Gaian Tarot — Таро Гайи (Геи)

МБК значения: Gaian Tarot — Таро Гайи (Геи)

GAIAN TAROT

seeker
a new beginning

The Seeker begins a journey, taking a moment to contemplate the road ahead before setting off down the hillside. Perhaps she is murmuring a prayer, or setting an intention. She travels light, carrying all that she needs in her bundle. She has embroidered a butterfly on the back of her vest, signifying her delight in taking wing and setting out on her own path.

The Great Mountain rises in the east, and the River slowly meanders on its own journey, from the mountain range down to the bay and the ocean be- yond.

The Seeker is at that stage of life between childhood and adulthood when anything is possible, and her life lies before her like a page waiting to be written. With Fox as her trickster companion, who knows what surprises may await her? Swallows and Swallowtails flit and flutter around her, guiding her way.

magician
spirit made manifest

The Magician is a ritual drummer, the drum his magic wand. He plays the djembe, caught up in the bliss and ecstasy of the trance created by the sound of the drum. He knows that the rhythm of his drumbeat matches the heartbeat of the Earth. Firelight flickers on cave walls, painted with a thousand hands, like the prehistoric handprints in the Cave of Hands (Cueva de las Manos) in Argentina.

An altar with items representing the four elements anchors him in sacred space. He creates the matrix that allows magic to happen. He opens a door between this world and the world of Spirit. The hand creates magic — whether with a drum, a paintbrush or ritual tool. Hands bring the Unseen into the realm of the Seen.

priestess
dreams, voices and visions

The woman of mystery calls upon us to turn within when the moon is waning. Listen, she says, to the voice of the wind with its pungent salty scent . . . listen to the voices that arise in your dreams or from your wombs during the time of moonflow.

She sits before the willow veil of Hecate and hears the unspoken words of Owl and Salmon, the sea behind her illuminated by a waning moon. At her side is the Sleeping Goddess of Malta, who sends healing dreams. In her hands is the rubyfruit of Persephone, symbol of fertility, death and sexuality.

Is she Maiden? Is she Crone?

She carries both within her, balancing the wisdom of age with the freshness of youth — and holds fast to the autonomy of both.

Sssh . . . the priestess whispers:

Guard the Mysteries! Constantly reveal them!

gardener
sensuality, creativity, abundance

Our Lady of the Land revels in the fertility and lushness of the midsummer fields, the first fruits of the harvest and the ripening of her own body. She is the mother Demeter of the wheat and poppies. She is the daughter of the Great Goddess of Willendorf. She is the butterfly Monarch. She embodies Venus/Aphrodite as well, luxuriating in sensuality and eroticism. She is both mother and lover and, in proudly proclaiming her right to be both, she heals Western society’s split between sexuality and motherhood.

She wears a kukui nut necklace, a Hawaiian symbol of of status and empowerment. The mirror of Venus reflects her own beauty and gives us a glimpse into the Otherworld. She is surrounded by overflowing baskets of produce, as fields yet to be harvested stretch out to the horizon.

“Take and eat,” she says as she offers us an apple, a papaya, a fig, the fruitfulness of our own souls. “It is good.”

On the rock we see a carving from Italy (500 BCE) that shows a Gorgon Medusa giving birth, assisted by two lions. When we call upon on our inner strength, we may be calm and resolute or wild and fierce. Sometimes we are the Lady and sometimes the Lion.

builder
structure, boundaries, foundation

The Builder is a master craftsman, shown here carving a design of oak leaves and acorns into the post that flanks the front door of his home. He is committed to the ethics and principles of sustainability and has built an earth-friendly house. Drying herbs hang from the rafters, firewood is stacked in preparation for winter, and a spiral of beach stones leads the visitor to the arched doorway.

The Builder is strong and comfortable in his own authority. Yet unlike most historic emperors, he does not destroy life for his own power or benefit. Inspired by the Green Man, the spirit of the wildwood whose face he has carved into the post, he works in harmony with nature and honors Mother Earth’s animals and resources. The kestrel, a small falcon who hunts with speed, grace and precision, watches and waits as the Builder focuses on his task.

The Builder is the archetypal Father, the creator of culture, structure and human laws, as compared to the Gardener, who embodies the abundance of Mother Earth. He is the city, she is the country. He is the building, she is the garden. As an architect of civilization, our Builder creates networks and systems that enable people to live and work together, sharing resources and creating a supportive, sustainable community.

teacher
learning and teaching

The Teacher is a humble and spiritual figure in the tradition of the Holy Fool or Crazy Saint, known in Sufi tradition as well as in Tibetan Buddhism, Hasidic Judaism and Christianity. Crazy saints speak in riddles, they tease, they laugh uproariously and act intentionally ridiculous. At the same time, they are guileless, transparent and open to a sense of wonder. Who, we ask, is the Wise Man, and who is the Fool?

The Teacher sits in front of a Western Red Cedar surrounded by five green allies, potent medicinal herbs that many would pass by as weeds. Is it crazy to take as your teacher Dandelion, Stinging Nettle, Garlic, Yarrow and Comfrey? And what lessons are taught by Western Red Cedar?

The coyote is a Crazy Saint as well. Wilderness tracker Tom Brown Jr. passed on the tradition of “coyote teaching” from his own teacher. “Grandfather” used methods like questioning, teasing and storytelling to inspire and intrigue lazy students. Coyote teaching also happens when you plan to learn one thing (the medicinal use of herbs, for example) and end up learning something else altogether (perhaps the limits of your own courage and stamina).

lovers
follow your passion

The Lovers celebrate the sacred feast of Beltane (May Day) in their green- wood bower, attended by the swan of Aphrodite and her twin doves. He is re- splendent as the sun and she, green as the growing earth. He is crowned with leaves, she with May-flowers — hawthorn blossoms, which remind us to “follow our bliss.” Between them they hold the blood- red wild rose of summer, symbol of the sweetness and the sting of passion. A bumblebee hovers near the rose, waiting the chance to drink deeply of its nectar. For a moment, they have turned away from being caught up in each other’s gaze to look outward together in the same direction.

canoe
stay focused on your path

The paddler sets out on his quest, unencumbered by baggage or even excess clothing. He is focused on his goal, in- tent, looking neither to the left nor right. The phrase “paddle your own canoe” indicates self-determination and self-reliance. He brings his strength, will and courage to the task at hand. A boat often symbolizes transition from the material world to the spirit world. Here the paddler makes his way in the world while exploring spiritual depths. His task is to live his life with meaning — to infuse everyday life with his soul purpose.

His paddle is his magic wand, his tattoos his armor. His companions on the journey are Eagle and Salmon, each bringing their own gifts — swiftness, power and keen sight from Eagle, wisdom of the deep from Salmon. The black- and-white Orcas bring their own powerful magic, the balance of playfulness and fierceness. No doubt they will both challenge and guide him.

strength
courage and inner fire

A strong and beautiful woman holds a cougar in her arms. Both wear a crown of flowers. The mountain lion symbolizes her passion, her instincts, her sexuality and her wildness. Instead of believing that her animal nature needs to be subdued, she embraces it and makes it a friend.

Choices are made from the heart. One becomes a bit wilder, more passionate, more creative. The mindful per- son becomes more spontaneous. There is union between the animal instinctual nature and the “civilized” mind. The infinity sign above her head symbolizes the exchange of energy and information between the left and right sides of the brain — linear and holistic. Inner strength arises naturally from the self-confidence of a balanced, integrated person.

On the rock we see a carving from Italy (500 BCE) that shows a Gorgon Medusa giving birth, assisted by two lions. When we call upon on our inner strength, we may be calm and resolute or wild and fierce. Sometimes we are the Lady and sometimes the Lion.

hermit
sacred solitude

The Hermit retreats from the company of others to replenish his soul in solitude as he communes with the natural world. He listens to the calls of birds as he writes and sketches in his journal at twilight time. He ponders his own mortal- ity, and the gifts and challenges of aging. His guardian is the Barred Owl, who sees keenly in the darkness and embodies silent wisdom. From the sacred smoke of burning sage, visions rise of spirit animals. The Loon, with its primal eerie call, leads the Hermit into the waters of his dreams and ancestral memories. Wolf, the moon’s ally, reminds the Hermit that he is part of a pack or tribe, even when he spends time apart from it. The Merlin is a magical, shapeshifting raptor who shares its name with the Wise Old Man of Arthurian legend. All three are teachers of the Hermit’s soul.

wheel
cycles and seasons

The Wheel of the Year turns and spins, as one season transforms into the next. In this card, the fiery core of the Earth is at the still point of the turning world. Trees of each season are rooted in Her body. Around the trees we see the eight phases of the moon, which correspond to the eight holy days of the solar year. The zodiac is aligned with the seasons and the lunar phases. For example, the Dark/New Moon corresponds to Winter Solstice, the shortest night of the year when the sun begins to wax again. Winter Solstice occurs when the sun moves into the sign of Capricorn. So these three — Dark/New Moon, Winter Tree and sign of Capricorn — all line up on the card, and so on around the Wheel.

The cycles of nature teach us that all of life moves in a wheel. Wherever we stand on this wheel, we are certain to move to the next point and the one after that, until we are brought full circle to the place where we started, and as T.S. Eliot wrote, we “know the place for the first time.”

Outside the wheel of the solar year, the lunar month and the wheel of the zodiac, we see a circle of prayer beads. This rosary, or mala, is divided into six sets of nine (the magical number of three times three). As we say or sing repetitive prayers, counting beads as we go, we enter an altered state where anything is possible, magic happens, and butterflies — symbol of the soul — break free of the turning of the wheel.

justice
karmic balance

Instead of the familiar “scales of justice,” we see a numinous figure who, with his outstretched hands, has become trans- formed into the scales himself. He stands tall and upright, with a look of deep com- passion in his eyes. In one hand he holds a passionate, flaming heart; in the other, a feather. In Egyptian mythology, the heart of a person who has recently died is weighed against the feather of Ma’at, Goddess of Justice. If the scales balance, he or she is welcomed into Paradise. If the scales do not balance, the person’s heart is devoured by a demon. The story of Ma’at reminds us that beyond the social laws of societies and nations is the universal law of cause and effect, or karmic balance.

Every day we make ethical or unethical choices that make our hearts lighter or heavier. This happens on a global level, too. When human beings take what they want from the natural world without considering the consequences, devastation occurs. All the plants and animals pictured on this card are endangered or threatened species: Spotted Owl, American Ginseng, Canada Lynx, Echinacea, Vancouver Island Marmot, Fender’s Blue Butterfly, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Black Necked Stilt, Northern Sea Otter, Trillium, Red Wolf, Whooping Crane. We also see, in the distance, a forest of stumps left over from a clearcut. Each of these species has its own story of why it is threatened, and how it might survive. The beauty, mystery and diversity of our extraordinary planet is diminished every time another species becomes extinct.

The river in the background refers to the many folk songs and hymns that quote Amos 5:24: “Let justice flow like a river and righteousness [right action] like an ever-flowing stream.”

Justice asks us to consider the consequences of our actions with each choice that we make.

tree
letting go

The Hanged Man has always been one of the most mysterious and compel- ling images in the Tarot. Here the dream-like figure is suspended in the yoga posture called vriksha-asana — the Tree. Her grace and balance is a mirror of the serenity of her inner being. She is able to stay centered even when her world is in upheaval, when the horizon is off-kilter and all things are topsy turvy.

Perhaps our yogini is right side up in an upside down world. Her practice and devotion are evident in the way that she has become at one with the sky and sea. She ignores the discomfort of her position, finding harmony with a deeper vision. She shows us how to “let go and let God/dess.”

death
dying and being born

A heron lies dead in an old decaying boat near the beach. Ants and spiders crawl on the carcass and a vulture hovers overhead. Wild roses and elder- berry grow up through the rotting boat and butterflies flit through the greenery. Sinuous ropes like snakes are coiled below the deck. To the west are the islands of the Otherworld, and late afternoon sunlight sparkles on the water.

In Celtic mythology, the Otherworld — often conceived as islands — always lies to the West, and travelers often set off on their last journey by boat. Heron is a guardian spirit who stands at the gateway of life and death. Vultures feed on dead flesh and purify it, leaving only bones behind. Elderberry is an herb that is both medicinal and toxic.

The flash of sunlight on water has been called the “White Lady” in some Celtic traditions, and is seen as an epiphany or manifestation of the Goddess. When the heron sails home through the gates of the Otherworld, those of us who are left behind stand in awe of the Great Mystery.

temperance
combining opposites

The Winged One lifts a shell to pour out her blessings into a bowl of burn- ing herbs. Instead of water, she pours the refracted light of a rainbow. Her third eye glows with sacred knowledge and far-see- ing. The steam-filled pool distorts her re- flection — or is the distortion an accurate picture of another kind? She is a mixed-race child; the bloodlines of many cultures run within her body. By her example, she calls to us to integrate all the disparate parts of ourselves. Her gifts are those of healing, creativity and the integration of light and shadow within us.

The word “temperance” comes from the Latin temperare, “to combine” or “to mix.” This card is about combining diverse elements to create something new. As such, it is often the signature card of artists. Blue and red make purple; rain and sun make rainbows; water and fire make steam. The full moon rises as the sun sets; the sun rises as the full moon sets. This perfect balance of opposites graces us with extraordinary beauty.

bindweed
life out of balance

The previous card, Temperance, re- minds us to live a balanced life. The Bindweed card depicts a life lived desperately out of balance. The figure is in despair, bound to his own addictions. He sees no way out. His internal struggle is reflected in the world around him, where non-native invasive plants and birds crowd out native species, causing a severe imbalance in the ecosystem.

Although bindweed flowers (of the morning glory family) look lovely and pristine white, the plant runs rampant, curling itself around the stems and branches of healthy plants until they wither away for lack of sunlight.

In the sky behind the figure, a flock of starlings (a non-native species in North America) swoops by, decimating the habitat of native birds. More starlings chatter with each other above the figure, like voices in his head that won’t go away. Will the figure break free of his bonds? Will he find his way back to health and harmony? Perhaps he will need to pull the bindweed up by it roots and burn it before he can bring his life back into balance.

lightning
sudden, irrevocable change

Lightning strikes a tree and lights it on fire as a thunderstorm rages. Three figures fall out of the sky, as if in a dream. When lightning strikes, there is an increase of ozone in the atmosphere, which cleanses the air. In the same way, the aftermath of a calamity can bring about renewal in our lives.

In Celtic folklore, it is said that a tree that survives a lightning bolt often flourishes afterwards. People take pieces of such trees to bless their homes and draw good luck. In some indigenous cultures, a person who survives being struck by lightning may become a shaman and healer.

This card is one of sudden, irrevocable change, unlike the Wheel where change occurs in cycles and patterns. It can be as catastrophic as an earthquake or a terrorist attack, or as illuminating as a sudden flash of insight. In either case, life will never be the same.

star
opening to grace

A time of peace and tranquility follows the lightning and storms of the previous card. A woman kneels before a sacred spring that is filled with starlight. In her hands, she cups the Water of Life. Soon she will take a deep drink and be filled with renewal, hope and inspiration. Her body becomes suffused with light as she experiences herself at one with all beings.

Above her the Pleaides rise, those dancing Seven Sisters who symbolize our heart’s home. Behind her is the celestial stream between Heaven and Earth, known as the Milky Way, where pilgrims travel from one realm to the next. Beside her the Kingfisher reminds us of the halcyon days of peace and plenty. With our inner ear, we hear a voice proclaim: “I am the Soul of Nature, which gives Life to the Universe. From me all things proceed, and to me all things shall return.” More than anything, the Star Goddess represents grace, a divine connection that is unearned and freely granted.

Let us take our hope and inspiration from the Star of Wonder. May She remind us to offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for the multitude of blessings in our lives.

moon
constant, faithful changes

La Luna Bella! A woman invokes the energies of the full moon, while all around her spiral the eight lunar phases. Each month the moon embodies the cycle of descent and return, as it waxes to full- ness, wanes to darkness, and begins to wax again. The Moon is constantly changing, and She is utterly faithful in Her changes.

This cycle embodies one of the most profound teachings that Nature has to offer us. Every month the lunar cycle, which is mirrored in a woman’s menstrual cycle, reminds us that one stage of life always succeeds another, and that a time of darkness is always followed by renewal.

Behind the woman we see the Paleolithic relief of the Great Goddess of Laussel, which may be humankind’s first calendar. With one hand she points to her belly (hidden behind the woman’s head) and with the other, she holds aloft a crescent-shaped horn incised with thirteen notches, the number of lunations in a solar year. The woman is accompanied by those allies of the night, Owl and Wolf. Owl teaches us to navigate by our feelings, instinct and intuition. Wolf teaches us to get in touch with our “wildish” nature and howl at that luminous moon. Salmon leaps up from the depths, bringing the wisdom of its own cycle of descent and return.

sun
radiant joy

From the shadows of the Moon, we move into the clear light of day. A woman dances for joy at the peak of the sun’s power, at noon on Summer Solstice. Even the sunflowers behind her are radiating happiness. As she dances, she experiences that sensation known as “flow.” She is so focused and engaged in her dancing that she loses all sense of self and of the passage of time. She has learned how to create happiness for herself by living a life of purpose and by sharing her joy with others. There is no hidden agenda here, no sadness or darkness or stress, just the sheer joy of being alive.

awakening
getting conscious

With this card, we awaken to a higher level of consciousness, both on a personal level and on a planetary one. We are called to open our hearts to Spirit, to live in a more meaningful way, and to participate in the life of our communities. We “think globally and act locally” and are aware of the dakinis, angels and bodhisattvas that aid us behind the scenes as we work to heal the planet.

In this image, a young man opens up to the life of the Spirit. He has emerged from the darkness of the tomb/womb of Newgrange and is now fol- lowing the spiral path of the devotee. The compassionate gaze of Kwan Yin, Goddess of Mercy, smiles down upon him. Cranes of peace fly overhead.

His community encircles him, between the earth and the heavens, creating sacred space where all things are possible. Magic happens, the earth is healed, and so are we.

gaia
the world —may all beings be blessed

The silver-haired Grandmother of All holds Mother Earth in her arms, gazing at her with all the joy and tenderness a mother has for her newborn child. The Daughter is here too, in the form of a swallowtail butterfly. (Can this be the same swallowtail we saw on the Seeker card?) Prayers for the planet are perpetually made as prayer flags flutter in the breeze. The wreath of blessing herbs — cedar, sage, sweetgrass and lavender — creates the mandorla gateway, guarded by animals of the four directions. May all beings be blessed. May there be peace on our beloved Mama Gaia.

fire

ace of fire
A snake has just broken his way out of an egg and is encountering the world for the first time. Because of his ability to shed his skin and emerge in a new one, Snake has long been a symbol of renewal and transformation. In the background we see sparks shooting from a hidden flame, symbolizing the fires of creativity, sexuality and empowerment.

two of fire
Two fire dancers, charged with sexual attraction, come close to embracing but hold themselves back. Their torches form a blazing X between them as their challenging gazes meet. Sparks fly. Will they or won’t they?

three of fire
A woman dances with billowing scarves, as a blazing sunset turns the evening sky into an inferno. She herself blazes too, with passion and personal power. Her crackling, magical energy even draws three “great balls of fire” into her sphere!

four of fire
A woman stands within a sacred circle, the four directions marked by tall votive candles. She is breathing deeply, allowing the energy of the desert night to flood her body. Energy moves up from the earth and down from the sky into her body. Kundalini rises, power flows, all blocks are gone. She is marking a personal rite of passage and exulting in her own empowerment.

five of fire
A fire performer spits billowing flames out of his mouth. Twisted faces of gargoyles or maddened creatures form in the smoke and fire. Breathing fire can burn both the performer and his audience. It’s powerful and exciting, and potentially lethal. 

six of fire
It’s festival time! With nightfall comes the lighting of the bonfire and the arrival of drummers and dancers. The energy builds until it reaches a blazing peak of creative and erotic power, and we are entrained and entranced. Together we fan the flames of the sacred fire. We raise a cone of power and release it — and are left utterly transformed.

seven of fire
A blacksmith stands at a forge, raising her hammer high to strike the red-hot iron rod. The scent of rain-soaked autumn woods mixes with the pungent aroma of burning coals and hot metal. The smith’s heartbeat races as she pounds the glowing iron bar into the shape she desires. It takes much strength and determination to bend iron to your will. The smith wears an amulet in the shape of Thor’s Hammer (Mjöllnir) around her neck. She draws on the power of the Viking god of thunder, as sparks like lightning fly from her hammer. She knows that nothing can keep her from accomplishing her desire.

eight of fire
Meteors with trails like sparkling diamonds streak swiftly towards the earth. Meteor showers are spectacular sights that fill our hearts with awe and wonder. The ancients believed they were portents of great change, for good or ill. 

nine of fire
A man has retreated to a redrock cave, a sacred spot where energies gather, in order to replenish his own life-force. He seats himself in meditation and soon the kundalini serpent begins to rise. He is radiant with inner fire, connected to heaven and earth. He experiences himself as a be- ing of light, as well as a being of flesh and blood and bone.

ten of fire
A forest fire is raging, the smoke and ashes released into the air. To our “civilized” minds, a fire is terrifying because it’s a threat to our homes, our towns, our animals and possibly our own lives. But forest fires are a natural part of the cycle of life, and were sometimes carefully set by indigenous people. Fire is necessary to clear away undergrowth and debris and is important to the overall health of a forest. Fires are beneficial for prairies, which may need fire to maintain their very existence, and to some species such as the Lodgepole Pine, whose cones often need exposure to high temperatures in order to release their seeds.

child of fire
The Child of Fire laughs in delight at the flames of a campfire that dance and dazzle him. Humans have gazed into flames since the beginning of time, fascinated by the warmth, radiance, visions — and even danger — the fire brings. Yet all this is a wondrous discovery for each child who sees fire for the first time. His companion, the tabby cat, is as comfort- able in the shadows as she is basking in the glow of the firelight.

explorer of fire
The Explorer of Fire spins her flaming orbs through the darkness, the poi making a pattern of dazzling light that arcs and loops and falls. Her movements are as sensuous and sinuous as a serpent, and just as mesmerizing. She has practiced long hours to make her movements look effortless. But the skill of fire spinning requires her to be balanced, coordinated, flexible, and daring. She wears the mask of a fire goddess; in her trance state, perhaps she becomes one. As the flames whoosh! around her, she enters the silence at the center of the circle. Fire dancers say that none of them escapes being burned at least once. Fire consumes . . . fire transforms. Fire is dangerous, erotic and hot. The fire spinner’s ally is Salamander, who offers the gift of assisting us through our transformations or re-energizing us when life seems devoid of passion.

guardian of fire
This Guardian is a fire tender. He keeps an eye on the bonfire at festivals, making sure it neither gets too high nor gets so low that it goes out. His energy matches that of the fire, whether it’s quiet, smoking, sparking or blazing. He’s often in the background of the circle, but the drumming and dancing can’t happen without him. He’s an integral part of the community. He guards and nurtures the qualities of creativity, personal power, pas- sion and transformation. His ally is Bobcat, who knows how to channel the life force silently but powerfully. Like the owl, he sees and hears clearly in the dark.

elder of fire
A curandera (healer) squats on the earth in front of an altar honoring the ancestors during Los Días de los Muertos — the Days of the Dead. She holds a handful of burning herbs that direct waves of energy to dissipate the foul and bring in the sweet. She lives in la época del mito (the Otherworld, the time of myth) as much — or more — as she does in the world of consensual reality. Her gaze, directed at the viewer, is potent and challenging. Her ally is the iguana, who brings the medicine of the dreamtime.

The Elder of Fire reminds us to open up to the Otherworld, the world of energy patterns and spirits and Invisibles. When we shift our inner reality, our outer reality shifts as well.

water

ace of water
Salmon have spawned in a deep pool on the side of a river. Bright orange eggs are scattered among the rocks at the bot- tom of the pool. The just-hatched alevins and a salmon fingerling start to explore their watery world. Salmon’s journey is one of descent and return, the archetypal shaman’s journey. Salmon will travel hundreds of miles downstream to the ocean, then back again to the stream where she was born to give birth to the next generation. In Celtic mythology, Salmon is the embodiment of Wisdom.

two of water
A woman and her canine friend joyfully embrace near a waterfall. The woman’s heart chakra is tattooed with a design of an opening lotus. The waterfall creates negative ions, which refresh and uplift the spirit. Dog and human meet in a joyful heart connection, for dogs epitomize faithfulness, companionship and unconditional love.

three of water
Three curious sea otters are at play in great forests of kelp. Two float on their backs on the surface of the water, chattering away. Another dives deep, perhaps going after shells he’s just tossed in. Later on they’ll swim to shore and find a place to slide down a muddy bank on their bellies. Otters seem to be carefree, mischievous creatures who enchant us humans with their antics and charm.

four of water
A young woman gazes into the waters of Chalice Well, a holy well in Glastonbury, England. Is she sad and grieving or is she at peace? She may be scrying the patterns on the surface of the water, or contemplating the mysteries of the well’s red waters. The Lady of the Well murmurs secrets in her ear as she gazes at the water. If her own personal well is empty and in need of replenishment, it will be filled to overflowing in this sacred place.

five of water
A woman sits on a misty shore, wrapped up against the cold. She holds a scrying bowl in her hands but no images have arisen in it. Her longing gaze is directed inwardly as the fog of depression descends over the scene. In the distance, a boat is moored to the shore

six of water
Mermaid sisters gather together to celebrate the peak of Summer as sunset falls on the longest day of the year.

We are naked and innocent, with hearts wide open to embrace each other. We weave a sensuous, spellbinding web of love and pleasure as we sing, “we are the flow, we are the ebb . . .” We slip between the borders of earth and sea, night and day, human and seal — to the place where magic begins.

seven of water
A man has chosen one dream out of many possible dreams. He has let go of dithering over this fantasy or that option and has made his choice. It’s the moment of commitment for him. Perhaps he listened when a wise one encouraged him: “Say no to the good, in order to say Yes! to the great.”

eight of water
A woman swims upstream in a river, intent on reaching her destination. She is focused and determined, as she takes action to live an authentic life. There may be times when she feels like she’s in over her head, when she wants to turn around and let the current take her swiftly and easily downstream. But then she’ll just have to pick herself up and head upstream again, after having lost a lot of ground. “Stay true to yourself,” the River whispers. “Keep to your course ‘til you make landfall.”

nine of water
A woman enters a sacred sea cave and lifts her arms to receive the embrace of the Ocean Mother. She sings a song of devotion as waves crash and salt spray kisses her brow. As she sings in harmony with the rushing wind and the tide, she enters into a mystical state of ecstasy. When she leaves, she gathers nine white stones that carry the energy of the cave and the song she sang to the Mother.

ten of water
The salmon cycle of descent and re- turn is one of the most inspiring stories found in nature, whether you approach it as pure science or as a spiritual metaphor. Very simply, salmon fry are born in fresh water and are carried downriver to the sea where they grow to maturity. If they’re not eaten by orca whales or caught by fishermen, they make their way back upriver to the same place they were hatched. Just as their bodies grew when they first floated downstream, their bodies transform again as they work their way upstream to spawn, laying eggs that will become the next generation. Then they die. Their bodies rot, and what isn’t picked over by ravens and eagles is composted into the soil, turning it into fertile ground.

child of water
The Child of Water stands at the tideline, where the water meets the shore. As the tide flows and ebbs, treasures are uncovered then covered up once more. The water’s edge is a place of fascination and magic for children and adults alike. The Child points to a bright orange sea star she has discovered. Nearby, a hermit crab scuttles by, carrying its house on its back. All around her, rocks and shells are strewn like jewels and sunlight sparkles on the water. Behind her, Mama Ocean rises and falls, ebbs and flows, and the sound of her ripples and waves are a lullabye of the heart.

explorer of water
Surfing can be a form of deep meditation, a way of stopping the mind from thinking. As in meditation, if the surfer tries too hard to control his mind, he be- comes rigid and tight. The wave then over- takes him and he wipes out. But the Explorer of Water knows how to be pulled into the present moment, hyper-aware and    effortlessly concentrating. He dances on Mama Gaia’s belly of water, the very essence of harmony and ease. He has found the sweet spot where all is effortless, moving with the wave that carries him with exquisite grace. His ally is Dolphin, who offers the gifts of balance, harmony and the wisdom of deep breathing.

guardian of water
The Guardian of Water is calling us to open our hearts to compassion, intuition and deep love. As if swimming in the waters of mercy, she overflows with forgiveness, peace and cleansing for a troubled world. Pour it out for me is her siren song. A school of fish swirls all about her, as if they were her children or her students, seeking comfort and closeness as they explore their world. The spiral koru necklace, echoed in the shape of the shell, signifies unfurling, opening, renewal. She guards and nurtures the qualities of intense emotions, dreams and healing. Her ally is Sea Turtle, who offers the gifts of good luck, peace, longevity and the ability to find the way home.

These are Kwan Yin’s waters of mercy, poured out upon a troubled world.

elder of water
A fisherman, who is intimately familiar with the tides and moods of Mother Ocean, rows his skiff out into the sound just before sunrise. It’s a liminal time and place: between night and day, between shore and sea. His attention is caught by a water bird — a heron? an eagle? a cormorant? — and he looks up, his gaze full of wonder. As he feels the shifting current be- low him, he remembers a poem by Rumi: “The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell. Don’t go back to sleep.” His ally is Harbor Seal, who is comfortable swimming above and below the water. Seal reminds us to pay attention to our dreams as they arise from the deep, and to be at home in both our inner and outer worlds.

air

ace of air
A butterfly emerges from a chrysalis on a bright spring morning, with hawthorn (the May-flower) in bloom. Butterfly is a symbol of the soul — psyche is the Greek word for both soul and butterfly. Her ability to go through the process of metamorphosis speaks to your capacity to change yourself. A tincture of hawthorn berries supports blood and heart health, and heals our hearts in other ways as well. “Follow your heart,” says Hawthorn. “You’re a brand-new being,” says Butterfly.

two of air
A woman stands by a hawthorn tree in bloom, listening to two cedar waxwings making companion calls. She closes her eyes to shut out extraneous noises so she can hear the quietest bird call, the one behind all the other ones. She cradles something precious in her hands — perhaps a stone or broken bird’s egg. It becomes a talisman of silence and awareness. “The quieter you become, the more you can hear,” says Ram Dass.

three of air
A man writes furiously in his journal, his thoughts and feelings pouring out onto the page. He may be working out issues that trouble him and are reflected in the image that turned up for his “card of the day” practice. Pen, pencil and feather stand in a red glass jar, anchored in place by river stones. Behind him are shelves of books filled with ideas, inspiration and wisdom.

four of air
Four robin’s eggs are nestled inside a nest that has been fashioned from twigs, grasses, moss, flower petals and bits of ribbon and string. It’s hidden away, tucked under leaves that protect it from prey or prying eyes.

five of air
Five bald eagles scream and fight over territory. Once an endangered species, the 1972 ban on DDT resulted in a big comeback for eagles. In some areas, the resurgence has led to overpopulation and competition for habitat. Visitors to the wilderness may even witness eagles fighting until one or more are dead.

six of air
The community awakens and “sings up the sun” together with prayer, song and drumming. As we gather with others of like mind at festivals or on retreat, we gain perspective and insight into the big, soulful issues of our lives. As we set our intent together in ceremonial space, the power to change our personal and planetary lives is magnified many times over.

seven of air
A hiker has paused on his journey to consult his map and to consider his destination. He needs to make plans for the next stage of his walkabout. Shall he climb the mountain, or follow the river down into the valley? Shall he seek the company of others, or continue to go it alone? Shall he take a shortcut, even though he might get stuck in the swamp of despair? What inner journey does this outer journey symbolize? He makes his plans and his strategies and — if he’s wise — he leaves room for serendipity.

eight of air
A small group of people sit in circle, holding council. One man is talk- ing while the others are actively listening. Perhaps they are planning a political action, remembering the words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt the ability of a small group of concerned citizens to change the world.” Perhaps they are working to achieve consensus on an issue that is important to their bonds as a spiritual circle. Maybe they are a peer counseling group. Or they could be participating in the deep transformation that can happen when we tell our authentic stories, and others listen deeply from their hearts.

nine of air
A woman is grieving, on a much deeper soul level than the distress of the 3 of Air. Storm clouds billow behind her, mirroring her inner turmoil. Yet she has gone to a sacred spot, and embraces a standing stone as if it were her mother. She goes deep into a trance state, letting her sorrow ground into the body of the earth. And with her inner vision she sees the face of She Who Watches — the One who always watches over her with love and compassion. (Note: She Who Watches is a petroglyph found near the Columbia River on the border of Washington and Oregon.)

ten of air
Canada geese fly in a V-formation during the fall migration. We can almost hear the chorus of honking. The familiar sight of geese flying south for the winter never fails to tug at our hearts, bringing a sense of impermanence and longing. In European tales of the Wild Hunt, it was said that flocks of wild geese or swans embodied the souls of the dead who flew through the winter night sky.

child of air
The Child of Air gazes at a swallowtail butterfly that alights on her hand as butterflies take flight in a spiral around her. She can feel the trembling of delicate wings and wonders if it’s really a faery, dis- guised as a butterfly. Perhaps, like the Zen master Chuang-tzu, she asks: “Am I a per- son dreaming that I’m a butterfly, or am I a butterfly who dreams I am a person?”

explorer of air
The Explorer of Air climbs a tall tree in the woods. From this height he has a new perspective on the world — he can see what the birds see as he gazes out over the landscape. He carries quiver, bow and blade with him, all tools of discernment and focus. He has studied and learned the language of the birds. He knows more than their songs; he also knows their companion and conflict calls, their begging and alarm calls. He understands when the birds tell each other about the deer laying quietly in the thicket, the fox silently watching, the hawk coming in to raid the songbird’s nest for eggs. He knows too that birds can be messengers from the Otherworld, as they move back and forth between the world of Spirit and the physical world. His ally is Peregrine Falcon, a raptor who is making a slow recovery after nearly becoming extinct. Falcon offers the gifts of speed, grace and mental agility.

guardian of air
The Guardian of Air is a yogini whose bare feet don’t feel the cold of the snow. This is not a woman who puts up with pretensions or incompetence in others. Her challenging gaze pierces you like a knife. She looks straight into your soul, shining a light on even the dustiest corners. She has removed herself from mainstream society, preferring the starkness and solitude of a mountaintop.

She has spent so much time in meditation and prayer that she has expanded her awareness to experience the entire cosmos. From this vantage point high in the mountains, as you listen to the toning of the singing bowl — what becomes crystal clear to you about your life? She guards and nurtures the qualities of communication, decision-making, strategy, prayer and meditation.

elder of air
Can you hear the sweet sound rising from the aromatic cedar flute? A grandfather’s prayer of thanksgiving wafts to the heavens as his breath becomes melody and harmony. This is a man who has dedicated his life to bringing peace and healing through music. The medicine of music creates a sanctuary for those in physical or spiritual pain, and stirs others to make a difference in the world. His ally Luna Moth flies high, carrying messages to and from the ancestors.

earth

ace of earth
A newborn fawn nestles up against the base of a red cedar, surrounded by the unfolding spirals of young fiddlehead ferns. Deer are common yet magical animals, who have the reputation of being able to lead one into the Otherworld. Grown stags symbolize virility and strength, as well as the wildness of the woods. Of the four creatures depicted in the Aces, only Fawn stays close to home for the first few days after birth, where its mother nurses it frequently.

two of earth
A young father balances his baby sons in his arms as he shops for ingredients for the family’s meal at the local market. One baby howls while the other is placid. The dad compares prices and weighs options for dinner while simultaneously soothing one baby and hugging the other. The West African symbol on his T-shirt is an adinkra symbol of a crocodile, signifying the adaptability of living in water while breathing the air.

three of earth
Three women make tinctures, teas, salves and other healing concoctions out of the herbs they’ve gathered in gardens and fields.  They work joyfully together to create aromatic medicine for the good of the community.  A traditional meaning for this card is “building the house of the Goddess.” In this case, the temple of the Goddess is our own bodies, and the herbs nourish and sustain us.

four of earth
On a beautiful autumn day, a grey squirrel pauses to nibble on an acorn as he gathers nuts and seeds to save for the winter to come. He is surrounded by a stash of acorns, and even more tumble out of an opening in the trunk of a maple tree. In Inuit culture, an inukshuk of stacked stones often signifies safety, hope and friendship — all qualities that can’t be hoarded. Here, the cairn or inukshuk of four stones represents an embodied prayer.

five of earth
A hiker finds himself lost in the deep woods when a storm blows in. He builds a debris hut and hunkers down inside it to wait out the night. Even though he’s cold and uncomfortable, he knows he has the skills he needs to survive and make it safely out of the wilderness once the storm has passed.

six of earth
At a local Farmers’ Market, vendors and customers exchange energy in the tangible form of money for goods. We buy our greens and carrots from the farmer who lives down the road, and in doing so we support her commitment to farming organically and sustainably. In return, we receive fresh and delicious foods that nourish our bodies and spirits. Sometimes we get stories with our groceries — of the toddler who helped pick those golden flowers; of the big rain that almost wiped out the tomato crop; or of long days spent in fragrant lavender fields. This is soulful shopping indeed.

seven of earth
A woman plants a red cedar sapling near a creek where salmon spawn. She is volunteering for a habitat restoration project in an area that was once heavily logged. Alder trees have since sprung up, working to restore the land to health by breathing nitrogen into their leaves and transfer- ring it into the soil. But it is time to re- place them with water-loving cedar trees which will shade the creek so salmon can return from the ocean, spawn, and thrive for centuries. The Western Red Cedar can live for 1500 years, grow to a width of 25 feet around, and reach a height of 250 feet. When cedars are planted in healthy soils, under the shade of other trees, they grow slow and strong, providing the best wood for building homes, boats, baskets, clothing, deep-sea fishing rope, and other necessities vital for life.

eight of earth
Like a master craftsman and his apprentice, a father teaches his young daughter to drum. He is a mentor and role model to her, and the devotion be- tween them seals the lessons of rhythm and tempo. As she learns the intricacies of drumming, she cultivates patience, as skill is developed over many long hours of practice. The love and respect between a drummer and his drum is echoed in the love and respect between father and daughter, teacher and student.

nine of earth
A woman stands in the midst of a lavender field in full bloom on a sacred island where she has put down roots and made her home. She’s reached a time in her life when she is fulfilled, content and at peace with her home and her creative work. Even when she spends time in sacred solitude, she is inextricably part of a community that includes the people, plants and animals who call this place home. Sister Heron flies overhead, a sign to her of the presence of the Divine in her life.

ten of earth
In the deep forest, we come across a “nurse stump” or “nurse log,” a tree that has fallen during a storm or been cut down. As the log decays, it provides fertile ground for new growth to take root in its dying body. Insects and fungi hurry along the decomposition process. Squirrels and other creatures may perch or roost there, adding food scraps and scat to the rich hu-mus. Soon moss, ferns and mushrooms appear, and the seedlings of new trees. Many years later, you will see full grown trees whose roots have grown over one of these nurse stumps or logs. In the background, an elderly gentleman walks the forest path through dappled shade and sunshine, heading for the spot that opens up into the light. So do we pass along our wisdom to the next generation, that they might flourish as we pass on.

child of earth
The Child of Earth holds a ripe apple in his small hands. It’s fresh-picked, right off the tree, and its tangy aroma tickles the Child’s nose. It feels heavy, solid and grounding in his hands. He gazes at the apple as if it holds all the mysteries of the universe — and perhaps it does, for a pentacle of apple seeds is revealed when the apple is cut crossways. His companion the Rabbit is most often seen in those border- line times of dawn and dusk, when it is easiest to slip between this world and the Otherworld.

explorer of earth
The Explorer of Earth is a tracker, one who knows how to read the stories imprinted on the earth by the birds and animals who live there. Her awareness of the life of the forest is keen. She has been examining the duff at the base of the fir tree, looking for tracks or scat that might indicate what small creature has passed this way. Perhaps she has found the bones of a vole or songbird. She looks up quickly when her attention is caught by a scurry- ing squirrel. Perhaps he is letting her know about the buck who stands just behind her. Is he a spirit deer, or a rare white deer?
The Explorer of Earth knows how to live close to the heart of nature. She knows how to make primitive tools, to start a fire with a bow drill, to smoke and dry food for the winter, to make clothing from animal hides and to weave baskets from cedar bark. Living in the wilder- ness teaches her that she is capable of far more than she had ever thought. She does not fear the forest, but respects it and has become part of it. Her ally is Badger, who offers the gifts of stability, earth knowledge and connection to home.

guardian of earth
The Guardian of Earth tenderly examines his corn to see if it is ripe for harvest. He has planted, tended, weeded and nurtured the plants all season long. Now it’s time to cut the corn down and let it nourish his family and community. He takes great pride in his heirloom home- grown corn. He is reclaiming its sacred traditions, taking it back from giant agri-businesses who have commercialized and adulterated it. He guards and nurtures the qualities of good health, prosperity, security, practicality and tradition. His ally is Horse, who offers the gifts of strength, power and movement. Horse will help with the hard work of farming, yet also carries us on our journeys.

elder of earth
A woman sits in her lush autumnal garden, spinning wool into yarn that will eventually become sweaters, scarves and hats for the winter to come. She is an industrious woman who has tended her orchard all year long and now reaps a rich harvest of apples. She shares the windfalls with Sister Deer, an original inhabitant of the land. Deer speaks of the Elder’s gentle- ness and strength. She is content to spin out her days in harmony with her place and her community. Spinsters through- out the ages have been known for their magical abilities to spin straw into gold, to open doorways between the worlds, and to control the destiny of women and men. She reminds us of the Three Fates: She Who Spins, She Who Weaves, and She Who Cuts the Thread of Life. She will play each of those roles in turn, but as for today, she spins.

child

The Children correspond to Pages in traditional decks. In readings, children are neophytes, students or beginners in areas associated with their element. They discover and observe and are open to new possibilities. Traditionally they have also been seen as messengers. In a life cycle, they represent the quality of birth, corresponding to a new or crescent moon.

explorer

Explorers seek challenges and are driven by a quest or goal in areas associated with their element. They are full of youthful excitement and have the energy and courage to put things in motion. The Explorers are all young adults, in their 20′s or 30′s. In a life cycle, they represent the quality of growth, corresponding to a waxing first-quarter or gibbous moon.

guardian

Guardians are productive and actively involved in their communities. They “guard” or protect the qualities and issues defined by their suits. The Guardians are all at midlife, in their 40′s 50′s or 60′s. In a life cycle, they represent the quality of fruition, corresponding to a full or disseminating moon.

elder

Elders give counsel and take the long view. They are concerned with the wisdom of the ancestors as well as preparing the way for descendants yet to come. They pass on the wisdom of their respective suits. In a life cycle, they represent the qualities of dissemination and release, corresponding to a third quarter or balsamic moon.

© Joanna Powell Colbert