Examining The Magic Of Tarot
This is our introduction to a study of the Tarot. The origin of tarot cards is perhaps as mysterious as the cabalistic symbols said to be found in the art. The first recorded evidence of the tarot appeared in Italy about 700 years ago when a “Tarocco” deck was made for the Vicsconzi-Sforza family in Milan. They appear to have been used as playing cards, much like modern decks of playing cards are used. But some believe the tarot dates to ancient Egypt or earlier, and others say the Gypsies may have been heavily involved in the design and secret magical effect they are said to offer.
This is our introduction to a study of the Tarot. The origin of tarot cards is perhaps as mysterious as the cabalistic symbols said to be found in the art. The first recorded evidence of the tarot appeared in Italy about 700 years ago when a “Tarocco” deck was made for the Vicsconzi-Sforza family in Milan. They appear to have been used as playing cards, much like modern decks of playing cards are used. But some believe the tarot dates to ancient Egypt or earlier, and others say the Gypsies may have been heavily involved in the design and secret magical effect they are said to offer.
Examining Tarot Cards: The Fool
The Fool is usually always at the top of the deck of the Tarot cards. This is because he represents the start of the journey. He is the number zero. A young lad with a spring in his step, he goes forth with a knapsack containing all of his worldly possessions slung over his shoulder and his faithful dog at his heels. He is prepared to confront whatever awaits him. He has always been called the fool, but the name is somewhat misleading. There is a profound message to be learned in the study of this card. Click For Story
Understanding Tarot – The Magician 1
The first tarot card in the deck, right behind The Fool, is The Magician. He also is known as the Magus. His number is one, which also appears as “I.” This is significant. The card deals with our ability to personally use our minds to tap into the spiritual forces and the light that surround us and use it to cause events to turn out in the way we desire. As the Fool begins his journey through life, then, the first important lesson for him to learn is how to transform his consciousness and reach a mental state of Initiation. The significance of the number one is geometrically symbolized to represent personal concentration and attention. We much learn how to do this before we can perform the Great Work.
The first tarot card in the deck, right behind The Fool, is The Magician. He also is known as the Magus. His number is one, which also appears as “I.” This is significant. The card deals with our ability to personally use our minds to tap into the spiritual forces and the light that surround us and use it to cause events to turn out in the way we desire. As the Fool begins his journey through life, then, the first important lesson for him to learn is how to transform his consciousness and reach a mental state of Initiation. The significance of the number one is geometrically symbolized to represent personal concentration and attention. We much learn how to do this before we can perform the Great Work.
Tarot 2 – The High Priestess
As he continues his journey, the Fool next meets a mysterious crowned woman, seated on a throne between two pillars and illuminated by a crescent moon. She is somewhat dark and mysterious in comparison to the Magician who was outspoken and appearing in the bright of day. A large cross hangs around her neck. In her lap, partly hidden by her blue gown, is a scroll on which the letters TORA can be seen. The rest of the word is covered. She is the High Priestess who, like the Magician, has something important to teach the Fool. The moment they meet, she makes it clear that she knows all things about the Fool. She is the guardian of secrets. She symbolizes the realms of our unconsciousness and thus is our guide to our inner self and the potential that lies within us all.
As he continues his journey, the Fool next meets a mysterious crowned woman, seated on a throne between two pillars and illuminated by a crescent moon. She is somewhat dark and mysterious in comparison to the Magician who was outspoken and appearing in the bright of day. A large cross hangs around her neck. In her lap, partly hidden by her blue gown, is a scroll on which the letters TORA can be seen. The rest of the word is covered. She is the High Priestess who, like the Magician, has something important to teach the Fool. The moment they meet, she makes it clear that she knows all things about the Fool. She is the guardian of secrets. She symbolizes the realms of our unconsciousness and thus is our guide to our inner self and the potential that lies within us all.
Tarot 3 – The Empress Card
At first glance it is easy to see that The Empress is the Mother. This woman is seated in a garden of green living vegetation and with wheat growing at her feet. The shield at her side displays the ancient occult symbol of Venus and also is the symbol of the womb. That the shield is shaped like a heart suggests that this woman not only is the fertile creator and nurturer of life, she also is the origin of romance, art or even a business venture.
At first glance it is easy to see that The Empress is the Mother. This woman is seated in a garden of green living vegetation and with wheat growing at her feet. The shield at her side displays the ancient occult symbol of Venus and also is the symbol of the womb. That the shield is shaped like a heart suggests that this woman not only is the fertile creator and nurturer of life, she also is the origin of romance, art or even a business venture.
Tarot 4 - The Emperor
To explain this card in simplistic terms, we continue the Fool’s Journey through the deck. His last stop was with the Empress, where his idea . . . his plans for carrying out his lifetime ambitions have been brought to life in the mother, or the womb. Now he encounters the father figure. The Emperor, the great king of his domain, shows all authority as he sits on a large stone throne, his massive figure draped in red and scarlet robes, the colors of assertiveness. Red is the symbolic color of sexual energy. Armored covering can be seen on his legs and feet showing that this king is willing to do battle to protect his crown and his kingdom.
To explain this card in simplistic terms, we continue the Fool’s Journey through the deck. His last stop was with the Empress, where his idea . . . his plans for carrying out his lifetime ambitions have been brought to life in the mother, or the womb. Now he encounters the father figure. The Emperor, the great king of his domain, shows all authority as he sits on a large stone throne, his massive figure draped in red and scarlet robes, the colors of assertiveness. Red is the symbolic color of sexual energy. Armored covering can be seen on his legs and feet showing that this king is willing to do battle to protect his crown and his kingdom.
The Hierophant Tarot Card 5
The Hierophant might be compared to a shaman among tribes of the world. He is the teacher of religious and spiritual knowledge, the master of esoteric wisdom, educated in the ways of the spirit. He is, in effect, the high priest of the tribe, the father of his people. Understanding the role of this powerful figure, we thus follow the Fool on his journey which last involved a visit to The Emperor, the figure of the power of government and social organization, who taught the foundation on which to build his life endeavors. But as he travels on the Fool is struck with an unexpected fear. What, he asks himself, if misfortune comes his way and all that he has worked for is taken from him, or he fails to be good enough? Thus he turns to the teacher of wisdom.
The Hierophant might be compared to a shaman among tribes of the world. He is the teacher of religious and spiritual knowledge, the master of esoteric wisdom, educated in the ways of the spirit. He is, in effect, the high priest of the tribe, the father of his people. Understanding the role of this powerful figure, we thus follow the Fool on his journey which last involved a visit to The Emperor, the figure of the power of government and social organization, who taught the foundation on which to build his life endeavors. But as he travels on the Fool is struck with an unexpected fear. What, he asks himself, if misfortune comes his way and all that he has worked for is taken from him, or he fails to be good enough? Thus he turns to the teacher of wisdom.
Tarot Card 6 – The Lovers
After becoming armed with knowledge about spiritual, social and political affairs in this world, the Fool moves on to the complexities of human affairs. This is reflected in the Lovers Card. Our scribe’s journey is unexpectedly interrupted when he meets and becomes attached to a mesmerizing woman that he believes is the complement to his soul. She is his emotional completion. Instead of pursuing his fortune, he takes time to cultivate intimacy and something happens. He discovers his need for relationships and in the process frees his own intuition, imagination and emotional well-being.
After becoming armed with knowledge about spiritual, social and political affairs in this world, the Fool moves on to the complexities of human affairs. This is reflected in the Lovers Card. Our scribe’s journey is unexpectedly interrupted when he meets and becomes attached to a mesmerizing woman that he believes is the complement to his soul. She is his emotional completion. Instead of pursuing his fortune, he takes time to cultivate intimacy and something happens. He discovers his need for relationships and in the process frees his own intuition, imagination and emotional well-being.
The Chariot – Tarot Card 7
Structurally, the Chariot Card follows The Lovers. Thus it is on impulse that our Fool leaves the garden. He is back on the path, setting out to complete the life he began to create when his journey began. But lo, enemies stand in his way. These enemies come in the form of other humans who compete or out of jealousy, personal dislike, or other emotional reasons would block his path. Other enemies come in the form of bad circumstances and even confusion in his own mind. Our Fool comes upon a charioteer, standing in his gold and silver chariot, two steeds, one black the other white, at rest. The charioteer is crowned with an eight pointed star, is wearing armor, and holding a wand in his right hand. In ancient days the chariot pulled by steeds was used in battle, so this figure clearly represents a person prepared for conquest.
Structurally, the Chariot Card follows The Lovers. Thus it is on impulse that our Fool leaves the garden. He is back on the path, setting out to complete the life he began to create when his journey began. But lo, enemies stand in his way. These enemies come in the form of other humans who compete or out of jealousy, personal dislike, or other emotional reasons would block his path. Other enemies come in the form of bad circumstances and even confusion in his own mind. Our Fool comes upon a charioteer, standing in his gold and silver chariot, two steeds, one black the other white, at rest. The charioteer is crowned with an eight pointed star, is wearing armor, and holding a wand in his right hand. In ancient days the chariot pulled by steeds was used in battle, so this figure clearly represents a person prepared for conquest.
Tarot Card 8 – Strength
From his encounter with The Charioteer, who taught him how to defeat his enemies in life, the Fool continues his journey with a feeling of extreme self-confidence and a sense that he is now prepared for any trouble that comes his way. Some might say he is feeling arrogant and powerful as he marches along. There is a hot passion boiling up within him. It is while in this mental state that he meets a lovely maiden struggling with a lion. He rushes to help but is suddenly amazed when she gently and firmly shuts the lion’s mouth. It is obvious that the beast, which seemed so wild and dangerous, now stands at her command.
From his encounter with The Charioteer, who taught him how to defeat his enemies in life, the Fool continues his journey with a feeling of extreme self-confidence and a sense that he is now prepared for any trouble that comes his way. Some might say he is feeling arrogant and powerful as he marches along. There is a hot passion boiling up within him. It is while in this mental state that he meets a lovely maiden struggling with a lion. He rushes to help but is suddenly amazed when she gently and firmly shuts the lion’s mouth. It is obvious that the beast, which seemed so wild and dangerous, now stands at her command.
Tarot 9 – The Hermit
By his very nature, The Hermit card symbolizes the need, or possibly the desire, to seek time of peace, quiet and solitude. He represents a time of thought and contemplation before making important decisions in life. The appearance of this card may also signal a need for taking time for convalescence and rest in times of ill health.
By his very nature, The Hermit card symbolizes the need, or possibly the desire, to seek time of peace, quiet and solitude. He represents a time of thought and contemplation before making important decisions in life. The appearance of this card may also signal a need for taking time for convalescence and rest in times of ill health.
Tarot 10 – The Wheel
The Tenth Tarot card, The Wheel of Fortune, is among the more interesting cards in this deck. We perceive the Fool perhaps depending on blind fortune to assure him a good and successful life as he continues his journey. As wise as he may be at this point, this card assures us that there is still much more to be learned. The symbolism in this card appears to overpower the ignorance of blind faith and the “wisdom” of science in setting our personal fate. If the god lives within, then we are the sphinx seated at the top of the wheel, sword in paw, looking out with assurance that no matter what fates the world throws in our direction, we have the ability to overcome them all.
The Tenth Tarot card, The Wheel of Fortune, is among the more interesting cards in this deck. We perceive the Fool perhaps depending on blind fortune to assure him a good and successful life as he continues his journey. As wise as he may be at this point, this card assures us that there is still much more to be learned. The symbolism in this card appears to overpower the ignorance of blind faith and the “wisdom” of science in setting our personal fate. If the god lives within, then we are the sphinx seated at the top of the wheel, sword in paw, looking out with assurance that no matter what fates the world throws in our direction, we have the ability to overcome them all.
Tarot Card 11 – Justice
The Justice Tarot card reflects a call for balance. The number of this card which is 11, appropriately falls at the center of 22 cards in the Major Arcana in the Ryder-Waite deck. A crowned woman who some occultists like to identify as Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, is seated on a throne between two gray pillars. She holds a double-edged sword in her right hand and scales of balance in her left. The color of the pillars reflects the balance between extreme white and extreme black.
The Justice Tarot card reflects a call for balance. The number of this card which is 11, appropriately falls at the center of 22 cards in the Major Arcana in the Ryder-Waite deck. A crowned woman who some occultists like to identify as Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, is seated on a throne between two gray pillars. She holds a double-edged sword in her right hand and scales of balance in her left. The color of the pillars reflects the balance between extreme white and extreme black.
The Hanged Man – Tarot 12
People cringe when The Hanged Man tarot card comes up in divination. The way this man hangs, from one foot with the second leg bent to make his body form the number 4, signifies hardship. It is, indeed, a shock to see a man hanging in such a position. It implies discomfort. Pain. Trouble. Yet look more closely. There is a look of serenity on the face of this man. His right leg is bound but the left leg is bent as are his arms to suggest the Hebrew Star of David. There is a halo of light from the eternal soul shining brightly around his head. This is not a scene of torture. So what is this card saying?
People cringe when The Hanged Man tarot card comes up in divination. The way this man hangs, from one foot with the second leg bent to make his body form the number 4, signifies hardship. It is, indeed, a shock to see a man hanging in such a position. It implies discomfort. Pain. Trouble. Yet look more closely. There is a look of serenity on the face of this man. His right leg is bound but the left leg is bent as are his arms to suggest the Hebrew Star of David. There is a halo of light from the eternal soul shining brightly around his head. This is not a scene of torture. So what is this card saying?
Tarot 13 – Death
The Death Tarot Card is never a welcome sight when it appears in a divination spread. The sight of a skeleton in armor riding a pale horse as a robed bishop, woman and a child kneel before it is obviously disconcerting. Notice too that the horse is trampling over a fallen prince. The scene is obviously troubling. But occultists insist this card is not as bad as it appears at first glance. Read on to find out why.
The Death Tarot Card is never a welcome sight when it appears in a divination spread. The sight of a skeleton in armor riding a pale horse as a robed bishop, woman and a child kneel before it is obviously disconcerting. Notice too that the horse is trampling over a fallen prince. The scene is obviously troubling. But occultists insist this card is not as bad as it appears at first glance. Read on to find out why.
Tarot 14 – Temperance
The image on this card is that of a winged angel pouring a liquid from chalice to chalice. The white-robed angel stands with one foot on earth and one in water. The sign of the sun appears on the angel’s forehead, and the square and triangle of the number seven shows on its breast. From the stream can be seen a path which winds its way up into mountains in the background. The pathway leads to a point where a great light emerges. And within that light can be seen a crown.
The image on this card is that of a winged angel pouring a liquid from chalice to chalice. The white-robed angel stands with one foot on earth and one in water. The sign of the sun appears on the angel’s forehead, and the square and triangle of the number seven shows on its breast. From the stream can be seen a path which winds its way up into mountains in the background. The pathway leads to a point where a great light emerges. And within that light can be seen a crown.
Tarot 15 – The Devil
The Devil Tarot card is the antithesis of the Temperance card. Instead of the Archangel Michael harmonizing the psychic and material natures of humanity, we have the figure of the Devil depicting human failures including pettiness, materialism and base desires. Indeed, the Devil is an invention of the human psyche. His existence stems from religious belief systems that create a creature with the power to tempt mankind into a spiritless lifestyle of seeking fame, fortune and self-pleasure.
The Devil Tarot card is the antithesis of the Temperance card. Instead of the Archangel Michael harmonizing the psychic and material natures of humanity, we have the figure of the Devil depicting human failures including pettiness, materialism and base desires. Indeed, the Devil is an invention of the human psyche. His existence stems from religious belief systems that create a creature with the power to tempt mankind into a spiritless lifestyle of seeking fame, fortune and self-pleasure.
Tarot 16 – The Tower
Of all the cards in the Tarot deck, the Tower is the most unpopular to see when it comes up in a reading. Just looking at the images on this card explains why. The card warns of a looming disaster and a dynamic change in life as we know it. The white tower stands before a black background. A bolt of lightning hits the tower, tearing away its crown and starting fires that can be seen in every window. Smoke pours from the building. Balls of flame fall, as do a man and a woman, from the high peak to the rocks below. It is a picture of complete disaster.
Of all the cards in the Tarot deck, the Tower is the most unpopular to see when it comes up in a reading. Just looking at the images on this card explains why. The card warns of a looming disaster and a dynamic change in life as we know it. The white tower stands before a black background. A bolt of lightning hits the tower, tearing away its crown and starting fires that can be seen in every window. Smoke pours from the building. Balls of flame fall, as do a man and a woman, from the high peak to the rocks below. It is a picture of complete disaster.
Tarot 17 – The Star
Put yourself in the place of the fool at this stage of his strange journey through life. After his encounters with the great teachers, his decisions to follow a spiritual path to enlightenment, and having to deal with issues of love and all of the other worldly issues that come along, he has just been through some very bad times. The last cards to come up were Death, Temperance, The Devil and the worst of them all, The Tower which involved the destruction of everything the Fool thought he had made of his life, including every stitch of his ego. Now he is in a wretched state, thinking that all is lost. But wait. Card Number 17 appears. This is proclaimed to be the wonderful card of hope.
Put yourself in the place of the fool at this stage of his strange journey through life. After his encounters with the great teachers, his decisions to follow a spiritual path to enlightenment, and having to deal with issues of love and all of the other worldly issues that come along, he has just been through some very bad times. The last cards to come up were Death, Temperance, The Devil and the worst of them all, The Tower which involved the destruction of everything the Fool thought he had made of his life, including every stitch of his ego. Now he is in a wretched state, thinking that all is lost. But wait. Card Number 17 appears. This is proclaimed to be the wonderful card of hope.
Tarot 18 – The Moon
After receiving the promise of hope with The Star, the Fool now encounters The Moon, a card filled with the same old mental and spiritual challenges. It is as if our traveler is moving in circles and getting nowhere. While the Moon dominates the scene on this card, it is being looked at by three beings on the Earth below. In the foreground is a crayfish crawling out of a pool of water. In front of the crayfish is a long path leading from the pool off into the hills directly under the Moon. Along the path are two dogs, both apparently baying at the Moon. So what is the symbolism in this card? Read on to find out.
After receiving the promise of hope with The Star, the Fool now encounters The Moon, a card filled with the same old mental and spiritual challenges. It is as if our traveler is moving in circles and getting nowhere. While the Moon dominates the scene on this card, it is being looked at by three beings on the Earth below. In the foreground is a crayfish crawling out of a pool of water. In front of the crayfish is a long path leading from the pool off into the hills directly under the Moon. Along the path are two dogs, both apparently baying at the Moon. So what is the symbolism in this card? Read on to find out.
Tarot 19 – The Sun
Having successfully made the fearful journey described in the Moon tarot card, Number 18, our Fool now emerges in The Sun card, said by many readers to be the happiest and most popular of the cards when it appears in a tarot reading. The Sun is the antithesis of The Moon card. For our traveler, the night has passed and he finds himself enjoying a glorious summer day. The Sun symbolizes success, well-being and happiness. This card also symbolizes unconditional love, the type of love that does not depend on any kind of reward.
Having successfully made the fearful journey described in the Moon tarot card, Number 18, our Fool now emerges in The Sun card, said by many readers to be the happiest and most popular of the cards when it appears in a tarot reading. The Sun is the antithesis of The Moon card. For our traveler, the night has passed and he finds himself enjoying a glorious summer day. The Sun symbolizes success, well-being and happiness. This card also symbolizes unconditional love, the type of love that does not depend on any kind of reward.
Tarot 20 – Judgment
Because of Christian mythology the move from The Sun tarot card to Judgment may come as a shock to some. We move from a state of perfect bliss to the image of naked souls rising from floating coffins as the Angel Gabriel blows a trumpet from overhead. What is the message here? Is it the Biblical call to a heavenly judgment, or can we find another lesson in this, the second to the final major trump card in the deck? As one analyst explained it, the images of people rising out of graves, tombs and dark pits are symbolic of the darkness in which we all live. Judgment Day in the Christian Bible is a time when people are suddenly called before God and judged for their sins.
Because of Christian mythology the move from The Sun tarot card to Judgment may come as a shock to some. We move from a state of perfect bliss to the image of naked souls rising from floating coffins as the Angel Gabriel blows a trumpet from overhead. What is the message here? Is it the Biblical call to a heavenly judgment, or can we find another lesson in this, the second to the final major trump card in the deck? As one analyst explained it, the images of people rising out of graves, tombs and dark pits are symbolic of the darkness in which we all live. Judgment Day in the Christian Bible is a time when people are suddenly called before God and judged for their sins.
Tarot 21 – The World
The World is the final Tarot card in the Major Arcana. A dancer, clad in scarf and holding two wands dances in celebration within an oval wreath. The wreath symbolizes completion. The circle is closed. The Fool’s journey has reached its conclusion.
The World is the final Tarot card in the Major Arcana. A dancer, clad in scarf and holding two wands dances in celebration within an oval wreath. The wreath symbolizes completion. The circle is closed. The Fool’s journey has reached its conclusion.