FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: EIGHT OF WANDS

Notes on: The Eight of Wands

(Movement)

Artist’s Notes:

The young tiger runs through a chaotic landscape. Before this, he may have been resting in some kind of calm glade bored out of his mind but now he is lost in movement. Sometimes in his running, there is purpose and sometimes there is direction. Some may say that true progress only happens when both those things are in synch. Others may point out that if the journey truly matters, then neither purpose nor direction is necessary as long as things keep moving. It may take years before we reach the point where we recognize both truths are equally valid.

About the Archetype:

The Suite of Wands deals with force-creative, spiritual, and vital. Eights deal with the recognition of boundaries and a focus of the energies to move on and continue.

The eight of wands brings us movement often after we have been stuck in place with much to be handled. Often when this happens, either through some intuitive jump of our own, inspiration from outside of us or sometimes through a sense of grace things change and the creativity starts flowing again and movement seems possible in almost any direction.

One time a friend and I had been hitchhiking through the Carolinas for three days in the rain. We could not catch a ride that would take us more than 20 miles. We were hungry, cold, wet and tired and I was desperate enough to try anything. I pulled out my deck of cards and focused on the Eight of Wands, concentrating on it intently. My buddy looked at me like I was crazy. We stuck out our thumbs again and within a minute a truck pulled over that drove us most of the way to our destination in Florida. It was swift travel indeed.

Astrological Correspondence:

Mercury in Sagittarius – This aspect is one of a mind truly alive, creative and active. It allows thoughts to flow almost everywhere on every topic from minor to complex and from deep to shallow. It is an energy that paints in broad strokes, leaving the details for others to fill in as it jumps onto another train of thought. This is a visionary and not a subtle sign that hates subterfuge and will in its pursuit of illumination think nothing of exposing the secrets of a friend. Quick to engage this energy can also be quick to withdraw as it moves on to something new.

In a Reading:

In a reading, the Eight of Wands can mean pulling free from whatever has been stopping us and being able to move again so move fast! It can mean that we have discovered a new direction or purpose and have a better understanding of our own inner drives. This card may also mean the beginning of a new relationship with all of the energy and enthusiasm that comes with it. It can refer to plans to travel and new exploration both physically and mentally. It is a time of great enthusiasm as one’s sense of adventure and delight is rekindled.

When the Eight of Wands turns up reversed or badly aspected in a reading, one’s energy and enthusiasm may have become too diffused and scattered. It may feel as if any attempt to free oneself from conflicts and the problems we have landed ourselves in is unsuccessful. When referring to a relationship the Eight of Wands reversed may indicate jealousy and negativity. The card reversed may also talk about hesitating to take action to remove oneself from a situation that we know we should leave.

–GAR

Fate’s Whisper:

The realm of Chance is said to be considered one of the most dangerous to even speculate on. In the works of the Spider it is noted as follows:

” Among all the realms that chaos can rule, Chance’s realm is by far the most unpredictable. Anything that can react will be received with a perpetually random response. Logic has no rhyme nor reason there in any form or way. It is the pure embodiment of the Tiger’s creative will and his bias reigns mercilessly there.”

Like the tides of his realm, every creature is bestowed with endless creativity. How you use it determines what shape your future takes. Those who stagnate will be consumed but the intensity of their current while those who embrace it are blessed with the ability to surf those ravenous waves. Determine where you stand are you surfing or drowning?

–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: SEVEN OF WANDS

NOTES ON THE SEVEN OF WANDS

(TAKING A STAND)

Artist’s Notes

It is relatively easy to stand your ground with an equal opponent especially when you have something to fight for or protect even if it is your own sense of honour. It is another thing, to do so when the odds are stacked against you. Still, if you hold on to your own sense of being and keep in mind why you’re doing it, you can stand strong and triumph knowing that you hold the high ground.

About the Archetype:

The suite of Wands deals with force-creative, spiritual, and vital. Sevens represent our desires and wants and the paths and challenges we take to achieve them. The Seven of Wands energy represents our drive to move forward and advance no matter what challenges may be in our way. It represents courage in the face of adversity and the confidence that we can have the outcome that we desire even tho the odds may be stacked against us. Quite often this energy represents individual effort and courage as opposed to a group dynamic. Facing fears and obstacles we may only face defeat once, while if we avoid conflict and give in to fear then we live in a state of constant defeat.

Astrological Correspondent:

Mars in Leo – The Mars in Leo energy is confident, dramatic, and passionate. It is a very optimistic energy and there is a flare to everything it does. Its antithesis is disloyalty. Mars in Leo thrives on adversity and loves a challenge. It may play to the audience on its way to whatever its next challenge may be.

In a Reading:

When the Seven of Wands shows up in reading then it is a time of courage. We may be asked to defend ourselves and our position against challenges. This may happen in physical competition or in an academic situation such as defending one’s thesis or engaging in a debate. The Seven of Wands councils holding to what we know is right no matter how many oppose us. It may also represent a question as to our motive in engaging in conflict. Are we doing it to defend what is right or are we doing it because we love conflict itself? Quite often the love of a dramatic conflict may become something of an addiction as the need to prove one’s courage over and over again. The card may also represent the ability to discern when a conflict is winnable or not.

When the Seven of Wands occurs reversed or badly aspected then the querent may be in a state of hesitation or equivocation and need to find their inner hero. It may also represent a time when it is not necessary to prove one’s courage just for the sake of it.

-GAR

Fate’s Whisper:

In the time when the gods were at the peak of their worship, a gamble was placed. The gods challenged a Tiger to a duel of Relevance. If they could render him not needed for 100 years he would serve as their pet. They would be met a chuckle of acceptance and a warning to not have too much fun. After 20 years humans built up by godly egos would be “inspired” to create a tower to honour their achievements.

With that passion, the tower rose higher and higher into the sky till it challenged the very might of a certain jealous god. In his fury, he would bring down not only his authority but the authority of everyone around it and cause a certain bet to be lost. As the tower fell the gods could only watch in horror as the Tiger rode the collapsing tower like an enraged bull as he winked at them.

Blessed with patience the Tiger knew he had to do nothing to win the foolish bet. Like the gods of old, they all had cycles. Make the same mistakes over and over again blind to this very cycle. It is the way of the strong to recognize the cycles around them, including their own, to best control every situation that comes their way. Take into account the habits of those around you as well as your own. Ask who has the most to gain in this situation as it currently stands. Only then will you truly take the high ground and your dominance in one fell swoop.

–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: SIX OF WANDS (II)

Notes on the Six of Wands

(Victory Over Prey)

Artist’s Notes

At a certain stage of life, victory can be defined as being able to fulfil your abilities in the best way possible and make it look, if not effortless, consistently doable. No one starts out there and indeed before one can reach this point of functionality, one may have to achieve many smaller victories along the way. Such as learning to hunt and attract a mate and together raising a family. Further victory is added when you can teach those who come after how to do the same.

It is easy along this road to fall prey to self-doubt or to get lost in one’s own illusions about who we are, thus each small victory is won not merely over life but over one’s own lower nature itself.

Description of the Archetype:

This victory increases self-confidence and allows one to optimistically expect to triumph over future imbalance and difficulties. Imagine how liberating it is when blockages to creativity or spirituality have been removed and new expansion made possible.

Astrological Correspondence:

Jupiter in Leo – Jupiter in Leo is a very lucky and charismatic energy. It attains much in whatever it endeavours (especially if it can stay out of the way of its own ego) and inspires others to aspire to the same heights. Jupiter in Leo tends to be a bit dramatic and plays to its audience, after all, it truly feels that it cannot be beaten but it is also magnanimous, believing in giving back to those ‘less fortunate. Jupiter in Leo tends to be strongly opinionated and will have problems with anyone who ‘dares’ to disagree. The energy is also one that attracts and is attractive to children as there is a strong protective streak associated with it.

In a Reading:

When the Six of Wands comes up in a reading there is optimism and victory in the offering. Whatever contest inner or outer that is in the offering will be triumphant. Steps may have to be taken so that this win is not at the expense of others. Often this card denotes that one is in the position to inspire others with optimism and a can-do spirit. When this card comes up in the past position, it can refer to reflecting and relying on past victories and one’s ‘glory days.

When the Six of Wands turns up reversed or badly aspected in a reading it may show that one is filled with doubts and does not see how to win out over them. It can also refer to overconfidence and the belief that one has won when in reality that may not be the case

–GAR

Fate’s Whisper:

In a time before the human’s comprehension of Daemon kin, the beings called the Lords of Sin were pupils to a rather whimsical tiger.

Among them, Gluttony took to his teachings to heart. In a spur of life, they would hunt together. Friends and hunting partners, they wreaked havoc on those ancient hunting grounds unlike any other. They would laugh about their failures and successes like time wasn’t even there. Who would have thought a Daemon who liked to eat above all else would sport such life and passion? Some say to this day they still hunt together every century or so when it is the down season.

The joy of the hunt was shared by 2 unlikely people and brought great joy as they partook in their love. Whether your hobby is small or large now is the time to indulge in it to its fullest. This may be temporary but it is necessary for your greater growth as you trek on in your life. Take the torch and push on as you hone who you will be. As the Tiger and Gluttony did, it is better to live with no regrets and save your regrets for a time when they are more welcome.

–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: SIX OF WANDS

Notes on the Six of Wands

(Winning Hearts and Minds)

Artist’s Notes:

Victory comes in many forms. For a musician or actor, the largest triumph is not only getting out there on a stage to perform but getting recognition for one’s efforts. When you look out and see an audience loving the energy that you are giving out and giving you their energy in return, it is psychologically and energetically like having sex with each one of them simultaneously. It might not be as fulfilling as true intimacy yet it is sweet.

Then again there are worst definitions for a victory than being appreciated for what we do best.

Description of the Archetype:

The suite of Wands deals with force-creative, spiritual, and vital. Sixes represent balance and harmony. When creative and spiritual force reaches a balance there is a victory over whatever forces within or without that were causing the imbalance in the first place. This victory increases self-confidence and allows one to optimistically expect to triumph over future imbalance and difficulties. Imagine how liberating it is when blockages to creativity or spirituality have been removed and new expansion made possible.

Astrological Correspondence:

Jupiter in Leo tends to be strongly opinionated and will have problems with anyone who ‘dares’ to disagree. The energy is also one that attracts and is attractive to children as there is a strong protective streak associated with it.

In a Reading:

When the Six of Wands comes up in a reading there is optimism and victory in the offering. One’s talents are being recognized and admired and it feels as if we have reached new heights in our endeavours. Often this card denotes that one is in the position to inspire others to develop their own abilities and follow us out onto the stage. When this card comes up in the past position, it can refer to reflecting and relying on past victories and one’s ‘glory days’.

When the Six of Wands turns up reversed or badly aspected in a reading it may show that one is filled with doubts and not able to see how talented one has become or believes that one can be appreciated. It can also refer to overconfidence and the belief that one has made it when really they are just at the start of their journey.

–GAR

Fate’s Whisper:

It can be said that the passion of the Tiger is to inspire change in all he touches and sees. A gift was born when honed it to its highest peak. The dance of transcendence was once a rumour that only made dragons laugh. The idea they could go higher to them meant they were not the highest thing on the pyramid of authority. While they would later regret not taking it more seriously one dragon, in particular, took these rumours to heart.

The first daughter of the Spider who sought power above all else put in the work. She ventured into the world finding the clues the Tiger left behind. As she got closer her passion began to manifest on her body and change her. Upon completing this dance she became the first phoenix and master of reincarnation. The dragons who doubted now followed her footsteps giving birth to lesser phoenixes and giving life more purpose.

Like the breadcrumbs, the Tiger left behind we all seek our greater purpose. While it might be stressful keep in mind that we are surrounded by more people as we walk through life. It is our responsibility to spark that start we ourselves had to find in them. While not ideal it is important regardless of our feelings.

–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: FIVE OF WANDS

Notes on: Five of Wands

(Taking the Game Too Far)

Artist’s Notes:

The Tiger and Spider engage in their game of chess. Does the board exist externally, held up by five staves or does it exist merely within a dimension of mind or spirit with pieces that appear and disappear and events play out on the board that may not even affect the play until much much later?

Lately, among the young games of mental and physical fitness where there are victors and vanquished have fallen out of favour. There is talk about what losing may do to a precious young one’s self-esteem or how it highlights inequality. However, these games are older than reality and when this generation and culture passes, the games will still exist. After all, how one takes a loss or a win reflects much about our character and highlights the work we still need to do. Also, and more importantly, how seriously we take the game. Is not each game we play but a reflection of how we live our lives? Is not existence the biggest game of them all?

About the Archetype:

Wands deal with force-creative, spiritual, and vital.

Fives stand for conflict, change, and breaking through to higher thought. With the Five of Wands, the spiritual force that was so uneasily contained in the Four of Wands breaks through.

Much in the way that adolescent energy in a teenager breaks through with lots of energy that needs to have an outlet. These outlets can get a bit aggressive such as fighting with sticks but they are games and a means of directing the energy externally, testing one’s power or force against that of another.

Note Another thought on the Fives in the tarot: Each of them deals with some aspect and attitude on winning and losing. The Five of Wands deals with the conflict itself. The Five of Cups deals with the idea of the attitude after a loss. The Five of Swords deals with the attitude after a win. The Five of Pentacles deals with long-term loss.

Astrological Correspondence:

Saturn in Leo – Saturn in Leo energy has a strong need for recognition yet does not necessarily seek the spotlight. It is a very autocratic energy whose main lesson is learning how to compete fairly with others instead of ‘winning at any cost’. It is an energy of absolutes and can be pretty inflexible, preferring to fight (and win) rather than yield. The Saturn in Leo energy can also be the force needed to jar us out of our complacency when we have been too long in a situation that needs changing, especially when the situation involves how we view ourselves by bringing it to a breaking point.

In a Reading:

When Five of Wands shows up in a reading, there may be conflict or competition underway in the person’s life but it is more playful and creative conflict or competition rather than a full-out war. It is good to keep it light and playful because, in such situations, it is easy to misunderstand and start taking things way too seriously and make it about winning rather than about resolving the conflict at hand

When the Five of Wands is reversed or badly aspected in a reading, conflicts may have gotten out of hand, what may have started out playful has become bitter and nasty and all rules have been thrown out of the window.

–GAR

Fate’s Whisper:

Perplexed by the whims of the Tiger the Spider sought to see how far he could push the Tiger. This led to the birth of orbital chess. A game many beings would come to fear as nothing was off the table and every wager was real. Multiple layers of boards that stretched only as far as your mind could grok. Many asked who won their game of chess while others speculate the game still goes on to this day even as more players are added.

Even in the face of danger, we evolve as we learn. Should we pass on that lesson is taught to those who are ready for it? In life what really is too far when you think about it? Ideas born of madness in their time are considered genius in later times. Like the game that started between the Spider and Tiger, does it really end? Or can we just keep pushing the limits of our reality till we are no more? Faced with this question how much risk are you willing to take to claim your dream?

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: FOUR OF WANDS

Notes on: Four of Wands

(The Dance Begins)

Artist’s Notes:

The dance begins. Fresh prey has been brought in courtship. It will begin as a dance, as the Tigress sums up her mate and then will turn into battle and from there…new life may well begin. Yet each step is both instinct and intellect combined. Here there will be a consummation through first, each step must be complete.

About the Archetype:

Wands deal with force: creative, spiritual, and vital.

Fours express a stabilizing of, one might even say a containment of energy. Fire contained can be used to heat and cook and forge but it is not a hundred per cent natural. Fire longs to expand freely and so it is in the four of wands. Here is a moment where that energy and force are brought into usefulness. I often think of the four wands in the configuration as resembling a marriage canopy and there is something apt about the analogy. So much comes together in the union of two people before their community. It is a spiritual force whose intensity cannot be maintained yet for the moment is there.

This archetype can also be thought of as a stated intention. In the case of a marriage, a couple are stating the intention that they intend to stay together and face whatever challenges come as a unit. When two people hold hands on a walkway, they are stating that they are together.

Astrological Correspondent:

Astrological correspondence – Venus in Aries – Aries is not the most natural place for Venus. Aries tends to be very individualistic while Venus is a very sensual, love-oriented energy. When Venus is in Aries, what would normally be slow and contemplative becomes forced and rushed though still with enjoyment and purpose. There is a feeling of immense energy combined in a beautiful form, There is an attraction towards independence and self-expression, an attempt to contain that which can be held only momentarily.

In a Reading:

When the Four of Wands occurs in a reading, it is a time of joy and boundless energy. It is a time of freedom where things are stable and we can go after anything that we wish. The question that arises is what do we do with this energy? Where do we go from here?

When the Four of Wands shows up reversed in a reading, it is still a time of happiness but the happiness and energy may not be that apparent. It may also indicate that the success and containment of the Four of Wands upright may be applied in a very untypical and unorthodox way.

–GAR

Fate’s Whisper:

His impulses are a trait the Tiger holds dear. To take eternity into a waltz only for it to end in a breakdancing contest is a talent all its own, but to live like that as a norm is truly insane, or genius as the line is thin, on a whole other level. He is the one who became the muse of art that dragons aspire to reach. To be truly mad beyond reason yet churn life so flawlessly.

Many fell for this and so came into being the first forms of music and controlled madness.

We all have a mad genius inside us be it an engineer, sculptor, or teacher. To embrace this part of us gives birth to great change around us. Our mortality may limit our time but it is the envy of those who can’t appreciate life. Take the reins of your skills and aspirations life is waiting.

-NF

FOUR PILLAR SOCIETY TAROT: ACE OF WANDS

Notes on: The Ace of Wands

(Seed of Chance and Fire)

Artist’s Notes:

In a place that is mainly undifferentiated in terms of shape colour or element, a tree appears. At the tree’s base is a tiger wearing a rather striking hat. Is this a primal tree of life from which everything else will appear or is it merely a magician’s wand writ large. Best to look around because the longest distance between two numbers is between 0 (non-existence) and 1 (something is there). If there is one thing then it can be expected that this will lead to more sooner rather than later. Wands don’t simply appear by chance or is that the only way they do?

About the Archetype:

Wands in general deal with creativity and spiritual force. Aces deal with beginnings and seeds. Here is the inspiration that starts a new cycle of everything that is to come. This is the seed of existence that contains everything that is to come. A new road has appeared. a spark of fire where there was only darkness. Go for it… Let the spark ignite you spiritually and creatively.

Astrological Correspondence:

The Aces hold a unique place astrologically in the tarot. Where the trumps each have their planet, sign, or element and the court cards have their combination of elements and sign attributes and even the pip cards (2-10) each have their correspondence, the aces don’t have specific correspondences. They, instead, contain the seed of the element and the potential for everything the element or suit has to offer. You may see them as a balance to the Pages or Princesses of the suit which are the manifestations of the suit in full flower.

In a Reading

In a reading when the Ace of Wands appears upright, maybe talking about a new start as it exists in potential. It is up to us to make use of the potential and to fan the spark into a flame…Take advantage of it

When there is a blockage to the energy (or the card appears reversed) then the spark can have died unfulfilled, a false beginning. Something is blocking you from taking advantage of the potential. The other cards in the spread may very well give you insight into what is blocking you.

-GAR

Fate’s Whisper:

In a time before death inspired great movements immortals needed an extra push to act. Deeming the original immortals were the first signs of life after the pillars, living life had to start somewhere. It was the idea of the Tiger to induce the air with chaos just to see what would occur. This action becomes the first of many actions that would give the Tiger his first title, Master of Madness. For one whose bias was the purest form of transmutation he knew not predictability nor logic. Even among the pillars, his actions made little sense, though that is the reason he held the spark of life. For its fire needed endless fuel to ensure life could be had.

Like the madness, the Tiger sowed the Ace of Wands signifies a time when we need to manifest change. Unlike the other suit, this change must be born of passion and ambition alone. That spark of life resides in each of us so how will you make the flame of your life shine? Will it be born of boredom and dread? Or will it plant the seed of inspiration in those around you?

-NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: THE WORLD (II)

NOTES ON: The World

(Manifestation)

Artist’s Notes :

The cosmos spins on its axis as does the planet, our beings and reality itself. The tension of the four angles and other primal points result in the manifestation of reality as we know it. Each event unwinds and the cycles continue. Inhalation into becoming, being and then the exhalation into unbecoming only to start again into a new cycle. In the end, we all become everything we were meant to be which includes, by its very nature everything we were not.

The difference between this and the other World card is that where that one depicts a process, this card is a snapshot of one instance in infinity where everything is as it should be at that point in its cycle. The next moment will bring its own perfection.

About the Archetype:

With the Judgement or Aeon card, we find our purpose. With the World that purpose is realized. We have unified ourselves with our shadow, have discovered our potential, and have realized it. Now there is a new and fuller understanding of who we are and our place in the universe. The great journey has ended and there is a celebration. The limitations that we have placed on ourselves have been surpassed. We have greater insight into ourselves and the great dance continues.

However, the ending is the beginning of something, always. The dance never stops and there are always new goals to reach for and further self-discovery and realization to reach for. The Universe inevitably leads back to the Fool in a full circle and the journey forever begins anew (The Serpent with his tail in his mouth )

for what appears to be a circle is actually a spiral that never ends but continually evolves.

Astrological Correspondent:

Saturn (♄) – The Saturnian energy is that of the teacher. It gives us the life lessons we need in whatever sphere of influence it resides at the moment. Saturn shows us our limits and challenges us to face them and move beyond them. Saturn is also the ruler of time which in itself is a self-imposed limitation for most of us. It represents the wisdom of old age and the onset of maturity which can be thought of as the understanding of what it was all for. It governs to some extent personal responsibility and how well we live our ideals and principles and how well we communicate them through our actions.

The element of Earth(Earth)is also connected with The Universe trump. In astrology, the influence of Earth nurtures us and grounds us. It focuses on the practical and attainable while helping us to achieve more. The Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) are all involved with achievements of a practical nature and of our responsibility in the maintenance of it.

In a Reading:

When the World card turns up in a reading, it is usually an indication that a cycle has reached its successful completion. All the hard work and life lessons that have come are paying off and the querent is finding a sense of closure. It is a good time to celebrate the successes and start preparing for the journeys ahead. It can also indicate a time when the querent is in a good position to realize their place in the world and in the process they have just undergone. The World card may also mean that one’s emotions, mind, body, and spirit are all working together in a harmonious way. The card basically indicates success in whatever area the reading pertains to. It may, depending on other cards and positions indicate that one or two final blocks must be removed before the success can be realized. It can also indicate that a period of travelling the world lies ahead of the querent.

When the World is reversed or badly aspected, it may mean that the querent is standing in the way of their own success. Perhaps they are seeing or set limitations on themselves that get in the way of their completing what they have set out to do. Perhaps they have come to the final steps of their journey and then stopped either because of fear or lack of self-confidence. There are times when a person’s life has become so defined by the journey that they are on that the final steps become all too difficult because it means that they will have to find a new way to define their lives. Reversed the potential shown in the World trump is still there it is just blocked in some way. The querent can follow the example of the dancer on the card and just dance their way through pretending that the limitations are not there.

— GAR

Fate’s Whisper:

Everything has an origin, Reality may have been an accident but it was a necessary one. After the Four Absolute Biases took their form they were unhinged and unpredictable. The fact is that reality only formed after the fourth and final one you could say is a miracle. This tale holds the truth of one of the first manifestations, one the Spider of fate tells all seekers who are willing to listen.

“We knew not of our power or purpose. Born of our biases’ will and not equipped with restraint we ran free. In my boredom, I was the fool who started it. It was my bias that started this war between us. To this day that war continues even if we four pillars are bound to the prison of our own making. I still do not regret my decision though, for all that came of this one selfish decision brought us purpose, pain, and pleasure.

The war gave birth to the place where our forms made a truce to protect reality and the life that resided within. Despite all our biases fighting for control, reality brought us together as comrades and family.

Young drakes that come to find your infinity, know that war may never stop but the passion that’s born of it holds the true essence of purity and manifestation.” — Infinity’s Voice

We will all create regardless of what we do. Like the Four Pillars before us conflict will come regardless of where we go. Use the energy you get from it and create your reality, after all the infinite is only the beginning.

-NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: THE WORLD

NOTES ON: The World

(Potential Realized)

Artist’s Notes:

The Sun has taken us about as far as we can go in terms of self-development on the physical plane of existence. Even in mundane terms, it indicates a pinnacle has been reached. What do you do when you reach that top point though? Do you rest on your laurels? Surely there is more to it than just striving to make it. Once we have made it, what do we do now? This is when we hear Judgement’s wake-up call and realize that there is a higher spiritual purpose and challenge that will utilize every skill and talent we have developed up until now and may even mean learning new ones. It is this call that answers the question of why and brings us to the fullest point of self-realization, and self-actualization. This is the call to ascension. Of course, that is assuming, we don’t hit the snooze button on the wake-up call.

About the Archetype:

for what appears to be a circle is actually a spiral that never ends but continually evolves.

Astrological Correspondent:

In a Reading:

–GAR

Fate’s Whisper:

There is a saying that dragons pass to each generation.

“Every being faces a unique Judgement. There is no hell or heaven just the convergence of all your actions and ripples.”

The Four Pillars are no different. Bound like beasts to energy sacred pillars, they act on behalf of energy’s will. In turn, they must set an example of what it means to follow balance. The idea that every being can hear energy’s will is instilled in them. To follow one’s heart, leading everyone to ascend their natural infinity.

Always make the choices that feel right to you. In the eyes of energy’s will, nothing is taboo. The most significant breach of balance is the act of betraying one’s own heart and intuition. So follow your heart regardless of how others feel. After all your judgement day has nothing to do with them. Till then fly free. Judgement day awaits you at the end.

-NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: JUDGEMENT

NOTES ON: JUDGEMENT

(Potential Raised)

Artist’s Notes on Card:

About the Archetype:

Up to now, the Major Arcana has been about reconciling the self in one form or another. The Sun marked the final resolution and combination of ourselves with our shadows. The Aeon or Judgement shows the awakening or calling to a higher purpose that comes afterwards. In earlier periods, this card was called Judgement and depicted the biblical calling forth from the graves at the blowing of the angel Gabriel’s horn. This had the implication that one had to die and be reborn in order to receive this higher calling. With the coming of a new era, it is known that life is ever regenerating and renewing and that Death is illusory. We are constantly undergoing transformation and being reborn. Thus the card’s new title reflects the age we live in now.

The word Aeon itself means a distinct period. This card reflects that in our lives we have personal Aeons as well as universal ones. Periods that can be clearly demarcated from one another usually by some transformative event such as getting married, coming out, changing careers or changing philosophies of life. We may even think of it in these terms. This was who I was in that period. This is who I am now. During those years I was someone else. In reality, these changes usually happen more gradually over a period of time but usually, there is one moment of realization or some event that we use that reflects the transition. It is these transformative events to which Aeon trump refers. That spiritual awakening that once had, can never be reversed.

This can be a time of tremendous upheaval in our lives. Change is seldom easy or without consequence. Yet very few butterflies complain that they are no longer caterpillars nor can we stay in the cocoon beyond a certain point no matter how much we may fear the transition.

Astrological Correspondent:

The Judgement or Aeon card is normally attributed to the element of Fire with some newer decks attributing it to Pluto. Bernd Merck, in his book Astrologie und Tarot, took a look at the Major Arcana in light of the discoveries of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto and forged his own correspondences based on his understanding of Astrology.

Pisces is an interesting and somewhat inspired choice for Judgement. After all don’t most major awakenings that we go through, start in the unconscious mind? There is also the connection of Pisces with the concept of Resurrection and it seems almost obvious, especially given the Christian (Gabriel blowing his horn calling the dead to life) symbolism that is normally depicted on the card.

In a Reading:

When Judgement turns up in a reading, it may indicate that the querent is feeling a calling towards doing something more or greater in their lives than they have up to this point. It may come after events have shaken up their lives and it is the realization that with new insights that they have, they cannot go on living the same way they have been. The querent may have the idea that a shift has happened and that they need to actualize it in their lives. This can feel earth-shattering but empowering as well. These changes will not be easy but there will be a propelling forward as if once their intent is set out, things will fall into place and at the end of it they will have a new life. The card may also indicate a respite after a very confusing period, one in which the querent can find healing and support.

When reversed, Judgement’s call is still felt, it is resisted by the querent, however. Sometimes this may come from a feeling of unworthiness. It almost always comes from fear. It may be fear of change or it may be fear that one’s new life may not be acceptable to their family or loved ones. The querent may be closing their eyes tightly saying “No, nothing has changed, nothing has changed.” Yet something once seen cannot be unseen and the force of the Aeon is so strong that it has caused changes in how the querent sees themselves and the world around them. The outer change will follow in time no matter how strongly resisted.

–GAR

Fate’s Whisper:

There is a saying that dragons pass to each generation.

“Every being faces a unique Judgement. There is no hell or heaven just the convergence of all your actions and ripples.”

The Four Pillars are no different. Bound like beasts to energize sacred pillars, they act on behalf of energies will. In turn, they must set an example of what it means to follow balance. The idea that every being can hear energy’s will is instilled in them. Following one’s heart and will lead everyone to ascend their natural infinity.

-NF