New Moon in Aries

The mysteries associated with the tarot and the moon can be understood as being cyclical patterns representing basic contrasting patterns between light and darkness. The fundamental relationship between these two polarities, which define each other, can illuminate the principles which underly all of reality.

Using the solar cycle, the lunar cycle, and the first four major arcana of the tarot as the starting point, we can see how a framework of understanding can emerge from the fundamental relationship between darkness and light, and maybe, how to use it to create systems of awareness, both emergent and repeatable.

If we start with the ‘no moon’ phase, we may see that as a beginning. Even though in cyclic time there really is no beginning, we have to start somewhere. So here we are at the spring equinox and the celestial pattern representing this time-phase in the solar cycle is Aries (fire). We can start with that as a beginning of a new growth phase in the northern hemisphere, and correlate that with the new growth period of the new moon towards the first quarter, in a lunar cycle.

The first major Arcana card, the symbol of The Magician, and the number 1, would represent the entire solar season of spring, new growth, warmth (fire) and a renewal of nature after a fallowing period of rest, cold, darkness and decay (winter). This is a period of time that is emerging, not from nothing, but from the decayed remains of a previous solar cycle’s maturity and death.

At the first quarter, the summer solstice, the symbol of the moon in it’s ‘half full” growing phase (waxing), takes the form of the second major Arcana card, the symbol of the High Priestess, the number 2. Here there is clear definition of light and dark in equal parts and the relationship between them is observed by the astrological sign of Cancer (water). There is separation between light and darkness. There is promise. There is fluidity, softness, and awareness of the invisible.

The full moon phase, which lasts at most a few days, is represented by third major Arcana card, the symbol of The Empress, and the number 3. The astrological time period astrologically is marked by the autumn equinox and the astrological sign of Libra (air). Growth has reached its peak and the waning period begins. It is a time for letting go, for completion, for gratitude of the harvest. It’s also a time for knowing, defining and acceptance of limits.

The third quarter (waning) moon is represented by growing darkness and receding outward expression. The accumulated wisdom of the cycle is stored in an inner embodied awareness. The astrological time period is represented by the winter solstice and the astrological sign of Capricorn (earth). The fourth major arcana card, the symbol of The Emperor, and the number 4. It begins with the awareness of fallow times to come. There is a need to protect and remember the family, the home and the hearth. It’s a time for cutting away everything unable to respond to the endurance of darker, colder, drier times.

Each of the first four major arcana transcend and include the previous symbols and create the stable foundation of nature. The High Priestess contains both the symbol of the number 1 and the Magician, as well as the awareness of the number 2, the duality of separation, of past and present. The Empress contains the symbol of The Magician’s fire, newness, and uniqueness or oneness, the High Priestess’s awareness of duality, and the fecund fullness of connection all of nature, it’s oneness, it’s duality, and it’s regenerative capacity in both inner and outer realms. The Emperor, contains all the symbols of the previous 3, as well as having the capacity to transcend and include the full understanding of death as part of the regenerative cycle.

The tarot deck images are from the Druidcraft Tarot deck by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm with illustrations by Will Worthington.

Death

Death comes marching in on card XIII of the Universal Tarot Professional Edition by Roberto De Angelis. This common image of Death riding a horse and suited in armour can be found on many traditional contemporary Tarot decks that follow the symbolism of Rider-Waite-Universal and are based on the illustrations of Pamela Coleman Smith.

Here a religious man begs for mercy, perhaps, as Death rides in bearing the flag of the Mystic Rose, a medieval Christian reference to regeneration. The armour may symbolize protection from the emotion surrounding death.

But here at Corpse Cafe there is little to gain from Christian symbolism so I will mostly avoid it.

Death as found in the tarot has long been considered a transformational force, rather than a morbid view of our end.

In The Alchemical Tarot: Renewed by Robert M. Place, Death is traditionally portrayed as a skeleton, but stands on a black sun, holding an arrow, and is accompanied by a Raven. To me this combination is quite indicative of the mystery surrounding death.

I've heard the black sun image in this card referred to as a vessel or nigredo, which is latin for blackness, and may be a form of alchemical symbolism, whose origins trace back to ancient Egypt. The goal of alchemy is transmutation, a process active in the transformational quality of the Death card.

Death as depicted in The Vampire Tarot, another by Robert M. Place.

Death is still portrayed by a skeletal figure but more humourously; a poetic stylized vampire wearing a tie and cape with hair slicked back. Though, poor undead creature, a wooden stake through the heart.

The vampire is an interesting subject to explore in regards to death because the vampire is 'supposedly' already dead. So what does death mean to something that is immortal?

The torment of living forever is often portrayed in vampire stories. There are very few vampires that actually enjoy living forever in their fictional lives. Death by stake, or any other means, brings freedom from eternity.

Another vampire themed deck The Vampire Tarot by Nathalie Hertz.

Here Death is depicted as The Grim Reaper, poster boy for the personification of Death. His scythe is the focal point of the card and the tool which he uses to cut down and destroy life.

From his origin as Kronos in ancient Greece, who castrated his father with a sickle, and later in medieval Germany where visions of men with scythes brought the plague, Death viewed as the Grim Reaper has been a horrifying image across the globe and in many cultures.

The gruesome connotations associated with his scythe, or sickle, invoke fear, even for those with little imagination.

The image of Death in The Vampire's Tarot of the Eternal Night by Barbara Moore & Davide Corsi brings another look to the card altogether, along with a unique meaning created by the authors.

Resolve is the intended meaning here, as this solemn looking vampire sits on a throne beneath a stained glass image of the same 'mystic rose' found earlier in the Universal Tarot.

Does he contemplate death? What is he 'resolved' to doing?

I find this image one of the most terrifying of all the Death cards I've seen. The eyes on this man speak death and he's looking right at me.

Comfortable, somewhat more humanized and somewhat less grim than The Reaper The Bohemian Gothic Tarot by Magic Realist Press depicts Death in a softer and more romantic way.

Although still skeletal, Death dons a flowing red robe draped over his shoulder as he looks compassionately down at the recently deceased. Ceremonially dressed with arms placed on their bodies death is gentle peaceful and grand as they rest amidst a pile of bones and blankets in the great Gothic hall. 

The dignity of death when viewed this way marks the transition with a ritual of importance, beauty and grace. In creating pomp and ceremony over death it says life mattered and presents a ritual marker in time for the living.

The Book of Thoth Etteilla Tarot was originally created in 1789 by Jean Francois Alliette or Etteilla. It pre-dates the contemporary symbolism of Rider-Waite-Universal type decks.

Although the Death card image follows the traditional 'skeletal' depiction found in contemporary symbolism and its meaning is the same, it's number is 17, instead of the usual 13. Here Death falls between Judgement and The Hermit.

Etteilla believed the tarot's wisdom had become distorted over the years and he wanted to restore its meaning to what he believed corresponded to a magical text created in 2170 BC by Egyptian magicians of the time.

This tarot deck was an inspiration to many esoterists and may have been the inspiration for the red robe in the Bohemian Gothic Tarot. He also intended to focus on use of the tarot for divinatory purposes. His may have been the first tarot deck to do so.

As for the visual symbolism, he appears to be dancing or waving and maybe even smiling. Perhaps death was much more highly anticipated in Etteilla's time than it is now. I can only imagine that this skeleton seems excited.

In The Tarot of Pagan Cats by Lola Airaghi & Magdelina Messina Death is portrayed by a black cat sitting on a grave under a medieval Celtic cross, the mystic rose affixed to its collar like a trinket.

Death's scythe appears, nonthreatening, lying at the base of the grave before a vase of roses. Death has already happened but the roses and the cat suggest that the deceased is not forgotten.

Some of the terror associated with death could be due to the fact that we can't know for sure that anything exists beyond this life.

The one thing we can be sure of is that we will be remembered by those that loved us.

Cats are indifferent creatures and not surprisingly this one handles death with ease, a matter of fact observer, witness and wisdom in its cold green eyes.

Death is a maiden in the Favole Tarot by Victoria Frances. A symbol of lost beauty delicately floating in a lily pond. She wears a white dress and has a white flower in her hair, symbols of purity.

For some people there is great beauty in death. Perhaps they imagine it is a better place than the harsh reality of this one.

Why is death beautiful? Is it because its power is absolute, eternal and complete? Is it because we imagine to know what to expect from death? An escape from the rather riddled anxiety of existence?

Certainly its the contrast created by the immanence of death tainting and polarizing life against it. Beauty and despair, dark and light, life and death.

To be alive yet not 'living' is an existence full of grey tones, while death in its purity is fully black and white. It's the one thing we can count on in this world, like 'death and taxes'. I think this is its allure.

In the Vikings Tarot by Manfredi Toraldo & Sergio Tisselli Death is also a maiden. A Valkyrie on horseback descends from the sky to bring death to some brave soldier on the battlefield and take his slain body to Odin's hall in Valhalla.

Death is an honour to those who have lived a courageous life and the rewards after death are welcomed; good company, continuous battle practice, good ale.  There is nothing more rewarding for a Heathen warrior than to die in battle.

Life and death are simple. Nothing to fear. Regardless, there's nothing that can be done about it, even though we may imagine ways to avoid it.

Death as portrayed in Legend: The Arthurian Tarot by Anna-Marie Ferguson shows death as an event; The Wild Hunt headed by Gwyn ab Nudd, the Welsh God of the Dead.

Death as Gwyn ab Nudd is charged with gathering the slain and protecting the dead in the otherworldly realm of Annwn. Although The Wild Hunt it thought to be Welsh in origin, references to it can be found throughout Celtic and Anglo-Saxon literature.

Like the Norse Valkyries, Gwyn ab Nudd takes the slain to a popularly imagined place in the afterlife, here, the underworld of Annwn where food and drink are plenty and a cauldron of youth awaits.

Death is a surety but richly imagined lore stimulates anticipation and excitement surrounding what is to come.

Who doesn't want to know what comes next?

The Dark Grimoire Tarot by Michele Penco depicts Death as a key, one of many, that can open forgotten doors in the darkest corners of the psyche, to gain knowledge, recognize our dark side and learn how to balance our lives.

In the Nameless City, a horror story written by H. P. Lovecraft in 1921, a mad poet dreams of the ancient ruins of an alien civilization, older than man and writes these words:

"What can live eternally cannot be dead,

And with strange aeons even death may die."

In so saying, he suggests that these aliens cannot be dead and forgotten even though the place is a shambles, but that our memory of it could possibly die.

The Secrets of the Necronomicon by Donald Tyson & Anne Stokes present Death as the fictional character Tsathoggua, an Old One of the Cthulhu Mythos, proposed to be solely created by Clark Ashton Smith but published, almost simultaneously, by both Smith and H.P. Lovecraft circa 1930.

In The Secrets of the Necronomicon, Donald Tyson has contributed to the shared Cthulhu Mythos by using stories he has created in his book The Wanderings of Alhazred. Here he uses Lovecraft's imagery of Tsathoggua, an alien God with a frog-like body and the head of a human along with a story of a pseudopod who craves to live off the blood of the chained human.

The Necronomicon Tarot is fashioned after the Golden Dawn system, which is based on occult associations of the Hebrew alphabet with each of the major arcana of the tarot. The association with Death is Scorpio. Scorpio has long been known to be the bringer of death due to the venom found in its tail.



It's fitting to end my exploration of death with the fable of the scorpion and the frog:

In the story, a scorpion and a frog meet on the bank of a stream and the scorpion asks the frog to carry him across on its back. The frog asks, "How do I know you won't sting me?" The scorpion says, "Because if I do, I will die too." The frog thinks this makes sense so he agrees and they set out, but in midstream, the scorpion stings the frog. The frog feels the onset of paralysis and starts to sink. Knowing they both will drown he gasps to the Scorpion "Why? Why did you do it?" The scorpion replies "I'm sorry, its my nature..."

The Major Arcana

0 THE FOOL

The Fool is unprecedented. He can be man woman or atmosphere of complete openness. There are no expectations inhibitions or obligations and a minimum of direction. The Fools only possessions are the facilities he is born with including a natural curiosity.
If you draw The Fool expect a clean slate, freedom, lack of direction, uninhibited and carefree action or non-action, foolish or mindless behaviour and/or spontaneity.

1 THE MAGICIAN

The Magician represents the masculine or active principle of construction, an outward focusing power. It is an awareness of our inherent physical and mental abilities, the resources and structure of the material world and our power to manipulate and shape these things. The Magician is represented by the number 1 because his focus is central and without attachment or cooperation with others.
If you draw The Magician it can mean self empowerment, action, and/or creativity.

2 THE HIGH PRIESTESS

The High Priestess is the feminine or inactive principle of intuition, an inward focusing power. It is an awareness or knowing that originates in the spiritual dimension of our being. It is often referred to as a connection to the unknown world within and around us that is often rewarded with wisdom and direction. This connection with 'other' is what grants it the number 2.
If you draw The High Priestess it can mean a time of turning inward for reflection, intuition, inaction, seeking wisdom and/or piety.

3 THE EMPRESS

The Empress represents the feminine principle of receptivity. Her openness allows the earth's natural abundance to flow freely to her and through her to others. She is both a mother and a lover and is genuinely caring. The Empress can be equated with the earth in that everything we need to survive is available to us as our natural birthright.
Drawing The Empress will generally indicate abundance, love, reciprocity, creativity, nurturing, generosity and/or sexual energy.

4 THE EMPEROR

The Emperor is a natural manager and governor of resources and people. He is also a natural problem solver, organizer, coordinator, and protector. He represents the masculine principle of expression through logic and service and people often turn to him for leadership.
If you draw The Emperor expect activities to progress in an orderly fashion, good management, problems solved, career advantage, governance, structure and authority.

5 THE HIEROPHANT

The Hierophant is a cultural representative of a cooperative group or society. He will be the spiritual or educational leader and is often head of spiritual or educational institutions. The Hierophant is the keeper of tradition and social structure.
If you draw The Hierophant expect social norms or learned behaviours to dominate the situation, education, a teacher, a religious leader, or a situation concerned with a group of people.

6 THE LOVERS

The Lovers is about connection on a spiritual mental emotional and/or physical level between two people. It is most often thought of as being a man and a woman in a traditional sexually active relationship, but it can also indicate any type of meaningful connection between people.
If you draw The Lovers it can mean love, harmony, friendship, marriage, relationship, sex, or other deep human connection.

7 THE CHARIOT

The Chariot is about power and control over oneself and the immediate environment. It is often considered a card of success for if we can master ourselves we can achieve many things. The Chariot can also indicate travel and moving beyond one's immediate realm.
If you draw The Chariot it can mean success, power, achievement, control and/or travel.

8 STRENGTH

Strength, like The Chariot, is about power and control but in a very personal way. While The Chariot is about managing a situation or environment and attaining victory, here the victory is conquering ones personal fears. The traditional image on this card shows a woman walking right up to a lion and opening it's jaws, as if she shows no fear towards the wild beast. The fears are present and real, but Strength gives one the courage to face them. This card draws on an inner strength that comes from the heart.
If Strength appears in a reading, take heart and find the inner resolve to face the fear holding you back.

9 THE HERMIT

The number 9 represents completion and The Hermit completes the first cycle of the major arcana dealing with the basics of the human journey; getting to know one's self, survival, intimacy and community. This is a card of withdrawing from the world of mundane things where contemplation of the spiritual begins in general seclusion. Many people complete their lives at this stage and never move onto an understanding of the more complex issues covered in the remaining cards of the major arcana. Here The Hermit decides what to do with what he has learned.
Other meanings associated with this card are wisdom, guidance, a teacher or master, an inner journey, making a decision, and/or getting advise.

10 THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE

The number 10 signifies a turning point. The Wheel of Fortune represents forces beyond our control. This card is often associated with the eastern philosophy of karma as in you reap what you sow. The Wheel of Fortune predicts a shift in fortune, however, there is no way to predict the results of future events from past actions. The outcome will be what it will be and we simply have to accept that there is nothing we can do to change it.
If you draw The Wheel of Fortune you may be looking at divine good fortune, a turn of events - for better or worse, luck, opportunity, fate, miracles, or destiny.

11 JUSTICE

Justice is a card of balance, and also of karma, but in the way of human societal law, as opposed to divine law as we saw in The Wheel of Fortune. As social creatures, humans have developed a system of law and order that lets us co-operate effectively amongst ourselves. Outcomes can be predictable and controlled and will be kept in balance.

12 THE HANGED MAN

Although the image of The Hanged Man seems to be about death by hanging, it actually means letting go of control and allowing the situation to sort itself out without your intervention. In peaceful suspension The Hanged Man takes time out from active participation in life, ceasing to struggle for or against the current circumstances.
If you draw The Hanged Man step back from the situation and withhold judgment and /or participation for now. Other possible meanings include waiting, acceptance, sacrifice, reflection and surrender.

13 DEATH

Everybody's favourite, or not, Death is the most infamous card of the tarot. More often than not it means change and not actual death although the results will be the same; something that was once meaningful will change forever. The word absolute represents this card perfectly. Whatever happens things will never be the same.
If you draw Death in a reading expect big changes, an ending, a clearing away of the old to make way for the new, death, conclusion, or a major change in attitude or circumstance.

14 TEMPERANCE

Although there is a sense of justice in Temperance, the meaning of this card suggests moderation, balance, and blending of opposing influences. The old and the new, age and youth, strength and weakness, wisdom and ignorance, anger and love, all these things combine changing black and white to grey. Where once there was harsh contrast Temperance brings gentle harmony.
If you draw Temperance in indicates a need for tempering absolute judgment and seeing the value in both sides of a story, taking the middle road, not going to extremes, seeing the other side of the coin, or joining forces.

  15 THE DEVIL

The message of The Devil is that his control over us is an illusion. He represents all those things about ourselves we do not like; addictions, over-indulgence, lying, cheating, mistrust, betrayal, greed, lust, shame, and lack of control. The Devil's illusion is a living Hell. That which we do not accept in ourselves chains us to Him. The greatest misfortune accompanying The Devil is the illusion that he is in control of our lives and we are not.
If you draw The Devil ask yourself whether you are in control of the situation or whether you are giving your power away to someone or something else. Other possible meanings: unfairness, promiscuity, dependence, negativity, selling out on your true desires, accepting less than the best, wanting something that you know is not good for you, denial.

 16 THE TOWER

The Tower shakes things up in a big way. The Tower represents our illusions. The lightning striking The Tower shatters our illusions shocking us into reality. It is usually unpleasant and disruptive, breaking the very fabric of our lives. However it is always for the best. In the long run no good can come from a pipe dream or living in a false tower of hope.
If you draw The Tower it means the foundation of the situation will crumble, major disruption, major change, seeing another point of view for the first time, shocking news, and losing control.

17 THE STAR

The Star represents hope.

18 THE MOON

The Moon represents our unconscious. It is that part of ourselves which is primal in nature and is hard to logically interpret or even to access. It can influence us in ways we don't understand and indicate times of confusion or uncertainty.
If you draw The Moon expect fear, mystery and/or fantasy.

19 THE SUN

The Sun is positive energy.

20 JUDGEMENT

Judgement is a card of rebirth and second chances. It is called 'Judgement' because it is a time to make major decisions which must be made using our own wisdom and judgment. It is sometimes referred to as 'The Calling' because it tells us that something meaningful to us is at hand. It is generally a rare opportunity that comes only after many trials and tribulations.
If you draw Judgement it can mean getting a second chance, an opportunity, or a decision.









21 THE WORLD

The World represents a completed cycle and achievement of one's goals.









The cards displayed above are from the Bohemian Gothic Tarot produced by Magic Realist Press.

The Pentacles - Vampire Tarot of the Eternal Night

The pentacles represent the physical body, the sense of touch, the element of earth, physical labour, money and material objects.

 The Ace Of Pentacles

The Ace of Pentacles is a manifestation of something that has been desired and is sometimes an unexpected gift. Unlike the Ace of Wands, Cups or Swords, which offers news and inspiration of the spirit heart and mind, the Ace of Pentacles adds something tangible and useful to the environment.
If you draw the Ace of Pentacles it can mean getting a new job, a bonus at work or a raise in pay, a gift of money, a clean bill of health, or receiving something needed for one's survival such as food clothing or shelter. It can also mean physical aid such as that given by a health organization or humanitarian group. Whatever the case, your needs will be met.

 The Two Of Pentacles

The Two of Pentacles involves handling and managing new acquisitions. Finding solutions to permanently implement these acquisitions requires innovation and action. The Two of Pentacles is therefore about action and problem solving.
If you draw the Two of Pentacles it can mean learning to cope, developing new strategies, handling a busy schedule, shuffling or juggling time, energy and/or attention, riding a wave of good fortune, making decisions, being active and/or physical activity in general.

The Three Of Pentacles

The Three of Pentacles is about co-operating with a group and generally involves craftsmanship and/or enterprise. Strategies developed in the Two of Pentacles are now in action and the focus is on construction.
If you draw the Three of Pentacles there will be involvement with others, hard work, being recognized for your work, something in process, positive influences, or something taking shape.

The Four Of Pentacles

The Four of Pentacles combines the solidity of earth with the stability of a square structure. It is a dependable and stable position but there is an excess of stability that can lead to hoarding or being stuck in a position that is difficult to get out of.
If you draw the Four of Pentacles it indicates an stable position, wealth, or miserliness.

The Five Of Pentacles

The Five of Pentacles is about physical or social struggle. Fives generally represent the center of a polarity which means the equal of opposites is in balance and there is no clear choice present. Does that sound cryptic? Trying to deal with anything to do with a five is like this.
If you draw the Five of Pentacles you could be facing financial or material hardship or health troubles. It can also indicate social rejection, separation by distance, or the limitations of physics.

The Six Of Pentacles

The Six of Pentacles is about giving and receiving. It is a harmonious flow in the material world representing the balance in nature. Getting what one needs is most often conditional on someone or something else giving it.
If you draw the Six of Pentacles your needs will be met through an interaction that may or may not be visible to you. It can sometimes mean you are the one taking care of someone else's needs.

The Seven Of Pentacles

The Seven of Pentacles can be best represented by the idea of incubation or cultivation. The sevens represent an internal struggle of growth aimed at achievement, such as a garden in midsummer, the process of healing, or a milk product aging towards becoming a cheese.
If you draw the Seven of Pentacles your finances, physical health or social situation will be wrapped up in a process of growth that has likely not concluded. A period of waiting patiently is required before success will be visible.

The Eight Of Pentacles

The Eight of Pentacles denotes action. It is represented by hard work and is often accompanied by learning or much effort.
If you draw the Eight of Pentacles it can mean getting an education, learning a skill or trade, or that physical effort is required.

The Nine Of Pentacles

The Nine of Pentacles is the achievement of physical or social success on a personal level.
If you draw the Nine of Pentacles it can mean success in business, financial independence, or optimum physical health.

The Ten Of Pentacles

The Ten of Pentacles is the achievement of physical or social success on a group level. It is represented by family, friends and colleagues.
If you draw the Ten of Pentacles it can mean success in business that benefits a group, family money, wealth, inheritance, good health, well established and/or long term viability.

The Page Of Pentacles

The Page of Pentacles exhibits a practical and trusting, yet naive nature. The Page of Pentacles wants to help. There is a willingness to learn or to be of practical assistance.
If you draw the Page of Pentacles it can represent a person or attitude of kind consideration, practical assistance and aid, or the willingness to learn a new skill.

The Knight Of Pentacles

The Knight of Pentacles is brave, plodding, and cautious in addition to practical as are all the court characters of the Pentacles. He or she is also a pioneer for change, as is representative of all Knights, but this one is of the slow and methodical kind.
If you draw the Knight of Pentacles it can represent a person or attitude of fortitude, valor, reliability, predictability or dependability.

The Queen Of Pentacles

The Queen of Pentacles is the quintessential 'mother earth' character possessing a practical nature combined with a fine nurturing capability. The Queen of Pentacles is also the best sexual partner to have as he or she will care a great deal about your physical fulfillment.
If you draw the Queen of Pentacles it can represent a person or attitude of competence, caring, nurturance, good health, practical ability, sexuality and/or reliability.

The King Of Pentacles

The King of Pentacles is an extremely stolid, predictable, and competent character with no trace of flare or pomp. He or she is the most practical of all the court cards and is an exceptionally skilled governor.
If you draw the King of Pentacles it can represent a person or attitude of persistent reliability, concrete ability, competence, good management, wealth and/or a considerate lover.

The cards depicted above are from The Vampire Tarot Of The Eternal Night by Davide Corsi.