The Wheel of Fortune

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Here we see a wheel, set against the backdrop of the sky. There is no human element available to take control of the wheel and influence its movement. The movement of the wheel is random, so perhaps fate or luck are at work? What is controlling this wheel?

As the wheel turns, does it dip into our conscious when on the downward dip and the subconscious on the upward swing? Or, does this represent the ups and downs that we experience on our life journey? The downs give us our strength while the ups allow us to rejoice that we made it through the troublesome times and it is all a part of God’s divine plan? This divine plan is held at bay because of our lack of perception that everything is intertwined, we are all connected. Truly everything connects because we are all part of the Universe that was designed by God.

“Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.” – Dali Lama

Now at the halfway point though our journey through the Major Arcana Tarot cards we see a vision of the inner meaning of life. We’re all connected, and as the wheel turns change occurs within us and we too along with it. Whereas the Hermit turned away from the outer world to concentrate his attention within, now with the Wheel of Fortune we start again on our journey.

“Learned we may be with another man’s learning: we can only be wise with wisdom of our own.” -Michael de Montaigne

Hopefully we’ve gotten a sense of where we have been, but now where and what do we want to head towards? Are we at a milestone of some kind? Finishing High School, graduating from College, getting married? Or are we going through a divorce and having to start all over again? Completed caring for an aging parent that took much of our time and now that the loved one has passed, what to do with the free time? Perhaps retirement is on the horizon and all the free time is staring us in the face while we’re wondering if this is the road we want to travel, the change difficult but exciting as it is unknown?

In divinatory meanings:

The Wheel of Fortune is known as a ‘destiny card’ and typically brings a positive change of fortune. Some change of fortune should be coming about in your life, typically for the better. However, even though it may be for the better, we may not understand just why this has come about. Fate? Or as some say, Karma? Things change, life changes and as such the Wheel turns.

Another thing to remember with the Wheel of Fortune is to remain grounded and center yourself so while the wheel turns you have the opportunity to control your reaction to the changes it brings. Do you act out, or do you accept and adapt? What will your reaction be? How will you respond? This IS up to you!

Lastly, it indicates a new cycle of change where much progress can be made. Be sure to make the most of this fortunate time as change is constant. What will come next?!

“Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.” –Dalai Lama

Blessings on your journey!

Tricia of FreeBirdJourneys.com

The Hermit

When we think of a Hermit we may think of two paths, one inner and one outer. There is the inner withdrawal – to go within and reconnect with Spirit or the outer withdrawal from the world. Meditation is a useful process here. The prospect of finding or connecting to God/Spirit through a personal experience. Hermits were also thought of as living Saints.

We may also see the Hermit as a teacher, the special guide that will help us find our way. This could be a tarot card reader, a therapist, a mentor, a spirit guide or even our dreams. The star in the lantern that the Hermit holds gives us what we need to find him, the guiding light. He will help us find our way if we use our Strength from the previous card to follow him.

In a reading the Hermit symbolizes a withdrawal from outer concerns. This can be emotional withdrawal and at times from other people and activities that we thought were important. If you’ve been overworking yourself you may need to take a rest and relax, get in touch with yourself. Your maturity that you gained in the Chariot will serve you well as you now have a knowledge of what really matters in your life. You have all the answers within you but you may need a bit of time to access them.

When we see the Hermit as a guide this allows you to make your own self-discoveries. It is smart to follow your own path and principles even when you may feel lost. Perhaps you may need to reestablish your balance and allow time and space for all factors to emerge. If you have a major decision to make, now is not the time to do it even if you’re feeling pressured into it. Wait, go within and stand by your principles.

When you are in the healing traditions or that of a parent, you may indeed be the Hermit displaying your role as a guide and teacher to others. When others are in disagreement and both sides blame you, step back. If there is no audience, the quarreling will usually die down.

Keywords for The Hermit: careful thought & contemplation, guide, teacher, wisdom, peace, solitude, knowledge, searching, meditation, research & study, seeker, reflection, intuition.

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is the easiest; and third, by experience which is the bitterest.” ~Confucius

“In order to change the world, you have to get your head together first.” ~Jimi Hendrix

Blessings on your Journey,

Tricia

Strength

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The card of Strength shows a sensual and serene woman taming a lion as she gently closes his mouth. As we have moved through the Major Arcana we have gone from a young babe to a mature adult seeking victory. Now we introduce the inner Strength that we all have available inside us to confront ourselves calmly and without fear. The woman represents our higher self while the lion represents our shadow self.

As we travel along on our life journey we have our ups and downs, our victories and our defeats. Strength allows us to face our challenges which can me mental, emotional or physical. We now have the ability to control and direct the self and where we want to go. We have our victory from The Chariot, now Strength gives us the ability to take that victory even further by releasing all the energy we have in our feelings. Our feelings are strong, powerful and a great compass to directing our own life path.

When going through the problems and crises we face it is our inner Strength that allows us to see things through. We have passion but are in control of it and do not succumb to it. We have an inner Strength that we truly are not aware of, by going within and tapping into this energy we can harness this power.

In addition this card shows patience and diplomacy. The woman is being gentle with the lion, her face is calm, serene. She doesn’t use brute force or show an appearance of angst, terror, pressure or anger.

Keywords for Strength: Patience, diplomacy, courage, inner strength, quiet determination, feminine charms, calm, personal control, confidence, using physical power only when necessary.

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” ~Abraham Lincoln

Blessings on your Journey,

Tricia

The Chariot

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Here we see our hero, the man in the Chariot out to conquer. Words that come to mind are victory, success, speed and will.

How did the Charioteer harness all this energy? When looking at the previous cards on our Tarot Journey we can see growth and maturity. No longer the adolescent, we now see a mature adult. When we think of a mature adult we usually envision someone who is successful in their life, admired by others, a person of confidence with control over themselves, their mind, their feelings. Maturity is here and instills a strong will and you’re ready to succeed.

With maturity also comes a maturity of Spirit. Spiritual victory comes when we can connect to nature, to that which is larger than us and through our conscious will establish a connection. Through our Spirit we are able to focus and release our force. We also learn as we get older to control our ego, this gives us the ability to resolve our conflicts in life.

Looking at the card we see the Charioteer holds no reigns, he is guiding the sphinx by the sheer force of his will. This implies his strong character. His emotions are strong, mature, and stable. The town in the background is small indicating his strength in himself and not that of society holding the reigns.

In a reading The Chariot is a card of triumph through personal effort. Self-discipline is required so your victory may be achieved. You should be succeed over any obstacles that lie ahead. Just as the charioteer is the driving force you must use your will, intention and focus to persevere.

You may also have an inner conflict (rather than external) in order to succeed you need to control this so you may achieve your success. Obstacles and blocks will be removed but you must focus upon your path, if you get distracted you may veer off course.

Keywords for The Chariot: Victory, change, travel, big change, new adventures, personal vision, strength of will, moving house, making a major or minor life change in career or lifestyle, a vacation, self-confidence, motivation, determination, personal power.

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals.” ~ Henry Ford

Blessings to you on your journey,

Tricia

The Lovers

In the Rider Waite depiction (middle card above) we see a mature man and a single woman presided over by an angel. In earlier versions of card #6 the title was ‘The Choice’ with the divination meaning of an important choice between two desires. We still see this card referring to choices in life which can be major or minor.

Our life is once ongoing choice. These options appear at a young age. In adolescence we first begin challenging the authority of our parents and their expectations of us.

Reviewing the previous cards of the Major Arcana, The Empress #3, The Emperor #4 and The Hierophant #5 we see the individual shaped by nature, society and our parents. Now we can see how the Lovers expresses our sexuality (and awakening hormones) that emerge with adolescence giving way to moral independence. As we mature it is time to make our own decisions, take hold of responsibilities and realize our desires moving forward on our life path.

Our adolescent years are the beginning of our forming relationships with others, which opens the way to what has been called ‘puppy love’. In addition we begin to establish relationships with our friends, mentors, and teachers. As we get older and more socially experienced we learn the give and take of relationships, the choices we face where we are given the glimpse of a new unity with others as well as a new relationship with our self. When becoming open to someone else we are given the option, the choice of surrendering our ego and seeing something greater than ourselves, thus represented by the Angel in the Rider Waite depiction.

Divinatory Meanings: The Lovers card indicates love and relationships which are so very important to us in all stages of our life. We have our parental relationship, family, friends, teachers, spirit, and as we get older our coworkers, bosses, mentors, love interests, spouse, children and so on.

A particular relationship has or will become very important, you may even obtain a new life lesson via this relationship. This can also indicate help from your lover or emotional support in or from a relationship.

In the past it can represent nostalgia for an old lover, the present: your current love interest & the present choices you face in the relationship; the future: a new love on the horizon or making a commitment in a present relationship such as marriage, engagement or other relationship tie such as career or business. All of these instances involve choice. So follow your heart and keep in mind the higher good. Perhaps the Angel is a matchmaker bringing two lovers, or two people together and the Angel watching over the couple.

Some Keywords of this card: Love, desire, destiny, romance, attraction, romantic bliss, emotions, harmony, the perfect union expressed through love, growth, duality, opposites, partners. Challenges overcome so that two lovers can be together. Choices in our relationships past, present and future.

“Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.” ~ Confucius

“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” ~Oscar Wilde

Blessings on your journey!

Tricia

The Emperor

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Just as the Empress is the depiction of the Mother in the Tarot, the Emperor is seen as the Father. We see a man on his throne watching over his children as they play. He looks to the distance pondering his future plans.

The astrological sign of Aries is apparent in the ram’s heads carved on the throne and the Emperor’s armor. Purple symbolizes royalty, his lack of weapons show his use of power, wisdom and experience to rule and keep the peace. The mountains behind him represent stability and foundation.

Traditionally the Father is seen as stricter, more remote, severe, authoritarian member of the family. He also depicts the rules of society, good and bad and the power that enforces them. Think stability, foundation of a society, of a family; the father of all his people: life and death, power of rule, law and order, the opening of creative energy in which to build a family or establish leadership.

In growing up we learn the rules of society that we must adhere to. We may still desire the comfort of The Empress, the mother figure who gives us comfort yet The Emperor shows us forging ahead with our own development in society.

When The Emperor shows up in a reading it can represent a person of great power. The Leader of the family or that of the people, a responsible balanced person. Wise, a kind ruler and loving father figure. Carefully considering options and plans for the future , the use of power and wisdom to rule and keep the peace instead of using weaponry.

The Emperor can also be yourself, your Father, boss, husband or lover. Some people treat their lover as their substitute father to whom they surrender control of their lives. Should this be your case you may need to redefine your territory, creating firm boundaries in order to maintain them unless of course, this is where you want to be?

Your own role within a group whether male or female if you are the leader, peacemaker, arbitrator.

Growth can turn into chaos and competition turns into conflict. Take a rational approach to issues, use less emotion and more logic. Maintain your concentration and focus, self-control.

Rules, stability & structure are important to your situation. If you are in a position of leadership, do your best to make decisions. Be sure you have a good plan and structure in place, without these everything may turn to chaos and no progress will be made.

You may need or crave more stability in your life. You may need to set limits on your own behavior so you can obtain your goals. Remember your own boundaries if you have trouble saying No when you need to. On the flip side you may be too structured & rigid, it’s okay to shake things up a little bit and not be so predictable.

Before you can control conditions, you must first control yourself. ~ Napoleon Hill

Blessings on your Journey,

Tricia

The Empress

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Here we see a woman sitting on her throne, who is clearly pregnant indicating her fertility. Where the High Priestess indicated the mysterious and intuitive side of the feminine The Empress represents motherhood, love, and gentleness. She is the Mother Goddess full of emotion, passion and sensuality as well as sexuality.

She wears the stars as a halo representing the Zodiac, the 9 pearls around her neck are the 9 planets, and she is literally surrounded by the creation of the universe. The river behind her a life force, for we all need water to have life and for nature to continue on. It also symbolizes consistent change but stability as well. The river is always a river although the water contained within is different. The heart shaped shield next to her throne has the symbol of Venus, the Roman version of the Great Goddess.

In a reading The Empress represents growth, prosperity and fertility. Happy conclusions to matters and if you’ve been working hard and long at something, good rewards for all your efforts. Situations should come to fruition soon.

In addition The Empress is a card of passion but that of nurturing a pregnancy, birth, motherhood or creative work projects. Think of that project as your baby? You’re pregnant with new creative ideas and with The Empress in a reading, this project has a very good chance of being born!

Protect the children and loved ones in your life, nurture these relationship so they will continue to flourish. Get in touch with your feminine power, your sensual side. Connect with nature and find joy in creation and the rewards of potential fulfilled!

Beauty is a precious trace that eternity causes to appear to us and that it takes away from us. A manifestation of eternity, and a sign of death as well. ~ Eugene Ionesco

Blessings on your Journey,

Tricia

The High Priestess

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Here we see a woman sitting upon her throne. She is mystical, wise, compelling, elegant and intuitive. With her cat by her side she holds in her hands a scroll and blooming sage, both signifying wisdom. We see the sky above her while the moon and starts are at her feet showing her centered and neutral.

As a Priestess we see the reintroduction of the female principle into religion and cosmology, thus stepping away from The Magician. When thinking of a Priest we generally think man, not woman. Men have been the dominant role in religion for ages depicting such qualities of being beyond reach, seen as unapproachable, callous, emphasizing sin, punishment and judgement. Men are also seen as active, strict, rugged and of a logical mind.

As a woman the High Priestess shows qualities of love and mercy. In addition she represents a deeper and subtle aspect of females, the mysteries and secrets that we have are kept hidden. To men women may seem mysterious, passive and non-action oriented.

People have a tendency to link passivity with a negative view, such as inferiority and weakness. Yet when we are passive and not in constant action we give ourselves the opportunity to ‘go within’ and connect with our own self on a deeper spiritual and intuitive level. It is this withdrawal from the outside world and all that we are involved in on a daily basis that allows our inner voice to come to the surface so we may hear that still small voice emerge. Many people stay busy so as not to hear this inner voice. However, this passivity can bring to the surface hidden wisdom from within ourselves, our heart, and our soul.

This is the message of the High Priestess, to go within yourself. You have secrets and potential that wish to become known.

Today in our society we seem to be in a constant rush with very little time, if any to connect to our own self on a truly spiritual level. Sure, lots of people go to Church on a weekly basis, but how often do you find yourself in the middle of service thinking, “Oh I wish this would hurry up, I have things to do!” The High Priestess symbolizes taking time to connect within, of learning on a different level.

There is a mystery of life, of which we can obtain knowledge when we take the time to be still. Yet, it is at these times when we are still that our fears come to the surface, when these do so we are given the opportunity to face them which gives to us a new sense of wisdom and beauty. This passive withdrawal and contemplation gives to us time to allow that which we have shut down and hidden in the dark recesses of our mind to awaken. These mysteries and secrets of self and sometimes other matters are the message of the High Priestess.

Trust your intuition and instincts, you have potential that you have not yet explored or perhaps has yet to be fulfilled. Gain your balance, become neutral so upon looking again at your situation you may see something that you missed previously. Once you have your realization, then take action or the potential will not be realized. Pay attention to your dreams, they too may be trying to tell you something!

In a man’s love/relationship reading this can represent a woman that he is very attracted to. She can be of a Spiritual nature, intuitive, creative, sexy, feminine, intoxicating … but you might not be able to have her!?

Look at Spiritual matters in a different way, talk to people who have beliefs different than your own. Get out of your comfort zone, you may learn something new about yourself in the process.

Every intelligent individual wants to know what makes him tick, and yet is at once fascinated and frustrated by the fact that oneself is the most difficult of all things to know. – Alan Watts

Blessings to you on your Journey,

Tricia

The Magician

Here in the West we tend to see Magicians as tricksters or manipulators. Someone that may make a deal in order to gain personal power. Or, back in the days of the old, old west of one that would sell you some snake oil guaranteed to ease all your ailments.

My view is far different as I believe we are all Magicians, but not in the trickster or charlatan type of way. Why is this?

I feel that we are becoming more aware of our own Personal Power. This is the Perfect Power within, our Spirit. And the best part is nobody can take it away from you, of course unless you let them. Or … you don’t know you even have this in you. (Those New Year’s resolutions come to mind here!)

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As we look at this card we see a man in a robe standing before an altar where the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water are all represented. He is bathed in a bright light, the link between the heavens and the earth to bring forth the manifestation of matter. He draws the infinity symbol, representing infinite possibilities. The number One indicates creative potential and power, the beginning. By combining Personal Power with the natural elements he creates magic through the sheer force of his will.

The beautiful roses above The Magician show the emotional and creative power in our lives that need to be balanced and grounded so we can get value from it. Such as the rose that blooms effortlessly, we too will bloom where we are planted and effortlessly so, if we open up to the opportunities that lie within us.

Looking at the position of The Magician’s hands we see the one with the wand drawing the infinity symbol while the other points down towards the earth. This is representative of balance. Be open to Spirit which is in the Heavens so that you may bring down the infinite possibilities, opportunities and make them manifest into reality here on earth.

We often think of our dreams and heartfelt desires as being ‘up, out there, far out, wish upon a star’ type of thing and wanting them to come down to earth, to be grounded in reality. Think of it as grasping those possibilities and opportunities with your wand and channeling them down into reality here on earth. In order to do so we much engage with our Spirit.

By engaging with our Spirit we gain inspiration. This word when broken down: in-spirit-ion. Here we have the ‘in’ or ‘on’ prefix – spirit – and the suffix of –ion which means ‘to create’. When we have inspiration we are creating ‘In Spirit’.

This inspiration, the first actual step to finding the power within to begin your Journey. The Fool gave us the idea of starting something new while The Magician is the actual first step taken, our first action taken towards this something new that we have decided to manifest.

At times in our life we have feelings of great power which we enjoy and want to hold on to. However, when we hold on to them they seem to dissipate even faster. By holding on too tightly we are blocking the channels for more to come into our life. By remaining open minded The Magician receives in one hand, the hand held up to the heavens while the other hand directs, the hand pointed towards the earth where it is released into reality.

How are your New Year Resolutions holding up now that we are one week into this New Year of 2017? Some are probably coming along beautifully while others are already on the back burner. This is where you need to become the Magician.

How do you do this?

Gain your inspiration from above and connect with your Spirit. Find and harness your will-power, use it to manifest that which you desire here on earth in your life. It means taking your will-power and channeling it, releasing it in the specific direction you wish it to go.

Do you have a friend or know someone who always seems to get what they want in life? It’s because they are a Magician. They are directing their energy. Both their will-power and success come from their conscious use of their own Personal Power which is available to everyone. You have it in you, it’s up to you to use it. It is up to you to act upon it!

Act or react? Most people rarely act, they react to the events of their life. Meaning, their life happens TO them, they are not making their life as they go about living. The Magician tells us we have this power to create, to live an inspired life. Stop being knocked from one experience to the next.

Take action in your life! Take control of your own Personal Power, reclaim your inspiration, and direct your strength and will-power to the condition in which you want it to go. You can make your dreams come true, but you need to become The Magician. The Power is within you!

Remember: Act, don’t react!

Blessings on your Journey,

Tricia

The Fool …

Our life is a Journey and over the next weeks we’ll take a Journey with the Tarot.

Why is the Tarot a helpful tool in our life?

The Tarot’s Major Arcana is in itself a Journey, a sequence of events beginning with the Fool and ending with The World. This is similar to our own life Journey where we start off new and go thru the different stages of life, sometimes repeating certain paths and experiences until we ‘get it right’ and then finally at the end where we feel on top of The World.

Our Journey with the Tarot starts off with The Fool.

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Everything in life starts with a new adventure. This is what our life Journey is about as every day brings opportunity for a new opportunities. Of course, this is totally up to you. Do you open the front door and dare take a step outside or do you stay inside where you know it is safe, warm and comfortable but also stagnant?

When starting off on your Journey it is best to not make all the decisions about your path, or have assumptions about how every single detail will be. Sure, it’s good to visualize but as we know on any Journey surprises come up and it’s best to have an open mind about how to deal with them.

The Fool comes up in a reading when it’s time to start something completely new, follow your Bliss, let go and try something different. This could be a new relationship, new job, an innovative business opportunity. It’s time to dare yourself, be more open-minded and enjoy the ride. Take that chance, that leap of faith which has seemed daunting to you. It is time! Open the door, take that step outside and feel the beautiful sunlight on your face.

Scared? Remember that starting something new can result in joy, adventure, excitement and with courage the opportunity to keep going even when the going gets tough. You can always pick yourself up and start again. With these ‘tools’ you’ve obtained new knowledge, peace and liberation which you are taking with you on your Journey in the bag at the end of your wand. Your passion, innocence, trust, love for yourself and purity of spirit are represented by the rose, with your happy leaping dog as your companion representing loyalty and primal instincts, now you’re ready to go forth on your new Journey.

Be confident and bold, take that step outside into the unknown as there is a big wide world just waiting for you!

“As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it. “ ~Chanakya

Many blessings on your New Journey!

Tricia