by Brian Clark
The Princess of Swords:
Winter, Air, the Season of Reflection
At the gate of the winter solstice, the Princess of Swords gazes upon the sunless horizon firmly grasping her sword of discrimination. Harvest has passed, the seeds of the last cycle have fallen, and the future is pregnant with new possibilities. It is time for introspection and mature self-examination. On this card, two crows that attend the Princess of Swords, look in opposite directions. They represent the nocturnal aspect of the solar god, as the Sun has now reached its nadir. The birds also represent the duality of the mind, as well as the negative thought processes that the Princess is contemplating. Nature is dormant and dark, yet at the turning of the gate the solar force begins its ascension. The card, therefore, also heralds a new dawn of consciousness. Through observation and meditation the Princess is able to see light on the horizon. At the bleakest time of the year the north wind heralds the renewal of the cycle. In the ancient world this was when the goddess gave birth to the hero who would valiantly triumph in the world. Her sword points down to the underworld, for it is in the darkness of the cycle that the new ideas and strategies are being conceived. This is the insemination of the yearly cycle, born at its darkest point. In the diurnal cycle it is midnight, in the lunation cycle it is the New Moon. A new cycle of possibility has begun, but it has not yet reached the level of consciousness.
The Princess of Swords strikes a powerful pose. Erect and solitary, she augurs the beginning of new ways of conceiving the world. New ideas have been gestating. A separation from others’ beliefs and concepts is taking place and a more independent way of thinking is emerging. On an oracular level, the Princess heralds a separation from old patterns in relating and communicating. The power of thought and words is becoming clearer as is the urge for truth and clarity. The Princess holds her sword, contemplating what needs to be cleared away. While the atmosphere may be cloudy and stormy, the Princess of Swords finds the light by giving birth to a heroic part of herself that is more independent and less affected by the expectations and needs of others. As she stands at the threshold to a new season of understanding she also contemplates her negative thoughts and defenses in order to liberate herself. When this card appears, it suggests that new ideas and strategies are becoming conscious and a more considered approach to communication is possible through reflection.
The individual who is unaware of the need for change may feel separate and alone, projecting their disenchantment onto others who are characterized as cold, aloof and distant. The cold air in the atmosphere may be consistent with an inner attitude that is defended and guarded. When the Princess of Swords appears she represents the dawning of a new cycle of awareness of the self and the current situation. As the muse of relationships, she also augurs a breakthrough of more equality and independence. On an oracular level, the Princess of Swords indicates the season when more mature ideas and insights emerge to facilitate the process of relating in the world.
The Princess of Cups:
Autumn, Harvest, and the Season of Water
Libra, at the midpoint of the zodiacal round, ushers in the autumnal equinox. At this stage of development, the soul recognizes its reflection in the world of others, desiring to be known. The season ends with a rebirth into spirit in the sign of Sagittarius when the individual is able to conceive the self in a spiritual union. The Princess of Cups heralds the unfolding of a deeper union on both the inner and outer level. It is time to see the reflection in the mirror of the other and follow its course. During this autumnal season the signs suggest the possibility of a more mature love. The Princess of Cups stands on the threshold of feeling when the capacity to love and be in a relationship is heightened.
The Princess of Cups heralds the harvest of the cycle. In the diurnal cycle it is sunset. The light is waning and the day force is giving over to the dark. In the lunar cycle it is the last quarter moon and time for reflection. This marks a critical phase of development as the cycle has disseminated its fruits and now they need to be stored. The Princess holds the urn, which contains the essence of the fruits of the cycle, ready to share these with others who meet her on a soul level. Nature is a ablaze with autumn colors, but the fires are internal, forged from the alchemical process that is beginning to unfold. On an oracular level, the card suggests it is the time for feelings to ripen. The individual who has chosen the card is ready to become involved at a deeper level of self and to risk the heart in a new adventure.
On a divinatory level, the card suggests that if the heart is ready, the lover will appear. However, the relationship may materialize in a variety of ways—through a creative endeavor, a child, an ongoing love, or a spiritual venture. The card does not specify what type of feeling is ready to emerge but does indicate that it is the season for harvesting the fruits of the self in relationship to something or someone outside the self. There is a greater awareness of the potency of feeling, the creativity of the imagination, and the deepening of the soul. When internal yearnings are ignored the individual may feel unfulfilled and untrusting. Feelings of self-loathing may be projected onto others who seem incapable of loving to the depth the card indicates. On a divinatory level, the card suggests the beginning of learning to love the self. Through this internal healing and honoring of one’s own soul, the individual prepares to share love with others.
PRINCES:
The Mutable Spirit of Learning
On a symbolic level, the Prince represents energy not yet integrated or anchored in the self. The Prince embodies the potential to become an authority in his realm, expressing the kingly qualities in their youthful stage before they have been tested and developed. The Prince is inclined to act out, to adventure, to challenge. He is keen to learn and grow in his element in order to master it. As a youthful figure, he is associated with the archetype of the hero rather than the wise man. Often idealized, the Prince constellates the image of the hero-lover, and is therefore seen as courageous and courtly. Aligned with the heroic archetype, the Prince represents the urge to quest for answers, discover the truth of the situation, and find the buried treasure associated with his element. As in a fairy tale, the Prince has to fend off the dark force, which is essentially his own inner ignorance and undeveloped feminine aspects. To be truly princely requires being noble. When the Prince appears, the individual is asked to be courageous, adventurous, and ethical in the sphere represented by the suit.
Princes embody the qualities of mutability, movement and action. Mutable signs represent qualities of learning while the mutable or cadent houses represent areas of learning. The classical rulers of the mutable signs are Mercury and Jupiter, the two planets connected with the quest for information and knowledge. Celestial Tarot illustrates four phases of learning: the Prince of Wands represents the stage of learning confidence and self-expression, the Prince of Pentacles is a student of the physical world, the Prince of Swords is learning communication skills, while the Prince of Cups engages in matters of the heart. Therefore, when a prince appears the card suggests an important stage of learning en route to becoming masterful. Mutable energy restlessly seeks to uncover and explore all the possibilities, often accompanied by a highly charged nervous system. Therefore, the rush of mutable energy may be scattered, unfocused, even rash, compulsive or fragmented. On an oracular level, the individual who chooses the Prince may be in a state of spiritual awakening.
Adventure, movement and learning are qualities embodied by the Prince. Therefore, when a prince card is drawn it suggests an energetic spirit keen to experiment and champion a particular sphere. The Prince of Wands’ quest for inspiration and meaning may lead him into challenging adventures and cross-cultural journeys. The Prince of Cups’ heart may beckon him into a series of relationships where he learns about love. The Prince of Pentacles’ pragmatic commitment to life may offer him many material rewards as he struggles to achieve his potential in the world. It is the sphere of the intellect where the Prince o
f Swords may find his biggest challenge, learning to discriminate and discipline his mind. With a robust masculine spirit that is restless and driven, the Prince will also face the shadow of his element to find what he seeks in himself, not through the facility of others. The outer prince appears as youthful and certain, the handsome protagonist at the beginning of the fairy tale.
In Celestial Tarot, each prince is governed by one of the four mutable signs, and is associated with the youthful and adventurous traits of his particular zodiacal sign. The mutable sign marks the end of the season when the atmospheric changes are preparing for the emergence of a new season. It is important to first understand and integrate what has already been developed in the current phase.
The Prince of Wands:
Sagittarius, Mutable Fire
The Prince of Wands embodies mutable fire, the exuberant and inspirational sign of Sagittarius that represents the urge to be principled, to quest for meaning, and to pursue wisdom. A youthful figure appears with vision and foresight, seeing the stairway to life’s adventures ahead. Sagittarius implies a journey to acquire knowledge and in the sphere of higher education or learning, takes us beyond what is familiar. The card calls us to journey into new territory, to be a pilgrim on the path of life. The individual who draws this card may be poised to cross a border, perhaps a new course of learning, a cross-cultural experience, a new language or philosophy, or even a relocation to a different part of the world. Strongly intuitive and spiritually inspired, the Prince has a vision of the adventure ahead. The Centaur however cautions this youthful spirit not to be reckless or thoughtless in initiating the journey.
Embodying the qualities of Sagittarius, the Prince is passionate about self-growth, positive about his future, and enthusiastic about his upcoming adventure. When the card appears travel, learning, physical training, and spiritual experiences are all possible, whether they are embodied in the youthful spirit of the individual who has drawn the card or someone in their immediate environment. The fiery spirit of the Prince is restless and desires change, therefore his appearance signals a heroic journey into new realms of experience. The Prince of Wands is willing to take a risk and follow his hunch. Therefore, on a divinatory level the card implies a calling towards a new avenue of learning and self-discovery.
Princely fire is devoted to developing the passion of the mind. In its youthful state it can be careless, prone to inflation and easily bored. Therefore, it is imperative to channel the fiery passion towards the journey of self-discovery. When the Prince of Wands appears, the message is to be far-sighted in order to channel the exuberant and adventurous energies. The Prince of Wands needs to follow his heart into new avenues of learning and this may imply a change of lifestyle in order to find what he is seeking. However, the energy may also appear as an inspirational youth whose infectious life force constellates our own urge for adventure. Jupiter and Sagittarius imply that the adventure is cross-cultural. Whether at an institute of higher learning or in the wider world beyond the familiar, the appearance of the Prince is a sign that the individual will be inspired to move in new directions.
The Prince of Pentacles:
Virgo, Mutable Earth
Embodying the mutable qualities of Earth, the Prince of Pentacles implies that a variety of resources and skills are available to be channeled towards pragmatic and useful outcomes. The earthly Prince is able to adapt himself to the task at hand and is willing to apply himself toward the goal. The Celestial Tarot depicts the Prince of Pentacles as experiencing an epiphany of Virgo, his guiding spirit. She appears to remind him to attend to the rituals of daily living through work and to harvest his manual skills and technical abilities. The card suggests an apprentice who has been inspired to learn practical skills and applications that will support his lifestyle. The Prince of Pentacles embodies the spirit of industry and service, which is constantly shifting and growing. The spirit of Virgo reminds us that nothing has been perfected, and her spheres of work, service, health, and daily ritual can constantly be improved. The card augurs a period of learning practical skills in the workplace of our lives.
Virgo is also an image of humility. Therefore, the Prince of Pentacles is humbled by her appearance and pays her homage on bent knee. The Prince reminds us that attention to detail and the tasks of an ordinary life, while seemingly mundane, actually supply the coherent reference points. Routine conditions of the job, daily responsibilities, activities, and tasks all contribute to personal satisfaction and continuity in our lives. When the Prince of Pentacles appears, the card suggests the individual is learning to value daily routine, find poetry in the mundane, and imagination in the everyday. Through the continuity of our day-to-day lives a sense of well-being and contentment become more available.
Through apprenticing and focusing talents on productive goals, this card predicts that security and stability will be the outcome. Therefore, the Prince of Pentacles suggests a commitment to building, budgeting, and planning. Through concentrated effort, hard work, and realistic management the outer world can feel more secure and manageable. The card suggests qualities of reliability, industriousness and detailed precision work may be part of our developmental stage, or mirrored in the environment by a hard-working youth. On an oracular level, the card reminds us to respect the sacredness of our everyday lives and to create a lifestyle that supports our sense of well-being.
The Prince of Swords:
Gemini, Mutable Air
The mutable sign of Gemini represents the last phase of spring (in Northern Hemisphere) when changeable winds herald the seasonal shift. Like these volatile winds, the Prince of Swords card brings a period of vacillation and changing plans and ideas. The heavenly twins of Gemini observe the whirlwinds the Prince of Swords stirs up as he gallops into sight. The Gemini twins personify the pace of lightening with quick thinking, quicksilver ideas, and sudden shifts in perspective. While this atmosphere may be perceived as disorderly or ungrounded, the spirit of the Prince is championing his ideas and heralding the winds of change. The Prince symbolizes the awakening of new ideas and impulses that will change the current direction. Held high in a confident position, the sword signals inevitable change. Impatience is his shadow, cautioning the individual who has drawn this card not to be tricked into undesired agreements or promises.
The Prince of Swords’ realm is the intellect; this is the sphere where the individual is experiencing his/her learning curve. Discrimination, exploring ideas, clear communication, detachment, analytical prowess, and intellectual rigor may all be necessary to take advantage of the changes in the air. When the Prince of Air gallops into our lives he may uproot old patterns of thinking to inspire us with new ideas and visions. While fleet of foot, charming and persuasive, the Prince is at risk of remaining forever youthful, as his darker side is non-committal, restless, and irresponsible. This description may apply to the individual or to someone else nearby. The card suggests it is a time for movement and freedom as commitments may feel binding and suffocating. Therefore, the Prince is preparing the individual for unexpected changes in familiar relationships, and experimentation with ideas and communication.
The Dioscuri, the heavenly twins, are the witness to this phase of development. United by a strong bond of love, their mythic fate was to be separated. Underlying Gemini is often a strong feeling of missing something, or of being torn apart or incomplete, that fuels a heroic search for the answer. The Prince of Swords is on a quest to find answers to his questions in order to feel more grounded and certain in his beliefs. When this card is chosen, it augurs a new energy entering our lives, which is both exciting and stimulating, yet also disruptive and chaotic. The Prince signals a hectic cycle of swinging between extremes, and suggests it is wise to let the winds of change blow you in their direction.
The Prince of Cups:
Pisces, Mutable Water
Immersed in the element of water and surrounded by omens suggesting an encounter wit
h the feelings, the Prince of Cups embodies the youthful romantic spirit that is ascending on the horizon. The Prince’s cup is overflowing. Fish, symbols of life and fertility, surround the prince while dolphins leap in anticipation of the possibilities before him. The Prince of Cups has become transfixed in the moonlight. Drawing down the moon, he fills his vessel with the rich and fertile lunar energy that will allow him to respond to his deepest needs. When the card appears the individual is under the spell of the Moon, bringing a change of mood. There is more receptivity, vulnerability, and willingness to be engaged. On an outer level, this may signify a new romantic liaison or interest. On an inner level, it signifies an engagement with the imagination, suggesting the emergence of poetic impulses from one’s creative side.
The sign of mutable water is Pisces ruled by two powerful deities. Classically, Jupiter was the regent of this realm, but in contemporary astrology Neptune is the co-ruler. Both symbolize the vast expanse of the human psyche and together they augur a spiritual journey into the realm of the imagination. The Prince of Cups portends a soulful pilgrimage into the region of the heart. When this card appears the individual is preparing for an encounter with the unconscious, a revelation or vision that awakens them to heartfelt feelings and cravings. This may be manifest through an emotional or romantic liaison, or through the awakening of creative impulses. Visions and dreams suggest the emergence of a new creative pathway.
The shadow side of the Prince is an escapist, where love and creativity are illusionary defenses against the fear of loss or intimacy. When this occurs the individual may feel vague or confused about a relationship or creative project, usually a sign that something deeper is stirring. However, when the Prince of Cups appears he heralds new possibilities in the realm of love and suggests that healing is possible through immersion into the watery realm of feelings. Exploring one’s dreams, expressing creativity, and following one’s bliss seems appropriate when the Prince of Cups appears. He has materialized to inspire the individual to open the vessel of the heart to new possibilities.