The Celtic Cross

The Queen of Cups gazes dreamily at a golden goblet that, like her own inner knowing, seems to be illuminated from within. The hem of her elegant gown dips into the powerful waters of emotion. Our emotions can range anywhere from a still pool of calm reflection to turbulent passion, but because she is the queen, we know she is the master of this energy. The intuitive Queen of Cups feels everything quite deeply, but because she no longer allows herself to get caught in every little eddy and undercurrent of life she is at once compassionate but in control.

When the queen appears in a reading we may be entering into a profoundly emotional time which we will nonetheless handle well. A troubled or reversed queen is not in control of her emotions. She may play the part of a victim or indulge in unrealistic fantasies.

It’s a great time for us to rejoice in the completion of this most recent trek. It may not have brought about applause from many others, but the sun, moon & stars saw what we did. Even the animals of the fields are impressed with the load we carried. We are changed from having made it this far.

By not realizing the changes that occurred within us along the way can cause resentment for having had to carry such a burden. Retelling the stories of frustration and pain only solidify a negative narrative each time we bemoan and share it.

Immersed in the dreamy sea of subconscious and emotion, we see a figure moving towards the moon, one hand extended as if to call for it. The moon is inscribed with the glyph for Pisces, a sign that heralds deep sensitivity. It may be that whatever has held us spellbound emotionally has begun to shift and we are free to move towards whatever comes next. On a different note, this card may indicate that it’s time to take a leap of faith because the cups we leave behind represent what we know, but we are clearly ready for a change.

Note the placement in the spread in context to other cards. This card has the ability to connect and clarify other cards. When it appears as a reversal, we may find ourselves trapped in an emotional situation or perhaps we are leaving something or someone behind which we are not fully prepared to abandon.

The Nine of Cups signifies that moment when we say “Yes!” to the Universe and the Universe says “Yes!” back to us. Now that we have managed to achieve our dreams of love and emotional fulfillment, we can become expansive and generous towards others. We are emotionally self-reliant. We have enough of what we need, so much so that we are happy to share with others. The warm and convivial expression on the man in the Nine of Cups as he toasts to all things good is a hallmark of the energy of the Nine of Cups. It is a reward from the universe for having stayed the course. This card may also indicate an ambition to follow one’s heart’s desire.

The reversal can be read as unfulfilled dreams, a relationship or situation that is not emotionally satisfying, or a situation where we doubt our own feelings.

The blue of this queen’s gown echoes the blue energy of the throat chakra. You never need to wonder how you stand with the queen of swords; she will let you know exactly what she thinks in no uncertain terms. Traditionally this queen is a widow or divorced woman but in modern terms, she may simply be more inclined to speak her mind than most people.

One key for interpretation for any queen is to ask what keeps her on her particular throne. She may be compelled by a logical and analytical nature or may simply be the manifestation of someone who will research, analyze, or communicate with extreme precision to master any given situation.

When the queen of swords is reversed or ill-dignified, look for someone who is not being completely honest, fair, or straightforward. A quick wit may become overly derogatory; a person who is normally unbiased may be overly judgmental.

Here we see the ultimate expression of art, time and alchemy. We blend elements together to create something that is greater than the sum of its parts. This card cautions patience while encouraging creativity. It reminds us that nothing is perfect, yet, with the right ingredients and the proper conditions, we can create something magical.

This card is, in many ways, the highest expression of emotional balance and well-being. When ill-dignified, we may not yet have the proper balance or the correct conditions to create what we need.

As our Page of Wands stares directly at us we can feel their intent nature almost as if they have a secret they want to share with us. And they do. Let us pull up a chair, grab our notepad and get ready for some transformational wisdom. They bring messages from beyond what we, in our physical world, can see, feel & touch.

Doubt in the message, or our ability to hear and trust it, can prevent us from progressing on our road to enlightenment.

Our success and reward for our optimism and perseverance is the clarity we have been given. Our head, like the eight wands, is above the clouds and fog and we can see for miles. It’s time to make our decisions, create our next journey. It’s time to make a move on what we have been planning.

This is not the time for us to be lazy or shrink back and retreat in fear. Starting over would be harder than the last time.

The striking aspect of this image is that the wheels, and the horses, seem to be pulling in opposite directions, yet the charioteer, reins in hands, moves ever forward.

This card progresses the delicate balance of the previous card, the Lovers. Here, opposites are not only united and integrated, but are also mastering goals.

On a mundane level, this is often a card of travel and transportation. On a deeper level, this card beckons us to become masters of our own destiny.

When ill-dignified, we must ask ourselves why we are not stepping into the power that moves us forward.

The Four Evangelists witness the emergence of a woman who symbolizes balance, beauty, light, and our planet itself. Here, we see all that is, ever was, and ever might be.

The World can speak to a completion and a success. It can ask us to see a larger picture, and to think in the macrocosm.

When we see this card, we may need to think about our own inner world, or our own place in the world.

When ill-dignified, our world may be turned upside-down. We may be hoping or waiting for something to be completed.