Tag Archives: Taurus

Tarot Encyclopedia – The Seven of Pentacles or Coins

(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

Tarot Encyclopedia – The Six of Pentacles or Coins

(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 Six of Pentacles from the Builders of the Adytum (BOTA) tarot deck

Paul Foster Case (and Ann Davies)

The time period is the second decanate of Taurus, under the rulership of Mercury, from April 30 to May 10. Meanings:
Well-Dignified: practicality and determination; discretion and diplomacy; gain by letters, writing, travel, speaking, teaching, commissions and through advertising, study, books and all things ruled b Mercury.
Ill-Dignified: Loss through the same things.
Keyword: Prosperity.
(From the Oracle of Tarot course)

A. E. Waite

A person in the guise of a merchant weighs money in a pair of scales and distributes it to the needy and distressed. It is a testimony to his own success in life, as well as to his goodness of heart. Divinatory Meanings: Presents, gifts, gratification another account says attention, vigilance now is the accepted time, present prosperity, etc. Reversed: Desire, cupidity, envy, jealousy, illusion.
(From The Pictorial Key to the Tarot)

The Six of Pentacles from the Rider Waite Smith Deck

Aleister Crowley

The Six of Disks is called Success; the ruler is the Moon. This is a card of settling down; it is very heavy, wholly lacking in imagination, yet somewhat dreamy. Change is soon coming upon it; the weight of earth will ultimately drag the current down to a mere eventuation of material things. Yet the Moon, being in Taurus, the sign of her exaltation, the best of the Lunar qualities are inherent. Moreover, being a Six, the solar Energy has fertilized her, creating a balanced system for the time being. The card is worthy of the name Success. Remember only that all success is temporary; how brief a halt upon the Path of Labour.

[…]

The Number Six, Tiphareth, as before, represents the full harmonious establishment of the Energy of the Element. The Moon in Taurus rules the card; and this, while increasing the approach to perfection (for the Moon is exalted in Taurus and therefore in her highest form) marks that the condition is transient.

The disks are arranged in the form of the Hexagram, which is shown in skeleton. In the centre blushes and glows the light rose-madder of dawn, and without are three concentric circles, golden yellow, salmon-pink, and amber. These colours show Tiphareth fully realized on Earth; it reaffirms in form what was mathematically set forth in describing the Ace.

The planets are arranged in accordance with their usual attribution; but they are only shown as disks irradiated by the Sun in their centre. This Sun is idolized as the Rose and Cross; the Rose has forty-nine petals, the interplay of the Seven with the Seven.
(From The Book of Thoth)

The Six of Disks from the Thoth Tarot deck

Golden Dawn’s Book T

A WHITE Radiant Angelic Hand holding a rose branch with white roses and buds, each of which touches a Pentacle. Pentacles are arranged in two columns of three each:

* *
* *
* *
Above and below are the symbols Taurus and Moon of the Decan.
Success and gain in material undertakings. Power, influence, rank, nobility, rule over the people. Fortunate, successful, liberal and just.
If ill dignified, may be purse-proud, insolent from excess, or prodigal.

Tiphareth of HB:H (Success in material things, prosperity in business).
Herein rule the Angels HB:NMMYH and HB:YYLAL.

Etteilla

The present
Upright. This card, as far as the medicine of the spirit is concerned, means, in its natural position: Present, Presently, Now, Immediately, At the instant, At this time, Today, Attending, Witnessing, Contemporary. – Attentive, Careful, Vigilant.
Reversed. Desire, Vow, Ardor, Haste, Passion, Searches, Cupidity, Want, Jealousy, Illusion.

MQS

Tarot Encyclopedia – The Five of Pentacles or Coins

(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 Five of Pentacles from the Builders of the Adytum (BOTA) tarot deck

Paul Foster Case (and Ann Davies)

The time period is the first decanate of Taurus, under the rulership of Venus, April 20 to 29. Meanings:
Well-Dignified: labor, toil, the cultivation of the land; building, and plans concerning it; some anxiety over money.
lll-Dignified: toil unrewarded; loss of money; poverty; trouble for the Querent through lack of imagination and foresight.
Keyword: Uncertainty; material trouble.
(From the Oracle of Tarot course)

A. E. Waite

Two mendicants in a snow-storm pass a lighted casement. Divinatory Meanings: The card foretells material trouble above all, whether in the form illustrated–that is, destitution–or otherwise. For some cartomancists, it is a card of love and lovers-wife, husband, friend, mistress; also concordance, affinities. These alternatives cannot be harmonized. Reversed: Disorder, chaos, ruin, discord, profligacy.
(From The Pictorial Key to the Tarot)

Aleister Crowley

The Five of Disks is in equally evil case. The soft quiet of the Four has been completely overthrown; the card is called Worry. [See Skeat, Etymological Dictionary. The idea is of strangling, as dogs worry sheep. Note the identity with Sphinx.] The economic system has broken down; there is no more balance between the social orders. Disks being as they are, stolid and obstinate, as compared with the other weapons, for their revolution serves t9 stabilize them, there is no action, at least not in its own ambit, that can affect the issue.

[…]

The Number Five, Geburah, in the suit of Earth, shows the disruption of the Elements, just as in the other suits. This is emphasized by the rule of Mercury in Taurus, types of energy which are opposed. It needs a very powerful Mercury to upset Taurus; so the natural meaning is Intelligence applied to Labour.

The symbol represents five disks in the form of the inverted Pentagram, instability in the very foundations of Matter. The effect is that of an earthquake. They are, however, representative of the five Tatvas; these hold together, on a very low plane, an organism which would otherwise disrupt completely. The background is an angry, ugly red with yellow markings. The general effect is one of intense strain; yet the symbol implies long-continued inaction.
(From The Book of Thoth)

A peasantly mystical AI-generated illustration for the Five of Pentacles

Golden Dawn’s Book T

A WHITE Radiant Angelic Hand issuing from clouds, and holding a branch of the white rose tree, but from which the roses are falling, and leaving no buds behind.
Five Pentacles similar to the Ace. Above and below are Mercury and Taurus.

Loss of money or position. Trouble about material things. Labour, toil, land cultivation; building, knowledge and acuteness of earthly things, poverty, carefulness, kindness; sometimes money regained after severe toil and labour.
Unimaginative, harsh, stern, determined, obstinate.
Geburah of HB:H (Loss of profession, loss of money, monetary anxiety).
Herein the angels HB:MBHYH and HB:PNYAL rule.

Etteilla

Lover
Upright. This card, as far as the medicine of the spirit is concerned, means, in its natural position: Lover [man], Lover [woman], In love, Gallant man, Gallant woman, Husband, Wife, Groom, Bride, Friend, Friend. – Lover. – Loving, Lovingly, Adoring. – Harmony, Agreement, Convenience, Concordance, Good manners.
Reversed. Disorderly, Contrary to order. – Debauchery, Disorder, Turmoil, Confusion, Chaos. – Damage, Devastation, Ruin. – Dissipation, Consumption. – Unruliness, Libertinism. – Discord, Disharmony, Discordance.

MQS

Laetitia / Happiness (Geomancy Figures)

Name of the Figure: Laetitia (Happiness), sometimes called “Bearded”
Element: Air
Planet: Jupiter (direct, though some say retrograde)
Sign: Taurus
Quality: Exiting
Fortune: Good (in most questions)

Laetitia is another “pure element” figure, if we accept the theory that signle dots represent active element. In this case, only the fire line should be active. It is a figure of Jupiter, the planet of happiness, nobility, religion and wealth. By its own design, Laetitia is often likened to a tower or to an upward pointing arrow.

Illustration of the geomantic figure Laetitia, happiness

Although the wealth aspect of Jupiter is definitely represented by Laetitia, it falls more under the domain of Acquisitio, the other Jupiter figure. Laetitia highlights more the psychological aspect of being glad, being happy, feasting, etc. which are all aspects of Jupiter. It represents everything that is “high” in a positive sense: high spirits, high-mindedness, honor, increase, growth, etc.

Laetitia is one of the few positive exiting figures, as opposed to Tristitia, which is one of the few negative incoming figures. Laetitia indicates partying and being happy, but it can also show fleeting situations, if not accompanied by more stable figures.

It is also a figure of visibility. It is therefore excellent for finding out secrets, discovering, finding lost items, etc. On the other hand, it is very bad for keeping things secret and under wraps. For instance, if someone asked if their spouse will find out about their affair, Laetitia is not an encouraging sign.

One aspect that is not often emphasized about Laetitia is that it is connected being being “bearded”. A beard, aside from indicating manliness, was also traditionally a sign of wisdom, and wisdom is one of the attributes of Jupiter, especially as it pertains conventional wisdom (e.g., the wisdom of a priest or a mentor or benefactor, as opposed to Mercury’s cunning and technological know-how and Saturn’s occult depth). It can therefore indicate “growing” in the sense of acquiring wisdom, becoming adult, either literally or figuratively

Common Keywords: Joy, merriment, happiness, feasts, parties, things that raise your spirits, up, upward, ceiling, growth, increase, visibility, fame, recognition, being seen, being busted, unearthing, lack of durability, fleeting success, wisdom, maturity

Laetitia in the Geomantic Houses (these are only examples. Use context to guide your interpretation)

HousePossible Meanings
FirstHappy, positive, high-minded, handsome, a sight to behold
SecondIncrease of wealth, positive financial period, stocks going up, retrieving lost objects
ThirdGood news all around, positive relationships with siblings and neighbors, neighborhood celebrations
FourthHelp from the father, Tall buildings, unearthing treasures, Unearthing secrets
FifthJoy, partying, pregnancy, Flirting, drinking, luxury
Sixthhealing, gain through subordinates (maybe giving them a raise), buying pets
SeventhGood acquaintances, no problems relating to others, marriage celebrations
EighthProtection from fear or from death, escaping danger, increase through business or marriage
NinthReligion, Wisdom, Religious festivals, Education, Realization, discovery
TenthA raise, a promotion, finding a job, government buildings, positive decision from a judge
Eleventhhelp from friends, money, wish fulfilled
Twelfthescaping from danger, release from prison, nothing to worry about, protection from magic
Thirteenthpast joy, upward mobility, increase
Fourteenthfuture joy, being discovered, finding out
FifteenthLaetitia cannot be Judge
Possible meanings of Laetitia in the various Geomantic Houses. Note that this is not meant to be exhaustive, and it only serves to jog your interpretive muscles

MQS

Fortuna Minor / Lesser Fortune (Geomancy Figures)

Name of the Figure: Fortuna Minor (Lesser Fortune); sometimes called Exiting or Outgoing Help
Element: Earth
Planet: Sun (setting)
Sign: Taurus
Quality: Exiting
Fortune: Bad (but in practice mostly good)

Fortuna Minor is the opposite of Fortuna Major in many ways. From an elemental standpoint, it has exactly the opposite configuration. Whereas Major has one point in the passive elements (Water and Earth) and two points in the active ones (Fire and Air), Minor has one in the active elements and two in the passive ones. If we take one point to indicate that the element is manifest or activated, then Fortuna Minor plays its hand very differently from Fortuna Major. Wheras the latter represents calm, focused, long-term action, Fortuna Minor may indicate a quick onrush of energy which is immediately expended.

Illustration of the geomantic figure Fortuna Minor, Lesser Fortune

In some old manuscripts there are indications that Fortuna Minor may have been considered a bad figure. However, when the same manuscripts indicate the effects of the figure in the various houses, they give it as mostly good. I believe this is due to the fact that, being the opposite of the more regal Fortuna Major, Fortuna Minor was considered negative, but being a figure of the Sun, it was still good enough to have a positive effect.

In general, its effect is very quick, and often manifests in the form of an unexpected chance that needs to be taken as it arises, or it will disperse quickly. Being a figure of the setting Sun, Minor may further indicate the last chance one has to make things right, but this needs to make sense within the contest of the question. In general, Minor is more positive than Major when you need something done quickly. However, it can show that the situation may either deteriorate or need constant upkeep in the long run.

Fortuna Minor retains many of the basic qualities of its sibling, being connected with money, gold, courage, nobility, etc. However, these qualities are understandably of lesser value. Also, the adjective “minor” may on occasion indicate that the result will be satisfying, but not wholly satisfying. Maybe some sacrifices will need to be made. Again, this needs to be checked against the whole chart.

Common Keywords: unexpected help, a stroke of luck, a chance to be taken, quick results but possibly unstable in the long run, the last chance, money, health, nobility, moderate satisfaction, etc.

Fortuna Minor in the Geomantic Houses (these are only examples. Use context to guide your interpretation)

HousePossible Meanings
FirstGood person, honorable, active, healthy, lucky, noble
SecondGain, A sum of money (not big), Quick wealth, Objects, Possessions of good value
ThirdGood relationship with siblings and neighbors, partly true rumors, Good for short trips
FourthA small inheritance, Discovering hidden treasures, Good relationship with the father, buildings, etc.
FifthGood luck in matters of art, gain through it, Helping children or help from one’s children, Good relationship with them, Joy, Celebration
SixthQuick recovery from illness, toil won’t be in vain, Small vexations from servants
SeventhA chance meeting with someone, gain through acquaintances, Protection from theft, Marriage
EighthGain through the spouse or partnership, help getting out of a fear-inducing situation, Honorable death
NinthQuick return from journey, Change of place, Good faith, Mostly good science and knowledge
TenthNoble people, Employment, Good chance, Good relationship with the mother
EleventhMoney from the government, Opportunity, Help from friends
TwelfthQuick return to freedom for the prisoner, safety from hexes and magic, Loss of honor
ThirteenthHonor, Good faith, Past chance
FourteenthLack of honor, Lack of chances, Chance in the future, Future good luck
FifteenthQuick good outcome, Fame, Honor, Gain
Possible meanings of Fortuna Minor in the various Geomantic Houses. Note that this is not meant to be exhaustive, and it only serves to jog your interpretive muscles

MQS