Archive for December, 2009
16
The Devil
The sixteenth card in the sequence of the tarot deck is the Devil. It is rather similar to the tarot’s version of Death in that it’s often completely misunderstood. People have a tendency to look for the ultimate evil outside of themselves, as it’s difficult for them to face the truth – that evil and [...]
The sixteenth card in the sequence of the tarot deck is the Devil. It is rather similar to the tarot’s version of Death in that it’s often completely misunderstood. People have a tendency to look for the ultimate evil outside of themselves, as it’s difficult for them to face the truth – that evil and malice are things that live and grow inside the human psyche. It is only when we realize and learn to accept this truth that we can begin to get to a place where it no longer controls our lives and dictates our actions. The Devil also can be said to represent baser pursuits that have a tendency to eat away at lives, such as obsession with the material world.
The lesson the Devil teaches us is one of simple awareness and human empowerment. Once you begin to realize that darkness or the potential to do evil is a natural part of each and every member of the human race, you can then begin to gain mastery over it. All human beings have the capacity to get the upper hand over evil by tapping into the complementary goodness that also dwells within us all. Once you become properly self aware to the point where you are no longer controlled by the seed of darkness that inevitably dwells somewhere within your heart, you also gain freedom from fear of being controlled by other people, as well as other forces that are always at work in the world at large.
The traditional tarot image attached the Devil is notable right off the bat for the way it both mirrors and mocks two of the previous cards in the sequence of the tarot – the Hierophant and the Lovers. In the center of the design of the card is the Devil himself in a pose highly reminiscent of that of the Hierophant. However, instead of raising his right hand in blessing, he raises his in the reverse – a curse. His left hand holds a flaming torch in such a manner that it points downward toward the earth, suggestive of the effect the powers of the Devil tend to have on our world. In the foreground of the image are the same Adam and Eve figures we see in the Lovers card, although this time, they are chained to the altar of the Devil, symbolizing what happens when humans let materialism take over their lives.
When the Devil card makes an appearance in a tarot spread, it is typically letting the querent know that he is currently in a situation that has robbed him of control over his own life in one way or another – most likely through his own mistakes (or possibly his own mistaken perceptions). However, the appearance of this card also signals the possible start of a chain reaction that can lead to no good if it’s not nipped in the bud sooner rather than later. Poorly thought out actions lead to loss of control and loss of control in turn leads to insecurity, depression, and further inactivity. Once elements like that set in and begin to affect a life, it can be very difficult to turn things around.
The solution to this dilemma is for the querent to reclaim control over his personal power and identity. The Devil and evil can only conquer you if you believe they can. This is a call to leave ignorance, indolence, and materialism behind. True happiness and success results from getting in touch with the spiritual being at one’s core and realizing that strength comes from within… not without. The querent should begin by examining his life for ways he can have more faith, wave good-bye to the material, and believe in himself more. If he does this, then he might be surprised to find out how quickly the Devil runs for cover and disappears.
15
Temperance
The fifteenth card in the sequence of the tarot deck is that of Temperance. Following the cycle of destructive change that the Death card brought before it, Temperance represents a force that seeks to rebuild and reconstruct so that a new, more productive existence can begin. This is achieved through the reestablishment of balance, as [...]
The fifteenth card in the sequence of the tarot deck is that of Temperance. Following the cycle of destructive change that the Death card brought before it, Temperance represents a force that seeks to rebuild and reconstruct so that a new, more productive existence can begin. This is achieved through the reestablishment of balance, as all things in the universe seek to exist in harmony with one another.
The concept of temperance itself deals with the joining of dualities and separate elements to create a stronger whole that is better equipped to exist in the world around it. In order to temper something, you must introduce a new outside element to the mix to help make it stronger and this can be done with human spirits in a figurative sense just as it can be done in metallurgy or cooking in a literal one. People have a tendency to feel that the goal in self-betterment or success is to become a being that is completely positive and composed entirely of light. However, Temperance teaches us that true success and enlightenment comes from the achievement of balance. Completely discarding imperfections and dark places within the soul is not the answer. One must accept his or her shadow side and integrate it into the self to achieve true enlightenment.
The traditional tarot image of Temperance depicts an androgynous, angelic figure clothed in white and with a pair of red wings. The white of the robe represents the angel’s inherent purity – the stuff of which he is made. However, the red of the wings stands for the desire inherent in every being. In fact, the wings themselves are the very source of the angel’s ability to fly. Both together are needed in order to form the composite of what the angel is in and of itself. The figure is situated with one foot upon the earth and one upon the waters, further underscoring the union of dualities. It also holds a chalice in either hand and pours the holy waters of life from one to the other.
When the Temperance card makes an appearance in a tarot spread, it signifies the imminent presence of a situation in which two separate distinctions must come together to create a whole. In many cases, it will refer to a relationship between the querent and another person. The other person involved can, of course, be a romantic partner, but it can also be a friend, a family member, or another member of a business partnership. In this case, Temperance signifies a need for both parties involved to come together through compromise and cooperation in search of a middle ground between them. The sooner the matter at hand is taken care of, the sooner the balance in the relationship can be restored.
Temperance can also appear to signify the need to find balance in the querent’s relationship with himself as well. The need to find peace within oneself is just as great as the need to find peace in relationships that involve others. An excess of positivity and optimism can be just as counter-productive as an excess of pessimism, so the objective here is also to find the balance between extremes instead of leaning solely toward one or the other. This can be achieved by turning within and becoming quiet so as to listen to the little voice within us all that shows us the way to go in the face of any dilemma.
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14
Death
Death is the fourteenth card in the sequence of the tarot deck. However, it is important to note that it does not represent death as human beings normally know or fear it, which is as an ending. What the Death card truly represents is monumental change and rejuvenating metamorphosis. Many people forget that death really [...]
Death is the fourteenth card in the sequence of the tarot deck. However, it is important to note that it does not represent death as human beings normally know or fear it, which is as an ending. What the Death card truly represents is monumental change and rejuvenating metamorphosis. Many people forget that death really is a transformation from one state of being to the next. Nothing ever truly ends as people have a tendency to fear.
The first step involved in getting in touch with the lessons taught by Death is acknowledging the very fact that not only is change an inevitable part of life, but it is a beneficial one as well. Death is merely the most sweeping and existence-altering change of all. It marks our natural and inevitable transition into the next world and the Death card itself serves to remind us that existence continues always no matter how catastrophic the change. It is also important to note that death is also a part of life that comes along with no discriminations or prejudices. Each and every one of us will die one day regardless of our social station, our religion, or our creed. In this way, death is also an equalizer that reminds us of how much we all truly have in common with each other at our core level.
The traditional tarot image used to represent Death serves to reinforce all of these ideas and concepts. The figure of Death is represented by a mysterious horseman riding atop a pale steed. In his hand, he bears a black banner upon which is emblazoned a white rose meant to represent life. He rides unarmed with any weapon, yet in many tarot depictions, several figures are shown falling in the path before him, awaiting the inevitable change that the horseman is sworn to bring about for them. The landscape through which he rides is a vista of the entire world of the spirit at large and includes the sun, which in this instance symbolizes immortality.
The appearance of Death in a tarot spread can under the right circumstances signal an actual death, but this is in fact not typically the case. Death in almost every circumstance is the herald of an imminent change, transformation, or important rite of passage in the life of the querent. It’s appearance can mean the end of an old, outdated way of thinking, a lifestyle that has been outgrown, or any other situation that is no longer serving the querent as well as it ought. Whatever the situation at hand may be, the querent can no doubt be certain that the time is definitely ripe for serious consideration in regards to discarding it so that a brighter, more productive future can begin.
In many cases, the changes and evolutions signified by the Death card will not be easy to accept. However, their coming is most likely completely beyond the querent’s control and ultimately of benefit, so he or she would be best advised to go along with them and remember that no matter how something may feel at the time, nothing is truly ever destroyed or lost. When one door closes, another is sure to open through which the beautiful vista of the future will be seen soon enough.
13
The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man is the thirteenth card in the sequence of the tarot deck. However, the Hanged Man has nothing to do with matters of life and death as one may be inclined to think at first glance. Instead, he deals with the realms of stasis and suspension, as well as the benefits that can [...]
The Hanged Man is the thirteenth card in the sequence of the tarot deck. However, the Hanged Man has nothing to do with matters of life and death as one may be inclined to think at first glance. Instead, he deals with the realms of stasis and suspension, as well as the benefits that can be attached to such concepts when they are fully and willingly embraced as part of the natural progression of things.
Getting in touch with the wisdom the Hanged Man offers us cannot be achieved by searching far and wide out in the world. It can only be found by looking within. The lesson he teaches is also one of the type that is easy enough to understand from the outside looking in, but sometimes difficult to actually apply to oneself. Grasping it successfully not only calls for deep introspection and development of self awareness of the highest order, but also the relinquishing of one’s inherent desire for control over a given situation. In this way, the Hanged Man’s lesson is also a lesson of sacrifice. A man must first be willing to let go of what he has before he can finally get what he wants.
The traditional tarot image attached to the concept of the Hanged Man shows him hanging suspended upside down from a Tau cross made of wood. His legs are positioned in such a way to form a fylot cross as well. Around the Hanged Man’s head is a nimbus of light that suggests a state of enlightenment, although many tarot readers alternatively feel it represents martyrdom. It is extremely important to note that the expression on the figure’s face is not one of tortured suffering or pain, but rather one that suggests patience and a mind at peace with the situation at hand. It is also noteworthy that the wood of the cross he is suspended from is not dead, but living, green, and growing. The image as a whole is undoubtedly one that deals with suspension. However it is suspension within the confines of life itself and has nothing to do with death. In this way, both the image and the concept it represents is reminiscent of the story of the Norse god Odin who hung suspended from the Tree of Life for nine days in order to gain powerful knowledge.
When the Hanged Man makes an appearance in a tarot spread, he signals a period of time that will be largely characterized by meditation, sacrifice, prophecy, or introspection. Enlightenment in regards to the situation at hand can only be achieved by letting go of preconceived expectations and giving up the need for control. Once this is accomplished, the way forward will quickly become clear and the solution to the querent’s dilemma will naturally present itself. A profound change in world view or personal approach could also be a possible result upon resolution of the querent’s dilemma.
Alternatively, the Hanged Man can herald the coming of a time when life will slow down and become static for a while. This would be a time during which the querent should take some much needed time out to rest and reflect before moving on to the next big thing. As is the case with interpretation of the meaning of any of the tarot cards, the surrounding cards and positioning of the Hanged Man in the spread will lend more insight into the specifics of the situation being foretold.
13
Justice
The twelfth card of the tarot deck is that of Justice. However, this is not the justice we know from our human courtrooms, judges, and laws. This is the Justice of the universe at large and all the higher powers that be. The laws set forth by these powers dictate that even if life does [...]
The twelfth card of the tarot deck is that of Justice. However, this is not the justice we know from our human courtrooms, judges, and laws. This is the Justice of the universe at large and all the higher powers that be. The laws set forth by these powers dictate that even if life does not deliver what we want or what we believe we need, it always delivers exactly what we deserve.
Each person walking the face of the earth is subject to the laws of karma and eventually reaps what he sows, making it ever more important to sow good things and treat others as we would wish to be treated ourselves. By this doctrine, life in essence is always fair no matter what other schools of thought may lead you to believe. Justice can also be said to represent the basic law of cause and effect. For every action, there will be an equal and appropriate reaction sooner or later. The fruits of the choices a person makes today may not ripen tomorrow, a year from now, or even ten years from now, but rest assured that they will do so sooner or later. It is also important to note that according to the laws of Justice, all of a person’s actions will not only have an effect ultimately speaking, but will also have an effect upon the originator of the action in one way or another.
The traditional tarot image attached to the Justice card shows us a robed, regal-looking figure seated between two pillars. This composition is, of course, reminiscent of other Major Arcana cards that touch on the concepts of divine knowledge, power, and law as well (such as the High Priestess). In one hand, the figure holds a scale to represent balance. In the other, there is a sword to represent the upholding of that balance. Behind the throne on which the figure sits is a curtain that is said to conceal the mysterious workings of the universe that will ultimately bring about the inevitable result of every action and decision we make. This image in its entirety reminds us not only of the way things work, but also of the inescapability of the system. No one is capable of pulling the wool over the eyes of the universe and will ultimately receive his or her just desserts.
When Justice makes an appearance in a tarot spread, the querent should take it as a reminder of the basic laws that it represents. The actions of the past and present will always bear fruit in the future… always – and they are about to do so at some point in the not so distant future. Whether the querent has been sowing good or bad will ultimately determine what results can be expected.
It should also be seen as a call to the querent to seek balance in his or her life in general. Adjustments of some sort are necessary. Perhaps a change in diet or routine is in order for the betterment of overall health. Perhaps the cards will point the way to an adjustment in a business partnership, friendship, or marriage. Anything is possible and the surrounding cards and positioning of Justice will help add detail to the overall picture.
Some also believe that when applied to more everyday matters, Justice can represent actual court cases, legal proceedings, contracts, agreements, and other things of this nature. While it is true that Justice never promises us what we want or even what we need, it does promise us that the outcome of the affair will be just and deserved. Of this at least the querent can rest assured.
