Reading Reversed Cards

My retreat holiday has been such a wonderful experience, but it's also good to be back, and I'm diving straight into Tarot with a question my students keep asking me:

Do we need to pay attention to reversed cards in readings?

Some readers do, others don't, and to be honest it is down to personal preference.

Here's what I do:

In a reading, I usually make a mental note of any reversed cards and then turn them around. 

I cannot leave them upside down for visual reason; topsy-turvy images block my reading abilities.

It depends how many cards are reversed in a reading. I once had all ten cards in a Celtic Cross spread for a client reversed!

Immediately I thought there was a blockage somewhere in the client's life, perhaps an inability to move forward with something, which was confirmed when I mentioned my first impression at the beginning of the reading.

Needless to say I turned all the cards around and proceeded with the reading and took the message of the reversed cards into account.

I don't like the term "ill-dignified", which is also used to describe reversed cards. Not every reversed card has a negative meaning.

For example, the Hanged Man reversed could indicate movement after a time of stagnation, or the Ten of Wands shedding of a burden rather than carrying it. It also depends very much on surrounding cards in the reading.

I often feel that just one reversed card in a 5 - 10 card reading can be more significant than many reversed cards. Again, this also depends on surrounding cards and what your intuition is telling you.

Sometimes, a reversed card can stick out like a sore thumb, and it can carry a more meaningful message than if you ignore it.

When reading reversed cards, consider the following:

Do they -

• enhance the overall message of the reading?
• weaken or oppose their upright meanings?
• strengthen the meaning of other cards in the spread?
• indicate a blockage, restriction, suppressed energies or indeed out of control energies?

Here are some examples for reversed card meanings:

Five of Wands: getting over a dispute, an argument getting nasty, not playing by the rules, quick temper

Emperor: loosing control/authority, being over-bearing, dictatorial

Tower: a disaster avoided, or something is brewing underneath the surface

Sun: burn-out, restricted creative potential, over-indulgence, hedonism

Ten of Swords (image above): on the way to recovery, releasing fears/pain/ resentment/regrets; starting over, inability to see that something has ended

Four of Pentacles: spending beyond your means, risky investment, becoming more generous with money after a time of frugality

Queen of Cups: over-emotional, drama queen, moody, insensitive, highly strung, easily stressed

When reversed cards come up, ask an empowering question such as:

• What is the card asking you to avoid?
• Every cloud has a silver lining. What is the silver lining of the reversed card?

As mentioned before, it is not vital to read reversed cards; you can consider both positive and negative aspects of the cards in a reading regardless which way they come up.

But once you get the hang of reading reversals and paying attention to them, you may well get some additional, valuable insight you wouldn't have considered before.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Connect with me on:

Substack - Live more Magic

Medium - Simplify your Life

Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

The Meaning of Strength in the Tarot

The lion on the image is guarding the entrance to a pub in a little village close to Hadrian's Wall.

His posture is composed, dignified, serious and dutiful.

In typical Leo fashion (Strength is linked to the zodiac sign Leo), his presence is making quite an impact in that position.

He's the first "thing" you notice when you approach the pub.

The lion symbolises the essence of Strength; despite his powerful physical strength, his self-discipline and control is taming the wild beast (desires) within. This lion isn't pouncing at you any time soon!

The flowers in the tub next to the lion symbolise feminine energies as a balancing influence:

• assertiveness (rather than aggression)

• gentle persuasion (rather than oppressive dogma)

• patience (rather than agitation)

• compassion (rather than cruelty)

In a reading, Strength can indicate the need to control impulses and desires - not by force but with conviction and determination.

It can also advise to draw upon your inner calm and persistence in difficult situations, facing fears and adversity with the courage and confidence to overcome them.

Other keywords: stamina, endurance, perseverance, kindness despite tension or conflict (with yourself and others), self-mastery, willpower

Negative meanings include: weakness, self-doubt, low self-esteem, over-emotional, lack of self-discipline

Astrologically, Leo is ruled by the sun, which symbolises the Self and the Ego.

Therefore, Strength may also ask you to explore how you can practice more self-care or, on the other hand, how you can become less selfish or self-absorbed.

If you’d like to learn more about Strength and all the other cards in the Tarot, please check out my ebook The Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook.

I welcome your views and opinions on my cards. Please leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you💚

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Connect with me on:

Substack - Live more Magic

Medium - Simplify your Life

Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

How to Create Your Own Tarot Deck

I first announced my intention to create a Tarot deck back in April 2012.

It was on a whim, although I had been playing with the idea to turn my own photography into Tarot images for years.

But this is what you do, when you have been working with the Tarot for a while: you look at your life and your environment with Tarot eyes!

First, you start to associate your everyday experiences with specific cards.

For example, last year was my Hanged Man year, I’ve been dealt some Tower moments in my life and made a momentous Lovers choice in the early 90s, which has led me to where I am today.

Then you start looking at your holiday snaps and think oh, that would make a great High Priestess or this is just the perfect Star for me, and so on…

My drawing talents are very limited, but with the advance of photo-editing software and online resources it has never been easier to turn regular photos into magickal images.

⭐If you are interested in creating your own tarot (or oracle) deck, but you cannot draw or paint, then consider using your own photography instead⭐

Here are some tips and resources to get you started:

1. Equipment

It’s perfectly fine to use the your smartphone camera. You can even use an easy-to-use photo app to edit and beautify your images.

However, I have found it easier to store and edit my photos on my laptop using the following web-based photo editing software:

https://www.befunky.com/

https://www.picmonkey.com/

https://pixlr.com/

These websites offer many free features, but you can also subscribe to premium membership to access even more.

2. Theme of your Deck

The deck I’m creating reflects my personal life – experiences, interests, philosophy and spirituality.

Think about the theme and framework of your deck, and choose your images accordingly.

For example, for a deck reflecting your personal life, you could include snapshots of family members as court cards (or the people cards of the Major Arcana), you could use a photo of your local church/mosque/temple/synagogue as the Hierophant card, etc.

Eva, Queen of Wands (c) 2013 Image used with permission

Next, you can add a specific atmosphere to the cards, such as a Gothic or whimsical feel by choosing the relevant location for your shot and/or adding effects with your photo-editor.

3. Getting Started

Set a realistic goal. Unless you are a prolific creator, focus on completing the Major Arcana first.

This makes your project seem less overwhelming, and it is very achievable.

Choose the image for each card carefully, but don’t spend too much time on each image either.

You can always adjust or change it later. That’s the beauty of digital work.

Make sure you save all your images (originals and edited) not only on your computer but also separately on a memory stick or in cloud storage!

4. Sizing and Printing Your Images

When you start creating your images, make sure you size them correctly from the start, otherwise you will have to resize your images later.

You can download Tarot card templates from Ivory Graphics, where you can also have your deck printed, once it’s finished.

 5. Designing Your Images

As you begin to use a photo-editor, you will learn to add effects and overlays to your images.

The first images I created were only cropped, resized and the titles and quotes added, but by the time I reached the World, I have learned to fuse various photos into one image.

It takes some experimenting, but you can do this too!

6. Copyright

If you are thinking of using images found on the internet as overlays for your own photo, then you need to be careful about copyright.

For example, avoid using celebrity photos for your deck, if you want to publish and sell it (this doesn’t apply, if you print your deck as a one-off for strictly personal use only).

Marilyn Monroe might be a great Queen of Cups, but her photos are still under copyright unless otherwise stated with individual images.

Use public domain images or stock images that you can buy or are offered free:

https://www.istockphoto.com/ (pay per image)

https://morguefile.com/ (free images)

Wikimedia Commons (public domain images)

https://pixabay.com/

7. Have Fun

Don’t put yourself under pressure by setting crazy deadlines. I don’t know when my deck will be complete, but my target of creating four cards a month is realistic for me. So, if all goes well, May 2014 is my big goal.

Enjoy the process of designing each card and find the right image. It has prompted me to visit new places just to capture a specific image. Creating my own Tarot deck has certainly made me go out there 😃

8. Turn Your Images into Posters and Art Prints

The completion of your deck might still be light years away, but that shouldn’t stop you from turning the ones already created into hard copies or even merchandise.

Check out places like Photobox, where you can turn your creations into all sorts of goodies – from simple prints and greeting cards to canvas wall art.

The process of creating my own Tarot deck has been so enjoyable.

I have gained confidence in creating artwork without the need to paint, and it has also been a kind of spiritual experience, because it has made me think about how the image of each card is reflected in my life.

With today’s technology, it has never been so easy to create your own Tarot deck. If you are inspired, go for it and make a start today.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Connect with me on:

Substack - Live more Magic

Medium - Simplify your Life

Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

Zodiac Tarot Cards Journaling Sheets

The 12 signs of the zodiac are linked to 12 Major Arcana cards in the Tarot.

We all know our sun signs, but an astrological chart based on your date, place and time of birth also reveals your moon sign and ascendant (rising sign).

Once you have determined your zodiac signs' corresponding tarot cards, you can explore the dynamics of the different aspects of your personality by using the visual cues of your cards rather than just astrological glyphs.

If you are new to combining tarot with astrology, then my zodiac tarot cards journaling sheets will help you make a start with your self-exploration and learn to include astrology in your tarot work.

Even if you only know your sun sign at this stage, the handout will still prove useful to explore personality traits and work out your zodiac lessons.

Originally published on my Journal Blog last year, the zodiac card information is now collated in this handy document.

It also contains images of 12 cards of my Tarot of Quotes and extra space on each page, so you can add your own notes.

⭐You can access this 13-page PDF handout on my Ko-fi page for free⭐

And if you would like to delve deeper into Tarot astrology, then please check out my Starlight Tarot Astrology Course.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Connect with me on:

Substack - Live more Magic

Medium - Simplify your Life

Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

Five Effective One-Card Tarot Readings

What can you see in the Chariot image? Universal Tarot © 1990 US Games

If you're just starting to explore the Tarot, it's best to avoid the 10-card Celtic Cross spread and begin with simple yet effective one-card tarot readings.

Pulling just one card from your deck can reveal a lot about your surroundings. It can also provide insights into your personality, habits, strengths, and weaknesses.

Here are five ways to read one tarot card and get instant, meaningful messages:

1. Calculate your year card. It offers you some insight on the energies and overall theme that will be influencing you during the course of the year. 

Do the same for family and friends to get to know the cards and discover what might be in store for them over the year.

2. Calculate your personality card. This card will give you some ideas on your life lessons and purpose in this life; another great one-card reading to try on your family and friends.

3. Discover your persona card. Find out which court card is linked to your sun sign and explore your court card personality. 

This is a good way to acquaint yourself with the often tricky court cards, so make sure you also practice the persona card reading with plenty of people you know.

4. Do a daily one-card draw. You can either pull a card in the morning to see what may come up for you during the day, or you can pull one in the evening for the following day. 

Record them on a chart like this, and after a week analyse the cards drawn for more insight: 

• Which suit has come up most? 
• How many Major Arcana cards? 
• How many court cards and which ones? 
• How accurate have your interpretations been?

5. Do a weekly one-card draw. If you are too busy for a card-a-day, you can draw just one card for the week ahead to offer you some insight on the energies you can expect over the forthcoming days. 

Use this journal sheet to record your interpretation and predictions you come up with.

For your daily and weekly draws, check out my ebook, The Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook, for more easy tarot journaling spreads to help you gain confidence in your interpretations.

The more you practice, the more messages and insights you will receive from just one card.

Take your time when you look at the image, and let its symbolism speak to you: what kind of landscape do you see? What colours? Any people? Are they happy, sad, angry, alone?

Learn to notice the little details, and over time you will find it easier to interpret the cards without the help of a book.

For a beginner, larger spreads can be confusing, and a one-card draw is the ideal starting point for simple yet insightful tarot readings.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane 🦄

Connect with me on:

Substack - Live more Magic

Medium - Simplify your Life

Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

Reading Negative Cards in Positive Positions

Sometimes the messages received from the Tarot can be confusing.

For example, you want to know what your strengths are in a certain situation, and the answer you get is the Ten of Swords.

You were hoping for something encouraging and inspirational, but all you got was that disheartening card of someone lying stabbed in the back on the floor.

But let's not panic, Astrology to the rescue😄

Once you know the astrological attributions linked to the cards, you can see more than just the image.

For the Ten of Swords it's Sun in Gemini.

What does Sun in Gemini tell us about the Ten of Swords?

Positive aspects of the sun: vitality, clarity and confidence.

Positive aspects of Gemini: versatile, curious, social.

So, when exploring your strengths or asking which qualities you need to develop in order to resolve an issue successfully, you now have a few options to choose from.

Zodiac and planetary attributes can also offer more specific interpretations of the cards.

Here are some suggestions for the Ten of Swords:

an ending leads to clarity; curiosity will attract new opportunities; social interaction will increase confidence after a blow; an ending is a blessing (sun) in disguise; you have the energy to lift yourself up and recover; resilience...

Let's take a look at other negative cards:

The Tower is linked to Mars, which in turn is also the ruling planet of Aries (The Emperor).

Positive traits: courage, decisiveness, challenging, energetic, pro-active, competitive

Positive card meanings influenced by Mars:

taking drastic action to achieve a goal; having the courage to face danger (extreme sports, a fire fighter etc.); confronting an adversary; implementing a radical overhaul or self-improvement program, e.g. diet, exercise etc., ability to see new possibilities beyond the destruction...

Death is linked to Scorpio, which is commonly connected to "sex, death and taxes".

Positive traits: compassionate, intense, independent and determined. Its ruling planet Pluto suggests the ability to regenerate and overcome the unsettling process of change.

Positive card meanings influenced by Scorpio:

clearing the old to bring in the new; spiritual growth through acknowledging and tackling emotional issues; searching for deeper meaning and purpose; making sweeping changes to rejuvenate a relationship; sex therapy or an intense sexual experience...

The Five of Pentacles is linked to Mercury in Taurus

Positive aspects of Mercury: communicative, expressive, intelligent, thoughtful

Positive aspects of Taurus: disciplined, organised, reliable, steadfast, methodical, affectionate

Positive card meanings influenced by Mercury in Taurus:

being pragmatic at times of adversity; self-reliant; a thorough, hands-on approach to overcoming obstacles; willingness to work hard to achieve success; eager to create stability...

The Devil is linked to Capricorn and also to Uriel, the light bearer, one of the four arch angels.

Positive traits: down-to-earth, ambitious, hard-working, rational, resourceful and loyal. Its ruling planet Saturn also suggests responsibility, patience and an ability to strive despite adverse circumstances.

Positive card meanings influenced by Capricorn:

being disciplined at times of hardship; plodding through and not giving up; taking matters seriously; in relationships loyal and care-giving even when going through a rough patch; realistic expectations...

The Three of Swords is linked to Saturn in Libra.

Positive aspects of Saturn: disciplined, responsible, reliable, endurance

Positive aspects of Libra: fair-minded, cooperative, sincere, striving for harmony

Positive card meanings influenced by Saturn in Libra:

determination to restore harmony out of discord; alleviating anguish with an objective mind; mourning with dignity and self-composure; ability to cut your losses and move on...

At first glance it can be difficult to see the positive aspects in negative cards, especially when they are placed in positions relating to possible strengths, skills, talents, helpful qualities and inspirational guidance.

Remember that there are two sides to each card - positive and negative - and with the help of their astrological attributions you can discover them.

Why don't you give it a try with the following cards, and let me know how you get on:

The Hanged Man - Neptune

Seven of Swords - Moon in Aquarius

Eight of Swords - Jupiter in Gemini

Nine of Swords - Mars in Gemini

Ten of Wands - Saturn in Sagittarius

Five of Cups - Mars in Scorpio

If you would like to learn more about applying astrology to your tarot readings, then check out my Starlight Tarot Astrology course.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Connect with me on:

Substack - Live more Magic

Medium - Simplify your Life

Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

The Meaning of the Aces in the Tarot of Quotes

Aces in the Tarot represent the purest energy and root of each suit.

Numerically, they are connected to the Magician (the symbols of the four suits are often displayed on the Magician's table in traditional Rider Waite style images), which emphasizes their magickal power of potential.

Indeed, in the Book T publication by the Order of the Golden Dawn, three Aces drawn in a reading suggests riches and success, whereas four Aces indicates great power and force.

In readings, the Aces signify potential, a gift or an opportunity relating to their individual suits.

It is up to the person the Aces are drawn for to accept the gift, seize the opportunity or set out and fulfil the potential.

Aces are positive omens of change and new beginnings. They can be described as seeds in need to be sown and nurtured to be brought to fruition.

Astrologically, they have not been assigned each to a specific planet or zodiac, but according to Lon Milo DuQuette's Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot as seeds they contain a mix of elements in order to have the ability to germinate and manifest.

The mix of elements is represented by the zodiac signs each Ace rules.

Ace of Wands - spark, inspiration, bright idea, natural force, rush of energy, creativity, ambition, aspiration, passion, imagination

Esoteric Title: The Root of the Powers of Fire

Astrological attribution: ruler of Cancer, Leo and Virgo

Interpretation: being inspired to turn a dream into reality; inspiring others, expressing yourself; nurturing your talent and creative skills, planning a new business venture; confidence; optimism, enthusiasm, eager to succeed, making an effort, going for it.

Image: the candle symbolises the divine spark, the inner light, the burst of energy, creativity and passion.

Ace of Cups - love, intuition, pleasure, fertility, emotions, happiness, empathy

Esoteric Title: The Root of the Powers of Water

Astrological attribution: ruler of Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius

Interpretation: following your heart; expressing feelings, pouring your heart out; tuning in and developing psychic abilities; being receptive; following a hunch; possibility for new love or a relationship is growing; bonding with someone; being compassionate and showing empathy; forgiveness; radiating love.

Image: the fountain symbolises unconditional, perpetual/eternal love and the overflowing of love, feelings and emotions

Ace of Swords - truth, knowledge, mental/intellectual force, clarity, adversity, justice, punishment, afflictions

Esoteric Title: Root of the Powers of Air

Astrological Attribution: ruler of Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces

Interpretation: exploring new knowledge; discovering the truth, gaining clarity; applying logic, reason and analytical skills; acting with integrity; fighting for justice and what is fair; being honest; overcoming obstacles; recognising illusions and the reality of a situation

Image: the upright sword symbolises clarity of mind, spiritual brightness, a whirling force for justice and truth.

Ace of Pentacles - material gain, prosperity, growth, stability, power, nature, nurturing, establishing, working

Esoteric Title: The Root of the Power of Earth

Astrological Attribution: rules Aries, Taurus and Gemini

Interpretation: flourishing, efforts rewarded with material gain, tangible results, working with nature; being grounded and realistic; using common sense; building a secure base/support system; increasing assets; starting a regular job; looking after your health; nurturing family life; investing into a secure future.

Image: the open door to a hidden garden symbolises opportunity for new growth, a gateway to prosperity and stability; trust and good faith despite uncertainty of the unknown amidst the security of the surrounding walls.

I welcome your views and opinions on my cards. Please feel free to leave your comments below.

You can view all images of my Tarot deck in the Ko-fi Gallery. 

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

⭐Check out the Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook⭐

The Planetary Spread Reading with the Rosetta Tarot

 

In my previous post you can find all the details of the Planetary Spread and more information about the beautiful Rosetta Tarot.

Please note that for this sample reading I have used the astrological correspondences given in the companion book of this deck.

The cards drawn for this general reading are as follows:

1. Earth: Princess of Disks  - Earth of Earth (together with the Ace of Disks ruler of Aries, Taurus, Gemini)

In the Self position, the Princess of Disks suggests a person, who is full of creative potential and keen to manifest possibilities into something tangible and fruitful. 

Her creative energy is symbolised by her pregnancy and her crest of the Ram/Oxen head. 

The Princess of Disks represents creative endeavours in their early stages, and she needs to demonstrate ambition (Aries), patience and perseverance (Taurus) and mental focus (Libra) to turn her ideas into reality.

Her personality is down-to-earth and realistic, sprinkled with a touch of hedonism (good food and drink) and indulgent sensuality. 

The Princess of Disks has a strong affinity with nature and all things natural/organic/handmade.

The key message of this card is to focus on aspirations with patience and clarity in order to achieve goals and enduring productivity.

2. Sun: Two of Swords - Moon in Libra

Keyword: Peace

The current power source is that of calm, stillness and balance. A peaceful mind alleviates insecurities. 

Taking time to relax and meditate is important right now to sustain well-being. 

Creative projects need patience; nothing should be rushed. There is a sense of being at peace by avoiding confrontations or delay making some tough decisions.

The key message of this card is to practice emotional detachment in order to create inner balance to make the right decision and move forward.

3. Mars: Four of Disks - Sun in Capricorn

Keyword: Power

The Four of Disks in the Action position suggests being over-protective of security, possessions and what is known. 

The need for control can be overpowering at times, stifling others and limiting own potential for expansion. 

Letting go of power and control may seem risky, but it can have a liberating effect, whilst at the same time avoiding becoming reckless or irresponsible.

The key message of the Four of Disks is to loosen the grip on power and control by developing more trust in others and even the unknown.

4. Venus: Ace of Cups - Root of Water (together with the Princess of Cups ruler of Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius)

The Ace of Cups in the love position suggests new emotional beginnings and being receptive to opportunities in love and deepening relationships. 

Here we see a person, who is open-hearted, ready to give love and nurture others. 

If this card comes up at a time of emotional upheaval, it can suggest positive developments, that not all is as bleak as it seems, and happy times will return.

Any relationship issues can be resolved by applying qualities of the three ruling zodiac signs: communicative (Libra), passionate (Scorpio) and generous (Sagittarius).

Aces symbolise potential, so the key message of the Ace of Cups is to start sowing the seeds of love in the present by joyfully giving and sharing without expecting anything in return.

In a relationship reading, the Mars and Venus position could indicate one person, who is ready to embark on a new relationship and willing to commit (Ace of Cups), whereas the other person is reluctant to do so, perhaps wanting to protect their feelings (Four of Disks).

5. Jupiter: Prince of Disks - Air of Earth - Aries/Taurus (ruler of 4 of Wands, 5 of Disks, 6 of Disks)

The Prince of Disks in the opportunities position suggests progress through discipline and tenacity. 

In the image he is driving an ox-pulled chariot scattering dandelion flowers, which symbolise fruitfulness. 

He is hard-working, patient and energetic. These qualities will be beneficial when pursuing goals at work or at home.

The three pip cards he is ruling indicate initial success (4 of Wands) and the need to manage money more efficiently (5 and 6 of Disks).

The key message of the Prince of Disks is that hard work and perseverance will pay off, but at the same time finances need to be managed carefully.

6. Mercury: Five of Wands - Saturn in Leo

Keyword: Strife

The Five of Wands in the communications position suggests misunderstandings, arguments and power struggles. 

The Saturn in Leo constellation linked to this card indicates the need to tame the ego and focus more on collaboration rather than competition. 

Before getting drawn into an argument, it's worth remembering that clear, simple and calm discussions will be more effective to encourage co-operation.

Whether it is relevant to you in relationships, at work or in family situations, the key message of the Five of Wands is to avoid fighting for power or position to get results. 

Instead, focus on your goal and what you want to achieve by promoting a more constructive team effort.

7. Saturn: The Hierophant - Taurus

The Hierophant in the opposition/teacher position suggests that conventional structures and an organised hierarchy are beneficial to personal and professional development, even though they can sometimes limit creativity.

This is supported by the other Disks cards in this spread. Set tasks, routines, daily schedules and to-do lists are proven tools of productivity, which can at times stifle flexibility and spontaneity.

The key message of the Hierophant is to embrace all the advantages of order, discipline and traditional values, but also be more aware of their limitations.

 Learning new skills, meet new people or try something different will be invigorating and broaden the horizon.

8. Moon: Queen of Swords - Water of Air - Libra

The Queen of Swords in the feeling position suggests the need to be emotionally strong and resilient. 

Perhaps feelings are being controlled rather than light-heartedly displayed. Nothing wrong with that, especially when feelings are negative and could easily be expressed with cutting, spiteful remarks. 

Some issues still need to be resolved, and this Queen may either keep a stiff upper lip or voice her emotions in a matter-of-fact, clear and honest way.

The key message of the Queen of Swords is not to keep emotions suppressed. Whatever needs to be resolved, do it with diplomacy, wit, fairness and understanding.

The Queen of Swords in the Moon position complements the Two of Swords in its opposing Sun position. 

Here, the message of keeping a cool head and practising emotional detachment (without being cold-hearted) is emphasised to create and maintain harmony.

⭐Would you like to learn more about using Astrology in your Tarot readings? Check out my Starlight Tarot Astrology course⭐

✨Grab the FREE printable planetary spread worksheet✨

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Connect with me on:

Substack - Live more Magic

Medium - Simplify your Life

Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

The Planetary Spread with the Rosetta Tarot

The Rosetta Tarot © 2011 M.M. Meleen

Last week I received the magickal Rosetta Tarot in the post, and I'm very impressed with the stunningly vibrant images.

This self-published limited edition tarot deck by artist and author M.M. Meleen is based on Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot and the Golden Dawn tradition. 

Some images are very similar to those in the Thoth deck, but others vary a lot, and some images have even been given a modern, 21st century overhaul

This isn't a lengthy review of the Rosetta Tarot. Overall, I love this deck, and it has inspired me to create an 8-card planetary spread, which can be used as a condensed overview, ideal for general readings.

If you are interested in buying this deck, you will need to be quick, because only 777 copies have been printed, and I received number 520.

I would also recommend buying the companion book, the Book of Seshet, as it offers a wealth of information on the artwork and symbolism of the deck, astrological correspondences, an introduction to Qabalah and explores the Golden Dawn based tarot structure.

In ancient Greco-Roman astronomy five planets and two illuminaries (sun and moon also referred to as planets) were identified, which could all be seen with the naked eye:

Moon - Mercury - Venus - Sun - Mars - Jupiter - Saturn

It was also believed that the Earth was at the centre of the solar system, circled by the seven planets.

The planetary spread is based on this ancient model.

Each planet is associated with characteristics and psychological energies, which we all express in various forms and at different times.

In Tarot, the planets are linked to Major Arcana cards, which can already offer you an insight, what the individual planet is all about, and what the position in the spread refers to.

This spread doesn't contain a future/outcome position. Instead, each card may reveal new information or confirm what you already know. It may also offer guidance on what action to take, perhaps even suggest future possibilities:

1. Earth

The self; present situation; your current role; how you express yourself; where you are right now; your reality; identity

2. Sun (The Sun)

Power source; what motivates you; energy levels, creative endeavours; level of contentment

3. Mars (The Tower)

Action; the male principle; what actions need to be taken; what needs to be confronted; power and control issues; leadership; what existing structures need to be broken up and rebuilt; in a relationship reading, this position can relate to the male (or male-orientated) partner

4. Venus (The Empress)

Love; the female principle; relationships; family; home life; what needs to be nurtured; sensual pleasures; health; in a relationship reading, this position can relate to the female (or female-orientated) partner

5. Jupiter (Wheel of Fortune)

Opportunities to look out for; things in your favour; changing circumstances; new experiences; growth, expansion; what helps you to reach a long-term goal or is necessary for survival

6. Mercury (The Magician)

Messages that clarify a situation; potential; communication; resources available; what needs changing; intention and goals; generating ideas

7.  Saturn (The World)

Opposition or teacher; obstacles, limitations and boundaries; what has been achieved and completed; lessons learned; what adversity have you overcome that has made you stronger; likewise, which apparent positive situations/people in your life can turn out to be a problem in the future

8. Moon (The High Priestess)

Feelings and emotions; how you have been feeling recently; moods; fears, insecurities; doubts; perceptions, what is hidden; intuition

How to read the Cards in this Spread

Shuffle the deck and arrange the cards face-down. Although the cards are placed in the numerical sequence of the spread, they can be read in any order.

If you do the reading for someone else, you could ask the querent to choose, which card to start with (whilst the cards are still lying face-down). This can give you an indication, what the querent’s subconscious priorities are or what concerns them most.

See this spread in action with the Rosetta Tarot in the follow-up post.

⭐In the meantime, grab the FREE planetary spread worksheet on my Ko-fi page to do your own reading⭐

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Connect with me on:

Substack - Live more Magic

Medium - Simplify your Life

Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling

The Meaning Of The Knights In The Tarot

In a recent light bulb moment I've decided to portray the knights in my tarot deck as birds.

In the Golden Dawn tradition, the tarot knights are linked to the element air, so I thought birds would represent the mutable court card members well.

Knights in the Tarot suggest movement, change and travel.

Following the Pages, they are the juveniles / young adults of the court card family - volatile, unpredictable at times, searching, on a mission, energetic, ready for battle.

Knights can represent people, events or the energy surrounding a situation.

The Knight of Wands is a peacock.

The male peacock is a flamboyant bird; his feathery frock is a mix of dazzling blues, greens, specks of yellow/gold, black and greys.

He impresses the ladies with his extravagant eye-spotted tail.

If the peacock was a human, he would be an ambitious fashion designer or expressionist artist 😄

Esoteric Title: Lord of the Flame and Lightning.

Personality traits and characteristics:

Sagittarius - adventurous, confident, active, optimistic, sociable, creative, enthusiastic, insensitive, cocky, risk-taking, hot-tempered

The quote I've chosen for the Knight of Wands reflects his confidence, determination, enthusiasm and willingness to take risks and overcome any fears.

The Knight of Cups is represented by a swan.

Swans are elegant birds with white plumage and often found on lakes. They are a symbol of peace and tranquillity.

Swans tend to be monogamous birds; swans bond with their mates for life. How romantic!

If the swan was a human, he would work in the medical profession, as a doctor, nurse or carer.

Esoteric Title: Lord of the Waves and Waters

Personality traits and characteristics:

Pisces - romantic, idealistic, affectionate, imaginative, tender, loving, needy, evasive, impractical, over-sensitive, obsessive

The quote I've chosen for the Knight of Cups expresses his tendency to be emotionally dramatic.

He can easily fall in love with his head in a spin, and when love isn't reciprocated, he can then fall into depression and self-pity.

In those dark moments, the Knight of Cups can write the best poems.

The Knight of Swords is a crow. 

These carrion birds are considered to be very intelligent.

They use tools to hunt and access food.

Crows also have excellent memory where they have stored their food.

A flock of crows is sometimes also called a “murder” of crows; this is telling us a lot about the crow’s reputation and mythology.

Crows and ravens are associated with death and the “otherworld”.

In medieval times, they were regarded as bad omens, and even today, a flock of them can look foreboding and their calls sound menacing.

If crows were human, they would work in occupations that tend to bear bad news but also require analytical intelligence such as police force and lawyers.

His mathematical aptitude would also allow the Knight of Swords to work in the banking profession. Now that offers us a new perspective on the bankers, doesn’t it 😄

Esoteric Title: Lord of the Winds and Breezes

Personality traits and characteristics:

Gemini – versatile, curious, cunning, chatty, sociable, lively, inventive, fickle, emotionally detached, cold, restless

The quote I’ve chosen for the Knight of Swords reflects his tendency to act quickly and decisively without deep thought or consideration.

His intentions and actions are clear-cut, sharp and to the point.

The Knight of Swords is unconcerned about anybody in his path getting hurt along the way; he’d simply call it “collateral damage”.

The Knight of Pentacles is a pigeon.

These birds are down-to-earth, eat any grub they can get and don't mind getting mucky.

Pigeons are adaptable; they also mate for life and tend to live in colonies of up to 500 birds.

They symbolise home, security and perseverance.

If pigeons were humans, they would work in outdoor jobs, farming, gardening, cleaning and waste disposal.

Esoteric Title: The Lord of the Wild and Fertile Land

Personality traits and characteristics:

Virgo - prudent, shrewd, practical, meticulous, efficient, dependable, over-critical, pedantic, narrow-minded

The quote chosen for the Knight of Pentacles reflects his willingness to invest continuous effort, self-control and determination to achieve his goals.

The Cosmic Faery Tarot is available as a digital copy as part of the Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Connect with me on:

Substack - Live more Magic

Medium - Simplify your Life

Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling