CLAIRE ELIZABETH

TAROT - ASTROLOGY - MYSTICISM

4/15/14

TAROT: MAJOR ARCANA - THE FOOL

Morgan-Greer Deck

THE FOOL

Number: 0

Astrology: Uranus

Element: Air

Numerological Relationship: All the Major Arcana

Symbolism: White rose, dog, mountains, the Fool, pack, Sun, knapsack

Keywords: beginning, journey, adventure, innocence, free-spirit, joy, originality, creativity

"A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool." - William Shakespeare



IMAGERY

The Fool is the most important card in the deck according to many. With the number 0 it is believed that The Fool is in all of us and we must learn all the lessons of the Major Arcana throughout our lives (and usually more than once). The Fool is the beginning, the middle and the ending of our journey and can appear when most needed as a reminder. While traditionally depicted as a male, The Fool is open to perspectives and experiences of both the divine masculine and feminine.

The mountains and the Sun represent adventure, enlightenment and the highest spiritual knowledge.

The white rose in this card is very important, it represents purity within our conscious and our subconscious mind.

The white dog is The Fools companion and protector. She serves as a warning not to get too carried away and to watch our step.

The Fool carries a knapsack that represents the seed of knowledge. However, since he doesn't plan he may not have everything he needs which is where his blind faith comes into question. Will The Fool reap what he sows?

READINGS

The Fool indicates new beginnings and taking a leap of faith into the unknown. The Fool is asking you to let go of anxiety and worry, and to trust your instincts. If you believe in yourself you can achieve anything. You are to embark on an adventure which can be literal or metaphorical. It is very important that you use the opportunity you are given for personal growth. If there is an important choice to be made, listen to your heart.

Overview/Table Of Contents
Next: The Magician

- Claire

3/3/14

LUNAR CYCLE: WAXING CRESCENT

The Waxing Crescent Moon is at its peak half way between the New Moon and continues until it reaches the First Quarter. During this period the crescent shape is visible on the right side of The Moon (in the Northern Hemisphere), and appears to be growing bigger from darkness.

"If the moon smiled, she would resemble you. You leave the same impression of something beautiful, but annihilating." - Sylvia Plath

The Waxing Crescent phase represents planning and growth. On the New Moon you thought about your goals and your intent, now is the time to take action. Creativity and fertility is said to be high right now, so thinking outside the box is a must. Research alternative methods to achieving your wish. You may feel like things are not progressing as quickly as you'd like but you must remember that like a newly planted seed under the soil, roots are starting to form.

The next instalment is Part Three - First Quarter
Track the moon phases here for any timezone: Lunarium

Moon Phase Series:

Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven

- Claire



3/1/14

TAROT: OVERVIEW


I decided to start this guide as a way of bettering my own skills as a reader. It will consist of different parts including interpretations for all the cards, which will become available one by one through the deck. This first post is an overview of the deck as a whole.

What is Tarot reading? Simply put it is a system of divination that is used as a spiritual guide for your life and your Soul's purpose. The most beautiful thing about The Tarot is there is a universal theme among all the cards: The beginning to the ending. This is most often represented as past, present and future. 

The Tarot consists of seventy-eight cards and is split into sections called The Major Arcana and The Minor Arcana. Arcana means secrets and mysteries - which is what many use Tarot reading to uncover.


The Major Arcana:

The Major Arcana represents the universal aspects of the human experience (innocence, wisdom, intellect, emotion and intuition). These twenty-two cards are the heart and soul of the deck and must always take precedence in our readings. When they turn up you are receiving what is needed for spiritual growth and understanding. Keeping in tune with the beginning and ending theme of The Tarot the Major Arcana starts with innocence and ends with knowledge.

0: The Fool - Uranus
I: The Magician – Mercury
II: The High Priestess – the Moon
III: The Empress - Venus
IV: The Emperor - Aries
V: The Hierophant - Taurus
VI: The Lovers - Gemini
VII: The Chariot - Cancer
VIII: Strength - Leo
IX: The Hermit – Virgo & Chiron
X: Wheel of Fortune - Jupiter
XI: Justice - Libra
XII: The Hanged Man - Neptune
XIII: Death - Scorpio
XIV: Temperance - Sagittarius
XV: The Devil - Capricorn
XVI: The Tower - Mars
XVII: The Star - Aquarius
XVIII: The Moon - Pisces
XIX: The Sun – The Sun
XX: Judgment - Pluto
XXI: The World - Saturn

The Minor Arcana:

The Minor Arcana represents our daily decisions, actions and feelings. They are support/guide cards when next to Major Arcana. They are divided into four suits with numbered cards Ace through Ten and four Court Cards. 

Suits:

Wands: Spiritual - Fire - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Pentacles: Material - Earth - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Swords: Mental - Air - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Cups: Emotional - Water - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces 

Numbered Cards:

Aces, Twos, Threes: beginning
Fours, Fives, Sixes: middle
Sevens, Eights, Nines: ending
Tens: completion

Court Cards:
These cards can (and most often are) people involved in life events and sometimes represent levels of maturity.

Page: messages
Knight: movement
Queen: creators
King: managers

- Claire

Links to the different sections will arrive as they are completed. 
The next article will be about The Fool. 


2/28/14

LUNAR CYCLE: NEW MOON


This eight part series is to help you learn the cycle of our Moon and its influence on our lives. When you understand its phases you can use its power to better your own life. Lasting roughly twenty-nine and a half days, the Moon moves between each of the twelve zodiac signs every two and a half days. Knowing which sign the Moon is in can greatly benefit your growth and explain the different moods we experience without rhyme or reason. Use their traits and strengths as a guide and don't be afraid to trust your instincts.

"I like to think that the moon is there even if I am not looking at it." - Albert Einstein 

The Phases are as follows:

New, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter and Waning Crescent

First Phase - New Moon

This phase represents death and rebirth. More importantly, it is a time for reflecting on the past and preparing for new beginnings. It is the first of the two most powerful phases (the other being full). The subconscious mind and the conscious mind share the same plane, which means you must focus on your aspirations and goals; if you plant the seeds they shall grow. Think of the New Moon as a blank page where you control the story - what do you wish for most? This can also be a period of uncertainty because we cannot see the Moon with our eyes. Which is why it is paramount that we trust in the universe and ourselves.

Ritualistically speaking there are a few simple things you can do to manifest your goals. The easiest of which is simply sitting and meditating for fifteen minutes. Envision your goal coming to fruition, think about the steps you need to take to get there.

Another way (and my personal favourite) is to write your aspiration on a dry bay leaf and burn it. You can be as specific as you like but if you're feeling brave you can also write a word related to your goal. Perhaps you would like abundance, trust that you may receive it in more than one way.

From the start of the New Moon until Waxing Crescent (approximately 3.5 days) take time to reflect on your goal.

Lunar Transitions - Zodiac Signs

Transiting Moon In Aries: During this time we feel reborn, as if we can take on anything. We have an inner fire, which causes restlessness and ambition. It can seem as though we have the innocence of a child, seeing the world for the first time.

New Moon In Aries Goals:

  • Breaking habits
  • Overcoming anxiety
  • Leadership

Transiting Moon In Taurus: The Moon is exalted in Taurus which makes pleasure heightened in everyone (this is even more so in people with their natal moon in Taurus). We feel homey and possessive about the things we hold dear. 

New Moon In Taurus Goals:
  • Money and material gain
  • Love
  • The home

Transiting Moon In Gemini: If you've ever felt uncontrollably restless than you can be almost certain the Moon was in the sign of this communicator. It is a great time to connect with others of all walks of life, and to learn other viewpoints. 

New Moon In Gemini Goals:
  • Learning
  • Reputation
  • Communication

Transiting Moon In Cancer: When the moon is in Cancer we become very emotional. In astrology the moon rules this sign and it is about tapping into our softer side. Sometimes this feeling can make us sad and sentimental but it is vital that we experience this part of our psyche. 

New Moon In Cancer Goals:
  • Domestic life
  • Family
  • Old wounds

Transiting Moon In Leo: Similar to Aries, the Moon in Leo makes us ambitious, but we are more susceptible to criticism that can hurt our pride. However like the Lion we must remember to be courageous and not necessarily aggressive.

New Moon In Leo Goals:
  • Courage
  • Authority
  • Beauty

Transiting Moon In Virgo: If you are feeling introverted and productive, the Virgo transit is probably the cause. Some people experience a need to get their life (or things in their life) organized and functional. Take care not to be overly critical of yourself and others during this transit. 

New Moon In Virgo Goals:
  • Health (including mental)
  • Job/Career
  • Positive routines

Transiting Moon In Libra: Like Virgo, Libra causes us to be organized but on a more aesthetic level. We tend to want everything in perfect harmony, however this can easily turn into playing devil's advocate which can create tension. 

New Moon In Libra Goals:
  • Self Love
  • Relationships
  • Inner peace

Transiting Moon In Scorpio: Passion, heightened emotions and suspicion are all characteristics of this transit.  Scorpio rules death and rebirth so when the New Moon is in this sign, our deepest insecurities are brought forth. You may feel uncertain and suspicious of all situations right now, but you mustn't let this control you.

New Moon In Scorpio Goals:
  • Letting go of grudges
  • Psychic work
  • Sexuality

Transiting Moon In Sagittarius: This transit has the ability to bring out the adventurer in all of us. It is all about exploration whether it is through travel in a traditional sense or through knowledge. Optimism is heightened during this time, so you may not always think things through. 

New Moon In Sagittarius Goals:
  • Travel
  • Higher power/Spirituality
  • Education

Transiting Moon In Capricorn: The practical and serious side of us emerges when the Moon is in this sign. We can become completely enthralled with order and productivity which can result in chilly interactions with one another. However, it is a great time to focus on activities than benefit us in the long run as we have the drive to make it happen.

New Moon In Capricorn Goals:
  • Current business 
  • Investments
  • Power

Transiting Moon In Aquarius: Instinct and reaction are more intellectual during this period. While it is a social time, it can be on an impersonal level in the name of research. You may feel aloof and detached in one on one situations, but more in tune with the world around you in a humanitarian sense. 

New Moon In Aquarius Goals:
  • Friendship
  • Humanitarianism/Social progress
  • Intelligence

Transiting Moon In Pisces: Ethereal and dreamy qualities come to the surface while the Moon is in Pisces. You may be more empathetic with others and take on everyones burdens, instead of your own. Your imagination can take over while reality sits on the back burner. 

New Moon In Pisces Goals:
  • Karma
  • Healing
  • Mysticism

Your natal chart can greatly impact these transits and make some feel completely comfortable and others completely unbearable. Use those emotions and you can learn very important lessons about yourself.

I would also like to point out that these goals are just suggestions, always go for what feels right - it's why we take the time to reflect on the past and envision our future. 

- Claire

Moon Phase Series:
Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven