Tarot Card Meanings
a brief overview of the general interpretation
of the tarot cards
The Wisdom of the Arcanum
(by Lyn Shea)
0. THE FOOL
This card is associated with beginnings and endings and states
which are concerned with loose ends. It is one of the most complex
of the arcanum in that it denotes an almost unknown element to
circumstances or a confusing stage of development.
1. THE MAGICIAN
This arcanum shows the need and the probability of using initiative
and procuring material results from efforts of self-motivation.
It may also show the need to use anger productively and to
understand and work with negative emotions.
2. HIGH PRIESTESS
She has connotations with the more subtle states of the feminine
essence. She is learned and accomplished in the womanly skills,
but she is practised in states of emotional detachment and supremely
independent.
3. THE EMPRESS
Is a lady of substance. Secure within her surroundings and her
group. Safe within the structures she has built, she has respect
from those round about her because of her wisdom, empathy and
compassion. She gets back what she has given and has no need
to fear.
4. THE EMPEROR
Like his lady, the Emperor is exalted; he leads rather than
follows. Often, in the metaphysical sense, he denotes the
ego of the individual questioning, or of someone the questioner
knows. He can be a warning to someone about to grow too
big for their boots or to over-reach their own authority.
5. HIGH PRIEST (also
Heirophant or Jupiter)
Like his female counterpart (High Priestess) he is usually in
a role of authoritative consultation. He has associations with
the planet Jupiter and often confers benefit. But he can also
be a wsarning to those about to transgress ethical or civil laws.
6. THE LOVERS
Denotes a stage of love, or of a relationship, where there is
closeness and intimacy but perhaps uncertain structure , and
therefore the individuals involved may be tested by divergent
and individual paths or circumstances.
7. THE CHARIOT
Two horses signify the duality of the personality on its journey
through life - the two states of mind or choice that every
situation brings. Even so there is a pre-destined flavour to
this arcanum, showing that the way is already embarked upon
and a certain inevitability exists as to destination.
8. JUSTICE
She is blindfold in some images to show impartiality to outcome.
She has to do with states of balance, legalities and the need
for 'fair play'. She falls in spreads where there is delay
or the need for decision making by disinterested parties.
9. THE HERMIT
He is not an extravagant archetype. He thrives on restriction
and circumstances which tend towards frugality. The meaning
is one of "making the best of what is extant" and
of going inward to examine self-motive or of withdrawing in
order to understand the depth of the issue.
10. WHEEL
OF FORTUNE
The dynamic equilibrium of the universe dictates change. 'For
every action there is an equal and opposite reaction'. Therefore
trial and choice are inherent within certain developments and
cannot be denied if there is to be progress, and if static or
limbo is to avoided.
11. STRENGTH
This is often the arcanum which appears when there is to be confrontation,
argument or clashes of forceful wills. It is indicative of
the need for endurance or perseverance, and invariably these
qualities will reap dividends or move the situation forward
to the next level of development.
12. THE HANGED MAN
This denotes states of suspended action, limbo or severe restriction
often due to circumstances out of the control of the questioner.
It can also signify humiliation or defeat, but it sometimes
appears when caution or surrender is called for.
13. DEATH
This is a much misunderstood arcanum and is sometimes greatly
feared for that reason. It is really concerned with changes
needed on the conscious level, to be backed up by action: things
are 'down to the bones of the matter' and must be faced up
to or dealt with if you are to retain any control or choice.
Sometimes though it does signify the end of a chapter.
14. TEMPERANCE
This arcanum relates to the qualities of integration, synthesis
and exchange. In certain cases it can suggest the need for
extreme patience or reserve. The name itself is indicative
of what the card means; what is taken out must be weighed against
what is being put in, for that is part of the natural balance
and cycle of life.
15. THE DEVIL
Another much maligned card, The Devil is very feared by some
people because of the superstitious and religious taboos surrounding
it. It is really concerned with the darker side of the human
psyche and the temptations of the more negative emotions. It
appears where these are being suppressed by the personality
and manifesting in ill-health, resentment or malicious intent.
It can refer to one's own state of being or that of another
person, depending where it falls.
16. THE TOWER
The third villain of the tarot pack, The Tower is perhaps the
hardest wisdom to understand because it can pertain to physical
or subtle elements. In the old-style arcanum it was known as
'The Lightning Struck Tower of God', meaning that there is
sometimes an intervening force in the affairs of mankind which
scupper the best laid plans. Nowadays we are inclined to looking
at causes behind effects. Expect disarray or complication and
see to practicality and common-sense, and don't be too surprised
when things don't go the way you wish them to.
17. THE STAR
This card deals with states of beneficial transformation or pleasant
appearance. Anything from social popularity to elevation or
celebrity status. The Star points to uplifting circumstances
or people and to a 'feel good' factor, and maybe a period of
time which is one of greater fortune.
18. THE MOON
This deals with the unconscious, both in the individual and the
cosmic sense. The Moon indicates an emotional response which
is either unclear or deceptive in nature. Essentially related
to the feminine rhythms, it depicts matters which are passive,
elusive or have their basis in intangibles. It can appear when
deception or self-delusion are at work.
19. THE SUN
Usually denotes successful completion of some endeavour or undertaking.
It confers benefit and can indicate the end of cycles and chapters
or the dawning of new ones. It is one of the easiest and happiest
of the arcana for it is concerned with the harmonising and
synthesising factors inherent within natural laws.
20. REJUVENATION
As its name suggests, this card is a herald of change, liberation
and transformation. It is sometimes showing states of vulnerability
or inexperience. Everything within the universe is in a state
of constant regeneration, and therefore this card may be present
when there is a catalystic process underway.
21. THE WORLD
Another very favourable card, it relates to the immediate world
of the individual, or possibly their empire. The material world
meets the requirements of the personality and hence there is
progress, prosperity and a sense of prestige, advancement or
satisfaction. The one warning is that it can sometimes indicate
a person who is either a liar or is out to manipulate proceedings
for their own ends.
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