The Celtic Cross

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.

Aces are usually about a beginning or start of something. This one is from the earthy physical realm. Sometimes an ace’s energy can feel lonely, but actually we have many animal helpers in clear view on this card. It would behoove us to allow the animals of this world to assist with the new endeavor of our family, resources and perhaps our physical body.

The challenge can be falling in to the trap of victimhood thinking that no one is there to help, when in fact it’s all been set up and planned out waiting for us water and nurture the growth.

The Eight of Coins show us that the real work begins now. It’s time to stay focused and shut out any distractions. ‘Burning the candle at both ends’ may be a requirement to achieve the success we want. The work we have now won’t last long but it will be worth it when we come to the end.

Obsessing over all the details and allowing our perfectionist to come out may stifle the flow of work and create an unhappy environment for everyone.

With the tarot pages come news, announcements, and the energy of youth and learning. In general, the tarot court cards can either represent people in our lives or a certain energy. To connect with their meaning in a reading, focus on a combination of their elemental association and their placement and function in the hierarchy of medieval court. We can expect that an announcement from the Page of Cups will concern of our emotional and intuitive side.

The fish swimming around our young page are like random emotions that are present but not yet focused with the powerful intention that can eventually be realized in the rest of the tarot cups court. There is a gentle energy to the pink and blue of the sea anemones that speaks to the possibility of a birth; to determine whether that of a child or a relationship look the surrounding cards. A reversal of this card may denote inability to open up emotionally to a new situation.

To ride a lion seems a daunting task, especially without benefit of protective clothing, rein or bridle. Yet, the woman seems to express love, rather than fear or determination, while the lion looks forward in resignation, or even quiet contentment.

While this card may be an indication of our worthiness for a specific task, Strength reminds us of our need to control our baser instincts, and approach difficult tasks with compassion.

The shadow side of this card is expressed when we forget to do this; when we allow our fierceness to reign over our gentleness.

The Moon has always been a symbol of spiritual power, mystery, confusion and insanity. The dichotomy of spirituality and lunacy is the central truth of this image. The dog, the jackal, the crustacean and the woman all seek the same enlightenment, and all face the dangers of that journey.

In a reading, the Moon may give a warning, or invite a quest. Nothing looks the same in the light of the moon as when viewed in the light of day. The path to enlightenment is fraught with danger. Yet, we are compelled to that journey. The shadow side of the moon can indicate false imaginings and corrupted spirituality.

Now is the time to give your mind an opportunity to rest in a safe and secure place. The four of swords offers recuperation, retreat, and recovery after emotional or physical turmoil. This card may be a caution against being overly busy, admonishing us to take time to slow down and contemplate. We might be advised to handle mental stress by organizing our thoughts before we go back into battle.

A knight is at rest upon what appears to be a bier as though for a funeral. This might be a time of retreat or illness - or it might literally be a funeral. Perhaps it is the death of an old way of thinking. When ill-dignified or reversed, the four of swords might explain what is lacking (peace of mind) or the ability to get much-needed rest. It may also indicate that the time for rest is over and it’s time to swing back into action.

There is nothing in existence that is not subject to the cycles of nature. We, like the animals pictured in this image, like the planets that revolve around the sun, have no choice but to live within our life cycles, making the most of each turn of the wheel.

This image serves to remind us of our place on the planet, and of the things we can't control. It cautions us to pay attention to the patterns in our lives, and to nurture only the patterns that serve us.

When well-dignified, this card suggests that the wheel turns in our favor, and the wind is at our backs. When poorly dignified, there may be misfortune at hand.

Magically things abound in our safe secure world. We have created a peaceful home and core group of friends and, perhaps, a chosen family.

Living in a bubble of our own creation can feel good, but eventually we have to take flight and venture out into what many call ‘the real world’. The adjustment can be harsh if we are not prepared. We must trust that our created fortress is ‘within us’ as well and we are safe.

An angel blows a triumphant horn as souls are raised up toward heaven. Symbolic of the Judgement Day in Christian lore, this card represents an ending, and an opportunity for new beginning. We are asked to look to our past to gain closure and release.

In a reading, this card can reference communication with angels, a wakeup call, or a need for closure. When ill-dignified, there may be a resistance to this process of healing.