January 11, 2022: X of Swords and The Moon

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 Moon of the True Black Major Arcana shows a large crescent Moon acting like a conduit for a strong flow of water.  Below and in front of the water flowing from the crescent is a woman, seated with her left leg crossed over her right and lit dramatically from above.  One hand holds back her long hair so she can gaze downward unimpeded and the other hand reaches down toward a glass bowl on a three-legged stand at her feet.  The glass bowl contains still water in which we can see a reflection of her hand.  Above the large crescent is a large hand ominously gesturing over the whole image.  The keywords for this card are intuition, psychic, fear, and illusion.

There is a common thread between these two cards: illusion.  The X of Swords gives the illusion that we are doomed, but in actuality it represents the darkness that comes before the dawn.  This is the number X card of the suit of Swords, so it tells of the completeness or ending of this cycle of the suit's manifestation.  Just like the dark before the dawn, an ending is followed by a new beginning.  All is not lost nor is it as bad as it seems, and since one bird still lives, while there is life, there is hope.

The Moon and the element of Water it is connected to both represent illusions and visions.  This card image reminds us that things are not as they seem to be, for if we examine that oppressive hand gesturing over the image, we find that hand actually belongs to the woman in the image; it is her hand as she reaches down toward the bowl of water at her feet.  Suddenly that conduit now hints at being that bowl, and the vantage point of the observer is changed and thus the message of the image is changed.  The Moon tells us to remember that our perception of a situation is entirely based on our own vantage point.  If we move our vantage point, everything seems to change, but it is not our surroundings that change but rather our perception of them.

Both of these cards are telling me that things are not as bad as they seem at this moment.  I need to shift my vantage point; doing so just might allow me to see that the current cycle is over and a new cycle is about to begin.

January 10, 2022: IV of Pentacles and II of Swords; Elemental Dignities 9

Getting chilly out there today.  Burrrr!!  Tomorrow is going to be even colder.

The image on the IV of Pentacles shows four heavy and large golden coins embedded in the ground.  Above them is an intricate spider web; trapped in the web are blue butterflies.  One additional butterfly appears to be flying toward that web.  The keywords for this card are hoarding, greed, materialism, and stagnation.

We've seen the II of Swords before; the image on this card shows two crossed Swords with hilts up and tips pointed downward.   At first glance the Swords appear identical but they are not; their handles are different and the blades are embossed with patterns, again appearing the same but actually slightly different.  Immediately below the handles the Swords are intact, but in the area where they cross and below, the Swords are crumbling apart.  Between the hilts floats a piece of paper with writing on it; that paper is shredded, looking like it was clawed, to the point that it is difficult to see what is written on it.  The keywords for this card are blocked off, refusal, avoidance, and stuck.  

Both of these cards talk about a pause or a sense of protecting that is extreme enough to prevent movement.  The coins in the image of the IV of Pentacles are heavy and cumbersome.  They are deeply embedded in the ground to the point that removing them would be difficult.  It appears the coins have been stuck there for a while, because vines are beginning to grow on them.  This card reminds us that wealth does nothing if we keep it hidden safely away.  To make these coins valuable, they must become something, they must be used in order to create something.  The II of Swords tells of the pause that occurs when two equal but opposing forces go against each other.  In the end, unless one side gives, no movement will happen.  Together these cards are reminding me that being careful and conservative is good to some extent, but not choosing a side or an action is still a choice, a choice that will impede growth.  

Pulling Elemental Dignities into the interpretation, we have learned that Earth (Pentacles) and Air (Swords) are unfriendly, which means their effects actively cancel each other out.  The IV of Pentacles represents protecting to the point of hoarding, and the II of Swords represents the inability to confront a situation in order to create an outcome.  Hoarding resources and deliberately choosing to not see the danger of not acting are the results of this unfriendly combination.  One element takes away the power of the other element to effect change.  The result: stagnation.

January 8, 2022: Death and the Page of Wands; Elemental Dignities 8

The True Black Death card image shows a hooded man standing before a fancy gateway decorated with a wolf on the left side and an armed man on the right side.  A key floats just above the power finger of his right hand; in his left hand he holds a skull from which blood is flowing into the pond of blood beneath Death's feet.  Out of the pond of blood grows a white lily, symbol of rejuvenation.  Within the gate are writings.  The keywords for this card are end, evolution, change, and mortality.

The image on the Page of Wands shows s girl holding a flaming torch.  She has opened a portal to an unknown place, and is fearlessly leaping into that portal.  The keywords for this card are adventurous, unexpected, exciting and innovating.

This is such an interesting pairing to me, because I have never seen the connection between the Page of Wands and the Death card, but in this deck, the connection is very visible.  The Major Arcana Death card rarely tells of the death of the physical body.  Yes, one of its archetypes is The Reaper who clears the growth from the fields and brings in the last harvest, but the other archetype is Rebirth.  Once the fields have been harvested and allowed to rest, Rebirth begins again.  Even during the darkest winter night when the fields are covered with snow, the seeds of the last harvest begin to germinate.  Death is often described as a gateway through which we are to pass, even though we cannot see what is on the other side.  Yes, that unknown is frightening, but so is the fact that once we pass through that gateway, we cannot turn back.

An interesting tidbit about the Death card: it is the number 13 card in the Majors.  The number 13 is often associated with bad luck, however there are other things associated with this number.  Reducing 13 (1 + 3) gives us the number 4, representing balance, stability and depth, not things we usually associated with Death.  However, the cycle of being born, living, and then dying and resting only to be born again is a natural part of our world, with death being a key part of the renewal that comes with birth.  The number 13 can also represent the "enlightened guest."  Christ had 12 disciples at the Last Supper; he was the 13th person there, the "enlightened guest."  Thus, correspondences to the number 13 also include completion, attainment, and realization.  Finally, the number 13 is a prime number, which tells of purity and an incorruptible nature.  That makes the Death card not so bad after all.

It is interesting that our Page of Wands is leaping into an unknown portal.  She is showing us exactly how to deal with our Death card: by using courage and confidence.  Pushing boundaries can bring great rewards, but some preparation is necessary, symbolized by the flaming torch our Page carries, to light her way into the unknown.  

Our Page of Wands tells of the effects of Fire (Wands) on Earth (the rank of Page).  Earth is one of two elements that have a physical existence that can interact with our senses.  Earth is an element of beginnings and endings as life comes from the ground and decomposes back into the ground after death.    Fire is the most rarified of the physical elements; it produces light and heat but it lacks physical existence.  It has a transformative power when it comes in contact with physical material, changing the arrangement of atoms in that physical material in an irreversible process.  Thus, the suit of Wands offers transformation to our Page.  Her courage (a Fiery attribute) allows her to fearlessly leap into the open portal, allowing her new and exciting experiences that will most likely transform her perception of herself and of the world around her.   Here is the attainment offered by the number 13.   Like the Death card, the changes created by Fire cannot be undone.  

January 7, 2022: II of Cups and II of Pentacles; Elemental Dignities 7

Well, looks like we can further explore that II of Pentacles by comparing it to the II of Cups.

The image on the 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.

We had the II of Pentacles in yesterday's card throw, in the same position, the second card.  There is that number 2 again; more on that in a bit.  The card image 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.

Both of these cards show an awareness or initial manifestation, the II of Cups an awareness of emotions or feelings and the II of Pentacles an awareness of body and body energies.  Together they tell of a potential to achieve some exciting accomplishment.  But they also offer us the opportunity to explore Dignities, Elemental Dignities and Numeric Dignities, in order to add to our interpretation.  

First we will examine the number 2.  The number 2 represents balance, polarity (such as night/day), duality (such as yin/yang), comparison, and bonding, and it offers both connection and direction (because it represents "distance between").  The number 2 can also be seen as a gateway (two pillars can represent a gateway), and in the Tarot the Minor Arcana II cards show us the first time the element associated with the card is manifested in a pure form (the potential of the Ace manifested without the influence of the following numbered cards).  This means each card presents an energy that is pure or at face value, without the influences of such things as catalyst, motion, stillness or action taken.

Next, let's examine the two elements in play: Water and Earth.  Water represents cold that binds together and wet that adapts.  Earth represents cold that binds together and dry that shapes.  The connection created by cold that binds together means that Water and Earth are passively friendly; they are helpful to each other but in a passive way.  This usually represents a reaction to something (either deliberate or instinctive) rather than an action.

Let's think about how Water and Earth interact in nature.  Water affects Earth by reshaping it, either by diluting Earth, softening Earth, or activating the fertility of Earth.  Earth affects Water by holding or shaping it by imposing form onto Water.  Earth can allow Water to flow, or it can slow or entirely prevent Water from flowing.

That means the II of Cups and its partnerships and attractions could be encouraged by some action taken in the physical world.  This could be some balancing, some addition of funds or nourishment, or even the addition of fun.  Whatever action that is taken in the physical world is supported and augmented and encouraged by some kind of partnership.  Two cards that combined tell of the initiation of some lighthearted and positive accomplishments that will happen through the combined efforts of two people (and these two people could be adversaries in the past).

January 6, 2022: Anant and the II of Pentacles

We had a major snowstorm this week, a foot of snow, and I was a bit distracted.  But I'm back.

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.  The golden fetus acts as a bridge between the ending and the beginning.  The keywords for this card are endless, infinite, exempt, and cyclical.

The II of Pentacles image shows a playful white ferret playing on top of a precarious arrangement of gold coins and golden nuggets.  Ferrets love to play, and this one is able to balance itself and still move around, shifting its body and its attention as needed. The keywords for this card are fun, indecisiveness, juggling, and finances.

These are both interesting cards.  The star field behind the image of Anant is Barnard 68, a "dark nebula" that appears like a cosmic void because of the amount of dark dust that surrounds it, but there are stars hidden there.  The serpent represents the perpetual cycles and renewal of life, death and rebirth.  Serpents can also represent energy, including sexual energy (and sex is connected to the cycles of life). A snake can perceive its surroundings through vibration or heat signatures, and thus serpents are connected to the ability to perceive even the hidden parts of the physical realms.  The fetus represents innocence, potential, and it represents a bridge between endings and beginnings, past and future.  The II of Pentacles tells of being able to maintain balance during change and upheaval.  This balance is achievable through practice and talent.  This card warns me that multitasking will be important, as important as balance, in the days to come, particularly in my physical world.  I also will need to be aware of my connection to my own body (after all, this is a Pentacles card) along with the material forces present in the physical world.  

My son had two ferrets, and I can attest to the fact that everything is fun to them.  Watching them play and tumble around always made me smile.  Perhaps I need that II of Pentacles today to remind me that it is okay to take a bit of time to just have fun.  

January 2, 2022: X of Wands and IV of Cups; Elemental Dignities 6

We've got snow on the way.  Welcome, Winter!

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 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 X of Wands represents a time when we are just plain out of gas, and that is not good because there are still many things to be completed.  The IV of Cups also tells of a pause, and like the pause represented by the X of Wands, it is not comfortable.  Lethargy can be as difficult to overcome and banish as the feeling that there is no fuel available.  The end result of both is stagnation.

Both numbers, X and IV, also tell of a pause.  The number 10 represents the completion of a cycle, and it could indicate a sort of "slack tide" until the new cycle begins.  The number 4 tells of stability, and stability is good for a little while because it allows us to assess and regroup.  But if we stay still too long, stagnation begins.  Still water left still for too long becomes cloudy and that is the danger here.

The Elemental Dignities of this pair reenforce the message.  Fire is heat that separates and dry that shapes; Water is cold that binds and wet that adapts.  There is no commonality here, which means Fire and Water are unfriendly, and tend to weaken each other's effects.  

Let's think about the effects of Fire and Water in the natural world.  Water affects Fire by extinguishing it. Moisture will put out even the most powerful flame; that's why the fire department uses powerful hoses to spray water when extinguishing a fire.  Granted, if the Water trickles in, Fire will initially cause it to evaporate but of the Water continues to flow, Fire will be put out.  Fire affects Water by turning it into steam.  Now, steam can power generators, move trains and boats, clean and disinfect surfaces, and it can even be used to extinguish fires in confined spaces, but steam, with temperatures at or above 212 degrees, can also scald and kill.  

Our two cards tell of lethargy or of no "get up and go," however each does hint at possible hidden energies.  The X of Wands shows that smaller Hercules beetle riding among the sticks; that beetle has not used up his energies, so while the load is not currently shared in a fair manner, perhaps the smaller beetle could help at some point, as he is rested.  The white flower hidden among the willow branches also could hint at some positive effect approaching.  Perhaps it tells of a more meditative state that will allow some action to be determined.  No matter what, it might be an uphill battle.  

January 1, 2022: The Hanged Man and the Ace of Wands; Elemental Dignities 5

First post of the new year!  Today's date reduces to the number 8, and in Crowley's Naples Arrangement, the number 8 represents the deliberate response to the approach of degeneration in order to lengthen the time that balance has power.  LOL when is that not appropriate?!  Perhaps my two cards today will address that concept.

The True Black Hanged Man is an interesting card.  The image shows a man with legs suspended in the air and his face and shoulders resting in a field of mature golden grasses or grains.  He is slowly disintegrating, with liquid gold dripping from his lips and nourishing the ground below him.  A cloud of butterflies surround his feet.  Behind his feet is a hologram, a schematic view of the city of Teotihuacan, an Aztec city considered to be the birthplace of the 5th sun.  The keywords for this card are surrender, faith, sacrifice, and perspective.

The Ace of Wands image shows a golden peacock quill surrounded by a ribbon of parchment inscribed with golden writings.  The keywords for this card are creativity, good news, courage, and initiation.  

The Hanged Man is an interesting card because instead of prompting some kind of action, it asks the opposite of action from us.  The Hanged Man is one archetype of stillness, but unlike Temperance, which tells of a pause achieved through balance, the pause of The Hanged Man is achieved through surrender or sacrifice.  The Aztec myth that describes the process of birthing an incarnation of the sun involves a god willingly sacrificing their own life, with that sacrifice achieved by the god stepping into a sacred bonfire.  That is a monumental sacrifice of one's own life for the good of all.  However, The Hanged Man does not always refer to that kind of life-changing event.  In some traditional images of this card, the tree or cross from which The Hanged Man is hanged is alive and growing, hinting at some kind of rebirth.  Indeed, the True Black Hanged Man nourishes the field of grasses or grain with his own essence.  And while sacrifice can be either willing or enforced, the look on the face of The Hanged Man is traditionally serene. Arthur presents all of this in the LWB by describing this card as ". . . a symbol of surrender, but not of principle or will."  Thus we should remember there are lines that even The Hanged Man will not cross.

The Ace of Wands presents the possibility of courageous risk-taking that could attract new opportunities for creativity.  Any Ace is exciting to see because of the potential it brings, but the Ace of Wands brings possibilities that fit well with the first day of the new year.

Initially, I read these two cards as a message to pause for a bit and step away from responsibilities and people, so I can allow some new idea or passion to spark into its initial flame.  I saw these two cards as supporting each other, with The Hanged Man creating the quiet that allows the spark of a new idea to begin to glow and gain strength.

Applying Elemental Dignities to these two cards changes the message somewhat.  The Hanged Man corresponds with the element of Water, and that makes sense.  Water is about feelings, emotions, intuition, flow and fluidity, and connections.  It can be still and reflective or turbulent and destructive, and it is flexible enough to exist in three states: solid, liquid and gas.  The Ace of Wands corresponds with the element of Fire, which is about passion, creativity, growth, motivation, spirituality, and both humor and anger.  Water pairs its destructive traits with stillness and reflection; Fire pairs its destructive traits with regeneration and new growth.  There we have one dignity between these two cards: the concept of destruction and how it is affected by these two elements.

So, we have a Major Arcana card and an Ace.  As we have already discussed, both Majors and Aces are not always affected by any surrounding elements.  Still, we can think a bit about how these two elements relate to each other, and the main takeaway is that they are unfriendly.  Water is cold that binds, and wet that adapts.  Fire is heat that separates, and dry that shapes.  There is no interaction or connection here, which is why these two elements are considered unfriendly.  If they were not Majors or Aces, I would say that they would weaken each other.  Since they are a Major and an Ace, I will see these two cards as as not connected with regard to their elemental correspondences, or affected by them in any easily discernible way.

That means I have to make a decision: will surrendering allow those sparks of new ideas to emerge and illuminate?  Or will the light of the spark of those new ideas distract me, and prevent the complete surrender of thought and action and will that brings the true initiation offered by The Hanged Man? 

Two possibilities.  In the end, it is my choice that will be the catalyst that activates only one result.