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 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.

 Return to Top

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 flows into a reading, it is a reminder of the bonds of magick and friendship, and it is an illustration of the power of three. Your magick is manifesting at this time, whether you have cast your spells as a solitary or with your beloved friends and members of your coven. Magick is all around-and it is working. Expect growth, success, and creativity. Your goals are coming to fruition. This card represents a magickal friendship that brings delight and enchantment into your life. It may also indicate spiritual or psychic growth, gaining a new degree in your coven, or advancing in your course of magickal studies.

Keywords: A happy occasion. A gathering of friends, family, or coven members to celebrate. The power of three and the magick of manifestation. Observing the sabbats, sharing experiences. Magickal advancement, psychic growth, the bonds of a healthy magickal friendship. Growth, success, creativity.

 Return to Top

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 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.

 Return to Top

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.

 Return to Top

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 often marks a time of initiation and learning. The Maiden Goddess is challenging you. Be wise and listen to her words of wisdom. This card is a reminder to quietly and calmly seek occult knowledge and look within. Use your intuition and trust your instincts. This is not the time to let your emotions rule you; instead, it is an opportunity for growth and a chance to gain real insight and understanding. The High Priestess teaches you to be strong, wise, and steady. She quietly shows you that in order to attain real wisdom you must remember to always work your magick thoughtfully and from a place of neutrality.

Keywords: The Maiden aspect of the Goddess. Neutrality, initiation, wisdom. Inner knowledge, intuition. Lunar energy and magick, waxing moon magick, the feminine mysteries of the Craft.

 Return to Top

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: 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.

 Return to Top

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

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.

 Return to Top