This card represents the root of the matter; what has gone before, and is directly related to the current situation. Check to see how the energies of this card blend with the other six cards; remember that it moves with each mystery in a different way.

Meaning: When the Four of Swords is dealt in a reading, it is a sign that you need to take some personal downtime-a retreat or a day off so you can recoup lost energy and find your strength again. The querent may be feeling overwhelmed by demands and stress. They may feel the need to get away and to withdraw from the hectic and daily grind of life. This card symbolizes that you need to allow yourself time to recover from an illness. It may also represent a need to step away from group magick for a bit. You may need to practice solitarily for a time. You will find the solutions to your magickal problems quietly and on your own.

Keywords: Taking some downtime for yourself. Resting and allowing yourself to fully recover from an illness. Recouping lost energy. Working magick as a solitary for a while, and finding your focus.

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This card shows the energies of the first mystery of universal love in the life of the querent. It explains how the querent's actions manifest in the surrounding world, whether following a harmonious Wyrd or a flawed one. It also describes how the querent perceives his or her relationships with others.

Meaning: The Queen of Swords is a brown-haired woman with fair to hazel eyes. She is clever and ingenious, with a dry wit and razor tongue. When this card breezes into a reading, it can herald a time when you need to pay attention to your own instincts and intuition. New ideas are blowing in; it may be time to try something new. This card classically represents an air-sign woman-a woman who is career oriented, honest, focused, and successful in whatever she sets out to do. She may be sarcastic at times, but she is smart, blunt, and determined. She will rule her home and family with the same ruthless organization she applies to her career. Her communication skills are top notch; she may be a scholar, a writer, or a speaker. Though men are attracted to her for her looks, they tend to back off when they discover how smart and honest this queen is. She has no time for falsehood or ignorance. The Queen of Swords may represent a woman who is slow to trust others, especially in relationships, and a woman who may prefer to stand on her own. This queen will listen to her head first and logically consider her options before she trusts her heart.

The message from the Queen of Swords is this: assert your independence, stand up for yourself, follow your intuition, and try something new.

Keywords: An air-sign woman. Wisdom, independence, intuition, assertiveness. Personal development. Walk your talk.

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Here are indicated the energies of the second mystery of magick in the life of the querent. This card shows how we use our gifts, talents, skills, intuition, and psychism; and, in particular, how these gifts should or should not be used at this time. If the querent practices the occult sciences, some indication of that may be found here, if it bears relevance on the question posed.

Meaning: This card symbolizes the magick of the four seasons and the energies of the Wheel of the Year. When this card turns up in a reading, it is a message to work with the energies and the cycles of nature that are currently around you, and not against them. This means rest and introspection in the winter; new beginnings, growth, and opportunities in the spring; energy, excitement, bounty, and vibrancy in the summer; and abundance and reminders to prepare, gather, and remember in the autumn. Expect there to be change, as all of life is forever transforming and growing. This card classically represents good luck, opportunity, and a fortuitous event.

Keywords: The Wheel of the Year, celebrating the sabbats and esbats. Good luck. Working with the energies and magick of each season.

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This card brings forth the energies of the third mystery of one's oath in the life of the querent; showing what the querent, up to this point, has dedicated his or her life to, what his or her principles are, and how he or she operates according to those values. It may show you what is most important to the querent at this time.

Meaning: The Star is a card of hope, inner peace, creativity, and healing. When this beautiful, tranquil card turns up in a reading, it is a sign that physical and emotional healing is on the way. Have hope, follow your dreams, and your wishes will be granted. This card speaks of inspiration; your creativity will flow better than ever before. Let it fill you up, and see where it leads you. The Star illustrates a softer, gentler magick and indicates that you will be working successfully with your intuitive gifts. Also, astrological timing is imperative to any magick performed at this time.

Keywords: Healing, inspiration, intuition, renewal. Hope, peace, wishes granted. Astrological magick. Wisdom. Creativity is flowing.

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The effects of the fourth mystery of karma or Wyrd in the life of the querent are apparent in this card. It can tell you if the person is working toward good karma, or not so good. Physical birth or death, both of issues and people, may fall here, depending on the question. Indications of past and present actions can assist you in answering the question posed. Financial and mental stability are also reflected in this card.

Meaning: Traditionally, when the Six of Swords sails into a reading, it means travel over water. Today, it shows movement and progress of any kind. The querent may be planning a trip for plea- sure or business. This card signifies that it is a good time for movement, change, and the experience that travel brings. Expect forward movement, improvement to the current situation, a new job, moving to a new home, and, of course, travel for pleasure. Enjoy the journey; there is smooth sailing ahead.

Keywords: Travel over water. Movement, a new job. Moving to a new home. Travel for pleasure. Progress, improvement, and smooth sailing ahead.

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This card indicates the fifth mystery of wisdom, power, and lineage in the life of the querent. Here you will be able to discover whether or not the querent has used wise counsel, directs his or her power wisely, and how he or she is responding to his or her life's plan. The card can also tell you from what source the querent should draw to assist in the issue at hand.

Meaning: The Ace of Pentacles is the most potent and pure form of the feminine element of earth. This ace shows us all of the bounty that the suit of pentacles represents. Be creative, and put those blossoming ideas into action to achieve material success. Because the pentacle is hovering in midair, this card traditionally symbolized that money may just manifest in your life as if out of thin air. This card may represent a gift or an out-of-the-blue opportunity that lands in your lap. However, on a more down-to-earth note, this card-being the purest form of the earth element-reminds you to stay grounded and to use your common sense. That practicality and good judgment will guide you and your magick to success. This card often illustrates a desire to help other people on both a mundane and a magickal level. The Ace of Pentacles signifies an abiding, deep affection for the beauty of nature and a talent for green magick.

Keywords: Wealth, abundance, health, happiness, security, good fortune. Love of nature, green magick, and herbalism. Magick manifested in the physical world. The element of earth.

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The final card shows overall advice and counsel on the question asked.

Meaning: This is the "drama queen" card. When it turns up in a reading, it symbolizes a person who is always having a crisis or causing drama in coven dynamics or social situations. They may be an emotional or psychic vampire, or they themselves could be the willing victim of such an attack. As this is a nine of the suit, it also symbolizes that you are near the end of the problem. Things have reached their peak and should begin to settle down-as long as you do not give way to dramatics. Decide to pick up the sword, to be proactive, and to defend yourself and your personal energies. Furthermore, this card can represent the karmic repercussions of poor judgment or backlash from a manipulative magickal act. I think of this card as a perfect illustration of baneful magick that has returned to its sender times three.

Keywords: "Drama queen" card. Psychic or emotional vampire or victim. Baneful magick returned to its sender times three.

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