Start Today with Guidance and a Glimpse of Possibilities

The theme of love continues in the Two of Cups: the Rider Waite image depicts a young man and woman holding their Cups out to each other. Note its compositional similarity to The Lovers: the winged lion represents the merging of spirituality with physical passion, and the symbol beneath it is the caduceus of Hermes, which relates to wisdom and healing. We see in this card the great transformative power of love.

The Moon has long been associated with intuition, feminine mystery, and the unknown, the half-seen. And so it is in the tarot card of the same name: here we see, in the Rider-Waite image, a dog and a wolf howling at the full moon. Before them, a crayfish emerges from the waters of a pool while behind them a path leads back over the mountains, to the world beyond. This symbolizes that however fearful are the manifestations of our inner consciousness, we can be safe in the knowledge that there is a return route open for us. On such a return route we may tread with the new knowledge we have gained beneath the light of The Moon.

Authority and determination come to mind with the King Of Swords. This is a character who acts with clarity and confidence in his actions. He is often looked to for advice and leadership because he is known for his sound judgment and mediation skills. He has the ability to be a force of authority through inspiration and intelligence.

In this card the Hierophant sits, Pope-like on a raised throne, while two acolytes pay homage to him or await his bidding, In full regalia, with crown and scepter, The Hierophant is the point at which The Emperor and The Magician combine - he is the master of the stage, but, unlike the former, there is no element of service here and, contrary to the latter, The Hierophant does not wield his power lightly or playfully. Depending on the context, this is not necessarily a bad thing.

Here, we discern a long-held symbol of earthly power: a white-haired man, stern, wearing armor beneath his regal garments, and seated on a stone throne. Note the scepter The Emperor holds, bearing the universal sigil of the male sex, and compare this to The Empress’ totem of femininity, which is carved onto a heart-shaped stone and rests against her dais. His throne bears the images of four rams’ heads, linking The Emperor to the sign Aries, which is ruled by Mars, the God of War. The Emporer is power and strength. The extent to which these can be used for good or ill depends entirely on the personality that directs them.

In the Three of Cups, we see three women captured in the moment of raising their Cups high in the air as they come together. They are surrounded by an abundant harvest and the card radiates joy and celebration: specifically, shared happiness and experience.