Posts Tagged ‘card interpretation’

by Gerald Schueler, Ph.D.

Abstract.

The Tarot deck contains archetypal symbols that can be related to the analytical psychology of the Swiss psychologist, Carl Jung. The Tarot deck, especially the major arcana or trump cards, can be used effectively in therapy. The client, with the assistance of the therapist, conducts a reading or uses several cards to tell a story and then discusses possible meanings of the symbols in his or her own words. The therapist then relates the symbolic meanings given by the client to the client’s problem in much the same manner as in Jungian dream analysis. This therapeutic process can be explained by using a chaos model. Using a chaos model of therapy, a period of psychic instability is deliberately induced by the therapist through stimulation of the imagination via the Tarot symbols. Concentration on the Tarot symbols induces bifurcation points that the therapist then uses to direct change toward desired attractors. This is similar to the well-known techniques of paradoxical communication, paradoxical intervention, and prescribing the symptom, all of which induce a temporary condition of psychic instability that is required for a bifurcation.

Introduction

Loye and Eisler (1987) see the roots of modern chaos theory, as it pertains to social science, extending all the way back to the ancient Chinese Book of Changes or I Ching. The I Ching, the oldest oracle still in use today, (Bannister, 1988) was used to make predictions by casting stalks, straws, or sticks. Today, this is usually done by throwing coins (Cleary, 1986). In the West, the oldest oracle still in use today is the Tarot card deck.

The Tarot is a deck of cards which can be used for meditation, psychic stimulation, or divination. It also can be used as a psychological tool to look inside the unconscious (Bannister, 1988; Nichols, 1984). The Tarot is medieval man’s equivalent of today’s highly respected Rorschach and Thematic Apperception tests (Schueler & Schueler, 1994). Wang (1978) describes the Tarot as “a system accepted by many respectable sources such as the school of Carl Jung, which views the Tarot images as agreeing perfectly with the archetypes of the collective unconsciousness” (p. 8).

The Swiss psychologist, Carl Jung, saw all of the Tarot images as “descended from the archetypes of transformation” (Jung, 1959/1990, p. 38). These archetypes include several of the primary archetypes that are encountered during Jung’s individuation process, a process of psychological maturation similar in nature to the aging of the physical body (Jacobi, 1942/1973). These include the shadow, the anima and animus, and the wise old man. The Tarot also contains symbols representing other important archetypes of transformative processes such as the hero, the sacrifice, rebirth, the mother, and the Self. In Jung’s analytical psychology, these archetypes comprise the major dynamical components of the unconscious which affect the human psyche in many different ways.

Modern chaos theory addresses complex systems, which are systems with a large number of interrelated parts. It also addresses dynamic systems. Every complex system, and especially every living system (living systems are usually referred to as self-organizing systems), is also a dissipative structure. Ilya Prigogine won the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1977 for his work on dissipative structures, which he defined as any structure that takes on and dissipates energy as it interacts with its environment. A dissipative system, unlike one that conserves energy, gives rise to irreversible processes such as the growth of organisms (Nicolis & Prigogine, 1989). All systems that exhibit disequilibrium and self-organization are dissipative and have a dissipative structure (Briggs & Peat, 1989, p. 138). Dissipative systems are those which are able to maintain identity only because they are open to flows of energy, matter, or information from their environments (Prigogine & Stengers, 1984).

Not only is our body a dissipative system, but our psyche as well. Jung designated the ego as an ego-complex, because of the numerous components and processes with which it is comprised, and taught that the ego was one of many complexes that exist in the psyche. “The psyche is a self-regulating system that maintains its equilibrium just as the body does” (Jung, 1954/1985, p. 152). Designating the psyche to be a self-regulating system, Jung (1968) states that “Dreams are the natural reaction of the self-regulating psychic system” ( p. 124). By assuming the psyche to be a complex dynamic system, as well as a dissipative system, we can look at it through the lens of modern chaos theory.

Chaos, as an archetype, is well known in the Tarot where it is depicted fully in card 16, a trump card titled the Lightening Struck Tower. According to Wanless (1986), this card represents transformation. Jung taught that we can become conscious of the unconscious contents in our psyche by examining the symbols that come to us in our dreams. He details many of these archetypal symbols in his Symbols of Transformation (1956).

by Alison Day
We all have times when we feel like we’re fumbling around in the dark, full of fear and anxiety, unable to see the way out of a difficult situation. The bright, fiery Ace of Wands illuminates the path ahead!

All the Aces represent new beginnings, and in the case of the Ace of Wands, this can indicate the arising of exciting new opportunities – especially in the area of work and career.
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Knight of Wands

He is a handsome and passionate country gentleman of good family. Loyal and noble, he is agile in both mind and body. This card represents a good marriage, as well as honesty, friendliness and passion. This card may also signify a man with blonde or red hair and blue eyes.

Reversed: Self-righteous and ill-natured, this man is principled to a fault. Beware of prejudices and intolerance. Guard against being to severe or critical of others. This card may also represent a man with blonde or red hair and blue eyes.

(Click here for a free Card of The Day reading!)

The fifth Lesson in a course on interpreting tarot reversals, taught by Krystel High-Correll

by Frater S.R.M.D. (Macgregor Mathers)

In the Tree of Life in the Tarot, each path forms the connecting link between two of the Sephiroth. The King and the Queen are the correlations of the Abba and the Aima in that suit; the Knight or Prince answers to Microprosopus, and the Knave or Princess which was anciently a female figure, is referred to the Bride, Kallah or Malkah.
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The sixth and final Lesson in a course on interpreting tarot reversals, taught by Krystel High-Correll.

Ten of Wands

Divinatory Meanings: This card indicates one is oppressed by the burden of too much responsibility. Be sure that you are not using your power unwisely or to selfish ends. Take steps to lighten your burden and use your resources more wisely and the situation will resolve itself.

Reversed: Intrigues, lawsuits and difficulties consume one’s energies. Be on guard for a possible loss or separation.

(Click here for a free Card of The Day reading!)

Three of Cups

A joyous celebration, perhaps a wedding is indicated. Great joy and revelry accompany the favorable conclusion to some task. The happiness results from the fact that what was set out to be done is achieved.

Reversed: A situation comes to a speedy and reasonably fortunate end or is dispatched in a very agreeable way, but no cause for wild celebration. Another meaning of this card is a warning against too much indulgence in sensual pleasures of sex, food or drink.

(Click here for a free Card of The Day reading!)

First Lesson in interpreting Tarot reversals, taught by Krystel High-Correll.

Number: 1
Esoteric Title: Root of the Power of Fire
Numerical Keywords: 1: Unity, Origin, Potential
Numerical Attributions: Primium Mobile, White, Soul, Good
Intelligence: Hidden Intelligence
Element: Fire (hot, dry)
Elemental Keywords: Energy, Action, Inception
Elemental Attributions: South, Summer, Noon
Astrological Attribution: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Tree of Life: Kether
Suit Color: Wands-Red

Passion
Direction
Ignition
Expansion
Initiation
Creativity
Energization
Resourcefulness

Keywords: Instigate, Ignite, Action, Spark, Handle, Tool, Organic, Inspiration, Self-Expression, Grasp, Masculine Energy Virility, Desire, Confidence, Dominate, Vibrant Energy.
The Ace of Wands represents creative force, enthusiasm, confidence, and courage. For the querent, the appearance of this card may mean that the seeds of enthusiasm have been planted, though he may not yet have recognized the same. This enthusiasm could be in any form – a creative idea, a surge of optimism, or even a need to act boldly. This is the time for the querent to check out how the potent and confident energy of the Ace of Wands could work for him.

This could be the time to be daring and brave – the time to risk, trying to get what you want. Choose the way that excites you, and let go! This is the time to seize the initiative by its throat, push beyond your limits, and reach for the new heights. The Ace of Wands stands for individual power and fulfillment. This is the time for passion, the time to assert yourself for the best.

The Ace of Wands, being also the card of creativity, could influence and inspire you to invention. This is a chance to be original. This is the chance to trust your potential, and reach for the sky. There is no limit!

Upright: The Ace of Wands signifies the beginning of a new venture or a new life. It is representative of new experiences, fresh ideas, new beginnings, optimism, inventiveness, enthusiasm and drive. You may be experiencing a period of increased creativity or a feeling of being driven. You may be starting a new business or career. This could be the start of something big!
Do something different, and be alert or receptive to new ideas. Act on the alternatives that will be presented.
A new start or way of life will be realized soon.

Reversed: In its reversed position, the Ace of Wands would signify delays and difficulties, or trouble getting a new enterprise off the ground. You may be feeling powerless or impotent. Possibly you are pessimistic and are not even trying. Your own behavior may be the source of the problem. You need to follow through with your promises and spend some time brainstorming for new ideas. You need to be open to solutions to your problems.

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If you have ambitions to achieve greater financial or career success this year, then the 6 of Wands is a good luck omen that your efforts could well be rewarded with success and recognition!

Choices and decisions you make now and within the next month or so, will determine just how much success you achieve in the next 12 months or so. Be confident and set your goals high. Assertive action could bring rewards sooner rather than later.

You could receive a promotion or pay rise at work, have a loan approved or sell your property within the next few months!

The energy associated with the 6 of Wands is fast moving and exciting and decisive and courageous action is well rewarded. As they say: fortune favors the bold, so do not be afraid to ask for a pay rise or promotion if you feel you deserve one!
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