Llewellyn's Complete Book of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot
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Tarot and the tree’s structure allow the individual to move up and down invisible worlds at their leisure. Tarot is a tool containing seventy-eight gates through which to explore and examine all parts of the interior life and the external life. Possibilities abound and worlds unfold every time a card is flipped. Infinite questions can be asked of the tarot. A single question shines like Venus rising in the evening summer sky: How high, how deep, how far are you willing to go?
[contents]
31. The Doctrine and Literature of the Kabalah, 37.
chapter five
Geburah (Strength)
Astrology
Understanding the astrology of the Golden Dawn and how it applies to tarot will enrich your understanding of what symbols were chosen to populate the cards. It will also provide you a rich context for understanding and interpreting the cards. Readers who enjoy predictive tarot reading can use astrology to predict certain dates with each tarot card. Additionally, the astrological qualities assigned to each card can be added to the meaning of the assigned card. Astrology can feel confusing to the non-mathematical mindset. This is a pared-down, basic explanation of astrology using the Golden Dawn astrology system. Consider it a diving board off which you can spring into the mysteries of the celestial sphere.
Reading the Astrological Chart
To understand and apply tarot’s astrological associations, it is vital to grasp the basics of the astrological chart. The chart is a pie-shaped diagram reflecting the movement of the zodiac. The zodiac is the belt of heavens around the earth. It includes the sun, moon, principal planets, and the paths they trace as they spin, revolve, and move. The zodiac contains twelve constellations; therefore, there are twelve divisions, or signs, of the zodiac. It looks like twelve slices of pizza or pie. Everyone’s birthday falls under one of the twelve signs. My sister is a Libra, and my daughter is a Sagittarius. Which one are you?
Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable Signs
The astrological chart, or pie, is a perfect circle containing 360 degrees. There are four seasons in a single year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The four seasons are divided by three zodiac signs each. Each astrological sign contains 30 degrees of the zodiac circle.
Now that the pie is evenly sliced and named with its associated zodiac sign, we can assign qualities to each pie slice and sign. It is the same process as assigning meaning to a tarot card to provide depth and understanding. The difference is, instead of assigning a quality like “curious” to describe the pages of tarot, astrological signs are given something different. Their qualities come under one of three headings: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. Each court card quality is assigned an astrological heading except for pages. Pages serve as the throne, or seat of power, for the ace.
Cardinal Signs
Tarot queens rule Aries, Libra, Cancer, Capricorn
Aries marks the beginning of the zodiac circle and is placed at spring equinox. Spring, the season of rebirth and renewal, is the starting point of the zodiac. What better place to begin? Directly across the pie from spring equinox, at 180 degrees, is the autumn equinox. Libra marks the beginning of autumn equinox.
Aries and Libra are referred to as cardinal signs. They are the hinges upon which the solar year rotates. The other two cardinal signs are Cancer (assigned to the summer solstice) and Capricorn (at the winter solstice).
Cardinal energy represents fresh, new, original thinking. Cardinal energy is like a burst of fresh air. To remember what a cardinal sign means, think of birds called cardinals. Birds fill daybreak with their bright and beautiful songs. It is exactly how cardinal signs begin the zodiac and each season. The essence of excitement infuses these signs.
Fixed Signs
Tarot knights rule Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius
A fixed sign follows fresh cardinal energy. A fixed sign is found in the center of a season, sandwiched between the cardinal and mutable signs. The fixed sign in spring is Taurus, while its opposite, the fixed sign of autumn, is Scorpio. Fixed is the energetic center of the season. The fixed sign of summer is Leo, and the fixed sign of winter is Aquarius.
Fixed energy is the least likely to change. Fixed signs stay true to their nature and are intense and unwavering. You can remember this by recalling the word fixed can mean a thing or object holding firm.
Mutable Signs
Tarot kings rule Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces
Mutable signs are like bookends marking the end of a season. Gemini ends spring, Virgo ends summer, Sagittarius ends fall, and Pisces ends winter. Mutable energy is bendy, like its title. It is flexible and about to change. Remember what a mutable sign means by recalling that mutable sounds like the word mutation, meaning “changing.”
Decans
A cardinal sign is followed by a fixed sign and then a mutable sign, followed by cardinal, fixed, and mutable again. The sequence keeps revolving like the Wheel of Fortune. Each individual sign is then divided into three intervals of 10 degrees each. These are called decans.
Temperament and Signs: Masculine and Feminine
The zodiac signs are given masculine and feminine character. Their temperament is directly related to the four elements. Masculine signs are associated with fire (wands) and air (swords). These masculine signs tend to be expansive and extroverted. These signs “man spread” across the zodiac. Standing in contrast are the feminine signs of earth (pentacles) and water (cups), which tend to be receptive and introverted. These signs are receptive across the zodiac. Use the classic masculine/feminine symbolism of the suits to recall their meaning. Sword and wand symbols are pointed, phallic, and extroverted, while the feminine suits of cups and pentacles are soft and receptive, like containers.
Triplicities: Earth (Pentacles), Air (Swords), Fire (Wands), and Water (Cups)
Each element corresponds with three signs; this is called the “triplicity of the element.” The triplicity of fire includes Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Aries is a fire force, which is either creative or destructive. The fire of Leo the Lion is an energy that is inexhaustible. The fire of Sagittarius is like a burning ember surviving all weather conditions, staying alight, burning eternally.
The triplicity of air includes Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Gemini is the air of emotion, like a refreshing breeze that clears away fleeting negativity. The air of Libra is the crisp, refreshing autumn wind that lets us know something marvelous is soon to arrive. The air of Aquarius is the gentle, still, crisp air of white winter.
The triplicity of earth includes Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. The earth of Taurus is warm, open, and fertile, like the tilled fields of spring. The earth of Virgo is hot and productive, springing forth the flowers and vegetables of summer. The earth of Capricorn is cold and frozen, yet it preserves precious items, goods, and ideas.
The triplicity of water encompasses Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. Cancer is the thoughtful, placid water of a still pond. Scorpio is the churning, cloudy, dark and deep-running ocean waters. The water of Pisces is akin to streams of ideas, fantasies, and fancies, impossible to ever stop or slow.
Court Cards and Decans
Court cards rule over three decans; however, the signs overlap. Each court card rules over a third of a single sign and two thirds of the next. Each court card has two major arcana cards and three minor arcana cards assigned to it. The Golden Dawn assigns esoteric titles to each of the court cards. The reader can choose a significator card (a card describing the subject of the reading) using a birthday or specific date.
Queen of Wands
Queen of the Thrones of Flame; Water of Fire
Moon, Emperor
Ten of Cups, Two of Wands, Three of Wands
Knight of Pentacles
Prince of the Chariot of Earth; Air of Earth
Emperor, Hierophant
Four of Wands, Five of Pentacles, Six of Pentacles
King of Swords
Lord of the Winds and Breezes; Fire of Air
Hierophant, Lovers
Seven of Pentacles, Eight of Swords, Nine of Swords
Queen of Cups
Queen of the Thrones of the Waters; Water of Water
Lovers, Chariot
Ten of Swords, Two of Cups, Three of Cups
Knight of Wands
Prince of the Chariots of Fire; Air of Fire
Chariot, Strength
Four of Cups, Five of Wands, Six of Wands
King of Pentacles
Lord of the Wild and Fertile Land; Fire of Earth
Strength, Hermit
Seven of Wands, Eight of Pentacles, Nine of Pentacles
Queen of Swords
Queen of the Thrones of Air; Water of Air
Hermit, Justice
Ten of Pentacles, Two of Swords, Three of Swords
Knight of Cups
Prince of the Chariot of Waters; Air of Water
Justice, Death
Four of Swords, Five of Cups, Six of Cups
King of Wands
Lord of the Flame and the Lightning; Fire of Fire
Death, Temperance
Seven of Cups, Eight of Wands, Nine of Wands
Queen of Pentacles
Queen of the Thrones of Earth; Water of Earth
Temperance, Devil
Ten of Wands, Two of Pentacles, Three of Pentacles
Knight of Swords
Prince of the Chariot of the Winds; Air of Air
Devil, Star
Four of Pentacles, Five of Swords, Six of Swords
King of Cups
Lord of the Waves and the Waters; Fire of Water
Star, Moon
Seven of Swords, Eight of Cups, Nine of Cups
Page of Wands
Princess of the Shining Flame; Earth of Fire
Page of Cups
Princess of the Water; Earth of Water
Page of Swords
Princess of the Rushing Winds; Earth of Air
Page of Pentacles
Princess of the Echoing Hills; Earth of Earth
Golden Dawn Astrological Assignments
Uranus: Fool
Discovered in 1781, Uranus is named for the ancient Greek god of the heavens.
Astrologically, Uranus rules rebellion and revolution. Originality and individuality are its hallmarks; it loves to break with tradition. Uranus is a massive energy that provokes daring inventions and new technological breakthroughs.
Rules: Aquarius (Star)
Element: Air
Mercury: Magician
Mercury is the planet of communication. It is the winged messenger of the gods and is sometimes portrayed as a trickster. Mercury’s energy infuses everything it touches. It keeps things moving. Mercury represents the mind and how an individual perceives their life story.
In astrology Mercury acts as the messenger, ruling daily interpersonal correspondences. This includes writing, speech, media, emails, and contracts. Communication aspects of Mercury are perceived to go awry during a Mercury Retrograde, when the planet appears to reverse its path across the sky.
Rules: Gemini (Lovers) and Virgo (Hermit)
Element: Air
Moon: High Priestess
The moon is the closest celestial body to our earth. It is the nocturnal reflector of the sun’s light. The sun and moon are often paired together. The moon reflects the shadow self, dreams, and nighttime visions. Early man relished the moon, who would shed light in the foreboding darkness. The moon controls the tides of the oceans. Mankind has looked to the moon’s changing face for omens and portents of future events.
In astrology the moon is used to examine the depths of an individual’s psychology. The moon reflects personal habits that correspond to the moon’s own cyclical habits of waxing, growing full, waning, and becoming dark. The moon indicates unconscious needs that exert a gravitational pull in an individual’s life toward the things that they most desire.
Rules: Cancer (Chariot)
Element: Water
Classical planet
Venus: Empress
Venus is known as the “evening star” due to its brilliance in the night sky. It is the planet of love, romance, and harmony. It relates to shared pleasure, how pleasure is offered, and how it is received. Physical delights and all aspects of beauty connect to Venus.
In astrology Venus rules over love and money. Professional tarot readers say love and finances are the two most popular topics of their readings, the top priorities of the clients who visit them. The Empress card is associated with Venus. Venus symbols are often found decorating the card in various decks. How does the astrological meaning of Venus’s pleasure qualities enhance or transform your understanding of the Empress’s traditional meanings of creativity, motherhood, and femininity?
Rules: Taurus (Hierophant) and Libra (Justice)
Element: Earth
Classical planet
Aries: Emperor
Aries is Latin for “the ram.” Rams and horns are often ingrained into the imagery of various Emperor cards. Aries is the sign of bravery, laser-like focus, and confidence. Aries reflects the pioneering spirit. Honest and passionate, Aries displays leadership qualities. American president Thomas Jefferson, financier J. P. Morgan, and author Maya Angelou were all born under this sign. Aries influences the first house of the self. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Emperor card.
Quality: Cardinal
Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Mars
Taurus: Hierophant
Taurus comes from the Greek Tauros, which means “bull” or “steer.” The symbol of Taurus can be found on various Hierophant cards. Dependable and stable qualities define the sign of Taurus. Taurus reflects a methodical and dedicated spirit. Consider the intersection of Taurus’s qualities along with the Hierophant’s meanings of tradition, order, and ritual. Taurus is also considered the most sensual sign of the zodiac and one who takes full command of the five senses. Pope John Paul II, William Shakespeare, and Sigmund Freud were all born under this sign. Taurus rules the house of money and possessions. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Hierophant card.
Quality: Fixed
Element: Earth
Ruling Planet: Venus
Gemini: Lovers
Gemini is the Latin word for “twins.” Gemini twins represent the yin and yang of life and all it encompasses. A couple is almost always placed on the image of the Lovers, representing opposites who come together. Geminis are fiercely intellectual, playful, and curious. Gemini reflects an adaptable and imaginative spirit. Delightful and flirtatious, Marilyn Monroe, Josephine Baker, and Harriet Beecher Stowe were all born under this sign. Gemini rules the house of communication, siblings, and elementary education. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Lovers card.
Element: Air
Quality: Fixed
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Cancer: Chariot
Cancer is the Latin word for “crab.” The crab is a crustacean who lives under an exoskeleton in and near water. The charioteer is often depicted inside a protective chariot. Cancers are considered moody and emotional, as their watery nature would suggest. They tend to be sensitive and intuitive, which are traits closely linked to the element of water. Malala Yousafzai, Frida Kahlo, and Helen Keller were all born under this sign. The fourth house of the zodiac reflects home life, family, and nurturing influences. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Chariot card.
Element: Water
Quality: Fixed
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Leo: Strength
Leo comes from the Latin word for “lion.” The archetype of lion has been associated with strength, agility, and royalty since the dawn of man. Creatures of such great power appear supernatural. Additionally, they contain feline associations, including stealth, cunning cleverness, and elegance. Qualities of Leo include great determination and bravery in the face of all obstacles. Leo is the epitome of the energetic spirit. The fierce and charismatic Julia Child, Madonna, and C. G. Jung were all born under the sign of Leo. Leo influences the fifth house of pleasure and creativity. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Strength card.
Element: Fire
Quality: Fixed
Ruling Planet: Sun
Virgo: Hermit
Virgo comes from the Latin word for “virgin.” Historically, the word virgin meant a woman who was not married and therefore not owned by any man. The archetype of the Hermit also implies a person (often depicted as male) who sequesters himself, avoiding all human contact, in order to concentrate on spiritual pursuits. Virgo traits include deep loyalty and aching kindness. They contain a hardworking and practical spirit. The profound Mother Theresa, Greta Garbo and Agatha Christie were all born under the sign of Virgo. The sixth house of health is influenced by Virgo. Consider how these personalities integrate with the Hermit card.