Tarot Flashcards
The Fool
Spontaneity, innocence
The Fool is ready to fly his young wings ache for flight, and with a single step he leaves behind the comfort of the nest to begin the journey through the major Arcana. Is he ready? Will he fall? This’s a card about beginnings. It points to the side of you that is spontaneous, excited, naive, and inexperienced. Others may doubt your abilities. Be ready to be called the “Fool.” Be ready to fall. No matter what people say about you, this is your journey—and it’s already begun.
The Magician
Self-empowerment, action
The magician is a card of boundless, expansive energy. Whereas many of the aboutMajor Arcana deal with stillness or aspects of the mind…this card deals is all action, action, action. It’s time to see yourself as the wildcat—embrace his speed, grace, and abilities. Don’t be afraid to begin. You have the power of all four elements within your reach. Now is the time to use them.
The High Priestess
Mystery, psychic wisdom
The High Priestess sits in stillness. From there she is able to access realms other pass by without noticing, the vast world of intuition, dreams, and mystery. She uses silence and non-action to harness this power. Sometimes this card appears to remind you to listen more closely to the voice within. Other times it’s a sign to look past the obvious, to find what’s being kept secret or hidden within a given situation. Acknowledge the shadows.
The Empress
Creation, nature, the mother
The Empress is the mother, or the goddess, of the tarot. Her energy encompasses all that is warm, fertile, creative, and sensual in the world. Her strength comes from being gentle and compassionate, and loving without binding. When this card appears, it’s pointing to either a maternal relationship in your life or the side of yourself that wants to love more. The Empress also suggests it’s time for you to reconnect with nature. Go outside tonight and find the moon.
The Emperor
Protection, stability, the father
The Emperor is the father. He’s the tarot’s perfect counterpart to the Empress. He represents the side of you that’s protective, decisive, and truly stable. He brings clarity of mind, and this in turn leads to actions or decisions. Sometimes this card is literal and points to a paternal relationship in your life. At other times, it suggests reconnecting with the part of you that stands strong and tall and knows just what to do. With help from the sun, the Emperor can see for miles and miles.
The Hierophant
Mentor, seeking, knowledge
In its simplest form, the Hierophant represents a mentor or teacher. This card signifies a hunger for knowledge, whether it is in the practical or the spiritual realm. You’ve come as far as you can on your own; now it’s the time to deepen your practice. Don’t hesitate - join a class, go to a workshop, don’t be afraid of new experiences. A new ceremony or ritual may prove to be both comforting and rewarding. Open your heart, and your teacher will soon appear.
The Lovers
Union, desire, joy
Two Canadian geese are mates for life, traveling partners within an expansive sky. The Lovers card is a welcome sight in any reading, as it suggest a beautiful and strong relationship on the horizon. Yes, you’ll experience all the thrills of desire and romance, but meanwhile you’ll be building a solid foundation together. The Lovers honor and respect each other, and with that they can go anywhere. If your already in a relationship, it’s time to be grateful and nourish this rare and precious gem.
The Chariot
Strong will, triumph
The Chariot is your confidence, your will, and your inner warrior. At points in your life when you felt the bliss of achievement or triumph, you were riding on his back. Build a relationship with this part of yourself. Try to “see” the chariot inside you. The more focused your mind, the easier it will be to sense his presence and stay mounted on his back. With a fixed gaze and sure footing, you’ll be headed toward all you dream of.
Justice
Decisions, karma
With tails entwined, two cats look directly at you… waiting for you to choose between them. Which is right and which is wrong? The justice card implies a weight or heaviness surrounding a choice you have to make. Now is not the time to shun the concept of divine balance, or karma. All of your choices affect your life, and sometimes the lives of those around you, both now and in the future.
The Hermit
Solitude, meditation
The idea of being a “hermit” is not supported in our society, but in the realm of tarot hermits are highly celebrated and valued creatures. Through meditation, solitude, and stillness they bring wisdom to all. When this card appears, it’s time to step back from the business of day-to-day life and focus on your inner realm. Become more self-aware. If you’re intrigued by meditation, start now. Spend time by yourself. Your inner fire is ready to be lit… it will shine for all to see.
Wheel of Fortune
Destiny, change of course.
Whether day or night, the Wheel of Fortune is always in motion. Some call or fate; others, destiny. It’s possible to go for months or years without feeling it’s presence… but when you this card appears, the eye of the wheel is fixed upon you. Don’t be surprised if there’s a change of course heading your way, something you’d least expect. Whatever happens to you during this time, know that is is bringing you closer to your life’s purpose.
Strength
Mastery of emotions.
It’s common to think of this card as the roaring, devouring side of the lion. But look again—the “strength” this card suggest is a much deeper force that’s found within. The lion represents our most patient, composed self. He’s a master of focus, compassion, and self-control. When this card comes up, you’re in need of harnessing this power for yourself. All the courage you need can be found in the muscle known as the heart.
The Hanged Man
Sacrifice and letting go.
Many people talk about the art of “letting go.” But what does it really
Mean? How do you achieve it? The Hanged Man has all the answers; he’s the master of non-attachment. This card implies there’s a sacrifice or a difficult or painful situation coming up in your life. Through it, be more like the hanged man. Find stillness, open your eyes, and use this new perspective to learn something. You’re stuck here either way.
Death
Closure, transformation.
No one loves the sight of the death card in a reading. We spend most of our lives denying death altogether… so when this card appears, it’s easy to get frightened or think it’s “bad.” Don’t let the drama distract you from the message: something in your life needs to end. It needs closure. This will happen voluntarily or involuntarily. Either way, you will feel a positive transformation begin after the initial forms of suffering have passed.
Temperance
Healing, renewal.
The great blue heron remains calm and peaceful as she blends the opposing elements of fire and water. The Temperance card ask you to be a moderator much like the heron. Focus on cooperation and compromise. If you’ve been excessive in one aspect of your life, practice self-restraint and moderation now. You’ll find a new sense of hearing and balance from bringing a little harmony back into your life.
The Devil
Addiction, negativity.
Though It may feel frightening when the Devil card appears in your reading, this card carries an urgent message and most be interpreted with Rita honesty. The darkness of the Devil card takes the form of addiction, negativity, or materialism. It can indicate an ugly relationship with a person or substance. Identify this dependency and how it’s holding you back. The Devils Hoover are strong and relentless—their grip will not loosen unless a conscious change is made. Fee yourself.
The Tower
Unexpected upheaval
When the Tower card appears, it’s time to brace yourself for a change. The well-rooted tree that’s been growing strong for decades is crashing down around you. Your world may feel as though it’s literally falling apart—and you didn’t see it coming. Even though this phase is painful and confusing, it will be over soon. You’ll look back and feel grateful things changed course. You might even see it as a personal “breakthrough” in the end.
The Star
Hope, peace of mind.
Standing outside on a dark night, you gaze up at the stars and sense glimmers of wonder and hope. Even though you can’t find concrete answers to life’s many questions up there in the sky, you can’t help but feel comforted and renewed. Such is the energy of the star card. It’s not about actions or situations. It’s simply about connecting to the part of you that is hopeful and serene. This force will bring light back into your life and infuse you with positivity. A lovely card.
The Moon
Vivid dreams and fears.
In many ways the moon card encompasses the idea of the wild unknown. It is the shadow realm, the place where dreams, fears, and mysteries are born. Much darkness can linger here, and if you aren’t careful, this can lead to periods of anxiety and self-doubt…almost as though you’ve lost your way in a house of mirrors. Many great artist have roamed this inner landscape. It’s where imagination and creativity drift freely upon the midnight air.
The Sun
Vitality, enlightenment.
Imagine for a moment that you’re soaking in the warm rays of the sun. It feels nourishing and healing; all your aches and pains just go fade away. The sun card brings this amazing energy into your life. Vitality and health abound, while you feel assurance and clarity in all you do. Spend some extra time outside today, be grateful for the radiance of the sun and the life force it gives all creatures.
Judgement
Forgiveness
The word “judgement” conjures up fear and guilt in many people. This card, however, concerns itself with another aspect of this word-seeking the truth. No more blaming yourself or others, no more excuses. Now is the time for forgiveness and personal freedom. This card ask you to rise up and let pettiness and fear fall below you. Expand your wings and be reborn. What a relief it will be.
The World
Wholeness, completion.
The World is the finale card in the journey of the major Arcana. It signifies completion, harmony, and contentment. It’s rare to experience this energy, as we are usually consumed by wanting, needing, and achieving. So when this card appears, contemplate for a moment the idea of “being whole.” Focus on the image on the card…close your eyes and envision this radiating energy inside you. What does it feel like? Where is it located? What blocks you from feeling a sense of “wholeness” each and every day of your life.
