The heart of the Matter

The heart of the Matter
This first card allows you to go beyond your question. It tells you what you are experiencing in regard to the question. The vibrations surrounding the condition are revealed in this first card. If a Court Card turns up here, it indicates that another person is involved in your query.

Page of Cups

This suit is usually associated with emotions and matters of the heart.

Key Words: messenger -love - chance - romance - intimacy

Type of Person: Pisces - young male or female - gentle loving caring

The Page of Cups is Cupid bringing you opportunities for love. He delivers real chances to experience romance, deep feelings and the inner life - the wonders of the Cups suit. In readings, this Page suggest that an opening may appear that stirs your emotions, pulls at your heartstrings or brings you great joy. When you see such a chance, act on it!

The Page of Cups can also stand for a child or young-at-heart adult whose interactions with you involve emotional needs, moodiness, love, intimacy or spirituality. Sometimes the Page of Cups implies that your entire situation is suffused with the spirit of love and emotion. At such times, feel free to express and enjoy your feelings with light-hearted abandon

This is what crosses you for good or bad.
Whatever this card represents can be determined in the light of the remaining spread. Whether it is favorable or unfavorable depends upon the card itself and your question. For example, if the question has to do with the success of a new business enterprise, and the Ace of Wands turns up in this second placement, we can assume that it crosses the first card favorably. However, it is always better to scrutinize the entire spread carefully before offering an interpretation.

4 of Wands

This suit is generally associated with spirituality and personal growth.

Key Words: harmony, peace, satisfaction

In readings, the Four of Wands often represents the events and experiences that generate excitement. These vary from person to person, but the stirring feelings are the same. Sometimes such times arrive unexpectedly. The Four of Wands can signal a surprise or spontaneous thrill. Other times this card represents planned celebrations, such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and victory parties. These events have their solemn side, but they are also a chance to feel the joy of living.

The Four of Wands often means freedom. Freedom can take many forms, but it always brings with it an exhilarating feeling. When we break the bonds that bind us, whether physical, mental or emotional, we feel triumphant and able to move on to a new period of growth and happiness. If you feel trapped or restricted right now, use the energy of the Four of Wands to launch you into freedom. Do not be afraid to claim the open vistas that are rightfully yours.

This is the basis of the situation.
This card reveals the real origin of your question. The written query usually does not indicate the whole situation, so you should pay special attention to this card. If, for example, a woman asks whether a certain man will contact her, you may find that the third card reveals a quarrel in your past or a long journey of separation.
There could be many reasons for your question, and this card will tend to reveal them to you if you are perceptive and intuitive. The third card will help you considerably in your overall divination.



10 of Pentacles

This suit usually represents financial matters, or anything in a material sense.

Key Words: material success, prosperity, business

In readings, this card often stands for convention - following established guidelines and maintaining the status quo. Fat cats are rarely radicals; they love tradition and the tried-and-true. Sometimes it is important to trust the known ways, but only when change is inadvisable.

The Ten of Pentacles is also concerned with permanence. Change is an unavoidable part of life, but constant change is uncomfortable. We need stability and the chance to work for a secure foundation in life. In readings, this card may be telling you to concentrate on the long-term. Work toward a lasting solution. Now may be the time to settle down and make the arrangements that will work for you far into the future.


This is behind you, or in the process of leaving.
From this card you can see the immediate background of psychic vibrations experienced by you. Depending on your attitude, the condition indicated may still be with you. If this condition is an undesirable one, a word of encouragement to you may help to dispel the situation, for the fourth card indicates that it is in the process of leaving or clearing up. If the card is favorable, the remaining cards will indicate this



7 of Cups

This suit is usually associated with emotions and matters of the heart.

Key Words: choices - disorder - self indulgent - selfishness

When the Seven of Cups appears in a reading, it is important to look carefully at how disordered your situation is. Is everything too controlled and regular? Perhaps you need to let things fall apart a little. When a rigid system breaks up, there can be a tremendous release of creativity. The man on the Seven of Cups is amazed by all the options he has.

On the other hand, if you are in a chaotic situation, some tightening may be necessary. No one is happy and productive in a crazy environment. Regularity gives structure to life. Taken to an extreme, the looseness of the Seven of Cups can lead to harmful patterns of decadence, addiction and self-indulgence.

Sometimes the laziness applies to your thoughts and dreams. It is easy to wish for something, but not so easy to make that wish come true. When you see this card, make sure that you are backing up your plans with work and effort. Tighten up your life and commit yourself to doing what it takes to reach your goals ... even if it means (sigh) cleaning house.

         

This is what crowns you and could come into being.
The fifth card relates to situations not yet materialized and so is extremely helpful in advising you. With this card you can see a possible and often probable course of future events.









6 of Wands

This suit is generally associated with spirituality and personal growth.

Key Words: success, winning, recognition

In readings, the Six of Wands appears when you have been working hard toward a goal, and success is finally within reach. The recognition you have sought so long is yours. Now you can receive the acclaim, honour and reward that you deserve. If you do not feel close to victory now, know that it is on its way provided you are doing all you can to make it happen. The victory of this card does not have to involve beating someone else. You can triumph over yourself, the environment, or the odds.

The Six of Wands also represents a healthy self-esteem. Feeling good about your accomplishments is an important part of success, but too much pride can lead to arrogance and self-inflation. When you see this card, check that you are not feeling superior to others. It is easy to forget that individual achievement is not really individual at all. Our talents begin in the Divine, develop with the love and support of others, and only in the end express through us. How can we indulge in excess pride?

         

This is before you.
In the process of interpreting this card, you should consider the tenth and final card also. These two cards have a positive relationship and are connected in the final interpretation: one leads to the other, and both deal with a future situation that is taking shape as a result of past and present circumstances.







The Empress

Major Arcana - Heart of the Deck
Each of these suits represents some universal aspect of human experience.

The Empress and the High Priestess are the two halves of the female archetype in the major arcana. The Empress represents the fertile, life-giving Mother who reigns over the bounty of nature and the rhythms of the Earth. From her comes all the pleasures and joys of the senses and the abundance of new life in all its forms. The Empress encourages you to strengthen your connections with the natural world which is the ground of our being. Too often false sophistications and pleasures take us far from our roots. Let the Empress remind you to keep your feet firmly planted in the Earth.

In readings the Empress can refer to any aspect of Motherhood. She can be an individual mother, but as a major arcana card, she also goes beyond the specifics of mothering to its essence - the creation of life and its sustenance through loving care and attention.

The Empress can also represent lavish abundance of all kinds. She offers a cornucopia of delights, especially those of the senses - food, pleasure and beauty. She can suggest material reward, but only with the understanding that riches go with a generous and open spirit. The Empress asks you to embrace the principle of life and enjoy its bountiful goodness.


This represents your own negative feelings.
I have known students to be very confused about this card. What happens if a positive, promising card turns up in this position? It simply means that you have a negative attitude towards this situation and cannot appreciate or accept the beneficial circumstances indicated.
It can be of great assistance to you when reading this card; it can offer guidance and often relieve you of your anxieties regarding the situation, so that you can come to accept whatever benefits are in store. Also, together with the third card, this seventh card can help you to see deeply into the true emotions surrounding your original question.


Queen of Pentacles

This suit usually represents financial matters, or anything in a material sense.

Key Words: caring, secure, charitable, loyal, maternal

Type of Person: Libra - generous, welcoming and nurturing, talented

In readings, the Queen of Pentacles asks you to think and feel as she does. For example: Are you feeling warm and caring toward others? Are you being sensible? Have you been true to your word? Do you feel generous? Can you be counted on when times are tough?

This Queen can also represent a man or woman who is like her, or an atmosphere of warmth, trust and security. In a reading, she tells you that her special energy has meaning for you at this time. Let yourself be inspired by this Queen in whatever form she appears in your life.

         

This represents the feelings of others around you.
If you have asked a question involving another person, this card will help you to see the other person's point of view. However, if the question relates only to your activities, the eighth card provides insight into how other people feel regarding you and this situation.











7 of Wands

This suit is generally associated with spirituality and personal growth.

Key Words: taking a stand, aggression, defiance

Some battles are worth fighting, others just cause trouble. If you are involved in a conflict, ask yourself if it's worth the struggle. Is it important? Does it have value? Will the outcome serve you or others? If so, be bold and aggressive. Defend your position. Refuse to yield! If not, then consider letting the conflict go. Be honest with yourself about this. You will be tempted to hold onto your position, especially if you have invested much time and energy into it. Don't let battle lines be drawn unless the war is worth fighting.

The Seven of Wands can also indicate strong convictions. In order to take a firm stand, you must believe in your position and yourself. You'll need integrity and strength of character to see you through. If your cause is just, use the energy of the Seven of Wands to make a difference.

         

This represents your own positive feelings.
Often a person thinks one thing, but through fear or inhibition says another. The ninth card will help you determine how you really feel about the matter in question. If you are apprehensive, it can guide you toward the solution to your dilemma through the wisdom of the Tarot











The Sun

Major Arcana - Heart of the Deck
Each of these suits represents some universal aspect of human experience.

Brilliant. Radiant. Sparkling. So many of our words reflect (!) the power and glory of light. When we turn on the light in a room, we illuminate it so that all the dark corners are visible. When we turn on the light in our minds, we are enlightened. We see clearly and understand the truth. Both within and without, the energy of light expands our limits and makes us shine.

Throughout history, people have honoured the Sun as the source of light and warmth. In the myths of many cultures, the Sun is a prominent god - full of vigour and courage. He is the vital energy centre that makes life on earth possible. In the tarot the Sun also symbolises vitality and splendour. The Sun is definitely not a meek and retiring card.

In readings, you will understand Card 19 if you imagine yourself to be a Sun God. How do you think and feel? You have total confidence in yourself. You are not cocky, but profoundly sure of your power. You have unlimited energy and glow with health. You have a greatness about you and stand out brilliantly. Finally, you see and understand all that is happening within your sphere. When you see this card, know that you will be successful at all you undertake. Now is the time to let your light shine.

         

The outcome.
The tenth and final card indicates the outcome of the situation. Its interpretation depends upon the people and circumstances involved in your question and upon the nine preceding cards. All the other cards lead up to this card and must be read accordingly. You must first arrive at a conclusion, based on the totality of these factors and your own intuition, then you must decide what action to take, based on your thorough understanding of the spread in relation to your question.



Ace of Pentacles

This suit usually represents financial matters, or anything in a material sense.

Key Words: prosperity, abundance, trust, security, groundedness

When you see this Ace, examine your life to see how its solid energy could work for you. Now is not the time for fantasy, drama or daring. It is a time to be real and centred. Seek out comfortable, reliable experiences that make you feel secure. Build a foundation of trust in your life both within and without. Your common sense will tell you what to do. Focus also on the natural world to help you stay grounded. Enjoy your body and all the joys of material existence.

The Ace of Pentacles can be a sign that you will be able to make your dreams real. Your ideas are ready to be turned into something tangible. Figure out what will work and make it a reality. You can now attract all the wealth you need to get your projects going. Tap into the material force of the Ace of Pentacles, and all your enterprises will flourish.