Learning the Tarot

[Christine]

10. The Wheel of Fortune



10 is I + 0. 1 is the beginning of a new cycle, and 0 represents the completion of a previous cycle. This signifies the application of wisdom gained in the previous cycle to a new one.

Represents the planet Jupiter. This card signifies growth, evolution and karma, and can represent the understanding of cause and effect. When the opportunity this card suggests arises, it must be seized, it is the card of syncronicity. The Wheel turns, change is inevitable, whether on a physical or spiritual level, a new chapter in life is starting, a decision of importance is to be made, and the more we are aware of our own power over our destiny, the clearer things will appear. Can mean letting go of old ties in business or relationships that are a burden. Turning points, learning from recurring motif's in one's life. Can mean a shift of fortune, movement, change of job, luck. Beginnings and endings, change. With each turn of the wheel more growth becomes possible, learning from mistakes, allow the wheel to bring new experience. The important thing about change is the reaction - do we accept the new situation and adapt to it? Do we use it as an opportunity and find some meaning and value in it?

Reversed - a struggle against events, lost opportunities, best to delay decisions and avoid unnecessary risks.

On an inner level, the Wheel of Fortune represents an image of a deep and mysterious law at work within the individual, which is unknown and unseen yet which seems to precipitate sudden changes of fortune that overturn the established pattern of life. Although it feels like fate, the changes spring not from some externall power, but from within the depths of the soul. The moving rim of the Wheel is like the moving panorama of life which we encounter, but the hub remains still at the centre, a constant and unchanging essence or source. The hub is thus like the hidden Self which `chooses' (although it is no choice of the conscious ego) to turn itself toward various situations, events, paths and people. Fate does not come to meet us; rather, we turn to meet our fate.

Gilded Tarot version



The wheel is sometimes viewed as fate. It tends to frighten us because the wheel is seemingly turning out of control. Here we see a fully mechanised wheel withastrological symbols onit, controlled by the stars, the rhythms of nature and life. Sometimes things happen in our lives that seem inexplicable, but we must remember that life is full of cycles. The sun int he centre of the wheel  can represent our mind. If we are centred and secure then no matter how the wheel turns, we are not at it's mercy. We can view something in a number of ways, as a blessing or a curse, a tragedy or an opportunity.

The message of the wheel is twofold. First, know that life has it's ups and downs and many times things happen that affect you but that are not, strictly speaking, personal. As an example, you may work for a company that is bought out. Your job may become redundant. It is not done to hurt you personally, although it deeply affects you. Secondly, events in life are often good or bad simply becasuse you view them as such. Keep your centre and your focus and don't be rattled by events you cannot control.
Be aware of using the cycles of the wheel to neglect personal responsibility. Keep in mind the things that are within your control and don't blame circumstances for mistakes that are actually your own.

[Christine]

Below is a list for the meanings of the positions in the Celtic Cross Spread.



1. The centre card shows some basic quality of the person or their situation. Basically the enquirer in relation to the question.

2. This card refers to the positive or negative influences that are influencing the person's present state of mind or position in life.

3. This card shows a possible outcome, a general trend. The person is heading in this direction, although it may not necessarily come about. It can also refer to the hopes of the person in relation to the reading or their question. You can ask if they have a specific question if you feel it will help to clarify the situation. Often it is the conflict crossing front of them.

4. A situation or event usually, though not always, in the past, which has helped create the current situation. There may be a connection here with one of the first two cards. This card can also refer to the more unconscious elements in the person's life and can refer to a deeper request for self knowledge. The foundation or basis of the issue.

5. This card relates to the present and the past, it is the card that is passing away, but its influence is still present. This card relates to the impact on the person of this event or situation.

6. This card refers to the near future, it can also be a summing up of the past six cards, but it is not a totality of the outcome. If a situation begins in a certain way and ends very differently, then the reason might lie in the near future bringing in some new situation or person to change the direction. Or, if the outcome card is very different in character from the near future, this might indicate that the coming situation will have no listing effect. Very often forces affecting the future.

7. This card refers to the person you are reading for. It is also the card that will give the greatest clue to the answer of a question. It can refer to a new situation that may be coming up that requires the person's attention. Also the self image card. Often different to the card in card 1. The self image card does not always reflect the inner you.

8. This is the environment card, or influence of others. If a Court card appears in this position, it will usually mean a person influencing the subject. It may refer to influences that affect the person positively or negatively, depending on the meaning and value of the card, and also what the person has in their life, the situation they are presently in and being affected by. Often how others see you in the situation.

9. This is the card of hopes and fears and shows how the person's attitude to the future affects the working out of events. A person's attitude can create success and vice versa. It will often illustrate what you most want or most fear.

10. The outcome card finishes the story of the reading. It can offer advice and warnings, answer the question or look into the more distant future. If the outcome seems to be an unpleasant event, then the subject can look at the preceding cards to see what influences are pushing in that direction, with the hope of changing the situation. If the outcome appears desirable, then a similar study of the preceding cards can help increase the influences which are tending towards the result. Basically the outcome if all things remain the same at the time of the reading.

[Christine]

Before you are going to do a reading it is important to prepare yourself.

Quietly sit and calm yourself. Perhaps do a few breathing exercises. Basically whatever you have to do to open yourself up to receive messages and communicate with spirit and guides. This will differ from person to person. Quiet your body and mind.

Focus on the person for whom the reading is for. That may involve reassuring the engurier that you will not tell them anything to frighten them if they are with you for the reading.

Be alert and aware. Being tired, bored or ill will not help you to do a good reading.

Be respectful of the tool you are using and the way you are able to gain insight and information from them.

Distant readings are a little more tricky. It helps to do what you can to focus on the person. Perhaps have a photo of them or specific questions they might have. I use favourite colours and birthdays and combine that with what I might already know about the person to tune in to their energy.

Perferably set a place up where you will conduct readings. Prepare it by personalising it even if it is in your own home. Try to make it beautiful and meaningful. Use crystals, incense or subtle oils. I have a raw silk cloth I always read cards on and a particular crystal which allows me to gain even further insight. Natural fibres are best for the storing and reading of cards, plain with little or no pattern to detract from the cards. I embroidered a special bag to inspire me for each deck I use. A table or floor is the best place to read. This way you can spread out.

Don't be scared to have a reference book nearby and refer to it if you need to.

To get started- shuffle the cards whilst thinking of a question or a situation. Remind yourself the answers will  be int he middle of the deck when you are shuffling. Stop when you feel you should. Using your left hand divide the deck into 3 parts left to right. Pick up the middle part first and then the other parts underneath it from left to right. Draw the cards out of from the top in order.

Alternately you can write your question down. Remember the cards will not tell you what to do. You must accept responsibility for what you discover and act upon always. Try to stay neutral and positive when reading what the cards are saying.

To reverse or not to reverse that is the question?

When first learning the cards there seems so much to remeber that it is probably easier to ignore reversed cards. Simply make sure all of your cards are the right way up prior to the reading. If one comes up reversed perhaps make amental note of it but then turn it right way around. As you read more and more the reversed meanings will become easier to manage.

[skye131924]

I am looking at the cards now (at the hundreds of different kinds) however for some reason the Legacy of the Divine looks good for me *shrugs*

[catseyes]

You should always go with what feels right to you.

[Christine]

I should finish writing this.....

[maree.star]

Christine this thread is awesome. Thank you for all this great information

[Christine]

I need to add more lol....I've been busy rofl

[maree.star]

haha i was hoping you would say that. i'm ready for more when you are.

[Christine]

A more in depth look at Wands.

About Wands; wands represent the  element fire. The Wands are the suit of creativity, action and movement. They are associated with such qualities as enthusiasm, adventure, risk-taking and confidence. Travelling and reaching for goals are also qualities associated with this element. This suit corresponds to the yang, or masculine principle. The energy of this suit flows outwards. Wands represent the fire element. The negative side of Wands can be counter-productivity through rashness. Fire also burns if uncontrolled and undirected. In astrology the fire signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. Many wands in a reading can mean that the person you are reading for is of a fiery temperament. People with a fiery nature need to know that they are alive and whether they achieve this feeling through excitement or conflict is of little consequence to them. The sheer exhilaration they get when directing their energy towards a particular purpose far surpasses the feeling they get from more passive pursuits. For Wands types, to have a purpose is often more important than achieving it.
Wands thrive on conquests in love and business. They love the challenge more than the rewards. Earthy types such as Pentacles enjoy the reward more than the challenge.
Like fire, Wands types approach life with eagerness and action. They are fuelled by challenges, new horizons and conflicts. But Wands types can also become melancholy because inaction and deep despair are not feelings that Wand type people feel naturally, they can be intolerant of people who are experiencing these states. Wands usually learn by doing and avoid theory whenever possible.

[Christine]

The suit of Wands has a story as well. King, Queen, Knight and Page represent Father, Mother, Son and Son or Son and Daughter as the Page lacks a strong gender identity. These figures are approaches to the lesson of fire. While still a child the Page listens to fathers tales of travel, adventure, achievement and conquest. Later as he grows to the Knight, he needs to experience such things for himself. The Knight sometimes clashes with the Father. Father attempts to discipline Knight while Mother tries to settle their disputes. Although Mother sees Knight is acting like Father had in his younger years, Father (King) doesn’t see this at all. Stifled Knight decides to leave home to travel and experience things for himself. His realisation that he can no longer stay at home is reflected in the Ace of Wands.  In the Two of Wands the Knight is look to his future and assessing his alternatives. Although he could choose to stay home, it is too predictable for his tastes. In Three of Wands he has decided upon his chosen path and simply awaits the correct time to make his move. Perhaps he is looking for a place to go or letting it be known amongst his circle that he is about to move. The Four of Wands sees him make the move and settle (in a typical Knight of Wands fashion however as they never truly do settle), into his chosen place or environment. He is joyous and in his honeymoon phase where life is good and he revels in sharing his place and position with his “equals”. This is in opposition to his memories of home where he felt he wasn’t equal. In the Five card however, problems start to develop. Now he has 5 people with 5 different opinions on how to tackle issues and challenges. Each are raised differently and each equally committed to their own opinions as he is. Messy versus neat and tidy. Tensions mount. In the Six of Wands the Knight reminds himself that he might just as well be at home with his family for he finds himself in the same situation as he was at home with them. Tensions and power struggles abound. He exercises his own person power to move house again. This time however he arranges an environment where he directs himself and those around him to a more common goal. He surrounds himself with like minded people, thus eliminating tension and in doing so he learns the challenge of leadership. E is becoming more like his father every day. In Seven, he finds himself on top of the demands of life. Whilst staying on top exhilarates him, he remembers that he wants greater challenges and that he needs to reach more important goals. One of the goals he remembers is to travel. So now he needs to raise money to do so and to do this he takes on two jobs. Although difficult he sees the bigger picture and knows it is worthwhile. Eight of Wands sees him set off travelling. He experiences a new sense of freedom and love of life. He is determined to continue travelling and enjoy the whole world instead of just one place. He wonders why people wanted him to miss out on this experience and he realises his hard work (of card 7) is paying off for him. However in card Nine, he realises he now needs another challenge or conflict to feed his hunger for excitement. He examines his journey thus far and prepares himself for a new challenge unaware that the source of conflict is actually within him. The Knight finds his greater challenge in card Ten where he becomes burdened with those things he has left behind unresolved.  The lesson in this card is the need to organisation, planning, resolution and delegation.
When he masters this lesson, taming or disciplining that fire within, he becomes and King Of Wands.  In the Kind card he is  shown looking towards his next challenge once more, yet waiting for his Queen to join him so they can travel together.
He has learned that the journey is more important than the outcome and that the Queen of Wands is exactly the woman to make this next journey exciting and worthwhile.
Later he will become a hero to his own little boy, and will revel in the wide eyed interest of the innocent Page. He also will clash with his rebellious teenage Son, the new Knight, who also wants to experience it all for himself. On occasion he will remember he too once believed all those things that his Son presently does and he will once again be tempted by the memories of his travels.

[Christine]

A more in depth look at Pentacles.

About Pentacles: Pentacles represent the element of Earth. Earth represents that which is real, material or in physical form. Wands demonstrate enthusiasm and practical effort. Cups describe emotional sensitivity and creativity. Swords depict thought, ideas and understanding. Pentacles relate to the end product of these, when you combine inspiration with a plan, and enthusiasm with practical effort. Each point of the pentacle star represents a part of the body. The upright point is the mind in control of physical passions. The circle around the pentacle is to contain the energy of the pentacle so that it may be used for a practical purpose. Pentacle types are earthy, they are at home with nature, practicality, the business world and material possessions. While Wands types tend to live in the future, Pentacles live in the present. They are more comfortable in their physical existence than the other types. They take good care of their bodies. They often appear healthy, alive and grounded.  Pentacles appearing in a reading signify financial or material issues in the forefront of your mind. They often appear in a reading about finances or career.

[Christine]

The story of the suit of Pentacles: The four pentacle cards represent Father, Mother, Son and Daughter. As the family is materially comfortable, the King puts aside some money for his children. He gives them a portion of their inheritance when they become 18, 25 and then 30. As the Page grows, he (or she) dreams of the money and how it will grow by the time he receives it.

In the Ace of Pentacles, the first amount of the money is handed to the Knight. He is a serious Knight and plans to use the money wisely. He wants a solid return on his investment. In the Two of Pentacles, he is deciding what to do with his money, whether he should invest it or spend it. In the Three of Pentacles, he invests some of his money on his education. He trains in a profession. In Four, he enjoys the income from his profession as his business grows.  His business continues to expand in the Five card, so much so that he now has very little time for himself and to live his life. He continues to work but he feels tired and empty. In Six of Pentacles he employs some staff and in doing so manages to grab back some of his own time. He now manages his business venture. In the Seven card, he is thinking that to truly be successful he must learn more about staff management and business procedures so that he can fine tune his skills. In Eight, he is studying again to learn new skills and knowledge to add to his repertoire. This greater success is actualised in Nine. He experiences pride in his great achievements. In Pentacles ten he sits back while others do the work. His hair is grey and he is happy to observe at a comfortable distance as he sees to his animals. He has become the King of Pentacles. His Queens is not far from his side.

[maree.star]

Wonderful!! Thank you, lovely C!!

[Christine]

I decided to do some work on this today lol... I might do some more this week.