Tarot Study Guide

a comprehensive framework for interpreting and studying Tarot

to create your personal definitions of cards.
An Infamous Arts Production

Introduction / table of contents.

The traditional tarot card definitions are composed of the confluence of various structural systems
symbolized within the tarot deck itself. This guide offers a brief comprehensive look at these systems
and allows the Reader to then work with her/his deck(which is usually accompanied with its own book
of definitions) and create personalized meanings for the cards/read deeper information than just the
provided definitions and Traditional meanings of the Cards. This guide is in no way meant to replace
traditional meanings, nor specific-deck meanings. Rather, this is an amplification tool so added
dimensions of meaning (personal, energetic, spiritual, etc) can be added to the readings.
The concepts are introduced in no specific hierarchical order; all are interdependent on themselves to
create the power and magic behind the tarot. This guide will provide a brief look into Astrology,
Numerology, Elemental Correspondences and Kabbalah,

Table of Contents:
Preface - General Considerations
Part 1: Alchemical Magic/Numerology
Part 2: Astrological Associations
Part 3. The Titles of The Cards
Part 4. The Major Arcana
Part 5. Qabalah and Tree of Life
Part 6. The Court Cards

General Considerations for Reading Cards

Quantum Physics Principles
Projection: This is the Inner world reflecting outer. Or As above, so below. All energy is a reflection
of our Inner Energy (like a mirror) aka what we observe for is what we find. This is how Tarot cards
access the subconscious energy of the Questioner and reflect Inner energy Outer, and Vice-Verse.
Entrainment: Energy entrains with certain energies it holds within its field. Sometimes because they are
similar, and sometimes because they are opposite ( aka something we hate ). This allows Tarot cards
to reflect people, situations, memories, and ideas / wavelengths that the Questioner is involved with.
Wavelength States: Every particle is both a particle and a wave. So everything solid can be thought of
as wavelength states. Also, subjective experiences i.e. feelings can also be interpreted as wavelength
states. Just like any waves, in Tarot when different wavelength energies meet, they can either enhance
or diminish each other.

Asking a Question
When consulting the Tarot, avoid questions that remove responsibility from the Questioner.
Avoid: Yes/No, Should I..?, When/How Long...?, one-solution questions
Re-Phrase: More Insight into...What is the meaning of...What is best for...

Reversals
Not all Readers choose to use reversals. If reversals arent considered, use Ill-Dignities (covered later):
Acronym for Reversals: TRIP B
T. Timing: Delayed/Coming up, or Completed/Moving away
R. Repressed: In the subconscious, unaware of, Denial
I. Imbalance: Excessive/too much of, or Lacking/not enough of
P. Personal: Inner (vs. outer-observable), Subtle, Secret, Individual Self
B. Blocked: Energy Not Flowing correctly, refusing

Visual Imagery 3 Layers of Meaning

1. Practical (What's Happening)
2. Moral/Allegorical (Story/Lesson)
3. Spiritual (Deeper Meaning of the Card's Energy)

How to read a Tarot card Using this Guide

In order to read a Tarot card, the Questioner must consider:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

The Element and it's Dignitaries

The Zodiac Sign and Astrological Influence (planet)
The quality of the sign (using decants)
The Number
The Qabalist associations to the Tree of Life
Picture/Visual Imagery
Reversals (if applied)
Traditional Tarot Meanings of the Cards (not covered in this guide as there is extensive
information available on-line, in bookstores, etc)

Part 1: Alchemical Magic in Tarot

The four Elements and the Suits in Tarot:
Each suit corresponds with one of the four elements of alchemical magic: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth.
These Elements (also called Intelligences as they are considered intelligent consciousnesses) are not the
4 manifestations we see on earth physically, but actually the 4 conditions in which Energy can exist.
Elemental Fire is like an over-state of matter, the spiritual electricity which starts particles to form
relationships. Element of Air is the capacity to achieve these relationships, Elemental Water the flowing
protoplasm in which these relationships manifest, and Element of Earth is the inorganic matter which
spirit animates.
Fire Hot and Dry

Air Hot and Moist

Earth-Cold and Dry

Water Cold and Moist

Fire/Wands: Will /Rule, desire, growth, inspiration, purpose behind action, meaning is in experience
(not form), self-growth, creativity, expanded awareness, enthusiasm. Fire is Warm and Dry, it expresses
action of the Will. It is hot, explosive, and consuming.
Water/Cups: Emotion / Love, receive and respond to impulse, imagination, relationship, inner
connectiveness, Water is Cool and Moist, it expresses action of the emotions. It is flowing, fluid, takes
shape, reflects.
Air/Swords: Thought / Challenge, beliefs, memories, organization, judgments, logic, rationality,
communication. Air is Warm and Moist, and expresses action of articulate thought, quick, inconstant,
motion.
Earth/Pentacles: Sensation/Toil, fruits of labor, ground for ideas to grow, appreciation of form/body
aka valuing the physical experience, mastering our Matter, celebrating the energy behind/underneath
the matter. Earth is Cool and Dry, it expresses action of the body, solid, physical, resistant to change,
sensation-based.

Elemental Dignitaries:
When examining Tarot cards together, it is necessary to consider what is called their Elemental
Dignities. First, if an element is upright it is considered Dignified. If it reversed, that element is
considered ill-dignified (weakened) Elements that are dignified either amplify or diminish each other.
Fire and Water diminish each other (clash), as do Earth and Air. Fire and Air amplify each other, as do

Water and Earth. Fire and Earth are Neutral with each other, as are Water and Air.
So an example of how this might work: 3 cards are drawn: A reversed Cups next to an Upright Fire
and Upright Earth.
As the cups is reversed, it is Ill-dignified, so the upright fire energy will predominate without much
clash. Mixed with earth, both are Neutral for each other and Dignified, so there is no real effect.
Order of Minor Arcana - Numerology
Why to understand the numerology? In Tarot, while reading cards that show up in a spread, it is
important to mentally place and understand where in the Sequence of that Suit the number lies,
especially the card preceding and and immediately following. For instance if you Drew a 5 of Wands, it
puts the Situation into context (something stable the 4 has become unbalanced and is causing
conflicts the 5 but will lead to a harmonious victory the 6)
Aces: Aces are considered the Root Power of the Element (it's suit). Aces are the unformed beginning
of the energy (before it starts to manifest on the 3d Plane). Aces represent New Beginnings, New
Energy, unity, wholeness, intent, willpower, manifestation, and infinite potential. They mark the
beginning of the Minor Arcana Cycle.
Twos: Twos represent Duality, opposites, Yin and Yang energy. Twos also represent choices, balance,
partnerships, mirror-image, separation, decision.
Threes: Threes represent Creation, mastery, advancement, and integration . Solid Manifestation that
leads out of the Two. Something new is coming out of the Two.
Fours: fours represent Stability, achievement, foundation. After the creation of the 3, it is stabilized by
the 4.
Fives: Fives represent Change, Chaos, Disorder in the 3d plane the 4 becomes destabilized and goes
of balance into the 5. they also represent passion, adventure, travel, and new possibilities.
Sixes: Sixes represent Harmony, growth and Interconnection. After the change of the 5, they are a restabilization of energy, and usually involve an equal give/take relationship.
Sevens: In numerology, sevens represent the dream side of the six. The element which was balanced in
the 6 becomes off-centered in the 7, and tends to dominate. Sevens represent spirituality, mysticism,
and healing
Eight: Eights impose order on the off-balancing of the 7. Eights are a call to action: the unformed
energy of the 7 now becomes manifest in the Eight. Eights bring good luck, new opportunity,
abundance, revitalization, and progress towards completion.
Nines: Nines are the Completion of the Cycle of Elements. They are the Attainment and Final
Expression of the Elemental Situation occurring.
Tens are Zeros. Tens are the transition between the 9 and the 1; the completion of one cycle and the
prelude (setting up of energy patterns) to begin another cycle. While tens appear fixed, they always

represent a change coming up as the Loop begins to Run again.

Part 2. Horoscopes and Astrology

Much of the Tarot Meanings are drawn from the representation and interaction of astrological forces
within the cards.
Planetary Influences:
Just like in a Horoscope Chart, each planet Exudes an influence over the Minor (and Major) Cards it is
associated with. The Planets effects on the cards are:
Sun: Brightness, Clarity, Divine Influence,
Moon: Subconscious, Secret, Emotional, Psychic,
Saturn: Delay of Rewards until Earned, Gain Strength through Trial and Difficulty, Self-Control and
Limitation, Patience, Stability, Realism, Courage, Integrity, Loneliness/Depression
Mercury: Intelligence, Speed, Agility, Mental Activities, communication, Movement, Travel, Sensory
Input (taking in information), Critical/Argumentative
Venus: Love and Pleasure, expressing affection, enjoying beauty, Art, Harmony, Friendship , Luxury
(vs. self-discipline), lack of Will Power
Mars: Forcefulness spurs you into action, Sex Drive, Energy, boldness, turning ideas into action, strife,
conflict, tension, destruction
Jupiter: Optimism, Joy, Abundance, Expansion, Luck, Health, Happiness, New Experiences, God
comes with little effort

Planetary Rulers Each Planet Rules Two Horoscope Signs:

Solar-Yang / Lunar -Yin (Sun and Moon only Rule one)
Sun: Rules Leo
Moon: Rules Cancer
Mercury: Rules Gemini (yang) and Virgo (yin)
Venus: Rules Libra (yang) and Taurus (yin)
Mars: Rules Aries (yang) and Scorpio (yin)
Jupiter: Rules Sagittarius (yang) and Pisces (yin)

Saturn: Rules Aquarius (yang) and Capricorn (yin)

Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable

The 12 Zodiac Signs are categorized into three types.
Cardinal Signs: Aries, Libra, Cancer, and Capricorn.
Cardinal Signs are connected to Electric Energy: using Will, they move into the unknown, to initiate,
electrify, and create something where there was nothing before. The cardinal signs are connected to
cards 2, 3, 4 of the Minor Arcana (each per its element, ex. Cups-Water is Cancer), They are connected
to the Right use of Will and Force, such as learning to use the right amount of will and power to
achieve / manifest / create something in the physical world. They must learn to use the right amount of
pressure, know when to push or when to withdraw pressure; when to hold on and when to let go:
using the right amount of energy at the right moment. This also includes a deep respect for other beings'
freedom and choice to follow their own will, as well as a deep freedom to express own inner nature.
Fixed Signs: Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio, and Taurus.
Fixed signs are connected to Magnetic Energy. They are binding forces that attract and hold things
together, find synthesis, and create order out of the Impulse of the Cardinal Sign. The fixed signs
represent the cards 5, 6, 7 of the minor arcana. Fixed signs (and cards) are about Power. Fixed energy
is like transformation station it allows energy to flow freely through it. The challenge for Fixed signs
(and cards) is mastering Power to get the right input, to hold a certain/specific amount of energy, and to
give the right amount of output. If input is open and output is blocked, it will overload and explode and
lose the energy in different ways (burnout or volatile personality). If output is open and input is
blocked, the whole energy system will be depleted. Fixed signs (and cards) need to find Inner Stability
and Balance. They need awareness of what kind of input energy is available and what output will be
most effective. Spiritually, they take higher-vibrating energy and can make it available in this 3D plane,
and likewise raise the vibration of a 3D energy to a Higher Plane. They transform themselves as they
transform the outer world, and reach higher states of consciousness .
Mutable Signs: Sagittarius, Gemini, Pisces, and Virgo.
Mutable signs are the forces that want to connect the Impulses and the Fields. They are connected to
Gravitational Energy. They seek to be in constant movement yet keep a center-point of gravity, which
makes the movement coherent and focused. Mutable signs (and cards) are about Choice. These signs
(and cards) follow the Flow and work on a different aspect of reality, choosing not to hold and struggle
like Cardinal and Fixed energies. They are challenged to find the right path, in both the outer and inner
worlds. Paralleling quantum physics, Mutable Energy needs to learn when to be a particle and affect
reality, or when to be a wave and go with the flow. These express in 8, 9, and 10 of the minor arcana

Horoscope Signs as related to Tarot:

Fire and Air: Electricity, Water and Earth: Magnetism (creates order)
Aries (Fire, Cardinal, Emperor / 2,3,4 Wands) ruling planet: Mars Yang
Aries represents intuitive and instinctual mental facilities (vs intellectual), a manifested rush of energy

to fulfill the thought (which can result in regrettable situations by premature action), Understanding the
world from a subjective perspective, a search for self through activity that sets it apart from the crowd,
taking the initiative when the opportunity arises, poor response to routine/repetition, desire for
spontaneity, freedom to pursue new goals
Taurus (Earth, Fixed, Hierophant, 5,6,7, Pents) Ruling Planet: Venus Yin
Taurus represents sensuality and indulging senses of the body, experience reality through sense of
touch, not rushing into anything (forethought), slow in forming opinions, love of beauty, luxury, and
overabundance, intuitive understanding of how the spirit manifest through nature, realizing dreams by
working with solid objects
Gemini (Air, Mutable, Lovers, 8,9,10 Swords) Ruling Planet: Mercury Yang
Gemini represents search for self through mental process and understanding duality of whats observed,
examining many sides of the situation, reason through every thought and experience, concern for
rationalization, look at life from different perspectives,
Cancer (Water, Cardinal, Chariot, 2,3,4 Cups) Ruling Planet: Moon
Cancer represents: operating on emotional instinct, sensitivity to atmosphere/environment, receptive to
vibrational energy, strong instinctive nature, extremely intuitive, difficulty regulating thoughts and
emotions, concern for emotional comfort and security, strong need for making emotional connections
Leo (Fire, Fixed, Strength 5,6,7 Wands) Ruling Planet: Sun
Enthusiastic and steady spirit, courage love loyalty, dramatic impact on every situation/desire to effect
immediate environment to favor individual ego-identity, individual creative expression
Virgo (Earth, Mutable, Hermit, 8,9,10 Pents) Ruling Planet: Mercury Yin
acquiring knowledge and practical talents and putting them to use, perfection is goal in any pursuit,
material benefits in direct correlation to energy invested, performing a service, intuitive intellect,
precise and dependable
Libra (Air, Cardinal, Justice, 2,3,4 Swords) Ruling Planet: Venus Yang
Dynamic of giving and receiving, self-knowledge via a reflection, continuously adjusting behavior for
all concerned, difficulty in making decisions (can lose opportunity), need for harmony and balance,
sense of justice in dealing with others, listening/communicating
Scorpio (Water, Fixed, Death, 5,6,7 Cups) Ruling Planet: Mars Yin
Regeneration and new beginnings (but only after the old has been thoroughly explored), discovering
what is hidden and internal, looking for truth/meaning behind existence, hates to display
vulnerability/weakness, concern for deep understanding, connection, and transformation
Sagittarius (Fire, Mutable, Temperance, 8,9,10 Wands) Ruling Planet: Jupiter Yang
Understanding life from a broader perspective, place in both physical and spiritual worlds (

inspiration from heaven, feet on the ground), great need for independence (physical and mental),
avoids emotional responsibility, expansive experience, never satisfied,
Capricorn (Earth, Cardinal Devil, 2, 3, 4 Pents) Ruling Planet: Saturn Yin
enormous energy into achieving personal objectives, each step planned and grounded in physical
reality, manifest aspirations, affirm place in hierarchy, disciplined, planning and waiting, attainment of
worldly power, intense physical energy, good organization, deep spiritual understanding, conserve
energy until directed for maximum impact
Aquarius (Air, Fixed, Star, 5,6,7 Swords) Ruling Planet: Saturn Yang
Enormous energy in complex mental processes, preoccupation with world created inside mind,
experimentation and unusual people/ideas/experiences, rebel against authority, concern for innovation,
mentally chaotic
Pisces (Water, Mutable, Moon, 8,9,10 Cups) Ruling Planet: Jupiter Yin
innate empathy and understanding of all thoughts/actions/feelings of 11 other signs, internal emotional
activity that connects intuitive consciousness to source of all life, is sensitive to emotional vibrations
and thought-waves, spiritual involvement and emotional understanding,

Part 3. The titles of the Cards

Yin / Yang male/female expression (planetary rulers, sect )
Each Minor Arcana Card has a Specific Title, Called Lord (or Lady). Each Minor card is a Living
Inorganic Being on an energy-Plane (think of a pattern of energy as a specific expression). Each Lord
has both a Male and Female Expression of itself (Yin and Yang). The Natural Expression of that energy
is based on Yang Elements: Fire and Air, and Yin Elements (water and Earth), however, either side of
that Energy Pattern can be manifest when the Card Appears. Each Minor Card also is assigned a
Planetary Ruler. So, as each Set (2-4, 5-7, 8-10) (Cardinal Fixed Mutable) corresponds with The
Horoscope signs of that Suit. (These Titles are my own Personal Titles adapted From Golden Dawn)
The List of Titles and Planetary Rulers is: (also included is a brief personal definition of each card)

Wands:
2W - Control - Ruled by Mars (in Aries)
3W - Establishment Ruled by Sun (in Aries)
4W Perfection Ruled by Venus (in Aries)
5W Challenge Ruled by Saturn (in Leo)
6W Victory Ruled by Jupiter (in Leo)
7W Courage Ruled by Mars (in Leo)
8W Opportunity Ruled by Mercury (in Sagittarius)
9W Resolve Ruled by Moon (in Sagittarius)
10W Oppression Ruled by Saturn (in Sagittarius)

Cups:
2C Love Ruled by Venus (in Cancer)
3C Abundance Ruled by Mercury (in Cancer)
4C Blending Ruled by Moon (in Cancer)
5C Loss Ruled by Mars (in Scorpio)
6C Pleasure Ruled by Sun (in Scorpio)
7C Desire Ruled by Venus (in Scorpio)
8C Abandon Ruled by Saturn (in Pisces)
9C Happiness Ruled by Jupiter (in Pisces)
10C Success Ruled by Mars (in Pisces)

Swords:
2S Peace Restored Ruled by Moon (in Libra)
3S Sorrow Ruled by Saturn (in Libra)
4S Rest Ruled by Jupiter (in Libra)
5S Defeat Ruled by Venus (in Aquarius)
6S Gain Ruled by Mercury (in Aquarius)
7S Instability Ruled by Moon (in Aquarius)
8S Interference Ruled by Jupiter (in Gemini)
9S Despair- Ruled by Mars (in Gemini)
10S Ruin Ruled by Sun (in Gemini)

Pentacles:
2P Balance Ruled by Jupiter (in Capricorn)
3P Accomplishment Ruled by Mars (in Capricorn)
4P Power Ruled by Sun (in Capricorn)
5P Worry Ruled by Mercury (in Taurus)
6P Success Ruled by Moon (in Taurus)
7P Patience Ruled by Saturn (in Taurus)
8P Prudence Ruled by Sun i(n Virgo)
9P Gain Ruled by Venus (in Virgo)
10P Wealth Ruled by Mercury (in Virgo)

Part 4 The Major Arcana

Each Major Arcana Card corresponds to: an element, a horoscope sign, or a planet. Also is included a
Keyword (KW) for Each Major Arcana Card. (note: There are only 3 Elements as Earth is believed to
be a manifestation of the 3 elements fire, air, and water)

Assignments and Keywords:

0.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.
XVI.
XVII.
XVIII.
XIX.
XX.
XXI.

Fool Element of Air kw: Awareness, Faith

Magician Mercury kw: Knowledge/Mastery of Outer World
High Priestess Moon kw: Knowledge/Mastery of Inner World (Represents the Tarot)
Empress Venus kw: Creation, Nurture
Emperor Aries kw: Stability, Reason
Hierophant Taurus kw: Intuition, 3rd Eye
Lovers Gemini (Archangel Rafael: Healer of God) kw: Unification of Opposites
Chariot Cancer kw: Receptivity of Subtle Energy/Vibration, Movement
Strength Leo kw: Inner Courage
Hermit Virgo kw: Solitude, Seeking
Wheel of Fortune Jupiter kw: Cyclicity
Justice Libra kw: Karma
Hangman Element of Water kw: Change of thinking
Death Scorpio kw: change of behavior
Temperance Sagittarius (Archangel Michael: Like Unto God) kw: Inner Balance
Devil Capricorn kw: Materialism, Fears, what Chains us
Tower Mars kw: Sudden Change, Awakening
Star Aquarius kw: Meditation, Guidance
Moon Pisces kw: Illusion, Psychics, Unformed (yin)
Sun Sun kw: Expansion, Clarity, Formed (yang)
Judgment Element of Fire (Archangel Gabriel: Strength of God) kw: Realization
World Saturn kw: Completion

The Fool's Journey 0-21

The Fool travels through the pattern 1-21 in a process of spiritual development. The Fool steps off the
cliff into the unknown, beginning his spiritual journey with a leap of faith. The first card he meets is the
Magician. The Magician teaches the fool As Above, So Below and how to take control of his outer
world using the 4 elements. Next, the fool meets the High Priestess. She represents the Tarot itself, and
teaches the fool to turn inward for his answers. After the Priestess, the fool meets the Empress and
Emperor. Here he learns of the Primordial Mother and Father, and embodies Her nurturing and His
stability. Next, the Fool meets the Hierophant, who teaches him ancient secrets about intuition and
using the 3rd eye. The lovers (or brothers) teaches the fool how to balance the anima/animus inside him.
The charioteer uses sensing subtle energy to move the Fool from one level of being into the next, and
he finds Inner courage with Strength, as he learns to tame the beast of his emotions within himself.
Drawing on that strength, the Fool retreats from the world and joins the Hermit to process and integrate

all he has learned. Returning to the World, the Fool encounters the natural laws of Cycles and Karma
via Wheel of Fortune and Justice. After he is judged, the Fool is hung with the Hanged Man who
calls for a new perspective and new way of seeing the world. Then comes Death, in which an old piece
of the Fool dies away and is transformed into the angel of Temperance. Here the fool learns to balance
his inner energies, and prepares to face the devil: his fears, his attachments, and his materialism that
keeps him bound to this plane. After defeating the Devil, the Tower crumbles, bringing sudden change
and chaos only to be calmed by the guiding light of the Star. He walks the shadow side of his
subconscious with the Moon, and is gifted clarity and radiance by the Sun. Judgment lets him cast his
Ego aside and ascend to a new level of Being, and he Finds completion and unification of himself in
the World.

Part 5. Kaballah and the Tree of Life

This is my personal system of assignation of the Major Trumps to the ten Sephiroth. For more
traditional systems, the Student is encouraged to research and meditate upon the tree for Herself.
In all my Tarot readings, I view 10 as 0 on another dimension of manifestation (either higher or
lower). This is how the system loops and is non-linear in fashion; how Energy, Awareness,
Consciousness, all Manifests themselves in different dimensions of Being. It will follow the tree using
cards 0-9, then cards 10-19, then a duality of 20/21, the relationships between the cards should be
apparent (using Rider-Waite Deck). For Minors, you can use 1-10 or 0-9 assignations to study/compare
the planetary influences on the cards.
1 Kether (The Crown): Awareness, Creative Spirit, Unmanifested Potential, the raw material of
consciousness/the raw material of existence (microcosm/macrocosm). Kether differentiates into
Chokma and Binah before achieving phenomenal existence Abba (the Supernal Father) and Ama (the
Supernal Mother)
Major Arcana Assigned: 0 The Fool
2nd Pass: 10 Wheel of Fortune
2 Chokma (Wisdom): Active Male (Yang) Potency, Intention (needed to grow)
(the Sphere of the Zodiac): first time element appears by itself, uncontaminated by influences,
Primordial Father, Force
Major Arcana Assigned: 1- The Magician
2nd Pass: 12 - Hanged Man, (Yang Energy to Surrender to the Universe
3 Binah (Understanding): Passive Female (Yin) Potency, Form,
Called The Superior Mother (vs Malkuth - The Inferior Mother), is two-aspected as Ama the
Dark Sterile Mother, and Amia the Bright Fertile Mother. Idea is triangulated and produces a
child (Holy Trinity 0-1-2), Belief determines Creation(the Sphere of Saturn), primordial mother,
Major Arcana assigned: 2-High-Priestess (Ama) and 3- Empress (Amia).
2nd Pass: 11 Justice and 13 Death (compliments/shadow sides of Ama / Amia)
4 - Chesed (Mercy): compassion can't separate creator and created(Jupiter) solidification,
materialization, caring/kind Rule and Law- giver (wise and Kindly King aspect of God, father of his
people, building up learning/industry).
Major Arcana Assigned: 4- The Emperor
2nd Pass: 14 Temperance: unifies Chesed and Geburah by Inner Alchemy, producing VITRIOL

5 Geburah (Severity): Firey Destructive Force, Fear, Warrior-King leading his people into battle,
defending his kingdom, expanding via battle, punishing crime, etc., is an reaction to Chesed, limits
expansion, imposition of order on growth (limiting, restricting, cutting-back) (the Sphere of Mars)
Major Arcana Assigned: 4 the Emperor*
*The pairs of Sehpira 4 and 5 double in my system, reflecting the Dual-Nature of God of the Old
Testament: Merciful God/Vengeful God
2nd Pass: 14-Temperance (see above)
6 Tiphareth (Beauty): The Sacrificed Savior, balancing 4-Chesed and 5-Geburah, sacrificed upon
the cross for the Salvation of his People, thereby the mercies of Chesed and the severities of Geburah
unite for the Healing of the People; the Christ-Center, represents Harmony, a workable Universe
(governed by the Sun) Center of whole system, divine energy manifested in Form, represents Element
at its practical Best , radiant light of consciousness
Major Arcana Assigned: The Hierophant (Teacher of Christ's Mysteries, gnosticism, Astral Travel,
sacrifice of ego-self to Lead/Teach the people).
2nd Pass: 15 Devil (using Vitriol, the Seeker must face/destroy fears, descent of the savior into hell)
7 Netzach (Victory): Success, governed by the 6's (sphere of Venus) degeneration, excess, exposes
weakness of element (too much of it) wild frenzy of passion (emotional creation without critical
judgment)
Major Arcana Assigned: 6- The Lovers (success/victory is achieved by balancing emotion and
judgment, unification of opposites
2nd Pass: 16 Tower (what was unified in Arcana 6 is now Separated again, the dual-nature of the
Universe)
8 Hod (Splendor): Intellect, making connections (sphere of Mercury) remedy for 7s, channels
excess into intellectual forms of expression ,
Major Arcana Assigned: 7 Charioteer (Ego-Triumph, using intellect to make connections)
2nd Pass: 17 the Star (guiding hope to the charioteer, higher spiritual aspects vs worldly pursuits)
9 - Yesod (Foundation): Emotions, feelings, subconscious creation (sphere of the Moon),
crystallization of elemental energy of Suit before Manifestation, Duality (can be used for good or ill)
Major Arcana Assigned: 8 Strength (Sun/Consciousness conquers Moon/Desire)
2nd Pass: The Moon (hidden unconscious to now explore vs. fear or master in Strength)
10 - Malkuth (Kingdom): Manifestation, completion and beginning of cycle. (4 Elements), elements
reach fulfillment,
Major Arcana Assigned: 9 The Hermit, represents Hermeticism as final achievement on Earth Plane,
ready to begin the 2nd Pass
2nd Pass: 19 The Sun (Divine Consciousness fills the Hermit's world, the guiding star expands through
all creation)

**3rd Pass: Assign 20 Judgment is in Kether, the Call of the Spirit, the Unimanifest Fire of God, and
21- World is in Malkuth, Combination of All Four Elements, Expression of God, the Yang/Yin Loop

Part 6. The Court Cards

Court Cards are the personality types of the Tarot Deck. They symbolize a blending of horoscope signs,
and also a Combination (blending or clashing depending on Dignities) of elements.
Simple Meanings of Courts:
Kings: Yang, Organization, Authority, Control, Practical, Mastery of the Suit
Queens: Yin, Best Expression of Suit, Inner embodiment of Suit, Appreciation
Knights: Action of Suit, can be Unbalanced from one extreme to another
Pages: Manifestation of Suit, Fascination/Play, Learning, Acts out Qualities of Suit
Courts as Horoscope Signs:
Each horoscope sign is divided into Three Decants (10 degrees each) . Each Court Card is the last
Decante of Preceding sign and the 2 Decants of the Main Sign, or 1/3 of the passing sign as it
transitions into 2/3 of the other sign. For example, the King of Wands is Mostly Aries (2/3) with 1/3
Pisces; or he is the First two Decants of Aries and the last Decant of Pisces (the preceding sign).
This attribution allows for a deeper study/meditation on the court cards. For example, for a deeper
meditation on the King of Wands, you can pull out the: 10 of Cups (last decant of Pisces) and the 2 and
3 of Wands (first and second decants of Aries) and study/meditate on these 3 cards together to form
personality types of the Courts
My Personal System is to Use the Cardinal/Fixed/Mutable Qualities to determine Astrological Court
Card Representations.
All Kings are Cardinal, All Queens are Fixed, and all Knights are Mutable.
Wands
King Aries 21 degrees Pisces to 20 degrees Aries
Queen Leo- 21 degrees Cancer to 20 degrees Leo
Knight Sagittarius - 21 degrees Scorpio to 20 degrees Sagittarius
Cups
King Cancer - 21 degrees Gemini to 20 degrees Cancer
Queen Scorpio - 21 degrees Libra to 20 degrees Scorpio
Knight Pisces - 21 degrees Aquarius to 20 degrees Pisces
Swords
King Libra - 21 degrees Virgo to 20 degrees Libra

Queen Aquarius - 21 degrees Capricorn to 20 degrees Aquarius

Knight Gemini - 21 degrees Taurus to 20 degrees Gemini
Pentacles
King Capricorn - 21 degrees Sagittarius to 20 degrees Capricorn
Queen Taurus - 21 degrees Aries to 20 degrees Taurus
Knight Virgo - 21 degrees Leo to 20 degrees Virgo
Note: The Pages, also called princesses, are considered the Link between the Court Cards and the
Minor Arcana, so they associate with their Element as it Manifests onto Earth and are not assigned a
horoscope sign.
Court Cards as Elemental Combinations
No element is a Pure Element. It contains mostly itself and a bit of each other Element. It is actually
divisible into 8 Parts (8/8ths). 4/8's are the element, and 4/8's are 1 part of each four elements. So, Fire
is actually: 4/8 Fire, then 1/8 Fire, 1/8 Water, 1/8 Air, and 1/8 Earth (aka 5/8 Fire, 1/8 Water, 1/8 Air and
1/8 Earth). The court cards represent the hidden aspects of the Elements.
Each court is a combination of Elements, as Represented by it's Suit (trump) and Station.
Kings are Fire, Queens are Water, Knights are Air, and Pages are Earth.
The attributions/personality types are as follows (think of how the Dignities of the Elements Combine)
Wands
King: Represents the Fiery part of Fire (Lightning quick strike)
Impulsive, Proud, Swift Action, unpredictable, lack endurance
Queen: Represents the Watery Part of Fire (Rainbow refracted image)
Calm, adaptable, persistent, impatient of contradiction
Knight: Represents the Airy Part of Fire (Sunlight radiant energy)
Romantic, opinionated, boastful, independent, indifferent
Page: Represents the Earthy part of Fire (Smoke ascending heated particles)
Enthusiasm, Energy, daring, recklessness, forceful, unreliable
Cups
King: Represents the Fiery part of Water (Fountain rapid welling-forth)
Easy going, sensitive, excitable, no passion

Queen: Represents the Watery part of Water (Pond calm reflection)

Dreaming, tranquil, mirror to surroundings,
Knight: Represents the Airy part of Water (River active movement)
Secret, subtle, artistic, inward passions, irresponsible, fickle
Page: Represents the Earthy Part of Water (Ice frozen forms)
gentle, kindhearted, dreamy, dependent
Swords
King: Represents the Fiery part of Air (Wind swift pressure)
Established, active, clever, skillful, enthusiastic
Queen: Represents the Watery part of Air (Vibration movement through matter)
independent, confident, observant, physically graceful
Knight: Represents the Airy part of Air (Cloud quick changing shapes)
deals w/ideas and symbols, unstable purpose, whims, no real beliefs (one idea = another), no regrets
Page: Represents the Earthy part of Air (Dust solid residue)
Practical, firm, determined, skillful in material affairs
Pentacles
King: Represents the Fiery part of Earth (Mountain violent pressure)
Dull, slow, hard-worker, patient, lives for senses/pleasure
Queen: Represents the Watery part of Earth (Field quiet nurturing)
affectionate, intuitive, sensible, practical, addiction (drugs and alcohol)
Knight: Represents the Airy part of Earth (Plains steady bearer of life)
competent, enduring, reliable, calm, planning
Page: Represents the Earthy part of Earth (Grove secret place of growth)
strong, poised, quiet, brave, nurturing, deep loyalty