6 Methods of Timing in Tarot

6 Methods of Timing in Tarot
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.

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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

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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" )

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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.

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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.

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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!