Tarot Meanings & Angelic Correspondences1The Major Arcana 0—The Fool Potential; starting something anew; childlike innocence; learning by experience; taking risks. The beginning of a new cycle or enterprise; a matter that is unexpected or unplanned; moving in a different direction, heading toward an unknown future; look before you leap; use your hidden talents. Ask your guardian angel which direction you should travel and how hard you should tread the path. Use your angel eyes in meditation. Aries angels, those who tread where others fear to go, are excellent helpers for the Fool. Angels of Aries are Ariel, Machidiel, Satararan, and Sariel. These angels are courageous, wild, and passionate. Angels of Aquarius give the push to start something new. AA: Uranus 1—The Magician Having the power to change thought into form; creative control and mastery; time to take action and seize opportunities; skill and initiative. Raphael best represents the Magician, with his power over the winds, science, creativity, healing, magickal tools, and the gifts of the pentacle. When the Magician appears in your reading, look for a message from this blessed archangel. Remember that Raphael is also a Seraphim. The Dominions fulfill the role of divine leaders whose efforts involve integrating the material and the spiritual without losing control. The prince of the Dominions is either Hashmal or Zadkiel. Remember, Dominion is also the name of the first recorder angel. Here, Dominion and the Magician are one. Capricorn angels can help you “make do” when you think you can't bring thought into form. AA: Mercury 2—The High Priestess Mysteries revealed; occult teachings and study; often shows up right before an epiphany or initiatory experience; secrets; intuition; the subconscious; wisdom; the symbol for alchemy and the goddess Sophia. Awareness of planes of existence; hidden forces with new solutions; feminine balance and occult learning; leadership potential; matriarchal thought. Ask Gabriel to held in the women's mysteries. Ask Uriel to reveal hidden knowledge (he is both Archangel and Seraphim). Shekinah holds the key to all hidden 1 Adapted from RavenWolf ,S, Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation (Woodbury, Minnesota, Llewellyn Publications, 2007) and RavenWolf, S, Angels: Companions in Magick (Woodbury, Minnesota, Llewellyn Publications, 2006) 1 secrets. Raziel is the divine snoop and can help you ferret out hidden agendas that may be affecting your life. Remiel is the angel of true vision, but his assistance demands that your intentions be honest. Vesta angels represent feminine aspirations toward particular paths or goals. Pallas angels focus on feminine energy involved in intuition, flashes of genius, keen insights, and the formulation of new and original thoughts. The Thrones are interested in divine knowledge and the dispensation of this knowledge to humanity. Ariel is the guardian of visions, dreams, and prophecies. Although Ariel was first recorded as male, many angel believers today associate Ariel with the feminine divine. Angels of Neptune will give the querent mystical experiences, clairvoyance, and inspiration. AA: Moon 3—The Empress Heralds pregnancy in body, mind, or spirit; abundance; fertility; motherhood; nurturing experience; gardening; female entrepreneurship; Gaia; domination over the Earth. Financial and emotional security; motherly or womanly love; good fortune and happiness; a female partner; pregnancy; the matriarch of a family. Ask the Queen of the Angels for assistance in matters of fertility or manifestation for the good of yourself or others. The nurturing angels of Ceres, most interested in the principle of unconditional love, and the angels of the Great Mother are also associated with the Empress. Venus angels are concerned with matters of the heart and beauty. Angels of Venus are Anael, Hasdiel, Eurabatres, Raphael, Hagiel, and Noguel. As the Empress can also stand for fertility, any entreaty to Gabriel regarding this condition might be a good idea. Gabriel is the guardian of Goddess energy on earth and the protector of childbirth and pregnancy. AA: Venus 4—The Emperor Leadership capabilities; business pursuits; male entrepreneurship; authority; CEOs; bosses; responsibility; fatherhood; power. Reason over emotion; government; politics; system; command and authority; patriarchal thought; the need to be famous; the patriarch of a family. Michael, chief among the Virtues, chief of the Archangels, a Seraphim, and the guardian of those organizations or groups in need of structure, will always help someone who has questions of business, order, and structure. Angels of the Principalities (guardians of large groups), Dominions (divine leaders), and the Thrones of earth can all be seen in the Emperor card. The Cherubim also function under the energies of the Emperor card, as they are available when you are seeking divine protection, wisdom, and knowledge to bring order out of chaos. Virgo angels are excellent representations of the Emperor card. Angels of Virgo are Voil, Voel, Hamaliel, Iadra, and Schaltiel. These angels are interested in the perfection of a thing, thought, action, duty, or person. Angels of the sun (Arithiel, Galgaliel, Gazardia, KorshidMetatron, Michael, Och, Raphael, Uriel, and Zerachiel) will assist the querent in his or her greatest ambitions. These angels are associated with 2 authority figures, favors, advancement, health, and promotion. Angels of Capricorn are concerned with banking, insurance, and the government. AA: Aries 5—The Hierophant Tradition; need for approval of others; stuck in dogma; conformity and tradition; spiritual guidance; search for enlightenment; going with the flow because everyone else is; dealing in a facade; karma; marriage or a ceremony of some kind; pomp and glory. Metatron fits especially well here. Metatron is a super angel, a divine prince, and all sorts of glorious good stuff. He is both creator and librarian of the Akashic records. He holds all secrets and keeps track of what all humans are doing. Truly, no better card represents Metatron than the Priest. Angels of Neptune will provide seriousness, humility, sincerity, and wisdom. AA: Taurus 6—The Lovers A choice; a contract; love and desire; temptation; struggle between love and infatuation; working toward harmony. The choice between two opposites; a decision that will affect several people; second sight; love versus practicality; possible new love; passion. Look to the angels of Venus for questions of the heart, such as courtship, dating, affection, alliances, and harmony. They adore cooperation and romantic love, as well as marriage and partnerships of all kinds. Mercury angels (Tiriel, Raphael, Hasdiel, Michael, Barkiel, Zadkiel, and the Bene Seraphim) will assists in matters of communication between loved ones. If you need to make a decision, ask your guardian angel what your best move should be. Angels of the moon bring messages, reconciliation, and love. Angels of Juno will help you if you are experiencing marital troubles. They are interested in harmony and happiness in relationships. AA: Gemini 7—The Chariot Balance; victory after a struggle; possible purchase of a new vehicle of a vehicle requiring repairs, or the selling of a car; achievement; success; control; selfdiscipline; greatness; movement in life/career; travel. Balance through movement; bringing two opposites under control; selfcontrol; vehicular movement. Angels of the moon watch over trips and travel, as do the Cherubim (the guardians of light and stars). The Virtues are the spirits of movement, working and guiding the elemental energies that affect our planet. Sagittarius angels govern long distance travel. AA: Cancer 8—Strength Speech or the written word over forceful actions; inner strength; quiet determination; 3 using your talents to your best advantage; integrity; courage. Victory over difficulty; successful end to a tiresome event; spiritual strength; sharp and incisive mental action. Michael, the angel of strength and victory, applies to this card. The Powers are warrior angels who will assist you when you are in trouble or when you feel you need additional strength to deal with a problem. If you are looking for emotional strength, call on Gabriel. Uranus angels provide the gift of strength and resourcefulness. Mars angels (Uriel, Sammael, Gabriel, and Chamael) provide independence, strength, courage, energy, determination, selfreliance, boldness where needed, and devotion. Mars angels are victory angels. AA: Leo 9—The Hermit Selfanalysis; solitary search for the truth; philosophical pursuits; selfreflection; solitude; meditation. Introspection and spiritual enlightenment; planning and evaluating the next move; seeking a higher intelligence; meeting a physical teacher. The angels of Neptune best represent the Hermit. They are the caretakers of the oppressed and the misfits of society. They like people who are visionaries or are involved with mysticism, psychic awareness, and compassion. Angels of Neptune will give you the gifts of clairvoyance, inspiration, genius, devotion, mystical experiences, and reverence. The angels of Libra are concerned with counseling. AA: Virgo 10—The Wheel of Fortune Unexpected change in fortune or luck; a new chapter in an old project; new choices; new circumstances; learning to flow with circumstances without being a victim. Rotation of any situation or life event; tidal movement; steady and even turn of events; upward mobility. Jupiter angels (Zachariel, Zadkiel, Sachiel, Abadiel, Barchiel, and Zadykiel) are most interested in prosperity, including selfimprovement and the wellbeing of others. Angels of Jupiter govern the accumulation of material assets, power, and status, and bolster your optimism, bringing joyful events toward you and helping you develop your aspirations. The quiet and stable angels of Taurus oversee income and assets. These angels are Tual, Asmodel, Bagdal, and Araziel. AA: Jupiter 11—Justice Justice; equality; being fair; court cases or legal proceedings; finding seasonable solutions to difficulties; impartial judgment. Legalities, contracts, agreements; what you sow so shall ye reap; think before you act; the Goddess will balance the situation. The prime concern for Juno angels is the balance of power and our individual freedom. The terminator angels (Michael, Gabriel, and Uriel) are excellent in obtaining justice for those who deserve it. The Powers are warrior angels who can help you in your time of need. You can call on the Principalities in times of discrimination, 4 destruction of animals or people, inadequate rulership, or to bring the strength to make necessary reforms. Angels of the dark moon deal with addictions, change, divorce, enemies, justice, obstacles, quarrels, removal, separation, criminals and their acts, and death by unjust means. Angels of the waning moon also deal with divorce. Angels of the disseminating moon assist in removing stress and negative emotions in general and can help in a divorce case. Angels of the full moon will assist with general legal matters. Saturn angels take care of debts and deal with lawyers, money matters, real estate, relations with older people, and anything involving family and finance (such as wills and estates). The angels of Libra are drawn to legal incidents, the counsel of others, or when cooperation and interaction are needed between individuals. They will shine the light upon your enemies. The angels of Saturn are Orifiel, Kafziel, Michael, Maion, Mael, Zaphiel, Schebtaiel, and Zapkiel. Scorpio angels are excellent when working on criminal cases that involve homicide or an unresolved death; Virgo angels will look for minute clues. Finally, don't forget the Powers, who are warrior angels. AA: Libra 12—The Hanged Man Sudden reversal in thought; surprising others with your actions; postponement of plans; letting go of people, places, or things that no longer serve you well; suspending issues. Thoughts, ideas, or projects in suspension; stuck between a rock and a hard place; getting ready to move in a definitive direction. The angels of Chiron best represent the Hanged Man. These angels hold the key to the universe and are thought to be the male aspect of the wounded priest or wounded healer. Angels of Chiron can unlock any door, move any block, pull you from suspension, and allow you to reach below the tree of life and grasp the knowledge you need at the roots. AA: Neptune 13—Death Radical, unplanned change; transformation; communicating with the dead; abrupt ending; release of outmoded life patterns followed by new growth; new ideas and opportunities; illusions swept instantly away; a new life path. Azrael, the angel of death, brings change into the querent's life. Saturn angels also institute change and are concerned with authority, karmic lessons, boundaries, and endurance. The angels of Uranus are concerned with mass media and communication with the dead. The angels of Scorpio are extraordinarily mystical and deal with death, rebirth, and karma. AA: Scorpio 14—Temperance Your guardian angel watches over you; learning to be patient; selfcontrol; making sound decisions; working with groups of people; compromise; happy partnerships. Ability to adapt to new circumstances; action as a result of higher self or guide 5 information; mature love; control through wisdom; the art of mixing and matching. This is the guardian angel card. If this card is inverted, the querent should be reminded to talk to his or her guardian angel; a message is waiting. Angels of Neptune provide patience, endurance, humility, sincerity, and seriousness. Angels of Mercury also fit here, bringing adaptability, mental activity, brilliance, eloquence, dexterity, and awareness. The angels of Mercury are Tiriel, Raphael, Hasdiel, Michael, Barkiel, Zadkiel, and the Bene Seraphim. Angels of Aquarius deal with friends, hopes, wishes, and the brilliance of our mission. The angels of Pisces are most interested in healing and energies of unseen strength and power. Temperance can be seen as the healer's card. I believe that those who gravitate toward the healing arts and the auspices of the Pisces angels have this card turn up frequently. The Virtues can also be associated with Temperance, as they are known as “the miracle angels”. Raphael, the healer, also fits comfortably here. AA: Sagittarius 15—The Devil Constricted; bound to something for good or ill; drug/alcohol addiction; personality disorders of all kinds; unethical behavior; abuse of power; avoiding responsibility; temptation; denial. Binding by thought, word, or deed; unbridled lust or deep passion; a charismatic but untrustworthy person; human frailties; violence; obsession. Angels of Ceres, the nurturing angels, will assist in counseling friends and in divination for the sole purpose of helping others. These angels find and heal lost pets and children. The angels of Neptune will assist with issues of confinement, abandonment, addiction, or physical intolerance to drugs or other substances. AA: Capricorn 16—The Tower Feelings of guilt; being in the wrong place at the wrong time; disaster that brings enlightenment; overthrow of plans; shattered illusions; learning humility; breaking down of an existing structure to rebuild. Swift breakdown of a situation; seeing things for what they really are; unexpected setbacks or repercussions; danger; fate. Revolutionary change can be attributed to the angels of Uranus. They will help you understand unpredicted change that may look dark and dreary on the surface, but is actually for the best. To me, the Tower represents situations that hit us from the outside and difficulties that we we did not cause, but are dealing with anyway. Ask the angels of Uranus for help in dealing with this sort of unexpected change of events. AA: Mars 17—The Star Hopes, dreams, and wishes; the interest in astrology; understanding; clarity of thought; renewal of faith; insight; harmony; optimism; success ahead; positive guidance; promise given. Faith, confidence, and hope; positive influences; the ability to cut through illusion; new life with wider choices; fated good fortune. This card is best linked to the Cherubim, who function as the guardians of light 6 and stars. They also create and channel positive energy from divinity to humans. They are known as “those who intercede.” The Cherubim watch over galaxies, guard any religious temple, and function as personal swordwielding guards to help you reach your destiny. AA: Aquarius 18—The Moon Intuition; deception; night work; hidden dangers; instinct; struggle for sanity; change; possible confusion; magick; gossip; stuck between a rock and a hard place; selfesteem issues; empathetic. Dreams, intuition, vision questing, imagination, psychic prowess, emotionally charged circumstances; being pulled in two different directions; magickal work; the possibility of deception. Gabriel and the angels of the moon best represent the energies of this card. Moon agels concentrate on our emotions or the emotions of others. Angels of Cancer govern intuition and sensitivity and also ward off negative energy, protecting family secrets and ensuring security. The angels of the moon include Cael, Manuel, Muriel, Rahdar, and Phakiel. AA: Pisces 19—The Sun Success; the will; happiness; pleasure; good partnership or marriage; positive attitude; creativity; action oriented. Joy, earned rewards; family celebrations; new and creative environment; good news on its way. Of course, angels of the sun are related to this card. Michael and Metatron, who represent shining personalities and success, are also important here. The angels of Leo (Verchiel, Sagham, and Seratiel) are flamboyant, optimistic, enthusiastic, and loyal. The Virtues are especially fond of those who try to go beyond their capabilities to achieve more than everyone says they can. Angels of the sun deal with the power of will, authority, and recognition. Issues of concern to them are advancement, health, fun, pleasures, loyalty, and generosity. AA: Sun 20—Judgment Things coming back to haunt you; revisiting and taking responsibility for one’s actions (past or present); spiritual awakening; forgiveness; facing consequences; learning from experience; reaping what you have sown. A project or situation nearing completion; final decision has yet to be made; awakening at the end of a long process; ending may not be what is expected; you are too critical of yourself. After much consideration, I have paired the Judgement card with the archangels (Michael, Raphael, Uriel, and Gabriel). When this card pops up, for good or ill, it is time to make a decision—although this may not be as soon as you would like. This card, for me, is the “angel redtape” card. Not everything is finished yet. The Thrones also stand for Judgement. The Thrones create, collect, and channel incoming and outgoing positive energies that deal with justice and judgement. They are the 7 “manyeyed ones” who will send healing energy to any victim. Thrones take a great interest in what humans are doing, though they may channel their energies through your guardian angel. AA: Pluto 21—The World Conclusion of a cycle; success and fulfillment in any project; completing anything; alchemy; spiritual understanding; movement and travel; searching for the philosopher’s stone; the study of science and quantum physics. Reaping your just rewards and traveling onward and upward; scenario has played itself completely out; no loose ends left; satisfactory conclusion; possibility to explore new avenues. To me, Shekinah best represents the World card. Shekinah is known as the glory emanating from the divine; she stands for liberation, therefore this is her card. She is the Holy Ghost, bringing two halves (or many lines of thought or work) together. Her message is that of maturation. AA: Saturn 8 The Minor Arcana Pentacles/Disks Money, property, and things you value. Associated with Earth Season for timing: Winter Ace of Pentacles Abundance; wealth; a monetary contract; accomplishment; good news; a new start, especially in financial and property matters; gifts; positive material gain; new business proposition. Two of Pentacles Juggling money; robbing Peter to pay Paul; balancing situations that often involve money or property or something that you value; competition; conflict of interest; a little money coming; learning to be flexible in financial and business affairs; possible monetary partnership that requires added responsibility but may not be financially lucrative. Three of Pentacles Going to school, especially college or workrelated courses; specializing in something that will bring monetary success in the future; skill; artistic achievement; initial stages of a project have successfully begun; approval or recognition for hard work that could involve a raise, a certificate of achievement, or other financial perks. Four of Pentacles Beginning a garden; adding on to a building; purchasing property; home and property renovations; setting down roots of a projects; prosperity; stability; working toward ambitions. Five of Pentacles Unexpected financial difficulties or problems with something that you value; feeling emotionally out in the cold; setbacks; distress; disappointments; solving problems brought on by divorce or death in the family; probate difficulties; legacy problems; financial loss; lack of detail in finances. Six of Pentacles Generosity of yourself and others; prosperity; kindness; deserved reward; acquiring a benefactor; gifts of all kinds. Seven of Pentacles Investing to reap later; progress and gain. A change on luck based on your performance. Success, revolving around something you value. Career changes coming that will positively affect you if you have worked hard. Change in direction that 9 involves financial planning or projects having to do with finances. Decisions now will have farreaching impact on your financial standing. Eight of Pentacles Mastery of a skill; pleasure in your work; handicrafts and the arts; reaping what you have sown; completing a cycle in finances or business; apprenticeship; new directions in career planning possible; taking a more profitable road without hesitation. Nine of Pentacles Obtaining wisdom; being happy and worthy; an appreciation of what you have; material and financial security; building a legacy for your children or loved one; monetary gratification. Ten of Pentacles Material fulfillment; efforts rewarded; completion of a particular job, project, or settlement on a home or property; a happy conclusion; security assured. Solid foundation. Page of Pentacles Harbinger of good news involving money, property, or rewards. A young person with new, creative ideas. Knight of Pentacles The coming or going of any matter relating to money or property. Endurance and patience. Dedication to a particular cause. Queen of Pentacles A downtoearth woman known for her financial acuity; nurturing; one who enjoys the outofdoors and gardening; one who saves; financial fertility; putting practical ideas to good use. King of Pentacles Experienced, successful business man or leader. One who saves and is reliable, steadfast, and often resourceful. Good planner. Downtoearth personality. Staves/Wands Communications, thoughts, and ideas. Associated with Fire Season for timing: Spring 10 Ace of Wands New venture, idea, project or trip. Translating ideas into action. Using one’s imagination. Creativity. Aces always stand for beginnings. Two of Wands A new partnership; using leadership to solve communication difficulties; meetings; resolving conflicts; appropriate mitigation of circumstances; business merger; success; using one’s initiative to overcome obstacles. Three of Wands Possible travel over water, such as a vacation or traveling sales, or a career that involves travel; international trading; business savvy; the initial completion of a project; looking at overseas investments or travel; working with others in a leadership position. The “idea person” of a group. Conferences, symposiums, and trade shows. Four of Wands Setting prosperity; peace; joy; setting down creative roots; attending or participating in a marriage ceremony; festivals; picnics; holiday fun; celebrations of all kinds including birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, and accomplishments. Building a gazebo and buying outdoor or patio furniture or accouterments; romance, but look at the other cards surrounding this one. Five of Wands A meeting of the minds through conflicts; debate; verbal conflicts that result in new ideas; competition; mental struggle; rebellion (check the surrounding cards); delays and frustrations; difficulty deciding between will and desire. Six of Wands Victory and success; feelings of triumph; receiving public or outward recognition for your hard work; overcoming all obstacles; winning; promise of fulfillment is genuine. Seven of Wands Going where angels fear to tread; fulfillment through courageous actions; challenges but they can be overcome; uncertainty and risk; success after extreme difficulties. Eight of Wands Messages; communications; Internet surfing and business; emails; phone calls; faxes; longdistance travel; hasty action; letters of love and passion; action and excitement; forward pursuit of one’s goals; much can be accomplished if you think before you act. Nine of Wands Taking the bull by the horns and moving forward; action; the ability to inspire others in a positive way; liberation in thinking; acquiring a position with leadership; determination in the face of opposition; travels, journeys, and moves. 11 Ten of Wands Overworked; carrying too many burdens; too many family or work responsibilities; feeling like a project will never end, but you are advised not to give up—the end is closer than you believe. Trying to hold on to outdated or outmoded situations. Trying to accumulate too much too fast. Page of Wands Messages having to do with information, career, or creative ideas. A young person who is impulsive and enthusiastic. Knight of Wands Coming and going of issues involving your career, projects, or ideas that you may have. Wellintentioned though often unreliable young man. Queen of Wands Success in family, career, and outdoor recreational pursuits; love of beauty; intelligent, quickthinking woman. King of Wands Creative individual with an eye for beauty; oft times impulsive but friendly. Helpful in business or communicative pursuits. Cups Emotions. Associated with Water Season for timing: Summer Ace of Cups Beginning of a romance or something that you love; overflowing with happiness; productivity caused by emotional pleasure; a gift of beauty; a new project full of potential that pleases you. Landing a project or situation that you feel will be emotionally fulfilling. Two of Cups Partnership based on positive emotions; new friendship; an affair; harmony and balance. Three of Cups Joining a group of likeminded individuals; emotional celebrations of all kinds; positive group mind; comfort; a happy outcome of an emotional situation; good luck; emotional fulfillment of something long awaited. 12 Four of Cups Too much of a good thing; emotional indecision; apathy; making the wrong choice due to emotional dissatisfaction or emotional baggage; weariness; histrionics (making a mountain out of a molehill); boredom; refusing to see the good in a situation and concentrating on the negative. Five of Cups Emotionally hurtful conflict; a change brought on by loss or regret; pay attention to the positive things that you have left; emotional disappointment; loss of a friend; foolish regret. Six of Cups Living in the past; not willing to let the past go; the study of history or genealogy; a discovery about the past; meeting someone from your past; learning about a legacy; a gift from an admirer (usually supported by other cards); nostalgia; the possibility of a lover returning (again, look at the surrounding cards). Actions of the past bear emotional fruit in the present; sentimental journey. Seven of Cups All that glitters isn’t gold; read the fine print; concentrating on illusion—whatever that may be; illusionary magick; imagined success; selfdeception; possible personality disorder; denial; wearing many faces but not allowing yourself to be the “real you”. The warning with this card is: “To your own self be true. Look at the writing on the wall and read it.” Possible poison in your choices—beware, someone is trying to trick you. Eight of Cups Walking away from people, places, or things that no longer spiritually serve you. Taking a fresh look at yourself and moving on to brighter horizons. Disappointments in love. Moving to a higher level of spirituality. Time to do emotional housecleaning; purposefully changing one’s lifestyle to create spiritual harmony; death of unwanted or unneeded emotional tags. Nine of Cups All your wishes will be granted. One of the best cards in the deck. Prosperity, oodles of love, and emotional satisfaction. Just be careful what you wish for. Success in magickal endeavors. Ten of Cups Success; lasting happiness; a happy home environment; loving friends and partners; excellent friendships and great love; contentment and emotional reward. Page of Cups Messages of an emotional nature. An artistic, imaginative student. An emotionally 13 expressive and creative child. Knight of Cups The coming or going of any emotional matter. Possible message or invitation. Fickle young man. Young person emotionally striking out on their own. Queen of Cups Secretive, creative woman. Oft times “the other woman” in an illicit affair. Gossipy and vindictive. Emotional. King of Cups Emotional, selfpossessed individual. Creative. Emotional. Not particularly stable. Ill tempered. Wears many faces but owns none. Possible cheater and trickster. Swords Intellect, health issues. Associated with Air Season for timing: Fall Ace of Swords A striking new idea; using your intelligence to attack a problem in a new way; a personal victory. Two of Swords Can’t see forward and can’t see backward; stuck between two opposites; coming to grips with the duality of a situation; dealing with gossip; indecision; a search for balance. Three of Swords Grief and pain. Querent has definitely experienced some sort of loss in the recent past (although sometimes they are in denial about this, though this is rare). Emotional agony, disappointment, betrayal; quarrels and separations. Four of Swords The need for rest and relaxation; the need for a stressfree environment; time to take a vacation, preferably around nature; a welcome release or a change for the better. Five of Swords Theft by a friend; loss or defeat; humiliation; the inability to defend oneself; unfairness; understanding one’s limits before success can be achieved; up against a bully. 14 Six of Swords Moving away from illness, pain, or sorrow; recovery; taking action to overcome one’s problems; better times ahead so keep going; a journey often planned due to unhappy circumstances; the need to “get away”. Seven of Swords Theft by a stranger; possible move of house; a setback; a cycle of bad luck; tact is necessary in any situation; partial success that will not justify the risks involved. Eight of Swords Bound by the garbage everyone is feeding you; low selfesteem caused by the negative comments of others; crisis point; imprisonment with eventual release; restrictive surroundings; learn to think for yourself. Nine of Swords Nightmare; bound by your own fears; difficulty sleeping at night; personally imposed misery or disappointment; worrying needlessly; being disappointed in someone; possible danger—check surrounding cards. Ten of Swords The desire to escape from pain and unhappiness; it’s always darkest before the dawn —this situation will change; feeling like you’ve been stabbed in the back; mental anguish; emotional detachment to protect the self. Page of Swords Messages of a factfinding nature. Young, intelligent individual. A flair for secrets and spying. Individual with an impressive network that can relay information. Knight of Swords The swift coming and going of any matter. Fearless defender of justice. Queen of Swords Loyal, decisive, businessminded woman. No funny business. Logical. Smart and intense. Sometimes lives alone, but not always. Aggressive, occasionally emotionally detached; sees through plots, cons, and other nefarious dealings. An excellent friend and unbeatable foe. King of Swords Strong, powerful authority figure. Loyal, intelligent, often involved with law, the courts, the military service, or dangerous occupations such as police officers or EMT personnel. Good doctors and surgeons. An excellent friend and unbeatable foe. 15