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 Eight of Pentacles turns up in a reading, it tells of a time for practical knowledge, determination, and skill. This is a moment of hands-on training or of intense study with your career or the magickal arts. Here is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a creative project such as art or writing.

Being focused, disciplined, and diligent with your project, you will put all of your skills to good use. By combining all of your gifts with hard work, there will be success. This is not a card of fame; this is a card that reminds you of how effort, focus, and creativity often bring growth, gain, and a sense of accomplishment. This card can also show up in a reading when there is a long, involved project nearing a successful completion.

Keywords: Diligence, skill, attention to detail. Study and practice of the magickal arts. Work in progress, a project that is nearing a successful completion.

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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 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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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: The Star is a card of hope, inner peace, creativity, and healing. When this beautiful, tranquil card turns up in a reading, it is a sign that physical and emotional healing is on the way. Have hope, follow your dreams, and your wishes will be granted. This card speaks of inspiration; your creativity will flow better than ever before. Let it fill you up, and see where it leads you. The Star illustrates a softer, gentler magick and indicates that you will be working successfully with your intuitive gifts. Also, astrological timing is imperative to any magick performed at this time.

Keywords: Healing, inspiration, intuition, renewal. Hope, peace, wishes granted. Astrological magick. Wisdom. Creativity is flowing.

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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 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 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 Queen of Swords is a brown-haired woman with fair to hazel eyes. She is clever and ingenious, with a dry wit and razor tongue. When this card breezes into a reading, it can herald a time when you need to pay attention to your own instincts and intuition. New ideas are blowing in; it may be time to try something new. This card classically represents an air-sign woman-a woman who is career oriented, honest, focused, and successful in whatever she sets out to do. She may be sarcastic at times, but she is smart, blunt, and determined. She will rule her home and family with the same ruthless organization she applies to her career. Her communication skills are top notch; she may be a scholar, a writer, or a speaker. Though men are attracted to her for her looks, they tend to back off when they discover how smart and honest this queen is. She has no time for falsehood or ignorance. The Queen of Swords may represent a woman who is slow to trust others, especially in relationships, and a woman who may prefer to stand on her own. This queen will listen to her head first and logically consider her options before she trusts her heart.

The message from the Queen of Swords is this: assert your independence, stand up for yourself, follow your intuition, and try something new.

Keywords: An air-sign woman. Wisdom, independence, intuition, assertiveness. Personal development. Walk your talk.

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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 Nine of Cups turns up in a reading, expect that your social calendar will be filling up. This is the "hospitality" card. It also symbolizes welcome and confirms that you will be hosting an event or party for family and friends. If it appears in a reading with the Four of Wands, then expect to be very busy with social plans for the next few months. The Nine of Cups announces that you may find yourself hosting a sabbat or esbat celebration for your coven. This card can also represent community gatherings. Don't be surprised if you become involved in the organization and running of the sabbat celebration or community event. Enjoy the preparations and plans, and do not stress over them. Furthermore, this particular card is sometimes referred to as "the wish card." A wish is about to be granted.

Keywords: Hospitality, community, graciousness. Gatherings, festivals. A wish will be granted. Enjoyable celebrations with family, coven, and friends.

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

Meaning: The Lovers is a card of relationships and choice. This card illustrates the power of love, desire, destiny, romance, and attraction. It celebrates challenges overcome so that two lovers can be together. The angel in this Major Arcana card may be thought of as a matchmaker, but she may also be a protective force for the couple. The angel is a symbol of destiny. She is there to show us how every choice we make can affect our future. The angel reminds us to choose wisely.

Keywords: Sexual love, beauty, a romantic relationship. Decisions, commitment. Choices to be made. The choice you make now will affect your future. Love heals.

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