Minor Arcana
Water Cards
Water Cards
Grails & Matters of the Heart
BLUE in this system relates to the element of WATER
WATER (WEST) WATER/CUPS – DEEP BLUE WATER & COSMIC SKIES: The blue cards in this system deck relate to the element of Water. The blue of the ocean and sky reminds us of our cosmic origins to which we will return. We can melt into watery blue, or dissolve into the daytime or nighttime skies.
Water cards have to do with the passions of the heart, pleasure and our emotions. Fish and Grails or Cauldrons express the Element of Water. Water can hold us, spill over, nurture us and can even drown. These are the emotional cards that can be indulgent. They can also help us feel, become increasingly kind and develop compassion.
Each Grail represents an aspect of the Torus Field, or Holy Grail.
Ace of Water – Joy
Keywords:
Nourishment – Renewal – Love
Reversed
Hindrances to happiness
emotion
Loving
Meaning:
The gift of the Ace of Water is joy. It may be that your heart is so full that it simply must overflow to those around you. Or it may be that it is time to discover and receive the love and joy that fills your heart. Certainly, loving another makes one feel as though we belong in the world and brings us joy. As we awaken spiritually, divine love can flood our hearts with delight. The Ace of Water offers the invitation to open to the full expression of the heart. Let your imagination joyously dance and play, leading you into new possibilities, even bliss.
Heart Expression:
If you have drawn the Ace of Water in a reading, you are receiving a blessing. Close your eyes and feel the presence of the living universe. If it feels right, imagine that you are sipping from the Pair Dadeni, the cup of rebirth, feeling nourished, rejuvenated, even reborn. Know that you are completely loved at this moment. This card indicates that you are entering a period of renewal, and new forms of love are very possible.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
In the Celtic tradition, springs, wells, and lakes were considered entrances to the Goddess. The goddess Iouga, pictured in the card, reminds us of the tradition of the Faery accord. In Celtic tradition, humans are meant to be stewards of the living planet acting as bridges between the Faery realm and the Divine. Iouga’s Grail is reminiscent of the Pair Dadeni, the cup of rebirth. The Vesica Piscis behind Iouga represents the union between the material and unseen worlds, form and formless. The egg at her feet symbolizes wholeness, rebirth, and new life.
Adage:
Joy is a quality of the soul.
Grail Question:
How are you experiencing joy?
Two of Water – Relationship
Keywords:
Romance – Relationship – Union
Reversed
Hindrances to partnership
emotion
Cherished
Meaning:
When our heart is overflowing with love, we can share these feelings with another. If you have pulled Two of Water in a reading love is in the air. There is a sense of mutual attraction and shared values. Mutual respect can form a container in which higher forms of consciousness can be felt and understood. Whether this is a love relationship or a business partnership the sense is that the alliance is beneficial. If this reading is about a love relationship, then this can be an indication that this partnership will deepen into commitment.
Heart Expression:
If you choose this card in a reading, you may be invited to experience a deeper quality of love, perhaps romance. This is the meeting of hearts, which can take many forms. It can be the union of your heart, mind, and soul. It certainly suggests that love as a healing force is available to you in your life. When two people dance together and become one, often something new is created.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
In the card we see Merlin and Nimue sharing their affection for one another in a garden of blooming morning glories. There is a sense of adoration and mutual respect. Stars shine above the standing stones behind them is the tower, perhaps the church ruin on the Glastonbury Tor. White butterflies flit past, symbolic of the transformative power of love. Two dragonflies at the base of the Grail remind us that life is ever changing and not to cling to the moment but instead to dance in the magic of the present moment. A butterfly and two moths are symbolic of the nature of metamorphosis. Two acorns are on either side of an Oak tree, remind us that union can bring stability into our lives. In the upper rim we see a castle surrounded by stars, the promise of what partnership, even marriage, can bring. Twenty-four triskeles are symbolic of the many aspects of love and union.
Adage:
Love is a healing force.
Grail Question:
Who do you adore?
Three of Water – Friendship
Keywords:
Creativity – Celebration – Ritual
Reversed
Forgotten ritual
emotion
Joyous
Meaning:
It is time to celebrate a life passage, a birth, marriage, or engage in sacred ritual that animates the soul. Three is both a creative and a sacred number. If you have pulled the Three of Water in a reading, it denotes a time of happiness. It is a great time to let the troubles of the past flow behind you and just enjoy being with friends. It can also suggest that you have people in your life that you can turn to when you really need them.
Heart Expression:
When you draw this card in a reading it is time to engage imaginatively with friends. Do you wish to throw a party? You may want to share your artwork or stories with each other and celebrate your creativity and resourcefulness. This is a card of vision, joy and gifts that arise from an open heart and the joy that arises when we share with others. It is important to engage with other at all stages of life.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
The card depicts the three faces of the Goddess: maiden, mother and the wise one. It is the elder that sits at the base of the Grail, supporting the budding youth and blossoming vessel of life. The two headed Raven reminds us that life is filled with magic if we know where to look. The phases of the moon on the upper rim of the Grail mark the passage of time from one phase of our lives to the next.
Adage:
All phases of life are meant to be honored and celebrated.
Grail Question:
What phase of your life needs to be celebrated?
Four of Water – Retreat
Keywords:
Rest – Exhaustion – Turning Within
Reversed
Complex feelings
emotion
Weary
Meaning:
If you have pulled the Four of Water in a reading, you may feel that your inspiration has gone underground, that your creativity has abandoned you. If this is the case it is time to allow yourself to get in touch with your sensitivity, allow your true feelings to surface in a safe space. Ask your heart what you really desire. Sometimes the world feels overwhelming. You may have been involved in an event that triggered you emotionally and need time to retreat and rethink a situation. Give yourself time to rest. Fours invite security and stability, sometimes boredom. Water that does not flow can become a stagnant pool, or even tears. Allow your true feelings to bubble up to the surface.
Heart Expression:
When we choose this card in a reading, you may find that your relationships feel tedious, or life itself seems lackluster, even boring. The dullness is simply a chapter that will pass. The lesson is to embrace the periods when you feel confined, limited, or controlled, and simply turn within to seek the world of imagination. The pull is to the Inner World of Dreams. New opportunities will emerge, and your feelings will be rekindled when the time is right. For now, meditate, dream, and know new ideas will emerge soon.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
The card shows Danu, the Mother of the Tuatha de Danann, who realized that surface earth had become too dangerous for her children and called them to take the arduous journey into the Earth. The artwork shows Danu tossing a veil over the planet, and the upper rim of the Grail shows that her actions are mirrored in yet an Otherworld. The Mother calls us into the sanctuary of our own hearts when it is time for us to see love in a new way. We are reminded that there are occasions when we need to rest and contemplate the nature of our heart. Our feelings can be complex, and it is best not to react but to await the wisdom that arises from a pool of stillness.
Adage:
Stillness is where creative solutions are found.
Grail Question:
How do you feel right now?
Five of Water – Betrayal
Keywords:
Disappointment – Loss – Frustration
Reversed
Suffering
emotion
Wounded
Meaning:
Conflicts and difficulties tend to be associated with fives; the Five of Water specifically addresses the wounds and betrayals of the heart. We often grow through suffering and pain, but at this moment the hurt is not logical. Anguish is nothing to be ashamed of and you do not have to stoically march on. If you are feeling frustration due to a life situation, allow the feelings to surface in a safe environment. Draw the feelings or write a poem and allow your soul to give expression to this affliction. Perhaps something has disappointed you and grief has arisen like spring rain or even a summer storm, let the feelings come. Tears can heal.
Life events such as bereavement, illness, divorce, or some sort of separation can break our hearts. There are times when we may feel abandoned, isolated, or alone. This is part of being human. Whatever you are feeling, remember water moves and feelings are temporary. Acknowledge the negative feelings, the pain and disappointment, and remember this too shall pass.
Heart Expression:
If you have drawn Five of Water in a reading, you may be experiencing some type of loss, even a betrayal. Allow the feelings of despair to reveal the wisdom of your heart and find the strength that resides within your being. Deep within your soul you know how you must move forward in your life. Anguish is a teacher. First, explore the wounded heart and allow the deepest part of yourself to share its perceptions with you. Trust your heart to reveal the truth to you, and then choose again. When you are ready, forgive yourself and others, and flow onward into a brighter future.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
The artwork shows the maiden Blodeuwedd, who was created by magicians out of the flowers of the meadow for one purpose which was to be the wife of Lleu, a young hero who could not wed a mortal woman. Blodeuwedd has understood the natural movement of birds and bees but cannot understand the principles of the human world with its rules and limitations, especially those placed upon sexuality. She feels betrayed and she has also been disloyal to another. Her many emotions and deep feelings have confused her, but at the same time she can learn more about who she is as a human being. The owl above her head indicates a path of wisdom that is open for her, but first she must integrate and understand her emotional confusion. When we act in ways that cause others to suffer, we also ache. Blodeuwedd learns the binding power of agreements, and also that we can change what has been written and choose to live in a new way. Often loss and betrayal mark the beginning of a spiritual deepening and mystical quest. The pink flowers and green unfurling ferns remind us that love always shows us the way into the future.
Adage:
We all, in some way, are involved in a story of becoming.
Grail Question:
In what way are you experiencing suffering?
Six of Water – Reunion
Keywords:
Roots – Memories – Integration
Reversed
Feeling abandoned, lonely
emotion
Caring
Meaning:
If you have received the Six of Water in a reading, you are being invited to look at the entirely of your life. You may wish to remain on the surface, but life is richer when you feel the fullness of your heart. It may be that your ancestral roots need attention, or that it is time to forgive a family memory for some old wrong. It is also helpful to question memories and see if our recollections are real. It takes courage to look for the truth, to integrate all the emotions still held from the past with the wonder of the present moment. Do not be afraid to feel what is in your heart. It may be time to reconnect in a heart-felt way with an old friend or lover. It is time to forgive the mistakes and come back together again. It’s time for a reunion.
Heart Expression:
Like Emer, you may be making a new relationship with beauty, noticing the world around you in a fresh way. It is time to arrive fully in your heart, to embrace self-love and smell the roses. Be at peace with your memories, and drink deeply from the Grail of Beauty. Six is a number of harmony and union, and the six of Grails represents the balanced heart. In this card, the past and future cease to exist, and there is only the exquisiteness of the present moment.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
In the Grail we see Emer, the beauty of Ireland with songbirds flying above her. With open arms, she welcomes Cuchulain home after his training with Scatach. The birds represent the freedom of the heart. When we allow ourselves to feel, fully and completely, we can experience the gifts inherent in our true nature: compassion, love, and tenderness. The golden thread issuing from Emer’s inner star, is a reminder of the precious gift of life.
Adage:
All memories are illusory.
Grail Question:
Who does your heart miss?
Seven of Water – Illusion
Keywords:
Dreams – Illusions – Escapism
Reversed
Delusion
emotion
Confused
Meaning:
Magic always plays a role in the alchemy of sevens. The Seven of Water draws the seeker more deeply into the mysteries, which can never be fully understood but only dreamt and reflected upon. If you have pulled this card in a reading, it suggests that this is a time to reflect upon what is illusion and what is real in your life. Are you chasing an unreal dream, or is your heart leading you toward new opportunities that are beyond your wildest imagination? Trust the wisdom of the heart and allow love to lead you to fulfill your dreams. Opportunities abound but the rational mind could lead you astray. Trust the wisdom of your heart and soul to lead you in the right direction.
Heart Expression:
Longing can take a seeker into strange and interesting places. The heart may wish for something but fail to act for fear that it’s only wishful thinking. We forget that we are co-creators. To become a reality, dreams need to be contained with focused awareness. Choose one idea that the heart loves and then bring that one picture or perception into being. Allow yourself to sing the song that lives in your heart, and don’t care if it makes you famous. Sing because your heart loves to sing. Dance those steps and draw those crazy drawings. Do what makes your inner child giggle.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
The artwork shows Caer Ibormeith in three bodies dancing between the sun and stars, above two swans that form a heart with their gentle touching of beaks. The birds swim in an orange pool amongst lotus blossoms. Celtic knots weave two bands, reminding us that Caer lived in one world while her beloved Aengus Og lived in another. Their love for one another and deep desire helped them achieve the transfiguration required for them to be together throughout eternity. Aengus had to wait, but what he feared was only an illusion of love became a reality. They were triumphant in the end.
Adage:
Fantasy is a way of understanding reality.
Grail Question:
What is the difference between fantasy and reality?
Eight of Water – Departure
Keywords:
Letting go – Trust – Destiny
Reversed
Lack of trust
emotion
Motivated
Meaning:
Even when we have worked hard at something there are times when we must simply walk away. Drawing the Eight of Water in a reading reminds us that even when we wish to hold onto something, or have events play out a certain way, we must remember that each of us has a special destiny that we must live into. There can be sadness when we say goodbye to a person or situation that no longer serves us. We know in our hearts when it is time to depart.
Heart Expression:
It might be time to let go of something that no longer serves you, so that you can focus on what you believe in and what you feel is the course that is correct for your highest destiny way. This is not the time to pretend that life is fine when it is not. Throw the light of your heart to the wind, trust your heart, and feel the path that awaits you.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
This card shows Caesair, the granddaughter of Noah, who was not allowed to board the Ark and so was destined to build her own ship and set sail. In the base of the Grail, you see her many friends and horses held safe inside, as she throws the light of her heart out into the tumultuous sea. The triple spiral or triskele is one of the oldest symbols of spirituality. The three waves remind us of the Celtic view of three stages of life: life, death and rebirth; of the domains of land, sky and sea; and also the past, present and future. The lightning reminds us of the fifth element of spirit, the light that ultimately guides the way. Fairy folk in the form of stars fly to Caesair to assist her, and the Goddess Eriu draws her safely to the shores of Ireland, her new home.
Adage:
It’s hard to go, until you go…
Grail Question:
Where does your heart want to take you?
Nine of Water – Optimism
Keywords:
Enthusiasm – Good Omen – Achievement
Reversed
Pessimism
emotion
Tenacious
Meaning:
If the Nine of Water appears in a reading, it is a sign that your life is coming together. The ups and downs of life have smoothed out. Good fortune is shining upon you, and what you have wished for is coming true. There may have been difficulties in the past, but the present moment is grand. This card is a sign that you are surrounded by those you love, and that you are grounded in the reality of the three worlds. Dreams do come true, sometimes when you least expect it. You have everything you need, so enjoy life’s pleasures.
Heart Expression:
This is a period in which the heart is experiencing happiness, and perhaps realizing that delight and pleasure are part of the true expression of the soul. You may have been through some difficulties, but they are behind you now. Look to the future with a glowing heart knowing that love, abundance, and recognition are a natural part of your life now.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
The card portrays Elaine, the mother of the Grail Champion Galahad and lover of Lancelot. Elaine has discovered a deeper truth about herself and the nature of existence. She understands what can restore the Wasteland. While the repair is outside her control, there are larger forces at work that she has grown to trust. Wisdom has arisen from within her as she stood in a boiling pool surrounded by serpents for five years. She has been tested to the core, and the complex journey she has had to negotiate is depicted in the labyrinth (or maze) on the Grail she holds firmly in both hands. She has raised a child alone, yet finally joins the Round Table with a gift that is healing for all present. While she wanted a happy and fulfilling life, it was something she had to forge within her own character before it finally emerged in the world around her. Elaine is a true Grail Champion, the victor of her own heart and soul. In the illustration, she holds the Grail in her hands, and with the two red serpents, we can observe the Caduceus, the staff of Hermes, a deeply symbolic healing image. A small knight stands off in the distance behind her left shoulder, and yet she looks forward, fearless about what the future might hold. The love that is in her heart animates the entire drawing. The pearl at the top of the Grail she holds is indicative of the precious pearl that is her own true nature.
Adage:
Perceive it, believe it, achieve it.
Grail Question:
What are we waiting for?
Ten of Water – Fulfillment
Keywords:
Family – Contentment – Wellness – Fulfillment
Reversed
Obstacles to Contentment and Success
emotion
Empowered
Meaning:
There are times in life when the warmth of the sun shines upon us and we feel happy and content with life. Ten of Water is a positive card that indicates that some dreams have come true. It’s time to celebrate with others. This is a time of gladness and pleasure in the home. The family dynamic is strong, and people are getting along. There can be a wonderful feeling of contentment and success. Take a moment to recognize your accomplishments.
Heart Expression:
If you choose Ten of Water in a reading, your life is abundant, so remember to be generous with others. This is a time of cheerfulness, creativity, and dreams fulfilled. Your heart feels warm, life is going well, and emotional challenges are easily overcome. Sense the blessings you are receiving, and what you wish to share with the world. Know that your optimism will help guide you to your Highest Good.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
In the artwork we see Aine, offering her blessings of Awen or inspiration. The sun shines through her forehead or third eye, suggesting that she is a seer and teacher of the highest order. She lifts her arms to bestow the benediction of love, light and life. Her kind-heartedness, affection and ardor are reflected in the blossoming flowers at the base of the Grail. There may be a slight hint that someone or something is missing. Perhaps there is still one wish or dream left to achieve? See if you can place the feeling. At the same time there is the feeling of the warm-heartedness of XIX Sun card. Ultimately all is well, even splendid.
Adage:
Success is a mixture of inspiration, hard work and luck.
Grail Question:
What is success to you?
