Major Arcana
The Challenges VII - X
The Challenges VII - X
The Soul then faces the challenges of the dualistic world in the form of the VI Lovers (Choices), VII Chariot (Duality), VIII Strength (Fortitude), IX Hermit (Introspection), and X Wheel of Life (Karma).
VII Chariot - Victory
Message:
Aligning with the Higher Self leads to victory over opposing forces.
Keywords:
Self-control, sanity, achievement, travel.
Reversed
Domination, divided, conflicted.
Colors
Purple/gold
Meaning:
Chariot is about bringing order to chaos. The two dragons represent the dueling forces inherent in human nature. These energies can pull us into division and war, or unity and success. Ultimately Victory is about the glory of triumphing over our lower drives and aligning with spiritual powers. Inner harmony leads to mental health and general wellbeing. In a reading, Chariot indicates that it is time overcome conflicts or addictions. Once you achieve inner equilibrium you can then triumph.
7th - Arcanum:
Seven is a magical number. After a storm we see the seven colors of the rainbow. The Chariot arises as a test in how to handle dualistic forces both in the world, and also inside the persona. The challenge is to be victorious after illness or convalescence, which tends to be part of the process of living. An individual divided from nature and the divinie is sick or insane. In their own grandiosity, or their own deep depression, they may not be aware of the challenge. The idea is to find the whole integrated Self. The inner planets of astrology include the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and two more planets with personal impact are Jupiter and Saturn. Unless they are in aspect to a personal planet, Neptune, Uranus and Pluto have more of a collective theme. Carl Jung recognized seven principal forces, which he referred to as archetypes: the shadow, the persona (ego), the animus (inner masculine), the anima (inner feminine), the wise old man or father, the mother, and the Self.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
A Lady of the Lake stands on sacred water with balance and equilibrium. The water shows no reflection, but the sky blue suggests that this is a spiritual river and as a Lady of the Lake she has the ability to move between worlds. It could be that the apparent world is one side of the river, and parallel Otherworld covered by a white veil mirrors it on the opposite bank. Her green skirt is in the shape of a Morning Glory, and it flows into the water suggesting that she understands the mysteries of nature and is rooted to the truth that lives within her. She holds a scepter in her left hand that trails into the water, suggesting that the radiance comes from the core of the Earth, perhaps from Gaia. Rooted to the truth that lives within her, she faces forward looking as though she can effortlessly handle two opposing dragons. The brown and red dragon wrapped around her staff breathes fire, but he is not using his energy in a destructive way. Instead, the steam rising from his nostrils feeds the light of the crystal on her ceremonial staff. The waning crescent Moons on the lower and upper right-hand side of the image symbolize her ability to release her attachment to the material plane. Worldly events have no effect upon her for she is aligned with a more holistic way of living and being.
The Lady of the Lake is clearly in touch with a Higher Power that is guiding her. In her right hand she holds the veil that has been opened by the II High Priestess and clutched by III Green Woman. The white veil that generally holds the two worlds apart is being carried away by the white dragon into the Cosmic realms, perhaps Otherworldly Avalon. Seven stars frame the white dragon, who seems to be listening to the gentle and aware Lady of the Lake, who uses consciousness instead of force to stay vertically aligned with Spirit. The crown of leaves that she wears suggests she is a natural leader. She is dedicated to serving Avalon and her people, and the dragons have become her friends, companions and protectors.
Grail Legend:
The Celts believed that a soul journeys through three realms Annwn (within world), Abred (apparent world) and Gwynvyd (pure lands). At the end there is a spiritual Otherworld called Ceugant, or the realm of the Infinite. In Nimue, the protagonist visits Annwn and meets the Lord of the Underworld, Gwyn ap Nudd. In this very deep place, Nimue begins to understand that she is a Lady of the Lake and that blood of the immortals run in her veins. She learns the mysteries of the Land, Sea, and Sky. The Otherworlds are parallel dimensions. There are certain places where the veils are thin. Glaslyn in north-west Wales is where King Arthur’s wounded body was placed and carried away to Avalon.
Archetypal Power As a Person:
A leader who straightens things out; a driver or travel guide.
Grail Question:
Who is the master of your destiny?
VIII - Strength
Message:
Throw the light of your heart into the future and know you will be guided safely home.
Keywords:
Courage, fortitude, strength of character, vitality, endurance.
Reversed
Obstinacy, failures, abuse of power, weakness of character.
Colors
Red/Red or Red/Gold
Meaning:
True strength is not about domination over another person, but about the courage to live life to the full. The process of individuation requires that a person learn how to think for themselves and to discriminate lies from truth, and fantasy from reality. We need the quality of strength to make our own decisions and to choose how we will live our lives. When we pull this card in a reading, it may be important to defend against criticism, judgments, even hatred. Remember, it is our divine right to defend ourselves and those we love. We need the quality of strength to build a strong character so we can live good, active, and healthy lives.
Strength is related to the virtue of Fortitude, which gives us the courage and self-discipline to resist the impulses of our lower nature. Once we befriend the inner dragon, we then have a fierce ally when we travel to the Otherworld. With a dragon as a guide, we can explore the inner forests of the psyche. Often our wildest inner aspects hold enormous amounts of vitality
8th - Arcanum:
Most Hermetic Tarot decks show Fortitude or Strength as the 11th Arcanum, and Justice as the 8th. We chose Strength in this position because it is a quality needed to endure the challenges the spiritual initiate must face. All those who become heroes, heroines and Grail champions have awakened the strength essence within themselves. VIII is about vital force or the impulse of life. Elan Vital, a term concocted by French philosopher Henri Bergson, felt that the expression of life was so strong that it carries warriors into battle. Personal Elan or what A.H. Almaas called the Red Essence, is a quality of vitality that keeps us from collapsing. We feel as though, like a mystical fire breathing dragon, we have what it takes to truly live life and thrive.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
From the blue emerges a red dragon with golden horns. Popular fairytales depict dragons as destructive beasts who steal maidens and burn down villages. St George, a 3rd century Roman soldier, is represented in many churches pinning the dragon to the Earth. It was George, a young Christian soldier who was tortured and beheaded for his faith. His story was retold in the 12th Century, and he became known as a brave hero. In Christianity, a dragon or serpent is often linked to the devil. We are also reminded of the bronze serpent of Moses set on a pole to neutralize poison and save humanity’s spiritual life. In the East, the dragon has the opposite meaning, and is linked to the vitality of life and the awareness that with increased vitality miracles can happen. To the Celtic people, the dragon was a mystical being who could restore sovereignty and power upon a person, such as the Pendragon, which means chief. The Druids viewed the entire Earth as the body of a dragon. The dragons were creatures who protected Earth, Sea, and Sky. They often stood with heroes and heroines in battle.
The artwork shows a young woman protected by a dragon, and it may be that she also safeguards the beast. They give each other strength and together are a fierce force. The woman has a hand on the dragon, and where she touches him a veil flies upwards, implying that their relationship is of a divine nature. The eternity symbol above their heads also hints of a timeless friendship. Although a fire burns on the left side of the card, the flames are small which means this is not a destructive fire, for the heat of the dragon is contained. After all, fire is also necessary to keep us warm. The astrological symbols of Sun and Mars, indicate suggest a confident and independent person with a warring nature. A white sun sets over a castle, alluding to the power of kings and queens. A tiny fairy standing amongst the pink flowers indicates that the friendship between the heroine and the dragon is life affirming.
Grail Legend:
The Red Dragon is a symbol of the Welsh people. Y Ddraig Goch means Red Dragon and was adopted as a symbol and flag to represent power and authority after the withdrawal of Roman rule. In Nimue, Merlin teaches the protagonist how to ride a Red Dragon into the sea and through a worm hole into his crystal cave in an Otherworld that is sealed off from the influence of mortals. There they enjoy a romance. Later in the story, Nimue returns to find the red dragon who then once again acts as her ally and guide to the Otherworld.
Archetypal Power As a Person:
A cultured individual who has the strength to face the challenges life presents; a warrior.
Grail Questions:
What is the source of your vitality and strength?
IX Hermit
Message:
Be silent, go within and seek peace.
Keywords:
Guidance, conscience, divine inspiration, inner light, truth, synthesis.
Reversed
Isolation, loneliness, depression.
Colors
Silver/indigo
Meaning:
Hermit personifies the archetype of the Sage or Wisdom keeper who has taken a period of time for retreat, or even chosen a contemplative life. The lamp is symbolic of the holy fire or insight that is gained through periods of meditation and silence. The light carried by the Hermit suggests that it is possible for an individual to achieve illumination, even Self-Realization, but the recovery of this type of Wisdom requires walking through the shadows. It is in our darkness hour that the light will reveal itself. If you have chosen the Hermit in a reading, take time to walk in nature and listen to the wisdom of your heart, for it will always lead you in the right direction.
9th - Arcanum:
The Hermit is a dreamer, a prudent wise and good person who can be trusted. This is the wise teacher, tsadik, or guru that the initiate so often seeks early on. The Arcanum are entwined with Hermes Trismegistus. He is known as the scribe of the gods and is thought of as the author of the sacred texts on which Hermeticism is based. It maybe that he existed as a wise pagan prophet. He was the author of the Emerald Tablets and taught that alchemy, astrology, and white magic or theurgy were the keys to Wisdom. In legend, Hermes Trismegistus (which means thrice- great Hermes is a combination of Greek Hermes and Egyptian Thoth, and thus unites writing and magic. He explained that what is above is also below, and that which is below is like that which is above.
Imaginosophy recognizes Hermes as a guide who will walk with us in the darkness, perhaps in the form of Sophia. His lamp with the single flame reminds us to separate ourselves from ideas and people that divide us and instead seek the harmony of the spheres. In silence we rediscover the coherence found in the heart. Ideas, beliefs, practices, and doubts, become synthesized in stillness so that the multiplicities that drive a person mad become unified consciousness. The truth lives at a very deep level of the unconscious, in the world of dreams and imagination. The Hermit recognizes the Arcanum as alchemical spiritual exercises that can lead one through the shadows into the mysteries where the light of Wisdom can be found and brought up into the conscious mind. The Hermit pursues the truth and in overcoming division, discovers synthesis which leads to deep peace.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
At first glance, the Hermit wears the white cloak or mantle of the spiritual one, a priestess or druid. When we look closely, we see that the garment is the veil that was held open by the High Priestess, clutched by the Green Woman and offered up to the white dragon by Strength. Snowdrops grow beneath her feet, flowers sacred to Brigit, an embodiment of Wisdom. The Hermit walks through a forest of Birches, trees that were the first to grow on the rocky soil after the Ice Age. The Birches are thus known as trees of new beginnings, purification, and revitalization. The Birches with silver bark are known in Celtic folklore as the Lady of the Woods. In the artwork, the silvery trees, meadow, and green mountain seem to be magically lit by the Moon, Stars, and the radiant Scepter. The Hermit also carries a lamp lit by a perpetual flame that creates a ghostly spiral orb reflecting the circle of the full Moon. The green radiance of the natural world reminds us that the Hermit understands the kindness of the heart, also seen in the Six of Spirit.
The astrological symbols of Mercury (a Hermetic symbol) and Neptune (the most spiritual planet) suggest that the Hermit cognizes spiritual alchemy. Her eyes are open, and she walks toward some distant vision, perhaps into the dream of green grasses with the understanding that the heart is central to the synthesis of her body and mind. She realizes it is in the silence of her heart that she finds the truth of peace.
Grail Legend:
Anna is a wisewoman, healer and priestess who acts as a guide to young Avalonian priestesses including Nimue. There is a hint that she has been around since the fall of Atlantis. There is something ancient about Anna, and we can trace her back in time to Anu or Danu the Mother of the Tuatha de Danann. It is Anna who initiates Nimue at Avebury and prepares her to become counselor of Camelot.
Archetypal Power As a Person:
A contemplative, trustworthy person, or wise-elder.
Grail Questions:
What are you dreaming and imagining?
X Wheel of Life
Message:
Life is full of ups and downs; hang out in the middle.
Keywords:
Evolution, good fortune, success, felicity, growth, life phases, cycles of time.
Reversed
Involution, feeling stuck, breakdown, ruin.
WISDOM SYNTHESIS
recovery, revitalization, restoration, liberation
Colors
Turquoise/Green
Meaning:
The Wheel of Life represents situations we have little control over, such as unexpected boons, or accidents. Traditionally, if the card is upright then our luck is good, if it is reversed then our luck is bad. However, there is also a third option here, which is that whatever fate befalls us is perfect. Destiny is a paradox. In one sense we are trapped in a pattern, chaos of daily life. Yet as we move to the center of the Wheel of Life, we discover as we spiral inward that we are already free. Serenity and harmony are always found in the center. If you have pulled this card in a reading it may be useful to shift from an individual or subjective perspective of a situation and instead it observe from the larger objective angle. The paradox of life means that we can be right and wrong at the same time. What looks like a breakdown might really be a breakthrough.
10th - Arcanum:
To a Western mystic, the symbolism of the Wheel of Fortune (or the Wheel of Life is contradictory). The wheel bears similarity to the Ouroborous, the serpent that bites its tail, symbolic of the eternal process of creation and destruction. The Eastern and Western Pantheist religions treat the snake as a symbol of life and transformation; they are honored as wise creatures. In Christian theology the serpent represents vice, or paradoxically evil, the opposite of life. What is true? Madam Blavatsky attempted to redeem the poor serpent and reestablish its role as Wisdom. Perhaps the direction of the movement of the serpent also matters. To the Greeks, the serpent who crawls upward on the rod of Asclepius forms the symbol we associate with medicine, the Caduceus. Carl Jung describes the snake as a magical animal that guards the mysteries but can also show the way to strange hidden worlds. Apparently, the serpent can lead an individual astray into strange fantasies, or toward the integrated Self, or perhaps all the above. In Imaginosophy, Wisdom includes the Totality, the shadow, light and the imaginative rainbow in between. After all, everything is an expression of the divine.
In the Pantheistic Celtic philosophy, the apple is a symbol of fertility, good health, and happiness. In Genesis the forbidden fruit is never named, until Milton in Paradise Lost called it the apple. Unfortunately, malus, the Latin word for evil and apple are the same, and so a biblical paradox sprang up over what was probably a toxic elixir. So, what is the truth? This enigma is part of the riddle of the Great Work and what each of us must face, wrestle with, and integrate within our consciousness. Involution also has its purpose. In the middle of the Wheel of Life we can pause and wonder what the true story is, and of course, like the wheel in motion, ideas are constantly changing. We remember how to move forward (to evolve) when we see that the truth of life is more of a spiral. Life is holographic and truth is not static. Again there is a paradox because there are eternal truths, and the key to freedom is a spiral. After all, we have incarnated for a reason. The world is not meant to be escaped but fully lived into. We may need to use our imaginations to remember our way back to Wisdom.
Certainly, Apple Trees in the Celtic world are about transformation and renewal. There is no accident that they are often circular in shape. For thousands of years apples were associated with rebirth, and were buried with the dead, perhaps symbolic of the journey to sacred Avalon (the Isle of Apples). In fact, for over five thousand years apples have been found in tombs.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
In Imaginosophy, the Wheel of Life is symbolic of the Cosmic drama of involution and evolution. Buddha suggested that the way out of the endless cycle of reincarnation (pain and suffering) is to find the way to the center of the wheel. The journey to the center is the Grail quest and it takes some imagination to arrive there. The symbolism in the artwork invites us to contemplate our navel, a great place to begin the journey.
An Ovate (Celtic Oracle) stands in the middle of the Wheel of Life. She has an apple on her belly center, or over her sacred womb. The symbols here point to the Cosmic dramas and contradictions that keep the religions stuck in division, and humanity in a state of confusion. The vertical snakes are symbolic of the breath of life, and a way out of the endless cycle of reincarnation. The circle can represent eternity, but it can also be a trap. If we look carefully at the artwork there are three rings, and the third ring in the center is open, showing us the way to the sacred spiral. The four alchemical symbols at the edge of the drawing suggest that the four elements are a key to transformation. The astrological symbols remind us of the cycles of time and the larger movements of the Cosmos. Due to their ability to shed their skin, and move silently in the Underworld, Celtic artists draw snakes as symbols of rebirth. The two serpents represent the various pathways to the Upper and Lower realms, which in the Celtic imagination are part of a the Great Cosmic Intelligence. Benevolent Jupiter at the top of the image reminds us to keep open mind and hearts. The twelve petaled lotus behind the Ovate/Oracle’s head suggests that her heart center is open, and that she has discovered the secrets of love and harmony.
Grail Story:
In myth, it is said that Merlin was sheltered by an Apple Tree during his time of madness. Apple trees were thought to be amongst the noblest of the forest and were revered because the fruit could be kept for long periods of time, and they felt a transformation could occur when an apple was eaten. A person might even be carried away to an Otherworld after biting an apple. There are myths of people living for centuries on the healing apples that grew on magical islands. In A Story of Becoming, the protagonist is the spirit of an Apple Tree. At first, she experiences herself as a seed, then a sapling that is nibbled on by deer, then a disfigured tree and eventually an fruit bearing Apple Tree. But the story does not stop there, become one night she is hit by lightning and transformed forever. She does not die, but her red apples become golden healing apples. The story continues with people seeking the medicine of the Apple Tree until eventually under too much scrutiny she asks to be hidden in the forest.
Archetypal As a Person:
A drama queen or someone prone to extremes; someone who identifies as fortunate or ruined, or both. Or a well-rounded intuitive human being in touch with the cycles of life without being bound to them.
Grail Questions:
What is the story of your personal myth (or living drama)?
