Carnelian is a reddish-orange variety of the mineral chalcedony, ranging in shades from light to dark. The majority of the carnelian you can purchase today originally comes from India, but is dispersed all over the world with deposits in Brazil, Egypt, Uruguay, the U.S., and more.
Carnelian History
Carnelian is believed to be named after the red-orange Kornel cherry. Artifacts using carnelian date back to the Bronze Age circa 1800 BC on the island of Crete. The Romans though Carnelian to be a stone of courage–able to shore up confidence and strength. In ancient Egypt, it was placed on mummies to assist the dead in their journey to the afterlife while architects to the pharaohs wore carnelian to denote rank and status.
Carnelian necklace
In the Middle Ages, Carnelian was used by alchemists when boiling stone to release the energy of other gemstones. The word “carnelian” itself comes from a Latin word meaning “flesh” or “yellowish red”, which symbolizes bold energy and stimulation of the spirit.
Physical and Metaphysical Healing Properties of Carnelian
Carnelian has been utilized by many ancient cultures for different reasons, but it is otherwise seen as a stabilizing stone. Carnelian healing properties can help with physical, emotional, and spiritual balance. This stone can aid in stimulating tissues and organs, detoxifying as well as boosting libido and fertility.
Like all fire stones, Carnelian infuses the body with life and light calling on the powers of physical energy. It’s all about stimulating the muscles, helping oxygen to find its free flow, and keeping your tissues and organs flushed with the finest health.
Carnelians is believed to boost attitude and can even help stimulate metabolism and appetite. Carnelian is also believed to ease back problems, rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, and accelerates healing in bones and ligaments. It is also said to assist in relieving depression, especially in those of advanced years.
This particular stone stimulates the Sacral Chakra, located below the navel and above the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis. It controls the flow of energy and is the center of gravity of the body. It is the center of the Life Force of the body and controls the flow of information from the body to the mind and from the mind to the body. Gut feelings, intuition, and other “non-linear” communication come from this chakra.
Carnelian restores vitality as well as stimulates creativity. It gives courage, promotes positive life choices, dispels apathy and motivates for success. Carnelian is also useful for overcoming abuse or trauma of any kind. This stone additionally helps in trusting yourself, your intuition and your own perceptions. Meditation with Carnelian is highly recommended.
Chakras are the energy centers of the body, affecting your physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. But when something in your life throws you off-center, your chakras need a little help to get the energy flowing again. Chakra Crystals shows you how. Explore how different stones resonate with your chakras, and how to use them with a range of meditations to heal yourself inside and out.
With its orange hue inspiring feelings of the sun, Carnelian stones promote warmth, happiness, peace, and inner strength. Though it functions best when held near the navel, there’s no wrong way to use Carnelian stones. Doing so can aid the flow of positive energies, allowing for an easier, healthier, and more satisfying life.
How to use your Carnelian
Worn as amulets by warriors and priests to gift courage and a fiery inner strength, Carnelian makes for an amazing jewel when it comes to crystal healing. Worn directly against the skin, a Carnelian bracelet, pendant or ring can bring its bright vibrations straight into the body, ensuring you get the highest level of healing power.
However, feel free to place your Carnelian anywhere in your home, office or spiritual space as it is not required to be worn in order to achieve its benefits. This stone will boost harmony, stimulate creativity and invite abundance into the atmosphere it occupies – regardless of whether it is being carried or not. Many spiritual practitioners will add Carnelian into candles to boost its energy manifestation. Burning incense or candles near the stone is said to have a similar affect.
When you work with a Carnelian stone, you’re working with a stone of alchemy. You are setting the intention that all energy that doesn’t serve you will dissipate, only to be replaced by something more harmonious.
How to cleanse your Carnelian
If you feel the need to spiritually cleanse your Carnelian, you have several options.
A) Smudging
Smudging with incense or smoke is a common practice as far as crystal cleansing and can be applied to the cleansing ritual of a Carnelian stone as well s any other. Using herbs like sage, sweetgrass, palo santo, and lavender; this practice is held sacred for its metaphysical purposes (particularly when sage is used). To do this, hold your smudge rod or incense of choice around your crystals, visualizing that the smoke is purifying, cleansing, and charging your crystals with positive energy. Let the smoke surround your crystal for 30 seconds or so, focusing your energy on the healing, cleansing, and refreshing of your carnelian. Once you’ve finished smudging, open your window to release the smoke that the herb or incense has generated.
B) Moonlight
Setting your Carnelian out under moonlight is also believed to be a highly affective cleanser. Moonlight can equally be utilized as a “charger” for Carnelian. Place your stone by your windowsill and leave it overnight.
C) The Earth
You can even cleanse you Carnelian with the earth itself. Planting this stone in the ground will return its energy to its form and re-activate its spirit. If you feel grounded by earth, find a safe spot for burying your carnelian, such as in a garden or beside your favorite plant. Bury your Carnelian in the soil and leave it there for a day or two, then rinse with water.
What to avoid when cleansing Carnelian
You should avoid charging or cleansing your Carnelian with sunlight. Sunlight is not suitable for many stones and Carnelian is one that should not be left in the sun for long periods. It breaks down the minerals in the stone and the color fades.
Carnelian Associations
Chakras – Sacral
Birthstone – July
Zodiac – Cancer, Taurus, Leo, Virgo
Planet – Mars
Element – Fire
Typical colors – Clear-to-translucent red brown which may vary from a pale orange to pink, or from grey to an intense almost black.
Comprehensive and stunningly illustrated, this essential reference celebrates the beauty and healing potential of 500 crystals and gems. Step-by-step instructions cover divination, spiritual development, and personal empowerment-everything from headache relief to finding love and improving family relationships to warding off workplace bullying. A table on each page informs readers of essential facts on each stone, and there’s advice on usage, cleaning, and care. Practitioners of holistic medicine who prefer the benefits of a natural, noninvasive healing method will find everything they need to know in this lovely guide.
The suit of Swords represents our capacity for thinking and logic. It deals with problems, planning, communication, ideas, your intellect and how you use it. When the suit of swords cards appear in a tarot reading, they can signify what our rational mind says, as well as things that are related to communication, and sometimes, conflict.
Upright: In a tarot reading, the Ace of Swords card shows a major breakthrough or insight. This card also tells you that a major decision you are about to make may have life changing consequences.
Reversed: Reversed Ace of Swords suggests that you may be confused about a particular issue. Gather more information and take some time to reflect before you make an important decision.
Two of Swords
Two of Swords
Upright: When this card presents itself upright in a reading, it shows that a sense of balance has been restored. But this balance is imperfect. More work must be done to achieve lasting harmony.
Reversed: When reversed, the Two of Swords shows that a balance has come to an end. It may also suggest that you’ve underestimated an opponent.
Three of Swords
Three of Swords
Upright: The Three of Swords tarot card advises that your emotions must now face cold, hard, rational facts. However, whatever the outcome may be, this card will teach you the discipline required to weather the next challenge.
Reversed: When this tarot card appears in a reading reversed, it points out that you’re not dealing well with an emotional loss or personal setback. You need to reflect.
Four of Swords
Four of Swords
Upright: When the Four of Swords tarot card is seen in a reading, it announces a period of creative downtime. As with all cards in the Suit of Swords, this moment won’t last forever. So it’s important to use this time wisely.
Reversed: Reversed, the Four of Swords shows that the soul is becoming restless. Slow things down. Your mind and body need rest.
Five of Swords
Five of Swords
Upright: Win or lose, the outcome of a conflict can teach you a lot about yourself. With an upright Five of Swords, you learn how conflicts are lost and won – and when you simply have to walk away from a hopeless situation.
Reversed: When seen reversed, this tarot card suggests that you are having a hard time getting over a past loss or defeat. There is a difference between grieving and obsessing over the past.
Six of Swords
Six of Swords
Upright: The swords are at rest. Their tips are buried in the bottom of the boat. Pulling them out to inspect them for rust damage could sink it. The time for that may come, but for now you need to be patient. Upright, the Six of Swords also points towards intellectual growth. This is the process in which all the pieces fall into place.
Reversed: When reversed, the Six of Swords tarot card reflects that your emotional balance has been upset. It could also suggest that a healing process is now beginning.
Seven of Swords
Seven of Swords
Upright: When presented upright in a reading, the Seven of Swords says that certain things may still be in the conceptual/experimental stage. For example, a long term project you’ve been working on shows promise – but it still needs some fine tuning.
Reversed: The reversed Seven of Swords tarot card cautions against relying on others too much. They may give you good ideas, but in the end you’re still responsible for your own decisions.
Eight of Swords
Eight of Swords
Upright: The Eight of Swords tarot card, when seen upright in a reading, suggests that it’s time to be honest with yourself and face the “hard stuff”. Sometimes, this card may also point out that you need to consider making healthy changes to your lifestyle.
Reversed: When seen reversed, the Eight of Swords indicates that you’ve overcome a difficult challenge which may have been keeping you from moving forward with your life. Congratulations!
Nine of Swords
Nine of Swords
Upright: The Nine of Swords tarot card upright says that your conscience is bothering you over something you may have done in the past. If it’s possible to make amends, you should not waste time. This card also refers to the pain that is often connected to spiritual growth.
Reversed: Remember that swords are never at rest for long. When reversed, the Nine of Swords suggests that you may be too caught up in the moment to see that. Instead of rising above the turmoil, your thoughts are darting all over the place – at a speed that’s bound to wear out even the hardiest soul.
Ten of Swords
Ten of Swords
Upright: The Ten of Swords tarot card brings to light a crucial stage in your spiritual development. It may also mean that unforeseen circumstances can undo your plans.
Reversed: There are some painful endings on the way but try not to be disheartened. With reversed Ten of Swords, you are reminded that when something is truly over the only thing to be done is learn from the past and move on. In this, the Ten of Swords reversed brings clarity and a better understanding of your true destiny.
Page of Swords
Page of Swords
Upright: When the Page of Swords card appears upright in a tarot reading, it encourages you to learn empathy and discrimination. Learn to distinguish between which truths need to shared and which ones need to be kept in confidence.
Reversed: While it’s good to be prudent, looking over your shoulder all the time can easily turn to paranoia. When this card is reversed, it urges you to look at the current situation objectively.
Knight of Swords
Knight of Swords
Upright: When the Knight of Swords card presents itself upright in a reading, it’s a sign that you’re bursting full with grand ideas, amazing thoughts, and marvelous plans!
Reversed: When reversed, the Knight of Swords points out that your intense drive is lacking focus – or that you need to pull the brakes.
Queen of Swords
Queen of Swords
Upright: The Queen of Swords says you may be in a pretty lonely spot. Others may feel threatened by your keen eye for detail that doesn’t miss a thing. They may resent your critical intellect which accepts no excuses and cuts right to the chase.
Reversed: When the Queen of Swords is reversed in a tarot reading, it’s very possible that someone’s actions and thoughts are based on pain. Reacting to prolonged pain and stress, a powerful mind often becomes vindictive, arrogant, and bitter. Withdrawing into its shell, the soul refuses to grow.
King of Swords
King of Swords
Upright: When presented upright in a reading, this card says that you are a thinker and a doer. When you commit to something, you’ll do it, no matter what. But be advised, this can also be your downfall, especially if you have to rely on others or you’ve maneuvered into a no-win situation.
Reversed: If seen reversed, the King of Swords may point to a person experiencing great difficulties. Sometimes, that may be their own fault, because they haven’t learned from their experiences.
What It Takes:
These are extremely brief descriptions of The Suit of Pentacle tarot cards. To fully utilize the art of tarot with confidence takes much time and extensive learning. It is strongly advised that you do further personal research and dive deeper into the complex meanings of each tarot card, prior to practicing this form of divination.
THE SUIT OF SWORDS EXPLAINED! Let me tell you the Truth about the Suit of Swords in the Tarot. In this video I teach you to look at these cards from different angles and see the deeper meaning of the Tarot!
Each of us holds gifts deep within and, with tarot, we have the power to unlock those gifts and make transformative discoveries. For beginner tarot readers, learning the cards–all 78 of them–and understanding how to use spreads may seem daunting. Tarot expert Stefanie Caponi explains that interpreting the cards is a blend of knowing the card meanings, listening to your heart, and trusting your intuition. In her fully-illustrated book, Guided Tarot, she offers easy exercises to nurture and grow your intuition, not only to understand the cards’ universal meanings, but to channel your own meanings. This comprehensive guide also shows you how to attune your energy to the deck for more accurate readings. Soon you’ll be confident in doing readings for yourself and even your friends.
Salem Witch Trials: The Accused Sarah Good by Odin’s Daughter
Sarah Good is part of the first accused. Her trial started on March 1st, 1692. Just as Bishop before her; she had gone through many examinations, witness testaments, review of evidence, indictments, depositions, outside testimonies, warrant for execution and even one for her original arrest. Sadly, along with her arrest, her 4-year-old daughter Dorothy (listed as Dorcas) and unborn child joined her. Her husband, though not vouching that she was indeed a witch, was nearing to become one.
Sarah Good, born Sarah Solart, in 1653. Her father was a successful innkeeper. Her first marriage was to servant Daniel Poole, who later died in 1686. Later she married again, this time to William Good. The family was worse for wear. Living the life of poor New Englanders due to her first husband’s debt. They lived in homes of friends and bounced around with two small children.
Sarah Good did not have a decent reputation in the town. She was known as unpleasant and disreputable. This very soon did not help her chances at life. On February 29th, 1692, a warrant for her arrest was established. She was questioned endlessly and repeatedly. She even broke once and named someone else to turn the attention away from herself. Many had accused of witchcraft in various forms. At one point during her trial, a girl in the room pulled a knife tip from the breast of her jacket claiming Good tried to stab her. A man stood up claiming that the accusation was a flat lie. That in fact that was the knife tip he broke off yesterday and threw away. He even produced the knife the tip came from. One would think, that just maybe, this incident would shed hope onto Good. It did not, the girl was told not to lie in court and the proceedings continued. Another point that added fuel to the fire, was her Husband. He did not declare her a witch but did say she was on her way to becoming one. Her bad reputation in Salem was the big nail in the coffin. It was even said she was an aged woman in or near her seventies with white hair and bad skin. Giving way to what we see to today as descriptors through media, stories and tales of witches and hags.
Sarah Good Salem stone marker, Salem, Massachusetts.
Sarah Good was sentenced to hang, but not before the birth of her unborn child. Sadly, the child born in prison was a girl she named Mercy. Shortly before she hung, Mercy died in prison. Her daughter Dorothy, sat in prison for 7 to 8 months before being released to her father under bond. She thankfully never had to stand trial. Only though she lived a mentally unstable life; she endured much questioning, little to no food, damp conditions, loneliness, physical examinations and cracked. She gave testimony against her own mother under extreme duress. She is said to have lived a life with insanity. Her mother was hung July 19th, 1692.
The infamous Salem witch trials began during the spring of 1692, after a group of young girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts, claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several local women of witchcraft. As a wave of hysteria spread throughout colonial Massachusetts, a special court convened in Salem to hear the cases; the first convicted witch, Bridget Bishop, was hanged that June. Eighteen others followed Bishop to Salem’s Gallows Hill, while some 150 more men, women and children were accused over the next several months. By September 1692, the hysteria had begun to abate and public opinion turned against the trials. Though the Massachusetts General Court later annulled guilty verdicts against accused witches and granted indemnities to their families, bitterness lingered in the community, and the painful legacy of the Salem witch trials would endure for centuries.
Six Women of Salem is the first work to use the lives of a select number of representative women as a microcosm to illuminate the larger crisis of the Salem witch trials. By the end of the trials, beyond the twenty who were executed and the five who perished in prison, 207 individuals had been accused, 74 had been “afflicted,” 32 had officially accused their fellow neighbors, and 255 ordinary people had been inexorably drawn into that ruinous and murderous vortex, and this doesn’t include the religious, judicial, and governmental leaders. All this adds up to what the Rev. Cotton Mather called “a desolation of names.”
The individuals involved are too often reduced to stock characters and stereotypes when accuracy is sacrificed to indignation. And although the flood of names and detail in the history of an extraordinary event like the Salem witch trials can swamp the individual lives involved, individuals still deserve to be remembered and, in remembering specific lives, modern readers can benefit from such historical intimacy. By examining the lives of six specific women, Marilynne Roach shows readers what it was like to be present throughout this horrific time and how it was impossible to live through it unchanged.
Salem Witch Trials: The Accused Bridget Bishop byOdin’s Daughter
During the Winter of February 1692, unrest was building in the Village of Salem. Elizabeth Parris and Abigail Williams, through fits and mysterious maladies, were diagnosed with being affected with witchcraft. They soon released the names of the accused to their parents. Leading to more than one-hundred fifty accused. One even being a four-year-old child. Soon, June had arrived and here marks the first of the trials. One of whom was the most severely accused by her community, Bridget Bishop.
Born some time in the 1630s, Bridget Playfer, was born in Norwich, England. Soon to follow in the year 1660, she had her fist marriage to Samuel Wasselbe (spellings vary). It is unknown if Samuel had passed prior to her leaving for the new world or if he was still alive. She in the time of leaving England was in fact pregnant from this marriage, the infant did sadly pass in Massachusetts.
She then married again in Massachusetts in 1666, to a Thomas Oliver. They bought a large property that included orchards. They also conceived a daughter known as Christian. Thomas had 3 older children from his previous marriage. Thirteen years later and Thomas had passed away. In 1685, she remarried again, to an Edward Bishop.
Due to the deaths of two previous marriages, gossip of her being a “witch” ensued. It grew into much more as time went on. Her first accusation was in fact in 1680 by a slave who claimed he saw her specter steal, pinch, and frightened horses; in total 10 people testified against her. There was a list of accusations: force girls to sign “the Devil’s Book”, poppets with stuck pins in them, specter visitations of various men, bewitching of others, declining health of others, stealing, arguments, seeing of imps on her property, her flying over her orchards, witches mark found on her body, and use of magic.
On June 10 th , 1692, Bridget Bishop was convicted of being a witch and using witchcraft. Being escorted by Sheriff George Corwin to Proctor’s Ledge. Where she was hanged at the edge of town publicly. She hung until she passed away. The first of the 19 to be hung and the very last to be exonerated by legislation in the state of Massachusetts in 2001.
Note: Her daughter did live on to be married, but soon died in 1693.
Based on twenty-seven years of original archival research, including the discovery of previously unknown documents, this day-by-day narrative of the hysteria that swept through Salem Village in 1692 and 1693 reveals new connections behind the events, and shows how rapidly a community can descend into bloodthirsty madness. Roach opens her work with chapters on the history of the Puritan colonies of New England, and explains how these people regarded the metaphysical and the supernatural. The account of the days from January 1692 to March 1693 keeps in order the large cast of characters, places events in their correct contexts, and occasionally contradicts earlier assumptions about the gruesome events. The last chapter discusses the remarkable impact of the events, pointing out how the 300th anniversary of the trials made headlines in Japan and Australia.
A girl fell sick in 1692. Her convulsions, contortions, and outbursts of gibberish baffled everyone. Then other girls had the same symptoms. The village doctor could suggest just one cause: Witchcraft.
The Suit of Cups is associated with the element of water. Water is fluid, agile and ‘in flow’ but it’s also very powerful and formative. This tarot suit represents emotions, feelings, subconscious, intuition and psychic ability.
The Cups often represent one’s emotional condition as it relates to personal relationships, love, hate, and the interaction between one’s spiritual level of consciousness and the natural environment.
Upright: When the Ace of Cups appears upright in a tarot reading, it represents an unfailing source of balm for body, heart and soul. It suggests that you can relax into a safety net of love, and support.
Reversed: The Ace of Cups reversed warns of a loss of self-esteem, optimism and faith in the abundance that the universe has to offer. Stop to examine what it is that is causing you to lose altitude. It might be the mental food you are feeding yourself.
Two of Cups
Two of Cups
Upright: The Two in this suit signifies a union of souls. This card traditionally describes a romantic relationship, but also includes the idea that all good friendships and partnerships are based on a natural affinity and a deep mutual understanding. As a personal reflection, it can also signify that your mind and your soul are discovering each other, maybe for the first time.
Reversed: The Two of Cups reversed indicates that you may be investing too much in a relationship. Sometimes this is a signal that you must stop seeking so much validation from others.
Three of Cups
Three of Cups
Upright: When seen in a tarot reading, this card resonates with a spirit of agreement, mutual support, encouragement and teamwork. It points to all the benefits of harmonious relationship. This card reassures that it’s ok to ask for the help you may need.
Reversed: The Three of Cups reversed indicates that you may be frustrating the best efforts of those who love you most. Try to find a way to let in some of the love and caring that comes to you.
Four of Cups
Four of Cups
Upright: A Four in this suit suggest you may have become dissatisfied with life, and emotionally uncomfortable. You need to take a clear look at how stalled or distracted you have become. You may have been bogged down by negativity, hopelessness or a sense of limitation.
Reversed: The Four of Cups reversed indicates that some part of you is resisting the flow of events. Recognize this mood as a symptom of a deeper dissatisfaction and come clean to yourself about your real feelings. There is something to be learned.
Five of Cups
Five of Cups
Upright: When seen upright in a tarot reading, the Five of Cups traditionally portrays the mess that is left after an emotional upheaval, such as a tantrum or fit of rage. Consequences run the gamut from a hangover and lost wages, to abuse and ruined relationships. Take some time to reflect and recover.
Reversed: The Five of Cups reversed represents a paradoxical situation wherein what seems like the worst thing that could happen actually creates a better circumstance. You are freer to act authentically as a result of this energy turn.
Six of Cups
Six of Cups
Upright: When this tarot card appears upright, it generally represents a refreshing openness and innocence and a willingness to learn. Remember that this same freshness, those new possibilities, are always available to you, even now.
Reversed: With the Six of Cups reversed, you can finally close accounts with the emotional undertow that has been part of your life. Try to revisit those wounded places calmly, without the fear that you will be drawn back in.
Seven of Cups
Seven of Cups
Upright: The Seven of this suit typically refers to works of the imagination, the use of dream and vision to invent a future different than the life one is currently living. This card reminds you that your outcomes are not set in stone.
Reversed: The Seven of Cups reversed suggests that you to reawaken to playfulness, joy and curiosity. Perhaps a lack of purpose is having a deadening effect.
Eight of Cups
Eight of Cups
Upright: This is a difficult card, but a realistic one, insofar as it warns against misplaced trust and unguarded vulnerability.
Reversed: The Eight of Cups reversed suggests that you may have experienced a terrible event, yet you have somehow not allowed it to ruin your life. Under the circumstances, you are doing just fine. Recognize how far you’ve come.
Nine of Cups
Nine of Cups
Upright: The Nine of Cups in this position advises that you open yourself to circumstances around you. There may be no need to manage a situation that does not require a lot of control or leadership.
Reversed: The Nine of Cups reversed suggests that you are getting what you thought you wanted, but it’s not what you really want at all. This is an essential lesson in life. When you set a goal, specify how you want it to feel in your life, not just what you want to be, do or have.
Ten of Cups
Ten of Cups
Upright: The Ten of this suit upright traditionally signifies family and community. It suggest that you should prioritize teamwork over your personal goals.
Reversed: The Ten of Cups reversed suggests that a group’s collective good will is damaged and its safety net is fraying. Things are being said and done that will be regretted later.
Page of Cups
Page of Cups
Upright: When this card presents itself in a reading, it may be that a sense of being grounded in reality has not yet entirely set in. Be unconcerned with the outcome. Later you will understand why you needed to be in this position.
Reversed: When the Page of Cups card is reversed it suggests that you may have been overly expressing some self-indulgent feelings. If you impinge upon the good nature of others too much, you may be unpleasantly surprised by the results.
Knight of Cups
Knight of Cups
Upright: The Knight of Cups in this position advises that you jump into your new situation with both feet. Think no more about the route you had to travel to get back here. There is no need to be cavalier about what seems familiar.
Reversed: When reversed, the knight of cups continually looks for excuses or a way to blame his problems on someone else. It suggests you may need to reflect and take personal responsibility for the way things are in your life.
Queen of Cups
Queen of Cups
Upright: The Queen of Cups upright encourages you to be generous, kind and forgiving. Support the ability of others to get what they want. However, you must not allow your willingness to give be misunderstood or abused, as if it were a weakness.
Reversed: When this card is reversed in a reading, it suggests that you stop all efforts to dull your pain or distract yourself from it. Looking the other way is not going to help you anymore. You must be emotionally honest with yourself in order to heal.
King of Cups
King of Cups
Upright: When the King of Cups appears in this position, it advises that you closely examine your conscience and bring your personal mission into alignment with what is best for everyone.
Reversed: Reversed, this card suggests you may be bitterly holding a grudge or some hatred — withholding your natural propensity for forgiveness. This will create an emotional vacuum around you.
What It Takes:
These are extremely brief descriptions of The Suit of Pentacle tarot cards. To fully utilize the art of tarot with confidence takes much time and extensive learning. It is strongly advised that you do further personal research and dive deeper into the complex meanings of each tarot card, prior to practicing this form of divination.
Further Resources:
A complete beginner’s course with step-by-step lessons on how to work with tarot cards for personal guidance.
Joan Bunning’s “Learning the Tarot—An Online Course” has helped hundreds of thousands of people worldwide discover the personal value of the tarot. Drawing on the material offered in this popular online course and from her previous books, Joan has created a complete guide to tarot for beginners, which serves as a handy and in-depth resource for more experienced tarot card readers as well.
While there are countless books devoted to tarot, what sets Joan Bunning’s book apart is her ability to take a rather complicated esoteric system and break it down into clear, manageable, and easy-to-learn lessons. These lessons cover the basics and then move gradually into more advanced concepts.
THE SUIT OF CUPS EXPLAINED! Let me teach you Tarot. After the Pentacles and the Wands we are now discussing the Suit of Cups. This is my favorite suit in the Tarot, so I’m really excited to share this with you guys! In this video I explain what the Cups mean in the Tarot, using Astrology and Symbolism, but I also discuss every Cup card one by one. This will definitely be helpful to beginners, but can also add an extra layer to the cards for experienced readers.
The Suit of Wands all about fiery, creative energy. Whatever you’re about to begin, you couldn’t have hoped for better starting conditions. If you stay focused on your goal, there’s no way you will lose this race.
Upright: The Ace of Wands tarot card brings a message of courage and vitality. If you’ve been struggling with a situation you believed to be hopeless, you are suddenly discovering untapped reservoirs of optimism and resolve.
Reversed: When reversed, the Ace of Wands tarot card points to a moment of confusion. Here, it’s important to keep your head on your shoulders. Your confusion could arise from having too many choices at once. The reversed Ace of Wands also suggests that something is about to come to an end. But that’s not always a bad thing.
Tarot Two of Wands
Two of Wands
Upright: The Two of Wands is a card of accomplishment, opportunity, and risk. Working out all the details and keeping the big picture in mind will do much to tip the scales in your favor. This tarot card also suggests that you have made a commitment to bettering your life and to stay the course.
Reversed: When the Two of Wands is reversed, it’s a good time to review your priorities and long term goals. On a broader scale, the reversed Two of Wands challenges you to examine and overcome your fears. It encourages you to take risks that will profit you in all aspects of your life.
Tarot Three of Wands
Three of Wands
Upright: When the Three of Wands appears upright in a tarot reading, its meanings speak of taking pride in your own strength, learning through experience, and discovering new opportunities.
Reversed: When the Three of Wands tarot card is reversed, it’s a sign the Universe is about to put the breaks on everything. Take a step back and reflect. Your sense of disappointment could be justified. On the other hand, what’s happening may be a blessing in disguise.
Tarot Four of Wands
Four of Wands
Upright: When you see this card upright in a tarot reading, happiness and joy are right around the corner! The Four of Wands also marks a significant milestone in your personal development. Depending on what your emotional and spiritual needs are, you are about to enter a state of liberation or stability.
Reversed: Sometimes, the Four of Wands card reversed announces a minor delay. It can also suggest that a joyful experience is temporary. But that even if it’s only temporary, it can still be beautiful.
Tarot Five of Wands
Five of Wands
Upright: This tarot card urges you to prioritize and delegate. When upright, the Five of Wands suggests that you need to become more organized. This card also reminds you to not take things personally. No one means any real harm.
Reversed: When reversed, the Five of Wands tarot card can also show a period of quiet after a recent turmoil. Now is your chance to regroup and recharge.
Tarot Six of Wands
Six of Wands
Upright: The Six of Wands not only shows that you are getting the recognition you deserve, it also suggests that your actions inspire others. This tarot card also encourages you not to let fear or misplaced feelings of guilt stand in the way of your success.
Reversed: When reversed, the Six of Wands tarot card cautions that it may be a bit too early to celebrate. It may also suggest that the success of a project you’ve been working on may not be as big as you hoped and to stay grounded.
Tarot Seven of Wands
Seven of Wands
Upright: When the Seven of Wands tarot card presents itself upright in a tarot reading, it’s a sign that now is your chance to show the world what you’re made of! Others can learn a lot from you. This tarot card also indicates an important inner victory.
Reversed: When the Seven of Wands card is reversed, it warns you that you may be sabotaging yourself. This reversal may also be reminding you that quick action is needed before a potential crisis spirals out of control.
Tarot Eight of Wands
Eight of Wands
Upright: When you see the Eight of Wands in a reading, it may suggest that travel may be in your near future. It could be for business trip or that long overdue vacation. The Eight of Wands card could also be an indication of rapid progress. Just be careful not to overlook important details, if you’re in a rush to get things done.
Reversed: When reversed, the Eight of Wands tarot card points out that a situation cannot progress because important issues still need to be resolved. Sometimes it suggests that you are stuck in thinking or behavior patterns that are holding you back.
Tarot Nine of Wands
Nine of Wands
Upright: This tarot card reassures that you are ready for anything that’s headed your way. Whatever challenges are coming, you already know what they are – and you’re ready for them.
Reversed: When reversed, the Nine of Wands points to obstacles and delays which are often self-created. Maybe you’ve been putting things off for too long, and now your problems have become too numerous and too big to handle on your own. Reversed Nine of Wands suggests that you may need to reach out to others for help, and that’s ok.
Tarot Ten of Wands
Ten of Wands
Upright: The Ten of Wands is a card of success in all things. However it’s also a reminder that there is more to life than work – and that success is not always about you.
Reversed: When reversed, this tarot card suggests that you need to decide which burdens to carry and which burdens you need to drop. Know your limits and set boundaries.
Tarot Page of Wands
Page of Wands
Upright: The Page of Wands looks at the world with childlike enthusiasm and optimism. It often suggests new beginnings or looking at the world from a brand new perspective. This card card may also be indicating that you may embark on a quest for spiritual knowledge.
Reversed: When reversed in a tarot reading, the Page of Wand’s childlike disposition can create feelings of confusion or discouragement when faced with obstacles and opposition. Reversed Page of Wands may also point to an immature or simplistic way of looking at things. The Page’s youthful mind reduces everything to its most basic concepts.
Tarot Knight of Wands
Knight of Wands
Upright: When the Knight of Wands tarot card presents itself in a tarot reading, it’s a sign that the road is clear, you know exactly where you’re headed and you can trust your instincts implicitly. Maybe a sudden insight or event is encouraging you to make a life changing decision. New opportunities have come your way, or you’re seeing opportunities you didn’t see before.
Reversed: When reversed, this card suggests that you may be rushing into something that could seriously jeopardize a friendship, relationship – or job. Take your time and think things through before making any important decisions.
Tarot Queen of Wands
Queen of Wands
Upright: The Queen of Wands tarot card embodies creativity, abundance, and fiery passion. This card predicts that you have an ability to see beauty in everything, which allows you to create beauty everywhere. Be passionate in all you do and your passion will inspire others in turn.
Reversed: The reversed Queen of Wands can indicate that certain boundaries have been violated. There are just some lines you should never, ever cross. It may also be a reminder to recharge your emotional batteries every once in a while.
Tarot King of Wands
King of Wands
Upright: An upright King of Wands tarot card symbolizes pure heat and energy. This can be a blessing and a curse. Be sure to direct your energy to the right areas of your life, lest the fire leave you burnt out.
Reversed: When reversed, the King of Wands cautions you that you need to pay closer attention to how you come across when dealing with people. Try to look at the situation from other’s perspectives so that you can learn to better connect.
What It Takes:
These are extremely brief descriptions of The Suit of Wands tarot cards. To fully utilize the art of tarot with confidence takes much time and extensive learning. It is strongly advised that you do further personal research and dive deeper into the complex meanings of each tarot card, prior to practicing this form of divination.
Further Resources:
The book includes: Lessons on how to consider one card by itself, how to look for card pairs, and how to create the “story” of a reading Contains two pages of information for each card including a picture from the popular Rider Waite deck, a description, keywords, action phrases, and suggestions for cards with similar and opposite meanings How to work with reversed cards to give tarot readings a natural flow of high points and low points without abrupt transitions Practical insights on how to work with and interpret a wide variety of tarot spreads
Salem Witch Trials: Introduction 1692-1693 byOdin’s Daughter
**Opinions of research may vary. Dates are agreed but times and causes are conflicting according to where information is obtained.**
Salem, Massachusetts is well known for many reasons; one being the home to the Witch Hunts. During the reign of King William and Queen Mary, a war with France began in 1689, noted as King William’s War. This war had a very high toll on the colonies, mostly Salem Village in Massachusetts. Between low resources, family controversies, wealth, greed and those dependent on agriculture; the first ordained Minister of Salem, Reverend Samuel Parris was greatly disliked among the community. He had a very greedy nature. With all of this going on, the village soon gave into the belief this was all due to the Devil.
With winter months coming, people were falling ill. In fact, Reverend Parris’ daughter and niece fell ill in early 1692 and were having convulsions. Tituba, a servant in the Parris household, was especially close with Betty Parris. She had never been accused of witchcraft or dark arts before. This time though, she had been, due to healing a sick child. Tituba fell to not only be the first victim but also the first to witness the Salem Witch hunt.
As the months went on more and more had been accused by the two girls, Elizabeth Parris (Betty aged 9) and Abigail Williams (aged 11/Niece). In the year of 1692, Chief Justice William Stoughton had presided over the initial trials and had in one day, June 10th, hung 18 people. All being accused of some form of witchcraft and all from different stations in life. Thirteen women and five men met their end at the gallows. One man crushed to death as well by slab of stone. As well as 5 others who died in jail, bringing the number to a total of 25 deaths. Eventually near 200 people had been accused in the end and a listed 25 had died. Many, once released from prison, had died of hysteria(s), or other ailments they had attained while in prison.
Witchcraft at Salem Village by unattributed William A. Crafts 1876 SOURCE
Then like clockwork, Betty and Abigail, started accusing those who had helped them put so many away and to their deaths. One being the governor’s own wife. At this point, Governor William Phipps decided it was time to put an end to the ridiculous claims. He, in October 1692, disbanded the courts who held the trials, replaced them, and then proceeded to rule that spectral evidence was not true evidence. From late 1692 through mid-1693, those still in jail and awaiting execution were pardoned. For many years that followed, those who were affected by the Salem witch trials, were given apologies and restitution.
Based on twenty-seven years of original archival research, including the discovery of previously unknown documents, this day-by-day narrative of the hysteria that swept through Salem Village in 1692 and 1693 reveals new connections behind the events, and shows how rapidly a community can descend into bloodthirsty madness. Roach opens her work with chapters on the history of the Puritan colonies of New England, and explains how these people regarded the metaphysical and the supernatural. The account of the days from January 1692 to March 1693 keeps in order the large cast of characters, places events in their correct contexts, and occasionally contradicts earlier assumptions about the gruesome events. The last chapter discusses the remarkable impact of the events, pointing out how the 300th anniversary of the trials made headlines in Japan and Australia.
In 1692, the townspeople of Salem, Massachusetts found themselves in a panic over witchcraft. But after several months, the paranoia and violence ended almost as quickly as it began. All trials were halted, publications about the terror were officially banned, and the location of the execution site vanished from any records. Today, a group of historians uncovers new information about the infamous witch hunt in an effort to answer its most enduring mysteries.
In 1692, America witnessed the most horrific acts of injustice when 19 innocent people were hanged and one was pressed to death for the practice of witchcraft in Season 1, Episode 7.
Of the 78 cards in a Tarot deck, the majority of them belong to the Minor Arcana. However, just because they’re called “minor” does not mean that these cards have a minor or unimportant influence in your life.
The Minor Arcana describe the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of the universe. They point out situations, events, challenges, and lessons to be learned in this lifetime. Sometimes, they also show specific people.
These typically have a temporary influence – that is, they represent an energy that is moving through your life right now and that can be easily changed, depending on the actions you take.
Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards within the Tarot deck and is broken into four suits of fourteen cards each: the suit of Pentacles, the suit of Cups, the suit of Wands, and the suit of Swords. Each suit is numbered one (Ace) to ten, followed by four Court Cards which are Page, Knight, Queen, and King.
Each of these four suits represents a different area of your life, so you know where to direct this guidance when one of these cards shows up in your Tarot reading.
Each suit is also associated with an element (earth, water, fire, and air). Some occultists maintain that each suit is also representative of a chakra, picturing the life lessons that are associated with it. Numerologists posit that the numbers on the cards are predictive of their meanings. We believe all such connections hold true, as the deck is replete with mystical connections.
Get To Know The Minor Arcana Cards:The Suit of PENTACLES
Ace of Pentacles
Upright:The Ace of Pentacles represents both a gift and an opportunity. This Tarot card suggests that better days are ahead and that the divine source will accomplish this by putting first things first.
Reversed: When reversed, the Ace of Pentacles Tarot card points out an imbalance in the way you are using your resources. This would suggest that your material success is actually enabling you to engage in some very unhealthy behaviors.
Upright:This card says that others are marveling at how you manage to get it all done. The two of Pentacles embodies the principle of balance through constant motion and intuitive awareness.
Reversed:When The Two of Pentacles card presents itself inverted in a Tarot reading, you’re discovering that there is only so much you can do at a time is a painful but important lesson that you must learn. Constantly living on the edge will burn you out quickly and you need to slow things down.
Metaphysical Correspondences:
Element:Earth
Zodiac Signs:Capricorn
Healing Crystals:Amethyst, Bloodstone
Three of Pentacles
Upright:When The Three of Pentacles card presents itself in a Tarot reading, it’s a beautiful omen that your life is about to enter a self-sustaining rhythm. This card is giving signals that the time has come when you can be trusted with more responsibility.
Reversed:When reversed, the Three of Pentacles warns that the interplay of work, passion, and vision is disrupted. It is also important to acknowledge your own worth and assert yourself.
Metaphysical Correspondences:
Element:Earth
Zodiac Signs:Capricorn
Healing Crystals:Amethyst, Bloodstone
Four of Pentacles
Upright: If the Four of Pentacles card appears in your Tarot reading, the universe is about to bless you with wealth. There is no shame in taking pride of your accomplishments. As long as you don’t overdo it, this allows others to rejoice in your success as well.
Reversed: This may imply a radical step, such as counting your blessings and walking away, or dropping long standing attitudes and hangups that have been holding you back for too long.
Metaphysical Correspondences:
Element:Earth
Zodiac Signs:Capricorn
Healing Crystals:Amethyst, Bloodstone
Five of Pentacles
Upright: When this card appears in a reading it’s an urge to stop feeding into your current turmoil, and to take an honest look at your situation. It’s time to open your eyes and your heart to truth, so that you can truly move forward.
Reversed: When reversed, the Five of Pentacles Tarot card shows that a painful situation is about to end. You’ve been given the tools to dig your way out of that hole. Now, you have to use them.
Metaphysical Correspondences:
Element:Earth
Zodiac Signs: Taurus
Healing Crystals:Amethyst, Bloodstone
Six of Pentacles
Upright: Generally, the Six of Pentacles Tarot card announces some kind of financial benefit. However, it is not always in the form of money itself. Whatever this gift may be, it will get you back on track.
Reversed: When reversed, the Six of Pentacles reminds you to focus on your needs rather than your wants. It may also warn that you are overextending yourself when being generous.
Metaphysical Correspondences:
Element:Earth
Zodiac Signs: Taurus
Healing Crystals:Amethyst, Bloodstone
Seven of Pentacles
Upright: The Seven of Pentacles Tarot card tells you that the time is now. While growth is always good news, it also means that the old way of doing things doesn’t cut it anymore.
Reversed: When reversed, this card warns you that you have been pushing yourself too hard for too long. If you don’t take some time to recharge your batteries, the universe may decide to pull the breaks for you.
Metaphysical Correspondences:
Element:Earth
Zodiac Signs: Taurus
Healing Crystals:Amethyst, Bloodstone
Eight of Pentacles
Upright: When the eight of Pentacles appears in a reading it is a reminder that you should look ahead in order to see what needs to be done to make your life’s ambition a reality over time. Keeping the big picture in mind.
Reversed: When reversed, the Eight of Pentacles points out distractions or blocks in your energy flow. These may leave you feeling exhausted and restless. Looking for ways to improve your life is a good quality, but it’s easy to lose your way if you can’t see the forest for all the trees.
Metaphysical Correspondences:
Element:Earth
Zodiac Signs:Virgo
Healing Crystals:Amethyst, Bloodstone
Nine of Pentacles
Upright: Besides being a card of wealth and joy, the Nine of Pentacles also speaks of fertility. All things are now in place so that a major life goal can be manifested. Whatever it may be, it can happen at any moment.
Reversed: When reversed, the Nine of Pentacles Tarot card suggests a premature withdrawal from the material world in order to pursue higher goals. Refocus and tap into those hidden reserves. You will need them going forward.
Metaphysical Correspondences:
Element:Earth
Zodiac Signs:Virgo
Healing Crystals:Amethyst, Bloodstone
Ten of Pentacles
Upright: The Ten of Pentacles Tarot card spells good news in all money related questions. This is a good time to think about ways to expand your business or making long term investments – career related or otherwise.
Reversed: When reversed, the Ten of Pentacles is a stern warning that you have lost sight of the big picture. You are viewing life in terms of how lucky or unlucky you are. But you’re not seeing how you are contributing to your own fate.
Metaphysical Correspondences:
Element:Earth
Zodiac Signs:Virgo
Healing Crystals:Amethyst, Bloodstone
Page of Pentacles
Upright: If the Page of Pentacles card is upright in your Tarot reading, the universe is sending you back to school. New information is challenging you to rethink everything you know about a person or situation – perhaps even your place in the world.
Reversed: When the Page of Pentacles appears reversed, it could be a sign that your mind and energies are scattered. It suggests that you need to treat yourself with kindness and patience as you move forward.
Metaphysical Correspondences:
Element:Earth
Zodiac Signs:Capricorn
Healing Crystals:Amethyst, Bloodstone
Knight of Pentacles
Upright: The Knight of Pentacles is all about reputation, reliability, and results. Whether it be a business plan, your financial picture, or even a specific person, this card predicts success and stability in your future endeavors.
Reversed: When the Knight of Pentacles Tarot card is reversed, the universe cautions you to look before you leap. Everything must be in the place, and the timing must be right.
Upright: This card says that the universe is showering you with its generosity because you have been intuitively sending out all of the right energies. The Queen of Pentacles spells extremely good news in all aspects of your life.
Reversed:Reversed, this card warns that now is not a good time for new beginnings. You need to resolve old issues first, or you will bring them into your new situation.
Metaphysical Correspondences:
Element:Earth
Zodiac Signs:Capricorn
Healing Crystals:Amethyst, Bloodstone
King of Pentacles
Upright: When the King of Pentacles appears in a reading, it is time to think about your next step, no matter how comfortable you feel where you are right now. Under your care, people are prospering. You’re a great parent, a wise counselor, and a fair boss. This card encourages you to take the next step and to give the faith that others have in you, to yourself.
Reversed:When reversed, the King of Pentacles Tarot card challenges you to adopt a more flexible attitude. The good news is that coming to terms with this personal growth will enrich your life immensely.
Metaphysical Correspondences:
Element:Earth
Zodiac Signs:Capricorn
Healing Crystals:Amethyst, Bloodstone
What It Takes:
These are extremely brief descriptions of The Suit of Pentacles tarot cards. To fully utilize the art of Tarot with confidence takes much time and extensive learning. It is strongly advised that you do further personal research and dive deeper into the complex meanings of each Tarot card, prior to practicing this form of divination.
The Tarot is, a powerful tool for exploring our hidden desires, tensions, and potential. This accessible and stunningly illustrated guide offers a practical overview for the modern seeker pursuing a path of personal development. It includes illuminating and instructive workshops, sample readings, interpretations of the Major and Minor Arcana, and advice on using different decks.
The tarot is a powerful divination tool that helps people understand more about their life journey and higher self. A Tarot deck consists of 22 Major Arcanas (also known as Trump cards) and 56 Miner Arcana cards.
What does arcana mean in tarot?
The word Arcana finds its roots in the Latin word “arcanus” which means “Secret.”
The Major Arcana is a 22 card set within the tarot that is considered to be the core and the foundation for the deck. All of the deck is filled with archetypal significance, but this is most pronounced within the Major Arcana. The Major Arcana Tarot cards represent the life lessons, karmic influences and the big archetypal themes that are influencing your life and your soul’s journey to enlightenment.
Major Arcana cards in a Tarot reading ask you to critically examine the lessons and themes you’re now encountering in your life. A Major Arcana card may frequently serve as the starting point for the overall Tarot reading, with the remaining cards connecting back to the central meaning of the Major Arcana.
Tarot cards have two positions: upright and reversed. The way cards appear in the spread can change their meaning, especially because reversed cards do not mean the simple opposite of upright cards.
Get to know the cards:
The World Tarot Card
*The World
Upright: fulfillment, harmony, completion
Reversed: in-completion, no closure
The World symbolizes harmony and unity. Drawing this card means that you’re reaching the end of a period of your life, and to look ahead with your head held high.
Drawing the reversed World is usually a sign that you’re seeking personal fulfillment or closure, but are having difficulty. The World reversed calls you to spell some time working through whatever issues are preventing you from finding that sense of personal completion.
Judgement Tarot Card
*Judgement
Upright: reflection, reckoning, awakening
Reversed: lack of self awareness, doubt, self loathing
In the upright position, Judgement reminds you to approach upcoming events with compassion, logic, intuition, and strength. This card could also indicate that a time of “reckoning” is coming.
This card reversed is a call to remember to live your most authentic life without fear of outside opinion. Reversed Judgement could be a sign that you’re being too hard on yourself or those around you.
The Sun Tarot Card
*The Sun
Upright: joy, success, celebration, positivity
Reversed: negativity, depression, sadness
Drawing the Sun card calls you to bring your enthusiasm and vitality to everything you do. If you do this, you are guaranteed to find happy outcomes at the end.
The Sun reversed could be signaling you to keep your ego and enthusiasm in check. It could also symbolize that you’re struggling to see the bright side, and to trust that you will find a way through.
The Moon Tarot Card
*The Moon
Upright: unconscious, illusions, intuition
Reversed: confusion, fear, misinterpretation
The Moon may represent anxieties that are preventing you from reaching your full potential or that your subconscious might be harboring memories and emotions that are affecting your potential for happiness and peace.
The reversed Moon card is calling you to start listening to your subconscious and to trust your intuition. It could be a sign that you’re repressing thoughts and feelings because you’re scared of dealing with them.
The Star is a symbol of self-assurance and healing. If you draw the Star in a reading, it’s a sign that your challenges are almost over. This card could also be calling you to focus on your emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being.
When the reversed Star appears in a reading, it’s often a sign that you’re disconnected from your truest self. Reversed, The Star tells you that now is the time for simple self-care practices and gentle self-nurturing.
The Tower Tarot Card
*The Tower
Upright: sudden upheaval, broken pride, disaster
Reversed: disaster avoided, delayed disaster, fear of suffering
Drawing the Tower in a reading shows that a shocking or unexpected event is coming. This card challenges you to stay true to your beliefs and values, regardless of what lies ahead.
Drawing a reversed Tower could indicate that you know you need to enter a period of change and transformation, but you’re being hesitant to do so. The Tower reversed is a reminder that change is needed in order for you grow stronger.
The Devil Tarot Card
*The Devil
Upright: addiction, materialism, playfulness
Reversed: freedom, release, restoring control
Drawing the Devil is always a sign that something needs to change. You might be struggling to overcome dark thoughts or negative energies and this card is a reminder that you can take back control.
The reversed Devil shows that you’ve reached a place of strength and control and are ready to move forward into a more balanced future. Now is the time to release yourself and let it go.
Temperance Tarot Card
*Temperance
Upright: middle path, patience, finding meaning
Reversed: extremes, excess, lack of balance
Temperance symbolizes the long game. You have a plan, but there’s no need to rush—take it slow and stay balanced. The Temperance card is a calling to approach your life with patience and calm.
Temperance reversed calls you to restore balance. This could also be telling you that now is your time for healing and introspection. Reversed Temperance urges you to find the source of your imbalance and realign your heart, mind, and spirit.
Death Tarot Card
*Death
Upright: end of cycle, beginnings, change, metamorphosis
Reversed: fear of change, holding on, stagnation, decay
Drawing the Death card doesn’t necessarily mean that death and misfortune are on their way. Instead, it symbolizes a period of transition or rebirth. This card could also be calling you to break unhealthy cycles that are harming your growth.
The reversed Death card shows that you’re on the precipice of change, but are resisting it. Or it could be saying that you need to release unhealthy parts of your past in order to open yourself up to new experiences.
The Hanged Man Tarot Card
*The Hanged Man
Upright: sacrifice, release, martyrdom
Reversed: stalling, needless sacrifice, fear of sacrifice
The Hanged man tells you to pause and think before you do anything else. This card is a sign that you should try to find a new perspective before jumping into anything new. It could also be an indication that you need to take a break and gain perspective or clarity before continuing on your journey.
Drawing a reversed Hanged Man could mean you’re stalling before starting something new and that now’s the time for action.
Drawing the Justice card is a calling to impartially weigh up all the influencing factors before making a choice. People experience the truth differently, and this card is telling you to have compassion when deciding which truth is “right”.
The reversed Justice card could be a sign that you’ve done something you’re not proud of, and that you need to step up and face the consequences of your actions. It could also be a sign that you’re judging yourself too harshly or that you need to treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you try to show others.
Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card
*The Wheel of Fortune
Upright: change, cycles, inevitable fate
Reversed: no control, clinging to control, bad luck
Drawing the Wheel of Fortune may show that you need to accept that you’re not in control of everything. Instead of constantly seeking stability, you may need to learn to let go and accept that unexpected changes are always on the horizon.
In reverse, the Wheel of Fortune may be telling you that a run of good luck is about to end or that harder times are coming. It could also signify that you’re breaking out of a bad cycle or situation, and to expect the unexpected.
The Hermit Tarot Card
*The Hermit
Upright: contemplation, search for truth, inner guidance
Reversed: loneliness, isolation, lost your way
Drawing the Hermit is a sign that it’s time to take a step away from your busy life and focus on yourself for a period of time. It could also be telling you to look deep within yourself for clarity or guidance as this will help you find the next step on your path.
If you draw a reversed Hermit, this could be a sign that you’ve isolated yourself too much or need to leave your inner world, lest you fall into a negative mindset.
Drawing the Strength card is a sign that you’re looking for balance by learning to control some of your more negative attributes and raw emotions. It’s your call to stay in control during tough times, and a reminder to act from a place of compassion, courage, and love.
In reverse, Strength is a signal that you need to tame the unkind voices in your head and perhaps work on your confidence. It may indicate that you’re lacking inner strength or you’re being led by instinct or raw emotion instead of learning to control your feelings and use them more productively.
The Chariot Tarot Card
*The Chariot
Upright: direction, control, willpower
Reversed: lack of control, lack of direction, aggression
Drawing the chariot is a sign that now is your time. Don’t let anything (including your own passivity) stand in your way: take deliberate, focused action to make your ambitions into a reality.
The reversed chariot is a sign to check you’re heading in the right direction. You may need to reassess your motivation and goals before you get started.
The Lovers Tarot Card
*The Lovers
Upright: partnerships, duality, union
Reversed: loss of balance, one-sidedness, disharmony
While the Lovers often signify the sexual or passionate nature of relationships, this card isn’t only about romantic love. It also represents the vulnerability, openness, and honesty required to build a lasting connection whether that be with a friend, family member or partner. This card is calling to you to be honest with yourself. It could symbolize conflicting personalities or ideas.
The reversed Lovers might signify that you’re out of sync with the people around you. It can also be seen as a call to align your actions with your values and find balance in yourself.
The Hierophant Tarot Card
*The Hierophant
Upright: tradition, conformity, morality, ethics
Reversed: rebellion, subversiveness, new approaches
Drawing the Hierophant is a recommendation that it’s time for you to start studying again, either professionally or by exploring your religious heritage.
The reversed Hierophant might be a call to leave convention behind and start innovating and creating or to let your inner wisdom guide you confidently onto your new path.
The Emperor tells predicts that you may be someone who naturally commands authority, thrives within a set structure or demonstrates the traits of a born leader. Drawing the Emperor could also be a signal that you need to step up and take control of a situation.
A reversed Emperor being drawn could signify that you’re abusing the power you have or perhaps affecting those around you in a negative way. It could also be a sign that now is the time to step up and lead.
Drawing the Empress is a reminder that while pursuing spiritual growth is admirable, appreciating the beautiful world we live in is just as important. It’s a call to experience life with all five senses, explore your creativity, and enjoy the fruits of everything you’ve worked hard for.
The reversed Empress might signify that you need to reconnect with nature and the energy that flows through the world. You could also be struggling with self expression or co-dependency.
The High Priestess Tarot Card
*The High Priestess
Upright: intuitive, unconscious, inner voice
Reversed: lack of center, lost inner voice, repressed feelings
The High Priestess symbolizes an awareness of things that are beyond our standard cognition. This card is a sign that instead of silencing the voices in your mind or relying solely on intellect, you should start listening to what your subconscious is trying to tell you.
If you draw this card in reverse it may be a sign that you’re pushing down your gut instinct about a situation or perhaps acting in a way that contradicts how you truly feel.
This card represents manifestation and inspired action. The Magician shows that you have all the resources and willpower you need to make your dreams come true. When you draw this card, it means that now is the time to put your plans into action and make your intentions a reality.
The reversed Magician symbolizes illusion. If you draw it, it might mean you’re struggling to take action to bring your dreams to life or that you’re unfocused and have let go of something you were working towards.
The Fool Tarot Card
*The Fool
Upright: innocence, new beginnings, free spirit
Reversed: recklessness, taken advantage of, inconsideration
This card wants you to embrace the open, free, carefree parts of yourself and see the world as a wonderful, beautiful, curious place. It’s an invitation to bring more fun and freedom into your life, especially as you undertake a new adventure.
In the event of drawing a reversed fool, it would be seen as a warning that you’re displaying some of his more negative traits. For example, you might be so busy living joyously in the moment that you’ve forgotten to plan ahead for the future. It can also be cautioning you to be aware of the people around you, as someone may be trying to take advantage.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TAROT CARD INTERPRETATIONS:
When it was first published nearly 40-years-ago, Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom was an instant classic and inspired generations of tarot students. Often referred to as the “bible of tarot books” it has now helped to launch the “tarot renaissance” we’re seeing today. Drawing on mythology and esoteric traditions and delving deeply into the symbolism and ideas of each card, the book offers a modern psychological interpretation of the tarot archetypes rather than a system of esoteric symbolism.
Joan Bunning’s “Learning the Tarot—An Online Course” has helped hundreds of thousands of people worldwide discover the personal value of the tarot. Drawing on the material offered in this popular online course and from her previous books, Joan has created a complete guide to tarot for beginners, which serves as a handy and in-depth resource for more experienced tarot card readers as well.
Sum up:
The Major Arcana cards are the most recognizable and impactful cards in a tarot deck. Their story-line is a great description of the accomplishments, setbacks, and lessons we all learn as we go through the trials and tribulations of our lifetime, growing into whole, complete beings by the end of our journey.
All 78 Cards of the Tarot and their Meanings. Tarot deck is the Golden Universal Tarot.
Be sure to check out more from The Herb WitchHERE.
When working with herbs, we have an innate knowledge that they provide us with a connection to the sacred and assist us in transcending the mundane. Like our ancestors before us, we can use herbs as a conduit to the “other”, to the world of the dead. I will be discussing the herbs that I use in my practice and by no means is this a list that must be strictly adhered to as you are most welcome to explore the herbs that truly resonate with your practice.
Wormwood
Wormwood
Wormwood to put it bluntly, smells bad! But as they say, it works! Wormwood can be burned to summon spirits and to assist in manifestation. I use wormwood when calling back to my distant ancestors as I require an herb that is super potent to aid in this. Wormwood can also be burned to Honor Hel and to ask for entrance into the realm of the dead. I like to believe that because of its strong odor and the staying power of its smoke, it is also effective in keeping away any negative energies or spirits who may want to tag along with the dead you are intent on connecting with.
Cedar
Cedar
Cedar is an amazingly clean and pure burn and it is used by myself and my family as an offering to the beloved dead. Itsignifies to me the everlasting and the connection to the afterlife. I often bundle cedar and burn it outside in an offering fire to the recently passed members of my family or immediate ancestors such as my grand parents and great grandparents. The smoke from cedar acts like wormwood as it always repels anything negative when engaging in the burning of offerings. Cedar has an pureness that I believe is appreciated by the beloved dead, and with this pureness , comes the pureness of our intent.
Mugwort
Mugwort
Mugwort to me, is an essential herb to burn when transcending this world and traveling into the realm of the spirits. When engaging in spirit journeys, I will burn mugwort for Odin/Woden to assist me in that journeying to the land of the beloved dead. As mugwort is also associated with astral traveling, it makes sense to use it to travel between the land of the living and the dead. Itis in essence, a traveler’s herb, a seeker’s herb and hence in my mind certainly with a strong correspondence to Odin.
Dandelion Leaf
Dandelion leaf
Dandelion leaf is my go-to herb when working with the dead. According to my British Nana, Dandelion leaves could be steeped in hot water and drunk as a tea to connect with the dead. She said that drinking the tea would make you temporarily invisible and able to slip into the world of the dead. Unfortunately, as soon as you urinate, you will start to lose that invisibility!Aside from my Nana’s advice, dandelion is an effective herb for communicating with the dead. Burning the leaves can ease the practitioner into the other realms, into a meditative state that serves as a roadway or path to the other side. The smoke from the burning leaves is said to summon spirits. So, either through a tea or burning as an incense, dandelion leaf is yet another conduit to the world of the dead and as such can also be offered to Hel before seeking to travel to the other realm.
Marigolds
Marigolds
Marigolds are often used in funerary rites and memorial services. This tradition began centuries ago and continues to this day. I offer marigolds in incense and will burn on the anniversary of a loved one’s passing. I often use marigolds in any offering to Baldur as to me Baldur signifies death and the great grief that often accompanies one’s passing. Marigolds can be added to bundles of cedar as an offering to your beloved dead or to your ancestors.
Black Eyed Susans
Black Eyes Susans
Black Eyes Susans are said to be connected to those who have passed away and represent the beloved dead. It is believed that they act as a conduit to the dead and can be used for connecting and talking, communicating with those that have passed. My Nana told me that it was always good to have a vase of black eyed susans in the home as it would encourage your deceased loved ones to visit you in your dreams. These flowers can also be bundled with cedar for an lovely offering to the ancestors or as a memorial bundle to the beloved dead.
I will leave you with a few incense ideas, using the plants of the dead I have discussed.
Ancestor Offering/ Beloved Dead Incense A sprinkle of marigold petals, black eyed susans (the heads of the flower), forget me nots and cut cedar.
Speak to the Dead Incense Equal parts mugwort, wormwood, dandelion leaf
As we enter Winterfylleth and the dark months, this is an opportune time to connect with your house spirits, your ancestors or to engage in spirit work. Many Blessings to your home andhearth!
Further Resources
Incorporate herbs into spells, rituals, and divination with this all-inclusive guide to the benefits of using herbal magic in witchcraft.
From creating potions to using dried herbs in rituals, herbal magic is a natural way to practice witchcraft. Herbs can be used in many different ways to help set the intention through every part of a witch’s process.
In The Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs, learn everything you need to use the most powerful herbs and use them as an essential part of your practice. Including information on which herbs are best for what kinds of spells, how to use herbs in divination and rituals, and step-by-step guides to making herbal bundles, potions, and sprays, this guidebook has all the important facts to make your herbal witchcraft a success.
Jam-packed with herbal ideas, this guide is perfect for both beginners and experienced witches looking to incorporate more herbs into their practice. Beautiful and functional, it is easy to navigate and offers a detailed guide to herbal magic!
A highly recommended Youtube channel is that of Freyia Norling who is extremely knowledgeable regarding the use of herbs and more with Norse Folk Medicine.
Freyia’s Herbs is a series hosted by Freyia Norling, a volva living in the wilderness of Arctic Norway who has a University Degree in Norse Folklore and Mythology. The series is about herbs, plants, trees in connection with the Norse Gods, and their use in Trolldom Norse Sorcery.
