IV Emperor

IV Emperor

The figure of the Emperor says much about the essential qualities of this card. We see a stern, commanding figure seated on a stone-slab throne. His back is straight, and his eyes meet ours directly. He is confident of his complete authority to rule.

The Emperor represents structure, order and regulation - forces to balance the free-flowing, lavish abundance of the Empress. He advocates a four-square world where trains are on time, games are played by rules, and commanding officers are respected. In chaotic situations, the Emperor can indicate the need for organization. Loose ends should be tied up, and wayward elements, harnessed. In situations that are already over-controlled, he suggests the confining effect of those constraints.

The Emperor can represent an encounter with authority or the assumption of power and control. As the regulator, he is often associated with legal matters, disciplinary actions, and officialdom in all its forms. He can also stand for an individual father or archetypal Father in his role as guide, protector and provider. 

This card refers to a confident, intelligent, authoritarian who brings order and organization to chaos and is not one who is easily influenced. In a reading this may refer to one who the querent knows or it may be the querent themselves. Either way it is telling the querent that they must call upon their own confidence and courage when called into action and to be authoritative in their decision making, and make sure to use all of the available resources at hand.

Quite often this person is one who is associated with governmental or corporate entities. They are a very powerful & ambitious person who shoulders responsibility well.

Be strong and not easily influenced, but maintain an inner balance. By overcoming your own fears you build strength and stability through wisdom and this in turn will bring wealth (whether monetary, spiritual or mundane will be determined by the situation and the other cards in the spread).

To temper the intense power & strength of this person, they must learn to allow love to be their biggest emotion which will help with balance & authority, mind over matter, and experience & knowledge. 

Confidence & courage are called into action.

Be authoritative in your decisions, using your available resources.

Stability & authority through wisdom brings wealth.

Overcome any fears and a properly directed sex drive, to allow love to be your biggest emotion.

A respected person of authority, with a high level of intelligence who relies on their own intellect and is not easily influenced.

Versatile abilities play a role in the situation, just be sure to maintain inner balance.

To fight for truth and justice is a duty. 

Balance & authority, mind over matter, experience & knowledge are gained through experience. Winning with willpower. Mastery of materialism.

The struggle for personal independence. Moral power acquired through occult studies by using an investigative mind.

Energy, strength, good judgment and a willingness to "get to grips" with things in a bold and forthright manner through abundant creative energy. Triumph over obstacles utilizing confidence for proper development.

Keywords: Applying reason, Archetypal father figure, Authoritative, Being systematic, Bold & forthright, Bringing security & comfort, Categorizing, Commanding, Competitiveness, Confidence, Confinement, Constrained, Coordinating, Courage, Creating order out of chaos, Defending & protecting, Disciplinary actions, Establishing law & order, Experience, Family heritage, Fathering, Fighting for truth & justice is a duty, Forcefulness, Good judgment abilities, Governmental or corporate entities, Guiding growth, Having & sticking to a plan, Inner balance, Intelligent, Knowledge, Law & order, Love, Legal issues, Loose ends tied up, Maintains an inner balance, Mind over matter, Not easily influenced, Order out of chaos, Organized, Powerful & ambitious, Principled, Protecting & defending, Regimented, Regulation, Respected, Security, Setting the standard of behavior, Shoulders responsibility well, Stable, Stern, Strength & stability through wisdom, Structure, Systematic, Taking a leadership role, Waywardness harnessed, Wealth, Wisdom 

Negative Dignities 
Empress - mothering, free-flowing abundance
Seven of Cups - dissipation, lack of order
Five of Swords - bending the rules, breaking the law 

Positive Dignities 
Hierophant - conforming to rules
Justice - concerns of justice and legality
Two of Wands - having authority
Three of Wands - assuming leadership
Four of Pentacles - control, structure, order

III Empress

II Empress

 

The Empress and the High Priestess are the two halves of the female archetype in the major arcana. The Empress represents the fertile, life-giving Mother who reigns over the bounty of nature and the rhythms of the Earth. From her comes all the pleasures and joys of the senses and the abundance of new life in all its forms. The Empress encourages you to strengthen your connections with the natural world which is the ground of our being. Too often false sophistications and pleasures take us far from our roots. Let the Empress remind you to keep your feet firmly planted in the Earth.

In readings the Empress can refer to any aspect of Motherhood. She can be an individual mother, but as a Major Arcana card, she also goes beyond the specifics of mothering to its essence - the creation of life and its sustenance through loving care and attention.

The Empress can also represent lavish abundance of all kinds. She offers a cornucopia of delights, especially those of the senses - food, pleasure and beauty. She can suggest material reward, but only with the understanding that riches go with a generous and open spirit. The Empress asks you to embrace the principle of life and enjoy its bountiful goodness.

Cultivate your own creative potential. Internal accord with the natural world. Nurturing, caring. Understanding.

Your needs are met “naturally” and will be sustained for the entire journey. The Empress provides the key to all your needs. She is the fertile, life-giving Mother who reigns over the bounty of Nature and the Earth’s rhythms. From her come all of life’s pleasures, joys, and the abundance of new life in all its forms.

Material pleasures take us from our grounding and roots. The Empress reminds us to keep our feet planted firmly in the Earth.

Family issues may require your love and compassionate attentions. The Empress may refer to any aspect of Motherhood, whether as a physical person or the actions of mothering & nurturing.

The Empress represents Nature’s abundance and all it can provide. There is the promise of growth, prosperity & fertility in all things. Your needs will be fulfilled with joy and satisfaction. The seeds sown were well planted and the harvest is great. Now it is time to reap the benefits. You’ve come to the end and completion of hard work & sacrifice, which will soon bring recognition and rewards for your efforts.

Creative potential is prominent at this time, which can bring material rewards, but only with the understanding that riches go with a generous and open spirit. The Empress wants you to embrace the principle of life and enjoy its bountiful goodness.

Marriage or action. Actions & re-actions.

Success in creative pursuits. Mind over matter. Thoughts are things.

Union of minds. Mental & social pursuits.

Social activity. Friendly opposition.

Unbalanced activity.

Indecision leads to sorrow. Separation of ties. 

Keywords: Abundance, Action & reaction, Activity, Appreciating beauty, Being earthy, Caring, Cherishing the world, Compassion, Creativity, Doing physical activity, Earth connection, Embracing the natural, Enjoying extravagance, Experiencing the senses,  Expressing tenderness, Feeling connected to the Earth, Feeling rich, Feeling vibrantly healthy, Fertility, Focusing on the body, Friendly opposition, Generosity, Giving & receiving pleasure, Giving birth (literally or figuratively), Going outdoors, Growth, Harmonizing with natural rhythms , Harvest, Having more than enough, Joy, Loving care & attention, Luxuriating in plenty, Mental & social pursuits, Mind over matter, Mothering, Nature, Needs fulfilled, Nourishing life, Nurturing & caring for others, Open spirit, Physical activity, Pleasure, Prosperity, Relating to plants & animals, Responding to Nature, Receiving lavish reward, Rewards, Senses, Separation of ties, Social activity, Successful creative pursuits, Understanding, Vibrantly healthy, Welcoming abundance, Working with children 

Negative Dignities:

Emperor - fathering, order and discipline, regularity

Death - principle of death

Four of Pentacles - miserly possessiveness

Nine of Pentacles - refinement, sophistication

Positive Dignities:

Lovers - sexual fulfillment, pleasure

Star - generosity, free-flowing love

Nine of Cups - enjoying the senses

Seven of Pentacles - material reward

Ten of Pentacles - affluence, luxury, physical comfort

II High Priestess

II High Priestess

The High Priestess is the guardian of the unconscious. She sits in front of the thin veil of unawareness which is all that separates us from our inner landscape. She contains within herself the secrets of these realms and offers us the silent invitation, "Be still and know that I am God."

The High Priestess is the feminine principle that balances the masculine force of the Magician. The feminine archetype in the tarot is split between the High Priestess and the Empress. The High Priestess is the mysterious unknown that women often represent, especially in cultures that focus on the tangible and known. The Empress represents woman's role as the crucible of life.

In readings, the High Priestess poses a challenge to you to go deeper - to look beyond the obvious, surface situation to what is hidden and obscure. She also asks you to recall the vastness of your potential and to remember the unlimited possibilities you hold within yourself. The High Priestess can represent a time of waiting and allowing. It is not always necessary to act to achieve your goals. Sometimes they can be realized through a stillness that gives desire a chance to flower within the fullness of time.

Intuition is unlocked and you may be tested to use it. Hidden fears & secrets of the unconscious must be courageously listened to. It is time to go deeper within, beyond the obvious to find what is hidden & obscure. Have faith in your feelings, and be yourself. 

There is activity beneath the surface; the whole picture cannot be seen at this point. Share confidences with only one who is trusted implicitly.

We each hold our full, unlimited potential within ourselves, our intuition. We have only to access it willingly, sometimes through immediate action, but other times we may need to wait in stillness giving our desires a chance to bloom in the fullness of time.

The High Priestess is our strong, unrecognized subconscious motivation. Through strong contact with one’s subconscious self, inner enlightenment can be sought.

Hidden things. There is activity beneath that surface, so the entire picture is yet to be seen. Analyze the situation. Truth always wins.

Intuition is unlocked and you may be tested to use it. Sincerity unveils wisdom through intellectual exchange.

Hidden fears & secrets of the unconscious & your dreams must be courageously listened to. Keep your intentions silent. Follow your hunch.

Have faith in your feelings & intuitions at this time. Choose your associates discriminately.

Strong, unrecognized subconscious motivation. Strong contact with subconscious self. Inner enlightenment can be sought.

Don't cast your pearls before swine.

Keywords: A time of waiting, Accessing the unconscious, Acknowledging the Shadow, Activity beneath the surface, Allowing development, Allowing events to proceed without intervention, Analysis, Approaching a closed off area, Awareness of a larger reality, "Be still and know that I am God", Becoming calm, Being aware of a larger reality, Being receptive to influence, Calmness, Challenge yourself, Easily influenced, Hidden talents, Imagination, Important memories, Inner guidance, Keep intentions silent, Letting what is there flower, Looking beyond the obvious, Mystery, Non-action, Open to dreams & the unknown, Opening to the unknown, Opening to what could be, Passive, Patient, Personal development, Possibilities, Potential, Remembering something important, Seeing the potential, Seeing your hidden talents, Seeking guidance from within, Sensing the secret and hidden, Seeking what is concealed, Sensing the mystery,  Staying nonactive, Trusting your inner voice, Unconscious awareness, Understanding the possibilities, Unlimited possibilities, Using your intuition, Waiting patiently, Withdrawal, Withdrawing from involvement

Negative Dignities:
Magician - acting consciously, thinking, the unknown and obvious
Two of Wands - acting boldly
Seven of Wands - being aggressive
Eight of Wands - putting plans into action

Positive Dignities:
Hermit - looking inward, withdrawing, seeking guidance
Hanged Man - suspending activity, waiting
Four of Swords - resting quietly, contemplating

I The Magician

I The Magician

The Magician is the archetype of the active, masculine principle - the ultimate achiever. She symbolizes the power to tap universal forces and use them for creative purposes. Note her stance in the picture. She acts as a lightning rod - one arm extended up into the Divine for inspiration, the other pointing toward Earth to ground this potent energy. Her abilities appear magical at times because her will helps her achieve what seem to be miracles.

What makes the Magician so powerful? First, she is not afraid to act. She believes in herself and is willing to put that belief on the line. She also knows what she intends to do and why. She doesn't hesitate because she understands her situation exactly. The Magician can focus with single-minded determination. As long as she remembers the divine source of her power, the Magician remains the perfect conduit for miracles.

In a reading, the Magician implies that the primal forces of creativity are yours if you can claim your power and act with awareness and concentration. This card is a signal to act and act now, provided you understand exactly what you want and are committed to getting it.

The Magician card represents all 78 cards of the Tarot. It is all about forming an idea and finding a way to bring it to fruition. Imagination, will power & creativity are used to begin your quest, don’t hesitate to act. This card is the signal to act and act now, provided it is understood exactly what is wanted and there is a commitment to getting it. The Magician uses the application of will, strong, positive attitude, combined with the courage, confidence, and faith in her own talents, skills & creative ability will bring about success.

The Magician is the power of thought manifested by action. It is through this magickal action that all things are possible. She knows she is heading in the right direction.

She is also representative of someone who is not who they appear to be. This is a card of revelation, a revealing of that which is hidden. The Magician is both, an oracle and a liar, a cunning master of deception and a master manipulator.

As the adage goes, “The Teacher appears when the student is ready.” The Magician brings the Teacher to the student, the querent.

The Magician Tarot card also represents an amazingly skilled person known to the querent - maybe yourself, maybe someone else –  that person is the ultimate achiever.

Intervention of a higher consciousness. Mastery of the baser elements of the self or life.

Free spirit. Ability, possibly trickery.

Put across your message to a wider audience!

Conscious use of power, i.e. mind over matter.

Confidence in skills brings gain & acquisition through effort & persistence.

The Teacher appears when the student is ready.

An amazingly skilled person you know - maybe yourself, maybe someone else - who uses their creative ability.

Imagination, will power & creativity are used to begin your quest.

Application of will, strong, positive attitude, combined with the courage of faith blesses you with success.

You are heading in the right direction.

Keywords: Ability, Acknowledging your motivations, Acting consciously, Action, Applying the force of your will, Awareness, Becoming energized, Being creative, Being totally committed, Bringing an idea to fruition, Carrying out plans, Centered, Charisma, Cleverness, Concentration, Confidence, Conscious awareness, Courage of faith, Creating miracles, Creation, Creativity, Dexterity, Doing what needs to be done, Domination, Dominion, Energized, Examining the known situation, Experiencing power, Feeling centered, Feeling vigorous, Focused, Focusing on a goal, Free spirit, Having vitality, Heading in the right direction, Imagination, Individuality, Innovation, Inventiveness, Knowing what you are doing and why, Making a strong impact, Making what's possible real, Manipulation, Mentor, Mind over matter, Perfect conduit for miracles through Divine power, Persuasiveness, Positive attitude, Power, Power of thought manifested by action, Practicing what you preach, Producing magical results, Realizing your potential, Revelation, Setting aside distractions, Single-minded determination, Singleness of purpose, Success, Taking action, "The teacher will appear when the student is ready", Understanding your intentions, Uniqueness, Using your talents, Vigorous, Vitality, Will, Willpower, Wittiness

Negative Dignities:

High Priestess - non-action, intuition, accessing the unconscious

Hanged Man - suspending action, not doing

Seven of Cups - lacking focus and commitment

Four of Swords - resting quietly, storing energy

Eight of Swords - confused and uncertain, powerless

Positive Dignities:

Chariot - focusing, concentrating, being forceful

Two of Wands - personal power, wielding a strong force

Eight of Wands - quick action, making your move

Eight of Pentacles - focus and concentration

A Concept to Consider When doing a Reading

A Concept to Consider When doing a Reading
I recently read an article on Tarot readings that made me stop and think for a bit:

How much does a reading for a client influence the client's future actions regarding an event depicted in the reading?

This could go so many ways!

First, the client was already on the path leading toward what was depicted in the reading, but we all know that will free-will we can alter that path with even the slightest of actions. Turn north instead of south and you miss the accident that occurred, or vice versa, you ran into the accident or were the accident. That sort of thing. Every action we make during a day can lead to further actions down the road.

Second, the client, while heading in the direction shown in the reading, they have not yet made the final decisive action necessary to complete the turning on to that particular path. It is still yet an "option", not a certainty. Taking the example above, the person is ready to leave the house to go where ever it is they need to go, but decide not to go altogether, thus no accident, missed or hit, is no longer even an option in the equation.

Third, the client has done nothing yet to send them down the particular path outcome, but it is a possibility in the future because of actions they are likely to make if they continue on as they are currently. Again, working with the first premise example, here, the person hasn't even decided that it might be important to leave the house. What ever it is that was the purpose of leaving in the first example, hasn't even become an issue in this one...at least not a this time.

So, considering each of these examples, how does the reading affect each one? Also, take note that these are short-term future event examples; not long-term, such as weeks, months, or even years in the future.

In the first example, it's basically a done-deal. The client considers the options "north" or "south", but shrugs because either way, what ever is going to happen is going to happen. It's a "done deal" regardless. They'll either have the accident or not, so it's not even worth dwelling on.

As for the second example, a look at traffic conditions on the TV or radio will give an idea as to which route would be the most beneficial and likely to be accident-free.

In the third example, the plan to leave the house hasn't even presented itself so there is no reason to even consider the possibility of the best route to take or even that the need to know the traffic conditions.

As mentioned before, these are short-term future events. Short-term events are "in the now", they're already working through the aspects of cause & effect. events are in motion and will continue so until their conclusive action is completed. But what about the long-term future events? They're not even in the thought process, or at least not in the sense that they are unfolding "in the now". They are still encompassed in the mists of "what's coming". So how are these mists pulled back so we can see, at least somewhat more clearly, "what's coming"?

The client's cards show that in the far-future (months ahead) an event will occur. What happens in the meantime will determine how it manifests. If the client hadn't come in for the reading, they would most likely not have had any idea of the future event. So how does this impact the event itself?

First scenario, the client disregards it and never thinks of it again and it manifests regardless.

Second scenario, the client knows of its coming and thinks about it, but doesn't know if they are consciously or unconsciously impacting this future event by their "in the now" actions. In the end, the event occurs regardless, but there may be slight nuances that are different, but they're effect on the event wouldn't really be seen visibly because the client's actions were only slightly impactful.

Third scenario is that the client is fully aware of the future event, takes it to heart and depending on how they feel about that event, determines their actions in the meantime. If it is a "good" event, then they will do everything they can to make sure it manifests as it's supposed to, and maybe even attempting to influence it even more, for the better. Whether this works or not, may or may not be evidenced in the end.

But if it is an event that the client does not like, again, they will do everything they can to change that future event. In some instances it may work, thus putting them on a different path altogether, or at the very least one in which the outcome will be different. In other instances, these actions may actually be the catalyst which sets this path in motion. And lastly, the conscious actions taken may not change the event itself, but open a door to a better manifestation.

Basically, what this all says (in my opinion anyway), is that our free-will is what will determine the paths we take, and the ultimate manifestation that will result. For good or bad, it's just the way it is. That said though, through the art of divination, and here were are speaking of the Tarot itself, we are able to have an idea of where we're going, how to get there, and what to do to assure (as best as possible) the outcome that we desire.

So don't consider all that "positive" in a reading doesn't include a few hard-learned lessons along the way, or that any "negative" is a set-in-stone prediction. Use the Tarot as a guide book, not a map. It's not that precise. Or rather, we're not that precise! Guide books give points of reference. Maps give exact locations. Tarot is rarely that. :)

So, get out your "guide books" and see where it leads!

0 The Fool

0 The Fool

The Fool lies at the beginning of the Major Arcana, but also somewhat apart from the other cards. In medieval courts, the court jester was someone who was not expected to follow the same rules as others. He could observe and then poke fun. This makes the Fool unpredictable and full of surprises. He reminds us of the unlimited potential and spontaneity inherent in every moment. There is a sense with this card that anything goes - nothing is certain or regular. The Fool adds the new and unfamiliar to a situation.

The Fool also represents the complete faith that life is good and worthy of trust. Some might call the Fool too innocent, but his innocence sustains him and brings him joy. In readings, the Fool can signal a new beginning or change of direction - one that will guide you onto a path of adventure, wonder and personal growth. He also reminds you to keep your faith and trust your natural responses. If you are facing a decision or moment of doubt, the Fool tells you to believe in yourself and follow your heart no matter how crazy or foolish your impulses may seem.

The Fool is a blank slate, beginning at the beginning, all things are new. He’s happy-go-lucky having no experience with the potential pitfalls of life. He steps forward with his eyes looking at the clouds, he dances his way down the path. If he continues looking at the clouds rather than forward in front of him, he could stumble into a hole or off a cliff. Or worse, miss a new path that may be easier, or more adventurous, or full of more opportunities.

The Fool isn’t following a defined road. He’s walking his own path, being spontaneous and adventuresome. For one to do this, one must have an innate wisdom and lots of courage.

This card shows a journey of some sort is beginning or about to begin. A crossroads has been reached and a decision must be made. By letting go of expectations and doing the unexpected, one is able to reach new heights never even previously considered. All options are open, take advantage of them!

Have faith in your decisions, let go of worry & fear. Believe in yourself and the choices you will make, regardless of how crazy or foolish they may seem.

The adventure begins, being at the crossroads of a grand adventure. A new chapter opening in your life.

Playing it safe isn't keeping on the path. Your life is a blank canvas - you are starting anew. New beginnings bring wisdom & courage.

Trust your potential and be spontaneous.

If this card is in the #1 position in a reading, your evolutionary journey through life begins. When in the #10 position it represents the folly of proceeding on a course of action while ignoring the likely pitfalls.

Hope through prayer. Doubt destroys faith.

Rewards from community activity. Group cooperation.

Realization of humanitarian efforts. 

Keywords: Accepting your choices, Acting on impulse, Adding the new & unfamiliar, Adventurous, "Anything goes", Beginning, Beginning an adventure, Being spontaneous, Being true to yourself, Belief in yourself, Believing, Carefree, Change of direction, Cooperation, Courage, "Crazy" chances, Crossroads, Doing the unexpected, Effort, Embracing folly, Entering a new phase, Expanding horizons, Faith, Feeling loved, Feeling carefree, Feeling protected & loved, Feeling uninhibited, Follower your heart, Folly, "Foolish path", Frankness, Going on a journey, Happy-go-lucky, Having faith, Heading into the unknown, Heart's desire trusted, Hope through prayer, Impulsive actions, Innate wisdom, Innocence, Innocent joy, Into the unknown, Journey, Joy, Letting go of expectations, Letting go of worry & fear, Life is good, Living in joy, Living in the moment, New beginnings, New path, New phase in life, Nothing is certain or regular, Path of adventure & wonder, Protected, Pursuing a pipe dream, Recapturing innocence, Spontaneity, Starting something new, Staying open, Striking out on a new path, Surprising someone, Taking a "crazy" chance, Taking the "foolish" path, Trusting the flow, Trusting your heart's desire, Uninhibited, Unlimited potential, Unpredictable 

Negative Dignities:

V Hierophant: following convention, routine

XIII Death: ending, closing down

XV Devil: feeling cynical, lacking faith

2 of Swords: blocking off experience, feeling tense, holding back

4 of Pentacles: order and regularity

Reinforcing Dignities:

XII Hanged Man: having faith in what is, going with the flow

XVII Star: innocence, faith, trust

XX Judgment: rebirth, new starts

3 of Wands: expanding horizons, going into unexplored territory

Welcome to the American Tarot Reader's Certification Association

Welcome to the American Tarot Reader's Certification Association
There is a need in the industry for certification of readers. This provides the potential client with the comfort of knowing that their chosen reader is knowledgeable in their skill and have been tested by an outside organization to prove their ability and knowledge of the Tarot cards.

We provide that organization and the testing necessary. We hope you'll join us.

******
American Tarot Reader's Certification Association (ATRCA)
There are three levels of certification:

Level I: Tarot Practitioner (TP)
Level II: Tarot Master (TM)
Level III: Tarot Teacher (TT)

Level I: Tarot Practitioner (TP)
Testing involves defining each of the 78 Tarot cards in their own word(s), and reading a 3-Card Spread for the ATRCA Instructor.

Level II: Tarot Master (TM)
Testing involves reading the 78 cards Tarot cards as a Life Reading for the ATRCA Instructor. This will involve shuffling the deck 3 times and laying out the cards in 6 rows of 13, reading each row individually and then combining the rows' interpretations into a complete outcome summary.

Level III: Tarot Teacher (TT)
Testing involves giving 5 in-depth lessons to the Instructor on 5 cards of the Instructor's choosing as well as how to determine Dignities and Timing in card interpretations.

Option 1:
For those who are proficient Tarot readers but who do not want to be considered a Tarot Teacher, we offer the option of taking the Tarot Practitioner and Tarot Master tests at one time. This involves performing each of these two tests and submitting them to the Instructor, in order, but within a one week time frame.

Option 2:
For those who are proficient Tarot readers, we offer the option to take all three of the tests at one time. This involves performing each of the tests and submitting them to the Instructor, in order, but within a one week time frame.

All testing will be done via e-mail so each of the readings may be kept on file for the Associate.

Fees:
Level I: Tarot Practitioner (TP) $20
Level II: Tarot Master (TM) $35
Level III: Tarot Teacher (TT) $50
Option 1: Tests 1 & 2 at one time $50
Option 2: Tests 1, 2, & 3 at one time $100

Upon completion of each Level a certificate will be e-mailed, which can then be printed out, framed and hung for display. 

Contact:
ATRCA@gmail.com