Knave of Swords

A specific request has prompted me to make a new draw from the Crystal Tarot deck today, and I've drawn Knave of Swords, usually known in other decks as Page of Swords.

CLICK ON THE TAROT CARD TO SEE A LARGER, SHARPER IMAGE.

This is painted in cold shades of green and pink tempera paint on glass by Elisabetta Trevisan, has added interest because Trevisan has interchanged the usual attribution of Swords with Air, and Cups with Water.

This Knave represents the cold realm that he, as a member of Trevisan's watery suit of Swords, occupies. His is the world of the mind and the intellect where everything is connected to something else, until magnificent but sad geometries, reflected in the pattern on his voluminous cloak, are formed.

Garbed in cold steel, our Knave is very alone as he rests on his sword to balance himself while standing on his floating chess-board of the intellect. He is oblivious to where the board will take him next, as it floats amongst the lily-pads on cold evening water, in front of a sharply coloured sunset sky with a low moon.

'Hair brown to black, and eyes so dark

Energetic person, on the mark!'

His keyword in the LWB of this deck is Researcher, described as he who confronts and analyzes what life offers. The Knave's intelligent face is hidden from view, as deep within himself he ponders the implications of his latest discoveries.

Are you ready to expand your mental faculties?

*Z*

Crystal Tarot. Artwork by Elisabetta Trevisan. Copyright 2004 Lo Scarabeo. All rights reserved. Image used by permission of the publisher. Card images are protected intellectual property, and may not be recopied or reused in any manner without written permission from the publisher.
http://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738700588. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Queen of Wands

The Queen of Wands is another beautiful card from Ciro Marchetti's The Gilded Tarot, depicting an intuitive seer who is a visionary and who feels very close to the natural world.

She is Queen of the Thrones of Flame, and her element is the watery part of Fire. Fire has been tempered by its Watery aspect which is emotional enthusiasm. She rules the last decanate of Pisces, ten degrees that concentrate a great deal on the subconscious.

This impressive Queen has considerable energy and knows how to attract powerful people, and Marchetti depicts her guarding the flame on her pillar, but ready for action. She does not like restraint of any kind, and prefers to take charge herself, being well suited to the role of Lady of the Manor.

'Fair hair, red hair, eyes of blue

Loves her home and nature too'

Is your passion quietly contained, but ready to burst out at any moment?

*Z*

The Gilded Tarot. By Ciro Marchetti. Copyright 2004. Companion book 'The compass guide to the Quest Tarot' by Barbara Moore, is also copyright 2004, Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive. Woodbury, MN 55125.  All rights reserved. Used by permission of the publisher. Card images are protected intellectual property, and may not be recopied or reused in any manner without written permission from the publisher. http://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738705200 . Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

XVI The Tower

The Gothic Tarot, featuring the creatures of the night, was created by renowned Gothic fantasy artist Joseph Vargo, and from this deck I've drawn today XVI The Tower. Dramatic use of colour on a black ground contributes to the drama of these cards.

Lost souls, vampires, gargoyles, specters, coffins and crypts comprise this darkly intriguing deck from Monolith Graphics. In this fantasy the forces of darkness are the undead creatures who lurk in the shadows, while the forces of light are warrior angels and wandering spirits.

The Tower card, XVI of the Major Arcana, shows an ancient tombstone outside a castle, where gargoyles stand as sentinels. A wraith-like specter, possibly the inhabitant of the grave, hovers over the mist beside the tombstone, while in the glow of the full moon a bolt of lightening strikes a turret of the castle.

'The karmic force will clear away

The debris caused by yesterday'

The Tower warns of unexpected strife and upheaval, often a sudden intervention of fate. But equally such an event can provide an opportunity for a new beginning.

*Z*
Illustrations from The Gothic Tarot by Joseph Vargo. All rights reserved.Reproduced by permission. Artwork and text copyright 2002 by Monolith Graphics, Cleveland, OH. USA. Further reproduction prohibited. 'The Gothic Tarot Compendium'  copyright 2007 is the excellent companion book to this deck by Joseph Vargo and Joseph Iorillo, designed by Christine Filipak. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

7 of Swords

Deviant Moon Tarot by Patrick Valenza has now been voted the 'Top Tarot deck of all time' for three years in a row by members of Aeclectic Tarot. So I hopped into Patrick's website (link from title of deck above) and bought the deck, which arrived with a personally signed title card and an individualized frame-able wrapper.


The twisted, melancholic images in this surreal Tarot deck, that has been thirty years in the making, have great power. Looking through the deck, it's odd how quickly one becomes almost fond of these strange distorted little creatures. There is something very special about this deck, and now having my own to handle makes me realize why it is so astonishingly popular.

When I see sword swallowers performing in the street, I hurry quickly past - I certainly don't want to watch them have an accident.

My first draw from Deviant Moon Tarot shows this poor little guy on the 7 of Swords card, and I have no choice but to address the issue by looking carefully at the image.

This harlequin is not only sword-swallowing, but is in potential trouble, because I notice the fraying of the rope that is holding his sword above his head - will the rope hold throughout this performance?

There is uncertainty here, and he needs to move to Plan B as fast as he can.

'Have an alternative way to go

For what you wish may not be so'

Maybe your plan was not properly conceived, so revisit it and start again, working more thoroughly next time.

*Z*

Illustrations from the Deviant Moon Tarot by Patrick Valenza reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford CT 06902 USA. Copyright 2008 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Seven of Wands

The Victorian Romantic Tarot is the deck I'm using today, and the card I've drawn is the Seven of Wands. A week ago I drew the 7 of Wands from quite a different deck, so there may be a message there for me. All the card images are sourced by Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov from 19th century books of art engravings of the Victorian genre or Victorian Classicism categories.

This Tarot deck was voted 'Deck of the Year' in 2006 on Aeclectic Forum, the largest online Tarot community, and both editions of these decks from Magic Realist Press are now out of print.

The accompanying book by Karen Mahony for this deck cites the apparently fearless figure on this card as part of an engraving from 'The attack of the Macdonalds' by celebrated Scottish artist Harrington Mann, 1865-1937. Mann studied at the Glasgow School of Art and then at the Slade School of Fine Art in London.

This card represents someone who is struggling to overcome enemies, fighting against the odds, and winning. This person has both courage and advantage. The element is Fire and the astrological attribution is Mars in Leo. This combination can produce a competitive spirit and a daring adventurer.

'A soul with courage can win through

Problems now are not for you'

You may feel exhausted from a continuing battle in your life, but don't give up.

*Z*

Illustrations from The Victorian Romantic Tarot reproduced by permission of Magic Realist Press. Copyright 2006 by Magic Realist Press, Prague, Czech Republic.  By Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov. All rights reserved. Further reproduction prohibited. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

X - Wheel of Fortune

Today we're back to the Morgan-Greer deck, from which I've drawn the Wheel of Fortune. The card of changing cycles and destiny, ruled by Jupiter.

Like the variety of styles and content of Tarot decks available, our lives go up and down and assume different modes. We're all linked to the cause and effect of the cyclical nature of existence.

What goes up must come down, and the wheel moves round for better or for worse, as life moves onward in an eternal cycle. Misfortunes may come, but they will also pass.

'The wheel of life spins round for man

You must adapt the best you can'

Sometimes there are new starts, and this card suggests that another new start is about to begin.

*Z*

Illustrations from the Morgan-Greer Tarot reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford CT 06902 USA. Copyright 1979 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Knight of Swords

This disturbing image of a knight rescuing a fairy, who may even be dead, given her yellow colour and the blue of her wings, adorns the Knight of Swords card in the now out-of-print Victorian Romantic Tarot. She's not a real fairy that he is defending, but a concept in female form.

Here is the Lord of the Winds and Breezes, the King of the Spirits of Ain, who is the fiery part of Air, so brilliantly illustrated here.

The Knight of Swords is always looking to assertively uphold the law, absolutely certain that he is right. He is direct and blunt in his bravery.

'Hair brown to black and eyes so dark

Gallant ventures will embark'

An incisive thinker can approach every argument as though he is going to war. Forgetting that sometimes, it really doesn't matter who wins.

*Z*

Illustrations from The Victorian Romantic Tarot reproduced by permission of Magic Realist Press. Copyright 2006 by Magic Realist Press, Prague, Czech Republic.  By Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov. All rights reserved. Further reproduction prohibited.Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Knight of Wands

I've drawn another brave little woman from Vanessa Tarot today, this time the Knight of Wands, the Fiery part of Fire card that is in every deck my personal significator.

This is the card of inspiration and departure. Of someone who has sudden inspirations with many possibilities. Life is never dull for this carefree spirit. The Knight of Wands may have a strong impulse to do something creative or to learn more about spiritual or philosophical matters, not necessarily completing any of them.

Our lady adventurer is full of courage, and with her ginger and blond streaked hair flying in the wind, she's about to take a parachute jump from an aeroplane. Not something that everyone would do.

'Fair hair, red hair, eyes of blue

Young person's views may trouble you'

But she is full of optimism and loves new experiences. Perhaps you are ready to make a significant move of some kind too.

*Z*

Illustrations from the Vanessa Tarot reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford CT 06902 USA. Copyright 2006 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Eight of Pentacles

Paulina Tarot is painted in muted watercolors that demonstrate the whimsical style of artist Paulina Cassidy, and I've drawn her Eight of Pentacles card for today.
On this card a dainty dancer who is almost floating on one toe, is painting her eighth pentacle with a long paintbrush, watched by her small animal companion.

This magical animal can't decide whether it is a cat or a rabbit, or indeed it may be something different entirely, with its extraordinarily long curling tail. And where would we be without our companion animals? I certainly owe a lot to my dear little familiar Tara. Immediately this deck has appeal for me with the enchantment of its detailed fantasy world.

A stack of rose quartz crystals near the feet of the dancer indicates devotion and inner harmony; the devotion she gives to her work, and the inner harmony she derives from it.

'You can make great progress now

Using skills and your know-how'

This is the card of skill and mastery, of the sense of satisfaction of achievement, as the dancer has in completing the last of her eight pentacles.

*Z*

Illustrations from the Paulina Tarot reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford CT 06902 USA. Copyright 2008 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Lovers

The Visconti Sforza Tarocchi Deck is a faithfully coloured reproduction of cards from a mid-fifteenth century deck from Milan, that are now held in the Pierpont-Morgan Library in mid-town Manhattan, New York.

When these cards were originally designed, their purpose was far from the practice that began during the 18th century of using Tarot cards for divination. In 15th century Italy Tarot cards were used to play a gambling game named Tarocchi.

The elegant cards in this deck, which probably dates from 1440 AD, measure approx 7 x 3.5 inches (176 x 90 mm) each, so are very large and proportionately long compared to subsequent Tarot card sizes. The backs of the cards are a plain brownish-red. There is no writing on the cards at all, so we only know this is the Lovers card because of the image. A hole has been punched in the top of each card, as though they have all been pinned onto a wall for display.

Artists were commissioned to paint decks for wealthy families to use in the game Tarocchi. The Visconti Sforza cards were designed for the Visconti and Sforza families.

The deck is nearly complete, and appears to follow the 78 card format still used for today's Tarot card decks. The original of this deck contains 74 original cards, although some appear to have been replaced by a different hand.

This card is VI The Lovers, part of the Major Arcana of 22 of the 78 cards in a regular Tarot deck.

The Lovers card shows a richly clothed young blond couple, thought to be Francesco Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti, and they are shaking hands, as though they have just met. Just behind them a blond naked cupid child stands blind-folded on a pedestal, in front of a richly decorated reddish carpet that hangs on the wall behind. The child holds an arrow in his right hand and is preparing to throw the arrow at the male figure, while in his left hand is a scepter.

This deck is a reproduction of an amazingly historic deck that is now five hundred years old, so we view these cards with some awe.

*Z*
Illustrations from the Visconti Sforza Tarocchi Deck reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford CT 06902 USA.  Copyright 1975, 1984 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.  Further reproduction prohibited. 

9 of Swords

Today's deck is the Dark Grimoire Tarot, which occupies the very darkest area of Tarot, and the contents are every bit as disturbing as the title suggests, which is why I rarely draw a card from this deck. A grimoire is a textbook of magic, and artist Michele Penco has given a rare insight with this deck.

The card drawn for today is 9 of Swords, traditionally the card of anxiety and despair. The element is Air, ruled by the Moon, with Mars in Gemini.

One of the amazing things about this deck is how beautifully the cards handle and shuffle, seeming like an aesthetic contradiction in terms, when this deck is about the inner shadow. Even more strange because some of the beautifully illustrated decks I've drawn from recently have cards that are stiff and unyielding, sticking together and/or refusing to fan out properly.

The man on the face of 9 of Swords card from this deck is holding the demon mask to his face with both hands, and looking in the mirror at the result. All his study of the grimoire, on the bench in front of him, has come into abundance.

We may assume this is Howard Lovecraft, whose image appears on the back of each card in this deck. His state of mind has reached the isolation and crisis of the nines of this deck, so he is fulfilled by his altered image.

The door behind him is open to the evening air.  Is he planning to venture outside wearing his mask?

'In every life comes pain and sorrow

But life goes on to each tomorrow'

Negative thinking may be exacerbating the situation, but sooner or later you will have to face the facts.

*Z*

Dark Grimoire Tarot. Artwork by Michele Penco. Copyright 2008. Lo Scarabeo s.r.l. - Via Cigna 110 - 10155 - Torino - (TO) - P.IVA: 05391120010. All rights reserved. Used by permission of the publisher. Card images are protected intellectual property, and may not be recopied or reused in any manner without written permission from the publisher. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

King of Wands

From the black and white deck Victoria Regina, the now out-of-print Tarot deck created by Sarah Ovenall, with text by Georg Patterson, the King of Wands is the drawn card. The collage art of this deck depicts scenes from the industrious ingenuity and elegant opulence of Queen Victoria's reign.


On this card we see the sensuous face of Benjamin Disraeli, politician and novelist during the reign of Queen Victoria. He is flanked by two pens with flames issuing from their nibs, and a third pen lies across the top of the card. An illustration of the Speaker's table from the House of Commons is at the foot of the card.

Disraeli's was the vision of English greatness, and his were the fantasies for the Empire that included naming Victoria as Empress of India.

The King of Wands, whom Disraeli represents here, is a card of forceful ambition, style and panache. A natural leader, his gambles tend to pay off. Although Disraeli does not fit the traditional coloring, he fits the traditional meaning of the card in other ways.

'Fair hair, red hair, eyes of blue

Generous, strong, impulsive too'

Here is the entrepreneur, creative but faithful, with a perceptive view of others.

Disraeli's writing is generally interesting, and his books teem with striking thoughts, shrewd maxims, and brilliant phrases which stick in the memory; on the other hand, he is often artificial, extravagant, and turgid. Critic William Kuhn argued that much of his fiction can be read as "the memoirs he never wrote", revealing the inner life of a politician for whom the norms of Victorian public life appeared to represent a social straitjacket – particularly with regard to Disraeli's allegedly "ambiguous sexuality.

Draw on your own foresight and resourcefulness, and make decisions that will further your ambitions in life.

*Z*

Victoria Regina Tarot. Artwork by Sarah Ovenall. Text by Georg Patterson. Copyright 2002. Companion book 'Victoria Regina Tarot Companion' Text by Georg Patterson and Sarah Ovenall. Also copyright 2002. Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive. Woodbury, MN 55125. All rights reserved. Used by permission of the publisher. Card images are protected intellectual property, and may not be recopied or reused in any manner without written permission from the publisher. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

XI Justice

From The Bohemian Gothic Tarot (1st ed) comes this somewhat un-nerving version of the card: XI Justice. Published by Magic Realist Press, this deck has been created by Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov. Unfortunately even the second edition of this deck now appears to be out of print.

A fully-robed judge wearing his long white wig stands in the foreground of what appears to be a dungeon. Behind him another man seems to be standing praying with his back to what appears to be a lighted furnace.


The really disturbing aspect is that while his right hand holds a lighted candle, in his left he holds a dreadful book: 'Malleus Maleficarum' (Latin for Hammer of the witches).


According to Wikipedia, his infamous treatise, written by Heinrich Kramer, an inquisitor of the Catholic Church, was first published in Germany in 1487. The main purpose of the Malleus was to attempt to systematically refute arguments that witchcraft does not exist and to discredit those who expressed skepticism about its reality. Also to claim that witches were more often women than men, and to educate magistrates on the procedures that could find them out and convict them.


Perhaps the lighted furnace represents the burning of the innocent women who were falsely accused of being witches.


Ruled by Libra, the traditional meanings of the Justice card are balance and firmness, but this version questions the very heart of the system, in that it is always limited by the minds of men. Here is my little couplet for Justice:

'Justice given, lesson learned

We receive what we have earned'

But do we always receive what we have earned?

*Z*
Illustrations from The Bohemian Gothic Tarot (1st edn.) reproduced by permission of Magic Realist Press. Copyright 2007 by Magic Realist Press, Prague, Czech Republic.  Further reproduction prohibited. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Devil

Quantum Tarot (1.0) is the deck I've chosen for today, and I've drawn 15. Devil card. This card represents the temptations of materialism and sensuality. Greed and lust are embodied here in the image created by Chris Butler of the infernal goat of Mendes, with the inverted pentagram above his head.

'Chains you grasp to change your life

Now hold you tight and cause you strife'

Once temptation has got the better of the victims of this Devil, they have fallen into a Black Hole. A Black Hole is so dense and massive that it exerts an enormous gravitational force. This prevents anything, even light, from escaping, hence its name, a great metaphor from Kay Stopforth for the many addictive relationships in which we can become stuck.

Loss of freedom is the price of allowing oneself to be trapped in this way. The Devil is symbolic of all kinds of situations that render us helpless and powerless.

Recognizing our plight is half the battle, and from here we can work to be free.

*Z*

Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Ace of Chalices

Today I've chosen The Crystal Tarots from artist Elisabetta Trevisan for the Daily Draw, and have drawn the Ace of Chalices card, more often known as the Ace of Cups.

This looks like, and is, a very happy card to draw, as it signifies abundance and joy. The Ace indicates that is a time for a new beginning, in this case new friendships and celebrations, as Cups indicate emotions and feelings.

Elisabetta Trevisan has illustrated the card with an ornate cup holding a village, representing relationships between people. In front of the village are the Astrological signs of Air, which are Aquarius, Gemini and Libra, indicative of areas of the mental aspects of life.

The overall effect of the cards in this deck is of stained glass rendered in an Art Nouveau style.

Overhead a beautiful butterfly flaps its wings, as a symbol of Air, in the position of the traditional dove of peace found in earlier decks on this card.

'Joy within the home and heart

Blessings come with this new start'

This card could indicate the start of a new friendship or association, and indicates a favourable outlook.

*Z*

Crystal Tarot. Artwork by Elisabetta Trevisan. Copyright 2004 Lo Scarabeo. All rights reserved. Image used by permission of the publisher. Card images are protected intellectual property, and may not be recopied or reused in any manner without written permission from the publisher.

http://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738700588 . Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Two of Wands

Rosetta Tarot is a new deck from which today I've drawn the Two of Wands card. Artist M. M. Meleen has just completed and self-published at Atu House this brilliant new Thoth and Golden Dawn based deck, which comes with its own Little White Book, and I also purchased the very user-friendly guide 'The book of Seshet.'

Seshet was the feminine counterpart to Thoth, the Egyptian God of Wisdom, and this book gives a very clear explanation of the mysteries of astrology and the Tree of Life (a concept of Qabalah) where they relate to Thoth Tarot and Golden Dawn Tarots.

The first 777 decks published are signed and numbered versions, mine being 186, and they also come with an intriguing personalized Significator. The box opens from one side, avoiding the damaged card edges that inevitably result from frequent handling of many Tarot decks, and these cards are of a lovely quality.

A rosetta is a key to some indecipherable mystery.

The element of Wands is Fire and the Sephirah of Twos is the Chokmah of Wisdom.

Dominion is the keyword on the Two of Wands card, and the Golden Dawn astrological attribution is Mars in Aries. The ram-headed wand suggests a was-sector which in Egyptian signifies power and dominion. This wand also contains a thunderbolt symbol, vajra, which aptly means strong like a diamond, the gemstone for Aries.

The other wand has a ram's horn and thus reiterates the association with the sign of Aries, while its lower end has a strong arrow of the Mars glyph.

The circle and arrow from the glyph of Mars are reflected in the shape of each wand. The Sun, exalted in Aries, is acknowledged by the six-fold flame set behind the wands.

This card shows strong will and aggressive assertion, resulting in conquest.

I look forward to drawing and exploring more of the lovely cards from Rosetta Tarot, this very welcome new deck to the world of Thoth-based Tarot.

*Z*

II. La Papesse

The Tarot of Jean Noblet, the earliest tarot in the Marseille style, was first created and published in Paris c1650. The only known copy of this 360 year old deck is preserved in the Bibliothèque Nationale, the French National Library. This deck is also unusually small, with cards measuring only 9.8 x 6.1 cms.

In 2007, noted French Tarot historian and artist Jean-Claude Flornoy published a faithfully restored version.

From this re-edited version I've drawn today’s uniquely interesting card, La Papesse. This card, representing Pope Joan, the female Pope John VIII, is the forerunner of the card that in Tarot decks from the 20th century onwards has been named The High Priestess.

Pope Joan’s short reign was said to have occurred sometime between the 9th and 13th centuries. Apparently she gave birth while on her way from St Peter's to Lateran, the papal residence, during a procession. The story spread throughout Europe, and was widely believed for centuries. In 1601 Pope Clement VIII declared the story untrue, and most modern religious scholars now consider it fictitious, on the basis that there is no extant evidence to support it.

The story was widely believed, however, including amongst catholics. Among the various arguments in favour of the story, the sede stercoraria (the papal consecration throne which has a hole through which it may be verified that the pope is male). Also papal processions stopped using the street where the event was said to have occurred, despite the street being the direct route between Lateran and St Peter's. Also there is no Pope John XX on any list, and it has been claimed that this reflects the renumbering of the Popes to exclude Joan, (Pope John VIII) from any list.

The LWB for the contemporary Jean Noblet deck interprets La Papesse as a grandmother.  In families of today, as for many other generations, the knowledge and wisdom of the grandmother are often of enduring value to her grandchildren.

*Z*

Tarot of Jean Noblet, restored by JC Flornoy©letarot.com Editions

http://www.tarot-history.com/

7 of Wands

I don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful 7 of Wands card as this one that Ciro Marchetti has produced for his Gilded Tarot deck.

This card is about courage and advantage, which is what this man has. After gaining much ground in the six, he is now confronted with the reality of what will happen if he doesn't hang onto his advantage, and he must find a way of defending and improving his position.

'A soul with courage can win through

Problems now are not for you'

In the informative companion book to this deck 'The Gilded Tarot companion' by Barbara Moore, his actions are being questioned.

This man defends his position, but the night sky behind him indicates a deeper lack of understanding.

If you are asked to defend your actions or beliefs, don't fear the attack. But beware of childish obstinacy and if your stance is wrong, admit defeat, and modify your beliefs for the better. But don't give up the fight out of fear.

*Z*

The Gilded Tarot. By Ciro Marchetti. Copyright 2004. Companion book 'The compass guide to the Quest Tarot' by Barbara Moore, is also copyright 2004, Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive. Woodbury, MN 55125.  All rights reserved. Used by permission of the publisher. Card images are protected intellectual property, and may not be recopied or reused in any manner without written permission from the publisher.
http://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738705200 . Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

The Harlequin

The Harlequin is today's card drawn from the oracle deck Madame Endora's Fortune Cards. This beautiful deck is the work of Christine Filipak and Joseph Vargo, and it is published by Monolith Graphics.

This is known as an oracle deck, rather than a Tarot deck because the deck consists 48 cards, instead of 78 cards allocated into the prescribed format of a Tarot deck.


This intriguing androgynous mask is described in the Little White Book accompanying the deck as representing an actor, whose true feelings are masked in order to gain acceptance.

This fun-loving Harlequin is a prankster whose sense of humor and playful acts ensure he is the centre of attention whenever he chooses to be.

However the harlequin may be concealing a sadness derived from loneliness or a broken heart.

*Z*

Illustrations from Madame Endora's Fortune Cards by Christine Filipak and Joseph Vargo. All rights reserved.Reproduced by permission of Christine Filipak. Artwork and text copyright 2003 by Monolith Graphics, Cleveland, OH. USA. Madame Endora is a trademark of Monolith graphics. Further reproduction prohibited.

10 of Cups

What could be nicer than two family pets at a warm fireside? This is how Ciro Marchetti has illustrated the 10 of Cups card in his Legacy of the Divine Tarot deck.

Such an appropriate way to represent peace and contentment at home with family, the traditional meaning of this card. The astrological attribution is Mars in Pisces.

'Peace within, contentment reigns

Joy at last after pains'

This card indicates a deep sense of well-being, derived from a feeling of emotional security. Everything is perfect exactly the way it is.

*Z*

Legacy of the Divine Tarot. Artwork and text Ciro Marchetti. Copyright 2009. Companion book 'Gateway to the DivineTarot' by Ciro Marchetti.
Also copyright 2009, Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive. Woodbury, MN 55125.  All rights reserved. Used by permission of the publisher. Card images are protected intellectual property, and may not be recopied or reused in any manner without written permission from the publisher. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

4 of Wands

My first Tarot deck was Morgan-Greer Tarot more than 20 years ago, and it's still my firm favourite. Bill Greer's evocative images have always worked for me.

On the 4 of Wands card are four acorn-topped wands set into the ground to hold a garland of roses. Framed by the wands is the castle on the hill.

Immediately a feeling of harmony and completion. The garlands symbolize unity and the red ribbons virtue.

'Harmony, peace now has grown

The finest harvest you'll bring home'

This card indicates that you are feeling good about your situation.

*Z*

Illustrations from the Morgan-Greer Tarot reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford CT 06902 USA. Copyright 1979 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

8 of Swords

After yesterday's double-draw and some challenging draws over the past week, there's only one thing for today, and that's FUN! So out came my Vanessa Tarot, in a tin, and I drew a card! Quelle horreur! The knife-thrower's assistant was not quite what I had in mind for fun today!

But I've drawn the 8 of Swords, so let's get on with it. Click on the card to see it more clearly.

The Little White Book with this deck describes this card as representing a mental state of helplessness. Lynyrd Narciso has illustrated it accordingly, and the image on the card says it all. When I turned this card upside down, I found that the face of the little knife-thrower's assistant expresses all the thoughts relevant to this card.

'Vision blocked with fear inside

Cannot move, you want to hide'

This card is about conflict and crisis, about being paralyzed at the thought of breaking free or making a decision.

*Z*

Illustrations from the Vanessa Tarot reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford CT 06902 USA. Copyright 2006 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

6 of Swords; XVII The Star

Our Tarot deck for today is Liber T: Tarot of Stars Eternal, and the card I drew was 6 of Swords.

This beautiful card by artist Andrea Serio has a mysterious colour scheme and even more mysterious content! The Little White Book with the deck says 'Wish for knowledge. Accomplished learning, journeys of the mind or existential travels.' And Mercury is shown as being in Aquarius, so there's a strong reference to the power of the mind, but I'm challenged for a meaning of the detailed contents of this image!

The elderly magician and the book presumably refer to the traditional meaning of the 6 of Swords, an improvement through a journey, and this card apparently refers to a journey of the mind. But who is the faceless woman, why is the cross on the book up-side-down, and what is the image on the back of the book?

I found one reference suggesting those hard-angled blocks in the foreground represent severed heads, and apparently an understanding of the Egyptian Decans, at least, is essential to unravelling more of the imagery of this and most of the Minor Arcana cards of the Liber T Tarot deck.

So today I've also drawn another card from Liber T deck, and this time I've drawn XVII Star, and for the first time I'm posting two card images on a single post.

Interesting synchronicity in this second card draw, because I've unwittingly drawn the next card on the list for my Thoth Tarot study, some would say because it has been on my mind. The zodiacal sign for The Star is also Aquarius, and the Hebrew letter is Heh, meaning window. Saturn rules, and Neptune is exalted, so illusory aspects are very strong indeed.

The figure represented is Nuit, our Lady of the Stars. This Star image is Thoth-based, a re-styled clone of Lady Frieda Harris' image of The Star, but lacking the impact of the original. In content the Thoth image remains close to the Golden Dawn image of a woman pouring water from two containers.

So instead of the usual little couplet, I'll quote the Mnemonic from page 220 of the Book of Thoth for this card:

'Nuit, our Lady of the Stars! Event

Is All Thy play, sublime Experiment!

The LWB from the Liber T gives the following advice for this card: 'Use all your energy to consume Thought, and consume Thought like the Phoenix.' The phoenix is a mythological bird that lives between 500 and 1000 years, and has the ability to be reborn.

Because it is this particular card, we could also enter into the endless and seemingly irreconcilable discusson about the position of this card on the Tree of Life, based on the instruction from Aleister Crowley: 'Tzaddi is not the Star.' But no-one has perfectly solved this question to the satisfaction of all, of matching the Tarot deck to the Hebrew letters, so we shall not enter the argument.

Nuit cavorts against the image of the Moon, with seven pointed stars for company, and pyramids in the distance, while the water below her is adorned with red roses and butterflies.

Traditionally this is the card of hope, and it is also a 'Wish card'. A very positive card to draw because it suggests, amongst other things, unimaginable joy on earth while alive, and peace in death.

Z*

VI The Lovers

The Quest Tarot cards by Joseph Martin are illustrated by dreamscapes, with traditional keywords on the face of all the cards. VI The Lovers from the Major Arcana has three pairs of rings in the sky, each attached to gender symbols for heterosexual, gay and lesbian couples, and the keyword is Relationship.

Harmony and choice are the traditional meanings of this card.

'Select well with integrity high

Your moral scruples tell you why'

The ruling sign of this card is Gemini, the sign of duality. Various symbols  appear around the card: the Agate, Emerald, Pearl and Moonstone; the Hebrew letter Zain.

A heterosexual couple in glowing gold are seen through a fog, linked in an embrace, while the red roses in the foreground symbolize love.

Pairs of opposites are to be found, yin and yang, sun and moon, and the rings show unity.

When you choose The Lovers card, your choices are likely to be put to the test.

*Z*

The Quest Tarot. By Joseph Ernest Martin. Copyright 2002. Companion book 'The compass guide to the Quest Tarot' by Joseph Ernest Martin. Copyright 2003, Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive. Woodbury, MN 55125.  All rights reserved. Used by permission of the publisher. Card images are protected intellectual property, and may not be recopied or reused in any manner without written permission from the publisher.

http://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738701950 . Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

7 of Wands

Tarot of the Imagination is today's deck, and the drawn card is 7 of Wands. The images on these cards are a series of marvellous surreal oil paintings by Hungarian-Italian artist and creator Ferenc Pinter, and this deck now appears to be out of print.

Traditionally 7 of Wands is the card of courage and success, of operating from a position of advantage.

'A soul with courage can win through

Problems now are not for you'

This amazing deck was originally released as a Major Arcana deck only. Then when the minor Arcana of this deck was added as a complete 78 card deck, it didn't follow traditional Tarot symbols or meanings. So Pinter in producing his own visionary interpretations, challenges us to question our interpretations of these cards.

The enclosed fold-out-sheet calls this card 'Reflection: like awakening from a long sleep', and this scene we see fits that description. So we enter this dream-like painting, puzzled as to what Pinter is telling us, but so drawn to these images, and so in awe of his creative imagination.

Wands are said to represent everyday life, the relationship with everyday things, with what is familiar and what one knows too well, and has known for too long. As can often happens with various decks, there is discordancy between the information provided and the images of the deck, because Wands' colour is described as violet, whereas the card surrounds are actually a red-brown colour. Violet is described as being for boundaries, transition, restlessness and seeking.

Nevertheless, to enter into the room depicted here is very compelling, and there we find the Reflection towards which Pinter is leading us.

*Z*
Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

XIV Temperance

This elegant rendition of XIV Temperance is from the Art Deco deck of Aquarian Tarot, designed by graphic artist David Palladini, and published in 1970 by Morgan Press Inc.

This deck was passed on to me by a friend of its original owner, the late Hercules Phillipe Ercolano.

Forty years has mellowed these cards so that the sides have become a beautiful muted ivory, and this particular deck has the added advantage of plain midnight blue backs, rather than the much busier back design that was adopted soon after.

Aquarius Tarot has withstood the test of time, and is still being published, despite the thousands of different Tarot deck designs that have come and gone from the market since.

Palladini achieved a mood of ethereal melancholy throughout this deck by a combination of gentle colours and his skill with the Art Deco style.

The LWB describes this card as representing  mature adaptation to whatever life brings; individualized existence. Temperance is traditionally the card of moderation and balance.

'Patience builds the dreams of man

Maintain balance while you plan'

This card suggests you adopt a patient, calm and self-controlled approach to your situation.

*Z*

Illustrations from Aquarian Tarot reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford CT 06902 USA. Copyright 1970 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Chariot

From Liber T - Tarot of Stars Eternal, a Thoth-based deck, today's draw is VII Chariot. The LWB gives only obscure illumination to the uninitiated by saying that this is the Chariot of Power that transports the offspring of the Vulture that is Two in One.


The Charioteer wears the amber-coloured armour appropriate to the sign. His zodiacal sign is Cancer, hence the crab on his head.

His only function is to bear the Holy Grail, placed at the centre of the card.

The chariot is drawn by the four sphinxes composed of the four Kerubs, the Bull, the Eagle, the Man and the Lion.

The traditional meaning of the Chariot card is the bringing of conflicting forces together to form a working whole, symbolized by the horses, or in this case the sphinxes, pulling in opposite directions.

'Achievement now with effort from you

Controlling emotions, dreams come true'

If you're locked in a struggle, or conflict of interests, this card lets you know you can overcome any obstacles.

*Z*

Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Eight of Cups

Tarot of Color was created by Leisa ReFalo and published by The Tarot Connection. This attribution deck contains no images apart from those of the elements applicable to the individual cards.

One of the changes that the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, established in 1888, brought to Tarot was an elaborate attribution system that relates Tarot to many aspects of life. Tarot had been in existence for 400 years at that stage, and Golden Dawn members built upon much of its existing esoteric system, seeking to align Tarot perfectly with the Qabalistic Tree of Life and Astrology.

They created many of their own secret understandings for the Tarot, which they often re-worked. In 1910 Arthur Waite, a member of the Golden Dawn, had his deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith and when published as the Rider-Waite Tarot, that deck became the founder of modern mainstream Tarot.

These Tarot of Color cards are all colour-coded, according to the esoteric color system of the Golden Dawn.

Today's drawn card is Eight of Cups, and because blue is the color attributed to Cups, this card-face is all blue. Following the number 8 is the inverted triangle sign for the element of water, which applies to all the suit of Cups.

Tarot of Color then proceeds to list on the face of the card all the other attributions applied to this card:

Lord of Abandoned Success
8: Intellect, Progress, Science
Mercury, Orange. World, West
Perfect, Absolute Intelligence
Water (cold, wet)
Creativity Emotions Subconscious
West Fall Twilight
Saturn in Pisces
February 19 to February 28
Hod in Briah
The Splendor of Creation

Traditionally, this is the card of withdrawal, of retreat and modesty.

'The higher self must now proceed

To search and find the inner need'

This is about leaving the known for the unknown, perhaps time to withdraw gracefully from a closeness that has diminished.

*Z*
Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Queen of Swords

The Queen of Swords has the Watery part of Air as her element, and she rules from 21 degrees of Virgo, which is ruled by Venus with an exalted Moon, showing an aesthetic in personal possessions, and a keen intuitive insight into the emotions of others, to 20 degrees of Libra, also ruled by Venus with Saturn exalted, and she has both strength and wisdom firmly within her control.

Today the Queen has been drawn from the International Icon Tarot, by artist Robin Ator, published by GlowInTheDark Pictures LLC.

The Queen is seated upon her throne high amongst the clouds, with a butterfly image on the side of her throne to remind us of her Airy element. Wearing her crown, she holds her sword at the ready, to demonstrate her constant clear-headedness. However, harmony hides much turmoil within.

An intelligent and complex person, the Queen of Swords is a keen observer who pays attention to detail and accuracy, and is versatile.

'Hair brown to black, and eyes so dark

Wit so quick it lights a spark'

Ill dignified, this Queen of the Sylphs and Sylphides can be cruel, sly and sarcastic, but still with a harmonious exterior.

*Z*
Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Knight of Wands

Today's card is Knight of Wands, the Fiery part of Fire. His horse is wearing on its forehead the emblem of Fire, the red triangle. He is the King of the Salamanders, whose function it is to start movement patterns.


The deck for today is Sacred Rose Tarot by Johanna Sherman. Is there a red rose of sacrifice tucked into the top of the gnarled Wand that appears to float in front of the Knight's right hand?

Both rider and horse bear the blank white eyes that occur throughout this intuitive deck.

This card reflects sudden inspiration and departure with many possibilities, though not necessarily completing any of them.

'Fair hair, red hair, eyes of blue

Young person's views may trouble you'

This card of aspiration and inspiration reflects a carefree spirit and the ability to break out of a rut. But he can burn himself out with too much effort and energy.

*Z*

Illustrations from The Sacred Rose Tarot reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford CT 06902 USA. Copyright 1982 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Queen of Cups

The Golden Dawn Magical Tarot was created by Sandra Tabatha Cicero and Chic Cicero, and published in 2001 by  Llewellyn Publications.


True to Golden Dawn tradition, the Queen of Cups, The Watery part of Water, is seated on her throne with her left hand holding a lotus and resting on the head of an Ibis, and in the other hand she holds aloft a cup containing what I thought was supposed to be a crayfish, but this looks more like a crab to me. Maybe her cup was too shallow to hold a crayfish!

Her throne is seated in flowing water where lotuses flower.

Her emblem of the Ibis represents the soul in flight and is repeated several times on her outfit. She is the Queen of Nymphs and Undines.

'Light brown hair, blue hazel eyes

On intuition she relies'

This is a dreamy and imaginative woman. An empathetic listener, she'll help you if it isn't too taxing.

Astrologically, she rules from 20 degrees of Gemini to 20 degrees of Cancer. This last decanate in Gemini relates to intuitive insight due to its Uranian ruler. The exaltation of Mercury is a rare but incredible combination that can bring flashes of insight and awareness. The first decanate of Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which implies moodiness and unpredictability, and the second decanate of Cancer, ruled by Mars and Pluto, implies a stubborn defensive quality, especially where relationships are concerned.

The Queen of Cups is Hexagram 58 in the Kabbalah, and her colours are blue and orange.

*Z*

The Golden Dawn Magical Tarot. By Sandro Tabatha Cicero and Chic Cicero. Copyright 2012. Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive. Woodbury, MN 55125.  All rights reserved. Used by permission of the publisher. Card images are protected intellectual property, and may not be recopied or reused in any manner without written permission from the publisher. http://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738723396 . Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Serendipity

Today I'm making the draw from my 48 card oracle deck, which is defined as not following the 78 card pattern of Tarot decks.

This lovely card that I've drawn from Madame Endora's Fortune Cards is designed by artist Christine Filipak with Joseph Vargo and published by Monolith Graphics.

Serendipity: bright new prospects are on the horizon.

The beautiful night faerie is pictured in the dark sky with the moon behind her. Coloured night moths fly around her, and one lands on her finger, as if to give her a message.

The LWB tells us that the night faerie represents an unexpected yet favorable turn of events. A chance meeting or discovery. As one door closes another opens. Bright new prospects are in the horizon.

*Z*

Illustrations from Madame Endora's Fortune Cards by Christine Filipak and Joseph Vargo. All rights reserved.Reproduced by permission of Christine Filipak. Artwork and text copyright 2003 by Monolith Graphics, Cleveland, OH. USA. Madame Endora is a trademark of Monolith graphics. Further reproduction prohibited.

King of Pentacles

Today's draw is from Crystal Tarot, images in delicate forms realized in tempera and pastels on glass by Elizabeth Trevison and published by Lo Scarabeo. The drawn card for today is King of Pentacles, traditionally the last ordered card in the whole deck.


The LWB tells us that the King of Pentacles represents a Merchant who transforms goods into other goods through wisdom.

The King is seated on his golden throne at the top of some rocky steps. He wears his gold crown and carries a scepter in his right hand and holds a large round disk to represent a pentacle or coin in his left hand. His feet in their golden slippers rest on a small rocky outcrop.

'Hair do white or dark as night

His calculations always right'

This man is reliable, a good financial provider who likes to work, and who values material security.

If you draw this card it can indicate that you are in a successful period of your life, and must be resolved to carry on. It tells you that you should not feel guilty for your achievements.

*Z*

Crystal Tarot. Artwork by Elisabetta Trevisan. Copyright 2004 Lo Scarabeo. All rights reserved. Image used by permission of the publisher. Card images are protected intellectual property, and may not be recopied or reused in any manner without written permission from the publisher.

http://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738700588 . Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Ten of Pentacles

The Gilded Tarot deck by artist Ciro Marchetti came with 'The Gilded Tarot companion book' by Barbara Moore, published by Llewellyn Worldwide.

This attractive deck takes a very idiosyncratic approach to the card that traditionally represents prosperity and security.

A ferret looks perplexed as he stands beside an open wooden chest full of pentacles, representing coins, under a tree, perhaps in an orchard, but not hidden. A turtle walks slowly past, unimpressed by the earthly treasure nearby.

Why are such riches left out in the open? Perhaps the kindly owner has decided to share his wealth with passers-by?

'Security will soon your efforts crown

Your life will seem to turn around'

Perhaps you will soon find the key to your own material security.

*Z*

The Gilded Tarot. By Ciro Marchetti. Copyright 2004. Companion book 'The compass guide to the Quest Tarot' by Barbara Moore, is also copyright 2004, Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive. Woodbury, MN 55125.  All rights reserved. Used by permission of the publisher. Card images are protected intellectual property, and may not be recopied or reused in any manner without written permission from the publisher.
http://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738705200 . Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

6 of Swords

Today's draw was made by our guest Robin, prior to my fulfilling her request to read her cards. I'd already chosen the Connolly Tarot, which worked well because Robin is of Irish descent. These cards are beautifully created by colour pencil illustrations which gives the images on the cards a stained-glass-window type of glow.

The card Robin drew for today is 6 of Swords. Interesting because it's only 3 days since I last drew this card, last time from the Vanessa Tarot. Rather closer than chance, perhaps.

Illustrated differently this time: a lone woman stands on a bridge over water, with the 6 swords attached to the side of the bridge. Less scary perhaps, for the soft-hearted, than the traditional portrayal. This is not a bridge over troubled water, because the water below the bridge seems calm and benign.

'Life moves on, just look ahead

Think of brighter things instead'

Seems you are now headed on a journey that will help heal you from a difficult period in your life. Let's hope so.

*Z*

Illustrations from Connolly Tarot reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford CT 06902 USA. Copyright 2006 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

XV The Devil

Jean Noblet Tarot de Marseille, restored by Jean-Claude Flornoy, yields today's card: XV LEDIABLE - the Devil, from the faithfully produced edition of 2007 by Flornoy in Paris of the Tarot of Jean Noblet, the earliest deck in the Marseille style, that was published in Paris c1650.


This image is along very traditional lines, having been illustrated 350 years ago. The Devil controls the man and women who are tied to their negative addictions.

'Chains you grasped to change your life

Now hold you tight and cause you strife'

The other side of the Devil Satan is Lucifer, 'bringer or bearer of light'. The green of his hat evokes the emerald he lost in his fall and from which the Grail was cut.

This card also represents creative energy of Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, and teaches us to recognize and integrate all aspects of our nature, both the dark and the light.

*Z*

Tarot of Jean Noblet, restored by JC Flornoy©letarot.com Editions

http://www.tarot-history.com/
Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Page of Swords

Morgan-Greer Tarot . For this draw I've chosen my deck that lives in the purple velvet Tarot bag whose photo is on the header of this blog.

Bill Greer based his work for these images on the book 'Tarot, a key to the wisdom of ages' by Paul Foster Case, initially published in 1947. Case was an authority on both Tarot and the Qabalah, and he founded Builders of the Adytum.

Greer sought to incorporate the colours that Case dictated for the Major Arcana, and to create an immediate emotional reaction to each card, even before an image could be looked at in depth. Greer's many years of research and study of the Tarot were flowed into the images.

Morgan and Morgan were the original publishers of the deck, now handled by US Games Systems Inc.

A resolute young man holds his sword with both hands, as he watches vigilantly during the covert work to which he has been secretly assigned. He is ready to be forceful and aggressive if necessary to fulfill his duty, for which he needs clear thinking and level-headedness.

'Hair brown to black, and eyes so dark

Energetic person, on the mark!'

In drawing this card we become aware that our mental restlessness makes us eager to look at life in a fresh and more open way, and that we're ready for the challenges ahead.

*Z*

Illustrations from the Morgan-Greer Tarot reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford CT 06902 USA. Copyright 1979 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.

Six of Swords

A fun draw today from Vanessa Tarot, in the little purple tin. With glamour, stylish humour and adventure, these girls with attitude, depicted so delightfully by Lynyrd Narciso, clearly enjoy their journey through the Tarot deck.


Today's card is 6 of Swords, and true to tradition, two people, in this case two girls, are on a boat, with six swords as companions. One of them pushes their boat along with a pole, but their faces are always hidden from our view.

'Life moves on, just look ahead

Think of brighter things instead'

This is a card of recovery, of travel to a better place, as the card suggests an escape from troubled waters.

*Z*

Illustrations from the Vanessa Tarot reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford CT 06902 USA. Copyright 2006 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. Source of the rhyming couplet is Eileen Connolly: Tarot of the apprentice (Connolly Tarot), published by Newcastle Publishing Company Inc., North Hollywood, California, 1979.