Elemental Meanings~
Each set of cards has a numerological and elemental association. Keeping these in mind will help you with your readings.
As you have noticed by spending time you your deck that there are 4 suits, with each card numbered one through ten. Each number has a basic meaning, as well as each suit. Let's start with the suits.
Wands, Swords, Cups and Pentacles
The suit of wands are associated with fire.
They are made of wood. Wood signifies growth and energy. The energy that burns within us. Meaning the wands usually deal with our passions, will and desires. The stuff that fuels are inner fire.
The suit of swords are associated with air.
Swords can be used as weapons or useful tools. So can the mind. Our thoughts can be used as weapons or for good. The swords signify your mental state, communication and sometimes conflict or cruelty. The air concept comes from the idea that swords can be stormy or clear and calm, just as the mind can be.
The suit of cups are associated with water.
Cups are used for holding water. Water nourishes, cleanses and refreshes. It is also reflective. They can stand for deep waters, like and ocean, unknown and vast. Much like our subconscious. Water flows, much like our emotions. As cups usually deal with our feelings.
The suit of pentacles are associated with earth.
They usually show up on your cards in the form of coins. Showing that we are grounded to material resources or money. Pentacles signify wealth, security, careers and even health. The things in life that make us feel grounded.
The Major Arcana are associated with our souls or spirituality.
They deal with morality, karma, spirituality and our philosophies.
Numerological Meanings~
Just as each suit has a basic meaning, so does each number.
Ones or Aces~ They are associated with beginnings, since it is the first number.
It can also stand for self or the ego.
Twos~ Connections, balance or decisions.
Threes~ They can signify the connection of the twos, making a third. So creativity and reproduction are the main key words here. They can also signify resolutions.
Fours~ Stability and structure. Like a table with 4 legs, they are sturdy.
Fives~ Signify changes are life challenges. Things in life that make for new learning experiences.
Sixes~ Overcoming the challenges of the fives. Adjustments, and finally peace.
Sevens~ Life's tests and inner growth. Mastering things in your life, possibly things you have learned to adjust to from the 5 and 6's.
Eights~ Success, power and moving on with your life.
Nines~ Satisfaction, endings or accomplishments.
Tens~ Life moves in cycles. The tens signify the beginning of a new cycle. The last chapter of your life has been closed, now to start a new one.
The Court Cards~
The suits of these still follow the elemental meanings of the suits mentioned above. However they also represent a person in most cases. The rank of each card is used to define whom the card is speaking of.
Pages~ A young person, usually a child. It could pertain to someone who is childish or playful as well.
Knights~ A teenager or young adult. Someone still immature, who is trying to find their place in life.
Queens~ A mature woman. She is usually focused and intuitive.
Kings~ A mature man. He is strong and direct. He could represent a boss in a career spread.
Using what you know from the elemental meanings above you can glean a basic understanding of what each court card means, and the personality of the person the card is representing.
Example, the Page of Cups could mean an emotional child in the querent's life. Or the Queen of Swords could be an intelligent older woman. It will be easier to know who the card is speaking about based on other cards in the spread. Say our Queen of Swords in next to the nine of swords, this could mean an older woman going through a hard emotional time. Someone who is anxious or worried. Your querent would then relate this card to his mother, who is dealing with her emotions and is letting them get the best of her.
Don't worry, we will dig deeper into the card meanings later. This is just a very basic understanding of the cards. The tip of the iceberg so to speak.
~*~Bright Blessings~*~
Lesson 1 here.
Very informative, thank you.
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