Words and Images © CarolineSmith

& John Astrop 2010Published in 2012 by

Sun Studios PublishingAll rights reserved.

No part of this book may bereproduced or

utilized in any form or by anymeans,

electronical or mechanical, withoutpermission

in writing from the Publisher.ISBN 978-1-908033-38-3

SUN STUDIOS PUBLISHING

INTRODUCTIONWhere the tarot began is notknown. Many have suggested thatthe cards, particularly the twenty-two Major Arcana, evolved froman ancient symbolic book thatcontained the prototype of aperfect spiritual life journey.Others see the tarot as a game thathas an uncanny relevance to lifeand life events. Between the two extremes,

a lot has been written that servesthe purposes of those who wish tokeep the tarot only as an exclusivemystery to all but the initiated.The earliest known tarot decksoriginated in Italy in the fifteenthcentury. They were much as wesee them today. At present,nothing stops us from assumingthat perhaps a bright Italian artist -and there were quite a few aroundItaly at that time - simply said to

himself, "Why don't I create abeautiful tarot deck today?" Theassumption that all creative workhas to be the result of a gradualevolution or series of fumblingimprovements on an earlier, moreprimitive theme is to miss thespontaneous essence of creativityitself.Since the fifteenth century,hundreds of different decks havebeen designed, illustrated, copied,

and distributed. Their use waslargely in the hands of fortune-tellers and gypsies until thenineteenth century, when theybecame of great interest to thefashionable and exclusive esotericsocieties of the period. Much ofthe mystery and occult "past" ofthe cards was invented at this timeas a particularly apt metaphor forthe initiate's journey along hisspiritual path to enlightenment.

Why have the cards captured theimagination of so many for solong? However you wish to usethem, they work! You can forgetthe magical hocus-pocus; it justisn't necessary. We all have anunconscious ability that we cantap. All we need are the toolswith which to get our incredibleimaginations working and we're inbusiness. The tarot cards are thosetools. Although we are swamped

by the written word from our veryearliest years, most of us can,with a little practice, read andunderstand more from a picturethan we can from paragraphs oftext. The use of visual symbols isas old as time and certainly mucholder than any written language.Observing these symbols, andtranslating them in terms of past,present, and future events, hasbeen a self-preserving instinct in

human life since our prehistoricancestors. The written word hasrestricted our awareness.On many levels we still makepredictions on the things we"see." We look at dark clouds andpredict rain. We look at faces andpredict their potential honesty ordishonesty. We make judgementson the basis of the clothes peoplewear, the way people talk, thecars they drive, and the houses in

which they live. In groupsituations most of us sense quitequickly the differences andsimilarities between ourselvesand others. In advertising alone,huge amounts of money are spentin designing symbols, brandimages, and logos that impart themessage of trust, reliability, andvalue.Symbols in tarot, religion,astrology, philosophy, and so on,

serve one of two purposes: theymake a complex idea or set ofideas easier to understand, or theykeep an idea secret from all butthose initiated. We take in themessages of graphic symbolseverywhere every day, and yet weare amazed and overawed whensomeone can read and understandunfamiliar symbols on a deck oftarot cards.The truth is, anyone, with

practice, can read, understand,and attempt the tarot and developand use their unique and innateawareness to make excellent andaccurate readings for themselvesas well as their friends.The tarot deck is traditionallydivided into two sections, theMajor Arcana and the MinorArcana. The Major Arcanacomprises twenty-two allegoricalcards numbered 0 through 21. The

Minor Arcana comprises fifty-sixcards divided into four suits,which in most decks are swords,wands, cups, and coins orpentacles. Each suit has ten cardsnumbered 1 through 10 and fourcourt cards usually called king,queen, knight, and page. The suitsand the "court" cards of theElemental Tarot are different, asyou will see later.Many people have resisted using

the tarot because learning thecomplicated and usuallyconflicting traditional meanings ofthe seventy-eight cards is aformidable long-term task. If youacquire half-a-dozen books on thesubject and compare theinterpretations of the MinorArcana, you will find moredisagreement and contradictionthan clarity. It is for this reasonthat many of those who do venture

to use the tarot use only the cardsof the Major Arcana. Books andbooks written on these twenty-twoimages have simply neglected theother fifty-six, the Minor Arcana.The term Major, however, is notwithout significance. To interpreteveryday life situations solely interms of the Major Arcana couldbe compared with trying to curethe common cold by open-heartsurgery.

The Elemental Tarot is a synthesisof the best interpretations siftedfrom the plethora of obscure andsome- times almostincomprehensible decks andbooks of the past and present. Thefour suits in the deck are baseddirectly on the four elements -fire, earth, air, and water - thathave served as keys to symbolicinterpretations in astrology, tarot,and all early forms of divination,

philosophy, and religion.The fire suit, in most decks, iscalled wands, the earth suit ispentacles or coins, the air suit isswords and the water suit is cups.Some decks, however, attributewands to air and swords to fire.By naming the suits by theelements, the Elemental Tarot cutsthrough unnecessary doublesymbolism and gets down to easy-to-understand basics. Fire is

represented by a triangle, earth bya square, air by a circle, andwater by a crescent. Sometimes inthis book, a fifth element ismentioned; it is the element ofspirit and is represented by an eggshape.

To get used to actually looking atthe symbols on the cards is the

first priority. Most of us have lostthe childhood ability of looking atthings and really seeing them. Wehave become so familiar withlanguage and the printed word thatwhen we see an object, a quickglance is enough for us to translatethat object into a word, file theword in our mind, and forget tolook any further.Remember when you visited aforeign country for the first time?

You were once again taken backto the excitement of childhood.Everything you saw seemed newand you looked at places andthings with an acute awarenessthat goes unused in familiar,everyday life.To recapture this spirit ofawareness, look at each card andread its description in the book.This will enable you to view thevarious images and to store

quickly in your memory themeaning of the visual language ofeach card. The interpretationsgiven are condensed meaningswhich you will, of course, expandwith your own intuition. Tarotreading is a totally individualisticability and eventually, withfamiliarity, the way in which yousee each card will become thereal meaning. It is then that thebook will no longer be necessary.

THE MAJOR ARCANA

The Major Arcana consists oftwenty-two individual cardsnumbered 0-21 and can be easilyidentified by the spirit symbol at thefoot of the cards. The term at the topof the card is the traditional name,and the term at the bottom of thecard complements the meaning ofthis name. The symbols in themargin are amplifications of thehidden symbols within the art.

While the number cards of theMinor Arcana are events, andfamily cards are other people, thetwenty-two Major cards representinner qualities of the questioner’sown personality. For this reasonthey are termed Major and describedeeper issues than the Minor cards.It is in the reading of these Majorcards and in the relevance andtiming of their appearance that wecan find the route to our ownpersonal growth. Most of our day-to-day events are the indirect results

of inner thoughts, feelings, andideas that we project on the outsideworld. If we have been conditionedto see ourselves in a negative way,we unconsciously signal this to theworld at large and discover that farfrom contradicting our view, theworld continually reinforces theidea in the things that happen to us.

THE THUNDER,PERFECT MIND”

In 1945, near the Egyptian town ofNag Hammadi, a jar was found

containing ancient papyruses whichproved to be a series of Gnostictexts written and collected by earlyChristians. Among the texts is astrange and beautiful poem spokenthrough the mouth of the divinefeminine power Sophia. Entitled“The Thunder, Perfect Mind,” it isin its fusing of opposites most aptwith respect to the meaning of theMajor Arcana of the tarot. On eachof the twenty-two cards, a line ortwo from the poem, printed on theleft and right margins, reflects

something of the essence of thatparticular card.

0 FoolPotential

______________________________________________On a tiny island, a carefree youthleans against a great tree. Theisland symbolizes individuality,safety, and isolation. The tree is lifeand knowledge. The trunk is thesame color as the boy; they are one

entity. The boy gazes up into therich foliage of the tree whose fruitsare symbols of the five elements.The branches indicate the infinitechoice of opportunities anddirections. In the surrounding sea,there are similar islands, eachsupporting a tree.______________________________________________________Uranus/Neptune - Idealism andinspiration______________________________________________________

I am the unlearned

and they can learn from me______________________________________________________The roots of one’s abilities,talents, and potential.“I have made a decision to startafresh. I am open to newpossibilities within myself that Ihave not as yet explored. I know Iwant to do something but I don’tknow what it is.”

1 TricksterConfidence

______________________________________________A young man posed in anexhibitionist manner juggles withfour of the elements. A yellow apesupported on a crystal goblet assistshim. The young man’s red, clingingcostume indicates virility, sexuality,and self-consciousness. His mask,

yellow, the color associated withthe planet Mercury, suggests sharpawareness, adaptability, an eye foropportunity. A jagged pathwayleads to dark hills of ambition andachievement. On either side of thepath are ten young plants.______________________________________________________Mercury/Ascendant - Versatility,adaptability______________________________________________________

I am knowledge and I am ignoranceI am falsehood and I am truth

______________________________________________________The inexperienced male drive.“I am adaptable, flexible,versatile, and ambitious. I amconfident that I can do it all. Justgive me the opportunity and you’llsee.”

2 VirginReceptivity

______________________________________________A pale, naked young girl dreams ina moonlit forest. Her hair flowsacross the ground like a stream ofwater. It is the symbol of the releaseof unconscious emotions. In herhand is a red rosebud. Its thornpricks her finger and one drop of

blood falls. Ten great trees protectand shelter her. In the deep midnightsky the moon is full. The full face ofwomanhood is revealed but unseenby the young girl. Before her, theleaves of a book as yet unread blowin the breeze.______________________________________________________Neptune/Ascendant - Sensitivity,vulnerability______________________________________________________

I am shame and I am boldnessI am shameless and I am ashamed

______________________________________________________The inexperienced feminine drive.“I have strong, unfamiliar feelingsthat excite and frighten me. I knowthat I must accept and reveal themeventually, but at the moment I amnot ready.”

3 EmpressMother

______________________________________________A beautiful pregnant woman rides atiger through a field of ripe corn.Her dress is green, the color ofspring, new life, and growth. In herleft hand she holds an ankh, key tolife knowledge. In her right, sheholds an ear of corn. The tiger

traditionally represents theambivalent qualities of both creatorand destroyer and is a manifestationof the Earth Mother. In the sky, theknot of the girdle of Isis, cupped ina crescent moon, is a powerfulamulet of protection.______________________________________________________Moon/Ascendant - Feminineinfluence, caring______________________________________________________

I am the whore and the holy oneI am the wife and the virgin

______________________________________________________The experienced feminine self.“I love and I protect that which Ifeel is my family. I accept theresponsibility of my feelings, andmy strength can nourish andsustain.”

4 EmperorFather

______________________________________________Seated on a black marble throne, apowerful man carries on hisshoulders a happy child. The childrepresents the embodiment of thefuture, the self transmuted andreborn. In a glowing golden sky,two birds carry a garland,

indicating honor, distinction,binding, and linking together. Twomountains represent ambition,constancy, and the male principle.On the arm of the throne there is agreen Serpent in an attitude ofaggressive challenge its tail coiledin a symbol of eternity.______________________________________________________Sun/Ascendant - Self-confidenceand recognition______________________________________________________

I am the ruler of my offspring

and my power is from him______________________________________________________The experienced masculine self.“I compete for, defend, providefor, and maintain that which Iknow is mine. I acceptresponsibility for my power, andmy strength can create and build.”

5 PopeBelief

______________________________________________Against a purple sky, a pope in fullceremonial robes stands raisedfrom the ground on two marblecubes. One hand points to the skyand one to earth informing us that heis the link between spiritual andmaterial values. Before him a

yellow figure falls helpless, handsopen, crying out in anguish. Aroundhis headdress is a swarm of bees.They suggest industry, order, andpurity. Behind the figure of thepope, on a pale flat field, five sheepwander in search of sustenance.______________________________________________________Saturn/Ascendant - Conventionalbehaviour______________________________________________________

I am sinlessand the root of all sin derives from

me______________________________________________________The belief system that helps onedeal most comfortably with theunknown and the unpleasant.“At the moment I need support inthis situation. In the end, however,I will have to face up to things bymyself.”

6 ChoicePassion

______________________________________________A naked young man and womanstand facing each other and holdinghands. Their faces expressuncertainty and resistance. Betweenthem is a tree, with twelve branchesindicating the choices to be made,and twelve fruits showing the

potential results. The trunk of thetree is striped in black and green,symbolizing the ladder - ascent ordescent. A red figure emerging frombehind the tree is neither male norfemale. It is the serpent, the tempter.______________________________________________________Venus/Ascendant - Selectivity,choice, taste______________________________________________________

Whatever I will happens to me______________________________________________________The individual as shown by the

choices that one makes.“I am in an unresolved situationas a result of choices made in thepast. I can choose either to ignoreit or to change it and take fullresponsibility for theconsequences.”

7 VictoryAmbition

______________________________________________A strong, handsome young manrides in the sky on a flying sphinx.His cloak, red, the color of theplanet Mars, signifies enthusiasm,aggression, and energy. The sphinx,representing all elements and thecombination of physical,

intellectual, and spiritual powers,bears a flaming torch ofillumination and leadership. Thesky changes from the green of youthto the deep gold of maturity. Below,waving flags and banners suggestvictory, group identification, andcelebration.______________________________________________________Mars/Ascendant - Fighting spirit,will______________________________________________________

I am compassionate and I am cruel

I am the one who is praised and theone despised______________________________________________________

Will, aggression, and competitiveinstinct.“I will accept my aggression andanger and allow it healthyexpression in my life. If I amhonest with myself and others, theyare free to be the same with me.”

8 StrengthHealth

______________________________________________A slim, athletic young womancarries on her shoulders a kid. Inher left hand she holds the sa, anEgyptian token of protection. In herright hand is a goblet from whichfall droplets - small ankhs -quenching the thirst of a three-

headed serpent. The serpentsymbolizes primitive animal nature,and the three heads, all triplicitiessuch as birth, life, death; past,present, future. The tail is thefigure-eight symbol of eternity. Anobelisk radiating energy representsphallic generative power.______________________________________________________Jupiter/Ascendant - Positiveattitude to others______________________________________________________

What you see outside you - you see

inside youit is visible and it is your garment______________________________________________________

The self-image that one projectson to the world.“What I see outside is within me.The way that I present myself tothe world will be the way in whichI am received. What I give, I get. Irecognize myself and becomestrong.”

9 ShamanWill

______________________________________________A powerful shaman or priest standson a red mountain-top, with armsoutstretched touching the sky. He isthe instrument of communicationbetween spiritual heaven andmaterial earth. Around his neckhangs an ornament containing the

united symbols of the five elements.He is above the swirling blackclouds and able to see clearly whatis hidden from others. Below thefigure is the Egyptian symbol ka, aspirit that is born with the personand stays beyond death, a preserverof life.______________________________________________________Pluto/Ascendant - Willpower,enlightenment______________________________________________________

In my weakness do not forsake me

do not be afraid of my power______________________________________________________

The higher spiritual self.“I am alone in the universe; noone else can share this experience.For a brief moment, I can seeeverything clearly and my life ischanged.”

10 FateChange

______________________________________________In an evening sky is a great wheelwhose spokes are formed by a blue,spread-eagled figure touching therim at five points. Within the wheelis the Chinese symbol of yin-yangrepresenting the inevitability ofconstant change. A multitude of

stars circles the wheel. From thefaceless figure of fate, arms stretchout ready to spin the wheel faster orslower at will. Figures silhouettedon the horizon dance and gesture ina vain attempt to stop the spin.______________________________________________________Uranus/Ascendant - Change andunrest______________________________________________________

I am control and the uncontrollabledo not be ignorant of me - be onyour guard

______________________________________________________

Personal destiny.“No matter how muchresponsibility I take for myactions, some things arecompletely out of my control. Thisis one of them!”

11 LawSystem

______________________________________________A seated, stone-gray figure,blindfolded, clasps a double-edgedsword. Dust swirls around her feet.On a yellow background float manyred-lined eyes. These signifywitness, belief in what one sees,detached observation, and also

revelation, having one’s eyesopened. Balanced scales hang fromabove the figure’s head. In one disha blood-red jar symbolizes heartand humanity, in the other the plumeof Maat represents truth and justice.The red cube on which the figuresits is security and stability.______________________________________________________Saturn/Midheaven - Whatauthority dictates______________________________________________________

I am the one who is called justice

and I am gross iniquity______________________________________________________

Conditioning through upbringing,and society.“The decision that I am makingmay be based on views of otherpeople that I have acceptedwithout considering whether theyare really my own.”

12 Hanged ManSacrifice

______________________________________________A gray figure is suspended by onefoot from a cord stretched betweentwo trees. His pose is relaxed andun concerned, his hands are free.Two small streams steadily fill ahollow between the rocks. Thewater approaches his head. Twelve

small, golden fish swim and jump inthe streams. Water represents theflow of emotions and fish are liferenewed and sustained. Below thethin cord that holds him, everythingis in a misty gray haze. Above, thesun Shines in a rosy sky.______________________________________________________Neptune/Midheaven - Idealism,insecurity______________________________________________________

I am the knowledge of my inquiry______________________________________________________

Self-sacrifice, or self-inflictedsuffering.“I am making myself suffer inorder to manipulate others. I ambeing passive about a situationfrom which I could extricatemyself quite easily.”

13 DeathTransformation

______________________________________________A black-shrouded figure takes astep forward. Its bony hand claspsan ankh, symbol of life and the keyto hidden wisdom. A wingedserpent hovers in midair, visiblethrough the empty face of the figure.As the serpent sheds its old skin for

a new one, so it symbolizesdestruction and renewal, death andrebirth. In the distance, against a skyheavy with mist, a small figurepanics and runs. Thirteen tendergreen shoots burst through the cold,hard snow. They signify new life,hope, new beginnings.______________________________________________________Pluto/Midheaven - Inner change,transformation______________________________________________________

I am the one whom they call life

and the one whom you call death______________________________________________________

Ability to regenerate.“I can only allow birth to newexperience and new ways of beingby letting go of that which is nolonger necessary to my life.”

14 PeaceJustice

______________________________________________From behind black mountains, ahuge, white, bird-headed angelstretches out gentle hands to touchtwo kneeling gray figures. The angelis the angel of peace, and representsour higher spiritual values, truth,and enlightenment. The figures, a

man and a woman, are crying, bentwith sorrow. On the barren desertearth, where their tears fall, sevenspring flowers grow. The newflowers show that out of theexpression of sorrow and despaircan come peace and positivegrowth.______________________________________________________Venus/Midheaven - Kindness,harmony, benevolence______________________________________________________

I am the judgement and I am the

acquittal______________________________________________________

Inner truth.“I need to express feelings basedon what I experience in my heartrather than on what would besocially expected or demanded ofme.

15 DevilDesire

______________________________________________A red-winged devil squats in a poseof mocking vulgarity. Its angelicwings give the illusion of freedom.Partially concealed by its feet is adoorway of opportunity and escape.The devil holds by strings the twopuppetlike figures of a man and a

woman. They dance erratically withno control over their limbs. Theirexpressions are blank, they have nowill, and they are moved andmanipulated by their own greed. Inthe glowing background are tokensand talismans of magical power andmoney.______________________________________________________Mars/Midheaven - Personaldesire, impulsiveness______________________________________________________

I am the slave of him who prepared

me______________________________________________________

The lower material self.“What I desire at the momentseems highly attractive, but thereare strings attached andconsequences to be faced.”

16 TowerSurvival

______________________________________________Under a forbidding black andcrimson sky, a golden towercrumbles. The tower representsachievement, authority, andprotection now in a state ofbreakdown and dissolution. Fromthe battlements a lone figure hangs,

precariously poised above thegaping jaws of a huge sea serpent.Black waves curl threateninglyaround the base of the falling tower.A blue figure falls from theoppressive scene, through a thickgray cloud, into a white calm space,and reaches toward three flowers infull bloom.______________________________________________________Uranus/Midheaven - Suddenchange of circumstance______________________________________________________

Hear me - learn from my word - youwho know meI am the union and the dissolution______________________________________________________

Fear and the survival instinct.“In this crisis I am desperatelyhanging on to something that iscollapsing. It is inevitable thatdespite my fear I must let go andface the unknown.”

17 StarHope

______________________________________________In a clear blue sky is a six-pointedgolden star formed by the masculinetriangle of fire interlocking with thefeminine triangle of water. It is theSeal of Solomon, traditionally thesymbol of the harmonious uniting ofheaven and earth. The outstretched

wings indicate divine protection,freedom, and the power totranscend the mundane world. Sixrays containing twenty-two arrowsof energy come from the star.Below, a smooth lake reflects thestar, indicating “as above sobelow.”______________________________________________________Mercury/Midheaven - Formingone’s own opinion______________________________________________________

I am the substance and one who has

no substancedo not be ignorant of me______________________________________________________

The indefatigable human spirit.Optimism.“Despite all odds I know that whatseems to be an impossiblesituation will get better, andtherefore I have the enemy to carryon.”

18 MoonIllusion

______________________________________________The large, pale disc of the full moonlights up an indigo sky. The moon Isseen as full only when it is in exactopposition to the sun. It representsthe feminine, feelings, and theunconscious. It is elusive andfluctuating. From a cool green lake,

three stone slabs inscribed withancient signs form an arch. From thesurface of the lake an arm holds amask before the face of the moon.The mask is concealment,transformation, and illusion. Blackreflections show in the water.______________________________________________________Moon/Midheaven - Innerexperience, Soul______________________________________________________

I am the one whose image is greatand I am the one who has no image

______________________________________________________

The unconscious self.“I am not able to see the whole ofthe picture; there are hiddenthings that cannot or will not berevealed. I am deceiving or beingdeceived.”

19 SunAwareness

______________________________________________In a glowing golden sky, a brilliantorange sun radiates nineteen rays ofheat and life energy. In the center ofthe sun is an ankh, the key to hiddenwisdom. Five fingers containingnineteen golden discs reachearthwards from the sun. A garland

of red roses and young green leavesloops into the form of a symbol ofeternity and happiness. A smilingcherub below represents youth,love, and the innocence ofchildhood. The outspread wingssymbolize divine protection andfreedom.______________________________________________________Sun/Midheaven - Self-knowledge______________________________________________________

Come forward to me and establishgreat ones

among the small - come forward tochildhood______________________________________________________

The conscious self.“I have the joy and pleasure oftrue consciousness. I am seeingthings as I did when a child. I amvibrant, alive, and aware. “

20 JudgementForgiveness

______________________________________________A great and powerful, pale, glowingfigure stands with arms outstretchedin an attitude of openness. He istotally exposed but invulnerable.Two wings from above brush histemples, indicating freedom and thepower to transcend the mundane

world. Around his neck is the glyphof Pluto, the planet oftransformation. Behind the figure isa wall of vertical bars. Twofigures, red with passion, anger, andfrustration, push against the barsand shout. Their prison is self-made.______________________________________________________Jupiter/Midheaven - Generosityand contentment______________________________________________________

I am the one who cries out and I

listenI am the knowledge of my name______________________________________________________

Self-value.“In order to move on and allow mylife to grow, I must free myselffrom guilt, from things for which Ihave felt responsible. Just as Iforgive others, I must forgivemyself.”

21 AeonSynthesis

______________________________________________In the center is a winged disccontaining a square, the integrationof heaven and earth. The face in thesquare represents humankind andthe field of consciousness. Aroundthe winged disc is the great symbolof the ouroboros. This is a serpent

swallowing its own tail, a symbolof the endless cycle of life anddeath, destruction and renewal. Atthe four corners are the foursymbolic triangles of fire, earth, air,and water, with the ouroborosforming the fifth element of spirit.______________________________________________________Ascendant/Midheaven - Theindividual synthesis______________________________________________________

I am the first and the lastI am the utterance of my name

______________________________________________________

Life assessment and philosophy.“I stand outside myself andobjectively observe my life inorder to decide whether this iswhat I want to be.”

THE MINOR ARCANA

The Minor Arcana consists offifty-six cards. The cards aredivided into four suits (Fire,Earth, Air, and Water), andcan be identified by thesymbol at the foot of the card.Each suit has a familyconsisting of Daughter, Son,Mother, and Father. Each card

other than a family card has aname that relates to theelement. The name of therepresentative god or goddessfrom ancient mythologyappears above the elementsymbol. Along the margins aresymbols which areamplifications of the truesymbolic meaning of the art.The key to reading the MinorArcana is a simple matter ofcombining the meanings of

the four elements with thebasic meanings of thenumbers. There is nonecessity to perform difficultfeats of memory; this system islogical and consistent. Forexample, the number 1 willalways mean the beginning ofsomething, so in the four suitsthe basic interpretation will beas follows:One of Fire = A creativebeginning

One of Earth = A materialbeginningOne of Air = A thought oridea beginningOne of Water = An emotionbeginningIf you look at the descriptionsand interpretations of thesecards, later in the book, youwill see that they are onlyelaborations on these simplemeanings.

THE MEANING OFTHE

ELEMENTS

FIRE - CREATIVITY -

I WILL

Creativity is not just concerned withartistic ability but it is much morethe act of making things happen. It iscreating something out of nothing,having the vision to see apossibility and being able to applythe necessary energy in order to turnthat possibility into a reality.Everyone has creativity. Thebusiness man or woman sees apotential market and sets about thebusiness of supplying the

commodity or service. A youngchild meets a group of friends andsays, “Why don’t we all play ...”knowing it will be fun. Thevisionary quality of all creative actsindicates that fire representsintuition, knowing things before theyhappen. Other key words for thequalities of the element fire arevitality, enthusiasm, excitement,energy, exaggeration, game playing,passion, showing off, entertaining.

EARTH -POSSESSIONS - I

HAVE

Earth describes all things that arephysical and tangible. They include

home, money, property,possessions, and acquisitions. Italso refers to the physical body, ourlooks, the clothes we wear, the foodwe eat and, of course, our health.To the extent that we “possess”other people and they areconsidered as “belonging,” earth isfamily, friends, children,colleagues. Earth represents all thathas the potential for growth intosomething greater. It signifies ourauthority, social standing, skills,and achievements. Key words for

the qualities of the element earth aresystem, law, routine, shopping,insurance, mortgage, savings,legacy, tradition, background,building, gardening, farming,banking.

AIR - INTELLECT - ITHINK

Air is about what goes on in themind. It encompasses ideas, logicalor imaginative thought, teaching,learning, communicating withothers, and all matters concerningwriting, the media, contracts, andagreements. Air also describes thelighter forms of contact, such asparties, meetings with friends,social events, celebrations,

reunions, and so on. As air isconcerned with communication italso covers phone calls, letters, andshort trips. The idea of travel in thebroader sense is involved withlearning, meeting people, and socialvisits, so it also comes under themeaning of air. Key words for thequalities of the element air areideas, mind, concept, explanation,rationale, discussion.

WATER -EMOTIONS - I FEEL

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

you feel. Close emotionalrelationships, the family, lovers,rivals, even enemies are describedby water. It representspremonitions, fears, memories, andnostalgia, but above all water is ourunconscious. It will therefore beinvolved in questions relating to allof the other elements. Key wordsthat fit the qualities of the elementwater are love, anger, sentiment,sympathy, caring, tenderness,frustration.

THE MEANING OFTHE

NUMBERSThe numbers describe a cyclicalsequence, each numberanticipating the next, withmeanings related in the form of agrowing story. This culminates inthe perfection of the number nineand dissolves through ten back toone.1 The start or birth of something.Purely a beginning.

2 One comes together with a newfactor. Could be a connection oropposition. Things in the balance.3 The two combine successfully tobear fruit, a successful result.4 Previous good results developinto a secure and comfortablesituation.5 Security and complacency ischallenged by unexpected changefrom an outside source.6 Challenges have been overcome

and a state of harmony andhappiness comes into being.7 There is now a need to move onto something new in order to avoidstagnation. Taking a risk becomesattractive, stimulating, andnecessary.8 Past experience leads torecognition, establishment, and totalcommitment.9 Finally the real values are found.The true path to quality of life andto contentment.

10 The passing of perfection.Collapse and disintegration lead toa completely new beginning. Tenbecomes one.

THE MEANING OFTHE

FAMILY

The last four cards of each suit arethe family cards: Daughter, Son,Mother, and Father. Whereas thenumbered cards of the suits refer toevents and possibilities, the familycards describe real people. Usually

they will be recognized as lovedones, friends, colleagues, andacquaintances of the questioner.However, if they are notrecognizable then they may beinterpreted as a quality or sub-personality of the questioner.

THEFOUR DAUGHTERS

______________________________________________________

All Daughters have the elementalquality of Water, so incombination with their suitelement they are described asfollows:DAUGHTER OF FIRE / FIRE +WATER Creative emotionalDAUGHTER OF EARTH / EARTH +WATER Practical emotionalDAUGHTER OF AIR / AIR +WATER Intellectual emotionalDAUGHTER OF WATER / WATER+ WATER Emotional emotional

THE FOUR SONS

______________________________________________________

All Sons have the elementalquality of Fire, so in combinationwith their suit element they aredescribed as follows:SON OF FIRE / FIRE + FIRE CreativecreativeSON OF EARTH / EARTH + FIREPractical creativeSON OF AIR / AIR + FIRE IntellectualcreativeSON OF WATER / WATER + FIREEmotional creative

THE FOUR MOTHERS

______________________________________________________

All Mothers have the elementalquality of Earth, so in combinationwith their suit element they aredescribed as follows:MOTHER OF FIRE / FIRE + EARTHCreative practicalMOTHER OF EARTH / EARTH +EARTH Practical practicalMOTHER OF AIR / AIR + EARTHIntellectual practicalMOTHER OF WATER / WATER +EARTH Emotional practical

THE FOUR FATHERS

______________________________________________________

All Fathers have the elementalquality of Air, so in combinationwith their suit element they aredescribed as followsFATHER OF FIRE / FIRE+ AIRCreative intellectualFATHER OF EARTH / EARTH+ AIRPractical intellectualFATHER OF AIR / AIR+ AIRIntellectual intellectualFATHER OF WATER / WATER+AIR Emotional intellectual

Benten - Chinesegoddess of good luck

The Gods andGoddesses

The names of gods andgoddesses appear at thebottom of each card of theminor arcana. Theyrepresent psychologicalarchetypes from pastcivilizations and mirror thewhole gamut of human

behavior. Our ancestorsworshipped these deities asdifferent representations ofthemselves, and theselegends amplify themeanings of the cards.

Abragini - Angel of the sun inautumnAbraym - Angel of the sun in springAdad - Assyrian god of storms andfloodsAgusita - Angel of the moon in

springAffeterim - Angel of the moon inwinterAkka - Finnish goddes of harvestAmadai - Angel of the earth inspringAnu - Assyrian/Babylonian godofthe heavensArmatus - Angel of the moon insummerAthemay - Angel of the sun insummerAtar - Persian god of fireBenten - Chinese goddess of good

luckBochicha - Columbian creator godBunjil - Aboriginal god of the skyByelbog - Slavic god of dayCaracasa - Angel of springCetarari - Angel of winter Chantico - Mexican goddess of fireCheng-Huang - Chinese god ofwalls and ditchesChernobog - Slavic god of nightCommutoff - Angel of the sun inwinterErzulie - Haitian goddess of loveand dreams

Eshmun - Phoenician god ofhealing and healthFa - African god of destinyFestativi - Angel of the earth insummerGaia - Greek mother goddessGeremiah - Angel of the earth inwinterHermes - Greek god of eloquenceand travelHino - Oroquois spirit of thunderHurakan - Guatemalan god of thewhirlwindIshtar - Mesopotamian goddess of

loveJumala - Finnish god of thunderKuei-Hsing - Chinese god ofscholarshipMatasignais - Angel of the moon inautumnMot - Phoenician god of harvestand changeNaaki - Finnish spirit of the watersNanshe - Assyrian goddess ofwaters and springsNike - Greek goddess of victoryNjord - Nordic god of seas andships

Notus - Greek, the south windOdin - Scandanavian god of battlePtah - Egyptian god of artisansQuetzalcoatl - Aztec god of windand sea breezesRabinarra - Angel of the earth inautumnRenpet - Sumerian goddess ofyouth and springSavitri - Hindu king of heavenSedna - Eskimo goddess of the seasShamash - Mesopotamian sun godSin - Babylonian moon godTai-Yeuh-Ta-Ti - Chinese eastern

peak emperorTariel - Angel of summerTarquam - Angel of autumnTelepinu - Hittite god of vegetationTien-Mu - Chinese goddess oflightningUshas - Hindu goddess of the dawnVesta - Roman goddess ofdomestic fire

ASTROLOGY

If you are familiar withastrology you will know thatthe number of possiblecombinations of any pair ofthe eight planets, sun,moon, moon's node,

ascendant and midheaven isseventy-eight, exactly thesame number as the cards ina tarot deck. The meaningsof these planetary andangular combinations are asvaried and embrace as widea range of interpretations asthe cards themselves. Eachcombination of twoplanetary/angular

astrological factors, whosesymbols are found in theupper left margin of eachcard, is complementary tothe essence of the card thatit describes. This is aninvaluable aid, in reading thecards, for any astrologer.Much good work has beenwritten on this subject andThe Combination of Stellar

Influences, by ReinholdEbertin, has become anessential reference book inmost astrologers' libraries.Key words for the meaningsof the planetary pairs aregiven in the text of thisbook.The cards are dividedinto four suits (Fire, Earth,Air, and Water), and can beidentified by the symbol at

the foot of the card.

ELEMENTAL NAMES

Each number card has anappropriate name related toits element. This is anadditional aid toremembering the meaningof the card.

One of FireLightning

______________________________________________In a pale, golden sky, within aglowing orange disc is the Egyptianhieroglyphic symbol of lightning.From the outline of the disc nineteenred arrowheads radiate, indicatingthe initiation and source of rawenergy. A great red triangle,

representing the masculine principleand the element of fire, pointstowards the sun. Below, an opencircle is ready to receive a flamefrom the sun. This is a symbol ofconception.______________________________________________________Mars/Jupiter - Harmoniouswillpower, enterprise______________________________________________________Tien-Mu - Chinese goddess oflightning______________________________________________________

Creation, the beginning of anenterprise. Basic energy, vitality,the urge to succeed. Optimism,individuality, originality andenthusiasm. Negatively, rash andimpulsive action. Bulldozing otherswith premature zeal.

Two of FireFlame

______________________________________________In the foreground stands the redfigure of a woman. She watches twoblue figures run toward the image ofa large, growing plant. The stripedstem of the plant represents a ladderand is a symbol of ambitions andaspiration. At the top, two greenleaves indicate potential creativegrowth in an enterprise or a sexual

relationship. In a blue panel below,two fire triangles contain separateimmature seedlings, versions of thelarge plant image.______________________________________________________Venus/Mars - Impulse to love,creativity______________________________________________________Ishtar - Mesopotamian goddess oflove______________________________________________________Meeting or get-together that may ormay not lead to something moreimportant. Desire to develop and

establish a relationship. Sexualattraction. Brief affair. Negatively,the tendency to exaggerate.

Three of FireBeacon

______________________________________________A glowing figure raises her arms incelebration. Her flowing hairabsorbs and becomes a radiatingsun in a deep scarlet landscape.Three triangles of fire are placed onher body. The sun is echoed in thetwo sunflowers below, forming atriangle of completion and themeaning of the number three. From

the black mountain range on thehorizon grow six swaying palmtrees indicating fertile and flexiblegrowth from solid groundwork.______________________________________________________Sun/Jupiter - Joy, health,recognition______________________________________________________Shamash - Mesopotamian sun god______________________________________________________Being able to show the world asuccessful achievement. Getting theappreciation hoped for inachievement. The positive power of

creative energy. Negatively,arrogance and conceit.

Four of FireHearth

_________________________________________________Two figures, male and female, holdhands and each places a foot firmlyon a platform. They are securelybalanced and their features registerharmony and calm. A warm redglow surrounds them. Between thefigures is the Egyptian glyphmeaning door. This signifies openopportunity or closed security. The

platform is stepped and on it isinscribed an eye. The eye is red andsees only what is selected andfiltered by its lens.______________________________________________________Sun/Venus - Beauty, harmony, theideal______________________________________________________Vesta - Roman goddess of domesticfire______________________________________________________Security and confidence in creativeabilities. Fulfilling work. Settled inone's ways with regard to matters of

selectivity and taste. Negatively,exclusivity and snobbishness.

Five of FireFurnace

______________________________________________________A suspended, yellow figure iscontorted, back arched, feet almostreaching the head. One hand touchesthe ground signifying contact withthe material world. The other handstretches upward. Three hands pointwith thumb and forefinger as if topinch or assist the acrobat. Thefigure is encompassing a pentacle

representing change. On the horizontwo figures are locked in combat.Below, five triangles like jaggedteeth form a hazard for theperformer.______________________________________________________Sun/Uranus - Excitement, upset,rebellion______________________________________________________Ogoun - African god of iron andsteel______________________________________________________Unwillingly stirred into action orrebellion by a sudden turn in life.Being forced into a new situation in

one's work. Challenge from anunexpected source. Negatively,obstinately resisting change.Manipulation by circumstances.

Six of FireTorch

______________________________________________________An heroic male head is crowned

and wreathed in the laurels ofvictory. His face is covered with amask of protection, concealment,and transformation. Above is theEgyptian pictograph symbolizing

wisdom. The two columns on eitherside are decorated with six laurel

leaves and six lotus flowers

representing the balance ofmasculine and feminine qualities.Below the head is a seated lion

representing courage, fortitude, andpower, but also cruelty and ferocity.______________________________________________________

Jupiter/Pluto - Attainment ofpower, leadership

______________________________________________________Nike - Greek goddess of victory

______________________________________________________The pleasure of receiving

recognition for one's achievements.Satisfaction and confidence in one's

abilities. Promotion or qualificationafter dedicated work. Negatively,using one's reputation to bully and

domineer others.

Seven of FireMeteor

______________________________________________________Against a fiery red sky, a cool and

deliberate figure makes a stylish buteccentric dive into the still, blue

waters below. Framed in thediamond shape made by the figure'slegs is an Egyptian symbol meaningsudden movement and aggression.On either side of the diving figure,

two angry golden faces shout at

each other across the water. Thefaces symbolize the expression of

shock, disapproval, and green-eyedenvy.

______________________________________________________Mars/Uranus - Suddenextraordinary effort

______________________________________________________Hino - Iroquois spirit of thunder

______________________________________________________

The pleasure of receivingrecognition for one'sachievements. Satisfaction and

confidence in one's abilities.Promotion or qualificationafter dedicated work.Negatively, using one'sreputation to bully anddomineer others.

Eight of FireVolcano

_________________________________________________A giant, statuesque, nude femalefigure is posed dramatically on aplatform. Although she is confident,her position is uncomfortable andhard to maintain for any length oftime. Her expression is studiedlycoy and inviting. Her open palmreveals the disc of the Sun,indicating energy and creativity.

She is holding a double cubecontaining the triangles of fire andearth. Three small figures showadoration and acclaim for theperformance.______________________________________________________Sun/Neptune - Activeimagination, enthusiasm______________________________________________________Chantico - Mexican goddess of fire______________________________________________________Enjoying a position of prominence,fame, and esteem through hardwork. The achievement of top

professional status. Negatively,being trapped by your ownreputation and constantly at themercy of followers or admirers.

Nine of FireRadiance

_________________________________________________A beautiful, pale, golden face,serene and majestic, has eyes fixed,unseeing, and is unaware of thefigure before him. The middlesection of his crown is the uraeus, aserpent surrounding a solar disc,meaning sovereignty, power, and

light. Two rams' heads faceoutwards, signifying virility andmasculine creative energy. Left andright profiles represent thecompleteness and detachment of thepsyche. A small red figure shieldshis eyes from the glowing imageabove.______________________________________________________Sun/Mars - Will to live, vigor,vitality______________________________________________________Atar - Persian god of fire______________________________________________________

The happiness and joy of beinghonest to oneself. Finding throughexperience one's true mode ofexpression. Ability to inspireothers. Negatively, unthinkingcruelty through extreme egotisticalself-detachment.

Ten of FireFlare

_________________________________________________An angry, red figure, holding astick, cruelly attacks a frightenedand yielding blue figure. The figuresare set against a fiercely hotbackground studded with arrow-heads. Above the antagonists is theancient Chinese symbol yin-yang,indicating all dualities andopposites. It represents the

primordial darkness before the lightof creation. Below, a paler bluefemale figure kneels, burying herhead to avoid witnessing thebrutality.______________________________________________________Mars/Pluto - Superhuman force,excessive effort______________________________________________________Odin - Scandinavian god of battle______________________________________________________A violent outburst needed to bringabout the end of an intolerablesituation. The revelation that one

has to use unfamiliar drastic actionto make a transformation.Negatively, resisting the inevitablecan lead to becoming a victim.

Daughter of Fire

_________________________________________________A young woman emerges from adoorway. She holds a large sheet ofpaper, a communication or contract.Behind her the sky is bright blue.On the right, there are three palmsin progressive stages ofdevelopment. The striped trunkssymbolize ladders and creativeambition. To the left a blue pigeon

carries a letter. Two figures dancewith joy and excitement. The mouthand ear symbol means beneficialcommunication and cooperation.______________________________________________________Mars/Node - Working to acommon end, cooperation______________________________________________________Armatus - The moon in summer______________________________________________________A young woman with creative ideasand energy to devote to organizingprojects. Good at getting a teamgoing and handling the practical

side of any venture. A messagebringer. Negatively, a pushy andexhausting workaholic.

Son of Fire

_________________________________________________Mounted on a leaping goldenstallion, the lithe figure of a wingedyoung man soars upwards. Thehorse symbolizes animal nature,virility, and swiftness of movement.The wings show flight, freedom orescape. In a deep red sky above therider's head is a globe showingwide travel, and far-reaching

ambitions. On the horizon twotriangles of fire contain otherambitious fire figures. Below, ayoung man and woman make love.______________________________________________________Uranus/Node - Lively, restlessassociations______________________________________________________Athemay - The sun in summer______________________________________________________A young man, charismatic, lively,and active, always restless and onthe move. Loves challenge andconstantly seeks new stimulation. A

lover unready for commitment.Negatively, a person who lovesthem and leaves them. A fly-by-night.

Father of Fire

_________________________________________________A majestic, golden male figure sitson a throne. His robe is decoratedwith suns and his hair is drawnback into the pigtail of a warrior. Inhis left hand he clasps a scepter,whose head is an open lotus flower.From the lotus flows a goldenstream containing discs ofconcentrated creative energy. The

man's presence suggests wealth,generosity, and health. Within thecube on which he sits is the plumeof Maat signifying truth and justice.Three shadows, arms outstretched,show gratitude.______________________________________________________Sun/Node - Relationship with thepublic______________________________________________________Tariel - The angel of summer______________________________________________________A mature, successful, and self-madebusinessman. An influential and

creative entrepreneur Helpful tothose he believes have talent andability. Negatively, may dominateor crush unwittingly those he helps.

One of EarthSeed

_____________________________________________In the sky a large golden sun sendsdown three rays of energy,sustenance, light, and life. Tengolden coins, representing materialgain, shower earthward. The greensymbol of the awaiting earthreceives with open arms the sun's

gifts. Beneath the earth a bulbbreaks open and a single shootforces its way to the sun. Six seedsthat have waited dormant throughwinter are now stirring into life.______________________________________________________Jupiter/Uranus - Optimism, goodfortune______________________________________________________Benten - Chinese goddess of goodluck______________________________________________________The beginning of a venture. Thechance of a fresh start. A stroke of

good fortune. A basic charge ofphysical energy is available. Moneyfrom an unexpected source. Afinancial breakthrough. Negatively,a sudden impulse to extravagance.

Two of EarthPlant

_________________________________________________An excited, running figure clasps aletter in his hand. A proposition thathas been made stimulates activity.The empty scales he holds suggestthat nothing is settled on either side.Two heads within a lemniscateshow two parties linked in

discussion before the final outcome.Nine young plants spread doubleleaves toward potential success. Anupside down face shows the dangerof losing one's head through naivetyor greed for financial gain.______________________________________________________Venus/Uranus - Impulsive,excitable______________________________________________________Renpet - Sumerian goddess of youthand spring______________________________________________________Someone is making an offer that

could later bear fruit. Weighing upone thing against another. Gettingexcited with the possibility of amaterial project. Negatively,counting your chickens beforethey're hatched. Premature reaction.

Three of EarthFruits

__________________________________________________The greatest of three triangles, anearth triangle, forms the rich fruit ofa plant. Contained within is a crownindicating achievement andauthority. Seeds burst from the topof the fruit, leading to potentialfurther growth. Two hands divideequally the rewards of a successful

enterprise. The faces lookcontentedly at the fruit of theirlabors. Below, two open doors leadto new opportunities that occur as aresult of present achievements.______________________________________________________Jupiter/Saturn - Success due toperseverance______________________________________________________Ptah - Egyptian god of artisans______________________________________________________The successful outcome of amaterial or financial venture.Reaping some of the benefits of

hard physical work before movingto the next stage. First successes onthe road of material ambitions.Celebration. Negatively,overindulgence and conceit.

Four of EarthClay

_____________________________________________A figure sits securely on the solarthrone, powerful and confident.Four gold discs show financialsecurity and comfort. Each handgrasps a disc possessively. Theskirt forms two fertile hillsrepresenting ownership, territory,

and ambition. Symbols on eitherarm of the throne signify house andproperty. The throne is based on asquare built on sweat and hardship.The figure in the square representsthe trap of success - rigidity, a statewhere no movement is possible.______________________________________________________Sun/Saturn - Maintaining one'sposition in life______________________________________________________Bochicha - Columbian creator god______________________________________________________Achievement of financial and

material security. Being establishedand successful in one's career orambitions. The manifestation ofself-worth through material values.Negatively, stagnation, being in arut, "keeping up with the Joneses".

Five of EarthQuake

_____________________________________________A lonely woman sorrows over adying flower. She holds on to it,unwilling to turn and see the strong,healthy palm tree behind her. Thefive leaves of the tree reach out tothe sun, source of physical energyand growth. The woman sits on the

square of security that encloses thefive-pointed star of change.Underlying all is the world,indicating movement andopportunity. Two happy movingfigures show that once a change ismade one is not alone.______________________________________________________Neptune/Node - Strange conduct,disappointment______________________________________________________Ushas - Hindu goddess of the dawn______________________________________________________Forced material change of direction

through unexpected events. Bigchange with regard to property orfinance must be faced. Thenecessity to move from a position ofsecurity to the unknown. Negatively,resisting inevitable change puts oneat the mercy of events.

Six of EarthHarvest

_____________________________________________A pale, golden figure, earth mother,corn goddess is a symbol offertility, health, and abundance. Herhair flowing upward draws energyand precious life force from above.Both hands, marked with symbols ofthe sun, stretch out in welcome.

Between the hands, ripened corn isready for harvest. Sustenance, likemanna from heaven, showers indroplets from the goddess,nourishing flowers and fruits. Theearth glows with the summer sun.______________________________________________________Venus/Jupiter - Easy popularity,harmony______________________________________________________Akka - Finnish goddess of harvest______________________________________________________Physical well-being. Enjoying thesensual pleasures of life. Being in

generous, sharing company. Plenty.Celebration of one's good fortune.Feeling healthy. Negatively,overindulgence, exaggeratedbonhomie.

Seven of EarthAvalanche

_____________________________________________An eccentric figure hangs upside-down, quite comfortable in hisunusual position. His hair flowingdownward indicates contact withreal and material values. Four dice,symbolizing risk, luck, chance, andfate, tumble around him. He holds a

bar from which a small globe of theworld hangs. The double headbelow looks to the past and thefuture. The concentric curves showthe reverberations that follow aninitiated change.______________________________________________________Moon/Jupiter - Large-scaleenterprise, gamble______________________________________________________Mot - Phoenician god of harvest andchange______________________________________________________Taking a considered risk with

property or finance. Urge to breakout and try something new wherethe outcome is not guaranteed.Being in a position that changesone's world view. Negatively,unorthodox behavior for effect.

Eight of EarthMountain

_____________________________________________An androgynous figure stands insidethe double cube of earth. Raisedhands receive energy from above.The collar has the dual meaning ofpower/servitude. The legs arerooted in a posture of security.Eight orderly golden coins are the

manifestation of material successand achievement. The double cubeis built into a solid foundation ofhard rock through which two youngpalms grow, indicating rewardsafter hard work.______________________________________________________Saturn/Pluto - Tenacity and highachievement______________________________________________________Tai-Yueh-Ta-Ti - Chinese emperorof the eastern peak______________________________________________________Achievement and material rewards

after extreme selfdiscipline andhard work. Self-recognition forhard-won skills and abilities. Astage where one is confident andsecure. Negatively, isolationthrough being in a position ofpower.

Nine of EarthForest

_____________________________________________A pink, sensual figure, hair flowingloose and free, floats above acarefully mown, striped lawn,holding a musical instrument in onehand and scattering nine goldencoins with the other. Behind a richdark forest and silhouetted by the

evening sun is the city skyline. Twoyouthful figures dance with pleasureand admiration. Their arms areoutstretched toward the floatingfigure, indicating a need to touch inorder to be part of the experience.______________________________________________________Venus/Pluto - Pleasure, power ofattraction______________________________________________________Savitri - Hindu king of heaven______________________________________________________To be "on a high". Realizing truepleasure and satisfaction with what

one has. Sharing the magneticpower of one's wealth or abilities.To be in a position to enthuse andexcite others. Negatively, attracting"hangers on."

Ten of EarthDesert

_____________________________________________In a barren and dull landscape, apale figure, blindfolded, walksuncertainly toward the unknown. Heclasps a sapling, pliant, healthy,alive. Nine new leaves indicate thepotential for future growth. A grayfigure turned on his head clutches a

box from which escapes a showerof golden coins. A mask hides histrue face. In the distance is thesymbol of sand or desert. Nothingelse is visible on the horizon.______________________________________________________Venus/Saturn - Inhibition, senseof reality______________________________________________________Telepinu - Hittite god of vegetation______________________________________________________A deteriorating situation impossibleto pull out of without loss. Showinga brave face when one's world is

upside-down. Disintegrationnecessary for afresh start.Negatively, hanging on to what isalready lost, because of fear of theunknown.

Daughter of Earth

_____________________________________________A golden young girl, sensual, vital,and energetic, enjoys with herstrong young male partner thewarmth of the sun. The atmosphereis pleasure-loving and physical. Astrong, upright palm grows by clearwater. The water indicates

emotions, feelings, and travel. Onthe horizon are two separatebuildings. They are square,indicating security, background,stability, and individuality. A greenbird carries a message.______________________________________________________Mercury/Venus - Sense of form,artistic success______________________________________________________Affaterim - The moon in winter______________________________________________________A physical young woman whoenjoys luxury, the arts, and good

living. Organized and helpful.Handles finance and practicalmatters with ease and good humor.Sometimes a message is indicated.Negatively, interfering and over-organizing.

Son of Earth

_____________________________________________A strong, athletic young man swiftlyascends the staircase of attainmentand ambition. His flaming red hairsignifies virility and strength. Thewinged headdress shows speed ofthought, intuition, and perceptionwhere his own aims are concerned.A torch in his left hand lights the

way ahead. He is unaware of thediscomfort of the figure below thestairs. The figure wears a self-effacing mask and supports thestaircase. Black seeds lie dormantbelow.______________________________________________________Mars/Saturn - Concentratedenergy, endurance______________________________________________________Commutoff - The sun in winter______________________________________________________A single-minded young man,energetic, ambitious, extremely

disciplined. Practical and helpful ifit serves his own purpose.Motivated by money or promotion.He has good taste and style.Negatively, a ruthless and heartlessachiever

Mother of Earth

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

procreative power. Two childrendance happily and securely withinthe mother's protection. Around herneck is the collar of power,authority, also of slavery. Her redhair is stylized and controlled.______________________________________________________Node/Ascendant - Harmoniouscontacts with others______________________________________________________Geremiah - The earth in winter______________________________________________________A mature woman who organizes acomfortable, homey and loving

family. Contributes greatly tocommunity life. Takesresponsibility willingly. Happiestgiving material help in demandingsituations. Negatively, a slave toher own generosity.

Father of Earth

_____________________________________________Within a yellow square of earth isthe head of a serious, mature man.He is a figurehead contained withinthe system. Above is the symbol ofproperty and a radiating sun, sourceof energy and creativity. Outside thesquare two chimneys give off blacksmoke, polluting the atmosphere.

Below, in the background, the blackshadow of Set representscorruption. A red figure shows tothe world a pink mask of innocence.The crocodile signifies thedevouring quality of big business.______________________________________________________Saturn/Node - Mature andinfluential people______________________________________________________Cetarari - The angel of winter______________________________________________________A mature, successful businessman.He has a respected position in the

community and is reliable andpredictable. A man of greatinfluence. Negatively, narrow,bigoted, and chauvinist man.

One of AirBreath

_________________________________________________Centered, floating in an azure sky, isa vesica pisces, an almond-shapedopening, signifying receptivity. It isthe creative source of the power ofair and intelligence. Clouds flowthrough the aureole, visible breath,

the conception of an idea. On thedistant horizon, a dark mountainrange indicates unexploredpotential. Before the mountains is aflat stony field. The Egyptianhieroglyph in the foregroundrepresents movement andaggressive action.______________________________________________________Mercury/Mars - Power of thought______________________________________________________Notus - Greek. The south wind______________________________________________________The start of a completely new

concept. Intellectual power. Sayingwhat one thinks immediately. Mindover matter. Negatively, adeliberate lie, a verbal outburst thatone regrets.

Mother of Fire

_________________________________________________A mature woman sits in a pose oftranquillity and comfort. Herexpression is intense but confident.She wears the solar collar ofauthority and power. Behind her isa giant pyramid forming a triangleof fire. Four palms wave before agolden sky. Two children carry tothe woman a box. Inside is a red

crescent moon within the sun, theharmonious combination ofmasculine and feminine.Superimposed is the three-prongedsymbol of birth and creation.______________________________________________________Pluto/Node - Desire to become apublic figure______________________________________________________Festativi - The earth in summer______________________________________________________A mature woman who successfullymanages both a family and acreative career. Has a good feeling

for public taste. Positive, direct,and caring in her actions andchoices. Negatively, can bedomineering and overpowering..

Two of AirZephyr

_____________________________________________It is not certain whether the twofigures, male and female, aremoving from or turning toward eachother. Their eyes meet and theirhands almost touch. Each wears anidentical yellow mask. An animated

eye dashes across the sky,symbolizing excitement, interest,and uncertainty. Small blue cloudscould disperse, or they could gatherto become a storm. Below, twofigures lie motionless. The redground representing life and energyis, as yet, unable to stimulate thedesired movement.______________________________________________________Mercury/Node - Exchange ofideas______________________________________________________Notus - Greek. The south wind

______________________________________________________

The start of a completely newconcept. Intellectual power.Saying what one thinksimmediately. Mind overmatter. Negatively, a deliberatelie, a verbal outburst that oneregrets.

Three of AirBreeze

_____________________________________________A large, intelligent head withpiercing eyes and winged browsindicates intellectual achievement,speed of thought, clarity, andperceptiveness. On the forehead isthe Egyptian symbol of knowledge.

A shaven head symbolizesconcentration and dedication.Around the head small red discsfloat - symbols of the sun's creativepower - to be drawn into the mindand processed. Below, on a yellowbackground, within a red triangle, isa scroll tied with a cord.______________________________________________________Sun/Mercury - Mind and commonsense______________________________________________________Kuei-Hsing - Chinese god ofscholarship

______________________________________________________Popularity. The recognition andacceptance of a good idea. Enjoyingthe successful results of imaginativethinking. Being shad and quick-witted, "on the ball". Negatively,acting the unbearable "know it all"

Four of AirOzone

_____________________________________________A head floats against a graybackground. The features are in theform of a mask. The top of the headis a square, symbolizing rigidity andconformity of mind. Partiallyenclosed within the square, a dovewith wings outstretched indicatespotential freedom of thought, peace

of mind, liberation. Beneath thehead a figure lies unmoving, restingon a bed. Two ears of corn oneither side of a scroll representphysical evidence of intellectualsuccess.______________________________________________________Saturn/Neptune - Conventionalthinking______________________________________________________Quetzalcoatl - Aztec god of windand sea breezes______________________________________________________Secure in one's knowledge and

understanding. Conventional ideasabout life. Being confident thatone's traditional approach willresolve all demanding situations.Negatively, inflexible views andideas. Bigotry.

Five of AirStorm

_____________________________________________A red, upside-down figure issuspended, fingertips barelytouching the ground. His onlygarment is a five-pointed star orpentacle, symbol of the essence ofmankind in all five elements.Behind, heavy, swirling stormclouds rend the sky. On the dark,

silhouetted horizon, five palm treessway with the wind. Between thearms of the red figure a smallerfigure swathed like an Egyptianmummy rests lifeless on a bed,symbolizing death andtransformation.______________________________________________________Mercury/Uranus - Suddenperception______________________________________________________Adad - Assyrian god of storms andfloods______________________________________________________

Change of ideas or plans becomesunavoidable. Being forced bycircumstances to see things from adifferent angle. A brainstorm.Negatively, mental panic, refusal toface the inevitable.

Six of AirOpen Air

_____________________________________________A figure sits, arms outstretched in agesture of openness, on top of theworld. Above is a narrow, starrybanner. From the world, tenarrowed lines of energy carry theirmessage to all corners of theuniverse. Beneath, three penssymbolize learning, intellect, and

communication. A blue panelechoes with a receptive curve theglobe's shape. Below is a mouthwith a jagged line joining it to anear, representing scandal,propaganda, and information.______________________________________________________Mercury/Jupiter - Successfulmental activity______________________________________________________Hermes - Greek god of eloquenceand travellers______________________________________________________The pleasure of travel, of

broadening horizons both mentallyand physically. The confidence thatwhat one says will be listened toand respected. Having the power topersuade others. Negatively, usingsmooth talk to deceive andmanipulate.

Seven of AirWind

_____________________________________________In a hazy cloud, a pale gray figurerests with fixed and unseeing gaze,as if in a trance. A carefree figureconfidently risks putting his headinto a tiger's mouth. One handtouches the earth and the other thesky, elements of earth and air withinhis reach, the possibility of making

a crazy idea practical. The tiger,creative or destructive power, istraditionally the emblem ofgamblers. On the ground many smallsymbols indicate scatteredopportunities.______________________________________________________Mercury/Neptune - Imaginativefaculty______________________________________________________Bunjil - Aboriginal god of the sky______________________________________________________Deliberately shifting one's views toforce a change. Deciding to take a

risk in order to get out of a boringsituation, regardless of theconsequences. Negatively, opposingconvention just to draw attention tooneself.

Eight of AirCloud

_____________________________________________A double of the element air,containing two faces, is suspendedbefore a distant, undulatinglandscape. The face above, red,bright-eyed with a sun on theforehead, symbolizes mentalbrilliance, optimism, an intellectualhigh. The one below, surrounded by

gray clouds, is reversed and paleand from the forehead an invertedcrescent moon loses drops ofliquid. This face signifies dullness,pessimism, melancholy, and lowself-esteem.______________________________________________________Mercury/Saturn - Logicalthinking, thoroughness______________________________________________________Byelbog/Chernobog - Slavic godsof day and night______________________________________________________Respect gained for sound and

mature thought. Reaching a positionof authority through intellect. Beingon a mental high. Negatively,becoming obscure and detached. Amanic-depressive.

Nine of AirThunder

_____________________________________________Above a dark thundercloud abrilliant rainbow surrounds aglowing face. The mouth is parted,and in the center of the forehead ared triangle of fire indicatescreative intellect. Beneath, a

Utopian golden city like a Tibetantemple emerges from the jaggedpeaks of the dark mountains. Fourfigures reach up in admiration orworship toward the city. On thespattered ground a blood-red deer,a sacrifice, twists in agony.______________________________________________________Uranus/Pluto - Transformingthinking______________________________________________________Jumala - Finnish god of thunder______________________________________________________Ability to present a meaningful

philosophy. Great enlightenment,through life experience, whichcommunicates itself to others.People want to share your thoughts.Negatively, the sacrifice of privacy.

Ten of AirCyclone

_____________________________________________A naked, dark gray figure screamsand writhes in discomfort. He is outof control; his limbs flail in alldirections. Superimposed on thefigure is a wheel of fate, its fivesegments representing the five

elements related to mankind. TheEgyptian symbol of black hillsindicates darkness and depression.In contrast, a pale profile belowexpresses tranquillity andtransformation. The face isseparated from the rest of thebackground by a thin, red outlinerepresenting new blood, life.______________________________________________________Saturn/Uranus - Limitation offreedom______________________________________________________Hurukan - Guatemalan god of the

whirlwind______________________________________________________A complete breakdown of an ideaor concept. Mental desperationthrough being trapped in a system inwhich one can no longer believe.Inevitable change. Negatively,resisting change of ideas, to one'sown detriment.

Daughter of Air

_____________________________________________Two identical young women faceeach other. A wavy line betweentheir mouths indicatescommunication, exchange of ideas,friendship. The stork, traditionally,is the herald of good news, spring,

new life, and travel. The birdtouches both heads, forming aspiritual link. An open book beforea rising sun indicates optimism andknowledge. On the pages of thebook is the Egyptian symbolmeaning to write, paint, create.______________________________________________________Moon/Mercury - An active mind______________________________________________________Agusita - The moon in spring______________________________________________________A bright, intelligent young woman,good talker, a mine of information.

Needs company and loves everydaychatter. Has a wide circle of usefulfriends. Negatively, can be critical,tactless, and over-talkative.

Son of Air

_____________________________________________A winged young man stands on aglobe of the world. His arms areoutstretched in a gesture ofvulnerability and openness. Thereare two red figures on either side.One kneels in despair and the otherreaches up in hope. Beyond aStretch of blue water are two

triangular mountains. One mountaincontains a sword indicatingaggression, power, masculinity,fighting for justice. The othercontains eleven graves, representingsacrifice for a cause.______________________________________________________Mercury/Pluto - Persuasivetalking______________________________________________________Abraym - The sun in spring______________________________________________________A young man, intelligent, persuasiveand devoted to campaigning for

causes in which he believes.Compassionate and generous. Getsinto action when he sees injustice.Negatively, a fanatic or extremist.

Mother of Air

_____________________________________________A mature woman is seated on athrone. Behind her head is a wingedsun, for masculine energy. Her hairis flowing but confined, indicatingcontrolled emotions. Her dress ispatterned with mouths and ears. Thebase of her throne is a cube, withinwhich sixteen smaller cubes

surround a face cupped in acrescent moon. This indicatessecrets, things locked in orrepressed. In front of the woman aresmall blue clouds; behind her aresix yellow, wagging tongues.______________________________________________________Node/Midheaven - Shared viewsand ideas______________________________________________________Amadai - The earth in spring______________________________________________________A mature woman, unmarried,widowed, or divorced. A

successful career woman, articulateand intelligent. She is strong andcompetitive. Independent.Negatively, vulnerable to maliciousgossip and envy.

Father of Air

_____________________________________________A masklike face of a man is setagainst a deep blue sky. From hismouth issues the triangle of air, thepower of the spoken word. The topof his head is merged with the skywhere two figures tumblehelplessly. Staircases of black andblue cubes, on either side, indicate

ambition, attainment both positiveand negative. With the triangle ofair touching both their heads, twodisciples gaze up at the face inwonder and admiration.______________________________________________________Sun/Pluto - The power ofattainment______________________________________________________Caracasa - The angel of spring______________________________________________________A mature man, powerful andmagnetic. A persuasive speaker,cool, detached, and logical. He is

ambitious to dominate othersthrough his own ideas and words.Negatively, manipulates others forhis own gain. A fraud.

One of WaterFountain

_____________________________________________From a single source, a fountainspurts two jets that divide, curveupward, and cross, forming a vesicapisces, the symbol of receptivity.After reaching its peak the waterflows earthward, representingfeelings and emotions. Ten

scattered droplets of water nourishthe dry earth. Below, a white dovewith outstretched wings bathes. Thered outline of the dove indicatesearthly passion combined withspiritual purity.______________________________________________________Moon/Mars - Excitement,impulsive emotion______________________________________________________Sin - Babylonian moon god______________________________________________________Excitement at the sudden birth ofnew feelings. Love awakening. A

great release of emotional energyafter a period of control.Overwhelming desire to expressdeep feelings. Love at first sight.Negatively, gullibility, one-sidedlove.

Two of WaterSpring

_____________________________________________A young man and young womancaress; they are attracted to eachother and have made the firstcontact. Their whiteness shows arelationship as yet uncolored bypassion or commitment. Their

nudity represents a desire foropenness and honesty. Two flowersopening indicate receptivity on theearthly plane and two birdssymbolize two separate souls on thespiritual level. Young trees on thehorizon signify the sweetness ofyouth and all its potential.______________________________________________________Sun/Moon - Vitality and feeling______________________________________________________Nanshe - Assyrian goddess ofwaters and springs______________________________________________________

An emotional connection withanother. Early stages of a loveaffair. A show of affection,flirtation, lovemaking. Anextramarital love affair. A holidayromance with no commitments.Negatively, a regretted one-nightstand.

Three of WaterSpa

_____________________________________________Two columns with fountains join,creating a third fountain. Eachcolumn is a living, growing lotusflower whose shape traditionallysignifies the female principle andgiver of life. Healing waters flow

continuously from the threefountains. Between the columns, anopen hand of healing is marked withthe symbol of the moon. Light andenergy emanate from the hand andtouch the fountains. Solid steps forma firm base for the spa.______________________________________________________Moon/Node - A spiritual unionwith another______________________________________________________Eshmun - Phoenician god of healingand health______________________________________________________

Emotional well-being. Feelingsexpressed, accepted and shared.Healthy emotions, the power ofsympathetic understanding. Thehealing power of true unselfishlove. A good marriage. Negatively,receiving envy.

Four of WaterMoat

_____________________________________________Out of a square of security emergesthe serene face of a woman. She isconfident, secure, and conventional.In the center of her forehead is aneye in a pink square, indicating anability to sense sympathetically

other people's feelings. Her placidexpression is the image that is seenby the world. Around the walls,seven waves disturb the stillness ofthe deep moat. Inside, the square isslowly filling with water. A smallface shows panic, screams, but isunheard.______________________________________________________Mars/Neptune - Control offeelings______________________________________________________Cheng-Huang - Chinese god ofwalls and ditches

______________________________________________________Conventional emotional securitywithin a long-term relationship.Confidence to deal with everydayemotional situations. Experience tosympathize with others' problems.Negatively, trapped, drowning inunexpressed feelings.

Five of WaterSudden Rain

_____________________________________________Two identical men step on to aplatform, toward each other. Theystretch their arms forward but donot touch. Between them a redwoman balances upside down.Although she appears secure in this

odd position, her face showsdiscomfort. Sharp, stabbingarrowheads surround all of thefigures. Below the platform, a large,open eye floats on the rippledsurface of a deep pink lake,suggesting sudden awareness,disruptive emotions.______________________________________________________Moon/Pluto - Extreme expressionof feelings______________________________________________________Fa - African god of destiny______________________________________________________

An unexpected emotionalexperience. Being forced throughoutside circumstances to reassessone's feelings. An awkwardemotional situation that must befaced. Negatively, giving up to fateby refusing to deal with reality.

Six of WaterOasis

_____________________________________________The face of the sun looks through awarm haze at his reflection in thecool waters. The face of the moonlooks back at him. Together theysymbolize the harmonious uniting ofthe conscious and the unconscious,

the masculine and the feminine.Each give out their particular rays,one of initiating energy, the other ofreceptivity. Two palmssymmetrically curve and frame adisc signifying evolution, birth, life,death. In the background, sandsundulate in flowing, changing dunes.______________________________________________________Moon/Neptune - Relaxation,sensitivity______________________________________________________Erzulie - Haitian goddess of loveand dreams

______________________________________________________The happiness that comes withcomplete emotional well-being. Therelief of emotional calm after atense period. The ability to lookback and see things in emotionalperspective. Negatively, escapism,living in a dream.

Seven of WaterOcean

_____________________________________________A naked man is alone on a smallisland. In his right hand he holds anopened rose, a love token. In his lefthand he catches the smallest ofseven falling coins. He turns hishead back in order to watch the

coins as he walks forward. A pale,half-concealed sun shines in a pinksky. The small waves on the darkocean suggest constant movement,travel, and endless repetition. Onthe sand lies a disc with fivesegments, symbolizing humanity andcorruption.______________________________________________________Jupiter/Neptune -Speculation,idealism______________________________________________________Sedna - Eskimo goddess of the seas______________________________________________________

The desire to play the field. Makingoneself available. Taking anemotional risk for the sake of newexcitement. Charmer/femme fatale.Negatively, using and manipulatingthe emotions of others for personalgain.

Eight of WaterWell

_____________________________________________A pale saffron figure kneels, hishead bowed in meditation. His lefthand reaches into the well, thecircle of the triad, birth, life, death.The checkered panels show theduality of day, night, love, hate, and

so on. The waning moon indicatesslowing down, decrease,withdrawal. The door symbol onthe hillside offers entry to newemotional expression. The doublecube is discipline and control offeelings. The hills representdistance and higher aspirations.______________________________________________________Moon/Saturn - Self-control,consideration______________________________________________________Naaki - Finnish spirit of the waters______________________________________________________

Having the emotional strength towithdraw and fin inner truth.Spiritual enlightenment. To havegood feelings about oneself andone's values. Negatively, cold self-interest and detachment.

Nine of WaterLake

_____________________________________________A female figure the color of amidsummer sky rises from the deepwaters of a red lake. Her hairspreads upward, drawing creativepower from above. The symbols ofsun and moon on her breasts denote

the uniting of male and femaleprinciples. Her arms curve in agesture of protection and lovetowards a ripening ear of corn.Enclosed within her arms is themoon, representing the great motherin all her aspects. A three-prongedsymbol of birth is held by thecrescent.______________________________________________________Moon/Venus - Love andtenderness______________________________________________________Gaia - Greek mother goddess

______________________________________________________The happiness of being immersed inunconditional love. The support thata close, loving family can give andshare. Unselfish and caring love.Negatively, to smother or besmothered by over-possessive love.

Daughter of Water

_____________________________________________An adolescent girl stands naked, inan attitude of partial concealment.Above her head is a large eye in acircle. A light beams down beyondthe horizon, symbolizingreceptivity, fantasy, clairvoyance.The girl's hair appears as curved

rays drawing energies from above.Wings on either side of her headsignify imagination, speed ofthought, flights of fancy. Below,drops of water and blood showinitiation and the awakening ofsexuality.______________________________________________________Moon/Uranus - Emotionalexcitability______________________________________________________Matasignais - The moon in autumn______________________________________________________A very young woman or adolescent.

Highly impressionable and stillsubject to crazes, crushes, andpassions. Emotionally naive andvulnerable. Intuitive, evenclairvoyant. Negatively, lonelyand/or exploited.

Son of Water

_____________________________________________A young man embraces a beautifulyoung woman. They look straightinto each other's eyes. Above, awaxing crescent moon showsgathering emotions, the shadowyarea indicating the unconsciousaspects of the feminine principle.

Below the moon is a symbol oflove. A hill behind the couple is litby the pale light of the moon. Theyoung girl's hair curls upward intoan exaggerated helmet. A garland offive open, red roses indicates theawakening of love.______________________________________________________Venus/Node - Attractivepersonality, lover______________________________________________________Abragini - The sun in autumn______________________________________________________A young man, a "heart-throb",

attractive, seductive. Strong andcaring, with great sensitivity to thefeelings of others. A young lover.Negatively, could use his charmsfor selfish ends.

Mother of Water

_____________________________________________A mature and dignified woman sitson a throne. In her left hand is ascepter, at the top of which bloomsa triangular lotus flower and acupped crescent moon. In her otherhand is a scepter crowned with anorb of crystal. From her right breast

nourishment flows to the earth. Thethrone is based on a square, withinwhich a crescent moon empties outwater, representing emotions.Drops of the water are caught in asilver goblet.______________________________________________________Venus/Neptune - Sensitivity, highideals______________________________________________________Rabinnara - The earth in autumn______________________________________________________A mature woman, caring and loving.Has experienced an eventful and

emotional life and is consequentlysympathetic to the problems ofothers. Negatively, can live her lifethrough others and neglect her ownreality.

Father of Water

_____________________________________________In the moonlight, a crowned,handsome man stands holding ascepter. His nakedness indicatesreality, truth, and freedom. At thetop of the scepter, a large pearlencloses a dove, both symbols ofenlightenment. His crown of

masculine authority is harmoniouslybalanced by the female principle, aflowing stream of water, in whichare small golden fish. There are tenfish, for ten is the number of thecycle of change.______________________________________________________Jupiter/Node - Harmoniousrelationships with others______________________________________________________Tarquam - The angel of autumn______________________________________________________A mature man, a caring andunderstanding friend, a good

psychologist. Relates well to and istrusted by women. Highlyimaginative, and sensitive to thethoughts of others. Negatively, canmanipulate people through theiremotions.

Ten of WaterCoastal Water

_____________________________________________It is the uncertain time of twilight. Afemale-headed sphinx rests on adark beach. Though flesh-colored,she is unmoving, rigid as if frozen.The black sea's tides relentlesslyand rhythmically erode the

coastline. A serpent coils, ready tostrike. Its venom has the dualpotential of poison and healing.Above the head of the sphinx is thedisc of the moon containing an eye.It reflects self-knowledge,enlightenment, inner vision, andsecond sight.______________________________________________________Neptune/Pluto - Inner revelationof truth______________________________________________________Njord - Nordic god of seas andships

______________________________________________________Emotions suppressed for a longtime can no longer be denied.Floodgates will open and all mustbe allowed to gush out. The end of aphase in one's emotional life.Negatively, alcohol or drugs, as anescape, delay the inevitable crisis.

READING THE CARDS

When you decide you're ready touse the cards to make a reading youmust first allow yourself enoughtime to relax. The distraction of theday's busy thoughts and ideas willnot allow you to make a perceptiveand sensitive reading for someoneelse. Try to sit comfortably in aquiet place for at least ten minutesbefore you commence. Slowlyallow the day's excitement to leaveyour mind, using the form ofmeditation or relaxation with whichyou feel most at ease.

There are many patterns in whichyou can deal the cards in order tomake a reading. All of these shouldbe preceded by a ritual that linksyour unconscious with the cards.Ritual is an important way to definethe respect one has for a particularactivity. Far from being somethingthat is allied only with religion ormagic, ritual is something weperform in almost every sphere ofour lives. If we prepare a goodmeal, it would be unthinkable not totake great care to serve it elegantly

on a beautifully laid and decoratedtable. For the romantic, the longlingering bath with an extravagantessence sets the mood for a specialmeeting. Ritual is a way of clearinga space in your busy life forsomething a little different.Whatever time of day you choosefor a reading, define yourpreparation ceremony in the waythat suits you best, and keep to it.Clear away anything distracting, laya small cloth - it's worth keepingone just for this purpose - maybe

light a candle just as you would fora dinner party. You may like toinclude symbols of the fourelements: a lighted candle for fire, aflower in a glass of water for earthand water, and a small feather tosymbolize air. When you put awaythe cards, wrap them in your cloth.Black silk is traditional because ofits neutral quality. Keep your cardssomewhere safe.

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE

In the past, tarot cards were given a

different meaning if they were dealtupside down. Very often thisrepresented a negativeinterpretation. As it is almostimpossible to reverse cards whenshuffling normally, this has alwaysseemed to us a silly system. If thepack contains thirty cards upsidedown, then those cards will remainupside down after they're shuffledby the questioner and when they'redealt. In this system, which isfraught with nasty negativepossibilities, some cards could stay

stubbornly reversed for dozens ofreadings and spread gloom anddespondency everywhere. We losenothing by cutting out this ratheroutdated system and replacing itwith the idea that all interpretationscontain both positive and negativepossibilities. The cards reflect thephilosophy that nothing is all goodor all bad; each extreme reflects itsown polarity. For instance, agenerous man may like nothing morethan giving, and be totallyuncomfortable when someone tries

to return the generosity. Howselfish, we could say, for him todeny others the pleasure of givingthat he so much enjoys. Nothingexists without the partnership of itsopposite making the balance.Polarities are to be found in everycard interpretation, just as they arein life.

PREPARATION

Before dealing any cards, thequestioner shuffles the deck,keeping the question to be asked in

mind. When shuffling is completedthe cards are cut into fourapproximately equal piles and thequestioner states, briefly, thequestion. From left to right the smallpacks of cards represent fire, earth,air, and water. The reader choosesthe element that most fits thequestion and deals the cards fromthe appropriate pack.

THE CELTIC CROSS SPREAD

This is possibly the most usedspread, and it will give amanageable and informative readingon most questions. The illustrationshows the order of the cards, thelayout, and a brief indication of therelationship each card has with thequestion. A fuller descriptionfollows.

1 The question. This card willoften describe the nature of thequestion with uncanny accuracy.Sometimes it will reflect acompletely different motive behindthe inquiry.

2 The influence. A positive ornegative atmosphere, event, person,or feeling that is an importantinfluence on the question.

3 The background. The history,events, or people whose pastrelationships to the questioner have

led to the present inquiry.

4 Recent past. An event that hasoccurred just prior to the readingand has a direct bearing on thepresent situation.

5 The present. The status quo. Thepresent feeling, hopes, or fears ofthe questioner.

6 Near future. What is liable tohappen fairly soon.

7 Attitude. The attitude that the

questioner brings to bear on thesubject of the question. A familycard here, for instance, wouldindicate an attitude influenced bythe thinking or help of someoneelse.

8 Others' views. The feelingsabout the matter expressed by thoseclose to the questioner.

9 For and against. This cardrepresents a detached view of whatis for and against the question.

10 The outcome. The final result.

SAMPLE READING

Jenny, in her forties, iscontemplating a business venturewith a close friend and asks, "Willthe project get off the ground,and if it does, how well will wedo?" We cut the cards and selectthe earth pack to deal from as thequestion is a business one.

1 The question - Five of Fire

This card shows that the question isbasically about creative expression.A five, meaning a forced change,suggests that Jenny has probablybeen pushed into this project by anoutside source.

2 The influence - Mother of Air

A mature woman, successful, goodat business, strong go-ahead drive.

This probably describes Jenny'sfriend.

3 The background - One of Air

This card indicates that an ideaplanted in the past has been revivedby the present situation, provokingan immediate and almost impetuousresponse.

4 Recent past - Two of Earth

There has recently been a promiseof material gain, but so far, nothing

is fixed or resolved. However,Jenny probably overreacted andwas in a state of extreme excitementand anticipation.

5 The present-Two of Air

The status quo is impasse. All isstill at discussion stage. There isuncertainty, hence the question.Two of Air is often a card offrustration, showing a time forwaiting when one really needs toget things moving.

6 Near future - Trickster

This is the first personal card in thereading and it shows that soonJenny will gain confidence in herown abilities. She's aware of herlack of experience in this new areabut something will call upon her toexpress her confidence in a positivemanner.

7 Attitude - Four of Air

Although the project promises anew and revolutionary break from

her usual life pattern,Jenny'sthinking at the moment is restrainedand conventional.Excitement iscontrolled by common sense and anattitude that won't easily run off therails.

8 Others' views - Eight of Water

Eight of Water describes emotionalstrength. Those close to Jenny -family and friends - are comfortablewith their own feelings about theproject and are emotionallysupportive of Jenny.

9 For and against - Five of Earth

There are worrIes concerning thefinances of the project. Further,there is potential for a materialchange over which Jenny will seemto have little control. It is stilldifficult to know whether there willbe a loss or gain.

10 The outcome - Three of Fire

A successful achievement.Creatively, Jenny and her partnerwill enjoy the satisfaction of a

promising start.

Summing up. There is a majority ofair cards and only one earth card,suggesting that Jenny's real motivesare intellectual and sociable ratherthan material. Profits matter lessthan the need to use her intellectcreatively in satisfying teamworkwith a partner. In answer to theinitial question: yes, the projectwill get under way. Although thefinancial side is uncertain, Jenny

will see the creative andintellectual expansion of her life asa great success.

THE ELEMENTAL SPREAD

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

particularly useful when there is nodefinite question but the querentwould like a short reading relatedto the five different spheres of life.The meaning of each card iscombined with the element for eachposition.

THE SAMPLE SPREAD

1 Fire - What I want to do - Nineof Air

At the moment I want to convinceothers that my ideas are the rightones.

2 Earth - What do I have that canhelp? - Six of Air

I have authority and recognition formy creative abilities. This shouldgive me the confidence to succeed.

3 Air - What do I think about it? -Judgement

I am inhibiting myself by being my

own worst critic.

4 Water - How do I feel about it?- Five of Fire

I feel as though I am being provokedinto action by unseen forces. I amunsure of myself.

5 Spirit - How will it turn out? -Six of Water

A great relief. Whatever happens,I'll feel good about it and be able torelax at last.