To celebrate the Second International tarot day, a day to freely recognise the Tarot as the wonderful tool that it is, an international team of sleuths have been on the trail of 78 suspects.
The Interpol team, specialised in the most wanted list of 22 major suspects from the hermetic world of Tarot had a list of questions to follow in order to build a forensic profile of their possible villains.
However, despite the efforts of some of the detectives, 11 of the most wanted offenders have not be taken into custody and are still at large.
Investigations were also undertaken in the four corners of the Earth, from the realm of Cups, Wands , Pentacles and Swords.
Here are the unsettling confessions of the most wanted on Interpol’s list: the High Priestess by Lisa Frideborg , the Lovers by Meniscus Tarot, The Chariot by Amanda Morrison, the Hermit by Margo Moncur, The Wheel of Fortune by Lati Lati, The Hanged man by Brenda Oakley Carter , Death by Carmen Byrd Bohn, The Devil by Rachel Pollack The Tower by Anthea Homer, The Star by AJ Bell, Judgement (the sleuth has not completed his task).
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The High Priestess by Lisa Frideborg
The Lovers, blog by Meniscus Tarot
The Chariot by Amanda Morrison
Radiant Waite Tarot – The Alchemical Tarot – Tarot of the Holy Light
So, the mission given to me was to research The Chariot with a helpful list of suggested areas to cover. There’s much to say, and I found it difficult to know where to stop – so I shall aim to channel some of The Chariot’s energy and set to the task. Many of you reading this will have considerably more knowledge and experience than me, so I look forward to any additional comments.
Possible meaning of the Chariot.
The first task was to reflect on possible meanings of the card. Even a driven character such as The Chariot is open to a myriad of interpretations, but in essence, when he turns up he brings positive energy and signifies victory. However, this has not been handed to him on a plate, and may still be a work in progress. Rather it suggests that hard work brings its own reward, and that with focus and application you can move mountains. This requires endurance, determination, self-control and a good dose of self-belief. On a literal level, the card can signify a journey, or travel – or anything connected to travel, such as a car. This is strange given that The Chariot looks pretty static to me in the RW version, although has considerably more va va voum in other decks. The Chariot suggests a certain maturity and sense of purpose (being in the driving seat), and is likely to involve a degree of struggle as he attempts to attain balance (not so easy when you are dealing with opposing forces like those pesky sphinxes).
Plato, in Phaedrus describes the mind as a chariot drawn by a black and a white horse (although in RW sphinxes replace the horses used in earlier decks). This tells us a lot about the strength of character represented by The Chariot, who controls the direction of travel without any need for reins. However I feel that it is important to bear in mind that control is only a way of managing rather than understanding or resolving a problem, and no matter how successful The Chariot is, there are limits to what he can achieve using this modus operandi, and he risks burn out by continuing long term like this.
Mythology of the Chariot.
The story of Oedipus, a Greek myth about a king who fulfilled a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother, is often associated with The Chariot. It’s a lengthy tale, but key elements include Oedipus’s encounter with the sphinx at the gates of Thebes. By answering her riddle correctly he not only spared himself a ghastly fate, but freed the people of the city from the tyranny of the sphinx (who had thrown herself into the sea on hearing Oedipus’ answer – strange behaviour but then again, this is a myth). His triumphant entry into the city is reflected in The Chariot (although in this image he is leaving the city behind him). However there remains something of the victory parade about The Chariot, and horses that appear in many decks, were used in celebrations to welcome home victorious heroes and conquering armies.
Numerology.
Neptune (also sometimes associated with Cancer) rules the number seven which has a magical vibration. Think of the main chakras in the body, days of the week. Introversion and introspection are qualities associated with this number so although the Chariot looks very focused and dynamic, he has done some soul searching before deciding on his destination. Another seven is The Tower (16 1+6=7), which warns us of the disruption that will occur if we choose the wrong path.
Elemental correspondence.
The element associated with The Chariot is water. Fluid and able to simply move around any obstacle that gets in its way, water has both adaptive and pragmatic qualities. It will take the path of least resistance, and like The Chariot favours a direct route. Water also symbolises the unconscious but the body of water lies behind The Chariot, suggesting that the mysteries of the unconscious are of no real concern for now.
Astrological Correspondence
Cancer, ruled by The Moon, is a Cardinal water sign. As a Cardinal sign, Cancer is associated with new beginnings and fresh starts, which bodes well for The Chariot. The Moon of course has a huge influence on the oceans, and I wonder if The Chariot is in touch with intuition more than he might like to admit.
Meaning of the symbolism found in the card
The Chariot is incredibly rich in symbolism, much of which resonates with earlier cards.
The black and white sphinxes represent dualities and contradictions that exist in life, and which have to be controlled sufficiently to ensure that progress isn’t hampered. They link this card to the myth of Oedipus and, looking in opposite directions, the sphinxes remind us of the force of will required to keep on track. They echo the twin pillars in The High Priestess, and the drapery at the back of the chariot is reminiscent of her veil although the charioteer is not currently concerned with the unconscious.
The wand is similar to that held by The Magician, although it rests low rather than pointing heavenward, suggesting that he uses his will to control events.
Stars like those in The Empress’s crown adorn the drapery, and the City in the background represents The Emperor.
Lunar faces on his shoulder are named Urin and Thummim, from the breastplate The High Priest of Jerusalem and therefore connect The Chariot with The Hierophant.
Hindu yoni and lingam symbols adorn the shield on the chariot itself – representing feminine and masculine principles united in an interlocking figure. This relates to the preceding card The Lovers and suggests sexual maturity, someone who is control of their emotional life and who will not give into basic instinct. The winged symbol above, I understand, has a connection with the Masons, but I am not clear of its exact meaning.
On the belt are planetary symbols that signify the astrological signs, while the skirt is decorated with magical symbols.
Rachel Pollack’s take on The Chariot, as the victory or culmination of the first line of the Major Arcana, makes a lot of sense to me. If we understand the tarot as a means of exploring the development of the human psyche, this card represents the developed ego, who has learned from experience and reached a point of confidence and contentment, and deservedly so. The outer personality, or persona has been created. However he remains unaware of the limits of his knowledge and understanding of life. In other words, he doesn’t know what he doesn’t know, and the realms of unconscious and super conscious remain beyond him. Although he has come far, he has much further to go to fully understand himself and his place in the world.
Shadow
The shadow aspect of The Chariot can come in a number of guises. Perhaps that renowned drive and focus becomes so intense that s/he rides roughshod over anything and anybody in pursuit of his or her aim. On a mission to attain a goal, it can be easy to become so intent on one’s path that we forget to live in the moment or stop and smell the roses as we go.
There is, I feel, a potentially ruthless streak in The Chariot, and perhaps also a sense of superiority or even narcissism, being raised, as he is, above the level of mere mortals.
It’s useful when reflecting on the hidden aspects of this card, to look to its astrological correspondent, Cancer. Liz Green, describing the shadow aspect of Cancer in Astrology for Lovers, says “with Cancer the shadow speaks through the mouth” which I feel could equally well relate to The Chariot’s potential for coldness or even cruelty when anything gets in the way.
It is also interesting to consider elements within the card as potential shadow aspects. The sphinxes, according to Greek myth, have the potential to be lethal and may therefore remind us of the destructive forces that lie within us that can be awakened when things don’t go our way.
Crystals
- Tiger’s eye – develops courage and confidence
- Pyrite – boosts energy, strengthens willpower and helps overcome bad habits
- Chalcedony – alleviates hostility, promotes benevolence
- Amber – for decisiveness, and to enhance intellect and memory
- Howlite – mitigates anger and helps to connect with our life path
- Leopard skin jasper – promotes physical strength, unifies all aspects of one’s life
- Staurolite – grounding and soothing, alleviates stress
Not really my area of knowledge, but these are the crystals that appear to be linked with The Chariot. I have given the most basic qualities they possess. Interestingly, most are linked to the root or sacral chakras, which suggests the need to remain grounded, vital for maintaining balance.
Herbs, flowers or essential oils
Cyperus papyrus.
Essential oils include black pepper for warmth and courage, Lavender for strength and solidarity and Rosemary for mental clarity.
Others that clear the path ahead, and help to make way for new things like Peppermint and Orange would also make sense for The Chariot.
The Hermit by Margo Moncur
Thank you Oephebia for creating this exercise for International Tarot Day! I was not surprised the Hermit came up for me. Oephebia will know I have for the last couple of months totally retreated. Doing this has helped me bring along my friend The Hermit with me, to help me understand and go through some “stuff”!
Possible meaning of the Hermit.
For me and especially in the present time. The Hermit reflects a time of introspection and solitude. A chance to connect with ones’ true self. A reminder that your true self lies within. This can be a journey that is both spiritual and also a time to get to clear answers before moving forward in to the light once more. A bit of self-development is required and sometimes a withdrawal from society is required to do so. Before lighting your own path to the future.
Mythology or folktales attached to the Hermit.
This had me intrigued and took me on a bit of a journey not only to the folklore and myth but how the Hermit was depicted through time. The Hermit is said to represent Diogenes of Sinope who was a Greek philosopher. He was one of the founders of Cynic philosophy. He used his simple life values and was a beggar and is said to have slept in a ceramic jar. He was notorious for his philosophical actions, such as carrying a lamp during the day, claiming to be looking for an honest man. He believed in living life as naturally as possible and that others should to. This led me to looking at the different depictions of the Hermit throughout the years. So a bit side tracked but very interesting.
Throughout the time of the Tarot cards existence. The earliest cards in late medieval Europe depicted a beggar, which then became a beggar with angel wings. Then finally the figure which we now know as the Hermit. There seemed to be a shift in this period from a religious depiction to a more mystical one. Though there are variations of these depictions, they were almost standardised by the Rider Waite cards.
There are so many depictions from the 14 & 15th centuries. In this period manuscripts that are available have listed this as the 11th card and not the 9th. Some of the images were a hunchback, an old man, and Time itself. While depicted as Time in the 15th century, he had an hourglass in his right hand and clearly now not a beggar.
In the 16th century and beyond, the then hourglass became a lamp/lantern. Which seemed to signify a reinterpretation of the Hermit as a figure of wisdom.
I really wanted to go in to more detail and have written a lot of this information down with more information on the different decks that are in different galleries in France and Italy. Some amazing exhibits and some really strong connections to Diogenes himself.
Element and Astrological association of the Hermit
The element associated with the Hermit is Earth. Quite apt I think. Grounding and firm. Though it requires the introduction of the other elements to flourish. It’s tactile and a foundation from which things can grow. It is feminine and is receptive, taking in nutrients and sun, using it to sustain the life that grows from it.
Virgo, represented by the virgin in astrology. What is the connection! Both are solitary and the epitome of a person in complete fulfilment alone, while seeking out through contemplation their needs. Virgos are known to be intelligent and analytical. So would seem of the Hermit.
Meaning of the symbolism found in the Hermit card.
The symbols of the Hermit to me represents the following. Six pointed star to me is symbolic of both fire and water. The water, the part of the star pointing down shows the need to withdraw. Which then moves to the fire, the part of the star pointing up. Which shows a need for action and of course energy. The fact that it splits in to these elements shows the need for one then the other. This can be the fire drawing us to withdraw. Or after a time with water during withdrawal, the fire is needed to ignite our journey again. Depending on where you are at that time.
The light also represents illumination and the lantern a guide to find your path. The grey cloak shows the neutrality of the Hermit and balance the opposites in nature.
The white beard is a sign of wisdom.
The snowy mountains represents the need to withdraw and be alone.
Sometimes when I have meditated on the Hermit energy I am transported to the peaks of a high mountain in the clouds. Away from distractions.
His wand/stick is a symbol of both support and his tool of initiation.
Shadow side of the Hermit card
This to me can mean excessive withdrawal from the world. Though on the other hand it can be keeping oneself distracted to actually take the time to be alone and connect with your inner self.
It can be a time of sadness of being exiled and sometimes feeling like a misfit.
You have to listen to the Hermit if he appears reversed and not shun its help. He is trying to help you.
Crystals associated with the Hermit.
Peridot/Olivine – Bloodstone – Smoky quartz – Sapphire – Blue calcite
Herbs, flowers or essential oils connected to the Hermit.
Herbs – Angelica, Chamomile & Sage
Flowers – Star of Bethlehem
Essential Oils – Lavender, Frankincense, Black Spruce
There is a lot of cross over looking at the different aspects that have been included in this. I felt a great connection. There are perhaps some things I am not too sure about. The last two topics of Crystals, herbs, flowers & essential oils especially.
Have been a bit of searching the internet and also trying to focus in on what I feel. Not too much out there on these. Though I am due to go on holiday to the place we always go. The last time I was able to pick up from the Earth, some Peridot, strange that!
I am fairly new to the Tarot and after such a great grounding with Oephebia’s Tarot course. I felt I could do this, well to the best of my ability.
I thank Oephebia for taking the time to teach me. It has been a great help to me and was an extremely comprehensive but most enjoyable time spent learning.
Had a great time doing this exercise for International Tarot Day, 8 July.
The Wheel of Fortune by Lati Lati
Possible meaning of the card:
To me the Wheel Of Fortune is all about cycles in our lives that we have no control of, and that nobody can avoid. Life is full of constant changes, good and bad.
The wheel of fortune also represents to me fate/destiny. It Says: “Enjoy The Good Moments In Life To The Fullest, Cherish Your Loved Ones, Your Blessings” because anything can change in the blink of an eye, nothing ever remains the same, never take things for granted, remember that ” Whatever Goes Up Must Always Come Down”.
It also represents good fortune, winning the lottery, a struck of good luck. This card for me always represents something positive even when it comes in the reverse… why? Because it means that our actions will take a great play in the situation that we are being confronted with, in other words, lessons learned/to be learned, or that justice will be served.
If you have been good and you are stuck in a bad situation just know that things will get better, that the dark days will not last forever, it gives us hope for a better tomorrow, the wheel will always turn no matter what. On the other side remember that if you have been bad or done things with ill intentions know that sooner or later you will have to face the consequences of your actions and that it will have a major impact in your life. This is one of my Karma cards.
It is kinda funny I was given this card. Don’t get me wrong it is one of my favorites yet one that I am very scared of because I am a person that fears changes, fear of the unknown even if I have been acting from the goodness of my heart creeps me out lol.
Mythology or folktales attached to the Wheel of Fortune
I dugged deep and one of the mythologies i learned was that:
In medieval and ancient philosophy the Wheel of Fortune, or Rota Fortunae, is a symbol of the capricious nature of Fate. It was believed that the wheel belongs to the Goddess Fortuna who spins it at random, changing the positions of those on the wheel: “Some will suffer great misfortune, others will gain”
Numerology connection
1 and 19, The Magician and the Sun
Element and Astrological association.
– Fire – Jupiter
Meaning of the symbolism found in the card:
A blue sky with four clouds, one in each corner – gives the card a mystic vibe
Sphinx – life’s riddles
Snake -the tree of knowledge where the snake tempted Adam and Eve
The red humanoid figure represents our Shadow Side, Our Inner Beast that we must confront as we evolve.
Each of the four clouds hosts a winged animal reading a book: Angel – Aquarius, Eagle – Scorpio, Winged bull – Taurus, Winged lion – Leo
* These zodiac signs represented in the wheel are all fixed signs, signs that give a sense of destiny because they all represent a personality that hold steady towards the inevitable*.
The letters on the wheel spell: T A R O T.
Shadow Side
Reversed, it represents events of misfortunes, luck is not on our side and there is nothing we can do to control it, we must go with the flow and remember that the wheel is always turning and that when we least expect it things will turn again in our favor.
Our luck and fate is always in motion, sometimes we are up sometimes we are down. Just remember not to resist the changes because the more we resist the more pain we will endure, the stucker we will get and the longer we will remain in a situation that does not serve us.
When we learn to accept the changes that are coming at us we grow as a person, we evolve, we move on, we forgive ourselves and others, we learn to accept the things that we cannot change nor control and we can figure out another way out towards a better situation, a new cycle in our lives that do serve us well.
Crystals associated with the card
– Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, Aventurine, Sardonyx, Black opal, Amethyst, Rhodonite
Herbs, flowers or essential oils connected to the Wheel of Fortune
– Herbs: Frankincense, Anise, Basil, Neem
– Flowers – The dandelion says “oracle.” Its seed tuft head is blown on to divine answers to questions as diverse as years left to live, a lover’s thoughts, and the time of day. The root, used in tea, promotes psychic powers. From its radial spoked leaves to the stages of its flower, the dandelion’s circular shapes invoke thoughts of cycles and rotations.
-Essential Oils – Lemongrass essential Oil to help aid with the negative aspects of this card
The Hanged Man by Brenda Oakley Carter
Possible meaning of the Hanged Man and mythology
The Hanged Man is the only Tarot card visibly based on a mythological figure.
He is Odin, the Norse god who hung from the World Tree for nine days to earn the knowledge of the Runes. Odin carries out his quest without moving, at least in the physical sense. The true quest is seeking within, not without.
This may be confusing at first, but only because the Hanged Man is the card of the paradox.
The Hanged Man shows a time a greater understanding that there is more to life than what is on the surface and a time of stillness is needed for contemplation.
It shows that a sacrifice will be made in order to gain something of greater importance. This is a voluntary sacrifice or giving up of something to get something you want more. Can be sacrifice of a cherished attitude such as intellectual superiority, unforgiving hatred or a stubborn pursuit of some unobtainable fantasy.
Look at things in a new and different way. Sometimes doing nothing can be the answer. Whatever you do next will bring a complete change to your life.
Change is about progression and this is a very positive card. It can feel like a time of limbo when you are waiting for one chapter of your life to end and a new one to begin.
Patience is needed and time should be spent in careful reflection and maybe take a step back to move forward. Don’t force anything and stop struggling so you can move forward. You may feel vulnerable but you will also feel strength.
In brief: A sacrifice must be made to gain something of greater value, transition, limbo, readjustment.
Numerology connection
The Hanged Man has the number 12 in the major arcana.
This is reduced in numerology to 3 (1+2).
The number 3 is the number of self-expression, joy, social gatherings and creativity.
Element and Astrological association
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius (higher learning)
Ruling Planet: Neptune
The Hanged Man corresponds with Water, Pisces and Neptune. Its aspects are sacrifice, suspension and release. Reiki would be a good therapy to try while contemplating.
Crystals associated with the Hanged man.
Healing Crystals: Beryl, Selenite, Peridot/Olivine, Bloodstone, Smoky quartz, Sapphire, Blue calcite, Blue tourmaline.
Herbs, flowers or essential oils connected to the Hanged man.
Mugwort is a plant for strength, healing and prophecy. Myrrh is a good oil to use for protection, healing and spirituality.
Death by Carmen Byrd Bohn
Esoteric Tarot of the World of Fairies Linda Ravenscroft. RWS, Tarot of the Pagan Cats
Possible meaning of the Death card.
Acceptance of an ending and a new beginning. It also contains the seeds of a new life that makes transformation possible. Change and the understanding of important things as well as the fear of the impossibility of going back in time. Out of the darkness comes the light, but we need strength and courage to start a new life, which will ease the pain, dissipate sadness and fill the void.
Mythology or folktales attached to the Death card.
Hades is the God of the Underworld. The souls that enter the Underworld carry a coin under their tongue in order to pay Charon to take them across the river, if the soul reaches Elysium, they have a choice whether to stay or be reborn. Persephone is also related to the Death card. Gaia planted a narcissus to attract Persephone. When she saw it, she thought it was so beautiful that she had to pull it up. As she did, the earth opened up and Hades came out in his golden carriage and abducted her to make her his wife.
Numerology connection of the Death card.
Death carries the number 13. Adapting to change gracefully will bring out the strength of the 13 vibration and decrease any potential for negativity. Death is also related to the Emperor, number 4. The number 5 stands for Spirit like the five petals of the flower on the flag.
Element and Astrological association of the Death card.
Water Astrological Association: Hades was sometimes referred to as Pluto (considered the giver of wealth). Hecate was associated with the Moon (crossroads), death of a lunar cycle and birth of a new one. Scorpio is the astrological sign of the Death card. (Funny my moon is in Scorpio).
Meaning of the symbolism found in the Death card.
Rivers – Oceanus is the river that encircles the world where the end meets the beginning. Skull – symbol that all things change and transition. Sun – where there is an ending, there’s always a new beginning. The Sun will rise again. Flag – announces change. Change and Transformation.
Shadow side of the Death card.
Loss. Pay attention to your instincts. Stay strong and on course, don’t fear the change.
Crystals associated with the Death card.
Obsidian – Tourmaline – Amber – Tiger Eye
Herbs, flowers or essential oils connected to the Death card.
Poplar, Elm, Pomegranate, Narcissus, Roses.
Rosemary, Cypress and Myrrh can be used as either essential oils or incense.
Interview with the Devil by the one and only Rachel Pollack
The Tower by Anthea Homer
Possible meaning of the Tower.
I looked at the Tower in three different Tarot decks – to widen my perspective a little. I used the Rider Waite and The Baroque Bohemian Cats and the Tarot Nefertari.
I deduced from all three that this card represents a “rude awakening” – a very drastic change. There may have been earlier warnings but unheeded and now the change is forced upon us. This is the Spring Cleaning card. Inevitable change – but it is not all negative because now we have an opportunity to move forward. Provided that we can see through the illusions and the errors – we can move forward.
Mythology or folktales attached to the Tower.
The Tower is pictured in the Biblical story of the Tower of Babel – when God punished man for their egotism and stupidity by sending confusion and the inability to communicate one with another. The result was that the Tower of Babel was never completed.
Numerology connection.
In Numerology the Tower has the number 16.
No. 1 – The Magician – standing for power and self-confidence.
No 6 – The Lovers – standing for freedom of choice.
Together they add up to 7 which is the Chariot. The Chariot enables us to move forward and take control of our emotions and make the correct decisions.
Element and Astrological association with the Tower.
The element associated with the Tower if fire.
The Tower is ruled by Mars.
Meaning of the symbolism found in the Tower.
The symbolism of the card is – as mentioned earlier – The Tower of Babel.
The Tower stands on the edge of a cliff – in danger of collapse showing a false sense of security.
The 12 leaves of gold symbolise the 12 astrological signs and the tree of life – as represented in the Kabbalah.
The gold crown symbolises ego and arrogance – and it has been toppled!
There are two figures – one male which represents the conscious mind and one female representing the unconscious mind.
The sky is dark with hidden forces but there is lightning to illuminate and bring hope.
Shadow side of the Tower.
The shadow side of the Tower indicates that we are reaching the end of a difficult time – and assuming that we have understood the error of our ways or our illusions we can now move on – and do so with enlightenment and have a new start. The shadow side is therefore very positive.
Crystals associated with the Tower.
The crystals associated with The Tower are: garnet, ruby, obsidian, lodestone/magnetite, chrysocolla and hematite.
Herbs, flowers or essential oils connected to the Tower.
Heather and honeysuckle and yarrow are the flowers and herbs associated with The Tower, with Vetiver, Bergamot and Lavender (essential oils) to help to de-stress.
The Star by AJ Bell
Alternative names: “Daughter of the Firmament” and “Dweller between the Waters”
This card corresponds to the path that connects Netzach and Yesod on the Kabbalistic tree of life.Other attributes: the Hebrew letter Hey (ה) and the symbolic image assigned to Aquarius.
Possible meaning of the Star.
The Star is a major arcana tarot card associated with the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot, which is one of the most current derivations of the Tarot de Marseilles or Latin Tarot. It is number 17 (XVII) in major arcana and when it appears in a spread, it usually signifies hope.
The Star card shows a naked woman kneeling at the edge of a small pool. The woman holds two containers of water. She pours the water out to nourish the earth and to continue the cycle of fertility, represented by the lush greenery around her. The other container pours the water onto dry land in five rivulets, representing the five senses. The woman has one foot on the ground, representing her practical abilities and good common sense, and the other foot in the water, representing her intuition and inner resources, and listening to her inner voice. Behind her, shines one large star and seven smaller stars, representing your chakras. This represents a need to open your chakras and cleanse your aura. Notice all the stars have eight points. The bird in the tree in the background is the sacred ibis of thought, roosting in the tree of the mind. The astrological sign of the Star is Aquarius.
Numerology connection of the Star card.
The Star is associated with the number 17, which equals 8 (1+7=8). Eight is Strength, the quality needed to accept your faults and love yourself in spite of them.
In numerology, the number 17 reduces to 8 (1+7). This number reflects worldly success, such as in work, business, or finances. This number is reinforced by the total number of stars on the card. In the tarot, the number 8 also represents rewards and progress, as well as another major arcana card, Strength. This suggests strength is a quality that can help overcome difficulties to bring hope. The five tributaries represent the five physical senses.
Element and Astrological association of the Star card. Meaning of the symbolism found in the card.
The element is air.
Aquarius, Uranus, the ONLY planet that spins on its side, these colorful personalities march to the beat of their own drums — known for being worldly and unconventional.
Meaning of the symbolism found in the Star card.
Similar to water-bearing Aquarius, The Star card features a woman that is pouring water into a body of water and into the earth, providing nourishment and restoring hope for the future. She has one foot in the water, symbolizing intuition, and one on land, symbolizing stability. This echoes the same duality in Aquarius, which is the only zodiac sign represented by two astrological elements — water for her emotional side and air for her intellectual side.
The maiden is a water-carrier, which is the symbol of the Aquarian astrological sign. This is a fixed air sign. The element of air in tarot is associated with the mind, and its primary energy is, “I think.”
Her nakedness is a symbol of truth and transparency; she hides nothing.
The water flowing into a still pool and creating concentric circles shows energy flowing outward from a small point to become larger as it moves away from its initiation point. It is also a representation of the element water.
The grass field represents the element of earth. The maiden kneels on the earth, suggesting groundedness and rootedness in the physical.
Stars represent the element of fire, which is active and passionate, and they also serve to light or heal the darkness.
The stars symbolize the card’s over-arching message of guidance, hope and inspiration! Aquarius is NOT one to blend in with the crowd, and this is illustrated by the large, yellow star that is set apart from the others. While external guidance is appreciated, Aquarius has a strong connection to their OWN intuition and will listen to that internal voice above all others.
The bird represents aspiration and symbolizes the Sacred Ibis of thought who roosts in the tree of the mind. This represents the boundless intellect of Aquarius
The tree of life represents being rooted to earth but reaching high.
All four of the classical elements are represented in this card, suggesting a balance of energies.
Crystals associated with the Star card.
Hope, renewal, peace, clarity, aspiration, optimism, sense of purpose = Rock crystal, Turquoise, Moldavite, Tektite, Sugulite
Herbs, flowers or essential oils connected to the Star card.
Skullcap was historically used for bites of rabid dogs. It also helps with headaches. American Nature Guides Herbs by Anna Kruger. “Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, Radix Scutellaria Baicalenses) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support the immune system. In related research, Baicalein, a major flavonoid in Scutellaria was shown to support cardiovascular health. Research shows that Scutellaria root modulates inflammatory activity to inhibit nitric oxide (NO), cytokine, chemokine and growth factor production in macrophages. Scutellaria has also been shown to inhibit histamine and leukotriene release.”
The detective has not completed their case
The department hopes you have enjoyed reading the forensic profiles of the most wanted on Interpol’s Tarot list.
But remember, detectives from police departments all over the world were busy investigating the most wanted from the Suit of Cups, Suit of Wands, Suit of Pentacles and Suit of Swords.
Their investigations were equally fascinating and well worth a read.
Enjoy and Happy International Tarot day 🙂
group: 
Tarot and Kitties by Oephebia 
7 thoughts on “Major Arcana”