THE

WEAVER
TAROT

created by:
BRIT JUNE
BLAIRE PORTER

1
A note from the creators:

While we have both been dedicated to our

spiritual practices for many years, Tarot being
a part of that, we are first and foremost
creators. The process of creation teaches in an
entirely new way, and it is something we
continue to circle back to in various forms.
Our creations being able to serve others has
been a humbling opportunity - we are so
grateful to make tools that resonate with others
and invite them into a deeper relationship with
themselves.

It is our hope that everyone who uses our

deck finds more of themselves and new
ways of navigating their internal and
external lives.

We invite everyone using these decks to find

empowerment in their knowing. To deepen
their relationship with Spirit and the unseen
forces around us. To be curious about the
mystery that is life.
love,
Brit + Blaire

2
 INDEX
Spreads - 4-7
Major Arcana - 8
The Fool - 9
The Magi - 11
The High Sage - 13
The Pillar - 15
The Anchor - 17
The Hierophant - 19
The Lovers - 21
The Chariot - 23
Strength - 25
The Hermit - 27
Wheel of Fortune - 29
Justice - 31
The Hanged One - 33
Death - 35
Temperance - 37
The Devil - 39
The Tower - 41
The Star - 43
The Moon - 45
The Sun - 47
Judgment - 48
The World - 50
Wands - 52
Cups - 81
Swords - 109
Coins - 138
3
 DECK INTERVIEW
by: Brittany Mac
@lionhive_
Brittany has set out to guide people into the deepest parts of themselves, to tear
down and rebuild from within. She combines tarot, astrology, and the lunar
cycles to build her practice and spends her time creating workshops and courses
to make all things metaphysical as accessible as possible.

2 3

4 5 6

Asking your deck:

4
1 What do you want to teach me?
Introduce yourself
5
2 How can I best honor you?
Your strengths
6
3 What would you like our
Your limitations relationship to be like?
4
 LUNAR WEAVER
full or new moon
by: Brittany Mac
@lionhive_

Brittany has set out to guide people into the deepest parts of themselves, to tear
down and rebuild from within. She combines tarot, astrology, and the lunar
cycles to build her practice and spends her time creating workshops and courses
to make all things metaphysical as accessible as possible.

2 3 4

1
This moon's theme in your life

2
Thread to cut this lunar cycle

3
Thread to nurture this lunar cycle

4
Energy to tap into during this lunar cycle to actively weave

5
 THE COMPASS ROSE
by: Iyshia Walker Altu
@ravenmothercrone
Iyshia is an intuitive focused on working with individuals seeking heart
healing and self love cultivating practices through intuitive card readings,
guided meditation and healing centered counseling.

4
N

0
3 1
you are here
W E

2
S

This spread highlights how you're moving through the cardinal aspects
of your life to draw a big picture of your current energetic presence and
potential. There is an extensive range of possibilities for card
interpretations in each direction. Allow your intuition to lead the way.
0
center - ether - initiating spirit

1
east - air - the realm of thoughts, beliefs, intellect, communication

2
south - fire - wands - the realm of creativity, passions, willpower, drive, desires

3
west - water - the realm of intuition, emotions, relationships, psychic energy

4
north - earth - the realm of resources, home, security, finance, career
6
BRIGHT SIDE|SHADE SIDE
By: Sanyu Estelle
@sanyuestelle
"Pigmented (78%), womoonist (as constant and faithful as the tides), cissy
(femme but hetero-ish), multisexual (it's a spectrum, seems unwise to call it),
travel-apt (Earth is a country) and fashion forward (Funk Flag Flyage) SSJW
(Sarcastic Social Justice Warrior)."

1 2

Card 1
The Bright Side

The Bright Side is what is illuminated. What is there and obvious or clear for us to
know if we are willing to see it for what it is.

Card 2
The Shade Side

The Shade Side is what is in our blind spot. What are we not being attentive to
that can be of service to us if we are willing to acknowledge it?

7
 MAJOR
ARCANA

8
 THE FOOL
Honest, Genuine, Curious

This card marks the beginning of the adventure. It

holds the excitement for the road ahead – and while it
may be a long road, filled with ups and downs, it
will always be worth it in the end. This card
encourages you to dive into the unknown and be
curious about whatever comes up for you. Keep an
open mind and remain excited but try to not carry
any expectations. Allow each event to unfold on its
own.

Your mindset will be important on this

endeavor, so it is vital that you don’t fall into the
trap of: “but things were going so well!” when
something comes up. Of course, challenges can
be hard to handle, especially when they seem back
to back. But the more you can go with the flow
and tackle everything that comes up with a
sense of curiosity and perseverance, you will be
victorious. Life will always have ebbs and flows, so
don’t expect smooth sailing forever - enjoy
the process nonetheless. You have nothing to lose!
9
Reversed

The Fool's shadow holds more of the “foolish”

qualities of this character and indicates that you are
not thinking things through. You may be trying to
take the leap but you don’t have the tools
you need nor the foundation laid yet. It
could also be that you are fearing moving
forward and are unsure what you need to do to
reach the launching point. This standstill may
have you feeling down, if that’s the case, do
the work to release fear and lay the
foundation so you can start out on the best foot. Now
is not the time to be impulsive but to really examine
how to begin this journey.

10
 THE MAGI
(Rider-Smith’s The Magician)

Confidence, Expertise, Transformation

The Magi is an encouraging sign - you are on the

right path! It is also an acknowledgment of all that
you have done to land yourself in this beautiful
space. You have what you need to take your
visions and make them a physical reality. The
amazing thing about The Magi is that they
have one foot in this world and the other in the
unseen. They are able to flow between the two,
allowing them to make shifts quicker than most.

When it comes to projects, they manifest easily as

they have so many tools and resources available to
them. There is no substitute for experience and
The Magi has plenty - they intuitively know
what will work and what won’t. When you receive
this card, it is time to step into your power
and move forward with certainty. Trust in your
ability to fully embody The Magi.

11
Reversed

The Magi reversed can indicate a lack of follow

through and not living up to your potential. It could
also signal that you are doubting your abilities and
therefore not trying. In some circumstances it could
mean that you are engaging in some of the darker
behaviors of The Magi: deception and greed. Use
your powers for good and move forward.

12
 THE HIGH SAGE (Rider-Smith’s High Priestess)
Knowing, Intuition, Dreaming

The High Sage has dominion over all things mystical.

You are being asked to step more deeply into your
intuition, subconscious and the divine realms - and
this card indicates that diving in will be
transformational for you.

As spiritual beings, we have the ability to move

between worlds. But in our dense and physical
realm, many of us default into logic. This is not the
place for you right now - the spiritual realms will
serve you far better at the moment. Prioritize your
relationships with the spiritual beings and elements
you work with. You are being encouraged to reclaim
the wisdom that lives within you.

This card is also a reminder that it is not the ideal time

for decisions and making moves. Go within and find
the stillness. Be in the liminal - ground into your
body and heart. Now is a good time for
meditation, journeying, writing and ritual.
13
Reversed

The High Sage reversed is an indication that you are

feeling overwhelmed and confused. There is a lot of
mental energy being spent but no clarity being
found. That's okay! Find stillness and surrender to
the fact that your current thinking will not bring a
solution, you must find a different way of being. Pause
and revisit the situation later. This card reversed could
also indicate you are shut off from your
intuitive powers and knowing. Prioritize
re-connecting to this part of yourself.

14
 THE PILLAR (Rider-Smith’s Empress)
Nurturing, Love, Pleasure

The Pillar signals the presence of the earth, the

elements, the sacred receptive force and natural
beauty. When The Pillar comes to you in a reading,
it may be indicating the nurturing of new life. This
could be literal (a baby) or metaphorical (a new
project). The Pillar holds the intersection of love
and creation. The love swirls around you – you
need to nurture and express these energies and
allow them to take form. Create space for them. A
lovely aspect about The Pillar is that they have a
huge capacity to hold all things. They are masters
at playing different roles and rising to the
needs of others, so this card may be pushing you
to expand a bit.

The Pillar is also an invitation to deepen your self-love

practice. Honor your body and all things physical
pleasure. Spend time in nature, soak up the earth and
solar energies. This is a time of growth and abundance,
and the more you align with the earth, the more you
will be able to call in assistance.
15
Reversed

The Pillar reversed indicates that there is stagnancy.

You may be feeling stuck and unable to bring life
forth through you. Try not to focus on what you are
not doing right now, but on creating a foundation
of confidence and self-love. It may also indicate
that you are doubting your ability to hold so much.
Try to ground yourself in the coming days and focus
on your self-care, this will help you fill your well
and expand your container.

16
 THE ANCHOR (Rider-Smith's Emperor)
Structure, Stability, Leadership

The Anchor represents structure - this card holds

the energies of the sky, the mind and the
sacred dynamic forces. While The Pillar holds
the more creative and intuitive realms, The
Anchor holds the structured realms.

The Anchor is driven by the desire for

stability, wealth and security. They want to
protect and support those around them – they
are natural leaders and can often be perceived
as rigid and tough. When The Anchor finds you
in a reading, it is often an indication that it is
time to build. You have a clear vision of what you
want to do, so now you need to put the
structures in place that will allow you to achieve
your goals.

It is time to drop any insecurities or doubts you may

have, this card is an affirmation of your power and

17
ability. Have faith that you can build what you want
to.

Reversed

The shadow of The Anchor indicates you may

be being a bit passive and that is not suiting you
or it could signal an abuse of power. If
you need some humbling, try to remember that
true respect from those around you is
necessary to maintain leadership. And to
earn true respect, you must respect those
around you. If you find you are doubting
yourself, unplug from all the things on your to-
do list and remind yourself of all your previous
successes.

18
THE HIEROPHANT
Teaching, Study, Tradition, Dedication

The Hierophant can often be a challenge for

witches and new agers. Traditionally this card
represents convention in all its forms, in
particular within spirituality (ex: the church).
In reality, The Hierophant embodies the growth
that comes through rigorous practice. There
are no shortcuts here and sometimes we have
to be comfortable with being uncomfortable –
we have to trust that sometimes traditions
are long standing for a reason: they
work. The Hierophant indicates that it may
be a good time for you to dedicate yourself to
a new area of study and seek out a trusted
teacher(s).

If you are feeling called to share what you have

learned, this card could be encouraging you to pursue
teaching in some form. This card also often finds
people who need structure and tradition in their
practice.

19
Reversed

When The Hierophant reversed finds you, it is an

indicator that you may have too much rigidity in your
life. Convention can stifle creativity and intuition. It
is important and vital to growth that your
compass lies within you and not outside you. When it
comes to your spiritual path, don’t feel like you need
to follow rules in order for it to be valid. Do what
works for you.

20
 THE LOVERS
Deep connection, Love, Sacred relationships

This card signals a deep connection with another

person, and while often romantic, not strictly so. It
could mean love is on its way to you, or it is referring
to a relationship that is currently on your mind. This
card is encouraging, asking you to allow yourself to be
vulnerable and honest in this relationship. It is
important to remember that Love is a choice – despite
the struggle, joy, pain and excitement it brings – it
will always be a choice of whether or not you want to
continue to show up for the relationship.

Something to remember about relationships is that

there is always a life-death-life cycle. There will
always be times of tension and then times of ease.
And as the years pass, you will find that you will reach
moments where aspects of the relationship need to
die in order to move forward. This is replaced by a
new freedom and space that brings new adventures.

21
One must be curious about what the future brings and
how they can explore themselves within the
relationship.

Reversed

The Lovers reversed signals a relationship that has

gone sour or is in conflict. The challenge in any
relationship is that both parties bring all of their
baggage to the table. As you continue to get
comfortable with one another, your “issues”
make themselves known. You may be dealing with a
long-standing pattern right now – once again, it is a
choice whatever you do with it. You can choose to be
curious and vulnerable or to shut down. You can
choose to walk away or stay. Do whatever feels
healthiest to you.

22
 THE CHARIOT
Confidence and Knowing

The Chariot barrels through obstacles and fills

us with motivation, determination and a sense
of empowerment. Things may be overwhelming
and confusing and perhaps you are unsure how to
make it to the light at the end of the tunnel. The
Chariot brings a message of encouragement and
inspiration– you are more than capable. You can
get there and triumph, however you must buckle
down and do what needs to be done.

This is also not a time for taking the easy path – you
must be thorough and methodical in order to earn the
victory. This is not a journey for those who are not
willing to work for it.

23
Reversed

The Chariot reversed indicates that now may be a

good time to hit pause and re-evaluate. Amidst any
challenges right now, the future remains uncertain
and it may be a good idea to change course. On the
other hand, it can also mean that you are overreacting
to challenges and letting them break your
willpower. In the end you can still succeed, but
you must think it through and be intentional.

24
 STRENGTH
Resilience, Determination

Time to tap into your personal well of strength. While

The Chariot rallies the troops and is action oriented,
this card is more about our internal will and resilience
as opposed to discipline. This card also carries the
message that when we meet our challenges with
compassion and love, it creates a faster
transformation. For example, perhaps you are
struggling with feelings of envy and jealousy, having
the strength to meet these aspects of yourself with
compassion and non-bias will allow you to shift them
more easily than if you judge yourself for it.

This card is encouraging you to merge with your

challenges as opposed to viewing it as a battle.
Opposition can often increase resistance, so the more
you can view your current hurdle with a sense of
curiosity, the easier it will be.

25
Reversed

Strength reversed asks you to take inventory of your

ego, self-worth and image. Are you paralyzed by fear
and feel that you are incapable? Or are you over-
confident in your abilities? You may be feeling weak
and overwhelmed, and if so, spend some time
grounding and becoming present with yourself.
Remind yourself of all the things you have already
overcome, you can, and surely will, overcome any
current challenges.

26
 THE HERMIT
Spending time within the Self

The Hermit signals a period of necessary solitude.

Perhaps you are in this space currently and are
content, or perhaps you are fighting it. This card is
asking you to surrender to it and trust it is in your
highest good. When we are on our own, we are able
to see and sit with aspects of ourselves that we have
repressed.

From this space you can easily see everything from a

higher perspective. It is also a time where you
accumulate wisdom and knowing rather rapidly,
so enjoy the leveling up you will
experience. Traditionally, The Hermit is found
alone on a mountaintop completely at one
with nature. While few of us can head to the
woods for an indefinite amount of time, you can
achieve this space of solitude within you wherever
you are. The Hermit carries their lantern to traverse
the unknown, and in this case, it is the unknown
within you that needs exploring.

27
Reversed

The Hermit reversed may indicate that you have

isolated yourself too much – it may be time to
reconnect with the world. All things that begin as
good can deviate into an unhealthy space so examine
where you are with that. This card reversed may also
indicate that you are unable to find the solitude you
desire – ask the universe for help in finding it, even if
in small moments.

28
WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Cycles, Good fortune, Universal force

The Wheel of Fortune carries the message that

everything is a cycle. Everything changes - things
come and go, and then come and go again. There is
nothing we can do that will prevent life
from unfolding. With that being said, this card carries
a lot of luck and harkens the spirit of destiny.
When The Wheel of Fortune finds you,
be assured that awesome things are on their
way – often this card comes up when you are
at the precipice of big (good) change.

Wherever you find yourself in the cycle that

The Wheel of Fortune brings, remember that it is
still a neutral force. While we view events through
the lens of “good and bad,” there are larger forces at
play and they are always intertwined. We cannot
have good without bad. We cannot know how
amazing and healing love is without having
experienced its void. Accept the challenges when

29
they come up and remain rooted in the dreams you
are working toward.

Reversed

The Wheel of Fortune reversed often means you are

stuck in the ebbs with challenge after challenge
coming for you. Now would be a good time to
examine how you may have played a role in that, as
opposed to viewing yourself as a victim. This card
reversed could also indicate that you are struggling to
acclimate to recent changes, but it is in your best
interest to accept them and move forward.

30
 JUSTICE
Truth, Pragmatism, Honesty

When this card shows up, it means that the scales of

Justice are present in your life. You may have been
wronged, perhaps you have wronged another or
maybe you are a bystander. You could be grappling
with an internal moral issue that is plaguing you.
Whatever is up for you, it is important that you take a
step back from emotions and try to view the issue at
hand as unbiased as possible – sometimes perception
is not truth. And justice is rooted in truth. In order to
find true justice, one must have the whole truth.

If there is anything you have done that needs to be

addressed and aired, now would be a good time for it.
If you have been wronged, there is a good chance
things will end up in your favor. Now is not the time
to turn a blind eye or chalk up any misdeeds on your
part to “the greater good.”

31
Reversed

Justice reversed often signals a repression of things

you feel guilty about. It could also indicate that you
are trying to justify them to yourself so you don’t
have to make amends. When Justice reversed finds
you, it is a good indication that airing things out and
forgiving yourself and others will be helpful for you
so you can move forward with a clean slate.

32
THE HANGED ONE
Let go, Surrender

The Hanged One is all about sacrifice. Sometimes in

life we accept struggle in the immediate because we
know it will pay off in the end. While progress may not
be happening at the moment, it will once this period
ends. You may feel like you are in limbo and may be
frustrated with these circumstances, but do have faith
that this is temporary and will work out in your favor.
It is in our pauses where we are truly able to integrate
the lessons we have learned – these are necessary!
While you may feel more comfortable pushing
forward, this card is letting you know that without
surrendering to this pause, you won’t make the
progress you want to.

Reversed

Those who refuse to pause and relax when needed

are often handed a big time out from the universe –
this typically feels harsher than us simply taking a
break. A good example is running yourself ragged

33
because you are trying to make more money and then
all of a sudden getting an infection that turns
chronic, forcing you to take off for an extended
period of time. In the western world, there is a
sense of pride in ignoring your needs for the
sake of progress. But this isn’t smart and it
will hit you - give yourself permission now.

34
 DEATH
Change, Loss, Ending

While one of the more feared cards of the Tarot, its

message is not inherently dark. It doesn’t mean
physical death is at the door. The Death card indicates
endings, it is part of the Life-Death-Life cycle. Where
there is death, there is new life. This, however,
doesn’t mean it is easy. Most likely you are having big
transitions thrust upon you, despite trying to prevent
them. A chapter is closing, and it could take the form
of a relationship, job, business, project or anything
else that has played a large role in your life. This is a
time of transition for you, and most likely one that
brings grief with it.

That being said, do have faith in the fact that space is

being made in your life for new. Do not try to fill the
void, simply be present with it and allow it to be.

35
Reversed

Death reversed typically means you are on the edge of

change but are resisting it. An example is being in a
relationship you know needs to end but just not
breaking up with them because you have fear of the
unknown. Resisting a change that you know is coming
will only make your present life more difficult. Death
reversed asks you to have courage and go toward the
transition.

36
 TEMPERANCE
Balance, Neutrality, Patience

This card asks you to find balance and peace. Now is

the perfect time to have a curious mind and to be open
to different opinions and perspectives. Rigidity in how
we view people and the world around us is not a
pleasant headspace to live in – none of us are
perfect and few of us are pure evil. Try to remember
that humans live in the gray area and
have compassion for people however you can.

This card reminds us that what we know to be true

may not actually be true, and you would benefit from
detaching yourself from confrontation, drawing
conclusions and painting with a broad brush. Make
room inside yourself for the possibility of human grace
and growth. Allow the possibility of harmony where
you think none may be found.

This card also indicates that the plans you have laid
are good and the way you are approaching them
(without haste) is perfect.

37
Reversed

This card reversed asks: where have you been

pushing? Where are you living in the extreme?
Temperance reversed finds us when we have fallen
into a space of excess or intensity. This excess is
coming from a space of wound and you are being
asked to examine this unconscious pattern and to
tend to the wound.

38
 THE DEVIL
Shadow, Choice, Illusion

While scary at first, The Devil card really carries

the message of illusion. Somewhere in your life you
are believing falsehoods or are being influenced in a
way that can cause real harm. The subconscious is
being fed here – whatever it is you are buying into is
coming from a need or compulsion from your
shadow. An often used example of this card would be
addiction – the wounds held in the subconscious
need the band-aid of substance. We may tell
ourselves we feel better when under the influence
but anyone on the outside can see that as fiction.
But this could also be a relationship, you may be
trusting someone but they are actually manipulating
you for their own personal gain. This could also all
be internal – isn’t believing you are unworthy a
falsehood?

In all of these scenarios, deep work is required. You

must confront the deepest layers of yourself and your
past, then question all the things you thought to be

39
true. This can be painful as we often begin seeing the
darker nature in others and ourselves, which can
make us feel cynical. Allow yourself to
approach this work with a sense of curiosity and
non-judgment, but do not treat it lightly. It is
absolutely necessary you do this work.

Reversed

The Devil reversed often comes up when rock bottom

has been hit and you are ready to make the drastic
changes you must make. This card reversed
encourages you to move forward – in this journey
there may be moments where you feel like giving up,
but keep pushing. These changes are hard to make,
but they are certainly better than not changing.

40
 THE TOWER
Collapse, Losing foundation, Change

The Tower carries a weighty reputation and most

people don’t love to see it. It brings rapid change and
a total upheaval, though this does not always mean
“bad.” The reason The Tower is often feared is
because it carries the energies of a foundation
completely crumbling. And when that happens,
all structures built on top of the foundation
crumble too. Anyone who has been dumped by
someone they’ve been with a long time understands
this: the life you planned for, the life you built in
your head with this person is gone. You aren’t just
losing them but an entire future. This is such a
powerless feeling and it can take a long time to
re-wire the brain to create a new future.
Because with any sudden change, the brain is
actually re-wiring! Each time you recall the thing you
have lost, your brain is letting go and then slowly
releasing the neural network that we have built
around that thing. This is a long process that cannot

41
be rushed, and the grief that accompanies any
crumbling foundation is a lot. You are being
encouraged to completely surrender to this. Do not
fight it or it will only prolong the upheaval.
Allow life to flow and understand that you are
simply a part of that flow. The profound change
this card brings for you is absolutely necessary.

And also remember that The Tower can indicate a

profound positive change, but it would still mean the
previous ways of being have died. Use the
cards around The Tower as indicators.

Reversed

The Tower reversed has some dark night of the soul

energies. It is all about internal change – and the
choices you must make when you have total
responsibility. The awakening that a dark night of the
soul offers is one that can set your life ablaze: what
was once acceptable, no longer is. The people you
wanted to be with before, you suddenly find you don’t
have anything in common. And with this new
knowing comes the responsibility to act. This
awakening will force you to change your life simply
because you cannot accept the status quo. Take this
as an affirmation to move forward with those changes.

42
 THE STAR
Hope, Alignment, Happiness

The Star brings alignment and harmony, and

often relief after a series of challenges. When the
Star finds you, have faith that everything is
conspiring in your favor. It is a perfect time to
dream and vision for new projects and businesses.
You may be feeling depleted and distrusting moving
forward with optimism given everything life has
thrown your way; however, this card is
an affirmation that you can expect a light
period with things to be excited about. Hard work
will be required but this is something you are used
to.

This card is also an acknowledgment that while

you have been through the ringer and while you
have learned, you have not hardened. The Star
is the Tarot’s way of recognizing the beautiful
work you have done when you could have
collapsed inward. Keep your courage as you move
forward as it will push you to new heights.

43
Reversed

The Star reversed indicates a feeling of complete

overwhelm and uncertainty, like trying to navigate
without the stars or sun. The Star reversed also may
mean a loss, often within the self, that has shaken
your foundation. Ex: someone once optimistic doesn’t
know what to do when they begin seeing the world as
a cold place. Try to ground within yourself and
eliminate outside distractions.

44
 THE MOON
Unknown, Intuition, Unconscious

The Moon has always represented the unknown,

feelings and the unconscious self. There is mystery
awaiting you and this card is encouraging you to
embrace that within yourself. When we work with all
the hidden aspects of ourselves it can be unnerving
and we may feel out of control. Now is a good time to
surrender to the ride – more will be revealed and
illuminated but you cannot rush it, just as you cannot
rush the moon becoming full.

This card encourages you to rely on your intuition and

the unseen forces present in your life. Deepen your
practice in the ways that feel good. This card is a
reassuring sign of the positive changes that will come
from your effort.

45
Reversed

The Moon reversed signals that you may be sinking in

the darker aspects of yourself and life. Exploring our
shadow is necessary work, but it can be easy to feel
shame, fear, and judgment. You could be feeling a lot
of anxiety and confusion. Try to ground yourself
into the moment and remind yourself of all of
your wonderful qualities and attributes.

46
 THE SUN
Happiness, Optimism, Wholeness

Warm and bright, this card brings the message that all is
well. You are in the flow and feel like you could take on the
world. Enjoy this and take advantage of it! It is a good
time to be optimistic – success is on its way. If perhaps
you are not feeling The Sun’s presence at the
moment, have faith that the sun will be shining soon.

This card may also be encouraging you to connect to your

power if you are not feeling plugged into it. What
are things that make you feel good and
empowered? Which of those can you go do today?
Spend some time building that powerful energy of
yours.

Reversed

The Sun reversed indicates that you may be stuck in a

pessimistic mindset. While we all have challenges and
periods where we struggle to see the good in life, this is
preventing you from tapping into your personal
power and wisdom. Try to restore some play and
pleasure into your life and see if that helps shift
things for you.

47
 JUDGMENT
Authenticity, Taking inventory, Honesty

This card can give some people pause - it has an

ominous presence and evokes a feeling of unease.
Despite that, this card is really an invitation to look in the
mirror. Now is a good time to take inventory of
yourself and your life in an honest way. You may be
feeling a need for a shift in your life, new structure,
new beliefs and a new way of being – this card
encourages this.

You also need to take a hard look at your past and

truly integrate the lessons from it otherwise you will be
destined to repeat them. This can take a lot of
courage on your part, examining our past behaviors
can make us feel ashamed, humiliated, angry, sad and
fearful. Something to keep in mind is that people
rarely remember what you remember – be kind to
yourself. Self-growth is hard but so worth it and you
are at a pivotal moment in your growth, keep going!

48
Reversed

Judgment reversed often indicates that you are stuck

in self-judgment. As with all things, inner work
requires balance. You can’t expect perfection from
yourself and constantly trying to “fix” things will
stifle your life force. Be aware and hold the intention
of being your best self and simply allow life to unfold.
It is awareness that creates change, not self-
flagellation.

49
 THE WORLD
Achievement, Wholeness, Alignment

To draw The World indicates that you have reached

a new level of wholeness. You should have a sense
of completeness and closure as things have
come together for you in a beautiful way. This is a
time for celebration as you have indeed triumphed.
Spirit is sending you a huge congratulations, so
make sure to drink it in. Now is not the time to
be planning or setting off to build anything else,
simply be present with this accomplishment. While
it is human nature to always be looking toward the
“next thing” – we are able to stay in the game a lot
longer if we celebrate our victories.

If it doesn’t feel like you are “there” yet, keep going!

The win is yours and you are close.

50
Reversed

When The World reversed finds you, it indicates that

you have your eye on the finish line but are missing
some of the necessary steps to get there. It is possible
you are being impatient and are trying to take a
shortcut. It is also possible you are just not being
realistic.

If this is an emotional issue, there is a good chance

part of you has been stuck on this for a very long time.
Understand that in order to release and move forward,
acceptance must be your first stop. We don’t get
anywhere through resisting aspects of ourselves.

51
WANDS
fire
inspiration
creativity
energy
wild
raw
passion
excitement

52
ACE OF WANDS
Energy, Expansion, Urgency

If you were to visualize the Big Bang – the force from

which all life was made…the Ace of Wands would be
the idea that sparked the Big Bang. It is life springing
forth from a creative place. It represents that which
remains unseen to the outside world, but real to you,
and it can spur a massive change. It is the beginning
for sure, but drawing this card is an encouraging
message from the universe to “go forth and create.” It
also indicates a sense of urgency…it doesn’t mean
rush, but it means you have the momentum and
passion, now use it. If you have been working on
something, expect new insights and a potential
positive shift.

Consider this moment a gift – it is a bright

opportunity and you get to choose what you want to
do with it. To capitalize on this opportunity, check all
doubts at the door. You may be flooded with
inspiration and ideas… grab a pen and notebook

53
and get it down! Do not worry about the “hows” of
everything, simply be in the flow.

Reversed

The Ace of Wands reversed means that you may be

experiencing some hiccups. Whether it is internal
(lost passion or inspiration for a project) or external
(your immediate situation is preventing you from
dedicating yourself to the project).

Pulling this card reversed doesn’t mean to abandon

your idea or project, it simply means it would serve
you better to put it aside for a brief period and return
to it. A watched pot doesn’t boil… when we
are obsessive with something, even when we
don’t have the space for it, we are standing in
our own way. Progress is not linear. While water
may still come to boil whether you are staring at
it or not, one creates anxiety and the other
action creates freedom. When you step away and
trust that the water will boil no matter what you
do, the faster it seems to happen.

54
TWO OF WANDS
Preparation, Movement, Structure

The Two of Wands builds on the passion and drive

from the Ace of Wands. This card signals a transition
from raw inspired energy to action.

This is the card of to-do lists, creating deadlines and

organization. It takes the pure energy one has at the
beginning of a project and asks “okay, now how do we
translate it to the real world?” Different projects have
different steps and needs, but the specifics of which
are irrelevant. The most important thing is that you
take your idea seriously enough to do things that
most people don’t love to do. It’s like having a new
business but not getting yourself a business bank
account – metaphysically, these real world steps
matter. Having a business bank account, even if
empty, creates a container for you to do your work. It
holds the energetic transactions of your work. If you
simply use your personal account, lines are blurred,
and the messages could be confusing to spirit. They
are declarations to the universe of “I am taking
this seriously so you better do the same.”

55
What will take you to the next level? Reflect on your
history with this step. In the past, have you embraced
this aspect or have you resisted it? If you have gotten
stuck in the past, consider the feelings that have
arisen each time that prevent any progress. Where did
you inherit those patterns? Action requires
confidence and commitment and it is a choice you
make every day to show up for. Break things down
into small steps and renew your commitment to the
process each morning.

Reversed

The Two of Wands reversed means you have failed to

pay attention to all angles of your project, in
particular the laying of plans and preparing for all the
“what if's.” The devil is in the details, and if we
ignore those details in the beginning it can cause a
collapse later on. You wouldn’t build a house in the
summer not knowing what type of material you are
using and if it can withstand a harsh winter. This
card reversed invites you to go over everything start
to finish from an outsider’s perspective (or even
ask a pragmatic outsider for their thoughts!) and see
what you may be missing.

56
THREE OF WANDS
Opportunity, Expansion, Action

The Three of Wands indicates that you are on the right

path and have laid the necessary foundations for your
venture to be successful. The plans you’ve created
have provided the perfect container for you to take
action and move forward. With this, you may be
presented with new or unexpected opportunities. This
can create rapid expansion, but it is important to
remember that not all opportunities are created equal.
Some will push you out of your comfort zone and will be
good for you in the long term, whereas others may not
be in alignment with you and your core work. Now is not
the time to get caught up in quick results, pace yourself
for long-term success by making calculated choices.
Examine the benefits, if it feels in alignment,
and whether you see it fitting in long-term.

Check in with your body. What does a yes feel like in

your body? What does a no feel like? Get to know your
internal compass so when opportunities come at you,
you can make informed and aligned decisions. Staying
grounded within yourself and your vision will prevent
you from being carried away.

57
Reversed

The Three of Wands reversed indicates that you may

have experienced some setbacks and you have not
accomplished what you originally anticipated. This
could be due to some oversights on your part, but this
card is a reminder that nothing was a waste of time or
energy. The work you have done so far will still serve
you.

This card reversed may also indicate that it would

benefit you to be open to and prepare for some
changes and shifts - be open to opportunities even if
they aren’t what you had imagined.

58
FOUR OF WANDS
Celebration, Harmony

The Four of Wands is all about celebration - it

indicates a time of harmony and balance in your life.
Life is not linear, which means we must ride the ebbs
and flows for as long as we are here. We do want to
attract more of the good stuff – so handle the
struggles as best you can and celebrate the shit out of
the good things when you can. Build the energy
around the things you are grateful for.

And this card invites you to do that: celebrate what is

going right for you. If you don’t feel like there is
anything to celebrate and you are in an ebb, then
pulling this card indicates a coming celebration – and
when it comes, spare no effort and put your entire self
into celebrating.

While we all celebrate in different ways, what it

comes down to is acknowledgment. How can you
acknowledge the goodness in your life in a way that
feels right for you? Maybe this is creating a gratitude

59
list, or a piece of art, or a dinner party, or buying
yourself something you’ve wanted for awhile. Bring
movement to this energy in some way, shape,
or form. In allowing the good to find
embodiment or form, we are inviting more of it.

Reversed

If the Four of Wands upright is volume on MAX,

reversed it is volume on MIN but on,
nonetheless. There is a quietness here:
small victories, balance within the self,
personal acknowledgment of progress. It isn’t so
much an active celebration but an awareness.

Conversely, Four of Wands reversed can indicate that

you may be experiencing some minor roadblocks or
conflicts. These are more the expected bumps in the
road– continue to power through.

60
FIVE OF WANDS
Frustration, Competition, Conflict

Imagine a bunch of people in a room all trying to yell

over one another in an effort to get their point
across… that’s the Five of Wands. It indicates
a stuckness created by tension and conflict within
a group, where no one is really trying to come to
a resolution. The Five of Wands encourages you
to change the method of discourse and create
a container for working it out. If it continues as it
is going, it will not end up in a good place.

The Five of Wands can also indicate competition. At

this point, it is a healthy competition, which can
really push you to be your best. With that being said,
competition can always cross the line and become
darker… try to ensure that this isn’t the case, and view
it solely as something that will push your boundaries
and limitations. It is about you, not about the other
person(s).

61
The Five of Wands can also signify a conflict within
yourself – many aspects of you going to battle and
making it hard to move forward in any way. Most
often these are fears, doubts, and parental
voices all trying to be heard. Give them some time
to express their feelings, but then tell them you
are doing it anyway, and move forward on
whatever path the highest version of yourself thinks
is best.

Where we have conflict, we (most often) have ego.

Examine the situation from a higher perspective…
do you have an attachment to an outcome that
is creating friction? Can you be open to other
outcomes? Not everyone is able to do the work
that requires resolution, but you can lead this effort.

Reversed

When this card is reversed, it can mean that the

competition has taken a darker turn and is now no
longer beneficial. While we can become attached to
the outcome, (ex: winning) it is important to
distance yourself while you still can.

It can also mean that you have a pattern of avoiding

conflict that needs to be addressed. When we repress,
we are writing a recipe for a blow up. While it can be
scary, learning healthy confrontation and learning
how to proactively put up boundaries is necessary and
life changing. 62
SIX OF WANDS
Success, Victory, Pride

The Six of Wands is an acknowledgment of a public

victory or an external success you have achieved. It
means that you continued to persevere through the
challenges and uncertainties and it has paid off in a
major way. The Six of Wands encourages you to be
proud of what you have accomplished and do not
downplay it – you deserve it. This card also invites
you to be optimistic at any challenges that may lay
afoot, expect or prepare for success and cultivate that
as the true outcome.

In some cases, the Six of Wands can also carry a

warning to be careful of your relationship with
success. You are not at the end of your journey and
there is more to come, it is important to not let your
achievements get to your head and inflate your ego.

Now may be a good time to check in on your

relationship with success. What does “success” mean
to you and how do you define it? Do you react to both

63
success and challenges in a neutral way or do you
jump on a rollercoaster and allow your ego to grow
and shrink in relation to what is happening? Examine
yourself in a curious way – you will be better prepared
for more successes, and to easily traverse any
challenges, if you are secure in your relationship with
yourself.

Reversed

The Six of Wands reversed can indicate you may be

struggling internally and are filled with uncertainty.
Often we can become so fixated on external validation
and success that our internal compass becomes
compromised. We lose sight of our original intentions
and we stray from our vision because we are trying to
create for public validation. We must stay within
ourselves, even if we haven’t received the success we
originally anticipated. Continue with your vision and
gauge your success with your own measures.

Another aspect of the Six of Wands reversed is that

true optimism is great, but do not fool yourself into
being optimistic. This type of bravado will surely
crumble at the slightest wind. While optimism is
powerful, it loses its power if it is being used as a
band-aid for fear and doubt.

64
SEVEN OF WANDS
Stand your ground

The Seven of Wands is all about the maintenance of

success. The building of something has its own
challenges, as does the continued upkeep after the
launch and initial accomplishments. With success
comes competition and others trying to nudge you
out… expect this and stay a few steps ahead of
the pack.

The challenges within the Seven of Wands present an

opportunity too. This card carries a stimulating
effect, one that clears out stagnancy and negativity.
Any challenges can bolster one within themselves and
provide a motivation to power through - it gets shit
done. Complications and conflicts are almost an
afterthought....they are the seed that sparked the
movement, but this card is all about rising to
the occasion and less about the occasion itself.

Commit yourself to this cause despite any insecurities

65
you may have. Now is not the time to indulge in the
negative “what if's” but to be curious about all that
you are capable of. We can use movement to cultivate
the feelings we want… consider adding in some power
moves to your day (ex: jump squats, shadow boxing,
burpees). It doesn’t so much matter what the
movement is as long as you feel empowered doing it.

Reversed

The Seven of Wands reversed indicates a period of

overwhelm. Rather than stimulating, the conflict at
hand has triggered a downward trajectory. It indicates
a period where depression, anxiety and stressors are
running the show.

Sometimes when we experience success, we are

overwhelmed with the “what now?” question. Or we
feel that we have to continue to live up to the success,
which is incredibly paralyzing. This mental space can
be filled with doubt and shrinking confidence… try
to separate yourself from this space by focusing on
why you began in the first place. Plug into your
passion and make that the focus above all else. It is
important that if you draw this card reversed, that you
stick to a clear action plan. Now is not the time for
indecision, doubt or questioning. Move forward.

66
EIGHT OF WANDS
Potential, Faith, Flow

This card indicates that the universe is opening up an

energetic river of potential. Now is the time to grab
your inner tube and jump in – go with the current, do
not fight it and do not question whether or not it will
be taking you where you want to go. If you have been
facing any challenges, trust that they are or will be
over soon, as things are now working in your favor.

You may receive small or big signs but trust that

opportunity and expansion are coming in the near
future. Know that what you want is coming, but do
not worry about how it will be coming or try to get
there more quickly – do everything you can to
build the energy that the universe is presenting
you with. Do not waste the opportunity that this
period brings and do know that when the right
opportunity does present itself, you will recognize it.

Stay grounded in the moment as things pick up speed

and shift. We want to go with the flow, but we don’t

67
want to drown. Because this is a period ripe for
manifesting, get clear on what it is you do desire and
focus on that so the Universe knows what to send
your way.

Reversed

The Eight of Wands reversed encourages you to slow

down and examine your situation. You may be
moving too quickly to weigh the pros and cons and
make good decisions. It is important to stick to one
thing long enough to see it through before moving
onto something else.

The underlying message of the Eight of Wands

reversed is to be patient! No matter what the
situation is, you must slow down and distance
yourself a bit. View everything from a higher
perspective and any frustration you are feeling
right now is just creating resistance – surrender
but after reflection, take the actions you feel are
right.

The Eight of Wands reversed can also indicate that

you are resisting change – go with the flow!

68
NINE OF WANDS
Perseverance, Protection, Resilience

The Nine of Wands indicates that you have endured

many challenges and struggles but have achieved
success. You may be worn out from the journey, but
this card asks you to gather your strength and greet
any current or upcoming trials with courage. You will
remain victorious, but it will require some effort.

The Nine of Wands also indicates that patterns and

history are at play. The many fights and troubles
you’ve won have created a deep strength within....the
aftermath of this however, is one of fracture. It is
impossible to withstand so many trials and conflicts
and not be affected. This card indicates that the
fighter needs to tend to their wounds. When fighting
becomes a pattern of survival, the nervous system will
continue to fight even if there is no conflict. We have
proven we can weather the storm, now we must learn
to weather the sunny day.

69
In our modern lives, the constant barrage of stress
and challenges is enough to send us into fight, flight
or freeze. At this point in the journey, you have
accumulated so many stressful experiences that your
body is holding onto, that it is important to release
them so you can move on with a cleaner slate. A good
way to ground that stress response is by connecting to
your body. Slow, intentional movements; yin yoga;
deep stretching; placing your hands on your body and
connecting to it. Notice what it feels like to be in your
body – do things slowly and with more presence,
noticing all the sensations that arise.

Reversed

Nine of Wands reversed indicates someone who is

creating limitations for themselves. They are afraid,
doubtful, and fear putting themselves out there.
In turn, they are losing out on a lot of
amazing opportunities. Sure, they are also
missing out on some challenges, but with risk comes
reward.

70
TEN OF WANDS
Burden, Pushing through

The Ten of Wands signals a period of burden. It is

temporary so don’t get too focused on the extra effort
you are having to put in right now. Sometimes when
we are near the end of something, we have to
maximize output so we can move on and relax. The
Ten of Wands indicates that this last push will get you
exactly where you need to be.

There may also be an awareness that with your found

success that there are now responsibilities that you
did not anticipate. Upkeep of our success can require
new aspects of ourselves and sometimes they need to
be delegated. If you pulled this card and the burdens
are not temporary, then you need to consider which
you need to pass along to others.

It can be helpful to check in with your body when it

comes to making choices of what feels good for you
and what doesn’t. Consider getting quiet and asking
your body what a “yes” feels like and what a “no” feels

71
like. For example, a yes may feel like excitement in
your feet. A no may feel heavy in your belly. From
here, think of the things on your plate and ask your
body what it thinks of each. When you receive a no,
meditate on what you can do to move on from it.

Reversed

The Ten of Wands reversed indicates that you are

carrying a large burden – this could be coming from
yourself or from others. No matter the origin of this
burden, it is time to release it. It may take some time
to arrange, but you must eliminate this weight
from your life.

72
SEEKER OF WANDS
(Rider-Smith’s Page of Wands)
Charisma, Courage, Opportunity

The Seeker of Wands is a highly energetic and creative

person who has been gifted with wonderful ideas,
passion and vision. Where the Seeker of Wands
struggles is with follow through. They are not as good
at showing up day in and day out to tend to their
vision, which means they quickly move onto the next
idea. They may have self-doubt or they may just not
understand what it's like to be consistent. They
may feel like they are trapped if they stick to one
thing.

If the Seeker of Wands finds you, it is an invitation to

courageousness. This card asks you to acknowledge
your fears of failure, success or being constrained,
but to then move forward. The discomfort you
feel when you commit is important for your
development. But the commitment is a loving
action for yourself, take yourself seriously enough
to move forward.

73
It can be helpful to break things up into small steps
that you can show up for every day. One thing that
can prevent us from making progress is focusing on
the hardest things first, preventing us from
showing up for the easy-to-accomplish tasks. Do
the jobs that seem fun and allow your confidence to
build until you feel ready for the bigger things.

Reversed

The Seeker of Wands reversed can indicate that the

attachment to “new” has created blockages and a
pattern of dormancy. It could also indicate that you
may have a new thing you are excited about but are
trying to push it forward before it is ready. The Seeker
of Wands reversed invites you to be at the beginning
– whether you have to go back to it or simply be
patient before going forward, it is important for you
to spend time at the foundational level. This means
examining all angles before moving forward. For the
Seeker of Wands who likes passion and excitement,
this can be an uncomfortable place but do yourself a
favor and stay here.

74
CONQUEROR OF WANDS
(Rider-Smith’s Knight of Wands)

Daring, Confidence, Growth

The Conqueror of Wands harnesses the energy of the

Seeker of Wands and creates tangible results out of
ideas. There is unbridled enthusiasm and a motivated
pursuit of goals that will take you to new heights. This
card encourages you to chase your dreams because you
are ready to take your raw idea and bring it into
tangible form. It is important that you still
be thoughtful and purposeful; haste and ill planning
will not benefit you long term.

Now is a good time to create a vision board and a

detailed plan with steps and checklists. It would also be
a good time to take note of where you have become
stuck in the past (ex: sharing your project or in content
creation and see how you can create a container for
you to move through any resistance with ease.)

75
Reversed

The Conqueror of Wands reversed indicates delays

and a build up of creative energy. The delays
can be internal or external, but focusing on them and
getting frustrated is only furthering the
resistance and frustration. Consider shifting your
focus to something else so you energetically loosen
the reins on your current fixation. This will free
up some energetic space for flow to be restored
back to your original project. Do not approach the
new outlet from the mentality of “I am only
doing this so I can move forward with the other
thing” – truly surrender and let the project “die” so
it can be reborn as it needs to.

76
SOVEREIGN OF WANDS
(Rider-Smith’s Queen of Wands)

Empowerment, Confidence, Warmth

The Sovereign of Wands indicates an abundance of

energy and multi-tasking, but you are definitely up for it
and capable. You feed off the movement and are
excited about all of the opportunity – you are most
comfortable when creating. This card signifies that
good things are in the works. You may be finding that
people are just drawn to you – the Sovereign of Wands has
an energy that people want to be close to. You hold an
important space in community and serve others well;
however, do be mindful of your relationships – they
should be balanced and easy.

The Sovereign of Wands invites you to allow yourself to be

it all. To be motivated, brave, loving, radiant and
creative. To know your strengths, to proclaim them and
carry your knowing proudly. Sometimes we have
moments where we feel really good and it is easy to
believe this about ourselves, but many struggle with
holding that feeling indefinitely. How can you stay in
touch with your magic and magnificence even when
your shadow wants to pull you down?

77
Reversed

The Sovereign of Wands reversed signals an arrival in

many ways, it brings the realization of who you
authentically are and what you need. What you will
and will not do. It is an empowering space, where
the Sovereign is more focused on themselves
than on others. Now would be a good time to up
your alone time and really prioritize your
relationship with yourself.

78
RULER OF WANDS
(Rider-Smith’s King of Wands)

Control, Action, Passion

Where the Sovereign of Wands brings creativity, the

Ruler of Wands brings pure vision. You can see what
you want to build and know what steps need to be
taken – rather than putting it all on your own
shoulders, you outsource for support in building it.

This card is incredibly encouraging – it suggests that

the big dreams you carry with you are ready to be made
physical. The things you will need along the way will
find you. Your job is to remain plugged in to the big
picture. Your ideas are not simple nor can they be done
by yourself, take care in choosing the best people who
believe in your vision and will dedicate themselves to
the project. It will take full commitment from
everyone, and you must inspire positive action, not
demand it. As you head these efforts, you must also
remain balanced and prioritize self-care too, otherwise
you may not be as effective of a leader as you could be.

79
Reversed

The Ruler of Wands reversed can be out of balance

and get in their own way. They have big dreams but
are unable to do what is needed to reach them – they
may micro manage, get aggressive or lack
communication with their team. To be the Ruler of
Wands, healthy leadership must be prioritized or you
will not reach your potential.

80
CUPS
water
emotions
intuition
relationships
healing
subconscious
connection

81
 ACE OF CUPS
Blessings, New beginnings

The Ace of Cups signifies a new emotional beginning.

Whatever has happened up until now serves as a
wonderful lesson, but now is a beautiful time
to release it and move forward with openness. This
card could signal a new relationship or a new
endeavor, but no matter what the situation, you are
being presented with a choice of a new path – one
that is filled with joy.

Now is an ideal time to be open to all your feelings,

creativity and potential relationships of any kind.
Don’t be surprised if this loving space you are in
attracts some new and lovely opportunities. If you are
feeling out of alignment with this opening, consider
doing some rituals of letting go of that what you resist
releasing. Joy and gratitude are magnets, so the
sooner you can align with them, the sooner you will
see shifts and abundance of all forms.

82
Reversed

The Ace of Cups reversed typically indicates a loss.

As the water is flowing out of the cup, there is an
aspect of loss or a sense that the creative, emotional
and spiritual “well” is being dried up. You may be
navigating some rough emotional waters or feeling a
lack of “flow” in your life. Acknowledge where you
have control and take your power back in any way you
can. There are many things we can do to restore flow
to our life and self. You may struggle in making
the choice to do that, but as much as you can,
try to practice self-care and fill your cup first.

83
 TWO OF CUPS
Trust, Compassion, True partnership

The Two of Cups signals a partnership – whether

romantic, friendly or work related, the partnership is
balanced and healthy. Both people are invested,
committed and respectful of one another. This
relationship will open up a whole new world for the
both of you and your powerful connection will
manifest many opportunities. Due to the deep bond
and spiritual connection shared, it is very likely that
this relationship will be long-term and fruitful.

No matter what part of life you are inquiring about,

this card carries a positive message – you will be
receiving good things. This card asks you to open
yourself up to all the wonderful things the Universe
provides and be loving of those around you.

84
Reversed

The Two of Cups reversed indicates a broken bond or

a relationship that has fallen out of balance.
Communication has become more challenging and it
does not seem that both parties are open to doing the
work to mend it… if you have been resistant
to changing the communication dynamic, try
shifting it and see what happens. You get to
choose if this is something you want to pursue, but
know that there is an option to repair it if you lead the
way.

85
THREE OF CUPS
Love, Community, Support

The Three of Cups indicates that it is a good time to

connect with your loved ones and focus on your
relationships. Right now is a time of harmony and
balance, but prioritizing social and familial
connections would be beneficial for you. In terms of
work, this card means that there may be an
opportunity for partnership or collaboration that will
be very great for you. Be open to connection in all
forms!

This is such a powerful love card and serves as a

reminder that our family, friends and community are
the foundation upon which we build our lives. Without
connection, we are neglecting the most important
aspect of being human.

Reversed

The Three of Cups reversed can mean that this is a

period of solitude for you. You may not feel up for

86
going out and spending time with people and that is
okay. Take some time to focus on yourself and do
whatever you need to do to support yourself. It would
be a good idea to communicate that with those
around you, make sure to vocalize your needs to those
closest to you and lovingly put up boundaries if need
be.

Three of Cups could indicate a period where your

relationships have fallen by the wayside…if they are
important to you (and are healthy relationships)
perhaps try to spend some time reconnecting.

87
FOUR OF CUPS
Lack of interest, Isolating

When the Four of Cups finds you, it is an indication

that while you may have opportunities flowing to you,
you are rejecting them and are stuck in a negative
mental space. The “woe is me” and judging things
before really giving them a chance can be found
within the Four of Cups.

It’s possible that you are simply focusing on yourself

and are not yet ready to focus on anything external.
The outside world may seem boring to you and you
are exploring your internal landscape for fulfillment.

Sometimes we tell ourselves we are doing one thing

because of such and such reason, but we are not
able to see the clear picture. We may actually be
retreating out of fear instead of self-care. When you
think about any opportunities that may be at your
feet, do you feel apprehension or a neutral no?
Examine where you find yourself on the Four of
Cups spectrum through unbiased reflection.

88
Reversed

The Four of Cups reversed indicates someone

who, after a period of withdrawal, is working their way
back into the world. There is a sense of a new
beginning and the universe will be opening up new
people, new places and new experiences for you.

89
 FIVE OF CUPS
Regret, Sorrow, Loss

The Five of Cups indicates a period of grief and loss.

This loss is significant because your future was
wrapped up in it – it makes moving forward difficult
because the vision you had for the future is gone.
Having to suddenly rebuild that vision is a constant
trigger of the loss. It puts you in a liminal space of
grieving the loss but also being uncertain how to
move forward.

Moving through this won’t be easy, but you do have

things you can count on – perhaps in the version of
friends, family, a savings account, community, spirit,
a job, etc. You may not be able to focus and appreciate
what you do have in this moment. Dwelling in the
past will not help you move forward – and there is a
difference between grieving and dwelling. Creating a
mental container for you to grieve is important, but
you may need to put up boundaries with yourself and
your thought patterns.

90
This card may also indicate that the grief has
passed, but the dwelling and self-pity is still there. Try
to focus on ways to move forward and forgive
yourself and others for what has happened.

Reversed

Five of Cups reversed is a beautiful sign of integration.

It means you have finally reached a point of being able
to view your experiences and losses from a place of
distance and with an enlightened perspective. The
experiences are being integrated within you and have
become a part of your cellular knowing so they will
not be repeated. You feel stronger, more resilient and
ready to focus on the good in your life. You are now
able to see the beauty that has been surrounding you.

91
 SIX OF CUPS
Joy, Nostalgia, Magic

The Six of Cups is an offering of the sweet side of life.

If it is finding you, do not be surprised if you find
yourself glowing and embracing life with a childlike
enthusiasm. The Six of Cups brings opportunities of
reconnecting to the playful aspects of yourself, as well
as finding new activities and fun opportunities that
you haven’t experienced before. The Six of Cups has
an inner child quality to it, bringing excitement and
love. Many adults are often struck by how kind and
loving children are with one another - there is a purity
and loving attitude that can grow cynical with age.
Now is a wonderful time to find this again and to
reach that place of pure love within yourself, allow it
to spill out of you and greet other people from this
space.

It could also indicate a time where you want to

reconnect with people from a different time and place
in your life. There is nostalgia here, but there is a
caveat: we cannot live in the past. Nostalgia has a bit

92
of a smoke and mirrors element to it…it may feel like
old times again, but most often when the moment has
passed, it has passed. There is no truly recreating it.

Reversed

Contrary to the healthy integration of the past with

the upright meaning, the Six of Cups reversed can
indicate someone is living in the past. It’s like the
high school quarterback still constantly talking about
the championship game a decade later. You should be
continuing to make new memories and accomplish
new things.

93
SEVEN OF CUPS
Dreaming, Magical thinking, Illusions

The Seven of Cups represents the spectrum of magical

thinking – on one end you have alchemy and on the
other hand you have denial. Magical thinking can help
motivate us, but not if it is not grounded in reality. It
is ignoring the glaring problems and hoping
everything will be peachy keen. A major problem and
warning with this card is that there is a focus on the
external: the future being wonderful if you get that
partner/job/house/money/etc. Eventually this thought
pattern creates a lack of awareness – if we externalize
our happiness, we also externalize our issues.

Our refusal to take responsibility places our blame on

something/someone else. There is an alluring energy
to this card, and it can indicate wonderful things,
but you must approach it in a level-headed way. This
card presents a choice: do you want the fantasy
or the reality? If it is the reality, you must change
what you are doing now.

94
Reversed

The Seven of Cups reversed indicates that you have a

few options available to you and are centering within
yourself in order to make the choice that you are in
most alignment with. This is not a time to go with
get-rich-quick schemes or shots in the dark – sit
with what you think is most sustainable and will
pay off long term.

95
EIGHT OF CUPS
Abandonment, Walking away

This card indicates a loss but with a promising future.

Most likely this loss has come from a choice of yours:
you have realized that while you have to say goodbye
to a lot, it is still better to walk away than to stay. It
may also mean that despite accomplishing everything
you wanted, you are not as fulfilled as you thought you
would be. You have realized you need to change
directions to find that peace so you are headed for the
unknown, but you are confident you will be able
to make it work.

If you have already made this decision, the Tarot

is acknowledging that this is the right move. If you
have been in a space of “what do I do?” you are
being encouraged to embrace the unknown and the
path you know you need to take deep down.

96
Reversed

While the Eight of Cups upright tells of decisive action

– of walking away toward personal fulfillment and the
unknown… the Eight of Cups reversed is filled
with confusion. You may feel stuck, continuing to
remind yourself of the wonderful things you
have and blaming yourself for being unsatisfied. But
most likely this is the fear of the unknown talking.
Pulling this card reversed is a call out: stop playing
mental tennis and trying to convince yourself of
things you know are not true. Take the plunge, cut
the cord, move on… however it looks. Trying to stay
and pretend your gut is not telling you to go is just
creating a powerlessness within you. Time to claim
your power!

97
 NINE OF CUPS
Gratitude, Celebration

Nine of Cups is big happy energy. Good things have

happened, are happening or will happen. You have
done a wonderful job navigating the rough waters of
this journey, so now enjoy the harvest.

It is time to appreciate and celebrate no matter what it

is. Let your hair down, relax, and do the things that
you normally wouldn’t do because it seems too
extravagant or not worth the money. It is likely that
this has been a long time in the works, so truly spend
some time reflecting and give yourself a pat on the
back for all that you have made happen.

Reversed
The Nine of Cups reversed encourages you to shift
your focus from the external to the internal. Your
accomplishments, possessions, career, etc. may
enhance your life, but the most important things in
your life are intangible. Do not let your ego become
overinflated and bring yourself back to the heart of
your life.

98
 TEN OF CUPS
Celebration, Peace, Connection

This card indicates a happiness and contentment that

has been reached after a long period of ups and
downs. This contentment is not born from
stimulation, new partnerships or recent additions
to the family but rather the mundane. Often
when people describe missing past lovers or
relatives that have passed on, it is the simplicities
that they took for granted: “I miss buying groceries
with him” or “I loved the way she always saved me
my favorite plate.” These may be routines that can
even feel stifling to some, but they are what a life is
built out of. It’s the connection, not the activity.
This card asks you to notice the beauty in the
small ordinary moments, revel in and share this
peace with the family around you.

99
Reversed

The Ten of Cups reversed signals that you may be

feeling dissatisfied from your current life. Your
relationships may be feeling stale or you feel
disconnected – this card asks you to examine how you
are showing up in your life and seeing where you may
be closed off or creating this disconnect. You may also
be taking those around you for granted, now would be
a good time to try to re-establish connection…
with others and within yourself.

100
SEEKER OF CUPS
(Rider-Smith’s Page of Cups)

Curiosity, Inspiration, Intuitive

The Seeker of Cups brings with it creativity, dreaming,

formless raw energy, youth, impulses, the strange and
bizarre. You are being invited to explore, be curious
and creative. It is in our relationship with life that we
draw inspiration – how are you tending to that
relationship? Do you meet the world with rigid
thinking or an answer for everything? The Seeker of
Cups asks you to throw away preconceptions,
especially about yourself and your feelings and
explore. Be open to anything new.

Sometimes the energy associated with the Seeker of

Cups can create discomfort in others simply because
so much of the Seeker lives in the unseen. The Seeker
is comfortable living in this formless space but many
do not enjoy this. Answers are not often found here,
but questions are, which are just as helpful. If this
represents a situation, it may be confusing and foggy –

101
surrender to it for now and wait for information to be
revealed.
Reversed
The Seeker of Cups reversed indicates that there is a
blockage in creative flow. You may be feeling low self-
worth or that your creativity has become "work".
Sit with your current relationship to your creative self
and see where you may be feeling stuck. Can
you remember times where you felt in the flow and
joyful with it? What was different? Is there any
project or activity that is new and different that
makes you feel excited? Focus on the feelings of being
in the moment with your creative practice as
opposed to your ego, work or fears.

102
CONQUEROR OF CUPS
(Rider-Smith’s Knight of Cups)

Romantic, Charming, Emotional

The Conqueror of Cups brings rapid movement to our

emotions. If this represents a project or a situation,
you are ready to move forward with action as opposed
to simply dreaming about it. You are heart-centered
and leading with feeling, which isn’t a bad thing but is
something to check in on once in awhile.

This card could also represent a new lover who you

have gotten swept up in, or a situation that is too
good to let go of. It’s an addicting rollercoaster that is
hard to get off of. There is an out of control element
to this card where the good feels SO good that
anything negative pales in comparison, it makes it
hard to see it from a realistic standpoint.

The Conqueror of Cups can carry some illusion so do

keep your head on your shoulders. Feelings are
powerful and get things done, but if we are not also

103
viewing the situation from an unbiased place with
logic, we can walk a long ways down a path that isn’t
our best option. This card isn’t a hard warning or stop
sign, but be mindful and go slow!

Reversed

The Conqueror of Cups reversed often indicates a

state of dreaminess that you are not taking action on.
It is wonderful to dream and have goals, but it is vital
to reach the place of forward movement. How can you
take the first steps to accomplishing your dreams?
What needs to happen and how can you create
structure that allows you to continue to show up day
after day?

104
SOVEREIGN OF CUPS
(Rider-Smith's Queen of Cups)
Intuitive, Kind, Empathetic

The Sovereign of Cups is a holder of space. They are

perceptive, intuitive, nurturing, warm and heart-
centered. They can anticipate needs and provide a
container for healing to occur. If this represents a
person in your life, do not fear leaning into them for
support. If your feeling is that it represents you, this
card could be calling you to more deeply step into the
intuitive and healing arts.

This card indicates that whatever is happening for

you right now, it is important that you use your
intuition. Try turning off your rational brain and
connecting with your internal compass and heart. Try
not to default into logic which can happen when we
are trying to figure things out, trust that your
intuition will not lead you wrong.

105
Reversed

The Sovereign of Cups reversed asks you to focus on

yourself over others for a bit. It is important that you
are your own first priority and that you care for
yourself in a way that allows you to continue to
support others without crashing. A major shadow
aspect of the Sovereign of Cups is co-dependency
(your identity being built around care-taking others)
so it is important that you practice detachment now.

106
RULER OF CUPS
(Rider-Smith's King of Cups)
Balance, Compassion, Kindness

The Ruler of Cups indicates a beautiful balance

between the heart and head. Being able to easily flow
between feelings and logic is a testament to maturity,
it is also a sign of a wonderful leader. Being able to
implement structure to accomplish goals is great, but
often people are simply inspired by their presence.
The Ruler of Cups makes others feel seen and
respected, and in turn, receive respect.

The Ruler of Cups asks you to meet your situation in

an unbiased way. Examine it from all sides and not in
an overly emotional space. It also reminds you that
staying detached from external distractions
and drama is important, keep yourself above it.

107
Reversed

The Ruler of Cups indicates an emotional imbalance.

You may be feeling reactive, moody and harsh. You
may feel an emotional disconnect or an emotional
intensity – you may also go back and forth between
these states. This feels uncomfortable and it may be
creating tension in your relationships. Work on
creating space for reflection throughout your day and
check in with how you are really feeling – journaling
would be beneficial.

108
SWORDS
air
intelligence
change
power
bravery
communication
power
ambition
action

109
ACE OF SWORDS
Truth, Intellect, Clarity

The Ace of Swords indicates an expansion in our

mental energy. Swords can cut through illusion,
confusion and cloudiness….they get us to the heart
of the matter. With this card you can expect some
new clarity, inspiration and ideas.

This card can challenge us in a way as it brings new

shifts within us – and with these shifts, new
negotiations must be made. You may find that you
simply cannot stand still anymore. Where you were
biting your tongue before, you are now speaking.
Where you were once apathetic, you are now finding
passion and a need for justice. These new realizations
can feel awkward as we are walking to a new beat. We
may feel off. We may mess up. But we must also
continue forward. Be prepared for those around you to
have their own feelings or thoughts in response to
your new way of being. Some of these relationships
may need to be re-negotiated. Others may just need

110
some boundary work. But stay true to the Ace of
Swords – it guides in clarity, so continue moving
toward the truth and away from the clutter of others.

You are being pushed mentally, and as humans we try

to do our best to make sense of any new revelations
we may have. We like to put them into boxes and
then share them with others. It can be an exciting
time. But something to be aware of is that as soon as
you feel like you’ve arrived at clarity or truth, you may
peel back another layer tomorrow. Each level leads to
another. Be curious about what is happening in this
period, but do not think you’ve found the end.
Write everything down, continue to ask questions and
learn and see the world with new eyes. But make
it less absolute and more playful.

Reversed

If you pull the Ace of Swords reversed, it typically

means that there is confusion. It is like you are
walking in the thickest fog you can imagine – you
can really only see a couple feet ahead of you. You
most likely aren’t going to sprint ahead as you may
trip on a rock or run into a low hanging branch. You
are going to walk slowly, watching one foot land in
front of the other until the fog clears. The same
applies for any decisions and plans you are making
now.

111
TWO OF SWORDS
Reflection, Solitude

The Two of Swords indicates some denial. There is

difficulty in seeing the situation at hand with clarity,
which is also preventing you from finding a solution.
There are two paths you can take, and possibly
neither of them seem ideal or perhaps you are afraid
to address it, but it is time to do so. Getting to know
our deeper feelings is healthy and allows us to lead
fuller, more joy-centered lives despite moments of
discomfort. If you are repressing your feelings, it is
time to acknowledge them and give voice to them.

When swords crop up they can often indicate tension

with emotions, but we know there are ways of dealing
with this to make it smoother and feel safer for us.
First examine your relationship with feelings,
confrontations, problems and denial. What is the
pattern at play? How do they make you feel? After
reflecting, try dropping into your body. See if you can
locate where the discomfort lives. There may be a
place within you that holds some painful experiences

112
that need to be tended to as you create new, healthier
patterns. Make sure you find a place within your body
that feels safe and secure that you can retreat to when
you need it.

Reversed

The Two of Swords reversed indicates you may be

facing a difficult decision, and it may be feeling
chaotic and confusing to you. It also likely feels like
there is no “good” choice – this may be true, but this
card is encouraging you to make the choice so you can
move on. Being in a state of limbo is stressful so do
your best in this situation and understand you are
capable of handing whatever lies on the other side of
this decision.

113
THREE OF SWORDS
Loss, Pain, Grief

The Three of Swords is a signifier of heartbreak,

betrayal and grief. This card serves as an
acknowledgment that you are in (or close to) an ‘ebb’
– things feel hard, and maybe even harder than hard.
But despite this place you may find yourself in, it is
important to understand that this is simply a part of
life. We need the contrast, the paradox of experience
in order to live fully. We have to touch all parts of
ourselves – and we need to experience both joy and
the sharp pangs of heartache to do so. While this card
may not feel comforting, allow it to settle into your
heart and feel fully. Do not try to wash over the hurt
with ego or engage in band-aiding behavior.

How you can sit with this card all depends on your
relationship with grief and hurt. Do you repress? Do
you slide into anger because it feels safer? Do you try
numbing? Most often when we feel pain, our natural
instinct is to escape and to make it stop somehow.

114
And it’s really a challenge to embrace it. But how we
approach our pain will impact us on some level for
years and years. Examine your patterns and see if
there are any steps you can take to be more present.

Reversed

When you draw the Three of Swords reversed it

indicates that you are not processing your hurt in a
healthy way and are struggling to move on from the
past. Part of you is lingering in the hurt - you may
need to push yourself a bit to move forward.

It could also indicate that you are creating a lot of

pain for yourself with how you self-talk. If you have
been hard on yourself and are being negative, it would
be a good time to work hard on shifting your thoughts.

115
FOUR OF SWORDS
Rest, Relaxation

The Four of Swords encourages you to rest and

withdraw for the time being. There have been many
battles fought and it is important to relax and gather
your strength while you can. There is an
acknowledgment of the challenges you have
overcome, but it is important to also create some
separation. Stress, especially chronic stress, changes
our cells, our neuroplasticity and compromises our
health. Relaxing and learning to de-stress is a practice
and you won’t be perfect from the get-go. But it is in
these periods of relaxation where we are able to gain
perspective, resilience and energy.

If you struggle with allowing yourself these periods,

consider your associations with rest. How did your
parents relax – did they do it or did they try to fill
their time? When you are in stillness, what do you feel
like reaching for? Try to bring awareness to any
patterns here.

116
Things like meditation, movement (but not super
intense), dancing, spending time with friends,
nature are all helpful. It doesn’t matter so much
what it is you do as long as it feels relaxing to you.

Reversed

Four of Swords reversed indicates that the chronic

stress experienced has become a pattern, and this
pattern can vary in intensity. It’s possible you’ve
become addicted to the restlessness or it is possible
that it has become a survival pattern, meaning that
you don’t feel you will survive without it. Therefore
even during times of ease, our minds will create stress
for us by putting added pressure on things, by second-
guessing, doubting and self-judgment. But the thing
about relaxing is that your mind must be relaxed too!
So this card encourages you to begin a practice of
mitigating stress in your life.

117
FIVE OF SWORDS
Deception, Over-ambitious

There is such a thing as too much ambition and the

Five of Swords carries that message. Too much
ambition can blur the lines of morality: it means you
may stop at nothing to get what you want. We see the
reckoning of this happening around us today – many
of those in power are having to answer for all that
they have done to achieve it. The willingness to
achieve can create a slippery slope, because when you
realize so many people around you are doing
underhanded things, it is tempting to do it too. But
you get to choose who you want to be. Life is not
always fair, and while we may feel that doing some
things to even the playing field is the best road, it
may not be. Do you want to sacrifice your true self to
move forward?

When you are in this space of pushing no matter what

the cost, it would be helpful to find where in your
body this lives. When you scan your body, where does
your ambition live? What memories are associated

118
with this space? In what ways do you feel that your
survival depends on this pattern?

Reversed

The Five of Swords reversed indicates reaching a place

of exhaustion after conflict. Tension is so draining
that this period offers us grace and perspective. When
we finally reach exhaustion, we can see that maybe
what we were pushing for doesn’t matter so much and
that there are other solutions. The Five of Swords
reversed ushers in the space where we put aside our
ego and meet the situation in a different way.

119
SIX OF SWORDS
Inevitable change, Transition, Moving on

The Six of Swords indicates a major transition, and

most likely one that is filled with sadness. This life
change may feel forced upon you, but this road is also
the one that is best for you. Remaining where you are
is not an option. This change has been in development
for some time, but it may take some time until you feel
“through it”. The Six of Swords is an acknowledgment
that the path you are on will lead you to a whole new
world where you have more opportunity. It shows a
glimmer of the light at the end of the tunnel… you are
still in the tunnel and it ain’t fun, but you can see the
light. Rather than rapid transition and transformation,
there is a quietness to this journey and a knowing that
the challenges will be over.

Often where people struggle in this situation is trying

to rush the process. Not feeling good or comfortable
with your life immediately triggers a desire to escape
or to desperately find good. But being able to
surrender to the experience allows it to shift more

120
easily. What are things you can do in this moment
that will help you feel more at peace with where
you’re at? How can you honor and say goodbye to
the life and things you are leaving?

Reversed

The Six of Swords reversed often indicates a

resistance to making the changes you need to make.
You are struggling to let go and accept that you must
move forward. Sometimes we struggle with
this because we feel powerless, especially if
someone made this choice for us (ex: our
partner broke up with us). Try to acknowledge each
choice you make, no matter how small, to
take your power back. This also helps us
realize we can make the changes we know we
need to.

121
SEVEN OF SWORDS
Deception, Sneakiness

The Seven of Swords signals something underhanded.

You, or someone else, is trying to get away with
something or is being deceptive. There are instances
where this may be absolutely necessary and life saving
(ex: leaving abusive partners or family). If this is you,
have faith that your plans are going to work, but
continue to protect them. If this is not you, you need
to pause and examine.

This card warns against the impulsiveness that arises

within us when we are trying to get away with
something. Hindsight typically proves that
reactiveness does not bring about the most ideal
results. When we are triggered and wanting to be
deceitful in response, we are in the middle of an
inherited pattern that we’ve adopted to survive
(Ex: an abusive father would get mad at little things
and as a means of survival, you had to sneak
around to avoid his wrath). While for you it may not
have been so severe, somewhere along the line
the message “I cannot address this head on
because people will no

122
longer like / love / approve / respect / etc. me” was
absorbed. It is engaging in this pattern
unconsciously that solidifies it, bring awareness to
it and it will be easier to move through.

Reversed

Seven of Swords reversed holds secrets and illusions.

Are you believing yourself incapable, which is
an illusion? Or perhaps you are believing the best
in others when you know that they will let you
down? While there are many possibilities,
explore what needs to come to light so you can
unburden yourself. The negativity that is
weighing you down needs to be released so do what
you need to do in order to move on.

123
EIGHT OF SWORDS
Perceived imprisonment, Self-victimization

The Eight of Swords brings the message that you are

freer than you think. That which is keeping you stuck
is not actually holding you back the way you think it
is. You are the solution to the problem, though you
may not feel like you have the power to change your
circumstances. The Eight of Swords brings a bit of a
kick in the ass and some tough love. The Tarot doesn’t
want to see a powerful person trapped in self-doubt.
So consider this card your formal invitation to moving
forward, because it is simply a matter of choice.

The stuckness found in the Eight of Swords can often

be one that has been with us for a long time. For some
people it may be easy to move forward once they know
it is their choice; for others, it may seem impossible. If
it seems particularly challenging for you, try to
empower yourself in lots of small ways. The fastest
way to build our power is to do things that push our
boundaries and make us uncomfortable. Perhaps you
want to take a class but are afraid, maybe you’ve
always loved the idea of going out to eat alone but

124
think you’d look like a ‘loser’ … go do the things that
make you nervous. Start small and build your way up.
This is a surefire way to realize you are far more
capable than you, or others, would make you believe.

Reversed

The Eight of Swords reversed is a beautiful sign that

you have released yourself from the oppressive
systems you have been stuck in before. These may be
external or internal systems, but what was once
oppressing you hasn’t ceased to exist. However, you
have stopped playing by their rules, which is amazing.

125
NINE OF SWORDS
Anxiety, Sadness, Depression

The Nine of Swords is not often a welcomed message.

It confirms a space of deep grief, sadness, depression,
anxiety, panic, etc. Emotions are heightened, you are
uncomfortable and possibly dealing with racing and
intrusive thoughts. You have been here before and are
desperate to not be here again. However with that,
you may be trying to prepare by disaster planning.
There is definitely a feeling of entrapment with this
card: you are unsure how to get out of this mental
space. Your neural pathways are in repetition and
won’t let you turn the page.

Self-healing is an art, and it can often feel like

walking a very fine line. It is nuanced: we want to
surrender to where we are but we don’t want to get
stuck there. It is accepting the present, but
doing enough to move on too. With the Nine of
Swords, accepting what you are feeling is paramount.
But so is the other part: adding in some new things
that you don’t typically do. New routines, workouts,
126
ways home; whatever it is, we want to shake
things up because what we are doing now is not
working. We don’t do these things hoping they fix
how we are feeling, we do them just because we are
curious as to what could come next. Striking this
balance is work, so be kind to yourself.

Reversed

The Nine of Swords reversed can indicate paralysis as

a response to deep shame and negative self-talk. It
may feel like your mind is pure chaos, which is
pushing you to exhaustion. You recognize how hard
you are making things for yourself. This awareness
has the ability to propel you out of this headspace,
but it will require work. Understand it is a long
journey and keep moving forward.

127
TEN OF SWORDS
Disaster, Loss

Not exactly a pleasant card, the Ten of Swords brings

about disaster of some sort. And most likely, this
situation has been building for some time and (either
consciously or unconsciously) you’ve seen the writing
on the wall. You may have been running from this
outcome, but alas, here you are and you must
move through it. This mental space can feel chaotic,
like the rug has been pulled out from under you
and a huge part of how you have identified
yourself is gone. Perhaps this is a loss of a partner,
job, home or family member – no matter what it is,
it has been deeply enmeshed in how you see
yourself and you may feel betrayed as well.

A good example is a classic co-dependent: their

identity is so focused on caretaking, which allows
them to band-aid all the things they’ve
repressed. The problem is that when the target of
their fixation gets better or removes themselves,
the co-dependent spirals. Their world starts falling
apart at the seams, and without anything to distract
128
them with, chaos surfaces. They are sad, have rage
and feel completely unstable. They’ve finally been
confronted by what they’ve been running from:
themselves.

No matter what is happening for you, it is a good time

to re-connect and make your relationship with
yourself your number one priority. While moving
through this will be hard, you won’t have to deal with
other external issues for a bit, so prioritize your
self-care. Reflect on what brought you here - how can
you learn from it and how can you prevent it
from happening again?

Reversed

The reversed of Ten of Swords announces the arrival

of an all-time low. Sure, it doesn’t feel good but it
gives you what you need to finally move on. When we
reach this place, changes become so much easier
because we are desperate, and desperation can move
mountains within us. Welcome any shifts or new
activities that will refresh your life.

129
SEEKER OF SWORDS
(Rider-Smith's Page of Swords)

Intellect, Curiosity

The Seeker of Swords brings a lot of energy. They are

curious, excited and quick witted. They are
exceptionally intelligent and often have insights
beyond their years. The Seeker of Swords knows how
smart they are and are quick to share their thoughts
with those around them. There is a lot of iconoclast
energy here – they have great ideas but more
importantly, they have the boldness to challenge the
status quo. The Seeker of Swords encourages us to go
forth and make things happen. It is the beginning,
filled with raw passionate energy, and that provides
the momentum.

You may reach a point where you are unsure how to do

something or don’t have the specific know-how needed
to do it yourself, that’s okay – find someone who can.
Now is a perfect time to rely on community and
experts, though sometimes the Seeker of Swords thinks
they are above that.
130
Allow yourself to have big goals – create a vision
board and let yourself dream. You are in a mental
state that is ripe for solving problems and new
insights. Even if you are not actively working on
anything, consider journaling as it is important that
you keep a record of what is coming up for you right
now.

Reversed

The Seeker of Swords reversed often signals a major

trap of the Seeker – a lot of arrogance with no action
to back it up. It would be helpful if you let the action
do the talking.

The Seeker of Swords also indicates that the quick

intellect could be being used for negativity and
manipulation. There is ego here – we often
disconnect from how we are hurting others by
focusing on how we are triumphing. Bring yourself
into balance by realizing that your words and actions
can cause real harm, you must tamper your mental
power with compassion and understanding.

131
C ON Q U E R O R O F S W O R D S
(Rider-Smith’s Knight of Swords)

Lacking forethought, Ambitious

The Conqueror of Swords is a bit of a steam-roller.

They view the world with rigidity and examine things
only from a logical perspective, even feelings or
emotional experiences. However this emotional
detachment, coupled with their ambition, makes it easy
for them to get ahead. The Conqueror of Swords is
great at working on the fly without much preparation
and is great under pressure.

Sometimes the Conqueror of Swords can get

themselves in trouble though. Because they are always
full speed ahead, they don’t often pause to reflect.
They don’t know what they don’t know, meaning…
they will have an answer for things they know
nothing about, making life hard for those that may
listen to them. The Conqueror of Swords can get
themselves (and others) into trouble by not looking
for or caring about any consequences of their
actions. Their brashness creates a lot of chaos,
impulsive reactions and confrontations.
132
The Conqueror of Swords invites you to create some
time for reflection in your life. Things like meditation
and regular nature time will allow you to better see all
sides, ensuring you do not get stuck in the
Conqueror’s shadow.

Reversed

The Conqueror of Swords reversed indicates

someone who has a lot of energy and passion but lacks
direction or an outlet. It is imperative that the
Conqueror of Swords has healthy outlets otherwise
their minds will become a place of chaos. What can
you do to channel your inspired and ambitious
energy? The Conqueror of Swords really thrives on
building new things, so if you have had a new idea
recently, go for it!

133
SOVEREIGN OF SWORDS
(Rider-Smith’s Queen of Swords)

Intellect, Strength, Independence

The Sovereign of Swords is evolved, wise, and

has spent many years understanding and
healing themselves. Their insights are second to
none and they will always say what you need to hear
(but it may not be what you want to hear). While
they really do understand the emotional realm,
they are more plugged in mentally. They can see
what’s going on with you, can help you process it and
solve it, but they won’t be soft and nurturing. This is
the person you go to when you actually want to
make a change rather than talk about it.

The Sovereign of Swords is all about the truth, which

makes them excellent at sifting through emotional
responses (which are often biased) to get to the heart
of the matter. They do not approach things with an
attachment to outcome, simply to find the truth. They
integrate lessons more easily because they are not as
stuck in the feeling of things.

134
This card is inviting you to separate feeling from fact
and approach things in a more unbiased way. The
Sovereign of Swords is great at boundaries, so it may
be a call for you to work on yours. Understand that
there are many ways to nurture.

Reversed

The Sovereign of Swords reversed can be too harsh

and less understanding. They get frustrated by others’
expressions of emotions and will be pretty quick to
say “suck it up.” While the Sovereign of Swords can
also become overly emotional, they are more than
likely going to slide into a space of coldness. Because
they often lack a need for emotions, when they are in
their shadow they can be very shutdown and quick to
judge others. Try to find balance by re-connecting
with your own feelings and give them space to be
heard.

135
RULER OF SWORDS
(Rider-Smith’s King of Swords)

Intellect, Truth, Confidence

The Ruler of Swords is a clear-thinking, ambitious

person who is often found in positions of leadership.
Though very mental, they are also very intuitive,
allowing them to rise through the ranks more easily.
Some people may think they are lucky, but the Ruler of
Swords knows there isn’t much luck involved – they
know what they’re doing.

This card encourages you to view your situation with

your head and not so much your heart. Healthy
detachment will allow you to get to the solution more
quickly. Have confidence in the conclusions you arise
to – if you have laid plans of action, trust that those
will get you where you want to go.

Reversed

The Ruler of Swords reversed leads with an iron fist –

they are cold, manipulative and abuse their power.
136
When the ego takes over, you lose true power because
you lose respect. Power is an illusion if you have not
earned it through supporting those you lead. If this is
you, consider stepping aside or focusing more on how
you can have compassion and understanding for those
around you.

137
COINS
earth
physical
career
money
stability
ego
nature
foundations
business

138
 ACE OF COINS
New prosperity, Abundance, Luck

As with any ace, the Ace of Coins indicates a new

beginning, this time in the material realm. This card
carries raw potential of prosperity – though now is
not the time to rest on your laurels. This is a
wonderful opportunity but it must be nurtured and
seen through to the end. So while this is a great sign
and you should be excited about what is coming, you
still must continue to show up and do the work. If you
have been waiting for “permission” to go after
something, consider this a permission slip from the
Universe. Do not be surprised if everything comes
together easily for you with this development – while
you have to go after what you want, Spirit is co-
creating with you and will provide answers when you
need them.

Be in the flow and try not to get caught up in your

specific vision, be open to many different outcomes
and possibilities.

139
Reversed

Ace of Coins reversed indicates a stall or doubts when

it comes to moving forward. Generally this card
reversed means: slow down, be thorough and be SURE
before acting. It is best to start a project or process
when you are feeling certain, so take it easy until you
reach that place. Haste will only bring
disappointment.

140
TWO OF COINS
Balance, Delegation

The Two of Coins indicates a balancing act where the

big aspects of your life are clamoring for your
attention. You may be naturally adept at doing-it-all
so you could be feeling that at this point there is no
real concern. However, ask yourself: is this
sustainable? If I had to continue on like this for
another year, could I? If there were no end in sight,
what would you do to change the situation?

Check in with your body on how you need to move

forward in order to have the best possible outcome.
What can you let go of or outsource and what needs
to be done by you personally? If this is a
temporary situation feel free to ride it out, but it is
in your best interest to create some space for yourself.

This card also signals that you may need to do some

reflection around how much you put on your plate.
Are you attached to being very busy? Do you struggle
with letting other people do things? How can you
create more ease for yourself?
141
Reversed

The Two of Coins reversed indicates that the delicate

balance you had once mastered has fallen by the
wayside and you are no longer able to keep up. You
may feel frozen and completely overwhelmed. You
probably need to put some things aside – whatever is
not absolutely necessary should be paused so you can
re-evaluate.

142
THREE OF COINS
Teamwork, Collaboration

The Three of Coins indicates a successful

collaboration – one you should feel excited about! The
people involved all have different expertise and
experience, but you work exceptionally well together
and complement one another. You are a group that
can get things done and make a big impact. This is the
beginning, the first action steps, but as long as you
continue to work together and nurture healthy
dynamics on the way up, nothing stands in your way.

Prioritize healthy communication and make sure you

are all on the same page from the get-go. Having
regular check-ins and progress meetings will make
sure that there are no shattered expectations and that
there isn’t a time for any resentment or assumptions to
build. Having rules for communication may also be a
good thing to implement.

Reversed

The Three of Coins reversed indicates that there may

143
be friction amongst a group you find yourself in.
Communication has fallen apart and ego has taken
the driver’s seat. Things need to change in order to
move forward. Now is not the time to poll outside
people to see who is right – go within the group and
figure out a solution. Finger pointing does not get us
anywhere, so try not to be reactive. Now would be a
good time to reset, remember why you began working
together in the first place and acknowledge one
another’s strengths and gifts.

144
 FOUR OF COINS
Conservation, Scarcity mindset, Limitation

The Four of Coins reflects a scarcity mindset – being

in this place prevents us from receiving. Often times
when we become laser-focused on wealth and money,
we lose connection to everything life has to offer. Not
only are we out of touch with all the blessings we
currently have, but we are also preventing ourselves
from connecting to true inspiration, passion and
abundance in all forms. When the focus is solely on
keeping and accumulating money, every experience in
life becomes transactional. You begin to make
decisions based on how they benefit you as opposed to
if they bring you (or others) joy. This doesn’t help us
attract wealth. Try your best to create balance in your
life.

A good way to break this pattern is to spend a couple

weeks acknowledging where you do have abundance
in your life. Abundance is a feeling, not an amount of
money. So do you have an abundance of friends? Of
love from a pet? Of free time? Of access to nature?

145
Wherever you can find abundance in your life, no
matter how small, will help you move forward.

Reversed

You are questioning your long-held beliefs regarding

wealth, happiness, connection, priorities, etc. You are
beginning to expand and see there is more to life than
simply money and wealth. This is a beautiful step,
which will lessen your resistance and bring more joy.

The Four of Coins reversed could also indicate that

you are spending too much. Often times this comes
from a place of band-aiding. When buying without
necessity becomes a pattern, it begs the question:
what are you repressing or ignoring? What void are
you filling? Bring more awareness to this and consider
setting yourself a reasonable budget.

146
 FIVE OF COINS
Down on your luck, Loss, Limitation

It is impossible to prevent the ebb and flow of life, and

the Five of Coins indicates the ebb. While we can hope
we will always feel secure and stable, the reality is
that most of us will hit some bumps in the road. This
could come as an unexpected bill or a lost job or a
total life upheaval. No matter what the scale of the
loss is, right now is a time for you to reflect and assess
your actual needs. Your strength and resilience are
needed, but so is your courage. You may be wanting
help but are afraid to ask, it is important that you do.

Sometimes people struggle to make change because

they use the same type of thinking that backed them
into the corner. In order to shift and progress, you
must change your mindset. What are some things you
have never tried (or even considered) before? Be
curious about the possibilities.

Reversed

The light at the end of the tunnel is nearing and you

are beginning a new chapter. The space you are in has
147
been hard-won… you had to confront many of
your fears and meet with your shadow, but
you are emerging a more enlightened and evolved
version of yourself. Be hopeful for the future,
but keep yourself balanced and grounded.

148
 SIX OF COINS
Generosity, Give and Take

The Six of Coins is an incredibly layered card with a

lot of nuances. On the one hand, this card indicates
good fortune and a burst of abundance coming
through. Diving a bit deeper, this card asks you to
examine your relationship with wealth by seeing
which aspect of the card you identify most with. Are
you in a place of financial security? Are your income
and expenses balanced? Are you in a place where you
are able to give? If not, are you the taker?

This card does not contain judgment, so wherever you

currently find yourself is okay. It is important,
however, to be able to view your patterns from an
unbiased place. Sometimes we find ourselves in
relationships or situations where there is a give/take
dynamic – this dynamic is typically from family of
origin conditioning. Whether we are the giver or the
taker, it is where we feel most comfortable and it
becomes something woven into our identity. As the
giver, you may love the good feelings that come with
“making a difference.” As the taker, you may fear
instability and not trust yourself fully. An important
149
aspect of this card is the long-term plan. If you are
giving, what are you giving to those around you that
help them learn to take care of themselves? If you are
taking, what is your long-term plan? If external help
dried up, how would you survive? This could confront
a core wound of yours, but self-sufficiency is vital to
your long-term wellbeing.

Reversed

The Six of Coins reversed can indicate an imbalance

in relationships – perhaps you are always there for
others and they are not there for you. Being giving is
not to be frowned upon, but you should feel equally
cared for. It may be a good time to focus on yourself
and not others.

The Six of Coins reversed could also mean that you

should watch out for the ego attachment to giving.
Many people do it because it elevates them in other
people’s eyes. If no one knew about it, not even the
person you were giving to, would you still give? If not,
consider exploring this pattern and how you can give
from a genuine place.

150
SEVEN OF COINS
Perseverance, Determination, Alignment

The Seven of Coins often finds us when we are near

completion of a journey. You have been working hard
and getting things done, this card asks you to check in and
make sure everything is on the right track. This card
lets you know that everything is going to pay off, but
that doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to be done.
Continue showing up for your long-term vision and
you will undoubtedly see it come to fruition the way
you want.

Now is a good time to celebrate all the work you have put
in. You have channeled your vision into reality - be
proud of yourself! Your steady determination will surely
be rewarded, have faith.

Reversed
The Seven of Coins reversed typically refers to a
feeling of being entrapped or feeling stuck with a
project that isn’t going well. It may be time to move
on, despite the investments you have made. Do not
force yourself to keep going simply because you have
been invested up until this point, if you must cut your
losses and walk away, do so.

151
EIGHT OF COINS
Diligent work, Achievement

The Eight of Coins signals a period of intense work.

This may feel soul-crushing or you may have managed to
find a flow with it, either way it is absolutely
necessary to keep going. This period is temporary but in
any pursuit, hours of diligent work is vital.
Something that can stop people (especially within the
metaphysical communities) from making progress is
their emphasis on ease. Ease is attainable, but it doesn’t
happen to the exclusion of work.

Ease occurs when we align ourselves with the state of

ease. Meaning, one person may find a project
impossible and another may fly through it, it truly
depends on their state of feelings. Many people who
find themselves immersed in an intentional setting (ex: a
silent meditation retreat) will tell you how surprised they
were by finding pure joy in the most mundane chores.
While washing dishes at home may elicit a feeling of
dread, in a setting that invites them into presence,
they find that they are filled with ease and and peace
doing the same chore. It could be easier to get into this

152
mental space on a retreat or in a specific setting, but
this is the challenge that life offers us: how can
we bring that mentality to our daily lives?
Integration is key.

This card encourages us – keep doing what you are

doing and you will succeed.

Reversed

The Eight of Coins reversed signals complete

dissatisfaction from your current situation. You may
have a disconnect between work and success (ex:
you want the success but aren’t willing to do the
work). You could also be stuck in a situation that
does not use any of your skills or gifts. Alternatively,
you could be working very hard and not seeing the
progress.

153
NINE OF COINS
Rewards, Independence

This card is all about enjoying the success you have

won. The harvest has come, stability has been secured
and you are living in an abundance that most likely
feels very new. This has been a long road for you and you
have worked very hard – most importantly,
independence has been won. You have likely achieved
this status with limited outside help, but don’t let it go
to your head. It is important that you continue to
connect with others and focus on your relationships
and communities. There is no point in abundance if
you cannot share it or serve others.

If this doesn’t quite hit home, trust that this success is on

the way. Also be aware that abundance does not
strictly mean material wealth – you are/will be most
likely experiencing joy and abundance in all aspects of
your life.

Reversed

The Nine of Coins reversed indicates an instability.

154
You may have hit an unexpected bump in the road or
projects may have fallen by the wayside. Now is a
good time to become laser focused and build toward
what you truly want. It could also indicate a need to
focus on what brings you happiness and prioritize
that – material wealth is not everything, try to focus
on the facets of your life that fulfill you.

155
 TEN OF COINS
Legacy, Inheritance, Abundance

The Ten of Coins indicates an energy of arrival and

completion. Not only is there financial success and
stability, but there is also harmony in relationships.
Now is a wonderful time to celebrate all that is going
right in your life. If perhaps it doesn’t feel like you are
there yet, have faith in the fact that it is coming.

This card encourages you to think long-term and

about future generations. What kind of foundation are
you building? This is not about how much wealth you
will be leaving after you are gone, but about the
energies and patterns you are weaving. If you have
children, these patterns and energies
are automatically passed on. If you do not have
children, your ways of being still leave a footprint
and ripple out amongst community. Consider
what footprint (patterns) you are leaving. Remember
that people will do as you do, not do as you say.

156
Reversed

The Ten of Coins reversed could foreshadow some

instability within finances and the home. There may
be a focus on the immediate future without
any consideration for the distant future. Try to
make forward thinking choices now so you do not
leverage the present for the future.

157
SEEKER OF COINS
(Rider-Smith’s Page of Pentacles)
New opportunities, Dreams, Innocence

The Seeker of Coins ushers in a new beginning with all

things abundance and material. This is great
news! This means a new type of prosperity could be on
its way to you. Or perhaps it indicates an internal shift
– in order to manifest in the material realm, we have to
be in alignment with it. This is one of the most
difficult leaps to make for many people.

Of course, remember this is the beginning. You are

entering a totally new level and it is important that
you do not take it for granted. You must continue to
show up and be diligent in your work to ensure you
stay on the right path.

Reversed

When the Seeker of Coins reversed finds you, it

indicates a need for focus and discipline. At the
beginning of a journey, it is imperative to stay on the
forward path and not get distracted. Later in the
process you will be able to take some breathing room, but
now is not the time if you are set on your vision.
158
CONQUEROR OF COINS
(Rider-Smith’s Knight of Pentacles)
Grounded, Hard work, Routine

The Conqueror of Coins is driven and methodical. They

bring an energy of rigorous routine and trusting the process.
The Conqueror understands that they may not see instant
results and they are okay with that, they feel good with
gradual forward motion.

Sometimes the Conqueror may seem boring, but in

reality, there is a freedom that comes with their
routine and work ethic. If you are embodying the
qualities of the Conqueror, that is great. Keep it up and
you will see the success you crave. If you have not
developed your discipline, it is a good time to create a
routine for yourself with firm boundaries. Now is not
the time to try other methods, go with what has been
proven to work.

Reversed

The Conqueror of Coins reversed signals a need for

structure. We make progress through consistent focus and
work – showing up for that creates the container that allows
us to build the energy around our project. Don’t lose sight of
your vision, go after it and build brick by brick.

159
SOVEREIGN OF COINS
(Rider-Smith’s Queen of Pentacles)

Financial security, Nurturing

The Sovereign of Coins is reliable, nurturing and

grounded. While they have access to luxury, they
prefer to keep their life simple. In this simplicity, they
are able to be truly present to those that are around
them. Don’t let their focus on home life and
relationships fool you, this person is formidable when
it comes to business ventures as well. They have a lot
of life experience (but are not necessarily older in age)
and can guide others with ease. Everything the
Sovereign of Coins does is in support of those around
them and creating a secure and harmonious
environment for them.

When the Sovereign of Coins finds you, it indicates a

desire for stability and wealth so that you can
be generous to others. This card also asks you
to remember that in order to reach this place, one
must see everything from a higher perspective. The
Sovereign of Coins does not get reactive or caught up

160
in the trivial. Embodying the Sovereign of Coins
requires balance, practicality and warmth – try to be
curious about where you can grow in these areas.

Reversed

The Sovereign of Coins reversed signals that you are

focusing on yourself and are creating the habits and
patterns that will really benefit you in the long term.
You are building the life you want and doing it on your
own terms. Focusing on your ability to maintain long-
term independence is perfect for this period, so keep
it up.

161
RULER OF COINS
(Rider-Smith’s King of Pentacles)

Abundance, Security, Stability

The Ruler of Coins is wealthy and successful. They

are ambitious and protective - providing for those they
care about is important to them. This card finds us
when we have reached a whole new level. One of the
things age and experience brings is total
understanding: of yourself, of situations and an
intuitive knowing of how to handle things. “There
is no substitute for experience” - and the Ruler of
Coins knows this. They have built their empire from
the ground up and there is an authority in this. They
can provide insight for others that few can offer.
They can also offer material support, and they love
doing so. Their generosity is not a contract and it can
be trusted. With that being said, they may not be
the most nurturing and patient. If this person is an
authority in your life, do not expect them to pull
punches in terms of feedback.

Whether this is a person or a situation you find

162
yourself in, this card finding you signifies a yes.
Collaborate, give, invest, spread the wealth, etc. Pull
the stops and make things happen.

Reversed

The Ruler of Coins reversed can signal a focus on all

things external, born out of an imbalance in the ego.
If we are focused on what others think of us or trying
to impress others, we most likely won’t make the best
choices for our long-term future. We can’t get to the
top if we squander our opportunities. Try to detach
from your ego and see how you can ground within
yourself.

163