asked to consider carefully how you make the important decision before you. Do you follow your heart? Do you do what makes sense? This card suggests that there is a way to marry the head and heart so that wise, balanced decisions can be made.

If reversed, this card warns of making an unwise or unbalanced decision.

Use your intuition:

The trees represent the signs of the Zodiac and the Knowledge of Good and Evil. How do those ideas relate to the conscious and subconscious?

How did the sword come between the man and woman?

In traditional tarot decks, a guardian angel presides over the man and the woman. Here, we’ve used the moon instead. How does that change the card’s meaning?

V - The Hierophant

The Hierophant

Seated casually between to pillars and two burning candles is the Hierophant. His resemblance to the High Priestess is striking. They are both interested in knowledge. However, while her knowledge is secret and esoteric, he is concerned with bringing the divine wisdom down to earth. He does have a connection to the divine and otherworldly wisdom, as evidenced by the two ravens in attendance. However, his role is to speak that wisdom with a human voice, without being oblique or mysterious. This is symbolized by the orbs, representing the moon, lying on the floor at the base of the pillars. His hand is raised in a combination of blessing and beckoning, as if inviting students to come near. The cross behind him and the one next to him represent the intersecting of the divine and the worldly, the subconscious and conscious.

This card indicates a perfect balance of belief with practice. It is a good omen if you are facing a problem, as it indicates that you know the solution, but you need to find a way to put it into practice. If you are asked to teach, this card reminds you to be a good teacher, always seeking to make wisdom clear to any students. It can also indicate that you should seek a teacher for yourself, perhaps a formal or semi-formal course of study. Maybe the Hierophant is asking you to imagine what your life would be like if you lived by what you believe.

If reversed, this card suggests stubborn bullheadedness, particularly in ares of beliefs and their application in day-to-day life. You may be in a rut, unable to see new things or find useful ways to apply your beliefs in the real world. Consider giving up some routines and trying something new.

Use your intuition:

There is a chalice on the floor on the far left. What is in it?

Something is carved in the stone behind the Hierophant. What is it and what does it mean?

The Hierophant wears boots, as if he’s traveled a great deal. How does experience change the way you practice what you believe?

IV - The Emperor

 The Emperor

The Emperor, a true symbol of leadership and power, sits on top of the earth. The sun and the moon float in the sky over his shoulders, as if waiting for his directions to either rise or set. His solid stone throne indicates the study foundation he has built. It is topped with two ram's heads, the sign of Aries and so of strength, intelligence, and leadership. The Emperor uses the self-conscious mind and reason to create and build. He knows that even reason can benefit from the occasional message brought from beyond or within by way of intuition, which is why a raven is also present.

Although not given to daydreams, he is a man of vision. He knows what he wants, what is needed, and how to do it. Once he had created his empire, his role is to maintain it and rule it wisely. He does not need to exercise caution against becoming a tyrant.

There is also the danger that this man of action may find his throne to be a trap. Creating an empire is one thing; taking care of it is another. This card is about being in control. You are, or should be, in charge of your life, your environment, your body, your temper, your actions. You, and you alone, should be in control of your life at this time. The card gives you permission to be assertive, brave, and bold. If you have already build a solid foundation, this card indicates that your goals will be realize. capital this card could also resident a leader that you admire and want to follow.

If reversed, this card suggest too much control, being aggressive and dictatorial for the sake of exercising power over others. Or you could be pushing yourself too hard by sheer force of will, but ignoring your heart. It can also represent an achievement that becomes oppressive.

Use your intuition: 

Are those white feathers on the Emperor's hat? What do they signify?

He is looking off into the distance. What does he see?

His wand is flaming. Why?

III - The Empress

 The Empress

Sitting calmly on her throne, the Empress holds aloft a glowing wand in one hand, while the wheat sheaf other hand points towards the earth. In this way, she reminds us of the Magician. Like the Magician, the Empress is a card of creation. The emphasis here, though, is more passive and organic. The Empress’ creation is connected to the cycles of life and the seasons. For her, life begins, grows, and dies. She nurtures creation through all of those phases. She honours and respects both life and death, as they are really part of the same continuum. Unlike the Magician, who exerts control over his creation, the Empress lets the life cycle set the pace. The twelve stars in her crown represent the solar year and the field around her shows her concern with all growing things. She is the quintessential mother and is shown here pregnant.

This card shows a time for natural growth. Your role is to nurture without forcing or neglecting your project. Pay attention to where you are in the cycle of your project or situation and take the proper steps. There is great potential for abundance if care is given. This may require action on your part or it may require a time of waiting.

If reversed, this card can indicate a couple of things. First, there is the possibility of too much nurturing and a danger of smothering someone or something. Second, you may be trying to rush a situation, creation, or project. The advise here is to back off and let nature take its course.

Use your intuition:

The Empress, who is pregnant, is wearing black arm bands. What do they signify?

What is the building in the back ground?

Does the hunting eagle by the water signify life or death?