Marchetti Tarot

! Seventy-eight images, a collective ensemble. They enter the stage in varying configu-
rations and numbers. A list of cast members that would do justice to the most imagina-
tive theatrical production. Between them, this combination of heroes and villains, sinners
and saints perform and interact. Their costumes unchanged but with each performance
they take a random variety of positions, rearranging both lead and supporting roles.
They have no set lines to learn or recite, yet their dialogue flows freely, albeit with occa-
sional pause and thought. They engage us, as members of the audience, with their inter-
action. Offering an infinite number of plots, each performance unique and personalized.
Tales of sadness, and joy, failures and success, reviews of what has been and indications
of what might become. They offer us a lens through which to provide both focus and per-
spective, and a mirror with which to ponder and reflect. So let’s shuffle the pack, deal
the cards and let the show begin.

1

! A somewhat romantic theatrical analogy of a tarot reading, but one that neverthe-
less summaries how I envisage the process and approached the production of my vari-
ous decks over the last 15 years. I acknowledge that most certainly a reading can be effec-
tive even in the most mundane of locations and manner of presentation, using cards of
the plainest visual simplicity. However I prefer to envisage a more idealized scenario. A
reading where both reader and querent are participating in a mutual shared experi-
ence.... To use the theatrical analogy again, a performance of sorts where the cards serve
much as a set design enhancing the overall performance of the cast with mood and at-
mosphere.

! Nevertheless a tarot deck cannot rely on decoration alone. To even be correctly de-
fined as a tarot deck, as opposed to an unrestricted themed oracle or other divination sys-
tem, a tarot deck needs to adhere to any number of possible criteria. Factors such as nu-
merical order, sub divisions of arcanas, characters, elemental, astrological, kabalistic asso-
ciations and pre-established symbolism and meaning. To comply, if only in part, with
such an array of preconditions would be challenging enough from a designers perspec-
tive even if there were at least a commonality of precedence to follow, but the real chal-
lenge and inherent pitfalls are of course the absence of any source deck and accompany-
ing documentation. There is no de facto original or Rosetta Stone equivalent to provide
us with a definitive translation. Instead we have an array of assumptions and deviations
that have evolved over the centuries.

! Despite the charm of earlier historical works of this genre, the reality is that in
terms of draftsmanship and detail they are often unclear, and their intended meaning ob-
scure. From earlier woodcuts to turn of the 19th century pen and ink, poses, facial expres-
sions, gestures are often vague. While arguably this can be utilized positively as it allows
for more flexibility of interpretation by the reader, i am of the opinion that it also allowed
for much guesswork in the past, guesswork that once again became accepted as fact over
time. Conjecture, even when based on dedicated academic study can still be tainted by
the personal but possibly incorrect conclusions proposed by influential figures through-
out tarot history. Such conjecture, reinforced by both reputation and with sufficient retell-
ing, evolved into variations of accepted fact. We are subsequently left, with an essentially
faith based entity that embraces a wide number of variables to ponder or disagree with.
This lack of consensus provides a creates dilemma (or opportunity) in how they should
best be re portrayed in any new contemporary project.

2

In many cards of this deck I have incorporated the use of close ups of faces. I con-
sider that this encourages a relationship of sorts with the character, to get to know them
better, inviting us to question who they are, what they are feeling or expressing. As with
previous projects when I do this I tend to depict them with neutral expressions. The objec-
tive being that they can then better adapt to whatever tone is more appropriate for any
given reading.

! In the cards where I have indulged in adventurous artistic license and deviation
from more traditional depictions, I consider there remains sufficient conceptual associa-
tion that you will still find yourselves in familiar territory.

! In this companion document, I have included the description and thoughts of Berit
Hansen, an experienced reader from Denmark. I do not know her personally, our acquain-
tance thus far has been limited to social media. I came across her tarot writing via Face-
book, where she was posting descriptions on a regular basis, of cards from one of my pre-
vious decks. I contacted her asking if she would repeat the exercise, this time on a more
formal basis for this specific project.

! I provided her with reference work in progress images prior to the deck’s final pro-
duction. I have included her resulting text unedited, but please note it is not intended to
serve as an official meaning or rational. In many cases she saw and interpreted from these
cards, ideas and concepts that don’t necessarily reflect my own views or intent. But that
is how it should be. This to my mind means the images are working as I had hoped,
namely to trigger and encourage other people’s ideas. In this way Berits’s thoughts and
comments represent an idealized example of the imaginary “typical” reader I envision
when working on a deck. It is not my intention or the purpose of this document to teach
or preach. It doesn’t deal with deep academic historical analysis or tarot archeatypes. On
the contrary it’s merely an expression of the personal thoughts of one individual. in reac-
tion to these images combined with her previous tarot perspectives. It’s written in an in-
formal almost conversational manner, and in doing so it serves as an example of the
deck’s core objective, namely as an invitation for all readers to do the same and derive
from these images their own interpretations.

Ciro Marchetti 2018

3

SOME FOOLISH THOUGHTS

If we use the analogy of the “Fool’s Journey” to describe and provide a
rational for the characters and scenes of a tarot deck, then clearly this
figure is the main participant. He represents us, the reader or querent.
Through his “travels” we can relate and draw comparisons to our
own. Between the Marseilles and Waite Smith we have somewhat
contrasting depictions. Pamela Colman’s renditions so we are told
suggests a stepping off of a cliff, accompanied by his (or her) com-
panion dog. The two either blindly or innocently unaware of the
inherent dangers that their act might represent. This I find too fan-
ciful a concept and on a personal level I consider the Marseilles
Fool to be the more appropriate analogy. I consider the “Fool’s jour-
ney” not as some innocent first, but rather a wary start to yet one
more of the many that has preceded it. In this manner the numerous
journeys provide a more relevant comparison with multiple read-
ings.

Unlike Pamela’s theatrically attired figure, the older Mar-
seilles clothing seems worse for wear. In historical terms
the fool, or court jester can be viewed in several ways. Cer-
tainly in the more fortunate cases, he may have enjoyed a
steady employment of sorts, even one of relative privilege,
such as in the case of King Lear, where he may have
even had some sway and position in court via his ac-
cess to the king. However for the majority, it must
surely have been a tenuous position. It seems highly
unlikely that even the funniest most talented of fools
would have had sufficient a repertoire of tales and
performance to have kept their royal employers
amused on constant basis. Although I have no specific
historical reference to support my views, I consider it more
probable that fools would have been hired for specific occasions,
celebrations, birthdays etc and somewhat like their contempo-
rary stand up comedians, may have travelled from “gig” to
“gig”.

4

. If so, then one can extrapolate
that while they may have
been welcomed upon their
final arrivals, their travels
between venues may have
been an unpredictable mix
of reception along the way.
In many cases this foolish
profession was not one of
choice but rather lack of al-
ternatives. Often due to ei-
ther physical or mental ab-
normalities, the humor
may well have been fun-

damentally of a deroga-
tory nature rather than
comic. But presumably at least a source
of income, even if a minimal one. The Marseilles
dog is clearly no pet, it’s shown aggressively tearing
at the Fools legging. A symbol that for me suggests the
lack of welcome he may have encountered on many occasions
upon arrival unannounced at each village or town

along his way. Each journey representing (as
with a tarot reading) it’s own experi-
ence and outcome. This foolish con-
tradiction is portrayed in this deck,
Where we have a Fool and his dog

looking at their historical prece-
dent. One might imagine them com-
paring and contemplating both the
similarities and differences between
them, before they set off like us on an-
other journey, another reading.

Ciro Marchetti 2018

6

0 The Fool.

! There’s truly something remarkably adorable to be said for someone taking a
huge risk in life, setting off on an adventure that enlightens, enriches and educates
on a multitude of levels.

! Common opinion is that the fool represents someone who’s not as bright or ex-
perienced in the ways of the world as some may claim, or indeed wish to be. Never-
theless, if you ask me, the fool is far from stupid. It’s rarely said about one
who is stupid that they are also courageous. Here, in the
majors of the tarot deck, this fool is perhaps clueless to
the ins and outs of the path he’s decided to walk, but
it’s courageous merely by being sufficiently daring
to begin with.

! The fool is one who walks a new path.
This is not to say that the fool is a child and
doesn’t know any better. Oh no!! This is not
his first path – but a new one. Throughout
his entire life he will start many new jour-
neys and he will finalize just as many. It’s the
circle of life.

! The fool doesn’t need very much at this
point. He’s already thoroughly prepared,
packed and ready to start. All he really needs is
one soul to believe in what he’s planning
to do next. He doesn’t want to listen to
idle gossip or be told that ”you can’t” by
people who by default are indifferent and
have little respect for anything.

! What he truly needs he already has: the
faith in himself.

7

I The Magician

! How glorious and confirming would it be to be tak-
ing the first step on this journey of a lifetime – and as the
first person to stumble upon, is The Magician.

! He is the one who holds all the tools. He, who mas-
ters almost every little thing. He who works hard and
diligently to get where he wants to go. He, who gladly
teaches and mentors only to pass on knowledge to the
next generation. He, who has the wisdom and insights
to show you/us the way.

! He encourages the fool to go where ever he’s
drawn to go, with the correct tools that he’s going to
need on his journey. First and foremost he needs inten-
tion and action, otherwise nothing will happen.

II The High Priestess

! She, in her infinite glory, encourages a person to look in-
side, to trust that deep, intuitive feeling and go with it. She is
the first of many so called ”keys” to the subconscious.

! She does not represent the querent – but one who helps,
assists and guides that individual. Therefore she helps the
Fool on his journey.

! While the Magician is encouraging action, the High
Priestess asks the Fool, and also us, to take a minute and con-
sider carefully before leaping head first into unchartered terri-
tory. A little caution never harmed anyone, and while the Fool
is beyond eager to discover what lies ahead, the High Priest-
ess calls for a brief moment of reflective retreat before making
the next move.

! She is present, but she doesn’t directly help. She allows
the Fool to find within his journey that ”right time” to ask
some ”right questions”, and most importantly, find the an-
swers himself without being handed the one and only solu-
tion by her.

8

III The Empress.

! If one card, beyond any card in the entire deck,
can represent the Mother of all the elements, this is the
one!!

! She is the embodiment of every achievement imag-
inable, and yet this is by simply being present. Her
sheer existence is enough to nurture. There’s no need
for her to get actively involved. There’s a time and a
place for everything and everyone – and she knows
this all too well.

! It’s my strongest belief that she appears on the
Fool’s journey to teach him and show him uncondi-
tional love. If anyone would know, it would be her.

! She teaches us, and the Fool, how to love and
honor, not only each other, but each of the 4 elements
without judgement or discrimination. To simply be and
experience is enough.

IV The Emperor.

I’d like to think of the Empress as the side of us that al-
lows the imagination to flow unrestrictedly. With that being
said, I also think of the Emperor as one who sees the world as it
is without romantic filters or dreamlike states.

! He stands for power and discipline, but not in the way we
might be used to seeing it. The point is that any one of us, in-
cluding the Fool on his journey, can hold within him the most
incredible level of strength and power without anything to
prove this to the world he moves through. He doesn’t have to
wear armor or shield himself. The strength comes from the in-
side, this is how he rules.

! Not only does the Emperor have a great view inward, his
outlook leaves little to be desired.

! If the card appears in a reading, and the card reflects the
querent, he or she has a way of seeing life for what it is without
sugar coating the rough parts. If it’s being read reversed (I
don’t read reversals myself), it could be saying that the person
in question is being far from realistic and refuses to see how
things are really a9nd truly connected.

V The Hierophant.

! Every time I come across this card, I’m
lead to reflect on how I came to believe in
the things I believe in, and why.

! To me, it’s a card that represents issues
beyond just religion, which is why it’s of-
ten referred to as the Faith card.

!Sometimes we believe in the things our
parents told us while we were kids and
youngsters without questioning the validity
of their claims. Sometimes we believe in the
things our teachers and superiors have
taught us through our late teens and early

adult years without the need for question-
ing them very much.

Beliefs can be rigid and inflexible, or
adjustable and individualized. Along
the way in our lives, we learn without
even being aware of it. We see and
hear and experience life overall, and
we incorporate our experiences to suit
our lives. This too can be said for the
Fool, who learns all his lessons just like
the rest of us; some lessons are soft and
easy, others are hard and rough.

! We often go through life believing in the
same thing all way through. Not always do we ask why.
If it works, don’t fix it – right?

! What we believe in also makes us take responsibility for what we do with it. This is
perhaps more so the case when we are asked to advise, guide or mentor someone else.
Then we must stand up for what we believe in as we teach those very same things.

! Whether we teach ethics and morals in a business oriented fashion, or teach right
from wrong in the eyes of the law (and everything in between), gotta fly right, day and
night, to be held accountable.

10

VI The Lovers

! You could easily say that, when this

card appears in a reading, it’s often refer-
ring to the connection between mind and

heart for the querent.

! It can refer to the ability to make a
clear and concise decision, not only based
on how he or she feels about something,
but also what he or she deems logical and
sensible.

! Often it’s said that, if we make deci-
sions out of love, it will go the right way.
But I beg to differ, because certain types of
love can blind us and block any chance
we may have to do the right thing.

! Obviously, this card could repre-
sent the chance to meet Mr. Right or Ms.
Right in a loving, romantic relationship,
but what this card also refers to is love
in general.

! There are so many types of love that I’m not even going to attempt naming them
all. The point is that, while love can be all consuming, it can also be a heartwarming ex-
pression of gratitude and appreciation between friends, neighbors, colleagues – relation-
ships of a non-romantic nature.

! Let me also say that, as much as this card represents emotions and feelings for
other people, it’s equally important to remember that we need to do more self-love.
There’s so much self-criticism and self-bashing going on. A bit of love and appreciation
for all the wonder that we are, individually, would go a long way.

11

VII The Chariot

! We’ve come to the card that I often see as the ”speed & direction” card. And why is
that, you may ask.
! Well, the chariot is about taking action and not think everything to death. In the im-
mortal words of Robin Williams in ”Dead Poet’s Society” …..you’ve got to carpe diem,
cease the day. Grab the moment, ride the flow, stay on a roll - and harness your resources
to be able to go where you’re meant to go.
! That takes us to direction. Symbolically I look at the 2 horses as action and emo-

tion. Often, when plotting and planning what we
want to achieve in any given situation, we may oc-
casionally direct our path to reach a specific and
perfect end result. Now, just as everything falls
into place, and we’re on our way, our emotions
and feelings get in the way – and we start to
doubt whether or not we’re going about
this the right way.
! This card is asking us to focus and
not sway from what it is we want. Cease
the moment when you know in your
heart and mind what it is you want –
and go for it. Let nothing stand in your
way!!

12

VIII Strength

! It is rare that I literally pick a card to
meditate over, but it never fails with this
one, thanks to Ciro’s sensational artwork!

! The strength card is often seen as one,
which represents control – how great a role
it plays or how totally unnecessary it is, in
certain situations.

! It’s about being wild and free, or com-
pletely tamed. It could also speak about the
need a person has for taming or subduing
people he or she deals with, in order to feel
in absolute control. Therefore let me just say
that I speak of that inner personal control –
not global dominance.

! Whether we like it or not – balance is
key, even in this card. The balance between
allowing yourself the opportunity to, once
in a while, let that ”wild thing” out, and after
a period of time you return to structure, self-
discipline and logistics.

! We’re not supposed to always and only be
one thing. How could we ever appreciate fully
who and what we hold inside, if we don’t know
how to let it out to taste a bit of freedom.

! Also if you’re facing adversity, this card is simply ask-
ing you to go inside, find some of those hidden resources and in the words from ”The
Godfather”, you must go to the fight. Don’t get over it. Get through it; no matter what
it is. The only way you can learn a lesson properly, is by going through it, feel all the
bumps and bruising, whatever it takes.

! However if it’s not something but someone, standing in your way, then fighting
may prove ill chosen. Just think what would happen if you face your adversary with a
little bit of forgiveness, compassion and empathy. Who knows, you may melt a few
hearts that way.

13

IX The Hermit

! Let me just say that this card, more than
any card, in any deck, has my heart and
soul.

! The Hermit represents and symbolizes
not only the complete person as one, who’s
an introvert and loner, but also the ten-
dency that some people have, to live ex-
tremely busy lives, and to retreat from that,
they break away from it by walking a com-
pletely different path, seeking spiritual con-
nections, trying meditation and learning to
see with other senses than eyesight.

! Often we go through life, assuming
that we can manage it all on out own, never
for one moment contemplating the possibil-
ity of asking anyone for advise or guidance.

! The Hermit, when appearing in a read-
ing, proves to be all the guidance we need.
He is humbly asking us to have faith and confi-
dence in someone, who might know more than
us. Confide in them and take comfort in their wis-
dom – we can all learn from each other, if we take
the time to listen.

! Seeking answers and guidance from other people doesn’t mean
you’re asking them to make up your mind for you. We could look upon the Hermit as
one, who knows beyond the shadow of a doubt that he himself holds all the answers
within him. That means you, too. You are your own vault of wisdom – question is: Could
*you* and your infinite wisdom guide and advise another person?

! As much as we may go through life, seating others to answer our questions, so could
we serve that same purpose. You don’t have to walk aline for the rest of your life, know-
ing what you know. Share your wisdom as eagerly as you learn from others.

! Be the light.

14

X The Wheel

! Round and round it goes, right? It’s a wheel. Not much to be said about a
wheel. Right? …I beg to differ.

! Some parts of life occurs like chapters; a beginning, a middle and an end. No
matter how many times we choose to go through the same kinds of chapters, a
change will happen.

! As so many times before, we apply for jobs, we get lucky and we work for x
amount of years at that job. Then a change happens, and we must depart for various
reasons. What happens then? Same thing – we apply, we get lucky, we work, we de-
part. That chapter is a wheel of its own.

! This card could literally symbolize any part of life that can start over. Falling in
love. Making a home for ourselves and our loved ones. Making friends. Investing
money. Starting our own business. Having children. Breaking up or getting married.

I’m sure you can mention more chapters
of the book called ”your life”.

! Fact is – change is inevitable, and
in most cases we’re not really in con-
trol of that change. What we are in
control of, however is, how we deal
and respond to that change.

! The wheel – with all the changing
chapters, advises us not to stay rigid
in the way we live. To not become too
invested or too attached, to one spe-
cific way of living, being, believing.
Most importantly, it’s asking us to let
go of this need to control everything
that may happen or does happen.

15

XI Justice

! The truth will eventually catch up to
any liar. Cheat. Fraud. Imposter.

! You could say that this card is all about
balancing the scales between what is done –
and what the consequences could be. No mat-
ter how we choose to look at it, every action
has a re-action, and sometimes that’s far
from pretty or sensible. But, as the saying
goes ….”If you can do the crime, ya gotta do
the time”.

! I’m not referring to global crime. I’m
talking about how each one of us deal with
stuff that someone’s doing to us, to rattle us
or shake our foundation. Compared to
global crime, telling a lie is a minor thing –
but it’s my personal observation throughout
a lifetime that, no one appreciates being lied
to. No one enjoys being cheated on. Nobody
likes dealing with fakes or phonies.

! So, let’s deal with this on a day-to-day level. We must balance the scales. That
means, if you find out that you’ve been lied to or cheated on or people are jabbering BS
about you or a loved one behind your back – how do you react?

! While some may claim that revenge is the ultimate way of leveling anything out,
I’d claim that if we do that, our re-action is just as bad as the original action, and then
we get nowhere. Stopping down to the level of a criminal does not justify a positive
end result.

! This card, as so many before it, indicates that, if you’ve been feeling in dishar-
mony or experiencing the sensation of things being ”off”, you need to find a way to get
balance back. Meditate on the issues and be responsible for how you truly feel. Every-
thing will fall into place.

16

XII The Hanging Man

Every time I get this card in a reading,
I hear: ”How does that work for you?”

To me, the Hanging Man represents
the ability to be adaptable and flexi-
ble in the way we deal with things.
More importantly it refers to having
to think in totally new ways, because
all the old ways are out-dated and don’t
work anymore.

So often it’s been told to us that, if
one way doesn’t work, then we must
be flexible enough that we can adjust
to a new way of living, thinking, act-
ing.

Sometimes it does take time to find
the right way for us, and the Hang-
ing Man calls for patience. Easy does
it. It takes time to realize and ac-
knowledge that we need an update
and upgrade.

As we learn through life what works and
what doesn’t, we get cuts and bruises,
bump into things and find ourselves deep in
someone else’s drama, because as we change
our ways, the world around us may not adjust as effortlessly as we do.

So, one way of living may work perfectly for x number of years – then we find our-
selves in a place in life where it just doesn’t work anymore. Now, even through sacri-
fice, comes an even more incredible way of realizing who we are. And sometimes un-
certainty pays off with a new, spectacular way of being happy.

17

XIII Death

! If any ONE card has ever given querents fits of chills and concern, the fits
have been brought on by this card. Brought on by the negative vibe in that one
word. Possibly the most misunderstood card in the entire deck.

! The Death card can refer to an actual passing, BUT, 95% of the times that it ap-
pears in a reading, it speaks about the end of something. The end of a very happy
period of time, the end of an era, the end of an absolutely fantastic romantic rela-
tionship – just the end of something.

! With an end or finalization of one thing, comes
the beginning of another thing. Sometimes we go
through life as one type of person, suddenly
having to transform and reinvent our-
selves, often for the soul purpose of mov-
ing forward.

! You could say that such a transforma-
tion is like the cocoon-like being that
breaks open to reveal the most gorgeous
butterfly.

! Now, no matter what it is that has
found its end, it has to be an all encompass-
ing one. Complete closure is important;
that’s how we can, at long last, move on.
Grow. Progress.

! As a reader, and a passionate one,
I wish I could make it clear to those,
who are fearful of this card, that truly
there’s no need to be. I know only too
well that many people loathe change,
and the Death card is very much
about change, too. However, change
often occurs when we’re not even
fully aware of it. It us happens, easily
and automatically.

18

XIV Temperance

! Things are coming together, turning into something new. Exactly what hap-
pens in this card.
! Passionate red blending with royal blue, making spiritual purple – and pur-
ple is, for anyone who’s into healing and chakra points, the vibrant center at the
very top of your head.
! This card is about integration. We could be talking about 2 people moving in

together, starting a life together as a family.
Could also be a person, who’s structured
and self-disciplined enough to bring
work home, or simply working perma-
nently from home, or perhaps finding
a partner and starting a new business.
Indeed someone who manages to re-
member to live in a spiritual fash-
ion, no matter how hectic and busy
everyday life gets.
! ! If we feel that life has shaken
things up a bit, it’s important to take
a step back and find just a little bit of
balance in the madness. It’s easier
said than done, but with the aid of the
cards surrounding it, we’re guided to
the methods to use

19

XV The Devil

! ”It’s oh soooo right, but oh soooo wrong at the same time.” Does that ring a
bell?

! There’s a sale and you’re drawn so terribly to buying something you abso-
lutely don’t need. But that little voice of temptation in your ear, it’s making you en-
ter the store, and yes, you end up buying that item that you simply don’t need.

! It’s the infamous Devil on your shoulder; it’s tempting you, persuading you,
seducing your ability to refuse.

! This card could also be symboliz-
ing the choices we face ion a daily ba-
sis, and with each choice, there comes
the sacrifice of another. This reflects
how some people choose to do one
thing and disregard the second option.

! On top of that, we live so struc-
tured and strictly that we forget to let go
and laugh and smile and be silly. So in a
round about way we ought to just have a
little fun and ”pay” tomorrow. It does not
necessarily benefit us, living ’s confined
and constrained.

! We need to be less focused on the
short term experience of pleasure, and pay
closer attention to the pain that comes
from it. In other terms – hooked means
hooked. There’s no in between.

20

XVI The Tower

! This has got to be the one card in the en-
tire deck that says: ”You may not really like it,
but a change is gonna come, and it’ll be of gi-
gantic proportions.”

! This is the type of card that would anyone
breathless. It won’t be a small change. It’s
the type you’ll feel. The type you (or the

querent) will have to go through and learn
from. There’s no way around it. You could
say that, this card could represent the

worst case scenario of changes. Could
even represent the change you (or the
querent) dreads the most. But, for some
reason, it always happens when we
least expect it – and yet, when we
come out at the end of it, our lives

could very possibly be so much better,
our health situation as well.

!! It may feel like and look like
life, as a whole, has come crashing
down, there’s uproar and chaos every-
where and it looked like pure and sim-
ple destruction. But, the thing is, this
destruction serves a purpose; to clear
the way of old to make way for the new
and better.

21

XVII The Star

! After the massive crash and chaos from the previous card, it’s such a heavenly
relief to find The Star card.

! This is the positive outcome that I almost promised you would happen after
all the chaos. It’s a renewal. A rebirth. A beautiful chance to start over, build some-
thing new and learn from past experiences.

! After all the chaos, we need this. We need a fresh start, and to thoroughly heal
and nurture the physical and spiritual realm in each one of us.

! This card is also an astrological re-
minder; to pay proper attention to the cos-
mos and have faith in the universe.

! The Star is also a card of peace. Con-
sidering the card you just read about,
peace is highly required right about now.

! So, when this card appears in a read-
ing, the querent is being asked to have
faith in the doings of the Universe – and
trust in the beauty that happens when
they’re given a chance to start over. It’s
the card that lovingly acknowledges
the rough patch that the querent just
went through, and serves as a card of
trusting in what’s right for their higher
good.

! When you’ve got both feet planted
in a huge helping of chaos and turmoil,
it’s hard to even imagine that things will
ever get better. But see, this is the thing:

! What was lost will never come back
– but something better will serve you and
make you truly happy and fulfilled. Just
hang in there and believe.

22

XVIII The Moon

! I’ve always been fascinated with this card, possibly because I’ve been inter-
ested in psychology most of my life; both sides of the human mind.

! The Moon card is about the dark side, about the struggle between fantasy and
reality.

! When this card appears in a reading, it’s asking the querent to pay attention to
their dreams and meditations.

It’s also asking the querent, what are they most
afraid of? It’s said that, for real growth to take
place, we have to face our true feelings and
fears.

! ! We sometimes take our fears
from past experiences and project them
to our lives now and into the future.
The result is that we live in the almost

constant awareness that it’ll happen
again; ’it’ being the thing we carried
with us, originally.

! At some point it would benefit
us greatly if we could only let go of
any and all mental and emotional
blocks.

! Keep in mind that any Full
Moon gives us the opportunity to set
our intentions. Manifest what you
want to have happen – and keep the
faith.

23

XIX The Sun

! This is the type of card that says: ”Let’s get this party started.”

! It serves a reminder for us to also have some good old fun, and not allow the
entire existence to be buried in work, work and some more dang work.

! Life is precious and so excruciatingly hard at times that, we really need to
stop and appreciate the that we also have time for playing, roaming and laughing.

! It’s also the card of revelations. As
much as some of us would enjoy hav-
ing a mindreader for a loving partner,
it’s a tall order. So, this card basically
invites us to share our truest and
deepest feelings with those we love
and care about the most. They proba-
bly aren’t mind readers, and so they
may need your help to understand.

! This card is just letting you
know that it’s your moment, your
time, your chance – to shine. Be all
that you can be. Do all that you can
do. Go all-in when you dream and
dream big. Feel all that you can feel
and be open to those that feel you in
return.

! Be true to yourself at all time.
Others may wonder and question you,
but if *you* know your authentic self,
then – that’s all you need. They’ll figure it
out eventually.

24

XX Judgement

! You’ve already encountered many cards that speak about drastic change, the
Tower being one of them.

! However this is a tad bit different. It’s not so much telling you that a change is
gonna come, so get ready. No. This is asking you to calmly account for what did you
meant to do? Where did it go wrong and….how can you try again and succeed?

! So, as you can see, it doesn’t just leave you hanging. You could say, in a humor-
ous way that, it offers you a therapeutic angle to the situation at hand.

! ! The querent is going through ”some-
thing” and he or she desperately needs to find
a way to work things out to an advantage. As
his or her reader, it is a good way to ap-
proach the interpretation by referring to the
present phase of their life that is changing
drastically.

! ! Having the querent address a troubling
time in their mind as you read for them,
could serve as a divine moment of absolute

clarity for them. What was going on? How
did things change? When? Where? ….
Therapeutic, like I mentioned !

! ! It’s also a moment of big dreams.
If life is changing anyway, might as well
dream big and kick it all the way up.
Dream big. Live happy. Make every mo-
ment count.

25

XXI The World

! We’ve come full circle, from The Fool jumping off the edge, joyously eager to
start his adventure, to The World, where one adventure comes to a close so that a
new and even more glorious one can begin.

! This is just one phase of life, and it looks like the querent has learned his or her
lessons well. Now comes a new phase. Go ahead. Enjoy!

! I’ve always called this The Graduation card. We learn different lessons, live by
changing rules, one day we are the follower, then we excel to become a leader. We try
to do right – and so, we’ve come full circle to receive our reward.

! The next venture should be more about ’what can you give back” and less about
your own big, grandiose plans for personal wealth and riches.

! It’s so often claimed in romantic stories and
movies that Mr. Right is the one who can com-
plete a woman, and Ms. Right can complete
the life of a man. While this may be true for
some, I believe the sense of completion and
wholeness is knowing you have the ability to
– successfully, start a wonderful phase of your
life and pull it off right to the end. So many
choke on a personal adventure halfway.

! If you (or the querent) are able to make
it all the way, THAT is true completion, if
you ask me. Then you can claim to truly be
one with your highest good. Let’s face is –
it’s quite remarkable.

26

! The suit of swords deals with the conscious and subconscious level of aware-
ness. That means anything that has to do with aspects of the mind as a whole.

! When you hear the reference to a sword as “double edged”, it deals with the
aspects of a clear mind or a clouded one. Often dealing with all the different nu-
ances of a possible depression, or a person who's willing and ready to leap for joy
and bubbling over with happiness.

! There's balance and harmony in every single card in a deck  - and if they're
lacking, then the cards will help us understand why and how to move on from
where ever we find ourselves unsettled.

! The suit of swords is associated with the element of Air. Dreamy. Unreach-
able. Intangible. You can feel it, hear it and taste it. But rarely is it seen.

! These are, figuratively speaking, our thoughts and ideas. You can't see them
until you bring them to life. That takes action (wands) and an emotional connec-
tion (cups) to the project at hand and when all else fails, you may need money
(coins).


! Sometimes, due to the lack of mental balance, our mind can conjure up the
most bizarre and fantastic concepts and notions. This can ultimately lead us to
feelings and thoughts of guilt, shame, criticism and wild accusations. What often
follows thoughts and feelings of this nature is self-harming, abuse towards others
and criminal behavior. This could be claimed to be the dark side of this suit,
hence the double edge.

! In a deck of playing cards, swords corresponds to spades.


! The suit of swords often represent the Zodiac signs of Air – Aquarius, Libra
and Gemini.




27





III of Swords

! It happens to all of us. Loss, disappointments, sacrifice and heartbreak. These come in
many forms, and we can’t avoid them.

! This card represents the loss of something or someone. Maybe trust. Maybe love.
Maybe respect. Maybe faith. Maybe a house and home. Maybe a pet. Maybe a family mem-
ber. Could even be the loss of some thought we assumed we’d be able to remember – for-
ever.

! This card speaks of an emotional Tsunami that also shakes our mental foundation.
Things are no longer the same. We grieve the loss of that, which mattered so much to us.

! This card can be the representative for the loss of a

friendship or partnership. Some people come into our
lives with their entire energy wide open – and yet,
they could be ours to cherish for a limited time. Peo-
ple we devote ourselves to, people we invest in,
don't always stay. And when they depart, it can

hurts more than most other experiences.

!So when we find love, the passion for and lust after this
new energy and connection, it can last a lifetime, if
we’re lucky. Or just a few months, leaving the impres-
sion with us, after it’s all over, that nothing could’ve
been more fantastic, more worth it, than giving this
person every ounce of love inside us.

! The afore mentioned sacrifice can also mean hav-
ing to give up a certain way of thinking that no longer
serves a purpose. In many situations we need to heal and
move forward – not remain stuck in a situation that kills
our spirit. Breaking out of bad habits and long-term be-
havioral patterns can be difficult, but needs to be done in
order for the healing process to take effect.

! Let this card also serve as a reminder when you think
there’s no way back from the kind of anguish you’re fac-
ing, that there is still a way forward. There will come a
time when your pain has been reduced to a shoulder
shrug. Let this card remind you of how you got through it,
and of how much sweeter life is when the wound has
healed.

30

IV of Swords

! It’s time. Put down your weapons or your tools of choice. A rest is highly in
order here.
! Your mind never stops churning. Thinking the same thoughts over and
over and just when you think you’ve reached a solution to a problem, the churn-
ing starts over – and you’re none the wiser. You’re left feeling exhausted and so,
time to rest.
! Retreat & reflect. It will not weaken you to re-
store and recharge, and it won’t slow you
down. Quite the contrary. With a bit of rest
and meditation, you will rise feeling
stronger and more prepared to face the
challenges head on.
! We often feel that we must do it all
ourselves, and if we ask for help or re-
quire the counsel of one who’s more expe-
rienced, it is proof that we have failed.
This is where I say – nonsense!!

31

V of Swords

! Sometimes we engage in a heated discussion or a closed setting of an argument
with one purpose only – to cut others off and ”win”. The subject isn’t really the main fo-
cus. Its the opportunity to win and be right,
! It really doesn’t matter what the topic is, as long as there’s a chance to engage, even
if that involves hurting a few people along the way.

! This card is about your victory and the defeat
and deceit – of others. There may be a desire to
change this toxic behavior, but it does take
courage to admit fault. Some will never admit
to such a thing, and so they start messing
with other people’s heads, placing the blame
on them instead of taking responsibility.
! The card is also about ambition; the kind
that requires an enormous amount of pushing

and shoving. Some will use whatever means neces-
sary to get to where they want to go, with little or no re-
gard whatsoever for the feelings of others.

! There’s also a feeling of being attacked or being
the attacker – and often in a less than obvious
way. Everything happens behind the curtains;
that way, should they be called out on being a
sneak, it’ll be tough to place actual guilt.

32

VI of Swords

! When we’re seeing the 6 of swords, there’s always a mentioning of movement, often
across water. Symbolically that refers to healing of emotions and feelings. The card indi-
cates that whatever direction we take, movement must be present for growth.

! A change has happened – or is about to happen, and it’s going to be the real healing
component. The catalyst, if you will.

! When I see this card, I do think of a move – an actual move from one location to an-
other. Putting down roots in a new zip code or a new country, or maybe just a new house or
apartment down the street.

! The fact is: no matter where we move to, what we’ve learned moves with us. It’s often
the distance that allows us to heal the wounds in more ways than one, and do so properly.

! The card is reflecting that we’ve been through a difficult time in a physical location,
and this place no longer serves our higher good. Quite the contrary,
in fact. And while we’re debating within ourselves if
we’re willing to stay and deal with the commotion and
confusion, we take one quick look out of the window
and it’s as if we can spot new land, new opportunities
right out there. It’s so close, we can almost taste it.

! The distance can be physical or psychological. So
can the healing be. The symbolic language in this
card indicates an emotional issue causing head-
aches and troubling thoughts. The swords are pierc-
ing through the water that surrounds the boat, the
tips pointing straight up. This, to me, speaks of an
actual struggle that takes place now. Had the
swords been pointing the other way, it would mean
that the person in the boat is armed for battle at any
given time, if it should be necessary. In this case, the
armor is a clear head, well thought through ideas
and acceptable concepts of right and wrong for the

life ahead.

33

VII of Swords

! I always look at this card as a personal message that someone might steal my thunder
or rain on my parade. Could be speaking to me. Could be you. Could be anyone who’s
worked hard on a project, close to launching it only to find that someone already did it,
right under the very nose of the creator.

! It’s telling us in a gentle but warning way that if we chose to share a brilliant and
unique idea with others, someone might run with the credit and pass this brilliant idea off
as theirs.

! It’s telling us to always keep a watchful eye on the things in our lives that matter the
most.

!This card also serves as a reminder that if WE are thinking
about doing that to someone else, it’ll come back and bite in

a way we’re not prepared for.

! I often refer to this card as ”the grand manipulator”. It’s
about stealing ideas, playing head games, sneaking
around behind someone’s back, causing worry and anxi-
ety.

!It’s also reminding us to be mindful of how our actions
have an impact on others – whether we like them or
not. Sometimes people engage in manipulations with-
out even being aware of it. So, we need also be mindful
of how others act around us.

! This card’s spirit animal is the crow. It’s supposedly a
sign of luck although it’s associated with the archetype of
a magician, trickster, jester. The thought is ”While you sit
in awe of my magic tricks and all wonderment that I can
do, I’ll empty your pockets, rob you of your time manager,
phone & wallet. I will read your mind and with my epic
moves, embed thoughts in your head so that my presence
forever will be lodged in your memory.”

34

VIII of Swords

! Just by looking at the card, you know what it’s about. The upward pointing
swords act as bars, keeping a person inside, restraining them, restricting their free-
dom, limiting the outcome of any and all attempts to break free.

! I call this ”the no way out” card. While it’s not quite accurate, since I now be-
lieve there’s always a way out, it’s literally the feeling inside of us when or if you
find ourselves having those thoughts. No matter what we come up with, it
doesn’t quite take you very far. You make plans but when it comes to acting on
those thoughts and ideas, you limit yourself.

! Could also be a message about self-bashing and
trash-talking. Although completely undeserved, you
believe on one hand that you’d be great at a, b and
c, but after a while, all ideas and plans have been
wiped off the table coz you think you aren’t
able or good enough to pull them off.

! At some point we’re all weakened by
circumstance, but if you look closely at the
card, one hand has actually passed through
the sword-bars, and notice that while her
eyes may be closed, she’s the one chosen to
keep them closed out of fear of what lies
ahead. There’s no blindfold – so this is also
about fear; fear of changing the way we
think at certain times.

! Would we not be better people if we
could praise ourselves as profusely as we
criticise? Would we not be happier? If we
could only recognise the bars at a much ear-
lier stage and change the pattern, we can
avoid any serious damage.

35

IX of Swords

! Just by looking at the artwork, it’s clear what this card is about. I call it ”the sleepless
nights” card.

! When this card appears in a reading, it would be easy to conclude we’re dealing
with insomnia, anxiety, nightmares and a mind that never shuts off.
! What often happens when we don’t get all the trou-
bling issues out of the way, in the light of day, the obvi-
ous thing to do is worry about it as we go to bed. But
obviously it’s not a healthy cycle. So, one way to
avoid having to sort things out during the night,
when we should be sleeping and recharging, is to
deal with as many issues during the day as possi-
ble.
!The thing is: everything that we just put off and
avoid dealing with will continue to haunt us, till
we decide to clear everything off of the table so
we can start the morning fresh.
! So, in a nutshell, the card is giving us a
quick advice: Instead of thinking about all
your troubles, do something. Deal with them.
You’re doing your mind a great service – and
your health thanks you.

36

X of Swords

! I can’t even count how many times this card has come up in a reading, and the per-
son I was reading said: ”Oh no, that’s a BAD card.”
! But really, look at it. Let’s talk about artwork first. Look at the actual card, at its
very center, observe for a moment that bright golden light. That to me indicates very
clearly that it doesn’t get any worse, and so that golden light symbolizes a fresh start,
maybe starting over, trying again with fresh ideas and no more sleepless nights as in
the 9 of swords.
! Sometimes we need to hit rock bottom, or something
that feels like it, to appreciate what it feels like coming
back from that low place. As the kneeling soul
in the artwork, he’s getting ready to shake off
all the troubles, start from scratch. Any mo-
ment now he’ll rise and stretch out his
arms, telling us he feels born anew.

37

! The suit of cups is associated with the element of water.
! Here, to a great extent, we’re dealing with emotional life, with intuition, imagina-
tion and with the many ways we relate to each other, in whichever role we are given.
! These cards are talking about what makes us happy. What makes us tick. They also
tell us about the various situations in life where we find ourselves a bit indifferent, maybe
unable or unwilling to make a choice. The cards tell us abut our friendships, what keeps
them going and what can cause them to fall apart.
! I call this the ”relationship” suit. It’s about the manners in which we relate to each
other; as lovers, business partners, as family and friends, even as total strangers. Often
we’re asking ourselves ’why’ we relate to this type of personality or that one. The suit of
cups serve to enlighten us in this respect.
! In a deck of playing cards, cups corresponds to hearts.

! Cups are sometimes referred to as BEAKERS or CHALICES.

! Cups in tarot represent the Zodiac signs of CANCER, SCORPIO & PISCES.

38

Ace of Cups

! This card speaks to us about new beginnings, spiritual growth and opportunities in
the emotional realm. Could be a fresh friendship or a new love that appears.
! In a sense, this card tells us that we must consider all the many different types of love,
and that not every one is of a romantic nature.
! The ace is that first step towards something new, which could both frightens and in-
trigues us. It’s about how we deal with the flow of emotions when someone new in our
world approaches us and offers friendship or love. It’s also about how we deal with the re-
sponse when we’re the ones who are making the offering.
! The ace also represents the readiness
and willingness to attempt a more open ap-
proach towards being social and outgoing. It
can feel both awkward and strange to pre-
pare oneself for a new social openness.
Maybe you’ve been invited to join a new
group of friends, or an old friend is asking
you to come along to a new venue or ’hap-
pening.’ This card could also appear for one
who’s about to introduce their new love /
significant other, to the in-laws.
! This card says – let the feelings flow.
And in case you’re wondering: the symbol-
ism behind a seahorse is that for decades it’s
been considered ”a good luck charm.”

39

II of Cups

! Many in the tarot business call this the love card. I, however, do not, and
it’s because the card’s about so much more.

! I call it the ”-ship” card. It represents 2 (or more) people coming together,
joining forces in or for: Love. Friendship. Companionship. Business. Family.
Partnership. Mentorship.

! It’s a card which to me speaks volumes about equality, and it helps us un-
derstand how we, in the search for equality, can also maintain the general bal-
ance and harmony which is life.

! There is no talk of gender. There is no talk of
race. There is, however, talk about deep seeded
respect for who we are as individuals when we
meet around the table for a deeper introduction.

! Recently I dealt with a new side to this card,
which speaks about respect – for ourselves, for
every side of us; the things we understand and
the things we just don’t really find any sense to.
It’s about understanding that, as we attempt to
only do good on this journey, we may sometimes
do really idiotic things as well. This card reminds
us to shrug, shake it off and allow a bit of silli-
ness to also play a part in being human.

! It’s not enough to be a body. It’s not enough
to be a heart. Combine the two, add spirituality
and the mix is unbeatable. Now it is possible to
create the balance and harmony between the
physical and spiritual.

40

III of Cups

! It really doesn’t take a long time to figure out what this card represents. It’s about
celebrations. It’s about letting go and cutting loose. About having fun.
! It’s about realizing the blessing it is to have true friends who love and respect you
through easy times and rough patches. It’s also asking us to address the possibility of
these friendships not being long lasting ones, and maybe, just maybe, we need to be the
bigger person and forgive them for having done something or said something that
knocked the ship off course. Fix it …if you want to and if you think it’s worth fighting for.

!It also serves as a little poke in the ribs to us about the way
we have been behaving lately with our friends. Maybe
we’ve been preoccupied and forgot to call back.
Maybe we didn’t put enough thought into a
birthday present. Maybe we just need to
spend a little more time with them, be attentive,
spontaneous, lively, fun.
! We all live busy lives and sometimes there’s
a bit too much focus on work. What this card
doe say: Enough already. Put your laptop
and your papers away, turn off your phone
and go outside. Yes, it’s raining, so what!!!
Dance in the rain. Never forget to have fun.
And if your neighbors think you’re looking
kinda silly, so what!!! Dance!! Be free. Laugh.
Have fun

41

IV of Cups

! ”Not everything that shines is gold.” Imagine it’s lunchtime and someone’s ask-
ing you what you want to eat. You just can’t make up your mind. That someone
starts telling you what choices you have by going through the contents of the fridge.
Maybe you want instant noodles or some soup? You just don’t know. This scene
may end with you grabbing an apple – or leaving the table with a bottle of water.
! Now, take that scenario and think of it as life. Some cups are standing, full to
the brim with everything you want, and some cups have keeled over and the con-
tents spilled on the ground, but you want some of that too. You want to be on
land and sail the seas – well, you can’t be two places at once. You want to
be in the centre of town and in the countryside. I know, it’s tough not
knowing what you truly need in this life. No doubt, it’s no more than a
bump in the road, and a period of withdrawing may be the thing that
enlightens you.
! It’s one thing to be less than satisfied with your choices, but the
second you start to wallow and ”I don’t know” turns into a chronic
state of being, that’s when depression may become a close companion.
Too close for comfort. So, the card is very calmly asking us to
always appreciate and value the fact that we do have
choices – and that the full cups hold what we not only
want but what we need the most.

42

V of Cups

! Sometimes what we lose means more to us than what we still have left. In
this stunning artwork, she’s holding onto one cup as she’s weeping over the cup
that is already broken. She knows in her heart that the cup in her hand is about to
drop, and while she knows she can do nothing to prevent that from happening,
she forgets to appreciate the three large cups still standing.

! We may feel that we’ve been short-changed; offered one
huge thing but gotten something ”lesser than”. Maybe we’ve
put much effort into applying for that once-in-a-lifetime op-
portunity, only to find, that it comes with a whole list of hid-
den negative bonus requirements that tip the scale.
! This card also serves as a reminder that sometimes
we need to turn our backs on empty, possibly toxic
situations to be able to truly appreciate the growth
that comes from moving on.

43

VI of Cups

! When I was a child, I often spoke about how I couldn’t grow up fast enough to be an
adult. The grown-ups always seemed like they were allowed to do whatever they wanted.
Since I became a grown-up many moons ago, I quickly learned it’s not all its cracked up to
be.

! This card sends me right back to a time when my priority was
looking at picture books and chasing butterflies
all over the lawn. Then I started school and a
whole new set of rules was installed. ! !

! There’s such a lovely innocence in this card. I
don’t blame her for gazing into the crystal ball.
What’s better than cozying up with cuddly toys
and the house cat, and engage in daydreaming
about what might be? I did that at her age.
Surely you did too.

! While her thoughts drift off into the uni-
verse, Aladdin and his girlfriend watches
over her from a poster on the wall.

! But as lovely as these memories of
times gone by may be, this is not a con-
stant but a fleeting thought.

! What this card is asking us to do is
remember the loveliness that was, but en-
joy the loveliness that is now. We must live
in the now and always remember what
brought us here.

44

VII of Cups

! I lovingly call this the ”overload” card, and the reason for that is as follows: A little
of a good thing is heavenly. Too much of a good thing can be Hell.

! I have never heard of a single person who didn’t find themselves in this dilemma /
situation: Gotta make a choice, but there are so many options and possibilities that it be-
comes torture to figure it all out. What is real and what’s a figment of the imagination?

! Often, when dealing with such a cornucopia of opportunities, the picking and choos-
ing is the outcome of fantasy and daydreaming, and less about actual reality.

! It can be a battle between what the heart seeks and what the mind can conjure up.
But do you have an actual offer on hand? Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. Often a ”maybe”

or a ”ya never know.” It’s the overall puzzlement
between what you truly want and what you
truly need.

! It can also speak about a person who very
clearly has that sixth sense, maybe even far
more advanced psychic abilities, but is having
a hard time coming to terms with these new
”powers” or ”gifts”. It can also represent a

person who wants more than there is. So
many times, after watching the series
”Ghost whisperer” have I heard someone
say that what she does is so *cool* and they
wish for powers such as hers. All I can say is –
be careful what you wish for! You may soon
find that very little of what she deals with is
*cool* and you’ll regret your wish

! The card is asking you to think carefully
before making that final move. Keep your
heart open and your mind clear – and don’t
rush.

45

VIII of Cups

! There are situations in life that we simply must end and move forward from because
remaining in them will only hurt more than leaving ever could. It’s an ending that we
choose, unlike 5 of cups where leaving is put upon us by people or life itself.
! Here, in the eight of cups, we hold the power to say ”enough is enough and I must
leave. The situation I’m leaving no longer serves its purpose and while it hurts right now, I
know there’s something and someone, out there, calling for me.”

! As you can tell from the card, the cups haven’t fallen over,
and I see that as saying that whatever ending we’re deal-
ing with isn’t an unhappy one. He is rising, moving for-
ward, towards the light, naked and bare with heart
and mind open to whatever lies ahead.
! One arm reaching back, saying goodbye to what
once was, while the other reaches for the future, the
light, the happiness ahead.

46

IX of Cups

! He doesn’t require food nor does he need to run after a ball at this moment. No.
He wants to relish this divine moment of near perfection; lazily snoozing in that rock-
ing chair in that tall grass with the home in the background, door left open should he
want to come inside. Oh, the joys of being a dog. His name? London.
! This is a card that practically congratulates us for having reached this emotional
level of awareness. Never before, on this journey, have we felt what it
means to be this close to having it just the way we
had pictured it in our hearts.
! I don’t know about you, but when I
started my journey in life with what I consid-
ered !to be a fair amount of ambition, I
didn’t really trust myself to know what
the full extend of my emotional
growth and expansion would entail.
But the 9 of cups shows us.
! We can literally have it anyway
we want it. If we set our hearts and
minds to achieve it, then we will. No
one can define what absolute happiness
is for us as individuals. What works
for your neighbor may not work for
you – plus, you each walk a different
path and you have different goals.
Just remember to celebrate at this
point.

47

X of Cups

! This card just beams. It represents gratitude, love, family, internal blessings, and
the sharing of a situation or project that has reached completion.
! The fun part about this card is the fact that, as much as it represents the culmina-
tion and ending of something that we hoped would be the end-goal, it also teaches us
that any ending, ultimately, is the option and opening for something new.
! This card is also asking us to be less than selfish and share of this happiness and
joy and satisfaction. Not to rub it in the faces of those who still struggle on their jour-
ney, but to simply be generous, helpful, joyously assisting where we are
needed.
! Recently I noticed a type of shift is my personal un-
derstanding of the card. So many people seek perfection.
The term means hitting the point where it just doesn’t
get any better.
! To be honest, that point – for me, is the mo-
ment before the 10. Not hitting the 10, but rest-
ing so contentedly at the ninth level of happi-
ness and deep, emotional satisfaction that I
want to stay there.
! So the card is also asking us to reflect
on the notion that nothing is better than hit-
ting 10. It may even be asking us to recon-
sider what we believe to be ”perfection”
and just be grateful for whatever level of
happiness and joy that makes us feel the
most blessed!

48

! The suit of coins deal with the physical, the tangible, the things many of us worry
about: finances, employment, home & property. The material world.

! Could also be claimed that, for many, the amount of what we own, adds to our status,
our ego, our self-esteem. Some gladly share of what they own, others hoard and collect -
and pretty much keep everything to themselves.

! he suit of coins is associated with the element of Earth. Earth is greenery, dirt, the
ground we walk on. We can reach it, touch it, feel it and hold it. We don't have to imagine
it. We may have to work hard to get this thing or that thing, but ...if we really want it, then
we can have it / purchase it / create it / build it.

! The dark side of the suit of coins is the greed, the lusting after more things. Things
that we may not even need. This possessiveness can lead to unspeakable crime. Regaining
control is often difficult, but possible. When we accept and approach a weakness in a non-
judgmental way, we make room for grounding so that real healing work can begin.

! In a deck of playing cards, coins corresponds to diamonds.

! Coins are also referred to as DISCS, PENTACLE.


! Coins, when speaking of tarot cards, often represent the Zodiac sign of Earth –Taurus,
! Virgo, and Capricorn.

49