The Pentacles of the Minor Arcana

The Pentacle is the embodiment of Earth.  It is the coin, thus it was conceived by humans to purchase other man-made goods.  However this coin can be flipped to view the other side.  The new face of the Pentacle is magic.  In ancient times, pentacles were drawn on discs to initiate mystical formulas that manipulate the five senses of the body.  The astrological symbols of the Pentacles are Taurus, Capricorn, and Virgo.  The characteristics of them are reliable and practical.  Yet, they can become obsessed with material possessions.  Overall, Pentacles symbolize employment, money, and projects.

Additional factors
Animals of the Pentacle: the ox/calf (Apocalypse)
Season: Spring

The Minor Arcana: the Big Fifty-Six.

The Minor Arcana reveals the small secrets.  These secrets refer to specific people and events in everyday life; whereas the Major Arcana confesses general ideas and occurrences.  Please see the post with the  title: A "Crash Helmet" Introduction and The Learning Process for another review. There are 56 cards in the Minor Arcana, and each of the four suits contain 14 cards. Four are court cards(page, knight, queen, king) and the final ten are simply numbered from Ace to 10.  Each one has a wonderful meaning and fascinating history.  I cannot give the meanings of them, though.  The prospect of designing 56 meanings is dismal and very wasteful of time because there are other topics to cover.  I suppose that it is the time, lovely student, to seek out the information on the websites or books I have posted.  I would not worry about the creation of mistakes because there are 22 exceptional examples of deciphered cards for reference.  The 22 cards all contain the background information of the character and scene; the meaning; and the reverse meaning.  Remember, the reverse meaning occurs when the card is upside-down; whereas the usual meaning is used when the card is right-side-up.  It is imperative that you find these three factors to achieve a full understanding of the card.  I wish you luck, but I have full confidence that you will succeed.

The Swords of the Minor Arcana

The Sword represents aggression, battle, and intellect.  The Sword symbolizes air.  They are keen and swift.  Both the sword and air are powerful and defeat and enemy in seconds.  Gemini, Aquarius, and Libra are the astrological signs of air.  The children of air are prone to stages of depression because they are challenged by many obstacles.  However, they have all of the talent to conquer anyone or anything.

Additional factors
Animal of the Sword: eagle (Apocalypse).
Season: Winter
      

Apocalypse: Man, Eagle, Lion, and Calf.

Do you remember the four beings in the World card?
Those are the animals of the Apocalypse which to some people is the day of judgement and the end of the world as we know it.  In the book of Revelation in the Holy Bible, they surround the throne of God as it floats above the ground.  Each represent a different aspect of the animals on Earth.  The lion commands all beasts.  The eagle represents flying creatures.  The calf/ox is the leader of domesticated animals.  The man is the symbol of creation of material objects.  These animals also signify the four suits which is the next few chapters.
Please view http://www.oodegr.com/english/esxata/zwa1.htm#1. for more information about the Apocalyptic animals.

The Cups of the Minor Arcana

The Cups symbolizes emotions, love, and spiritualism.  Human emotions flow like water; it moves from one state to the next.  They have the ability to fill any vessel.  In astrology; Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio are represented by water.  Thus these are the signs of the Cup.  Many water signs are able to be calm, but many are prone to waves of emotion.

Additional fators

Animals of the Cup: water fairy and man (Apocalypse).
Season: Autumn
           

The Wands of the Minor Arcana

The suit of Wands signifies animation and rapid movement.  It is similar to the element of fire.  Fire is sways, crackles, and burns.  It reaches up to the sky, but crouches into the embers to avoid the wind.  Those of fire signs in astrology (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) are sometimes represented in the tarot by Wands.  The people of the Wand are known to be optimistic and sanguine. Wands also foretell enterprise or the pursuit of new ambitions.  This is shown by the fresh leaves that have sprout from the branch or walking-stick: it depends on how one views it.

Additional factors
Animals of the Wand: salamanders which were thought to live in fire and lions (Apocalypse).
Season: Summer
        
I, myself, am a Sagittarian and find a great kinship to the Wand.

The Minor Arcana:Suits

The Minor Arcana contains four suits like any deck of playing cards.  The Minor Arcana includes Cups, Wands, Pentacles, and Swords.  Of course, the playing cards have Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, and Spades.  Now they will be examined.

1. The Pentacle pairs with the Diamond.  They symbolize financial matters because diamonds are an expensive jewel and the pentacle refers to ancient coins.
2. The Cup joins the Heart.  They represent emotions and sometimes love.  The Cup holds the emotions as they tend to ebb and flow like water in an ocean's tide.  The Heart is an archetype for feelings and love.
3. The Sword couples with the Spade. Here the Spade does not refer to a gardening tool. They are sleek weapons of battle meant to show conflicts in the future.
4. The Wand accompanies the Club.  They are also weapons and battle.  However, the struggle leads to growth as seen by the tiny new leaves that grow from the Club and Wand.

The Minor Arcana's Structure Compared to Playing Cards

The Minor Arcana is similarly structured like playing cards.  Both sets have an Ace, King, Queen, and Jack/ Knight. One obvious difference is that the child of the King and Queen is called a "Knight" in Tarot, yet in a deck of playing cards he is referred to as the "Jack."  Another small dissimilarity is that Tarot has an extra player called a "Page."   A page refers to a young man in medieval times who was an apprentice to a knight.   However, both groups are deemed  to be "face cards" or "court cards." Also, they exclude the Aces from this term.  The court cards of the Tarot usually represent specific people in the life of the querent ( the person whose life is examined through the reading).  On many occasions they symbolize the stages of an event.  The Page shows the start of the new happening.  The Knight indicates the action of an occurance.  The Queen reveals the stability or persistence of an affair.  The King shows the completion of an event.  It is important to be certain that the card refers to either a person or event.

                                                

The End of the Major Arcana

Hooray! I congratulate anyone who has read every card meaning.  Still, I am proud of all who have skimmed the posts. Therefore, relax and relish this lovely moment because you deserve it.  I know that it may appear it overwhelming.  To memorize all the meanings of the Major and Minor Arcana is no small feat.  Yet, I promise that anyone who truly desires to be a Tarot reader will find the process rewarding.  It will become simpler as you reread the information about the cards.  You will connect the picture to the meaning.  The first couple of readings will require a reference manual, and it is acceptable to check the meaning during a reading.  The main point is to correctly reveal secrets.  If you are unsure of a card meaning; check my guide, or any Tarot link and book on this blog. Another tip: follow your instincts because they will steer you in the right direction.  Thus, when a certain phrases forms in your mind, use it in your reading.
Please, silent student, remember that when you have a reading to be fearless. Do not be afraid that you will perform a reading incorrectly.  Please have confidence in you abilities. The only bad readers are readers who do not care about the beauty and wonder of the deck.  But, quiet reader, I know you are serious about Tarot or at least mildly curious.  I respect your qualities.  Curiosity is the instigator.  When one is intrigued, they yearn to learn.  Seriousness is the guide. When one is professional, projects are finished.  The product of curiosity and seriousness is an impenetrable force.  My admiration for you is limitless. Your eagerness propels me to write. My singular hope is that I have taught you something.  If you have learned anything new, please comment on this post.

Twenty-one: The World of the Major Arcana

The charming, divine goddess passionately moves in the dance of life.  She only wears a scarf, and she delicately holds two rods of power which attract energy from above (like the Magician).  In the four corners are the four elements(top left: air,water, fire, and earth). The wreath celebrates the graduation because the woman has achieved the super conscious.  She can apply and use her subconscious and conscious mind together to create.  There is balance between the material world and the spiritual enlightenment.  The journey and tasks have ended, so she reaps the benefits and glory.
Meanings: completion, reward, triumph, travel, arrival of the super consciousness, and freedom.
Reverse: fear of change, wariness of travel, blindness to the "big" picture, and success still to be achieved.

Twenty: The Judgment of the Major Arcana

The messenger angel Gabriel hovers above the coffins that float in the water of cosmic thought.  He awakens the dead with the beautiful music of his trumpet.  Men, women, and children are reborn in mystical exultation.  The man symbolizes the conscious mind.  The woman is the subconscious mind.  The child depicts the personality which stems from both of the areas of human intellect.  Their past has been eliminated.  Their antiquated beliefs have been destroyed.  It is a new season; a genesis.
Meanings: awakening, renewal, a change in attitude, a surprise, insight, and a change of goals through an emotional upheaval.
Reverse: weakness, fear, and destruction.

Nineteen: The Sun of the Major Arcana

The sun squats above a lively scene.   A child rides on the back of white stead and waves a vibrant red banner.   Sunflowers grow in the glory of the child.   The ease displayed by the naked child represents actions that do not require a deep musing and the victory over secrecy.  It is possible to equate the Fool to the child.  It seems the Fool has returned to the simplistic, wonderful life of an innocent child. 

Meanings: success, reunions, pleasure in the simple life, good health, and expulsion of the worries in life.

Reverse: broken relationships, loss of financial stability, and the future is shrouded in mystery.

Eighteen: The Moon of the Major Arcana

The Moon of the Major displays stages and evolution.  The Moon, itself, shows three phases (body, mind, and spirit).  The crayfish emerges from the cosmic thought.  The howling wolf reveals the wild nature of the world.  It lurches on the Earth.   The dog is the tamed aspect. Do the pillars look familiar?  They were in the background of the Death card.  The pillars offer protection from the rugged life in which man is contained. He needs safety because this world contains secrets and hidden evils.  The moon’s light cannot penetrate them.  Only the sun can blaze through the obscurity to unveil the truth.

Meanings: hidden things, deception, bad luck, latent psychic powers, and secret perils.

Reverse: pragmatic control will allow the appearance of imagination, difficulties will be surpassed with some harm, and risks should not be taken.

A Brief Explanation of Chakras

The word “chakra” comes from the Sanskrit language, and it refers to the energy centers in the body which are rooted in the nerves.  Each chakra is shaped like a wheel or flower.  Also, each chakra represents a body part.  When one analyzes a specific body part, the progression of the soul can be seen.  Example: Vishuddha, the throat chakra, governs the thyroid gland which is responsible for growth.  On a spiritual level, it is responsible for the communication of thoughts which results in freedom.

View http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakra for an extensive report.

Seventeen: The Star of the Major Arcana

The stunning, elegant woman pours mystical water into the dirt and river.  As in the picture of Temperance, she anchors her body with one foot in the pool of the unconscious mind and with the other foot in sturdy plain of the conscious mind.  It is possible that the liquid from her carafes are the physical form of the maiden’s essence.   She blends her soul with nature in meditation.  Behind the damsel is the artless ibis which is the sacred bird of thought.  In the cosmos above her head, lays the stars that radiant energy.  Sometimes, the smaller stars are used to represent the seven chakras of the body. 

Meanings: hope, inspiration, good health, love will be given and received, excellent communication, success, and fame.

Reverse: pessimism, uncertainty, and a limited view of the world.

Sixteen: The Tower of the Major Arcana

The mighty Tower has been struck by the vicious bolts of lightning.  The stone blocks that secured a haven for the prince and princess are shattered by the awe-inspiring Mother Nature.  The attack was swift.  Their fall from safety in materialism was unexpected.   But they are free from the falsity, and they are enlightened by this fact.

Meanings: unexpected move in or out of the house, disruption will bring insight, home repairs, sudden health risks, change, and bankruptcy.

Reverse: false imprisonment and oppression.

Tarot is not Black Magic

I beg and plead for everyone to distinguish Tarot from Black Magic.  Tarot readings will open hearts and souls.  The connection it can bring to a serious reader and the querent can pull tears from eyes.  It reminds me of how close humans can be.  It is awesome in the true meaning of the word.  Black Magic is practiced by those who only desire misery for others because they are woebegone and wretched.  If you, passive reader, yearn to hurt and destroy; do not read this blog.  As Above So Below is exclusively for people who wish to help others or themselves become more open to the pure enchantment our world offers.  Furthermore, Tarot does not deny you the right of believing in the existence of the immortal creator.  I, myself, believe in God.  I perceive that He has ingrained wonderment in our lives.  As a Good Samaritan, I will aid others to see the beauty in themselves and the external factors.  I hope that you will do the same. 
Visit http://www.newageinfo.com/difference-black-white-magic.htm for more differences between White and Black Magic.

Fifteen: The Devil of the Major Arcana

WARNING: This card will NOT open any life to the Devil or evil spirits.  Now, let's begin.  The Devil keeps the man and woman as captives in his vile den.  He raises hand to summon fiends to follow him and bless them with the wicked inverted pentagram.  Yet, it would be foolish to be guided by the man who perches uneasily on a small block.  It illustrates his own ignorance.  Humans must remember that they made their own misfortune, and they can mend their wrongdoings as easily as the characters can remove the loose-fitting collars.
Meanings: evil, discontent, depression, feeling restricted, and bondage to material items.
 Reverse: awareness of the spirit, removal of material obsession, and loss of self-interest.

Fourteen: The Temperance of the Major Arcana continued

The archangel Micheal blends the water in an alchemical process. He combines the subconscious mind with the unconscious mind.  He joins the past, present, and future.  Micheal is stable as one foot is placed on land and the other foot grounded in the earth.  Please, enjoy the vibrations and pleasant emotions of the Temperance.  Remember everything must be in moderation, though.  Discover more information on alchemy and the archangel Micheal through http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy and http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10275b.htm .
Meanings: self-control, harmony with others, tempering, self-control, and dreams will be achieved in the physical world.
 Reverse: an unfortunate combination, disputes, separations, and altercations.

Fourteen: The Temperance of the Major Arcana (Personal Thoughts)

Do you remember the post called Awakening the Cards?  I briefly explained some cards will attract the reader more than others during the first meditation session.  Temperance is the card that captured me.  It radiates love, serenity, and balance.  It also represents a mingling of two entities; two souls.  When I first read the meaning of the card, I was thrilled because it stands for the house of Sagittarius of astrology.  The lovely, brilliant Joshua M. and I are both Sagittarians.  When, I read for myself sometimes Temperance is revealed.  I am certain that Temperance denotes our existence as one being.  Silent reader, it is acceptable to attach specific people with particular cards when reading for yourself.  Moreover, I shall discuss the marriage of astrology and Tarot in a later chapter.

Thirteen: The Death of the Major Arcana

WARNING: This card does NOT foretell a PHYSICAL death.  If this card appears in personal spread or in a spread for the querent (the person who comes to the tarot reader for insight), please acknowledge that this card does NOT bring a PHYSICAL DEATH.  Now, I will continue with the examination.  The skeleton knight rides his stead and tramples the dead ruler.  His wife and child retract in fear while the bishop prays for the king's soul. In the background a river looks as if it flows directly into the sun.  The sun uses the water vapors to create clouds which feed the river they were born from. Death and Life are cyclical.  They supply each other.  Furthermore, I will note that the bishop is the only one that stands because he has a strong belief system and does not fear death.
Meanings: Transformation, change, phoenix complex, and new opportunities.
Reverse: Disaster, political upheaval, and temporary stagnation.

Twelve: The Hanged Man of the Major Arcana (Part Two)

The second tale of the Hanged Man is set in medieval times.  It was a custom to hang criminals such as debtors and people convicted of treason before the execution.  This process was called baffling.  Baffling was used to cause humiliation.  Yet, the Hanged Man of the tarot seems halcyon in the his stationary imprisonment.  His eyes are open and peaceful.  The halo around his head declares innocence.  He knows the ordeal will pass quickly, and he is prepared to embrace the knowledge that his sacrifice will bring.  I equate the Hanged Man to parents and guardians.  They relinquish freedom, money, and time to help us; the children.  Impressive, remarkable adults are formed through their strain.
Meanings: wisdom, prophetic power, a pause in life, suspended decisions, and epiphany.
Reverse: Arrogance, resistance in spiritual matters, egotism, false prophecy, and preoccupation with material items.

Twelve: The Hanged Man of the Major Arcana (Part One)

The card may deem the character as adult; however, he is a juvenile.  The first tale behind the Hanged Man includes sacrifice.  The youth is sacrificed to the commander of all the Norse gods: Odin.  Odin is the symbol of wisdom and knowledge because he traded one of his eyes for a taste of the magical waters of the Well of Wisdom which was protected in the roots of mighty World Tree called Yggdrasil. Wisdom is quite difficult to attain.  Sacrifice is the key to enlightenment. In modern times, its accepted that studying and working vigorously will lead to knowledge. Odin understood sacrifice and wisdom as most figures in mythology comprehend both concepts.  Odin stabbed his chest with a keen blade, and hung himself to find the Well of Wisdom.  His blood oozed and trickled into the grooves the ancient bark. It traveled downward.  After many days, he saw it's destination. The Well of Wisdom was hidden under the second root, and he was able to pull the roots and sip wisdom.  This myth became extremely popular, and adolescents would hang from trees to achieve the success of Odin.  Please go to http://www.godchecker.com/pantheon/norse-mythology.php?deity=ODIN for more information about Odin.