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Card Meanings, Cartomancy, Divination, Divination Master Post, Fortune-telling, Tarot

Tarot Encyclopedia – The Eight of Wands

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(Note: this is a collection of the meanings attributed to the cards by some occultists in the past centuries. It does not reflect my own study or opinion of the cards. It is only meant as a quick comparative reference as I develop my own take.)

The Eight of Wands from the Builders of the Adytum (BOTA) Tarot deck

Paul Foster Case (and Ann Davies)

As the first decanate of Sagittarius, the Eight of Wands is the time period of November 22 to December 1, ruled by Jupiter, suggesting a combination of the powers of Mercury and Jupiter together with the zodiacal attributions of the sign Sagittarius and its natural 9th house. Well-Dignified: aspiration; foresight; rapid expression of force, but quickly expended; the acceleration of anything in which the querent is interested; generosity; confidence ; freedom.
Ill-Dignified: violence; warfare; rapacity; insolence; theft or robbery. These are suggested by some of the evil meanings connected with Hermes or Mercury associated with misuse of human intellect.
Keyword: Swiftness
(From the Oracle of Tarot course)

A. E. Waite

The card represents motion through the immovable-a flight of wands through an open country; but they draw to the term of their course. That which they signify is at hand; it may be even on the threshold. Divinatory Meanings: Activity in undertakings, the path of such activity, swiftness, as that of an express messenger; great haste, great hope, speed towards an end which promises assured felicity; generally, that which is on the move; also the arrows of love. Reversed: Arrows of jealousy, internal dispute, stingings of conscience, quarrels; and domestic disputes for persons who are married.
(From The Pictorial Key to the Tarot)

The Eight of Wands from the Rider Waite Smith tarot

Aleister Crowley

The Eight of Wands is called Swiftness, as one might expect from its attribution to Mercury and Sagittarius. This is an etherealization of the idea of fire; all gross elements have disappeared.

[…]

The remaining three cards of the suit belong to Sagittarius, which represents the subtilizing of the Fiery energy; and Mercury rules the card, thus bringing down from Chokmah the message of the original Will.

The card also refers to Hod, splendour, in the suit of Fire, whence it refers to the phenomena of speech, light, electricity. The pictorial representation of the card shows the Light-wands turned into electrical rays, sustaining or even constituting Matter by their vibrating energy. Above this restored universe shines the rainbow; the division of pure light, which deals with maxima, into the seven colours of the spectrum, which exhibit interplay and correlation.

This card, therefore, represents energy of high velocity, such as furnishes the master-key to modern mathematical physics. It will be noted that there are no flames; they have all been taken up into the wands to turn them into rays. On the other hand, the electric energy has created intelligible geometrical form.
(From The Book of Thoth)

The Eight of Wands from the Thoth Tarot

Golden Dawn’s Book T

FOUR White Radiating Angelic Hands (two proceeding from each side) issuant from clouds; clasped in two pairs in the centre with the grip of the First Order.
They hold eight wands, crossed four with four. Flames issue from the point of junction. Surmounting the small wands with flames issuing down them, and placed in the centre at the top and bottom of the card respectively, are the symbols of Mercury and Sagittarius for the Decan.

Too much force applied too suddenly. Very rapid rush, but quickly passed and expended. Violent, but not lasting. Swiftness, rapidity, courage, boldness, confidence, freedom, warfare, violence; love of open air, field-sports, gardens and meadows. Generous, subtle, eloquent, yet somewhat untrustworthy; rapacious, insolent, oppressive. Theft and robbery. According to dignity.

Hod of HB:Y (Hasty communications and messages; swiftness).
Therein rule the Angels HB:NThHYH and HB:HAAYH.

Etteilla

Countryside
Upright. This card, as far as its medicine is concerned, means, in its natural position: Countryside, Field, Plain, Agriculture, Cultivation, Landed Property, Immovable Property, Farm, Homestead, Garden, Orchard, Prairie, Forest, Grove, Foliage, Pleasure, Amusement, Leisure, Pastime, Recreation, Enjoyment, Peace, Calm, Tranquility, Innocence, Country Life. – Forest, Valley, Mountain, Battlefield.
Reversed. Inner dispute, Examination, Reasoning, Incomprehension. – Regret, Remorse, Repentance, Inner turmoil, Irresolution, Uncertainty, Indecision, Inconceivable, Incomprehensible, Doubt, Scruple, Fearful consciousness.

MQS

Card Reading, Cartomancy, Divination, Divination Master Post, Fortune-telling, Reading Example, Tarot

Is He Gay? (Example Reading)

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A reading with the Bolognese Tarot. Like and subscribe to my YT channel to support my work

MQS

Card Meanings, Cartomancy, Divination, Divination Master Post, Fortune-telling, Tarot

Tarot Encyclopedia – The Seven of Pentacles or Coins

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(Note: this is a collection of the meanings attributed to the cards by some occultists in the past centuries. It does not reflect my own study or opinion of the cards. It is only meant as a quick comparative reference as I develop my own take.)

The Seven of Pentacles from the Builders of the Adytum (BOTA) tarot deck

Paul Foster Case (and Ann Davies)

The time period is the third decanate of Taurus, under the rulership of Saturn, May 11 to 20. Meanings:
Well-Dignified: slight gains, but of small account; much labor for small returns.
Ill-Dignified: something promising turns out badly; loss in speculation and unprofitable employment; financial restriction; unrealized hopes and
wishes.
Keyword: Loss
(From the Oracle of Tarot course)

A. E. Waite

A young man, leaning on his staff, looks intently at seven pentacles attached to a clump of greenery on his right; one would say that these were his treasures and that his heart was there. Divinatory Meanings: These are exceedingly contradictory; in the main, it is a card of money, business, barter; but one reading gives altercation, quarrels–and another innocence, ingenuity, purgation. Reversed: Cause for anxiety regarding money which it may be proposed to lend.
(From The Pictorial Key to the Tarot)

The Seven of Pentacles from the Rider Waite Smith tarot

Aleister Crowley

The Seven of Disks is called Failure. This suit gives the extreme of passivity; there is no positive virtue in it below the Abyss. This card is ruled by Saturn. Compare it with the three other Sevens; there is no effort here; not even dream; the stake has been thrown down, and it is lost. That is all. Labour itself is abandoned; every thing is sunk in sloth.

[…]

The number Seven, Netzach, has its customary enfeebling effect, and this is made worse by the influence of Saturn in Taurus. The disks are arranged in the shape of the geomantic figure Rubeus, the most ugly and menacing of the Sixteen. (See Five of Cups.) The atmosphere of the card is that of Blight. On the background, which represents vegetation and cultivation, everything is spoiled. The four colours of Netzach appear, but they are blotched with angry indigo and reddish orange. The disks themselves are the leaden disks of Saturn. They suggest bad money.
(From The Book of Thoth)

The Seven of Disks from the Thoth Tarot

Golden Dawn’s Book T

A WHITE Radiating Angelic Hand issuing from a cloud, and holding a white rose branch. Seven Pentacles arranged like the geomantic figure Rubeus. There are only five buds, which overhang, but do not touch the five uppermost Pentacles. Above and below are the Decan symbols, Saturn and Taurus respectively.

Promises of success unfulfilled. (Shewn, as it were, by the fact that the rosebuds do not come to anything.) Loss of apparently promising fortune. Hopes deceived and crushed. Disappointment, misery, slavery, necessity and baseness. A cultivator of land, and yet a loser thereby. Sometimes it denotes slight and isolated gains with no fruits resulting therefrom, and of no further account, though seeming to promise well.

Netzach of HB:H (Unprofitable speculations and employments; little gain for much labour).
Therein HB:HRChAL and HB:MTzRAL are ruling Angels.

Etteilla

Money
Upright. This card, as far as the medicine of the spirit is concerned, means, in its natural position: Money, Wealth, Sum, Coin. – Silver. – Whiteness, Purity, Candor, Innocence, Naiveté, Moon. – Purgation, Purification.
Reversed. Restlessness, Torment of spirit, Impatience, Affliction, Remorse, Concern, Solicitude, Care, Attention, Diligence, Application. – Apprehension, Fear, Distrust, Misgiving, Suspicion.

MQS

Cartomancy, Divination, Divination Master Post, Fortune-telling, Reading Example, Tarot, Uncategorized

What’s the Bird Thinking? (Example Reading)

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My two cockatiels couldn’t be more different from one another. Ciuffy, the white one, is a sweet cuddlebug who’ll do anything for a head scratch. He’s never nipped me, let alone bitten me. The only time he hurts me a little is when he tries to preen my ear.

“I’m the guy you want your daughter to bring home”

Zazu, the gray one, is a beaky, bossy, overbearing prick. He does have his sweet side, and considering I’ve had him for only a little over a month we’ve made huge progress, but when I have him on my shoulder I KNOW I’m going to get hurt at some point, and when he bites he really means it.

“I’m the guy your daughter brings home”

Now that I’ve set the scene and used the excuse to show you a couple of pics of my cutie pies, let’s get to the point. A couple of days ago, while Zazu was on my shoulder, he bit my earlobe incredibly hard out of nowhere (maybe he saw me move my head and didn’t like it).

I shooed him away with my hand, but he spooked and flew against a wall. Although he wasn’t hurt, he spent the day avoiding me and hissing (for those who don’t know, cockatiels can hiss, like cats).

I knew that the accident set some of that hard-won progress back, but I wanted to know Zazu’s perspective and how it would likely evolve. Here’s what the Bolognese Tarot had to say:

What’s the featherball thinking? Tarot reading

One thing that surprised me is the first row, where we have happiness (Ten of Cups) in the house (Ace of Cups) with me (King of Wands). I know I try to care for the two little balls of feathers as best I can, but Zazu is always grumpy and old-farty in his behavior, so I assumed he didn’t like me very much. Apparently that’s just his character.

The second row is interesting, since we have unexpected (Stranger) betrayal (Hanged Man) leading to negative emotions (Eight of Swords). Clearly his good vibes were somewhat disrupted by the incident.

The third has a path (Eight of Wands) toward Love with harmony or small satisfactions (Ten of Coins). So even though there was a setback, there is room for moving toward love. Obviously we should be very careful when projecting human sentimentalism onto animals, but then again, divination is a language understandable to humans, so the tarot is probably translating Zazu’s reality in terms that are understandable to me.

I have some doubts about the last line. The King of Swords might be Zazu himself (it could represent my husband, but my husband isn’t particularly involved). Technically, pets are represented by the Juggler, but then again, the King of Swords does have some characteristics of the Juggler, so it’s a possibility. At any rate, the King is next to the sickbed. There are no combinations talking explicitly about sickness, so I believe this just shows his being cranky or a bit uncertain, but the World card at the end of the row indicates that this uncertainty doesn’t cause breaks: the situation remains open and moving.

The Temperance card at the end simply shows that patience and time are needed. I expected no less.

For now, the reading seems to be accurate. The day after the little bastard had gone back to his old behavior, being just a little more shy than usual, and the day following that he was back to normal.

MQS

Card Meanings, Divination, Divination Master Post, Fortune-telling, Tarot, Uncategorized

Tarot Encyclopedia – The Seven of Swords

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(Note: this is a collection of the meanings attributed to the cards by some occultists in the past centuries. It does not reflect my own study or opinion of the cards. It is only meant as a quick comparative reference as I develop my own take.)

The Seven of Swords from the Builders of the Adytum (BOTA) tarot deck

Paul Foster Case (and Ann Davies)

The time period is the third decanate of Aquarius, February 9 to 18, under the rulership of Venus.
Well-Dignified: partial success; the Querent is too easy-going or does not draw sufficiently on his reserve force; he has good opportunities but may not make the most of them; he is likely to compromise too easily.
Ill-Dignified: love of ease and display cause loss; the Querent suffers from the insolence of others and may be insolent himself; there is danger that his own confidence may be betrayed, or that he may be led into betraying the confidence of others.
Keyword: Instability.
(From the Oracle of Tarot course)

A. E. Waite

A man in the act of carrying away five swords rapidly; the two others of the card remain stuck in the ground. A camp is close at hand. Divinatory Meanings: Design, attempt, wish, hope, confidence; also quarrelling, a plan that may fail, annoyance. The design is uncertain in its import, because the significations are widely at variance with each other. Reversed: Good advice, counsel, instruction, slander, babbling.
(From The Pictorial Key to the Tarot)

The Seven of Swords from the Rider Waite Smith tarot

Aleister Crowley

The Seven of Swords is called Futility. This is a yet weaker card than the Seven of Wands. It has a passive sign instead of an active one, a passive planet instead of an active one. It is like a rheumatic boxer trying to “come back” after being out of the ring for years. Its ruler is the Moon. The little energy that it possesses is no more than dream-work; it is quite incapable of the sustained labour which alone, bar miracles, can bring any endeavour to fruition. The comparison with the Seven of Wands is most instructive.

[…]

Netzach, in the suit of Swords, does not represent such catastrophe as in the other suits, for Netzach, the Sephira of Venus, means victory. There is, therefore, a modifying influence; and this is accentuated by the celestial rule of the Moon in Aquarius.

The intellectual wreckage of the card is thus not so vehement as in the Five. There is vacillation, a wish to compromise, a certain toleration. But, in certain circumstances, the results may be more disastrous than ever. This naturally depends upon the success of the policy. This is always in doubt as long as there exist violent, uncompromising forces which take it as a natural prey.

This card, like the Four, suggests the policy of appeasement. The symbol shows six Swords with their hilts in crescent formation. Their points meet below the centre of the card, impinging upon a blade of a much larger up-thrusting sword, as if there were a contest between the many feeble and the one strong. He strives in vain.
(From the Book of Thoth)

The Seven of Swords from the Thoth tarot deck

Golden Dawn’s Book T

TWO Angelic Radiating Hands as before, each holding three swords. A third hand holds up a single sword in the centre. The points of all the swords “just touch” each other, the central sword not altogether dividing them.
The Rose of the previous symbols of this suit is held up by the same hand which holds the central sword: as if the victory were at its disposal. Symbols of Moon and Aquarius.

Partial success. Yielding when victory is within grasp, as if the last reserves of strength were used up. Inclination to lose when on the point of gaining, through not continuing the effort. Love of abundance, fascinated by display, given to compliments, affronts and insolences, and to spy upon others. Inclined to betray confidences, not always intentionally. Rather vacillatory and unreliable.
Netzach of HB:V (Journey by land: in character untrustworthy).
Herein rule the Great Angels HB:HHHAL and HB:Ma’aKAL.

Etteilla

Hope
Upright. This card, as far as the medicine of the spirit is concerned, means, in its natural position: Hope, Expectation, Expectation, Pretending, Founding, Overestimating, Founding, Designing, Willing, Wanting, Wishing, Vowing, Wanting, Taste, Fantasy.
Reversed. Wise opinion, Good advice, Salutary warnings, Instruction, Lesson. – Observation, Reflection, Note, Caution, Thoughtfulness. – Reprehension, Reprimand. – News, Announcement, Posting. – Consultation, Admonition.

MQS

Cartomancy, Divination, Divination Master Post, Fortune-telling, Tarot

Bolognese Tarot Spreads – The Thirteen Card Spread

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Nothing prohibits anyone from using whatever spread they prefer, or even just from laying out a row of cards. However, traditionally, the smallest spread used with the Bolognese Tarot is the thirteen card spread, which is a small tableau of cards used to answer a specific question or explore a specific theme (although nothing prevents you from laying it out for a general reading. It will respond anyway). This is a spread I have already presented, and it is one that is used with many decks in Central and Northern Italy in particular. The layout is as follows:

123
456
789
101112
13
The Thirteen Card Spread

Some readers take out the significator for the querent or even the significator for the question and put them on top of the layout (above card 2) before starting to shuffle. I prefer to have all cards in the deck and have not found it necessary, but feel free to experiment.

The cards may be read in rows or in columns, and which direction is the primary one depends on which tradition you come from. Personally I tend to see rows as the primary reading direction, but I will look at columns if there is clear information contained in them. I have found that the columns tend to describe the situation rather than to predict it. But don’t force yourself to read in every direction possible: simply read the information where it is found, and leave the rest.

There is no strict differentiation between past, present and future. However, I have found, personally, that at least the first row, or sometimes two (and on occasion even three), contains the past or present of the situation. Occasionally the cards simply jump ahead into the future from the start.

Be open about it: it may sound confusing in theory but in practice it is often quite clear. For instance, if you see the cards changing from good to bad or vice versa (or simply changing “tone”) in the first row or two, that’s usually a sign that the cards before the change happens are the past/present, and the others the future. In doubt, simply ask the querent: we are not there to play Nostradamus, so it’s fine to ask for help in interpreting the spread.

The final card, number 13, doesn’t have any specific preassigned meaning. However, I have found that it can either simply be a regular part of the spread (simply coming after card 12 or under card 11), or it can highlight an important detail, or something that will be true, regardless of what the previous cards say. For instance, if the spread is a disaster but the thirteenth card is good, it can tell us the querent will have some kind of satisfaction, or will be protected.

Yes-or-No Questions

Now we come to an odd bit of tradition. I will relay it as it has been taught to me, and then I’ll give you my two cents. Although the thirteen card spread is not unique to the Bolognese Tarot, the Bolognese Tarot adds another layer to the spread.

This is relevant only when the question is a yes-or-no question. If it is, then, according to some traditions, the answer is yes if the Death card comes up in the spread or while cutting the deck (it says: “yes, as sure as the fact we all die”). If the Angel card comes up, according to some it’s a maybe, while according to others it’s a no but with positive developments; if the Death and Angel cards both come up, not necessarily together, it’s the best possible outcome (a super yes, as it were). If neither card comes up, it’s a no.

Some also add that if the Death card doesn’t come up but the Angel and Devil card come up in the spread, not necessarily together, it’s also a yes (the Devil card alone would be a no, but if you remember the combinations, Angel+Devil means good news or satisfaction). Others still also believe the answer is yes if three or four Kings come up in the spread.

Now I’m going to tell you what my experience is. My experience is that there is something to these rules, but it is not all so cut-and-dry. The spread always needs to be interpreted as describing a concrete situation, and the yes or no comes from our evalutation of whether the picture presented by the cards matches what the querent wants or not. It’s happened more than once that the Death card was present but the answer (confirmed by experience) was a no, or vice versa, the answer was yes with no yes-marker present.

Focus on interpreting the cards. If the Death card comes up, what does it say in the context? Does it show some sharp change? Does it show inner suffering? Does it confirm something? If so, look at the cards around it: what is it saying yes to? Sometimes it is obvious that the Death card comes up for no reason other than to say “yes” to the question, while at other times it is a regular card, like the others. Again, be flexible, record your experience and learn from it.

MQS

Card Meanings, Divination, Divination Master Post, Fortune-telling, Tarot

Tarot Encyclopedia – The Seven of Cups

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(Note: this is a collection of the meanings attributed to the cards by some occultists in the past centuries. It does not reflect my own study or opinion of the cards. It is only meant as a quick comparative reference as I develop my own take.)

The Seven of Cups from the Builders of the Adytum (BOTA) tarot deck

Paul Foster Case (and Ann Davies)

The time period is the third decanate of Scorpio, November 11 to November 20, under the subrulership of the Moon.
Well-Dignified: possible victory, but the person to whom the card applies may be too indolent to take advantage of his opportunities for commanding circumstance. Success may be gained, but not followed up; necessity for choosing only the highest objectives.
lll-Dignified: illusionary success; lying and deceit; drunkenness; violence, even lust.
Keyword: Illusion
(From the Oracle of Tarot course)

A. E. Waite

Strange chalices of vision, but the images are more especially those of the fantastic spirit. Divinatory Meanings: Fairy favours, images of reflection, sentiment, imagination, things seen in the glass of contemplation; some attainment in these degrees, but nothing permanent or substantial is suggested. Reversed: Desire, will, determination, project.
(From The Pictorial Key to the Tarot)

The Seven of Cups from the Rider Waite Smith Tarot Deck

Aleister Crowley

The Seven of Cups is called Debauch. This is one of the worst ideas that one can have; its mode is poison, its goal madness. It represents the delusion of Delirium Tremens and drug addiction; it represents the sinking into the mire of false pleasure. There is something almost suicidal in this card. It is particularly bad because there is nothing whatever to balance it-no strong planet to hold it up. Venus goes after Venus, and Earth is churned into the scorpion morass.

[…]

This card refers to the Seven, Netzach, in the suit of Water. Here recurs the invariable weakness arising from lack of balance; also, the card is governed by Venus in Scorpio. Her dignity is not good in this Sign; one is reminded that Venus is the planet of Copper, “external splendour and internal corruption”. The Lotuses have become poisonous, looking like tiger-lilies; and, instead of water, green slime issues from them and overflows, making the Sea a malarious morass. Venus redoubles the influence of the number Seven.

The cups are iridescent, carrying out the same idea. They are arranged as two descending triangles interlaced above the lowest cup, which is very much larger than the rest. This card is almost the “evil and averse” image of the Six; it is a wholesome reminder of the fatal ease with which a Sacrament may be profaned and prostituted.

Lose direct touch with Kether, the Highest; diverge never so little from the delicate balance of the Middle Pillar; at once the holiest mysteries of Nature become the obscene and shameful secrets of a guilty conscience.
(From The Book of Thoth)

The Seven of Cups from the Thoth Tarot

Golden Dawn’s Book T

THE seven cups are arranged as two descending triangles above a point: a hand, as usual, holds lotus stems which arise from the central lower cup. The hand is above this cup and below the middle one. With the exception of the central lower cup, each is overhung by a lotus flower, but no water falls from these into any of the cups, which are all quite empty. Above and below are the symbols of the Decanate Venus and Scorpio.

Possible victory, but neutralized by the supineness of the person: illusionary success, deception in the moment of apparent victory. Lying, error, promises unfulfilled. Drunkenness, wrath, vanity. Lust, fornication, violence against women, selfish dissipation, deception in love and friendship. Often success gained, but not followed up. Modified as usual by dignity.

Netzach of HB:H (Lying, promises unfulfilled; illusion, deception, error; slight success at outset, not retained).
Herein the Angels HB:MLHAL and HB:ChHVYH rule.

Etteilla

Thought
Upright. This card, as far as the medicine of the spirit is concerned, means, in its natural position: Thought, Soul, Spirit, Intelligence, Idea, Memory, Imagination, Understanding, Conception, Meditation, Contemplation, Reflection, Deliberation, Viewpoint, Opinion, Feeling.
Reversed. Plan, Design, Intention, Desire, Will, Resolution, Determination, Forethought.

MQS

Card Combinations, Card Meanings, Divination, Divination Master Post, Fortune-telling, Tarot, Uncategorized

Bolognese Tarot – How to Tackle Combinations

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Life is a recipe, and the art of living consists in large part in detecting the ingredients to know if and how to mix them differently. Divination is a mirror of life, and oracular systems usually have some kind of vocabulary to create descriptions of life.

In traditional divination by cards, each card carries small bits of meaning that must be mixed together to form coherent pictures. If divination mirrors life, then it stands to reason that the recipe for something in real life should be mirrored by a recipe for that same thing in the divinatory language. This is how all card reading systems I know work, and that’s how the Bolognese tarot works, with the exception of a couple of universal combinations with odd meanings (Angel + Devil = Good news or satisfaction; Sun + Moon = sorrow; Angel + Death = yes, confirmed).

Let us make an example. What are the ingredients of an inheritance in real life? I would say the ingredients are: death (no inheritance without someone croaking); family ties (usually we inherit from someone whom we are related to, though not always); the law (inheritances are generally regulated by the law and require a bureaucratic mechanism to be set in motion); material possessions (the things we inherit).

In the language of the Bolognese tarot, these ingredients correspond to the following cards: Death: Death; Family ties: Ace of Cups and/or Seven of Cups; The Law: Justice and/or King of Coins; Material Possessions: The Star and/or a money card.

Do we need all the cards to be present? It much depends on the context. If the question is directly about an inheritance, then we could do without many of these cards, while if it is a general reading then the more cards, the clearer the message. But we might also find other cards to flavor the basic recipe: the Moon is also connected with death (the realm of shadows); tears may sometimes be expected, so the Seven of Coins could come up; the court card of the deceased person could show up, etc.

Let us make another example. Let’s take surgery. What’s the recipe for surgery in real life? I would say: a hospital, a bed, a doctor, a cutting instrument. In the Bolognese tarot these same ingredients are: Hospital: The Tower; Bed: The Chariot; Doctor: King of Coins; Cutting instrument: Knight of Swords.

Again, there can be additions and variations. The doctor or the bed might be absent, while the Ten of Cups (blood) or the Moon (unpleasantness) or the Eight of Swords (suffering) might be present. A King or Queen of Swords may take the doctor’s place to show someone holding the knife. Just like my lasagne recipe might differ from yours, but it would still be recognized as lasagne, so the way the deck mixes the ingredients might vary slightly from time to time, but the broad picture remains the same.

One last example. Let’s take marriage. In many situations, a marriage requires the following ingredients: a commitment; love (let’s assume the best intentions in this case); a celebrant. The same ingredients are, in the language of the Bolognese tarot: Love: Love; Commitment: Ace of Wands or Ace of Swords; Celebrant: The Stranger. This is the basic recipe. But we might also expect the main significators to show up. A marriage is a celebration, so the Ten of Cups (fun) might be expected; the family life is certainly impacted, so some Cup cards could be there.

Once we start recognizing that life is made up of ingredients mixed together, it becomes easy (or at least easier) to see how the tarot might mix its own ingredients, the cards, to match the recipe. In many cases, while it is useful to reason out the combinations handed down by tradition, it is much easier to understand the basic principles and be flexible in our observations.

Ultimately, divination starts with logic, not with psychic powers, even though psychic abilities may occasionally be of help. The more we immerse ourselves in the logic of divination, the easier it becomes to decode its messages.

MQS

Card Combinations, Card Meanings, Cartomancy, Fortune-telling, Tarot

Bolognese Tarot – Some Examples of Combinations

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This is a short selection from a much longer list. Although there are a couple of traditional combinations that are not easy to read unless studied beforehand (like Sun + Moon or Angel + Devil), most of the times the combinations of cards are logical. For this reason I have omitted many obvious combos: Page of Coins (words) and Love is sweet talk or words about love. Thank you very much. The following list is just an example: I will talk more about combining cards in the future. Plus, always remember that much depends on the context of the question and of the other cards. Be flexible. The comments in brackets are my own.

Ace of Cups + Ace of Wands = 1. married life 2. a business (the interpretation depends on the question or on the surrounding cards. For instance, + Love, married life; + Star, business)

Ace of Cups + Seven of Cups = things related to the family, or strong family or family-like relationship

Seven of Cups + Sun or Angel = protection, either from the family/friends or whoever is specified in the spread

Seven of Cups + Juggler = small city or your hometown (where you grew up)

Seven of Cups + World = large city or foreign city (not necessarily in another country though)

Ten of Cups + Love = falling in love, usually being at the stage where love is more fun than hard work (if also + Juggler or + Fool, fun but immature love)

Ten of Cups + Moon = there is no happiness (the Moon covers it)

Ten of Cups + Hermit = traditionally for women it shows their period being blocked, and if the Juggler appears it can show a pregnancy

Ten of Cups + Knight of Swords = 1. Hurting yourself and bleeding (with cards showing hospitalization, an operation) 2. More metaphorically, the fun or joy is cut short

Page of Cups + Ace of Wands = prostitute, according to tradition (it can still be like this nowadays, but look at the context of the question and the other cards. Also, prostitute can sometimes simply indicate a slutty individual, especially if no money card is involved)

Page of Cups + Juggler = son and daughter or a young girl

Knight of Cups + Angel = peace, agreement, reconciliation

Knight of Cups + Person card = the person is gentle, kind or agreeable

Ace of Wands + Love = a love relationship

Ace of Wands + Star = success at work or in business, can be the signing of a contract

Ace of Wands + Fool = “baronate” in Italian/Bolognese dialect, meaning fun sex without much thought

Eight of Wands + World = travel, removal

Eight of Wands + Hanged Man = 1. danger on the road 2. A road or path that ends abruptly

Eight of Wands + Juggler = A trip, but can have other interpretations in context

Ace of Coins + Tower + Hermit = serious money trouble and the need for making sacrifices (I guess instead of the Hermit any other troublesome card would suffice)

Ace of Coins + Ten of Coins = finances (in itself good finances, material well-being)

Ace of Coins + Ten of Cups = 1. prosperous finances 2. Can be a festive table

Ace of Coins + King of Coins = a banker or someone commanding lots of money

Seven of Coins + Fool + Moon = the blues

Seven of Coins + Ten of Coins = having little money

Ten of Coins + Ace of Cups = spending a little money on the family or home (I guess depending on the context it can also be a little money coming from the family or home)

Page of Coins + Queen of Coins = clarification or explanation (words that give you the truth)

Page of Coins + Juggler + Hermit = stuttering (probably mataphorical as well)

Knight of Coins + Page of Swords = 1. Post 2. Good news by message

Knight of Coins + Ace of Coins = good financial developments, money coming easily

Queen of Coins + Moon = hiding the truth, lack of clarity

Queen of Coins + King of Coins = expert

King of Coins + Justice = legal or bureaucratic matters (in itself can be a lawyer, notary, red tape, etc.)

King of Coins + Chariot = a doctor

King of Coins + Angel = 1. powerful protector (the one you’d ask to pull some strings, for instance) 2. A positive entity

Ace of Swords + Page of Swords = letter coming soon

Ace of Swords + Justice + Tower = prison (here the Ace of Swords is the handcuffs)

Eight of Swords + Ace of Swords + Devil = addiction (A bond to the devil for something that torments you. But it can mean being dependent from someone or something in a negative way)

Eight of Swords + Love + Devil = strong jealousy (probably pathological)

Page of Swords + World = message from afar (nowadays also probably messaging with people around the world)

Page of Swords + Moon = 1. secret correspondence 2. Letter whose content displeases us

Queen of Swords + Seven of Coins = affliction (obviously it can also mean a sad woman or a woman who causes sadness, depending on the context)

Queen of Swords + Devil = witch (or, more probably, a negative woman)

King of Swords + Juggler = an immature man or a young boy, or two sons

King of Swords + Justice = law enforcement

Fool + Juggler = bewilderment, disorientation

Fool + Ten of Cups = creativity or levity (in a medical context, since the Fool is the head and the Ten of Cups is blood, if there are negative cards it can indicate blood clots, brain strokes, etc.)

Fool + Hanged Man = estrangement from reality (+ Moon and/or + Seven of Coins, serious mental suffering)

Fool + Devil = excesses (either excessive character or using funky stuff. It can probably also indicate a negative situation that confuses us)

Juggler + Ace of Wands = conception or inception

Juggler + Moon + Devil = untrustworthy character, dangerous individual

Juggler + Page of Cups + King of Swords = children or young people

Juggler + Wheel = gambling (but it can mean other things in context)

Stranger + Fool = overturned expectations (I have experimented this combination as overturning the status quo as well)

Stranger + Moon = disappointment (unexpected bad things)

Stranger + Star = can mean a gift (unexpected object)

Love + Ace of Swords + Stranger = Marriage (the Stranger here is a priest or celebrant, the Ace are the rings. I think the Ace of Wands might be there instead of that of Swords. Without the Stranger it can still show a relationship or, if you’re single, love about to knock at the door)

Stranger + Devil + Moon + Ace of Swords = black magic (here the Stranger is the person celebrating the ritual, the Ace of Swords is the creation of magic bonds. I’m wondering if the Angel and Sun came up instead of the Devil and the Moon if it would indicate white magic)

Love + Hanged Man + Queen of Swords or King of Swords = cheating

Love + Temperance = lasting love

Chariot + Ace of Wands = sex

Chariot + Death = deathbed (but unless the question is specific or there are other cards it probably means something else)

Chariot + Moon = sickness

Justice + Ace of Wands = marriage, partnership or important contract

Justice + Moon = injustice (can probably be interpreted in various ways, such as something being wrong or unfair or mistaken)

Hermit + Person = person is indisposed (or blocked within the context)

Hermit + Temperance = lasting blockage

Hermit + Page of Wands or Knight of Wands = person is shy or solitary (has inner blockage)

Wheel + Stranger = chance meeting (probably with a person card next to it, otherwise maybe also unexpected chance)

Strength + Hermit + Moon = exhaustion, weakness, ill-health

Strength + Ace of Wands = person is very willful (I’ve noticed that the Ace of Wands next to a person card also makes them very willful)

Strength + Devil + Knight of Swords = fights

Hanged Man + Death = paralysis (literal or metaphorical)

Hanged Man + Tower = ending

Death + Wheel = what’s been set in motion cannot be stopped (probably also a change for the better, if the Wheel is upright and/or followed by positive cards)

Death + Tower = 1. Tragedy 2. Disruption

Death + Justice + Ace of Cups + Star = inheritance (the Star here refers to material possessions. I think a money card could be there instead as well.)

Temperance + Hanged Man = end of something (that lasted a while)

Temperance + Ace of Swords = short (short-ish) timeframe (here the Ace of Swords reduces the slowness of Temperance. It can probably also indicate a lasting bond.)

Ace of Coins + Temperance + Ten of Cups = finances slowly flourishing

Page of Coins + Devil = angry words, fights

Devil + Angel = great satisfaction or good news (regardless of the order of the cards)

Devil + Ace of Wands = great passion (primarily sexual but to be adapted to the context)

Tower + Chariot + King of Coins = hospital (other cards like the Moon, the Seven of Coins etc. may be present)

Tower + Chariot + Knight of Swords = surgery (I’ve already experimented this combination. The Queen of Swords was present indicating the female surgeon. Otherwise a King of Swords would be probably a man or the King of Coins would generically indicate the doctor)

Tower + Ace of Coins = financial sacrifice, financial limitations, bankruptcy with other bad cards

Tower + Fool + Moon = mental breakdown

Star + Ace of Coins = a well-paid job

Star + Temperance = stable job (if followed by cards of ending like the Hanged Man, temporary job)

Star + Queen of Coins = intellectual job (but I think it depends on the context)

Chariot + King of Coins + Star = therapy, prescription (here the Star indicates meds)

Moon + Person card = traditionally a dead person (someone who is no longer visible to us. But it needs to make sense in the context. It can probably also mean someone who is sad or is hiding something)

Moon + Eight of Wands + Hanged Man + King of Swords = danger on the road at night (probably due to a man)

Sun + Moon = Sorrow (if the cards are swapped around, with the Sun last, it is still sorrow but it is lessened or it goes away more quickly)

Sun + King of Coins = the doctor’s cure works (probably to be extended to any kind of professional help)

Sun + Devil or Ace of Wands = strong vitality or energy

Angel + Queen of Coins = faith

Angel + Page of Coins = prayer (probably also good/positive words)

Angel + Juggler + World = pregnancy (the World is the belly)

Angel + Death = yes, for sure (either to a question or to the cards preceding them)

World + Person card = person is not yet known or comes from far away (keep in mind that once upon a time even the next town was far away) or travels

World + Star + Ace or Ten of Coins = commerce (but it can probably mean other things too)

Three Aces together = “Tre assi son tralasci”, three aces equal abandonment. Radical change, leaving the old for the new.

Four Aces together = “Quattro assi fan fracassi”, four aces make a lot of noise. Destabilizing situations, chaos, pandemonium

Three Kings together = Success

Four Kings together = Triumph

Three Queens together = Problem*

Four Queens together = Failure*

Three Knights together = Good news, Speed

Four Knights together = Speedy good news, great speed

Three Pages together = gossip, talking

Four Pages together = slander, bad people

*Some (including one of my teachers) see the Queens less unfavourably, as delays (Queens, in this case, are probably seen as taking a long time to deliver the heir/result)

Card Meanings, Cartomancy, Divination, Divination Master Post, Fortune-telling, Tarot

Tarot Encyclopedia – The Seven of Wands

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(Note: this is a collection of the meanings attributed to the cards by some occultists in the past centuries. It does not reflect my own study or opinion of the cards. It is only meant as a quick comparative reference as I develop my own take.)

The Seven of Wands from the Builders of the Adytum (BOTA) tarot deck

Paul Foster Case (and Ann Davies)

Astrologically, the Seven of Wands, because it corresponds to the third decanate of Leo, is the time period from August 13 to August 22. In divination, the Seven of Wands combines the activities of the Keys listed in the Tableau [Empress, Sun, Tower, Strength, Emperor] together with ideas of pleasure and love connected with the fifth house in Astrology, the natural house of Leo.
Well Dignified: denotes pleasure in strenuous action; some danger through love affairs or self indulgence; also strength and magnanimity;
adventure; courage in the face of difficulties; influence over subordinates.
lll Dignified: indicates ignorance, pretense, vain-glory, quarrels and wrangling, threats and very determined opposition, especially from subordinates and open enemies.
Keyword: Valor
(From the Oracle of Tarot course)

A. E. Waite

A young man on a craggy eminence brandishing a staff; six other staves are raised towards him from below. Divinatory Meanings: It is a card of valour, for, on the surface, six are attacking one, who has, however, the vantage position. On the intellectual plane, it signifies discussion, wordy strife; in business–negotiations, war of trade, barter, competition. It is further a card of success, for the combatant is on the top and his enemies may be unable to reach him. Reversed: Perplexity, embarrassments, anxiety. It is also a caution against indecision.
(From The Pictorial Key to the Tarot)

    The Seven of Wands from the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck

    Aleister Crowley

    The Seven of Wands is called Valour. Energy feels itself at its last gasp; it struggles desperately, and may be overcome. This card brings out the defect inherent in the idea of Mars. Patriotism, so to speak, is not enough.

    […]

    This card derives from Netzach (Victory) in the suit of Fire. But the Seven is a weak, earthy, feminine number as regards the Tree of Life, and represents a departure from the balance so low down on the Tree that this implies a loss of confidence.

    Fortunately, the card is also attributed to Mars in Leo. Leo is still the Sun in his full strength, but the marks of decadence are already to be seen. It is as if the wavering fire summoned the brutal energy of Mars to its support. But this is not enough to counter-act fully the degeneration of the initial energy, and the departure from equilibrium.

    The army has been thrown into disorder; if victory is to be won, it will be by dint of individual valour-a “soldiers’ battle”. The pictorial representation shows the fixed and balanced wands of the last card relegated to the background, diminished, and become commonplace.

    In front is a large crude uneven club, the first weapon to hand; evidently unsatisfactory in ordered combat. The flames are dispersed, and seem to attack in all directions without systematic purpose.
    (From The Book of Thoth)

    The Seven of Wands from the Thoth Tarot deck

    Golden Dawn’s Book T

    TWO hands holding by grip six wands, three crossed. A third hand issuing from a cloud at the lower part of the card, holding an upright wand which passes between the others. Flames leap from the point of junction. Above and below the central wand are the symbols of Mars and Leo, representing the Decan.

    Possible victory, depending on the energy and courage exercised; valour;
    opposition, obstacles and difficulties, yet courage to meet them; quarrelling, ignorance, pretence, and wrangling, and threatening; also victory in small and unimportant things: and influence upon subordinates.

    Netzach of HB:Y (Opposition, yet courage).
    Therein rule the two great Angels HB:MHShYH and HB:LLHAL of the
    Schemhamphorash.

    Etteilla

    Talking
    Upright. This blade, as far as the medicine of the spirit is concerned, means, in its natural position: Talking, Negotiation, Conference, Colloquy, Conversation, Dissertation, Deliberation, Discussion. – Word, Pronunciation, Language, Idiom, Dialect, Negotiation, Market, Exchange, Measure, Trade, Traffic, Correspondence. – Talking, Saying, Proferring, Conferring, Discussing, Chatting, Dividing, Chattering, Gossiping.
    Reversed. Indecision, Irresolution, Uncertainty, Perplexity, Inconstancy, Lightness, Variation, Diversity, Hesitating, Hesitating. – Temptation, Vacillation, Versatility.

    MQS