The World

The World is the twenty-first card in the Major Arcana. It represents completion, coherence and fulfillment.  You hold the world in the "palm of your hand", so to speak. You're at a zenith and are on "the top of the world". The World is encircled  by a green wreath which symbolizes restoration and integration while the color green signifies renewal and growth.

Here are some questions for a reading:

-Have you completed what it is you started?

-Do you feel "on top of the world"?

-What task or goal have you obtained?

-Have you entered a "new world"?

-Have you left an "old world" behind?

-Are things finally falling into place?

-Do you feel "out of this world" with happiness?

-Do you perceive the world as a safe and protective place?

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers and asks the Universe for its tender mercies.

The Emperor

In popular culture we know him as Big Daddy, the Big Kahuna, the Big Cheese, the paterfamilias and the Chairman of the Board.  But in the the language of archetypes and the tarot he's the Emperor, the fourth card in the Major Arcana.  He symbolizes ultimate authority, social structure and fathering.

Here's what to explore in your readings:

-How is your relationship with your father?

-Are you a father?  How are you a different dad from your own?

-Are you comfortable with male authority?

-Were you rebellious when growing up?

-Do you shy away from positions of authority?

-Are you a leader?

-Do you overemphasize the need for "correctness" and conformity?

-Do you tolerate difference?

-Are you experiencing a power struggle either at work or personally?

-Would you benefit from some more boundaries and limits in your own life?

-Do you need to have the last word?

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers and asks for inspiration and light.

-

Strength

The eighth card of the Major Arcana Strength symbolizes its eponymous name. It also is associated with the qualities of compassion, patience and gentle control.  In a reading,  it indicates that you have the inner fortitude and capability to deal with life's difficulties and vicissitudes.  The lion in you possesses both bravery and courage to face almost anything that comes your way. On the other hand the human dimension, as depicted by the Maiden, reminds us of the necessity to maintain harmony between our rational and instinctual selves, e.g. the ego and the id. The 'infinity' symbol floating above the Maiden's head informs us that this struggle between the head and the heart requires a lifetime commitment.

Here are a few questions for your querier:

-What difficult task is at hand that requires your quiet, inner strength?

-Are you in a relationship with someone whose temperament resembles a "beast"?

-Do you struggle with your own impulses?

-Do you have a "wild" side?  Are  you comfortable with it?

-Were you born under a double-bodied sign (Pisces, Gemini, Sagittarius) as they can experience a more difficult time reconciling these two opposing forces in their nature?

-Are you a Leo?  If so, do you need to be the "star"?

-Do others take advantage of your good nature?

-Are you too "tame"? 

-Are you too controlling?  Do others around you complain?

-Can you think about tolerance and acceptance as strengths?

-Are you quick to get angry?

-Do you ascribe to the axiom that "might makes right"?

-Do you view lying down withe the lamb as defeat?

-Are there times where you should be more aggressive?

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers and asks for inspiration and vision.

Eight of Pentacles

The Eight of Pentacles symbolizes hard work, diligence and focus.  It's the  "worker bee" and  urges you to keep "tapping" and "hammering" away (Bunning) and not allow anything to deflect you from your task and goal. It represents steadfastness and single-mindedness of purpose and intent . And as the number eight is associated with money the card can imply that your hard work will be rewarded monetarily.

Consider the following questions in a reading:

-Are you devoted to your work?

-Are you a perfectionist?

-Do you allow for other things in your life other than work?

-Would you know if you had become a "workaholic"?

-Are you working on a new project?

-Are you a conscientious worker?

-What do others think or say about your work?

-Does your work energize or drain you?

-Do you enjoy going to work?

-Are you studying something new?

-What is your work environment like?

-Do you work alone?  Can that be isolating?

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers and asks for enlightenment and inspiration.

Three of Swords

It's the knife to the heart. The ultimate betrayal. Stabbing pain. Heart break and heart ache. It just doesn't get any worse. And, yes, that "hard rain is gonna fall".

What to ask your querist-

-Has someone "stabbed" you in the back?

-Who has betrayed you?

-Are you suffering from the after shocks of trauma?

-Can you see the pain as a starting point to begin the healing?

-Are you intentionally or unwittingly hurting someone close to you?

-What or who could help through this difficult time?

-Are you isolating and withdrawing?

-Is there a life lesson to be learned from this experience as difficult as it is?

-Do you find yourself having your heart broken frequently?

-What heartache has been most difficult to mend?

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers and asks for strength, protection and guidance.



The Four of Pentacles

The miser. The control freak. "Practical" to the point of pathology. For him, all that glitters is gold and that's what counts. Repressed. Possessive. Grasping. His life is circumscribed and limited. He lacks curiosity and interest. The means to an end are always justified in his mind.  The number four is associated with the "earth" and "inertia", which in themselves, are not bad things. However, in the miser's case it takes on an absurd and dangerous dimension.

Questions for your "seeker" include:

-Are you jealous or envious?

-Are you never satisfied with what you have?

-Do you look towards "things" as a way to alter your mood?

-Are appearances more important to you than substance?

-Would you know if you had "enough"?

-Are you obsessed with money?

-Are you afraid that someone is trying to "steal" from you?

-Have others complained about your tendency to "control"?

-Would you know if you were abusing your position of power?

-Was your father with holding?

-Do you find yourself depressed and not know why?

-Are you familiar with the myth of Midas?

-What kind of a person would you have to be in order to share your wealth? What would be most difficult for you?

-Do you perceive yourself as selfish? Do others?

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers and asks for strength, guidance and protection.

Queen of Cups

Her element is water and she is most associated with intuition, the psychic and emotions. This queen is a dreamer and a visionary (A. Janyanti).  She can peer into the water's murky depths and see what others can't. She plumbs the psyche and interprets the unconsciousness with an astounding accuracy.  She surrounds herself with water nymphs and naiads. A Karmic sister might be Thetis, the fabled water naiad and mother of Achilles the Greek hero of the Iliad. This queen's world is made up of the blues and greens of the sea and although she co-exists on both land and sea it is to the Siren's call she responds. She is the most alluring and bewitching of the four queens.

-Have you developed your intuition to a point where you can trust it?

-Do you second guess your intuition?

-Are you comfortable with your emotions?

-Are you empathic?

-Are you sensitive to an other's pain?

-Are you the "go-to" person when a friend is having a problem?

-Can you put yourself into someone else's shoes?

-Are you psychic?

-Do you have prophetic dreams?

-Has someone been trying to send you a psychic message?

-Do you allow your heart to shine?

-What have you come to realize through any psychic experience?

-Would you describe yourself as mystical?

-Are you drawn to the mystical?

-Are you in touch with your spirit guides?

-Was anyone in your family psychic?

-Are  you a water sign?

-Do you feel compelled to be near water?

-Do you believe in coincidence or synchronicity?

-Do others accuse you of living in another world?

Famous beauties born under a water sign include Elizabeth Taylor (Pisces), Diana, Princess of Wales (Cancer) and Grace Kelly (Scorpio).

Amy bows low at the feet of all her spirit guides and asks them for strength, guidance and protection.

Queen of Swords

She is your intellectual queen akin to Greek mythology's Athena or England's Elizabeth I. Clear headed. Astute. Mentally alert and "sharp". Direct. Forthright. A woman who excells in a "man's" world and makes it her own. She does not suffer fools gladly. Get to the point. She is often accussed of possessing a "cool" detachment. Although she may be beautiful, her beauty does not burn.She values honest and integrity and seeks to live the most noble life she can. Justice always prevails.

-In a reading consider the following questions :

-Are you being true to your values or are you compromising them?

-Are you being fair?

-Do you tend to over intellectualize?

-Are you impatient?

-Do you allow your innate intelligence to shine?

-Do others perceive you as stand-offish or cold?

-Are you living up to your own expectations?

-Are men intimidated by your intelligence ?

-How has your intelligence been a gift? Has there been a down side?

-Are you in a profession where your mental gifts are maximized?

-Are you sometimes critisized for being "too" direct or honest?

-Is there a highly independent woman influencing your life right now?

Libra Women

Angela Lansbury
Barbara Walters
Catherine Deneuve
Gwyneth Paltrow
Margaret Thatcher
Deborah Kerr
Julie London

Gemini Women

Alanis Morissette
Angelina Jolie
Annette Bening
Heidi Klum
Joan Rivers
Joan Collins
Peggy Lee
Nicole Kidman

Aquarius Women

Alicia Keys
Audrey Meadows
Jeanne Moreau
Cybill Shepard
Gertrude Stein
Ida Lupino
Kim Novak
Virginia Woolf
Oprah Winfrey

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers and asks for strength, guidance and protection

The Devil Redux

He's known  as Mr. Scratch, Lucifer, Prince of Darkness, Satan, Beelzebub and Old Nick. There is probably no other card, other than Death, which elicits such disgust and recoil than the Devil, the fifteenth card of the Major Arcana, which symbolizes bondage, addiction and materialism.

In a divinity reading the Devil represents spiritual death e.g., a lonely and forsaken existence dominated by malevolent energy. If the Devil is drawn in conjunction with a love relationship, it's pretty safe to say that it's in trouble as all of one's more humane and loving impulses are being compromised or submerged to serve the Master of exploitation and corruption. We become, quite literally, a slave to our desires.

As Rachael Pollack explains in "The Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom" the Devil has come to represent misery. Its power lies in the illusion that nothing else exists. If one looks closely, one can detect the astrological glyph for Saturn depicted on the Devil's out-turned palm.  Saturn has long been associated with evil or misfortune. However, it can also imply limitations and weakness.

Pollack goes onto describe how the Devil wears a reversed pentacle on his forehead, a longstanding symbol of black magic.  The pentacle is charged with symbolism and meaning. She reminds us that if we stand with our arms and legs out, out bodies configuration resembles a pentacle with our head, the seat of reason and rationality and consciousness, on top.  However, if the pentacle is reversed , our head descends and our genitals acquire ascendancy.  Therefore, the reversed pentacle indicates letting our baser desires and less noble and spiritually-developed nature obscure enlightenment.

Here are a list of questions when dealing with the Devil:

-Are you having a hellish time of it?

-Are you guilty or ashamed of something?

-Are you keeping a secret which is possibly harming you?

-Are you in a relationship which is leaving you emotionally and spiritually depleted?

-Are you abusing drugs or alcohol?

-Are you an addictive personality?

-What toxic relationships are you holding onto although they may be putting you at risk?

-Have you been sacrificing spiritual growth for material gain?

-Has your attachment to materialism diminished your humanity? Are your more isolated because of it?

-Are you obsessed?

-Have you been overindulgent and not exercising moderation and temperance?

-Have you lost hope?

-Do you like the person you've become?

-What would you have to do to free yourself from bondage?

-What temptations can you not resist?

-Have you lost your way and taken a dark path?

-What would have to do to renew your faith in yourself?

The Devil is a powerful card. He should makes us shudder and think twice as he reminds us that in our culture of quick fixes and consumerism it's easy to lose one's way.

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers and asks for strength, protection and guidance.

Ten of Pentacles

If there was ever a tarot card that reflected affluence and contentment, this is it. Here are three generations  enjoying the fruits of prosperity all being overseen by the family patriarch. The Ten of Pentacles symbolizes security and abundance. Some interpreters of the tarot (J. Bunning) suggest that the card also represents conformity and convention.   I would also add the notions of tradition and establishment, as well.

Here are a few questions you may want to consider in your readings:

-Have you obtained the security you've been seeking for your family?

-If not, why not? What has stood in your way?

-Can you rely on your extended family?

-Who controls the "purse strings"?

-Is your family trying to manipulate you with money?

-Are you responsible or caring for an elderly parent unable to take card of themselves?

-Are you and your partner close to your in-laws? Is that working?

-Are you grateful for the abundance and wealth you may have accumulated?

-Has money brought you happiness?

-Would you describe yourself as holding conventional family values?

-If you  have children, have you made the proper provisions for them?

-Is there inter-generational or sibling fighting over money?

-Do you feel you have gotten your fair share?

-Do you know if your parents have properly prepared their estate?

-Do you know the details of your family finances?

-Is money a taboo subject in your home?

-If your spouse were to disappear tomorrow, would you be capable of handling your finances?

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers and asks for fortitude and heart.

Time Out

I'm taking a respite. Be back in a couple of days. Be well.

Temperance

Temperance is the fourteenth card in the tarot's Major Arcana. It symbolizes moderation in thought, action and feeling. It represents "restraint" and using one's "brakes".  It also refers to the abstinence from the use of alcohol or drugs. The temperate life is a balanced life which avoids excess, indulgence and extremes.

-Are you expending your energies beyond their limit?

-Are you impulsive?

-Are you drinking too much?  Are others complaining about your drinking?

-Do you abuse drugs?  Would you know if you had developed a dependency?  What would it look like?

-Are you moody?  Do you experience "mood swings?"

-Is it difficult for you to compromise?  Are you an "all or nothing" type person?

-Do you have to have the "last" word?

-Are you in good health?

-Are you able to put things in perspective and partialize obligations and commitments?

-Do you "over function" for fear if you don't do it, no one will?

-Are you too flexible?  Do you need to pull back from taking care of others?

-Are you work like and private life in sync?  Is one dominating the other at your expense?

Amy bows low at the feet of all her enlightened teachers and asks them for strength, protection and guidance

Queen of Wands

Her element is Fire. Rooms become warmer when she walks into them. She radiates heat and draws people towards her. Behind her grows a sunflower the symbol of all life.  It represents our sun without which we would perish.She sits upon a throne carved into lion's heads and at her feet sits a domestic black cat. This queen possesses a feline consciousness. She is noble,self-assured and dignified. Like the cat, she is independent and does not bend to authority. She is tapped into her unconscious and intuition. She may possess supernatural powers. In the tarot, she is associated with creativity, passion and spirit. As a muse, look to her to ignite the spark of your imagination.

If you draw this Queen ask yourself the following:

-Are you lacking self-confidence?

-Do you feel "less than"?

-Is their an authoritative woman in your life that is causing you problems?

-Are you experiencing writer's block or some other form of creative block?

-Are you abdicating your power?

-Are you less independent than you might like?

-What inspires you?

-What makes you passionate?

-Are you short-changing your creative impulses?

-Do you take pride in your work?

-Do you trust your intuition?

-Do you rationalize your "gut" feelings?

-Have you had psychic experiences?

-Are you a cat person?

-Do cats make you uncomfortable?  Have you ever explored why?

-Do you wish to be more authoritative in your life?

-What kind of a different woman would you have to be in order to obtain that authority? How would you need to change?

Just for fun, here are some women born under the three Fire signs of the Zodiac.

-Bette Davis, Aries
-Claudia Cardinale, Aries
-Diana Ross, Aries
-Julie Christie, Aries
-Lady Gaga, Aries
-Joan Crawford, Aries

-Clara Bow, Leo
-Halle Barry, Leo
-Jackie Kennedy, Leo
-Jennifer Lopez, Leo
-Madonna, Leo
-Whitney Houston, Leo

-Maria Callas, Sagittarius
-Bette Midler, Sagittarius
-Britney Spears, Sagittarius
-Christina Agulera, Sagittarius
-Jane Fonda, Sagittarius
-Kim Bassinger, Sagittarius
-Tina Turner

Amy bows low at the feet of all her enlightened spirit guides and asks for strength, guidance and protection.

-

Ace of Swords

When you think of "swords" you should be thinking mental acumen, intellect, justice and fortitude. And when you draw the Ace of Swords it's a clear message that you possess the strength and where with all to do the right thing and venture forward.  "Swords" are associated with the element of "air".  And if you study angels, Raphael is their archangel.

In a reading some useful questions for the querist include:

- Is it time for you to "step up to the plate"?

-Are you willing to fight for your convictions?

-Is your moral strength or character being tested?

-Do you need to "draw a line in the sand"?

-What decision requires a cool head and an analytical approach?

-Do you need to correct a "wrong"?

-Are you often an other's "champion"?

-Do you take the side of the underdog?

-Are you a lonely warrior?

-What is the opposition you are facing?

Amy bows low at the feet of all  her holy teachers.

The Hanged Man: Another Look

I first wrote about the Hanged Man  on March 30th, but so many people ask me about the meaning of this card that I thought it might be helpful if I re-enter that post from then, now, and follow up with some questions you might consider asking during a reading.

As can be imagined, there is a tremendous amount of confusion and misunderstanding that swirls around the Hanged Man, the twelfth card in the Major Arcana. At first glance this pretty understandable. After all, most of our associations with seeing someone hanging from a tree are pretty dire. The image evokes fear, dread and horror.  However, as with so much of the tarot, not everything is exactly what it first seems. On the contrary, the Hanged Man is all about enlightenment as is all the tarot.  He reminds us that in order to see the true meaning of things we sometimes have to take ourselves out of our customary comfort zones and mentally and spiritually turn things on their head, so to speak. 

If you take a closer look at the Hanged Man, you'll see that his head is wreathed in a golden corona of light.  He's experiencing bliss, for it's only at that precise moment when we change the way we think and make that mental shift, embracing a fresh idea or attitude that we obtain enlightenment and ultimately get to the next level of spirituality. The Hanged Man reminds us of the importance of challenging our premises and beliefs we have about the world and the people in it for not to do so condemns us to a life of stasis and stagnation.

People are curious about his legs, as well.  They represent the number four upside down which symbolizes the four corners of the earth and its four directions. The fact that he is "standing on his head" (which yogis have been doing for centuries in order to obtain enlightenment) indicates that we must delve deep into our unconscious in order to obtain spiritual awareness.

The tree that the Hanged Man is suspended from represents the Tree of Life which is an iconic motif which reoccurs throughout religion and mythology.  Essentially, it depicts the interconnection between Heaven and Earth and the underworld.

In a reading, the Hanged Man indicates a need to shake things up and challenge yourself. Think out of the proverbial "box". Be curious. Have wonder.  Approaching life from a position of "not knowing" and you will know everything you need to know and more.

Here are some questions you might use in your readings:

-Are you inflexible in your thinking?

-Is it hard for you to accept an other's point of view?

-Are you judgmental?

-If you're in a relationship, can you and your partner both be "right"?

-Are you tolerant of difference?

-Is it difficult for you to adopt new ways of thinking about things?

-Must you have the "last word"?

-Are you seeking enlightenment but are feeling stuck?

-Is there a bigger Truth that you need to surrender to but are resistant?

-How might a new perspective on an old problem effect you?

-Were you brought in a home where things were either "black" or "white"?

-Do your attachments to either people or beliefs have you "hung up" and immobilized?

-Are you at a critical moment in your spiritual development?

Amy bows low at the feet of all her enlightened teachers.

Amy can be contacted at oraclesandarchetypesblog@gmail.com

Ace of Cups

This is a wonderful card. Aces always symbolize what is best in a suit. As such, this ace represents all the exulted qualities associated with Cups which include love and emotion. .  As the card depicts, your cup "runneth" over with their power.  When you deal in Cups, you delve into the realm of feelings and the miracle of love.

In a reading consider the following questions:

-Are you leading with your heart and allowing it to shine?

-Are you comfortable with your feelings?

-What great gift is being "handed" to you?

-Are you able to accept love?

-Are you a compassionate person?

-Do you trust your feelings?  Can you trust your "gut"?

-Are you okay with "forgive and forget" or do you hold on to grudges?

-Are you feeling guilty about something and feel the need for absolution?

-Have you been trying to "wash away" your "sins"?

-What is your heart's desire?

-Are your emotions flowing freely?

-If your cup were to empty would you know how to replenish it?

-As there been a time in your life when your cup was empty?

-What or who has consoled you in time of need?

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers

The Seven of Cups

When I think of the Seven of Cups the old saying of "all that glitters is not gold" comes to mind. The message here is not to be fooled by what appears to be "good on paper".  Avoid superficiality. Steer clear of illusions and self-deception. Come down to earth; sand castles get washed away to sea. Be grateful for what you have. Envy erodes your humanity.

The Seven of Cups also warns of the risks associated with having too many choices available to us. This can be overwhelming and confusing. Take time to prioritize and create order in your life.

In a reading consider the following:

-Are you deluding yourself with fantasy?

-Are your expectations unrealistic?

-Do you compare your lot in life with that of others?

-Do you strive to "keep up with the Jones" and find yourself dissatisfied?

-Are your daydreams taking on a life of their own?

-Do you have your head in the clouds?

-What must you do to put your house in order?

-Are you afraid of making a wrong choice?

-Are you being greedy by wanting it all?

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers.

The Eight of Cups

The Eight of Cups is one of the most provocative and evocative cards of the Minor Arcana. We see a solitary figure walking with his back to us destined to who knows where.  It appears as if the sun is being eclipsed by the moon which contributes to the card's dream-like landscape.  In the foreground stand the eight cups. Cups symbolize our emotions and sensitivities. They express our desires and passions. It's clear that the man has chosen to leave these behind, but we have no explanation as to why. But what we do know is that this card is all about "moving on" and loss.

Here are some questions you might consider in a reading:

-What have you had to sacrifice in order to move on with your life?

-Have you accepted a recent loss in your life?

-Is it difficult for you to let go?

-Do you have too many emotional attachments in life?

-If so, which are holding you back or burdening you?

-Are seeking a more spiritual path?

-Are you emotionally overwhelmed?

-Are you emotionally depleted?

-Has a critical relationship ended?

-Are you mourning or grieving for what you've left behind?

-If embarking on a new passage in your life, do you have intent and focus?

-Given the eclipse, are experiencing a "dark" period in your life?

-Are you emotionally betwixt and between?

It's important to remember that we cannot look to the tarot to tell us what to do. That defeats their purpose. We all should strive to be the masters of our own fate. Rather, look at the cards as a way to expand our curiosity and inquisitiveness about our motives and behaviors. It's only through asking questions that we stimulate our imaginations and garner more information and knowledge. The cards do not have the answers nor do they possess the "truth".  When doing a reading, be mindful to do so from a position of "not knowing" as it's only when we avail ourselves to be receptive to new ideas and new perceptions that we obtain enlightenment and fill our "cups".

Amy bows down low at the feet of all her holy teachers and asks of them for strength and guidance.

The Five of Pentacles

The Five of Pentacles depicting its two forlorn and needy figures trudging through the snow symbolizes want, hard times, sickness and abandonment.  It reminds us of the fragility of life and how easy it is to lose it all. It admonishes us to count our blessings each and every day and never to take our good fortune for granted.

In a reading I would explore the following themes:

-Are you feeling "left out in the cold"?

-Are you worried about money?

-Are you experiencing financial problems?

-Are you or someone close to you in ill health?

-Are you always on the short end of the emotional stick?

-Who takes care of you?

-Are you feeling "homeless" and adrift?

-Are your hardships being ignored?

-Are your present circumstances making you "sick"?

-Have you been shunned and turned away?

-Are you emotionally "hungry"?

-Is there an emotional wound which is "crippling" you?

In times like these,  it's easy to become cynical and forfeit hope. But I would urge anyone who is struggling- be it physically, spiritually or financially- not to compromise the sweet spirit that resides in all of us for that is what will ultimately redeem you and pull you through.

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers.

Cleopatra

 "Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety".

            William Shakespeare, Antony and Celopatra

I'm in the midst of reading "Cleopatra" a terrific new biography of the fabled queen by the Pulitzer Prize winning author Stacy Schiff. Where to begin? Well, for starters, Cleopatra was not even Egyptian but a Macedonian Greek supposedly descended from the grandest Macedonian of them all Alexander the Great. And, she was no beauty. Rather, this female potentate ruled by her wits and her charm. She spoke nine languages and was educated in a classical Greek tradition which meant she was schooled in mathematics, philosophy and literature. Homer was purported to have been her favorite author. 

 Although Cleopatra has been dead for over two thousand years, she continues to fascinate and excite our imaginations.  Perhaps it's because she not only was one of the few women in history to rule an empire but she was also able to claim two of the most powerful men of her time as her lovers e.g., Julius Cesar and Marc Anthony.  There is no doubt that Cleopatra was a political force to be reckoned with, but this was a woman who possessed masses of magnetism as well.

Cleopatra's Expression Number, which describes her temperament, corresponds to a '1'. And, really, what other number could she possibly be? She is your quintessential  '1' exercising all its dominant traits. As a leader and  risk taker, she was a complete original  who, time and again, outmanoeuvred her enemies and foes. Although the day she was born is not known,  it is known that she was born in the year 69BC which corresponds to a "6". And, appropriately, given Cleopatra's famous love life, the number "6" is ruled by Venus which corresponds to the The Lovers the sixth card in the Major Arcana of the tarot.

"6" is also associated with keeping the peace and Cleopatra went to extraordinary lengths to maintain the safety and well-being of Egypt. Her name begins with the letter "C" which corresponds to the number "3" and "3s" are the charmers and enthusiasts of the Universe. Theirs is a sociable and engaging personality. People are naturally attracted to their magnetic personalities and, clearly, Cleopatra emanated mega wattage.

Cleopatra died August 2, 30BC which was a "4" year which, in numerology, symbolizes the earth and sometimes "death".  Interestingly, August 2 is a "1" day which signals beginnings which is fitting as she ended one incarnation to begin another.

Noteworthy, too, is her lover Marc Antony died on August 1 which is a "9" day and "9" represents "endings".

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers.

The Lovers

The Lovers is the sixth card of the Major Arcana and symbolizes sexuality, relationships and love.  It also refers to yin and yang energies and to the animus and anima which according to Carl Jung, the Swiss psychoanalyst, refers to the male and female principles respectively. This card always reminds us of the importance of love in our life.

-Are you comfortable with the animus/anima component to your psyche?  Or do you repress one principle at the expense of the other?

-Do you tolerate difference in your relationship?

-Is it difficult for you to make an emotional connection?

-Do you find yourself unable to sustain a relationship?

-Do you mistake sexual attraction for emotional intimacy?

-Are you happiest when in a relationship and not alone?

-Does your fear of being alone prevent you from leaving a bad relationship?

-Does your fear of being alone contribute to your making bad choices in partners?

-Does your relationship make you and partner strong or does it drain and sap you?

-Are  you able to remain true to yourself in your relationship or do you repress how you are really feeling?

-Do you feel loved?

-If you're a woman do you operate under the misconception that all it takes is the love of a good woman to change a man?

-Do you find yourself trying to change your partner into what you think they should be?

-If your relationship were to end which one of you would stand to lose the most?

-Are you pining for an unrequited love?

-Are you the object of unwanted desire?

-Are you sacrificing too much in order to sustain a relationship?

In the words of the resplendent Ammachi,  "Love sustains everything.   Love is the foundation of the universe." 

For those of you who are interested in reading more about Ammachi and her amazing teachings you can visit my post of 3/29/10.

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers including Ammachi.

The Nine of Wands

The Nine of Wands signals being "wounded" or "injured" be it physically, emotionally or spiritually. The card's message admonishes us to be wary, but not to give up.  Although you may be battle scarred and bruised you have the wherewith all and stamina to persevere. Take time and dig way down deep into your inner resources and pull out everything you've got because every time you do you restore your precious humanity.

Consider these questions in a reading:

-What battle is taking its toll on you?

-When were you first wounded?

-Does it seem as if the whole world is against you?

-Are you fighting this battle alone?

-Are you protecting someone else?

-Do you sometimes feel as if you can't go on?

-Who could you recruit to come to your aid?

-Is hyper vigilance exhausting you?

-Is this a battle from your past or a current one?

-Is this an internal battle or a battle with others?

-Is it possible to wage a truce with the opposing forces?

-Who wants to harm you ?

-Are you fighting some one's battle for them?

-Who takes care of you when things get tough?

It's very important to understand the context of the querist's life and circumstances in relationship to the Nine of Wands as there are those instances in which this kind of alertness and wariness is appropriate and responsible. In doing readings, as in life, we always need to be mindful not to be judgemental.

Some earlier posts you might find interesting  include The Moon 4/17 and The Devil 4/20.

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers who include Herry Teltscher Ph.D.

The Six Of Pentacles

The Six of Pentacles always refers to having or not having knowledge, power or resources i.e., money or wealth (Joan Bunning). This card often elicits anxiety because it forces us to look at which end of the receiving stick we are on.

Here are some questions when it appears in a reading:

-Which end of the equation are you on?  Receiving or giving?

-Are your relationships balanced? Which are and which aren't?

-Is the power axis in your relationships skewed in an other's favor?

-Do you give more than you get?

-Do you need to get your power back?  Would you know how to do it?

-Is someone or something keeping you in a subordinate position?

-Do you feel on your knees and beholden to someone?

-Do you give others what they need?

-Do you assuage your guilt through gift giving?

-Is someone taking advantage of your generosity?

-Are you able to take advice from authority figures?

-Is money literally being meted out to you?

-Are you in a position to be generous but you are not?

-Is someone controlling you with money?

-Who exactly is in charge?

-Are your thoughts dominated by money?

The Six of Pentacles admonishes us to explore the meaning of power, authority, dominance and submission in our lives. It asks us to examine what we think we "have" in life and what we think we are missing and to look at the importance we attach to those ideas and feelings. And it urges us to relinquish those roles and behaviors which prevent our heart centers from "shining".

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers who include Lucy Isaacs, Joan Bunning and Peggy Penn

The Four Of Cups

The message of this card might well be "Wake Up" or you may miss a golden opportunity coming your way. The Four of Cups symbolizes apathy, lethargy, passivity and and withdraw into one's self. The fellow asleep beneath the tree is engaging in a self-defeating self-absorption which prevents him from observing and receiving life's gifts and abundance.  Such a course of action can only deter his spiritual and intellectual growth.

In a reading with the Four of Cups the following questions should be considered:

-Would you recognize a gift from the Universe if presented with one?

-How do you make sense out of your seeming disengagement from the world?

-Are you feeling flat or depressed?

-Do you tend to day dream?

-Do you lack motivation?

-Do others complain about your apathy?

-Do others demand more from you?

-Can you cite examples of missed opportunities due to your disinterest in what was happening around you?

-What are your concerns or ideas around being more engaged?

-Who complains the most about your attitude?

-Do you see your laid back stance as problematic for yourself or only for others?

The Life Lesson here is  that in order to ensure your cups runneth over embrace life's blessings on a daily basis.

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers who include Joan Bunning,  Rachael Pollack and  Amber Jayanti

The Two Of Swords

The Two of Swords quite literally symbolizes a person being at "cross purposes" with themselves.  Swords often indicate conflict and strife.  In this instance, it refers to a struggle which originates within the individual's psyche.

Here are some questions meant to help the querist resolve their dilemma:

-How long have you been "sitting on the fence"?

-If you removed your blindfold what are you afraid that you might see?

-Are you hoping that if you just wait passively by long enough that the problem will go away by itself?

-If you make a decision or choice what will be the consequences?

-Do you put up a false front for appearance's sake?

-What's to be gained by choosing not to choose?

-Are you conflicted about which to follow?  Your heart or your head?

The ultimate message of the Two of Swords is unless we incorporate and integrate our heads and our hearts we will find ourselves sitting on bench with the world passing us by. We never obtain perfect balance as there are no perfect solutions in life. Life is a constant process of resettling as one of my wise mentors admonished me years ago. How right she was! Spiritual equilibrium is only obtained through honoring our heart center.

Amy bows low at the feet of all her holy teachers.