What is the tarot?

The tarot is simply a set of symbols illustrating universal human issues and experience. Such archetypal images allow us to bypass the ordinary, moment-by-moment way in which we usually experience life and contemplate things from a broader perspective. This perspective is a useful tool for making changes in our lives. The tarot won't tell us what to do, but it can help us make good choices based on the information it provides.

There are two parts to the tarot:

The major arcana tends to reflect the "big" issues - turning points in life or significant energy states. Joys and/or challenges of this kind affect us all at different times and their inherent value is that they provide us with the opportunity to maximise our potential as human beings.

The minor arcana balances the "grand gestures" of the major cards by reflecting the finer and often more ordinary details of our lives, such as the people, places, events and day-to-day circumstances. These cards are more likely to provide information about what to expect and what can be done about a particular situation.

Most interpreters agree that the cards depict the soul on its life journey, but many arguments exist concerning the meanings of the symbolism. Various people believe they have revealed the tarot's "truth" by connecting the cards to such systems as alchemy, astrology, the Egyptian mysteries, the Kabbalah and Hermeticism, among others. I believe the usefulness of the tarot is enhanced by the existence of these varying interpretations - that this enables me to benefit from the accumulated wisdom of past interpretations while remaining open to fresh possibilities.

Some ideas about the meanings of the cards follow - and is by no means comprehensive.

THE MAJOR ARCANA

0	The Fool	The spirit which undertakes the journey of the major arcana without any "baggage". Androgynous, independent, eccentric, inventive. The sacred child within us - protected by optimism and innocence, by being in tune with oneself. The start of a new journey/cycle inspired by inspiration springing from the unconscious.
1	The Magician	A figure very much in control of his/her path in life who brings the energy of the universe down to earth and puts it into practice via the four elements (fire, water, air, earth). Another beginning - this time a very conscious one, involving practical, self-disciplined action. Can be "tricky".
2	The High Priestess	The feminine divine, sixth sense, mystery, secrets, fascination with the unknown. Counsels patience and listening to the inner voice rather than looking for logical answers. Sits and watches. Passive but powerful. Sometimes perceived as cold, but is really more detached. "Virgin" as in not being owned by anyone.
3	The Empress	Powerful female forces - the mother goddesses of the ancient world without whom the world would have experienced one long barren winter. Female authority - mother nature, mothering. The nurturing of all aspects of one's life. Essentially about creativity and that nothing is too small or too large to be nurtured.
4	The Emperor	Structure, and the power that arises from that structure. Worldly achievement, competitive qualities, leadership, ambition. Uses logic to make plans with the intention of succeeding and achieving a creative vision. Unwilling to let down defences - likes to be in control.
5	The Hierophant	Ancient Greek word: a priest who interprets the sacred mysteries. Tends to reflect the traditional/conservative infrastructures that keep the world 'working' - church, law, marriage, higher education, etc. (I find the "fiveness" of this card interesting - it implies the need to find one's own way through to spiritual wisdom.)
6	The Lovers	Not surprisingly, love, romance, emotional/physical/spiritual union. But more significantly, choice: between the known (past/present) and the unknown (future). Can indicate a one's relationship with self, the 'inner marriage' with conflicts that can be resolved and male-female characteristics that can be well-balanced.
7	The Chariot	Courage, the ability to find a middle path between the things we are simultaneously drawn towards and repulsed by. The energy and willpower to use our abilities to the full. Success that has been won after a battle - with ourselves or obstacles in our path. The body as vehicle for the soul. Can refer literally to a vehicle.
8	Strength	Obviously, strength, but of the kind which combines a powerful sense of purpose with high ideals. Power 'for' rather than 'over'. Our own inner strength, in which the conscious and unconscious co-operate to develop a creative fore. The 'Kundalini' energy (which requires as much force to suppress as to bring forth).
9	The Hermit	A figure seeking philosophical "space" in order to listen to the voice of his/her higher self; usually alone (physically/spiritually or both). This detachment can sometimes feel alienating - can be a difficult card. Most carry a lamp to illuminate the secrets of the unconscious for others - a good teacher.
10	The Wheel of Fortune	Focuses on the difficult question of destiny vs free will - the wheel turns and confusion may reign. However, change is the only constant - it is how we respond to change that determines its effect on us. When the dust settles there's often a whole new paradigm in place in our lives.
11	Justice	Things being kept in balance in the broader sense - ie according to the laws of the natural world. We are challenged to use our human intellect (sword - right hand) to see the bigger picture (scales - left hand) and balance our lives according to that perspective. Can indicate a sharp mind.
12	The Hanged Man	Seeing things from a reversed perspective, surrendering. Often some sacrifice involved. Delay, inability to effect changes immediately. Time is 'suspended', but ironically, this can be a time of great freedom leading to wisdom or even spiritual ecstasy. (The Hanged Man is calm and not in pain.)
13	Death	Endings, letting go, usually involving pain or struggle. "To everything there is a season." Acceptance that our old lives form the 'compost' for the new. Transformation. Should not be taken lightly - major change is indicated and may require time to mourn the passing of what we are leaving behind.
14	Temperance	Latin term: moderate, mix, blend or otherwise bring into harmony. Indicates the blending of elements which do not necessarily go together easily in order to create something new - in some packs called alchemy or art. Brings a balanced, adaptable perspective in which both sides of an issue can be seen clearly and hence resolution achieved.
15	The Devil	Less scary than it looks. More about our fears and insecurities than about evil - requires an examination of tha tto which we feel we are bound - are the bonds real or imagined? Is this commitment or bondage? (cf The Lovers). Often relates to issues of material well-being. The best antidote to The Devil is laughter.
16	The Tower	Sudden, unexpected change with revolutionary overtones. Not usually an easy card - shifts can be disruptive and violent. Once called The House of God, because the disruption breaks down structures which no longer work. The 'flash of enlightenment' gives us insight for new developments.
17	The Star	'The light at the end of the tunnel.' After the chaos of the Tower,the Star signifies feeling refreshed and having renewed faith. We are 'blessed' with fresh insight into old problems, and regain a sense of hope. Intuition and reason are balanced (one foot on the water and one on land); vitality is restored and healing is possible.
18	The Moon	Dreams, psychic impressions and richly imaginative ideas - a time when the subconscious makes itself felt. Sometimes depression, or deception, in the sense that things are seen not as they really are, but 'through a glass, darkly'. Often refers to slow change - parallelling the cycles of the moon.
19	The Sun	The bright forces of energy, vitality, joy. A time of positive natural transition, success that comes after a period of effort. (The clear light of the sun illuminates the world after the potential confusion of moonlight.) The sun's warmth brings health and a sense of achievement. Can relate to children. Negatively, 'burnout' or sometimes quite literally, sunstroke.
20	Judgement	Similar to the Death card, but less painful. Indicates a rebirth without the necessity of having to 'die' first. As a result of an awakening (hearing the clarion call of the angel's trumpet), we see things differently and cannot return to our old ways of thinking or functioning (although we may still pay lip-service to those). Can indicate the need for a significant decision.
21	The World	A cycle of The Fool's journey has been completed. Often shows a joyful, hermaphroditic figure dancing through an oval wreath: the Cosmic Egg (ancient symbol of wholeness, knowledge and wisdom). Usually signifies success and fulfilment. The dance of life continues in a never-ending cycle of birth and death - as one door closes, another opens.

THE MINOR ARCANA: The Four Elements

FIRE - WANDS

Some keywords:

inception
unformed energy
optimism
vision
inspiration
action
volatility

Wands symbolise the energy that inspires us - that makes us want to get up in the morning. (I always think of the image on the Sistine Chapel where God gives the spark of life to 'man'.

Boredom, routine, lack of vision or enthusiasm can all extinguish fire's vital energy. (A lone Wand, eg, may lose much of its force when surrounded by watery Cups).

Fire can also be destructive and impractical depending on the context.

WATER - CUPS

Some keywords:

receptive
loving
nurturing
sensitive
emotional
creative
intuitive

Cups are essentially the element of the heart - deep feelings and close relationships of every kind.

The water element can emerge as a sense of creativity, abundant ideas, and artistic inspiration. (While fire and air can both think of cleve ideas, water is able to sustain them and give them continuing life.)

Water's negative side is displayed in the capacity to "drown" in ones' own emotions and/or the tendency to be drained of energy by the demands of others.

AIR - SWORDS

Some keywords:

thought
logic
reason
intellect
questioning
analysis
communication

Many images in this suit portray instability and disharmony witht he result that Swords have a "negative" reputation. Swords can indeed be difficult cards, but they tend to refer to abstract situations or mental states rather than tangible events or actions.

At their best, Swords can represent great mental power and clarity, and their positive message is often undervalued. Swords can herald great mental changes, spark off our desire to learn, to read, to explore ideas.

Mental change is often the hardest of all, which may be why there is so much suffering represented by this suit.

EARTH - PENTACLES

Some keywords:

practical
supportive
patient
grounded
realistic
structured
committed

The earth suit represents the material world which provides the infrastructure for our daily reality. It denotes the foundations and limitations of life, which are ultimately inescapable.

This suit is often regarded as dreary and boring because it symbolizes old-fashioned common sense and the ability to toil away until something has been achieved. But fiery visions, exciting airy ideas, and water's inarticulate emotions all need a container if they are to become tangible.

Pentacles bring the qualities of wisdom, supportive instincts, and all actions which seek to preserve and consolidate into a reading.

Numerology and the Minor Arcana

The numbering of the cards is significant.

Aces	new beginnings, power, energy, an opportunity
Twos	balance, synthesis, duality, receptivity
Threes	creative growth
Fours	stability, structure, restriction
Fives	change as a result of conflict, instability
Sixes	the beginnings of harmony, trans-generational healing
Sevens	delay, spiritual growth, inner work, sometimes confusion
Eights	the courage to be yourself, balance of power
Nines	completion, the suit at its fullest, reflection, reassessment
Tens	consolidation, then transformation, transcendence (reduces to a one)

The Court Cards

Pages work with the element at a fresh level. They are usually enthusiastic and “youthful” in their approach, but can also be slightly naïve and therefore somewhat vulnerable. The pages all have more enthusiasm than experience.

Knights, being in horseback, reflect how we negotiate our way in the world. Their modus operandi and level of dynamism depends on the suit and the context.

Queens and Kings reflect authoritative female/male roles of a somewhat ‘traditional’ kind. However, they are not sex-typed in readings: a man can be represented by a Queen and a woman by a King.

I read them as having equal authority, with Queen’s being yin, and their style more ‘nurturing’, and the King’s being yang and therefore more about ‘mastery’. (In Rachel Pollack’s Shining Tribe Tarot, the Kings are called “Speakers”.)

Some of the material above is taken or adapted from Jane Lyle, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Tarot, Chancellor Press, London, 2001.