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THE BOOK OF LIFE LESSON EIGHT |
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THE BOOK OF LIFE LESSON EIGHT |
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Summary of Lesson Seven
Major Arcana
The Fool
The Magician
The High Priestess
The Empress
The Emperor
The Hierophant
The LoversIn LESSON SEVEN, we finished interpreting the Court Cards of the Minor Arcana with descriptions of Queen energy and King energy . . . and the ultimate dissolution of the latter back into Ace energy, which begins another level of the creative process in its eternal cycle of renewal and growth.
Queens represent mature feminine energy – and often describe real life women expressing the best qualities and highest expressions of their personality and its element. This is a nurturing, caring, distinctly maternal energy, and the people who exhibit it are helping others learn how to meet the world and survive. They act as loving teachers and caregivers, providing encouragement and empathy, and protecting those who are still developing and growing with the typical compassion of “the good mother.”
Reversed Queens represent people who are isolated, lonely, parasitical, dependent, insecure, unjustifiably proud of themselves and “their position” in life, and unwilling or unable to nurture and care for even themselves properly . . . let alone assume responsibility for anyone else. They are parasitical rather than caring, difficult and judgmental rather than compassionate. They are often a serious problem to both themselves and others. (However, Reversed Queens can also represent men who are expressing the positive side of their innate female energy.)
Kings represent mature masculine energy – and often describe real life men expressing the best qualities and highest expressions of their personality and its element. This is a governing, disciplining, assertive, directing, executive, distinctly paternal energy, and the people who exhibit it are teaching others how to thrive and succeed in the world by meeting its challenges and winning. They act as mentors, leaders, empire-builders, visionaries, and practical examples for others to follow in contributing their personal gifts out into the real world.
Reversed Kings represent people who are out of touch with their true selves and the needs of others in their world. They are vain, cold, power mad, self-righteous, closed-minded, locked into extremely negative manifestations of their own personality, and may be actively – even consciously – violent and abusive in the life strategies they use to further their own goals and deal with others. (However, Reversed Kings can also represent women who are expressing the positive side of their innate masculine energy.)
Moving on, we come next to the second significant division in the Tarot . . . the Major Arcana.
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The Major Arcana is the group of 22 remaining cards that starts with The Fool (Number 0), followed by The Magician (Number 1), the High Priestess (Number 2), the Empress (Number 3) . . . all the way to the World (sometimes called the Cosmos) – (Number 21.)
As we’ve learned, the numeric cards of the Minor Arcana represent the basic, ordinary, routine, mundane events and situations of everyday life. The Court Cards represent people, events, attitudes, strategies, and ways of engaging life that real personalities use.
The Major Arcana, however, is something quite different. Its components represent deep, profound, underlying themes of human existence, spiritual lessons, life patterns, virtues, instincts, and psychological archetypes. When a Major Arcana card appears in a reading, something important and extraordinary is influencing the matter under consideration. A substantial “learning experience” is present, unfolding, or being “worked through” . . . as part of the situation. Things are a bit more critical . . . or fortified . . . than in a reading that contains only Minor Arcana cards
Those of you who are familiar with the concept of The Heroic Journey – a theme found in much of literature, drama, myth, and legend, and popularized by Joseph Campbell in his scholarly writings on the subject – will recognize that same story present here. The Major Arcana is the “Innocent One’s” life journey from naïve and guileless trust to completion, integration, and wisdom. For those who understand this vision of life, it is the common story of us all.
Upright: This is perhaps the most significant card in the entire Tarot deck. It represents “The Human Being” . . . and very often describes the person asking the question as moving into a life-changing experience of consequence and transformation. For those who know astrology, this is pure Uranus energy at its finest.
It represents raw potential, having trust and optimism, being willing to make new beginnings, having the courage to “take a risk and go for your heart’s desire.” It shows you making right, wise choices, having a positive attitude toward life and its circumstances, going forward, creating success, seeking adventures, making favorable changes, “doing things,” and making full use of your talents and abilities. You are fulfilling your soul’s promise, discovering who you are, what you want, and what you can do. You are being confident, making choices, standing your ground, and believing in yourself. This is a fabulous energy . . . and it is our human birthright to “live here eternally.”
Reversed: This most likely describes a situation where all this wonderful energy is stuck and stagnant. When Fool energy is not expressing properly, we have a person taking foolish action . . . or “no action.” He is fearful, anxious, paralyzed, and “stuck.” He is making wrong choices, refusing to commit himself to any course of action, being paranoid and pessimistic, lacking self-confidence, following “the path of least resistance” instead of seizing control of his life and destiny, reacting instead of acting, being a follower instead of making his own decisions, depending on others, and refusing to grow up and take responsibility. He is being half-hearted, wishy-washy, dependent, and self-defeating. He is “settling,” “not listening,” and is no longer following his path of true destiny.
The Fool reversed can and does represent a true waste of your sacred human potential through a lack of initiative and a failure of courage. It can also, however, represent the very beginnings of positive Fool energy . . . the inner realization that significant changes in your life are needed, but the energy is so new that it simply shows the inspiration, the “light dawning,” but action out into the world has not yet happened. The New Self . . . is being inwardly fashioned, but has not yet been born.
Upright: This represents the conscious use of the rational mind, the clear, focused thinking and potent intellectual energy that literally creates reality. It shows that a powerful skill, virtue, and “life pattern” is present in the situation. It shows you having “vision,” being able to ask for what you want and see your declared plans through to completion. It is an energy of concentration, genius and competence. It is pure Mercury energy at its best.
It shows you being self-reliant, self-sufficient, able to transform your thoughts into reality, able to communicate yourself and your wisdom effectively to others, having valuable information and sharing what you know. It shows that you know how to solve problems, “find the answers,” work with data and knowledge in powerful and creative ways, learn new skills, and be a constructive example for others. The Magician speaks the truth . . . and can literally declare reality into existence.
Reversed: This most likely describes a situation where intellectual energy is stuck, confused, fearful, or ignorant – and not getting any better. When Magician energy is not expressing properly, we have indecision, weak will, ineptitude, lack of depth, no focus or concentration, mediocrity, and incompetence. It can show someone who is a “fast talker,” who is putting on a front or covering up, who talks a lot but never says anything. It can show someone pretending to have knowledge he really does not possess. It can also show a flimflam artist, or an out-and-out liar.
The Magician reversed shows that the knowledge you have, the things you believe, the way you are using your mind, or the information you’ve taken in as “the truth,” is corrupted and ineffective. It can show “settling for easy answers” . . . instead of seeking authentic knowledge. It can show careless thinking, intellectual pride, inattention to details, superficial expertise, lack of planning and organization, using information in manipulative ways, “saying one thing and doing another,” saying “what others want to hear,” not speaking up or not saying what’s really on your mind. It can show you being “all talk and no action.” It can also show intolerance, prejudice and bigotry.
It can also, however, represent the very beginnings of positive Magician energy . . . the inner dawning of a new idea, a new way to think, a new and crucial desire, a major life choice, a significant new vision of yourself and reality, a major discovery of a “new truth” about life that has not yet solidified into something you can present to the world. The New Way of Thinking . . . is being inwardly fashioned, but has not yet been born.
Upright: This represents the connection to and influence of the subconscious mind, the misty, inspirational dimensions of thought and intellect that create the vision for the conscious mind of the Magician to follow. It shows spiritual enlightenment, inner illumination, connection to your instincts and intuition, and being in touch with your inner spiritual guidance. It shows matters affected by emotional concerns, hidden factors, psychic feelings and hunches, compulsions and “automatic responses.” It is pure Moon energy at its best.
It shows you listening to (or needing to listen to) your conscience, your inner knowledge and guidance, your desires, and your “heart.” It shows you trusting your inner perceptions, your “gut feelings’ . . . and being united in your intellectual and emotional integrity.
Reversed: This most likely describes a situation where you are unwilling or unable to see issues clearly, where you are reluctant to make decisions or “face the truth,” where you are being fearful or irrational – perhaps for reasons you don’t understand. You may be moody, withdrawn, self-pitying, paranoid, uncommitted, and even phobic. You are not following your heart, your conscience, or your inner wisdom . . . and you are not being true to yourself.
The High Priestess reversed can mean you may feel cut off, isolated, paralyzed, sabotaged, unsupported, emotionally overwhelmed, victimized, and even hysterical. You find it hard to trust anyone . . . including yourself. You may be anxious, obsessive, complaining, insecure . . . or you may “not know how you feel.” This is an energy of being seriously anaesthetized and out of touch with yourself emotionally.
It can also, however, represent the very beginnings of positive High Priestess energy . . . the inner dawning of a new feeling, a new piece of inner knowledge, a new level of intuitive wisdom and creative expression, a powerful new way of “knowing what you know” . . . and applying that to the way you engage the world. It may just have not yet solidified into something you can use directly or present out in the open. The New Way of Intuitive Knowing . . . is being inwardly fashioned, but has not yet been born.
Upright: This represents deep, mothering, feminine energy and love – very much like magnified Queen energy that combines the virtues of all the suits. This is “mother love” on a primal, instinctive level. It shows fertilization, growth, birth, prosperity, fulfillment, joy, satisfaction, productivity, and, indeed, love. It is the experience and expression of love as a healing force. It is nurturing support and caring on all possible levels and in all possible ways. It is pure Venus energy at its best.
Reversed: This most likely describes a situation where love is missing, has no outlet and no inspiration. When Empress energy is not expressing properly, we have infertility, barrenness, frigidity, coldness, rejection, despair, failure, pain, and depression. This depicts a serious lack of love – both inward and outward. It can also show you are feeling angry, unwanted, orphaned, and isolated from your feelings. It can show you are cut off from someone who needs you and vice versa. It can show you are psychologically drained, emotionally exhausted and “have nothing left to give.”
The Empress reversed can show a serious imbalance between what you give and what you get. It can show relationship problems, being unfulfilled, unable to communicate your feelings or gain the needed emotional responses. It can also, however, represent the very beginnings of positive Empress energy . . . the inner dawning of a new level of caring and deep emotional commitment. It may just have not yet solidified into something you can use directly or present out in the open. The New Way of Offering Love . . . is being inwardly fashioned, but has not yet been born.
Upright: This represents conspicuous, authoritative, fathering energy and power – very much like magnified King energy that combines the virtues of all the suits. This is “father love” on a primal, instinctive level. It shows courage, determination, leadership, self-mastery and self-control, achievement, integrity, and attaining declared goals through planning, persistence, and discipline. It is being in control, taking charge, giving direction, and accepting responsibility. It is asserting yourself effectively, and having the initiative, ambition, and capacity to implement your visions, dreams, and ideas in practical ways. It is pure Aries energy at its best.
Reversed: This most likely describes a situation where power is missing or is being abused. When Emperor energy is not expressing properly, we have weakness, laziness, no self-discipline or self-control, failure to meet potential, wasted opportunities, no constructive action, and wanting success without doing the necessary work. This also depicts tyranny, excessive control, misuse of authority,unethical motives, overweening ego, being a law unto oneself, having serious emotional problems and delusions of grandeur, a lack of integrity, and the mismanagement of an important situation.
The Emperor reversed can show someone only interested in self-advancement; someone self-serving, unreasonable, disorganized and incompetent; someone unstable, vacillating, immature, indecisive, irresponsible, and impulsive. This is the energy of the “leader who doesn’t lead,” or someone who can’t do the job assigned to him. It can also, however, represent the very beginnings of positive Emperor energy . . . the inner dawning of a new level of taking control and exercising executive authority. It may just have not yet solidified into something you can use directly or present out in the open. The New Way of Managing Responsibility . . . is being inwardly fashioned, but has not yet been born.
Upright: This represents the power of social tradition, ritual, and ceremonial form. It shows concern with dogma, roles, cultural rules and regulations, the desire for social approval, and conforming to prevailing norms. It depicts a sense of “belonging” to one’s peer group, acting in the traditional “right way,” not “rocking the boat,” being concerned for appearances and manners, being “nice,” and maintaining the status quo.
It shows you “playing by the rules;” working through formal and established structures like family, school, church, etc.; having the faith and knowledge to meet life’s challenges, solving problems with practical knowledge, trusting your knowledge, acting in accord with your conscience, and honoring your inner self. This is the energy of the stable, creative, productive individual. It is pure Taurus energy at its best.
Reversed: This most likely describes the condition of being open to new ideas, being rebellious or unconventional in social manners and personal conduct, being inventive and unorthodox, being experimental and highly “original.” It shows you willing to speak your mind, to do what you feel is best – regardless of social pressures for conformity, having the courage of your convictions, and expressing your “uniqueness” and independence. It depicts being “different” – sometimes for its own sake. It shows progressive or out of the ordinary thoughts and behavior, having an untraditional or irregular approach to practical matters, and having an intolerance for “the way we’ve always done things.”
In a layout whose tone suggests problems, blockages, or convoluted energy, the Hierophant reversed can indicate being lazy, stubborn, self-aggrandizing, and materialistic. It can also, however, represent the very beginnings of positive Hierophant energy . . . the inner dawning of a new way of operating within and contributing to the surrounding social structure. It may just have not yet solidified into something you can use directly or present out in the open. The New Way of Conforming to the Social Order . . . is being inwardly fashioned, but has not yet been born.
Upright: This represents the archetypal combining of male and female energies. Yes, it does mean love, attraction, sexuality, romance . . . and all the wonderful connotations that go naturally with the card’s title and images. But on a deeper level, it deals with the whole concept of relationships and choices, compromise, and creation. It indicates a major decision, having to make a choice, reaching a crossroads, needing to choose right options, having two paths available, finding balance and harmony. It also denotes union, wholeness, finding agreement and accord, and combining two different things to create a third – which is greater than the sum of its parts.
It represents solving a problem by combining diverse elements, reaching an equitable compromise, working together to accomplish some mutual goal, combining “opposites,” working with polarities, dealing with partnership and teamwork issues. It is pure Gemini energy at its best.
Reversed: This most likely describes a situation involving quarrels, infidelity, difficulties in union, unstable emotions, a ruptured or chaotic relationship. It also denotes indecision, wrong choices, inability to reach compromise, disagreements, opposition and dissent, trying to combine two things that inherently don’t mix, and experiencing frustration and delays.
The Lovers reversed also suggests being out of touch, superficial, fickle, unable to discern your true needs, being in a relationship that is out of balance, not seeing both sides of an issue, being uncooperative, being in a condition of physical separation, emotional drift or loneliness, and being of “two minds” about an issue that you aren’t able to resolve. It shows a condition of incompatibility – and perhaps irreconcilable differences – between elements or individuals.
It can also, however, represent the very beginnings of positive Lovers energy . . . the inner dawning of a new way of using information, teamwork, cooperation, diverse elements and relationships. It may just have not yet solidified into something you can use directly or present out in the open. The New Intellectual and Emotional Paradigm . . . is being inwardly fashioned, but has not yet been born.
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