Exploring the Tarot: The Chariot

The Chariot

Keywords: struggles, triumph

The Chariot is a card of conflict, usually between two options for something. It often depicts a man riding a chariot pulled by two horses which are trying to go in opposite directions. The horses are usually different colours (black and white) and represent two different paths. The paths oppose each other but both have validity to them, making the decision to be made a difficult one. It is up the the driver to reign in the horses and keep them under control.

This card is said to be ruled by Ares, the god of war as the horse-drawn chariot is often a symbol for battle; quite appropriate considering the meaning of the card.

In a spread The Chariot signifies inner conflict -you or whoever you're reading for is fighting an inner battle between two very different desires. It can also mean that there is conflict between the people around you and that compromise may be necessary to diffuse the flames. The Chariot is a card of passion and desire and in order to balance it out you will need to find a sense of calm and balance.

Exploring the Tarot: The Lovers

The Lovers

Keywords: trials, choices (in regards to relationships)

Contrary to what a lot of people may think, this card does not symbolize true love or a successful relationship. The Lovers is a card about making decisions regarding a relationship or other personal matter, but in no way does it promise a happy result or finding your soul mate.

In most decks, this card depicts a young man with two women on either side of him. One woman can represent a seductive young woman and the other a more maternal and wiser woman. This gives us the reading of choice -a possible dilemma. A blind cupid ("love is blind") is also sometimes shown flying overhead with an arrow pointed at the young man. 

In a reading, this card is instructing you to take a good look at your options before making any kind of decision. Consider the consequences of each choice -which are you willing to accept? The choice does not always have to refer to lovers or other relationships, but whatever choice it does point to is certain to be deeply personal. Choose wisely. 

Lady Unlaced

Exploring the Tarot: The Hierophant

The Hierophant

Keywords: enlightenment, spiritual quest

The Hierophant is a card concerning spirituality and enlightenment. The card usually depicts a pope with a a triple tiered crown -this represents the unity between mind, body, and soul. He wears a necklace of crossed keys (one gold, one silver) which represents a balance between masculinity and femininity. He holds a book or scroll for knowledge and is seen sitting between two pillars. The pillars are opposites -night and day, good and evil, life and death. The Hierophant sits between these things, representing and understanding and balance between them. 

This card is a symbol for those looking to find meaning in life or embark on a quest of the spirit. It represents the search for truth and there is no religious restriction. 

In a spread, this card may indicate it is time for you to use your mind to find answers and solutions. Wisdom will get you far, as will balance.

Lady Unlaced

Exploring the Tarot: The Emperor

The Emperor

Keywords: influence, material wealth, authority, paternal figure

The Emperor is a card that represents paternal influence and power. It usually depicts a king-like figure in a throne holding traditional symbols of power such as an orb and a scepter. Purple is a common colour as it corresponds with royalty. An image of an eagle is often incorporated into the card as well, as they are a bird that is strongly connected to Zeus.

This card compliments The Empress -as she is a symbol of maternal influence, The Emperor is that of paternal influence. He rules over matters of finance, politics, and material goods. This is a card that is strongly tied to masculinity. The Emperor is a protector.

In a spread this card tells us to pay attention to the material aspects of our lives; money is key here. Business-type projects are on the horizon and you have to be prepared to make the right decision for the most material gain. He could also represent the entrance of an authority figure into your life such as a new boss that will have a lot of influence on you. 

Lady Unlaced

Exploring the Tarot: The Empress

The Empress

Keywords: Growth, Fertility, Motherhood

The Empress is a card of light and abundance. This card usually depicts a woman surrounded by corn which connects her to nature and the Earth as well as the Greek goddess of harvest, Demeter. It is very common for her to be depicted as pregnant and she is usually wearing a crown with 12 points -one for each of the months of the year. In card where the colours of the jewels are distinct enough you will most likely see them in four different colours. Each of these colours depicts the four seasons. 

This is a card of motherhood and fertility. The Empress is a nurturer and deals with the growth of the Earth and its people. She rules over the cycles of the Earth, from birth to death to rebirth. 

In a spread The Empress can obviously mean that it's time for a birthing. This can be a literal birthing or refer to something more creative, like a project of some kind. Whatever you have been toiling away on and thinking over is ready to be born into the world. Keep in mind that the motherly qualities of this card can also represent the pain a mother would feel from the loss of a child. Again, this can be a real child, or a project. Just remember, that with death comes rebirth -everything is a cycle. 

Lady Unlaced

Exploring the Tarot: The High Priestess

Before we get started I want to wish all my fellow witches a Happy Imbolc! I didn't even realize it was today until just now. Not having a Witch calendar is a pain. But anyways, on to the tarot!

The High Priestess

Keywords: Intuition, Mystery, Balance, Patience

This card usually depicts a woman, the Priestess, sitting between two pillars. The pillars represent life and death and the Priestess shows the balance between the two. It is most common for her to be wearing white as this is the colour of purity as well as unfulfilled potential. In this deck, the Sharman-Caselli, she is shown holding a bundle of flowers which represent a promise of the future. In other decks she is sometimes depicted holding a pomegranate. Older tarot decks may have called this card "The Female Pope" but regardless of her name she has a strong connection to spirituality, imagination, and intuition. 

The High Priestess is highly connected to fertility, the creative cycle, and the lunar cycle, as well as the underworld. In the Wiccan tradition she would have a very strong link to The Goddess as they share many of the same qualities and indeed this may be a card you could put on your altar when dealing with a rite dedicated to the Goddess.

When the High Priestess turns up in a spread she can be difficult to figure out as she is associated with more shadowy and mystical qualities; she holds her secrets close. Often when this card shows up it is telling you to trust your intuition -go with your gut feeling about something. She also represents the beginning potential of something in your life that if you wait for the right moment can turn into something beneficial. Trust your instincts and you will be rewarded. 

Lady Unlaced

Exploring the Tarot: The Magician

The Magician

Keywords: Opportunity, Taking Initiative

The Magician card usually depicts a man standing behind a table. On the table sits a cup, wand, sword, and pentacle. Not only are these the four suits of a tarot deck, they also represent the four elements: water, air, fire and earth. Each element represents something different and together they form human understanding. The most common colours for the Magician to be wearing are white and red. White is the colour of purity and red symbolizes passion. One hand is pointed towards the sky and the other to the ground: Heaven and Earth. The Magician represents the connection between the two. 

To me I see this card as a very powerful one that I can strongly identify with. Although he is a "magician" he can represent the roll of the witch. He is connected with the elements and with the gods, just as any witch. Most pagan and witch traditions are about being in tune with nature and the divine. This card shows the perfect balance of that.

In a spread this card is usually seen as a positive one as is stands for opportunity. It can signify that you have a chance in your life to undertake some new venture and that now is the time to dive into it. This opportunity could be related to anything -relationships, business/work, travel, etc. You may even have several opportunities to choose from, but try not to worry. This card suggests that you should follow your intuition and instinct when choosing and by doing so you will make the best choice for yourself.

Lady Unlaced

Exploring the Tarot: The Fool

I know I said I would start doing this a while ago, I've just been busy and/or lazy -yes, I will admit to it. But today I am sitting in my mom's apartment, stuck inside to avoid the crappy weather, and since I happen to have my deck on me (I bring it everywhere actually) I figured now was a good a time as ever. 

The Fool

Keywords: Change, New Beginnings, Optimism, Adventure

The Fool is often recognized as the first card of the major arcana and usually depicts the image of a carefree and happy-looking young man who is about to walk off a cliff of some sort. Depending on the deck there may be a type of animal in the picture as well trying to warn the young man of the cliff he is approaching. In the Sharman-Caselli deck (the one I use for those of you who haven't seen my previous tarot post) this animal happens to be a dog. The dog is a representation of natural human doubts.

To me, The Fool card represents optimism in a time where change is necessary. It signifies new beginnings and experiences, and although we may have our doubts to how well the whole situation is going to work out, we ultimately believe things will be in our favour. It is a risk-taking card -others may see it as taking foolish action but the young man knows that it is the start of a new adventure to be embraced and approached with enthusiasm and positive energy. 

When this card appears in a spread it signals a change in your life that is not traditional. When other people have taken risks like this you may have seen them as being naive and foolish, but now the time has come to face your own precipice. Your life is at an ideal point for change and adventure, don't shy away from it; meet the situation head on and make it work to your advantage. You won't be sorry for it.

Lady Unlaced

Exploring Tarot: The Begininng

I have been thinking about doing (weekly?) posts on the Major Arcana of the tarot deck and I was wondering how many of my readers would be interested in that. Leave a comment for me with your thoughts?

I used to study tarot and practice spreads (mostly for myself) all the time, but I've gotten pretty rusty recently. Finding time to dedicate to occult studies is difficult when you're in college. But winter break is fast approaching and I figured this is the perfect opportunity to refresh my memory and share with my readers.

I have two tarot decks, but I really only use my Sharman-Caselli deck (a variation of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck) which I received as a gift from my mother. For those of you who are interested in tarot, it is an old piece of lore that it is best to use a deck that has been given to you as a gift. Now, this is not to say that you cannot go out and buy yourself your own cards -you certainly can. Once cleansed you can work on making the deck personal to you (with your energy) and I'm sure they will work just fine.

Anyways, that is the deck I use and the book I mostly stick to happens to be the little guide book that came with them by Juliet Sharman-Burke. It's a compact and easy-to-read book that I find really helpful.

I also supplement my readings with the use of my pendulum and rune stones. I can talk about those a bit in the future as well if people are interested.

So let me know your thoughts!

Lady Unlaced