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 Three of Swords is dealt in a reading, it causes a visceral reaction. This is a brutally tough card; there is no polite or soft way to put it. When the Three of Swords turns up in a reading, it is like a sucker punch to the stomach. It hurts. This card, more than any other, illustrates the pain and loss that the querent is experiencing at this time. What you need to understand is that you will have to take the pain into your heart, accept it, shed your tears, and then move beyond it. Once you have accepted the pain and experienced the grief, then-and only then-can you move forward. This card may also stand for a delay to a project and plans or the painful karmic repercussions that are experienced when a manipulative spell backfires on the caster.

Keywords: Delay, personal betrayal, loss. A time of drama and tears. Sadness, conflict. A spell that has backfired.

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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 is an auspicious card and a cheerful one. When the Page of Wands announces himself into a reading, be prepared for happy news and exciting times. Typically this news will come from a younger person. Watch for a young, fair-haired person. The Page of Wands may be announcing a new job opportunity or a promotion, or he may be heralding the impending birth of a child (especially if the Ace of Cups also appears in the spread). Expect an invitation or an opportunity.

The Page of Wands eagerly shouts out this message to you: it's time to use your imagination and your determination to achieve your goals of success.

Keywords: Eagerness, a news bearer. Expect exciting and happy news soon, typically from a younger person. Determination and imagination. An invitation or an opportunity.

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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 Eight of Wands flies into a reading, it is a notice that projects that were once delayed are coming to a swift completion. This is a positive and exciting card full of motion and action. Spells that were cast will happily manifest now. Often this card will symbolize travel for business or pleasure, and typically this is travel by air. The Eight of Wands can also mean long-distance communication between business partners. This is the time where fresh ideas and creativity rule, and swift and decisive action is the order of the day.

Keywords: Movement, action. Things coming to a swift completion. The positive manifestation of spellwork. Travel for business or pleasure and typically travel by air. Long-distance communication.

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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 Seven of Wands turns up in a reading, it is a notice that you are about to face a challenge-one you will thoroughly enjoy. It may be a sort of personal test, where you take on the challenge just for the fun of it and to see just how far you can advance your skills, be they magickal or mundane. This card shows the use of muscle and movement with restraint and style. Your enthusiasm, ambition, and wit will serve you well here. This card appearing in a reading assures that you will overcome obstacles and rise above them with style, wit, and humor.

Keywords: Adrenaline, enthusiasm, ambition. A challenge. Putting your skills to the test. Overcoming magickal or mundane obstacles with style, wit, and humor.

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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 Ten of Cups shimmers into a reading, it is a positive omen. This is the card of the happy family and good marriage or stable relationship. This card also symbolizes the bond of friendship, the fellowship of community, or the emotional ties that form in a happy and close coven. Naturally, work and care are required to maintain these good relationships, but a positive and happy outcome will be achieved. Celebrate the loving relationships that you have in your life. Friends and family are precious; cherish them.

Keywords: Love, imagination, fulfillment. Joy, good humor, happy family. Good home life, comfort and joy. Friendship, happy coven, being a part of the magickal community.

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

Meaning: This card symbolizes that you are allowing someone else or a situation to have power over you. The old coven-mate who left in high drama, the in-law from hell, or the boss you cannot please-this is a person who can walk into a room and ruin your day...because you let them. Break those chains and walk out of the shadows! Stop giving away your power, and stand strong. What is important to remember is that you can break free of your reaction anytime you wish. It's time to embrace the shadow side of your personality and to really look your fears in the face. Come to terms with whatever is holding you back. Stop cowering. Work to find balance and courage.

Keywords: Allowing another person to have power over you and your reactions. Defending yourself from baneful magick. Overcoming fear to emerge victorious.

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