The Magician represents Will, mastery, organizational skills and creative talents. It also represents the ability to take creative ideas and turn it into something tangible.

The Emperor sits on his throne. He is a leader. Two ram's head decorate his chair. Rams are the symbol for Aries, the first house of the zodiac. In his right hand, he holds an ankh, in his left, he holds holds a globe.

The Emperor is the fourth card of the Major Arcana, symbolizing a stable foundation, a base. It is also representative of the four elements, earth, air, fire, water, as well as the four seasons of the year.

The Emperor is an active father force, contrasting with that of the Emperess, the nurturing mother. The Emperor stands for domination of the material world, leadership, mental activity. He represents power, authority, the results of labor and controlled sexual drive.

The Hierophant is seated between 2 pillars. These are representative of the Tree of Life, from the Quaballah. The tops of the pillars are decorated with mystic symbols. At the feet of The Hierophant are a pair of crossed keys, one in gold, the other, silver. Two monks or priests kneel before The Hierophant, one whereas a robe decorated with white lilies, the other, red roses. The Hierophant wears a 3 tiered crown, and carries a staff with 3 cross bars on it. The Hierophant is representative of traditional orthodox teachings. He shows preference for the outer forms of religion, the ritual and ceremony. He may also represent the need for social approval or conformity.

The female figure is representative of the subconsious mind, as is The High Priestess, and The Empress. Behind the female figure, a tree rises from the ground, with a serpant ringing around it. The tree is the tree of knowledge, and the fruit upon it is representative of the 5 senses. The serpent is temptation, coming forth from our subconsious.

The male figure in the picture represents the concsious mind, as did The Magician and The Emperor. Behind the man, a fruitless tree rises from the ground. Note how the man looks at the woman, while she looks upward towards the angel, perhaps telling us that the "conscious mind in unable to reach the superconscious unless it goes through the subconscious" (Gray, 1970).

The lovers stand together, there is nothing to hide, the find no shame in their nakedness. There is a unity between the two figures. In life, we need this unity between the conscious and the subconscious mind in order to achieve.

This card represents victory for the driver, victory on many levels. On his forehead is an 8-pointed star, which may represent dominion. The symbol on the front of the chariot shows the wings of inspiration above the Hindu symbol for the union of positive and negative forces. The two sphinxes are representative of the two outer pillars of the tree of life from the Kaballah. They need to be controlled by the driver lest they pull in two different directions. The canopy above our driver is made of stars, indicating that perhaps his victory is affected by celestial influences. Upon his shoulders, he wears two crescent moons, note the faces on these moons, one is smiling, and one is frowning.

Note the triumphant face on the driver. He is in control and has achieved some success. Success over what is not known, this will be told from the other cards, which appear in the spread. This is a card of greatness and the ability to achieve. It can represent the ability, the drive to achieve. It can also denote travel.

The female figure is wearing a garland of flowers. Above her head floats the cosmic symbol of eternity. She is in control of her life due to the influence of the spiritual power, which emanates above her. She grasps a lion at the mouth, yet she doesn't appear to be afraid, or in any danger; again, she is in control of her life.

The woman wears a white robe, which is a symbol of purity. Around her waist is a chain of roses, which represents the union of desires.

While the lemniscate above her head represents eternal life and spiritual courage, the lion represents the passions of man. The figure's strength lies not in her ability to over power the lion, but in the lack of fear she shows. Her strength is in her control. Her strength lies in her character, which overcomes the material. It is the process of love overcoming hate, the triumph of good over evil.

The wheel is made up of 3 circles. The inner circle is the creative force, the middle circle the formative power, and the outer ring of the circle is the material world. This is the same 3 tiers that can be found in the crown of the Hierophant's crown.

There are 4 mystical animals in the corners of the card. Their "numbers add up to the number 26, which is the number of Jehovah, IHVH (Gray)." They also correspond to signs in the zodiac. The bull to Taurus, the lion to Leo, the eagle to Scorpio and the angel to Aquarius.

In a spread, this card could represent the changing times, success, the hand of fate, a change for the better.

Behind the figure of Justice, suspended between the two pillars is a mantle that blocks out the influence of outside interference. Justice is draped in a red robe, from which you can feel a power emanating. She is draped in a green cape which is representative of truth (to me).

Justice gazes out with piercing eyes. She is not afraid do dispense justice. It will be done. Balance in all things is needed. Success will be achieved in legal matters, personal growth will be achieved.

Suspended from a T-shaped cross of wood draped in vines is a young man. His arms are folded behind his back, forming a triangle shape with his head (which is pointed downward) as it's apex. He has one leg bent, forming a cross. He is dependent upon the tree for his life. But, if you look at his face, his position is not uncomfortable, he is not in pain, rather he is introspective. He is pondering the choices life is giving him, working towards future enlightenment. The hanged man is contemplating the spiritual over the materialistic. He is reflective, pondering things to come.

In this card, we see a skeleton; in armor riding a white horse. He is riding over a dead king who wears a royal blue robe trimmed in white ermine, and towards a man, woman and child. The woman and child kneel before Death in submission. The woman turns her head in fear, but the child looks straight at Death, with no fear in his eyes. Both the woman and child wear garlands of flowers in their hair, and the child clutches a bouquet of white flowers. Standing before Death is a Bishop, who is dressed in a flowing yellow robe. His miter is shaped like a fish, and is a representation of the Piscean age, which is coming to an end. Death is carrying a black banner with a white rose emblazoned on it. In the background, is a river, which flows between 2 towers. Between the two towers, we see a rising sun, which symbolizes new beginnings

As you look at this card, you can feel a power, or energy emanating from it. The vibrant colors reach out and speak to you. This card speaks of achieving a balance, or middle ground. It isn't always necessary to be on the "winning side" or to always come out ahead. Nor is it good to be so goal oriented that you forgot why you are trying to achieve those goals. This card suggests to me taking time to smell the roses, and not to overdo any one thing

The Devil is the opposite of our Archangel card in key 14, Temperance. The Devil has both human and animal characteristics. His horns and legs are that of a goat. His face also resembles that of a goat. He has a human torso and arms. His ears are similar to that of a donkey, and his wings are those of a bat. His right hand is raised, giving a symbol of black magic, or that of the Vulcan live long and prosper, depending on your perspective. In his left hand, he holds a torch, which can be used for destruction. Before the devil, chained to the cube upon which he sits are two naked human figures. "The male figure has a tail which may represent the wrong use of the zodiac, while the tail of the female figure represents the wrong use of the wine of life (Gray, 1970). Look closely at the human figures, they are chained to the devil, but their bonds are loose. There is nothing preventing them from escaping all the devil represents. Free will can aid them, or bind them to the devil. This card may represent evil, black magic, bondage to the material side of life. Or, depending upon its position in a spread you could see the beginning of spiritual growth, the ability to move past the materialistic to the more spiritual.

The tower signifies change or conflict, the overthrowing of the old way of life. The change isn't bad though. The changes could lead a person down a different path, to a better way of life. Selfish ambition will come to nothing, but if the motives are pure and beneficial to all, they may bear fruition.

Behind the maiden, a bird representing thought sits upon a tree, which is representative of the mind. In the sky, there are seven small eight pointed stars, which represent the seven chakras. The stars are also representative of radiant cosmic energy.

This is the card of meditation. Meditation changes and modifies personal experience. If we listen, truth will come to us. We will gain insight, inspiration and hope. We will be blessed with the gift of good health, and unselfish aid will be given to us. If we are open to it, we can receive the gifts of the Spirit. If we are receptive to it, great love will be given and received.

This is the card of sleep and dreams, of intuition and imagination. Be aware, it is also the card of deception. Look at the two canines. They focus on the moon, and are unaware of the crawfish coming up behind them. This card can also mean that latent psychic powers are coming forth, and of imagination harnessed by more practical concerns. Beware of treachery and deceit.

Behind the child is a garden that is walled in. Four sunflowers in full bloom look towards the child and not the sun for their full development. They represent the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water.

This card is representative of material happiness, success, wealth and attainment. A good relationship will be achieved. Success may be achieved in arts science and agriculture.

Floating on a sea are coffins. The sea is the comic sea, which is fed by the streams we see beginning in the High Priestess and traveling throughout much of the major arcana. People arise from the coffins, with their arms raised in supplication. But they are not afraid of Gabriel; instead they seem to be in awe of him.

This is not so much a card of death and of afterlife, but of a completion of something, a job well done. It is a time of awakening and renewal. If there are legal matters at hand, the judgement will be favorable. There will be a change in personal consciousness as you rise above the material plane to blend with the universe.

The maiden is dressed in a white robe with a blue mantel over it. On her head she wears a crown of laurel. The man is dressed in a tunic of yellow and black. In his hair he wears a crown of flowers.

Each of them holds a cup; a cup filled with the good things of life. Above the cup are two serpents that are twined about a staff. The staff is the phallic emblem of the creative fires of life, the serpents, the balance between good and evil. Above the two serpents is a winged lion. It is representative of the carnal desires taking flight.

In the background we see a small house or cottage. Perhaps it is the home the newly joined couple will be going to. When I give a reading, if the cottage stands out, I see it as a move. The couple together represent the harmony of a male/female relationship. There is a balance of ideas, a sharing.

The first maiden has her back to us, and she is clothed in a mantle of orange. The maiden on the right is dressed in a gown of white with an overdress of golden yellow, and in her free hand, she holds a bunch of grapes. In her hair, she wears a wreath of flowers. The third maiden is dressed completely in white and also has a wreath of flowers in her hair.

This card is representative of success, the completion of a project, the reaping of what you have sown. This card can also mean good luck, or the start of something good, a generous nature or hospitality.

Oftentimes when I give a reading, the querent will ask for a time frame of when something is going to occur. Look for the clues in the cards. In the 3 of cups, we see many clues relating to harvest time; the grapes and pumpkins, and even the colors of the clothing. These images in a reading would lead me to believe that something significant was happening in, or had happened in the autumn. The sun would be representative of summer, the five of pentacles always makes me think of winter and the 4 of wands is spring. What must be remembered is that these are my meanings. Remember; look for your own meanings. It is from these that your best readings will come

A young man sits below a tree in silent contemplation. Before him are four cups. Three are standing upright on the ground, and the fourth is being handed to him from a hand that emanates from above. The young man is oblivious to what is before him. He sits beneath a tree and stares at what is being offered to him in disdain.

This card can represent a period of stagnation, weariness, stagnation or even depression. When you look at this card, you can tell the person is unhappy with the materialness of life, and perhaps he is contemplating a change. In the right position in the reading, this card could mean that a person is leaving a period of contemplation or introspection and is preparing to embark on a new journey of the mind or spirit.

I call this card my could have would have should have card. Look at the figure. She is wearing a black capes, and standing before 3 overturned cups. Behind her are 2 full cups that she is ignoring. Instead, she chooses to focus on what may have been. In the distance, across the river of the subconscious lies a castle. Is the castle a place where the figure comes from, or is going to?

When this card appears in a reading, it could mean disappointment, disillusionment and sorrow. Loss of friendship or love, or perhaps the end of a marriage. If during a reading, you are keep being drawn to the cups that are still standing, you may be seeing new friendships or relationships. The return of a loved one. Looking forward to new expectations.

This card represents happiness that is found in the past. There may be happiness in your present life, but you are too busy looking into the past. You may be renewing a friendship with someone. This card can also represent receiving a gift or being given an opportunity. The 6 of cups can also reflect clinging to old ways, an unwillingness to step forward and grab the future with both hands, instead, grasping the past. It may also represent receiving a gift or inheritance from the past.

When you look at this card in a reading, or during a meditation, it is important to realize exactly which figure is standing out. If you see the serpent, perhaps the person you are reading for is dealing with issues of jealousy or deception. The castle could represent a new home, or, the building of castles in the air. On the surface, this card looks wonderful...."Look!" "I am attaining my heart's desire." But at what expense? Is the person too caught up in the material world. Does he or she give off the illusion of wealth, but have nothing to back it up.

This card can mean so many different things, castles in the air. The inability to focus on a goal or desire. Instead, the seeker reaches out for too many things. The illusion can be deceiving. However, depending on the surrounding cards, the position of this card in a reading, or the specific image you focus upon, it may also mean a small success on which to build. Good choices have been made, or a goal has been set.

This is a card of discontent. I see a person who wanted something, and who worked for it. However, once the goal is achieved, it is abandoned. This is somebody who is never happy with what they have; someone for whom the grass is always greener. The person could also be walking away from a disappointment or disillusionment in love. If, in a reading there are many other positive cards surrounding this one, it could mean that the person is choosing to leave material success behind for something more meaningful. He could be going forward and looking for new love or a new life

A man sits on a bench with his arms folding. His appearance is that of one is well fed, and is very satisfied. Behind him neatly arranged on a wall or on some pedestals are nine cups. The gentleman has a look of satisfaction upon his face, as if his every need had been met, and his every wish granted.

This card is oftentimes considered the Wish Card. If it comes up in a reading, the person you are reading for, the querent will receive his or her wish. It is also a card of material success and satisfaction. All the good things in life are available to you. Physical well-being and happiness are yours. The brass ring is within your grasp. But as with any wish, you must be careful for what you wish for. Don't wish for too much, beware of over indulgence.

The 10 of Cups is another one of those happy and joyful cards you like to see in a spread. Take a look at it. In the air is a rainbow filled with cups. Below the rainbow, stand a man and a woman. They each have an arm wrapped around the other, and their other arms are raised in joy. Beside this couple two young children dance in joy. They exude freedom and happiness. Before this perfect family, we see verdant meadows with a stream running through them. A stream runs through the meadow, and in the distance we see a small, cozy cottage. It is a peaceful and tranquil setting for our family.

This is a happy card, a card of contentment. It is a card of lasting happiness. The happiness in the card comes from above (the rainbow) rather than from the achievement of material goods. This is a card of lasting love, friendship and great success!

In a reading, this card could mean an introspective young person, who is studious, but also can get carried away by their imagination. It is also representative of the arts, meditation. Look at the page; see how the hand holding the cup is extended, He or she is giving you something. It can be news of some type, or a message.

When you are giving a reading for a person and want to chose a card to represent that person, you may chose this card for an unmarried male or female who is under 18 years of age. Their hair color would be light brown, and their eye color hazel. This is only a guideline. If you find another card that meets your subject's characteristics better, do not hesitate to use it. Remember to go with your feelings!

Before us, we see a knight perched upon his steed. He is dressed in full armor, but he is not a warlord. His helmet has wings upon it, as do his boots, much like that of Hermes. In his hand, he firmly carries his cup to the stream of consciousness before him. If you were giving a reading for a young man with light brown hair and hazel eyes, you might chose this card to represent him.

In a reading, this card can represent a young man who has a poetic nature, but who is rather lazy. He may be a dreamer, but can lack the drive to see those dreams through. To achieve his goals, he may resort to trickery and dishonesty, so proceed with caution!

A woman sits on a throne that is decorated with water nymphs. She is surrounded by water. In her hands, she holds a cup, which she stares at, in dreamy contemplation. The cup resembles a chalice used in religious rituals. It has a cover, indicating that there is more to it than is being seen.

This card is representative of a woman who is able to follow her visions. She is a good wife and mother. This person is kind and loving and giving. She is not one who wishes to make trouble for anybody. Success, happiness and pleasure may be forthcoming. If you are using this card to represent a querent in a reading, use it to represent a woman with light brown hair and hazel eyes.

A man is perched upon a throne which is surrounded by a rather storm tossed sea. From out of the water a fish leaps, and in the background there is a ship sailing. In on hand, the King holds a scepter, and in the other is a large cup. Around his neck is a fish suspended from a golden chain. This king represents balance, peace, arts and science. If you are choosing this card to represent a querent, it should be used for a mature man with light brown hair and hazel eyes.

In a reading, this man is skilled in a trade or knowledgeable in matters of the law. He may have a connection with a religious organization or some other large institution. This man is considerate and of a responsible nature. If no such man is in the qurent's life, look to someone who embodies these traits. There is also the possibility that this man is coming into the querent's life in the future.

Before we go to further, let's look at the Wands as a whole. This suit represents energy, industry and growth. The wands are always in bloom which shows life and growth, and of creation in all forms. Wands are associated with the element of fire. Salamanders are associated with fire, and therefore, are associated with wands as well. The lions of the apocolypse are also associated with the suit of wands. On a compass, or if calling the quarters, wands are associated with the south.

The Ace of Wands shows a hand coming from the clouds holding the wand. In the distance, there is a castle rising forth from a mountain. The rod itself has leaves growing from it indicating creation or new life. This is the beginning of a new enterprise or venture. It may even be the beginning of a family or a journey.

A man stands upon a fortress or castle wall looking out over the sea. In his right hand he holds a globe, and in his left a wand or staff. Mounted to the wall on his right is another wand or staff. Adorning the walls of the battlements is an equal armed cross made up of roses and lilies. The roses are representative of desire, the lilies of pure thought. Since the cross is made up of equal arms, it shows there is a balance between thought and desire.

See how the man grasps the staff and gazes out over the sea. He is bold and confident in his stance. In a reading this card can represent boldness, or courage. Going forth on a new venture or undertaking. This person is of a scientific bent, and in influential over others. Perhaps a teacher?

A man stands on a bluff overlooking the see. In the distance we see some ships sailing into port. His countenance is peaceful. He does not appear overly concerned. Perhaps he is a ruler overseeing his domain, or a merchant watching his goods arrive.

This is a card of fruition. The end result is at hand. Something that you have struggled for has been attained. However, be careful be careful that pride and arrogance does not destroy what you have achieved.

In the distance is a castle. It has the look of a prosperous, but not a forbidden palace. It looks to be the place of a celebration. Perhaps the harvest has been completed and the people are gathering to rejoice. It could also be a wedding or hand fasting celebration. At the base of the castle we see people dancing. In the foreground, two maidens approach, holding aloft four bouquets of flowers. They are moving towards a garland of flowers that is held aloft by four rods or wands. It creates a canopy that is reminiscent of a Chuppah.

In a reading, this card can represent completion of work, or a rest or celebration after a hard labor. It can also represent peace, harmony and prosperity. Oftentimes to me, this card is a marriage card because the Garland of flowers appears to resemble a Chuppah that is seen in Jewish wedding ceremonies.