Notes on Tarot by Menadove

Tarot reading

* I have listed the elements here to help make understanding the meaning easier. Each suit is like its corresponding element, i.e. water is like emotion, flowing, changing, always moving, sometimes to had to hold back or even get a hold of, etc. Looking at the suits this way allows for a deeper and more significant/powerful meaning.

Basic points *A traditional tarot deck is composed of 78 cards: 22 cards for the major arcana and 56 cards in the minor arcana (16 court cards, 40 lesser cards.) *Wands (staffs) represent ideas, growth and expansion (thought/fire*) *Cups represent pleasure, emotion and spirituality. (emotion-water) *Swords represent action, struggle, sorrow and sickness. (action-air) *Pentacles (coins) represent success, ambition, money and power. (physical/social placement-earth)

Meanings of the major arcana (bolded numbers inside the parenthesis represent the numerological value with can
be interpreted for quicker reference.) 1. The magician (1)-creative power, magik, manifestation, conversion. 2. The high priestess (2)-intuition, physic skills, thought .

3. 4.
5. 6. 7. 8.

9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

17. 18.
19. 20. 21. 22.

The empress (3)- abundance, fertility, nurturing, motherliness, female energy. The emperor (4)- leadership, problem solving, male energy, logic, planning . The hierophant (5)-conventional wisdom, conformity, traditions, steadyness. The lovers (6)- choices offered, romance, inspiration, temptation The chariot (7)-success and conquest, victory after hardship, stamina good health . Strength (8)- unconditional love, strength, calmness, compassion, patience. The hermit (9)- seeking truth, wisdom offered, conscience, silence . Wheel of fortune (10)-luck, fate, fortune, chance . Justice (11) fairness, pro/con, equilibrium, what goes around comes around, morals . The hanged man (12,1+2=3)- prophecy, self-sacrifice, release, hanging by a thread, cross roads Death (13, 1+3=4)- transformation, rebirth, renewal, change, time to move on . Temperance (14, 1+4=5)-patience, adaptation, self discipline, cooperation . The devil (6)-materialism, bondage, temptations, addictions, obsessions, overindulgence . The tower (7)-unexpected change, shock, losing the foundations that you have built . The star (8)- hope, faith, wishes, dreams, desires, wants, future The moon (9)- the imagination, psychic development, unforeseen changes, different then what they seem . The sun (19, 1+9=10, 1+0=1)- contentment, peace, pleasure, happy unions, partnerships. Judgment (20,2+0=2)-awakening, clarity, change in consciousness, decision making . The world (3)final attainment, triumph, karmic lessons complete, liberation, goals realized . The fool (22 or 0) the beginning, idea, innocence, naiveness, unaware .

The major arcana, if placed together read much like a story: the fool starts off on a journey of enlightenment. He discovers in creativity and talent for using various tools to achieve his goal in the magician, discovers that along with the physical side of this there is an intuitive, psychic realm (the high priestess), now that he has learned about both material and immaterial sides of the world he meets his parental mother figure ( the empress),then meeting his masculine half in the emperor, he then discovers the societal impacts and values in their hierophant, and in the lovers the fool learns about sex! Etc. While the major arcana indicate the powerful influences and impacts on our lives the minor arcana represent individual people and the impact that they will have on our lives. The queen, king and page (princess) represent individuals directly which knights(princes) and the numbered cards represent thoughts coming and goings and sudden changes. Minor Arcana Kings- wise counsel, worldly rulership, and status. Individuals that play important parts in our lives. A person who plays important part physically in our life. Queens-importance of emotion, and the need to nurture, fertilize, and create. Keys to the psyche.

Listening to that inner voice. People we have met on a specific personal path. Pages/princesses- the need to study a situation, come up with a plan of action, and take the steps necessary toward a total resolution. Taking a chance or a risk or tampering with something we would rather not mess with. A representation of someone who has not yet reached adulthood or someone who is immature. Knights/Princes-Action. Where our powers lie, our personal focus, and the steps we are willing to take to achieve our goals. Harbingers of travel, adventure, and a major increase of personal activity. Numerological interpretations of both the major and minor arcana 1- (aces) beginnings, ideas, will, personal births and intuitions, assorted opportunities, seeding of personal potential, and changes of perspective. 2- warning, receptivity, patience, duality, working together of polarities to achieve specific results, beginning of a balancing act, the seen and unseen. 3- expressing, corresponding, teamwork to bring about goals, help is on the way, self expression, and the cooperation between mind body and spirit. 4- application, organization, working, doors of opportunity, and stability. 5- unexpected changes, excess, personal challenges and insight on how to deal with them. 6- the way we manifest adjustments, responsibility, love/hate, family and emotional balance within our lives and insight into appropriate steps to take as well as problem patterns that need revision. 7- perfecting, aloneness, intraspection, faith, unexpected things, tenacity. the dicisipline necessary to mature and the work that is necessary for achievement. 8- power, success, recognizition, reevaluation of what you are trying to accomplish. 9- magentisim, foreign travel, good fortune and magikal completion. How we handle related situations in order to achieve our goals. 10- (in the case of the minor arcana only-in the major arcana a ten is a one) a reflection of one it represents a period of reflection and regeneration, outline of cause and effect, and the acceptance of personal responsibility for both actions and reactions. Something big ahead to be prepared for.) 11-higher and more deeper receptivity, intuition, fame, spirituality * 22-higher application, mastery, power in all planes.* *11 and 22 are significant numbers within the tarot and need a broader interpretation then their lower numbers 2 and 4.
influences and cards within your life.) Aries- the fool, the magician, the emperor, the wands bold, forceful, direct, beginnings, physical self, outlook on the world Taurus-the empress, hierophant, the wheel of fortune, the pentacles practical, persistent, patient, finances, posessions Gemini- the lovers, the swords- versatile, mental, alert, communications, relatives, short journeys Cancer-temperance, the moon, the cups-sensitive, intuitive, changeable, home environment, endings, father Leo- strength, the wheel of fortune, the sun, the wands- affectionate, adventurous, creative, love affairs Virgo-the high priestess, the hermit, the pentacles-analytical, cautious, assimilating ,health, service, work Libra- the empress, justice, the swords-balanced, just, harmonious, marriage, public, business Scorpio- the emperor, the wheel of fortune, death, judgment, the cups-secretive, intense, informal, occult, legacies Sagittarius- the chariot, the wands-independent, philosophical, higher learning, vision, long journeys Capricorn- the devil, the world, the pentacles- earthly, conventionally, responsible, professional, mothering Aquarius- the wheel of fortune, the tower, the star, the swords-sociable, progressive aspiration, associates, friends Pisces-the high priestess, the hanged man, the moon, the cups- mystical, imagination, intuitions, limitations, karma Quick spread 3 1 2 1.The present 2. The past 3.The future

Signs for both the major and minor arcana (when these signs are present these are the more powerful

Celtic cross spread 5 4 2/5 6 1

10 9 8 7

1.what brought you to this point 2. you now 3.what you hope for 4.influences in your life that are leaving 5.forces that are working against you 6.the immediate future 7.how you respond to #6 8.new turn of events 9.how you will feel in times to come 10.outcome gen- prevailing influence 2. your finances 4.family/hom environ 6.your health 1.how you see yourself 3.communications w/ others 5.where you find pleasure 7.your partnerships

Zodiac spread 11 10 9

12 2

gen

8 6

9.higher learning 11.your hopes/wishes

10.your career/goals 12.what keeps you

Some fun stuff to get to know your cards and yourself better Your spirit card tells you what you are naturally good at. add the digits of your birth together (ex May 9 1980, 5+9+1980=1994 then 1+9+9+4=23, if above 22 then add down 2+3=5) Your purpose card *the lessons we are destined to learn. Take the total from your birth date and add the digits together (ex from above 23, 2+3=5) Your talent card ** a talent you may be born with, but you need to develop, perhaps evn the type of career or lifestyle you may be good at. For this just use the day of your birth (ex May 9, is 9- the hermit) The fool (0)- your spirit begs for knowledge. *The lesson that there is a silver lining in every cloud if you look at the whole picture. **You can move with out fear because you know yourself and your past lessons well. The magician (1)-you are important in solving problems, repairing relationships,. *That life is filled with possibilities and its up to you to grab them and use them as you wish. Dont like your current situation, change it. **You have the ability to make things happen. The high priestess (2)-you are the conduit of information between the mundane and the spiritual and the keeper of that balance. *Life is not always a what you see is what you get kind of situation, circumstance may not always be in our control but the manner in which we deal with them is. ** You have the ability to cut through surface layers to find the truth beneath. The empress (3)- you are a natural nurturer. You are there to support goals/dreams, and help them become reality. *You must learn to not only nuture others and the world around you, but yourself as well. **You do well with ground floor endeavors or opportunities where you are able to watch your efforts grow. The emperor (4) you are a natural adviser. You help people to see all angles of a situation yo find the best solution. *Every situation is different and along with the wisdom of advice comes the knowing that you may not always have been right and must take the time to see all the sides around you. **You have the talent of wisdom, you are good at teaching skills and giving good advice. The hierophant (5)-you are a natural seer. You present options, possibilities, and a fresh perspective to those who wouldnt ordinarilily see them. *You must learn to be true to yourself. **Your talents lie in any work that deals with the occult, spirituality, or the psyche. The lovers (6)- you help others repair and strengthen relationships through communication. *You must learn to understand the many sides of love and learn to express them all, even embracing those we might not normally. **You excel in service oriented positions or ones where partnerships are involved. The chariot (7)-you are a person of completion. You help others take action and then follow through. *You need to learn not to procrastinate, to get up and get moving.

**You work well uinder pressure nad excel in fast paced moving jobs. Strength (8)-you help others stand up for their beliefs and for right and wrong. You also help others see where their beliefs are flawed and help them change before problems occur. *You need to learn that it is allright to let others take the credit sometimes even let others think it was the idea. The strongest people are often those who plant the seed and let others have the limelight. **You excess in managerial positions or social work where dealing with the public is involved. The hermit (9) you help to instill self confidence and worth in others and help people to find their hidden talents. *You need to learn to come out of hiding, take center stage and take due credit for your accomplishments. **Research and understanding, as well as the ability to teach that knowledge to others. The wheel of fortune (10) you help others handle the ups and downs of everyday living. *You will learn that even though your life may be filled with ups and downs, it is just a window of opportunities, and that blessings and good luck always occur after much trial and tribulation. **Your talents lie in the ability to take a chance. Justice (11)-you lend encouragement to those who have a difficulty standing up for themselves as well as point out when others have gone to far and need to reevaluate. *The lesson you will learn if of fair play and striving to be just, no matter the cost. **You excel in positions where a firm voice of reason is necessary. The hanged one (12)- you help others find that balance between the spiritual and mundane worlds. *You must learn to find that happy medium between spirituality and reality and not become to bound in one that you cannot see the other. **Your talents lie in counseling others and helping them to find the balance for which they seek. Death (13)- you help point out when it s time to stop, when its time to start over, and when its time to bring fresh ideas into play. *You must learn that every ending brings a beginning and that is worth celebrating not morning. You do well in anything involving research, science or medicine. Temperance (14)- you help people to realize the patience, moderation and simplicity within their lives. *You will learn that everything worth waiting is worthwhile. **You do well in endeavors that require thought caution and planning The devil (15) you teach others to indulge themselves from time to time and enjoy the good in life. * That you always have a choice, regardless of the situation at hand. That choice is your responsibility. **You excel in positions where you are in charge and can delegate responsibility. The tower (16)-you offer fresh ideas and new perspectives to those that have become stagnant and remind people that while change isn t always pleasant but immenant. *You will learn to build solid relationships from the ground up, that will stand up to the test of time. **You are good a jobs that require building or careful construction of ideas. The star(17)-you are a natural giver of hope. *You will learn that it takes more then wishing to make your dreams come true. **You will excel in positions where you help boost an individuals self confidence. The Moon (18)- you help people to see the world as it really is. *You will learn to stop and listen and that turning a blind eye always leads to a downfall. **You do well with those who wish to explore the psyche. The Sun (19)- you help others to be happy and enjoy the success that is coming to them. *You will learn that with success comes responsibility not just for yourself and your actions but for those who cross your path.

*You will learn to lead more with your mind and less with your heart. That every situation, no matter how complex, has a good solid solution. **You excel in postions where extreme challenges and problem solving are at the forfront. The World (21)- you help people to see that they can have what the want if they are willing to work for it. *You will learn to be knid to those in less fortunate positions and inspire others to greatness of their own. **You do well in postions where the need to achieve the impossible is an everyday occurance.

**You know how to be successful in whatever you do. Judgement(20)- you help others to see both sides of the coin and make decisions based on facts and not emotion.

Tarot cards additional notes *playing cards: wands/clubs, cups/hearts, swords/spades, pentacles/diamonds *medicine cards: antelope- speed and adaptability of the mind armadillo-personal protection and empathy
ass- wisdom and humility bat- transition and initiation beaver- the building of dreams

badger- reliance and keeper of stories bear- pwr of the unconscious-the high priestess bison- manifesting abundance though right action/prayer the hierophant bobcat- silence/secrets bull-fertility cat- mystery, magik, and independence cougar-coming into your own power deer- innocence and new adventures coyote- wisdom and folly dog- faithfulness and protection elephant-ancient power, nobility- the emperor fox- camouflage, shapeshifting, invisibility-the magician elk- strength giraffe- farsightedness goat- surefootedness, seeking new heights groundhog- death, trance without dying horse- travel, power, freedom the chariot lynx- vision of the unseen lion- power of the feminine- the empress mouse- attention to detail moose- energy, life/death magik opossum- the use of appearances panther- reclaiming ones power porcupine- renewed sense of wonder otter- joy playfulness- the sun rabbit- fertility/ new life prairie dog- community raccoon- dexterity and disguise ram- seeking new beginnings- the star rat- success, restlessness, shrewdness rhino- ancient wisdom- the hermit seal- active imagination, lucidness, creativity skunk- respect, self-esteem, sensuality snow leopard- overcoming ones demons, renewal of vision/vitality- death squirrel- activity and preparation tiger- passion, power, devotion the lovers weasel- sly, secret pursuit, theft whale- creation, awakening inner depths- the world wolf- guardianship, ritual, loyalty/spirit *Stone tarot: agate (general)- strength, courage, love healing amber- luck, beauty, protection, healing amethyst- dreams, psyschic, peace, balance apache tear- protection/luck adventurine-$, eyesight, mental powers bloodstone-victory, wealth, agriculture, business/legal citrine- anti-nightmare, protection carnelian-right thing at the right time coral-wisdom, gardening quartz- power, death magik, spritual attainment fluorite- mental agaiulity, technology, past-life fossils- working with elements, longevity geodes- meditation, children hematite- healing, grounding jade- love, prosperity, $, wisdom jasper- physical/poison protection, rest, courage jet-divination, power, luck malachite- business success marble- strength, protection, success moonstone-love, divination, teaching, public speaking onyx- defensive magik obsidian- grounding, weapon protection sodalite- wisdom tigers-eye- $, energy, truth, luck turquoise- friendship, medicine *Colors (for a stone deck)- black- divination, protection, time, chaos, rebirth, change blue- truth, wisdom, loyalty, mediation, hearth/home brown/ bronze- security, support, nature, friendship gold- $, security gray- stabilization, glamories green- healing, hope, new starts, $, abundance, immortality orange- overcoming difficulties, material gain pink- friendship, harmony, love purple- peace, dreaming, intelligence, prosperity red- action, passion, courage, male principle, leadership silver- moon, astral travel, freedom, balance, endurance, personal illumination yellow- healing, sun energy, self-esteem, beauty, trust white- purity, the goddess, fem. Mystery, health

*Sigil Deck

Earth/pentacles

Air/swords Fire/wands Water/cups