60 replies to this topic

[Holly]

The Minor Arcana is comprised of four suits, 14 cards each (Ace-King)

Ace-10 represent everyday ocurrences, while the Court cards (Page,Knight,Queen,King)can have multiple meanings: people,situations,ideas,messages.

When we learn how to do spreads, you'll understand how to best interpret Court cards based on their suit and surrounding cards.

WANDS

Keywords - enterprise, growth
Image - Every wand has a leaf upon it, symbolizing growth.
Season - Spring
Playing Card - Clubs
Element - Fire

Wands are a suit of creation and ideas. They show a strong enthusiasm for life. Often, they focus on friends and family.

CUPS

Keywords - emotion, sensitivity
Image - Love of all types
Season - Summer
Playing Card - Hearts
Element - Water

While generally associated with love, Cups actually stand for how we perceive our emotional attachments. Those attachments can be with people or things.


SWORDS

Keywords - action, strife
Image - Swordfight
Season - Fall
Playing Card - Spades
Element - Air

In life, there will always be obstacles. Swords will appear in a reading to direct us towards the cause of the problem, and may also guide us towards the correct person to approach for assistance.
The Sword can cut two ways - both constructively and destructively.

PENTACLES

Keywords - money, possessions
Image - Counting one's money
Season - Winter
Playing Card - Diamonds
Element - Earth

Pentacles are disks imprinted with a 5 point Star -  The 5 senses of man and 5 elements are represented in this way. The Pentacle stands for a connection to the material world. There are so many issues involved in dealing with finances, and this suit tackles just about all of them.




On Thursday, I'll be posting information about each card - If you have a deck, it helps to follow along card by card. You'll be able to clearly see how a picture truly does tell a story. In case you don't have a deck yet, I'll be posting small pictures of each card as I did with the Major Arcana.

[Holly]

As with the Major Arcana, there are supporting and opposing cards with the Minor as well. However, since there are 56 Minor Arcana cards to learn, I'm not going to list the supporting and opposing cards at this time. I believe that as we go through the suits, you'll be able to detect which cards would fit that role. It's like pieces to a puzzle - Everything will fit together in due time.

Remember that the cards of the four suits represent everyday life. Their explanations will not be as detailed as the Major Arcana, which are more esoteric. The Minor Arcana explains itself through the picture and requires only a few sentences.

[Holly]

Ace of Wands

A hand, emerging from the cloud, offers a wand to us. This signifies a new beginning, whether it be a birth or a project.

Reversed

There will be false starts, resulting in delays.

Edited by Holly, 16 January 2006 - 05:10 PM.

[Holly]

Two of Wands

The lord watches over the water, holding a globe and a staff(wand). The other staff is securely beside him. Roses(desire) and lillies(pure thought) find a balance. He awaits the results of his labor as they are developing. He will wait patiently.

Reversed

He can now only control one wand. There is a lack of follow-through and he is restless and a bit anxious.

Edited by Holly, 16 January 2006 - 05:11 PM.

[Holly]

Three of Wands

A step further than the Two of Wands, he no longer has to be patient. His ships are returning with the fruits of his labor. His hopes have been realized.

Reversed

There is accomplishment, but to a lesser degree. Treachery could be the reason - Competition is stronger.

Edited by Holly, 16 January 2006 - 05:12 PM.

[Holly]

Four of Wands

It's time to celebrate! Enjoy a good time with family and friends. Home life is content and prosperity is evident.

Reversed

No huge celebration, but congratulations are due nonetheless. We're learning to appreciate the little things in life.

Edited by Holly, 16 January 2006 - 05:12 PM.

[Holly]

Five of Wands

(Fives of all suits are more positive in a reversed position)

The positive energy of the suit of Wands is being used in a negative manner. Scattered chaos surrounds us due to a disagreement.

Reversed

The men lay down their weapons and seek to solve their differences through communication.

Edited by Holly, 16 January 2006 - 05:13 PM.

[Holly]

Six of Wands

The lord, with a laurel on one of his wands, comes home to victory. He's been through a difficult time, but success is his. Friends and family have been helpful

Reversed

There are delays in his life, but those delays will prove to be for the best. Someone he knows is stronger than he realizes and is not on his side.

Edited by Holly, 16 January 2006 - 05:13 PM.

[Holly]

Seven of Wands

The man has the advantage as he battles his enemies. He is maintaining his position and will succeed.

Reversed

The threatening wands fall away. His position has been upheld, but this is a bad time to be indecisive about anything.

Edited by Holly, 16 January 2006 - 05:14 PM.

[Holly]

Eight of Wands

The wands soar through the air, indicating great haste. This card also signifies the arrival of a message.

Reversed

The wands fall from the sky. Things are slowing down, indicating stagnation in business or love.

Edited by Holly, 16 January 2006 - 05:14 PM.

[Holly]

Nine of Wands

The bandage he wears is from a prior conflict. He holds one wand, while eight others set his boundary and serve to protect him. He is well-prepared.

Reversed

He is willing to defend others, but can barely look after himself. He's feeling let down by friends and needs to take some time to recuperate.

Edited by Holly, 16 January 2006 - 05:15 PM.

[Holly]

Ten of Wands

He is carrying everyone's burdens and now he has too many. In truth, he is carrying them for a selfish reason - He has a hidden agenda.

Reversed

He lets go, not quite having realized he always should have...and always could have.

Edited by Holly, 16 January 2006 - 05:16 PM.

[Holly]

Page of Wands

Represents: Young man or woman/light hair/blue or hazel eyes

A messenger, The Page brings good news. As a person, he is a good and honest friend, interested in travel.

Reversed

Messages are delayed and when they do arrive, it's not the best news. Heed the warnings. The Page of Wands may break your heart.

Edited by Holly, 16 January 2006 - 05:16 PM.

[Holly]

Knight of Wands

Represents: Young man/light hair/blue or hazel eyes

The Knight gallops past three pyramids(Body,Mind,Spirit). He takes quick action in situations where others may hesitate. He can be very generous, but in the next moment can be very cruel.

Reversed

Jealous, the Knight throws everything into chaos. He's lost energy, but trouble still brews at home or at the workplace.

Edited by Holly, 16 January 2006 - 05:18 PM.

[Holly]

Queen of Wands

Represents: Mature woman/light hair/blue or hazel eyes

The Queen uses her wand as a scepter. In her left hand, she holds a sunflower(control of nature). The black cat at her feet represents her gift of intuition, along with her cat-like sense of observation. She can always be sensed in a room, so strong is her presence. She's very practical and makes wise decisions.

Reversed

Clearly agitated, she is temperamental and unfaithful. In the blink of an eye, she will turn against us for no apparent reason.

Edited by Holly, 16 January 2006 - 05:19 PM.