The Tower
In the Health position
Hidden health; physical and emotional.
Meaning: Destruction. Major change. Unheeded warnings. Greed, pride, arrogance. Revolution. Breakdown or breakthrough‹ the positive or negative implications of the card depend on the querent's position. If one has been living under oppression, dramatic and possible traumatic change will be freedom, but if one has been living the high life off the toil of others, expect reversal of fortune and loss. Irrepressible tantrum of change. Eruption. Triumph over enslaving, compulsive behaviours such as addiction or obsessive complexes. Collapse of the old system or lifestyle. Destruction of gains made by ill means. Clearing of the air. Cleansing destruction. Change of values.
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The Empress
In the Health position
Visible health; physical and emotional.
Meaning: A kind, capable woman. One who instills confidence in others. A beneficial influence. A strong role model. A woman who promotes and encourages the potential of those around her. A peacemaker and diplomat. An intelligent, calm, mature personality. Determination and dignity. One who teaches by example. A nurturing, considerate person who gives much to the community. Confidence. Empathy. A matriarch. Guidance and support. A mother figure. Security, comfort, and appreciation. Fertility. Personal development.
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Eight of Pentacles
In the Attitude position
Hidden mental attitude.
Meaning: Employment. Commissions. Schedules and deadlines. Focus. Creative work. Skills and talents put to good use. Knowledge and experience. A large project or business running as a welloiled machine. Maturity of business. Accommodation. Achievement. Success. Income. Finding one¹s niche in life.
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Queen of Swords
In the Attitude position
Visible mental attitude.
Meaning: An impressive, empowering, trailblazing woman. Courage and intelligence. Steely determination. Revolutionary, pioneering qualities. Confidence. One who will not be held down by convention. Even if she appears mild-mannered, at her core she remains an independent, even rebellious spirit. Gains. Taking control. No-nonsense sort of woman. May be careless or unsympathetic with the feelings of others.
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Three of Swords
In the Relationships position
Hidden relationships.
Meaning: Heartache. Hurt. Harsh resolution. Distress. Having been abandoned. Severance. Feeling crippled by the weight of past hurts. The pain of being misunderstood or unfairly judged. Rejection. Estrangement. Fear and isolation. Separation. The pain of a triangle dynamic in relationship or interests. The need for mental control over emotions. Frail health.
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Knight of Wands
In the Relationships position
Visible relationships.
Meaning: A quick, clever man with a sense of humour. One with an unusual way of looking at life, recognizing patterns and opportunities missed by others. He is somewhat unpredictable, making for stimulating company. A man who inspires with his enthusiasm and gift of language. A considerate and loyal person. A journey or change of residence. Sound instincts.
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Temperance
In the Career position
Hidden career.
Meaning: Tempering. Moderation. Adaptation. Managing a volatile situation in a calm, thoughtful way. Grace under pressure. Healing. Balance, reflection, and patience. Having clear boundaries. A confident and outspoken survivor. Bridging two very different worlds. The successful mixing of two opposites. Combining materials. This tarot card is sometimes called the Art card and speaks of visionary art that brings ideas from one world to the next. Being of two worlds. Ability to adapt. Beneficial transformation. Successful combination of ideas, lifestyles, or people. Creating a nurturing, appropriate environment. Caring for one's health. Repose. Feeling protected and removed. Guardian angel. Self-control. Compatibility. Blending and harmony. Finding inner peace. A period of waiting and constructive use of time.
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Ace of Swords
In the Career position
Visible career.
Meaning: Action. Great, rising force. Taking control. Determination. Energy. Swiftness. Bringing about change. Direction and enacting ideas. Quick, clever, decisive action. Implementing plans. Follow through. Release of energy and pressure. Confidence. Conviction. Heroics and focus. Discriminating powers‹cutting through and free of the briar. Cutting ties. Clearing the air. Sense of timing. Harnessing the winds. Rocking the boat. Engaging life.
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The Fool
In the Spirit position
Hidden spiritual path.
Meaning: A beginning. Embarking. Establishing a path. A leap of faith. Venturing off on one's own. New possibilities. Optimism. Not being limited by previous experience or the opinions of others. An open mind. A break with convention. Nonconformity. Lack of reason. Deliberate ignorance. Folly. Learning through play. Testing and exploring. Acting without a plan. Being open to new experiences. Enthusiasm. Trust. Innocence. Choosing a path that may appear foolish to others. Unrealistic expectations. Being in the present. Uninhibited behaviour. Chasing rainbows. Being blissfully unaware of dangers allows one to reach a higher goal. Or, if aware of the danger, choosing not to let fear hold one back.
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The Priestess
In the Spirit position
Visible spiritual path.
Meaning: Faith and inspiration. Wisdom and insight. Enlightenment. Imagination. Receptive state of mind. Intellectual growth. Leading a life close to inspirational sources. Conducive, artistic environment. A rich inner life. Seclusion. Self-knowledge. An understanding of dark and light nature. A multifaceted, complex woman. Multiple talents. Creativity. A fertile, artistic, or scientific mind that benefits from intuitive or psychic leaps. Revelation. Expanding mind. The feminine artistic, creative force. The grace of inspiration. Choosing to serve an art or science, which can appear cold to those who live for relationships or misguided to those who serve money. A counsellor, priestess, anchoress. A woman who appears removed emotionally and who is a law unto herself (this, however, does not mean she is unkind, and being impartial she often makes a wise counsellor). Self-reliance. The card may represent avoiding commitment to a relationship. While she may be an inspiring role model herself, she is not the sort to seek followers. A mature woman. A time of peace. Charging of energy. Insight and foresight. A keeper of inspiring sources, whether ideas, beauty, or life by example.
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Justice
In the Outcome position
Outcome of the present path.
Meaning: Deliberating. Search for truth and justice. Weighing an issue or situation. Striving for balance and equilibrium. Remaining impartial or centered, and so capable of fair judgment. Insight. Honesty and honour. Discriminating logic. The value of order. The triumph of reason. Appropriate response. Karma. Law of cause and effect. Negotiating. Equal partnerships. Legal affairs. Favourable judgment in legal matters. Selfgovernment. Having the inner strength and confidence not to be swayed by the opinions of others. Internal balance achieved by being temporarily unattached to an outcome. Having the patience to allow Justice time to determine Her course. Having the courage, strength, and conviction to uphold and implement justice. Taking the right action, even if unpopular or costly. The card can relate to civil justice or the concept of divine justice.
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