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: 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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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: This card symbolizes dissatisfaction, being pessimistic, and yearning for something you can never have. Out of the five silver cups that are presented in this card, two of the cups are still full. It is interesting to note that most people only notice that three of the cups have spilled their contents out. When this card washes up in a reading, it is a warning that boredom, minor disappointment, and moodiness are taking over your life. You are wanting what you cannot have or things that will not be good for you in the long run. It may feel awful at the moment, and things you once delighted in may seem uninteresting to you now, but it's time to stop being melodramatic and to look around yourself carefully. You still have options and opportuni- ties. Tap into the element of water, wash away your doldrums, and find solace and peace.

Keywords: Dissatisfaction, disappointment, moping, moodiness, melodrama. Wanting things you cannot have or that will not be beneficial in the long run. Allow the element of water to wash away your doldrums.

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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 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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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: This card represents partial success. While others may think you hold the world in the palm of your hand, you may still feel like you are unsure of where to go next. Such scenarios occur when an unexpected promotion or career advancement leaves you feeling unsure of what to do next. There is a partial success, and you may feel like you are at the halfway point of your personal goals. There are choices and serious decisions to be made. But look around you-there is help, support, and advice from a mentor. Take their good advice, and enjoy this new business or career opportunity. Finally, this card can symbolize a successful business partnership.

Keywords: Preparation for a favorable change. Partial success. Good advice from a mentor. Successful business partnerships.

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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 this card appears in a reading, it is a message to tap into your own magick to find the answers you seek. Work in balance with the elements and the powers of nature to create your magick and bring about positive change. Magick is all around you, and it is everywhere in the natural world...the Magician challenges you to seek it out. Connect to this elemental energy and tap into its powers. Be confident and look within as well as without.

This particular Major Arcana card is a lesson in the Hermetic Principle of Correspondence, which teaches us that "As above, so below; as within, so without." We do exist on all planes-on the astral/spiritual, the energetic, and the physical. The Magician urges you to choose the most harmonious tools and natural accessories for your magick. Use the laws of correspondence and all of the resources that you have at your disposal wisely.

Keywords: As above, so below. Skill, determination, connection, confidence. Strength of will. Working magick with the four elements and the elemental spirits. The Hermetic Principle of Correspondence. Elemental magick and personal power.

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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 King of Swords is an authority figure. When this card soars into a reading, you need to be aware that your actions may be called into question. This is the card for rulers, leaders, and the wielders of justice. The King of Swords has links to the Emperor and the Justice cards, as the King of Swords concerns himself with matters of right and wrong, and also personal integrity and honor. This card quietly calls into question the wisdom of your personal choices, and he also announces that it is time to turn your knowledge into action. This man sees the world in black or white; there are no shades of gray for him. He is successful, clever, reserved, and a tad intellectual. He has a good head for business and may be a member of the armed forces, a security guard, a detective, or a police officer. The King of Swords also represents a mature man with brown hair and dark eyes who values his integrity above all else. He relies heavily on his common sense and believes in only what can be proven. Like the best kings of old, he is a wise and fair leader who sits in judgment because he must and who is ready to defend his kingdom should the situation deem it necessary.

The lesson of the King of Swords is to turn your knowledge into action while remaining fair and just.

Keywords: An air-sign man. Authority, a fair leader, judgment. Justice, reason, logic, truth. Ethics, honor, swiftly turning knowledge into action.

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

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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