XIII - Death

Death

A figure cloaked in black, holding a scythe, whom we can only assume is Death, sits on a pile of skulls. A white rose, symbolizing new life, grows from the base of the skull pile. A young girl sits nearby, next to a tree stump, mourning her loss. Death and the girl are together on a small island, indicating that the great loss of Death can make one feel alone. However, while the island is surrounded by water, there is other land within view, reminding us that the sorrow of death does end and we will return to our everyday lives again. Although not as bright as usual, the sun is rising in the distance, barely shining through the clouds. Above the island, a ghost of a woman floats upward. Her arms are out-stretched and her head is thrown back as if in relief and joy, as if she were released, at last, from something painful.

This card can, but rarely does, refer to physical death, which is some comfort. Death, though, whether physical or metaphorical, is not an easy experience. This card implies the end of something, perhaps a job, a relationship, a situation, an organization. The actual ending will likely be hard, but once it’s over the cycle continues and something new will come. On the other hand, it may be a welcome closure, such as an ending of a bad relationship, quitting an unhappy job, or selling a house to get a new one. On a spiritual level, this can mean a symbolic death where you eliminate old beliefs that no longer work for you and were perhaps holding you back. Death is usually hard, but it must happen before transformation or resurrection occurs.

If reversed, this card can imply resisting death and perhaps even stalling it. Letting something drag n beyond its natural life span leads to stagnation.

Use your intuition:

What is the story of the woman and the little girl? Are they mother and daughter, the same person, or is there some other relationship?

Is Death hanging around the girl, or has the girl sought out Death?

XII - The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man

Two ravens watch as a woman hangs upside down, suspended between two living trees. Turbulent waters rush below her, but she appears perfectly at ease, almost as if she were meditating, and not suffering. This woman is hanging here voluntarily. It is easy to imagine that before assuming this position, she practiced fasting and other forms of physical denial in order to seek a spiritual experience. Her efforts are successful, as can be seen by the glowing radiance around her head. Hanging tranquilly between Earth and Sky, in a place between worlds, she is experiencing things that she will never forget and that will change her life. In this state, her day-to-day hopes, desires, and goals no longer seem important; her only focus is on spiritual enlightenment.

This card can represent, very simply, sacrifice. You may be asked to give up something for the sake of someone or something else. This card can also indicate the need for a change in thinking or a new point of view. Or it can be a more spiritual activity, one where you give up something of yourself to gain spiritual wisdom. It can also mean, almost literally, a time of suspension, a time where you should do nothing at all.

If reversed, this card suggests that you are being asked to make a sacrifice that is too big and potentially harmful to you. It also implies feeling confused – as though your world has been turned upside-down – thereby making you immobile, unable to take any action.

Use your intuition:

Why is the woman dressed as she is? What do the black gloves imply?

What exactly are the ravens doing there?

There are grapes growing on the left tree. What does that symbolize?

XI - Justice

Justice

At the base of stone stairs, between two pillars, Justice stands, holding a gleaming sword, it’s point resting on the ground. In her other hand, she holds a set of scales before her. The sword with its point on the ground indicates that justice grounds her decisions with proper discrimination and consciousness. The pillars represent the conscious and subconscious, meaning that our actions and our intentions are considered as Justice makes her decisions. The scales weigh our decisions and the outcome used to determine our future. This is the role of Justice, also known as Karma, for she is universal justice. Her judgement and her application of justice maintain the fairness and justness of the universe. Our choices and our actions have consequences, and Justice determines exactly what those will be.

This card represents the importance of your choices. Whatever decision you make now will have significant consequences in your future, so choose carefully. Rely on logic and reason to make the decision, rather than emotion. If you are experiencing good fortune, this card can be letting you know that your past actions made the good fortune possible. It could represent a legal situation that will be resolved in your favour. This card can also be a reminder to balance yo0ur physical concerns with spiritual growth.

If reversed, this card suggests that you are experiencing less that good fortune because of your decisions in the past or that you are in the process of making an unjust decision or one based on emotion rather than logic. It can also point to a legal situation not in your favour.

Use your intuition:

What does the swirling pool of water at Justice’ feet symbolize?

Where do the stairs behind her head lead?

If our actions, decisions, and choices go in one side of the scale, what goes in the other?

X - The Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune

A cold-faced stone Sphinx stands guard over a wheel with mysterious symbols on it, including astrological glyphs indicating the role of the stars or fate in the affairs of humans. The bleak image is softened somewhat by the presence of three women. We would be mistaken, though, to seek comfort from them, for they are the three Fates: Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, who spin, measure, and snip the threads of our lives. In the center of the wheel is the Sun and the Moon in all it’s phases, representing the cyclical nature of life and, indeed, our fate. What we have here is a sign of change beyond our control or even our ability to anticipate.

This card represents an unexpected change in your plans, a conflict of interests, or an idea ready to materialize. Whatever happens will be beyond your control. This card advises you to get ready for something new. Do not be rigid with your plans at this time, but prepare to go with the flow. It is likely that the temporary chaos will bring good fortune in the long run. Events will unfold in such a way that it will be impossible to miss the hand of Fate in your affairs. Be ready to make the most of it.

If reversed, this card can suggest a temporary setback or even a complete reversal of fortunes in a direction that you did not desire. It can also warn against the uselessness of flailing in the face of circumstances you cannot change.

Use your intuition:

The Sphinx stares directly ahead; is it looking at you or elsewhere? Why?

None of the Fates look at the reader. Why not?

The Fate in the red cloak, Atropos, the cutter of the threads, is facing directly away from the reader through a stone portal. What does that symbolize?

IX - The Hermit

The Hermit

An old man, a Hermit, stands on a stone arch in the midst of a bleak landscape. He has removed himself from society to seek answers within himself. He uses a glowing wand as a staff and also clutches another staff topped with a snake' head. Nearby are books, representing the knowledge he has gathered through study. The atlas is a record of the many journeys he has taken and the experience he has gained. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the background also speaks of his vast experience. He has, in his day, eaten quite a few metaphoric apples. The magnifying glass symbolizes closely examining all the beliefs to see if they are good ones. The pencil and paper show his desire to keep a record of his findings, so that nothing is lost due to forgetfulness. Also, he values clear and concise thought and practices the motto, "writing makes an exact man." The Hermit uses the few humble items to review and assess everything he has ever learned, thought, felt, and experienced, in order to understand his own beliefs and to seek truth.

This card is about seeking truth. Not the intuitive truth of the High Priestess and not the learned truth of the Hierophant. The truth you need is your own truth. You need to withdraw from the situation for a time. Use this time to review all your knowledge, understanding, and experience. When you figure out how it all work together, you will have the answer you need.

If reversed, this card warns of withdrawing too much, or for too long, or for the wrong reasons. Spending time alone in order to avoid people, put off making decisions, or procrastinating is not going to serve you well in this case.

Use your intuition:

The Hermit clutches a tall staff with a snake-head on it. What does it symbolize?

The Hermit stands on an impossibly constructed stone arch. Why is it constructed like that? The arch seems so small - is it going over the ground, a stream, a deep crevice, or something else?

VIII - Strength

Strength

A woman sits fearlessly next to a roaring lion. Although the lion - who is very large and very powerful, with very large, sharp teeth - could destroy her instantly, she seems unconcerned. Behind them is a fiery landscape representing a situation requiring great courage. By wearing virtually no clothing, the woman indicates that she is very comfortable with herself. The lion is her own inner animal instincts and passions. She is not afraid of them nor does she seek to control them by physical dominance, but rather with a gentle understanding and acceptance. Instead, she sits confidently with them, recognizing them for what they are. She can use this inner passion as she wishes instead of being controlled by it or repressing it.

This card is about understanding your drives and passions. By understanding and accepting them, you can use them to achieve your goals. You can become so self-possessed that you move through your life with a quiet strength that doesn't need to exert itself needlessly, but is always ready when needed. This card suggests that now is a time to exert that quiet, yet undeniable, strength.

If reversed, this card warns of two things. Beware of letting your animal passions and instincts control you. Beware, as well, of repressing or denying them all together. Either extreme will cause problems.

Use your intuition:

Why is the lion roaring?

Is the woman looking at the lion or at something off to the side? What does she see?

This woman has tamed the lion so it doesn't attack her. Would it attack someone else?