Card a day communal study thread

[Iris]

Hi there everyone! :)

This thread should be pretty straightforward – each day I’m going to pick a card at random and take an in-depth look at its meaning. I will post some detailed info about the card, and then everyone else can jump in and contribute their thoughts about the meaning of the card, and their experiences with it in readings. Since we have so many experienced tarot readers here, I think we could build up a real in-depth wealth of knowledge about tarot, sharing our collective wisdom to each get better at reading.

I’ll be conducting this thread with reference to the standard tarot format (Rider Waite or similar deck, with major arcana, and the suits of Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles, each with a Page, Knight, Queen and King). I’m well aware that there are different names for the suits and the court cards etc, but it’s easiest to follow a pretty standard format and it’s also what I’m most familiar with, so… :)

I will not be covering reversed meanings, since I don’t choose to read them differently to uprights. But if any of you would like to contribute your interpretations of the reversed card meaning, then please do so!

Since we are making a beginning, the first card shall be the Ace of Wands.

09/27 - Ace of Wands

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/Lea_32/TarotStudy/MinorWandsAce.jpg

Aces, being the first card of each suit always indicate a beginning of some sort.
Wands are associated with the element of fire, and often indicate a passion of some sort – in the case of the ace, a newly discovered passion, usually in the areas of career, travel…I believe I also read that wands are indicative of ventures into business related to property. Maybe someone else can confirm this, since I can’t seem to remember where I actually read it!

Indicating a new start to a career or a project, the Ace of Wands is a card that’s brimming with enthusiasm. The new venture will inspire the querent and they will pursue it with all the will and determination that the element of fire exemplifies. The venture may be artistic or creative in some way, and require the querent to harness his or her creative skills. They will usually thrive on this creative aspect, particularly if surrounding cards confirm the success and possible satisfaction the new ‘project’ will bring the querent. As with all cards, it is important to look at the surrounding cards to get a feel for the context of the Ace of Wands within the querent’s life.

What learntarot.com and aeclectic have to say about the Ace of Wands:

The Ace of Wands is a symbol of possibility in the area of creativity, excitement, adventure, courage and personal power. In readings, it shows that a seed of bold enthusiasm has been planted in your life although you may not yet recognize it. When the seed sprouts, it could take almost any form. It might be a creative idea, surge of optimism or need to act boldly. On the outside, it could be an offer, gift, opportunity, encounter or synchronistic event.
When you see this Ace, examine your life to see how its potent, confident energy could work for you. Be daring and brave. Sometimes you have to risk to get what you want. Look for the path that will excite you and push you beyond your limits. Seize the initiative, and let your enthusiasm take you to new heights. Wands are the suit of individual power and fulfillment. This Ace tells you that a time of passion is beginning. You will be able to assert your best for all to see.
The Ace of Wands is also the card of creativity. Under its influence, you can become a conduit for inspiration and invention. Forget tired, worn-out solutions. You have the chance to be original. Trust your own creative potential, and there will be no end to what you can achieve.

http://www.learntarot.com/wa.htm

A new spark of energy for a new passion. This usually indicates that the querent has just discovered a new religion, philosophy, cause or career choice. They feel their energy go up, they feel the heat, and they want more of it. They take up the wand and start to walk.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/aces.shtml

:)

[BlackLili]

Since we are making a beginning, the first card shall be the Ace of Wands.

09/27 - Ace of Wands

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/Lea_32/TarotStudy/MinorWandsAce.jpg

Aces, being the first card of each suit always indicate a beginning of some sort.
Wands are associated with the element of fire, and often indicate a passion of some sort – in the case of the ace, a newly discovered passion, usually in the areas of career, travel…I believe I also read that wands are indicative of ventures into business related to property. Maybe someone else can confirm this, since I can’t seem to remember where I actually read it!

Indicating a new start to a career or a project, the Ace of Wands is a card that’s brimming with enthusiasm. The new venture will inspire the querent and they will pursue it with all the will and determination that the element of fire exemplifies. The venture may be artistic or creative in some way, and require the querent to harness his or her creative skills. They will usually thrive on this creative aspect, particularly if surrounding cards confirm the success and possible satisfaction the new ‘project’ will bring the querent. As with all cards, it is important to look at the surrounding cards to get a feel for the context of the Ace of Wands within the querent’s life.

What learntarot.com and aeclectic have to say about the Ace of Wands:

The Ace of Wands is a symbol of possibility in the area of creativity, excitement, adventure, courage and personal power. In readings, it shows that a seed of bold enthusiasm has been planted in your life although you may not yet recognize it. When the seed sprouts, it could take almost any form. It might be a creative idea, surge of optimism or need to act boldly. On the outside, it could be an offer, gift, opportunity, encounter or synchronistic event.
When you see this Ace, examine your life to see how its potent, confident energy could work for you. Be daring and brave. Sometimes you have to risk to get what you want. Look for the path that will excite you and push you beyond your limits. Seize the initiative, and let your enthusiasm take you to new heights. Wands are the suit of individual power and fulfillment. This Ace tells you that a time of passion is beginning. You will be able to assert your best for all to see.
The Ace of Wands is also the card of creativity. Under its influence, you can become a conduit for inspiration and invention. Forget tired, worn-out solutions. You have the chance to be original. Trust your own creative potential, and there will be no end to what you can achieve.

http://www.learntarot.com/wa.htm

A new spark of energy for a new passion. This usually indicates that the querent has just discovered a new religion, philosophy, cause or career choice. They feel their energy go up, they feel the heat, and they want more of it. They take up the wand and start to walk.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn...ngs/aces.shtml (http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/aces.shtml)

(Have I mentioned this is a really cool idea?)

My experience with the Ace of Wands always reminds me of Shakespeare. (You'll learn over time that most everything does.) In this case, it's a line from MacBeth, of all plays. Not really what you want to visualize when imagining new beginnings, but there it is, stuck in my head. I think it relates directly to the imagery used in the Rider-Waite deck specifically though.

The hand thrusting the wand out of the clouds has always called to mind the blasted heath in Scotland where three weird sisters shuffled around and divined the future by reading the letters in their alphabet soup. When their exsanguinated enfant appears to MacBeth himself and tells him, "Be bloody, bold, and resolute// laugh to scorn the power of man// for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth." It's at this point in the play that MacBeth gets cocky and starts thinking of how sweet his future might be.

This relates in my mind to this card because new beginnings, like adventures, can be both exhilerating, and dangerous. For most of my life, this card has appeared at the same time as The Fool, indicating a new beginning - maybe right off into oblivion. (I rather enjoy this paradox, but then, I'm a bit "off" like that.)

As for the Reverse, this is one of those cards that a reversal actually just means the opposite of what it means upright. If it's upside-down, things are stagnant, or even going backwards.

A little random, I know, but you asked for our impressions!

Beannachtai,
BlackLili

[aranarose]

Here I see something being handed to the querant, and whether it's a gift or a curse would depend on the surrounding cards. I rarely read a card in isolation, but look at how it is influenced by the cards around it to help clarify the meaning. Though at times, I do pull a single card and look for as much information as possible.

The Ace of Wands tells a lot. First we have a season, summer, and so may be able to guage a timeline for when things may occur. Timing isn't always entirely accurate in Tarot, but I've seen it happen at times. As an Ace, we have a beginning, but not one that is directly under our own control. Again, here is the hand giving something. Yes, the wands are the suit of passion, of fire, and all that entails. One thing that people tend to avoid when looking at wands is the sexual passion. Wands are very, very phallic, and that sexuality must not be ignored. If I see the Ace of Wands surrounded by relationship cards, it may indicate the beginning of a new sexual relationship. Passion, however, is not limited to sex. With the Ace, it may not really matter what the querent is passionate about, as it may be indicating that they will develop a new passion of some sort; a hobby, a new career, anything!

[Windsmith]

I associate Wands with Air. The Ace of Wands represents the moment when a new idea for a project or theory first pops into your head. Before you decide whether or how far to pursue it, before you judge if it's a great idea or a dud, it's raw creative and intellectual potential, and that's the moment this card captures for me.

[Iris]

Thanks to everyone for their responses - BlackLili, I was really struck by the MacBeth quote; I've certainly never though of the ace of wands in those terms before, and that's exactly the kind of personal tarot experience I would hope would be posted here. Everyone's differing interpretations are so interesting too. :)

Anyway, onto the card for today:

09/28 - Two of Cups

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/Lea_32/TarotStudy/cu02.jpg

Often with tarot, especially when just starting to learn to read, people ignore the most obvious clues in the picture of the card itself. Many times, looking at the picture in detail will tell you most of what you need to know. This is certainly true with the Two of Cups. The depiction on the Rider Waite tarot is of a man and woman gazing into one another's eyes, each holding out a cup (symbolic of course, of emotions). This is a card indicating the start of a connection with someone; usually in a personal (very possibly romantic) sense. Twos are, of course, near the beginning of the pack, so this connection is just being forged. The card is often described as the Lovers of the Minor Arcana, as it has many of the same connotations.

To understand the 2 of Cups, all you have to do is look at its image. A man and a woman are gazing at each other, ready to share their cups (emotions). Here is the very picture of romantic and sexual attraction. The energy between these two is almost palpable. The Two of Cups shows the beauty and power that is created when two come together. This is the card that lovers want to see, and, in fact, the Two of Cups is the minor arcana equivalent of the Lovers in many ways.

The Two of Cups has a deeper meaning as well. Whenever two forces are drawn together, there is the potential for bonding. This card can stand for the union of any two entities - people, groups, ideas, or talents. In readings, the Two of Cups tells you to look for connections in your life, especially those that are one-on-one. Now is not the time to separate or stay apart. It is the time to join with another and work as a partnership. If you are in conflict, look for truce and the chance to forgive and be forgiven. If you are struggling with two choices or tendencies within yourself, seek to reconcile them.

Usually, the Two of Cups is welcome in a reading, but it can also sound a note of warning. The energy of Two can be very compelling. If you have ever stood next to two people in love, you know what I'm talking about. They create between themselves a world of their own that can feel exclusionary to outsiders. "Two's company; three's a crowd." Make sure that the tendency to pair off is not creating disharmony in your situation.

http://www.learntarot.com/c2.htm

Two of Cups

This card of two people looking into each other's eyes is one of the easiest to read - it is recognition of love, of a friend or soul mate. It predicts that you will find someone who 'knows' you, and you, in turn, will 'know' them. It is a very Romeo & Juliet card. So, there is the direction for that swelling of emotion within you, toward this other person.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/twos.shtml

[BlackLili]

I love this card. It has such a sweetness to it.

Connections can be dangerous things. Connections can be powerful, and they can become inconvenient at times as well, (anyone who has done a binding and regretted it can attest to that.)

This card reminds me of first loves, of lust and of that spark you get when you meet someone and your eyes catch and you can feel it, way down in your root chakra (the one that gives you your groove,) and you just know that this person and you could make fireworks.

This card is an illustration of the little Romani woman sitting in her vardo, reading cards for the girls in the coutryside. "I see you will meet a man," intones the crone, and the girl blushes and starts imagining who she will meet. She's hoping the next words from the crone are "tall, dark, and handsome." What the Crone sees is that she'll probably have a roll in the hay with the blacksmith's son at the next festival and they'll get married soon after that, whether they still like each other or not. :hehehe:

Impetuousness, connections, attraction, young love. This card is full of good imagery.

(I might be remiss over the weekend, we have some serious partying to do, but I'll catch up on Monday!)

Beannachtai,
BlackLili

[wolf]

In the RWS 2 of Cups, I think that the Caduceus over the people can be an indication of emotional healing ... there is a lot about the therapist-patient relationship that mimics the intellectual and emotional intimacy of a couple in love — which is why it's not so uncommon for inappropriate therapist-patient relations. As my mentor told me, Norman Mailer once said "Sympathy is sexy."

[Iris]

Ok, I missed yesterday, so two cards at once seem to be in order. The first s every querent's nightmare :lol: The Tower _inabox_

09/29 - The Tower

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/Lea_32/TarotStudy/maj16.jpg

The tower is one of the scariest cards to get in a spread if you know anything at all about tarot. Never a comfortable or easy situation, The Tower describes an upheaval; a violent change in circumstance, and a crashing down of illusions. In the RW tarot, the depiction is of two people falling from a tower that has been struck by lightning. When the Tower is drawn, the querent may be about to experience an event that will feel like the end of their life as they know it. However, no tarot card is ever completely negative (or positive, for that matter) and the Tower assures the querent that while they will be going through a difficult period, the will survive the upheaval, and with their former illusions shattered, may be able to build something more real and enduring from the wreckage of the Tower.

The Tower is an unsettling card. Fire, lightning, falling on jagged rocks - definitely looks like trouble! Card 16 will not be welcomed by those who dislike change. It represents a sudden, dramatic upheaval or reversal in fortune. Usually change is gradual, giving us time to adapt, but sometimes it is quick and explosive. This is the action of the Tower.

In films, the hero sometimes slaps someone who is groggy or babbling. Having tried everything else, he finally resorts to a sharp sting to snap him out of it. Sudden crises are life's way of telling you to wake up. Something's wrong, and you're not responding. Are you too full of pride? Expect a blow to your ego. Are you holding back your anger? Expect the dam to burst. Are you stuck in a rut? Expect a surprise.

How you respond to the Tower's change makes all the difference in how uncomfortable the experience will be. Recognize that the disruption occurred because it was needed. Perhaps embracing the change is too much to ask, but try to find the positive in it. In fact, you may feel tremendous release that you have finally been forced in a new direction. You may have a burst of insight about your situation and reach a new level of understanding about it.

http://www.learntarot.com/maj16.htm

With Mars as its ruling planet, the Tower is a card about war, a war between the structures of lies and the lightning flash of truth. The Tower, as Wang points out, stands for "false concepts and institutions that we take for real." When the Querent gets this card, they can expect to be shaken up, to be blinded by a shocking revelation. It sometimes takes that to see a truth that one refuses to see. Or to bring down beliefs that are so well constructed. What's most important to remember is that the tearing down of this structure, however painful, makes room for something new to be built.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/tower.shtml

I'll do another one a bit later..maybe...(hopefully!)

[aranarose]

The Tower isn't that scary to me! Yes, it means huge, dramatic, life-altering changes, but are those always so bad?

[Windsmith]

I actually enjoy getting the Tower in a reading. But then, I'm weird. To me, it means that something in my life isn't working anymore, and I need to get rid of it so I can build something new that does work. It's going to be hard; it's going to be a little scary; it's going to suck a lot at times. But it's necessary, and when I'm done I'll have something better and stronger to start over with.

[BlackLili]

The Tower represents how I've felt my life has gone since college. ;)

I think I can safely agree that no matter what, upright or reversed, the Tower means some serious change.

[Iris]

Ok, finally catching up to date with this thread…here’s the cards for yesterday and today.

09/30 – Strength

I don’t know much about this card, to be honest. It’s one of the ones I’m more rusty about reading. Hopefully there will be some MWers who are more comfortable with it to tell us about their experiences with ‘strength’. Here’s what learntarot and aeclectic have to say:

Usually we think of strength in physical terms - big arms, powerful legs - but there is also inner strength. Inner strength comes from an exercise of the heart muscle. It is perseverance, courage, resolve and composure - qualities that help us endure when times are tough. In the past, a person with inner strength was commonly said to have character; he or she could be counted on in the darkest moments. Card 8 represents this energy of quiet determination. Strength is not a flashy card, but one that is solid and reliable.

Card 8 also represents patience and compassion. Getting angry is easy when events turn sour, but dealing calmly with frustration takes great strength. So does accepting others and forgiving mistakes. We need strength to mold situations softly. The Chariot controls through mastery and authority. Card 8 is more subtle, even loving. Notice how the lion (itself a symbol of strength) is being guided and tamed by the woman's gentle hands.

Card 8 will appear in a reading when its qualities are needed. It can be a reminder not to despair or give up. You have the inner strength to endure and triumph. If you are pushing too hard, you need to withdraw for the moment and be patient. If other people or circumstances are driving you crazy, remember the strength that comes with love and forbearance. These will see you through the hardest moments.

http://www.learntarot.com/maj08.htm

Like its ruling sign Leo, this is a card of courage and energy. It represents both the Lion's hot, roaring energy, and the Maiden's steadfast will. The innocent Maiden is unafraid, undaunted, and indomitable. In some cards she opens the lion's mouth, in others she shuts it. Either way, she proves that inner strength is more powerful than raw physical strength. That forces can be controlled and used to score a victory is very close to the message of the Chariot, which might be why, in some decks, it is Justice that is card 8 instead of Strength. This card assures the Querent that they can control not only the situation, but themselves. It is a card about anger and impulse management, about creative answers, leadership and maintaining one's personal honor. It can also stand for a steadfast friend.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/strength.shtml

10/01 – King of Pentacles

Pentacles are, of course, analogous to the element earth in tarot, and the King of Pentacles usually describes a very grounded mature man. (Of course where court cards are concerned, a person as opposed to a situation is usually indicated, and the ranks of the cards are generally interpreted as indicating the age of the person described, although I sometimes see it as more indicative of a person’s maturity level – which doesn’t always match up with their physical age ;) ) this person will be very practical and have a material bent of mind – not necessarily materialistic, but he likes to be materially comfortable and able to provide for himself and his family (if he has one). Because this person is so relentlessly practical, he may seem emotionally cold at times. He is proud, independent, loyal and reliable.
If this card does not indicate a person, it may be that there are aspects of the King’s personality you would do well to emulate.

The personality of the King of Pentacles is a combination of the positive earth energy of the Pentacles suit and the active, outward focus of a King. He might as well be called King Midas as he turns everything he touches to gold (riches of all kinds). He finds opportunity everywhere and succeeds at whatever he sets his mind to. He is enterprising and adept. Whatever the task, he handles it competently, drawing on his wide range of skills and practical knowledge. He's a jack-of-all-trades - and master of all as well. He is always dependable and responsible. Others rely on him completely because he never fails them. He gives generously of his time and resources because he knows that by giving more, you receive more. He encourages others in their accomplishments and lends his support whenever it is needed. He has a steady and even temperament that adds an element of stability to any situation. When he has set a goal for himself, he pursues it with firm resolve until he's successful.

In readings, the King of Pentacles asks you to take the kinds of actions he might take. For example: keeping a comittment, fixing something that's broken, making money, or sponsoring a new enterprise. This King can also represent a man or woman who is acting as he does, or an atmosphere of steady, reliable competence. In a reading, he tells you that his special energy has meaning for you at this time. Let yourself be inspired by this King in whatever form he appears in your life.

http://www.learntarot.com/pkg.htm

Call him the "Tough Old Farmer" and his Kingdom is his "business" or farm. Proud and self-reliant, this respected man is likely a civil servant, architect, engineer, manager, farmer or, surprisingly, entertainer. Wherever he is, he worked hard to be in charge and in charge he intends to stay. Although he can seem cold and aloof, he can also be strangely charming and funny, telling the most amusing tales at the dinner table. And he is, underneath it all, kind and loyal. If you need help, he will help and never ask for repayment. But if you help him, he'll repay you as soon as he can; he doesn't like being beholden to anyone. He will always provide for his family, do his best for them, stick by them, and expects them to be equally responsible, hardworking and disciplined. Much like his queen, he hates being embarrassed and has a hard time forgiving any one who causes him embarrassment, be they family, friends or enemies. Likely, no one he cares about will ever be told that he loves them; the best they'll get out of this King is "I'm proud of you." Which, from him, is his highest compliment.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/kings.shtml

[Iris]

10/02 - Seven of swords

This is a horrible card :lol: no really!!

The Seven of swords is a card of betrayal and deceit. In the card itself, a thief is depicted creeping away with some swords. This card may show up in a reading when someone has taken away something from someone else (who the card refers to will depend on its position within the spread). This may not be something physical, but could be something like their reputation, pride or honour. Alternatively the card may indicate that somebody is running away from something – their obligations, perhaps?

The Seven of Swords is tied to the Five of Swords because both cards involve separation from others. On the Seven we see a man tiptoeing away from society (the colorful pavilions). He's taken some swords and seems rather pleased with his successful heist. He gives the impression of having secret, solitary plans.
This card sometimes represents the "lone-wolf" style - the desire to run lone and free. In films, the lone-wolf hero always acts totally on his own. He discovers, investigates and solves every problem using only his own wits and resources. He believes he's successful because he ignores the fumbling efforts of ordinary people.
In readings, the Seven of Swords can be a sign that you or someone else wants to be a lone wolf. You feel that you will be more effective and comfortable on your own. This approach is useful when you need to bypass an ineffectual group or assert your independence, but it can also be troubling. We cannot be happy and productive for long without some commitment to others. If you feel inclined to act alone, be sure this isolation is really working for you.

Sometimes the Seven of Swords means that you are running from something - commitment, responsibility, hard work, love. You may be procrastinating, letting problems slip because you don't want to deal with them. Sometimes we just have to face what has to be faced. The Seven of Swords lets you know when you might be making things worse for yourself and others by running away.

The Seven of Swords can also indicate a hidden dishonor - a choice you or another has made that does not do justice to the highest. We all make wrong choices that we want to hide. Some of these are minor, some serious. Your inner voice will tell you when this is happening. When you see the Seven of Swords, take a good look at what you're doing because hidden dishonors will eat away at your happiness and self-respect.

http://www.learntarot.com/s7.htm

A thief sneaks off with 5 out of 7 swords. This is the "Thief" card. It implies that someone is stealing something from you, your honor, your ideas, your time. They may be spreading gossip about you. How to take control of this situation? You have to be equally sneaky. Sometimes, to win a race or battle, the Charioteer must direct his horses around instead of straight on. You may feel like you want to go charging in, be confrontational, but this is not going to work. That is the out-of-control solution which will allow the thief to play the innocent. To catch a thief, you must be a thief.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/sevens.shtml

10/02 - The Empress

The Empress, in traditional readings, can stand for a pregnant woman. If not literal pregnancy, this card can indicate the ‘gestation’ of a project or idea.

The Empress and the High Priestess are the two halves of the female archetype in the major arcana. The Empress represents the fertile, life-giving Mother who reigns over the bounty of nature and the rhythms of the Earth. From her comes all the pleasures and joys of the senses and the abundance of new life in all its forms. The Empress encourages you to strengthen your connections with the natural world which is the ground of our being. Too often false sophistications and pleasures take us far from our roots. Let the Empress remind you to keep your feet firmly planted in the Earth.
In readings the Empress can refer to any aspect of Motherhood. She can be an individual mother, but as a major arcana card, she also goes beyond the specifics of mothering to its essence - the creation of life and its sustenance through loving care and attention.

The Empress can also represent lavish abundance of all kinds. She offers a cornucopia of delights, especially those of the senses - food, pleasure and beauty. She can suggest material reward, but only with the understanding that riches go with a generous and open spirit. The Empress asks you to embrace the principle of life and enjoy its bountiful goodness

http://www.learntarot.com/maj03.htm

The Empress is a creator, be it creation of life, of romance, of art or business. While the Magician is the primal spark, the idea made real, and the High Priestess is the one who gives the idea a form, the Empress is the womb where it gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. This is why her symbol is Venus, goddess of beautiful things as well as love. Even so, the Empress is more Demeter, goddess of abundance, then sensual Venus. She is the giver of Earthly gifts, yet at the same time, she can, in anger withhold, as Demeter did when her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped. In fury and grief, she kept the Earth barren till her child was returned to her.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/empress.shtml

[Windsmith]

I love the 7 of Guns (http://www.thefool.com/vr/index.asp?viewcard=7s) in the Victoria Regina deck. I see something different in it every time. Sometimes the man is just leaving the store; other times he's entering. Sometimes he's going to leave the store and strike out on his own; other times he's going to walk into the houses in the background and bust stuff up.

So in some readings this is a card about having to strike out on your own and do what needs to be done, and you can't tell anyone about it, and in others this card says it's time to walk into the sleepy houses of complacency and make some noise to wake people up. Either way, it's a pretty solitary card - whatever you're going to have to do, you're going to have to do it on your own.