Tag: Major Arcana

level up on the spiral to a new cycle of growth

With The World, it all comes together. Our current cycle of soul work culminates and we’re ready to level up to a new cycle of growth. It brings with it a sense of fulfillment and integration to a more unified (hence the androgyny) whole. We see the big picture. We’ve gained a more holistic view of the universe; just as the four elements, the four seasons, the four directions work together within a larger sphere yet retain their individual properties, the ego realizes that we are a part of a greater whole and yet we are independent, free to be ourselves as we evolve to the next level.

(-) In resistance, fear of change or the unknown causes us to restrict our evolution into new levels of growth. We resist our potential, not quite sure where we’re going, which may result in alienation as we lack connection with or appreciation for our co-travelers.

(+) In excess, the constant pursuit of enlightenment is a refusal to cooperate in the earthly aims of manifestation. We’re trying to transcend our earthly limitations while unable to truly see the big picture. Or, we may be so caught up in the big picture that details and steps are elusive or overlooked. In a more practical application of this card’s meanings, we may be so lost in virtual reality or the World Wide Web that earthly day-to-day takes a back seat.

Questions we may be prompted to ask when this card comes up include

• What are you having trouble manifesting?
• Where do you feel constrained or restricted? Are you restricting yourself?
• How might you gain a broader or more holistic perspective of the matter at hand?
• Is there something you feel you need closure on? What can help attain that closure?
• Do you feel the weight of the world’s problems on your shoulders?

What else? The archetypes of the majors are complex and you may have other insights. How has this card come up for you? What are some examples of this card’s energies?

awaken to your true calling

From the historical depictions of the Judgement card to the more modern Waite Smith, we see the day of liberation as souls are trumpeted from the physical plane to unite with a higher consciousness. This the awakening for Last Judgement, where we are judged for our actions (how Christian!), atone for our sins, and are called to ascend. It is the archetype of callings, of summons to a new life. We’re called to account first, though; and while atonement may carry religious overtones, this is not about guilt. Taking stock in an honest personal inventory and making amends for our misjudgments can foster a sense of renewal — especially in the wake of The Sun’s illumination. Leave the past behind. Here, we awaken to a new awareness of our sense of purpose in this life, our higher calling, our raison d’etre; finding where we need to be in the larger community and making the shifts necessary to move toward that.

(-) In resistance, we deny the call, perhaps always wondering about the road not taken. Passive, we may be waiting to be rescued.

(+) In excess, we judge others, even trying to convert or “save” them in what may be shades of a savior complex. If we can surrender our judgements and look into the mirror, we may realize that what we had judged a problem in an ‘other’ is really ours to own (or vice versa); but the shadow of Judgement is so caught up in its judgements that we’re not even aware that there’s something to be reckoned.

Questions we may be prompted to ask when this card comes up include

• Are you able to do an honest self-evaluation?
• Are there amends you would like to make for past actions?
• What do you judge most in others?
• How are you feeling called? Are you refusing that call?

What else? The archetypes of the majors are complex and you may have other insights. How has this card come up for you? What are some examples of this card’s energies?

move forward with confidence and clarity

Like moving from darkness to dawn, the unknown depths of The Moon give way to the illumination of The Sun, and we have insight and clarity as what was occluded is now in the light. Eureka! We have come to know our weak points, and acceptance of our whole self has brought confidence with the awareness that the only thing holding us back is us. This clarity may prompt us to revitalize something that has always been with us but never expressed, but we now have the inner fortitude to stand up and take center stage (without the need to; others can shine, too). There is a warmth and a joy that comes with this card, and a sense that we’re not shedding or leaving anything, but growing. Things are brighter and we’re energized with the optimism and enthusiasm of a child.

(-) In resistance, we turn away from the light, failing to see the gold. We are insecure, avoiding recognition and unable to accept success. Physically, we may think of Seasonal Affective Disorder as one expression of a lack of Sun energy.

(+) In excess, it’s all play without any responsibilities. A childish state of vanity and self-centeredness demands that we are the only one shining, with everything revolving around us. The Sun card in excess is all ego, where we feel the need to prove ourselves by being the largest presence in the room.

Questions we may be prompted to ask when this card appears include

• Do you tend to be more of a wallflower, avoiding attention? What parts protect you by keeping you in the background?
• Or do you always seek the light, dominating the conversation and attracting attention? What need does that fill (or hide?)
• Are you avoiding responsibility, having a party of fun & games without expecting the cleanup?
• Where is your happy place?
• What is your superpower and why are you hiding it from the world?

What else? The archetypes of the majors are complex and you may have other insights. How has this card come up for you? What are some examples of this card’s energies?

relax into the darkness and take guidance from what is revealed

Just as the moon cycles across the sky, revealing different sides at different phases and keeping others hidden in shadow, The Moon card is the self in its complexity. This is an invitation into the deep waters of the subconscious and psychic realm. What part of the psyche is driving the current situation? The two wolves often included in the card’s imagery (one soft and one fierce) remind us of the Cherokee legend of the two wolves dueling inside each of us, with the winner being the one that we are feeding.

When The Moon pulls back the tides, that which had been submerged is exposed. If we allow ourselves to relax into the darkness, emotional and psychic gifts may be revealed, guiding us to deeper mysteries and meanings. It’s wise to remember that the psyche speaks in symbols, and to pay attention to dreams and other messages. We may also consider the cyclical aspect of the moon as it relates to our own cycles — not only the 28-day period of menses but any, such as bipolar cycles and others.

(-) In resistance, we find the situation at hand unclear and are confused, or we misunderstand it (are we lost in self-deception?). We may deny our intuitive voice, allowing only rational thought.

(+) In excess, our moodiness fluctuates and may be unstable. Things are not as they seem. We allow ourselves to fall into the depths of our darkest shadows, even losing touch with reality in a state of psychosis.

Questions we may be prompted to ask when this card comes up include

• What internal part is driving the current situation?
• How can you access and honor your occluded parts?
• What did you dream about last night? What meanings or messages do you think lie in those visions? What parts of the Self had a role?
• How have you been disillusioned? Is this a repeating cycle?

What else? The archetypes of the majors are complex and you may have other insights. How has this card come up for you? What are some examples of this card’s energies?

recenter, and follow your North Star

After the crumbling destruction of The Tower, hope is restored by the healing power of The Star, which reminds us of the way forward. With an attitude of cleansing renewal, we’re ready to recalibrate and regenerate. This is a card of recovery. We can clear the debris and recenter, hopeful for the future and inspired to nurture our dream. This is our North Star — the true path which we feel called to follow as if guided from above and which allows us to feel comfortable and secure in our own skin.

(-) In resistance, we remain in a loss of hope. Our inspiration gone, we think our efforts and goals futile. We retreat to safe terrain with an intolerance for anything but the ideal. Here, we can exist in denial and fantasy, which serves only to mask the deep discomfort we feel with ourselves — measuring ourselves against external standards and projecting a false status in the hopes of more “likes.”

Or, we become unapproachable, giving the outward appearance of self-sufficiency but are really warding off the outside world by creating a layer of armour — merely a different way of retreating to safe terrain and resisting the healing that The Star can bring.

(+) In excess, we prefer to exist in LaLa Land; always planning for the future and dreaming big, but we may never really act on it. This state of serene hopefulness provides an eternally safe space. Perhaps we’re inspiring others to share our state of constant and uplifting renewal — even promoting that sense of toxic positivity or cleansing that we see in new-agey or pop-health and MLM trends?

Questions we may be prompted to ask when this card appears include

• What, truly, is your dream? What has prevented you from setting its course?
• Do you try to project an ideal image? How does this facade protect you?
• Are you always planning but not actually doing? What small task can you set to take a step forward?
• How have you survived, in the past?

What else? The archetypes of the majors are complex and you may have other insights. How has this card come up for you? What are some examples of this card’s energies?

confront your personal demons

The Devil is that Christian construct designed to shame and guilt us with all that our ‘better judgement’ deems undesirable about our choices and actions. It leads us into temptation then aims to restrict us from pleasure with its finger-wagging, and represents those things which we would rather not know about ourselves — much less reveal — instead projecting them onto others in the outside world. The Devil represents our shadow.

I hesitate to demonize anything about the workings of our inner parts, since their true motive is always our safety, and we want simply to engage with our shadow parts to understand them and integrate them (hopefully with a new role or task). Sure, this card is about the lust, the greed, the deceit; but here, we’re invited to confront our guilt, shame, and fear. Do they really belong here? These limiting beliefs are meant to protect us and keep us safe, but we can escape this by understanding what part is driving it and what purpose it’s serving. Have we wronged another? Correct it. Otherwise, we must ask whether that shame is justified, or if this is just the protector part’s narrative to keep us safe by keeping us down. Identifying that is a profound opportunity to liberate ourselves from the shackles of self-destruction and guilt.

(-) In resistance, we lack the desire to change or to correct our behaviors and remain in patterns of materialism, oppression, addiction, and other drives which are concerned only with our own pleasure and gain at the expense of others. We are enslaved in our shadows, powerless, which leads only to a continuation of self-destructive patterns and the constant need of approval from others since we cannot find it in ourselves.

The failure to confront our demons leads to The Tower.

(+) In excess, we condemn ourselves for things that don’t warrant it. Stuck in shame or fear, we desire to change our perceived wrongdoings but are bound to them, which affirms and perpetuates the loops of harmful self-talk and self-loathing that accompanies them.

Questions we may be prompted to ask when this card appears include

• What do you allow to bring out the worst in you?
• What decisions have you made based in fear?
• Can you identify your self-destructive patterns? In what ways are you sabotaging your own success and well-being? How are your protector parts keeping you safe?
• How is the past influencing your decisions?
• Where you feel shame or guilt, what action can you take to correct it?
• What stops you from reaching your greatest potential? What are you making more important than your self-empowerment?

What else? The archetypes of the majors are complex and you may have other insights. How has this card come up for you? What are some examples of this card’s energies?

blend disparate elements to create something new

To temper is to mix or modify to create something new, as in alchemy, and it’s in the Temperance card that we move from the loss of Death to a process of change through transformative growth where the parts of the psyche are combined or integrated and refined in preparation for higher stages of consciousness. As The Empress creates from nothing into matter (mater), Temperance transforms matter to create something new. As an artist, I think of mixing paints (not necessarily ‘tempera’ paints, but the name does fit, here) to create just the right color. As an herbalist, I consider the art of formulation to create a compound tincture of a specific quality or essence by combining just the right proportions of compatible plants in certain combinations — and there can be an element of healing in this card, by the harmony of the parts.

The figure on the card is often portrayed as a hermaphrodite (symbolizing the unification or blending of parts into a new whole) turning water into wine (again, the transformative process of parts). This blending of the light and dark to become more than the sum of its parts is a work in progress, ending line 2 with a bridge between the Self and the Higher Self to better flow into line 3, where we expand into a new awareness. Here, in the union between Above and Below, our souls are aligned and we’re in communion with Spirit, learning to follow the soul’s path instead of the ego’s as we head for The Devil.

(-) In resistance, we are uncompromising, denying ourselves the ability to adapt. Our internal parts are in conflict. Rather than harmony, there is a sense of being uncooperative, or competing.

(+) In excess, we are over-accommodating in an effort to avoid conflict. Does our need for a peaceful state cause us to take on the role of the mediator or peacekeeper in situations, determined to bring factions together? Are we forcing elements together that may not coalesce harmoniously? Perhaps we’re over-mixing something that is just right as is.

Questions we may be prompted to ask when this card appears include

• Do you jump into the role of peacekeeper during conflicts?
• Are you able to access Self or Spirit without parts interrupting?
• Do you resist adapting to new situations?
• Are you trying to force together some things that may not actually blend well?
• Do you tend toward extremes rather than find a harmonious balance?
• How are you integrating the various parts of your life?

What else? The archetypes of the majors are complex and you may have other insights. How has this card come up for you? What are some examples of this card’s energies?

let go

The Death card reminds us that it’s time to say goodbye to the identity / situation / attitude / behavior / thing that will hinder us if it continues to be a part of our lives. Time’s up. We probably don’t want to let go, and we don’t know what will take its place, but the more calmly we come to terms with this fact, the better it will be. We may also feel called to work with our ancestors or The Mighty Dead, or identify with this type of work (e.g., psychopomp).

Some interpretations of this card pussy-foot around the subject with butterflies and framing it as transformation; but death is a major archetype of the human condition, and there is no card better suited to its theme than the one labeled “Death.” While it’s true that all matter and energy is transformed by the death process, and that our own transformation can begin when we shed that which doesn’t serve us, we must also avoid the tendency toward sticky-sweet positivity so prevalent in much of the tarot community. Endings are hard. Saying goodbye can be very difficult. But the true gold in tarot can be found in the growth we experience by confronting these challenges rather than painting them in glittery rainbows and slapping a positive label on them so that we don’t actually have to look at them. That’s what we call emotional (or spiritual, in some cases) bypassing.

(-) In resistance, we hold ever more tightly to what we should be leaving behind, which just prolongs the pain. What results is stagnation — or, worse, mental deadlock, fatigue, apathy, and depression. Physical symptoms such as an illness may compel us to rest for a while.

(+) In excess, an attitude of non-attachment causes us to end things prematurely as a defense mechanism against the fear of loss.

Questions we may be prompted to ask when this card comes up include

• What are you afraid to let go of? Why is it so difficult to do so? How can you ease the transition?
• What past loss are you still grieving?
• What is your relationship with mortality?
• What belief is no longer in your highest and best? Is there something you can replace it with?

What else? The archetypes of the majors are complex and you may have other insights. How has this card come up for you? What are some examples of this card’s energies?

surrender

The Hanged Man teaches us to integrate the humility of Justice by moving from ego to soul through surrender into it, which allows us to see things from a new perspective — things which perhaps others can’t. We may not believe what soul is telling us, and this topsy-turvy reorientation may be uncomfortable while we’re suspended in it, but an attitude of acceptance can foster a state of peace, which opens new awareness, allowing us to proceed, finding meaning in this discomfort and allowing us to transform it into power.

There is often a halo around The Hanged Man’s head, representing spiritual illumination or the higher self. “Let go and let God” is one way of advising surrender to the wisdom of the Godself.

(-) In resistance, we are unable to see from this new perspective and are left feeling ungrounded and vulnerable. Stifled and unable to adjust, this sense of powerlessness may create a reliance on others.

(+) In excess, we tend toward self-sacrifice, or a pattern of resentful submission. We may risk self-sabotage in the sense that we subconsciously undermine our own position. Here we have an intersection with The Emperor in giving up our power, and The Chariot in control issues — but where The Chariot is driven (or fails) to gain control, The Hanged Man feels it taken from him. This may be accompanied by victim mentality in a continuation from Justice.

The martyr is also an obvious element here, enduring great suffering for our principles; which also relates back to Justice, and sets us up for our next stop with Death.

Questions we may be prompted to ask when this card comes up include

• Where are you getting hung up? Might it be time for a new perspective?
• How do you allow for new perspectives?
• Are you always sacrificing for others?
• Where do you feel powerless?
• Do you easily submit to the will of others? Does this leave you feeling resentful?
• Are your egoic convictions in opposition to the guidance of your wiser parts?
• How do you connect with your Higher Self?
• Is there somewhere you may need to give up control?
• What are you willing to sacrifice in the pursuit of spiritual evolution?

What else? The archetypes of the majors are complex and you may have other insights. How has this card come up for you? What are some examples of this card’s energies?