Sara's Tarot Card of the Month

Each month Sara looks at a card from the Major Arcana relating to that month's Zodiac sign. She gives you her view on some of the history, upright meanings and what she feels the card represents.

September

The Hermit

Virgo (24th August – 23rd September)

We have now moved into the Zodiac sign of Virgo, and the card associated with this sign is The Hermit. There are four spiritual guide cards in the Tarot deck, the Hermit is one of them, and happens to be my favourite.  He is nearly always shown standing on a mountain top, wearing a long cloak and holding a brightly lit lantern in his hand. I feel the image of this is extremely striking, the solitary figure with the lantern shining, always moves me. The loneliness of the figure at the top of the mountain creates a sense of isolation from the world around. The name the Hermit, suggests a recluse who is seeking the 'light' to find inner peace and truth. As we all know, Hermits spend long periods in contemplation, and the essence of the message from this card is one of solitary reflection. Therefore, in my view the Seeker is being asked to withdraw from activities, particularly those of a trivial nature. For many of us our lives are dominated by the material aspect of the world we now live in, striving to achieve and fulfil our ambitions. In doing so it is easy to forget that material satisfaction can be short lived, this can lead to feelings of despondency and depression.  This card requests us to use meditation and seclusion to find a spiritual way of life which can bring a deeper feeling of satisfaction and fulfilment. The Hermit is the spiritual teacher, giving us guidance to move away from the materialistic world in which we live. Hopefully achieving a more spiritual outlook within our own lives, and treating others around us with kindness and understanding.

Many years ago while I was learning to read the Tarot cards, I was taught a lyric to this particular card, and it has always stayed with me. The lyric is: 'Look up dear friend and see the light, for you it shines by day and night'. I have never found out who wrote the lyric, but I feel this says everything about this Guide. The lyric is referring to the lantern which is being held high by the Hermit, shining brightly to show the pathway into spiritual enlightenment. The thought that this light is with us even in our darkest hours brings a sense of comfort, and dispels thoughts of loneliness and isolation. If The Hermit appears in a reading I always repeat this lyric to the Seeker, the comfort and security this has brought to many people over the years is enormous.  At difficult times in people's lives the comfort of a guiding light can be a source of tremendous hope and support. The Hermit is normally dressed in a simple cloak and hood, in my view this represents a desire and need for a lifestyle, which is not surrounded by material possessions.  In our busy and hectic lives, we can sometimes forget to take time for ourselves, we all need a time of reflection, contemplation and stillness, to calm our minds. This in turn can help us to see our lives more clearly, especially when making decisions. In searching for spirituality the effect can be a release from the pressure of achieving materialistic gain. This can bring a sense of freedom to live our lives at a different pace, as well as an appreciation of what we have accomplished. 

  

August

Leo (July 24th – August 23rd)

The card in the Major Arcana associated with the star sign Leo, is one of my favourite Zodiac signs, it is number 8 Strength.  The figure on the card is a woman; she is sometimes known as the Enchantress. She is often seen holding the Lion's head gently in her hands and opening the Lion's mouth.  The Lion is the symbol of solar power, and interestingly enough the ruling planet of Leo is the Sun, this planet is associated with solar power and energy, without which we could not survive. The Enchantress represents gentleness and understanding, the Lion represents power, courage and strength.  In the Major Arcana the card Strength number 8 comes straight after The Chariot number 7, which depicts a young man in a chariot. Traditionally, number 7 relates to male magic, and number 8 is associated with female magic, this connection with Wicca and witchcraft in the Tarot cards I find fascinating. You may see in some decks that above the Enchantress's head is the figure of the Nimbus or Lemiscate, the figure 8 on its side, this sign signifies eternal life, it is a common symbol and seen throughout the Tarot deck. The woman on the card is seen gently opening the Lion's mouth, which is an amazing form of control over such a powerful, strong and formidable animal. Some believe this indicates that the woman is absorbing the Lion's strength, courage and wisdom.  Spiritually for me Strength represents fortitude and resilience coming from within, to face problems with a calm, strong and courageous mind. The Lion is well known as the 'King of the Beasts' and this brings fearlessness, the woman is gaining strength from him and receiving some of his power and bravery. From this strength we are able to face fears that may have held us back in the past with determination.

In a few decks number 11 the Justice card is switched with number 8 Strength. It is believed that the secret Tarot of the 'Order of the Golden Dawn' probably was first to do this, and then others followed suit.  In a practical sense the Strength card represents man's sovereignty over the animal kingdom, which we should all hold as dear and sacred in our hearts. We have in the past disregarded the beauty of our natural world, the awesome power of nature we have taken for granted to satisfy our own needs.  Nowadays we are at last more aware of the need to protect our environment, and the incredible animal kingdom who share our planet with us.    

When this card comes out in a reading, as with all the Major Arcana cards look at the surrounding cards to see where in the Seeker's life strength may be needed. If the card presents itself in the position of the past after a period of adversity, this can mean that the Seeker has gained strength, courage and power from that particular situation. Should the Seeker be in a period of difficulty, the card can indicate they are finding the courage to face any problems or challenges in their lives. In my view, when Strength appears in a reading it is positive and reassuring for the Seeker, to know that strength will come from within. This increases the feeling of determination, and its very appearance can give the Seeker a feeling of power, courage and optimism for the future.

July

Cancer (June 23rd – July 23rd)

We have now moved into the Zodiac sign of Cancer, and the card in the Major Arcana associated with this sign is No 7, The Chariot. It is thought by some that the young man illustrated on the card is the son of The Emperor and Empress, which to me seems a rather romantic notion. On the card he is seen in a chariot being pulled by two horses, or in some decks two Egyptian sphinxes. The illustration on this card is believed to come from historical, as well as mythological foundations. Firstly, it is thought he represents a hero returning from battle in Rome, or some conflict in another place. The chariot carries him through the streets to the sound of applauding and cheering citizens.  We often see this in our modern day world, our premiers, presidents, monarchy, and our returning triumphant sports heroes travel through the streets on special occasions, with cheering crowds lining the roads.  The Charioteer's clothes are adorned with magic symbols; on his belt is the sign of a planet, sometimes shown as the symbol of Cancer. The lunar plates or semi-circles that he wears on his shoulders are believed to represent 'Urin and Thummin', the names of the shoulder plates worn by a High Priest in Jerusalem.  On the Charioteer's crown in the Morgan Greer Deck is a five pointed star, surely this is the upright pentagram, which is believed to date back as far as 3,500 BC. The pentagram is associated most with Pagan times, surrounded in myth and magic, and many who practice the ancient art of Wicca use it today. If it is used reversed or turned upside down the association is of black magic, the occult and the Devil. In many Tarot decks you will see the reversed pentagram illustrated on the card of The Devil.

The young man on the card can represent an adolescent male moving into adulthood with maturity, in control of his life and the decisions he is making, he is also in control of his emotions and sexual energy. The enthusiasm of youth is depicted in the young man, as well as bravery and courage to face the challenges of life. The card talks to us all about controlling our own destiny, deciding which direction we wish to take in life and the determination to take that pathway. It is a card encouraging the Seeker to use their own will power and tenacity to attain a certain target,  the two horses on the card are moving forward, this signifies a time of life changes,  making decisions, and steering one's own path. The purest meaning of the card is of someone taking charge of their own destiny, controlling their emotions, and striving to achieve their personal targets. If the card appears in the position of the final outcome it is extremely positive, and insinuates that the Seeker has their life on track, they have the ability to realize their full potential, and will be successful on their chosen pathway.
 

Gemini

May 22nd – June 22nd

For this astrological month the card in the Tarot deck is number 6 The Lovers, it is one of the most well known of all of the Tarot cards.  It evokes images of passion, desire, love and romance and may be viewed as the ultimate card of love. Normally on the card there appears two naked figures, a man and woman in a passionate embrace, some believe they represent Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Most of us know the ancient biblical story of Eve tempting Adam, to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil, which instigated The First Sin and the Fall.  Today many philosophers believe that the First, or Original Sin brought about the liberation of mankind rather than cause man's downfall.  In its purest meaning The Lovers symbolises a love between two people that is based on sincerity, truth and faithfulness, a 'soul mate' partnership that cannot be broken. The reality is that for many people a perfect relationship is often elusive, leading to feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem and dissatisfaction.  With all of our emotions, and particularly the emotion of love this card is a complex of meanings. There are many different types of love and it follows that the card can have various interpretations.

I view The Lovers as a card of hope and optimism, the quest for the perfect union between two people, without this life can feel isolated and lonely. Sometimes when you see a couple who are truly in love together, they can appear as one 'entity'.  In fact many couples refer to each other as 'my other half', their union is so strong and inter-dependent upon each other. To have this bond is extremely precious and rare, The Lovers can represent this form of partnership, and when experienced should be nurtured, treasured and cherished.

In old-fashioned decks The Lovers was sometimes called 'The Choice', perhaps signifying that a decision has to be made between two lovers or two desires. It is interesting that in some decks the image depicted on the card is of a man standing between two women, indicating that he has a choice to make, maybe between a wife and mistress, or two lovers. It can signify that a marriage or relationship has become dull and boring, and the temptation may be there to be unfaithful, or to choose something greatly desired but morally improper. In its most negative sense this card can mean adultery and betrayal, and because of this when the card appears in a reading, it has to be regarded with some caution. The number two in Tarot indicates choices so it is appropriate that this card is Gemini, which has the twins as its Zodiac symbol. Looked at from another angle twins are well known for being close, and some claim to able to feel each other's pain or know what the other is thinking. This card can point towards a relationship that is similar in its closeness but with sexual desire and passion.

In a reading when The Lovers appears in the position of the past it may imply that the Seeker cannot forget a past love. They could be holding on to painful memories, therefore they are not allowing themselves to move forward into another relationship.  The cards appearance in the future can signify a new love that is based on honesty truth and faithfulness, the true 'soul mate', which brings joy and happiness into the Seeker's life.

The power of love is one of our strongest desires and emotions, the need to love and be loved is a natural human requirement.  In these modern times it is easy to forget the importance of holding onto a loving relationship that is founded on friendship, trust, sincerity and selflessness. The Lovers invites us all to follow our hearts and accept that true love has no boundary that restricts it to age, religion or colour.  To experience and have the perfect union is certainly a 'marriage made in heaven'.        

Taurus

April 21st - May 21st

This month's card represents one of the four Spiritual Guides, number 5 The Hierophant. In old-fashioned cards he was sometimes called the Pope, which is thought to have come from early Italian influences on the Tarot deck, the Zodiac sign associated with this card is Taurus. The name Hierophant is also linked with the legend of the Greek 'Eleusinian Mysteries' and Greek mythology, these 'Mysteries' date back to 1500BC, the Mycenaean Age. This Guide is all-powerful steeped in doctrines and faith, he is deeply religious and strong, and talks to us of orthodoxy and setting ourselves strict moral standards.  The Hierophant's attire is normally shown in the colour of deep purple, the highest spiritual colour, which even today High Priests can be seen wearing.  Many decks show him seated with his right hand raised in acknowledgment to God, and sending blessings to us in this physical world on earth. Sometimes he will be seen with two figures kneeling in front of him, these are seen as his minions or followers. In some Tarot decks two crossed keys are shown at the bottom of the card, thought to be the keys to the High Church, or some believe the Vatican.  These keys are sometimes in the same colour of gold, alternatively they can be seen in silver and gold, which suggests the conscious and sub-conscious mind.

The appearance of the Hierophant in a reading, as with all of the four Guides in the Tarot deck brings immense comfort to the Seeker. He asks us to look deep into our inner faith and religion for guidance, comfort and support, seek the truth within ourselves to live our lives in the correct manner. This does not mean that the Seeker should return to a religion from the past, but believe and acknowledge that the values and morals we are taught to live our lives by, are correct and true. The Hierophant is the vehicle of every religious expression that we all can absorb and use to improve our lives, to make us happier and more satisfied within ourselves. He teaches us to have a faith or doctrine and hold onto those beliefs, and asks us to live our lives to a high moral standard and code. This may sound stern and severe but in actual fact can lead onto inner peace, strength and contentment. The card represents the established church, conformity and orthodoxy, the Hierophant asks us to make some form of spiritual advancement, and for those who may have lost their beliefs or faith he invites a return.  Because he is dogmatic and resolute in his convictions, the Seeker can gain great strength and power from this Guide. He is the religious teacher from which spiritual knowledge can be found, attained and expanded. 

When we talk of religion we are also talking of emotions, because all religious faith and beliefs can be, and often are a strong emotive issue.  Over the centuries many battles have been fought for religious reasons, each side believing their particular beliefs are correct, and many lives have been lost.  For me the Hierophant does not just hold to one set of religious beliefs and creed, but covers all aspects of religious conviction, as long as this conviction is used for the benefit of ourselves, each other and mankind. I believe that whatever set of religious beliefs an individual might have, the primary point is to live life with moral standards, principles and guidelines. The Hierophant adamantly asks us all to do this, in turn we will be stronger and on a pathway that will lead us to inner peace and contentment.

Aries

March 21st-April 20th

The card this month is The Emperor number 4 in the Major Arcana, this card is associated with the Zodiac sign Aries the first sign of the Zodiac.  In the Major Arcana sequence The Emperor follows on from The Empress, he signifies the male equivalent of the archetypal femininity of womanhood, and all that The Empress represents.  There are some who believe that The Emperor is married to The Empress, and that the Charioteer in card number 7 is their son.  In most decks The Emperor is shown seated on an elaborate chair that resembles a throne, in his hand he holds a staff or sceptre and he normally wears a crown, perhaps signifying his importance and authority in the world. When a figure on a Tarot card is shown seated, it implies that all knowledge and experience has been gained, and with this comes maturity and wisdom. The Emperor is seated indicating that there is no longer any need to increase his knowledge, he has achieved the competence to reason and use logic in all his judgments, he is the male that has reached maturity. The card shows an older man, a father figure or a man in authority, his very name of 'Emperor' suggests a leader, a man of power.  In many decks on the arms of his chair two rams' heads are carved signifying the sign of Aries.  Astrologically the sign of Aries is the warrior, and is associated with aggression, boldness, courage and impatience.

When The Emperor appears in a reading it can have dual meanings, on the one hand he may represent a father figure, older husband or man of authority in the Seeker's life.  Alternatively he can represent dealings with government and rules, by which our society must live to maintain law and order. This card can signify the morality of living in a fair and just community, which is ruled by principles and discipline, if these laws are broken chaos and anarchy reign. Due to its dual meanings the card can be difficult to read, but in its most negative aspect the card can indicate a period of stability in the Seeker's life. Some believe the Emperor is a man in the legal profession such as a Judge, and the Seeker may have some form of encounter with the law or legal system. Should this card emerge in a reading, look at the surrounding cards to gain the correct context as to why the card has materialized.

The Emperor represents security and stability within the Seeker's life, a time of living by the rules of the society in which we live, and an acceptance that to maintain the equilibrium in our community we need to obey these laws. He is an older man that could be a husband, father figure or someone in power, who plays an important part and has great influence in the life of the Seeker. For whatever reason The Emperor has appeared in a reading he asks us to absorb the rules, traditions and beliefs that our society is governed by. Use this statute to find our own individual code of conduct to live our lives, which in turn will bring about a time of security and stability.

Pisces

February 20th – March 20th

The card this month is the Moon, number 18 in the Major Arcana.   We have all seen pictures and images of the wolf howling in the light of the full Moon, and for most of us we associate the Moon with strange and mystical happenings. Witchcraft is often connected with the cycles of the Moon and this is the card of mystery and illusion. Since Pagan times the Moon's influence has had a great effect on our lives, and in those times rituals surrounding the waxing and waning of the Moon were a natural part of life. The Moon indicates all that is fearful at night, when we can experience strange thoughts and nightmares, the light of the Moon magnifies our imagination.  In the Middle Ages people believed that the souls of the insane had flown off to the Moon, and today criminal activity and suicides have been linked with times when the Moon is full.

The Moon reflects the light of the Sun, but is no less powerful, the Moon represents the sub-conscious mind and the Sun the conscious. The Moon symbolizes feminine energy and the Sun masculine, for many women a special affinity is experienced with the Moon's lunar cycle. Due to this feminine link the Moon can effect the emotions of women, and can be the source of why a woman is feeling sensitive, or experiencing strange emotions at certain times during the lunar cycle. The Moon is associated with the Zodiac sign Pisces, a water sign, whose ruling planet is Neptune, this is especially significant as the Moon affects the tides. In my view for all the water signs, Cancer Pisces and Scorpio the waxing and waning of the Moon can influence their emotional balance.


When the Moon appears in a reading it can bring sub-conscious thoughts and feelings to the surface, instilling a change perhaps in mental attitude, but in a subtle way. In many decks the full Moon is depicted hanging low in the night sky between two towers, there is a pathway or road leading between the towers into the distance. Metaphorically this pathway may signify that the Seeker must journey along this road, to reach the final destination to bring about change. Not being able or allowed to see where the pathway is leading, can bring feelings of fear and anxiety.  At the front of the card is a pond with a crayfish half in and half out of the water, indicating that things are half hidden from the Seeker, this may represent that change is occurring but cannot be fully seen or felt. In times of darkness our greatest fears become magnified and our imagination can play tricks with us as everything is in shadow. But after darkness the dawn breaks, and life will appear clearer, problems that seemed all consuming in the dead of night disappear, and nightmares fade into insignificance as daylight occurs.

For all of us the Moon with all its symbolic eerie connotations has a mystical and magical quality that from ancient times has enthralled us. Although we may not know how or why change is occurring, we must all accept that as the Moon excites our imaginations so our mental and emotional attitudes may change. We may not be able to see where the pathway is leading, but to gain knowledge and experience we must sometimes tread into the unknown.  


Aquarius

January 21st  -  February 19th

This month's card is the beautiful Star, number seventeen in the Major Arcana. The zodiac sign associated with this card is Aquarius. The Star signifies hope peace and inspiration; numerically it follows on from number sixteen, the destructive Tower.  For me this represents peace and calm after the storm, a time of renewal and hope. The card usually shows a naked woman, with one foot in the lake and one on the earth; from the vessels in her hands she is pouring water into the lake, and onto the land. The figure is unclothed signifying a non-materialistic approach to life; perhaps in the paradise that surrounds her, there is no need or desire for the trappings of modern day living. The figure on the card is sometimes referred to as the Star Maiden, and often you will see she has seven stars above her head.  These stars all have eight points, and the number eight in Tarot is the card of Strength. The Star is number seventeen, add the one and the seven together and you will get eight, this may signify that a time of quiet strength has come about for the Seeker.  The appearance of the Star in a reading always brings great joy, the pouring of the water from the flagons or cups implies watering the earth, which aids cultivation, growing and the nurturing of nature.  In Tarot this card can relate to ecological concerns, the importance of the natural balance of the earth, showing us that even in this modern day we must care and look after the natural world we live in. The Star signifies fresh hope and renewal, it speaks to us of optimism and strength for the future, the re-birth of a different mental attitude bringing with it spiritual knowledge and raising consciousness. In this modern and stressful life, with technology striving ahead in leaps and bounds, it is easy to lose sight of nature, and the beauty of the world that exists around us. The simple pleasures in life can sometimes be taken for granted and materialism becomes all-important, leaving us constantly in a state of angst. The Star asks us to take a step back and look at our spiritual being. In doing this we attain a time of reflection, and spiritual enlightenment can then transpire.  This change in mental attitude brings balance, peace, hope and inspiration, as well as spiritual enlightenment and fulfilment back into our lives.     


Capricorn

December 22nd – January 20th

This month's card is interesting and for many controversial, it is number 16 The Devil, associated with the zodiac sign Capricorn.  In Christian tradition of course, the Devil is the embodiment of all that is evil, representing all sinful temptations to mankind. The name of the Devil derives from the Greek word diabolos, which translated means accuser. It is believed that God created the Devil to be good, but through his own free will became evil by committing a sin, thought to be the sin of pride. He is also known as Satan, Lucifer and Beelzebub, in Tarot he is commonly called the Devil. This can be a difficult card to read when it appears, as it can look quite shocking, and has dark connotations of black magic. The illustration on the Morgan Greer deck shows a horned goat with the reversed pentagram or pentacle, the ancient symbol of black magic. In many decks you will see the Devil represented by a horned figure sometimes with wings, squatting on a stone plinth. At his feet are two figures, a man and a woman, which normally appear naked. Around their neck are chains, which are attached to the plinth holding them tight so they cannot move. For me this signifies a form of entrapment, or being chained to way of life or habit that is not healthy and decent. The Devil symbolises misery and depression, a pursuit of materialistic desires and lifestyle. The card may indicate a form of manipulation that is surrounding the Seeker; this can be emotional blackmail or even sexual perversion that makes the Seeker feel ashamed. There may be something in the Seeker's past that they feel ashamed about, but the Devil's from that time keep coming back to haunt them. To liberate our minds, we have at times to use the knowledge from our own personal history, transform the experience and knowledge into new energy to move forward with our lives. The Devil represents everything that is abhorrent in human nature, greed, jealousy, materialism, avarice, over indulgence and excess. If we look at the Major Arcana in there numerical sequence, after the moderation and balance of Temperance, the Devil is there to remind us of the unhappiness that can arise, from living a lifestyle that is not healthy for us.  The Tower follows the Devil, perhaps reminding us to change our ways or face the destruction and turmoil of The Tower smashing down around us. Numerically The Star follows The Tower signifying peace, harmony, balance, spiritual enlightenment and a non-materialistic approach to life.

I am sure that for all of us during some stage of our lives have been tempted by the Devil, perhaps to behave in an inappropriate manner. We may have experienced an emotion such as jealousy over a relationship or someone we know. This emotion in itself can be extremely destructive, and is not good to harbour within ourselves. We may have been greedy and materialistic, or over-indulged in food and drink. We need to unchain ourselves from the Devil, recognise our weaknesses, and use the experiences and knowledge gained to transform our lives to reach the harmonious and spiritual Star.     



SCORPIO

October 24th – November 22nd

For someone with no knowledge of Tarot this month's card is one of the most well known, and it is one most people fear should it appear in a reading. The card associated with the Zodiac sign of Scorpio, is number 13 the Death card. The image on the card along with the name has connotations that most of us dread, in actual fact it is one of the most positive cards in the Tarot deck. Looking at the illustration that appears in many decks of a cloaked skeleton riding a black horse, holding a scythe in his hand, can fill one with trepidation. The Grim Reaper calling us into an unknown world, he is sometimes known as the Father of Time, reminding us all that time marches on. The lesson being live life to its full potential today, as when time passes it will never return to us, that moment of time is gone forever.  The skeleton also reminds us that we are only flesh covering bones, the flesh decays quickly but the bones take longer to decompose, giving us a sense of eternity as our soul is released from the physical. In Christian religion we are taught that when we die our souls are liberated into a higher plane, so freedom comes to us with death. In our society Judas is associated with the number thirteen as he was the thirteenth man at the Last Supper. Hence the number can indicate the death of Christ, which then led to his resurrection. It is stated that Christ died on a Friday, therefore Friday 13th is viewed by some as unlucky.  I even know a few people who won't venture outside on Friday 13th!

The first point I teach my students to address when this card appears in a reading, is to give reassurance to the Seeker.  The Seeker's reaction to seeing this card can be one of great apprehension, especially if they have no knowledge of Tarot. This card does not herald a death, in Tarot you have to get a combination of cards, or sequence to suggest a passing over. The card's meaning is that a time of change is happening for the Seeker, the end of one way of life and a brand new beginning. A time of getting rid of old ways and habits, letting go of fears and panic, it is now time to look to the future with positive expectations. This change in turn allows a new life to begin which can be of a emotional, practical or mental nature.  If the Seeker has had a particularly traumatic time, the appearance of this card can signal the end of that time.  In a practical sense the card can signify that change is coming, in work, a new opportunity or even a change of employment. The Seeker may be moving house, or going to live abroad. Look at the surrounding cards to see where and what the change will be.

The spiritual meaning of this card is one of transition, the horse representing a moving forward into a new way of life. Literally the death of one way of life and the birth of a new one, in this sense it turns the card into one of positivity, and asks the Seeker to look forward to the future.  The card for me is one of regeneration and transformation, without death there would be no room for new birth. The death of a way of life, or something in our lives that needs changing, without this final ending we cannot progress forward with life's journey. A releasing of fears and looking ahead, the past is the past and nothing can change it, but the future is ours for the taking.