February 14, 2022: III of Wands and II of Wands.

Well, we have a progression of Fire today.  The image of the III of Wands is one that is familiar to me, as I live within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean and only a short drive to the Delaware Bay, both of which I visit throughout the year.  When walking on the beach in the winter, I am occasionally entertained by a flock of northern gannets as they dive for their lunch.  The image on this card contains Water so at first glance we many think it is a Cups card but upon further view we see a bird, wings cocked back, diving deep toward a school of golden fish; one fish is more brilliantly gold than the others and the bird’s beak is on the verge of snatching that fish.  Bubbles flow up from the bird’s wings and we can see a splash on the surface of the water caused by the bird’s dive.  Flying above are several other birds, waiting for their chance to dive.  The keywords for this card are exploring, leading, travel, and adventure.

 

The II of Wands card shows a golden globe of Earth encircled by many bees; all the bees are making use of the resources of this world and eventually, they will use those resources up.  Floating above the globe of Earth is another golden globe, a new and alien world of untapped resources; a lone bee has ventured to this world and is ready to explore.  The keywords for this card are daring, decisions, influence, and pioneering.

 

These two cards are filled with energy, filled with the heat and light and chemical combustion of Fire.  Remember, Fire is an active element which represents heat that separates and dry that shapes.  Fire is considered to be masculine (not sexual gender), so it is an outwardly-manifesting element that represents vitality, power, motivation, creativity, life force, and spirituality.  It is both destructive and regenerative, not very stable, lacks physical existence, and is all action and ruthless intensity.  All of these personality traits of Fire apply to these two cards and their similar messages.  

 

These two Wands cards are saying that I should look at the big picture from up high in order to gain perspective and create a well-informed strategy, then execute that strategy with focus and courage.  I should not be afraid if that plan requires traveling on a new path.  The decision to do that may seem difficult, but I need to remember that if prepared, walking my own path could be very rewarding.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

February 13, 2022: the II of Cups and Temperance

The image on the True Black II of Cups shows two Cups of clear water tilted toward each other, as if they were clinking together in a toast.  Above them circle two golden fish; above the fish is a golden arrow, broken in half.  The keywords for this card are connection, partnership, union, and romance. 

The Temperance card of this deck has such a stunning image!  We see a beautiful angel dressed in white with huge white wings spread wide, and long, thick and glorious red hair.  Her eyes are closed; one arm is bent at the elbow with hand raised and palm facing out, holding a red sphere.  The other arm is straight, pointing downward with palm out.  This arm is red from fingertips to elbow and the red hand is holding a white sphere.  She stands as a bridge between a field of flowers and a field of swords with points in the ground; behind her is a holograph of the Yin/Yang symbol, also known as a taijitu.  The keywords for this card are balance, acceptance, consideration, and compromise. 

 

I love the meaning associated with the II of Cups in this deck. It tells of attraction, yes an attraction that could be sexual, but also an attraction that tells of friendship that is based on trust and a deep understanding of one another.  The water in the two Cups of this image seem to flow toward each other; the golden angel fish circle each other as if gaining pleasure from the other’s nearness, and above all is a golden arrow, broken in half and symbolizing the end of hostilities or the meeting of minds. 

 

The True Black Temperance is one of the few cards of this deck that uses an angelic figure in its image; one other is The Devil.  In this deck, Temperance is seen as directly opposing The Devil, representing moderation and the control of our desires, rather than the excessive indulgence, pride and greed that are associated with The Devil.  The angel on Temperance understands that part of being human is wanting things that are often culturally taboo; she reminds us that it is not the pleasures themselves that are evil, but the actions we surround them with in order to obtain them.  

 

Even though these two cards seem to have the same message, their elements are not friendly.  The suit of Cups represents the element of Water which is passive, and the cold that binds and wet that adapts.  The element of Fire is active and represents the heat that separates and dry that shapes.  Water can extinguish Fire and end its chemical process, but Fire can turn Water into steam, which can be used as a power source if handled carefully.  The II of Cups uses emotions to attract another in order to create a pair.  Temperance uses the chemical actions of Fire to unite opposites by finding the right mix. 

 

The end result is similar, they just use different tools and methods.  However, the combination created by the II of Cups could be temporary, and future events could erode the current attraction.  The result of the Temperance card is permanent because it uses the element of Fire and the process of combustion.  After all, you could dissolve salt in fresh water and then distill the salt out so the water is fresh once more, but once a log is burned it cannot be recreated from the ashes.  

 

These two cards are a perfect example of the day-to-day nature of the Minor Arcana cards as compared to the big-picture and long-term focus of the Major Arcana.  Elemental dignities help us to perceive this.

February 12, 2022: X of Wands and VII of Swords; Elemental Dignities

The True Black X of Wands image shows a golden Hercules beetle carrying ten sticks stacked on his back.  In the midst of those sticks is a smaller Hercules beetle, effortlessly riding along within the sticks piled high, and being carried by the larger beetle.  The keywords for this card are overwhelmed, burdened, struggling, and near goal. 

The image on the True Black VII of Swords shows a white rat, a known carrier of disease and symbol of betrayal, in front of a dark and shadowy curtain that is pierced from behind by the blades of six Swords.  Dangling ominously above the rat, point down, is a seventh golden Sword.  The keywords for this card are betrayal, thievery, plotting, and dishonor.

 

We talked about the meaning of the number 10 yesterday, and today we are dealing with that plateau or culmination with regard to the suit of Wands and the element of Fire.  The perfect metaphor here is last night’s campfire. We had fuel and we had heat and we had light throughout the dark and cold night. We are left this morning with a bit of smoke, the slightest of warmth, and a pile of ashes; no flames or illumination at all.  However, there is hope, for we just might have a “one match campfire,” and if we add a bit of fuel, we might be able to hang on a bit longer.

 

To me, the VII of Swords indicates the achievement of an empty victory by fighting hard to hold the current rules in place, even if they have become a danger to ourselves or to others.  The True Black VII of Swords represents this as well, with the added danger of the possibility this danger will be subverted or hidden to prevent interference.  In the Tarot, the number 7 can be seen as reaching a pause or pinnacle that allows us to determine whether we have gotten everything from a situation that is available, or if we need to get a bit more from what is available before turning away. Both card numbers bring a bit of stillness to the active nature of both Air and Fire. 

 

The element of Air represents the intellect, logic, clarity and discernment, and perhaps today I am being warned that I need to think before choosing a path.  If I cling to the methods that have gotten me this far, I may never get farther.  Am I happy where I am?  Or should I apply just a bit more fuel to the remains of yesterday’s fire?  Is the payback for the expended effort worth striving to keep the fire lit?  Even a few twigs could be enough to create one more flame.  I am also being warned that basing this decision solely on my own needs might end up weighing me down, for consequences are always in play, even if we can’t perceive them.  Renewing the flames could provide a bit of illumination that could transform stillness into action.

 

I’m pretty much using elemental dignities within most card interpretations, so after today I won’t mention it in my post title unless I am using a method that has not been addressed before.

February 11, 2022: X of Swords and Queen of Pentacles; Elemental Dignities

The image on the True Black X of Swords shows a large Sword, point down and grounded, surrounded by nine other Swords with points up.  Impaled on six of those Swords is a dead bird.  Sitting on the hilt of the large center Sword is a live bird; behind the bird is an orange sun in a dark sky.  The keywords for this card are crisis, breakdown, perseverance, and closure. 

The Queen of Pentacles image shows a seated woman.  Behind her is a leafy plant; one of the leaves stretches up over her head, sheltering her. Around the plant and over her head are golden coins.  She offers a coin to both a bird and a snake, two animals known for their distrust of each other, but who are able to coexist while with this Queen.  The keywords for this card are giving, nurturing, welcoming, and authentic.  

 

These two cards come together nicely.  The X of Swords tells us that this cycle of dealing with the effects of the mind and the intellect is complete.  We are still feeling the echoes of what has happened and we have not yet moved on to the Ace and the next cycle, but for now we have a pause so we can regroup.  Our Queen of Pentacles is providing us with a safe place to decompress.  She shows us how to use the workings of the physical world around us and the flows and cycles of the natural world to not only feel safe, but to also feel the beginnings of curiosity about the workings of that world which will bring us forward into a new cycle of learning.  

 

While the suit of Swords within the world of elemental Dignities encourages us to make use of logic and analysis as well as our intellect and the workings of the mind, the number 10 tells of some kind of culmination or closure, or at the very least a plateau or rest before moving on. Our X of Swords tells us we are at the darkness that precedes the dawn of a new day, so perhaps that pause is in order.  Our Queen of Pentacles is Water of Earth; she brings the stability that allows regeneration, and she shows us how to effectively manage our resources going forward.  Remember, watering a seed planted in fertile soil does not bring an instantly perceivable result, but it does initiate the creative process.  Yes, it is dark, but within the darkness, new possibilities are stirring.  

February 6, 2022: II of Pentacles and Page of Pentacles

The card image on the II of Pentacles shows a playful white ferret playing on top of a precarious arrangement of gold coins, balanced on top of three gold nuggets (with the smallest nugget at the bottom, adding to the precariousness of the image).  Ferrets are playful and this one is showing us that he is able to balance and still move around, shifting his body and his attention as needed.  The keywords for this card are fun, indecisiveness, juggling, and finances.

 

The image on the Page of Pentacles shows a powerful-looking woman with very short hair pulling herself up into an overgrown canopy of vines so she can reach a golden coin, fruit of the vines above her.  The keywords for this card are physical, earthly, initiative, and practical.  

 

I love the image on the True Black II of Pentacles because my son used to have ferrets. They are cute and playful, and everything is a game to them.  It is easy for me to visualize this white ferret scampering around, tilting the nuggets and two golden coins as it plays.  While this is certainly fun, sooner or later the ferret will make a misstep and everything will come tumbling down.  As always, balance takes focus and like the state of grace, it is meant to be temporary.  

 

Our Page of Pentacles also seems to be testing her ability to balance, but her balance is in part due to her physical strength rather than her knack for keeping moving enough to prevent things from toppling.  Like the ferret of the II of Pentacles, the Page of Pentacles enjoys working with her body, and she enjoys the sensations of her own body, the practical skills she is learning to wield, and the beauty of nature around her.

 

It’s a good thing we have the creativity of the number 2 within these two cards, as well as the youthful enthusiasm shared by all the Pages, because we have a lot of Earth to deal with today, and Earth can manifest heavy slowness without the motion added by the number 2 and our Page.  We can have fun, for sure, but we will remain practical and not lose our focus.

 

February 5, 2022: VIII of Wands and IX of Wands; Elemental Dignities 13

The VIII of Wands shows eight golden Wands flying rapidly toward the earth, flying so rapidly that golden sparks are flying.  Papers swirl around in the wind created by the rapidly flying Wands. The keywords for this card are message, action, speed, and excitement. 

The image on the IX of Wands shows a pure white wolf crouching defensively and aggressively with teeth bared and ears laid back in a threatening manner.  Behind him almost like a protective wall are nine white beech trees.  Around the wolf in the shadows are several arrows with points in the ground, as if someone had shot them at the wolf.  The keywords for this card are wary, guarded, mistreated, and persevering.

 

We have the VIII and the IX of the same suit, so we are being presented with a progression.  The VIII of Wands is one of the few numbered Minor Arcana cards that usually does not contain a person within its image.  This card is traditionally all about receiving news that creates action and excitement, and the True Black image certainly does shout this message.  Most of the time, the energy of this card represents something positive, however it tells us that we can’t think too long about our next step.  Now is the time to adapt to what we have found out, and to act accordingly.  We go from action (the VIII of Wands) to defense (the IX of Wands).  The white wolf may be injured, but he is strong enough to aggressively protect himself, and the spent arrows indicate that self-protection is necessary.  

 

Of course, the suit of Wands represents the element of Fire, and here we have the Elemental Dignity of Fire affecting Fire (because both cards are Wands cards).  When Fire affects Fire, we have increased manifestation, with the potential for things to get out of control.  Fire is not a stable element, and it has a transformative power when it comes into contact with the physical world, literally transformative.  Combustion rearranges the atoms of a substance irreversibly, which means that once something is burned, it can never be un-burned.  That is something to be considered when examining the progression presented here.

 

In the Tarot, the number 8 represents an attempt to postpone the pause and approach of stagnation that is the number 7 by deliberately choosing to take some action.  The number 9 represents the completeness (not completion; that is represented by the number 10) of manifestation within a particular cycle.  Both of these numbers are affecting the suit of Wands, so they can be considered as Numerical Dignities.

 

We do see a common symbol in these two cards: the pointy Wands (which look like arrows) in the VIII of Wands and the spent arrows in the IX of Wands.  The arrow is a symbol of flight, penetration and direction.  An arrow travels from one person to another, representing a flow of energy with one person sending and the other receiving.  An arrow can be used to determine direction.  It even can be seen as a phallic symbol, and an image of a heart pierced with an arrow represents the alchemic process of conjunction.  The wielder of a bow and arrow is a symbol of physical strength, as well as courage, concentration, psychological prowess, and a sharp mind.  The arrow can be seen as a Symbolic Dignity.  

 

These two cards tell of some exciting news that could bring an explosion of enthusiasm, but I need to not allow that enthusiasm to have free reign.  Perhaps I can see the arrows as a hint to keep the outburst of energy focused toward a specific goal, rather than allowing it to just flow and expand on its own.  It might be better if I try to keep things at least a bit more controlled.  Yep, I do get this.  There have been many times that I have allowed excitement and passion to blind me to consequences by allowing things to ignite without being careful.  Hopefully I won’t do that this time. 

February 4, 2022: IV of Wands and IV of Cups; Elemental Dignities 12

The card image of the True Black IV of Wands shows a beautiful wild golden bird flapping its wings as it breaks free from bindings that have held it prisoner.  Leaves and flower petals knocked loose by the flapping of the bird’s wings float down like confetti.  The keywords for this card are celebrating, events, freedom, and possibility.   

The IV of Cups card image shows four Cups filled with clear water partially hidden beneath weeping willow branches.  The water in the Cups is completely still; above the uppermost cup and also hidden within the willow branches is a white flower.  The keywords for this card are withdrawn, passive, introspective, and hidden.

 

The IV of Wands tells of a release from bondage, probably not physical bondage, as we are talking about the suit of Wands, but rather bonds that are caused by stress or worry, or challenges that hold us back from our goals.  The IV of Cups energy is more still and quiet, and the water is lifeless and without movement.  The surrounding willow leaves create a curtain of sorts, hinting at withdrawal or indifference. Together they seem to be asking me to use the suit of Wands to escape from the lethargy of the IV of Cups. Lethargy can certainly bind, and breaking free can be difficult.  

 

We are talking about the elemental dignities associated with the elements of Fire and Water.  Fire and Water are unfriendly; Fire is an active element representing heat that separates and dry that shapes, and Water is a passive element representing cold that binds and wet that adapts.  In nature, Water affects Fire by extinguishing it; moisture will put out even the most powerful flame.  Fire affects Water in nature by turning it into steam, and steam can power generators and disinfect surfaces.  Within the concept of “unfriendly” is the idea that these two elements could very well cancel each other out.  This means there is a danger that the drive and passion of the IV of Wands could be cancelled out by the lethargy of the IV of Cups.

 

The other dignity we are working with is numerical.  Both of today’s cards are numbered 4, and today is the 4^th day of the month.  The number 4 represents stability, practicality, calmness, caution, and slow.  This number can represent self-imposed boundaries, tunnel vision, imposing discipline, or creating a strong foundation.  

 

While the dignities seem more weighted toward lethargy, that does not mean the image on the IV of Wands is an impossible dream.  Just before the bonds were broken, that beautiful bird would have reached the limit of the strength of those bonds, and if the bird had given up then, it would still be chained and unable to be free.  I must also continue striving, continue accomplishing what needs to be done, for even the heaviest lethargy or the deepest rut can be overcome.  

 

February 2, 2022: II of Pentacles and Anant

The card image on the II of Pentacles shows a playful white ferret playing on top of a precarious arrangement of gold coins, balanced on top of three gold nuggets (with the smallest nugget at the bottom, adding to the precariousness of the image).  Ferrets are playful and this one is showing us that he is able to balance and still move around, shifting his body and his attention as needed.  The keywords for this card are fun, indecisiveness, juggling, and finances. 

Anant is an extra Major Arcana card unique to the True Black Tarot.  The card image shows a golden fetus surrounded by two coils of a golden serpent; behind them both is a black star field.  "Anant" is the name of the serpent surrounding the fetus, and it means "remainder," representing that which exists when all else ceases.  Anant is not a temporal being but rather, exists outside of the rules and constraints that apply to temporal beings and the physical world (and all of its rules).  The golden fetus acts as a bridge between the ending and the beginning.  The keywords for this card are endless, infinite, exempt, and cyclical.

 

Another important message.  Anant is a serious card that hints at messages for physical-world beings that just might change the way we perceive our world.  In our day-to-day existence, we don’t always remember that there is so much more to experience than what can be perceived by our physical body senses.  These other perceptions exist through higher vibrations, which is a “woo-woo” term that has been co-opted by the fluffy.  However, those of us who are aware of the subtle body and the unseen but still powerful energies around us understand that the physical world is heavier and thus slower-vibrating.  Earth is the most stable of the elements; water has some movement and is a bit lighter because of that.  Air is even more light and is filled with vibrations of all kinds (sound is vibration), and is also a sort of “carrier” for energies such as speed and force, as well as sound.  Fire is not stable at all and only exists while combustion is happening, and since combustion involves heat, Fire is the fastest or highest vibrating of the elements. Spirit or Deity vibrates at a higher level because it only exists in a pure form that does not contain essences of the physical world (although Spirit or Deity can reach downward in an attempt to connect with the physical world by slowing down their vibrations, just as we can reach upward and commune with Spirit or Deity by deliberately raising our own vibrations).

 

Today we also need to keep in mind the correspondences of the number 2; after all, today is 2/2/2022.  The number 2 is about balance, creative partnerships, duality, polarity, comparison, tension, partnership, cooperation, diplomacy, and decisions, and it offers both direction and connection.  The number 2 can be considered a gateway.  In the Tarot, this number represents the first time the element appears as itself, manifested.  

 

Convoluted road toward a specific message.  Anant exists outside of our physical and linear world, and thus Anant is not subject to its rules.  The process of understanding this is life-long and challenging as this is part of the knowledge guarded by The High Priestess and can only be learned in layers.  Our brains, our processing “computers,” are biological after all.  My II of Pentacles is reminding me of one important process within this journey toward understanding: playfulness.  I’m not talking about playfulness that erases responsibility, although that kind of playfulness can be healing when applied in small doses.  Rather, my II of Pentacles is reminding me that visions don’t have to be realistic in order to have a powerful effect.  Allowing visions of the unrealistic, of the fantastical, to happen just might allow those playful visions to manifest in some valuable way.  If we maintain awareness of the forces in play, we will remain balanced and in touch with reality, and yet get a glimpse of the Machinery of the Universe.

 

Happy Imbolc!

February 1, 2022: Ace of Swords and The Hierophant

The image on the Ace of Swords shows a beautiful Sword emerging from golden flowers, and is topped by a flaming golden crown of leaves.  A few of the leaves and a few of the flower petals have been cut or sliced off and are falling downward.  The keywords for this card are truth, reasoning, objectivity, and breakthrough. 

The True Black Hierophant card image gives us lots to think about.  Our Hierophant is seated on a platform of large bricks, situated in a manner that provides the most support to the whole structure.  His elaborate golden headdress is made of interlocking pieces; the front of that headdress comes down over his face with stylized eye and nose openings allowing him to see and breathe and at the same time, hide his personal identity.  He holds a large open book in his right hand and his staff of office topped by a large bee's nest in his left.  Behind The Hierophant is a hologram of Australia's Lake Mungo, the location of the world's oldest ritually cremated remains.  The keywords for this card are belief, cooperation, community and tradition.

 

These two cards together are pretty powerful, especially because the have appeared on Imbolc Eve.  All of the Aces are powerful cards that represent the idea or possibility of the suit manifesting, rather than an actual manifestation.  The possibility presented by the Ace of Swords might not be visible to others because that spark of newness is happening within the workings of my mind.  My Ace is reminding me that now is not the time for emotions, but rather for clear thinking and reality.  

 

The Hierophant is about the good of the group rather than the good of the individual, and he believes that he knows what I should do with this burst of mental and intellectual possibility.  The Hierophant is about knowledge, about learning and about teaching, and about the importance of culture and beliefs and their ability to support amazing civilizations.  His mask hides his identity, and that mask reminds me that what I perceive with a quick glance is nowhere near all there is to learn and know. 

 

My Ace offers me wonderful potential, and The Hierophant asks me to look beyond myself and make good use of what is being offered.