Don’t be so literal, just because the Death card appears doesn’t mean you’re dying. Brace yourself for change, however, because Death represents out with le vieux, in with le nouveau. Thirteenth of the Major Arcana, Scorpios, this one is all you. The Grim Reaper rolls in on his white horse and levels the field. Rich, poor, old, young, death is the great equalizer. Just like the Phoenix, from destruction, out of the ash, rebirth follows. Prepare to transform.
An upside down man in the shape of a number four, The Hanged Man symbolizes a fleeting glimpse of clarity often paired with sensory deprivation. This card is not about punishment; it is about a change in perspective and powerful insight. Associated with Odin and the planet Neptune, The Hanged Man suspends time, like a dream. Illumination requires sacrifice. This card urges surrender, submission, and introversion. When flipped, beware of relying on others for guidance, advice, or motivation.
Justice, a Cardinal Virtue, in the most literal sense symbolizes looming legal entanglements. The emergence of this card means there will be an even-handed resolution to the conflict. Withhold your jubilation; folks are rarely satisfied with what is objectively fair. The scales mirror Libra, and this is your card. Beyond the obvious implications, Justice asks whether you’ve balanced your quest for earthly ambition with spiritual growth? This is about accountability and harsh truth. Adjust yourself toward equilibrium. When reversed, beware of bias.
With the Wheel of Fortune comes good luck, abundance, joy, and rise. Oprah says there is no such thing as luck. She believes luck is the meeting of preparation and opportunity. Whether you believe in luck or not, this card symbolizes a lightening strike of serendipity. The Wheel of Fortune brings change and evolution by serving as a spring board from which to vault forward towards something new, better, and prosperous. This card also symbolizes the law of Karma, so in the midst of all your good fortune don’t forget: what goes around, comes around.
The Hermit depicts a Capuchin, holding a lantern, shining the light of the occult in search for truth. Ninth of the Major Arcana, this is the card of attainment through self-illumination. The tasks associated with this card are reading, cleaning, organizing, rest, and contemplation. Associated with Virgo, virgins, this is your card. Take on an ascetic sensibility of slow deliberation to find enlightenment and clarity. When this card surfaces in relation to others, it symbolizes an inspirational guide who brings understanding to the mysterious and confusing. The Hermit is someone that you connect with outside your regular social circle, typically one-on-one. When construed negatively, The Hermit represents withdrawal, isolation, and navel-gazing.
Eighth of the Major Arcana, Strength is about conquering your inner-beast. It is easy to fall prey to our basest instinct, but what separates us from animals is our ability to overcome these tendencies with will power. Metaphorically, the maiden tames the lion, just as we must tame our impulses. Leos, this is your card. Don’t forget the essential components of gentleness and kindness which temper the fire of Strength. Confront your doubt, but embrace yourself with mercy and compassion.
The vehicle of bravery, willpower, and success, The Chariot represents the drive of accomplishment. Associated with the astrological sign of Cancer, the two share many similarities, most notably armored isolation. Through struggle comes victory when The Chariot surfaces. Use confidence and self-control to bring together opposing forces for one singular purpose to achieve your ends. When inverted, be careful of spinning out of control.
The sixth of the Major Arcana, on the surface The Lovers embody deep, passionate, soulmate love. When The Lovers emerge, it symbolizes the trance of complete emotional connection with another. This card speaks to the central romantic relationship in one’s life, but also the decisions and sacrifices that come with the discovery of “the one.” Exercising its highest purpose, The Lovers bring strength to your relationship. When flipped, The Lovers stands for the poor decisions we make when our judgment is clouded by love (or lust).
The Hierophant, fifth trump of the Major Arcana, bridges the gap between heaven and earth as symbolized by his hand raised in benediction, two fingers up, two pointing down. A teacher, standing for orthodoxy, he provides advice and guidance for life’s journey. Don’t confuse him as the literal embodiment of religion, he can symbolize wise counsel in a variety of incarnations. At his best, he understands and shapes, at his worst he hypocritically persecutes.