Tarot Sunday

I finished my Tarot deck before the New Year. I didn't really properly introduce them one by one because I got sidetracked by shiny objects and other projects. :) I am still working on perfecting them; some of them are getting a face lift. I am also in the process of formatting them into a cohesive book. This book will be minutely one of divination, it will be more of a workbook for life. So, here are my last two completed suits minus the cards I have already displayed. (Labels with Tarot have my other posts.) You can click on the image to make it bigger, as I narrate their stories. To see the complete deck just go to the bottom of the page where I have added a slide show. :)

The Flames

For those of you who do not know, I have changed the Wands suit to Flames. This suit is traditionally connected to the Fire signs in astrology, so I add the flame to the fire. :)

Two Flames: This card is about power and personal satisfaction. It is traditionally portrayed as a man holding the world and overlooking his land; but power and success are not just about material gains. While most of us welcome material comfort, this card is also about being able to achieve our own personal success. The victory lap in the living room after a successful phone call with a potential employer or a bill collector. The feeling of "YEAH!" when we have done an extra lap at the gym. It is the graceful and daily satisfaction that is attainable for everyone.

Three Flames: This card is about the power one achieves when a goal has been reached; this leadership position can also be a solitary one. Traditionally this card is portrayed as an obviously wealthy man overlooking his considerable holdings; I have chosen to stick with the general theme but changed the symbols and setting to a more modern one.

Five Flames: This is about struggle internal and external. Little obstacles, conflicts, stubbing your toe, forgetting your watch, the alarm clock not going off. These obstacles or set backs can be used as learning tools to train ourselves to be more tolerant of delay, and to go with the flow. I depicted this card as a Martial Arts training session. Yes, there is a struggle, but there is purpose behind it, and sometimes we just have to fight for what we need or want or believe in. :) To make us better warriors.

Six Flames: This is a card of victory and accolades. Triumph and reward. It's pretty self-evident. The layout is similar to many traditional ones, except, it's a triumphant woman and it's set in India. Elephants are wise and ageless animals. They serve well for the meanings of this card.

Seven Flames: Struggle, resistance, engender conviction and a firm resolution. I was originally going to set this card at a gym, and I might still change it to that. In order to build muscle, one must work with resistance. In life, obstacles and resistance build character muscle, determination, and conviction that can withstand anything.

Eight Flames: This is about speed and accuracy. It's about a satisfaction of having done something really well and nearing reward. It's about fun. So why not a group of skaters reveling in their prowess on the board? They are on the Flames team. :)

Nine Flames: This card is about perseverance and stamina. It is about achieving the seemingly impossible with a strength of will that comes from powers greater than our perception. This lovely acrobat/ballerina is dancing on candle flames. Ethereal and powerful and absolutely stunning.

Ten Flames: This card is about hard work, and all the pressures and rewards that come with it. Sometimes, setbacks can come in the way of achievement, but that is simply a test to one's perseverance and determination to complete a task. Sometimes in a beautiful field of crops, one has to be set aflame, one has to remain fallow.

King & Queen Flames: Incredible power of will and charisma, these two are filled with the sheer flame of their will. They are inspiring, forceful and bold. Their creativity takes many forms, and when harnessed properly bears many fruits. They are alight with the flame of their self-assured energy. If not properly directed, these very traits can work against them, turning them rigid and stubborn. It's all about maintaining a proper perspective and balance.

The Crystals

This suit has been changed from the pedantic Pentacles to the creative Crystals. Crystals are of the earth, and their enduring shine is perfect for representing the Earth signs.

Two of Crystals: This is about trying to strike up a balance in emotions, in finances, in projects, in various aspects of life. This can be wearing, but it also can be a fun and invigorating challenge. By using a juggler, I am not only depicting the skill it needs to create such a balance but the enjoyment one can derive from it.

Three Crystals: This is about skill and achievement through hard work and diligence. So why not some artists working with ice to create beautiful sculptures? It's cold and hard work, but it is one of incredible beauty and satisfaction.

Four Crystals: Speaking of satisfaction, this card is about the rewards of achievement. Having worked long and hard, one has the blissful moments of savoring the fruits of her/his labor. At the summit of her achievement, the artist oversees her craft.

Five Crystals: This card is about solace and charity. Bringing someone in from the cold. Giving someone a pat on the shoulder, a hug, a warm drink when they need it. The comfort a parent gives to a child, a friend gives to a friend, a stranger to a stranger.

Six Crystals: This is about resources, generosity, and knowledge. This is about someone who has all these, sharing it with others without thought of gain. The woman at the summit is showering everyone with her crystal wisdom and abundance. Isn't it spectacular? :)

Eight Crystals: This is about the diligence and attention to detail that one must give to his/her craft. In creating a thing of beauty, one must be immersed in its every aspect. Having the materials, the vision and the determination to make something out of nothing. See how the artisan offers up her/his wares for our approval. Aren't those crystals magnificent? :)

Ten Crystals: This card is about the affluence and permanence of established success. It is the freedom of knowing that all one's efforts have come to fruition and one can now sit back for a while and enjoy them. Ah!

King Crystals: Enterprising, adept, steadfast, loyal and supportive. This man knows what he wants and how to get it. This might, at times, make him seem distant and unresponsive. That's because he has a lot on his mind. He needs to take the time to enjoy the fruits of his labor, but he needs to be gently coaxed into doing so. The upside is, once his tender and passionate side is triggered, stand back! He never does anything half way. :)

Phew! If you made it this far congratulations! I'm sorry for such a mammoth post, but I thought I would just go ahead and do this before more shiny objects and new projects get in the way. I am a Capricorn after all! :) Hope you enjoyed it. :)

Blessed be :)