THEMAGICIAN

The Magician stands before a table on which arethe suit symbols of the Minor Arcana: a sword, a rod, a cup and a pentacle.Above his head appears the figure eight, ancient occult number ascribedto Hermes and the symbol of eternal life. Around him is a garden of liliesand roses. The Magician holds in his upraised hand the phallic wand ofcreativity. With his other hand he points downward. This dual sign suggeststhat all creation on earth is derived from above. The Magician possessesthe ability of utilizing the diverse objects on his table for success inthought, word and action.

THEHIGH PRIESTESS

The High Priestess is seated within the precinctsof her temple. She holds on her lap a book of knowledge and esoteric wisdom.She is a large woman-suggesting challenge to masculine domination. Sheis dressed in heavy, long-flowing robes and a high winged collar. A crossappears at her breast. Three pomegranates are above her and two date treesare in the background. A crescent moon partially shows at her left. Sheis the eternal feminine goddess of the ancient world, emanating both knowledgeand wisdom into the life around her.

THEEMPRESS

The Empress is seated upon her throne. In herright hand she holds a scepter of authority. She is surrounded by ripefruit and grain. The Empress suggests the symbol of feminine reproductivityand action. By effectively mobilizing all her capabilities, she can createmeaningful and noteworthy developments in her life.

THEEMPEROR

A regal man of middle age sits upon a throne decoratedwith rams' heads. He wears a crown of living leaves. A ceremonial scepteris in his right hand and with his left hand he holds a worldly globe ofdominion. He exudes confidence and accomplishment. His colorful regal robesbefit his exalted station.

THEHIEROPHANT

A papal figure with beard and mustache holds athree-tiered staff in his left hand. He wears the triple crown of papalauthority. The crossed keys indicate the keys to his kingdom. He appearsto give a blessing with his right hand to the two figures before him. TheHierophant possesses creative power throughout the divine, intellectualand physical worlds. Behind him are two columns, one symbolizing law andorder, the other the right to choose whether to obey or to disobey.

THELOVERS

A young lad and maiden stand together, hands clasped.Above them appears the winged angel who protects them. The Lovers representall that is essential in the interaction of love and affection betweenhuman beings. This card has reference to marriage and friendship.

THECHARIOT

A crowned conqueror rides in a chariot drawn bytwo sphinxes representing negative and positive forces. The man bears ascepter in his right hand and wears a suit of armor emblazoned with facialepaulets on each shoulder. The faces may represent the Urim andThummim, revealers of the divine will of God. The Chariot representsthe material currents which carry man along toward his destiny.

STRENGTH

A woman gently holds the jowls of a massive lionwho rests in her control. Above her head appears the eternal figure eightor cosmic lemniscate.

THEHERMIT

An elderly, bearded man wearing a heavy habitholds aloft in his right hand a lantern that represents the knowledge ofoccult science. Light emanates from the six-pointed star, symbol of creationand divine protection. The Hermit walks with the aid of a staff in hisleft hand as he travels the path of initiation and knowledge. He is readyto assist others with counsel and advice. The Hermit is the guardian oftime. He is the wise man dispensing wisdom and truth.

WHEELOF FORTUNE

The Wheel of Fortune contains eight visible spokes,each indicating a state of life, and four spokes are marked with alchemicalsigils of mercury, sulphur, water and salt. The letters T A R O are interspersedwith the four Hebrew letter I H V H for Jehovah. The serpent on the leftdescending the Wheel is falling into misfortune while the animal on theright appears to be rising out of previous difficulties. The Wheel is acircle without beginning or end. Thus, the two creatures are held in themotion of a continuously changing universe and the flow of human life.The sphinx, resting at the top, appears content merely to maintain equilibrium.At the four corners of the card are four biblical creatures, each witha book.

JUSTICE

A crowned female figure holds the scales of justiceand a heavy, double-edged sword which endows her with the ability to decideright from wrong. Her face is resolute and firm in conviction. Justiceis capable of the fair administration of manners and morals according tothe best interests of the persons involved. Justice, who wears no blindfold,is fair and equitable in her decisions. She does not permit temptationand envy to misguide her.

THEHANGED MAN

A young man hangs from a tall cross by his rightfoot. His hands are secured behind his back. The man's eyes are open andhe remains fully conscious and aware of his surroundings. The Hanged Manis depicted in a state of inertia. Although still earthbound, he has attainedsome measure of relief from the transition of life. A nimbus radiates fromhis head.

DEATH

A skeleton clad in armor carries a black flagwith a five-petaled white rose. He rides a white horse while kings, womenand children lie dead and ashen before him. In defeating the physical body,the skeletal knight prepares the way for the resurrection of the soul.The Death card is the usual unlucky number thirteen with its forebodingof great change. The skeleton, which is either male or female, representschanges in the present which will influence the events of the future.

TEMPERANCE

This card depicts the virtue of Temperance asa winged angel robed in flowing garments and pouring liquid from one urnto another.The essence of life flows between the two vessels-symbolic ofthe flowing of the past through the present and into the future. The trianglewithin the square on Temperance's breast represents the presence of spiritwithin the confines of reality. The angel Temperance possesses moderationand self-restraint. She is secure and self-reliant, able to live withinthe modest needs of her position.

THEDEVIL

This card shows a horned, bat-winged demon withelongated ears. A pentacle is inverted on his forehead, signifying perversionof the five senses. The Devil is elevated on a pedestal. He holds in hisleft hand an inverted torch of destruction. His right hand is upraisedin the sign of black magic. The Devil is the bearer of misery, disasterand death. Two figures are tied by their necks to the base of the Devil'spedestal. This card indicates human suffering and desolation. However,the bondage suffered by the two figures could be broken by positive determinationand willpower.

THETOWER

A tall tower with a crowned roof has been struckviolently by a blast of lightening and fire. Only the top, the crown, issevered, signifying a clean break from the past. The flame is a symbolof a strong and dominating occurrence. The structure is made of roughlyhewn stone and has three windows. Two persons, presumably a man and a woman,fall to the ground. The falling figures represent head-first escape fromthe past and sudden immersion into new events. This card is variously calledThe Lightening Struck Tower, The House of God, The Hospital, Fire of Heavenor Tower of Babel. The Tower symbolizes previous knowledge and beliefsand sometimes false premises.

THESTAR

A naked young maiden pours the waters of lifefrom her open palms. This signifies the stirring of new ideas and the precipitationof new concepts. Although the maiden appears complacent, her outlook remainsone of aspiration and hope. Hovering in the sky above her is one huge star-theStar of the Magi-surrounded by seven smaller stars which shine upon theearth. The eight-pointed stars of hope ascend above the maiden. A birdand flowers evidence the birth of life and promise.

THEMOON

A dog and a wolf howl at the moon which cradlesa face in profile and drops the moisture of intuition and psychic knowledge.Two ominous towers rise in the background. In the foreground a crayfishrises from a pond, signifying uncontrolled manifestations of the subconscious.This card suggests the presence of envy, deception, jealousy and prejudicein daily life. It is a card of caution and danger. One can be easily swayedby the ever-changing power of the Moon.

THESUN

A beaming sun shines down upon a naked child astridea horse. Four sunflowers represent the four elements of earth, fir, waterand air. The Sun's rays shine out and touch all the earth. From the Sun'srays flow strong and positive solar energies which permeate all livingbeings and give rise to feelings of contentment and satisfaction. Thiscard represents the fulfillment of love and friendship.

JUDGMENT

This card depicts a winged angel blowing a trumpet.Attached to the trumpet is a banner bearing the design of a cross. Below,a family rises from shallow waters. The woman is posed with clasped hands.This card suggests the revival and reawakening of individuals concerned,and a call to atonement for that which is past and present. The shroudof the past is cleansed away. The deeper our emotions and sorrows, thericher our atonements and joys.

THEWORLD

A clothed female figure stands within the centerof an oval wreath. She holds a thin wand in each hand, symbolizing thepowers she commands. Her powers are a direct result of all the effortsdescribed in the preceding cards and of the energy of conscious and subconsciousconcentration. In each of the four corners of the card appears a symbolicfigure from the Apocalypse. In the upper left is a man or angel and inthe upper right an eagle. In the lower corners are the figures of a bulland a lion-guardians of the truth. All that has taken place before nowculminates in ultimate completion. The female figure is in command of herdominion. The four corners of the card suggest the four elements of air(man),water (eagle), fire(lion) and earth(bull), which are balanced to form thebasis of life on earth and the composition of each day.

KINGOF SWORDS

The King of Swords is cloaked and wears an armoredhead cover. He sits in judgment, holding unsheathed the sign of his suit.A pouncing eagle is on the back of his throne. Behind him gather stormclouds.

QUEEN OF SWORDS

The Queen of Swords sits upon her throne. Theupraised sword in her right hand represents a quick-witted and capableperson. Her countenance is severe and preoccupied. A stormy and desolatelandscape is behind her. She is one who has suffered a great loss but bearsup nobly under her misfortune.

KNIGHTOF SWORDS

The Knight of Swords, a forceful figure dressedin full armor, rides horseback, brandishing his sword. He is the defenderof good and the opponent of evil, a symbol of chivalry and bravery. Heis courageous and good at heart. He is the forerunner of activity.

PAGEOF SWORDS

The Page of Swords wears a fur hat and a regalcostume with flowing cape. He clasps an upright sword in both hands.

TENOF SWORDS

A prostrate figure is shown pierced by the swordsof his suit.

NINEOF SWORDS

A sleepless woman sits bowed in despair, oppressedby nine swords.

EIGHTOF SWORDS

A woman, bound and blindfolded, is surroundedby the swords of her suit.

SEVENOF SWORDS

A young man escapes with five swords, while twoswords remain impaled in the ground.

SIXOF SWORDS

A ferryman carries six swords to the oppositeshore.

FIVEOF SWORDS

A soldier looks with disdain at two fleeing andunarmed adversaries.

FOUROF SWORDS

The effigy of a knight in the attitude of prayerrests upon a tomb.

THREEOF SWORDS

Three swords pierce an enormous red heart.In the background appear rain clouds.

TWOOF SWORDS

A blindfolded young woman balances two upraisedswords.

ACE OF SWORDS

A large sword rises in the sky, a wreath encircling the blade.

KINGOF RODS

The King of Rods bears a noble facial expression.He holds in his right hand a flowering rod. A lion is on the back of hischair.

QUEENOF RODS

The Queen of Rods, seated upon her throne,is dressed in beautiful robes. She has long hair cascading across her shoulders.In her right hand is a long, flowering rod. With her left hand she holdsa sunflower. A cat naps in front of her.

KNIGHTOF RODS

A handsome young Knight of Rods is clothedin golden armor with a dragon mounted on his helmet.

PAGEOF RODS

The Page of Rods holds a flowering rod. Hecups his left hand to his cheek while he shouts across the barren wasteland.A sun disk is on his chest.

TENOF RODS

A man is burdened by the weight of ten floweringrods that he carries toward a castle.

NINEOF RODS

A tall figure with an expectant look leansupon a flowering rod. A bandage uncurls from his forehead.

EIGHTOF RODS

A flight of eight flowering rods soars throughthe open countryside.

SEVENOF RODS

A young man wards off six attacking enemiesby holding a flowering rod in his two hands.

SIXOF RODS

A laureled horseman carries a flowering roddecked with a wreath while a companion walks nearby.

FIVEOF RODS

Five rowdy boys brandish flowering rods asif in sport or combat.

FOUROF RODS

A great garland is suspended from four floweringrods. Two young maidens clutch nosegays. In the background is a moatedcastle.

THREEOF RODS

A calm, stately figure, possibly a merchant,stands at a cliff's edge watching as ships return from a sea voyage.

TWOOF RODS

A young man looks from a castle wall acrossshore and sea. He holds a globe of the world in his right hand and a floweringrod in his left hand.

ACEOF RODS

A beautiful flowering rod stands in the foreground against radiant sunlight. A castle is on a distant hill.

KINGOF CUPS

The King of Cups, with a thick beard and mustache,clasps a great cup in his right hand. In his left hand he grasps a rodof authority and knowledge. He wears a regal crown and his vestments arerich and majestic. In the background are a ship and a porpoise.

QUEEN OF CUPS

The crowned Queen of Cupsholds a great cup in her two hands. She is richly and majestically robed.

KNIGHT OF CUPS

The Knight of Cups rides gracefully on his horse.He balances a great cup in his right hand and appears contemplative.

PAGE OF CUPS

A young Page of Cups holds in his right hand alarge cup from which appears a fish. Ocean waves swirl behind the Page.

TEN OF CUPS

A young couple embrace while two children frolicnearby. The man's arm is raised toward a rainbow of ten golden cups.

NINE OF CUPS

A robust man stands before nine cups stacked onshelves behind him.

EIGHT OF CUPS

A cloaked figure with wide-brimmed hat is seenfleeing. Eight neatly stacked cups are in the foreground.

SEVEN OF CUPS

Strange visions arise from seven cups in the cloudsbefore a magical man.

SIX OF CUPS

Two young children play with three cups filledwith flowers. Behind them three more cups rest on a stone wall.

FIVE OF CUPS

A remorseful cloaked figure stands by three spilledcups. Behind him two full cups remain and in the distance is a castle.

FOUR OF CUPS

A young man seated under a tree contemplates threecups on the grass before him, while a fourth cup held by a hand issuesfrom a cloud.

THREE OF CUPS

Three young maidens in a garden hold aloft threecups as if in celebration. Garlands of flowers surround him.

TWO OF CUPS

A young man and woman bend over two chalices.Above them is a caduceus and a lion's head with great spiritual wings.

ACE OF CUPS

Four streams of water spring from a cup and fallinto a pond where water lilies float.

KING OF PENTACLES

The dark King of Pentacles sits upon his throne.He holds a large coin blazoned with a pentagram in his left hand. He isdressed in rich robes.

QUEEN OF PENTACLES

The Queen of Pentacles holds aloft in her righthand the great coin of her suit. With her other hand she gently claspsa rabbit of fertility. She is seated in a bower of roses and fruit.

KNIGHT OF PENTACLES

The Knight of Pentacles wears a horned helmet.The great coin of his suit appears with him.

PAGE OF PENTACLES

A pensive maiden is the Page of Pentacles. Sheholds the symbol of her suit.

TEN OF PENTACLES

An elderly, bearded man pets a dog while a youngboy watches. Behind them a young couple embraces. A castle appears in thedistance.

NINE OF PENTACLES

A well-dressed woman stands in her vineyard witha bird perched on her arm. Three arches and a castle are in the background.

EIGHT OF PENTACLES

A young woman studies intently the workmanshipof a large coin blazoned with a pentagram.

SEVEN OF PENTACLES

A young man leans tiredly on his hoe at the endof a day's work.

SIX OF PENTACLES

A prosperous merchant weighs money in a pair ofscales and distributes coins to the needy.

FIVE OF PENTACLES

Two mendicants in a snowstorm pass before a lightedwindow. One is lame and both are destitute.

FOUR OF PENTACLES

A crowned figure, having a pentacle over his crown,clasps another pentacle with his hand and arms while two pentacles restbeneath his feet.

THREE OF PENTACLES

A sculptor is at work in a monastary.

TWO OF PENTACLES

A juggler balances two pentacles on the shoreby a turbulent sea.

ACE OF PENTACLES

A large pentacle appears in the sky surroundedby golden clouds and resting upon lilies.