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 a victory card symbolizing achievement, recognition, compliments, success, accomplishment, and well-deserved accolades after hard work. You can overcome any obstacle if you work at it. This card can also remind us to hang in there. Times may be tough, but you will get through it and come out victorious if you keep trying.

Keywords: Victory, achievement. Recognition for a job well done. Compliments and success. Accomplishment after hard work.

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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 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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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: The Hermit card is all about taking purposeful time off, standing alone, and looking within. When this card appears in a reading, it is a sign that you need to take some downtime for your- self and regroup. Now is the time for vision questing, reflection, intuition, meditation, and self-development. It is time to work your magick solitarily for a while, even if you are a member of a coven. Trust in yourself and in your gut hunches, and take some personal time to see where this leads you. Let your magick light the way, no matter what challenges you are facing.

Keywords: Reflection, meditation, intuition. Taking time off from the coven. Solitary work, spending some time alone out in nature, gaining enlightenment.

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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 Three of Pentacles turns up in a reading, it is a notice that success will be attained through focus and hard work. This is a positive card of progress-one that reminds you that your creative talents should be put to good use. These talents will bring you success and help to supplement your income if you wish. This is the card of self-employment, and it is an apprenticeship card (hence the card's "sorcerer's apprentice" theme). The actual apprenticeship may be a chance to learn a new career skill, or you may have an opportunity to enter a job training program. The Three of Pentacles can also represent a magickal apprenticeship. You may begin a new course of magickal study or perhaps are working towards a new degree in your coven. Your hard work will be noticed and appreciated by others. Now is the time to perfect your craft.

Keywords: Hard work, employment, progress. Success through dedication. Creatively using your talents. Magickal apprenticeship and achievement.

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

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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