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: The Ace of Swords is the most potent and pure form of the masculine element of air. When the Ace of Swords flies into your life, you are being put on notice that it is time to take action. This is a card of intellect, heroism, victory, justice, achievement, new beginnings, and winning battles. Another of this card's most important lessons is that now you have the chance for a new way of thinking. Cut through the fantasy and embrace what is. The truth hurts, but sometimes it can also heal and make room for a new, improved reality. Success is attainable; victory is near; go grab a hold of it with both hands!

Keywords: Success, truth, awareness, victory. Determination. Take action now. A clear perception leads to spirit and a closer connection to deity. The element of air.

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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: When this card turns up in a reading, it speaks of restriction and of feeling trapped and sad at the moment. However, if the individual would stop overreacting and feeling sorry for themselves and would pull off that emotional blinder, they would see a way out. Things are not as bad as they may appear. Happiness is possible, the sun is breaking through, and new opportunities can emerge. This card may also represent a Witch who is fearful of ritual or of their own initiation. Think of the classic challenge given to most blindfolded initiates: "It is better to rush upon this blade than to enter the circle with fear in your heart. How do you enter?" They have to answer without fear or they are denied entrance into the coven. What can you learn from this card? Look again at the description and symbolism, and find your answers. Fear has no place in the Craft.

Keywords: Restriction, feeling trapped. Overreacting to the situation. Things are not as bad as they seem; you can work your way out of this. Fear of initiation or ritual.

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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: When the Seven of Pentacles sprouts up in a reading, it speaks of rewards after hard work. This is the card of harvest. The rewards were well worth all of the effort you put into your goals and projects. The suit of pentacles is linked to material wealth, and it is also the suit of manifestation. Now is the time to sit back, take stock of what you have accomplished, and enjoy the fruits of your labors. Enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.

Keywords: Harvest, reaping the fruits of your labors. Satisfaction of a job well done. Appreciation. Hard work equals abundant rewards.

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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: When the Nine of Wands turns up in a reading, it is a notice to be on guard against trouble, mischief, gossip, and baneful magicks. Now is the time to be alert to trouble and be vigilant with protecting yourself and your professional or magickal reputation. You may need to defend yourself, so be alert and stay on guard. Stamina, courage, and conviction is needed at this time. Magickal protection work may be required. You may not feel like you have the fortitude for any more dramas, but stand firm and be strong. Defend your turf and your reputation skillfully and vigorously. The suit of wands is all about creativity and ambition; you can do this. Draw some boundaries, call upon your inner resources, and stand strong.

Keywords: Stamina, courage, protection. Be alert to trouble. Protect yourself and your reputation. Stand strong, be on guard. Magickal protection work may be required.

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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: When the Five of Wands soars into your reading, it shows that minor annoyances and petty arguments need to be dealt with. There are different opinions all wanting to be heard. This card symbolizes bickering between coven mates, friends, or coworkers. This card tells you that challenges are ahead and that you will need to be very clear in communicating your goals and desires to another. There may be petty troubles at your job or a little healthy competition. Put your game face on and put some effort into your problem solving, and you will see positive results.

Keywords: Competition, conflict, disagreements, challenges. Petty squabbling at work or within the coven. Put some effort into your problem solving to see positive results.

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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: This is a card of generosity and of gifts received. The gift is something of value-not necessarily money. The gift may be lending someone a helping hand, your time, or your attention, or even sharing your talents. Classically this is a card of assistance and donations to a worthy cause. This "gift" may be monetary or it could be emotional support, a volunteer opportunity, or a way to give back to the community. Another meaning is gladly paying a karmic debt. This card also turns up when a scholarship is on the horizon. Abundant, positive, and prosperous energy is flowing freely at this time. Its an opportune moment for prosperity magick.

Keywords: Giving and receiving. Generosity. Freely giving of your time and talents. Volunteering or giving back to the community. Charity, scholarships, payment of a karmic debt. Prosperity energy is flowing at this time.

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

Meaning: When the Four of Pentacles comes knocking in a reading, it is a notice that someone is hanging onto something in an unhealthy way. Perhaps they are miserly or greedy and are holding tight to their money. Maybe they are obstinate and have withheld their emotions (possibly this last example is the case if the Hermit card shows up in the reading as well).

The Four of Pentacles card warns of a resistance to change. So now that you have confirmation, know that change is good; embrace the changes in your world. Relax and breathe. You may have accomplished your goals, but you are not enjoying them. Remember that nothing is fixed; everything is in motion. Accept this and move forward. It is time to lower your boundaries a bit. Reconnect with friends and family, and find the joy in your life again.

Keywords: Resistance to change. Solitude, unhealthy boundaries. Accomplishing your goals but remaining unhappy. Obstinacy. The need to relax and accept change gracefully.

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