STRENGTH - Transmutation of the Elements (Kaf; Leo)Invokes Mind over Matter....
Power in Harmony. The True Balance in Nature; Spirit over Flesh, Mind over Matter. Strength over material Weakness inherent in the Body. The power of Mastery of the Elements as directed by the Spirit within; symbolized by the Infinity insignia above the Woman's head. She is keenly aware of the Psychic as well as Material realms, for the knowledge of Occult or Metaphysical Science (as understood by the Magician) is within her. She would be unable to physically subdue the Lion, symbolic of the physical nature of consciousness impregnating matter, without Divine assistance guiding her. The trials of material existence would be too great for her to oppose. Yet, the image presented shows the Lion already subdued and the Woman is in control of the situation. The wreath and garland of flowers adorning her represents the harmonic Balance of the creative process; another indication that the Spirit of Universal Mind guides her actions. All power is accessed from within, and it can therefore be seen that She and the Lion are One. Her Animal Nature has been tamed and she is able to walk through Life victorious. The senses of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch are directed by the sixth sense, intuition, thus resulting in perfect Harmony. This is the True Meaning of Strength or Fortitude. Aliester Crowley's use of the word "Lust" to describe this Archetype can be confusing semantically but in actuality means "Drive." PARALLEL ARCHETYPES: Fortitude, Force, Lust.
State of Mind: Strength, Courage, Conviction, Resolution, Defiance, Confidence, Zeal, Matter over mind, Mind over matter, Fortitude, Fervor, Physical strength, Use of magical power, Control of the life force, Weakness, Pettiness, Impotence, Sickness, Lack of faith, Abuse of power, Succumbing to temptation, Indifference
4) - QUEEN OF SWORDS
4) The Future - This card represents what could be a likely turn of events, given that nothing changes. These are usually short term happenings, and doesn’t represent the final resolution of these events.
Queen of Swords - Absence
The figure seated on the throne represents widowhood, i.e. having enjoyed the fullness of relationship and intimate pleasures with a life mate companion for many years, yet now she has been left behind and is alone. Sadness is shown in the image, whereas her left hand is raised and the facial expression appears to project, "What good is this realm that surrounds me, now that the one whom I loved so dearly had departed?" This image in a session could indicate a woman who is suffering loneliness, sadness, a true sense of loss, misfortune, etc. The person may indeed be very perceptive and possess intuitive powers resulting from her perspective, which could assist the client. Sterility, or the condition of not having the ability to alter her present situation may be indicated. Negative influences of the Queen of Swords could be narrow-mindedness, malice, deceit, or basically the presence of a woman with evil intent, or possibly a person of ill temperament. Note the orientation of the past regarding the image of this archetype. The figure is facing a barren landscape as she sits on the throne with sword in right hand, hilt resting on the arm of said throne, yet behind her is is a scene depicting a river and shade trees. She chooses to remember the Earth's beauty as part of the days when she was one with her other half, yet the barren landscape before her, colored by her present sense of loss, is all that she is able to perceive in her blindness.
State of Mind: Quick-witted, Intensely perceptive, Subtle person, Widow or woman of sadness, Mourning, Privation, Sadness, Absence, Loneliness, Separation, Great happiness followed by anxiety of misfortune and reversal, Narrow-mindedness, Treacherous enemy, Ill-tempered person?
5) - FIVE OF WANDS
5) Conscious - This card explores what you are focused on, and where your mind is. This can represent your goals and your desires regarding this situation, as well as what your assumptions are.
Five of Wands - Contention
A situation of contention, whereas opposition is being faced, whether involving other people, a particular problem, or a set of circumstances. Anywhere in life the conscious force of an individual quests to overcome external forces to achieve a specific outcome, a struggle or competition occurs and this card is relevant. The figures are locked in this struggle. The game which the figures play, or this "sham" fight, does not necessarily represent a mock situation. The strife, turmoil, competition, struggle, etc. most often is a very real experience in the client's life. The interaction with other archetypes during a session will shed light on the specifics of the state of contention indicated by this image. Any form of opposition may fall under the symbolism of the Five of Wands, and the client must always remember that the power to overcome any obstacle in life comes from the Source within us. Metaphysically, we are all channels of the infinite wisdom of the God-Mind inside of our souls, and one may tap into this energy for seeking resolution of the conflict in which one is engaged. Nothing is predestined, i.e. "cast in stone," and a change in focus, whether it is a mental attitude or change in direction, can alter the situation, and thus in a subsequent session the configuration of images would reflect such improvement. The power of the Universal Mind of God within us is greater than that of anything, or anyone, opposing us at any given time.
State of Mind: Unsatisfied desires, Struggle, Labor, Violent strife, Obstacles, Endeavors, Strenuous competition, Trickery, Contradictions, Complexity, Involvement, Caution against indecision, Contention, Opposition
6) - THE FOOL
6) Unconscious - The unconscious reveals what is truly driving this situation; the feelings, the beliefs and the values that perhaps the querent doesn’t even understand yet. Sometimes this card may be a surprise, and can also represent a hidden influence.
THE FOOL - Process of Transit from Ignorance to Awareness (Shin; Air, Uranus)
The Quest for Enlightenment....
Traveler setting forth on the journey of life - young, innocent, unknowing of pitfalls and temptations thereof. The sun, i.e. knowledge of his origin as a ray of the infinite source (God) manifest in human form to work through the physical plane, is behind him. He may know it is there but is unaware of its real meaning so therefore he is walking away from it. Before him is the precipice, trap of the material world, awaiting his step over the edge and fall into imbalance. But, he sees it not, as his eyes are upon the beautiful vista; illusion caused by inexperience and blindness regarding Universal Laws. The dog at his heels is bounding and appears to be excited about the journey and equally unaware of the pitfall ahead as he is in a leaping mode and following his master's footsteps. The traveler is well-dressed, meaning that internally and externally he has everything he needs to take on this journey. He carries a purse on a stick representing his pack of provisions; resources or equivalent means to see his way through the travels ahead. Also, he holds a white rose signifying the eternal Life Principle which will bring him successfully through the trials he encounters during the course of his journey to the ultimate fulfillment of his destiny. PARALLEL ARCHETYPES: The Joker, The Jester, The Cuckold, The Clown, The Piper, The Beggar, The Village Idiot, The Wanderer, The Hitchhiker
State of Mind: Thoughtlessness, Folly, Extravagance, Lack of discipline, Immaturity, Irrationality, Insecurity, Frivolity, Delirium, Frenzy, Enthusiasm, Naivete, Bad decision, Indecision, Apathy, Hesitation, Lack of consideration, Unrestrained excess, Carelessness in promises, Beginning adventure, Precipice of life, Excitement