Astrology Keywords – Zodiac Signs -Taurus

~ “If you really want something you can figure out how to make it happen” ~

— Cher

Taurus

April 21 – May 21

A sharp contrast from Aries, those born under the sign of Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac, are steadfast, stable, and conventional in outlook. One of the most reliable and charming signs of the zodiac, they possess an ability to inspire confidence in others, and impress everyone with their genuine sincerity. Although they rarely lose their tempers, once roused, their rage knows no bounds. This can cause them to hold on to a lot of resentment, which can be overcome by learning to be a little more magnanimous (accepting) in life. Lovers of luxury and the ‘good life,’ they are blessed with natural good tastes, preferring classical conventional styles to funky new fads that are ever changing. Although known to be stubborn and lazy, Taurus needs to keep a healthy balance between working hard to afford the lifestyle he desires and pursuing indulgent hobbies of leisure.

BASICS

Taurus - The Bull

• Motto: I have
• Element: Earth

• Modality: Fixed (Organizers)
• Gender: Feminine/Yin

• Polarity: Negative
• Duality: Night
• Soul: Toddler
• Ages: 7 – 14

• Nature: Bestial

• Season: Spring
• Direction: South by East
• Color: Green, Pale Blue, and Pink
• Metal: Copper

• Stone: Emerald
• Trees: Almond, Apple, Ash, Cyprus, Fig, Pear, Vine
• Herbs: Alder, Artichoke, Brambles, Cloves, Columbine, Daisy, Elder, Foxglove, Marshmallow, Mint, Poppy, Primula, Rose, Sorrel, Violet
• Foods: Cereals (particularly wheat), Apples, Berries, Grapes, Pears, Spices
• Countries: Capri, Cyprus, Egypt, Greek Islands, Iran, Ireland, Switzerland
• Cities: Bologna, Dublin, Eastbourne, Hastings, Leipzig, Lucerne, Mantua, Palermo, St. Louis

• Affirmation: I can create the life of my dreams. I give thanks for everything I have achieved.

PLANETARY INFLUENCE

Planet Venus

• Planetary Dignity:-

• • Ruling: Venus
  • Exalted: Moon
  • Detriment: Mars (classical)/Pluto (Modern)
  • Fall: Part of Fortune
  • Esoteric Ruler: Vulcan

• Classical Decans:–

• • First Decan: Mercury
  • Second Decan: Moon
  • Third Decan: Saturn

• Modern Decans:–

• • First Decan: Venus
  • Second Decan: Mercury
  • Third Decan: Saturn

• House: Second

TAROT & QABALAH

The Hierophant - Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot

• Tarot Correspondence:–

• • Major Arcana: The Hierophant
  • Minor Arcana: 5 of Pentacles, 6 of Pentacles, 7 of Pentacles
  • Court Card: King of Pentacles; Knight of Swords

• Qabalah:

• • Hebrew Letter: Vau (Nail)
  • Path: 16 – (Triumphal or Eternal One)
  • Sephiras: Chokmah (Wisdom) – Chesed (Mercy)
  • Qliphotic Name: Admiron (The Bloody Ones)
  • Calendar: Sivah
  • Magical Power: The Secret of Physical Strength
  • Magical Weapon: The Labour of Preparation [The Throne and Altar]
  • Hierarchy: Teraphim
  • Order of the Blessed Spirits: Cherubim
  • 12 Degrees of Damned: Lying Spirits

BODY, MIND, and SOUL

• Anatomy:–

• • External: Neck and Throat
  • Internal: Gullet, Larynx, Cerebellum
  • Structural: Bones of the Neck
  • Notable Features: Strong Neck and Shoulders (often a stoop). Pensive Brows. Full Lips and Nostrils. Curling or Wavy Hair. Full Forehead. Heavy Jaws.

• Mind:-

• • Positive Traits: Purposeful. Patient. Steadfastness. Conviction.
  • Negative Traits: Obstinacy. Prejudice, Unreasonableness. Possessiveness.

• Soul:-

• • Karmic Lessons: To let go gracefully.
  • Karmic Strengths: Strong ethics, with the ability to endure and see things through.
  • Karmic Goal: A slow and steady evolution and development of inner security, and a sense of being unshakably rooted in a piece of eternity within one’s Self.

DIVINITY

The Three Charities - Thalia (Abundance), Euphrosyne (Joy), and Aglaia (Glory)

• Biblical Reference: The Judge (John 5:22)

• • Apostle: Simon
  • Prophet: Haggai
  • Archangel: Asmodeus
  • Angel: Araziel
  • Evangelist: Luke
  • Tribe of Israel: Ephraim

• Deities:-

• • African and Haitian: Yemaya Ataramagwa Sarabbi Olokun; Babalu-Aye
  • Celtic/Welsh: Ceridwen; Cernunnos
  • China: Kuan-Yin; Lu Hsing
  • Egypt: Heqit, Hapi
  • Greece: The Three Charities – Thalia, Euphrosyne, Aglaia; Boreas
  • India: Gauri; Kuvera
  • Japan: Benzaiten; Bishamon
  • Native and Latin America: Chantico; Pachacamac
  • Nordic/Germanic: Nehallennia; Freyr
  • Oceania: Humea; Tane
  • Roman: Ops; Bonus

CELEBRITIES

Henry Cavill

• Men: Al Pacino, Andre Agassi, Bono, Channing Tatum, Cory Monteith, Daniel Day-Lewis, David Beckham, David Boreanaz, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Enrique Iglesias, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, George Clooney, Gabriel Byrne, Harvey Keitel, Henry Cavill, Henry Fonda, Jack Nicholson, Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Liberace, Niccolo Machiavelli, Piotr Tchaikovsky, Pierce Brosnan, Robert Pattinson, Salvador Dali, Sigmund Freud, Stephen Colbert, Stevie Wonder, Tom Welling

Cher

• Women: Audrey Hepburn, Barbra Streisand, Bea Arthur, Candice Bergen, Carol Burnett, Carolyn Jones, Cate Blanchett, Cher, Cloris Leachman, Enya, Eva Peron, Florence Nightingale, Janet Jackson, Jessica Lange, Joanna Lumley, Julie Benz, Katherine Hepburn, Laetitia Casta, Megan Fox, Michelle Pfeiffer, Natasha Richardson, Nora Ephron, Patti LuPone, Penelope Cruz, Queen Elizabeth II, Rene Zellweger, Shirley MacLaine, Shirley Temple, Tina Fey, Uma Thurman

Fate v/s Free Will: Part One – Understanding Fate

~ “What fate imposes, that men must needs abide; It boots not to resist both wind and tide” ~

— William Shakespeare

This has got to be one of the most oldest debates in history; right up there with, ‘What came first, the Chicken or the Egg?’ In fact, just typing ‘Fate v/s Free Will’ into Google, yields about 5,860,000 results.

This is also a subject every Tarot reader, from the seasoned professional to the newbie clinging onto the LWB (the Little White Booklet or LWB is the instruction booklet that comes with every deck), has had to discuss in some form or the other. In fact, anyone and everyone dealing with any form of divination – Tarot, Astrology, Numerology, Runes, Tasseomancy, Lithomancy, Palmistry, Pyromancy… even Extispicy (ritually slaughtering animals and reading their organs to divine the future. See the movie Stardust) – has been faced with this question.

There have been plenty of articles, books, and monumental tomes written about the subject that cite everything from Plato to Jung, and even Yoda. Some have been on the side of Fate and claim Free Will to be a mere illusion. Some have claimed Free Will to be the only ‘reality’ and Fate is just the concoction of lazy people. Some have taken the diplomatic route and claimed both Fate and Free Will go hand in hand; while others have debunked both altogether and embraced the theory of the Universe being a product of ‘organized chaos’ (WTF?)

In the midst of this debate is the sub-debate regarding the purpose of divination – to predict or not to predict. If Fate is the only reality, then what’s the point of getting a reading if one can’t do anything about it? If Free Will is the sole reality, then why bother with a reading when we can ‘change’ our futures just by ‘active suggestion’?

Furthermore, this debate has also lead to many readers to ‘justify’ to a client who is dissatisfied about a reading not coming entirely true – Client: You said I’d get a promotion, but I got fired! Reader: Really? Well, you did take plenty of liberties regarding absenteeism. Your choosing to do so was your own free will. Thus altering the result of the reading altogether. So it’s not my fault!

However, before we go any deeper into this debate. Let’s first try an understand the idea of both Fate and Free Will. After all, how can one argue either side of a debate without understanding what both positions truly mean? This way, at least we can make an informed decision and expand our scope of perception.

Fate

Now the term Fate is a tricky subject altogether, for with it has centuries worth of psychological imagery associated with burdens and restrictions. However, let’s try our best to clear our pre-conceived notions and open our minds to a new world of possibilities.

According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, Fate is defined as:

noun

• 1 the development of events beyond a person’s control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power : fate decided his course for him | his injury is a cruel twist of fate.
• • the course of someone’s life, or the outcome of a particular situation for someone or something, seen as beyond their control : he suffered the same fate as his companion.

Okay, so this isn’t the most ‘reassuring’ definition so far, but hey, look what’s up ahead –

• 2 ( the Fates) Greek & Roman Mythology the three goddesses who preside over the birth and life of humans. Each person’s destiny was thought of as a thread spun, measured, and cut by the three Fates, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. Also called the Moirae and the Parcae .

Now I love the fact that The Moirae are mentioned within the dictionary itself. To think, a term as complex as ‘fate’ has a mythological figure (or three) to define it. Perhaps if we understand their myths and legends, we can have a better grasp of the concept of ‘fate’? Let’s take a looksie –

The Moirae

The Moirae are commonly thought to be the daughters of Zeus, the mighty ruler of the Olympian Gods, and Themis, the Titan goddess of Justice. However, the myths of the Moirae are even older than those of Kronos.

According to Hesiod, Aeschylus, and Orpheus, The Moirae are the daughters of NYX, the goddess of the night. According to Roman mythologies, they are the daughters of Gaia and Uranus, and were born before the mother-son couple created the universe. Plato claimed they were the daughters of Ananke (necessity or compulsion)and sang in unison of the things that were, are, and to be. Lycophron claims they are the lame daugthers of the ancient Sea (Halos) with triple thread.

However, irrespective of their origin myth, the common consensus about the Moirae is that they were ancient goddesses that sat under a tree (or in a cave). Clotho spun the thread on her spindle that represented human life, Lachesis measured the length of the thread, and Atropos would cut the thread with her shears, signifying the end of that particular lifespan.It wasn’t just the fate of human beings that lay within the thread, but also of animals, plants, and even the Gods. The following dialogue from Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound says it all –

Chorus: Who then is the helmsman of Ananke (Necessity)?

Prometheus: The three-shaped (trimorphoi) Moirae and mindful Erinyes (Furies)

Chorus: Can it be that Zeus has less power than they do?

Prometheus: Yes, in that even he cannot escape what is foretold.

Upon reading this, I couldn’t help but wonder – if the gods couldn’t really escape the twists of fate, what makes us ego-ruled human beings feel we can as well?

Unable to really find an answer, I decided to investigate more about the Moirae using the best tool at my disposal – The Tarot.

Shuffling my newly gifted Deviant Moon Tarot Deck (an work of sheer brilliance by the amazing Patrick Valenza), I decided to do a three card reading regarding the Moirae – one card representing each sister.

*

*~*

—————————————————————————

——– Clotho ———- Lachesis ———- Atropos ——–

—————————————————————————

*~*

*

The results of the draw were definitely not what I was expecting:-

Clotho – Ace of Wands

Lachesis – 9 of Swords

Atropos – 10 of Swords

Let’s examine each of them one at a time…

Clotho – Ace of Wands:

As mentioned earlier, Clotho spun the thread of life from her distaff onto her spindle. She also made major decisions such as when a mortal or god was born, as well as, deciding which mortal or god were to be saved or put to death (as she ruled rebirth as well). In Rome, she is known as Nona (the Ninth) and is called upon the ninth month of pregnancy. By this, we can see why the Ace of Wands is a fitting card for Clotho, for it is one card that is synonymous with a new birth (Ace – New Beginnings; Wand – Fire, Life, Vitality, Divinity).

Ace of Wands - Deviant Moon Tarot

However, if one would notice, the infant within the card is covered in something that resembles a pea-pod, with it’s head tearing through, but still protected by a thin transparent layer that resembles a membrane. Furthermore, notice, the woman who is holding the baby; her head, though decorated by a green and fertile wreath, is covered with barren trees that are on the verge of dying. The fiery sparks perhaps symbolize the process of clearing the old to make way for the new. Those who’ve had experience on a farm, there’s an old farming practice of burning the fields after the crop has been harvested. The fire not only eradicated all the remaining husk and shoots of the crop, but also re-fertilizes the soil below, providing a ‘fresh fertile’ beginning for the new batch of crops.

However, the trees aren’t yet burned to the ground. Even the woman’s hair is in the form of lush green vines. Thus, a death hasn’t yet completely occurred, therefore the child is still unborn and is still within it’s cocoon.

Perhaps this symbolizes that no birth (or rebirth) is truly a clean-state.

On a mundane level, it may seem to be a fresh-start, as a baby is innocent and knows ‘nothing’ of the world around. However, we forget that we our karmic memories of our various past lives are deeply embedded within our souls. Those memories remain fresh within us at the time of birth, however we slowly begin to ‘forget’ them we begin to develop ‘conscious’ awareness of the world we’re reborn in. Nevertheless, those karmic patterns embedded within us still play a major role as karma is an eternal cycle.

Now, from what I’ve studied about Karma, there are 3 major categories under which Karma falls under –

Individual Karma – The Karma of the individual based solely on his past actions.

Familial Karma – The Karma of the entire family. This is one of the reasons we inherit our parents (and other family members) physical features, emotional, and psychological qualities. We inherit, as well as, contribute to our family’s karma as a whole. (More on this shall be discussed in detail when the time is right)

National Karma – The Karma of the Nation as a whole. The country/region we are born in plays a major role in influencing our karmic patterns. This can be further broken down into racial, social, economic, religion/spiritual, and political karma (More on this shall be discussed in detail when the time is right)

So the baby in the pod could represent the summation of our Individual Karma, while the woman holding the baby could represent our Familial Karma, and the ‘third hand’ holding the wand that’s lit with fire could represent our National Karma. Thus, setting the stage for our birth within this world.

A little interesting fact: Our root chakra begins to develop from the time we’re in our mother’s womb (the third trimester) thus an aspect of our fate is already decided before we are even born within this world. However, we need to keep in mind, this is only one of the numerous lifetimes we have lived, and we probably have numerous more after this lifetime.

I suppose the best way to sum up Clotho is through this dialogue between Oogway and Shifu from the movie Kung Fu Panda

Oogway and Shifu at the Peach Tree of Wisdom

Oogway: My friend, the panda will never fulfill his destiny, nor you yours until you let go of the illusion of control.

Shifu: Illusion?

Oogway: Yes.

[Points at peach tree]

Oogway: Look at this tree, Shifu: I cannot make it blossom when it suits me nor make it bear fruit before its time.

Shifu: But there are things we *can* control: I can control when the fruit will fall, I can control where to plant the seed: that is no illusion, Master!

Oogway: Ah, yes. But no matter what you do, that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach.

*~*

Lachesis – Nine of Swords

Lachesis is the measurer, deciding how much time for life was to be allowed for each mortal or god. She measured the thread of life with her rod. She was known to choose a persons destiny after a thread was measured and would appear with her sisters within three days of a baby’s birth to decide its fate.

Nine of Swords - The Deviant Moon Tarot

When I saw the 9 of Swords appear in the position for Lachesis, my first reaction was, ‘Oy Vey!’ No wonder so many people cringe at the idea of a predetermined destiny or fate; it’s downright scary!

However, Lachesis is also known as the ‘Disposer of Lots’. She instructs the souls who are about to choose their next life, assigns them lots, and presents them all of the kinds, human and animal, from which they may choose their life.

Wait a minute… she presents us with a choice? Does that mean Free Will is a part of Fate?

Well, kinda. But let me explain further.

As we’ve seen in the case with Clotho, at the time of our birth, our Fate is set based on the summation of our Individual, Familial, and National Karma. Based on this, Lachesis offers us various ‘choices’ enabling us to live our lives and fulfill our destiny.

Imagine the journey of your life to be a gigantic labyrinth that your soul needs to cross from the starting point (birth) and reach the finish line (death and then rebirth) where it will receive numerous rewards. Clotho has given your soul all the strengths and abilities to overcome every obstacle, but also weaknesses and blind-spots that you need to work upon develop into your strengths during the course of your journey.

Lachesis appears at the starting line and offers you a choice between two paths. One leads to the East, the other leads to the West. Once you’ve made your choice, you travel down that path facing it’s unique obstacles and hinderances, as well as, receiving the rewards for overcoming them. You then reach another fork in the road, where Lachesis appears and offers you the choice of which path to take. You make your choice and move on until the next fork in the road; and this happens constantly until you reach the finish line, where based on your progress throughout the paths you’ve chosen you’re rewarded.

However, it is only when we reach the finish line, do we realize that all the roads of the labyrinth lead to the very same finish line. In fact, they even had quite a few ‘pit-stops’ in common.

“What’s the point of all those choices if they were going to lead to the same thing at the end of the day?”

Ah, well, that’s where the Nine of Swords comes in.

The advocates of Free Will go on and on about how important it is for us as individual to take charge of their life’s path and create their own universe through the process of ‘active suggestion’ and ‘the law of attraction’ etc, but yet, how many of us really do that?

I believe it was Freud who said, “Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.”

Choices aren’t that easy to make. When we choose something, we not only sacrifice the everything the other option(s) had to offer us, but we also take on the responsibility of what we have chosen. And to honor that responsibility, we need to honor our choice and see ourselves through it in order to make a ‘successful life decision’.

Allow me to illustrate this with an example –

Imagine a girl who is seventeen years old and a junior in High School. She is dating a senior, who is also the captain of the baseball team and is pressuring her to be sexually active with him. Here, Lachesis comes in the form of the choice, Do I make love to my boyfriend and be sexually active with him, or do I choose to practice abstinence?

The responsibility of going ahead and being sexually active with her boyfriend is in ensuring that she is ready physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to take that step in the relationship, as well as, stress upon safe sex practices and receiving the right kind of advise to make her first time a wonderful experience.

The risk is if being sexually active with her boyfriend guarantees him being faithful to her? After all, we all know how senior high school jocks tend to be when it comes to getting laid (and isn’t there always a bitchy cheerleader who has eyes on your man?) Also, is she sure he’s STD free? Is he lying about his sexual history? Will he be good at it or will he be sloppy and ruin it for her?

If she choses to remain abstinent, she has the responsibility of standing firm on her beliefs and not succumbing to peer pressure of any sort. Obviously, she made the choice because in her heart of hearts, she knew something wasn’t right. And hence to prevent that from occurring, she must stick to it.

However, the risk with that is her boyfriend could possibly break up with her for being a prude and not respecting her wishes. Rumors may spread about her being an ‘Ice-Princess’ and thus ruining her reputation. And if she shies away now, will she ever be brave enough to go all the way later in her life? Is her shyness just a psychological issue, and delaying it would only make it worse?

Eventually, the girl in our example will lose her virginity at some point or the other. It all depends on whether she chooses to lose it at seventeen to her hunky jock boyfriend. Or if she would wait till she’s more older and mature and comfortable with the idea. Lachesis will always be waiting for her at each crossroad.

Let’s say, she does finally have sex. However, due to her individual and familial karma, she gets pregnant. If she did it with her high school boyfriend, she would be pregnant at seventeen, and would be faced with the choice to keep the baby and forego her college education to raise the child. If she lost it in college, again decision to keep the baby or forego completing college or giving the child up for adoption or go in for an abortion. And then there’s the decision to tell the father of her child, and choose whether to marry him for the ‘right reasons’ or not.

See how complicated it becomes? No wonder the card that appeared in this position is 9 of Swords, because sometimes making choices in our lives can be a total mind-fuck.

Again, this was just an example, but I just wanted to illustrate how the choices in our lives come with their personal share of responsibilities and potential risks. However, at the end of the day, we need to be brave enough to handle such responsibilities.

However, if we sit back and decide to blindly go with the flow of fate. We live a caged life filled with fear and apprehension. We never get to really experience life. We just witness it and become victimized by our fears that manifest as the big bad world outside.

Yet, at the same time, overanalyzing situations and choices can also be a major bane, as the constant stream of nervous tension and excess worrying about making the right decision can lead to incredible amounts of stress, leading to breakdowns.

So even though from this, Free Will does seem like an ‘illusion’, it is important for us to use it actively within our lives in order to move on and progress further along our path in order to fulfil our destiny.

To quote Carl Gustav Jung, “Free Will is the ability to do gladly that which I must do.”

Ponder about that for sometime, and then we’ll move onto the third card…

*~*

Atropos – 10 of Swords

Atropos was the oldest of the Three Fates, and was known as the “inflexible” or “inevitable.” She chose the mechanism of death and ended the life of each mortal (and god) by cutting the thread spun by Clotho with her shears.

10 of Swords - Deviant Moon Tarot

Why grandma, what a dramatic card you have!

All the better to kill you with my dear!

LOL… Okay, sorry, I couldn’t help myself. But that’s Atropos. There’s really no stopping her. Once she’s determined when, where, how, why, she’s gonna cut your thread, you can bet all your karmic brownie points she’s gonna cut it.

No matter where you are. No matter how far you run. No matter how cleverly you hide. And no matter how much you bribe your way through. There’s no stopping Atropos from cutting your thread. Once it’s your time to go, it’s your time to go. And you’ll die exactly the way she intends you to die.

Does that make her cruel or heartless? No, it doesn’t! And here’s why.

As explained before, this lifetime of ours is just one of the many along our overall karmic path. We entered this life with certain karmic boons and burdens with a special soul mission to carry out throughout our existence. The minute that is done, it’s time to say goodbye. Atropos doesn’t believe in dilly-dallying.

However, our karmic mission doesn’t always have to be some kind of Academy Award winning ‘based-on-a-true-story’ type mission.

It can be anything from raising your children to become wonderful members of society, or even working till retirement and take you and your wife out on an all expense paid trip to Mauii. It could even be dying young of drug abuse or a rare uncurable disease to serve as an example and cause for the world.

Either way, whatever it is. Atropos is gonna cut that thread when she has to.

However, this is another illusion, for life is truly eternal. Your soul will live on, and shall carry forth it’s collective karma and your soul with find (or should I say, choose) a new body to enter.

For you see, the Moirae may seem like three separate entities, but they are truly one. Like various triple goddesses representing different phases of the moon, they represent various aspects of Fate. But all in all, they are the same.

Judgment - The Deviant Moon Tarot

And hence, let’s combine the 3 individual cards we have pulled and discover what Fate is in it’s unified form

*~*

–———————–

Ace of Wands

+ 9 of Swords

+10 of Swords =

————————-

1 + 9 + 10 = 20

= Judgment ——

————————-

*~*

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when I saw this. After all, isn’t this like totally the ‘cliche’ image/card one would think would represent our indomitable unchangeable fate? After all, Judgment is ruled by Pluto, ruler of the underworld, owning the 8th house of Sex, Death, Karma, and among other things, Fate.

High Priestess - Deviant Moon Tarot

However, there’s more to Fate than meets the eye…

20 = 2 + 0 = 2 = The High Priestess
How does the High Priestess fit into all this? Well, for that, you’ll have to check out part two of our exploration of Fate v/s Free Will.

However, here’s a little hint for what’s in store for you. The root of the word Fate is Fatum in Latin. Fatum is also the root word for “Fairy”. Fairy Godmothers?

Love and Blessings

Zorian

PS: I apologize for my absence and my inability to post regularly. However, I’m now back in the blogging-groove, and will post regularly. I can’t wait to see where this leads to. Please do let me know what you think. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Astrology Keywords – Zodiac Signs – Aries

~ “From the moment I was six I felt sexy. And let me tell you it was hell, sheer hell, waiting to do something about it.” ~

– Bette Davis

ARIES – The Ram

March 21 to April 20

As Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, those born under this sign are born leaders with a natural positive and enthusiastic energy that allows their aura’s to shimmer in a dazzling ruby shine. Lovers of life in the fast lane, Ariens possess a high physical energy level, which they need to express without any bounds. However it’s important for them to realize that there is a world of a difference between ‘aggression’ and ‘assertion’, the later being a more constructive way of releasing excessive energy. Their high ambitions and ideals often allow them to become pioneers in their respective fields, forever willing to take on every challenge head-on, for Aries knows no fear, and never shies away from achieving their biggest and wildest dreams.

BASICS

Aries - The Ram

• Motto: I am
• Element: Fire
• Modality: Cardinal (Leaders)
• Gender: Masculine/Yang
• Polarity: Positive
• Duality: Day
• Soul: Infant
• Ages: 0 – 7
• Nature: Bestial/Violent
• Season: Spring
• Direction: East
• Color: Red
• Metal: Iron
• Stone: Bloodstone
• Trees: Holly, Fir, All Thorn-Bearing Trees and Bushes
• Herbs: Arnica, Bayberry, Broom, Bryony, Furze, Honeysuckle, Hops, Geranium, Juniper, Leeks, Milk, Thistle, Mustard, Nettle, Onions, Peppermint, Rhubarb, Tobacco, Witch Hazel
• Foods: Beer, Leeks, Onion, Tomatoes, Most Strong Tasting Foods
• Countries: England, Germany, France, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Japan, Syria
• Cities: Birmingham, Brunswick, Florence, Naples, Marseilles, Krakow, Leicester, Verona
• Affirmation: I am achievement. I have the power to translate my dreams into reality.

PLANETARY INFLUENCE

Planet Mars

• Planetary Dignity:-
  • Ruling: Mars
  • Exalted: Sun
  • Detriment: Venus
  • Fall: Saturn (classical)/Uranus (Modern)
  • Esoteric Ruler: Mercury
• Classical Decans:–
  • First Decan: Mars
  • Second Decan: Sun
  • Third Decan: Venus
• Modern Decans:–
  • First Decan: Mars
  • Second Decan: Sun
  • Third Decan: Jupiter

• House: First/Ascendant

TAROT & QABALAH

The Emperor - Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot

• Tarot Correspondence:–
  • Major Arcana: The Emperor
  • Minor Arcana: 2 of Wands, 3 of Wands, 4 of Wands
  • Court Card: Queen of Wands; King of Pentacles

• Qabalah:
  • Hebrew Letter: He (Window)
  • Path: 15 – Constituting Intelligence
  • Sephiras: Chokmah (Wisdom) – Tiphareth (Beauty)
  • Qliphotic Name: Da’Airiron (The Flock)
  • Calendar: Ayar
  • Magical Power: Consecrating Things
  • Magical Weapon: Horns, Bruin, Energy
  • Hierarchy: Xeophim
  • Order of the Blessed Spirits: Seraphim
  • 12 Degrees of Damned: False Gods

BODY, MIND, and SOUL

• Anatomy:–
  • External: Head and Face
  • Internal: Brain
  • Structural: Cranium and Facial Bones
  • Notable Features: Long Neck. Bony or Angular face. Broad Temples. Narrow Chin. Crisp or Wiry Hair. Generally a distinctive mark on the face (a scar or a mole or a birthmark).
• Mind:-
  • Positive Traits: Innocence. Wonder. Faith. Enthusiasm. Raw Courage.
  • Negative Traits: Selfishness. Egotistical. Thoughtlessness. Impulsive. Reckless.
• Soul:-
  • Karmic Lessons: To find and to assert one’s Self.
  • Karmic Strengths: Tremendous courage and the ability to get things moving.
  • Karmic Goal: Becoming aware of the Self and initiating and being spontaneous without ignoring the needs of others.

DIVINITY

Ares - God of War

• Biblical Reference: The Crowned Ram (Revelations 5:6)
  • Apostle: Matthias
  • Prophet: Malachi
  • Archangel: Malchidial
  • Angel: Sharhiel
  • Evangelist: Mark
  • Tribe of Israel: Gad

• Deities:-
  • African and Haitian: Oshun, Chango
  • Celtic/Welsh: Macha, Llew
  • China: Tien-Hou, Kuan Ti
  • Egypt: Neith, Horus
  • Greece: Athena, Ares
  • India: Durga, Agni, Shiva
  • Japan: Amaterasu, Bishamon
  • Native and Latin America: Huitzilopochtli, Catequil
  • Nordic/Germanic: Alaisiagae, Freyr
  • Oceania: Pele, Oro
  • Roman: Minerva, Mars

CELEBRITIES

Hayden Christensen

• Men: Adrien Brody, Alec Baldwin, Andy Garcia, Charlie Chaplin, Christopher Walken, Conan O’Brien, David Letterman, Dennis Quaid, Dudley Moore, Eddie Murphy, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Ewan McGregor, Casanova, Gregory Peck, Harry Houdini, Heath Ledger, Hugh Hefner, Jackie Chan, John Sebastian Bach, John Schneider, JP Morgan, Marlon Brando, Omar Sharif, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Downey Jr., Russell Crowe, Steve McQueen, Timothy Dalton, Warren Beatty

Lady Gaga

• Women: Amanda Bynes, Aretha Franklin, Ashley Judd, Bette Davis, Celine Dion, Debbie Reynolds, Diana Ross, Doris Day, Elizabeth Montgomery, Gloria Steinem, Jayne Mansfield, Jennifer Garner, Joan Crawford, Julia Stiles, Julie Christie, Kate Hudson, Keira Knightley, Lady Gaga, Linda Goodman, Lucy Lawless, Mandy Moore, Marcia Cross, Mariah Carey, Reese Witherspoon, Rosie O’Donnell, Sarah Jessica Parker, Selena, Shirley Jones, Simone Signoret, Virginia Grey

//

Happy New Year!

~ “An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” ~

– Bill Vaughn

♥♥♥

Here’s to the new year…
May it bring more joy and success
And less grief and regret.

To our dreams…
May we never stop believing in them
And taking the actions that will make them a reality.

To our friends, loved ones, associates, and colleagues…
May we take the time to let them know
How much it means to us
To have them in our lives.

Let us encourage more and criticize less,
Give more and need less.

And whenever we can,
Let us create harmony and peace.

To new beginnings…
Let us start fresh, right now,
To make this the very best year ever.

– Joanna Fuchs

♥♥♥

21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card: Step 9: Query and Snapshot

~ “Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.” ~

– Anthony Robbins

One of the best ways to determine what a reading about is to ask questions. Questions not only stimulate the energies that reveal a life pattern, but also enable us to break out of the habit of blindly making assumptions and taking things for granted. Even what we deem as a ‘silly question’, can end up revealing a whole lot about a card. For example, if the 9 of Cups is the card of Happiness, why (in the RWS deck) is the man sitting alone with his arms folded (a body language cue that he wants to be left alone)?

In this Step, we need to go back to the description of our chosen card, and based on it, ask any 3 open-ended questions. The best part about this is that we don’t really need to give a ‘correct’ answer! Yes, we can make up our own answer to our own self-imposed open-ended question. After all, we do contain the answers to the universes greatest mysteries within ourselves (we just need to search deeper than we think), so surely answering such questions should be a snap for us!

However, while we do this, we might just be reminded of a past event within our own lives. This ‘snapshot’ memory image could posses vital clues that would not only help us understand our chosen card, but Tarot as a whole.

So let’s go back to the description of our chosen card…

6 of Swords - Legacy of the Divine Tarot

Two people are standing on a boat/vessel that appears to be made of wood with intricate carvings. The woman stands in front, wearing sapphire color robes. Her arm is bare, but is adorned with bracelets around her forearm and bicep. She wears a golden tiara, and her  brown hair, though thick and long, are loosely tied with what appear to be golden beads.

The other figure wears a dark robe with a hood that covers their face, making it all the more difficult to decipher whether it is a man or a woman. Both it’s hands are on the steering rod, from which a chain dangles. Behind this figure is a golden/yellow light orb that though bright, makes it all the more hard to decipher the figure’s gender.

Above them, three swords dangle, suspended with metallic chains. One is right in front of the woman, and one right behind the second figure. The third being the largest of them, dangles in the middle. All three swords have a circular jewel embedded within, which has the purple-ish color of amethyst. Behind the three swords are two chandeliers which hold candles. Behind the middle sword, a bright white light glows.

In the water below, there are three more swords. The one in the middle is closest to the boat, while the other two are spaced further away. The one on the left of the card seems to have a jewel similar to the ones above (we can’t see clearly with the other two swords because that particular area is covered by the water).

The water below is full of ripples, distorting the reflection of the boat, while the walls of the area they are in seem to have carvings of a similar nature on each and everyone of them. Beyond the boat, there seems to be an archway, but due to the darkness we cannot see what’s on the other side clearly.

*~*

~*~

Going over this description over and over,  I can think of more than just 3 open ended questions, but if I begin asking them out loud, this would end up being a massive post, and thus would run the risk of boring you (I refuse to let that happen, I care about you, my readers, with all my heart). So hence, will pick the 3 most ‘interesting’ ones of the lot ;).

QUESTION ONE:

“… her  brown hair, though thick and long, are loosely tied with what appear to be golden beads.“

Why are her hair loosely tied? And why with golden beads of all things?

Her hair are loosely tied because if they are tied too tight, it might just make it hard for her to think straight. After all, tying hair up too tight would always lead to massive headaches*, and considering where they are, I’m sure the Princess would prefer it if she could think clearly without a headache. However, considering she is a Princess, she would ensure her hair, though loosely tied, would appear neat and well-groomed. The fact that her hair are thick and long, indicates a healthy body,  a tension free mind, and a well-developed crown chakra (seriously, it’s true!). This shows she’s balanced on a body-mind- and soul level (and if you remember in Step 5, the number 6 was a number of ‘Balance and Harmony’ among other things).

The golden beads not only signify her royal heritage, but also her intellectual prowess. Alchemist believed Gold represented the perfection of all matter on any level, including that of the mind, spirit, and soul. Gold is also the most malleable and ductile metal, often made into threads or extremely thin sheets (gold leaf), as well as, intricate ornate jewelry and large bulky slabs and bullion. Thereby symbolizing the incredibly depth, purity, and versatility of the Princess’ mind. gold is a good reflector of electromagnetic radiation such as infrared and visible light as well as radio waves, it is used for the protective coatings on many artificial satellites, in infrared protective faceplates in thermal protection suits and astronauts’ helmets and in electronic warfare planes like the EA-6B Prowler. Thereby indicating that her mind is protected from all outside ‘interference’ and ‘pollutants’, allowing her to remain focused with ‘pure’ intentions.

(* The minute I wrote that, I got a ‘Snapshot’ of when I was about 10. I had really long hair back then – long story – and would often try to braid my hair to resemble my sister. I remember I did so too tight, and thus got the worst headache ever! So horrible, that when I was playing on the swings in the park, I got so giddy, that I fell off my swing and hurt myself horribly. Luckily there was soft sand below the swing, so my fall wasn’t as drastic, but the gashes on my arms and legs were horrible.)

QUESTION TWO:

“Above them, three swords dangle … In the water below, there are three more swords”

What’s the deal with 3 Swords above and 3 Swords below?

Hmmm… Well, this is a bit of a toughie. However, I’m going to go with a bit of a ‘creative’ take on it.

This reminded me of the old saying, “As above so below”. This phrase is often circulated throughout esoteric texts and has been quoted numerous times. The concept was first laid out in The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus, in the words “That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above, corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracles of the One Thing.”

In accordance with the various levels of reality: physical, mental, and spiritual, this relates that what happens on any level happens on every other. So if air represents our ‘thoughts’, while water represents our ‘psyche’; the placement of the swords could perhaps represent the connection between our conscious ‘thinking’ mind and our subconscious mind that’s deep like the ocean.

Now, to get a little more creative –  there are 3 swords above and 3 below. Perhaps the 3 of Swords plays an important role. The 3 Swords above could represent the Princess having to deal with numerous issues like heartbreak, betrayal, mourning. And maybe she’s wondering ‘why’ did she have to experience such things. Through her journey, she gets to the psychological root of her issues, and realizes that due to all this conditioning that’s occurred over the years, she’s been inviting all sorts of 3 of Swords like experiences within her life. Thus realizing how the Law of Attraction comes into play*.

(* As I wrote this, I had another ‘Snapshot’ flash before me. Earlier this year, I was totally 3 of Sworded by someone I cared deeply about. So painful the experience was, that I had a major breakdown. It was indeed a dark time within my life. After a few sessions with a spiritual healer and karmic counselor, I not only discovered the psychological and emotional roots of why I invited such an experience within my life, but also discovered the past life connections between us. Doing so gave me a better understanding of the entire situation, and thus helped me move on and heal from the experience.)

QUESTION THREE:

“…boat/vessel that appears to be made of wood…”

Why is the boat/vessel made of wood?

Well, the answer for that comes from Feng Shui. The Wood Element is associated with Spring – The season of new beginnings and renewal. Wood periods are a time for healing, for bestowing favors, for helping others, for beginning projects and time for initial growth both personally and professionally; thus representing the Princess floating away from the ‘winter of her life’ and entering a new phase of her life, filled with a renewed sense of hope. It’s interesting to note that Wood is nourished by Water, but destroyed by Metal (Swords are made of metal), so in a way, this is quite a balancing act of a journey for the Princess.

According to ancient Chinese medicine, Wood rules the Liver, and one of the primary functions of the Liver is ‘detoxification’; thus symbolizing a cleansing  process of sorts. According to various schools of holistic healing, the Liver is considered the ‘seat of anger’, and the primary emotion of Wood is anger as well.* Thus showing the importance of having a healthy way of expressing anger. If suppressed for too long within, it turns toxic for our souls. If expressed carelessly, it could lead to disastrous consequences. Similarly, the vessel needs to be navigated with care, else it could strike against a sword, causing it to sink like the Titanic.

(* At this point, I had another ‘Snapshot’ flash. This was about 18 months ago, when I was initiated into Reiki. During my Level II initiation, I was taught about psycho-somatic causes of all dis-eases, as well as, the various connection between the mind, body, and soul. My Reiki Teacher actually used those very words, “Liver is the seat of anger”, and she spoke of how people with dull brittle nails, excessive restlenessness, menstrual/gynecological problems, and blurry vision/eye disorders, etc have weak livers, and thus either suppress their anger or have a vicious temper. A week later, I had a blind date with someone I met from the internet. Over our chats online, he seemed really sweet, funny, and incredibly grounded. And when we met, he seemed ever so mellow. However, while he got up to excuse himself to go to the men’s room, I noticed he had really dull nails. Even though he manicured them regularly, there was a certain dullness to them. When he returned, I noticed his cuticles were nitpicked intensely. He kept on shifting in his seat, unable to really sit still for a minute. My ZiZi-senses (my own spin on Spidey-Senses) were tingling, and not in a good way. Throughout the evening, he remained quite mellow, leaving me to believe I was just imagining things. However, when it came time to pay the bill and leave, he got into an arguement with our waiter over the silliest of issues. I’m not able to recall what it was all about, but it was definitely something trivial. However, he went on and on and on… shouting angrily and belittling the waiter for no legitimate reason. And as he drove me back home, he kept going on and on, ranting and raving about the incident (and yell out a few choice phrases to other motorists). Needless to say, a second date was out of the question).

*~*

~*~

Wow, who knew that just by ‘asking questions’, we could discover so much about a card, and even though it might seem random and out of the blue, the ‘answers’ we receive for our questions might just reveal the answers we’ve been seeking all along!

I hope you all enjoyed this Step. Give it a try sometime. Describe the card as explained in Step 2: Description, and then ask open ended questions. I can guarantee, it will be a fun and revelatory experience!

Love and Blessings

Zorian

~*~*~*~

*~*~*~*

This exercise was taken from Mary K Greer’s fantastic book, 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card. For more information about the exercises and the various ’steps’ click HERE to purchase a copy of this masterpiece that’s a must have for every one ever acquainted with the Tarot.

Tarot Keywords – Court Cards – Pentacles

~ “Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.” ~

— Sigmund Freud

As mentioned in the post, Fucking Courts, court cards are one of the most controversial, as well as, confusing, overwhelming, and overall-stress-inducing modes of a Tarot Deck. Primarily, Court Cards either represent an aspect of us (the seeker) or someone within our lives, particularly someone upon whom we’ve ‘projected’ that part of our personality. However, they can also symbolize timing, qualities to embody, spiritual guides, and even events and situations coming into existence; thus making them all the more complicated to interpret.

The Court of Pentacles tend to be practical, grounded, solid, and weighted in this physical reality. They tend to be oriented towards work, goals, money, and the physical senses (especially touch). These are the sensualists who often like to garden, sculpt, and give and receive massages. These are also the builders and the doers on the planet; these folks often help establish businesses, cooperatives, foundations, and projects. They are loyal, headstrong, and literally down-to-earth people. Their practical nature can sometimes leave them a little too weighted, and they can get stuck in ruts and feel bogged down. They need a little stimulation and spark to get them out of their routines.

The following are a list of keywords for the Court of Pentacles. These keywords are not to be relied on as crutches, but as creative springboards for us to develop our own interpretation and understanding of not just each card, but the Court of Pentacles on its whole. And let’s face it, sometimes relating court cards with Celebrities does help.

• King of Pentacles

George Clooney - King of Pentacles

• • Element: Air of Earth
  • Astrology: Fixed Earth – Taurus
  • Chart Position: 20 Aries to 20 Taurus
  • Dates: April 11^th to May 10^th
  • Qabalah: Tiphareth (Beauty) in Assiah (Body)
  • Decans:
    • First Decan: Venus in Aries – 4 of Wands – 20 Aries to 30 Aries
    • Second Decan: Mercury in Taurus – 5 of Pentacles – 0 Taurus to 10 Taurus
    • Third Decan: Moon in Taurus – 6 of Pentacles – 10 Taurus to 20 Taurus
  • MBTI: ESFJ (Extraverted Sensing Feeling Judging)
  • KTS: The Provider
  • Celebrity Examples: Al Pacino. George Clooney. Tom Welling. Enrique Iglesias. Sigmund Freud. Orson Wells. David Beckham.
  • Positive Keywords: Self-Sufficient. Successful. Dependable. Realistic. Sensual.
  • Negative Keywords: Stubborn. Lethargic. Philistine. Dogmatic. Miserly.
  • Career Choices: Financier. Stockbroker. Investments. Real Estate. Wine. Insurance. Chef. Entertainers. Coaches and Trainers. Craftsman.
  • Sport and Recreation: Weight-Lifting. Body Building. Football. Hiking. Camping. All things that test our endurance.
  • Affirmation: At every turn opportunities appear before me. The Universe supports my every effort. .

*~*

~*~

• Queen of Pentacles

Marlene Dietrich - Queen of Pentacles

• • Element: Water of Earth
  • Astrology: Cardinal Earth – Capricorn
  • Chart Position: 20 Sagittarius to 20 Capricorn
  • Dates: December 13^th to January 9^th
  • Qabalah: Binah (Understanding) in Assiah (Body)
  • Decans:
    • First Decan: Saturn in Sagittarius – 10 of Wands – 20 Sagittarius to 30 Capricorn
    • Second Decan: Jupiter in Capricorn – 2 of Pentacles – 0 Capricorn to 10 Capricorn
    • Third Decan: Mars in Capricorn – 3 of Pentacles – 10 Capricorn to 20 Capricorn
  • MBTI: ISFJ (Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging)
  • KTS: The Protector
  • Celebrity Examples: Gypsy Rose Lee. Ava Gardner. Kristin Kreuk. Dame Maggie Smith. Marlene Dietrich. Susan Lucci. Pat Benatar.
  • Positive Keywords: Generous. Perseverance. Prosperity. Fertility. Sensibility.
  • Negative Keywords: Materialistic. Narrow. Hardened. Rigid. Conformity.
  • Career Choices: Banking and Finance. Bureaucracy. Administration. University Professors. Sculptors. Legal and Technical Work. Healers. Nursing/Caretaking. Retail and Luxury Goods.
  • Sport & Recreation: Hatha Yoga. Walking. Golf. Swimming. Rock Climbing. All things that require patience and strengthen self-discipline.
  • Affirmation: My abundant thoughts and actions lead in the perfect direction of my desires.

*~*

~*~

• Knight of Pentacles

Hugh Grant - Knight of Pentacles

• • Element: Fire of Earth
  • Astrology: Mutable Earth – Virgo
  • Chart Position: 20 Leo to 20 Virgo
  • Dates: August 12^th to September 11^th
  • Qabalah: Chokmah (Wisdom) in Assiah (Body)
  • Decans:
    • First Decan: Mars in Leo – 7 of Wands – 20 Leo to 30 Leo
    • Second Decan: Sun in Virgo  – 8 of Pentacles – 0 Virgo to 10 Virgo
    • Third Decan: Venus in Virgo – 9 of Pentacles – 10 Virgo to 20 Virgo
  • MBTI: ESFP (Extraverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving)
  • KTS: The Performer
  • Celebrity Examples: Andrea Bocelli. Hugh Grant. Elvis Costello. Richard Gere. Andy Roddick. Sean Connery. Freddie Mercury.
  • Positive Keywords: Practical. Purposeful. Responsible. Skillful. Pragmatic.
  • Negative Keywords: Impatience. Insensitivity. Arrogant. Cynical. Intolerant.
  • Career Choices: Accountants. Doctors. Mathematician. Merchandising. Hospitality/Hotel Management. Horticulturalist. Landscape Artists. Civil Servants. Editors. Dietician/Nutritionist.
  • Sport and Recreation: Biking. Jogging. Aerobics. Calisthenics. Martial Arts. All things that are simple, minimalistic, and have maximum impact.
  • Affirmation: I am one with my body and one with nature.

*~*

~*~

• Page of Pentacles

Lea Michele - Page of Pentacles

• • Element: Earth of Earth
  • Astrology: The Aries/Taurus/Gemini Quadrant of the Zodiac
  • Chart Position: 0 Aries to 30 Gemini
  • Dates: March 21^st to June 20^th
  • Qabalah: Malkuth (Kingdom) in Assiah (Body)
  • MBTI: ISFP (Introverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving)
  • KTS: The Composer
  • Celebrity Examples: Lea Michele. Cory Montieth. Jenna Ushkowitz. Dianna Agron. Andrew Lawrence. Jessica Alba. Hunter Parrish.
  • Positive Keywords: Watchful. Secure. Fascinated. Diligent. Loving.
  • Negative Keywords: Coveting. Critical. Hedonism. Neurotic. Obsessive.
  • Career Choices: Domestics. Elementary Education. Students. Bookkeeper. Secretary/Executive Assistants. Archivist. Librarian. Animal Trainer. Financial Speculator. Child-Care.
  • Sport & Recreation: Hatha Yoga. Camping. Rock Climbing. Swimming. Pilates. All things that bust stress and help connect with nature.
  • Affirmation: I listen to my body and follow its advice, for the wisdom within holds the key to all healing.

Hope you all enjoyed the Keywords for the Court of Pentacles.

Love and Blessings

Zorian

Tarot Keywords – Court Cards – Swords

~ “To talk well and eloquently is a very great art, but an equally great one is to know the right moment to stop” ~

— Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

As mentioned in the post, Fucking Courts, court cards are one of the most controversial, as well as, confusing, overwhelming, and overall-stress-inducing modes of a Tarot Deck. Primarily, Court Cards either represent an aspect of us (the seeker) or someone within our lives, particularly someone upon whom we’ve ‘projected’ that part of our personality. However, they can also symbolize timing, qualities to embody, spiritual guides, and even events and situations coming into existence; thus making them all the more complicated to interpret.

The Court of Swords are often associated with the mental realm. These are the thinkers, the talkers, and the socialites in our midst. They tend to be more detached and objective in their association with the world and can often seem both friendly and distant. They have a great capacity to draw groups of people together and often tend to know ‘everyone’ due to their love of connection and interaction. However, whenever there is an overemphasis on the thinking and talking function, the Court of Swords find it all the more difficult to reach deeper levels of emotional sensitivity.

The following are a list of keywords for the Court of Swords. These keywords are not to be relied on as crutches, but as creative springboards for us to develop our own interpretation and understanding of not just each card, but the Court of Swords on its whole. And let’s face it, sometimes relating court cards with Celebrities does help.

• King of Swords

Christian Bale - King of Swords

• • Element: Air of Air
  • Astrology: Fixed Air – Aquarius
  • Chart Position: 20 Capricorn to 20 Aquarius
  • Dates: January 10^th to February 8^th
  • Qabalah: Tiphareth (Beauty) in Yetzirah (Mind)
  • Decans:
    • First Decan: Sun in Capricorn – 4 of Pentacles – 20 Capricorn to 30 Capricorn
    • Second Decan: Venus in Aquarius – 5 of Swords – 0 Aquarius to 10 Aquarius
    • Third Decan: Mercury in Aquarius – 6 of Swords – 10 Aquarius to 20 Aquarius
  • MBTI: ESTJ (Extraverted Sensing Thinking Judging)
  • KTS: The Supervisor
  • Celebrity Examples: Christian Bale. Tom Selleck. Richard Dean Anderson. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Thomas Edison. Paul Newman. Clark Gable.
  • Positive Keywords: Precision. Rationality. Articulation. Ethical. Discerning.
  • Negative Keywords: Overly Critical. Dictatorial. Severity. Sadism. Ruthlessness.
  • Career Choices: Judge. Technical Writer. Lawyer. Diplomat. Intelligence Services. Anthropology. Professor. Scientist. Research & Development. Surgeon. Environmentalist/Humanitarian.
  • Sport and Recreation: Ice-Skating. Parachuting. Gliding. Deep Sea Diving. Svaroopa Yoga. All things that allow them to feel free and unrestricted.
  • Affirmation: I live up to my ideals with love and with joy. I confidently stand up for what I truly believe.

*~*

~*~

• Queen of Swords

Susan Sarandon - Queen of Swords

• • Element: Water of Air
  • Astrology: Cardinal Air – Libra
  • Chart Position: 20 Virgo to 20 Libra
  • Dates: September 12^th to October 12^th
  • Qabalah: Binah (Understanding) in Yetzirah (Mind)
  • Decans:
    • First Decan: Mercury in Virgo – 10 of Pentacles – 20 Virgo to 30 Virgo
    • Second Decan: Moon in Libra – 2 of Swords – 0 Libra to 10 Libra
    • Third Decan: Saturn in Libra – 3 of Swords – 10 Libra to 20 Libra
  • MBTI: ISTJ (Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging)
  • KTS: The Inspector
  • Celebrity Examples: Barbara Walters. Sigourney Weaver. Heather Locklear. Olivia Newton-John. Julie Andrews. Kelly Rippa. Susan Sarandon.
  • Positive Keywords: Strong Willed. Frankness. Independence. Observant. Self-Disciplined.
  • Negative Keywords: Bitchy. Hypercritical. Vindictive. Hurtful. Dismissive.
  • Career Choices: Academician. Conceptualizer. Writer. Negotiator. Editor. Physicist. Aesthetician. Economist. Scientist. Department Store Buyer.
  • Sport & Recreation: Tennis. Dancing. Kripalu Yoga. Aerobics. Pilates. All things that can be done in groups or with a partner.
  • Affirmation: I am balanced and harmonized with life, and am safe and secure in my expression of love.

*~*

~*~

• Knight of Swords

Zachary Quinto - Knight of Swords

• • Element: Fire of Air
  • Astrology: Mutable Air – Gemini
  • Chart Position: 20 Taurus to 20 Gemini
  • Dates: May 11^th to June 10^th
  • Qabalah: Chokmah (Wisdom) in Yetzirah (Mind)
  • Decans:
    • First Decan: Saturn in Taurus – 7 of Pentacles – 20 Taurus to 30 Taurus
    • Second Decan: Jupiter in Gemini  – 8 of Swords – 0 Gemini to 10 Gemini
    • Third Decan: Mars in Gemini – 9 of Swords – 10 Gemini to 20 Gemini
  • MBTI: ESTP (Extraverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving)
  • KTS: The Promoter
  • Celebrity Examples: Anderson Cooper. Pete Wentz. Zachary Quinto. Liam Neeson. Laurence Olivier. Mike Myers. Wentworth Miller.
  • Positive Keywords: Analytical. Quick-Witted. Sharp-Minded. Mental Stimulation. Skillful.
  • Negative Keywords: Impatience. Insensitivity. Arrogant. Cynical. Intolerant.
  • Career Choices: Copywriter. Marketing/Sales. Concierge. Debater. Illustrator. Journalist. Linguist. Information Technology. Analyst.
  • Sport and Recreation: Running. Squash. Cycling/Spinning. Skiing. Rollerblading. Anything that’s playful, exciting, and gives them a thrill.
  • Affirmation: I boldly express myself in a unique and creative manner.

*~*

~*~

• Page of Swords

Paris Hilton - Page of Swords

• • Element: Earth of Air
  • Astrology: The Capricorn/Aquarius/Pisces Quadrant of the Zodiac
  • Chart Position: 0 Capricorn to 30 Pisces
  • Dates: September 23^rd to November 22^nd
  • Qabalah: Malkuth (Kingdom) in Yetzirah (Mind)
  • MBTI: ISTP (Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving)
  • KTS: The Crafter
  • Celebrity Examples: Taylor Lautner. Mischa Barton. Natalie Portman. Paris Hilton. Ashlee Simpson. Elijah Wood. Shia LaBeouf.
  • Positive Keywords: Clever. Vigilant. Objective. Practical. Alertness.
  • Negative Keywords: Gossip. Defensive. Scathing. Sneaky. Caustic.
  • Career Choices: Student of Law, Science, Anthropology, and Medicine. Computer Programmer. Dispatcher. Telemarketer. Receptionist. Mail Carrier. Playwright. Orator. Driver.
  • Sport & Recreation: Dancing. Gymnastics. Martial Arts. Chess. Tai Chi. Anything that helps them balance their mind, body, and soul.
  • Affirmation: I handle all ideas with love and with ease.

Hope you enjoyed the Keywords for the Court of Swords.

Love and Blessings

Zorian

The Hierophant v/s The High Priestess: The Ultimate Showdown!

This is an old skit I had written a few years back. I had posted it on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum, but felt it was time to revive it after all these years and give it a dash of freshness. Now I must say, this is by no means a complete depiction, nor full interpretation of the High Priestess, nor the Hierophant. Everything here is purely fictitious and is meant solely for entertainment purposes. Although, once I did finish it, I realized so much can truly apply to the Tarot, as well as, some of the characterizations seemed to fit in with basic card interpretation. So who knows, maybe through this crazy Tarot parody, someone’s able to learn something new. So without any further delay, I present

SCENE:

The Hierophant and his two followers are religious fundamentalists who are going door-to-door, spreading their ideologies and ‘saving souls’. They arrive at the residence of the High Priestess.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

Loud vicious barks of two dogs can be heard after the knock. The two ‘followers’ are scared at first as one of the dogs sound eerily like a wolf.

The High Priestess

HIGH PRIESTESS:

(Inside the house)

Boaz! Jachin! Shush Up Already! Jeeze, this is what happens when you adopt animals born on a full moon!

(Opens the door looking tired, lack of sleep giving her dark circles, the smeared mascara doesn’t help. Wearing a flimsy robe that although outlines her figure, covers what’s meant to be covered.)

Yes?

HIEROPHANT:

Good morning ma’am. My name is Brother Jeremiah, and we’re from the Conformist Sect of the Unionist Holy Father.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

(Dazed and confused)

Huh?

HIEROPHANT:

We’re going door-to-door, spreading the true and honest word of our holy sacrificial savior, and hopefully get the chance to save your soul?

HIGH PRIESTESS:

(Guffaws)

Save my soul? Honey, I can barely save to buy crystals and incense.

HIEROPHANT:

Which is why, we’re calling in your neighborhood today to inform you that our scriptural texts hold the answers for all the problems of the world, as well as, those that affect your life too.

The Hierophant

HIGH PRIESTESS:

You mean it can give a solution for pre-menstrual cramps and psychically caused crown-chakra migraines?

HIEROPHANT:

Well, we were talking more in terms of problems like divorce, war, sadness…

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Um, aren’t there lawyers for the first, government officials for the second, and Prozac for the third?

HIEROPHANT:

Yes, but through following the doctrine of our texts, one can learn to create a world where everyone is happy, peaceful, and free of sin.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Okay… I think you ought to go to see Starina at number 17, ever since she came back from that nudist camp she’s been in a perpetual state of optimistic bliss.

HIEROPHANT:

A nudist camp? Why that’s a high level of indecency!

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Indecency?

HIEROPHANT:

Why yes, such acts go against virtues dictated by our scriptures.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Honey, do you really believe and follow everything written within that?

HIEROPHANT:

Yes, our congregation believes to follow our scriptures word-to-word, without any exception. Within our scriptures we find rules that are both moral and practical for our day-to-day living. Giving us a proper conduct for personal, professional, and spiritual conduct, as well as, a complete guide on how, when, and what to do.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

(Rolling her eyes and muttering under her breath)

Does it even tell you how and when to go potty?

HIEROPHANT:

Beg your pardon ma’am?

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Nothing,

(Covering her snide comment with a smile)

HIEROPHANT:

If you’d give us a few minutes of your time and invite us in, we can give you a demonstration of our scriptural study course, and give you a preview of how you can use our scriptures for your life.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Not interested and I’m flat broke.

HIEROPHANT:

It’s free.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Free? Well, why didn’t you say so? Do come on in.

(Leads them inside her house which is untidy, filled with scattered occult/pagan paraphernalia, with incense ash and used candle wax spread everywhere, with too many veils hanging between pillars.)

Forgive the mess, was having an esbat party last night. Add a few drops of E to Temperance’s cup, and she totally flies off the handle. At least I think she’s a she. She’s been through so many sexual re-adjustment surgeries that it’s hard to tell now. And I thought Justicia was a fickle Libra!

HIEROPHANT:

(Sitting upon the sofa, trying to conceal the scandalized expression on his face)

How lovely!

HIGH PRIESTESS:

(Sitting on the bean bag next to the sofa in the lotus position as her iPod begins to play fusion chants)

HIEROPHANT:

(Not amused, but conceals it)

Well, as you know, I’m Brother Jeremiah.

(Turning to his two ‘followers’)

And this is Brother Luke, and Brother Peter.

BOTH THE FOLLOWERS:

How do you do?

HIGH PRIESTESS:

(Arching a brow)

Huh? You all don’t look very brotherly to me.

HIEROPHANT:

As a sign of respect, we call all the men in our following as Brother, and women in our following as Sister.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

So then you marry your brothers and sisters?

HIEROPHANT:

(Caught off-guard)

Well no, I mean yes, I mean no…

(Scratching his head)

… Well, it’s a long story.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

I bet

HIEROPHANT:

Well, before we start, could you tell us your name?

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Oh sure, Astarte Selene.

HIEROPHANT:

What a lovely name!

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Thanks, my mother originally wanted to keep my name as Peggy Sue Smith, but how many people would go to a Tarot Reader by that name? I mean where’s the gypsy mystique?

HIEROPHANT:

(A little panicked)

You’re a Tarot Reader?

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Well yeah, I also do Astrological Charts and Tea-Leaf Readings.

HIEROPHANT:

Why that’s sheer blasphemy! Do you not know that those things are evil?

HIGH PRIESTESS:

(Arches a brow)

So 78 sheets of cardboard, celestial bodies in the sky, and dried herbs from Darjeeling are evil?

HIEROPHANT AND FOLLOWES:

Yes!

HIEROPHANT:

They are creations of Satan, the source of all things evil.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Satan? Oh you mean The Devil?

HIEROPHANT:

Yes, the one and only.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Oh honey, he didn’t invent either. Tarot originated in 15^th century Italy, and Astrology began in 5000 BC in India, and well, I’m not so sure of Tea-Leaf readings… maybe that came in from China… or should I be politically correct and add the People’s Republic before it?

HIEROPHANT:

Yes he did!

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Um, no he didn’t!

HIEROPHANT:

And what makes you think that?

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Simple, he’s my ex!
(The Hierophant and the two followers scream in shock!)

HIGH PRIESTESS:

What?

HIEROPHANT:

You were married to The Devil?

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Well, no, we were civil partners. Since he had boobs, and yet had a dick, they didn’t find a legal way to classify him as one gender, and with all the issues of the legality of gay marriage, Judgment didn’t approve of marriage between woman and tranny. So hence, we had a civil union. I didn’t see the problem, fat men all over the world get man-boobs; or as the Empress calls them, ‘Moobies’, yet they don’t get stripped of their gender-title! And The Devil wasn’t even fat! His mother just drank a lot during her pregnancy, and was a total flower child of the sixties; hence all the booze and pot smoke led him to that. Don’t know about how the goat-like features came in, but she was raised on a farm, and who knows what lonely farm hicks do when they’re in need of some action. Hmmm, he never did mention his father a whole lot.

HIEROPHANT:

Oh you poor thing!

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Well, not really poor, I hired Magician as my Lawyer, and he sprung a few legal loop-holes outta nowhere and got The Devil to pay me a 6 figure amount every month! Too bad I have a compulsive shopping disorder that makes me spend everything on those tacky new-age stores.

HIEROPHANT:

Tacky New-Age Stores?

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Oh you know the kind? The ones with all the tacky purple graphics with the lame-ass faerie and elf art that’s supposed to give it a whimsical feel, but end up looking all kitschy and gross. And don’t get me started on how they overcharge for their cheap ‘made-in-china’ merchandise that’s filled with toxic lead, ‘cause that is just effed up!

HIEROPHANT:

(Shocked and perturbed)

Well… I … er… am sorry you had to endure being with the king of darkness.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Well, my first boyfriend Death La Mort actually deserves that title. Seriously, dating a Scorpio is like emotional suicide, with their secrets and obsessive grudges sheesh. The Devil preferred to be called, The Horned One, if you know what I mean.

(Naughty wink with an emphasis on ‘Horn’)

HIEROPHANT:

(Eyes widen with horror, slightly uncomfortable)

Did you live in hell with him?

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Na, Hell was actually a winter retreat for us. In the summer it’s unbearable! Gives me blisters on my sensitive milky skin. Rest of the time, we lived at Hermits estate in the valley. He spends almost all his time locked away at the top of that mountain of his, that he hardly stays at home. I believe that mountain is called Brokeback.

THE TWO FOLLOWERS:

(Looking at the Hierophant)

Isn’t that the same place you go to fish every summer…

HIEROPHANT:

(Shushing his followers, trying his best to maintain his composure, and then turning to the High Priestess)

Please… do go on.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Yeah, it was fun at first. He was like a horny old goat, although he suffered from premature arthritis, hence I had to be on top most of the time, which is fine by me, but I only wish he took some calcium and vitamin D supplements once in a while, as he never went out during sunlight hours.

HIEROPHANT:

Because the glorious radiant light of the sun would eliminate him?

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Oh please! Do you really believe that old-wives-tale? That’s as ridiculous as a bucket of water melting a witch! No, he just didn’t like going out when the sun was out, because the couple next door, ‘The Lovers’, they had an irritating infant child who rode on his pet pony all day long in the backyard, belting away songs of happiness and joy. He loved the sunlight so much, that they named him The Sun. Though he was cute n all, he so totally got on your nerves, and there was no shutting him up!

HIEROPHANT:

Um… I see.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

So after the first few years, he began revealing his true sides.

HIEROPHANT:

His evil side?

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Well, I wouldn’t call it evil. More like possessive, needy, narcissistic, and down right chauvinistic. The sex was fantastic, a lil fur at the right spots can really turn a girl on, but when he began with the chains and whips and all, it got all freaky. I had to draw the line when he bought in the couple next door, The Lovers, as his BDSM slaves!

HIEROPHANT:

(Jaw drops in horror)

Um… I think we ought to leave now.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Already? I thought you guys would give me a free demo or something?

HIEROPHANT:

Um.. I … er.. well, we just remembered that we had an urgent meeting. Something about an impressionable young woman and her rather questionable relationship with her pet lion.

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Oh you mean Fortitudia!

HIEROPHANT:

You know her?

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Oh totally, well, we dated during sophomore year at Arcana U. Not that I’m lez or anything, but you know how we all just like to experiment a bit during college. I was having a fling with The Charioteer, mainly because of his fancy chariot. Oh don’t gimme that look! I was 19, and well, what can I say? Chicks dig a good ride! So while things were all fun, he became exceedingly clingy and always compared me to his mother. (Sigh) Cancer men and their mothers! Talk about one Freudian mess. Meanwhile, Fortitudia was having a tryst with a Yoga Instructor – I don’t remember his name, but he kept ‘hanging’ upside down all the time. Claimed doing so improved his sex drive. We all four met at this rave at this old nightclub called ‘The Spinning Wheel’, and one thing led to another, and what started out as just innocent girl-on-girl grind action on the dance floor, led to us dumping our respective flings and indulging in a two-year intense lezzie r/s. It was all fun at first, but … well, let’s just say I’m the kinda girl that shops Manolo’s and Choo’s, while she’s more of a Outdoor Haven and Home Depot kinda girl. She did love her pet lion though. A bit too much. Come to think of it, I did wonder why the lion got more love than I.

HIEROPHANT:

(Making a squeamish smile)

How lovely! Well, we best be going.

(He and the two followers hurry out the door).

HIGH PRIESTESS:

(Calling out to them as they head out to the sidewalk)

When will I get my free demo?

HIEROPHANT:

Don’t call us, we’ll come-a-knocking!

HIGH PRIESTESS:

Coolies!

(The Hierophant and his two followers run to the final home down the lane)

THE FOLLOWERS:

(Huffing and puffing, trying to catch their breath)

Whew!… That… was… so twisted!

(The two followers agree by nodding)

HIEROPHANT:

(Composing himself)

Let’s hope we have better luck here (knocks on the door).

(A skeleton in black armor answers the door)

DEATH:

Yes?

HIEROPHANT:

Um… I think we got the wrong house…

(turning to run)

………………

THE END!

……………..

Tarot Keywords – Court Cards – Cups

~ “Only do what your heart tells you.” ~

— Princess Diana

As mentioned in the post, Fucking Courts, court cards are one of the most controversial, as well as, confusing, overwhelming, and overall-stress-inducing modes of a Tarot Deck. Primarily, Court Cards either represent an aspect of us (the seeker) or someone within our lives, particularly someone upon whom we’ve ‘projected’ that part of our personality. However, they can also symbolize timing, qualities to embody, spiritual guides, and even events and situations coming into existence; thus making them all the more complicated to interpret.

The Court of Cups tend to be in touch with subtle emotions, deep feelings, and the nuances of life that others may not catch onto. They ‘feel’ their environment so powerfully that they can pick up on a lot of what’s going on underneath people’s interactions. Often they are more in touch with fear, sadness, and the deepest sensations of love, passion, and desire. Due to their incredible intuitive and psychic abilities, they get overloaded by the intensity of life and hence need a lot of quiet time to themselves to find peace. They need help defining themselves and their boundaries so that they don’t lose themselves to other’s needs.

The following are a list of keywords for the Court of Cups. These keywords are not to be relied on as crutches, but as creative springboards for us to develop our own interpretation and understanding of not just each card, but the Court of Cups on its whole. And let’s face it, sometimes relating court cards with Celebrities does help.

• King of Cups

Ryan Gosling - King of Cups

• • Element: Air of Water
  • Astrology: Fixed Water – Scorpio
  • Chart Position: 20 Libra to 20 Scorpio
  • Dates: October 13^th to November 12^th
  • Qabalah: Tiphareth (Beauty) in Briah (Soul)
  • Decans:
    • First Decan: Jupiter in Libra – 4 of Swords – 20 Libra to 30 Libra
    • Second Decan: Mars in Scorpio – 5 of Cups – 0 Scorpio to 10 Scorpio
    • Third Decan: Sun in Scorpio – 6 of Cups – 10 Scorpio to 20 Scorpio
  • MBTI: ENFJ (Extraverted Intuitive Feeling Judging)
  • KTS: The Teacher
  • Celebrity Examples: Calvin Klein. Dylan McDermott. Pablo Picasso. Leonardo DiCaprio. Joaquin Phoenix. Ryan Gosling. Gavin Rossdale.
  • Positive Keywords: Consideration. Understanding. Dignity. Protectiveness. Passion.
  • Negative Keywords: Obsession. Paranoia. Nihilism. Duplicitous. Sleaziness.
  • Career Choices: Health Care/Medicine. Ministry. Therapist/Counselor. Education. Fine Arts. Scientists. Research and Development. Customer Service. The Navy. Private Investigation.
  • Sport and Recreation: Weights. Iyengar Yoga. Kick-Boxing. Pilates. Swimming. All things where one can channel their intensity and devotion.
  • Affirmation: I am safe. It is safe to feel. My feelings are normal and acceptable. I honor and value my feelings and express them freely.

*~*

~*~

• Queen of Cups

Liv Tyler - Queen of Cups

• • Element: Water of Water
  • Astrology: Cardinal Water – Cancer
  • Chart Position: 20 Gemini to 20 Cancer
  • Dates: June 11^th to July11^th
  • Qabalah: Binah (Understanding) in Briah (Soul)
  • Decans:
    • First Decan: Sun in Gemini – 10 of Swords – 20 Gemini to 30 Gemini
    • Second Decan: Venus in Cancer – 2 of Cups – 0 Cancer to 10 Cancer
    • Third Decan: Mercury in Cancer – 3 of Cups – 10 Cancer to 20 Cancer
  • MBTI: INFJ (Introverted Intuitive Feeling Judging)
  • KTS: The Counselor
  • Celebrity Examples: Princess Diana. Meryl Streep. Angelica Houston. Cyndi Lauper. Helen Keller. Liv Tyler. Debbie Harry.
  • Positive Keywords: Receptiveness. Caring. Nurturing. Empathy. Musing.
  • Negative Keywords: Hypersensitivity. Fluctuating Moods. Irrational. Manipulation. Self-Pity.
  • Career Choices: Psychic. Healer. Nurse/Medical Assistance. Arts and Crafts. Interior Decorator. Designer. Social Worker. Counselor/Therapist. Chef. Acting.
  • Sport & Recreation: Swimming. Tantra Yoga. Pilates. Running. Rowing. All things that help one to flow with life.
  • Affirmation: I nourish and nurture the world around me with an open heart and an open soul.

*~*

~*~

• Knight of Cups

Jensen Ackles - Knight of Cups

• • Element: Fire of Water
  • Astrology: Mutable Water – Pisces
  • Chart Position: 20 Aquarius to 20 Pisces
  • Dates: February 9th to March 10th
  • Qabalah: Chokmah (Wisdom) in Briah (Soul)
  • Decans:
    • First Decan: Moon in Aquarius – 7 of Swords – 20 Aquarius to 30 Aquarius
    • Second Decan: Saturn in Pisces  – 8 of Cups – 0 Pisces to 10 Pisces
    • Third Decan: Jupiter in Pisces – 9 of Cups – 10 Pisces to 20 Pisces
  • MBTI: ENFP (Extraverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving)
  • KTS: The Champion
  • Celebrity Examples: Alexander Graham Bell. Daniel Craig. Jensen Ackles. Sidney Poitier. Jon Bon Jovi. Freddie Prinze Jr. Josh Groban.
  • Positive Keywords: Creative. Chivalrous. Romantic. Gallant. Charming.
  • Negative Keywords: Flighty. Impractical. Escapism. Illusionary. Addictions.
  • Career Choices: The Arts. Higher Education. Organizational and Personal Development. Public Relations. Catering. Film & Television. Bartender. Hospitality (Food & Drink Department). Musician. Song-Writer/Poet.
  • Sport and Recreation: Dancing. Gymnastics. Surfing. Ananda Yoga. Tai Chi. Anything that’s playful and fun and nurtures and nourishes the body.
  • Affirmation: I move forward with joy for I experience love wherever I go.

*~*

~*~

• Page of Cups

Dakota Fanning - Page of Cups

• • Element: Earth of Water
  • Astrology: The Libra/Scorpio/Sagittarius Quadrant of the Zodiac
  • Chart Position: 0 Libra to 30 Sagittarius
  • Dates: September 23^rd to November 22^nd
  • Qabalah: Malkuth (Kingdom) in Briah (Soul)
  • MBTI: INFP (Introverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving)
  • KTS: The Healer
  • Celebrity Examples: Dakota Fanning. Jaden Smith. Freddie Highmore. Emily Osment. Kevin Jonas. Lindsay Lohan. Kristen Bell.
  • Positive Keywords: Sympathetic. Tender. Intuitive. Aesthetic. Affectionate.
  • Negative Keywords: Naïve. Indolent. Promiscuous. Fluffy-Bunny. Daydreaming.
  • Career Choices: Student of the Arts and Humanities. Social Work. Healer. Psychic. Puppetry. Writing and Poetry. Acting. Non-Profit Organizations. Volunteer services. Design Student.
  • Sport & Recreation: Surfing. Scuba-Diving. Swimming. Yoga. Gymnastics. Anything that’s fun, and enables them to find emotional release.
  • Affirmation: I am not afraid of dreaming big, for my dreams have the power to shape my reality.

Hope you enjoyed the Keywords for the Court of Cups.

Love and Blessings

Zorian

21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card: Step 8: Metaphor

~ “A world ends when its metaphor has died.” ~

— Archibald MacLeish

According to Dictionary.com, A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another, thus making an implicit comparison. It is also applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance. “All the world’s a stage”

In her book, 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card, Mary K Greer states that “Tarot imparts information via symbol and metaphor – the stock-in-trade of a reading. Metaphors express what cannot be told in any other way, prompting pictures that trigger the imagistic unconscious mind and bypass the critical conscious mind. As a basic mechanism for understanding our experience, metaphors convey in very few words the essence of a card meaning by evoking emotions, sensations, and memories.”

In other words, we tend to experience metaphors on a physical, emotional, mental, and sometimes even spiritual level. For example, with a phrase like, “The Boy Next Door”, we imagine a young boy in his late teens to early twenties, with the most dreamiest smile ever. A slight blush appears on our cheeks as our lips curl into a shy yet naughty grin, and for some reason, no matter how old we are, we still feel like a young girl crushing away. However, with a phrase like, “Prima Donna”, immediately roll our eyes as we imagine this beautiful yet over-the-top-drama-queen that believes the world revolves around her, and everything that happens is always all about her.

So in this step, we learn how to access symbolic information embedded in cliches, aphorisms, puns, song lyrics, proverbs, and even movie quotes; for they can evoke personal experiences and trigger remembrances that vary from person to person and change with changing circumstances, but can serve us very well when reading a Tarot Card. For example, “I was your fortress you had to burn” from Madonna’s Power of Goodbye can so be used for “The Tower”. Or the phrase, “Crying over spilled milk” is so very “5 of Cups”.

So without any further delay, let us list as many metaphors we can with our chosen card – The 6 of Swords

6 of Swords - Legacy of the Divine Tarot

6 of Swords

Go with the flow

~

Obstacle Course

~

Piercing Depths

~

Sailing through troubled waters

~

Labyrinth of the human mind

~

Moving to calmer waters

~

Guiding Light

~

Navigating by Heart-Light

(Suggested by Lisa Lloyd)

~

Ripple-Effect/Ripples in Time

~

Leaving on a Jet-Plane

(Suggested by Submerina)

~

Like a bridge over troubled waters

(Suggested by Submerina)

~

The Windmills of the Mind

(Suggested by Helen)

~

How do we use metaphors to understand the card better, and also apply it to our reading? Well, the best example I can cite is my own personal experience with not just the 6 of Swords, but with exploring all the various steps within my journey. As mentioned in Step 1, the card chose me, I didn’t choose the card. So in a way, the message I got from the card was –

“I shall be your guiding light throughout your journey. I shall help you sail through the troubled waters within the labyrinth of your human mind.”

Pretty cool huh?

Can you think of some more metaphors for the 6 of Swords?

Can you think of some metaphors for your chosen card?

Give it a try, and have as much fun as you can :D.

Love and Blessings

Zorian