There is a theory that it is unlucky to buy your own Tarot cards, but this is pure superstition. Most Tarot readers treat themselves to new and interesting decks all the time. There's nothing wrong with purchasing your own deck. If everyone who wished to read the Tarot had to wait for a deck to be gifted to them, there would be few Tarot readers in the world!
When you do find a deck that is beautiful or wondrous enough to draw you to it, you should feel free to purchase it for yourself. You can keep your new cards in any kind of box or bag that will protect them from dust, dirt, and sunlight. You might want to keep them wrapped in silk for extra protection. I keep most of my decks in beautiful boxes. As long as the boxes have sturdy lids, I don't usually bother with wrapping them. The deck I use most often sits upon my altar, ready for use at a moment's notice.
When you do get a new deck, ask your spirit guides, gods, or Higher Self to bless the cards before you begin to use them. You can do this in a variety of ways. If you enjoy meditating, hold the cards while you meditate. Some people prefer to use ritual. Others are satisfied to just shuffle the cards over and over again. This wears the newness from the cards and transfers your own energy to the cards.
However you choose to prepare your cards, remember that it is your deck. It's care and use should reflect your own personal style and energy.
Sometimes, when reading the Tarot, you'll see an unusual concentration of a certain number in the reading. Maybe you'll have three Aces, or all four Kings show up in your Tarot reading. If you do notice that you're getting the same number more than once, you might want to take a deeper look at the spread. In particular pay attention to the numbers that are showing up.
Aces signify something new, which may result from a stroke of fate or a personal decision.
Twos refer to relating with others. This may be in business or personal life.
Threes denote create new enterprises or losses. Often these involve others as well as yourself.
Fours bring safety, security, and relief from problems.
Fives all denote challenges which may be desired or result from loss.
Sixes suggest conclusions to minor matters. They may also indicate useful turning points.
Sevens signify some confusion and decisions based on the reality of a situation.
Eights characterize freedom and restriction. They may may also represent decisions that need action.
Nines show situations that are either comfortable or uncomfortable.
Tens mean that the outcome of a situation will be either a complete success or an utter failure. No middle ground is indicated or expected.
Pages can represent children or young people, slight acquaintances, or minor but beneficial situations.
Knights can represent youngish men (or women). They may also indicate movement in your affairs.
Queens represent grown women or an aspect of the questioner him/herself. They rarely represent situations.
Kings represent mature men or an aspect of the questioner him/herself. Only rarely is a specific situation represented by a grouping of these cards.
Several Major Arcana turning up in a single reading also have significance. They may suggest that fate is taking a hand in the questioner's life. many of these cards signify new beginnings and the Tarot reader must look at the surrounding Minor Arcana cards to discover exactly what these events and changes of circumstances are referring to.
Many Major Arcana cards in a reading suggest that fate is in charge of your life at the time of the reading. Mostly Minor Arcana cards in the reading suggest that you are in charge.
Strength is the eighth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of inner strength, courage, and self-discipline.
The Symbolism of the Strength Tarot Card
This card is represented by a woman and a lion, with the woman being calm and gentle, but very much dominate over the more aggressive lion. The woman is clasping the lion’s jaws, indicating that she is winning the battle between them. The sign of infinity is displayed prominently above the woman’s head.
Strength bears the number “8,” and is the foundation of strength of the Fool after his encounter with the Chariot.
The General Interpretation of the Strength Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a situation where a confrontation with your inner lion is inevitable. The creative handling of your own pride and rage is desirable. Courage, strength, and self-discipline will all be necessary tools to win this battle. This experience brings an encounter with the beast within, but also with that part of human nature that can subdue the beast.
The Fool, having finally developed the powers of mind and feeling, must learn to deal with his egotism. He emerges from this contest with a fierce trust in himself, and a faith in his integrity toward others he may encounter.
The Inner Meaning of the Strength in Tarot
Strength is the image of the problem of containing the powerful and savage beast of human nature without losing those qualities which are creative and vital. The lion is associated with royalty, and is a different type of strength than that offered in the Chariot. It is the symbol if individuality, and of invincibility. This card brings strength of will and of a sense of self, as well as knowledge that the opinions and ideas of others are second to your own sense of permanence.
It is important to remember that the lion is also a savage beast, capable of destroying anything in its path. It can indicate rage, not healthy anger, but an explosive fury when things are do not go the way you expect. Another face of the lion is an implacable pride. Not self-respect, but rather, an inflated sense of self-importance. The lion can be seen to be like an angry infant. However, when conquered, this lion can be channeled into responsibility and sensibility.
The Fool learns now that the best way to conquer the lion is not to kill it, but to transform it. His goal becomes to express the strength and determination he has discovered as a human, and to control the instinctual animal he can sometimes be. He learns to express his individuality through careful consideration of his strengths.
Strength is encountered by the Fool after he meets the Chariot, while on the path to his meeting with the Hermit.
The Chariot is the seventh card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of opposition, both internal and external. It also represents creative solutions.
The Symbolism of the Chariot Tarot Card
This card is represented by a powerful and princely figure sitting regally in his chariot, which is pulled by two sphinxes, one white, one black. They are pulling in opposite directions, making it difficult for the driver to control them; this symbolizes inner conflict. He carries a scepter, a symbol of masculinity.
The Chariot bears the number “7,” and it's the chariot driver who teaches the Fool about iron will after his encounter with the Lovers.
The General Interpretation of the Chariot Card
When appearing in a spread, this card suggests conflict and struggle, the result of which can only be a stronger personality. The Chariot indicates a confrontation, perhaps with another aggressor, but perhaps with your own inner competitive and aggressive self. This confrontation must, of necessity, be fraught with difficulty. The only solution must be a creative one, one where the opposing forces learn to work in harmony. It will be a hard-won victory, but a victory nonetheless.
This conflict is unavoidable, and must be faced with both strength and commitment. Unable to avoid this fight, the Fool must stand his ground and learn to employ the skills he has been taught. He must be creative and willing to try new solutions. The Fool must learn to handle his own contradictions, to deal with the conflicting nature of his own personality. Only by doing this can he emerge both stronger and wiser.
The Inner Meaning of the Chariot in Tarot
The Chariot is the image of aggressive instincts, opposing instincts which are guided and directed by force of will alone. The natural instincts of the individual emerging from adolescence are strong and poorly managed, and yet, those who oppose instinct are unwilling to work in harmony. These instincts must be handled and harnessed, but not broken, for without these powerful instincts, you would find yourself adrift. This card teaches iron will and determination, which are necessary dimensions of the human character.
The Fool must now confront another of life’s lessons — the harnessing of instinct, and the emergence of will. Through the Chariot, he fully matures, learning to accept the consequences of his rash actions ‘like a man.’ He accepts the fact that his more willful instincts cannot be suppressed, but can only be harnessed, like a powerful team of horses.
The Chariot is encountered by he Fool after he meets the Lovers, on the path to his meeting with Strength.
