Minor Arcana Suits

Before we move onto the meaning of Minor Arcana Cards, I want to discuss suits. The reason being that each suit has a significance and meaning to it which needs its worthy attention.

As you all know by this time (if you have been following my previous posts), that Minor Arcana is divided into 4 suits, namely Swords, Wands, Cups and Pentacles. This terminology is used in Rider Waite Tarot Decks, therefore you may find different names in other Tarot Decks.

SWORDS

In some Tarot Decks, swords are also termed as knives, daggers, blades and so on.

They belong to Air element and thus represent mind and voice. Thoughts breeze into your mind and made into words. Those words are given breath through voice or are written up. In any way its the suit of communication, messages being delivered. 

Since, this suit is for ideas, words and written messages, hence on a negative side its the suit of anxieties  worries, gossip, slanders and so on. On positive side its the suit of gifted speakers, cleverness, science and so on.

WANDS

In some Tarot Decks, wands are also termed staffs, spears, rods and so on.

They belong to Fire element and thus represent passion and energy. It represents anything in which querent would put their energy and soul into for instance, an ambitious project, a creative endeavour, philosophy and so on.

Wands suit represent adventurers and inventors. It shows their passionate desires and enthusiasm to get or achieve something done. This the card of action....an action done or a goal achieved because you were passionate about it and so put your energy into it.

CUPS

In some Tarot Decks, cups are also termed as chalices, bowls, cauldrons and so on.

They belong to Water element and thus represent emotions. It does not mean that other suits does not represent emotions. As wands represet passionate emotions, swords indicate anxities, pentacles relates to practical feelings, so does cups relate to emotions related to 'heart' like sorrow, bliss, nostalgia, melancholy, and so on.

These are the warm feeling to which one surrenders to and are often extended towards one another like love, family bonds, friendship, an so on. Since these feelings or emotions are deep and sensitive in anture, hence the cup suit often symbolizes the psychic powers, visions and illusions.

PENTACLES

In some Tarot Decks, cups are also termed as disks, coins and so on.

They belong to Earth element and thus represent money. This is the suit of the physical things; materialism. It relates to all the material aspects of life such as body, health, money, work, and so on. Materialism has two aspects: One is the common sense side of life for eg you need money, food and clothing for your basic needs; and the other aspect is indulging in luxuries like greed for making more money and so on.

Pentacles is a long term suit and it is about creating something real, solid or concrete. Hence the symbol used for this suit is a gold coin. Since, it deals with money and also about efforts needed to create soemthing solid, hence it is the card of bankers, business people, craftsmen, farmers and laborers.

Court Cards

Today I will discuss the court cards in Minor Arcana. There are 4 court cards namely, Page, Knight, Queen, King, for each of the 4 suits (Sword, Wand, Cup, Pentacles). Thus, we have a total of 16 court cards.

Although difficult to read, court cards are very useful as they signify people in querent's life, or the querent him/herself. So mostly when court cards turn up in your reading, it indicates the people in querent's life or some aspects of querent's own personality.

Gender: Just because a Queen of Swords is a female in the card, its does not necessarily mean that it has to be a woman. Mostly its the characteristics that one should look for while doing a reading. For instance, if King of Pentacles turns up for a female, it means that she is good at finances, job and knows well how to manage a home financially.

Age: Typically, Kings and Queens represent adults while Pages and Knights represent young boys and girls. But again, its the characteristic, although rare but some young children are mature enough for King/Queen card to turn up in their reading.

Signifying Querent: Since every person plays different roles in life depending on the situations, so will the court cards representing them will change. It can be different when related to work place as compared to managing home or dealing with kids. Therefore, a single court card can never represent/signify a person completely......so now do you see the complexity and the vastness of areas covered by these court cards???

Symbols: Apart from signifying the querent or people, court cards are symbolic too. Their symbolic meanings vary from card to card but can be broadly classified as: Pages for messages, Knights for movement or trips, Queens as creators and Kings as managers.

There are other physical attributes too that some tarot readers use like hair. eye and skin color and so on. But as with all Tarot Cards, what I personally feel is that one should look for significance and the symbolism that each card is conveying to you. There are several countries where blonds do not exist or some specific eye color people are not there; so how will these people read cards....by excluding court cards?? That's why I say, that one should always be on lookout for the symbolism and its meaning as it never fails then.

Minor Arcana

Today I will discuss the Minor Arcana. As said in my earlier post, a Tarot Deck consists of 22 Major Arcana Cards and 56 Minor Arcana Cards.

Its called Minor Arcana not because its less importance or holds a low significance as compared to Major Arcana Cards. Minor Arcana Cards are as much important to a reading as Major Arcana just like the air we breathe or food we eat. However much one say that money is materialistic, but at the end of the day, its this same money that buys you food or clothes and thus provides the basic necessities of life. One cannot fulfill its spiritual quest by following certain basic material needs, the same way Major Arcana Cards too will be incomplete without the Minor Arcana Cards which deals with the mundane life of a person.

Minor Arcana are broadly divided into 4 suits; namely, Swords, Wands, Cups and Pentacles. In each of these suits there are 14 cards numbered from 1 to 10 and then followed by court cards Page, Knight, Queen and King. Thus there will be ace of wands, two of wands, three of wands and so on till ten of wands and then Page of wand, Knight of wand, Queen of wand and King of Wand. Same follows for remaining suits.

There are several interpretations and associations with these suits. Like, you can relate zodiac signs, stars, etc. but I prefer to keep it simple and up-to-the point.

There are four elemental signs: Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Out tarot suits represent one of each sign which are: Swords as Air, Wands as Fire, Cups as Water and Pentacles as Earth. Based on these elemental associations, one can say what each of the suits mean.

Elemental Sign Air mostly stands for Thoughts, the more subtler realms of mind and therefore so does the Sword suit of tarot decks. They deal with matters related to mind.

Elemental Sign Fire is another representation of Energy. So does the Wand suit of tarot deck stands for, matters or projects that require lots of action, efforts or to sum up and say 'energy'.

Elemental Sign Water is another representation of emotions; emotions free flowing as water. The Cup suit of tarot deck stands for matters concerning emotions like love, hate, grief, happiness and so on.

Elemental Sign Earth signifies money and abundance. Its the earth that nourishes us. So does the Pentacles suit of tarot deck represents; everything related to money and abundance. This one thing needed to nourish oneself materialistically.

This was a very brief overview on Minor Arcana Cards. I cover them more in detail in my courses for which you can see details on my website.

Major Arcana

I should had been writing this article even before I started writing the tarot card meanings. As it goes, better late than never so here I am.

A Tarot Deck consists of 78 cards which are broadly divided into Major Arcana and Minor Arcana.

Major Arcana consists of 22 cards from Fool to World. (So, now you see why I should had written a blog about Major Arcana even before I posted about Fool). Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards. We will talk about it in my next post Minor Arcana.

So now, coming to Major Arcana, lets talk about it. Some people say that it is the heart of Tarot Deck. Why?? If you would have read all my posts from Fool to World you can easily see that Major Arcana cards alone summarize the human's journey from ignorance to enlightenment in a beautiful story of Fool. Here, you will see a whole range of experiences a human's life undergoes in a quest of understanding life, a quest to bring about materialistic and spiritual selves together at peace, in harmony.

Major Arcana Cards are symbolic of physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual aspects of humankind. These cards holds within themselves very strong symbols of strength, control, hopes, fears, etc. The way they portray the godly and darkest aspirations and selves of a human is unique.

Every card, shows an archetypal person, a figure who is the essence of the whole card, like sage in Hermit, a ruler in Emperor, a spiritual leader in Hierophant, a warm nurturing mother in empress, and so on.

Their meaning are intended only as a guide and are open to a great deal of factors and interpretation; reason being that in a spread, the cards meaning vary according to the surrounding cards, querent and the questions being asked.

Major Arcana are quite good and helpful for meditation. For instance, Hermit card in itself stands for meditation. Do check out here Hermit . I will discuss meditation in another set of posts as it is a vast topic to cover in a single post.

World -- Major Arcana

Today's card for discussion is called World. It is numbered 21 in the Major Arcana. The picture I have used for reference is from Rider Waite Tarot Deck.

Since judgement is done now, Fool is ready to take the final step and thus end its journey. As he takes the final step, he is surprised to see himself standing at the edge of the same cliff from where he had started initially. Its exactly the same place and the same point. The only difference is in experience and knowledge he ahs gained all this while. When he had started he was young and foolish; but now he has learnt all about self: mind and body, past and future, the individual and the world.

He had started as a Fool from this cliff and after completing his journey now he is tanding there again but as a mystic. Thus transformation has taken place and now he takes the final step by leaping right off the cliff. He doesnot falls down, but soars high and higher in the sky. Now, his world is complete. He is high up in the sky and is able to see the whole of the earth down below, while he himself is surrounded by various other stars. Now he is at one with the universe.

When this card comes up in a reading, it signifies the completion and competency. It indicates celebration, success, travel round the globe and expertise.

Judgement -- Major Arcana

Today's card for discussion is called Judgement. It is numbered as 20 in Major Arcana. The picture I have used for reference is from Rider Waite Tarot Deck.

As the Fool leaves the garden of Sun, he feels that he has come to the final phase of his journey and yet something is telling him that there is one last thing left to do. Unable to understand what, he looks up at the sky for guidance and see a beautiful angel carrying a trumpet in his hand. The angel tells him, 'Before you could end your journey, you have to come to terms with your past. However, much you may try to run away from it or bury it, your past always follow you, always shapes up your next step and so the path you will take'. Knowing that it is going to be the hardest task of his journey but has to be completed, Fool nods his head in agreement. At this moment, Angel blows his trumpet and lo the earth cracks open and the ghosts and spirits of Fool's past rises up in air.

Now, when the Fool is facing them, he feels fearless and even more he find himself forgiving them for doing bad things to him and thanking those who had been kind and helpful to him. He also senses, that they have forgiven him for ignoring the lessons they had to teach him. Slowly, these ghosts and spirits of past start rising up in air and fade away. Now, Fool is completely free, even free of his past. Thus, Fool is ready to complete his journey or start altogether a new journey with no memories and no past to look behind to.

When this card comes up in a reading, its a very much symbolic card as it signifies rebirth and resurrection. It is quite different from the Death card as you are not putting something to end here but making some hard and final decisions. Coming face to face with the situations and past deeds or decisions and bringing about a change.

This card is about courage and recognizing that you are holding onto something that needs to be let go forever.

Sun -- Major Arcana

Today's card for discussion is called Sun. It is numbered as 19 in Major Arcana. The picture I have used for reference is from Rider Waite Tarot Deck.

After night long journey from the land of mysteries, Fool wakes at dawn and finds hismelf in a garden. The garden is walled, colorful and a bright, orange sun shining overhead. The day is clear and a child is laughing and enjoying ride on a small white pony. When child sees the Fool, he gets down his pony, holds the Fool's hand and starts playing with him, also showing him all kind of amazing things in the garden. After a real long time, Fool finds himself smiling, enjoying and be really happy.

He feels as if his soul is illuminated by this child. The more he looks at this child, the more he feels as if the child is him, his new self. The Fool is now filled with warmth and energy because just now he has met with his own inner light.

When this card comes up in a reading, it signifies everything that makes you happy, it can be glory, triumph, money or just pure happiness like a child's.

Moon -- Major Arcana

Today's card for discussion is Moon. It is numbered 18 in Major Arcana. The picture I have used is from the Rider Waite Tarot Deck.

Following the Star, Fool reaches a strange land which he had seen when he was hanging upside down in Hanged Man card. He had the glimpses of thsi same land through a veil while conversing with High Priestess. Now he is here, the Star is no more visible has the moon has risen to full. The wolves are howling and the path through which Fool had come has turned into a river. Now, there is no going back for him.

Fool is left with two choices in front of him. First, is to stay here in this land of deepest and darkest mysteries and become one with those who are here. Second, is to take the boat that has no oar or rudder and surrender himself to the flow of river and control of moon. Fool thinks the second option wise and starts again with his journey surrendering himself to the power of unconscious will.


When this card comes up in a reading, it indicates a time of visions, inspirations and genius. There is a fine line between artistic genius and psycopath. The two paths indicated by this card are same. Either you stay and let your mind run wild like wolves, be one mad, crazy person whose artistic genius will be renowned world wide. OR, you choose to surrender to your unconscious, let that one higher power guide you and move.

This is a time when querent will feel a lot of emotional and mental confusion. But one decision has to be made to clear all the turmoil and to bring clarity to mind.

Star -- Major Arcana

Today's Card is called Star. Its numbered 17 in Major Arcana. The picture I have used for reference is from Rider Waite Tarot Deck.

Shaken by the events from Tower card, Fool has realized that most of his previous life was either a false sense of grandeur or full of lies. He has to start anew, and all he needs is some hope. Feeling thus, he starts searching for someone who can give him some kind guidance or a shooting start to wish upon.

He notices a beautiful girl with two urns who is emptying one urn into the water and other onto the thirsty ground. Fool goes to her and asks what is her purpose for doing so. To this, the girl answers, "I am refilling this pool so that who are thirsty may quench thsi thirst, and I am also watering the earth so that more food grows out of it to feed those who are hungry". Having said this, the girl slowly fades away and settles up in the night sky as a shining star.

All the weariness and despair is lifted off at this moment and Fool understands that what he needed is there in the sky....HOPE. His thirst and hunger can be fulfilled here, but his dreams however distant they may feel like a shining star in the sky are always his....all he needs is to follow them. Thus, his faith is restored

When this card turn up in a reading, it means that however down the querent may be feeling at this point of time, all he/she needs is to keep up hope and keep going. Luck is by his/her side and things will turn out to be good.

Tower -- Major Arcana

Today's card for discussion is Tower. It is numbered 16 in Major Arcana. the picture I have used fro reference is from the Rider Waite Tarot Deck.

Next, fool comes upon a tower which looks quite familiar to him. It brings about the old memories of how Fool had played a major role in getting this tower built before he left for his quest of spiritual journey.

Still today, this tower looks so magnificient and fantastic; and still today arrogant men lives inside the tower occupying the top floors. Fool again starts feeling one with this tower; tall, magnificient, standing alone, superior. He is so engrossed in his thoughts and this feeling that he lets a SHOUT out of his mouth. And lo!! a bolt of lightening strikes from heaven down below to tower crumbling it to pieces and sending its residents down into the water.

Fool is stunned with this sudden turn of events. And now he realizes that the lightening was his own doing and just now sending this lightening he destroyed nothing but all the lies of his life. Its the hardest part to do or achieve in one's life; destroying the false sense of grandeur. Now, all that is left is truth and now he has to start rebuilding his life upon this foundation of truth.

When this card comes up in a reading, its a very clear indication of false coming to an end. Anything or everything that is false, like family structures, institution, beliefs...all this will coem to an end now. However, painful or torturous it may seem, but it will come to an end for good. What will remain is truth and querent will rebuild its life upon it afresh.

Devil -- Major Arcana

Today's card for discussion is Devil. It hold number 15 in Major Arcana. The picture I have used for reference is from Rider Waite Tarot Deck.

Fool comes to the foot of an enormous black mountain, where reigns a strange creature who is half goat and half god. Several naked people are chained to that creature's throne and are engaged in all kind of material and sexual indulgence. The more Fool gets nearer, the more he feels his carnal desires rising. Thinking that this is all doing of this half god, Fool roars at him and challenges him, declaring that now he has risen beyond all this.

To this creature responds mildly, 'All I am doing is bringing out what lies deep inside you. Its neither my doing nor something to be ashamed of. Look closely the chains are wide enough for these people to free themselves'. Now, the Fool realises that creature is correct, its not his doing but these people are bound by their own deep desires.

Next the half-god brings Fool's attention to the top of mountain and says, 'There are also some people who have used these same desires to climb the highest heights. If they had denied these impulses, they would had never gotten there'.

Thus, Fool realizes that this devil looking creature is not evil but holds a great power at his command. Although this power is lowest; it has a potential of bringing out the highest freedom in a person. Therefore, it depends on the one who is using it. This power has the nature of both, beast and god.

When this card comes up in a reading, it means that too much restraint holds you back and keeps you away from achieving the desired goals. This card is about temptation and control; about addiction and manipulation.

Temperance -- Major Arcana

Today's card for discussion is called Temperance. It is numbered 14 in Major Arcana. The picture I have taken for reference is from the Rider Waite of Tarot deck.

After learning the lesson that one thing leads to other like death leads into birth, surrendering your material world leads to the start of spiritual journey; he starts wondering why does one thing leads to other. Why is he constantly facing two opposites.

At this moment Fool comes upon an angel who is pouring the contents of one cup to other. His one foot is in water and other on a rock. He goes near and what he see is that one cup holds fire and the remaining water.

Curious, he asks angel that how is it possible to mix two completely or opposite substances. To this angel replies, 'It can be done if you have the right vessels and mix two opposite substances in right proportions. That's the whole essence of this universe like day and night; of this creation like man and woman.

Thus, Fool learns the lesson of unification. Lesson of merging two opposites and bringing about teh balance in one's life. With this understanding all his previous thoughts and doubts gets cleared.

When this card comes up in a reading, it stands for moderation, a balance or synthesis to be brought about between two seemingly opposite people, situation or anything. It urges querent to keep on trying, experimenting till the required balance is achieved.

Death -- Major Arcana

Today's Card for discussion is Death. It is numbered 13 in Major Arcana. The picture I have used for reference is from Rider Waite Tarot Deck.

Having learnt the lesson of surrender, Fool comes down the tree and continues on with his journey. He comes upon a field where trees are bare and it feels cold and wintry. Fool starts feeling shallow, empty and sad.

Unable to udnerstand the reason, he starts looking for some guidance or clue. Its when a skeleton in a black cloak rides past him on a white horse. Fool recognizes this rider as death. He stops him and asks whether he has died and is that the reason for him being sad that he has come to the land of death.

To this death replies, "No, you are not dead but your old self, your way of life and old principles are dead. Now you are re-born. Your old world is dead since you learnt the lesson of surrender. Do not mourn. Look ahead, a new life and world is waiting for you". Saying so, Death rides away from him.

Fool has now learnt the lesson of Transformation.

When this card coems up in a reading, it does signifies the death but not of the physical body but conceptually. Its the death of your principles or thinking on which your life was set. But the amount of growth that this process of tranformation brings about in the querent is tremendous. Sometimes, thsi process of transformation is painful and hence the grieving part comes in.

But again, all is well that ends well!!!

Hanged Man -- Major Arcana

Today's card for discussion is Hanged Man. It bears number 12 in the Major Arcana. the picture I have used for reference is from Rider Waite Tarot Deck.

After getting direction from the blindfolded lady in justice card, Fool is now determined to focus on his spiritual self. He settles beneath a tree and stays there for days in one position. After few days he climbs onto a tree and dangles himself upside down from a branch. At this moment his eprpective changes to everything. It seems to him as if he has surrendered everything and therefore now empty handed, without holding onto anything, he is able to view things in a new light.

The clarity with which he sees both the material and spiritual world dazzles him. Thus, he learns the art of surrender. Since, he is dangling from a branch, he realises that its a very fragile cord that connects a human between material and spiritual world. At this point he has surrendered all that was material like his desires, ambitions, money, etc and yet he is holding onto teh branch so as not to lose the perspective he has gained of both the world.

Thus, using the art of surrender, he has learnt how to achieve balance between his both worlds or selves: material and spiritual. Now, he is about to be reborn, just like a baby in womb.

when this card comes up in a reading, it means that the the querent will soon face or is going through a time of surrender, sacrifice and altogether a new perspective of things. what is right to him/her can be wrong to others. During, this time querent may feel helpless or stuck.

The only way to gain is to give!!!

Justice -- Major Arcana

Card I will discuss now is called 'Justice'. It bears the number 11 in Major arcana. Picture I have used for reference is from the rider Waite Tarot Deck.

Fool comes at a croosroads and unable to decide which path to choose he looks around him. At some distance he find a blindfolded lady listening to two brothers quarrel. They have to this lady for justice. One of the brother has all the wealth while the other is extremely poor. Lady listens to both sides of arguments and pleas and gives her verdict that half of the rich brother's wealth be given to the poor brother. Although the matter solved in a justful way, none of the brother is happy.

Soon after Fool witnesses this, he realizes what was trouble him. In his quest for material comforts he had led hsi spiritual self to starve while his material self was enjoying to the full. Now, he knows which path to take so that half of his time and energy is devoted to his spiritual self.

Here he learns the lesson of maintaining the balance between his material and spiritual selves, just like the equilibrium between the justice's scales.

When this card comes up in a reading, it indicates a need for balance.
This card also signal legal matters related to court. Whatever the decision taken in court cases will be fair.

Wheel of Fortune -- Major Arcana

Card I will discuss now is called 'Wheel of Fortune'. It is numbered as 10 in Major Arcana. Picture I have used for reference is from the Rider Waite Tarot Deck.

Having lived in a cave or small hut and reflecting upon the past experiences, the fool comes out of his recluse and faces sunlight. Its time for a change and to start afresh. He starts on his journey again and is delighted to see wonders happen. Where ever he go, strange things happen, people offer him precious things on their own. He receives treasures like pious drinks in golden chalice, money bags and fine swords as gifts. It seems as if all the good he has done in life is being repaid back much more times to him.

Thats the way of wheel of fortune; when it favors it gives you much more then what you could had ever dreamed of.

When this card comes up in a reading, it means that luck is favoring you. You will get all what you want, money, love, happiness, just everything. A good time has started in your life and all you will do is enjoy!!!

Hermit -- Major Arcana

Today's card for discussion is Hermit. It bears number 9 in the Major Arcana. The Tarot picture I have used for reference is from Rider Wait Tarot Deck.

At this stage of his journey, Fool has learnt lots of lessons pertaining to material world. He has been busy learning and building a life full of material comforts, he fought many battles courageously, had loved and lost. Now having lived his life to the full in this material world, he feels a deep urge inside him to take a break from all these worldly affairs. He feels a need to retreat.

This is when he changes his attire into a hermit's robe and carries nothing more that a staff and lantern. He finds a small, rustic home deep in woods and start spending his time alone. He is alone but not lonely. He has many things to think about and keep him occupied. In this wilderness, in his hut he reflects upon his past experiences and the paths he had choosen and not choosen. Its the tme when he reflects and thinks about his life spent and thus enhances his knowledge and understanding further. His lantern illuminates his path further. His staff is his companion on whom he can lean upon at times when he need support.

This is how he spends time in deep thoughts and meditation, reflecting upon self.

When this card comes up in a reading, it means that its time for introspection and analysis rather than for making decisions or taking actions. Its a time to think and organize yourself. There can be moments when the querent would feel frustrated, but they are temporary. Its a time when one takes a retreat rather thn socializing. Such times does leaad to illumination, a better perspective and clarity of what one has done and what needs to be done now.

Alternatively, this card represents a person of such nature entering your life. A higly illuminated and gifted person which can be in the form of a guide, father, teacher, etc.

Strength -- Major Arcana

The card I will discuss today is Chariot. It is numbered 8 and is from the Major Arcana. Picture I have used is from the Rider Waite Tarot Deck.

The Fool, victorious over his enemeis and so feeling powerful and arogant, now comes across a maiden struggling with a lion. When he saw her from a distance it seemed as if she is struggling with a lion; and so he runs to her help. As soon as he is near her, he observes that maiden is not struggling but has gently shut the lion's mouth. Infact, this wild and fierce lion is completley at her command. Surprised, Fool asks maiden that how was she able to do this and maiden replies, "Because lion is at my command. He obeys me".

Maiden looks into the Fool's eyes, and now Fool sees in her a warmth and gentleness. When Fool realizes that her heart is so great and its generosity infinite, he understands why lion did her bidding. the one thing he does not understand is, why does this fair maiden keep company with a beast. To this maiden replies, "This lion is wild, fierce and fileld with a wonderful energy. Once he takes direction from me, his energy can be directed similarly to fire in a hearth."

Now, realizing that this maiden's pure and innocent strength has been able to tame this wild and firece lion, fool walks away further on his path to explore what more lessons lies ahead.

When this card comes up in a reading, it indicates towards developing the true strength. It can be done by balancing the human, animal and divine aspects of yourself. This card represents the triumph of love over hate.

Chariot -- Major Arcana

Card in the picture is Chariot from Major Arcana and bears the number 7. I have used Rider Waite of Tarot Deck.
Now, the fool has the tools and knowledge of how to use them. He also knows how to nurture and manage his empire, life and future. He has learned the value of customs, traditions and social beliefs. He has also found his companion who will fulfill and accompany him in his journey of life. Now, thus complete and close to hi destination he sets out on the path.

What awaits him next is his enemies. Enemies in form of devious humans or bad circumstances are standing in front of him, blocking his progress. Now he must find a way or guidance to help him to tackle these obstacles. This is when he meets a Charioteer.

Unable to move forward, Fool asks Charioteer on how to overcome these obstacles who has blocked his progress. Charioteer gives him the lessons on armouring oneself for protection, getting the goal fixed for minimum distraction, selecting a strong and sturdy chariot from where to control and direct your steeds towards the final goal or destination.
Now having learnt his lessons from Charioteer, Fool now sets upon his journey again ready to run down anyone or anything that gets in his way. Fool's only aim is to achieve victory now.

When this card turns up in a reading, it symbolizes control. A very different kind of control from the card of Emperor. While meaning of Emperor card was all about to manage your life and be aware of where your actions will take you. Card of Chariot is about to take control of your life, direct it in such a way that you can overcome all obstacles facing you. Its more like a military general controlling and ordering its army during war.
This card symbolizes victory, an unwavering faith in onself that nothing can stand in our way.

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Lovers -- Major Arcana

Lovers is a Major Arcana card in Tarot Deck. It bears the number six. Picture I have used is from Rider Waite Tarot Deck.

After meeting with Hierophant, Fool is happy and confident, knowing what needs to be done and where to go he continues on with his journey. Next, he comes to a cross-road. Fool know what path he has to tak, but on another path he see a woman standing. As soon as Fool sets his eyes upon her, he falls in love with her and realizes that without her the journey is complete. He approaches her and a conversation starts, the conversation developes in relationship or more intensified feelings. It seems as if both of them are incomplete without other. Now, the fool knows that she will be his companion now onward in hsi journey. She is the one who will
fulfill him and together they head down a whole new road.

When this card comes up in a reading it denotes love, beauty and attraction. It does indicates that the querent has come upon something or someone to which he/she is attracted. This card strongly symbolizes romance and passion.
Alternatively, this card stands for harmony and balance. Balance between two opposites like male and female, day and night, etc.
So, this card is about recognizing something that is your other self or mirror image. This otehr self is the one that fulfills you and completes you harmonically.

Hierophant -- Major Arcana

The fifth Major Arcana card in the Tarot Deck is Hierophant. The picture I have used is from the Rider Waite Tarot Cards.
After having learnt his lessons from emperor, fool continues on with his journey exploring what lessons awaits next.

On his way, he starts facing sudden fears of losing everything and this is when he meets Hierophant. Hierophant is a holy man, much like a priest kind of person. Acolytes kneel before him, while he is seated on a throne. His one hand is raised as if blessing those kneeled before him and other holding a staff as if imparting his knowledge and wisdom.

Fool asks for guidance from Hierophant on how to overcome his fears. Hierophant imparts him the knowledge of holding or retaining the experience even if the material things are lost. The traditions, ethics and belief you always carry even if circumstances force you to be seperated from your friends and family. After having realized this Fool feels peaceful and happy and continues onwards with his journey.

When this card comes up in a reading it symbolizes the religious beliefs and social traditions which we follow. It does symbolizes teh social and religious gatherings like marriage. It does indicate the respect for the community traditions.

Emperor -- Major Arcana

Card in the picture is Emperor and taken for the pack of Rider Waite Tarot Cards. This card bears the number 4.
During its journey, fool first met the magician which gave him tools and thus options to choose from. High Priestess helped him on how to decide using the knowledge. Empress helped him in developing his power further. Now fool meets the emperor and here he will take lessons of managaing his power with the help of emperor.

Emperor is seated on a large stone throne and is obeyed by everyone. He holds the authority and power to run the empire in an organized way. Here fool is amazed by the control emperor holds over the empire. He learns from the emperor that strong will and solid foundation of laws and order is required. To control one need to be alert, brave and aggresive. Here, Fool learns on how to lead and direct, rather than be led.

When this card comes up in a reading, it symbolises control, control of everything around you. Alternatively, it could symbolise a strong leader kind of presence in your life. It could be your father, employer, husband, teacher, etc.

Empress -- Major Arcana

The Card picture I have taken for reference is from Rider Waite Tarot Deck and holds the number 3.
Now, when the Fool has acquired the tools and knowledge of how to use them, he meets the Empress in his journey. Her hairs are as gold as wheat and she is wearing a crown of 12 stars. Her white gown is dotted with pomegranates. She is surrounded by an abundance of grain and lush green garden. It is possible that she is pregnant.

Here, Fool takes the lessons of nurture, patience, love and care from Empress. She tells her that like a new seed requires patience and nurturing for fruition, so does a new relationship, a new beginning or a new work of any kind.

Empress is the archetypal Earth mother, the Feminine Principle. Empress is the creator. While the Magician is the primal spark, who makes the idea real, and High Priestess gives this idea time and space, the Empress is the one who carries it, gives the womb or nursery for this idea to grow till it reaches its full form or a certain level of maturity.

When this card shows in a reading it means the material abundance. Sometimes it does indicates pregnancy and fertility.

High Priestess -- Major Arcana

Today's discussion is about High Priestess. Card picture that I have taken for reference is from Rider Waite Tarot Deck. This is a Major Arcana card and bears the number two. It comes after the card of Fool and Magician.

Following our earlier story of Fool's journey. When fool started its journey, it didn't knew what he is carrying or where he is going. Its in the Magician card that he realizes and learns the tools which are nothing but four elements (air, water, earth and fire). Now in High Priestess card he has gained all the knowledge that is required.

It is in this card that Fool meets the lady called High Priestess which embodies the knowledge. She holds all the universal knowledge and knows all the secrets. Nothing is hidden from her. Her very pose depicts all of this. In her hands she is holding the ancient scrolls. Crescent is at her feet and she carries the moon on her crown. The two pillars, between which her throne is placed, depicts the duality. She is the one who has a deep knowledge and understanding of that good exists because there is something called bad. That is why she is so graceful and secretive as her knowledge is vast and immense, much more deep then can be imagined.

This is where Fool comes now. After learning the tools, fool needs to make decisions and choices, paths to be taken and paths to be discarded, and for this he needs knowledge and understanding. This is the reason why Fool needs education and guidance from High Priestess.

When this card comes in a reading it means that there is so much yet unrevealed to you. Soon you will learn a secret or something that was hidden from you. The time has come when you gain knowledge which can be in any form: instictive, intuitional, secret, super natural, self, etc. And accordingly your decisions will change.
Now, the path that you are supposed to tread upon will be illuminated by the light of this knowledge.

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Magician -- Major Arcana

Magician is the Major Arcana card in the pack of Tarot Cards. It holds the number one and comes after the fool. The tools that fool was carrying in his bag are now placed in front of him in Magician card and now is the time to use them. As you can see in the picture, all the four tools are placed on the table. These tools are sword, wand, cup and pentacles. These 4 tools represent the 4 elements each. Sword for air, wand for fire, cup for water and pentacles for earth. Now fool has all the tools to master the matters of mind and is therefore transformed into a Magician.

This card is also the card of conscious awareness. It can be seen as one of his hand points upwards and the other down. It clearly shows the link between heaven and earth and the first step towards the passage of life.

This card clearly says that we have all the power within us and what we need is to realize it, master it and utilize it. A negative/challenge can be the misuse of this infinite power. Without proper knowledge its very easy to misuse or abuse this great infinite power for personal gain. But these lessons will come in later major arcana cards. As of now, Fool has take the first step towards realizing the tools he was carrying and now is learning how to utilize them completely during his journey.

So, does it represents in our real life also. It is a card of self awakening. Of realizing that we have potential within us only. All we need to do is to learn how to tap into this inner power and focus our energies towards attainment.

Fool - Major Arcana

This is the first card in a Tarot Deck and bears the number as 0. The number zero which stands for the unlimited potential and infinite possibilities, which doesn't has a start or end.

Fool is like a newborn baby with unlimited options waiting for him. He is about to start an unknown journey with a spring in his step. His staff denotes his will and the bag on his staff denotes the unlimited choices he has to make. His choices and decisions that will ultimately form his future. The white rose in his hand represents the purity of his soul and the dog beside him is his guardian who will protect him always. The rising mountains and sun behind represents the spirit world he has left just now to enter the material world. He is about to step off the cliff to enter the material world and start his new journey.

This card means the new beginnings, the choices to be made to start new ventures. It does means that opportunities are out there and what you need is go and grab them. There is no need to fear to start something new. Be optimistic.

Weekly Forecast --- PISCES

Time for weekly forecast again. Today its Pisces and the card I got is 3 of Swords from Rider Waite Tarot Deck.

From the very picture itself its a very upsetting card. Three sharp swords piercing the heart.
This week you will have to deal with your emotions and some harsh truths. Truth can be harsh but never harmful. Its always good to face truth rather than being in dark.

So, keep up your spirits inspite of the the tough time coming ahead. You may see your trust or confidence on some person being betrayed. This is the time when the truth and all the secrets will come out. And again as I said earlier, its good to know the truth rather than being in dark.
So, on positive side you will feel relaxed too 'ah! now i know everything why you were so different from past few days'. Time for wondering and worrying will get over.

Keep up your spirits and hold on to your courage as the time to move on is coming. Face all the harsh truths and realities of life with a positive mind. Amen.

Inner Peace and Happiness???

What is inner peace and happiness?? Just some words....what do they actually mean? Where does it comes from. Does it really exist or is it just an illusion? One's whole life human runs after these words 'inner peace and happiness'. Ask him when he is on his death bed, "Did you found your inner peace and happiness?" What do you think he will say? How many people have found it and affirmed it. Does it even exist or merely an illusion of maya?

Questions, questions and just questions. I am sure all of us face these questions in our life path. So many sages and wise people have come and gone....answered it in various ways. But how many have truly found it and lived it. Does finding it and living it fully means attaining moksha?? More questions....

Is inner peace spiritual, materialistic, personal, relational......what is it after all that makes you happy. One day you want this and next day another object or relation. There is no end to one's choices and demands. So, does it mean that all life we are supposed to just run and chase our 'inner peace and happiness'?? More Questions.....

Free Weekly Forecast -- CANCER

I have decided that I will post a free weekly forecast every week for one of the zodiac sun sign.
Today it will be CANCER. The Tarot Card I got is Eight of Swords. Tarot Deck I used is Rider Waite Tarot Deck.

Courage and one's will power will be the focus for this week. This week you will face limitations, but instead of being dragged down by them or trying to defy them, you need to find out ways on how to get most out of it. With limitations, comes the fear also of what others will say about you, whether to speak or be quiet, etc. The only way out of this is fortitude to overcome these internal and external limitations and fears. Your will power and fortitude will help you in enduring the pain and disapproval, otherwise you will remain trapped and silenced.

Meditation Card of the Day -- Hermit

In Tarot Cards, The Hermit is shown as an old man carrying a staff and lantern. His head is bent as if in deep thoughts. His right hand holds the lantern up as if showing a path ahead. His left
hand holds the staff firmly and solidly on the ground.

As all the tarot cards are symbolic, so it is and each and evry symbol or action holds a deep
meaning. Hermit is standing alone but he is not lonely. He has all the wisdom and teachings he
has acquired through the aspect of its solitary nature. Hermit in itself is a card of
meditation....an inner dialogue with oneself. His head is bent because he is deep in thought, in
meditation. He has acquired the knowledge, the wisdom and understanding of this world by being
one with self and this universe.

His right hand that holds lantern up means that now since he has acquired all this knowledge, he
is ready to share it with others. Now he is ready to pass the knowledge and strength. He is
awaiting the seekers of light, knowledge and wisdom.

His left hand that holds the staff firmly shows that although he is old but not weak. Infact all
this knowledge and wisdom he has gained has strengthened him further.


There can be no other good beginning rather than to start meditation with this card.

Tarot Meditation

Meditating on Tarot Cards is sometimes very effective. The pictures and the symbols on the cards are really helpful in focusing and thus keeps the conscious mind occupied. 

Deck To Use: To start with I prefer that one should use the deck that he or she is most comfortable with. Relating to the cards is very important. I personally prefer using Rider Waite Tarot Deck, but there are other decks too available in market. Some of the cards cater to the specific needs like the Lovers Tarot, Relationship Tarot, etc.

Drawing Cards: You can randomly draw the card/s from the pack or choose a specific card to meditate upon.

Meditation: Once you have the card to meditate upon, observe it carefully. Study it deeply and see how you can relate yourself with it. Check the colors, images and the story line or the actions being performed. Where do you see yourself in there. Its a good idea to use a journal to jot down all the thoughts that come to you. Next close your eyes and inhale deeply and slowly. Let the image and lessons you gathered from the card rest in your mind.