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 Five of Swords appears in a reading, it is a signal that the querent is feeling humiliated and embarrassed. This is only a partial defeat, and they are still in control. Don't give up! Shift things around and look for more possibilities. Allow the element of air to bring some fresh air and a new perspective into your life. Heed the message of the dragonfly and see through the illusions of others. Transform your life into something bright and wonderful.

Keywords: Embarrassment, illusion, trickery. Learn to laugh at yourself and keep going forward.

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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 lands in a reading, it means that you need to think quickly and act decisively but keep your temper in check. You need to remain vigilant and to be on guard for trouble or conflict, but you should use your wit and not brute force. You do have the ability to quickly put an end to nonsense and petty arguments with either quick actions or a few well- chosen words. This card may physically represent an intense, impulsive, and active young person with brown hair and green or hazel eyes. The hawk symbolizes messages, and when it appears in your life it is always a sign from deity to pay attention to what is going on around you.

The message of the Page of Swords is that caution, cleverness, and tact are needed at this time. Try for tact before you take a swipe at your opponent.

Keywords: Vigilance, caution. Standing on guard for trouble or conflict. Putting an end to petty conflicts with a few well-chosen words. An intense and intelligent young man.

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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 may symbolize a leader of a family or a magickal group-a responsible, balanced person. Just as the Emperor is doing in this card, you should calmly survey your situation and carefully consider your options. This card may stand for your boss at work (no matter what their gender), not just a husband or a father. The Emperor card will often appear in a reading when you are up for a promotion at work, about to earn a higher degree in your coven, or even if you are taking a new job with better prospects. If you find yourself standing as the head of the family or coven and are the peacemaker and arbitrator, it is possible this card may represent your role within the group. It can also symbolize your leadership within a family dynamic or at your place of employment.

Keywords: Leader of a family or coven. Father figure, family man, loving husband and/or father. Sovereignty, reason. Masculine energy, protection. A responsible and balanced person.

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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 Justice card appears in a reading, you need to ask yourself what is out of balance and what sort of justice you are looking for. What is it that seems so unfair in your life? What actions of yours have brought you to this point? This card can represent legal matters and a possible court case. It can also symbolize a restoration of balance. It indicates that fair play, honesty, harmony, and balance are coming. Situations will work themselves out. Trust and leave the dispensing of this justice in the hands of the gods.

Keywords: Justice, legal matters, fair outcome to a court case. Cause and effect. Allowing the gods to take care of the outcome. Honesty, equilibrium, integrity, and equality.

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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: The Karma card shows us that cycles and change have to be respected and that everything happens for a reason. Honor the changes in your life and grow with them. There are spiritual forces at work. It is time for you to make an important decision. Your destiny will be shaped by the choices you make today; keep in mind that the karma to follow will be of your own making. So be aware of both your actions and your magick on a spiritual level. Karma always has its way. Work consciously to create a positive transformation.

Keywords: Making a positive change for your future reality. Renewal, deeper spiritual and magickal awareness, karma and destiny. Reflection on past events. Results of your past actions.

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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: When this card appears in a reading, it means that there are questions that need answering and advice to be sought. Classically this card denotes a need for legal advice or counseling. It may also indicate a course of study or furthering your education or the need to settle disputes in a coven. But remember that the High Priest is the wise and patient counselor, an elder, and a teacher. He does not give you all the answers to your questions; instead, he helps you figure out where to look to find your own truths. He places in your hands the keys to unlock the mysteries and to gain deeper knowledge, then trusts that you will find the answers yourself, using the lessons he has so carefully taught you.

Keywords: Possible legal matters to attend to. Counseling, settling disputes in a coven, upholding tradition, preserving magickal wisdom. Understanding the mysteries of the Craft, furthering your education, uncovering your personal truths.

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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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