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The World

The World is the twenty-second and final card in the sequence of the tarot’s Major Arcana. As might be expected with the final card in such a significant sequence, the World does indeed stand for the culmination of a long and important journey and the completion of a vital cycle. It is the last step [...]

The World is the twenty-second and final card in the sequence of the tarot’s Major Arcana. As might be expected with the final card in such a significant sequence, the World does indeed stand for the culmination of a long and important journey and the completion of a vital cycle. It is the last step that stands in between the traveler and all he has worked so hard to achieve. Whatever the original goal was, the World is the point at which the universe opens up and presents it to you.

However, the exact nature of the concept behind the World card can be difficult to put a finger on. On one hand, it is a card that is all about unification and the coming together of fragments at long last. It is about the joining of the unconscious with the conscious, as well as the body and the mind. Through the learning of lessons and the achievement of wisdom, these dichotomies can be fused together at long last and elevated to the next level – immortality. The World can also signify a time of rest – a way station between life and death, either literally or figuratively – because no ending is truly an ending. It is always simultaneously the beginning of the next journey or adventure yet to come.

In the traditional tarot image, we see a female figure at the central focal point. She almost appears to be dancing and is situated within a wreath of laurel leaves, said by many to represent the metaphorical birth canal between this existence and the next, as well as the state of completion itself. The stance of the figure is reminiscent of the one we see in the figure of the Hanged Man, although in this instance, the figure is right side up instead of suspended upside down. This suggests that the state of being represented by the World card is the exact opposite of that represented by the Hanged Man card. Instead of looking within, the figure in the World card is looking without, ready to face the land of infinite possibilities that lies before her. In the corners of the image are the likenesses of a lion, a cherub, a bull, and an eagle – indicative of the four elements and the four points of the compass. This suggests that from the figure’s current position, she has easy access to (and mastery over) all of them.

That said, it shouldn’t be surprising that when the World card makes an appearance in a tarot spread, it can definitely signify the approach of a successful conclusion to a long-term project or journey that has been in the works for a while. The nature of this card also suggests that the achievement of this completion will come along with all the accolades, recognition, and trimmings that we all hope will come along with the success of something close to our hearts. This is not a card that points to small successes or minor achievements either. This is something monumental and life-changing that the querent has been striving for and working toward over a long period of time.

What’s more, the World card also suggests that whatever the culmination in question is, it will turn out to be the gateway toward a whole new set of opportunities. Depending on what it is, it could lead to travel, a new career, or a cushy position as a respected expert in a field related to it. It could also lead to a much welcomed change in the direction of the querent’s life overall as well. The surrounding cards and the exact positioning of the World in the spread at large will lend more information as to the specifics of the situation.

Judgement

The twenty-first card in the sequence of the tarot deck is the card known as Judgment. Like some of the other cards of the Major Arcana, the Judgment card does indeed represent one of the many varieties of transition we come up against in life. However, it is important to note that the type of [...]

The twenty-first card in the sequence of the tarot deck is the card known as Judgment. Like some of the other cards of the Major Arcana, the Judgment card does indeed represent one of the many varieties of transition we come up against in life. However, it is important to note that the type of transition it signifies is not a violent or terrifying one, although it is definitely most powerful and monumental. Judgment calls our attention to the approach of a cleansing, purifying transformation – one that takes us from being many separate pieces in and of ourselves to being one happily integrated whole.

Once upon a time, Judgment was actually known as Judgment Day – fitting when you consider that Judgment Day is the time at which inventory is taken in regards to all of one’s deeds and doings. It is the day we discover what we have truly been made of and assess the sum of all our parts.  The outcome tied to the findings of our day of reckoning are not applicable to any physical kind of state, but a much higher existence – our spiritual existence. On Judgment Day, we learn where we are headed next by examining where we have been and it is the handling of our arrival at this most important crossroads that Judgment deals with and teaches us about.

In the traditional Judgment tarot image, we see three human figures in the foreground – a man, a woman, and a child. These figures are meant to represent the different aspects of the human self separate from one another and standing alone. The man stands for our consciousness, the woman for our subconscious mind, and the child for that part of us which remains forever young and innocent no matter how long we live. Above the heads of the figures floats an angel, representing the divine energy that has the power to integrate the three beings together into one complete whole. In the background, we see the ocean – what many tarot experts believe to be the terminus of the very same river we see depicted in many of the other cards of the Major Arcana – representing yet another end that will in turn give birth to a new beginning. The image as a whole is one meant to represent unity, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of the universe.

When Judgment shows up in a tarot spread, it almost always signals the approach of a monumental change. However, it is important to note that this will not be change of the same jarring, catastrophic, or destructive variety that can sometimes be foretold by cards like the Tower. It won’t be a change that is forced upon the querent either. He will be given the choice to embrace it or not. It would, however, be in his best interests to accept it, as it will no doubt lead to a wonderful state of rejuvenation, spiritual rebirth, and the learning of important lessons. Passing up this chance, on the other hand could set him back quite a ways when it comes to traveling the path he is meant to be on.

Judgment can also herald the approach of a period during which the querent has a chance at healing, renewal, or the achievement of a clean slate. The surrounding cards and the exact positioning of Judgment in the larger spread will give more information as to the exact circumstances involved, but some possibilities include the clearing of a debt, the resolving of a long-standing feud, or the approach of a situation that takes a rather sizeable worry off the querent’s mind at long last.

The Sun

The Sun is the twentieth card in the sequence of the tarot deck’s Major Arcana. It is one of the most beloved cards in the entire sequence, as it is one which never has negative meaning. Like the actual sun itself, this card is a symbol of prosperity, life, renewal, and positivity. No matter how [...]

The Sun is the twentieth card in the sequence of the tarot deck’s Major Arcana. It is one of the most beloved cards in the entire sequence, as it is one which never has negative meaning. Like the actual sun itself, this card is a symbol of prosperity, life, renewal, and positivity. No matter how dark and difficult the night before may have been, the sun is always guaranteed to rise in the morning. This sequence, of course, applies to life itself as well. Every tragedy and period of sadness will eventually give way to a new beginning full of light and happiness if one is only patient and steadfast.

The Sun opens the door to a whole new world where our surroundings are no longer shrouded in shadow. Everything is brightly lit, warm, and fruitful at long last. The Sun also marks the closing of a circle and the completion of a long, arduous journey. This is the time when we reap the rewards of our faith, our hard work, and our dedication to self-discovery. In the light of the Sun, we now exist on a higher plane where everything is within our grasp and all is within our control to the greatest extent possible. The Sun also seeks to remind us that no matter how chaotic life may seem at time, there is nevertheless an underlying order to it all that cannot be put asunder by any force. Once this lesson is truly learned, fear and uncertainty are no longer the problems that they may once have been. We finally come to understand that behind every cloud, the sun is still there just waiting for its chance to shine again.

Most traditional tarot images of the Sun depict a nude child astride a white horse in the foreground and bearing a red banner in hand. The child and the horse together symbolize innocence, purity, creativity, and progress while the red banner the child holds symbolizes life itself, as well as passion. The sun is high in the sky shining its benevolent light down on the entire scene. The image as a whole shows us how at the end of a long journey in search of wisdom, self, and enlightenment, we emerge anew as if we have just been born – ready at long last to step into our new futures without the shackles of uncertainty and doubt that once held us in stagnancy.

When the Sun makes an appearance in a tarot spread, it can be the harbinger of any one of a variety of circumstances. It can symbolize the birth of a child, material gain, career success, a simple period of great peace and fulfillment, or nearly anything else that can be seen as the successful completion of a journey or process. One cycle has just been completed and the querent can be certain he is due to enjoy the warm glow of success and happiness for a while before the next cycle is set to begin. He should feel no guilt whatsoever in doing so either. He’s paid his dues and has earned the wonders that are coming to him. He absolutely should take the time to enjoy them to the fullest.

The Sun can also denote the clearing away of mental cobwebs and the shining of an illuminating light into those dark corners at long last. Sunlight brings with it clarity, understanding, and positivity, so all the querent need do is embrace it willingly and let it work its magic. If he has been feeling hopeless or uncertain in any way, he can rest assured that that state of mind will be over and done with very, very soon. Surrounding cards and exact positioning can help provide further clues as to possible specifics as well.

The Moon

The moon is the nineteenth card in the sequence of the tarot deck. It also represents the last of the cards of the Major Arcana that conceptualize any part of a journey that could possibly be seen as dark, uncertain, or worrisome in some way. The Moon deals with the realm of illusion, with misconception, [...]

The moon is the nineteenth card in the sequence of the tarot deck. It also represents the last of the cards of the Major Arcana that conceptualize any part of a journey that could possibly be seen as dark, uncertain, or worrisome in some way. The Moon deals with the realm of illusion, with misconception, and with the struggle that lies in determining beyond the shadow of any doubt what the true nature of reality really is.

When we examine the lessons that the Moon materializes in order to teach us, we begin to learn that things are not always what they seem at first glance. While the sun emits a bright, piercing light that does not leave anything up to one’s imagination to determine, the moon’s light is much softer and leaves much more room for doubt. The same objects and situations that we don’t give a second thought to during the day can suddenly appear ominous and questionable by the light of the moon. In fact, the idea that the moon gives off any light of its own at all is a misconception, as it is of course only reflecting sunlight. The moon is also, of course, associated with many ideas connected to lunacy, disorientation, and the realm of the topsy-turvy. The Moon card in tarot exists to encourage us to look carefully at our situation and consider it thoroughly before making decisions, as our senses may deceive us if we’re not careful.

The traditional tarot image attached to the Moon is one of the few that actually features animals as a focal point instead of human figures of some sort. A wild wolf and a domesticated dog are both pictured under the light of the moon, baying balefully up at it. This serves to show us that no matter what position you happen to hold in society or in the world at large, the influence of an imagination run wild, of deception, and of illusion is something that can and will affect you at some point. In the foreground of the image is a pool from which a crayfish is emerging to survey the scene, symbolizing the role of the unconscious mind in this scenario. It is only by listening to the intuitive voice inside oneself that illusions and deception can be cleared away so that one’s true path can emerge.

When the Moon makes an appearance in a tarot spread, it typically warns of a situation, relationship, or circumstance where something is not what it appears to be on the surface. It urges the querent to take a probing, analytical look at this situation and get to the bottom of things before it’s too late to avoid any possible misfortune. While it is never easy to hear that one is being deceived, it is important to make note of the fact that learning the truth is ultimately a good thing. It is only then that strong foundations can be built and positive forward progress can be made in the proper direction. This is especially so in a reading with an overall negative tone, as the querent’s imagination is very likely causing them to become lost in extreme idealizations that can’t possibly come to any good in the end.

The key to navigating the way through the darkness and coming out on the other side where one needs to be is in getting in touch with the realm of intuition. We as humans have a tendency to over-think and throw up mental roadblocks for ourselves that only hamper our progress at times. However, that little voice inside always knows the way forward no matter how dark it may seem. Get in touch with it, learn to trust it, and the darkness will no longer have the power to confuse and bewilder.

Printable Tarot Cards

There seems to be an increased demand for printable tarot cards so I’ve created some that you can download for free!
 
>> Free Tarot Cards <<
 
These are the old Rider-Waite-Smith deck, but not the updated US Games version. These cards feature the original artwork that is no longer under copyright.
 
The printable tarot cards are contained within a pdf document with [...]

There seems to be an increased demand for printable tarot cards so I’ve created some that you can download for free!

>> Free Tarot Cards <<

These are the old Rider-Waite-Smith deck, but not the updated US Games version. These cards feature the original artwork that is no longer under copyright.

The printable tarot cards are contained within a pdf document with 2 cards to a page. The file is large so it will take time for you to download them, especially if you have a dial-up connection.

These tarot cards are a great way to get started reading tarot cards, especially if you’re on a tight budget. I hope you enjoy them!

>> Free Tarot Cards <<

The Star

The Star is the eighteenth card in the sequence of the tarot deck. If the Tower that came before it represents the sweeping away of outmoded beliefs and misguided paths, then the Star represents the faith, hope, and divinity that will ultimately lead you to your true and proper path at long last. However, it [...]

The Star is the eighteenth card in the sequence of the tarot deck. If the Tower that came before it represents the sweeping away of outmoded beliefs and misguided paths, then the Star represents the faith, hope, and divinity that will ultimately lead you to your true and proper path at long last. However, it is extremely important to note that although these two powers may seem very different at first glance, they both emanate from the same place – the higher power from which everything sprung at one point in the time line or another. Both powers also serve the same purpose – to help promote truth, progress, and enlightenment.

The lesson the Star teaches us ties into the undeniable importance of faith of all kinds – faith in one’s self, faith in the powers that be, and faith in the knowledge that everything has a purpose that serves the greater good. When unproductive relationships, lifestyles, and beliefs are swept away at long last, they leave a void all the same and faith is the perfect way to fill that void. It helps us to plant the seeds that will eventually grow into the foundations of tomorrow. The first step in manifesting our greatest wishes, dreams, and desires lies in believing they can be brought into reality in the first place. Where there is true belief and determination, tangible success is never far behind.

The traditional tarot image attached to the Star features a nude female figure as a focal point. She kneels before a pool of water with her left knee on the earth and her right foot situated upon the surface of the water itself. In either hand, she holds two clay vessels from which the waters of life pour – one upon the land and one into the water symbolizing the penetration of the divinity of the spirit into all. Behind the figure stretches a beautiful, sprawling landscape including a tree in which birds are alighting. This image as a whole is generally considered to be one of the most beautiful and comforting in the entire tarot deck and symbolizes the twin concepts of eternal youth and beauty.

When the Star makes an appearance in a tarot spread, it never represents anything negative. It always symbolizes hope, regeneration, and faith – especially following a time of turmoil or difficulty in the life of the querent. It is a harbinger of healing to come and the promise of better days and happier times ahead. Depending on the surrounding cards and the actual positioning of the Star within the entire spread, the appearance of this card can also signify the appearance of help or assistance of some kind or an event that will result in increased clarity of vision.

However, the querent should also note that whatever event, occurrence, or revelation the Star is predicting, it is only the next step toward the new future that is desired and sought after. It does not foretell concrete solutions or immediate benefits. Instead, it predicts the coming of the tools the querent will need to continue on in pursuit of their own happiness under their own power. God helps those that help themselves… and so does the Star. Ultimately it will still be the querent’s own hard work, determination, and faith that will bring them success in the end.

The Tower

The seventeenth card in the sequence of the tarot deck is the Tower. Like some of the cards that have come before it in the sequence – Death and the Devil, for example – the Tower card is one that can cause a bit of a fright when it makes an appearance in a reading, [...]

The seventeenth card in the sequence of the tarot deck is the Tower. Like some of the cards that have come before it in the sequence – Death and the Devil, for example – the Tower card is one that can cause a bit of a fright when it makes an appearance in a reading, but mostly because it is a card that is highly misunderstood. The Tower represents a variety of change that is both destructive and creative all at once. As is the case with physical structures built of brick and mortar, spiritual or mental structures can decay, become outdated, and require demolishment as well. However, it is important to remember that only by getting rid of the old ways that are no longer working for us can we make way for something new, fresh, and productive.

The lesson the Tower teaches us has to do with learning to take a look at the structures, belief systems, and foundations that support our way of life and our manner of thinking or looking at the world. Through the imagery and insight provided, we also learn to find the courage within to accept positive change into our lives, even if it doesn’t always have a tendency to come about in a way that is pleasurable or easy to accept. Human beings have a tendency to want to cling to the familiar whether or not it is truly serving them in much the same way a young child clings to a security blanket. Through the Tower we learn to willingly let go of what we have in order to finally gain what we really want and need at long last.

The traditional image attached to the Tower illustrates these concepts by comparing the invisible structures within the mind and spirit to an actual tower. In the image, the tower is being struck by lightning and promptly begins to crumble and collapse upon itself as a result. The denizens of the tower are falling to the ground as their world unexpectedly begins to self destruct as well. Many tarot images also show a golden crown situated toward the top of the tower, but inevitably falling along with the people as it cannot resist the forces at work around it either. The image as a whole serves to remind us how suddenly change can come about and how drastically it can change our world.

When the Tower makes an appearance in a tarot spread, it generally signals the approach of time when truths, fantasies, and belief systems built on falsehoods are about to meet their demise. The changes that are spoken of will most likely come about quite suddenly, throw the querent for a loop, and be very shocking or jarring. After all, it is never a comfortable feeling to find out that something or someone important to you is not what you always thought it to be. However, it is important for the querent to note that ultimately, the changes that will come about as a result of this upset are for the best. Only when lies, falsehood, and misconception are finally swept aside can something truly strong and meaningful be built.

The changes specified could apply to any area of the querent’s life. They may find out that a trusted lover or spouse is being unfaithful, that an important person doesn’t have his best interests at heart, or even that his religious beliefs are unfounded and groundless. However, the surrounding cards and the actual positioning of the Tower within the spread should give more insight into what the exact situation at hand may be.

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.

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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