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The
Major Arcana, or Trumps in the Tarot deck 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...
all these would describe the influences of the Major Arcana.
There are 22 cards in all in this unique and unnumbered suit. They can be broken down still further into three groups of seven cards, plus 'The Fool who as 'The Traveller' journeys with us. The first group of seven cards deals mainly with the material world and the choices therein, be they personal, material, or educational. The next seven deals with all matters spiritual and intuitive, with faith and love. The last set of seven covers a combination of the first two, but shows us that we can challenge and alter the paths we find ourselves on.
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1 The Magician Planetary influence: Mercury Time to get organised and prepared for a new and important phase in your life. Intellect and communication are emphasised here. This card also refers 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. |
We see a beautiful young man, Apollo, on an ancient beach conjuring with the four Tarot suits before him. These represent the elements of natural life. Apollo was the Sun God of the ancients whose domain covered the intellect, the arts and the 'civilised' things in life. He was a conjurer and a Magician. Yet in our imagery, he is still eclipsed by the powerful influence of the Moon, and the watchful eye of his sister Artemis, for he still needed a woman (the Oracle at Delphi) to make him complete. Concentration and control, Desires fulfilled by my great will; , What's born in thought becomes the goal Leading to things that are greater still... |
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2 The High Priestess Planetary influence: The Moon Intuition and the trust in it that accompanies. Look behind the scenes and have faith. 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. reversed All that has been hidden and disguised is now obvious and out in the open. Take things at face value. |
A beautiful young woman is seen guarding two towers, clutching the scroll of life. Cassandra was the High Priestess to Athena. Loved by Apollo, she was given the gift of prophesy by him only to withdraw from his advances. Though sometimes seen as a 'mad woman' Cassandra was actually a great, intelligent heroine who was cursed by the gods for not playing by their rules. She is a prime example of looking behind what's there rather than taking anything at face value. I veil the future with my hair I see that which is not always there.... I have power and passion and creative flair I am Woman, and I will dare.... |
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3 The Empress Planetary influence: Venus All that is Beauty, Love, Motherhood. Generally fertility and pregnancy. The Empress is seen as the highest profile card for indicating the birth of a child. Plans that will come to fruition in the fullness of time. Ideas that will blossom and bear fruit. The Empress is generally seen as a card heralding bliss and contentment for whoever receives her. reversed A disruptive woman. Disharmony in the home due to external influences. |
The Empress has traditionally been seen as a woman, voluptuous and fair and clothed in long flowing robes. She sits back in natural surroundings holding a sceptre and smiles. The Nymph Harmonia was said to have been the Mother of the Amazons. However, the immortal Otrera, with Ares, God of War, is also said to have given birth to the founding mothers of the Amazon Nation. She and Ares produced Hippolyte, Antiope, Lysippe, and Melanippe, who were seen as the first Queens of the Amazons, and who all believed that the bearing of children and the continuation of society was the work of warriors. Otrera is generally believed to be the Daughter of Ares. I bring you joy and imagination; Wealth and comfort too... I sing the song of procreation, And of growth, rebirth for you... |
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4 The Emperor/The Amazon Astrological association: Aries Security and the dealings with established orders such as Government, schools, offices of the law and so forth. 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 I dominate the world I see, I rule with determination... I sit and govern with authority, And will yield to no vexation. |
The Emperor is always seen as a strong and mature individual. He is the epitome of male strength. Here, in one respect, he is represented by the God Ares and as the Father to the Amazon Nation it was he himself who indirectly founded the matriarchal society that would one day worship another, in Artemis. Alternatively, this fourth card can be represented by Otrera, the fearsome Mother of the Amazons. Otrera was Ares's his own daughter, and is said to have erected the first Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
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5 The High Priest Astrological association: Taurus This card represents the man in your life, or the man who will soon come to you with a view to marriage. A serious or long term relationship. Also, as the high priest, he connects you with the rights of religion and spirituality and sometimes a a result, there are lessons to be learned. reversed A disciplined and civilised man; one who is stable in his outlook. A professional and academic man. |
A young and powerful man is addressing an unknown gathering with the face of the moon watching over him. Behind him are spiritual towers of strength, but unlike the Priestess, he is not guarding them or between them. Hippolytus, son of Antiope, was a dedicated worshipper of Artemis and as such he made no bond with mortal woman. It is said that his attitude towards women reflected the Amazon attitude towards men, which perhaps made him the only male Amazon in legend. Having been slain by a jealous Aphrodite, his death showed that he was as much a phenomenon in life as his female Amazonian counterparts. I come to you the Master, And I come to you the Slave... I reach into your inner thoughts And give the love you crave... |
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6 The Lovers Astrological association: Gemini Relationships, attraction and love are the traditional meanings for this card. The coming together of opposite energies to form new ideas and the coming to fruition of these ideas in the fullness of time. reversed The path of love that does not run smoothly, with frustrations and contrarieties of all kinds. Marital discord and divorce. Also jealousy, the longing for a lost or past love. |
Lilith and Eve, two very different women finding each other in a paradise under the light of a full moon. By their very natures in legend, they were opposites who came together in one thought. Lilith herself, Adams first wife in Eden, was a powerful Moon Goddess revered by many ancient souls. She was later 'demonised' by convention for demanding equality with Man and so was rejected. Eve, her mutable replacement also defied Man and was, too, condemned. Being both damned for the same deed, they have become synonymous with each other in that the rebel in Eve's (or any woman's) soul is in fact Lilith herself. Two halves am I, on opposite sides, Of magic and mystery and love... We come together for worse or for better, And join 'neath the moon above... |
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7 The Chariot Astrological association: Cancer Change and the obstacles that this change can bring. However Victory is intimated here and the winning is quite the challenge, but not beyond our capabilities. Sometimes indecision as to which way to proceed can hold things up though ultimately, the end is in sight. reversed Do not rush what is going on around you. Failure is a certainty if too much pressure is applied now. |
Two women are seen driving a chariot into war. One wears the black of the active and the other the white of the passive. The Amazon Princess Euryale was one such famous charioteer. Driving her chariot through battlefields and trampling the bodies of the dead as she went, she surmounted her obstacles as she deliberately insulted the leaders of her enemies, and also their gods, to get where she wanted to go. She swung her great labrys (double-edged battle-axe) and cut down her enemies with ease. The labrys has become a symbol for the 'Modern Woman' So forward we go to change our way but which path do we take? Fate takes us forward with the break of the day And with us our choices we make... |
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8 Strength Astrological association: Leo Be patient and persevere. In spite of any obstacles, you have not lost control of the situation and will achieve your goals. Self control, courage and understanding prevail. Good health. reversed There is need to seek reassurance. Over compensation and shuttered thinking cloud issues that can be resolved. |
A Thermodon Amazon is seen controlling a Griffin with a ruined temple in the background. The Amazons tribes in the Thermodon region were considered the mortal enemies of the griffins. The griffin was the totem creature of the fertile earth and represented the ancestral soil. Its duality in nature possessed the eagle-beaked threat of dark winged fear forever hovering over the abyss, mixed with the snake and lion bodies of the arid golden sand. Whoever wanted to live there would have to do battle with them. With strength and courage I thee bestow, To nurture talent I find within, For with this balance you now know The advantage you have and where to begin... |
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9 The Hermit Planetary influence: Jupiter Awareness, learning, self knowledge and wisdom. Also a teacher. 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. |
A wise woman is seen bearing a torch and so lighting the path for the people who come to share her wisdom. By one account, the first 'Great Diviner' of Delphi was Gaia, mother of all the gods. This tradition was first passed down to her own daughters, and then to the daughters of Man. Apollo founded his first temple at Delphi, and its importance as a place of worship grew intensely, with many coming from all over the ancient world to consult the Oracle. Wars were fought over this small town, but it remained steadfast and unchanging despite the changing world around it. Now it's time to search the soul Step by step new thoughts come through; Re-evaluate your goals And see the light now come to you... |
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10 The Wheel of Fortune Astrological association: Virgo Fate and chance have a role to play here. This card signifies change and its consequences, be they good or bad. It is a card of opportunity and of new beginnings and as such 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. |
The Wheel of Fortune is seen emerging from the Chaos, creating in its spin all that is good and bad in the Universe, with life giving energy at its centre. The cycle of life has begun and as the great Earth Mother emerged from this chaos she bore a son, Uranus, in her slumber. He gazed upon her and showered her with a gentle fertile rain, and so created all that is, and will be, in this new beginning. Fate, chance and destiny All have a part to play here... The future depends on what's gone before, Before new stages appear... |
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11 Justice Astrological association: Libra Legal matters are being revealed here. A fair outcome of a given situation, with Justice being served. Weighing things up to come to a reasonable decision. Inner balance and peace. reversed The opposite applies in all matters. Injustice, unfairness, imbalance and indecision reign when this card appears reversed. |
When the youthful Penthesilea accidentally killed her sister, Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons in a hunting accident, she was fearful that all would see this as a means for her to become queen. Desperate to clear her name she went to the City of Troy, the new allies to the Amazons, with a small but dedicated band of Amazon warriors, to prove her worth as a queen, but also to clear her name in what was ultimately to be a dramatic but indirect trial by combat. Penthesilea fell at Troy; her name had been restored. And in her eyes and the eyes of the Furies, a fair outcome had been reached. Justice had been served. Justice portrayed is Justice made The facts are tried, just and true... Decisions arrive from what has been weighed With a favourable outcome for you. |
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12 The Hanged Man Planetary influence: Neptune Life appears to be at a standstill, or put on hold. The ticking of the clock is slow and one must wait and see. Delays in the inevitable. Be patient. Also the giving up of old ways and issues. The need to make personal sacrifices to further a cause. A turning point in life. reversed Loss of balance and inner peace. Exhaustion. Materialism. A loss of perspective and direction. |
A hanged figure is seen tied to crossed swords... Human sacrifices were the expected thing for the Taurian Artemis. Mostly (male) strangers to the land were sacrificed to this Goddess by way of brutal crucifixion. Any 'Noble Stranger' was felled by a sword at the hands of Artemis' Virgin Priestess. Their remains being cast into the sacred fires burning up from Tartarus. Queen Lysippe of the Amazons and Iphegenia, daughter of Agamemnon both made their own personal sacrifices to further their causes, so creating turning points in the annals of history and legend. Although the sacrifice is here It is not one that is made in vain, For things are not as they appear, As fortunes turn, there is much to gain.. |
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13 Death Astrological association: Scorpio The clearing away of the old to make way for the new. This card heralds a complete and total change in life in all aspects. A new beginning, transformation. 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. |
The anonymous face of the Angel of Death looks out from between two pillars of fire, or are they the figures of a goddess, come to collect the lost souls from a battlefield. By which ever name you call Death; Thanatos or Hades who was seen as the lord of Death in ancient times, it was Artemis who was perceived as a force for change and transformation that affected all in society. Artemis was also credited with being a 'hunter of souls', carrying souls from one world to the next which in a way made her an Angel of Death in her own right. Oh Thanatos, our Angel of Death You come to clear away what's done, And in your wake and with your breath This rebirth has begun... |
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14 Temperance Astrological association: Sagittarius Transformation and the healing through the transforming energies. A new beginning on the horizon, but it will come calmly or slowly, 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 |
The worship of Artemis (or her ancestors) first appeared in the stone age. Already then she was the Lady of the Beasts and Great Mother, frequently portrayed with animals, and wings. She was often connected with water; lakes, rivers, oceans... Artemis made sure of the continuation of the cycle of life and as such she was too busy to dwell on Olympus with the other gods and became Earthbound. Even where the Olympians were concerned she, like her devoted Amazon followers, stood outside what was considered the 'norm' in an ongoing process of change. The Amazons built her shrines at Ephesus in Anatolia and Pyrrhichus in Greece. New circumstance surrounds you And change is the best way; And so a new beginning dawns too With moderation being the way.... |
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15 The Devil
Domination
and controlling forces are at play here. Strong sexual energy
and to some extent, spiritual renewal is also present. Rediscovering
of inner passions. Though the symbolism of this card is dark,Astrological association: Capricorn 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. |
Lilith is seen here as 'The Bird of the Night' who is unhindered by earthly passions. She is believed in some circles to be both wife and mother to Adam, and so taught him about his own passions and desires. She was replaced by Eve, the voiceless one, until Eve herself turned from the patriarchal path and took on the mantle of Lilith by defying Man, and so became whole. The two figures in front are that of Lilith and Eve, not after their fall from Eden, but at their rise to rediscovery of their true selves.... Living in Darkness is this lost soul, A slave to domination... Here nought is gained that is deemed whole Save ignorance and temptation... |
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16 The Tower Planetary influence: Mars There is nothing subtle about the Tower. It represents sudden and total change. It is a card of upheaval and relocation, the ending of relationships. And 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 heralds rebirth. reversed The same but to a lesser degree. Another account indicates that the trials will soon be over. |
An image of a tower rent in two revealing a wooden horse rising up from the fire that consumes then cleanses, transforming everything in its path. A new tower emerges from the background, and with it, a new beginning. History or Legend... or perhaps both? the image of Cassandra and the fall of troy illustrates this as it was one of the ancient worlds more devastating events. For in spite of Cassandra's prophesies to warn the Trojans of what was to come, and the small but determined band of Amazon warriors lead by Penthesilea , nothing could have averted the catastrophe of a city ill-prepared, leading to the downfall of an established order and the birth of a new one in ancient history. When one reality shatters, a new one emerges. When prevailing forces tear your world apart, And change gets a grip on your life... Now is the time to embrace a fresh start, But its suddenness may bring you strife... |
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17 The Star Astrological association: Aquarius Intuition, clear vision, inspiration, aspiration and ambition all fall with in the auspices of the Star. Self Knowledge and the light that shines on the path to destiny, showing you the way. Also hope. reversed Self doubt and lack of confidence. Pessimism, narrow mindedness. Ill health. |
The legends behind the Oracles at Delphi tell us that practically every known form of divination was practised there. But Delphi owed it's renown more to the oracles delivered the Pythia who was said to have received direct inspiration from Apollo and so became a medium for the God of divination himself. The Pythia was generally a woman of 'low birth' and often married, but she would emulate the purity of the virgin and be able to carry out these highest of duties with ease. Cassandra was also regarded as an "inspired" prophetess like the Pythian oracle or the "Sibyl": the god would take possession of her and she uttered her revelations in a trance. I shine upon the pathway through life, I guide you through with new ideas... Inspiration replaces strife, I light your way, removing all fears... |
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18 The Moon Astrological association: Pisces Things are not what they appear to be on the surface. Deceit, doubt and insecurity, and untrustworthy people . 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 |
The Moon is seen rising over the sea from between two towers with butterflies, the symbols of the souls flying between them, onward and outward through this gateway to eternity. There are many links with the Amazons and the worship of the Moon Goddess Artemis and they performed many rites and reverences to her mysteries by the lore of the Moon. Artemis was seen as a hunter and a warrior yet was frequently portrayed as one who protected the innocent and vulnerable. By combining feminine nurture and warrior attributes, the power of the Female Deity of the Moon made her powerful presence felt throughout the world. I am the Darkness, I am the Night; What you see is not my own light... For I have hidden behind my gaze Many dark secrets that will amaze... |
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19 The Sun Success and growth in all ventures as the Sun represents the light of the world in its nurturing glory. 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. |
The Sun is seen giving out warmth and life to a fruitful garden, with two children enjoying the rewards. Although the Amazons worshipped Artemis, the Moon Goddess, She was once the powerful sovereign of the Sun. Gradually, Apollo took over as the Suns leading light for Earth, and in spite of the changes with the Sun reigning over the arts and the 'civilised' aspects of society, the Moon kept her sovereignty over the natural and wild aspects of life. Thus in their worship of Artemis, the Amazons stood outside all that was 'conventional' (male) in the ancient world. The seeds that you sew are the seeds that you grow , In the field with sunshine so blessed; You grow like the flower, gain glory and power And bloom with success at its best... |
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20 Judgement Planetary influence: Pluto Renewal; a new beginning. 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. reversed Fear of Death and loss. A sense of mortality that is overwhelming. Sometimes mourning. Fear of failure. A distorted sense of reality. |
Most women in the ancient times were regarded as 'property' of the men. The quintessential followers of Artemis, the Amazons departed from the path of this conventional patriarchy to live as their Goddess did, free and unfettered and belonging to themselves. The Amazons were deeply devoted to the worship of their Goddess from the earliest of times, and understood that the name 'Artemis' truly referred to an aspect of the Goddess worshipped almost exclusively by women. Women could join the Amazon tribes permanently, or on a short term basis, so enabling a rebirth of their own spirits. To leave convention behind and serve Artemis in this fashion was regarded as a normal, highly respected act and very often a new beginning. A new beginning is at hand, A time for peace and healing... With joy and freedom here we stand And praise our great releasing... |
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21 The World Planetary influence: Saturn Flight, emigration, a change of place or a change of residence. Travel to other countries. The gentle completion of one phase in life, and the beginning of a new one. 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. |
Coming out of the Chaos is the world surrounded by flowers from the gentle rain of Uranus, and four goddess figures guiding and guarding it. The Amazons were widespread across the four corners of the known world and were favoured by certain powerful Goddesses. Artemis and Athena were two of the co-patrons of the Amazons. Artemis' focus being the Amazons of North Greece and Thrace whereas Athena's were the Amazon tribes of North Africa and South Greece. The Amazons of Anatolia worshipped Cybele, the third patron Goddess of the Amazons. Demeter, Artemis, and Athena all wore the mask of Medusa, which represented the startling image of their angry or destroying natures. Deserved rewards and eternal life, Peace and joy in a new home... Rebirth occurs without any strife With a new beginning about to come... |
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0 The Fool Planetary influence: Uranus This is essentially the card of the traveller, be they travelling 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. reversed Recklessness and careless stupidity with a marked lack of consideration of the consequences, Irresponsibility and thoughtlessness. |
The Fool is often seen as the card of the traveller and in many ways this card takes us on the journey from the land of our ancient ancestors, with their views and values being handed down to us in the present day. Our Amazon warrior is seen to be more of the modern woman than her ancient forebears, but never the less she carries the light of their spirit with her into the now and also to the future. For the Spirit of the Amazons, and the legacy of Cassandra will not diminish as we journey on down this road to destiny, but it will make the light of the legend and the Spirit behind the legend grow ever brighter. What the seeker seeks will be, A new cycle about to start... New and endless possibility, from the old ways do depart.... |
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