by estellew | Aug 7, 2015 | Major Arcana, Tarot
The Temperance card is also known as Daughter of the Reconcilers and the BringerForth of life and is ruled by Sagittarius. It represents the binding together of fire and water and the unification of opposites. But what does this mean in real terms? She represents unity and harmony of opposing factors, so that what otherwise seem at war are married together in a complementary way instead - conscious and unconscious, active and receptive, male and female, attraction rather than repulsion, a merging of heart and mind in a way that brings peace and balance and joy rather than irritation and conflict. This is a popular alchemical motif, the fiery red masculine essence blended with the cool white feminine essence that results in the alchemist's goal - pure gold. Of course this is a metaphor as Sagittarius (the Centaur) is a metaphor, blending human and animal forms to create something neither human or animal, but a new form. So what does all this point to? It is a sign not to be too one-sided, but to see from both sides and understand that there are always two sides to any conflict, and to take sides is not what is required now. This card is not a practical card, not a card of action nor a card of battling with the feelings. It is a spiritual card and calls you to walk the road that will bring the most harmony to all involved. It is time for a new way of looking at your life, at any issues you have been battling. Resistance just sets up more of the same, so...
by estellew | Aug 10, 2015 | Major Arcana, Tarot
Known also as the Lord of the Gates of Matter and Child of the Forces of Time, the card of the Devil is aligned with Capricorn. Capricorn is goal oriented and once a goal is in sight, then this sign has the tenacity and stamina to pursue it. The sign of Capricorn, the Goat, has links with Pan, the Greek God of merriment, sensuality, fields and groves, spring and fertility. When he appears in a reading, he indicates that we are caught in the grip of something, often an addiction, sometimes a habit that is hard to break. The card of the Devil often shows the Horned One holding a man and a woman in chains and this points to the nature of this card when we are hooked by habits and beliefs that are not so good for us. It's like we get stuck in a rut and don't know how to get out of it any more, and yet we can break the chains ourselves and indeed, we are the only ones who can. In fact, once we realise that the chains are of our own making, we can dissolve them. This card not only represents habits that are hard to break, but it also represents that quality or feeling we all possess (or that possesses us!) from time to time and that is guilt. Guilt is one of the most insidious emotions and also one of the most useless and destructive. It is tied to the past but follows us into the present and also taints our future. It is something that we do to ourselves and it...
by estellew | Aug 10, 2015 | Major Arcana, Tarot
The Tower is the Lord of the Hosts of the Mighty and is ruled by Mars. It represents sudden change, destruction of old forms and destructive ambition. The Tower is one of those cards we don't usually seek in the Tarot - the imagery does not seem pleasant nor promise an easy time of things. There is fire & flame, destruction & ruin, and let's be honest - who wants that? And yet The Tower is a card that describes a necessary process of decay and atrophy that must occur before the fresh new world can be born. When The Tower appears in a reading you can be certain that there will be destruction of old forms, structures, beliefs and plans. Sometimes this will be welcome - more often the changes brought on by The Tower bring feelings of fear, uncertainty, resistance and even grief for what must leave to make way for the new. There is a reluctance to let go of what must be released, those things that no longer serve, but which hold us back from the growth that we need to move on to a higher stage of consciousness. And if we are completely honest with ourselves, then we can see what needs to go - we have seen the writing on the wall. And if they have been destroyed, the old things that no longer serve us, then you need to find some meaning in their passing so that the loss doesn't destroy you too. We tend to love to cling to our certainty, the known is often preferable to the unknown and untried, no...
by estellew | Aug 7, 2015 | Major Arcana, Tarot
Known also as the Daughter of the Firmament and the Dweller between the Waters, The Star is ruled by Aquarius and represents connection to the Source, the return of hope and trust in one's Self. Aquarius is the Water Bearer and is the sign of rebellion and reform which is instrumental in creating momentous change. It is focused on the good of all, the bigger picture and is not interested in small individual concerns but instead seeks the vision and the possibility that can only be realised with expanding one's vision for oneself. This card is also a symbol of the Seven Sisters, the Pleiades, who were companions of Aphrodite and prophetic priestesses. The water being poured from the two vessels represents the cleansing power of the waters and the washing away of suffering and despair. Water as a spiritual and feminine element brings abundance of love and hope and healing. This is such a wonderful card to draw, especially when you have been facing difficulties in your life. It is a sign of hope and cosmic inspiration that arrives in the nick of time. Another aspect of this card is receiving tangible assistance from unexpected quarters that can turn your whole perspective around. The perfect solution - the thing you most need right now to turn your life around will find you if you let it. It takes faith, and focus and belief as well. Follow your star but first understand what that is for you. It may be in the form of a new job, a chance meeting, a fortunate turn of events - whatever it is,...
by estellew | Aug 7, 2015 | Major Arcana, Tarot
The Star is another of those cards of the Tarot that many like to see. It is the Daughter of the Firmament and Dweller between the Waters and is ruled by Aquarius, the Water-Bearer. It represents hope, clear vision and cosmic inspiration. The Star connects us to Universal Intelligence, the higher mind of the Universe that we can draw on for help and inspiration whenever we need a boost. This is the Star upon which we can wish for our most fervent desires, and provides a conduit of energy and positive change to those who know how to ask. Under her power, the impossible manifests in surprising ways. She is here to remind us that we don't know everything about the Universe, as much as we tell ourselves we know how things are and what we can expect and what is possible. The truth is that we really don't know very much at all, even with all the vast millenia of knowledge we have accumulated. This is the card of manifestation from nowhere and nothing, which itself is an illusion because nothing exists nowhere. So she channels her magic to those who know how to look up and find her, especially amongst the midst of difficulties. She provides the shining light in the darkness. She is a promise that your life is going to improve, and to remind you to never give up. Once you really get this, change will happen for the better surprisingly quickly. Often change comes via help from unexpected quarters, it can come via a word or an idea or a dream that suddenly slots into place...
by estellew | Aug 7, 2015 | Major Arcana, Tarot
Known also as the Daughter of the Firmament and Dweller between the Waters, The Star is aligned with Aquarius. Representing connection to Universal Intelligence, clarity of vision and abiding hope, the Star is a welcome sight in any reading. Aquarius is the symbol of the water bearer who brings the spiritual life giving waters in service to earth and humankind. Often portrayed as a woman, Aquarius androgynous nature is embodied in the story of Ganymede, the beautiful youth who captivated the heart of Zeus and caused him to replace Hebes, the goddess of youth, as his cup-bearer. When The Star appears on your horizon, there is reason for hope and joy and whatever has been bothering or perplexing you will soon pass - there are good tidings coming and you can feel them and they lift your spirits like nothing else. It is indeed a sign that the gods are smiling on you, and you will soon be favoured with a vision for your future and a knowing also that all shall be well in your world. The time has come for you to allow a new understanding and new and abundant possibilities for your life. This is what you have been hoping for and dreaming about, and you will feel the energy of its unfolding. Don't block this awakening of yours by questioning and doubt, but by the same token, keep your feet planted firmly on the ground, as the euphoria you are likely to be feeling now will carry you away and you may forget yourself. This card can also mean you represent a ray of hope to someone...
