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 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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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 the Queen of Pentacles appears in a reading, look for the ultimate earth mama. This card represents a mature woman who may have dark hair and eyes. She is practical and has a deep love of nature and a spiritual connection to the earth. While this queen is sensual, gorgeous, and loves beautiful things, she will work hard to get and maintain the things she cherishes. Gardening, cooking, or redecorating, she is always creating or tending to something or someone. This queen is happiest when she is nurturing others. She is a devoted wife and mother, an amusing friend, a generous hostess, and a passionate lover all rolled into one. The Queen of Pentacles is often linked to the Empress card. If they should both turn up in a reading, motherhood is the prime focus. The Queen of Pentacles is the definitive nurturer card. This card speaks of welcoming, cozy homes; happy families; beloved pets; loyal friends; fun; and affection.

The message of the Queen of Pentacles is to embrace your love of the beautiful things in this world. Create a beautiful and magickal atmosphere for yourself and your loved ones.

Keywords: An earth-sign woman. A homemaker in the best sense of the word. Emotional fulfillment. Generous hostess, loyal friend, nature lover, earth mama, devoted wife and partner. Hearth and home. Motherhood.

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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 this card turns up in a reading, it is a warning that you have blocked off your heart and emotions and are holding in your feelings. You are literally refusing to see what is right in front of you. Your heart says one thing, while logic says another. The water in this card represents your emotions and the repression of them. Just as the woman has turned her back on her feelings, you need to be aware that you are blocked and have closed yourself off. You may think you have balance, but there is no resolution. Take a careful look at both sides of the situation. Consider your options: boundaries are a positive thing, but do not shut yourself off from others. Be like the water and the swords in this card-stay calm and reflect like the water while you work through this, and be balanced like the swords as you work for equilibrium and understanding.

Keywords: The heart and mind are not in agreement. Putting up unhealthy boundaries, holding in your true feelings, working for balance of heart and mind, considering your options.

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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: Gentle strength, calmness, fortitude, and quiet personal power are the themes of this card. When this card turns up in a reading, it is a reminder that brute force is not necessary in the current situation; however, the wise use of personal power, self-control, determination, and strength of character are. Sometimes the strongest thing we can do is to have confidence in ourselves and our personal power-to be strong enough to work calmly and with determination through any challenges we may face, carefully and in complete control of ourselves.

Keywords: Strength of character, personal power. Restraint. Being calm. Self-control, confidence, determination.

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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: A romantic and intuitive young man with blond hair and green or blue eyes will arrive soon. This court card often represents a sensitive, gallant, and chivalrous man. He is perceptive, empathic, and maybe a little reserved. He carefully protects his feelings, which is illustrated by the armor. The Knight of Cups characterizes someone who is faithful and true, who believes in magick, chivalry, and honor. They are the best friend a person could hope for, and they will probably love once and love deeply. This card often turns up when there is about to be a proposition or tryst. This card also symbolizes movement and travel or a kind or chivalrous act. Expect romance, visions of what is to come, magick, and new, creative opportunities.

The challenge of the Knight of Cups is this: will you scry within the surface of the cup to see what will be or look for a vision of your future lover? Flow with the element of water, and seek your mystical answer.

Keywords: A romantic young man. Romance, a proposition or a tryst. A chivalrous act, integration of the Divine Feminine, dreams, a quest, movement and travel.

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

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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