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The Major Acrcana
or
Trumps |
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Unlike
the Minor Arcana, or 'Numbered Suits', The Major Arcana of
the Tarot represent the major turning points in our lives that we must
all go through in order to evolve, and journey through life... They are
the significant events that mould us, as opposed to the four numbered
suits that reflect the more day to day events that we live through. Significant,
dramatic, important... |
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| The
Cards |
The
Meanings |
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No1: The Magician
Planetary
influence: Mercury
The Magiacian reveals that now is the time to get organised and
prepared for a new and important phase in your life, using all your talents
and gifts. This could include fro exmple, preparation for a new job, organising
a CV and similar. He also represents matters of intellect and communication
and emphasises these. However, the Magician can also refer to issues of
health and medicine and the intervention of a doctor or surgeon.
reversed
Abuse of powers and gifts that are given. The inability for organisation,
or to see projects through. |
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No 2: The High Priestess
Planetary
influence: The Moon
Our Priestess gazes out, with the crescent moon shining form her brow....
The Spiritual side to you nature, with emphasis on the intuition and the
trust in it that accompanies. That which is not revealed whereas the faith
to believe in it is there. Independence and strength also come within
the domain of this card. The High Priestess also represents the woman
in someone's' life where appropriate, as in a long term relationship or
marriage.
reversed
All that has been hidden and disguised is now obvious and out in the open.
Take things at face value. |
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No 3: The Empress
Planetary
influence: Venus
The Empress is seen here as an Earth Goddess full of beauty and fertility,
watching over everything that grows. She is crowned with acorns
holds her staff-like scepter like the Queen she is.
The Empress is the Great Mother figure of the Tarot.
Powerful yet gentle and nurturing. She reveals that plans in the pipeline will come to fruition in the fullness of time, and any ideas that are
germinating will blossom and bear fruit.
She
is all that is Beauty, Love and Motherhood. Generally
fertility of any kind as indicated here, be it of a personal or professional
nature. ...and pregnancy. The Empress is seen as the highest profile card
for heralding the birth of a child.
The Empress is generally seen as a card of crowning bliss and contentment
for whoever receives her.
reversed
A disruptive woman. Disharmony in the home due to external influences. |
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No 4: The Emperor
Astrological
association: Aries
The 'Green Man' is seen here as the Emperor. A God of the Earth and of
Nature.... Ancient and wise....
The
Emperor represents anything to do with security and the dealings with
established orders such as Government, schools, offices of the law and
so forth. However,
with the power he possess, he tells us that we have the will power and
determination to see a situation through. Leadership,
perseverance and justice.
This card can also represent an older and established man (or woman).
reversed
Disorganisation
and the resulting conflicts. Arguments and misunderstanding.
Ruthlessness.
Sometimes the reluctance to move forward in our lives, and stubborness. |
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No 5: The High Priest or Heirophant
Astrological
association: Taurus
The High Priest is a powerful card that can represent the man in your
life and one who can hold the keys to yur future. He can also the man
who will soon come to you with a view to a serious or long term relationship
or marriage. With this in mind, this card also connects
you with the rights of religion and spirituality and sometimes as a result,
there are journeys to be made and lessons to be learned.
reversed
A disciplined and civilised man; one who is stable in his outlook. A professional
and academic man. |
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No 6: The Lovers
Astrological
association: Gemini
Traditionally,
The Lovers reveals our relationships past present and any new ones coming
in the future. Attraction, lust and love come within the more regular
domain of this card. The Lovers aslo refers to the coming together of
opposite energies which ultimately form new ideas which will come to fruition
in the fullness of time, much like a child is concieved and born of a
man and a woman. The Lovers can also speak of agreements and contracts
being made.
reversed
Here the opposite applies..... The path of love that does not run smoothly,
with frustrations and contrarieties of all kinds. Marital discord and
divorce. Also jealousy. |
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No 7: The Charioteer
Astrological
association: Cancer
A man is seen here driving his chariot with two horses, one black an one
white, which he sometimes struggles to control.
Riding head on into change is the Charioteers message to us. Change and
the obstacles that these changes may deliver. However Victory and all it's
possibilities are also revealed to us where the winning becomes the challenge,
but not one that is beyond our capabilities. Sometimes indecision as to
which way to proceed can hold things up though, ultimately the goal is in
sight.
reversed
It is not a good time to rush into things at the moment. Prudence on every
level is called for. Take your time when making decisions as tis is ultimately
teh best course of action to follow. |
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No 8: Strength
Astrological
association: Leo
A woman controls the Beast, or does the Beast control the woman?
Traditionally, a woman does battle with a lion, but here the beast (in
this case a leopard) and she have been united as one.. and with equal
weaknesses... and strengths.
To have Strength appear in a reading is to have Strength on your side....
here it is shown that the power of the wild beast is being itself bested by
the power of your own soul.... Be patient and persevere. In spite of any
obstacles, you have not lost control of the situation and will achieve
your goals. If
in a partnership, the partnership is equal. Self
control, courage and understanding also come within the domain of this
card and so prevail. Good health is also indicated.
reversed
There is need to seek reassurance. Over compensation and shuttered thinking
cloud issues that can be resolved. |
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No 9: The Hermit
Planetary
influence: Jupiter
A hermit is seen here alone in the woods, but with her lanterns to guide
hrer.
The Hermit is a slow moving card with many deep significances.
She speaks of awareness, learning, and self knowledge. The
Hermit also refers to the teacher and deep inner wisdoms . Step by
step movement forward is what's called for here, being careful and looking
first before you go.
reversed
Inflexibility and hostility to that which is around you, Egocentricity
and isolation leading to bitterness. |
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No 10: The Wheel of Fortune
Astrological
association: Virgo
Like the Roulette wheel of the more familiar age, Fate and Chance have
a key role to play here. This Wheel of Fortune signifies change and its
consequences, be they good or bad. It is also a card of opportunity and
of new beginnings as the 'game of chance' takes us further along our path
and toward our destiny.... as such and, in spite of its mischievous nature,
should be taken in a more positive light. Renewal, a new cycle begins.
reversed
Feelings of inconstancy, resignation to events that seemingly overtake
us and rebellion against them. Chaos in the natural order of things. A
change for the worse. |
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No 11: Justice
Astrological
association: LibraWhen the Justice card appears in a reading, it shows us that legal matters
(be it house purchase, courts etc) are the issue of the day. that aside
however, it also reveals that there will be a
fair outcome of a given situation, with Justice being served. Weighing
things up to come to a reasonable decision. Justice also indicates Inner balance and peace
for you or your situation.
reversed
The opposite applies in all matters. Injustice, unfairness, imbalance
and indecision reign when this card appears reversed. |
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No 12: The Hanged Man
Planetary
influence: NeptuneA man is seen here, hanging and waiting for the inevitable... and in
limbo.
The Hanged Man here refers to life
Life being at a standstill, or put on hold. The ticking of the
clock is slow and you must wait and see what transpires. There are
however, delays in the inevitable. It is a time to be
patient. The hanged and also reveals that it is a time for giving up of old ways and issues. There
is a need to make personal
sacrifices to further a cause. It represents a turning point in life.
reversed
Loss of balance and inner peace. Exhaustion. Materialism. A loss of perspective
and direction. |
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No 13: Death
Astrological association:
ScorpioThe traditional image of the Grim Reaper is seen here with an eclipse in
the background, representing transition, for what could be more
noticeably transitory than and eclipse? but hidden behind the mask
of Death is the face of an Angel....
The Dark Angel of Death is sometimes seen a a reaper for the harvest of
life, or a hideous skeletal figure that shows no mercy.... In any respect,
Death is a card of transformation. In other words, The Death card tells
of the clearing away of the old to make way for the new, and a complete
and total change in life in all aspects. A new beginning and for that
reason this card should be seen as positive.. The ending of emotional
ties but also the release that follows. Rebuilding.
reversed
Fear of change and failure. Lack of progress, with life seemingly at a
standstill. Stagnation and self pity. |
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No 14: Temperance
Astrological association:
Sagittarius
Temperance is a card of new beginnings and new understandings. Transformation
is indicated here as is also healing through the transforming energies.
There is a new beginning on the horizon, but it will come calmly or slowly
and patience is required to meet it, which is the attitude you should
adopt. Harmony, balance and inner peace.
reversed
Loss of equilibrium and harmony. Excessive waste of energy giving rise
to feelings of frustration and moodiness. Jumping to the wrong conclusions |
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No 15: The Devil
Astrological association:
Capricorn
Represented in this case by a Gorgon, who has control over two other
figures, the Devil is shown as an ancient Wise One who's ultimate power
can dominate or damn.
The
Devil reveals old wisdoms and as such the rediscovering of inner passions and deep emotions....often those that come from the deepest hidden
depths within
the soul. There is strong sexual energy here and to some
extent, spiritual renewal is also present. Domination and
controlling forces are also at play here. Though the symbolism
of this card is dark, it is not necessarily for that reason, evil.
reversed
Obsessive and compulsive behaviour; misdirected passion and the darker
consequences of these. The inability to think clearly, and being held
back. |
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No 16: The Tower
Planetary
influence: Mars
Upheaval and change; the change being both sudden and total. Moving home
(or job of work).... and relocation are aslo indicated here. The Tower
is a card that can predict the irreversible decline and ending of relationships.
Divorce, even bereavement when in the proximity of other cards. Certain,
but sudden health issues also come within the shadow of this card. No
matter how well we believe we are ready for this, we are never truly prepared
for what is to come. Seldom a smooth process but often a necessary one.
This card also symbolises a rebirth, especially if followed by a strongly
positive card such as the Ace of Cups, or Judgenent....
reversed
The same but to a lesser degree. Another account indicates that the trials
will soon be over. |
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No 17: The Star
Astrological
association: AquariusThe spirit of the Star can come form within us as the woman in the card
clearly demonstrates....
The Star represents intuition, clear vision, and inspiration, Hope,
Bright prospects, aspiration and ambition also fall
with in the auspices of the Star. It is a card that reveals self knowledge and the light that shines
on the path to destiny, showing you the way..
reversed
Self doubt and lack of confidence. Pessimism, narrow mindedness. Ill health. |
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No 18: The Moon
Astrological
association: PiscesThe moon is seen through a cavern and across the open sea. It's
reflected glory doesn't its true self, nor can we see clearly, anything
that's beneath the stormy sea.
As The Moon shows us only reflected light, we do not see it for what it
truly is and perceive it to be something quite different. With this card
come revelations that things are not what they appear to be on the surface,
but that the currents run much deeper. And, as with the Moon something
is always hidden from view, so we will not as yet have seen the full story......
Deceit, doubt and insecurity, and untrustworthy people surround
you, or that one is deceiving you. However,
in some circles, Intuition and insight together
with spirituality also
come within the realms of this card.
reversed
Deception,
hidden enemies and the darker side of spirituality like witchcraft |
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No 19: The Sun
Instead of being shown as the Sun with two children being nurtured by it,
here the Sun is shown with its own, less traditional children.. two
planets...
When
the Sun Shines on you in a reading, it means that there is success
and growth in all ventures as the Sun represents the light of the world
in its nurturing glory. It heralds the fruitfulness of ones ideas and labours as
an ongoing concern. Sometimes this card refers to fruitfulness of a more
personal nature by way of forthcoming pregnancy and child birth.
reversed
Time to look at your life again and re-evaluate what is going on around
you. Any progress is slower than desired, but with care this trend can
be revered. The mislaid sense of direction will once more be found. |
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No 20: Judegment
Planetary
influence: PlutoLost souls herald the arrival of The Angel, in readiness for a new
beginning an a second chance.
When the Last Judgement appears in a reading, It symbolizes renewal,
and new beginnings. It is a time of coming to terms with the past and preparing
for the future. New
strengths as well as old are drawn on here to facilitate this. Liberation,
healing and rebirth are also indicated.
reversed
Fear
of Death and loss. A sense of mortality that is overwhelming. Sometimes
mourning. Fear of failure. A distorted sense of reality. |
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No 21: The World
Planetary
influence: SaturnThe World can be your oyster if you receive this card in a reading.
As a rule it reveals flight,
emigration, a change of place or a change of residence to the querent, as also travel
to other countries. There is a gentle completion of one phase in life, and the
beginning of a new one here. A
new lease of life.
Great
success for the recipient of this card in all aspects of life. Harmony
of body, mind and spirit. A very positive and optimistic time awaits.
reversed
Stagnation
and loss of interest in the self and life in general. The loss of self
esteem and confidence, and the loss of property. |
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Zero: The Fool
Planetary
influence: UranusA man is seen here with man made wings taking that leap of faith. With the
correct approach, a new dawn is breaking, unlike that of Poor Icarus when
it was his wings that broke as he allowed delirium to take over, causing
him to fall from the skies.
The Fool is essentially the card of the traveler, be they traveling across
the world, or on the journey through life. This card also shows an innocent
trust in life and the courage to take a chance. Taking that 'leap of faith'
and stepping in to the unknown without inhibitions. Being spontaneous
and carefree. Sometimes though, the arrival of this card in a
reading portends folly, mania and intoxication.
reversed
Recklessness and careless stupidity with a marked lack of consideration
of the consequences, Irresponsibility and thoughtlessness. |
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