by Brian Clark
With the Nine of Cups, we encounter the figure of vulnerable Andromeda chained to the rock as a sacrifice for her father and his kingdom. Andromeda’s myth of the sacrificed virginal daughter of the king has many parallels in Greek myth. Hesione, the Trojan king’s daughter was chained to a cliff to relieve the curse of Poseidon. Similarly Iphigenia, the innocent daughter of King Agamemnon, was sacrificed in order for the curse of Artemis to be lifted.
Since the Nine of Cups represents an integration of feelings, a deeper layer of the myth needs to be explored. Underlying the images of Andromeda’s myth, lay the ancient tradition of the sacred marriage. Andromeda’s name, which means ‘ruler of men’ is also the Greek title for the ancient tradition of the queen, the surrogate of the goddess Astarte, who weds the hero after he destroys the primal monster. Along the ancient shores, where Andromeda was chained to the rock, the goddess was worshipped in temples as the local deity Atargatis. The constellation had, in fact, been associated with Astarte earlier, by the Egyptians. Therefore, the image of Andromeda as the sacrificial victim of the latter Greek stories belies her powerful link to the goddess Astarte. The Greeks knew her as Aphrodite the power of love. However, her introduction into Greek myth through Homer’s epic The Iliad stripped her of her power, autonomy, and beguiling presence. Like in Aphrodite’s story, Andromeda’s role became reduced to the daughter of the king rescued by the hero. However, a powerful tradition linking her to the great goddess of love and desire underpins her classical myth of the rescued daughter. The Nine of Cups revisits the powerful tradition of the sacred marriage, reminding us of the sacrifices we make when denying the potency of love and desire. While the myth illustrates the sociopolitical repression of feminine power and its effect on the collective psyche, there is also a personal parallel. When the feminine spirit is sacrificed to authority or tradition, we become chained and imprisoned in a system not of our own making.
Cassiopeia is chained to her throne while Andromeda is chained to the rock. On one level, these images depict the patriarchal trend of binding feminine power. While chains are symbols of binding and slavery, they can also symbolize union and linking. Metaphysically, chains symbolize the binding of heaven and earth. In his mythic epics, Homer alluded to the golden chain hanging from the vault of heaven to join the earth. On a psychological level, this symbolizes the integration of complex issues and the binding of spirit to psyche. On a social level, it suggests the bonds of communal commitment and marriage. In this context, the chains of Andromeda could be interpreted as the union between reason and emotion. In the Nine of Cups, Andromeda is shown dancing on ‘cloud nine,’ free of the binding chains that have held her hostage to the past. In a mood of reverie, she raises her arms in a gesture of liberation. Naked, innocent, and no longer being sacrificed for the patriarchy, she is ready to give herself freely. The chain on her left hand symbolizes the feminine soul and feeling, while the right one represents the masculine spirit of reason. One is no longer imprisoning the other, but free to be bound together in holy union. The chains around her wrists now signify the link she has to her own self and her desire to be bound in a sacred union of her own choosing.
The Nine of Cups is the final decanate of Pisces ruled by Pluto, the modern ruler of Scorpio. The astrological combination of these energies suggests the powerful force of feeling and transformation possible through sacrifice. What has been sacrificed is now redeemed; what has been imprisoned has now been released. Pluto, the planet of endings, symbolizes the transformation of the past feelings. With the Nine of Cups, the resolution of the situation is leading to a period of celebration and contentment. In the Greek myth, Perseus and Andromeda have a sacred marriage. She becomes his beloved queen, his equal, and the matriarch of the great dynasty of Mycenae. Great grandmother of Hercules, Andromeda is fulfilled through the devotion of her husband and the success of her family. When the Nine of Cups appears and lifts the emotional weight of the past, a period of emotional fulfillment follows.
The Ten of Cups: The Trinity of Water
Thales of Miletus, the first known Greek philosopher, suggested that the world was composed of one single element, water. Fundamental to survival, water has been symbolized throughout world mythology as both the source and restorer of life. It is a universal symbol of purification, regeneration, cleansing, bounty, procreative powers, fertility, and birth. In Greek cosmogony the numerous gods and goddesses of oceans, rivers, lakes and springs indicate the great reverence that was expressed for the divine properties of water. Water is paradoxically both the weakest, yet strongest of all the elements. In Celestial Tarot, the Ten of Cups unites the soulful and transformative trinity of the water signs, an omen that a celebration of life lays ahead.
Myths relating the water element of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces delve into the waters of life and depths of feelings aroused through attachment and bonds of love. Archetypes associated with all three signs aspire to bond, attach, and love. While this card reminds us of the human task of love and attachment, the trinity of signs suggests that a heartfelt union be acknowledged or anticipated. This card acknowledges emotional growth. Now it is time for the individual to honor and trust the feelings that have been developing through this period.
Water is also associated with catharsis, since it purifies, cleanses, and washes away pollution. Mythic waters confer immortality and rebirth, and are capable of restoring virginity and youth. Immersion in water, as an act of cleansing, constitutes the sacrament of baptism, the ritual of washing away sin. In Celestial Tarot, the fountain at the heart of the Ten of Cups is the visual reminder of the power of water to wash away the past impurities and cleanse the soul in preparation for the future. It is also symbolic of recycling the feelings of love and closeness, which flow through every relationship.
The metaphoric act of crossing a river or other body of water has been associated with spiritual journeys, threshold initiations, and rites of passage, as well as life cycles or transitions, such as birth, leaving home, marriage, baptism, and death. When the Ten of Cups appears, it also suggests there is a flow to life, an emotional balance, and a feeling of well-being.
In Jungian typology, water represents the feeling type; persons orientated to life through what they value. Such people base their decisions on personal values and what is important and meaningful to them. The Ten of Cups suggests that someone of a highly feeling nature may play an important role, or that the individual himself may be coming more familiar with his own feeling responses. Familial and ancestral patterns are carried by the element of water, reaching into the collective pool, where familial, ancestral, and social connections merge together. Water may be easily possessed by the restless souls of the ancestors, or entranced by the manipulative feelings of others, acting as a conduit for the unexpressed feelings of one’s clan. Water longs to be released from the complexity of feelings, and freed from the expressionless mundane world. Therefore, it often causes confusion between transcendence with escapism, through drugs or a religious quest to numb the pain. Another common escape is helping others. Persons of this temperament are compelled to be helpful and often become enmeshed with those they try to rescue, being pulled down by the undertow of unexpressed feelings. When the Ten of Cups appears, it is wise to be cognizant of the potent, shape-shifting aspects of water, in order to channel the abundance of water in an appropriate direction.
Traditionally, the Ten of Cups has signified happiness and fulfillment, especially on the level of domestic or relational harmony. Celestial Tarot continues this tradition by bringing the three water signs together to harness the power of feelings. Balancing the emotional side of life is the focus of this card. When it is drawn, it suggests the possibility of uniting the different faces of love—care, trust, and compassion—into one fulfilling and committed relationship. However, if we have been disengaged or detached from the waters of feeling, this card helps us confront and adjust this imbalance, and encourages the process of getting back
in touch with our feelings and emotions. The card suggests it is time to submerge our selves again in water’s mysterious yet life-giving realm. If you have drawn this card, the unconscious is asking you to reflect on the depth of feeling you are engaged in with those you love. It may be time to either examine or express those feelings. The Ten of Cups symbolizes a culmination of the process of feeling, and the need to both honor and be honest with that development.
THE CELESTIAL TAROT ORACLE
Consulting the Cards
The soul expresses itself metaphorically through the language of images, omens, and signs. Its poetic speech is constructed from the fragments of ancient myths, fairy tales, personal dreams, and literature. Symbols and metaphors allow us to convey concepts that are otherwise difficult to articulate. Symbols belong to the collective unconscious, yet they are capable of expressing complex and personal associations unique to the individual’s experience. Intimately engaging with the symbols of the Celestial Tarot cards will awaken and reveal feelings and images that will help you make sense of your journey.
In antiquity, divination was an integral part of religious life. Pilgrims would journey to the oracular sanctuaries in hope of petitioning the god through the oracle. When the oracle uttered her message, it was usually in the form of an ambiguous or paradoxical riddle. The oracle encouraged the pilgrim to reflect inwardly to find the answer. The message may reveal itself through unconscious associations, responses to feelings, and most importantly, through the faculty of the imagination. In this way, Celestial Tarot facilitates your access to ideas and associations, to help you be more aware of your current situation. Rich astrological and mythological traditions inform the cards, and guide your reflections on their meanings. It is your own response and connection to the cards that will illuminate the personal associations and interpretations.
There are many ways to use Celestial Tarot for inner guidance, revelation, inspiration, and divination. To familiarize yourself with the deck, you may begin by drawing a single card. Once the cards have been well shuffled, sit quietly and reflect on an area of your life that may need attention. Meditate on this sphere of experience, and when you feel ready, draw a card from the deck. Conscious consideration of the card throughout the day’s events will manifest its meaning through your experiences and reactions. Another way to acquaint yourself with the tarot deck is to draw one card each morning. By consulting the cards on a regular basis and seeking guidance from your higher self, your everyday life becomes enlightened with imagination and meaning. Creating a more soulful daily experience, Celestial Tarot serves as an outer mirror to an inner process.
Reading the Cards
The rich symbolism of Celestial Tarot makes it possible to unearth many different levels of experience while reading the cards. Because symbols are multi-dimensional, literal images and outer events will also reflect psychological and spiritual experiences. Both the reader and the querent (the person seeking answers) should note their reactions and feelings as the cards are revealed, as they represent the silent voice of the unconscious.
There are numerous different spreads for reading the tarot cards. Mary Greer’s book Tarot for Yourself outlines many of these and is an excellent resource. One of the most popular spreads, the Celtic Cross, is illustrated in the booklet accompanying the Celestial Tarot deck. Of the many additional spreads available, I have included three here that align themselves with Celestial Tarot because of their astrological nature.
As with all oracles, it is necessary to frame your question in an appropriate and effective way. Closed questions, which invite only a Yes or No answer, such as “Will I be offered the job?” will not be productive. The oracle’s nature is to reveal itself through the magic of amplifying symbols and images. Try to explore more open questions like “What is important to consider in being successful in my job application?” or “What is possible in my career aspirations?” With more open-ended questions the answer will be revealed through your own understanding and reflection. Not all spreads need a definitive question. For some, an attitude of inquiry, an open mind, and a respect for the symbolic process is all that is required. Approaching the tarot cards with the right attitude encourages the unconscious to reveal itself through the symbols, associations, and arrangement of the cards.
THE WHEEL OF LIFE: A Twelve Card Spread
The twelve houses of the horoscope reflect the individual’s environment and inspire the Wheel of Life spread. The landscape of each house can be experienced on a variety of levels. While each house governs a particular sphere of the human experience, it also manifests on either a literal, psychological, or spiritual level. All three levels are interlinked, as the outer situation mirrors the inner quality of that moment. If you are aware of your own personal horoscope you may also integrate your personal house cusps with the cards that are placed in each of the house positions.
This spread creates a mandala (a symbolic circle or wheel), which is very useful for a general reading, or when an individual feels confused and unable to articulate a particular question. As a forecasting tool, this spread is also excellent, as it can address specific times of life. To use this spread for forecasting, state your intentions at the beginning of the reading. For optimal results you should limit the forecast to a specific period, the maximum time being a year. You can also use this spread as a preview for the coming year, letting each card you choose represent a month. The ideal time to do this would be on New Year’s Day or on your birthday.
Familiarize yourself with the twelve sectors of the horoscope, the fields of human experience, listed below. The card will reveal the conditions around this particular area of life, and can be read on one or all levels. You may also modify this spread in your own creative way, utilizing the multi-layered symbolism of the astrological wheel.
While shuffling the cards, sit quietly with a receptive attitude, observing your feelings and reactions. If you are doing readings for someone else make sure the other individual (the querent) has been the last one to handle them. Once the cards have been thoroughly shuffled, spread out the cards face down. The cards may be spread on the floor, your desk, or any surface. You may also wish to lay the cards out on a scarf, cloth, or favorite piece of fabric. Twelve cards are chosen and laid out face-up in this sequence:
Start with the first card and place this on the left—this represents the sign rising in the current situation, what is ascending and what may be most visible. Place the next card in the second position—this represents the resources currently available to you. Continue on in the same pattern.
The 1st card~Personality
What is facing you or is out front in the current situation
Self-image, personality, appearance, vitality, identity, beginnings, the birth of new projects and adventures.
1. Literal level: the personality, the body, and the condition of birth.
2. Psychological level: the awareness of one’s self; how we are perceived, as well as what we project onto our environment. Awareness of our physical being and the space we use in our day-to-day life.
3. Spiritual level: the integration of the personality with the greater self. The first house arena is the sphere of realizing self as an independent individual within a larger collective.
The 2nd card~Substance
Your financial security and the resources available at present
Earnings, income, possessions, money, financial safety and security, self-esteem, personal values and worth.
1. Literal level: personal possessions and money, personal values, and the accumulation of resources, including money and possessions.
2. Psychological level: attitudes towards personal resources and wealth. The building of healthy self-esteem, the development of personal values, and the relationship to the physical, mundane world.
3. Spiritual level: forging an authentic sense of self-esteem and worth.
The 3rd c
ard~Communication
The learning process that needs to take place
Siblings, peers, cousins, neighbors, communication and language, learning, schemes, ideas, short trips.
1. Literal level: the literal mind (i.e. consciousness), communication, brothers and sisters.
2. Psychological level: experiencing and understanding the power of the word and our urge to explore and relate outside our immediate familial environment.
3. Spiritual level: understanding how we are a part of our immediate environment.
The 4th card~Home and Family
Emotional security and domestic satisfaction
Home, family, parents and ancestors, the home, possible relocation, the familial atmosphere, privacy and the inner self, heritage, issues of emotional safety and security.
1. Literal level: the home, security, and the unconditional nurturing parent.
2. Psychological level: establishing an inner sense of security through conscious examination of past familial conditions.
3. Spiritual level: integrating our familial myths and sense of personal security to create a secure base.
The 5th card~Creativity
What yearns to be expressed and performed
Children, creative self-expression, speculation, play, recreation, romance and love affairs, hobbies and amusement.
1. Literal level: children, personal charisma, and creativity.
2. Psychological level: recognizing our personal and creative power and its impact on our social relationships. Giving love through creative expression.
3. Spiritual level: integrating personal creativity and charismatic expression to freely give love and empower others.
The 6th card~Service
Routines and rituals which need to be honored