Tarot Card Symbolism: The Fool Reversed

Not everyone wishes to read the cards in their reversed, or upside down, positions. If you do, the Fool can indicate that you should think before acting because a proposed new project may encounter a few drawbacks, although things should work out well enough in the end. Alternatively, your ideas may be fine, but it will be a while before your new project gets off the ground. Avoid bad company and keep to the straight and narrow because stupid of self-destructive behavior will bring a downfall. Examine your motives before making a start on anything new.

Reading the Tarot: Getting a New Deck

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.

Tarot Numbers: Numbers and What They Mean in a Reading

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.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Strength Card of the Major Arcana

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.