Tag: tarot cards (Page 3 of 5)

TAROT’S EIGHT OF CUPS: POWERFUL KNOWLEDGE OF WHEN TO WALK AWAY

August 23, 2022 / Tara Mallane / 0 Comments

The Eight of Cups
A figure wearing a red cloak and boots, and carrying a staff, walks up a rocky path, away from the edge of a river. On the opposite side of the river, in the foreground of the card are eight cups, positioned in such a manner that it seems that one is missing. In the distance are rocky outcroppings rising out of a river or waterway. It is night; there is a blue sky and a sun within a moon overlooking the scene — The Eight of Cups

Knowing when to walk away, is wisdom. Being able to is courage. Walking away with grace, and your head held high, is dignity.
Ritu Ghatourey

Overview and common meanings of the eight of cups

The Eight of Cups can indicate a sense of restiveness, and like something is missing. Everything appears great on the outside, but your intuition is bothering you. The Eight of Cups traditionally indicates leaving a situation, place, or relationship that no longer fulfills you. This is usually a decision made after much careful consideration, and when done, you may find that you had already left the situation emotionally and that there is less strife and drama about the leave-taking than you originally feared. Some Other names for the Eight of Cups in varying decks are Quest, renewal, stagnation, indolence.

Common Meanings

In a career or financial reading, the Eight of Cups shows up at a time when you are feeling ready to leave a job that is no longer fulfilling your needs. Perhaps it is one you have outgrown, and it is time for you to stretch your wings and reach for something more. Maybe it is time to liquidate that struggling business or those investments that aren’t performing well.

In a relationship or love reading, the Eight of Cups can indicate that it is a good time to take a break from seeking a relationship while you spend some time determining what you really want. If you are in a long-term relationship, sometimes the Eight of Cups can show up at a time when you are considering leaving the relationship and making a change. It’s always important to check in with yourself and determine what it is that you truly want and need.

The Many Faces of The Eight of Cups

The shadow side – or reversal – of the Eight of Cups can indicate a fear of abandonment, or an actual abandonment. Often, there is an aspect of clinging to a situation past the time when it is healthy to do so. There is the aspect of giving the situation one more try. You could be staying because it is the logical thing to do, or out of some sense of duty or obligation, but in this instance, it is more important to tap into your intuition and heed your inner guidance. Just because things look perfect on the outside, it doesn’t mean that it is perfect for you.

Description

A figure wearing a red cloak and boots, and carrying a staff, walks up a rocky path, away from the edge of a river. On the opposite side of the river, in the foreground of the card are eight cups, positioned in such a manner that it seems that one is missing. In the distance are rocky outcroppings rising out of a river or waterway. It is night; there is a blue sky and a sun within a moon overlooking the scene.

Themes of The Eight of Cups

Abandonment
Avoidance
Boredom
Departure
Disappointment Letting go
Escapism
Fear
Feeling stuck
Releasing old patterns or beliefs that no longer fit who you are
Walking away
Regretting choices made
Restlessness
Soul searching
Spiritual journey

The Number 8

Fulfillment, the combination of two fours which represent stability. Stability and renewal, inner strength and wisdom and healthy balanced ego. When combined with Cups, it can indicate boredom and dissatisfaction.

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

Sun – the mind
Moon – Insight and Desire
Staff – inner guidance
Red cloak – competence to manifest objective
Rocky outcropping or mountain – trials and new experiences

Herbs for The Eight of Cups

Black Cohosh – strength and lucidity when leaving harmful situation; particularly useful when you have adopted negativity directed towards you.
Kava – eases tension, calms the mind, and supports healthy stress response
Mimosa – Sadness, loss, heartache, grief. Can help when mourning the things you are letting go from your life.
Pine – rebirth, wisdom; useful when walking away and “rebirthing” into a new reality
St John’s Wort – used for depression and anxiety; can help bring the light back to your life.

Questions that the Eight of Cups asks us

While it may appear that you have everything you want in life, do you truly have everything that you need?
Is this one of those times in your life that you need to walk away from something, and towards something else, no matter what others around you may think of your decisions?

That is the Eight of Cups. Wishing you a week in of discernment on whether it is time to walk away from a situation that you have outgrown. Thank you for reading and please leave comments, ask questions, or reach out for a reading.

Join me next week for the Nine of Cups!

TAROT’S SEVEN OF CUPS: FOCUS ON INNER WISDOM

August 16, 2022 / Tara Mallane / 0 Comments

The Seven of Cups: A figure that is shadowed stands in the foreground, back to us, facing a cloud on which 7 cups float. They are all filled with something different. One has a woman’s head floating above, one is shrouded, hands lifted as in entreaty, and red light emanating from it, one contains a snake, one a dragon with a forked tongue, one a laurel wreath, one overflows with jewels, and one contains a tower. If you look closer at the cup containing the laurel wreath, there appears to be a skull etched in its side. One gets the sense in looking at the card, that the figure is facing these cups filled with many choices, like we face the many paths that life can take us on. — The Seven of Cups

Overview and Common Meanings of The Seven of Cups

When the Seven of Cups shows up, there are many choices in front of you, and it could be hard to pick because they all seem great. The important thing is seeing past the shiny illusions of what you think you want and taking the time to really make the choices that are right for you.

Alternate names in varying decks for the Seven of Cups are choice, ambition, excess, and vision quest.

Transformation occurs when there has been a learning lesson and you choose to create a better choice.
Andrea Reibmayr

Common Meanings

Maybe you have been partying a lot to avoid taking the steps towards what you want in life. This is a great time to stop wasting your time dreaming about what you want and to get off your metaphorical ass and start working towards it. Sometimes this manifests as the need to move forward without seeing the whole picture; the leap of faith and trusting that it is all going to work out that is required in such cases.

In a work related reading the Seven of Cups can indicate that you have lots of options coming your way, either within the job you now work, or offers for something new. Again, really listen to your inner wisdom in this and remember that if an offer seems to good to be true, it likely is. Regarding finances, it is a reminder that now is not the best time to make reckless purchases or investments.

If you are asking about love and relationships, if you are not currently in a relationship, it could be a sign that you have many options to choose from. The warning here to look past the shiny and really make sure that you make the choice that will be the best long term fit for you. If you are in an established relationship, the Seven of Cups can show up to highlight options, which may not involve your current relationship. If you are presented with the option of an affair, really take the time to weigh whether the short-term thrill is worth the potential long-term consequences.

The Many Faces of The Seven of Cups

The shadow side – or reversal – of the Seven of Cups can indicate extreme emotions or becoming embroiled in drama. It can also serve as a warning to be careful of idealizing relationships or people and can indicate that you are being deceived by appearances. Other meanings of the shadow side are fear of making the wrong choices, frustration at uncertainty, and overwhelm.

Description of the Seven of Cups

float. They are all filled with something different. One has a woman’s head floating above, one is shrouded, hands lifted as in entreaty, and red light emanating from it, one contains a snake, one a dragon with a forked tongue, one a laurel wreath, one overflows with jewels, and one contains a tower. If you look closer at the cup containing the laurel wreath, there appears to be a skull etched in its side. One gets the sense in looking at the card, that the figure is facing these cups filled with many choices, like we face many paths in life.

Themes of The Seven of Cups

Choices
Confusion
Fantasies
Illusion
Imagination
New opportunities
Options
Sentiment
Wishful thinking

The Number 7

Seven is an important number. It is the number of alliance, days of the week, days of creation of the universe. The number seven is all about learning and understanding at a deeper, more intellectual level. Seven presents’ options and the ability to combine heaven and earth for creating the ideal.

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

Contents of the 7 cups:
– Male figure – possibly archangel Michael suggesting temperance
– Shrouded figure – what is hidden, ascending consciousness, things yet to be revealed
– Snake – knowledge and sycophancy
– Tower – stronghold, security
– Laurel wreath – sign of victory, cup has the likeness of a skull, so is the victory false?
– Jewels – wealth, fame, reputation
– Dragon with forked tongue – are we hearing lies or the truth?

Herbs for The Seven of Cups

Elderberry – astral travel, enhances intuition
Echinacea – psychic insight
Mugwort – introspection and intuition, gateway to inner-realms—unveiling who you are and what you need to understand. Promotes lucid dreaming.
Peony – for becoming receptive, opening to your spiritual gifts and intuition
Sassafrass – foundation, thoughtful selections

Questions that the Seven of Cups asks us

Have you made some choices that haven’t turned out to be as good for you as they initially seemed, and if so, how can you course-correct and come back into true alignment with your spiritual self?
Are you having a hard time choosing something, because so many of the options seem great, and have you really checked in with yourself on which is right for you?

That is the Seven of Cups. Wishing you a week in which you take whatever time you need to make sure your decisions are the right ones for you, no matter how fun and exciting the other stuff seems at first glance. As always, please leave comments, ask questions, or reach out for a reading. Thank you for reading and please join me next week for the Eight of Cups!

TAROT’S SIX OF CUPS: BEAUTIFUL PAST REVISITED

August 9, 2022 / Tara Mallane / 0 Comments

The Six of Cups
At the foot of a stone path in a garden leading to a fortress, a child wearing a red hood offers a cup brimming with flowers to a smaller child dressed like a grownup. At their feet are four more cups also filled with flowers, and a sixth cup perches on a pedestal at the base of the path. On the face of the pedestal is a shield with an X inside. In the background we see a figure walking back up the stone path – that of a guard or a watchman perhaps - carrying a spear. — Six of Cups

Time and again we reconnect. Its like the universe nudges us to give it one more chance.
Nikki Rowe

Overview and common meanings of The Six of Cups

When the Six of Cups shows up, it is an indication of memories and ties to old friends or lovers being renewed. This is a time of nostalgia of a happy childhood and the “good old days.” This is a great invitation to get in touch with your inner child and embrace a sense of the wonder, discovery, and playfulness that children bring to the world. Alternative names in varying decks are Six of Shells, sentiment, joy, pleasure, and contentment.

Common Meanings

Six of Cups tells us that sometimes, by revisiting your past, you can gain perspective on your path going forward. Other times the card can indicate the children that are around you.

In a career related reading, Six of Cups can indicate that you will return to an old job that you once loved, or it could just be a sign of increased harmony and cooperation in your workplace. If you are curious about finances, Six of Cups can be a sign of a surprise financial gift or an inheritance. In love, the Six of Cups can be a sign of reuniting with an old lover. If you have recently ended a relationship, the Six of Cups serves as a gentle reminder to shift your focus from the way a relationship once and see what it evolved (or rather devolved) into.

The Many Faces of The Six of Cups

The shadow side – or reversal – of the Six of Cups can indicate being stuck in the past. Sometimes this being stuck in the past is a coping mechanism to avoid being present and moving forward in life. Other possible shadow indications are regret, the need for forgiveness of self and/or others. It also serves as a reminder that no person is an island, and there is a need to let walls down and let people in. Sometimes the shadow side of the Six of Cups is a reminder to not take yourself so seriously and remember to bring playfulness to your life.

Description

At the foot of a stone path in a garden leading to a fortress, a child wearing a red hood offers a cup brimming with flowers to a smaller child dressed like a grownup. At their feet are four more cups also filled with flowers, and a sixth cup perches on a pedestal at the base of the path. On the face of the pedestal is a shield with an X inside. In the background we see a figure walking back up the stone path – that of a guard or a watchman perhaps – carrying a spear.

Themes of The Six of Cups

Allegiance
Bonds of friendship, love, history
Contentment
Harmony
Love
Nostalgia
Past and Present
Playfulness
Reconciliation
Reuniting with old friends
Teamwork
Themes of your life
Youth

The Number 6

The embodiment of the heart and love. Emotional relationships, compassion, empathy, and support.

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

Child with red hood – intended as a reminder of childhood and the past
Child dressed as an adult – a nod to fairy-tales
Flowers – spiritual blossoming and love
Watchman and Fortress – protection and safety

Herbs for The Six of Cups

Calendula – uplifting moods, restoring well-being, promotes relaxation
Damiana – enables us to be more open, and connected within ourselves and with others
Heliotrope – Cheerfulness, gaiety, prosperity, and protection
Lavender – love, devotion, purity – the innocent state of the soul
Sweet Pea – Bliss, love, harmony, thankfulness, and loyalty

Questions that the Six of Cups asks us

How can you embrace the enthusiasm of a child in your everyday life, and what would that bring to your present state of adulthood?
What lessons from your past are showing up for you to learn again?

That is the Six of Cups. Wishing you a week of happy reunions and the lightheartedness of your childhood. Please reach out with questions, comments, or to schedule a reading. Thank you for reading and please join me next week for The Seven of Cups!

TAROT’S FIVE OF CUPS: SHIFTING PERSPECTIVE FROM DISAPPOINTMENT TO BLESSINGS

July 26, 2022 / Tara Mallane / 0 Comments

The Five of Cups Tarot Card.
Standing alone, shrouded in a dark cloakn, stands a figure. At his feet are 5 cups: three in front of him, which have spilled, their contents puddling on the ground beneath them, and two behind him, fully upright, and presumably still full. While the cups before him are spilled, behind him are two full ones…he has only to turn and shift perspective to see that he still has plenty. In front of him we see a river, and on a bluff on the other side of the river a lone fortress or dwelling. There is a bridge with two arches spanning the river a short distance to the right of the figure. — The Five of Cups

Disenchantment, whether it is a minor disappointment or a major shock, is the signal that things are moving into transition in our lives.
William Throsby Bridges

Overview and common meaning of The Five of Cups

The Five of Cups often shows up along with the realization that things are not as you thought they were, and you find yourself disillusioned. It is a great reminder that it is time to count your blessings, get over it and move on. Removing the blinders of illusion is not always a bad thing. Build a bridge into a brighter future that you want to see. It is always a great opportunity to take some quiet time to determine what the lessons were in the situation and how you can shift that moving forward. Don’t let the seeming bad things in life distract you from all the good that remains.

Some alternative names in varying decks are Hope, Re-adjustment, Warrior-Woman.

Common Meanings

In a work-related reading, you may be feeling deflated, or that you have let yourself or others down. It is time to glean what lesson you can from the situation, realize this is temporary, and move on. If you are seeking work and are not having luck, take heart, the right thing will appear for you.

In a love related reading, if you are seeking love, you may find yourself temporarily disappointed as something that seemed full of promise is not quite what you had originally thought or hoped. It is also a good opportunity to do a bit of self-analysis and ask yourself if you are expecting too much too soon. In an established relationship the Five of Cups can sometimes indicate that you are nearing a point where you choose to go separate ways, at least temporarily. It can also serve as a metaphorical separation; that of letting go of the illusions of what you thought something was so that you may clearer see what it actually is.

The Many Faces of The Five of Cups

The shadow side – or reversal – of the five of cups can indicate being stuck in old trauma and patterns, becoming cynical and jaded. It can also indicate that you have done the work, forgiven yourself and others, have moved past this darkest time, and things are starting to turn around for you. It could be a sign that you are ready to reconnect with old friends and loved ones after a period of isolation.

Description of the Five of Cups

Standing alone, shrouded in a dark cloak with shoulders hunched in seeming dejection, stands a figure. At his feet are 5 cups: three in front of him, which have spilled, their contents puddling on the ground beneath them, and two behind him, fully upright, and presumably still full. While the cups before him are spilled, behind him are two full ones…he has only to turn and shift perspective to see that he still has plenty. In front of him we see a river, and on a bluff on the other side of the river a lone fortress or dwelling. There is a bridge with two arches spanning the river a short distance to the right of the figure.

Themes of The Five of Cups

Disenchantment
Duplicity
Forgiveness
Frustration
Grieving
Resentment

The Number 5

The number 5 is a holy number in many of earths religions: – in Christianity, the 5 holy wounds of Christ; Hinduism – The five elements; Islam – the Five Pillars of Islam. In numerology 5 is the card of curiosity of the spiritual nature, but also that of imbalance and upset. Five is the number of humanity and a reminder that we all experience disillusionment at some point in our lives.

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

Black cloak – shrouded, surrounded by the need to mourn something
River- separation, a barrier
Bridge – the means of crossing that separation and returning to home
Spilled cups – past or present loss
Upright cups – There remains plenty of support and love
Fortress/dwelling – stability, happiness. In the Five of Cups it is across the river, a seeming barrier to achieving the sanctuary of home.

Herbs for The Five of Cups

Bee Balm – calms nervous system and uplifts the heart
Borage – Courage; lifts spirit and gladdens the heart
Hawthorn – protection and openness healer of heartache and grief
Linden – calming heart tonic; protective, comforting, through times of grief
Mimosa – Sadness, loss, heartache, grief. Can help when mourning the things you are letting go from your life.

Questions that the Five of Cups asks us

Are you grieving a situation that is not as you had hoped, and if so, are you neglecting to notice all the blessings that are still in abundance all around you?

Do you feel like you are coming out of a long period of introspection, and what lessons and visions are you bringing forth into this new reality?

That is the Five of Cups. Wishing you a week in which, as illusion falls away, the reality of blessings become clear. Thank you for reading, and as always, please leave comments, ask questions, or reach out for a reading. Please join me next week for the Six of Cups!

TAROT’S FOUR OF CUPS EMPHASIZES RESTLESSNESS AND NEED FOR CHANGE

July 19, 2022 / Tara Mallane / 0 Comments

The Four of Cups. Sitting alone in the shade of a lone tree at the top of a gentle hill, is a male figure gazing down as if in thought. Both arms and legs are crossed At his feet is a neat row of three cups. A hand emerges from a cloud, holding the fourth cup in offering to him. — Four of Cups

You must have a level of discontent to feel the urge to want to grow.
Idowu Koyenikan

Overview and common meanings of The Four of Cups

When The four of cups shows up, it is often to magnify restlessness and disenchantment, but it also reminds us that there is support for us and that others see our light even when we cannot. A time of reflection and meditation is called for. This can also herald a time of new opportunities appearing in your life, that you are allowing to pass without taking advantage of – whether because you are too busy, or just don’t have the energy.

This is a great time to tap into your inner knowing and identify what is truly important to you. It can also indicate a possessive sort of sentimentality – not wanting to let go of what we have, regardless of whether it brings us joy. It is a gentle suggestion to take the time to see the world around you and how much good there is in it. Some other names, in varying decks are soul searching, re-evaluation, abundance.

Common Meanings

In relationship readings, if you are seeking one, Four of Cups gently reminds us that oftentimes we need to do the work of healing past relationship trauma before we are truly able to open to another in a fulfilling relationship. If you are currently involved, it can indicate a time of boredom and emphasize the need to shake things up and inject some romance into your relationship. It also serves as a caution against staying in relationships out of habit.

In a reading regarding work and home, Four of Cups may highlight feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction; the need to make a positive change. Often you will find that these are small shifts to change the narrative of your perspective and it will feel like new life being breathed into the situation.

The Many Faces of The Four of Cups

The shadow side – or reversal- of the Four of cups is much like the upright meaning, only magnified. It is a good time to really take stock of what you want in your life and what changes you need to implement to make that happen, and oftentimes the only way to accomplish this is through a time of retreat and introspection. Reversed, the crossed legs of the figure in the four of cups is reminiscent of the Hanged Man, and much like the hanged man holds the key to his own freedom, so, too, does the man in the four of cups. Dig deep and figure out how to release yourself from self-imposed bondage of boredom and dissatisfaction.

Description of the Four of Cups

Sitting alone in the shade of a lone tree at the top of a gentle hill, is a male figure gazing down as if in thought. Both arms and legs are crossed At his feet is a neat row of three cups. A hand emerges from a cloud, holding the fourth cup in offering to him.

Themes of The Four of Cups

Boredom
Detachment
Dissatisfaction
Introspection
Meditation
Reflection
Restlessness
Weariness

The Number 4

Four is the number of stability, practicality and pragmatism; efficiency and strength; conservative development. It denotes creativity, but the kind that builds a solid foundation. In association with cups, the suit of emotions and feelings, number four can also indicate inertia and stagnation.

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

Male with crossed legs and arms – dissatisfaction, focus on lack, but also introspection and meditation
Tree – life and strength
Hand emerging from cloud – symbolic of new beginnings and hope
Cups – emotions, that which we feel and have.

Herbs for The Four of Cups

Ashwagandha – calms the mind and lowers cortisol levels. Helps with mental fatigue, stress, and exhaustion
Chamomile – gentle relaxant and nerve restorative for exhaustion
Licorice root – supports adrenals, which helps manage stress
Lemon Balm – calming and promoting trust, psychic/spiritual development.
Peony – for becoming receptive, opening to your spiritual gifts and intuition

Questions that the Four of Cups asks us

Are you so focused on what is imperfect in your life that you are missing out on the good?
How can you take advantage of this time of introspection and growth so that you emerge from this chrysalis as a glorious butterfly?

That is the Four of Cups. If you have been feeling the need for change and growth, wishing you a week in which you find time to tap into your intuition and vision for your own highest and best good. As always, please leave comments, ask questions, or reach out for a reading if you feel so called. Thank you for reading and please join me next week for the Five of Cards!

THE ACE OF CUPS OF THE TAROT: EUPHORIC BEGINNINGS IN LIFE AND LOVE

June 28, 2022 / Tara Mallane / 0 Comments

Tarot cards - The Ace of Cups
a large hand is open with a golden chalice bearing an inverted M resting in the palm. From the chalice, 5 streams of water flow down to a pond on which waterlilies float. There are water droplets all around and below the chalice. Above the chalice is a dove, facing or flying downwards into the chalice, holding within its beak a cross within a circle, or a wafer that is imprinted with the cross and circle. — The Ace of Cups

Overview and common meanings of The Ace of Cups in Tarot

When the Ace of Cups shows up, divine love and empathy flow through you. The Ace of Cups is about beginnings and love. Alternate names in varying decks: Happiness, abundance.

Begin today. Declare out loud to the universe that you are willing to let go of struggle and eager to learn through joy
Sarah Ban Breathnach

Common Meanings

The Ace of cups can indicate that a love connection – whether it be a romantic connection or that of a parent and child, takes priority above work, finances, and projects. It is also the card of “good vibes,” in friendships and camaraderie and love. A card of new beginnings, The Ace of Cups is “pregnant with possibilities, and can sometimes denote an actual pregnancy.

The Many Faces of The Ace of Cups

The reversal, or shadow side, of the Ace of cups demonstrates self-love and reminds us that before we can love others, we first need to love ourselves. Reversal can indicate fertility issues, blockages in creativity, insecurity, doubt and feeling unable to trust the people you should be trusting. The shadow side can also indicate feeling emotionally drained due to the need to care for another. It can be a sign of being attacked by emotional vampirism. It is also a time to trust these insecurities and look beyond what you want to see, to what is. A reversal in a love reading about a new relationship can also be a warning that this is not what you wish it to be. Dependence, jealousy, avarice, or bewilderment.

Description of the Ace of Cups

Emerging from clouds, a large hand is open with a golden chalice bearing an inverted M resting in the palm. From the chalice, 5 streams of water flow down to a pond on which waterlilies float. There are water droplets all around and below the chalice. Above the chalice is a dove, facing or flying downwards into the chalice, holding within its beak a wafer that is imprinted with the cross and circle.

Themes of The Ace of Cups

Artistic
Beginnings
Compassion
Creativity
Emotional
Feminine
Growth
Love
New Relationships
Water

Aces

Aces, as number 1’s, in every suit always offer an invitation to risk, to begin, to say yes. They are the beginning of a new cycle. In the suit of cups, you are saying yes to a bigger and better life, joy, relationship. Aces bring the natural vitality of their suits. They are aligned with the divine and represent beginnings instincts, and new opportunities.

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

Hand – understanding and realization of spiritual force
Chalice- subconscious mind
Dove- divine love flowing through subconscious to conscious
5 Streams of water- the five senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch) flowing from the subconscious mind
Pond with waterlilies – the awakening of the human spirit
W or Inverted M – The ambiguity of water, mercurial and changing, subconscious.

Herbs for The Ace of Cups

Caraway – incites passion while providing protection, helps establish loving bond
Cinquefoil – Balance; The five points of the leaf represent love, money, health, power, and wisdom
Daisy- abundance, joy, happiness, transformation
Damiana – stimulates a healthy libido; enables us to be more open, and connected within ourselves and with others
Pine – rebirth, wisdom

Questions that the Ace of Cups asks us

Is there new relationship energy around you right now – be it romantic, or even friendships, and if so, how can you honor that energy?
How can you focus more on self-care and self-love in your day-to-day life?

That is the Ace of Cups, fresh and shiny with euphoric new beginnings. Wishing you a week of basking in the beauty that new brings to your life. Please leave comments, ask questions, or reach out for a reading. Thank you for reading and please join me next week for the 2 of Cups.

THE MINOR ARCANA OF THE TAROT HIGHLIGHTS WHERE YOU ARE NOW

June 23, 2022 / Tara Mallane / 0 Comments

The Minor Arcana tends to deal with the more day to day aspects of life…where you are. The Minor Arcana tends to be more self-actualized lessons and choices that you can make about your journey going forward.

Overview and introduction to the Minor Arcana of the Tarot

While the Major Arcana tends to be major life events and deals with the big stuff, The Minor Arcana tends to deal with the more day to day aspects of life…where you are. The Minor Arcana tends to be more self-actualized lessons and choices that you can make about your journey going forward. I often like to think of them as course correction cards. Perfect for the compass.

The Minor Arcana consists of four suits, much like standard playing cards. The suits within the Minor Arcana are Cups (water), Pentacles (earth), Swords (air), and Wands (fire). Similar to the individual septenaries that exist within the Major Arcana, each suit of the Minor Arcana also takes its own journey in the first 10 cards of each suit – a climb, a fall, a resolution.

Pip Cards in the minor arcana of the tarot

The Minor Arcana, as mentioned above, consists of four suits. There are within each suit 10 numbered cards, which are referred to as “pip cards.” In modern decks, these pip cards also have pictures, in traditional tarot decks they did not, and so, were the closest cards within a tarot deck to a traditional deck of playing cards.

Court Cards of the minor arcana of the tarot

Each suit also has four court cards or face cards. These are Page, Knight, Queen, King, and they are collectively referred to as the court cards.

The Suits of the minor arcana of the tarot

Cups

Cups, which represent the element of water, generally deal with watery elements like emotions, feelings, relationships, and heart connections. Cups remind us of the importance of fluidity, intuition, healing, and cleansing. Water is a feminine element and reflects the subtle power that often resides within women: sympathetic, flexible, cleansing and fluid. In varying decks, cups are also known as vessels or chalices.

Pentacles

Pentacles are associated with the element of Earth. Earth represents things that are tangible. Things like money, physical or outward consciousness health, finances, work, and creativity. They are more about the external things around us and how we create it, shape it, transform it, and grow it. Pentacles are also associated with the ego, self-esteem, and self-image, growth and development, nature such as plants and trees and how we can keep the world around us healthy as well as how we can ground ourselves in our life. In varying decks, pentacles are also known as discs or coins.

Swords

Swords, which represent the element of air, are thought processes and intellect, rationality, knowledge, power, change and masculinity. As swords can often be double edged, so too does the masculine rational energy of the swords suit present a duality of finding balance between intellect and control. In varying decks, swords are also known as blades and feathers.

Wands

Wands – The element associated with wands is fire, so wands bring an energy that is hot, wild, unpredictable. It is a primal energy in which we also see mysticism, creativity, resolve, power, insight, ambition and expansion, original ideas, and the seeds through which life springs forth. Fire can bring with it inspiration in creating new things, or it can be destructive, like a destructive forest or house fire. In varying decks, wands are also staves, scepters, or pipes.

That is a brief overview of the Minor Arcana and each suit. I will be talking more in depth about the characteristics of each suit in the coming weeks. Next week we are going to start with the Cups suit, with the Ace of Cups. Thank you for reading and as always, please reach out with questions, comments, or to schedule a reading.

THE SUN TAROT CARD: IT’S ALL GOOD

May 30, 2022 / Tara Mallane / 0 Comments

19. The Sun Tarot Card
A smiling naked child with opens arms wearing a garland of flowers crowned by a red feather, carries a red banner, while riding a white horse. Behind is a wall separating him from a field of tall sunflowers. Overlooking the scene is a large sun, lending warmth and light. — The sun

It’s always sunny above the clouds. Always. Every day on earth – every day I have ever had – was secretly sunny, after all.
Caitlin Moran

Overview and common meanings of The Sun Tarot Card

One of the most positive cards in the Major Arcana, The Sun Tarot card indicates success, and improvement in all areas of life – love, health, money, recognition. Just as the sun brings new life springing forth from the soil in spring, the sun card heralds new optimism and life after a time of dormancy or darkness. Alternate names in varying decks are The Phoenix, The Children, Vitality, Joy.

Common Meanings

The sun indicates balance and harmony between subconscious and conscious. With this energy, we are complete – the perfect marriage of the mystic subconscious to the practical material world. All is in balance and harmony. For Home – happiness and contentment, could indicate a child arriving in the home. Relationships flourish and thrive. Career recognition and acknowledgement; could indicate an exciting new opportunity or offer if you have been looking to make a change. If you have been struggling, the sun brings a message that things are about to get better in a big way. It is time to finally exhale and know that everything is going to be alright. The sun also reconnects us to our own inner power – that authentic higher self-power that we sometimes lose sight of when we are in the weeds, but which is always there waiting for us to reconnect and re-affirm who we are in our deepest self.

The Many Faces of The Sun

The shadow side, or reversal can indicate delays, negative mind set, self-doubt, need to tune out negativity and seek inspiration. The shadow sun may also indicate that you are not in touch with what you can actually achieve and maybe have been over promising. This leads to overwhelm in all areas, so it is a call to set aside the burdens of your responsibility if only for a little while and recapture that childlike unfettered joy.

The Journey of The Sun

We are still working in the third septenary of the fool’s journey through the Major Arcana, which as you will recall is about the spiritual world and attainment of enlightenment. It is about transcendence and religious, spiritual, and mystical understanding. After we shattered ego with The Tower, began to see faith, hope, and inspiration with The Star, turned inwards in the uncomfortable lessons about trusting our intuition in a purer way with absence of ego; now we can finally bring all of those lessons out in the warm sunshine as the pieces are starting to fit together and we can harness some of the suns hopeful positivity.

Description of the sun tarot card

A smiling naked child with opens arms wearing a garland of flowers crowned by a red feather, carries a red banner, while riding a white horse. Behind is a wall separating him from a field of tall sunflowers. Overlooking the scene is a large sun, lending warmth and light.

Themes of The Sun

Abundance
Balance between subconscious and conscious
Confirmation
Fun
Inner peace and beauty
Inspiration
Joy
Love
Manifestation of hopes and dreams
Sanctuary
Success
Vitality
YES

The Number 19

Number 19 signifies the service of humankind, spiritual illumination, insight, self-awareness, uniqueness, endings, and new beginnings. This number also indicates drive, autonomy, self-sufficiency, discovery, empathy, acceptance, passion, and a potent initiative.

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

Child – inner child, virtue, and purity. Nakedness indicates openness; nothing to hide
The Sun – Awareness and Joy, self-expression, light after the darkness
Sunflowers – evolution, beauty, power, turning always towards the light symbolizes always seeking higher growth and enlightenment in life.
Red banner – momentum and vitality
Red feather – Freedom, life force, good fortune
Wall/Walled Garden – limitations and safety, protection
White horse – vehicle for spirit/physical form

Herbs for The Sun

Basil – success, prosperity and peace, career and business luck.
Calendula – uplifting moods, restoring well-being, promotes relaxation
Oregano – wealth and money luck
Patchouli – calming, attracts lots of luck.
Spearmint, love, healing, and insight

Questions that the Sun asks us

Have you recently emerged into the sunlight after a “dark night of the soul,” and what insights is the sun shedding on your experience?
How can you harness the positivity of the sun in your day-to-day life?

So that is the sun! Wishing you a week of warmth, insight, and positive revelations. As always, please leave comments, ask questions, or reach out for a reading.

Thank you for reading and be sure to join me next week for Judgement!

THE MOON TAROT CARD: MAGIC, CHAOS, AND INTUITION

May 24, 2022 / Tara Mallane / 0 Comments

Tarot card 18: The Moon.
A combination of sun and moon, eyes closed, overlooks a scene that is anchored by two towers. In the center of the scene are two dogs, one appearing domesticated and one appearing more wild or fierce. The two dogs are on either side of a path that leads off in the distance towards the hills. In the foreground is a body of water, with a crustacean (Lobster, crab, crayfish?) that is just setting foot on the path that leads between the two dogs. — The Moon

The moon will guide you through the night with her brightness, but she will always dwell in the darkness, in order to be seen
Shannon L. Alder

Overview and Common Meanings of the Moon Tarot Card

When The Moon Tarot card shows up, it is a time to listen to your dreams, intuition, and inner guidance to move forward to a more positive future. There is always a bit of magic and chaos with the moon energy (think how unsettled you feel on full moon nights) and it can leave you feeling off balance. It likely indicates that there is an aspect of your life that you are struggling with and not getting a handle on, because you don’t yet have all of the information. More will be revealed in the fullness of time, but it is important to be patient and let it unfold. Alternative meanings in varying decks are Illusion, Luna, Perception, Werewolf.

Common Meanings

The Moon represents fears and illusions and often shows up when you are projecting fear based on past experience into your future or reacting from a crisis of trust and time of emotional vulnerability. It is the invitation to lean into those things that scare us and realize that they are not the large monsters that we create in our minds. The moon also is an indication that you are – or need to be – more in touch with your intuitive nature. If you are focusing on home for the reading, it could indicate disillusionment with current living situation. In relationships there is a lack of trust leading to new relationship decisions…just be careful that you are not so in love with the idea of love that you are plunging into something that your intuition tells you is not right. It can also unearth hidden secrets in long term relationships. For career and money readings, there can be that hollow feeling of goals that you worked so hard to meet are less satisfying than you had expected. In any event, things in your work environment are not always as they seem, so trust your gut. Be careful of hidden agendas that could impact your finances.

The Many Faces of The Moon

The shadow side – or reversal – of The Moon card can indicate Inner confusion and the need to listen to your own intuition and trust it to guide you. Avoiding difficult situations or confrontation. Needs unexpressed so not being met. Stuck in old emotional patterns that will continue to repeat until you deal with the old trauma.

The Journey of The Moon

We are still working in the third septenary of the fool’s journey through the Major Arcana, which as you will recall is about the spiritual world and attainment of enlightenment. It is about transcendence and religious, spiritual, and mystical understanding. After we faced our demons with the Devil, shattered ego with The Tower, and began to see faith, hope, and inspiration with The Star, now we turn inwards to trust and listen to our intuition in a purer way with absence of ego; the goal being deeper understanding and enlightenment.

Description of the Moon Tarot Card

A combination of sun and moon, eyes closed, overlooks a scene that is anchored by two towers. In the center of the scene are two dogs, one appearing domesticated and one appearing more wild or fierce. The two dogs are on either side of a path that leads off in the distance towards the hills. In the foreground is a body of water, with a crustacean (Lobster, crab, crayfish?) that is just setting foot on the path that leads between the two dogs.

Themes of The Moon

Anxiety
Crisis
Dreams
Fears
Illusion
Restlessness
Uncertainty
Unconscious/subconscious messages and wisdom
Visions

The Number 18

The number 18 represents freedom, philanthropic labor, and creating things that last. This is compassionate and friendly in nature.

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

Crawfish – primal consciousness striving to surface
Sun/Moon – moon is subconscious and governs how we behave in the conscious light of day
Towers – watchtowers, boundary between unconscious and conscious
Water/Pool – subliminal thinking; the unconscious
Winding Path – the unknown future
Wolf and dog – fear of the unknown, guardians of experience, rites of passage; duality that lives within all of us – wild, and tame

Herbs for The Moon

Frankincense – link to the divine; grounding, calming; used in spiritual practices for thousands of years
Poppy – fertility, psychic awareness, prophetic dreams, and spirituality.
Sandalwood – Inner consciousness, meditation, spiritual practice, prayer, peace
Star Anise – burn as incense to tap into spiritual awareness
White willow – divination, interpreting dreams; calming frights and worries.

Questions that The Moon asks us

How have you been ignoring your inner voice, and what can you do to remedy that?
How can you tap into your intuition and see beyond the obvious in your life?

So that is the Moon Tarot card; a little intuitive and a little chaotic. Wishing you a week in which you find a time to channel the moon’s watery intuition. As always, please leave comments, ask questions, or reach out for a personal reading. Please Join me next week for The Sun!

THE STAR TAROT CARD – WHY TRUSTING INNER WISDOM IS IMPORTANT

May 16, 2022 / Tara Mallane / 0 Comments

Tarot Card - 17. The Star
A naked female, with flowing golden hair kneels, one foot on land, and one in the water, pouring water out of two vessels. One is poured into the water, and one onto the land. Above her head are eight, 8-pointed stars, one of them a larger guiding star. Behind her is a tree with a bird perched in its branches. — The Star

Each star is a mirror reflecting the truth inside you.
Aberjhani

Overview and Common Meanings of The Star Tarot Card

The Star Tarot card is a wholly positive card and its arrival in a reading assures us that we will find what we seek, while also reminding us to look within for answers. This is an opportunity to confront and overcome any limiting beliefs within yourself and trust that you are blessed and entering a time of hope and peace. Alternative names in varying decks are Peace, Healing, Hope.

Common Meanings

When The Star shows up, you are choosing the highest and best version of yourself. The star indicates inspiration to create beauty and style in your home. In relationships it indicates that you are destined to be with someone who is your soul mate; you have done the work and know what you want in your life and are able to be what you wish to attract. In money/career the star indicates that you are bringing your genuine self to work, and success and luck are sure to follow. The spirituality message is about connection and knowledge that blessings are yours. In health, it is time to seek healing from within, for the mind truly does have power to heal. The star is here to tell you to be inspired. Dreams come true.

The Many Faces of The Star

The shadow side – or reverse presentation- of this card can indicate lack of Faith, despair, and disconnection. In any event it is a call to examine why you have lost faith and if it is true that things are as hopeless as you think. Sometimes you just need to take the time to discover what the lesson is that the universe is trying to teach you, to learn the lesson, and realize the blessings that come from the challenging times.

The Journey of The Star

The third card in the arc of the final septenary, which as you will recall is about is about the spiritual world and attainment of enlightenment. This final septenary begins with the facing of one’s demons with The Devil, continues with the destruction of ego that accompanies The Tower, and finally we see reprieve with the hope and peace that herald the arrival of The Star.

Description of the Star Tarot Card

A naked female, with flowing golden hair kneels, one foot on land, and one in the water, pouring water out of two vessels. One is poured into the water, and one onto the land. Above her head are eight, 8-pointed stars, one of them a larger guiding star. Behind her is a tree with a bird perched in its branches.

The Number 17

The Number 17 indicates that It’s time to let go of limiting beliefs, negative feelings, or old fears that continue to keep you trapped and perpetuating patterns that are not for your highest good. This could also mean that it is time to let go of a toxic person or relationship that is preventing you from living your best life and finding true love and happiness.

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

8 stars/Guiding Star – 8 points symbolize renewal; the guiding star represents guidance and a light in the darkness.
The Maiden – hope and purity, eternal youth
The Bird – Dove of peace
Flowing water – water of life, resourcefulness, and healing; nourishing the land while replenishing the water.
Vessel pouring water from left hand –consciousness, nourishing, and replenishing cycle of fertility
Vessel pouring from right hand – sub-consciousness, the dream state, return to the vast watery pool of collective consciousness

Herbs for The Star

Eyebright – Boost psychic capability, promote positive outlook and wisdom.
Heliotrope – Cheerfulness, gaiety, prosperity, and protection
Hyacinth – Supports peace of mind and calm sleep. Draws love, and luck
Kava kava – stimulates dreams; celestial effort; protection.
Lemon Balm – calming and promoting trust, psychic/spiritual development.

Questions that the Star Tarot card asks us

What does your life look like in your deepest dreams?

Have you lost faith in a situation, dream, or hope that you once held so closely, and if so, is there a lesson that will help you to course correct in order to see that dream realized?

That is the Star Card – a reminder that we are all made up of the atoms that create stars, and an encouragement to tap into that inner wisdom. Wishing you a week of doing just that. Thank you for reading and. As always, please reach out with questions or comments or if you are called to schedule a reading. Be sure to join me next week for The Moon!