How will the Hierophant & Minor 5′s energy influence us?

AQUATIC TAROT is illustrated to demonstrate theme of post & for the soft beauty of watercolors

 ^© Watercolors by Andreas Schröter 

5. Hierophant

I was gifted with a book back in the mid 1980′s which explained a system of analysis for any chosen year using Tarot cards.

Tarot Constellations: Patterns of Personal Destiny by Mary K. Greer. 1987

I believe Mary was one of the first authors to link the cards together like this starting with the Major Arcana & the sub Minor Arcana cards.  I like this system. For a personalized system all you do is add the current year to your birth month and day. To explain the entire system would be a separate blog post in itself.  I highly recommend Mary’s book which can be purchased —–> HERE.

For example: 2012= 5 + March= 3 + 10:  5+3+10= 18/9= Moon/Hermit influence

In this case you would study the Moon and Hermit along with the 9′s of the minor arcana

Another example: 2012= 5 + October= 10 + 10:  5+10+10= 25= 7 Chariot influence plus the minor 7′s.

Numerology teaches us that #5′s presents challenges. Sometimes everything goes well and then all of a sudden there is an issue or thorn in your side which you need to yank out to move on. Take a look at the 5 of spades.

5 of SPADES

One of the spades in right in the middle. To get beyond it you must remove it. If you go around it on either side it will still be in the middle and so challenge was not overcome it was averted.

5 WANDS

5 CUPS

5 SWORDS

5 PENTACLES

FIVES:  Topic of today’s post is the current year 2012 which reduces to the #5. The Hierophant is associated with #5 and the minor Arcanas 5′s named  in the images. I’d like to write about my perceptions on the Minor Arcana cards laced with a bit of traditional undertones and how they might influence us all.

5 OF PENTACLES:  this card often represents financial setbacks or finding comfort in a situation with people enduring the same setbacks. I think many people will be confronted with financial barriers which will be imposed on them by people in positions of power. The HIEROPHANT has that kind of power. The power to teach us we must accept what he says. I believe this is sometimes called DOGMA. Dogma is in all organized thought.

5 OF SWORDS: this card talks about either winning a situation because there is no further opposition or walking away from a provoking situation. You either challenge the HIEROPHANT by refusing to stay with the same ol’ same ol’ or you accept it and empower the Hierophant even more. When an organized system gains that much power what chance do those people have who wish to walk away?

5 OF CUPS: this card spells out regret and loss. Many people will lose some of their positive emotions over the events that will come to pass. There will be feelings of regret. Life patterns will change. Many of these changes will occur directly through the HIEROPHANT’S power. It could be almost a feeling of “there’s nothing we can do about it”.  In other parts of the world disaster hits bringing not only loss but loss of faith in leaders.

5 OF WANDS: this card shows playful fight. It could be a game or it could actually be some sort of training to prepare for an event. The HIEROPHANT trains the initiatives (monks in the foreground) to adopt teachings of yesteryear. The monks don’t own their own beliefs because they did not choose them. Since Wands represent fire and action I think some groups of people are just itching to fight. If the HIEROPHANT says, “fight” then the characters in this image will take the playfulness out of this training.

I think the external events of 2012 will challenge us on every single level. We will be faced with removing the obstacles by challenging such organizations and institutions that the HIEROPHANT represents. On the flip side if we do nothing and open our arms to the HIEROPHANT & his subsidiaries we will not overcome the challenges.

 What lessons of the HIEROPHANT  will we learn?

2012 is the year of the Dragon. I think those monks in the image of the HIEROPHANT card will rise up!

Don’t play hide and seek with Dogma.

seaqueen’s perception

insights about the Buckland Romani Tarot

QUESTIONS from Comments by LORRAINE: I saw these cards online and was lucky enough to win a deck on ebay for a great price. I fell in love with the deck when i saw it online, just had to have them. the images are so *real like* Once i got them though, unn, I do say a few cards are quite different. I know to go by what we ourselves see in the cards but still would like help in your view..thanks so much. ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU LORRAINE FOR YOUR COMMENT and being so patience for my response. I LOVE THIS DECK AS WELL. IN ANSWER TO SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS I HAVE WRITTEN MY INSIGHTS ABOUT THE CARDS YOU ASKED ABOUT. I am viewing this deck on one of my favourite websites called TAROTECA until I get my own copy which I thought I had.  :) the hierophant from what i undestand is a blacksmith, i do these kinds are hard to find,therefore, we should respect them……………Your view ? THE BLACKSMITH IS POSITIONED AS THE #5 CARD HIEROPHANT. THE TRADITIONAL MEANING OF THE HIEROPHANT VARIES. ONE MEANING OF THIS CARD IS TO ABIDE BY THE CONVENTIONAL TEACHINGS OF BELIEF SYSTEMS. BASICALLY, TO FOLLOW WHAT WAS…AND NOT QUESTION IS.  THE BLACKSMITH CERTAINLY DOESN’T RESEMBLE THE HIEROPHANT IN THE VISUAL BUT I SUPPOSE HIS CRAFT HAS BEEN PASSED DOWN FROM THE GENERATIONS AS WELL. HE SHOES THE HORSE. THE HIEROPHANT SHOES THE DISCIPLES.  WHAT I SEE WITHIN THE BLACKSMITH CARD IS A PERSON WHO HELPS THOSE (ANIMAL) IN NEED OF SUPPORT.

Who is the FOOL in your life?

The image features the FOOL card from The Light and Shadow Tarot by Michael Goepferd and Brian Williams. The kit contains 78 large Tarot cards measuring 4 1/2″ x 5 1/2″. Also, there is a 208 page accompanying  book with 83 images, description of the cards and the meanings. The images are a little different than the traditional Rider deck but the symbolism is awesome. (Black and white imagery is fantastic for psychic development.)

0 The Fool

About the card: The Fool doesn’t look too worried stepping into the alligator’s mouth. He is too busy looking at the butterfly.  The monkey holds on to his right ankle trying to keep him back from his next step. The all seeing eye is the blind faith which the Fool possesses. There is another image of 2 characters embracing looks like a mother and child to me.  When I study this card I get a fun feeling filled with drama. Oh, to be a Fool with no cares in the world and trusting all will be good.

WHO IS THE FOOL IN YOUR LIFE?

The Fool card is ruled by the unpredictably explosive planet Uranus. If you know anything about Astrology, Uranus transits are about upheavals.  Many of us know people who create upheavals in our lives. These people are very unique in their approach to life.

The Astrological sign of Aquarius is ruled by Uranus. These people tend to keep things light and only put energy into vital matters.  They seem to let things roll off their backs so easily that I’m sure they are the envy of those who hold on to the consequences of their actions. Friends and community are important (11th house in the Zodiac).

I bet you can think of someone represented by the Fool.  This person probably wears mismatched socks, bright colors and is a friend to all.  They have difficulty in personal relationships and demand emotional freedom. You cannot hold this person down to a commitment for long.  They love to wander and explore. 

When the Fool card comes up in a Reading it could represent your own state of mind at the time. It can represent another person you have to deal with. Don’t even try to understand this individual just accept them.  In situation questions this card tells you to be a bit more daring and to take the risk.

If you fall in love with the Fool you are falling in love with an aspect of yourself which is hard to control. They say people in our lives mirror our own personalities be they light or shadow. 

Are you a Fool in love with a Fool?

Tarot 5 of Cups

Lo Scarabeo 5 of Cups Tarot

The Lo Scarabeo Tarot’s imagery is very provoking. You almost don’t need traditional background in Tarot to understand the above image with the exception of knowing that cups represent emotions. You could probably figure out that cups have something to do with fluids. And what is more fluid than emotions?

l had the 5 of Cups as the crossing card in the Celtic Cross Reading I did when I asked if my mom would be ok after her unexpected surgery last year. I did not read this card to mean death but mom died. Yes, grief is associated with this card. You experience grief through most losses. Sometimes the grief is brief and other times it lasts months & years.

In the image the person is sitting above 3 reversed cups. Whatever was in those cups is lost. A cup cannot contain liquid when upside down. Above the person are what appear to be 2 full cups. The person wears black a sign of sadness in most cultures. The person cannot see the upright cups because his or her hands cover the eyes. Often we do not see other opportunities when we are grieving.

To utilize the positive energy within this card the suggestion is to look at what just happened. Face it. Don’t avoid the loss or grief. Each Tarot card carries positive advice even if it is traditionally negative in nature.  

If I were to see this card again in my Reading I would have to keep an open heart so that I don’t get caught up in the loss or regret depicted by this card. There is always someone or something that can be appreciated. In love situations, the 5 of cups can suggest hurt feelings and disappointment. In work situation, you may not get the job you applied for or get a raise but there is something better coming. In legal situations, you might win the case but at what cost.

Focus on the 2 upright cards and ask for guidance to help you through the situation.

Tarot Queen of Swords

Interestingly, my MacBook was having issues right around the same time as icon Steven Jobs passed away. May he rest in peace & know that he left his incredible footprint on the way we communicate.

I admire the qualities of the Queen of Swords. She has had her share of experience and through those experiences has toughened up. Within this card is Strength which if used in a positive way can overcome the challenges and difficulties we sometimes have in daily living.

The Queen of Swords faces to the right looking towards the future. She is not emotionally attached to the past. Her sword is not perfectly straight which means she can become quite negative and hard hearted if provoked.

When you have a problem try meditating on this card. It will assist you in categorizing emotional cloudiness and clear the Ego chatter. Often we make decisions with clouds of confusion surrounding us. In the top background of the card you can see a clear blue sky. It is this level the Queen is capable of reaching. 

Whenever I get the Queen of Swords as an outcome card I know that I have to rely on myself to sort out issues.  I have to look within. No one can help me through this process. I am forced to gain control of my mind so that I can overcome the issues the Reading addressed.

When asking about a relationship or romantic situation the Queen suggests a more direct approach. She doesn’t suggest failure but the Queen does indicate that you will need to set your boundaries by stating what you will and will not accept.

Young chaps of Cups suit

Before I get into the second half of the tutorial Reading of the last post I had some thoughts which came to me last night just before I fell asleep. Why I was thinking about the Tarot Page & Knight of Cups cards at bedtime is beyond me … lol..

Images 1910 Rider. Public domain.

I have written about the Young chaps of the Swords suit. The above Image is of the Rider cards which is by far the most recognized Tarot deck in the world.

In numerology, 9′s represent completion and 10′s suggest a transition. In relation to the Tarot cards the same applies to the 4 suits. Keeping all that in mind the Page would be similar to the Ace in that there is a new level. With the Cups suit ruling the emotions our Page of Cups is staring at the Chalice wondering what to do with the experience of the cards before him. This gives the Page a naive aspect despite all the stages from the Ace through 10 of Hearts.

In the image, he (I’m using this gender for the purpose of this post) is standing sure-footed with his hand on his left hip. The fish pops out of the chalice he is holding in his right hand. The fish is a symbol for the Astrological sign Pisces which is ruled by the Water element. Water rules the emotions. Pisces is also the 12th House often associated with the unknown.  His next step is unknown.

In a Reading, the Page of Cups represents the beginning stages of an emotional situation or describes a person. The Page is different from the Ace. The Ace is the seed of emotions and also represents the beginning stages. The Page has completed the development of this seed and now will try to be wise in his choices by acting on them. As a person, he is not very experienced. As a situation, more work needs to be done.

Thus the Knight of Cups emerges. The Chalice passes to the Knight’s left hand. The fish disappears which means there is a little more control of the emotional realm. A grey horse appears in the scene also signifying more knowledge. The horse is not racing as with the Knight of Swords card. The horse is heading into the future (right side of card). The river of emotions is more in the background and not so close as with the Page of Cups. It is following a natural course which is contained.

The Page has learned to shield his unharnessed emotions by wearing the protective armour in the Knight. The Knight of Cups is now ready to offer his emotional situations and also, to experience them a little further.

In a Reading, the Knight of Cups is usually a welcomed card. It signifies opportunities mainly of a positive nature. As a situation, this card will tell you not to give up. As a person, the Knight will have the stronger personality attributes of the Astrological sign Pisces. The Page and Knight are both Pisces. The latter being more the outer template of the sign.

The Page and Knight of Cups appearing together in a layout is significant because you will be promised development of an emotional situation in obvious steps which can be identified.

The Knight of Cups is not in total control of the emotional realm and when he lives through his level of offering additional experience he will be one step closer to the mastery of the Queen and King.  

When you master  the emotional realm you have knowledge to use it & not abuse it.

Secrets of the Playing Cards video

A charming video filled with interviews, history and great information. Time: 44:37 minutes. Well Done!

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Mystereum Tarot 3 card Reading

I find the Mystereum Tarot very intriguing indeed. I requested permission from Jordan Hoggard to use 3 cards from the deck to illustrate a short Reading with a specific question. He was kind enough to email me the images below. Thank you Jordan.

The question for this Reading is as follows:

What are the best considerations for stepping on the gas with a project that is 6-years old and ready to take to the next level?

I decided to do a simple 3 card Reading with the description of the positions included in the interpretation. The images of the cards are very good for tapping into those areas of your intuition that would normally not be touched. The Reading presented below is my perception of the Mystereum Tarot.

CARD 1: QUEEN OF PENTACLES

Mystereum Queen of Pentacles

POSITION 1: This spot represents the core essence of the question. The Queen of Pentacles suggests the 6 year project has all the makings for financial success. The Queen holds the Pentacle in her lap as if to display it to the viewer saying, “how much longer do I have to wait”. She advises that in order to have financial mastery over this situation the person must stop thinking about it. It’s a waste of time to keep perfecting what is perfect already.

CARD 2: HIGH PRIESTESS

Mystereum High Priestess

Position 2: In this spot we discover a clue to the steps necessary to come to a result or outcome. The High Priestess suggests the person needs to follow the intuitive path more so than using practicality. The practicality is already contained and established in the Queen of Pentacles. The High Priestess is saying, “follow & trust your intuition and the next level will be revealed in a way you will recognize it”. In the image the High Priestess reaches out into the Universe and is a conduit for messages which the person shall receive.

CARD 3: JUDGMENT

Mystereum Judgment

Position 3: Here you will find the answer based on the culmination of the previous 2 cards. The Judgment card suggests another aspect of this project needs to be brought back to life. There is a small piece missing which has prevented full manifestation in the past. The Judgment card is clearly showing re-birthing. Also, this card is saying, “wake up and embrace your rewards”. The person asking the above question should take the risk and move quickly forward. The missing aspect could be the fear of pushing the envelope in this project.

All indicators are positive and the person is on the verge of success with this project.

Young chaps of Swords suits

The young chaps of the Swords suit look troublesome. You can see and feel the shift in energy starting with the Page and changing into the Knight when you look at them side by side.

Cick Aquatic Tarot image & you will be taken to a link with free downloads.

When I see the Page Swords in a Reading I always get a negative feeling about the card. I know this isn’t the correct way to look at it. The more you study the card in relation to the position of the layout and the remainder of the spread the Page of Swords sometimes isn’t negative at all. This card can suggest being overly cautious or suspicious of people and situations. The Page holds a Sword in to defend or attack mode.

The Sword is related the SCYTHE in the Lenormand Cards. One of the associated meanings with the Sword is to bring clarity. Often when we experience clarity of a situation or about a person it can hurt but it also prunes us of all that is not truth. Another meaning is force or strength. Many times intellectual anger is present.

In the Knight of Swords the Page is ready to fight. He points the Sword towards the goal of attack. The horse is in a fast Pace Gait which means it is revved up for the race. These two cards show how energy of the Swords can be utilized. You can either stand in one place not knowing whether to defend or attack or you can find a means towards a solution.

Seeing the Knight of Swords in a Reading I know that the time of inactivity is over. It is time for action. The clouds in the background of this card suggest turbulence but one should know that the state of mind is off-center. This card depicts rashness and a headstrong approach to the situation or person.

When the Knight of Swords is the last card in the Celtic Cross or as a result card in other Layouts this means there is a battle of egos involved with the situation or person. A pruning process will be necessary which often causes more chaos until the actual clarity of mind is achieved.

seaqueen’s perception  

Morgan Greer Tarot 2 Pentacles

The Tarot suit of PENTACLES represents the tangible world. In this world we can feel concrete things such as a couch, money, garden, car, etc.

2 of PENTACLES

The second deck I purchased back in the 1970′s was the Morgan Greer Tarot with the accompanying Handbook, “The Book of Tarot”. At that time this deck seemed very different from the traditional 1971 Rider deck in that the symbols of the cups, swords, wands and pentacles were magnified. My original deck was partially destroyed when I left a candle burning and some of the cards were covered in wax. I tried to remove the wax but ended up ruining the images. I re-ordered the Morgan Greer deck in recent years and I think the reproduction is not up to the standards of the original printings.

The 2 of PENTACLES represents a choice between 2 tangible opportunities.

The Magican

In the image the 2 pentacles are within the symbol of eternity (lemniscate). This symbol is found above the Magician’s head and represents a continuous flow of energy. In the Magician’s card the symbol is perfectly horizontal and in the 2 of Pentacles the symbol is tilted to one side.

The indication here is that the continuous flow is still there but requires a little adjustment to keep it moving in perfect balance. 

In a Reading:

The 2 of Pentacles often suggests financial or work questions. These situations show inconstancy, however, the Reader should be aware that the situation will not stay like that for a very long time. Things will change.

In past Readings, I have seen the 2 of Pentacles to represent income from 2 sources. To round out a financial situation 2 incomes may be necessary to bring a continuous flow of money to a household. Also, this card can suggest just barely meeting your bills. Money comes in and goes out as quickly.

I like seeing the 2 of Pentacles as an outcome card because there is a promise within this card that finances will eventually straighten out. As well, a decision can made between lovers after weighing the pros & cons.

 :)

Aquatic Tarot Chariot

Aquatic Tarot. The Chariot.

The Aquatic Tarot Chariot by Andreas Schröter is illustrated for it’s beauty and because it is one of my favourite decks when it comes to opening the doorway to meditation. Often through a short meditation on the card you can hear your Inner Voice or focus on your Inner Sight much better.

I chose the CHARIOT today as a daily guidance card.  There are many traditional & modern meanings for the CHARIOT which we all know.

I decided this morning before I drew this card to wash the floors in the house. This is a physical task requiring resolve. Part of me wants to play today and the other part of me wants to take care of necessary house-work.  Something simple such as housework requires the strength and commitment of the CHARIOT.

As an example, I see the Charioteer representing me first thing in the morning. As time went, and a few coffees in the back patio I began to experience both the black and white sphinxes (horses in some decks). The last thing I feel like doing on a gorgeous day like this is to stay inside and wash the floors.  The see-saw influence of procrastination is hitting me again but I know I have the CHARIOT’s energy giving me silent support to complete this task.

The CHARIOT card comes under the rulership of the sign of Cancer which rules the 4th house signifying the home. If you know any Cancerian people you may have noticed they are mostly homebodies & their home/family environment is very important to them.

The message I get from the CHARIOT card is to find a balance by

controlling my INNER HOUSE (Adytum).

This means controlling the directional reins of the opposing influences depicted by the Sphinxes/Horses. Bottom Line:  I am master of my Chariot.

thinking out loud

Tonight I finished off printing the last copies of the Learning Lenormand Handbook.  I thought I would take a break before I go ahead and comb-bind them. This is the tricky part because one has to really pay attention when lining up the paper with the machine or the holes don’t go where they are suppose to.

And that means re-printing.  Hmm maybe I’ll wait until the morning as it is getting darker.

Besides I’m in a meditative mood thinking about all my projects especially….the Tarot Workshop. I won’t get into all the 78 cards and focus on the Major Arcana.  Funny, all the information is in my head but I really should write down an outline so I can have a visual reminder.

The best part of this workshop will be the interaction with the people who attend. Even though I have read the Tarot cards for 4 decades I always like to pretend I don’t know anything about them to see what pops up. This is not an easy task. I bet you I spent hundreds of hours memorizing those silly meanings when I was a teenager. Later on, only to discover I said something completely different when I did a Reading.

Some basics are helpful for the beginner but keep an open attitude about the Tarot cards if you want to understand how the Gypsy Oracle cards work in a Reading.

The traditional teachings on the Major Arcana start with the FOOL card representing the soul and onward through the following cards’ lessons. I think we can experience all the 22 cards in the cycle of one situation. Every situation has a beginning, a process, an end and finally a result. It is the process that teaches us about the situation and ourselves.

For example, I have lived through the TOWER card many, many times as you probably have too.

The TOWER situation had a beginning. The process occurs when we are holding on for dear life. The end is when the chaotic ride slows down. The result is wiping the vomit of your experience off your face, LOL.  This can all happen in one day, one week or months.

I have woken up in a MOON card state and ended the day in an EMPEROR card state of mind. Think about it. Think about what you do in one day.  How many different Tarot card hats do you wear?

question for the Lo Scarabeo Tarot

Lo Scarabeo Tarot

I really like this deck.  As the time is approaching for my precious little grandson’s surgery on Mon. March 28th I will most likely write the interpretation for this layout at a later date.

Please send Healing Prayers for Connor.

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3 card draw using Phantasmagoric Theater Tarot

In today’s post I will do a simple 3 card draw to gain some insight into a dear friend’s situation.  A yes or no answer would be good as I am thinking of a time frame on behalf of my friend.  I recently acquired the Phantasmagoric Theater Tarot in a trade. The cards are very large sporting some really cool images. Shuffling or rifling this deck could be a challenge. Luckily, I have large hands. For those of you with smaller hands I suggest you fan them out on the table and mix them up that way.  In a nutshell,  this deck is “a stage” and each card is a “play” with “actors” and “props”.  The images appeal to the Piscean actress within me.

The 42 page LWB has some very simple meanings with a description of the images on the cards.

The cards are being used in this tutorial post to demonstrate the 3 card draw. They can be purchased from US Games Systems 179 Ludlow St., Stamford, CT 06902

Flames Tarot Bag by jozefaCreations

Question:  will the property sell by June 2011?

Meanings assigned to the positions of the 3 card draw for this particular question.

Card 1:  Situation surrounding the property for sale

The Seeker

The question marks in the image just about sums up the situation around the property which is for sale. The astrological glyph for Virgo is situated right under the old Hermit represents the 6th House of everyday work and service.  The property definitely is involved in work as it also contains a business.  In the lower right hand corner is one single  jigsaw puzzle piece.  The sale of the property is only one piece of the puzzle of life direction.

This current waiting time is happening for a reason. Other factors are not established yet in the grand scheme of things.  The time is being given as a gift to further contemplate what it took to get this property in the first place and why it is “really” for sale.

Card 2:  The solution

Sergeant Winner

What a cute King of Swords even though he’s trying to look real tough with that sword.  Is the skull suppose to scare you?  There is tiny symbol for the Spade on the King’s right forearm.  Symbolically, spades are linked to work. As a solution card the suggestion for the property owner is to become more aggressive with the promotion of this property.  The card can also indicate hiring a real estate agent who isn’t taking his sweet time attracting potential buyers.  More energy is needed to show this property.

Card 3:  The Answer

The Stage Set

Interesting final card.  In the image a figure sits at the table holding his head which is the World.  On the table are the 4 elements of the Minor Arcana. Plant- Earth. Filled Glass- Water. Candle- Fire. Cloud- Air.  He has everything before him that he needs to nurture the outcome/result.

From the LWB “fulfillment of desires, success, worthy deeds, favourable outcome”.

The Sun is smiling in the lower right hand corner of the card.

This Card points an almost certain YES the property will sell by June 2011.

Play time with the Lo Scarabeo Tarot

I received the Lo Scarabeo Tarot the other day in the mail.  I wasn’t too pleased that I had to pick it up at the post office. After all, I did pay for shipping and delivery to the door. A notification from the delivery person was hanging on the mailbox a mere two feet from the door bell. The person did not ring the door bell or knock.  I know. I was here.  Did I complain to the delivery company? I was going to but, in all honesty it would not change a darn thing and besides I was happy the deck finally arrived.

Putting aside all the traditional meanings in Tarot I am going to read the Lo Scarabeo cards based on the images and suits.

About the cards: Each of the 78 cards sport a border. Within the borders are 6  languages naming the cards. The color scheme is soft but with a good mixture of shades within each card.  The deck is a bit more slender than the Rider deck or so it feels.  I haven’t actually measured them or looked it up online.

The images of the Lo Scarabeo Tarot are displayed for the purpose of this article and for their subtle beauty. Excuse the poor quality of the image my camera phone is not high quality but my camera has issues right now.

I especially like the Queen of Swords

Queen of Swords

 

Below is an image of the 4 cards selected

Simple Reaction Layout