The Rider Waite Smith (RWS) deck evolved the 2 of Pentacles from the traditional Marseilles decks by closing the belt, that its pip card has looping around its coins, creating a figure of eight infinity symbol. In the RWS deck two other cards include the infinity symbol, The Magician and Strength. Why did the artist, Pamela Coleman Smith, include this symbol of eternity in a minor card? The large evolutionary step that the RWS took with Tarot was to include pictures in the pip cards and Smith chose to illustrate a man standing on one leg and performing, what appears to be, a juggling act with two gold pentacles. In the background two trading ships can be seeing riding stormy seas. His body faces forward but his head is facing right, towards the future, and down at the earth symbolising the material. The coin in his right hand therefore represents the past and the coin in his left the future. There's no gain in wealth in this symbolism as would be suggested by the Ace of Pentacles. What is received in one had is taken away from the other. The infinity loop connects them together binding the past and the future together. This is the infinite juggling act of trying to match income to expenditure which is why he faces the future. The ships in the background are never guaranteed to come in.

The numerology of the number 2, in combination with the element of earth, symbolises balance, fairness and tactfulness applied to material matters. This includes the art of negotiation and anyone skilled at it will understand the need for secrecy because knowledge of your opponents position can provide sufficient power to tip the negotiations in your favour. Like a game of cards you need to keep them covered and not give away any hint of what you really have to offer. Not only keeping your cards close to your chest but attempting to mislead your opponent and furnish them with inaccurate information. The art of negotiation is a morally ambiguous one and when the 2 of Pentacles appears care must be taken with what you reveal about yourself as well as believing all of what you are being told or shown. This links the 2 of Pentacles to The High Priestess who is the keeper of secrets and, by virtue of this, the master negotiator. This link to The High Priestess may also suggest studying finance, accountancy or some other materially related academic discipline.

The 2 of Pentacles, or 2 of Coins, is card of financial balance or juggling. All wealth that comes in must be balanced with expenditure going out. The element here is Earth which relates to wealth and material possessions. The positive aspects of the number 2 in numerology are harmony, balance, adaptability, diplomacy and co-operation. In the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot a man juggles two pentacles with a figure of 8 representing infinity. In the background two trading ships are thrown about on heavy seas. These are the seas of commerce and the infinite loop of capital income and expenditure.

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THE PICTORIAL KEY TO THE TAROT

By Arthur Edward Waite (1911)

A young man, in the act of dancing, has a pentacle in either hand, and they are joined by that endless cord which is like the number 8 reversed. Divinatory Meanings: On the one hand it is represented as a card of gaiety, recreation and its connexions, which is the subject of the design; but it is read also as news and messages in writing, as obstacles, agitation, trouble, embroilment. Reversed: Enforced gaiety, simulated enjoyment, literal sense, handwriting, composition, letters of exchange.

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It's important to note that The Lovers evolved into Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden, with the publication of the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) Tarot deck in 1910. Traditionally this tarot card depicted a well dressed couple receiving a blessing of their union from a king. Above them, with the sun in the background, hovers cupid ready to shoot with his bow and arrow.

What theme was the artist, Pamela Coleman Smith, trying to capture with this break from tradition and inclusion of christian mythology? Many of the changes that Smith brought to Tarot could be attributed to her excellent understanding of numerology and a desire to enhance Tarot's symbolic cohesiveness. The key theme of the number 6 in numerology is one of responsibility to those closest to us; family, friends and colleagues. It is not a number of emotional union, the 2 Of Cups would be a better match. Comparing it to the emotional card of the same number, the 6 Of Cups, would suggest that it is more platonic than its name would suggest.

The nudity of Adam and Eve in the RWS deck, in addition to the card's name, often misleads to a theme of sexuality. The book of Genesis (2:25) states "Both the man and his wife were naked, yet felt no shame.". The nudity of these characters represents innocence. After eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:7) they became self aware and covered themselves. Innocence lost, which is where this card makes a numerological connection to the 15th card of the Major Arcana, The Devil. In numerology The Lovers and The Devil are both 6 as 15 reduces to 6 (1 + 5). The RWS Devil shows us the same couple from The Lovers chained to an alter with the Devil sitting on it. This connection between these two cards serves as a warning of the consequences of acting irresponsibly when you are in a good place. The Lovers will often appear as a reminder to appreciate what you have and protect it from un-wise choices and temptations. There are things we do in life, or choices we make, that cannot be undone. An innocent, platonic relationship between two friends changes forever when they become lovers.

The traditional, pre-RWS, depiction of what appears to be a marriage is probably based on Catholicism's prohibition on divorce. Once a marital union is made it cannot be broken until at least one person dies. The Lovers therefore symbolises an irreversible choice and course of action. The RWS change is probably in response to changing modern times with higher instances of divorce and re-marriage as well as the adoption of tarot in cultures not so heavily influenced by the catholic church (ie England where Waite and Smith were based.)

The sun in the background is the one symbolic feature from the traditional tarot decks that was retained by the RWS deck. In the RWS deck only three cards have the sun at its zenith in the background sky. The Fool, The Lovers and The Sun. The Lovers and The Sun are dominated by the element of Fire which is opposite to the element of Water (emotions and love). The element of fire, like the 6 in numerology, symbolises the home and community in which we live and work. The Sun brings success, abundance, fertility and growth which, according to The Book of Genesis, is what the Garden of Eden provided, everything man and woman could want in one place. A paradise that was lost due to temptation, a bad choice and evil influence.

There is a prevailing theme of darkness in the Major Arcana between card 6, The Lovers, and card 19, The Sun. Nothing good ever lasts and should be treasured and appreciated when received, each day taken as a gift. When the sun does finally set, and night falls, we are comforted by the knowledge that the sun will always rise again tomorrow.

Just as the appearance of Death in a Tarot spread doesn't generally indicate the death of someone nor does the appearance of The Lovers card indicate a new love interest or a romantic physical encounter. Tarot can be literal, and on occasion this maybe the message, but it is good practice when reading tarot spreads not to jump to literal conclusions each time these cards appear.

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THE PICTORIAL KEY TO THE TAROT

By Arthur Edward Waite (1911)

The sun shines in the zenith, and beneath is a great winged figure with arms extended, pouring down influences. In the foreground are two human figures, male and female, unveiled before each other, as if Adam and Eve when they first occupied the paradise of the earthly body. Behind the man is the Tree of Life, bearing twelve fruits, and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is behind the woman; the serpent is twining round it. The figures suggest youth, virginity, innocence and love before it is contaminated by gross material desire. This is in all simplicity the card of human love, here exhibited as part of the way, the truth and the life. It replaces, by recourse to first principles, the old card of marriage, which I have described previously, and the later follies which depicted man between vice and virtue. In a very high sense, the card is a mystery of the Covenant and Sabbath.

The suggestion in respect of the woman is that she signifies that attraction towards the sensitive life which carries within it the idea of the Fall of Man, but she is rather the working of a Secret Law of Providence than a willing and conscious temptress. It is through her imputed lapse that man shall arise ultimately, and only by her can he complete himself. The card is therefore in its way another intimation concerning the great mystery of womanhood. The old meanings fall to pieces of necessity with the old pictures, but even as interpretations of the latter, some of them were of the order of commonplace and others were false in symbolism.

Defensiveness is the obvious main theme in the Seven of Wands but we must remember that there are other defensive cards in the Tarot deck. To help better understand the deeper meaning of the Seven of Wands it's worth reviewing and comparing all these defensive cards.

The Knight of Cups and the Knight Of Pentacles are defenders of the heart and wealth respectively. Both hold forward the emblem of their element as a possible peace offering. The Chariot's defensiveness is more subtle but this card is also a 7 and represents an unchallengeable defensive position due to high ranking status. To get to him you need to defeat his army of the four elements first. Finally we get to the Knight of Wands who is fighting to control his steed's eagerness to charge. It makes no sense to have two cards for defence in the same suit. The Wand's Knight therefore focuses on defending against bad decisions, reckless energy and forces that could result in heading in a wrong direction. The element of Fire is about passion, energy and drive which, if uncontrolled, can be damaging and dangerous.

The Seven of Wands is depicted in the Rider Waite Smith deck as a plainly dressed man holding a wand as if he were using it as a quarterstaff (a traditional European pole weapon). It's worth noting that for a defensive character he wears no armour but he is positioned on the high ground from which it is easier to defend from. The six remaining wands are upright in front of him. The artist, Pamela Coleman Smith, has illustrated this card in a way that leaves the role of these six wands ambiguous. Are they held by attackers, who are below the picture frame and out of site, trying to knock this man down? Or are they a defensive barrier which he has made in front of him as a make shift fortification?

The direction our character faces is an important point to note as the artist could have made him face right or east, symbolising the future, in preparedness for oncoming assaults. Instead she has him facing us which puts the card's time focus in the present moment. This detail may suggest an alternative scenario for the six wands being held by attackers. They may be passing by our character heading from the right (future) to the left (past). Look at the preceding card in this suit, the 6 Of Wands, and imagine this group marching by led by the man on the horse. The message from the Seven of Wands could be to hold one's ground and allow the threat to pass by. You have the high ground and no action is needed on your part if you stand firm.

The Page Of Swords has many visual similarities in the Rider Waite Smith deck. Both stand on raised ground brandishing a weapon, but wearing no armour, dressed in plain, simple tunics. The obvious differences are their weapons, which symbolise their elemental domains, and a lack of any visible threat to the Page of Swords. The more subtle difference is the direction in which they each face. The Page's body is pointing right towards the future but his head is turned looking back, at the past, over his right shoulder. This difference should emphasise that the Seven of Wands deals with immediate and real challenges, threats or attacks. The Page of Swords deals with imaginary future threats due to past experiences which may, or may not, repeat in the future.

The 7 of Wands, Rods or Batons can represent standing firm and unmovable in the face of an immediate challenge or threat. The element here is Fire which relates to home, community, work and creativity. The aspects of the number 7 in numerology are contemplation, reflection, thought before action, rest, withdrawal, introspection and research. As with all 7's the 7 of Wands advises planning and preparation before any action.

© Phuture Me Ltd 2010-2018. All rights reserved.

THE PICTORIAL KEY TO THE TAROT

By Arthur Edward Waite (1911)

A young man on a craggy eminence brandishing a staff; six other staves are raised towards him from below. Divinatory Meanings: It is a card of valour, for, on the surface, six are attacking one, who has, however, the vantage position. On the intellectual plane, it signifies discussion, wordy strife; in business--negotiations, war of trade, barter, competition. It is further a card of success, for the combatant is on the top and his enemies may be unable to reach him. Reversed: Perplexity, embarrassments, anxiety. It is also a caution against indecision.

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The Sun brings life, warmth, growth and each day its light reveals our world in all its splendour in stark contrast to the poor night light of The Moon. Symbolically The Sun represents our conscious mind and The Moon our subconscious, the realm of fears, dreams, nightmares and deep rooted and suppressed emotional issues. The Sun represents truth, reality, illumination, joy and success.

The cards of the Major Arcana more commonly include all the elements in their symbolic mix but The Sun is almost exclusively attributed to the element of Fire. Care needs to be taken when this card appears in a relationship reading, its element must be kept in mind. It is a wonderful card to see in any spread but the element of Fire is opposite to Water therefore The Sun isn't favourable for romance or love. The pleasure and joy of someone's company is the most that it can suggest. The element of Fire, represented by the Suit of Wands, is symbolic of energy, passion and drive. It is the fire that burns in the home and within the engines of our transport and industry. The Sun is the ultimate symbol of this element, it is the greatest source of energy and power we have. It is symbolic of our greatest passions and the maximum focus of energy and drive. For ambitions, projects and work this card can be an excellent omen for success.

The Sun has traditionally been depicted at its zenith in the sky with one or two children, or youths, playing or dancing near a wall garden. It shares a theme of innocence with The Fool and The Lovers. In the Rider Waite Smith (RWS) deck all 3 cards feature The Sun at its zenith in the background sky. The Fool represents the naivety of innocence, The Lovers represents the risk of losing innocence and The Sun represents the beginning of innocence and its birth which is why this maybe be a good card for those wanting to start, or adding to, a family. The RWS depiction features a naked child on the back of a white horse carrying the red flag of the element of Fire. This colour's symbology can be seen elsewhere in the RWS, for example the 8 Of Cups character's cloak is symbolic of the fire, passion and ambition that drives him away from its watery landscape of emotions.

The Sun, as card number 19 in the Major Arcana, has a numerology of 10 and 1. It is unique in tarot being the only card with a number requiring two step reduction (1+9=10, 1+0 = 1). This relates it to both the Aces and The Magician as well as the 10s in the Minor Arcana and The Wheel of Fortune. All these cards are symbolic of creation, something new and the beginning of a cycle. The 10s differ from the Aces in that they start from the base of an old cycle whereas the Ace is something entirely new with no previous history. The Sun transcends both as it rises in the sky bringing a new cycle of a day and The Moon, with its numerology of 9, marks the end of that cycle. The Sun represents the best possible start to a new cycle which can be either entirely new, like the Aces, or built upon previous cycles, like the 10s.

The Sun is the card of truth, joy, happiness, success, growth and prosperity. If stress, worry and problems are being divined then this card is telling you "don't worry, be happy!", as your troubles will soon come to an end. For timing The Sun also has the symbology of summer time, the summer solstice or midday.

© Phuture Me Ltd 2010-2019. All rights reserved.

THE PICTORIAL KEY TO THE TAROT

By Arthur Edward Waite (1911)

The naked child mounted on a white horse and displaying a red standard has been mentioned already as the better symbolism connected with this card. It is the destiny of the Supernatural East and the great and holy light which goes before the endless procession of humanity, coming out from the walled garden of the sensitive life and passing on the journey home. The card signifies, therefore, the transit from the manifest light of this world, represented by the glorious sun of earth, to the light of the world to come, which goes before aspiration and is typified by the heart of a child.

But the last allusion is again the key to a different form or aspect of the symbolism. The sun is that of consciousness in the spirit - the direct as the antithesis of the reflected light. The characteristic type of humanity has become a little child therein--a child in the sense of simplicity and innocence in the sense of wisdom. In that simplicity, he bears the seal of Nature and of Art; in that innocence, he signifies the restored world. When the self-knowing spirit has dawned in the consciousness above the natural mind, that mind in its renewal leads forth the animal nature in a state of perfect conformity.

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"It's no use crying over spilled milk"

The Tarot imagery for this card is, in general, one of a sad figure lamenting over turned, empty, cups. The spilled water symbolising emotional loss. In the Rider Waite Smith (RWS) deck the person stands with their head bowed, facing left or west, looking at 3 over turned cups. A character who is facing left is focused on past events and, as the spilled cups are on the left, this is a past emotional loss and not something about to happen or in the future. In the RWS card we can't see their face and they wear a black cloak as someone who is in mourning. They have shut themselves off from others. On the right, in the future, are 2 upright cups. If our sad character was to put the past behind them, turn around and move on they'd see that the future offers something new emotionally.

In Numerology the negative aspects of the number 3 are unhappiness, sorrow, heart ache and loss. (See the 3 of Swords). The positive, emotional, attributes of the number 2 can be found in the 2 of Cups. In such a negative card as the 5 of cups these two full cups give hope, pointing to a brighter future. They represent something new to look forward to. The message here is to let the past go, accept what is and move on and embrace new, emotional, possibilities and partnerships.

The 5 of Cups is a card of emotional loss, regret, melancholy, self pity or feeling blue. The element here is Water which relates to love and emotions. In numerology the number 5's positive traits are change, detachment, adaptability and freedom. The negative traits are instability, irresponsibility, carelessness, thoughtlessness and over indulgence.

© Phuture Me Ltd 2010-2018. All rights reserved.

THE PICTORIAL KEY TO THE TAROT

By Arthur Edward Waite (1911)

A dark, cloaked figure, looking sideways at three prone cups two others stand upright behind him; a bridge is in the background, leading to a small keep or holding. Divanatory Meanings: It is a card of loss, but something remains over; three have been taken, but two are left; it is a card of inheritance, patrimony, transmission, but not corresponding to expectations; with some interpreters it is a card of marriage, but not without bitterness or frustration. Reversed: News, alliances, affinity, consanguinity, ancestry, return, false projects.

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The High Priestess was traditionally named La Papessa (the Popess) and was based on the legend of a female pope called Pope Joan from the middle ages, a great secret that the Roman Church reputedly covered up. The basic meaning of The High Priestess is secrecy, hidden truth, facts and knowledge. It alludes to esotericism, a word which comes from the Greek esôterikós meaning "belonging to an inner circle". It is the practice of keeping knowledge away from the masses and only teaching it to an elite few. Tarot itself was originally a form of esoteric teachings transmitted by images that could only be interpreted with the help of an initiator, which the The High Priestess represents. The word Arcana comes from the Latin arcanus meaning "hidden" or "secret". Tarot's creation occurred during a time when the church would have severely punished anyone who taught anything other than Christian doctrine. The official purpose of Tarot would have been that it was nothing more than a card game but why go to such lengths as including a Major Suit with such deeply symbolic characters? Not until the 18th century is there any documented proof that it was used for cartomancy and divination but by then the church's power to persecute had diminished.

The numerology of The High Priestess is just as subtle as the card itself. The number 2 is, like the number 1, an easy number to grasp the symbology of with its themes of balance, fairness, tactfulness and cooperation which are easily recognised in the other cards such as Justice. The High Priestess connection to the symbology of 2 isn't so immediately obvious. The Minor Arcana cards numbered 2 are all directly linked to the The High Priestess and she represents their combined symbology on a higher plane. Each minor 2 symbolises the need for balance and diplomacy within its element. These minor cards are the negotiators for their elements. Anyone skilled at negotiation will understand the need for secrecy because knowledge of your opponents position can provide sufficient power to tip the negotiations in your favour. Like a game of cards you need to keep them covered and not give away any hint of what you really have to offer. By creating the false impression of having a better hand than you have you can negotiate from a stronger position. The High Priestess, being the keeper of secrets and mysteries, is the ultimate negotiator in the deck and in dealing with her you must be careful with revealing too much of yourself or believing anything she is showing or telling you.

The Rider Waite Smith (RWS) deck changed the name of the card from La Papessa to the The High Priestess. In addition to this the purely christian theme was changed to include Kabbalahistic symbology with the inclusion of the two pillars labelled B and J and the book held by the Priestess having the word Tora added. The letters on the pillars are a reference to Boaz and Jachin which were two pillars that stood at the entrance to Solomon's Temple and are also Freemasonry symbols. The word Tora is actually Torah but the artists, Pamela C. Smith, has obscured from view the final letter of the 5 as another symbolic gesture referencing this cards central theme of secrecy. The word Torah means "Instruction", "Teaching" or "Law". At the feet of the Priestess is a crescent moon linking this card to The Moon. It is a thin crescent moon because this symbolises faint light which, in the darkness of night, reveals very little to the eyes. Behind the Priestess is a curtain, or Parochet, with pomegranates arranged in a Tree of Life pattern. Her head is in the Tree of Life position of Da’at which represents Knowledge.

The High Priestess is a card of secrecy, hidden facts, privacy and forbidden knowledge. She is a teacher of specialised knowledge. An initiator into private clubs and inner circles. She is a master negotiator and card player who will purposely obscure her position to gain the upper hand. The High Priestess also relates to Divine Law and Gnosis. That is spiritual, or religious, knowledge. For this reason the card can sometimes point to a person who practices the divinatory arts, such as a Tarot Reader, Psychic, Astrologer, Numerologist etc. In drawing this card in the position of a solution, its message maybe to trust your inner voice, to use your intuition, rather than what you are being shown. Or that there is knowledge you must seek out and perhaps someone who has it who you can turn to for help.

© Phuture Me Ltd 2010-2019. All rights reserved.

THE PICTORIAL KEY TO THE TAROT

By Arthur Edward Waite (1911)

She has the lunar crescent at her feet, a horned diadem on her head, with a globe in the middle place, and a large solar cross on her breast. The scroll in her hands is inscribed with the word Tora, signifying the Greater Law, the Secret Law and the second sense of the Word. It is partly covered by her mantle, to shew that some things are implied and some spoken. She is seated between the white and black pillars--J. and B.--of the mystic Temple, and the veil of the Temple is behind her: it is embroidered with palms and pomegranates. The vestments are flowing and gauzy, and the mantle suggests light--a shimmering radiance. She has been called occult Science on the threshold of the Sanctuary of Isis, but she is really the Secret Church, the House which is of God and man. She represents also the Second Marriage of the Prince who is no longer of this world; she is the spiritual Bride and Mother, the daughter of the stars and the Higher Garden of Eden. She is, in fine, the Queen of the borrowed light, but this is the light of all. She is the Moon nourished by the milk of the Supernal Mother.

In a manner, she is also the Supernal Mother herself--that is to say, she is the bright reflection. It is in this sense of reflection that her truest and highest name in bolism is Shekinah--the co-habiting glory. According to Kabalism, there is a Shekinah both above and below. In the superior world it is called Binah, the Supernal Understanding which reflects to the emanations that are beneath. In the lower world it is MaIkuth--that world being, for this purpose, understood as a blessed Kingdom that with which it is made blessed being the Indwelling Glory. Mystically speaking, the Shekinah is the Spiritual Bride of the just man, and when he reads the Law she gives the Divine meaning. There are some respects in which this card is the highest and holiest of the Greater Arcana.

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The 5 of Pentacles was first illustrated in the Rider Waite Smith (RWS) deck as a poor couple, walking at night time in snow, past a stained glass window of what maybe a church. The man on crutches with his leg in a supporting brace and the woman barefoot in the freezing snow. This card was illustrated in a way that leaves much of their plight subject to speculation. Are they are out at night in the snow because they are homeless? Is it a church they are going to for help, comfort and support? How did they end up like this? The RWS 5 of Pentacles is an important card because it serves to reminds us that Pentacles, and the element of Earth, refers to our physical well being which is also a part of our material domain. No where else in the RWS Suit of Pentacles illustrations do we see health or physical references but they do still apply to all 14 cards of this suit.

The 5 of Pentacles covers 3 main areas of material distress. Accidents and illnesses are just an inevitable part of life which will disrupt our routines and force us to seek help and assistance. For the majority of us life will be full of financial ups and downs and the 5 of Pentacles is a marker for one of those low points. Finally all material things are fated to deteriorate over time and die or need repairing or replacing. Notice the subtle detail, in the RWS 5 of Pentacles, of white cracks in the wall running at a slant below the window.

All the cards in the Minor Arcana numbered 5 are problematic cards. The number 5, in numerology, has the negative qualities of being chaotic, unstable, self-indulgent, irresponsible or careless and Tarot's Minor 5s reflect those negatives. If we look to the 5s in the Major Arcana we find positive cards which offer a solution to this chaos. Card number 5 of the Major Arcana is The Hierophant which represents conformity, doctrine, laws and rules that bring order from chaos. It represents not just the church and religious law but all establishments of authority which people live and work under. The other 5 in the Major Arcana is card number 14 Temperance (numerology reduces 14 to 5) which represents self control. When dealing with the 5 of Pentacles in a Tarot spread these additional cards maybe the warning, or solution, of what will be required to restore order to its material chaos. For example if it is an accident or illness then The Hierophant represents a hospital with the financial support of the state or a health insurance company. If it is Temperance then this could be a pre-emptive warning to take care of your health, your finances or your possessions.

The 5 of Pentacles, or the 5 of Coins, is an unhappy card of financial, material or physical stress, damage or loss. The element here is Earth which relates to the material domain including physical health. In numerology the number 5 is unstable, unpredictable and chaotic and applied to the material its distruptive influence is rarely positive. If this card appears in a forecast spread it would be wise to be extra vigilant and guarded against accidents. The length of time it applies would require additional cards to determine. For example seen together with The Moon would suggest a period of a month until recovery from its disorderly influence.

© Phuture Me Ltd 2010-2019. All rights reserved.

THE PICTORIAL KEY TO THE TAROT

By Arthur Edward Waite (1911)

Two mendicants in a snow-storm pass a lighted casement. Divinatory Meanings: The card foretells material trouble above all, whether in the form illustrated--that is, destitution--or otherwise. For some cartomancists, it is a card of love and lovers-wife, husband, friend, mistress; also concordance, affinities. These alternatives cannot be harmonized. Reversed: Disorder, chaos, ruin, discord, profligacy.

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The 3 of Swords is one of those cards that evokes disappointment in us whenever we see it in a spread. It really doesn't need much explanation as to what it means but it does raise some very deep questions, which are certainly worth exploring for personal development, when this card comes calling.

Our feelings are a tool but they are not who, or what, we are. The next time you feel something strongly, stop and take a moment to quieten your thoughts. Then retrace the origin of those feelings. Where did they come from? What caused them to rise up within you? Was it a new piece of information or was it your mind reliving some past event. Or did you imagine a scenario in the future and react to something that hasn't happened and might never happen? Your emotions are almost entirely created, re-awakened or manifested by your mind and it's thoughts.

This is the core meaning of the 3 of Swords and why this emotional upset card is within the Suit of Swords and not in the Suit of Cups. It's an unusual card in that it strongly links emotions, which are part of the domain of the element of Water and the Suit of Cups, with the domain of the element of Air. In the Rider Waite Smith (RWS) deck this card is depicted as a heart pierced by 3 swords, with a grey cloud pouring rain as the background, in an almost a perfect mixture of Water and Air. The 3 of Swords reminds us of the origin of emotions and in particular the negative ones. If our thoughts control our emotions then we should be able to control our emotions by controlling our thoughts. Easy to say but, as with all spiritual practices, difficult to put into practice. It's not impossible though and this is why this card can become a very useful tool for self development and spiritual growth. In the next card in this Suit, the 4 Of Swords, we can see this in practice. In the RWS deck 3 Swords can be seen on the wall above the resting, recovering and meditating warrior. This is why spiritual practices, and prayer, focus on quietening the mind. A silenced mind allows emotions to become subdued, less acute, giving relief from the relentless pain they inflict upon us.

The 3 of Swords illustration in the Rider Waite Smith deck is unusual because unlike the original images and themes Smith and Waite added to the minor pip cards this card is not their original work but a copy. The oldest known 78 card Tarot deck is the Sola Busca Tarot which features a 3 of Swords depicted as a heart with 3 swords piercing it. It is possible that Smith and Waite did this to acknowledge Tarot's earliest origins and a previous attempt at having a fully illustrated 78 card deck.

The 3 of Swords is a card of unhappiness, sorrow, tears and separation. The element here is Air which relates to challenges, conflicts and the mental aspects of our lives. The storms on the path of life that we have to navigate through. In numerology a number has positive, negative and destructive influences. The suite of Swords tends to focus on the negative and destructive. The negative aspects of the number 3 in numerology are worry, criticism, sadness, pain and disappointment.

© Phuture Me Ltd 2010-2019. All rights reserved.

THE PICTORIAL KEY TO THE TAROT

By Arthur Edward Waite (1911)

Three swords piercing a heart; cloud and rain behind. Divinatory Meanings: Removal, absence, delay, division, rupture, dispersion, and all that the design signifies naturally, being too simple and obvious to call for specific enumeration. Reversed: Mental alienation, error, loss, distraction, disorder, confusion.

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Kingdom: A country ruled by a king (or queen).
Empire: A group of countries (under one ruler).

The Empress is the Queen of Queens. Each Queen in the Minor Arcana reigns over one elemental domain. The Queen of Cups is the feminine ruler of Water. The Queen of Pentacles is the feminine ruler of Earth. The Empress is ruler of all 4 Elemental Kingdoms.

In the Rider Waite Smith (RWS) Tarot deck the direction in which the Empress and Queens look is a significant detail. The Queen of Swords faces right, or East, and gestures with her left hand in that direction. She is focused entirely on the future. Her back to the past, no interest in the present. The Queen of Wands is almost with us in the present. Her body is facing front though her attention is drawn to the future with her head turned to the right. The other two Queens are both lost in the past, facing left, or West.

The direction in which a character is facing is an important, subtle and often missed, detail in cartomancy's symbology. It tells us about the querent's state of mind and where their attention and focus is. If someone is unhappy they tend to be lost in the past or worrying about the future. They are never fully in the present moment. If you look closely at each of the RWS's Queens you'll see that they each lack something. The Queen of Wands has no water, The Queen of Swords no vegetation.

The Empress has it all. She is beautifully dressed, wearing a crown, holding a sceptre, has a water running through rich fertile lands, trees in the background and a clear bright yellow sky. There is something missing though. In Tarot you must also be aware of what’s not in the picture, what’s missing, as well as what is there. The tall trees behind her protect her, and her lands, from strong winds. This is the element of Air kept in check and controlled.

Her attention is fully with us. She sits relaxed looking directly at you. She is content and happy with what she has right now. The Empress often represents where a woman wants to be in life.

The Empress embodies femininity, fertility, beauty, creativity, self expression and feminine desires. Her empire is a harmonious blend of all the elements which nurture creativity and growth. Although the RWS deck's Empress shows no child or pregnancy, other decks often depict her either pregnant or nursing a baby or both symbolising fertility. This card can point to a pregnancy or the desire to be fertile and pregnant. The symbology often contains references to Venus, the Greek and Roman goddess of love, beauty and fertility. Venus in Latin translates as love or sexual desire. The appearance of The Empress can indicate plans, events or endeavours that have not yet come to fruition but are gestating, growing and receiving, or needing, nurture. As a person she can be a mother, or mother figure.

Numerology: The Empress is card number 3 of the Major Arcana. This is the number of creativity, joy, good fortune, self expression and social gatherings.

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THE PICTORIAL KEY TO THE TAROT

By Arthur Edward Waite (1911)

A stately figure, seated, having rich vestments and royal aspect, as of a daughter of heaven and earth. Her diadem is of twelve stars, gathered in a cluster. The symbol of Venus is on the shield which rests near her. A field of corn is ripening in front of her, and beyond there is a fall of water. The sceptre which she bears is surmounted by the globe of this world. She is the inferior Garden of Eden, the Earthly Paradise, all that is symbolized by the visible house of man. She is not Regina coeli, but she is still refugium peccatorum, the fruitful mother of thousands. There are also certain aspects in which she has been correctly described as desire and the wings thereof, as the woman clothed with the sun, as Gloria Mundi and the veil of the Sanctum Sanctorum; but she is not, I may add, the soul that has attained wings, unless all the symbolism is counted up another and unusual way. She is above all things universal fecundity and the outer sense of the Word. This is obvious, because there is no direct message which has been given to man like that which is borne by woman; but she does not herself carry its interpretation.

In another order of ideas, the card of the Empress signifies the door or gate by which an entrance is obtained into this life, as into the Garden of Venus; and then the way which leads out therefrom, into that which is beyond, is the secret known to the High Priestess: it is communicated by her to the elect. Most old attributions of this card are completely wrong on the symbolism--as, for example, its identification with the Word, Divine Nature, the Triad, and so forth.

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The Chariot, like The Fool, is a card that has been named in a way that often leads to confusion about its meaning and what it truly represents.

The clue is in this card's numerology. The number 7 is not about advancing, attacking, movement, progress or any action. The number 7, when playing to its positive attributes, is about rest, reflection, planning and waiting.

Many modern Tarot deck artists take the name and incorrectly depict The Chariot in full flight, charging somewhere. If you look at the traditional tarot decks like the Marseilles or the Rider-Waite-Smith you'll see a chariot that is either completely at rest (RWS) or carrying a crowned, breast plated, prince posing in a relaxed manner (Marseilles).

There's a beautiful structure to Tarot with its 4 minor suits, each representing a classical element, and the Major Arcana which combines the elements into a spiritual esoteric philosophy. We can see this structure in the direct relationships between court cards in the minor arcana and Major Arcana characters. e.g. The Queen's and The Empress, The Kings and The Emperor, The Pages and The Fool. The Knights also have a Major Arcana superior in The Chariot. Knights are typically dressed in medieval armour and are mounted on a horse. The Charioteer is usually also dressed in medieval armour but wears a crown, or head adornment, of royalty (see Marseilles Tarot decks or the RWS). He is the Prince, or King, of Knights. He could be a General, or leader, of an army who directs from behind but does not take an active part in fighting.

In both the Marseilles and RWS decks The Chariot is facing you head on. The Charioteer's gaze is directly at you matching that of the other Major Arcana Royalty, The Empress and The Emperor. Their minds and focus are in the present moment. You have their attention. If you look at the Knights in the RWS and Marseilles all four of them are facing either left (the past) or right (the future).

Combining all these symbolical observations we arrive at a person, or situation, that is all suited up and ready but isn't going anywhere. This should raise questions. Are they just putting on a show of strength and position? Are they waiting for you to make the first move? Are they, or are you, studying your opponent before taking action? Is this a traveller who has arrived at their destination and not one who is about to set out as we might have first assumed?

To understand The Chariot better compare it to the Knights who are focused on their element and facing either towards the past or the future. With the exception of the Knight of Swords, who displays the negative qualities of 7, the other 3 Knights are all being defensive. The Chariot, just like the Knights, is a defensive card. Another example of a defensive 7 in the Tarot deck is the 7 of Wands. The Major Arcana combines all four elements and spirit, or the divine, therefore this card could represent divine protection. Being in a state where nothing troubles you and you can rest and meditate in peace. In the RWS deck the masonic symbol of the mallet is on The Chariot's coat of arms. This represents not only self control but being master of ceremonies or presiding officer.

There's an element of showmanship about The Chariot. A display of potential, position, strength, wealth. You are being shown something because it wants to make a certain impression, which may or may not be its true self. Like a peacock with its feathers fanned out before you, you can't help but notice and admire it. That is the intention of the display. Its true nature and intent maybe hidden from you.

As always with Tarot a card can take on many meanings. The surrounding cards, your question and intuition will help you unveil The Chariot's message in your spread. Are you, or your intentions, The Chariot or is it someone else?

© Phuture Me Ltd 2010-2019. All rights reserved.

THE PICTORIAL KEY TO THE TAROT

By Arthur Edward Waite (1911)

An erect and princely figure carrying a drawn sword and corresponding, broadly speaking, to the traditional description which I have given in the first part. On the shoulders of the victorious hero are supposed to be the Urim and Thummim. He has led captivity captive; he is conquest on all planes--in the mind, in science, in progress, in certain trials of initiation. He has thus replied to the sphinx, and it is on this account that I have accepted the variation of Éliphas Lévi; two sphinxes thus draw his chariot. He is above all things triumph in the mind.

It is to be understood for this reason (a) that the question of the sphinx is concerned with a Mystery of Nature and not of the world of Grace, to which the charioteer could offer no answer; (b) that the planes of his conquest are manifest or external and not within himself; (c) that the liberation which he effects may leave himself in the bondage of the logical understanding; (d) that the tests of initiation through which he has passed in triumph are to be understood physically or rationally; and (e) that if he came to the pillars of that Temple between which the High Priestess is seated, he could not open the scroll called Tora, nor if she questioned him could he answer. He is not hereditary royalty and he is not priesthood.

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