Just about the biggest thing everyone wants to know when reading or getting a reading in Tarot, is when will this happen? Over the years I've accumulated several methods and they each have proven useful, beneficial, and correct, so I thought I would share them here.
Sometimes in a reading there will be use of multiple timing methods. This presents a stronger sense of when something will occur for the querent. It is rare that an actual specific date will present itself, but on occasion it will. I hope you find these as useful as I have.
Save them for your own reference, I guarantee you'll use them! :D
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Method #1
Timing and the Tarot
Most of following general information is taken from the “Tarot Companion: An
Essential Reference Guide” by Tracy Porter: Llewellyn Publications
ISBN 1-56718-574-6, but with certain editing and grammar corrections and emphasis-added areas done by me.
The
first way to figure out timing is through Major and Minor
Conjunctions. With the conjunctions you take the energies of the
major arcane card and the timing card to find out just how they are
affected. Also pay attention to if the card is reversed or not,
because that may also affect the timing factor.
The
Conjunctions:
The
Tarot can be used to time certain events in life that may occur when
certain cards in the Minor Arcana appear before or after a card from
the Major Arcana.
If
card numbers 2, 3, 7, or 9 appear immediately before or after a card
from the Major Arcana, a conjunction occurs. This conjunction should
be interpreted separately from the initial reading because it adds an
additional layer to the reading and gives greater clarity to
the querent’s circumstances. If more than one conjunction appears
in a spread, these two configurations should be interpreted
separately, because in all probability they refer to separate events. (This last statement is not an absolute as I've had several conjunctions in a reading and all pertained to the specific question of events presented in the reading.)
Minor
Conjunction:
If
a number 2, 3, 7, or 9 card from the Minor Arcana appears immediately
before a card from the Major Arcana, a minor conjunction occurs which indicates that the querent is beginning to embark on a new cycle. The
energies inherent in this cycle are determined by the energies
specified in the cards.
Major
Conjunction:
If a number 2, 3, 7, or 9 card from the Minor Arcana appears immediately after a card from the Major Arcana, a major conjunction occurs which indicates that the major event has already
appeared in the querent’s life and the influences of the Major Arcana card
impact the Minor Arcana card's situation first, due to the fact that the querent then experiences the energies
represented by the Minor Arcana timing card to complete the
conjunctions.
The
difference between these two types of conjunctions is that the major
conjunction signifies the end of a cycle, while the minor conjunction
depicts the beginning of one. For the purpose of the timing
descriptions, they are written as if the event has not happened. If
it is a major conjunction, then that event has already occurred in
about the time period that is shown.
2's
The
number 2 generally refers to challenges in partnerships, which
almost always refer to couples, partnerships, duality, and pairs. Two
as one more than 1 refers to our need to extend our level of
awareness beyond our egocentric concerns to those of our partner or
friend.
2
of Wands = 2 Days:
An
event is likely to occur within 2 days that may concern business
partnerships or creative endeavors. The nature of the beginning cycle
will be indicated by the Major Arcana card, which follows the 2 of
Wands. Because the suit of Wands is so active, the cycle should begin
shortly after the reading.
2
of Cups = 2 Weeks:
An
event is likely to occur within 2 weeks that concerns relationships
involving attachments of a highly emotional nature.
2
of Swords = 4 Weeks:
An
event is likely to occur within 4 weeks concerning communications
with a friend or partner. Contracts, phone calls, and other forms of
communication will figure prominently.
2
of Pentacles = 2 Months:
An
event is likely to occur within 2 months. During this period, the
querent needs to focus on property, money, and financial matters.
These financial concerns may be the result of an agreement with
another person.
3's:
Threes
refer to expansion and growth, and signify a need for independence
because they are one more than the coupling 2.
3 of Wands = 3 Days:
In
approximately 3 days the querent will receive further guidance
concerning issues relating to the card depicted in the Major Arcana.
These concerns will deal with a creative endeavor or business
pursuit.
3
of Cups = 3 Weeks:
In
approximately 3 weeks the querent will find that a part of his or
her destiny is coming into effect, which could represent the
beginning, continuation, or change of plans. This could be a very
emotional time with expectations of much happiness. The card drawn
from the Major Arcana will give further clues to the situation.
3
of Swords = 6 Weeks
During
the upcoming 6-week period the querent is likely to feel a sense of
loss. Although he or she may feel a bit melancholy, the worst of this
difficult time will be over soon with the resulting outcome reflected
in the card from the Major Arcana.
3
of Pentacles = 3 Months
During
the upcoming 3 month period the querent will be preparing for
awards & recognition. Success is likely but they will need to
persevere and develop their skills in order to assure a positive
outcome. The Major Arcana card next to the 3 of Pentacles will
show the querent the area in which they will achieve.
7's
When
a 7 precedes a Major Arcana card, a choice needs to be made. The
querent has reached a crossroad in their life and must make a
choice before continuing on their journey. The 7 deviates from
the general pattern of the previous conjunctive cards because each
suit of 7 will be activated in approximately 7 days.
7
of Wands = 7 Days:
The
upcoming week may be rather tense for the querent as their concerns center on business or creative matters. They may be required
to stand up for themselves or defend their area of expertise. The
following Major Arcana card will reflect the nature of this
situation.
7
of Cups = 7 Days:
In
the upcoming week the querent needs to expand their level of
awareness and look closely at the opportunities available to them,
because some of the alternatives may not deliver hoped-for outcomes.
Although things may not be readily apparent, the querent will soon
begin to see with greater clarity.
7
of Swords = 7 Days:
During
the upcoming week, the querent needs to reevaluate their current
situation. They may have been influenced by a proposition that seemed
too good to be true; they will realize that they have been deceived.
Because of this, they may be inclined toward self-pity, but instead
should concentrate their efforts on future prospects provided by the
card drawn from the Major Arcana.
7
of Pentacles = 7 Days:
During
the week presented, the querent needs to arrive at a decision
regarding their career, possessions, or finances. It seems that
they have put in a great deal of effort and are now entering into (or leaving) a
period of gestation. It is important to know that if this preparation
was of a solid foundation, the outcome will be stable, but if the
querent failed to properly prepare, then the outcome may not be what
they desire. Nevertheless, the situation will come to fruition during
the presented week and the associated card pulled from the Major
Arcana will indicate the nature of the outcome.
9's
Nine
represents the end of a cycle in traditional numerology and is
considered one before the end in the Tarot, with the 10 representing
completion. Nines generally have a lot of power, which is cultivated
through the previous 8 cards. With 9, the querent feels the
need to go back and reflect, reevaluate, and release that which they no longer need. Each 9 is stimulated in two stages comprised
of 28 days. The first stage is composed of 9 days and
all existing forces will be broken down during this period. The
second stage lasts for a duration of 19 days and during this
period the new cycle begins.
9
of Wands = 9 Days Followed by 19 Days = 28 Days:
During
this period, the querent needs to finish what they have started.
It is not the time to give up because with a little extra effort they
can reach their goal. The associated card from the Major Arcana
reflects what they are likely to encounter during this new cycle.
9
of Cups = 9 Days Followed by 19 Days = 28 Days:
During
this period, the querent is likely to experience a lot of joy &
happiness. They should experience their first element of joy
within the first 9 days, and the remaining days will strengthen
the initial peak.
9
of Swords = 9 Days Followed by 19 Days = 28 Days:
During
this time, the querent will find that he or she is letting go of a
lot of unpleasant thoughts. They may be reluctant to release these
opinions that have been with them for such a long time, but in order
for them to enter into the next cycle it is important to let go of
these memories.
9
of Pentacles = 9 Days followed by 19 Days = 28 Days:
During
this time the querent is likely to experience significant events
relating to money or material possessions. They may feel that
their life is at an impasse because nothing is right, yet nothing is
wrong either.
* * * * *
Method #2
Aces & Tarot Timing
Aces
= Seasons
Timing
with Aces only applies to those in positions 6, 7, 8, & 9
Ace
of Cups = Spring = March 21st/April/June 20th
Ace
of Wands = Summer = June 21st/July/September 20th
Ace
of Swords = Autumn = September 21st/October/December 20th
Ace
of Pentacles = Winter = December 21st/January/March 20th
* * * * *
Method #3
The Devil & Tarot Timing
XV
Devil = Time of Change(s)/Transformation(s)
Amount
of time is determined by the cards near it:
XVIII
Moon = 1 month
XIX
Sun = 1 year
III
Empress = 9 months
(From
"A
New Dawn for Tarot: The Original Tarot of the Golden Dawn"
)
* * * * *
Method #4
The Elements & Tarot Timing
Air
= Wands:
In
terms of time, this element relates to the fortnight. Therefore each
numbered card in the suit of Wands will equate to the number on the
card multiplied by one fortnight. **note: a fortnight is 14 days or
two weeks.**
Earth
= Pentacles:
Because
Earth is somewhat slower than the other elements, in terms of time
each numbers card in the suit of Pentacles will equate to the number
on the card multiplied by one month.
Fire
= Swords:
Because
Fire is so swift, in terms of time, it relates to days. Therefore,
each numbered card in the suit of Swords will equate to the number on
the card multiplied by one day.
Water
= Cups:
In
terms of time, this element relates to the week. Therefore, each
numbered card in the suit of cups will equate to the number on the
card multiplied by one week.
Spirit
= Major Arcana
Because
matters of the spirit as a general rule tend to transcend time and
space, they affect our lives in such a transformative way that in
terms of time it equates to one year. Therefore, the duration of each
card in the Major Arcana will equate to the number on the card
multiplied by one year.
******
Method #5
Astrology & Tarot Timing
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Your Tarot card is The Emperor, the guy who will always be there when you need him. This card represents your sign's loyalty and ability to stick by your friends through thick and thin. Like the royal figure on your card, you use your authority and analytical powers to help others and to achieve your goals.
Taurus
(April 20 – May 20)
Your
card, The
Hierophant,
represents learning from knowledgeable teachers who can help you
research for higher truths by exploring tried and true traditons.
Sifting through the superficial, these learned souls can lead you to
the heart of matters where profound insights reveal important life
lessons.
Gemini
(May 21 – June 20)
Every
Gemini is blessed with a dual nature represented by your Tarot card,
The
Lovers.
Turning points for you often involve making a moral choice between
taking the high or low road. This card encourages you to weigh your
options carefully and follow the path dictated by your personality
integrity.
Cancer
(June 21 – July 22)
You stand proud and strong as you guide The Chariot on your card, steering a steady course and rising above life's conflicts. Even though Cancers seed security, you also love the freedom of the open road where you can use your highly-developed intuition to win the race.
Leo
(July 23 - August 22)
The
Strength
card
represents your physical strength -- like that of the mighty Lion on
your card -- as well as your emotional, mental and spiritual prowess.
Like the Lion, you are blessed with plenty of courage, which helps
you overcome problems and obstacles.
Virgo
(Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)
Like
The
Hermit,
you often need to slow down and go within to focus on your purpose in
life. The image on this card -- an old man -- represents a person who
is weary of the outer world. When he retreats to explore the
mysteries of his inner life, he becomes open and innocent like a
child.
Libra
(Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)
Justice
holds
the scales, asking you to weigh your desires against your needs. In
order to reach a fair outcome, you must put your feelings and
emotions aside. When you reach the light at the end of the tunnel of
indecision, you will be able to serve the greater good.
Scorpio
(Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
Like
your Tarot card, Death
(and
the Tower),
you welcome transformation. You often shed your skin like a snake,
seeking to release your spirit and be reborn. Because you are able to
detach yourself from the ties that bind others, it's easy for you to
change your identity, making you the mysterious person everyone wants
to figure out.
Sagittarius
(Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
Like
your card, Temperance,
you are a gifted mediator, able to find common ground by balancing
out judgments with genuine understanding and awareness. Like a
steadily-meandering stream, you work your way through whatever
difficulties get in the way.
Capricorn
(Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)
The
Devil card
encourages you to face your shadow-self in order to gather the
knowledge necessary for spiritual transformation. It advises you to
reflect on any negativity that has made you doubt yourself, swap it
for confidence and hold fast to your highest vision of who you are.
Aquarius
(Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)
Your
card, The
Star,
focuses on your optimism. When you wish on the stars, you really
believe you can achieve your heart's desires. Your job in this world
is to convince others they can too, thereby helping to lead them home
in a spiritual sense.
Pisces
(Feb. 19 - March 20)
Like
your Tarot card, The
Moon,
you are a creature of ever-changing moods. You do best when you
attune to nature's cycles and use them to refresh your intuitive
powers. The Moon rules emotions, which are your strong suit,
especially when you use your compassionate nature to help others.
* * * * *Method #6
Timing Charts
The following charts are from Tarotize website (http://www.tarotize.com/2014/10/timing-in-tarot-with-free-cheat-sheets.html) You'll find quite a bit of good information on that site, so be sure to check them out!
So there you have it, SIX methods for finding timing associations in a Tarot reading! I'm sure you'll find many uses for them all at one time or another in your Tarot reading career.
Blessings!
