An Introduction To The Tarot
Research  by Unicorn & Pagan of Coven of the Wheel 
according to Jane Lyle

 

The standard modern Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, these are divided into two sections; the Major Arcana meaning " Greater Secrets" consisting of 22 cards & the Lesser Arcana meaning " Lesser Secrets" consisting of 56 cards. It is these former cards, the greater secrets, that have intrigued, enraged &puzzled scholars, moralists & a mixed bag of other seekers of truth, including mystics, psychologists & occultists.

 

The Tarot cards are still considered by some as " the rungs of a ladder leading to the depths of Hell", Tarot cards have fascinated people for centuries. Prized by Gypsies, Temple Magicians, Rosicrucians, Masons, linked with ancient Witchcraft & mode rn Wicca, & denounced as heretical by medieval churchmen, the Tarot has survived every twist & turn of fortune. Today mainly due to the New Age movement Tarot decks are widely available & now enjoys unprecedented popularity with the masses, despite the " Born Again "  type Christian movement & others. The Minor Arcana contains its own mysteries. At first glance it clearly resembles the deck of playing cards most people are familiar with. It is divided into 4 suits:

 

Wands correspond to the element Air & Clubs / Staves / Bune Wands / Batons.

Pentacles correspond to the element Earth & Coins / Discs / Diamonds.

Swords correspond to the element Fire & Athames / Spades.

Cups correspond to the element Water & Cauldrons / Hearts.

 

Each of these suits consist of numbered cards, from Ace to ten, & 4 court cards. Today's playing cards are clearly related to the Minor Acarna of ancient times, indeed the name " playing " cards may have been coined to clarify the difference between these cards & the ever mysterious Major Arcana. In modern Italy they still play a game called Tarrochi with the Minor Arcana of the Ancient Tarot deck. The actual symbols representing each of the minor suits also appear elsewhere in myths & legends.

 

In Ireland, the legendary people of the Great Goddess Dana / Danu, the Tuatha De Dannan spoke of 4 magical treasures:

A cauldron, a spear, a stone & a sword. [ Water, Air, Earth & Fire.]

Similar symbols are found in Hindu art:

The cup, a Wand, Sceptre, A Ring & Sword.

Perhaps the most thought provoking link is the Greek Goddess of Fate Herself, Nemesis, whose symbols include a cup, a wand of apple wood, a wheel & a sword.

Such symbols are also linked with the 4 elements of the ancient world; fire, earth, air & water. In turn, these form one of the foundation of Western Astrology, which groups the 12 signs of the Zodiac into 4  groups, each governed by an element. The 4 elements also form the basics of all magical & healing work.

  

The Major Arcana remains elusive for it does not obviously correspond to anything we recognise today. Like the enigmatic Standing Stones of ancient times  these 22 cards have spawned an imaginative range of theories regarding their origins & meanings . Ancient Egypt is a popular background for speculation; some theories connect the cards with the writings of Hermes Trismegistus, legendary mystic, sage & supposed author of the " Emerald Tablet", & other magical manuscripts. Gypsies, a word believed to derive from Egyptians, are thought by some sources to have carried the cards with them from India during their travels. Others claim that when the Great library at Alexandria was destroyed, the ancient city of Fez became a centre for mystics & philosophers who travelled there from the 4 corners of the earth. These wise men had a little trouble communicating with one another, since they all spoke different languages. So, the story goes, they created a symbolic pictorial language of their own  which was designed to encapsulate universal knowledge & spiritual truth. Colourful speculation aside, the idea that the Major Arcana is a book of esoteric teaching is probably not far from the truth. The reason for this conclusion is based on what is known of the Tarots history.

 

What seems to be the earliest existing Tarot cards, of which 17 remain, date from 1392. Thirty years later, an Italian artist called Bonifacio Bembo painted the full deck which survives from those times. These were commissioned by the Duke of Milan, & are known as the Visconti deck after his family name. So, if the Tarot existed prior to the 1300s there is a slender evidence to support this theory. But that is not to suggest that the ideas & beliefs behind the Tarot's powerful images are as recent as the cards themselves. Certainly, a number of images found in the Major Arcana seem to be essentially medieval, drawing on key figures & concepts of the time. The Pope, the Magician or Juggler, the Fool & the Day of Judgement would all have been familiar concepts, very much every day features of the Medieval world & mind & seem to suggest that the Tarot is a purely Medieval invention. But what about the surreal landscape shown on the Moon? And how can we explain the presence of a High Priestess, a concept which is still an anathema to some Christians today, or the topsy-turvy figure of the Hanged man who remains serenely alive? These images point to a much older system of beliefs, for they have their roots in pre- Christian times. Picture this, Medieval Europe was a dangerous place for heretics. By recording secret philosophies & teaching visually, those who disagreed with prevailing doctrines may have thought they had found a safe way to pass on their knowledge without incurring persecution.

 

The Renaissance practise of using what are called ars memorativa, that is pictorial memory systems, was an integral part of the whole occult movement at the time. This idea, intended as a meditation aid, was adopted from ancient Greece; examples are found on talismans & amulets of the period. The Tarot could easily have been a highly sophisticated pictorial memory system, tapping deep levels of consciousness & is still used as a focus today. According to Angeles Arrien the symbols of the Tarot may well be creative ideas that function as a universal language in that area where an  individual's internal & external worlds intersect & attempts to dialogue  with each other. In any kind of inner work, whether it be dreams, divination, meditation, contemplation, guided imaginary, or creative visualisations, symbols appear to us as sign posts or Keys & they function as containers, revealers, or concealers of meaning to enable us " to penetrate into the mystery of life."

 

The Tarot can be seen as a symbolic map of consciousness & an ancient book of wisdom that reveals to us visually & symbolically the creative ideas & states of consciousness that appear in multiple existence in all cultures. The 78 cards can be seen a s symbols or archetypes of inner & outer experiences that are prevalent within human experience. According to Angeles Arrien the best description of the origins & the use of the Tarot have been offered by Alfred Douglas;

" Historians have turned to the word, Tarot, to attempt to solve its origin. Some have suggested that Tarot comes from the ancient Egyptian word, Ta-rosh, meaning the royal way, others have asserted that it is an anagram of the Latin word, Rota, mean ing Wheel, the cards then symbolising the circle of life from birth to death. Others felt that  the Hebrew word Torah, which means Law may links the cards with the mystical system of the Cabalah, forgetting that the Cabalah originated in Spain, a country which had never known the Tarot major trumps. Some have seen in it a corruption of the name Thoth, the ancient Egyptian God of Magic & Wisdom, an attempt to  reaffirm the legend that the cards were created in the initiation temples of the mysterious East.  It may, perhaps, be derived from the Hu ngarian Gypsy word Tar, meaning a deck of cards, which in turn derives from Sanskrit, Taru. The word Gypsy itself, is old English abbreviation of Egyptian."

 

According to Alfred Duglas

 

It is generally excepted by scholars that the earliest playing cards originated in China & Korea, where examples have been found dating back to at least the 11th century. The design of these cards appears to have been based on paper money, which evolved during the T'ang dynasty [  C E 618-908.] A Chinese dictionary, Ching-tze-tung, claims that playing cards were invented in C E 1120 for the amusement of the Emperor's concubines.

Some believe the cards originated in India. The four armed Hindu deity,  Ardhanarishvara, an androgynous figure combining the right half of the deity  is Shiva, with the left half being Shakti / Parvati is sometimes depicted holding a cup, a sceptre, a sword & a ring. The monkey God, Hanuman, is also at times shown holding these same emblems, which bear a close resemblance to the 4 suit signs of the Tarot; cups, wands, swords & discs. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to reveal how old these symbols are or if they ever appeared on Indian playing cards, which are generally circular & bear little resemblance to European cards. From the time of the Islamic Empire, roughly C E 900 - 1100, Egypt had been singled out in many wizard's minds as the place where the most potent magical secrets had originated. The word alchemy itself derives from Arabic, meaning the " Art of Khem" or Egypt. Egyptian origin is the oldest theory, & was actively evolved by 18th century occultists who rediscovered the Tarot. [ N. B. Dear Reader, Please refer to the lesson " Tarot found at the Temple of Serapis in Italy, Report by the French Institute of Archaeology in Cairo."    Pagan. ]

It is possible that the 4 suits refer to the 4 casts of Hinduism: Cups, being priests / Bramins, Swords being warriors overlords / Kshatriyas, Coins being merchants or Vaisyas, & Batons / Staffs / Wands being serfs or Sundras. Both Chinese or Indian notions are fine theories, but when one compares the decks, one finds very little symbolism in common, especially where the Major Arcana is concerned. Any similarity is limited to 56 cards of the Minor Arcana.

The general climate in Europe in the 14 th century, when Tarot made its first appearance, was one in which Christianity reigned supreme, but Paganism still lurked in obvious forms, resulting in terrible persecution of heretics. There was a rise of he retical Christian sects, which today are grouped under the collective title of Gnosticism. The word Gnostic is derived from Greek & implies much the same as the Anglo-Saxon words wizard or witch, or someone who knows, a wise man / woman, or initiate.

Gnosticism mixed together Indian, Chaldean, Persian, & Egyptian magical doctrines & seasoned them with Greek philosophy & Hebrew Cabalistic beliefs.

These unorthodox Christian sects were called Waldenses, Cathari, Aligenses, Bogornils, & the monastic order known as the Knights Templar. Alexandria became the centre for Gnostic learning around 2nd century C E. & Coptic Christianity absorbed many of the Gnostic symbols dating from that period. It is from this welter of Gnostic cults that the occult arts of the West appear to derive: alchemy, astrology,  & the images of the Tarot themselves.

Popular demand for the cards far outweighed religious opposition to them, & by the mid- 15th century, card making workshops were thriving in many cities of Italy, France, Germany & Belgium.

In 1781- eight years before the French Revolution-  Antoine Court de Gebelin, a French occultist & archaeologist, proposed the theory that the Gypsy Tarot was the remains of an ancient Egyptian book of magical wisdom, still treasured by the Romany peoples since their exodus from their native land of Egypt. He published a nine volume book: " The Primitive World Analysed & Compared To The Modern World."  The effect of this work was to almost overnight cause the Tarot to become the tool of the Rosi crucian sages, & it was feted as the bible of all true occultists.

Eliphas Levi, a French Rosicrucian writer & Cabalist, inspired an 18^th century occult revival. He discovered an apparent link between 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet & the cards of the Major Arcana & he was first to give elements to the suits.  There evolved a secret society, The Golden Dawn which was a blend of Christianity, Theosophy, Eliphas Levi's magical Cabala & Egyptian Rosicrucian ceremonies typical of the 17th & 18th centuries. The purpose was basically for the achievement of mysti cal illumination & magical power. The chief symbol that the group used for its teachings was the Cabalistic glyph known as the Tree Of Life, based on the Medieval philosophy of Spanish Judaism known as Cabala. Their tool was the Tarot. The Golden Dawn a short lived but powerful magic order, was particularly notable for mixing Astrology, Mysticism, Gnosticism, Christianity, Paganism, Ritual Magic & the complex Hebrew Kabala & linked all the above with the Tarot & have influenced all later decks with their correspondences. Many of these correspondences were devised & refined during this occult revival.

Arthur Edward Waite 's book, " The pictorial Key to the Tarot " was published in 1910. Another former member, self styled Great Beast & controversial magician Aleister Crowley also published a guide to the Tarot. The deck appeared 22 years after his death 1969.

Tarot Divination

 

Not long ago an on-line friend told me that he saw no reason to use the Tarot in divination; in fact, he felt that no one should use them for divination as this was a profane use of the cards. He preferred to use the cards solely for contemplation.  At the time I did not feel inclined to respond to this narrow view, but after a night of thinking about it, I was prompted to write the following in defence of Tarot Divination (and I don't mean fortune telling!)

 

Divination:

1. The art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by means of augury (divination from omens) or by the aid of supernatural powers.

2. Unusual insight or intuitive perception (these definitions from Webster's) According to the Brotherhood of Light there are four main uses for the Tarot:

    1) Science of Vibration

    2) Divination by cards

    3) Divination by number

    4) Spiritual Science (the method of putting the rest together to develop a philosophy)

Is it wrong to USE the cards?

1. Playing cards is fun! Without such use perhaps Tarot would long  ago have died as other games have faded from use. Chess may be considered to be a child's game or a highly developed intellectual discipline. The same is true of using the Tarot card's.

2. In studying the history of the Tarot you will see that the decks (except those belonging to aristocrats who had hand-painted decks made for them by great artists) used long ago were very primitive  and made from wood cuts. We have come far from those crude representations...but the ideas expressed in the Tarot remain the same -  they are still there in those early decks.

3. Where did the Tarot come from? We have only theory and conjecture:

(a)    Ancient Egyptians

(b)   They always have existed but have been revived from time to time

(c)    Gift of Divine Origin

(d)   etc.

It's validity and usefulness are what count

(a)    it works when used

(b)   it contains Universal symbology and archetypes found elsewhere

(c)    it is numerically correct and corresponds with ancient systems of wisdom (especially to the Qabala)

 

  10 =   sephiroth (ace through 10 in the Minor Arcana)

  22 =   paths (22 Major Arcana cards)

  4 =     elements (four suits)

(etc.)

The Tarot is MUCH MORE than mere pictures on pasteboard. The pictures on the Tarot cards are physical symbols for spiritual concepts. One definition I use for the Tarot is as follows:

A symbolic representation of Archetypal Forces and/or Beings which have always existed and have been identified and passed on to us by ancient initiates and which provide a focus for us to use in self-initiation, spiritual development, and the perception of hidden wisdom.

A few notes regarding the above........

1 Jung says of Archetypes that they exist for us at birth...they emanate from the collective unconscious....they are NOT self-created or generated.

2 Aleister Crowley says in his book the Book of Thoth:    "Each card is, in a sense, a living being." "It is for the student to build these living stones into his living Temple." ...the cards of the Tarot are living individuals..."  "How is he to blend their life with his? The ideal way is that of contemplation. But this involves initiation of such high degree that it is impossible to describe the method in this place. Nor is it attractive or suitable to most people. The practical everyday commonplace way is divination."

3 In Magick without Tears he says:     "...the Tarot itself as a whole is an universal Pentacle...Each card, especially this is true of the Trumps, is a Talisman; ...It is evidently an Idea far too vast for any human mind to comprehend in its entirety. For it is 'the Wisdom whereby He / She  (God/Goddess) created the worlds.' As regards these Lively Forces:

(a)  These Forces can communicate with us...or rather we can interpret  their currents through our subconscious intuitive minds....this is one use of divination (and contemplation). This is the level, as  Jung says, at which we are all connected.

(b)  These Forces can be directed by us Magickally if we are so  trained. First we must master divination; then direction.

(c)  The Tarot is a Magickal Weapon In the hands of a trained initiate  the mere placement of one card between two others can alter the forces involved and affect physical (and ethereal) reality.

(d)   The Tarot is a philosophy as well, with an Ancient Message about  the Soul's journey.

(e)   Yes, the Tarot is useful to study and contemplate....the colours and symbols are specifically designed and arranged to stimulate things within us (forces, archetypes, subconscious).

(f)     The Major Arcana are especially sacred to us because they represent the Paths, Steps, Forces which are necessary for us to rejoin   the Godhead and attain enlightenment.

I maintain that the best way to understand that the Tarot cards are ALIVE and ACTIVE FORCES is to USE/HANDLE/EXPERIENCE them and so Divine (and perceive) what they are all about. The cards are a focus for our minds upon forces which are ever-changing and evolving (even as humankind is evolving).

We are fortunate that modern printing is so good and that the Tarot decks and books which we have today are easily available to us. This was not always the case for our brothers and sisters in times past. Today one can afford to smile and say: "I only need to contemplate the cards to understand them." But there is more to the use of the cards in Divination than many have been taught; for it is a mysterious process. Just as one must study and practice upon a musical instrument to become a virtuoso, so too the Tarot takes many years of study and practice to use correctly. One must be well developed spiritually, emotionally, and intuitively, or (as in music) naturally gifted to make full and accurate use of the cards in divination. In the hands of a gifted Diviner or Initiate theTarot is a formidable weapon. It can even talk and spell out sentences! Hence the Hebrew letters correspondence to the Major Arcana . However, since we do not all learn in the same ways....the Tarot may not be the DIVINATORY METHOD for everyone.- ..although everyone can learn from it and should study it.

 

Other methods which may suit:

 

a) Astrology

b) Numerology

c) I Ching

d) Pendulum

e) Runes

f) etc.

 

As humankind evolves spiritually (and in other ways) so too the Tarot evolves. Take for example the reconstruction of The Chariot (Arcanum VII) and The Devil (Arcanum XV) cards by Levi. He gave them a new presentation based upon his advanced knowledge at the time. Also, note how The Lovers (Arcanum VI) has changed from earlier decks. It still has the same basic meaning, but the symbols have changed. No longer are there two women...one good one bad...with the man in between...now it is two people with an Angel above them. New Tarot decks continue to be made as our knowledge and understanding evolves.

A note on The Book of Thoth, Aleister Crowley's Tarot deck, is as seen by him from the Astral Plane. This is why it is so different from many decks; why it is so striking; and, why the energy felt has such strong effects upon many people. Some cards come and go....there are more cards on the astral plane than we have on the physical....between the cards, above and below the cards are others...as with the Qabala.

When working with the Tarot if one is in a Magickal State (Asana, etc.) and reads the cards it is a Magickal or Divine (hence the term divination) operation. I take the forces into myself when using the cards thus they affect me and I them. Because of this knowledge, I respect the Tarot as a Living Thing/Force and I do not bother it with profane questions. I treat it as a Magickal Weapon and thus with care and respect. Fortune telling, while not wrong, is the profane use of the cards.  Contemplation of the cards is useful; without Divination, however, one could not experience the forces within them in the same way. Also, there are hidden uses for the Tarot. The Tarot is indeed a Teacher. It is also a door, a gateway, an entryway in to other realms which is partly how it was used in Egyptian Initiation Rites. We may use it in some of the ways listed below:

 

 1) Scrying/meditation

 2) Ritual (invocation and evocation)

 3) Works/spells

 4) Talisman use/focus

 5) Divination

 

 Some of the goals of initiates (after perfecting divination and the Tarot's  philosophy) are 1) to read with a blank deck and to use a spread with no set  meanings, and 2) to develop one's own Astral Deck. Magick (in Theory and Practice), Crowley's famous book, calls Divination an important branch of Magick, and defines it thus:  

1 "We postulate the existence of intelligence's, either within or  without the diviner, of which he is not immediately conscious. (It   does not matter to the theory whether the communicating spirit so-called is an objective entity or a concealed portion of the diviner's mind.) We assume that such intelligence's are able to reply  correctly - within limits- to  the questions asked."

2 "We postulate that it is possible to construct a compendium of hieroglyphs sufficiently elastic in meaning to include every  possible idea, and that one or more of these may always be taken to  represent any idea. We assume that any of these hieroglyphs will be  understood by the intelligence's with whom we wish to communicate  in the same sense as it is by ourselves. We have therefore a sort of language...."

3 "We postulate that the intelligence's whom we wish to consult are willing, or may be compelled, to answer us truthfully."

He goes on to discuss divination as shown in some of the quotes below:

 "In a system of divination each symbol stands for a definite idea." "As regards the Holy Qabala, based as it is on pure number, (it) evidently possesses an infinite number of symbols. Its scope is conterminous  with existence itself; and it lacks nothing in precision, purity, or indeed  any other perfection. But it cannot be taught, each man must select for  himself the materials for the main structure of his system." "It is always essential for the diviner to obtain absolute magical control over the intelligence's of the system which he adopts." "Experience is the only teacher. One acquires what one may almost call a new sense. One feels in one's self whether one is right or not. The diviner must develop this sense." "In order to divine without error, one ought to be neutral. The faintest breath of personal preference will deflect the needle from the pole of truth in the answer."

"One must prepare oneself by general purification and consecration devised with the object of detaching oneself from one's personality and increasing the sensitiveness of one's faculties."      "The muscles with which he manipulates the apparatus of divination must be entirely independent of any volition of his. He must lend them for the moment to the intelligence whom he is consulting."

He must have succeeded in destroying the tendency of the ego to interfere with the object of thought. He must be able to conceive of a thing out of all relation with anything else." "He should allow the question entire freedom to make for itself its own proper links with the intelligence directing the answer."

"He must sink his personality in that of the intelligence hearing the question propounded by a stranger to whom he is indifferent, but whom it is his business to serve faithfully." "He should exhaust the intellectual sources of information at his disposal, and form from them his judgement. But having done this, he should detach his mind from what it has just formulated, and proceed to concentrate it on the figure as a whole, almost as if it were the object of his meditation."

"The concluding operation is therefore to obtain a judgement of the figure, independent of all intellectual or moral restraint. One must endeavour to apprehend it as a thing absolute in itself."

"Divination is in one sense an art entirely separate from that of Magick; yet it interpenetrates Magick at every point. The fundamental laws of both are identical. The right use of divination has already been explained: but it must be added that proficiency therein, tremendous as is its importance in furnishing the Magician with the information necessary to his strategic and tactical plans, in no wise enables him to accomplish the impossible. It is not within the scope of divination to predict the future with the certainty of an astronomer in calculating the return of a comet. There is always much virtue in divination."

"One must not assume that the oracle is omniscient."

"The Magician ought therefore to make himself master of several methods of divination; using one or the other as the purpose of the moment dictates.

Tarot Symbolism
From:    Michael Poe

 

Since the tarot is not related to any Hindu philosophy, I don't, and neither do the earlier tarot references, refer to their philosophy to the symbolism, which is generally Hermetic (Hermetic is derived from Hebrew, Christian, Greek, and Egyptian). In hermeticism the eye is also symbolic of the Eye of Horus, the Egyptian Hawk god, who soars over the earth seeing everything that happens.

White, red and black also refer to Egyptian garments worn by Initiates at least as early as the Greco-Roman period and represents something completely different than the Hindu. White is the undergarment because it symbolises the purified;  the first garment put on after the initiate bathes in the sacred lake. The red lining is for the Inundation of the Nile, or potential life giving. and Black is symbolic of the black earth of Egypt, the life, manifested.

 In the Waite deck,  the dog also represents God, which it is if spelled backward, nipping the initiate along the path, but in ancient Egypt it is Anubis, the Guide and Guardian of the Initiate.  Right hand and left hand have always in Hermeticism been associated with the Sun (right) and Moon (left), with the symbolism and meanings associated with both (and corresponds to what was previously noted) Actually, all of the early Tarot decks, from the very first found in Italy up to the 1970's, reflect Hermeticism, and probably should be interpreted that.

However, currently there are so many different types of variations that interpretations of elements may need to be referenced to a particular deck. Hence, although, taking the Waite deck in view, the Hindu interpretation of the clothes changes the meaning from the original meaning of the card.

Symbolism of the tarot is not universal. For example, black represents death (as a colour) in Hermeticism, the tarot, and western civilisation; but in eastern civiliszation black represent life, and white represents death. Clearly a problem there!

Skeletons generally represent death or afterlife to western civilisation, but to some native American tribes and other people, it represents power and not death!   Hence, not every symbol in the Tarot is universal or has a universal meaning. The tarot cards in general, like Jungian's archetypes, are universal, but the individual symbols are not.

Another example:  the lightning hitting the pyramid and the person falling off has no meaning with civilisations that don't have pyramids, and little to most that do. However, did you know that the pyramid in ancient Egypt represented the obelisk, which symbolises the first ray of light (lightening) striking Earth?  And that the pyramid, represents the top of the obelisk. that the obelisk were lightning rods?   Pyramid in ancient Egyptian language means "Place to Ascend", whereas the card shows the person falling off after being struck by the first ray of light!

Now, as to the left/right hand depictions. Of course in the earlier decks the Magician does not hold all four elements, but are located on the table. The Ace of cups, representing water, is not feminine in ancient Egypt; it is either masculine or both. Wands are neuter (the word for wand is neither male or female), earth can be either male or female, and air is male (while heaven is female). In fact the variety of male, female, neutral of the elements vary greatly in shamanistic religions of the Native Americans. But it is Hermeticism, which combines the Hebrew, Christian (more accurately Gnostic/Coptic), Egyptian and Greek, than assigns our present meanings to the four elements and suits. Since the earliest deck is Italian of the 14-15th century, the major influence would have been Hermeticism, not Hindu or other eastern religion.  Bernard Bromage builds a decent case for Egyptian origin. One may expect  some Arab/Islamic influence (the Crusades were over), as the interest in  Greek/Roman art and writers were great at that time.

The Meaning Of The Tarot Cards Belonging To The Zodiac & Its Decans

Research by Pagan of Coven Of The Wheel 1996.

 

ARIES: The Emperor.

1st Decan, 21st to 31st of March:   The 2 of Staffs / Wands.

[Balance, Dominion, Integration, Harmony.]

Key Words for Decan:

Impulsive, Dynamic Energy & Activity, Resourcefulness, Adaptability, Courageous, Leader, Responsibility, Discriminating,  Passionate, Loyal, Peacemaker. Can Be..... Over- Positive, Domineering, Always Seeking Adventure, Reckless, Indecision.

Conflict Between the Urge To Action & the Desire For Inner Peace.

2nd Decan, 1st to 10th of April: The 3 of Staffs / Wands.

[ Established Strength, Integrity.]

Key Words for Decan:

Individualists, Enthusiastic,  Eager, Energetic,  Sympathetic,  Magnetic Charm, Ambitious, Affectionate, Honourable, Faithful, Steady. Can Be ... Cruel, Arrogant, Egocentric.

Conflict Between Idealism & Ambition.

3rd Decon, 11th to 20 th April: The 4 of Staffs / Wands.

[Perfected Work, Completion.]

Key Words For Decan:

Productive, Impetuous, Personal Charm, Strong Sense Of Justice, Orderly, Seeks Harmony, Impulsive, Logical Mind, Imagination, Honest, Capable, Generous, Can Be...Over- Critical, Lazy, Nervous Instability. Conflict Between Disciplined Activity & Laziness Inherent In The Venus

Frequency.

TAURUS: The Hierophant.

1st Decan, 21st to 30 April: 5 of Pentacles.

[ Material Problems, Worry, Concern.]

Key Words for Decan:

Activity,  Wit, Self Confidence, Courage,  Change, Strength, Practical, Spirit of Reform.

Can Be... Cunning, Rebellion, Argumentative, Dominating. Conflict Between Impetuous Desire For Action & A Cautious, Instinctive Cunning & Common Sense.

2nd Decan, 1st to 10th of May: 6 of Pentacles.

[ Material Success, Accomplishment.]

Key Words for Decan:

 Discrimination, Selectivity, Control, Ambition, Charm, Pride,  Self Confidence, Friendly, Intuitive, Adaptable. Can Be.. Exhibitionist, Has Great Vanity, Intolerant, Perfectionist. Conflict Between A Desire For Success & A Tendency To Drift With The Tide.

3rd Decan, 11th to 20th May: 7 of Pentacles.

[ Success Unfulfilled, Fear Of Failure.]

Key Words for Decan:

Generous, Friendly, Reliable, Imagination, Broad Vision, Determination, Persuasiveness, Charm, Practical, Emotional, Spiritual & Philosophic. Can Be.... Fearful, Destructive, Cruel, Lazy.

Conflict Between Reality & Illusion.

GEMINI: The Lovers.

1st Decan, 21st to 31st May : 8 of Swords.

[ Shortened Force, Interference, Confusion.]

Key Words for Decan:

Variety, Impulsive, Change, Quick Mind, Practical, Keen Sense Of Logic, Analytical, Observant, Kind, Generous, Friendly. Can Be....Over Critical, Obstinate, Deaf To Suggestion, Short Sighted,

Intolerance, Cold, Cruel, Penny Wise & Pound Foolish.. Conflict Between the Desire to Be Fair & The Impulse To Be Kind.

2nd Decan, 1st to 10th of June: 9 of Swords.

[Despair, Cruelty, Self Criticism.]

Key Words for Decan:

Sympathetic, Helpful, Independent, Strength, Energy, Friendliness, Strong Personal Force.

Can Be... Critical, Analysing, Hot Tempered, Irritable, Nervous. Conflict Between For Practical Success & The Emotional Longing For Personal Happiness.

3rd Decan, 11th to 20th June: 10 of Swords.

[ Ruin, Mental Despair.]

Key Words For Decan:

Determination, Fortitude, Imagination, Constructive, Driving Force,

Sensitive, Kind, Loyal, Dependable, Honest. Can be... Foolish, Fearful, Obstinate. Conflict Between The Desire To Complete The Job In Hand & The Urge To Reach Out For Something Bigger.

CANCER: The Chariot.

1st Decan, 21st to 30th June:  2 of Cups.

[ Love In All Its Aspects.]

Key Words for Decan:

Gentle, Affectionate, Friendly, Great Personal charm, Intuitive, Creative Imagination.

Can Be....Jealous, Depression & Self Doubt, Persistent, Pleasure Loving & Self Indulgent.

Conflict Between  The Desire To Create or Produce & The Restless Urge Towards Change & New Things.

2nd Decan, 1st & 10th of July: 3 of Cups.

[ Abundance, The Communicating Heart.]

Key Words for Decan:

Charm, Poise, Strength, Beauty, Sympathetic Personality, Very Understanding, Keen Mind.

Can Be.... Malicious, Envious, Jealous, Revengeful, Self Indulgence, Cruel, Intuitive, Lazy.

Conflict Between The Cool Judgement Of The Mind & The Warmth Of The Emotional Nature.

3rd Decan, 12th to 21st of July: 4 of Cups.

[ Blended Pleasure, Satisfaction, Emotional Luxury.]

Key Words for Decan:

Serenity, Tolerance, Optimism, Intuition, Hopeful, Adaptable, Patient, Kind Hearted, Forgiving.

Can Be ...... Lazy, Self Indulgence, Coldness. Conflict Between  The Desire For Security & The Desire For Change & Expansion.

LEO: Lust / Strength & The Aeon.

1st Decan, 21st & 31st July: 5 of Staffs / Wands.

[ Strife, Anxiety, Frustration]

Key Words for Decan:

Determination, Personal Power,  Constructive Force, Single-mindedness, Faithful, Honourable, Compassionate Nature. Can Be... Cruel, Ruthless, Destructive, Arrogant,  Egocentric, Introverted.

Conflict Between Forced Activity & No Relaxation.

2nd Decan, 1st to 11th August: 6 of Staffs / Wands.

[ Victory At Intuitive & Spiritual Levels.]

Key Words for Decan:

Dignity, Idealism, Joviality, Strong Will Power, Self Confidence, Vital,Poise, Dynamic, Passionate, Loyal, Warm Hearted. [ This Nature is extremely well balanced & rarely moves to the negative.]

Can Be ..... Intolerant & Overbearing In Their Negative Phase. Conflict Between The Desire To Be Generous & the Desire To Be Absolutely

3rd Decan, 12th to 22nd of August: 7 of Staffs / Wands.

[ Valour, Courage, Value.]

Key Words For Decan:

Courage, Resourcefulness, Imagination, Intensity, Affectionate, Generous, Kind,  Vital, Energetic.

Can Be.... Dominant, Defensive, Proud, Touchy, Obstinate, Quarrelsome. Conflict Between The Desire For Supremacy, Which Implies Concentration & The Tendency To Scatter Or Diversify The Interest.

VIRGO: The Hermit.

1st Decan, 22nd to 31st August: 8 of Pentacles.

[ Prudence, Wisdom, Harvest.]

Key Words for Decan:

Trustworthy, Responsible, Efficient, Cautious, Active Imagination, Are Constructive Thinkers, Logical, Loyal, Affectionate, Orderly. Can Be.... Prudish, Narrow Minded, Fussy, Overcautious, Very Critical. Conflict Between Ambition & The Restriction Of The Prudent, Analytical Mind.

2nd Decan, 1st to 10th September: 9 of Pentacles.

[ Material Gain, Benefit.]

Key Words for Decan:

Independence, Intuitive, Creative, Personal Charm, Practical Ability, Strong Will Power.

Can Be Lazy, Self Indulgent, Covetous, Jealous. Conflict Between The Desire For Practical Achievement & The Emotional Urge For Self Indulgence.

3rd Decan, 1th to 22nd September: 10 of Pentacles.

[ Wealth, Riches, Abundance.]

Key Words for Decan:

Great Determination, Clever, Intelligence, Dependability, Persistence, Discrimination, Logical, Practical. Can Be...Very  Selfish, Security Seekers, Over Materialistic, Critical,

Ruthless & Cruel To Those That Get In Their Way. Conflict Between The Quick Reactions Of The Mind & The Slower Reactions Of

The Emotions.

LIBRA: Justice.

1st Decan, 23rd September to 2nd October: 2 of Swords.

[ Peace Restored.]

Key Words for Decan:

Flexible Mind, Excellent Memories, Intuition, Compliance, Independent, Affectionate, Calm Personality, Peace Makers, Great Understanding, Flexible Yet Yielding. Can Be...Impersonal,  Unstable, Uncertain, Unable To Make Up Their Minds, Tendency To Drift, Procrastination, Self Indulgence. Conflict Between Intuition & The Tendency To Yield To Outside Opinion, For

The Sake Of Fitting In Or Peace.

2nd Decan, 3rd to 12th October: 3 of Swords.

[ Sorrow, Negative Thinking About The Past.]

Key Words for Decan:

Perseverance, Great Strength & Vitality, Artistic, Creative Imagination, Sympathy, Enterprising, Administrative Ability, Dependability, Determination. Can Be...A Fanatic Destructive Force, Dogmatic, Cruel, Critical, Domineering, Officious, Imperious to Outside Opinion, Deaf To Suggestion or Criticism. Trouble Makers, Harsh, Revenge. Conflict Between Over positive Nature & Destructive Side Of nature.

3rd Decan, 13th to 22nd October : 4 of Swords.

[Rest From Strife.]

Key Words for Decan:

Sense Of Justice, Logical Mind, Conventional, Obedient To Discipline & Tradition, Pleasure Loving, Great Personal Charm, Joviality,  Analytical, Restful. Can Be... Self Indulgent, Over Critical, Faultfinding, Hard To Please, Perfectionist, Selfish, F ickle, Over Proud, Over Sensitive & Easily Hurt, Obstinate & Narrow Minded. Conflict Between Own Selfish Needs & The Needs Of Others.

SCORPIO: Death & Rebirth & The Hanged man.

1st Decan, 23rd to 1st November : 5 of Cups.

[ Loss of Pleasure, Emotional Depression, Disappointment.]

Key Words for Decan:

Energy, Friendliness, Courage, Personal Power, Charm, Emotional Nature, Affectionate, Passionate, Sympathetic. Can Be Pleasure Loving, Has No Sense of Limitations, Domineering, Fanatical,

Destructiveness, No Self Control, Ungrateful, Untrustworthy, Treacherous, Deceitful. Conflict Between Emotionalism & Practical Common Sense.

2nd Decan, 2nd  to 12th November: 6 of Cups.

[ Emotional Pleasure That Is Healing & Revitalising.]

Key Words for Decan:

Magnetic Charm, Showmanship, Imagination, Flexibility, Dominant Personality, Leadership, Will Power, warm-hearted, Passionate, Generous Nature. Can Be....Jealous, Pleasure Loving, Self Indulgent,  Intolerant, Proud, Cruel, Revenge, Inconsiderate, No Regard For The Feelings Or Sufferings Of Others, Self Centred, Ruthless, Ambitious. Conflict Between The Desire For Personal Power Over Others & The Innate Generosity & Kindliness Of Heart.

3rd Decan, 13th to 22nd November: 7 of Cups.

[ Illusionary Success, Addiction Or Indulgences.]

Key Words for Decan:

Strong Will Power, Personal Charm, Creative, Ambitious,

Able To Absorb Knowledge Very Easily, Flexibility, Recuperative Power, Passionate, Affectionate, Personal Magnetism, Intuitive. Can... Reject Ideas Of Training & Technique, Learning & Discipline, Self Indulgent, Deceitful, Fickle, Irresponsible. Conflict Between Positive Urge To Create & A Negative Laziness, A Desire For Pleasure.

SAGITTARIUS: Art / Temperance.

1st Decan, 23rd November to 2nd December:  8 of Staffs / Wands.

[Swiftness, Direct Communication.]

Key Words for Decan:

Keen Intelligence, Discrimination, Quick Reaction & Objectivity, Observant, Perceptive, Determination, Skilled, Good Detail Workers, Expressive. Can Be.... Detached, Over Direct, Over Impulsive, Short Sighted, Extremely Critical, Hasty, Intolerant, Cunning, Trickery, Cold, Unresponsive, Selfish. Conflict Between Impetuosity & Logical Foresight.

2nd Decan, 3rd  to 12th December: 9 of Staffs / Wands.

[ Great Strength, Vision Of Both Spiritual & Intuitive Levels.]

Key Words for Decan:

Fortitude, Personal Charm, Energy, Intuition, Dynamic Force, Never Yielding, Sensitive, Emotional, Self Indulgent, Companionable, Hospitable, Affectionate, Sympathy. Can Be....Obstinate, Bitterness, Undisciplined Behaviour, Gloominess. Conflict Between Love Of Self Indulgence & Desire For Creative Activity.

3rd Decan,  13th to 21st December : 10 of Staffs / Wands.

[ Oppression Of Self, Holding Back.]

Key Words for Decan:

Determination, Dependability, Constructive Force, Strong Will, Enthusiasm, Logic, Common Sense, Practical, Patience, Security, Trustworthy, Honest, Orderly, Conventional, Loyal, High Ideals. Can Be.... Dominating,  Intolerant, Overbearing, Unsympathetic, Impatient With Weakness, Inconsiderate, Dogmatic, Hate Change. Conflict Arises From Difference Between Own Traditional Ideas & Anything Radical Or New.

CAPRICORN: The Horned God / Pan / The Devil.

1st Decan, 22nd to 30th December    : 2 of Pentacles.

 [ Harmonious Change, External Change.]

Key Words for Decan:

Diplomacy, Adaptability, Poise, Peace Loving, Resourcefulness, Gentle, Instinctively Courteous, Hospitable, Intuitive, Understanding, Sympathy, Humour, Practical, Just, Affectionate. Can Be.....Plagued By Indecision & Uncertainty, Timid, Yes- Men. Conflict Between Desire To Be Practical & A Restless Instability Of Purpose.

2nd Decan, 31st to 9th January : 3 of Pentacles.

[ Material Works, Persistence, The Power Of Focus.]

Key Words for Decan:

Constructive Energy, Musical, Creative, Dependability, Perfect Balance In all Things, Have Self Discipline, Subdued Emotions, But Are Passionate, Friendly, Sympathetic, Understanding.

Can Be.... Over positive, Domineering, Jealous, Anger, Greed & Hatred. Conflict Between Emotions & The Practical Common Sense.

3rd Decan, 10th to 19th January:   4 of Pentacles.

[ Earthly Power, Vitality, Forcefulness.]

Key Words for Decan:

Idealism, Logic, Tenacity, Integrity, Very Strong Character, Strong Will Power, Practical,  Farsighted Vision, Orderly, Caution, Goal Oriented, Steady Workers, Ambition, Trustworthy, Honest, Fair Dealing, Loyal, Determination, Friendly, Dignity, Stab ility, Generosity, Empathy & Understanding. Can Be...Overbearing, Domineering, Severity, Desire For Perfection & Justice,

Cruel, Over sensitiveness, Obstinacy, Intolerance. Conflict Takes Place Between Idealism, The Desire For Perfection, & Common

Sense-[ The Desire For Practical & Immediate Success.]

AQUARIUS: The Star.

1st Decan, 20th to 29th January    : 5 of Swords.

[ Defeat, Failure, Choices To Be Made.]

Key Words for Decan:

Creative Energy, Emotional, Quick Reactions & Mind, Sensitive, Imaginative, Personal Magnetism Especially With The Opposite Sex, Influence Over Others, Passionate, Energetic, Strong Sense Of Beauty. Versatile, Desire To Change Things For The Better Can Be... Over Critical, emperamental, Depressive Nature, Withdrawal,  Oversensitive, Easily Irritated, Fickle In Their affections, Cruel, Inconsiderate In Personal Relationships, Thoughtlessly Destructive, Suspicious, Quarrelsome, Unreliable.  Conflict Takes Place Between The Desire For Power & Achievement & The Desire For Personal Pleasure.

2nd Decan, 30th Jan To 8th of Feb  : 6 of Swords.

[ Earned Success, Luxury, Fulfilment.]

Key Words for Decan:

Self Confidence, Magnetic Charm, Intelligence, Leadership, Ambition, Self Control, Highly Charged, Active, Individualists, Showmanship, Idealists, Vivid Imagination. Can Be... Ruthless,  Domineering,  Lack Of Consideration For Others, Self Centred, Impersonal, Cruel, Egotism, Cold, Intolerant, Mischievous, Revengeful, Unforgiving, Destructive Nature. Conflict  Takes Place Between Honesty & Dishonesty.

3rd Decan, 9th to 18th February      : 7 of Swords.

[ Unstable Effort, Helplessness, Hopelessness, Or The Sabotaging Mind, " The

Yes But.... If only... Someday I'll..."]

Key Words for Decan:

Clever, Independent, Creative Imagination, Well Equipped Personality, Charm, Instinctive Understanding Of Human Desires, Responsible, Inspiring, Strong Will Power, Idealists, Adaptable, Generous. Can Be...Dominating In Relationships With Others, Insincere, Undependable & Fickle, Impulsive & Changeable, Self Indulgent & Pleasure Loving, Cunning. Conflict Lies Between Desire For Dominance & A Desire For Pleasure.

PISCES: The Moon.

1st Decan, 19th Feb to 28th Feb   : 8 of Cups.

[Abandoned Success, Indolence, Emotional Inertia. ]

Key Words for Decan:

Constructive, Intelligent, Compassion, Intensity, Practical Executive Ability, Quiet Persistent Strength, Dependable, Resourceful, Loyal, Fair, Trustworthy. Can Be.... Intolerant, Narrow Minded, Self Righteous & Unfriendly, Ultra-Critical Of Others Ideas, Behaviour & Actions, Pessimistic, Tunnel Vision, Can Take Life To Seriously. Conflict Lies Between Logical Common Sense & Personal Sympathy.

2nd Decan, 1st March to 10th March   : 9 of Cups.

[ Material Happiness, Health, Money Or Work.]

Key words for Decan:

Executive Ability, Intuition, Integrity, Justice, Personality, Logical Thinking, Patient, Generous & Friendly. Can Be...Neglectful of Practical Affairs & Get Entangled In Theories, Dreams & Illusions, Self Indulgence [Food, drugs or alcohol.] Swing From Optimism To Utter Pessimism. Conflict Lies Between The Practical, Logical Mind & The Intuitive Tendency To Drift.

3rd Decan, March 11th to 20th March    : 10 of Cups.

[Perfect Success, Contentment & Satisfaction.]

Key Words for Decan:

Vital Energy, Personal Charm, Sensitivity, Emotional Sympathy, Creative, Imaginative, Intuitive, Understanding, Strong Desire For Permanence & Perfection, Emotional In Relationships, Attractive To & Attracted By The Opposite Sex, Strong Personal Magnetism. Can Be .... Self Indulgent, Impressionable, Over Sensitive & Impractical, Obstinate, Impulsive In Actions & Reactions.

Conflict Lies In The Opposition Between Activity & Lethargy.