Words and Images Caroline

Smith
& John Astrop 2010
Published in 2012 by
Sun Studios Publishing
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be
reproduced or
utilized in any form or by any
means,
electronical or mechanical, without
permission
in writing from the Publisher.
ISBN 978-1-908033-38-3

SUN STUDIOS PUBLISHING

INTRODUCTION
Where the tarot began is not
known. Many have suggested that
the cards, particularly the twentytwo Major Arcana, evolved from
an ancient symbolic book that
contained the prototype of a
perfect spiritual life journey.
Others see the tarot as a game that
has an uncanny relevance to life
and life e
vents. Between the two extremes,

a lot has been written that serves

the purposes of those who wish to
keep the tarot only as an exclusive
mystery to all but the initiated.
The earliest known tarot decks
originated in Italy in the fifteenth
century. They were much as we
see them today. At present,
nothing stops us from assuming
that perhaps a bright Italian artist and there were quite a few around
Italy at that time - simply said to

himself, "Why don't I create a

beautiful tarot deck today?" The
assumption that all creative work
has to be the result of a gradual
evolution or series of fumbling
improvements on an earlier, more
primitive theme is to miss the
spontaneous essence of creativity
itself.
Since the fifteenth century,
hundreds of different decks have
been designed, illustrated, copied,

and distributed. Their use was

largely in the hands of fortunetellers and gypsies until the
nineteenth century, when they
became of great interest to the
fashionable and exclusive esoteric
societies of the period. Much of
the mystery and occult "past" of
the cards was invented at this time
as a particularly apt metaphor for
the initiate's journey along his
spiritual path to enlightenment.

Why have the cards captured the

imagination of so many for so
long? However you wish to use
them, they work! You can forget
the magical hocus-pocus; it just
isn't necessary. We all have an
unconscious ability that we can
tap. All we need are the tools
with which to get our incredible
imaginations working and we're in
business. The tarot cards are those
tools. Although we are swamped

by the written word from our very

earliest years, most of us can,
with a little practice, read and
understand more from a picture
than we can from paragraphs of
text. The use of visual symbols is
as old as time and certainly much
older than any written language.
Observing these symbols, and
translating them in terms of past,
present, and future events, has
been a self-preserving instinct in

human life since our prehistoric

ancestors. The written word has
restricted our awareness.
On many levels we still make
predictions on the things we
"see." We look at dark clouds and
predict rain. We look at faces and
predict their potential honesty or
dishonesty. We make judgements
on the basis of the clothes people
wear, the way people talk, the
cars they drive, and the houses in

which they live. In group

situations most of us sense quite
quickly the differences and
similarities between ourselves
and others. In advertising alone,
huge amounts of money are spent
in designing symbols, brand
images, and logos that impart the
message of trust, reliability, and
value.
Symbols in tarot, religion,
astrology, philosophy, and so on,

serve one of two purposes: they

make a complex idea or set of
ideas easier to understand, or they
keep an idea secret from all but
those initiated. We take in the
messages of graphic symbols
everywhere every day, and yet we
are amazed and overawed when
someone can read and understand
unfamiliar symbols on a deck of
tarot cards.
The truth is, anyone, with

practice, can read, understand,

and attempt the tarot and develop
and use their unique and innate
awareness to make excellent and
accurate readings for themselves
as well as their friends.
The tarot deck is traditionally
divided into two sections, the
Major Arcana and the Minor
Arcana. The Major Arcana
comprises twenty-two allegorical
cards numbered 0 through 21. The

Minor Arcana comprises fifty-six

cards divided into four suits,
which in most decks are swords,
wands, cups, and coins or
pentacles. Each suit has ten cards
numbered 1 through 10 and four
court cards usually called king,
queen, knight, and page. The suits
and the "court" cards of the
Elemental Tarot are different, as
you will see later.
Many people have resisted using

the tarot because learning the

complicated
and
usually
conflicting traditional meanings of
the seventy-eight cards is a
formidable long-term task. If you
acquire half-a-dozen books on the
subject
and
compare
the
interpretations of the Minor
Arcana, you will find more
disagreement and contradiction
than clarity. It is for this reason
that many of those who do venture

to use the tarot use only the cards

of the Major Arcana. Books and
books written on these twenty-two
images have simply neglected the
other fifty-six, the Minor Arcana.
The term Major, however, is not
without significance. To interpret
everyday life situations solely in
terms of the Major Arcana could
be compared with trying to cure
the common cold by open-heart
surgery.

The Elemental Tarot is a synthesis

of the best interpretations sifted
from the plethora of obscure and
sometimes
almost
incomprehensible decks and
books of the past and present. The
four suits in the deck are based
directly on the four elements fire, earth, air, and water - that
have served as keys to symbolic
interpretations in astrology, tarot,
and all early forms of divination,

philosophy, and religion.

The fire suit, in most decks, is
called wands, the earth suit is
pentacles or coins, the air suit is
swords and the water suit is cups.
Some decks, however, attribute
wands to air and swords to fire.
By naming the suits by the
elements, the Elemental Tarot cuts
through
unnecessary
double
symbolism and gets down to easyto-understand basics. Fire is

represented by a triangle, earth by

a square, air by a circle, and
water by a crescent. Sometimes in
this book, a fifth element is
mentioned; it is the element of
spirit and is represented by an egg
shape.

To get used to actually looking at

the symbols on the cards is the

first priority. Most of us have lost

the childhood ability of looking at
things and really seeing them. We
have become so familiar with
language and the printed word that
when we see an object, a quick
glance is enough for us to translate
that object into a word, file the
word in our mind, and forget to
look any further.
Remember when you visited a
foreign country for the first time?

You were once again taken back

to the excitement of childhood.
Everything you saw seemed new
and you looked at places and
things with an acute awareness
that goes unused in familiar,
everyday life.
To recapture this spirit of
awareness, look at each card and
read its description in the book.
This will enable you to view the
various images and to store

quickly in your memory the

meaning of the visual language of
each card. The interpretations
given are condensed meanings
which you will, of course, expand
with your own intuition. Tarot
reading is a totally individualistic
ability and eventually, with
familiarity, the way in which you
see each card will become the
real meaning. It is then that the
book will no longer be necessary.

THE MAJOR ARCANA

The Major Arcana consists of
twenty-two
individual
cards
numbered 0-21 and can be easily
identified by the spirit symbol at the
foot of the cards. The term at the top
of the card is the traditional name,
and the term at the bottom of the
card complements the meaning of
this name. The symbols in the
margin are amplifications of the
hidden symbols within the art.

While the number cards of the

Minor Arcana are events, and
family cards are other people, the
twenty-two Major cards represent
inner qualities of the questioners
own personality. For this reason
they are termed Major and describe
deeper issues than the Minor cards.
It is in the reading of these Major
cards and in the relevance and
timing of their appearance that we
can find the route to our own
personal growth. Most of our dayto-day events are the indirect results

of inner thoughts, feelings, and

ideas that we project on the outside
world. If we have been conditioned
to see ourselves in a negative way,
we unconsciously signal this to the
world at large and discover that far
from contradicting our view, the
world continually reinforces the
idea in the things that happen to us.

THE THUNDER,
PERFECT MIND
In 1945, near the Egyptian town of
Nag Hammadi, a jar was found

containing ancient papyruses which

proved to be a series of Gnostic
texts written and collected by early
Christians. Among the texts is a
strange and beautiful poem spoken
through the mouth of the divine
feminine power Sophia. Entitled
The Thunder, Perfect Mind, it is
in its fusing of opposites most apt
with respect to the meaning of the
Major Arcana of the tarot. On each
of the twenty-two cards, a line or
two from the poem, printed on the
left and right margins, reflects

something of the essence of that

particular card.

0 Fool
Potential
_________________________
On a tiny island, a carefree youth
leans against a great tree. The
island symbolizes individuality,
safety, and isolation. The tree is life
and knowledge. The trunk is the
same color as the boy; they are one

entity. The boy gazes up into the

rich foliage of the tree whose fruits
are symbols of the five elements.
The branches indicate the infinite
choice of opportunities and
directions. In the surrounding sea,
there are similar islands, each
supporting a tree.
______________________________
Uranus/Neptune - Idealism and
inspiration
______________________________
I am the unlearned

and they can learn from me

______________________________
The roots of ones abilities,
talents, and potential.
I have made a decision to start
afresh. I am open to new
possibilities within myself that I
have not as yet explored. I know I
want to do something but I dont
know what it is.

1 Trickster
Confidence
_________________________
A young man posed in an
exhibitionist manner juggles with
four of the elements. A yellow ape
supported on a crystal goblet assists
him. The young mans red, clinging
costume indicates virility, sexuality,
and self-consciousness. His mask,

yellow, the color associated with

the planet Mercury, suggests sharp
awareness, adaptability, an eye for
opportunity. A jagged pathway
leads to dark hills of ambition and
achievement. On either side of the
path are ten young plants.
______________________________
Mercury/Ascendant - Versatility,
adaptability
______________________________
I am knowledge and I am ignorance
I am falsehood and I am truth

______________________________
The inexperienced male drive.
I am adaptable, flexible,
versatile, and ambitious. I am
confident that I can do it all. Just
give me the opportunity and youll
see.

2 Virgin
Receptivity
_________________________
A pale, naked young girl dreams in
a moonlit forest. Her hair flows
across the ground like a stream of
water. It is the symbol of the release
of unconscious emotions. In her
hand is a red rosebud. Its thorn
pricks her finger and one drop of

blood falls. Ten great trees protect

and shelter her. In the deep midnight
sky the moon is full. The full face of
womanhood is revealed but unseen
by the young girl. Before her, the
leaves of a book as yet unread blow
in the breeze.
______________________________
Neptune/Ascendant - Sensitivity,
vulnerability
______________________________
I am shame and I am boldness
I am shameless and I am ashamed

______________________________
The inexperienced feminine drive.
I have strong, unfamiliar feelings
that excite and frighten me. I know
that I must accept and reveal them
eventually, but at the moment I am
not ready.

3 Empress
Mother
_________________________
A beautiful pregnant woman rides a
tiger through a field of ripe corn.
Her dress is green, the color of
spring, new life, and growth. In her
left hand she holds an ankh, key to
life knowledge. In her right, she
holds an ear of corn. The tiger

traditionally
represents
the
ambivalent qualities of both creator
and destroyer and is a manifestation
of the Earth Mother. In the sky, the
knot of the girdle of Isis, cupped in
a crescent moon, is a powerful
amulet of protection.
______________________________
Moon/Ascendant - Feminine
influence, caring
______________________________
I am the whore and the holy one
I am the wife and the virgin

______________________________
The experienced feminine self.
I love and I protect that which I
feel is my family. I accept the
responsibility of my feelings, and
my strength can nourish and
sustain.

4 Emperor
Father
_________________________
Seated on a black marble throne, a
powerful man carries on his
shoulders a happy child. The child
represents the embodiment of the
future, the self transmuted and
reborn. In a glowing golden sky,
two birds carry a garland,

indicating
honor,
distinction,
binding, and linking together. Two
mountains
represent ambition,
constancy, and the male principle.
On the arm of the throne there is a
green Serpent in an attitude of
aggressive challenge its tail coiled
in a symbol of eternity.
______________________________
Sun/Ascendant - Self-confidence
and recognition
______________________________
I am the ruler of my offspring

and my power is from him

______________________________
The experienced masculine self.
I compete for, defend, provide
for, and maintain that which I
know is mine. I accept
responsibility for my power, and
my strength can create and build.

5 Pope
Belief
_________________________
Against a purple sky, a pope in full
ceremonial robes stands raised
from the ground on two marble
cubes. One hand points to the sky
and one to earth informing us that he
is the link between spiritual and
material values. Before him a

yellow figure falls helpless, hands

open, crying out in anguish. Around
his headdress is a swarm of bees.
They suggest industry, order, and
purity. Behind the figure of the
pope, on a pale flat field, five sheep
wander in search of sustenance.
______________________________
Saturn/Ascendant - Conventional
behaviour
______________________________
I am sinless
and the root of all sin derives from

me
______________________________
The belief system that helps one
deal most comfortably with the
unknown and the unpleasant.
At the moment I need support in
this situation. In the end, however,
I will have to face up to things by
myself.

6 Choice
Passion
_________________________
A naked young man and woman
stand facing each other and holding
hands.
Their
faces
express
uncertainty and resistance. Between
them is a tree, with twelve branches
indicating the choices to be made,
and twelve fruits showing the

potential results. The trunk of the

tree is striped in black and green,
symbolizing the ladder - ascent or
descent. A red figure emerging from
behind the tree is neither male nor
female. It is the serpent, the tempter.
______________________________
Venus/Ascendant - Selectivity,
choice, taste
______________________________

Whatever I will happens to me

______________________________
The individual as shown by the

choices that one makes.

I am in an unresolved situation
as a result of choices made in the
past. I can choose either to ignore
it or to change it and take full
responsibility for the
consequences.

7 Victory
Ambition
_________________________
A strong, handsome young man
rides in the sky on a flying sphinx.
His cloak, red, the color of the
planet Mars, signifies enthusiasm,
aggression, and energy. The sphinx,
representing all elements and the
combination
of
physical,

intellectual, and spiritual powers,

bears a flaming torch of
illumination and leadership. The
sky changes from the green of youth
to the deep gold of maturity. Below,
waving flags and banners suggest
victory, group identification, and
celebration.
______________________________
Mars/Ascendant - Fighting spirit,
will
______________________________
I am compassionate and I am cruel

I am the one who is praised and the

one despised
______________________________
Will, aggression, and competitive
instinct.
I will accept my aggression and
anger and allow it healthy
expression in my life. If I am
honest with myself and others, they
are free to be the same with me.

8 Strength
Health
_________________________
A slim, athletic young woman
carries on her shoulders a kid. In
her left hand she holds the sa, an
Egyptian token of protection. In her
right hand is a goblet from which
fall droplets - small ankhs quenching the thirst of a three-

headed serpent. The serpent

symbolizes primitive animal nature,
and the three heads, all triplicities
such as birth, life, death; past,
present, future. The tail is the
figure-eight symbol of eternity. An
obelisk radiating energy represents
phallic generative power.
______________________________
Jupiter/Ascendant - Positive
attitude to others
______________________________
What you see outside you - you see

inside you
it is visible and it is your garment
______________________________
The self-image that one projects
on to the world.
What I see outside is within me.
The way that I present myself to
the world will be the way in which
I am received. What I give, I get. I
recognize myself and become
strong.

9 Shaman
Will
_________________________
A powerful shaman or priest stands
on a red mountain-top, with arms
outstretched touching the sky. He is
the instrument of communication
between spiritual heaven and
material earth. Around his neck
hangs an ornament containing the

united symbols of the five elements.

He is above the swirling black
clouds and able to see clearly what
is hidden from others. Below the
figure is the Egyptian symbol ka, a
spirit that is born with the person
and stays beyond death, a preserver
of life.
______________________________
Pluto/Ascendant - Willpower,
enlightenment
______________________________
In my weakness do not forsake me

do not be afraid of my power

______________________________
The higher spiritual self.
I am alone in the universe; no
one else can share this experience.
For a brief moment, I can see
everything clearly and my life is
changed.

10 Fate
Change
_________________________
In an evening sky is a great wheel
whose spokes are formed by a blue,
spread-eagled figure touching the
rim at five points. Within the wheel
is the Chinese symbol of yin-yang
representing the inevitability of
constant change. A multitude of

stars circles the wheel. From the

faceless figure of fate, arms stretch
out ready to spin the wheel faster or
slower at will. Figures silhouetted
on the horizon dance and gesture in
a vain attempt to stop the spin.
______________________________
Uranus/Ascendant - Change and
unrest
______________________________
I am control and the uncontrollable
do not be ignorant of me - be on
your guard

______________________________
Personal destiny.
No matter how much
responsibility I take for my
actions, some things are
completely out of my control. This
is one of them!

11 Law
System
_________________________
A seated, stone-gray figure,
blindfolded, clasps a double-edged
sword. Dust swirls around her feet.
On a yellow background float many
red-lined eyes. These signify
witness, belief in what one sees,
detached observation, and also

revelation, having ones eyes

opened. Balanced scales hang from
above the figures head. In one dish
a blood-red jar symbolizes heart
and humanity, in the other the plume
of Maat represents truth and justice.
The red cube on which the figure
sits is security and stability.
______________________________
Saturn/Midheaven - What
authority dictates
______________________________
I am the one who is called justice

and I am gross iniquity

______________________________
Conditioning through upbringing,
and society.
The decision that I am making
may be based on views of other
people that I have accepted
without considering whether they
are really my own.

12 Hanged Man
Sacrifice
_________________________
A gray figure is suspended by one
foot from a cord stretched between
two trees. His pose is relaxed and
un concerned, his hands are free.
Two small streams steadily fill a
hollow between the rocks. The
water approaches his head. Twelve

small, golden fish swim and jump in

the streams. Water represents the
flow of emotions and fish are life
renewed and sustained. Below the
thin cord that holds him, everything
is in a misty gray haze. Above, the
sun Shines in a rosy sky.
______________________________
Neptune/Midheaven - Idealism,
insecurity
______________________________

I am the knowledge of my inquiry

______________________________

Self-sacrifice, or self-inflicted
suffering.
I am making myself suffer in
order to manipulate others. I am
being passive about a situation
from which I could extricate
myself quite easily.

13 Death
Transformation
_________________________
A black-shrouded figure takes a
step forward. Its bony hand clasps
an ankh, symbol of life and the key
to hidden wisdom. A winged
serpent hovers in midair, visible
through the empty face of the figure.
As the serpent sheds its old skin for

a new one, so it symbolizes

destruction and renewal, death and
rebirth. In the distance, against a sky
heavy with mist, a small figure
panics and runs. Thirteen tender
green shoots burst through the cold,
hard snow. They signify new life,
hope, new beginnings.
______________________________
Pluto/Midheaven - Inner change,
transformation
______________________________
I am the one whom they call life

and the one whom you call death

______________________________
Ability to regenerate.
I can only allow birth to new
experience and new ways of being
by letting go of that which is no
longer necessary to my life.

14 Peace
Justice
_________________________
From behind black mountains, a
huge, white, bird-headed angel
stretches out gentle hands to touch
two kneeling gray figures. The angel
is the angel of peace, and represents
our higher spiritual values, truth,
and enlightenment. The figures, a

man and a woman, are crying, bent

with sorrow. On the barren desert
earth, where their tears fall, seven
spring flowers grow. The new
flowers show that out of the
expression of sorrow and despair
can come peace and positive
growth.
______________________________
Venus/Midheaven - Kindness,
harmony, benevolence
______________________________
I am the judgement and I am the

acquittal
______________________________
Inner truth.
I need to express feelings based
on what I experience in my heart
rather than on what would be
socially expected or demanded of
me.

15 Devil
Desire
_________________________
A red-winged devil squats in a pose
of mocking vulgarity. Its angelic
wings give the illusion of freedom.
Partially concealed by its feet is a
doorway of opportunity and escape.
The devil holds by strings the two
puppetlike figures of a man and a

woman. They dance erratically with

no control over their limbs. Their
expressions are blank, they have no
will, and they are moved and
manipulated by their own greed. In
the glowing background are tokens
and talismans of magical power and
money.
______________________________
Mars/Midheaven - Personal
desire, impulsiveness
______________________________
I am the slave of him who prepared

me
______________________________
The lower material self.
What I desire at the moment
seems highly attractive, but there
are strings attached and
consequences to be faced.

16 Tower
Survival
_________________________
Under a forbidding black and
crimson sky, a golden tower
crumbles. The tower represents
achievement,
authority,
and
protection now in a state of
breakdown and dissolution. From
the battlements a lone figure hangs,

precariously poised above the

gaping jaws of a huge sea serpent.
Black waves curl threateningly
around the base of the falling tower.
A blue figure falls from the
oppressive scene, through a thick
gray cloud, into a white calm space,
and reaches toward three flowers in
full bloom.
______________________________
Uranus/Midheaven - Sudden
change of circumstance
______________________________

Hear me - learn from my word - you

who know me
I am the union and the dissolution
______________________________
Fear and the survival instinct.
In this crisis I am desperately
hanging on to something that is
collapsing. It is inevitable that
despite my fear I must let go and
face the unknown.

17 Star
Hope
_________________________
In a clear blue sky is a six-pointed
golden star formed by the masculine
triangle of fire interlocking with the
feminine triangle of water. It is the
Seal of Solomon, traditionally the
symbol of the harmonious uniting of
heaven and earth. The outstretched

wings indicate divine protection,

freedom, and the power to
transcend the mundane world. Six
rays containing twenty-two arrows
of energy come from the star.
Below, a smooth lake reflects the
star, indicating as above so
below.
______________________________
Mercury/Midheaven - Forming
ones own opinion
______________________________
I am the substance and one who has

no substance
do not be ignorant of me
______________________________
The indefatigable human spirit.
Optimism.
Despite all odds I know that what
seems to be an impossible
situation will get better, and
therefore I have the enemy to carry
on.

18 Moon
Illusion
_________________________
The large, pale disc of the full moon
lights up an indigo sky. The moon Is
seen as full only when it is in exact
opposition to the sun. It represents
the feminine, feelings, and the
unconscious. It is elusive and
fluctuating. From a cool green lake,

three stone slabs inscribed with

ancient signs form an arch. From the
surface of the lake an arm holds a
mask before the face of the moon.
The
mask
is
concealment,
transformation, and illusion. Black
reflections show in the water.
______________________________
Moon/Midheaven - Inner
experience, Soul
______________________________
I am the one whose image is great
and I am the one who has no image

______________________________
The unconscious self.
I am not able to see the whole of
the picture; there are hidden
things that cannot or will not be
revealed. I am deceiving or being
deceived.

19 Sun
Awareness
_________________________
In a glowing golden sky, a brilliant
orange sun radiates nineteen rays of
heat and life energy. In the center of
the sun is an ankh, the key to hidden
wisdom. Five fingers containing
nineteen golden discs reach
earthwards from the sun. A garland

of red roses and young green leaves

loops into the form of a symbol of
eternity and happiness. A smiling
cherub below represents youth,
love, and the innocence of
childhood. The outspread wings
symbolize divine protection and
freedom.
______________________________
Sun/Midheaven - Self-knowledge
______________________________
Come forward to me and establish
great ones

among the small - come forward to

childhood
______________________________
The conscious self.
I have the joy and pleasure of
true consciousness. I am seeing
things as I did when a child. I am
vibrant, alive, and aware.

20 Judgement
Forgiveness
_________________________
A great and powerful, pale, glowing
figure stands with arms outstretched
in an attitude of openness. He is
totally exposed but invulnerable.
Two wings from above brush his
temples, indicating freedom and the
power to transcend the mundane

world. Around his neck is the glyph

of
Pluto,
the
planet
of
transformation. Behind the figure is
a wall of vertical bars. Two
figures, red with passion, anger, and
frustration, push against the bars
and shout. Their prison is selfmade.
______________________________
Jupiter/Midheaven - Generosity
and contentment
______________________________
I am the one who cries out and I

listen
I am the knowledge of my name
______________________________
Self-value.
In order to move on and allow my
life to grow, I must free myself
from guilt, from things for which I
have felt responsible. Just as I
forgive others, I must forgive
myself.

21 Aeon
Synthesis
_________________________
In the center is a winged disc
containing a square, the integration
of heaven and earth. The face in the
square represents humankind and
the field of consciousness. Around
the winged disc is the great symbol
of the ouroboros. This is a serpent

swallowing its own tail, a symbol

of the endless cycle of life and
death, destruction and renewal. At
the four corners are the four
symbolic triangles of fire, earth, air,
and water, with the ouroboros
forming the fifth element of spirit.
______________________________
Ascendant/Midheaven - The
individual synthesis
______________________________
I am the first and the last
I am the utterance of my name

______________________________
Life assessment and philosophy.
I stand outside myself and
objectively observe my life in
order to decide whether this is
what I want to be.

THE MINOR ARCANA

The Minor Arcana consists of
fifty-six cards. The cards are
divided into four suits (Fire,
Earth, Air, and Water), and
can be identified by the
symbol at the foot of the card.
Each suit has a family
consisting of Daughter, Son,
Mother, and Father. Each card

other than a family card has a

name that relates to the
element. The name of the
representative god or goddess
from
ancient
mythology
appears above the element
symbol. Along the margins are
symbols
which
are
amplifications of the true
symbolic meaning of the art.
The key to reading the Minor
Arcana is a simple matter of
combining the meanings of

the four elements with the

basic meanings of
the
numbers.
There
is
no
necessity to perform difficult
feats of memory; this system is
logical and consistent. For
example, the number 1 will
always mean the beginning of
something, so in the four suits
the basic interpretation will be
as follows:
One of Fire = A creative
beginning

One of Earth = A material

beginning
One of Air = A thought or
idea beginning
One of Water = An emotion
beginning
If you look at the descriptions
and interpretations of these
cards, later in the book, you
will see that they are only
elaborations on these simple
meanings.

THE MEANING OF
THE
ELEMENTS

FIRE - CREATIVITY -

I WILL
Creativity is not just concerned with
artistic ability but it is much more
the act of making things happen. It is
creating something out of nothing,
having the vision to see a
possibility and being able to apply
the necessary energy in order to turn
that possibility into a reality.
Everyone has creativity. The
business man or woman sees a
potential market and sets about the
business
of
supplying
the

commodity or service. A young

child meets a group of friends and
says, Why dont we all play ...
knowing it will be fun. The
visionary quality of all creative acts
indicates that fire represents
intuition, knowing things before they
happen. Other key words for the
qualities of the element fire are
vitality, enthusiasm, excitement,
energy, exaggeration, game playing,
passion, showing off, entertaining.

EARTH POSSESSIONS - I
HAVE
Earth describes all things that are
physical and tangible. They include

home,
money,
property,
possessions, and acquisitions. It
also refers to the physical body, our
looks, the clothes we wear, the food
we eat and, of course, our health.
To the extent that we possess
other people and they are
considered as belonging, earth is
family,
friends,
children,
colleagues. Earth represents all that
has the potential for growth into
something greater. It signifies our
authority, social standing, skills,
and achievements. Key words for

the qualities of the element earth are

system, law, routine, shopping,
insurance,
mortgage,
savings,
legacy,
tradition,
background,
building,
gardening,
farming,
banking.

AIR - INTELLECT - I
THINK
Air is about what goes on in the
mind. It encompasses ideas, logical
or imaginative thought, teaching,
learning,
communicating
with
others, and all matters concerning
writing, the media, contracts, and
agreements. Air also describes the
lighter forms of contact, such as
parties, meetings with friends,
social
events,
celebrations,

reunions, and so on. As air is

concerned with communication it
also covers phone calls, letters, and
short trips. The idea of travel in the
broader sense is involved with
learning, meeting people, and social
visits, so it also comes under the
meaning of air. Key words for the
qualities of the element air are
ideas, mind, concept, explanation,
rationale, discussion.

WATER EMOTIONS - I FEEL

Water represents the emotional
aspect of any question. Love, hate,
desire, repulsion, pleasure, pain this element is purely about the way

you
feel.
Close
emotional
relationships, the family, lovers,
rivals, even enemies are described
by
water.
It
represents
premonitions, fears, memories, and
nostalgia, but above all water is our
unconscious. It will therefore be
involved in questions relating to all
of the other elements. Key words
that fit the qualities of the element
water are love, anger, sentiment,
sympathy,
caring,
tenderness,
frustration.

THE MEANING OF
THE
NUMBERS
The numbers describe a cyclical
sequence, each number
anticipating the next, with
meanings related in the form of a
growing story. This culminates in
the perfection of the number nine
and dissolves through ten back to
one.

1 The start or birth of something.

Purely a beginning.

2 One comes together with a new

factor. Could be a connection or
opposition. Things in the balance.

3 The two combine successfully to

bear fruit, a successful result.

4 Previous good results develop

into a secure and comfortable
situation.

5 Security and complacency is

challenged by unexpected change
from an outside source.

6 Challenges have been overcome

and a state of harmony and

happiness comes into being.

7 There is now a need to move on

to something new in order to avoid
stagnation. Taking a risk becomes
attractive, stimulating, and
necessary.

8 Past experience leads to

recognition, establishment, and total
commitment.

9 Finally the real values are found.

The true path to quality of life and
to contentment.

10 The passing of perfection.

Collapse and disintegration lead to
a completely new beginning. Ten
becomes one.

THE MEANING OF
THE
FAMILY

The last four cards of each suit are

the family cards: Daughter, Son,
Mother, and Father. Whereas the
numbered cards of the suits refer to
events and possibilities, the family
cards describe real people. Usually

they will be recognized as loved

ones, friends, colleagues, and
acquaintances of the questioner.
However, if they are not
recognizable then they may be
interpreted as a quality or subpersonality of the questioner.

THE
FOUR DAUGHTERS

___________________________
All Daughters have the elemental
quality of Water, so in
combination with their suit
element they are described as
follows:
DAUGHTER OF FIRE / FIRE +
WATER Creative emotional
DAUGHTER OF EARTH / EARTH +
WATER Practical emotional
DAUGHTER OF AIR / AIR +
WATER Intellectual emotional
DAUGHTER OF WATER / WATER
+ WATER Emotional emotional

THE FOUR SONS

___________________________

All Sons have the elemental

quality of Fire, so in combination
with their suit element they are
described as follows:
SON OF FIRE / FIRE + FIRE Creative
creative
SON OF EARTH / EARTH + FIRE
Practical creative
SON OF AIR / AIR + FIRE Intellectual
creative
SON OF WATER / WATER + FIRE
Emotional creative

THE FOUR MOTHERS

___________________________

All Mothers have the elemental

quality of Earth, so in combination
with their suit element they are
described as follows:
MOTHER OF FIRE / FIRE + EARTH
Creative practical
MOTHER OF EARTH / EARTH +
EARTH Practical practical
MOTHER OF AIR / AIR + EARTH
Intellectual practical
MOTHER OF WATER / WATER +
EARTH Emotional practical

THE FOUR FATHERS

___________________________

All Fathers have the elemental

quality of Air, so in combination
with their suit element they are
described as follows
FATHER OF FIRE / FIRE+ AIR
Creative intellectual
FATHER OF EARTH / EARTH+ AIR
Practical intellectual
FATHER OF AIR / AIR+ AIR
Intellectual intellectual
FATHER OF WATER / WATER+
AIR Emotional intellectual

Benten - Chinese
goddess of good luck

The Gods and

Goddesses
The names of gods and
goddesses appear at the
bottom of each card of the
minor arcana. They
represent psychological
archetypes from past
civilizations and mirror the
whole gamut of human

behavior. Our ancestors

worshipped these deities as
different representations of
themselves, and these
legends amplify the
meanings of the cards.
Abragini - Angel of the sun in
autumn
Abraym - Angel of the sun in spring
Adad - Assyrian god of storms and
floods
Agusita - Angel of the moon in

spring
Affeterim - Angel of the moon in
winter
Akka - Finnish goddes of harvest
Amadai - Angel of the earth in
spring
Anu - Assyrian/Babylonian godof
the heavens
Armatus - Angel of the moon in
summer
Athemay - Angel of the sun in
summer
Atar - Persian god of fire
Benten - Chinese goddess of good

luck
Bochicha - Columbian creator god
Bunjil - Aboriginal god of the sky
Byelbog - Slavic god of day
Caracasa - Angel of spring
Cetarari - Angel of winter
Chantico - Mexican goddess of fire
Cheng-Huang - Chinese god of
walls and ditches
Chernobog - Slavic god of night
Commutoff - Angel of the sun in
winter
Erzulie - Haitian goddess of love
and dreams

Eshmun - Phoenician god of

healing and health
Fa - African god of destiny
Festativi - Angel of the earth in
summer
Gaia - Greek mother goddess
Geremiah - Angel of the earth in
winter
Hermes - Greek god of eloquence
and travel
Hino - Oroquois spirit of thunder
Hurakan - Guatemalan god of the
whirlwind
Ishtar - Mesopotamian goddess of

love
Jumala - Finnish god of thunder
Kuei-Hsing - Chinese god of
scholarship
Matasignais - Angel of the moon in
autumn
Mot - Phoenician god of harvest
and change
Naaki - Finnish spirit of the waters
Nanshe - Assyrian goddess of
waters and springs
Nike - Greek goddess of victory
Njord - Nordic god of seas and
ships

Notus - Greek, the south wind

Odin - Scandanavian god of battle
Ptah - Egyptian god of artisans
Quetzalcoatl - Aztec god of wind
and sea breezes
Rabinarra - Angel of the earth in
autumn
Renpet - Sumerian goddess of
youth and spring
Savitri - Hindu king of heaven
Sedna - Eskimo goddess of the seas
Shamash - Mesopotamian sun god
Sin - Babylonian moon god
Tai-Yeuh-Ta-Ti - Chinese eastern

peak emperor
Tariel - Angel of summer
Tarquam - Angel of autumn
Telepinu - Hittite god of vegetation
Tien-Mu - Chinese goddess of
lightning
Ushas - Hindu goddess of the dawn
Vesta - Roman goddess of
domestic fire

ASTROLOGY
If you are familiar with
astrology you will know that
the number of possible
combinations of any pair of
the eight planets, sun,
moon, moon's node,

ascendant and midheaven is

seventy-eight, exactly the
same number as the cards in
a tarot deck. The meanings
of these planetary and
angular combinations are as
varied and embrace as wide
a range of interpretations as
the cards themselves. Each
combination of two
planetary/angular

astrological factors, whose

symbols are found in the
upper left margin of each
card, is complementary to
the essence of the card that
it describes. This is an
invaluable aid, in reading the
cards, for any astrologer.
Much good work has been
written on this subject and
The Combination of Stellar

Influences, by Reinhold
Ebertin, has become an
essential reference book in
most astrologers' libraries.
Key words for the meanings
of the planetary pairs are
given in the text of this
book.The cards are divided
into four suits (Fire, Earth,
Air, and Water), and can be
identified by the symbol at

the foot of the card.

ELEMENTAL NAMES
Each number card has an
appropriate name related to
its element. This is an
additional aid to
remembering the meaning
of the card.

One of Fire
Lightning
_________________________
In a pale, golden sky, within a
glowing orange disc is the Egyptian
hieroglyphic symbol of lightning.
From the outline of the disc nineteen
red arrowheads radiate, indicating
the initiation and source of raw
energy. A great red triangle,

representing the masculine principle

and the element of fire, points
towards the sun. Below, an open
circle is ready to receive a flame
from the sun. This is a symbol of
conception.
______________________________
Mars/Jupiter - Harmonious
willpower, enterprise
______________________________
Tien-Mu - Chinese goddess of
lightning
______________________________

Creation, the beginning of an

enterprise. Basic energy, vitality,
the urge to succeed. Optimism,
individuality, originality and
enthusiasm. Negatively, rash and
impulsive action. Bulldozing others
with premature zeal.

Two of Fire
Flame
_________________________
In the foreground stands the red
figure of a woman. She watches two
blue figures run toward the image of
a large, growing plant. The striped
stem of the plant represents a ladder
and is a symbol of ambitions and
aspiration. At the top, two green
leaves indicate potential creative
growth in an enterprise or a sexual

relationship. In a blue panel below,

two fire triangles contain separate
immature seedlings, versions of the
large plant image.
______________________________
Venus/Mars - Impulse to love,
creativity
______________________________
Ishtar - Mesopotamian goddess of
love
______________________________
Meeting or get-together that may or
may not lead to something more
important. Desire to develop and

establish a relationship. Sexual

attraction. Brief affair. Negatively,
the tendency to exaggerate.

Three of Fire
Beacon
_________________________
A glowing figure raises her arms in
celebration. Her flowing hair
absorbs and becomes a radiating
sun in a deep scarlet landscape.
Three triangles of fire are placed on
her body. The sun is echoed in the
two sunflowers below, forming a
triangle of completion and the
meaning of the number three. From

the black mountain range on the

horizon grow six swaying palm
trees indicating fertile and flexible
growth from solid groundwork.
______________________________
Sun/Jupiter - Joy, health,
recognition
______________________________
Shamash - Mesopotamian sun god
______________________________
Being able to show the world a
successful achievement. Getting the
appreciation hoped for in
achievement. The positive power of

creative energy. Negatively,

arrogance and conceit.

Four of Fire
Hearth
_________________________
Two figures, male and female, hold
hands and each places a foot firmly
on a platform. They are securely
balanced and their features register
harmony and calm. A warm red
glow surrounds them. Between the
figures is the Egyptian glyph
meaning door. This signifies open
opportunity or closed security. The

platform is stepped and on it is

inscribed an eye. The eye is red and
sees only what is selected and
filtered by its lens.
______________________________
Sun/Venus - Beauty, harmony, the
ideal
______________________________
Vesta - Roman goddess of domestic
fire
______________________________
Security and confidence in creative
abilities. Fulfilling work. Settled in
one's ways with regard to matters of

selectivity and taste. Negatively,

exclusivity and snobbishness.

Five of Fire
Furnace
_________________________
A suspended, yellow figure is
contorted, back arched, feet almost
reaching the head. One hand touches
the ground signifying contact with
the material world. The other hand
stretches upward. Three hands point
with thumb and forefinger as if to
pinch or assist the acrobat. The
figure is encompassing a pentacle

representing change. On the horizon

two figures are locked in combat.
Below, five triangles like jagged
teeth form a hazard for the
performer.
______________________________
Sun/Uranus - Excitement, upset,
rebellion
______________________________
Ogoun - African god of iron and
steel
______________________________
Unwillingly stirred into action or
rebellion by a sudden turn in life.
Being forced into a new situation in

one's work. Challenge from an

unexpected source. Negatively,
obstinately resisting change.
Manipulation by circumstances.

Six of Fire
Torch
_________________________
An heroic male head is crowned
and wreathed in the laurels of
victory. His face is covered with a
mask of protection, concealment,
and transformation. Above is the
Egyptian pictograph symbolizing
wisdom. The two columns on either
side are decorated with six laurel
leaves and six lotus flowers

representing the balance of

masculine and feminine qualities.
Below the head is a seated lion
representing courage, fortitude, and
power, but also cruelty and ferocity.
______________________________
Jupiter/Pluto - Attainment of
power, leadership
______________________________
Nike - Greek goddess of victory
______________________________
The pleasure of receiving
recognition for one's achievements.
Satisfaction and confidence in one's

abilities. Promotion or qualification

after dedicated work. Negatively,
using one's reputation to bully and
domineer others.

Seven of Fire
Meteor
_________________________
Against a fiery red sky, a cool and
deliberate figure makes a stylish but
eccentric dive into the still, blue
waters below. Framed in the
diamond shape made by the figure's
legs is an Egyptian symbol meaning
sudden movement and aggression.
On either side of the diving figure,
two angry golden faces shout at

each other across the water. The

faces symbolize the expression of
shock, disapproval, and green-eyed
envy.
______________________________
Mars/Uranus - Sudden
extraordinary effort
______________________________
Hino - Iroquois spirit of thunder
______________________________

The pleasure of receiving

recognition for one's
achievements. Satisfaction and

confidence in one's abilities.

Promotion or qualification
after dedicated work.
Negatively, using one's
reputation to bully and
domineer others.

Eight of Fire
Volcano
_________________________
A giant, statuesque, nude female
figure is posed dramatically on a
platform. Although she is confident,
her position is uncomfortable and
hard to maintain for any length of
time. Her expression is studiedly
coy and inviting. Her open palm
reveals the disc of the Sun,
indicating energy and creativity.

She is holding a double cube

containing the triangles of fire and
earth. Three small figures show
adoration and acclaim for the
performance.
______________________________
Sun/Neptune - Active
imagination, enthusiasm
______________________________
Chantico - Mexican goddess of fire
______________________________
Enjoying a position of prominence,
fame, and esteem through hard
work. The achievement of top

professional status. Negatively,

being trapped by your own
reputation and constantly at the
mercy of followers or admirers.

Nine of Fire
Radiance
_________________________
A beautiful, pale, golden face,
serene and majestic, has eyes fixed,
unseeing, and is unaware of the
figure before him. The middle
section of his crown is the uraeus, a
serpent surrounding a solar disc,
meaning sovereignty, power, and

light. Two rams' heads face

outwards, signifying virility and
masculine creative energy. Left and
right
profiles
represent
the
completeness and detachment of the
psyche. A small red figure shields
his eyes from the glowing image
above.
______________________________
Sun/Mars - Will to live, vigor,
vitality
______________________________
Atar - Persian god of fire
______________________________

The happiness and joy of being

honest to oneself. Finding through
experience one's true mode of
expression. Ability to inspire
others. Negatively, unthinking
cruelty through extreme egotistical
self-detachment.

Ten of Fire
Flare
_________________________
An angry, red figure, holding a
stick, cruelly attacks a frightened
and yielding blue figure. The figures
are set against a fiercely hot
background studded with arrowheads. Above the antagonists is the
ancient Chinese symbol yin-yang,
indicating all
dualities
and
opposites.
It represents
the

primordial darkness before the light

of creation. Below, a paler blue
female figure kneels, burying her
head to avoid witnessing the
brutality.
______________________________
Mars/Pluto - Superhuman force,
excessive effort
______________________________
Odin - Scandinavian god of battle
______________________________
A violent outburst needed to bring
about the end of an intolerable
situation. The revelation that one

has to use unfamiliar drastic action

to make a transformation.
Negatively, resisting the inevitable
can lead to becoming a victim.

Daughter of Fire

_________________________
A young woman emerges from a
doorway. She holds a large sheet of
paper, a communication or contract.
Behind her the sky is bright blue.
On the right, there are three palms
in
progressive
stages
of
development. The striped trunks
symbolize ladders and creative
ambition. To the left a blue pigeon

carries a letter. Two figures dance

with joy and excitement. The mouth
and ear symbol means beneficial
communication and cooperation.
______________________________
Mars/Node - Working to a
common end, cooperation
______________________________
Armatus - The moon in summer
______________________________
A young woman with creative ideas
and energy to devote to organizing
projects. Good at getting a team
going and handling the practical

side of any venture. A message

bringer. Negatively, a pushy and
exhausting workaholic.

Son of Fire

_________________________
Mounted on a leaping golden
stallion, the lithe figure of a winged
young man soars upwards. The
horse symbolizes animal nature,
virility, and swiftness of movement.
The wings show flight, freedom or
escape. In a deep red sky above the
rider's head is a globe showing
wide travel, and far-reaching

ambitions. On the horizon two

triangles of fire contain other
ambitious fire figures. Below, a
young man and woman make love.
______________________________
Uranus/Node - Lively, restless
associations
______________________________
Athemay - The sun in summer
______________________________
A young man, charismatic, lively,
and active, always restless and on
the move. Loves challenge and
constantly seeks new stimulation. A

lover unready for commitment.

Negatively, a person who loves
them and leaves them. A fly-bynight.

Father of Fire

_________________________
A majestic, golden male figure sits
on a throne. His robe is decorated
with suns and his hair is drawn
back into the pigtail of a warrior. In
his left hand he clasps a scepter,
whose head is an open lotus flower.
From the lotus flows a golden
stream
containing
discs
of
concentrated creative energy. The

man's presence suggests wealth,

generosity, and health. Within the
cube on which he sits is the plume
of Maat signifying truth and justice.
Three shadows, arms outstretched,
show gratitude.
______________________________
Sun/Node - Relationship with the
public
______________________________
Tariel - The angel of summer
______________________________
A mature, successful, and self-made
businessman. An influential and

creative entrepreneur Helpful to

those he believes have talent and
ability. Negatively, may dominate
or crush unwittingly those he helps.

One of Earth
Seed
_________________________
In the sky a large golden sun sends
down three rays of energy,
sustenance, light, and life. Ten
golden coins, representing material
gain, shower earthward. The green
symbol of the awaiting earth
receives with open arms the sun's

gifts. Beneath the earth a bulb

breaks open and a single shoot
forces its way to the sun. Six seeds
that have waited dormant through
winter are now stirring into life.
______________________________
Jupiter/Uranus - Optimism, good
fortune
______________________________
Benten - Chinese goddess of good
luck
______________________________
The beginning of a venture. The
chance of a fresh start. A stroke of

good fortune. A basic charge of

physical energy is available. Money
from an unexpected source. A
financial breakthrough. Negatively,
a sudden impulse to extravagance.

Two of Earth
Plant
_________________________
An excited, running figure clasps a
letter in his hand. A proposition that
has been made stimulates activity.
The empty scales he holds suggest
that nothing is settled on either side.
Two heads within a lemniscate
show two parties linked in

discussion before the final outcome.

Nine young plants spread double
leaves toward potential success. An
upside down face shows the danger
of losing one's head through naivety
or greed for financial gain.
______________________________
Venus/Uranus - Impulsive,
excitable
______________________________
Renpet - Sumerian goddess of youth
and spring
______________________________
Someone is making an offer that

could later bear fruit. Weighing up

one thing against another. Getting
excited with the possibility of a
material project. Negatively,
counting your chickens before
they're hatched. Premature reaction.

Three of Earth
Fruits
_________________________
The greatest of three triangles, an
earth triangle, forms the rich fruit of
a plant. Contained within is a crown
indicating
achievement
and
authority. Seeds burst from the top
of the fruit, leading to potential
further growth. Two hands divide
equally the rewards of a successful

enterprise.
The
faces
look
contentedly at the fruit of their
labors. Below, two open doors lead
to new opportunities that occur as a
result of present achievements.
______________________________
Jupiter/Saturn - Success due to
perseverance
______________________________
Ptah - Egyptian god of artisans
______________________________
The successful outcome of a
material or financial venture.
Reaping some of the benefits of

hard physical work before moving

to the next stage. First successes on
the road of material ambitions.
Celebration. Negatively,
overindulgence and conceit.

Four of Earth
Clay
_________________________
A figure sits securely on the solar
throne, powerful and confident.
Four gold discs show financial
security and comfort. Each hand
grasps a disc possessively. The
skirt forms two fertile hills
representing ownership, territory,

and ambition. Symbols on either

arm of the throne signify house and
property. The throne is based on a
square built on sweat and hardship.
The figure in the square represents
the trap of success - rigidity, a state
where no movement is possible.
______________________________
Sun/Saturn - Maintaining one's
position in life
______________________________
Bochicha - Columbian creator god
______________________________
Achievement of financial and

material security. Being established

and successful in one's career or
ambitions. The manifestation of
self-worth through material values.
Negatively, stagnation, being in a
rut, "keeping up with the Joneses".

Five of Earth
Quake
_________________________
A lonely woman sorrows over a
dying flower. She holds on to it,
unwilling to turn and see the strong,
healthy palm tree behind her. The
five leaves of the tree reach out to
the sun, source of physical energy
and growth. The woman sits on the

square of security that encloses the

five-pointed star of change.
Underlying all is the world,
indicating
movement
and
opportunity. Two happy moving
figures show that once a change is
made one is not alone.
______________________________
Neptune/Node - Strange conduct,
disappointment
______________________________
Ushas - Hindu goddess of the dawn
______________________________
Forced material change of direction

through unexpected events. Big

change with regard to property or
finance must be faced. The
necessity to move from a position of
security to the unknown. Negatively,
resisting inevitable change puts one
at the mercy of events.

Six of Earth
Harvest
_________________________
A pale, golden figure, earth mother,
corn goddess is a symbol of
fertility, health, and abundance. Her
hair flowing upward draws energy
and precious life force from above.
Both hands, marked with symbols of
the sun, stretch out in welcome.

Between the hands, ripened corn is

ready for harvest. Sustenance, like
manna from heaven, showers in
droplets
from the
goddess,
nourishing flowers and fruits. The
earth glows with the summer sun.
______________________________
Venus/Jupiter - Easy popularity,
harmony
______________________________
Akka - Finnish goddess of harvest
______________________________
Physical well-being. Enjoying the
sensual pleasures of life. Being in

generous, sharing company. Plenty.

Celebration of one's good fortune.
Feeling
healthy.
Negatively,
overindulgence,
exaggerated
bonhomie.

Seven of Earth
Avalanche
_________________________
An eccentric figure hangs upsidedown, quite comfortable in his
unusual position. His hair flowing
downward indicates contact with
real and material values. Four dice,
symbolizing risk, luck, chance, and
fate, tumble around him. He holds a

bar from which a small globe of the

world hangs. The double head
below looks to the past and the
future. The concentric curves show
the reverberations that follow an
initiated change.
______________________________
Moon/Jupiter
Large-scale
enterprise, gamble
______________________________
Mot - Phoenician god of harvest and
change
______________________________
Taking a considered risk with

property or finance. Urge to break

out and try something new where
the outcome is not guaranteed.
Being in a position that changes
one's world view. Negatively,
unorthodox behavior for effect.

Eight of Earth
Mountain
_________________________
An androgynous figure stands inside
the double cube of earth. Raised
hands receive energy from above.
The collar has the dual meaning of
power/servitude. The legs are
rooted in a posture of security.
Eight orderly golden coins are the

manifestation of material success

and achievement. The double cube
is built into a solid foundation of
hard rock through which two young
palms grow, indicating rewards
after hard work.
______________________________
Saturn/Pluto - Tenacity and high
achievement
______________________________
Tai-Yueh-Ta-Ti - Chinese emperor
of the eastern peak
______________________________
Achievement and material rewards

after extreme selfdiscipline and

hard work. Self-recognition for
hard-won skills and abilities. A
stage where one is confident and
secure.
Negatively,
isolation
through being in a position of
power.

Nine of Earth
Forest
_________________________
A pink, sensual figure, hair flowing
loose and free, floats above a
carefully mown, striped lawn,
holding a musical instrument in one
hand and scattering nine golden
coins with the other. Behind a rich
dark forest and silhouetted by the

evening sun is the city skyline. Two

youthful figures dance with pleasure
and admiration. Their arms are
outstretched toward the floating
figure, indicating a need to touch in
order to be part of the experience.
______________________________
Venus/Pluto - Pleasure, power of
attraction
______________________________
Savitri - Hindu king of heaven
______________________________
To be "on a high". Realizing true
pleasure and satisfaction with what

one has. Sharing the magnetic

power of one's wealth or abilities.
To be in a position to enthuse and
excite others. Negatively, attracting
"hangers on."

Ten of Earth
Desert
_________________________
In a barren and dull landscape, a
pale figure, blindfolded, walks
uncertainly toward the unknown. He
clasps a sapling, pliant, healthy,
alive. Nine new leaves indicate the
potential for future growth. A gray
figure turned on his head clutches a

box from which escapes a shower

of golden coins. A mask hides his
true face. In the distance is the
symbol of sand or desert. Nothing
else is visible on the horizon.
______________________________
Venus/Saturn - Inhibition, sense
of reality
______________________________
Telepinu - Hittite god of vegetation
______________________________
A deteriorating situation impossible
to pull out of without loss. Showing
a brave face when one's world is

upside-down.
Disintegration
necessary
for
afresh
start.
Negatively, hanging on to what is
already lost, because of fear of the
unknown.

Daughter of Earth

_________________________
A golden young girl, sensual, vital,
and energetic, enjoys with her
strong young male partner the
warmth of the sun. The atmosphere
is pleasure-loving and physical. A
strong, upright palm grows by clear
water.
The
water
indicates

emotions, feelings, and travel. On

the horizon are two separate
buildings. They are square,
indicating security, background,
stability, and individuality. A green
bird carries a message.
______________________________
Mercury/Venus - Sense of form,
artistic success
______________________________
Affaterim - The moon in winter
______________________________
A physical young woman who
enjoys luxury, the arts, and good

living. Organized and helpful.

Handles finance and practical
matters with ease and good humor.
Sometimes a message is indicated.
Negatively, interfering and overorganizing.

Son of Earth

_________________________
A strong, athletic young man swiftly
ascends the staircase of attainment
and ambition. His flaming red hair
signifies virility and strength. The
winged headdress shows speed of
thought, intuition, and perception
where his own aims are concerned.
A torch in his left hand lights the

way ahead. He is unaware of the

discomfort of the figure below the
stairs. The figure wears a selfeffacing mask and supports the
staircase. Black seeds lie dormant
below.
______________________________
Mars/Saturn - Concentrated
energy, endurance
______________________________
Commutoff - The sun in winter
______________________________
A single-minded young man,
energetic, ambitious, extremely

disciplined. Practical and helpful if

it serves his own purpose.
Motivated by money or promotion.
He has good taste and style.
Negatively, a ruthless and heartless
achiever

Mother of Earth

_________________________
A mature woman, an earth mother,
holds in each hand a scepter, a lotus
in full bloom. Above are the square
of earth and the crescent of water.
Before her is the large lotus,
container and giver of life. Eight
lines radiate from the vesica pisces,
a symbol of receptivity, spreading

procreative power. Two children

dance happily and securely within
the mother's protection. Around her
neck is the collar of power,
authority, also of slavery. Her red
hair is stylized and controlled.
______________________________
Node/Ascendant - Harmonious
contacts with others
______________________________
Geremiah - The earth in winter
______________________________
A mature woman who organizes a
comfortable, homey and loving

family. Contributes greatly to

community
life.
Takes
responsibility willingly. Happiest
giving material help in demanding
situations. Negatively, a slave to
her own generosity.

Father of Earth

_________________________
Within a yellow square of earth is
the head of a serious, mature man.
He is a figurehead contained within
the system. Above is the symbol of
property and a radiating sun, source
of energy and creativity. Outside the
square two chimneys give off black
smoke, polluting the atmosphere.

Below, in the background, the black

shadow
of
Set
represents
corruption. A red figure shows to
the world a pink mask of innocence.
The
crocodile
signifies
the
devouring quality of big business.
______________________________
Saturn/Node - Mature and
influential people
______________________________
Cetarari - The angel of winter
______________________________
A mature, successful businessman.
He has a respected position in the

community and is reliable and

predictable. A man of great
influence. Negatively, narrow,
bigoted, and chauvinist man.

One of Air
Breath
_________________________
Centered, floating in an azure sky, is
a vesica pisces, an almond-shaped
opening, signifying receptivity. It is
the creative source of the power of
air and intelligence. Clouds flow
through the aureole, visible breath,

the conception of an idea. On the

distant horizon, a dark mountain
range
indicates
unexplored
potential. Before the mountains is a
flat stony field. The Egyptian
hieroglyph in the foreground
represents
movement
and
aggressive action.
______________________________
Mercury/Mars - Power of thought
______________________________
Notus - Greek. The south wind
______________________________
The start of a completely new

concept. Intellectual power. Saying

what one thinks immediately. Mind
over matter. Negatively, a
deliberate lie, a verbal outburst that
one regrets.

Mother of Fire

_________________________
A mature woman sits in a pose of
tranquillity and comfort. Her
expression is intense but confident.
She wears the solar collar of
authority and power. Behind her is
a giant pyramid forming a triangle
of fire. Four palms wave before a
golden sky. Two children carry to
the woman a box. Inside is a red

crescent moon within the sun, the

harmonious
combination
of
masculine
and
feminine.
Superimposed is the three-pronged
symbol of birth and creation.
______________________________
Pluto/Node - Desire to become a
public figure
______________________________
Festativi - The earth in summer
______________________________
A mature woman who successfully
manages both a family and a
creative career. Has a good feeling

for public taste. Positive, direct,

and caring in her actions and
choices. Negatively, can be
domineering and overpowering..

Two of Air
Zephyr
_________________________
It is not certain whether the two
figures, male and female, are
moving from or turning toward each
other. Their eyes meet and their
hands almost touch. Each wears an
identical yellow mask. An animated

eye dashes across the sky,

symbolizing excitement, interest,
and uncertainty. Small blue clouds
could disperse, or they could gather
to become a storm. Below, two
figures lie motionless. The red
ground representing life and energy
is, as yet, unable to stimulate the
desired movement.
______________________________
Mercury/Node - Exchange of
ideas
______________________________
Notus - Greek. The south wind

______________________________

The start of a completely new

concept. Intellectual power.
Saying what one thinks
immediately. Mind over
matter. Negatively, a deliberate
lie, a verbal outburst that one
regrets.

Three of Air
Breeze
_________________________
A large, intelligent head with
piercing eyes and winged brows
indicates intellectual achievement,
speed of thought, clarity, and
perceptiveness. On the forehead is
the Egyptian symbol of knowledge.

A
shaven
head
symbolizes
concentration
and
dedication.
Around the head small red discs
float - symbols of the sun's creative
power - to be drawn into the mind
and processed. Below, on a yellow
background, within a red triangle, is
a scroll tied with a cord.
______________________________
Sun/Mercury - Mind and common
sense
______________________________
Kuei-Hsing - Chinese god of
scholarship

______________________________
Popularity. The recognition and
acceptance of a good idea. Enjoying
the successful results of imaginative
thinking. Being shad and quickwitted, "on the ball". Negatively,
acting the unbearable "know it all"

Four of Air
Ozone
_________________________
A head floats against a gray
background. The features are in the
form of a mask. The top of the head
is a square, symbolizing rigidity and
conformity of mind. Partially
enclosed within the square, a dove
with wings outstretched indicates
potential freedom of thought, peace

of mind, liberation. Beneath the

head a figure lies unmoving, resting
on a bed. Two ears of corn on
either side of a scroll represent
physical evidence of intellectual
success.
______________________________
Saturn/Neptune - Conventional
thinking
______________________________
Quetzalcoatl - Aztec god of wind
and sea breezes
______________________________
Secure in one's knowledge and

understanding. Conventional ideas

about life. Being confident that
one's traditional approach will
resolve all demanding situations.
Negatively, inflexible views and
ideas. Bigotry.

Five of Air
Storm
_________________________
A red, upside-down figure is
suspended,
fingertips
barely
touching the ground. His only
garment is a five-pointed star or
pentacle, symbol of the essence of
mankind in all five elements.
Behind, heavy, swirling storm
clouds rend the sky. On the dark,

silhouetted horizon, five palm trees

sway with the wind. Between the
arms of the red figure a smaller
figure swathed like an Egyptian
mummy rests lifeless on a bed,
symbolizing
death
and
transformation.
______________________________
Mercury/Uranus - Sudden
perception
______________________________
Adad - Assyrian god of storms and
floods
______________________________

Change of ideas or plans becomes

unavoidable. Being forced by
circumstances to see things from a
different angle. A brainstorm.
Negatively, mental panic, refusal to
face the inevitable.

Six of Air
Open Air
_________________________
A figure sits, arms outstretched in a
gesture of openness, on top of the
world. Above is a narrow, starry
banner. From the world, ten
arrowed lines of energy carry their
message to all corners of the
universe. Beneath, three pens
symbolize learning, intellect, and

communication. A blue panel

echoes with a receptive curve the
globe's shape. Below is a mouth
with a jagged line joining it to an
ear,
representing
scandal,
propaganda, and information.
______________________________
Mercury/Jupiter - Successful
mental activity
______________________________
Hermes - Greek god of eloquence
and travellers
______________________________
The pleasure of travel, of

broadening horizons both mentally

and physically. The confidence that
what one says will be listened to
and respected. Having the power to
persuade others. Negatively, using
smooth talk to deceive and
manipulate.

Seven of Air
Wind
_________________________
In a hazy cloud, a pale gray figure
rests with fixed and unseeing gaze,
as if in a trance. A carefree figure
confidently risks putting his head
into a tiger's mouth. One hand
touches the earth and the other the
sky, elements of earth and air within
his reach, the possibility of making

a crazy idea practical. The tiger,

creative or destructive power, is
traditionally the emblem of
gamblers. On the ground many small
symbols
indicate
scattered
opportunities.
______________________________
Mercury/Neptune - Imaginative
faculty
______________________________
Bunjil - Aboriginal god of the sky
______________________________
Deliberately shifting one's views to
force a change. Deciding to take a

risk in order to get out of a boring

situation, regardless of the
consequences. Negatively, opposing
convention just to draw attention to
oneself.

Eight of Air
Cloud
_________________________
A double of the element air,
containing two faces, is suspended
before a distant, undulating
landscape. The face above, red,
bright-eyed with a sun on the
forehead,
symbolizes
mental
brilliance, optimism, an intellectual
high. The one below, surrounded by

gray clouds, is reversed and pale

and from the forehead an inverted
crescent moon loses drops of
liquid. This face signifies dullness,
pessimism, melancholy, and low
self-esteem.
______________________________
Mercury/Saturn - Logical
thinking, thoroughness
______________________________
Byelbog/Chernobog - Slavic gods
of day and night
______________________________
Respect gained for sound and

mature thought. Reaching a position

of authority through intellect. Being
on a mental high. Negatively,
becoming obscure and detached. A
manic-depressive.

Nine of Air
Thunder
_________________________
Above a dark thundercloud a
brilliant rainbow surrounds a
glowing face. The mouth is parted,
and in the center of the forehead a
red triangle of fire indicates
creative intellect. Beneath, a

Utopian golden city like a Tibetan

temple emerges from the jagged
peaks of the dark mountains. Four
figures reach up in admiration or
worship toward the city. On the
spattered ground a blood-red deer,
a sacrifice, twists in agony.
______________________________
Uranus/Pluto - Transforming
thinking
______________________________
Jumala - Finnish god of thunder
______________________________
Ability to present a meaningful

philosophy. Great enlightenment,

through life experience, which
communicates itself to others.
People want to share your thoughts.
Negatively, the sacrifice of privacy.

Ten of Air
Cyclone
_________________________
A naked, dark gray figure screams
and writhes in discomfort. He is out
of control; his limbs flail in all
directions. Superimposed on the
figure is a wheel of fate, its five
segments representing the five

elements related to mankind. The

Egyptian symbol of black hills
indicates darkness and depression.
In contrast, a pale profile below
expresses
tranquillity
and
transformation.
The
face
is
separated from the rest of the
background by a thin, red outline
representing new blood, life.
______________________________
Saturn/Uranus - Limitation of
freedom
______________________________
Hurukan - Guatemalan god of the

whirlwind
______________________________
A complete breakdown of an idea
or concept. Mental desperation
through being trapped in a system in
which one can no longer believe.
Inevitable change. Negatively,
resisting change of ideas, to one's
own detriment.

Daughter of Air

_________________________
Two identical young women face
each other. A wavy line between
their
mouths
indicates
communication, exchange of ideas,
friendship. The stork, traditionally,
is the herald of good news, spring,

new life, and travel. The bird

touches both heads, forming a
spiritual link. An open book before
a rising sun indicates optimism and
knowledge. On the pages of the
book is the Egyptian symbol
meaning to write, paint, create.
______________________________
Moon/Mercury - An active mind
______________________________
Agusita - The moon in spring
______________________________
A bright, intelligent young woman,
good talker, a mine of information.

Needs company and loves everyday

chatter. Has a wide circle of useful
friends. Negatively, can be critical,
tactless, and over-talkative.

Son of Air

_________________________
A winged young man stands on a
globe of the world. His arms are
outstretched in a gesture of
vulnerability and openness. There
are two red figures on either side.
One kneels in despair and the other
reaches up in hope. Beyond a
Stretch of blue water are two

triangular mountains. One mountain

contains a sword indicating
aggression, power, masculinity,
fighting for justice. The other
contains eleven graves, representing
sacrifice for a cause.
______________________________
Mercury/Pluto - Persuasive
talking
______________________________
Abraym - The sun in spring
______________________________
A young man, intelligent, persuasive
and devoted to campaigning for

causes in which he believes.

Compassionate and generous. Gets
into action when he sees injustice.
Negatively, a fanatic or extremist.

Mother of Air

_________________________
A mature woman is seated on a
throne. Behind her head is a winged
sun, for masculine energy. Her hair
is flowing but confined, indicating
controlled emotions. Her dress is
patterned with mouths and ears. The
base of her throne is a cube, within
which sixteen smaller cubes

surround a face cupped in a

crescent moon. This indicates
secrets, things locked in or
repressed. In front of the woman are
small blue clouds; behind her are
six yellow, wagging tongues.
______________________________
Node/Midheaven - Shared views
and ideas
______________________________
Amadai - The earth in spring
______________________________
A mature woman, unmarried,
widowed, or divorced. A

successful career woman, articulate

and intelligent. She is strong and
competitive. Independent.
Negatively, vulnerable to malicious
gossip and envy.

Father of Air

_________________________
A masklike face of a man is set
against a deep blue sky. From his
mouth issues the triangle of air, the
power of the spoken word. The top
of his head is merged with the sky
where
two
figures
tumble
helplessly. Staircases of black and
blue cubes, on either side, indicate

ambition, attainment both positive

and negative. With the triangle of
air touching both their heads, two
disciples gaze up at the face in
wonder and admiration.
______________________________
Sun/Pluto - The power of
attainment
______________________________
Caracasa - The angel of spring
______________________________
A mature man, powerful and
magnetic. A persuasive speaker,
cool, detached, and logical. He is

ambitious to dominate others

through his own ideas and words.
Negatively, manipulates others for
his own gain. A fraud.

One of Water
Fountain

_________________________
From a single source, a fountain
spurts two jets that divide, curve
upward, and cross, forming a vesica
pisces, the symbol of receptivity.
After reaching its peak the water
flows earthward, representing
feelings
and
emotions.
Ten

scattered droplets of water nourish

the dry earth. Below, a white dove
with outstretched wings bathes. The
red outline of the dove indicates
earthly passion combined with
spiritual purity.
______________________________
Moon/Mars - Excitement,
impulsive emotion
______________________________
Sin - Babylonian moon god
______________________________
Excitement at the sudden birth of
new feelings. Love awakening. A

great release of emotional energy

after a period of control.
Overwhelming desire to express
deep feelings. Love at first sight.
Negatively, gullibility, one-sided
love.

Two of Water
Spring

_________________________
A young man and young woman
caress; they are attracted to each
other and have made the first
contact. Their whiteness shows a
relationship as yet uncolored by
passion or commitment. Their

nudity represents a desire for

openness and honesty. Two flowers
opening indicate receptivity on the
earthly plane and two birds
symbolize two separate souls on the
spiritual level. Young trees on the
horizon signify the sweetness of
youth and all its potential.
______________________________
Sun/Moon - Vitality and feeling
______________________________
Nanshe - Assyrian goddess of
waters and springs
______________________________

An emotional connection with

another. Early stages of a love
affair. A show of affection,
flirtation, lovemaking. An
extramarital love affair. A holiday
romance with no commitments.
Negatively, a regretted one-night
stand.

Three of Water
Spa

_________________________
Two columns with fountains join,
creating a third fountain. Each
column is a living, growing lotus
flower whose shape traditionally
signifies the female principle and
giver of life. Healing waters flow

continuously from the three

fountains. Between the columns, an
open hand of healing is marked with
the symbol of the moon. Light and
energy emanate from the hand and
touch the fountains. Solid steps form
a firm base for the spa.
______________________________
Moon/Node - A spiritual union
with another
______________________________
Eshmun - Phoenician god of healing
and health
______________________________

Emotional well-being. Feelings

expressed, accepted and shared.
Healthy emotions, the power of
sympathetic understanding. The
healing power of true unselfish
love. A good marriage. Negatively,
receiving envy.

Four of Water
Moat

_________________________
Out of a square of security emerges
the serene face of a woman. She is
confident, secure, and conventional.
In the center of her forehead is an
eye in a pink square, indicating an
ability to sense sympathetically

other people's feelings. Her placid

expression is the image that is seen
by the world. Around the walls,
seven waves disturb the stillness of
the deep moat. Inside, the square is
slowly filling with water. A small
face shows panic, screams, but is
unheard.
______________________________
Mars/Neptune - Control of
feelings
______________________________
Cheng-Huang - Chinese god of
walls and ditches

______________________________
Conventional emotional security
within a long-term relationship.
Confidence to deal with everyday
emotional situations. Experience to
sympathize with others' problems.
Negatively, trapped, drowning in
unexpressed feelings.

Five of Water
Sudden Rain

_________________________
Two identical men step on to a
platform, toward each other. They
stretch their arms forward but do
not touch. Between them a red
woman balances upside down.
Although she appears secure in this

odd position, her face shows

discomfort.
Sharp,
stabbing
arrowheads surround all of the
figures. Below the platform, a large,
open eye floats on the rippled
surface of a deep pink lake,
suggesting
sudden
awareness,
disruptive emotions.
______________________________
Moon/Pluto - Extreme expression
of feelings
______________________________
Fa - African god of destiny
______________________________

An unexpected emotional
experience. Being forced through
outside circumstances to reassess
one's feelings. An awkward
emotional situation that must be
faced. Negatively, giving up to fate
by refusing to deal with reality.

Six of Water
Oasis

_________________________
The face of the sun looks through a
warm haze at his reflection in the
cool waters. The face of the moon
looks back at him. Together they
symbolize the harmonious uniting of
the conscious and the unconscious,

the masculine and the feminine.

Each give out their particular rays,
one of initiating energy, the other of
receptivity.
Two
palms
symmetrically curve and frame a
disc signifying evolution, birth, life,
death. In the background, sands
undulate in flowing, changing dunes.
______________________________
Moon/Neptune - Relaxation,
sensitivity
______________________________
Erzulie - Haitian goddess of love
and dreams

______________________________
The happiness that comes with
complete emotional well-being. The
relief of emotional calm after a
tense period. The ability to look
back and see things in emotional
perspective. Negatively, escapism,
living in a dream.

Seven of Water
Ocean

_________________________
A naked man is alone on a small
island. In his right hand he holds an
opened rose, a love token. In his left
hand he catches the smallest of
seven falling coins. He turns his
head back in order to watch the

coins as he walks forward. A pale,

half-concealed sun shines in a pink
sky. The small waves on the dark
ocean suggest constant movement,
travel, and endless repetition. On
the sand lies a disc with five
segments, symbolizing humanity and
corruption.
______________________________
Jupiter/Neptune -Speculation,
idealism
______________________________
Sedna - Eskimo goddess of the seas
______________________________

The desire to play the field. Making

oneself available. Taking an
emotional risk for the sake of new
excitement. Charmer/femme fatale.
Negatively, using and manipulating
the emotions of others for personal
gain.

Eight of Water
Well

_________________________
A pale saffron figure kneels, his
head bowed in meditation. His left
hand reaches into the well, the
circle of the triad, birth, life, death.
The checkered panels show the
duality of day, night, love, hate, and

so on. The waning moon indicates

slowing
down,
decrease,
withdrawal. The door symbol on
the hillside offers entry to new
emotional expression. The double
cube is discipline and control of
feelings. The hills represent
distance and higher aspirations.
______________________________
Moon/Saturn - Self-control,
consideration
______________________________
Naaki - Finnish spirit of the waters
______________________________

Having the emotional strength to

withdraw and fin inner truth.
Spiritual enlightenment. To have
good feelings about oneself and
one's values. Negatively, cold selfinterest and detachment.

Nine of Water
Lake

_________________________
A female figure the color of a
midsummer sky rises from the deep
waters of a red lake. Her hair
spreads upward, drawing creative
power from above. The symbols of
sun and moon on her breasts denote

the uniting of male and female

principles. Her arms curve in a
gesture of protection and love
towards a ripening ear of corn.
Enclosed within her arms is the
moon, representing the great mother
in all her aspects. A three-pronged
symbol of birth is held by the
crescent.
______________________________
Moon/Venus - Love and
tenderness
______________________________
Gaia - Greek mother goddess

______________________________
The happiness of being immersed in
unconditional love. The support that
a close, loving family can give and
share. Unselfish and caring love.
Negatively, to smother or be
smothered by over-possessive love.

Daughter of Water

_________________________
An adolescent girl stands naked, in
an attitude of partial concealment.
Above her head is a large eye in a
circle. A light beams down beyond
the
horizon,
symbolizing
receptivity, fantasy, clairvoyance.
The girl's hair appears as curved

rays drawing energies from above.

Wings on either side of her head
signify imagination, speed of
thought, flights of fancy. Below,
drops of water and blood show
initiation and the awakening of
sexuality.
______________________________
Moon/Uranus
Emotional
excitability
______________________________
Matasignais - The moon in autumn
______________________________
A very young woman or adolescent.

Highly impressionable and still

subject to crazes, crushes, and
passions. Emotionally naive and
vulnerable.
Intuitive,
even
clairvoyant. Negatively, lonely
and/or exploited.

Son of Water

_________________________
A young man embraces a beautiful
young woman. They look straight
into each other's eyes. Above, a
waxing crescent moon shows
gathering emotions, the shadowy
area indicating the unconscious
aspects of the feminine principle.

Below the moon is a symbol of

love. A hill behind the couple is lit
by the pale light of the moon. The
young girl's hair curls upward into
an exaggerated helmet. A garland of
five open, red roses indicates the
awakening of love.
______________________________
Venus/Node
Attractive
personality, lover
______________________________
Abragini - The sun in autumn
______________________________
A young man, a "heart-throb",

attractive, seductive. Strong and

caring, with great sensitivity to the
feelings of others. A young lover.
Negatively, could use his charms
for selfish ends.

Mother of Water

_________________________
A mature and dignified woman sits
on a throne. In her left hand is a
scepter, at the top of which blooms
a triangular lotus flower and a
cupped crescent moon. In her other
hand is a scepter crowned with an
orb of crystal. From her right breast

nourishment flows to the earth. The

throne is based on a square, within
which a crescent moon empties out
water,
representing
emotions.
Drops of the water are caught in a
silver goblet.
______________________________
Venus/Neptune - Sensitivity, high
ideals
______________________________
Rabinnara - The earth in autumn
______________________________
A mature woman, caring and loving.
Has experienced an eventful and

emotional life and is consequently

sympathetic to the problems of
others. Negatively, can live her life
through others and neglect her own
reality.

Father of Water

_________________________
In the moonlight, a crowned,
handsome man stands holding a
scepter. His nakedness indicates
reality, truth, and freedom. At the
top of the scepter, a large pearl
encloses a dove, both symbols of
enlightenment. His crown of

masculine authority is harmoniously

balanced by the female principle, a
flowing stream of water, in which
are small golden fish. There are ten
fish, for ten is the number of the
cycle of change.
______________________________
Jupiter/Node
Harmonious
relationships with others
______________________________
Tarquam - The angel of autumn
______________________________
A mature man, a caring and
understanding friend, a good

psychologist. Relates well to and is

trusted
by
women.
Highly
imaginative, and sensitive to the
thoughts of others. Negatively, can
manipulate people through their
emotions.

Ten of Water
Coastal Water

_________________________
It is the uncertain time of twilight. A
female-headed sphinx rests on a
dark beach. Though flesh-colored,
she is unmoving, rigid as if frozen.
The black sea's tides relentlessly
and
rhythmically erode
the

coastline. A serpent coils, ready to

strike. Its venom has the dual
potential of poison and healing.
Above the head of the sphinx is the
disc of the moon containing an eye.
It
reflects
self-knowledge,
enlightenment, inner vision, and
second sight.
______________________________
Neptune/Pluto - Inner revelation
of truth
______________________________
Njord - Nordic god of seas and
ships

______________________________
Emotions suppressed for a long
time can no longer be denied.
Floodgates will open and all must
be allowed to gush out. The end of a
phase in one's emotional life.
Negatively, alcohol or drugs, as an
escape, delay the inevitable crisis.

READING THE CARDS

When you decide you're ready to

use the cards to make a reading you
must first allow yourself enough
time to relax. The distraction of the
day's busy thoughts and ideas will
not allow you to make a perceptive
and sensitive reading for someone
else. Try to sit comfortably in a
quiet place for at least ten minutes
before you commence. Slowly
allow the day's excitement to leave
your mind, using the form of
meditation or relaxation with which
you feel most at ease.

There are many patterns in which

you can deal the cards in order to
make a reading. All of these should
be preceded by a ritual that links
your unconscious with the cards.
Ritual is an important way to define
the respect one has for a particular
activity. Far from being something
that is allied only with religion or
magic, ritual is something we
perform in almost every sphere of
our lives. If we prepare a good
meal, it would be unthinkable not to
take great care to serve it elegantly

on a beautifully laid and decorated

table. For the romantic, the long
lingering bath with an extravagant
essence sets the mood for a special
meeting. Ritual is a way of clearing
a space in your busy life for
something a little different.
Whatever time of day you choose
for a reading, define your
preparation ceremony in the way
that suits you best, and keep to it.
Clear away anything distracting, lay
a small cloth - it's worth keeping
one just for this purpose - maybe

light a candle just as you would for

a dinner party. You may like to
include symbols of the four
elements: a lighted candle for fire, a
flower in a glass of water for earth
and water, and a small feather to
symbolize air. When you put away
the cards, wrap them in your cloth.
Black silk is traditional because of
its neutral quality. Keep your cards
somewhere safe.
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE
In the past, tarot cards were given a

different meaning if they were dealt

upside down. Very often this
represented a negative
interpretation. As it is almost
impossible to reverse cards when
shuffling normally, this has always
seemed to us a silly system. If the
pack contains thirty cards upside
down, then those cards will remain
upside down after they're shuffled
by the questioner and when they're
dealt. In this system, which is
fraught with nasty negative
possibilities, some cards could stay

stubbornly reversed for dozens of

readings and spread gloom and
despondency everywhere. We lose
nothing by cutting out this rather
outdated system and replacing it
with the idea that all interpretations
contain both positive and negative
possibilities. The cards reflect the
philosophy that nothing is all good
or all bad; each extreme reflects its
own polarity. For instance, a
generous man may like nothing more
than giving, and be totally
uncomfortable when someone tries

to return the generosity. How

selfish, we could say, for him to
deny others the pleasure of giving
that he so much enjoys. Nothing
exists without the partnership of its
opposite making the balance.
Polarities are to be found in every
card interpretation, just as they are
in life.
PREPARATION
Before dealing any cards, the
questioner shuffles the deck,
keeping the question to be asked in

mind. When shuffling is completed

the cards are cut into four
approximately equal piles and the
questioner states, briefly, the
question. From left to right the small
packs of cards represent fire, earth,
air, and water. The reader chooses
the element that most fits the
question and deals the cards from
the appropriate pack.

THE CELTIC CROSS SPREAD

This is possibly the most used
spread, and it will give a
manageable and informative reading
on most questions. The illustration
shows the order of the cards, the
layout, and a brief indication of the
relationship each card has with the
question. A fuller description
follows.

1 The question. This card will

often describe the nature of the
question with uncanny accuracy.
Sometimes it will reflect a
completely different motive behind
the inquiry.
2 The influence. A positive or
negative atmosphere, event, person,
or feeling that is an important
influence on the question.
3 The background. The history,
events, or people whose past
relationships to the questioner have

led to the present inquiry.

4 Recent past. An event that has
occurred just prior to the reading
and has a direct bearing on the
present situation.
5 The present. The status quo. The
present feeling, hopes, or fears of
the questioner.
6 Near future. What is liable to
happen fairly soon.
7 Attitude. The attitude that the

questioner brings to bear on the

subject of the question. A family
card here, for instance, would
indicate an attitude influenced by
the thinking or help of someone
else.
8 Others' views. The feelings
about the matter expressed by those
close to the questioner.
9 For and against. This card
represents a detached view of what
is for and against the question.

10 The outcome. The final result.

SAMPLE READING
Jenny, in her forties, is
contemplating a business venture
with a close friend and asks, "Will
the project get off the ground,
and if it does, how well will we
do?" We cut the cards and select
the earth pack to deal from as the
question is a business one.

1 The question - Five of Fire

This card shows that the question is
basically about creative expression.
A five, meaning a forced change,
suggests that Jenny has probably
been pushed into this project by an
outside source.
2 The influence - Mother of Air
A mature woman, successful, good
at business, strong go-ahead drive.

This probably describes Jenny's

friend.
3 The background - One of Air
This card indicates that an idea
planted in the past has been revived
by the present situation, provoking
an immediate and almost impetuous
response.
4 Recent past - Two of Earth
There has recently been a promise
of material gain, but so far, nothing

is fixed or resolved. However,

Jenny probably overreacted and
was in a state of extreme excitement
and anticipation.
5 The present-Two of Air
The status quo is impasse. All is
still at discussion stage. There is
uncertainty, hence the question.
Two of Air is often a card of
frustration, showing a time for
waiting when one really needs to
get things moving.

6 Near future - Trickster

This is the first personal card in the
reading and it shows that soon
Jenny will gain confidence in her
own abilities. She's aware of her
lack of experience in this new area
but something will call upon her to
express her confidence in a positive
manner.
7 Attitude - Four of Air
Although the project promises a
new and revolutionary break from

her usual life pattern,Jenny's

thinking at the moment is restrained
and conventional.Excitement is
controlled by common sense and an
attitude that won't easily run off the
rails.
8 Others' views - Eight of Water
Eight of Water describes emotional
strength. Those close to Jenny family and friends - are comfortable
with their own feelings about the
project and are emotionally
supportive of Jenny.

9 For and against - Five of Earth

There are worrIes concerning the
finances of the project. Further,
there is potential for a material
change over which Jenny will seem
to have little control. It is still
difficult to know whether there will
be a loss or gain.
10 The outcome - Three of Fire
A successful achievement.
Creatively, Jenny and her partner
will enjoy the satisfaction of a

promising start.

Summing up. There is a majority of

air cards and only one earth card,
suggesting that Jenny's real motives
are intellectual and sociable rather
than material. Profits matter less
than the need to use her intellect
creatively in satisfying teamwork
with a partner. In answer to the
initial question: yes, the project
will get under way. Although the
financial side is uncertain, Jenny

will see the creative and

intellectual expansion of her life as
a great success.

THE ELEMENTAL SPREAD

Place five cards in the order shown
in the diagram. This spread is

particularly useful when there is no

definite question but the querent
would like a short reading related
to the five different spheres of life.
The meaning of each card is
combined with the element for each
position.

THE SAMPLE SPREAD

1 Fire - What I want to do - Nine
of Air

At the moment I want to convince

others that my ideas are the right
ones.
2 Earth - What do I have that can
help? - Six of Air
I have authority and recognition for
my creative abilities. This should
give me the confidence to succeed.
3 Air - What do I think about it? Judgement
I am inhibiting myself by being my

own worst critic.

4 Water - How do I feel about it?
- Five of Fire
I feel as though I am being provoked
into action by unseen forces. I am
unsure of myself.
5 Spirit - How will it turn out? Six of Water
A great relief. Whatever happens,
I'll feel good about it and be able to
relax at last.