Numbers and their Meanings in the Tarot

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Numbers and their Meanings in the Tarot
***One point to remember in most of Numerology is that one must keep reducing a number to get a final reading of just 1 digit. e.g. 10 = 1+0=1,   23 = 2+3+5 ,   39 = 3+9=12= 1+2=3 
1 – The point of origin, birth, start, beginning, clean slate, uniqueness, individuality, the ego, starting over, solitary,
2 – Opposition, attraction, co-operation, conflict, peace, harmony, balance, communication, marriage, partnership, commitments, yin/yang,   masculine/feminine
3 – Creativity, growth, abundance, ascension, fertility, birth, the power of three, variety, versatility
4 – Stability, practicality, security, power, building resources, personal and family securities, consolidation.
5 – Loss, conflict, chaos, disruption but also final ascension, expect the unexpected, travel, change, challenges, new experiences
6 – Balance, stability, harmony, peace, beauty, family matters, romance, success
7 – Victory, challenges, magic, luck, introspection, tenacity, resourcefulness
8 – Change, infinity, speed, positivity, energy, strength, success, business
9 – Completion, ending, outcome, closing, cutting of ties, emotional spring-cleaning, introspection, reflection, winding down
10 – (1+0 = 1) – Finality, final outcome, ending, closing, beginning is end/end is beginning. Cycle starts once more. Rebirth, excess, too much, extremes, things have run their natural course
One (1) In Tarot
Aces represent 0 and the number 1.  0 symbolically represents the void that is waiting to be filled.  In the Numerology part of this course we learned that number 1 stands for the beginning, birthplace or origin of something or even starting over again.  1 stands alone, unique and independent.  It is 1 that fills the void of 0 in the early processes of creation.
The Aces launch the journey of each Elemental Suit in the Minor Arcana. The Fool and Magician are the archetypal manifestations at this point. The Four Aces will, as their governing Element dictates, give meaningful expression to these representations. The Suits of The Minor Arcana will provide a running commentary on the progress of The Fool as he travels throughout The Major Arcana. Without the Minor Arcana, the Major would remain mute and statue-like in their existence. They are chapter titles in a book, but missing their content. We must express them through real life examples and anecdotes found in the Minor.  We may look upon The Major Arcana but not understand their significance. It is only when we see their influence in action through the Minor Arcana that we understand their purpose. The Minor Arcana are here to tell us the story behind The Major Arcana. Whereas the Major Archetypes often seem remote, the Minor Arcana are easier to personalise when telling our individual stories.
Each Ace holds the pure potential and promise of its governing Elemental Energy. Without The Fool and Aces urging us on to take that first step into the unknown, we would remain paralysed and stuck in our life, both within and without. The Magician stands at the gateway with the power and force to  activate us into life. He exerts mastery over the four Elements. The Wheel of Fortune encourages us to move forward, to release old cycles so that new ones can begin. If we fail or fall, it assists us to try again. It teaches us to take the good with the bad, and the important lesson of impermanence. The Sun reminds us to never give up hope, to keep the spirit of The Ace expressed in our everyday life. It encourages rejuvenation and expansion.
The Aces are gifts of boundless possibilities and energy waiting to be activated and realised.  Each Ace represents the potential of its governing Element.  To begin anything in life we must access the energy of the Aces first. With these Four Aces, anything can be achieved.  Without their presence nothing will happen, life will stand still and meaningless.  Therefore, the Four Aces individually represent the beginning or early stage of energy release which each Element unleashes in its own way.  The Fire Element (Wands) releases an explosion of creative activity, excitement and movement.  The Water Element (Cups) releases its energy through emotional stirrings.  The Air Element (Swords) releases mental energy and begins to think, plan and talk. The Earth Element (Pentacles) energy releases to build and form .
It is important to understand the energy that accompanies The Four Aces is abstract in nature.  It has not yet manifested.  It is the potential that has yet to be realised.  It is there, ready and waiting should we be  willing to grasp hold of it.  The Four Aces offer real hope and the possibility of new starts and fresh beginnings.  Before anything can manifest, it must first exist as potential.  The Fool (O) in The Major Arcana is bursting with potential yet is not quite aware of how to work with it.  He carries a knapsack on his back but is totally unaware of its contents and how it came to be. He has yet to understand the contents are not something that stand apart from him. They are part of him, inherent in his presence, his birthright gifts of divine origin.  It is The Magician (I) who will unpack the knapsack for him so that he may view the tools of life that have been gifted him. The Magician will introduce him to the power of each tool (Element). 
The Cloud that accompanies each hand in the Four Aces symbolises Spirit and is found in many other cards in the Tarot. It indicates Spirit/Divine Source involvement, guidance or blessings.  Aces also represent the receiving of News.  The governing Element will determine the kind of news received.  Upright the news will be perceived as good or welcome, while in Reverse the news is often viewed as bad or unwelcome.
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A single Ace in a reading suggests the beginning of energy related to the governing Element of the Suit that governs it. Something is happening or emerging. An Ace can herald news in relation to its Element. The appearance of two Aces close to each other in a reading often represents a relationship or strong bond. Two Aces can highlight the potential for new cycles to trigger simultaneously growth in more than one area of life. 
If three or more Aces turn up in a reading, prepare for multiple new beginnings, opportunities, a fresh start or a new environment.  You might be bringing these changes upon yourself or perhaps life is throwing them at you. You may be experiencing a whole change of life which might feel overwhelming initially, but once embraced, will lead to much personal fulfillment and satisfaction.  
When three or more Aces appear reversed, expect to find opportunities blocked to you at the moment or delays in getting something off the ground.  You may feel you are getting nowhere and are bound to experience frustration as a result. If there is a total absence of Aces in a reading, it suggests that life is quite steady and predictable.  Depending on the circumstances this may be what is desired. Several Reversed Aces could point to fear of anything new or resistance to change. Procrastination could also be at play. Always talking about changing your life but never implementing it. It could also be the result of an external force standing in the path of your progress. Someone does not want you to seek more. Bad news all round can be implied by multiple Reversed Aces. Reversed Aces also suggest a lack of basic enthusiasm and interest for life. 
Sometimes old commitments need to be addressed before moving on to something new. When the Ace appears reversed one must often go back to the number 10 card of the Suit to learn the lesson therein before being able to understand and utilise the energy or message of the Upright Ace. You may have forced a cycle to completion when it was not yet done and still have ties to it. 
 
Two In Tarot
Two represent balance, the yin and yang of the situation along with the Feminine and Masculine aspect.  Ace (1) stood alone and unique, but now it has been joined by another to make (2).  This changes the dynamicscorrectly it is a wonder of magic and might.
The Nines are now here to tell you that you have done all you can in this situation, and for better or worse, you must now make ready to move into a whole new cycle. This one is done and dusted, and to be honest we are probably all jaded with the storyline and waiting to move on to something new.  It is a bit similar to watching a Movie or Soap Opera.  In a Movie, it is very easy to tell, (apart from the time duration) when the story is nearing its conclusion.  Loose ends are being tied up and characters settle into position for the Grand Finale.  If it did not go through this stage then the Movie would just stop abruptly, leaving us all wondering what the hell happened? In a Soap Opera, they are constantly heading off on journeys similar to our Tarot friends.  They run with a particular storyline for a period of time; building it up as they go, and then winding it down sufficiently so that it is no longer the big drama it started out as. They can also choose to bring it to an abrupt and explosive end.  They are then free to move onto a new storyline and do the same all over again.  A book is no different.  I am sure many of you understand that feeling of incredible frustration when we have spent days reading a book only to get to the last couple of chapters and discover that several pages are missing.  We have missed out on how all the characters turned out and what became of them. Reading the last page is not enough for it has all happened by then.
The closing down stages are very important and help us understand many things.  They help ease us out of our current, aged cycle and into a brand new fresh one. Like The Death Card, we are forever caught up in the ever-turning wheel of birth, death and rebirth. Sudden death can cause a terrible shock to our systems and likewise, moving from an old cycle of life to a new one without going through the winding down phase can also cause a jolt to the system.
We generally sense when something is coming to an end. Friends drift apart as social circles break up in favour of new friends, directions and commitments.  Time is moving everyone on and what seemed so important for so long, begins to dissipate.  Our feelings towards a job slowly begins to wane as we no longer feel excited about our work.  It is time to move on. A relationship runs its course and no longer fulfills us. A stage of a relationship may be coming to an end as a couple decide to move it on by getting married and having children. Regardless, change is coming and an old way of life is being left behind.  A house you have lived in for years is now too large for your needs as children move out or a partner dies.  You may have aged and are no longer able to climb the stairs. The writing is on the wall and this particular cycle of your life is coming to an end.  It will involve closing the door on the old cycle before opening the door to the new one. You have done all that you can and there is precious little else for you to do.
With the Nines, The Four Suits enter a spring cleaning mode and must carefully sift through all that they have accumulated on their journey or cycle.  They must be quite ruthless about certain things, for not all can be taken forward into their new cycle.  They must only take what was discovered to be useful and valuable and of course what has extreme sentimental or emotional attachment.  There must be a thorough cleansing of their mind, body, emotions and spirit before moving into their next cycle.
The Four Suits will be expected to have gained much experience, which can be utilised and applied in their next cycle. They are almost at the end of their Journey with their Goals and dreams in sight but have yet to carry out one last task.  These tasks are related to their individual Suits and Governing Element.  Their tasks are also based on how they managed their Journey and how close they have come to realising their individual Goals.
In the Nines, they are all allowed to stop for a moment before taking any more action.  They should be relieved they are so close to the finish line with their quests and endeavours for it has been a long and difficult journey.  Introspection, Retrospection and Reflection are some of the strongest associated words with The Four Nines of The Minor Arcana. They must look back now and objectively analyse each stage of it. They must decide on whether they successfully achieved their aims or fell short of the mark? They must know their weaknesses and strengths, and whether they took them into consideration where relevant.  They must determine whether their journey was worth the effort and whether it lived up to their expectations or not. They must ask if they are proud of their achievements or ashamed of their failures? How have the journeys affected their personalities? Do they consider themselves better people with more rounded qualities than before they set out, or has it made them less tolerant and unfriendly. Do they feel strong and vigorous, ready to take on the world or are they weak and dithering, fearful of all that is new or different?  Should they have the chance to do it all again, would they change anything, would they handle things differently? Are they all glad it is over?
Yes indeed, much thought and inner-work is needed before they take the final step over the Finish-Line to be awarded their Goal and new cycle.  It will be interesting to see how the Four Suits have ranked themselves and their journeys.
The Wands will give much thought to the extent of energy and exhaustion experienced after so much action, the Cups must dwell on the happiness they have craved so much. The Swords must begin to understand the process of unresolved issues that has led them to breaking point, and the Pentacles, close to the financial security they desire, now have time to reflect on their journey and the personal cost involved in attaining their goal.
 
When a Single Nine is drawn in a Reading it will depend on the surrounding cards, but it suggests that a situation is reaching a conclusion or that it has run its natural course.  One Nine alone does not necessarily speak of the end of a cycle or any major change. However, it does ask you to reflect on the issue it relates to. This reflection should be taken back to the beginning of the situation and not just based on recent events.  The Querant could do a lot to help resolve or sort the situation as a result. The Single Nine can also indicate that you are nearing the realisation of a goal and that sometimes the going gets very tough in the final stages.  The message would be to hang on in there for you are nearly there.  Call on all your reserves of energy to carry you through this final stage and don’t give in to fear. Don’t even think of giving up. The same applies to several Nines appearing except the there may be several goals and a lot at stake. This is what you have worked so hard towards, so give it your final shot and you will be there before you know it.
Two or more Nines suggest that a cycle or chapter in your life is drawing to a close and that a time of reflection is needed. The More Nines, the more major the event and a strong impact will be felt. The Querant is bound to have undergone many challenges and ups and downs to have arrived at this stage.  There should be a sense of relief mixed with melancholy, but also a building anticipation and excitement for the new road ahead.  There may be several life changing actions being taken.  Look also for the Judgement Card, Death and The Fool, for new starts, moving on, being at a crossroads, transformation, new directions and taking a chance on life.
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When Nines appear Reversed, there may be a reluctance to cut the ties that bind.  There may be resistance to the end of a cycle or fear about the beginning of a new one. Depending on the number of Reversed Nines, the Querant may not be giving much time to reflection or introspection.  As a result, there may be repetitive patterns ofnegative attitudes and behaviour.  They may be caught in a stale cycle, making the same mistakes over and over.
There is also the possibility with several Reversed Nines that one feels a terrible sense of anti-climax after achieving a goal or making a dream come true.  You may not be happy with the Outcome.  You need to give much time to understanding why this has happened. Reversed Nines also point to fear of failure at the last moment.  Nerves and lack of self-belief may be delaying getting to the finish line.  Working towards a goal for so long can become quite scary when the time has come to see it manifest and take responsibility for it.  There may be dawdling and deliberate delays with letting something reach its finished state.  Weakness and a lack of stamina could undo all the good work up until now. With several Reversed Nines we also get fear of going it alone, fear of taking responsiblity and fear of having to be self-reliant. You really do not believe in yourself or your abilities.  It would be necessary to go back to the Eight and find your Strength.
Energy levels may be low with a lack of motivation .
 
Ten In Tarot
 
The Number 10 is seen as the end and also the beginning. The Number 10 has gone full circle and thus returns to the original state of 1 or in the case of Tarot, The Ace.  This is because all numbers are born out of the Numbers 1 to 10 and all we need to learn is contained within this Number or a combination of its components.  As 10 is reduced down to 1 by adding the digits 1+0=1 we close the door on a cycle of life while simultaneously opening the door on a new one.  Out of death comes new life.  In nature, the Cycle of the Four Seasons brings us the different stages of birth, life, harvest and death only to begin all over once more, on and on and on.
We are constantly passing through 10 Stages in our life. Some of these  can be major, such as moving home, moving job, ending a relationship or deciding to have a baby. Even death itself can be seen as a 10 because depending upon personal belief, we pass from the end of a cycle of life and are born into the spirit world or into another incarnation.  Then we have the constant 10’s in our daily life.  The completion of a project before moving on to the next, the signing off on a contract or business deal, eventually getting to the bottom of the laundry basket before it fills up once again. Therefore 10’s can be seen as both simplistic or major depending on the circumstances surrounding it.
As we complete each Cycle or 10, we are expected to have learned something or gained experience.  We are supposed to be much the wiser for our journey, which should enable us to be more confident and prepared when embarking on the next cycle. If not, our journeys would become meaningless and pointless. If you are entering a new relationship after ending a previous one, hopefully you will have learned a lot about yourself and your emotional needs that should positively influence your choice of new partner.  On a simplistic level, a hobby of mine is making Boudoir Dolls and designing wonderful period costumes for them, painting their faces and styling their wigs.  I have no professional training, and so have been teaching myself.  As I work my way through the creation of each doll from Ace to Ten, I learn a lot and usually through my mistakes. Once the doll is complete I then move on to the next. As I complete each doll (stage 10), they are beginning to look better and better, and are also taking me less time to complete.  I have learned some tricks of the trade along the way, and therefore am being a little bit more adventurous each time.  This is because I have completed several stage 10’s and personally expect more and better of myself.  I do have to start at Ace each time with the birth of the creative design for my new doll before scissors are even taken to cloth but I have been down this road or journey a few times now so I am prepared for the little pitfalls and errors that can happen if I am not careful. I am returning to The Ace each time but from a Higher Perspective and a deeper understanding of what is involved and demanded of me. The Four Tens in The Minor Arcana are the same.  Once they have completed their Cycle from Ace to Ten, they once more find themselves at Ace but this time it is on a Higher Plane with a heightened sense of awareness and maturity.
The Four Tens in the Tarot represent the completion of the Lessons of the Suits and the beginning of a New Cycle with a  set of circumstances born out of the previous cycle.  The Tens are the culmination of the Elemental Energies as they act independently in the individual Suits. In the Ten, The Suits are expected to have realised the potential of their Elemental Gifts presented to them by Spirit in The Ace. They have fulfilled their mission or quest, for good or bad, and now must bear witness to it.  Their harvest is in and has been weighed and measured.  They must now take ownership of it and full responsibility for the outcome.  They all started out in the Ace with equal potential, and most importantly, freedom of will, and the choice as to how best to use their Elemental Gift.  They were given advice by Spirit but no hard and set rules were laid down.  It really was very much up to them and they were left to their own devices.
The Four Suits quickly became quite predictable in their actions, emotions, thoughts and behaviour as they marched, ran, stumbled or crawled through each Stage and for certain we knew who to put our money on as they neared the finish post. In The Ten, they now have the Full Experience of their Suit and Elemental Energy behind them.  Most I am sure would admit to being not fully equipped at times for situations or circumstances they found themselves in. This is because it is not possible to work with just one Element and be successful all round.  As humans we aspire to have a good balance of all Four, the Gift of the Elements, the Tools of The Magician.  Throughout the Minor Arcana we have seen incidents in certain Cards where more than one Element was being utilised to achieve the desired result, but other than that, they did try to operate as purely as possible. How have they fared?
The Wands show the result of too many challenges, too much action and not enough rest.  However, their Ten also shows their blistering determination and amazing stamina. The Cups show the joy and happiness that love and family can bring along with a sense of inclusion of, and concern for the wider community. They show the results of following your Heart. The Swords show us how our thoughts and beliefs can eventually destroy us if no mental discipline is applied.  The Pentacles show us the results of hard work and commitment manifesting in the material world.
So who won the Race? How you answer that question will mostly depend on your own personality and Elemental Influences.  For me, I would like to think that they were all pretty close coming into the final straight until the Swords collapsed. The Cups, full of concern and compassion, stopped immediately to help their fallen comrade while The Wands and Pentacles kept going.  I think The Wands were due to finish first, but became too cocky too soon by making a last-minute change of plan. Heading off on what they thought to be a short cut, resulted in bringing them home the hilly route, the toughest of all. Someone did try to stop them but they were off and gone before anyone could get to them.   The Pentacles stuck to their original plan and never wavered.  They crossed the finish line first, barely out of breath but immediately alerted the officials to inform them The Swords were down. The Pentacles then rushed back to help The Cups carry The Swords over the finish line.  This gave The Cups second place and The Swords, third.  The Wands came home eventually struggling up over the hills, cursing, swearing and definitely not in a good mood. Well, that is only my version of course.
 
Any Tens appearing in your Reading willsuggest the end or beginning of a new Cycle.  It very much depends on the Ten/s in question but they usually represent a bit of good luck with life turning out as you wished. They suggest goals reached, potential realised and hard work paying off.  Change is also on the way when Tens appear and more than likely you are ready for it.  If the Ten is a Sword, then the change may be quite harsh and initially perceived as bad luck, but in the long run is for the best.
Upright Tens represent a natural conclusion to a situation or circumstance, and should generally be viewed positively. It can represent a time when you have all your i’s dotted and t’s crossed.  All the work is done for the old Cycle and you are enthusiastically looking forward to the next.
Three or more Tens in a reading suggest contracts, legal documents or the purchase or sale of a home, car, or business. Also they represent a period of immense change in your life but the change should be good.
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When Reversed, Tens can still be positive but there may be blocks to completing tasks or reaching goals.  You may not be able to fully realise your potential.  There is still work to do regardless of how exhausted you might feel. Reversed Tens often point to unfinished business and it will depend on which Ten and how many are present as to where the problem lies and how widespread it is.  They may point to an eagerness to move on to fresh pasture and a new Cycle before completing the old.  Impatience and frustration are often felt with Reversed Tens as you are not quite there yet.
Reversed Tens can also suggest change that is either unwelcome (check surrounding cards) are initially perceived as such.  They do not bode well for business deals or the signing of contracts.  Big sales or purchases may fall through. You may feel down on your luck or that the Universe is out to get you.  It can be a sign that The Wheel of Fortune has begun her downward rotation and you are feeling the effects.  Realise that this is only temporary so don’t excessively brood over it.  Life should balance out again quite soon.
 
The Suit of Wands – Fire
The Positive Wand/Fire
Masculine – Conscious – Ego – Energy – Power – Enthusiasm – Motivation – Driven – Leader – Entrepreneurial – Career – Ambitious – Take Charge – Competitive – Go-Getter – Action – Extrovert – Outgoing – Friendly – Warm – Sunny – Sociable – Spontaneous – Eagerness – Versatile – Diversity – Innovation – Inspirational – Inventive – Trail Blazer – Maverick – Visionary, Creative – Movement – Travel – Freedom Loving- Zest for Life – Tireless – Desire – Positive – Optimism – ‘Can-Do’ – Self-esteem, Self-confidence –Excitement – Fun – Exciting – Party Animal – Center Stage – Dave Devil – Brave – Daring – Courage – Risk Taking – Sportsman-Like – Drama – Growth – Forthright – Assertive – Direct – Creative – Passionate – Sexual -Vitality – Feisty – Restless – Impatient – Impulsive – The Glass Is Half Full
The Suit of Wands, also known as Rods, Staves, Batons or Clubs represents the Element of Fire.  Fire relates to energy, enthusiasm, vitality, action, inspiration, creativity, career, a love of challenges and a definite need to travel. Wands people generally have a feisty  and sometimes, fiery temperament. They thrive on challenge and conflict, and can deliberately seek it out if life becomes boring.   Wands will certainly throw themselves into any project they pursue as long as it offers challenges that keep them on their toes.  They have natural self-confidence and self-esteem.
Fiercely competitive, the Wands enjoy sport and the more physical the sport the better.  Their competitive and fearless nature will often see them excel in their chosen sport.  Extreme sports will often be a favourite of such types.  Fire likes to spread and grow, so Wand types love to travel and find it hard to stay in one place for long.  This wanderlust spirit can sometimes be found in their inability to commit to a person, place or thing.
They have a preference for hot climates when choosing a vacation destination They adore the sun although lounging by the beach or pool all day will not be their idea of fun or relaxation.  They sometimes have a problem relaxing so will get great enjoyment out of activity vacations which might include water-skiing, paragliding, horse-riding, rallying, racing cars or rock climbing.  In fact the more thrilling and dangerous the activity or risk the better.
Wand types aren’t too enthusiastic about all that goes with being tied down in a relationship. They hate having to account for their comings and goings and being pinned to times, dates and places.  So too do they resent their life being organised for them by  a well-meaning partner.  They prefer to fly by the seat of their pants and live life according to their own rules.  They do not like to get overly-attached or under obligation to anyone or anything.  They can fall out of love as rapidly as they fall into it.  They are however exciting to have as partners, and if involved with a Wands type, life will be dynamic and certainly far from boring.
Wands like their relationships to remain fresh and stimulating. They must be allowed a lot of personal freedom within their relationships and will be up and gone if the merest hint of nagging appears or if it all becomes too predictable and filled with habits and routines.  The Wands type often need one of their own kind to successfully keep a relationship together as only one of their own kind will understand their need for freedom and excitement.  Some of the other Suits wouldn’t have the stamina or nerves to keep up with them. They do tend to become more settled as they mature but will still need a partner who will match their energy and pace of life.
On the work front as long as their interest is kept, their energy and enthusiasm will inspire all those around them, but once boredom sets in, it won’t be long before they pack their bags and move on to greener pastures.  A nine to five job, sitting in the same office all week, surrounded by the same people and doing the same tasks day in and day out would be death to the Wands type.  Outgoing and active, they love diversity, variety and physical movement.  They need an outlet for all their energy.
Wands love to be the leader of the pack and in charge.  They prefer to boss than be bossed so will often be found as the employer rather than the employee.  They can be fearless and brave in business and have no problem getting their hands dirty.  They do have a tendency to take on too much though and have a problem delegating successfully.  They can get excited about several different projects all at once which generally results in a dissipation of energy and resources.  They can find it hard to remain focused and will generally need to have a couple of other Suits around such as Swords and Pentacles in order to plan working strategies and complete projects on time.
In general, Wands have a wonderful love of life and a bright sunny disposition motivating all around them. They love to be centre stage and will be found as the life and soul of most parties. They love drama and have a tendency to develop huge egos. They often carry the belief that life revolves around them. As parents, they can be either wonderfully motivating and exciting or overbearing and domineering.
Negative Aspect
The Negative Wand
Impatient – Impulsive – Restlessness – Impatience – Won’t/Can’t Wait – Recklessness – Egotistical – Overbearing – Domineering – All-Consuming – Destructive – Arrogant – Aggressive – Temper – Over-Heated – Pessimism – Negative – Wanderlust – Transient – Lack of Growth/Progress – Unreliable – Lacking Commitment – Unpredictable – Unfocused – Stress – Over Eager – Taking On Too Much/Over-Committed/Over-Extended – Excess Action – Burned Out – Scorched – Hyperactive/Under-active – Low Energy/Exhaustion- Exhaustion – Gloomy – Unenthusiastic – Unreliable – Trouble – Bully – Bitch – Tyrant – Bad Behaviour –  Jealousy- Envy – Rivalry – Bragging/Boasting – Sexual Conquest– Unsportsmanlike – Lacking Self-confidence – Lacking Self-esteem – Lacking Vision – The Glass Is Half Empty
Fire can sometimes be overbearing and if we stand too close to it for too long Fire can burn us.  Fire can get out of control and cause trouble wherever it goes.  In this state Wands types are overbearing, arrogant and often reckless. Tempers flare with arguments and even physical skirmishes resulting.  Bragging and mouthing off is likely to be evident.  Sex can become a recreational sport with a series of one night stands and bad behaviour.  Their restlessness and lack of concentration increases and nothing is achieved.  They are in a rush everywhere but with no idea of where they are going or why.  They can leap before they look and make poor judgments and decisions
If Fire burns low, depression, apathy, melancholy, stress and fatigue will be found.  This is usually as a result of the Wand over-stretching him or herself by taking on too much and not resting.  The typical Wands type will find it hard to retire or hand over the reins to someone else.  They will often be found working until the day they die. Wands find it hard to understand and accept weakness, timidity or fear in others and certainly have no time for those who are sick.  In general they never get ill having naturally strong and healthy constitutions. As a result, they cannot cope when they find it in themselves.
Wands normally take their amazing self-confidence and self-esteem for granted, but when it falters or fails them they can become jealous and envious of others who appear more successful than they.  They can become bitchy and malicious, arrogant and overbearing. Temper tantrums can be evident as they demand to get their own way or force it on others.  In extreme, the negative Wands type can become the bully or tyrant.
*When several Wand cards appear in a reading it generally indicates an intense period of energetic activity, movement or travel surrounding the issue. Things are happening.  Life is certainly keeping you on your toes.
When several appear reversed, too much energy is being expended for little reward.  There may be too much action with not enough thought, and travel with no purpose.  This will generally cause an energy drain or possibly recklessness or impatience affecting the presenting issue.  However, if the Fires are burning low or have burnt out altogether, exhaustion and stress are likely to be evident
 
The Suit of Cups – Water
The Positive Cup
Feelings – Emotions – Relationships – Heart – Feminine – Unconscious – Sensitivity – Psychic – Spiritual – Intuitive – Imagination – Reflective – Reflection – Creativity – Artistic – Nurturing – Friendship – Poetic – Passivity – Compassion – Understanding – Self-respect – Self-Worth – Gentleness – Peace – Humanitarian – Dreamy – Dreams
The Suit of Cups also known as Chalices, Vessels or Hearts is represented by the Element of Water. Water seeks no challenge or conflict and is happiest when it is free to flow with the changes life brings. Water governs our emotions and while Fire loves doing things and being very physical, Water is passive and receptive influencing our emotions, dreams and imagination.
Cups people approach life through their feelings.  The Cups deal with love, both giving and receiving it. Cups types are gentle and soft and show compassion and understanding for their fellow human being. They are the natural counsellors of the Tarot and have a deep desire to help others.  They are very gentle and sensitive and dislike harsh environments or situations.  They tend to have an idealistic outlook on life, preferring to view everything through rose-tinted glasses.  They are the poets and dreamers of the Four Suits. They seek a loving partner from an early age.  Not been the most ambitious of the Four Suits they are quite happy to put marriage and children ahead of their careers.  Cups have a deep love for their family and will spend a lot of time engaging in family pursuits.  As parents, Cups types will be either loving or smothering, emotionally available or cold.
The Cups prefer to follow and not lead as they tend to shy away from making difficult decisions.  They prefer careers where they can utilise their natural nurturing abilities such as nursing, counselling, social work or working with children.
As partners they are romantic and sometimes overly so.  They enjoy courtship and all that goes with it. Soppy cards, chocolates and love letters go with the territory.  They can however be overly romantic and slushy which can become tedious as a relationship matures. They are loyal to their partners and very unlikely to stray.  They have a tendency to marry for life.  Cups types prefer the quiet life and gentle pursuits unlike their Wands neighbours.
Cups in their positive state represent the healthy sexual relationship and the two-way flow of love, both giving it and receiving it.  For Cups types, being happy and emotionally fulfilled is the most important thing in life.
With their amazing imaginations and their ability to tap into other realms or dimensions they can be wonderfully creative and artistic.  They are not overly showy and have a habit of being unaware of how talented they are.  They can be shy, timid and passive and will often shirk the limelight.  They can produce great works of art such as paintings, pottery or sculpture and write deeply romantic novels.  Cups people do love to dress up and can be quite hung up on their appearance.  They like their clothes to represent their personality and moods.
Like the Water Element that governs their Suit their emotions can run very deep.  They are easily hurt. Their imaginations can run wild on them if they dwell on worries or problems for too long.  For Cups types, a broken heart takes an extraordinary long time to heal.  Great at listening to other people’s problems, their shoulders drenched from the amount of tears shed on them by poor distressed souls, they are not so great at seeking help themselves.  They avoid arguments and conflict so can be found internalising and repressing upsets, hurts and worries.  This can regularly result in bouts of depression.
However, the Cups types do like to socialise and party-party.  They value friendships and closeness and seek loving relationships.  They are very loyal to their friends and always there for them.  Cups people make wonderful hosts and hostesses and will throw regular dinner parties which they enjoy immensely.  They also enjoy their food and drink but have a tendency to overdo it at times.
Cups are also the most spiritual and psychic of all the Suits.  From a young age they may become aware of angels and spirits or indeed see auras.  They are naturally drawn to the spiritual or psychic arts and have the ability to make a career out of it.  They are very intuitive and rely on their intuition when making decisions or making new friends.
Negative Aspect
The Negative Cup
Lack of Love – Broken Heart- Depression – Sadness – Overly-Sensitive- Overly Emotional – Apathy – Bitterness – Lack of Self-respect – Lack of Self-worth-  Addictions – Alcoholism – Blockages – Vice – Promiscuity – Seduction- Abuse – Coldness – Aloof – Apathetic – Ungrounded – Unbalanced – Occult – Creative Blocks
When Water is allowed to flow freely it remains fresh and brings life and joy to many, however, if Water is restricted and blocked in any way it becomes stagnant and cannot support life.  Blocked emotions, hurt, bitterness and depression can result with an inability to give or receive love.  Love may be denied or a partner withdraws emotionally or sexually.  In fact love may die altogether.  The Cups type in this state can literally die from a broken heart or a lack of love.  They have a twisted idea of love and find it hard to forgive and forget, nursing old hurts and wounds.
Indeed their problems with love can easily stem back to their childhood. Sometimes the negative Cup may find love but lacks the ability to hold onto it.
Love is what makes the world go aroundand to love and be loved is vitally important to the state of our health, especially our emotional and psychological state of health.  A child that has been deprived of love will grow with no knowledge of what love is, yet on a deep level seek it out in any mutated shape or form it may present itself as.
The Cups Suit deals with abuse and most specifically sexual abuse.  Sexual abuse does not always point back to childhood sexual abuse but also to other forms of sexual abuse such as prostitution, promiscuity, pimping and depraved sexual acts.  For the negative Cups type who has not a healthy understanding of love and their emotions, sex can easily be confused with love.  Taking this further sex can be used to replace love.  If normal love cannot be found, or is deprived, then any form of attention, even negative, is preferable to no attention at all.  Promiscuity or prostitution may be the manifestation of such deep issues.
When the emotions are unbalanced paranoia can occur and the imagination runs wild.  Lack of self-worth and self-esteem are evident.  Repressed emotions begin to manifest as the harsh realities of addictions and obsessions. Unfortunately the Cups Suit also deals with these areas of despair.  A lack of love can lead Cups types to replace it with food, drink or drugs.  So it is in the negative aspect of Cups we find the drug problems, alcoholism and eating disorders.
Too much drinking and socialising may be causing problems.  Excess of all sorts may abound.  Confusion with sexual orientation can present along with over-dressing and obsession with body appearance and image.
The Cups in their negative state find it hard to tap into their creative channels and experience blocks of all kinds.  Their interest with the spiritual and psychic world can become an obsession.  In this state they can become detached from reality and ungrounded.
*When several Cup cards appear in a reading it generally indicates that emotions and relationships are foremost in the mind of the Querant.  Typically you are looking at new or existing loving relationships or just sheer happiness, contentment and emotional fulfilment surrounding the Querant.
Several reversed Cup cards indicates a lack of love, broken love, blocks to love, deep unhappiness, addictions or alcohol abuse.  Depending on the nature of the question or concern there may be more serious issues surrounding the Querant.
 
The Suit of Swords – Air 
The Positive Sword
Logic – Intellect – Rational – Intelligent – Analytical – Plans – Strategies Thoughts – Masculine – Communication – Speech – Words – Talk – Debate – Attitudes – Psychology – Mentality – Decisions – Reasoning – Problem-solving – Justice – Fairness – Open minded – Law and Order – Legalities – Discussion
Swords, also known as Blades, Spades or Feathers are represented by the Element of Air. Air governs the intellect, logic, reason and communication.  Swords personalities have the reputation for consulting their head before their heart in matters as they are extremely mentally disciplined.  Air is in constant movement and on a calm day much can be achieved,  our thoughts are balanced and under control.  When a storm whips up and the Air cannot stay still our thoughts blow this way and that.  If they cannot be calmed it will eventually lead to mental stress, depression and insomnia.  Our mind with its ideas, concepts, beliefs and attitudes can be our greatest friend and ally or most fearsome enemy.
The Swords Suit is generally associated with conflict, stress and pain. When it comes to the mind and our mentality our thoughts, beliefs and attitudes can inspire us and bring us wonderful positive experiences in life. A balanced open mind with a positive disposition is a brilliant asset but when in a negative psychological state or attitude it can cause much anguish and distress.
Swords deal with how we communicate and express ourselves in the world.  Their realm is the power of the spoken and written word so Sword people certainly love to talk and make excellent writers or bloggers.
The Sword types can be extremely witty with a wonderful turn of phrase.  They seem to know just the right response to any question or remark thrown their way. They bring the much-needed spark of interesting and fascinating banter to any dinner table.  In general they are choosy about the subjects they discuss which usually are of a highly intellectual nature. However there are many Sword types who talk just for talk’s sake.  Their mouth will move as fast as their mind, which is usually at a gallop.
Swords people need to rationalise and analyse everything and everyone.  They excel in boardroom meetings where their presentations, discussions, debates and suggestions will be hard to match.  They come well prepared with everything well thought out in a practical, methodical and logical manner.  As an employer they may expect a lot of their staff and allow no room for slacking but they will treat them fairly and equally.
Like the Wands, the Swords people have a lot of energy to expend but whereas the Wands release theirs through physical activity, the Swords energy is generally mental energy and much harder to deal with.  If too much energy builds up mental stress and stress related problems or illness can result.  The Swords have to guard against this as they can easily get tied up in knots, psychological knots that is.
Swords are also connected and associated with the world of Justice, Law and Order.  The double-edged sword affords them the ability to look at both sides of a situation and to keep an open mind in order to reach a fair, logical and rational decision or judgement.  Sword personalities can be found frantically pacing the corridors of law courts with bundles of case files under one arm, a mobile phone wedged between neck and ear while rapidly firing instructions down the line to their legal secretary back at base.  They make excellent barristers and solicitors with their razor-sharp minds going into battle defending and prosecuting to their heart’s content.  Quick to spot any chinks in their opponents armour they will move in for the kill, their eloquent and precisely calculated words hitting the mark with a transfixed and mesmerised jury.
As Judges presiding over the courts they take their job very seriously indeed.  They will carefully listen to the argument on both sides before reaching a decision.  They believe in honesty, integrity and an ordered society.  Having the reputation for being emotionally detached whenever they choose to, no amount of sobbing or begging from the criminal in the dock will make a bit of difference.  They also make excellent police officers and detectives using their analytical minds to solve crimes. You will also find them in forensic labs painstakingly cross referencing minute hair or fibre samples for evidence.  Without the Swords people keeping us in check and disciplining our bad behaviour the world would be even more dangerous and chaotic than it already is.
Generally brilliant academics, the Swords type will rarely be found anywhere except top of the class and quite often teaching the class.  Politics is another favourite with the Swords type whether they are directly involved in it or just talking about it.  Any profession were they can use their mind is essential and any career where there is a lot of talking is popular such as chat show hosts or Disc Jockeying. They are also drawn to careers in science and psychology. They make excellent writers but generally of a non-fictional nature.
In relationships they lack the excitement of the Wands and the emotions of the Cups. However, they have a habit of being drawn to their partner for their personality and ability to hold an interesting and intellectual conversation instead of for their looks.  They tend to choose like-minded people as partners.  As a couple they may appear quite serious and unapproachable.  If a relationship is not working out for them or if their partner has done something wrong they do have theability to take their sword out and literally overnight sever all contact for good.  They do like their own company and can live alone quite happily once they have a good book close to hand (non-fiction that is) and a copy of the financial times nearby.  Any political questions and answers programme will have them riveted. Not the type for soap operas and trite movies they prefer historical and factual documentaries.
As parents, Sword types can be strict and formal, harsh disciplinarians or dithering. The positive Swords parent will love their children deeply but will not express it as freely as the Cups parent.  They are not terribly comfortable with their emotions.  All in all the Swords can be very friendly, great conversationalists at dinner parties and will generally be there for you in a crisis with their level-headed and logical manner saving the day. Great for giving advice, the Swords personality learns much from their direct experience of life.  Some of these Lessons can be quite painful as they seem to have the knack of choosing the hardest route to wherever they are going.
Negative Aspect
The Negative Sword
Conflict – Stress – Paranoia – Delusions – Worry – Insomnia – Mental unbalance – Confusion – Depression – Lawlessness – Aggression – Violence – Abuse – Manipulation – Anguish – Negativity – Pessimism – Unfair – Scatty – Insulting – Critical – Scheming Slander – Nastiness
A Swords type can be quick-minded, their tongue as razor-sharp as the symbol of their Suit.  However, when in a negative state, Swords can be mentally scattered, spiteful, insulting and hurtful in speech.  When Air is trapped and restricted it becomes stale and poisonous allowing our fears and imagination to overpower us. Mental confusion, bad planning and poor decisions result. Instead of pure Air the Swords type can be surrounded by clouds and can get terribly lost.  They become dithering instead of decisive and lack discipline in their life.  Their natural orderly life turns to chaos. Their negative thoughts and beliefs affect not only them but also those around them who often receive stinging, harsh comments and criticism. In the extreme, mental unbalance, paranoia and delusion can present. Insomnia can be a problem as a racing and stressful mind finds it impossible to relax and switch off.
A Swords type in the most negative often has a brilliant mind but does not use it for the positive.  The negative Swords are often to be found abusing or manipulating the law or finding loopholes in the law in order extricate themselves or their criminal clients from sticky situations.  Here you will find the corrupt or overly severe Judge.  On the other side of the law, negative Swords can become violent and aggressive, often engaging in criminal acts.  When this happens, the Sword of their Suit falls into the wrong hands and becomes a weapon for inflicting pain and injury.  Scheming, manipulation, slander and just pure nastiness can be found.
The negative Sword likes to get their own way even if it means forcing it onto others or through intimidation and bullying.  They can be extremely controlling and aggressive especially in relationships and with their children. Whenever they are caught out in the wrong they will have a ready-made believable excuse or alibi to bail them out.
In arguments it is hard to beat the negative Sword who will generally have the last say.  They do not like to take responsibility for any of their actions and will shift the blame onto those around them at the drop of a hat.  At the very least they can be insulting, hurtful and rude.  Their intelligent minds turned negative, they can quickly poison all those around them instilling similar attitudes and beliefs into anyone who is prepared to listen to them.
Often the cause for much of their negativity is steeped in their past.  The positive Sword expresses their problems and communicates their needs. With the negative Sword their painful past or experiences are often repressed.  Buried deep inside they manifest as various forms of neurosis and obsessions.  When this happens they fall into depression and sometimes clinical depression.  Their mind becomes their hell and their reality.  Paranoia and mental illness can result.  They can become detached from reality and hard to reach.  Medical and psychological help often needs to be sought. In extreme situations the negative Sword unable to free themselves from the horrors of their mind may seek release in attempting or committing suicide.
The negative Sword usually seeks love on a deep and unconscious level.  However, when it does approach they cannot handle it and the Sword is brought down like a guillotine.  In this state they can isolate themselves from those who seek to help.  Becoming lonely and resentful of others who appear to have a life, they retreat further into their neurotic shell.
Often the negative Sword is frustrated.  A brilliant mind is all well and good but they may not have been given the opportunities from childhood and will not have realised their potential.
When several Sword cards are in a reading it indicates that the Querant is going through a period of extreme mental activity, which normally points to conflict and stress.
If several reversed Sword cards appear it would suggest that the Querant is in serious difficulty and mentally under duress.  Depending on the nature of the query there may be cause for concern for the Querant.
The Suit of Pentacles – Earth
The Positive Pentacle
Work – Business – Economics – Skills – Education- Craftsmanship – Industrious, Feminine – Quality – Tradition – Conventional – Grounding – Physical – Healthy – Results – Money – Materialism – Manifestation – Rewards – Routines – Habits – Value – Down to Earth – Harvest – Productive – Possessions – Luxury – Ownership – Land – Property – Goals – Commitment – Reliable – Steady – Loyal – Nature – Animals – The Environment
Pentacles also known as Coins, Disks or Diamonds are represented by the Element of Earth. Earth represents that which is real, material or in the physical form.  Wands demonstrate enthusiasm and a positive approach to life.  Cups describe the emotional, sensitive and creative approach while Swords show us thought, ideas and understanding.  Pentacles relate to the end product of these things.  Pentacles finish off what the other three Suits begin. They are the doers, the plodders, the stable and reliable.
A Pentacle is a five-pointed star with a single point upright.  Each point represents a part of the body, which are the head, the arms and the legs.  The upright point symbolises the mind in control of the physical passions.  The circle that surrounds the star contains and harnesses the energy within so that it may be used for practicalpurposes.  Pentacle types demand groundedness, as they believe that one cannot live on air, love or just sheer energy alone.
Pentacle types love possessions and luxury and often surround themselves with beautiful things, such as clothes, jewellery, cars, houses, art etc.  They are hard workers who are prepared to put the effort in for as long as it takes.  However they must be sure that all their efforts will pay off as they insist on being well rewarded for work done.  Pentacle types do like money.  In fact they like lots of it.  They make sound business people and can literally make money grow on trees. They are not risk takers and are cautious about getting involved with anything that might be financially dodgy.  They can build a business from scratch and have the patience to slowly and steadily watch it grow into an empire. They are the long-term investors of the Tarot.  These are not the rich today, poor tomorrow people.  They lay down solid foundations that will last for generations to come.
Pentacle personalities make excellent students from a very young age.  They are consistent in their work and will steadily pace themselves until they qualify in their chosen subjects. They usually know what they want to be when they grow up from an early age andwill work towards it with little distraction.  They are quiet and unobtrusive and not given to the foolish antics that some of the other Suits are.  They don’t appear to have a careless or reckless bone in their body.
Pentacle people love nature and the countryside and do not function well if kept away from it for too long. Therefore they are often drawn to careers that bring them into constant contact with the natural world such as farming or animal welfare.  Animals are considered very important to the Pentacle personalities who like to surround themselves with a variety of well looked after pets.  They are also good in the garden and tend to have natural green fingers.
They not only care about their environment but also have a keen interest in maintaining their physical bodies. Pentacles enjoy good food and good wine and are especially drawn to organic and free range products.  Pentacle people often appear healthy, alive and grounded.  Although they may appear dull and boring to some of the other Suits, the Pentacles do have their own charms and are renowned as being some of the most beautiful of all the Suits.
They can be broody and sullen but do tend to have a wicked sense of humour behind it all.  In relationships the Pentacle people are not the most romantic of the Suits yet they are extremely sensual.  Being Earthy types, they do love to touch and be touched.  Pentacles show how much they care by the gifts that they shower their loved ones with. Money speaks and can cure all evils.  When a Pentacle type wants to express their love or how much they care for you it will more than likely be through an expensive gift, a new car, a work of art or dinner in an expensive restaurant.  Soppy cards and romantic gestures don’t sit comfortably with them.  However, they are reliable, loyal and stable partners who will look on their partner as one of their long-term investments or even possessions!
Pentacles pride themselves on their home which usually is beautifully decorated with the best money can buy.  They like to entertain but not mad parties mind you.  Elaborate dinner parties can be thrown together at a moment’s notice especially if business colleagues or contacts are among the guests.  Along with being good gardeners they also make wonderful cooks.
Priding themselves on their appearance and physique they can be quite sporty.  Unlike the Wands personalities they like their sports to be more traditional.  Anything that takes them out into nature will be preferred.  Sports such as horse-riding, orienteering and golf are popular.  If they could, Pentacle people would walk everywhere for they like to be out in the open.
The typical Pentacle person loves habit, routine and traditions and can often be found returning to the same holiday destination each year.  They don’t need a guarantee of sun to make their holiday a success and are quiet happy hiking through hills in the pouring rain.
Pentacle people can be very conservative and conventional which may appear boring to many.  The other Suits might accuse them of being overly materialistic, mean and stingy.  They are however, capable of being very frugal when necessary.  Great at housekeeping, they can make a little go a long way.  They are reliable, loyal and very committed to whatever they set their mind to whether it be business, family or relationships. They can be terribly stubborn at times though and will dig their heels in if they feel they are being pushed or manipulated in any way.
Pentacle parents will be loving, supportive and stable.  They will invest a considerable amount of money in their children’s education and sporting activities.
Negative Aspect
The Negative Pentacle
Unsuccessful- Rooted – Stubborn – Workaholic – Materialistic – Money mad – Possessive – Jealous – Temper – Ungrounded – Slobishness – Laziness – Neglect – Unhealthy – Animal and Environment abuse – Directionless – Lack of Commitment – Disloyal – Non-traditional – Unconventional – No Effort – Unskilled – Lack of Education
On the flip side the negative Pentacle parent can neglect their children terribly and be overly controlling and possessive. As we noted earlier, Earth in its extreme can also bury us making us far too grounded and rooted.  This sets the stage for us to become set in our ways, stuck in a rut and far too materialistic for our own good.  When this happens new ideas are often stifled in favour of the old way of doing things.
Lack of emotion in relationships can lead the negative Pentacle type to buy their love through expensive presents and extravagant gestures.  The recipient of these could easily be the trophy girlfriend/boyfriend/husband/wife only chosen for looks and connections and not for love or compatibility. The Pentacles love of expensive things and money can often find them marrying for money instead of love. They can plot and plan and wheedle their way into the heart of a wealthy partner, suck up to the boss to get to his daughter and even accept money to be the escort of a wealthy ageing man or woman.
The negative Pentacle can be controlling and possessive with their partner.  Money can be withheld for any perceived bad behaviour. In fact they often use money as a weapon in their relationships.  They can be mean with not only their money but also their emotions. They become even more stubborn when in the negative and refuse to budge or compromise on any issue.
When Pentacle types lose their connection to the Earth they become ungrounded and lack the steadfastness of their normal self.  Pentacle types are great business people and can literally make money grow on trees but in their negative state they lack the strength and tenacity of the positive Pentacle.  They can get involved in doomed get-rich-quick schemes.  Worse still, they can drag others down into financial ruin with them. They still love money and all it can buy them but they are not particularly interested in working for it. Underhand business deals and string pulling can be evident.
Pentacle types often value their possessions more than they do the people around them.  Money defines who they are.  Money is everything to them.  This is all well and good when they have it but when money is in short supply they become panicky and feel worthless and wretched.  They can slink into a depression and feel that their life is surely over.  They often find that when their money goes, so too do their so-called friends.  The Pentacle person in this situation has to learn a very hard lesson and that is that “money cannot buy happiness‟.  Sometimes they need to lose everything in order to realise the riches that still remain.
The negative Pentacle finds it hard to commit to anything, be it college, a job or a relationship. They lack the steadfastness of the positive Pentacle.  They can drift from one thing to another with no plan of action or long-term vision.  They lack proper skills and their work can be shoddy.  As a result they can become lazy and slobbish.  They often neglect their bodies and are careless about what they put into it. When in the negative style Pentacle types lose interest in looking after themselves, their family, home and animals. In fact they can be guilty of plain old animal or environmental abuse or neglect.
Often the negative Pentacle’s problem stem from their childhood and if poverty was an issue than their very fear of scarcity can prevent them from becoming financially stable.  When in this state they believe there is not enough to go around and can be extremely envious and jealous of others who appear to have more than them.  This is the Pentacle who will live in squalor while a fortune hides under the mattress. They can become frugal to the last even denying themselves comfort as the fears the money will run out should they spend any of it.
*When several Pentacle cards appear in a layout it indicates that financial, career or material things are foremost on the mind.
When several Pentacle cards appear reversed you can bet your bottom dollar that money is still abig issue but this time there may a lack of it.  Poorly managed finances or a business in trouble may be present. Access to finances may be blocked for one reason or another. A lot of stress and worry will accompany the situation.
 The Four Pages 
The Pages in the Tarot represent children, a young unmarried woman, or young people (both genders) up to the age of 22. They can also represent the Querant, or someone they know who is older, but has something happening in their life which is making them feel young again. Pages can also represent older people who are starting over in life again, re-training, or going back to college. People of any age but displaying and expressing the energies of the Pages. The Pages may also carry advice or messages that the Querant needs to take on board.
Inner child, childhood issues and problems with children are also dealt with in the Pages. Immaturity can also be suggested if the person represented by the Page is older than 22. The Pages can sometimes appear to represent feeling young at heart or going back to college or studies as a mature student.
The Pages are traditionally associated with News.  The type of news these Pages deliver, depends on the Suit they belong to, and whether they are drawn Upright or Reversed.  When Upright the news is welcoming, when Reversed, news can bring disappointment, delays, set-backs or distress.
The Pages being the youngest in the Court Card Family, can highlight the early stages of something; the birth of a new way of acting, thinking, feeling or doing.  Remember that the Pages in their young and innocent state are only getting to grips with the potential of their Element, and so, bring the understanding that even though they are excited and enthusiastic about life, there is still a lot for them to learn.
The Four Pages of The Tarot must always be looked upon as Students who are at the early stages of learing everything there is to know about their Governing Elements.  Like all students, it will take quite some time for them to study and understand every aspect of their Element. However, just like a group of students turning up for their first day at school or college, they are all full of excitement and enthusiasm for their given subject.  It is all very new, novel and interesting at the moment, but all students know that the road to mastery can be long, challenging, and at times downright tedious.  It is the disciplined student who will stay the course and put in the necessary work to qualify with the best results possible. Each of these Pages must do the very best they can, for they have entered the hardest and most toughest school of all, the school of life.
For the Page of Wands, he will have to learn the discipline of patience, the Page of Cups will be naïve in the ways of the heart and will certainly learn hard lessons along the way, the Page of Swords will need to learn the art of mental discipline before it destroys him and the Page of Pentacles will have to learn the lesson of tenacity.  In their present state they are only embarking on this learning process, and are Apprentices or Students of their Element.
The Pages represent the Airy part of their Suit. Air governs the intellect and thinking processes.  In their immature state, their minds are still forming and are easily influenced by their environment, and that which they observe.  Any mistakes or bad experiences at The Page Stage of development, can result in the Page Reversing and the onset of long-term problems.
With Air influencing all The Pages, The Wands Page will be thinking about what he will do, or where he will travel to, enthusiastic and excited about life ahead. The Cups Page, will be thinking about his feelings, romance and love. The Swords Page will be the young intellectual, wanting to know, analyse and understand all. The Pentacles Page will be sensible and practical, as he plans for his long-term future.
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Pages are strongly associated with News. The appearance of a Page in a Reading can suggest that News is on the way. What sort of News, very much depends on the Suit The Page is representing.
Three or more Pages in a reading suggest that news is imminent. News may come from several sources. They also suggest a very active social life with many friends.
Four Pages appearing close together in a reading suggests colleges and schools, groups of young people.
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When several Pages appear reversed there may be unwelcome or delayed news. A single Reversed Page can suggest problems with a child or issues from childhood.
Two Reversed Pages can highlight silly petty arguments between friends, or rivals in love, especially if they appear Reversed as the Page of Cups and The Page of Wands. An Upright Page along with a Reversed Page can suggest a bad influence, especially if the surrounding Cards are negative.
Several Reversed Pages appearing close together can suggest anti-social behaviour or delinquent groups of trouble-makers.
 
The Four Knights 
The Four Knights in the Tarot represent people, situations, atmospheres, advice or messages, based on the Elemental Energies of the particular Knight. They generally represent males between 22 and 30 years of age but they can represent a female if their energy fits and she is displaying Knightly qualities. If a Knight turns up and the Querant is convinced it represents someone much older than 30, then it might suggest there is immaturity evident in this person.
The Knights represent the Fiery part of the Suits. Regardless of which Suit The Knight represents and his Governing Element, he will also be influenced by the Element and Energy of Fire.
Fire has very obvious effects on the individual Knights. By their very nature, age and archetypal personality, a Knight is expected to be able to call on Fire at will when the situation warrants it.  In fact, those in his Kingdom would think it odd, if not unacceptable for a Knight not to display his Fiery side. How would a Knight be able to ride into battle and face the enemy without Fire bravely driving him forth? How would a Knight defend the honour of The Queen and King, or race to the rescue of a Damsel in distress, if he had not the energy of Fire to ignite his passion and interest?
Without Fire coursing through The Four Knights, they would stay at home in their castles pampered and fussed over, lounging around all day letting others do all the hard and difficult work for them. They would come across as weak in themselves, lacking in spirit, motivation and initiative. They would be enthusiastic for nothing and too tired to go anywhere.
History would have to re-write itself, and for certain most traditional romantic novels too. Rapunzel would still be locked up in her tower, Sleeping Beauty still deep in slumber and jousting tournaments too dangerous to participate in. Kingdoms would lie in ruin and pillage because of Knightless defence. Brave battles would never be fought, corrupt rulers never ousted, risks never dared and challenges never risen to. We would never have heard of Sir Lancelot or Sir Galahad.
Taking action, movement, mobility, courage, strength, vision, passion and daring risk is the realm The Four Knights dwell in.  They are the older brothers to the young Pages, the handsome and dashing young adult sons (or daughters) of The Kings and Queens.  They are adults within their own right, but only just, and for all their Fire and Devilish looks, still have much to learn. By virtue of their rank and age, they have now gained a freedom not often granted The Pages.
The Four Knights are certainly given much freedom. It is seen as their Right of Passage. It is expected that they enter their Knighthood play acting, or pretending to be ‘real men/women’ in the hope that they will come out the other end as ‘true men (or women)’ with all their rough edges smoothed off.  The King and Queen both know that the only way they are going to grow, mature and develop is through the direct experience of life. Their offspring have reached a stage where theymust start to fend for themselves.  The King and Queen if they have done a good job in rearing their young Knights will suffer only mild anxiety when their sons (or daughters) head out into the great wide yonder, and out of their jurisdiction. They will accept that their Knights do not know everything regardless of how much they protest about their ability to cope. They will expect them to make some mistakes and will be there to support them through any aftermath involved. If they have failed or fallen short in their role as parents, The King and Queen may then expect trouble to land on their doorstep, and many a mess to clean up after their young Knight has last control or the run of himself.
And so The King and Queen stand by while The Knights are free to galavant and get up to all sort of mischief and mayhem. They will be encouraged to ‘sow their wild oats’ and might even receive a round of applause for it. They will be allowed take liberties, take chances and experiment with various aspects of life. They can pack their bags and take off around the world or pursue crazy careers. They can shout their mouth off using freedom of expression as their god given right. They can find their way to demonstrations as easily as they can find their way to a rock festival. Everything and anything is expected of The Four Knights as they carve out a life for themselves in the hope that it will all come together in the end. They will eventually be expected to quieten or settle down when the time comes, but for the moment, life is for the living and it would be hard to find anyone who is more alive than The Four Knights.
The Knights are viewed as the young men of the world. Their aim is to conquer the world and become Masters of their domain. The world is also their oyster, and it is The Knights who are given the freedom to wander it as they choose, for they must become knowledgeable and experienced in the ways of not just their own world, but of many. They must make a name for themselves, find their place and assert their presence. They must seek out, fight for, and claim their own territory if they are ever to be taken seriously. They should command a presence about them that is unmistakably Knightly and enjoy many followers and admirers. Knights may equally expect to attract rivals in love, life, career and power. Such rivalry often keeps their flames fanned and a state of constant alert should they be required to spring into action at a moment’s notice.
The Kings carefully monitor The Knights’ comings and goings, for it is they who stand to inherit. The only person who strikes real fear into the heart of any Knight is The King himself, for he still has immense power and influence over him.  It is The King who can speak as he chooses to The Knight when it comes to reprimand and command. However, The King is lenient in certain matters and areas of behaviour with The Knight for he too remembers what it was to be a Knight. The Knight must learn to be a man and therefore must be given enough freedom to do so. The Knight must defer to The King, but in The King’s absence The Knight will try to assume his power and control, for he understands that it is only a matter of time before he too becomes a King and ascends the throne.
The relationship between The Knight and The King can be that of respectful son and loving father or resentful son and domineering father. It depends on how The Knight was reared and what he experienced. The Knight can be the loving and obliging son or spiteful wayward rebel. A real handful.
The Knight’s mother, The Queen, may not be made privy to his comings, goings and actions in the same way The King is. The Queen typically dotes on her Knightly son, sees little wrong in him, and has great capacity to forgive any of his misdemeanours. She will tolerate much antics, bad behaviour and minor indiscretions before uttering a word of reproach.  It is to The Queen, The Knight will return for comfort and emotional support if their relationship has been stabilised from the start. It is through The Queen, The Knight can be allowed to indulge in emotional matters and love. The Queen wants what is best for her son, which is usually what The Knight tells her he wants, whereas The King wants what is best for his kingdom. The King and Queen may clash over such matters. The Queen will happily cover for her Knightly son and act as a buffer or go-between matters flare between The King and his son. Any romantic partners of her Knightly son will have to undergo extreme vetting before being accepted into the inner sanctum of the family.
And so the Element of Fire has a huge role to play in the formation and personality development of a Knight. Because all The Knights are influenced by Fire as well as their own Element, we find it in abundance and strength in The Knight of Wands. Here we have Fire influencing Fire, an explosive combination straight away. The Knight of Wands is bursting with enthusiasm and excitement at the prospects of life and travel. He just can’t wait to get going and certainly doesn’t waste any time in kicking up his heels. He is determined to enjoy his time as a Knight and is ready to have a go at everything, at least once, for he wants to experience all. Temperatures sky-rocket as The Knight of Wands prepares for off. He has no time to waste.
The Knight of Cups, romantic and sensitive, being the Fiery part of Water uses the energies of the Fire Element to take action on his feelings and emotions. He is young, handsome and ready for love. He is ready to put love to the test as the Fire fans the flames of passion bubbling beneath the surface. He has the freedom to come and go as he chooses now and is eager to master the art of romance and the joy of sex.
The Knight of Swords, quick minded and talkative being the Fiery part of Air uses the Fire Element to fuel his mind and thought processes in order to think and act swiftly. This combination of Air and Fire is combustible and volatile. This Knight cannot think and move fast enough. He is at the top of his game but with such powerful Elemental Forces in Air and Fire at play, he can easily lose control at this stage of his development. He is fearless and brave, if not impulsive and single-minded. He can be outrageously brilliant or explosively reckless.
The Knight of Pentacles, serious, committed and responsible, being the Fiery part of Earth, the Fire Element influences him to do something about his long-term goals. He may be forgiven at times for appearing not to have any Fire present at all, but do not be fooled. This Knight keeps his Fire under tight control so that he can harness and re-direct its energies for useful purposes. He may see the other Knights as wasting their Fire on useless pursuits and trivial activities. He would certainly know how to put it to better use should it all be handed over to him. He is clever, careful and quiet, a true Knight and not a show-off. He is the most loyal, trustworthy and long serving Knight of the King of his realm. The King will trust this Knight with his life, the life of his family and the continued safety of the Kingdom. The Knight will not let him down.
Because of Fire influencing them, The Knights are known to be extreme in their nature.  We must look to their Governing Element to determine such nature.
The Knight of Wands can be extreme in his enthusiasm and actions or exhausted and disinterested, the Knight of Cups can be extremely emotional and romantic or downright lustful and manipulating, the Knight of Swords can think and act too fast, get stressed and agitated or become aggressive, abusive and violent, and the Knight of Pentacles can be overly cautious and un-adventurous or gamble and become lazy and insolent.
The Four Knights represent exuberance, the first taste of power, real freedom and the ultimate defining stage of the young to mid adult years of the Court Cards. Their energy is masculine (females can also be represented by a Knight) excitable, infectious and outward. Full of ideasand promise, The Knights are determined to make their mark. However, they are just finding their way in the world and are prone to making mistakes.
In general most of these mistakes are just part of the growing up process and we are quick to forgive. It is only when they Reverse that their mistakes can become disastrous. At this stage of their growth, the Knights may very well believe they are invincible and immortal. They may think they know it all and have nothing left to learn. They may refuse to take advice or to heed caution or warning.  This can be one of their greatest mistakes, and if allowed to free fall into Reverse, it may be very hard to put right.
At this vital stage of the growth process, The Knights are no longer children. They must act responsibly while enjoying themselves, or they may end up regretting at leisure later on in life. No longer young but not yet fully mature, the dye of their personalities however, is being cast. Any negativity, unless dealt with firmly in The Knight stage will become entrenched and fixed. As you will discover on your journey throughout The Four Knights, they can become as undesirable when Reversed as they are desirable when Upright. Brilliant young men or crashing nightmares.
More on The Four Knights
The Four Knights we encounter are in stark comparison to The Pages that came before them.  All of The Knights are featured on Horseback wearing a Suit of Armour. Here we have great symbolic importance of the role The Knights play in The Court Families. Gone are the whimsical and often naïve attitudes of The Pages who spent their time thinking and planning their futures ahead. In their stead come The Knights who are men of action as well as thought, feeling and practicality.  They are the Torch Bearers of their Element and Suit. With The Knight’s ability to combine action with vision, thought, feeling and practicality to create momentum and drive in their individual Suits, they need to work very hard to maintain this balance.
This can be very difficult for The Knights to successfully achieve and maintain, for Fire is a powerful Element, and can be extremely overwhelming. It may prove difficult to fight or keep under control, especially when The Knights so badly need its influence to retain their Ranking. A Knight who is lacking in Fire, or has a complete absence of it, is a sorry sight indeed and none more so than The Knight of Wands who is born out of The Fire Element, and then has it doubled once more, is the ultimate bearer of Fire and possesses all Fire’s attributes from one extreme to another.
We spoke of Fire being essential for The Knights to combine action with thought to create momentum, but if too much Fire is present, then actions can become the dominant quality, leaving precious little room for thought, reason, feelings or practicality. Left unbridled and unconstrained, Fire will impulsively rush headlong into situations without checking things out first. The Fire will certainly create momentum, but the outcome of all this forward activity may not yield the result wished for.
The Four Knights need Fire to fight their way through life and to make things happen. The Suit of Armour worn by all symbolically represents their preparation for, and desire to go into battle for that which they want, or want for others. Their Suits of Armour demonstrate their bravery, fearlessness and courage. They are responsible for defending their own territory, as well as fighting for the territory of others.  They must use their Fire and Armour to battle for supremacy, take what they believe is rightfully theirs, and assert their position in the world. They have a lot of work to do, much to experience and experiment with. With not a lot of time to achieve their aims before they will be expected to take on their Kingly (and sometimes Queenly) roles, The Four Knights need the assistance of their trusty steeds to carry them rapidly forward, and from place to place.
Each Knight has been gifted and entrusted with just the right horse for his journey and respective Suit.  Each horse is born and formed out of the Elemental Energies which are specific to each Suit. Essentially, their horses are an integral part of each Knight. One may not be able to exist without the other. A Horse-less Knight, can no longer hold his Rank, and so becomes just another one of the crowd. We expect our Knights to be more than that. We expect them to be larger than life beings who have been divinely blessed, and sent here to carry out very specific duties.
Thus The Four Knights needs their Horses to rise above the mass so that all may be aware of the Rank and Status they enjoy, and the importance of the missions they are prepared to undertake. Missions only they have the nerve to carry out.  Young, bold and daring, they need their trusty mounts to guide and steer them through the guaranteed challenges that lie in wait for them as they journey forward.  The Knights are born for the job and we would not dream of sending anyone else in their place. The Four Knights must be prepared to rise to any challenge. They have all donned their Suits of Armour and mounted their Horses. They cannot just sit there looking pretty, or pretend to be a brave chivalrous Knight. They must fully incorporate their role and act it out. With Suit of Armour and Horses pawing the ground, they are obliged to move and get going.
The Four Knights tend to attract challenges on their path, some actually going out of their way to seek them out. Their Horses must be able to fearlessly jump the nature of any obstacles that are particular to their Elemental Journey. These challenges are different for each Knight which means their Horses are formed for the specific roles they will play. They will not be fazed by what they encounter or experience.
Whereas The Knight of Wand’s Horse has been bred with the fearless strength and speed of a Hunter, The Knight of Pentacle’s Horse is one of endurance, perseverance and adaptability, much like a Great Shire.  The Knight of Sword’s Horse is a pure Thoroughbred Race Horse, built for incredible speed and agility, while The Knight of Cup’s Horse is also bold and strong, but moves with the grace and beauty of a superb Dressage Equine.
When it comes to the superb four-legged beasts that carry their Knights forward through life, we can liken them to four young colts that have just become aware of their own power. We must always remember the nature of these wonderful animals. They are large, strong, muscled, tall and very, very, very powerful. Symbolically, the Horse represents many things, but sheer Power is one of their greatest associations.
I have worked with horses for many years, and also rode and competed my own Horse in show jumping, cross-country and dressage. In all this time, I had to remember to have a healthy respect and fear for the animal that carried me across large fences before taking me back home safely across the finish line. Yes, I had several falls over the years and fractured my collar-bone but I never sustained any injuries from my horse falling on me or worse kicking, or head-butting me. No matter how in love I was with my horse, and I know she loved me too, she was still a mighty force and powerhouse of muscle and bone. With one quick sharp kick, she could have split my head open,  not because she wanted to, but because she got a fright or was in season when a stallion passed too close, or if I had not being paying particular attention, or had become to laid-back or blasé  about the potential danger of standing too close to a Horse. She was a beauty, like so many others, but beauty or not, she could kill me with the swing of her head clashing with mine, her hoof packing a powerful punch or the weight of her body crushing me in a fall.
The Four Knights must remember this when taking on the responsibility of their Horses. They should not be messed around with. Before these eager young Colts where handed over into the charge of their Knights, we can imagine them running wildof the situation.  When we just have to think about ourselves we can do as we please, but when another is involved, we must take their needs and opinions into consideration too if we are not to be selfish and controlling.  Their opinion or attitude may be different to ours. Therefore, we must be prepared to look at both sides (2) of the situation, or listen to what the other (2) has to say.  As a result, we get two sides coming together to influence a situation.  They say that “two heads are better than one” but sometimes we can get two with very different opinions and mindsets.  Therefore, the Two (2) can make life either easy or difficult depending on circumstances, and attitudes. Minds can be closed or open to change and suggestion when we see Two in Tarot. Two needs to be flexible and adaptable.  Sometimes it must bend to the needs of others to maintain peace and harmony. It cannot afford to be rigid in its stance or approach. Two is the diplomat, the negotiator.
When we come across Two in Tarot, it suggests opposing forces at play. The forces being dealt with may involve others or represent an atmosphere or situation you are trying to manage or balance. Both Upright and Reverse bring effort in achieving balance. Life and events may be contradictory to what you had hoped for.
Sometimes the conflicting mindsets are to be found within; the Twos often represent an inner-struggle as you attempt to find understanding or clarity.
The process of two creates polarity, and here is where the number 2 reigns supreme.  The moment anything is created, so too is its exact opposite.  Therefore, with Twos, we can get extremes. This is down to polarity having a two-way or opposing effect.  Like magnets, what draws one to a certain person, place or thing, can equally repel depending upon the individual and circumstances. This is not static, and can change.  We all know that love can easily turn to hate overnight. Sometimes it walks a fine line between both. Appropriate balance is required as Two can be touch and go when it blows this way and that.
In the positive sense, Two draws sides together and brings about an agreeable balance, cooperation, diplomacy, and negotiation. Twos are tolerant, they are the peacemakers. Two promotes equality. Two understands the benefits to be gained by teaming up with another. Two heads are better than one.  Two ones unite to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts. Two ‘ones’ communicate and connect to expand potential. Two shares and learns from the gifts, skills and strength of the individual ‘ones’, thus forming a greater pool of power to draw from.  Two ‘ones’ can combine individual goals in search of greater success.
Reversed Two
When negative or reversed, Two can lose this equilibrium, harmony and mutual respect. It draws back into individualism and can seek its own way. It blocks off or severs the two-way flow of energy, considering its sole needs and desires as it returns to 1 mode. It avoids sharing or contributing. It is unlikely to cooperate in partnership, and may seek to be free of that which seeks to team up with it. When reversed or negative, Two can give the illusion it is in partnership, when really it marches to its own tune. A sense of distance or gulf between the individual Ones is felt. Reversed Two is fragile and unpredictable. It can swing between Upright and Reversed with alarming speed and may not be relied upon. Two can lose its connection with balance and equality. It will seek to control or dominate. Reversed Twos walk away from the negotiating table when they do not get what they want. A hostile Two, can declare war.
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What we must now do is relate these tendencies to the Four Elements/Suits in the Tarot.  So if we relate the process of decision in the individual Suits, we can have The Wands deciding on a particular course of action to take, emotional or relationship decisions in The Cups, mental decisions being made in The Swords, and financial or material decisions in The Pentacles.  Somewhere in the middle of the decision-making process lies the balanced solution or answer.  However, some of the Suits may find it difficult and therefore run off in one direction or another.
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Multiple Twos
***Twos appearing in a reading raise the question of what we are being drawn to or opposing factors at play in a situation. Where can you find middle ground, what are you willing to compromise on? Two Twos could suggest two very different sides to a story. Opposing parties may have brought in back up and support. Lines may be drawn and very definite sides taken. More than one Two can suggest the dilemma of having to make a decision that will not be popular with the mass.
When three or more Twos are present in a reading, the querant must prepare for serious decisions to be made. Decisions arrived at must be well thought out and viewed from all angles.  Several Twos can also represent a stable environment of balance, peace and harmony. Multiple Twos can highlight strategies in place and being well-prepared for whatever is coming, having a Plan B  or contingency plan so to speak. Every area is covered. 
Multiple Twos in relationship readings could suggest groups of couples, or perhaps past relationships. It may also indicate your yearning or search for a partner. You may be dating a lot.
When Twos appear reversed, decisions that need to be made are either actively avoided, or blocked by the circumstances. The governing Element of any Two present will point to the area of life that is affected.  Confusion and lack of consistency is evident. Disharmony and a lack of balance in the situation is likely. Life can feel a bit like a Pendulum, swinging back and forth from happy and stable, to miserable and unstable. Multiple Reversed Two’s can suggest your hands are tied where a decision is concerned. The decision may be in the control of others. You have very little say in the matter. On the contrary, you may fear making a mistake and wish others to make any difficult decisions on your behalf. Miscommunication and misunderstanding is common with Reversed Two’s . 
 
Three In Tarot
Threes in The Minor Arcana generally refer to creativity, growth, expansion and development.  It is a very busy, energetic number. Three in numerology represents the upright triangle.  By adding an extra number, Two has been forced out of its inertia and moved forward. An extra direction or path is there for the taking. A decision has been made and momentum builds. Three is keen to get moving. The Upright triangle encourages energy into ascension. The Fool now has a strong sense of purpose. He is able to progress steadily in a certain direction. The apex of the triangle formed by Three becomes his focus, his goal, his destination.
Therefore, we see them individually act on the decisions that were taken in the Two.   After deliberating over whether to stay or go in the Two of Wands, a decision has been arrived at and definite action is taken in the Three.  The loving couple so drawn to each other in the Two of Cups are celebrated and congratulated by all in the Three, as their relationship strengthens and grows.   The stressful decisions or dilemma in the Two of Swords leads to deep pain and despair as the hurt intensifies in the Three.  The financial balancing act  in the Two of Pentacles begins to stabilise  as the correct action is taken in the Three to develop and maintain financial growth.
Three needs to stay on course, otherwise it is prone to distraction and diversion. It can dissipate its energy by chasing too many dreams at the one time (three apexes), or by changing preference from one day to the next. Three has the potential to achieve greatness, even fame and acclaim, but it will amount to nothing if it begins to drift or lose concentration. It may need the encouragement and guidance of its formative parents, the Ace (Magician) and Two (High Priestess) and the loving support and benevolence of its birth mother (Empress) who will want it to be happy and fulfilled.and free across the fields, racing each other to the top of the hills, bucking and messing around. If they can stop for long enough for us to look into their eyes, there you will see the burning Element of Fire that supplies them with endless, high-spirited and manic energy. Like a bush fire that races across dry arid land, these unbridled horses can lay waste to anything in their track for they move too fast to even notice the damage they may be causing.
The first challenge for each Knight is to round up and catch his own young Colt. They must approach these wild beasts and seek to draw just the right one to them. Once selected, they must develop a rapport with their Horse and seek to encourage trust. Once they can get close enough, The Knights must then risk life and limb to capture their Horse, get a bridle onto its head, A bit into its mouth and a saddle on its back. They must then attempt to mount the Colts that up to now have never been restricted or restrained.
Once this has been achieved, The Four Knights will have to take up their reins and take control of the powerful energy that is bursting to be released. They will see the muscles twitch and heads swing furiously back and forth in an attempt to escape their captive state.  They will stamp their feet and walk backwards before rearing up, desperate to off-load the weight off their backs.  In time, the Four Horses with careful handling will realise that The Knight they carry, shares a similar nature to them. They are one and the same, and so accept their masters, eager to obey and accompany them on their many journeys. They become trusty friends, but The Knight must always remember that for all his Suit of Armour and Rank, his Horse is far more powerful than he. He must also remember that he bears the responsibility of containing and directing such power. The Four Horses carry the strong influence of The Fire Element and must be managed.
Once the partnership of Horse and Knight Remains in balance, then all is well in the world and The Four Knights can do great things. They can even change the world and encourage positive reform. They must work hard to keep the reins in their hands. It is when The Knights fall into Reverse Mode, they often forget, or take for granted, the powerhouse of fiery energy they ride upon. They drop the reins or forget to tie them up. Should the Horses manage to break free of their bridles and restraints, they will revert quite rapidly back to their Coltish state. With the wind in their mane and a swish of their tails, they will take off and run amuck, leaving damage and disaster in their wake. They will be like Fire let loose and out of control.
Metaphorically speaking, The Four Knights must stay mounted and in control. Whether they are on or off their Horse they must make sure their Horse is safe, is where it is meant to be and is of no threat to others.  They will succeed with none of their missions if they fail to manage the power of Fire that will carry them through each situation they encounter. If controlled and balanced properly, Fire can agree to be paced so that it can be beneficially used at the appropriate rate required for a particular situation, issue, incident or challenge.
Fire can be disciplined to move at a walk, trot, canter or gallop.  It is only when The Knights Reverse that Fire is let loose to do its own thing, it bolts. It then has only two speeds; gallop and flat-out. Even Horses cannot run forever or maintain such an accelerated pace. The Reversed Knights can be very dismayed to discover that their Horses are not machines that can keep going and going and going. These Reversed Knights realise only too late that travelling at such a crazy speed may result in a crash, accident and injury. The only similarity their Horses have to machines or cars is that if they are expected to work at the max speed for a long period of time, either their engine will burn out or they will run out of fuel. When this happens, they become of no use to anyone. Their Knights may find themselves stranded, with a long walk home and a Horse that needs a long period of rest and recuperation. Without his trusty steed, he can no longer stay in the race and is not in a position to compete with the other Knights. He will have to be patient and work hard to retain his Ranking once more. He will have learned his lesson the hard way.
Because The Knight’s Horses provide methods of transport for their Knights they can also symbolically represent journeys or travel when Reading. The Knight of Wands can imply travel to hot distant lands, The Knight of Cups, travel across Water. The Knight of Swords can symbolically represent travel through Air while The Knight of Pentacles would typically suggest travel across rough terrain, or travel across one’s own land or country.  These symbolic indications of travel can be re-enforced by the presence of other supporting travel cards.
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Any Knight turning up in a Reading should be closely observed to determine if their energy is helping or hurting.  Action of some sort is usually required of you when a Knight appears and does not represent a person. The particular action will be determined by the Governing Suit and Element of The Knight involved. For example, you may need to act on your feelings when The Knight of Cups appears, or to act on your thoughts or plans when The Knight of Swords makes an appearance.
All Four Knights in a reading suggest much activity around the issue and rapid development of a situation leaving precious little time to draw breath. There may be a sudden need to travel. They also represent study, learning and large groups of young males.
Three Knights suggest a group of men or friends while Two also suggest friends but of a closer bond. A solitary Knight can represent a love interest, partner or secret admirer.
Several Knights Reversed suggests trouble with a group of men or The Gang/Mob Mentality. It can also suggest too much activity, highly charged situations, stress and exhaustion. One Reversed Knight turning up with several other Upright Knights can suggest that there is a ‘bad egg’ or ‘troublemaker’ in a group.
In a relationship spread Two Knights appearing Reversed can suggest love rivals, especially if they are the Knight of Cups and Knight of Wands Reversed.
The Four Queens 
The Queens in the Tarot represent the Watery part of their Suit. They apply their feelings and emotions (Water) to the natural way they approach life as directed by their governing element.  Their focus is inward.  Therefore they are more relaxed in general and not as outwardly active and demonstrative in the world as their male counterparts, the Kings.  This is not to say that they are passive and introverted.  On the contrary these Queens are extremely dynamic in their own way.  They are multi-faceted and multi-talented.  This is because they are representing the archetypal personalities of mature women: wives, mothers, sisters, friends, home-makers, carers, nurturers.  The Queens are also representing the modern woman of the world today. The women who study, have a career, run a business and live independently.  The Queens have the ability to combine all these aforementioned qualities without forsaking their own inner essence.  They are the peace-keepers and mediators in each of the Royal Tarot Families.
On the Kabalistic Tree of Life the Four Queens reside in the 3rd Sephira,Binah along with the Four Threes of The Minor Arcana.  See The Kabbalah section for information on The meaning of each Sephira. 
The Rank of Queen in the Court Card Family display her as:
· Wife, partner or consort to the King
· Mother/Step Mother or Carer to both the Page and Knight
· Daughter of an older Queen
· Sister to all
· Friend to all 
In the above roles her governing element along with whether she is reversed or not will play a major part in how she conducts her relationships within and without the family and how she deals with situations that arise out of same.  The Queen mustplay many roles.
She is no different from any modern-day woman who is trying to maintain balance in her life by multi-tasking and trying to find time for all, including herself.  As you explore the individual personalities of these four Queens some will feel very familiar to you and studying them will be a doddle.  This is because we already know these women.  We have met them before on many occasions.  We might recognise our self in one or possibly parts of us in all, one might be your mother, your sister, your partner, friend, boss or work colleague.  You might recognise your old school teacher, neighbour, the woman who runs the shop down the road or even the nurse who cared for you when you had surgery last year.
Sub-Personalities
It is important to note here that each Queen represented will possess quite strong personality traits as a result of her governing element even though they will have been Watered down or tempered by the influence of Water.  These qualities may seem excessive or overpowering at times but we must understand that in real life we generally have a mix of the elements.  Some of our sub-personalities will be more prominent than others but it is this vital mix that balances our personalities to create our main personality .  The combination of our Primary Personality (Main Fire/Water/Air/Earth) mixed with our Sub-Personalities (lesser Fire/Water/Air/Earth) are vital if we are to function efficiently and successfully in our world.  Any of the Court Card personalities on their own in real life would either be over-powering or un-believable.  We do at times encounter people who have one element in abundance and we usually refer to these people as having very strong personalities. We all know this can be either a blessing or a curse.
Familiar Faces
Remember, you are not looking at scientific formulas or theorems here.  You have been exposed to these Queens as some point in your life since the day you were born. True, some may not be as familiar to you as others and this is because you are not or have not been exposed to them as much as the rest.  You may however have cause to be in the future though so getting to grips with their personalities and sub-personalities can help your develop healthier relationships with people in general.  We tend to naturally gravitate to elemental personalities who are either the same as or are compatible with our own element.  Therefore these archetypal Queens will be more familiar to you and easier to incorporate into a reading.  You must learn how to identify with these Queens and relate them to personalities in your own life.  Once you do, you will instantly understand their presence in a reading and be able to communicate their message.  The same applies to all Court Cards.
For example, if you have identified your friend as the Page of Cups because of her or his loving and sensitive nature.  You know only too well that your friend is quite idealistic about love and falls into it too easily.  You know how hurt and upset your friend gets when they get dumped and their magic bubble bursts.  So, when the Page of Cups comes up in a reading for someone enquiring about their new relationship you know how excited and happy they must feel once the surrounding cards look encouraging.  If the Page of Cups is reversed in the Near Future or Outcome Position you know how devastated they are going to be when things don’t work out. You will also know how they are likely to behave as a result.  You are all too familiar with how your friend reacts on such occasions. With all this inner knowledge of archetypal personalities you can actually be quite predictive.  The remaining cards in the reading will fill in the missing pieces of the jigsaw which is of course the Querant’s story.
The above example is based on the Court Card representing a person.  Remember in the Tarot that the Minor Arcana tell you what is happening, The Court Cards tell you who it is happening to and the Major tell us why it is happening..
It would be wise at this stage to go back over Lesson I of the Court Cards to revisit the various ways to interpret a Court Card.  The Court Cards can be tricky and do take a lot of practice so don’t give up on them to soon.  They are important players in the tarot.  Just like a movie with no actors would be boring if not strange, the Tarot is no different.
So let us now look at the Four Queens
The Queens are women, aspects of the Querant (sometimes even when the Querant is a man), approaches to life, atmospheres or advice given. The Queen of Wands represents a confident, enthusiastic woman with great inner strength and courage. The Queen of Cups, sensitive, loving, intuitive and very creative. The Queen of Swords, quick minded, chatty, organised with a tendency to be self-critical. The Queen of Pentacles, stable, practical, methodical, reliable and connected to nature and the animal kingdom.
Multiple Queens in a layout can suggest – Women’s Groups, Support of friends,  Gossip, Envy, too much of the feminine influence, lack of opposite sex, being too inwardly focussed.
Three Queens –  Powerful Important Women or Friends, Support, Bitchiness
Two Queens – Close friends, rivals, opposing needs in the Querant or of friends
Several Reversed Queens can suggest groups of unfriendly women who are demoralising belittling or awkward.  Gossip and bitching.  Two Reversed Queens can highlight arch enemies or love rivals.
Absence of Queens – Being too outwardly focussed, lack of feminine touch, lack of caring or nurturing, too much masculine influence, lack of friends and caring support.
The Four Kings 
The Four Kings in the Tarot represent the Earthy part of their Suit. That is they focus upon tangible results and usually apply self-discipline to their governing element to achieve it.  Earth influencing their governing element provides the stabilising and disciplined force that allows these men to manifest their true power and in doing so, facilitates their influence over others.  They are extrovert and worldly. Their focus is on getting things done. They stand for the mature man who takes charge of his world and those in it.
The Rank of King in the Tarot represents him as follows:
· Ruler/Leader/Authority
· Boss
· Husband, partner or consort to the Queen
· Father/Step Father or Guardian to both the Page and Knight
· Son of an older King
· Brother to all
· Friend to all 
Take note of the direction the Kings are facing as this indicates their true nature.  The King of Wands looks to his right, which is associated with action. The King of Cups looks to his left, which is associated with the emotional and creative. The King of Swords looks straight ahead for complete clarity and perception and the King of Pentacles looks down as his concerns are with the material world.
The Kings are men, aspects of the Querant (sometimes even when the Querant is a woman), approaches to life, atmospheres or advice given. The King of Wands represents a powerful, inspirational, dynamic, bold and charismatic man.  He is a natural leader who others love to follow.  The King of Cups, is a wise, calm and caring man.  He is sensitive to the needs of others.  His desire is to make a better world for all through tolerance and compassion. The King of Swords, intellectual and analytical he is the thinker and solution finder.  Honest and Incorruptible, he brings law and order to the world in his search for justice. . The King of Pentacles, enterprising, financially successful and reliable, is the business man who sets goals which he is determined to reach.  He provides the stable, productive environment in which things flourish.  He has earned his success and his respect.
Multiple Kings in a layout can suggest –. the presence of powerful men in your life, business meetings, success and authority. A lot of male energy influencing a situation which may be helping or hurting.  Public recognition
Three Kings –  Meetings, Friends,  success, authoritative figures, choices, varying opinions
Two Kings – Closefriends, opposing needs in the Querant or of friends, partnership, contract or deal, second opinion.
Several Reversed Kings can suggest that there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians.  Too much advise from too many experts may lead to confusion.
Two Reversed Kings can highlight rivals or competitors.
Absence of Kings – Being too inwardly focussed, lack of masculine energy leading to inactivity and lack of manifestation – nothing is getting done, No one in charge. Chaos and lack of order or discipline. Lack of professional advice.  Lack of male support or romantic partner.
 
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image2.jpegLife opens with endless potential and possibilities for the Three as everyone cheers its progress. Three brings sweeping energy which must be acted upon. It is heart-warming, positive, and optimistic. It is in Three we lay the third cornerstone for the future. We now have something to work with. Life is becoming structured. The Fool has unified any opposing forces in The Two. Out of the Ace and Two the Three is birthed. Three is such a popular energy. It is naturally extrovert, charismatic, sociable, witty and charming. Three is blessed with good luck, finding itself in the right place at the right time on numerous occasions. However, because of Three’s nature, it may be spoiled and over-indulged.
The Two, the unifying of two Individual units of energy, now share an agreed vision and are happy to traverse the same path together. In the Three, compromise has been made and an understanding arrived at. The individual energy units from the Ace and Two may still hold their individuality, independence and identity, but something else has been added to the mix. There is a sense of greater power in numbers. The energy of the Ace begins to mushroom and multiply. More can be achieved through collaboration and joint effort than going it alone. There is a desire to expand outside the territory of the Ace and Two, to conquer the world and learn through direct experience. Three is ambitious. Once it is released from the linear constraints of the Two and gets its first taste of ascension, it wants to climb higher and higher. There is no holding it back. Three stands in awe of the endless possibilities around it. It is versatile and flexible so will be keen to act on as many opportunities as possible.  The whole is greater then the sum of its parts is seen in action in the Three.
Reversed Three
Three seeks to move forwards, not backwards. It seeks expression. When Upright we see the raised cone of energy and the power of potential. Three is positively going somewhere and overcoming any obstacles or challenges in its way. It turns its face to the sun and thinks only of multiplying its success. The Upward Triangle symbolically represents the Element of Fire. Fire when not bound by restriction will seek to expand and travel. Fire will shoot up that which it consumes, its flames rising high into the sky. It is a mighty force to behold. However, when Three Reverses, the apex is turned on its head. Fire becomes tame, passive and controlled. Progress is halted or slowed down by setbacks. Three is going nowhere and may become negative or pessimistic with inertia. Reversed Three can also become self-important with a sense of entitlement. It can display narcissist traits, and cares little for the concerns or needs of others. It is overly-pampered. The Reversed Triangle can also signal a rapid spread of Fire as it loses patience, breaks free, and makes a dash for it. It becomes overly-excited and impulsive leading to recklessness and haste. It travels fast, refusing to check its pace. In its rush, it can overlook important aspects as it flits from one thing to another. Its energy shoots out in all directions bouncing off the apexes of the triangle, getting nowhere in the process.
In Reverse, Three has a problem finishing that which it starts. It lacks discipline and endurance. It procrastinates and dithers, is all talk and no action. When Upright it laughs in the face of challenge and competition, but when Reversed, it becomes weak, ineffective, fearful and paralysed. It may need others to fight its battles or come to its rescue. Reversed Three may have very little to show for itself, lacks ambition and expression. Reversed Three can be introverted and unsociable. It’s Upright good humour and charm turns to cynicism.  If Upright Three draws luck to it, it may appear dogged with bad luck when Reversed.
Multiple Threes
*When only one Three appears in a reading it would suggest that any growth or development is slow and lacks momentum.  New ideas and plans may only be in their infancy and will need time to mature.  When Three or more Threes appear in a reading there is definite growth and development surrounding the issue.  It can represent a time of productivity and abundance.  It can be an exciting, active and busy time but depending on the issue involved it may be a painful situation that is coming to a head.   Regardless of the situation, things are getting done and action is being taken when several Threes appear as the Universe moves everything forward.  Without the energy the Threes provide, decisions arrived at in the Twos would never get off the ground.
The appearance of one Reversed Three in a reading suggests that there are only minor blocks to growth and with a bit of effort they can be overcome.  The more reversed Threes in a reading will find a querant who feels powerless and blocked.  Much effort and help will be needed to move their situation forward.  When three or more Threes appear reversed there is bound to be lack of growth surrounding the situation . There may be external delays and blocks that are hindering forward movement.  It can suggest lack of productivity and abundance.
Reversed Threes often are a sign that you are unhappy with decisions made in the Twos or that the exciting ideas and plans you had back in the Ace have failed to materialise for one reason or another. 
Four In Tarot
Fours in the Minor Arcana generally refer to stability, security, consolidation and order. Four is a balancing number. Unlike Two that struggled with its polarity, Four is rock solid, has found its feet and has them firmly planted. There is a confidence about Four. Four is a hard-worker, applying great effort and dedication in achieving its goals, then protecting them. Being quite cautious and guarded, it is not as ambitious as Three, it’s aspirations become more realistic and practical. Four can be relied upon to stand firm and resist stress and pressure from external forces. It is committed to its path. Four brings a settling of energy after initiation and action. It brings the energy released in the Ace to its first major milestone, allowing it take form and structure.
Four does not represent a time for taking great action, but rather a time for building upon what you already have, strengthening your resources and laying down solid foundations for the future. Four is all about feeling stable and secure, both within and without.  Energy has reached a stage in its journey where it can take a break from striving and aspiring. It has achieved initial results in Three but now must safeguard them before seeking further glory. Four must check its progress so far and have something to show for it. Four grounds energy, allowing it to make contact with earth where it takes form and substance. Four brings a growing maturity and a developing sense of responsibility.
Four can represent the family unit. The masculine/feminine parents plus masculine/feminine offspring. There is now something tangible to work for.
Four is a practical and rational number. By adding another digit, it has forced the triangle out of its ever-climbing ascent, not forever, but for the moment. It provides the last cornerstone that is required for containing the energy released in the Ace, Two and Three. Energy has been ripping forward in the Three, without check or analysis. Four seeks to apply the brakes, to harnesses energy by reining in or corralling it. With a leash or tether, it seeks to bring energy under control where it can be observed and modified if necessary. Four applies a steadying force where energy becomes less dissipated as it solidifies and takes form. Energy stills for a while, allowing us to observe the beauty of its formation.
In numerology, Four is associated Earth.  With the energy of Four we can feel safe and secure.  Fours brings protection and defense into our life.  We build structures with four walls that provide shelter and security. Four is enduring and built to last. Four has a grounding effect which is extremely beneficialwhen life has been hectic or stressful.  Four helps us touch base.
Reversed Four
The down side of Four is its restricting and limiting tendencies. Four walls can provide stability and security, but four walls can also create a prison-like environment where energy is not encouraged to move beyond.  Four in its negative aspect can be so grounding and safe, it leads to inaction, passivity and stagnation. Four prides itself on its lack of superficiality, but it can lack spontaneity and fun. Four can be downright boring after a while if it doesn’t lighten up. After the soaring energy of the Three, a negative Four may seek to clip its wings to bring it under control. Negative Four can get hung up on rules, regulations, endless planning, boundaries and parameters. Four walls are built to be strong to withstand much force, but in its negative state, such four walls may be rigid, unyielding and hard to scale.
Reversed Four can also weaken and lose its stability. Its walls lie in rubble on the ground, offering neither protection nor security. Four splits and becomes two two’s unsure of which one to work with, or which way to go. Its energy becomes chaotic and unreliable.
After the initial spark of inspiration in the Ace, decisions arrived at in the Two and action taken in the Three they must now begin to understand the meaning of their journey and be able to see patterns forming in their behaviour and actions.  They must check in to see how far they have progressed, and if they are happy with what they have achieved to date.  Order and structure must now be applied to any areas that appear chaotic or out of control.  They need to stabilise and re-group before any further action is taken.
The Four Suits set about this in their own way.  The Wands need to stop running around and settle into their new home or work environment, the Cups need to find emotional stability after all the celebrations and socialising,  the Swords, stressed and upset, take time out to let their mind settle and calm and the Pentacles with their first taste of success in the Three, turn as always to solidify their financial position by saving and investing.
They are not even half-way through their journey in the Minor Arcana at this stage and the road ahead will have many obstacles and upsets to throw at them.  Times will get tough and some may feel broken by their experiences or want to give up.  Therefore, time spent now in preparation for the journey ahead while recharging the batteries and stabilising should help them through any difficulties.
Multiple Fours
***If a large number of Fours fall close to each other in a reading, this may indicate life has become particularly stagnant, or choosing the safe and secure over risk and progress.  Personal growth and development will have ceased. Listlessness and boredom may set in.  Several Fours may find you taking a break for too long. You may become too settled. Moving forward could suggest a lot of work that may be off putting. However, lots of Four can suggest being very content with your lot with no need to seek more.  
A total absence of Fours in a reading can suggest a lack of balance and stability. Life may be chaotic or transient. It suggests loss of control, order and discipline. The ongoing absence of Fours in your readings could imply incomplete work or procrastination. You may not feel fulfilled or whole. You may be continually striving, but with zero results. 
The presence of any Reversed Four will draw attention to the area of life represented by the governing Element and needs to be examined to determine whether it’s exerting a positive or negative effect. One Reversed Four may have little impact, but Two will likely imply underlying destabilising issues, or the need to get out of a rut.  Three or more Reversed Fours in a reading would suggest a period of instability and insecurity.  This may be welcome or not depending on circumstances involved. There may be a desire to escape from a situation that has become too stable and secure. You might want to reshuffle your life, experience further challenge, try out new things and push the boundaries. You could feel blocked, hemmed in by circumstances. You could feel claustrophobic, the four walls closing in on you. Reversed Fours tend to suggest upheaval in the area governing Elements present. If they are well spaced out, the situation is probably manageable, but if clustered together, instability may be quite upsetting, and sudden. You could lose your internal compass. The lack of stability may be caused by just one incident, but is having far-reaching consequences in all areas of life.
 
Five In Tarot
Five rebels and rails against the predictability of Four. It finds the symmetry of Four boring and uninspiring and sets out to disrupt it. It challenges Four to a battle for supremacy. Five wants to show there is more to life than what Four has to offer and asks ‘is this it? Look how you are boxed in, how limited your scope and coverage. How boring to tread the same four corners, day in and day out. Look at the variety of options when a fifth point is added. How interesting and diverse it will be. I can show you, but first I must take apart what you have so carefully put together. Are you up for that?’
Five wants to prove to Four that the world won’t necessarily end should it decide to rearrange itself, or look for new ways of being. However, Four will not be open to such dissension and will stubbornly refuse to budge holding fast to the structures it has laid in place. Instead of Five accepting this and moving on, it will seek to rattle Four’s cage and foundations. Five does not like to be told ‘no’. It may deliberately knock or kick down the walls of Four, undermining and weakening its strength. This is all high energy and great fun for Five, as if in a challenge or game, will be keen to see how quickly it can destabilise Four. Four may attempt to barricade the doors and windows against a Five that has turned up unannounced in its garden, but Five will find a weak point and gain entry.
Five is not content to go with the flow of what others expect of it. It has an independent streak and fiery spirit and opposes what the Hierophant stands for, sometimes blatantly so. Five changes its mind regularly and rapidly, shifting direction constantly on a whim or for the sheer thrill of it. It may be hard to keep up with Five as its pattern is random and erratic, its energy shooting out in all directions. It is in constant need of change and will regroup and reform in several stimulating arrangements as it builds momentum, each new formation inspiring and motivating further action. Five brings disturbing impulsive influences that can feel threatening and destabilising. It has no time for the status quo of things. Where order has been allowed settle and form, its natural instinct will be to upend it, to shake it up out of apathy and lethargy and see how far it can push the boundaries.
Five does not recognise or respect margins or parameters, preferring to step over the line, barging its way through and trespassing on private property. It has a free for all attitude and approaches change in a cleansing and cathartic manner. It positively thrives in a sea of uncertainty, chaos, disruption and disorder. However, Five is refreshing, its energy invigorating and revitalising. It is a challenging and testing number, demanding engagement and retaliation. Blatantly competitive and provoking in its manner, it seeks confrontation, not compliancy.
Unlike Four that is opposed to change or resists disturbance, Five embraces it ecstatically. If life becomes too boring or stagnant, it acts as a catalyst, instigating change – often forcing it when resistance is encountered.  Five blows the cobwebs away and throws open the curtains on sedate Four, exposing the layers of dust that have gathered when life has become too settled. Five blows out the windows, inviting a hurricane to enter and do as it will. It seeks novelty and change to such an extent it can beirresponsible or thoughtless about the consequences of its actions. Not everyone will feel as exuberant about change and disruption as Five does, but it may not take that into consideration, deeming its presence a breath of fresh air and long overdue. In its negative sense Five can force change in a selfish manner, without a thought for those who are happy as they are. It is quite ready to throw a grenade in the door causing great destruction and upset.
Five is flexible and adaptable, able to pack its bags in minutes and head off into uncertainty without a plan of action. Five finds it tough, even impossible, to put down roots or stay in one place for too long. It likes to try out several ways of being. Just when it appears to settle, it is up and off once more. It is a huge risk taker, and will push the boundaries of convention and society, possibly causing upheaval along the way and intense irritation to others. Five goes its own way and no amount of emotional appeals will get it to conform. Five will be admired by those who respect its spirit and dynamic nature, but will be held in contempt by those who disapprove of its wayward behaviour.
As much as Five is a strongly competitive number, it’s not a team player. It does not like to be bound to group thought or conformity so will avoid being drawn into clubs or organisations that seek to force upon it their dogma, rules and regulations. It likes to play by its own rules, make up its own mind, do its own thing and go its own way. Five will aggressively resist and rebel against stifling attitudes and will be quick to offer its opinion in a confrontational manner. It does not hold back, does not stand on ceremony and does not take prisoners. It lives by its own ideals and beliefs. As a result, Five will be opposed to religion in most forms, viewing it controlling and restricting. Five must follow its own path.
Five has an agenda that seeks freedom. This desire for freedom makes it hard to control. Five can quickly get out of hand if no self-discipline is applied. It has very strong opinions and will not be afraid to voice them irrespective of how controversial they may be. Five can get into overheated debates about certain topics. In this negative aspect, it lacks self-discipline and may not think before it acts. It may become uncaring about the impact of its behaviour on others. Five can also fall into bad company with its daredevil attitude and scant regard for appropriate behaviour. Its craving of novelty and distraction may lead it into trouble with no sense of the consequences involved.
Five’s sense of fun and games can end in tears if behaviour goes unchecked. It can get a bit rough. Not everyone sees the humour of Five that declares it all fun and sport with no harm intended. Good intentions or not, Five can bring chaos and massive disruption in its wake. It chases drama and can be wild and wilful. Its need for constant stimulation can see it stir up trouble just to get a response. It is both active and reactive. It likes to get embroiled in whatever drama it has created, enjoying the fallout and explosive reactions of others. Five is mercurial in nature so will be hard to pin down. What it wants today, it may not want tomorrow, or even in the next hour. It likes to remain foot loose and fancy-free which can cause problems where relationships are concerned. The energy of Five will cause restlessness and agitation between partners. It does not like to be tied down, or feel stifled and smothered. Five will get bored with any situation that becomes monotonous and tedious. It will happily flit from job to job or jump from one career to another as it ventures through life. It moves in all directions; forwards, backwards, from side to side and up and down. It may be difficult to determine if it is in a state of progression or regression, or whether it’s star is in ascent or descent, if it is building or destroying. Anyone wishing to know what tomorrow and the next week is likely to bring, will find Five an uncomfortable bed fellow.
Five is a transient number, it lives by the code of impermanence, disinterested in becoming overly attached to anything or anyone. Life is constantly changing for Five so it can grow rapidly jaded in love as its attention span is limited. It may prefer variety and turnover in love, not commitment and steadiness. Five is a natural flirt and prone to indulging its physical cravings. It does little to restrain such urges and cannot be relied upon to behave appropriately when not overseen or supervised. Five can have a string of broken relationships.
Five has a curiosity that is quite charming. It likes to experience everything at least once, and in a very direct manner. It is not afraid to make mistakes or learn hard lessons. It will enthusiastically throw itself into the foray of life and likes to be kept busy and active.  It cannot grow or flourish without new experiences. Five does not follow the crowd and can often stand out from it. It is the party animal, the exhibitionist, the eccentric who raises hell and causes riots.  Expect the unexpected when Five is around.
Part of the challenge for Five is knowing when enough is enough where change is concerned. Change and novelty can become addictive. Five’s energy dilutes and dissipates when too much change occurs around it. It becomes scattered and unproductive. It may think it is progressing but can become even more locked in than Four if all the mad peddling is getting nowhere. It craves too much at one time. If Five does not attempt to apply self-discipline, it can fail to master any area of life. It will know a little bit about everything but not enough about anything to be useful. With Five firing off in so many directions, it might find it difficult to finish things it starts. Indeed, Five may have many false starts due to its hasty and impulsive nature. It arrives too rapidly at decisions, or doesn’t wait to make one. Ready or not, it jumps in and discovers only too late it should have waited or taken another approach. Its interest drops instantly as another impulsive urge takes over.
Life is never dull, and never far from a drama with Five around. With Five being a reactive number and its energy combustible and explosive, it can have a volatile nature. Its strong opinions can become overly-forceful. Arguments can turn into heated debates or massive rows as tempers ignite and rub each other the wrong way. Five can be demanding and irritating, getting in people’s faces and on their nerves. This eruptive nature can easily lead it into trouble. The positive Five that is the standard bearer for freedom, individuality and independent thinking may not apply that to anyone but itself. It might attempt to force its way and stifle the freedom of others. It can seek supremacy through brute force. It will resist and oppose change and block the path for others who seek it. Five can become rigid and unbending. Extreme negative Five can become dark and disturbing, its desire to try new things can lead it into unethical and immoral practices. It can also lose control of its physical appetite and indulge in excess of the senses leading it into ever darkening territory.
The effect of the energy of Five on the Four Suits is interesting to observe but also gives us excellent insight into how these archetypal characters respond to challenges and difficulties.  They have all experienced a few bumps along the way but apart from the Suit of Swords in Card 2, 3 and 4, it is really their first taste of disruption or loss. If they had hoped for a clear run and smooth travel throughout their Suits they are sadly delusional. This is life in the full human sense. No one can march through it untouched.
Reversed Five
In negative mode, Five can fear change, lacks energy and excitement. It becomes sedate and stagnant. Afraid of the great big world beyond its horizon, it stays tied to the apron strings of Four. Instead of learning from direct experience, it accepts what is told or instructed by otherswithout question or curiosity. It’s view of life and the world, the hand-me-down of another. In this manner, Five will stick close to the Hierophant and choose group identity over autonomy.
The Four Fives in the Tarot represent change, generally unpleasant, and each Suit shows how it approaches change. The change implied in the Tarot is not always well received or welcome.  The Change is often associated with conflict, stress, upset and loss. The Wands approach this change as if it were a challenge. Rising to the occasion and enjoying the conflict it brings, the challenge of Five releases their fiercely competitive spirit, burning ambition and fearlessness. The Cups, being sentimental and emotional resist the change Five forces upon them and mourn the loss it brings. The Swords need for inner change forces them into external clashes and arguments which can sometimes spill over into aggression and violence.  The Pentacles experience a terrible change in circumstances when they lack financially or become physically ill.
The Fives cause chaos and disorder and we can become vulnerable to the influence of others’ negativity during this time.  Our behaviour can strongly alter when exposed to stress and upset.   We can also think just of ourselves, blinkered to the needs or feelings of others during times of personal upheaval.  The change or transition the Fives bring to the Four Suits can be difficult and sometimes traumatic. In their Reverse aspect, they become more open-minded and willing to accept change and the losses associated with it. This unusual association of a Reversed card being more positive than when Upright, is influenced by the number Five, which in numerology brings change, conflict, stress and the unexpected when Upright, but less so when Reversed. In times of great change and disorder, we might seek the Reversed Five, to lessen the blow, or as a sign that difficulty is coming to an end. However, as with all Reversals, it would be unwise to assume that trouble is lessening unless surrounding cards suggest it. Reversals bring extremes and the upheaval of the Upright Five may bring even more trouble to bear when Reversed if surrounding cards point in that direction, and if that’s what is being experienced. Disagreements can turn into major rows, demands become overbearing, battle lines are drawn, aggression builds, calamity abounds and change is overwhelmingly destructive.
The Fives in Tarot when Upright tend to resist change, become narrow-minded, negative, rigid and unyielding.   The influence of Five loses its powerful grip when Reversed as it falls between the influence of the Four and Six, both balancing and harmonising numbers. Then change and transition are accepted and dealt with, allowing life to settle and healing occur.
Ideally, one does not want to encounter too many Fives in a reading for obvious reasons.  However, there is very little gain without pain and it is all part of the learning process of life. Sometimes the lessons we need to learn come fast and furious, all at the one time, unrelenting and devastating. Other times, they are drip fed to us at a more tolerable pace giving us time and space to deal with them individually. If we fail to attend to our lessons, allowing them to build unchecked in the background, a time will come when they burst the dam and flood in on top of us.
Multiples Of Five
***One Five in a reading normally represents problems or upheavals in the area of life dictated by the Suit. One Five does not point to major issues. The situation with a bit of effort can be sorted or simply needs to be endured.  The cards that surround the Five would determine what the issue may be, how serious it is and who is involved. One Five suggests a possible flare up or flash-fire with the potential for drama. It is likely to be transient, any disruption or upheaval, short-lived. A single Five could point to disquiet within, or an irritating external presence.
Two or more Fives in a reading suggest a period of difficult changes and upheavals.  Life may feel upended and the individual totally lost as to how to fix things or find peace and stability. Irritation and frustration will be evident. It is as if life is thwarting you at every available opportunity. Two Fives can highlight conflict between the need for personal change and those who oppose it.
If all Four Fives appear and are grouped close to each other it can suggest problems which are ongoing; arguments that have reached a stalemate – no one is backing down or prepared to change.  There is much drama, stress and upset. Several Fives in a Reading can suggest a loss of control. Life as you know it has fragmented before your eyes. You may not know how to respond. The presence of numerous Fives could point to a general discontent with life and the need for radical change. Disruption and chaos are welcomed as forced change clears the boards. Three or more Fives can imply you are surrounded by strong competition, work in a very competitive environment, or are involved in a competitive relationship. It could reflect an obsession with outdoing everyone else, needing to be the best, always having to win. There may be a combative personality streak where everyone is perceived as an opponent wishing to claim your territory. Several Upright Fives could suggest the odds are on your side where a battle is concerned as you. They can also suggest the need to win at all costs.
Several Fives could imply difficulty in committing or following through. There may be too many false starts and not enough completion. It highlights superficial knowledge as opposed to mastery.  A personality easily distracted by novelty. If the Fives are spaced out the Querant is probably experiencing change and difficulty in several areas of life at the one time.  This may be the result of a knock-on effect from an earlier originating issue. Look to the other cards for clues, especially Past and Surrounding Energy Positions.
When Fives appear reversed the querant is open to, or has managed to accept any changes that have come their way. If several reversed Fives appear, the individual has freed them self or come out of a period of dreadful discord and upset in their lives.  They may now view their experience as life-changing and cleansing. Great personal power and inner-strength was needed to escape the strong influence of so many Fives. They will not forget this time too easily and are bound to have learned much from their experiences. Their card reading and personal story should be very interesting and inspiring.
Reversed Fives can suggest a fear of change or new experiences. There may be rigidity and stagnation in the areas of life suggested by the Suit. Numerous Fives can point to litigation or disputes that have escalated. They can also highlight forceful behaviour or groups that bully or harass. Their presence can suggest intimidation and unpleasant situations. Competition may be healthy or cut-throat when Fives appear Reversed.
A lack of Fives in a reading may possibly suggest a trouble-free time for the querant when life is running smooth and easy.
 
Six In Tarot
The Four Sixes in the Tarot represent stability and security or the potential or opportunity to find it. A halt or ceasefire has been called on their individual battles or difficulties. Now that the storm has passed each Suit will seek comfort, harmony, peace and equilibrium in the only way they know which is governed by their influencing Element.  Most of the Suits will be showing signs of exhaustion and weariness after the Five and some may just want to crawl into the nearest hole and stay there until their breathing and heart beat returns to normal.  They may all need help and support from those around them and so fittingly, the Sixes in the Tarot are also connected with Charity, Patronage and Support.  Some, more than others, may have found that the demands of the Five have left them drained and low.  They must now look to those around them, family, friends or the wider communityto assist them on their continued journey.  All have a role and duty to play at this stage and the act of Giving and Receving comes into strong focus in the Six.
Individually the Suits are halfway through their journey in The Minor Arcana and have reached a kind of crossroad.  I am sure when they started out, all had certain formed attitudes of how their life would run and no doubt, like the rest of us, expected it to work out as planned.  There is a saying that goes “and so go the best laid plans”. Just when you think you have it all figured out, a curve ball comes flying at you out of the blue and can radically alter your Master Plan. They must now figure out how to progress from here.
The Swords had already experienced upset and crisis, in the Two, Three and Four, so of all the Suits, the appearance of the Five in their life was the last thing they needed.  It remains to be seen how well they will use their time in the Six to recover. The Cups experienced their first setback in the Four when the little bubble they had built around them began to deflate. Hot on the heels of that came their Five, blowing them off their feet and cracking their heart right open. With arms wide open they will welcome their Six when it arrives, wrapping themselves in it’s comforting embrace and inhale its wonderful soothing energy.
Of course the Pentacles were probably the most shocked by the arrival of their Five for they thought they had put a contingency plan in place for everything.  They also believed that hard work alone was enough to guarantee success.  Yes, they had their few struggles in the Two when they had to juggle finances and life in order to get ahead.  The Five took everything they had and to add insult to injury, flung them out on the street with just the clothes they had on their back.  Surely they must have thought they had died and gone to hell, not to mention the shame of it all and the massive dent it made to their pride.  When their Six knocks on the door it won’t be a moment too soon for they desperately need to get away from the Five to start all over again, that is, if they have enough strength and self-belief left to do so.
So, that leaves us with the Wands and what they might be looking for in their Six.  Looking back, they really haven’t had to deal with much stress or hassle at all, unless we count their time in the Two with its restrictions, boredom and decisions to be made as particularly worrying.  The rest of their time up to the Five was pretty much doing whatever they wanted to do and blazing a trail for themselves in life.  Much of it was exciting and energetic and most of the time they appeared to be having great fun.  The arrival of their Five wasn’t as upsetting for them as it was for the other Suits.  Indeed, they looked upon it as a personal challenge even though they may have felt frustrated, impatient and irritated at times.  There is nothing like a good fight to fire the blood and test your metal so The Wands may have looked upon their  Five more so as a competition rather than an unpleasant upheaval.  So what will they be looking for in their Six? Well, for a start, a competition must end with a result so they will be looking to see who is declared the winner of all the madness we saw in their Five.  They also will be tired after expending so much energy and a bit like they did in the Four will want the frenetic level to relax a little so that they can enjoy their success and bask in the glory of their superiority.  Tiredness is a sign of weakness to the Wands so don’t expect them to openly declare it. They do need some rest to recharge the batteries regardless of how invincible they think they might be.  However, I don’t think we will see them sitting around or lying in beds trying to recuperate. Life is a game to the Wands and they are always ready to play.   
Multiples Of Five
*The appearance of a Six in a Reading generally is a good omen and much welcomed. Two Sixes in a Reading could show that someone is being very kind to you and supportive. Someone may have done you a good deed or acted charitably on your behalf. Three or more Sixes in a spread would suggest that the Querant is entering a period of stability, harmony, peace and security. There is little to worry about as life becomes less demanding and ticks over quite nicely without much effort. Some may feel bored under the influence of several Sixes but it is wise to enjoy this time as it won’t last forever. Several Sixes in a Reading brings the focus of attention to the family and feeling close and secure within its bosom. Much contact with friends and family members through visits and social occasions suggests a happy and joyful time when strong bonds and connections are felt or formed. With many Sixes appearing, you now have the time to see and appreciate the beauty around you and the many blessings in your life. 
 
Several Reversed Sixes would suggest the opposite. Balance is lost or not yet attained. It would be an indication that the stress and conflict of the Fives still surround and it is not yet possible to find the stability that is so desired. Several Reversed Sixes suggest many areas of your life where conflict and stress still reign supreme. It is a sign that you seek peace and quiet in your life but those around you may be very demanding. However, you may be making little effort to deal with stress in your life and hope that things will eventually settle down of their own accord. You may be on you last legs at present and badly need some rest and peace.
 
Depending on which area/s the Reversed Six/s relate to, they may suggest stagnation and inertia. Life in these areas may have become too stable, to predictable and too boring. The Reversed Sixes can point to restriction and lack of freedom. Reversed Sixes can highlight fickleness and empty promises, charity can come with strings attached or may be withdrawn. Loss of balance in your life can become extreme as each unbalanced area has a knock-on effect on the rest. Inequality and situations of Domination and Submission may be evident.
 
One Reversed Six suggests an area of your life that has either become too stable or out of control. Generally, with a bit of effort on your part it can be sorted and stabilised.
 
 An Absence of Sixes in a Reading does not necessarily suggest a lack of stability but rather that nothing is terribly out of balance at present. 
 
Seven In Tarot
 
The Four Sevens in the Tarot represent challenges and obstacles that must be overcome in order to achieve aims or goals.  After the stabilising time spent in the Six the Universe has decided that more is now required of the individual Suits before they grow lazy or lack lustre about finishing their journey.  Life has changed gear once again and the pressure is beginning to increase the closer they get to the finish line.  Back in the Ace, in their early days, when inspiration, desire, need and burning ambition drove them to take the initial step forward, they may not have realised how hard the road would get, the potholes and sometimes craters that would trip up or indeed swallow the unsuspecting traveller.  Yet, here they are, all Four Suits, and amazingly enough, still standing.
Regardless of the difficulties experienced to date, they are on the home run now and hopefully enough momentum has been built to keep them going to the end no matter what the road throws up at them now.  However, the closer they get to home and attaining their individual goals the harder they will be tested.  Any challenges or obstacles will have to be carefully dealt with and navigated around because mistakes made now may cause serious set backs.  By now, the Four Suits should have a growing understanding of their personal strengths and weaknesses in relation to any apparent successes or failures experienced to date.  The Universe will not tolerate them making the same mistakes over and over so the time has come for them to ‘know thyself and thy abilities’. Therefore, the Sevens alsodeal with introspection and the reassessment of goals and aims.  Some adjustments may need to be made in the way the Suits go about achieving them.  Some challenges or obstacles faced, may seem familiar at this stage and they may ask, “Hey, what am I doing here again?” but if they stop to think long and hard enough they will realise that if they are getting the same unwanted results for the same actions then change or a new strategy is needed.
In  in the face of challenge and obstacles, a new approach may be necessary to achieve their aims. It is a time to reassess their goals. The Wands have to deal with the challenge of having too many irons in the fire and demands in their life.  The position they fought so hard for and eventually won now brings its own set of problems and burdens.
The Cups after their personal trauma and heartbreak sought refuge and sanctuary but now realise that change is needed once again and with that brings emotional fear and confusion. They must go deep within to find answers and guidance. The challenge is to face themselves.
The Swords after been psychologically overwhelmed and beaten down must move beyond that.  They need to sharpen and start using their brilliant minds to adapt to whatever is thrown at them instead of letting it knock them down each time.
The Pentacles, after their loss and deprivation now have the challenge of getting back on their feet and deciding what to do next. Through introspection and reassessment their challenge is not to let failure have a chance to catch them again.
For Each Suit, all will be riding on what they do next.
All Four Suits may benefit from reviewing their life plan.  Some may need to be torn up and rewritten, others just needing a tweek here and there.  Some may have lost sight of the original goal or now want something else. Getting back out on the road with a new sense of purpose is what the energy of the Seven can bring to the Fours Suits.  With determination, conviction, tenacity and a strong sense of self-belief, the message of the Seven rings strong and clear in their heads, “You must not give up, hang on in there and find a way to succeed.  Victory is yours if you have the courage and stamina to take it. We shall overcome”.
Seven also brings luck and magic but usually as a byproduct of resourcefulness and using initiative.   This combination can be quite powerful indeed but they cannot wait for it to come knocking on the door.  They must go out and make it themselves.  The continued journey of the Four Suits is not for the faint hearted but the wheels have been set in motion and one way or another they will all cross that finish line, successfully or not.
* One Seven turning up in your reading may not be terribly significant but will highlight, depending on the Suit, the area of your life that is posing challenging or difficult. Reassess how you are tackling the situation as you may need a new approach.
Two of more Sevens in your Reading will suggest that you are more than likely feeling challenged and have much to overcome or deal with before you can get some peace of mind.  You are bound to be feeling tired and drained and under pressure but you must not give up or give in. Instead, you might have to make some changes in the way you are doing things if you wish to achieve your goals. 
All Four Sevens can actually be a good sign and once they are Upright suggests that you are really taking the necessary steps to get your life in order and are making progress.  It is a testimony to your strong assertive and independent personality which is the type that never gives in.  You are finding a way around all the pot holes and thinking on your feet.  Luck is bound to be on your side as a result of all your combined efforts.
One Reversed Seven in a Reading again, is not terribly significant but does show the area of your life where you feel overwhelmed and not in full control.  You may need to let a situation go or change the way you deal with it but instead use the same old approaches and keep going regardless of the unwelcome outcome. 
Two or more Reversed Sevens in a Reading is often a sign of stubbornness, rigidity or stupidity.  The Reversed Message of The Seven is “Don’t hang on.  Let go. What you are doing is not working so stop. You are getting the same results over and over, yet you fail to learn.  You are going nowhere with this situation.  Get out or completely overhaul.  Stepping back now will give you a chance to reassess your situation. “
All Four Sevens Reversed can suggest bad luck all round and acting without thought or impulsiveness. Whatever you are doing is not working and you are probably solely responsible for this.
 
Eight In Tarot
Eight  is the number of Strength in the Tarot and The Four Suits must now find a way to access their own particular Strength if they wish to make real progress on their Journey. The Four Suits show the different approaches to finding or accessing Strength. The Wands stand for the Strength experienced when their energy is allowed to flow freely, the Cups find the Strength to leave an emotionally un-fulfilling situation in search of personal happiness, the Swords struggle to find the psychological Strength to liberate themselves from limiting, negative and restrictive mindsets and attitudes while the Pentacles showcase their Strength of commitment and determination.
The Four Suits have certainly been through their ups and downs and each came up against their most recent challenges either internally or externally in the Seven.  Now, they must all access their personal Inner-Strength to move them past any obstacles and set-backs experienced in the Seven.  In the Eight, The Four Suits experience a sudden release of their Elemental Energy.  For some, it will feel like they have the wind in their sails, as life begins to speed up with activity and the much longed for positive change.  For others, the sudden release of their Elemental Energy may feel more overwhelming than anything else.  One thing is for certain, the Four Suits will really have their eyes opened to the sheer force and Strength of their Governing Element once released from its shackles.
For the Wands, the sudden release of their Elemental Fire Energy explodes into their life and brings with it excitement, activity, fast movement and rapid change.  For the Wands to be caged in, as they were in the Seven, the arrival of the Eight and the Freedom it brings couldn’t come a minute too soon.  They do not feel any fear of their Element but rather want to jump right on board and experience the thrill of the ride.  Their life has certainly livened up once more and in the Eight, we will experience them at their very best, for this will be the highlight of their journey, and how they would like all days to be.
A healthy,  balance of Water being released to the Cups, provides enough of a strong current to carry them forward and out of the stagnant and murky water of the Seven.  Once in this current of their own Element, they will allow and trust it to deliver them to where they are meant to be.  For the often slow-moving Cups, this sudden movement and change may initially fill them with fear of the unknown. Regardless of how anxious they might feel,  the Water only flows one-way now.  Therefore they must commit to moving forward until they find what they are looking for. They have identified the need for change in their life and so the Universe has sent their own Element, in gushing strength, to rescue them from their emotionally un-fulfilling environment or life.
The sheer force of the Air Element being released on the Swords will be very hard to control.  The Swords badly need to be freed from all their accumulated stress, tension and conflict.  They have made attempts in the past to escape it, but even though they badly need to catch up with the other Suits to experience the thrill and amazing strength of their Governing Element, they still seem to have a heavy horse dragging behind them.  They need to change and make rapid progresswith the rest, but their Sword can cut two ways.  In the Eight, the Strength of their Element Air can empower their Sword to slice and sever anything that binds them to negativity and a dysfunctional mind. Like a machete, it will clear a pathway through the dense undergrowth of their mind and allow them to see daylight and taste the potential of freedom.  That is, of course reliant on the Sword being handled correctly.  If not, the Force of Air can turn the extra-strenghtened Sword on its handler, causing further damage and destruction. The Swords then multiply and surround their owner.  It is a difficult one to call, but depending on the individual, the Eight can herald the dawn of a new era and understanding or the death knell of a struggling and rapidly breaking down mind.  For the Swords, it is really make or break time for them in the Eight if they stand any chance coming out of this in once piece.  All the stress and torment must stop here, but are they strong enough to handle their Element? As we all know at this stage, The Swords can be their own worst enemy.
The Force of The Earth Element being released on the Pentacles is what they have been waiting for, for a long time.  The stabilising, grounding and rock-steady strength of Earth appears like a landslide and dumps its load right at their feet.  This is what the Pentacles want for they can build with and on Earth thereby strengthening their position.  They can now throw themselves wholeheartedly into their journey for they know that they have enough Earth to go the distance and are confident they will have much show when they cross the finish line in the Ten.  The Eight empowers the Pentacles because the number Eight is also a magical number for business, trade and commerce.  With the Eight Energy supporting them, they can feel the success within.  Now they just want to be allowed to get on  with becoming the Masters and Experts of their Field of Earth. Hard work but happy days.
In the Eight, the Four Suits shift into a higher gear and movement speeds up for most, if not for all (Those poor Swords). The Eights bring a buzz of excitement and activity in their wake and a sense of real progress being made.  Things are beginning to happen and everyone seems to be mobilising once more with a building sense of anticipation as they move ever closer to the finish line.  The Eight’s mission is to free them from their limiting circumstances so that they can be what they want to be.  A number must be very strong to do that.  The Eight has it all.  The number Eight also symbolises solidity of foundations, firm balance and harmony and as mentioned above, Eight is a very lucky number in business and all financial dealings.
A single Eight in a Reading can highlight an area of your life where you are beginning to overcome personal issues, challenge or difficulty.  It can also suggest an area of your life that you are making progress in or mastering. The situation involved is bound to have been more long-term than short-term as the Eight brings results after hard effort.
If the Single Eight in a Reading is the Eight of Swords, then there is bound to be a lack of harmony or stability for the Querant. In fact this single Card can be influencing every aspect of their life.  Sort this out and the rest will miraculously fall into place. The Upright Eight of Swords will bring a mighty challenge to overcome but it can be done if enough effort is applied.
Several Eights appearing in a Spread can suggest that your Inner-Strength is being tested but that you have sufficient ability or power to deal with the situation. However the Eights do have a very positive effect on a Reading and can suggest that there is much activity and excitement for the Querant.  The more Eights in a Reading the busier life gets, not with boring or tedious things but rather a sense of positive things beginning to happen all round.  Several Eights can herald the end of a stagnant time in life by rushing in powerful energy to stir things up.  An abundance of Eights will bring travel, positive change, a whirlwind of social activity and productivity at work.  Life will certainly be worth looking forward to and very interesting. Great progress can be made with several Eights.
When a Single Eight appears Reversed in a Reading it can suggest an area of your life that is certainly dragging you down. Reversed Eights return you to the challenges and set-backs of the Seven because they have not been properly dealt with.  It can suggest a lack of courage and faith in one-self to face up to problems. The Querant can become stuck, making very little effort to free themselves.
The appearance of a Reversed Eight of Swords can have again cut both ways.  Either the Sword is used to sever the bonds that tie or the Sword is plunged in to the heart.  Freedom or Dysfunctional Psychological  Enslavement.
Several Reversed Eights can highlight an even worse scenario then the One Eight appearing.  There is bound to be a very noticeable sign of lack of Inner-Strength or courage coupled with a sense of doom and failure.  Weakness of spirit and confidence can cause terrible negativity.  Several Eights appearing  can also be a sign that nothing much is happening in life at present or that the Querant is finding it hard to get anything off the ground.  The Social Diary is bound to be empty and there may be a sense of boredom.  Nothing exciting is happening except the same old, same old. Energy levels may be low with a lack of motivation .
 
Nine In Tarot
The Four Nines of The Minor Arcana represent the final stage of action, reflection, thoughts and deeds of the Four Suits. It heralds the end of a cycle and the natural winding down or closing stages of a period of your life, incident, situation, relationship or stage of a relationship . This does not mean that the situation is over and done with or gone forever.  What is does mean is that it has run its natural course and is the total culmination of all you have done, all the effort put in and all your hopes, wishes and dreams.  The Goals that each have struggled long and hard for are now in sight and ready to be claimed.  Wishes are just about to come true and dreams realised. Of course for the Swords it is the end of the road for them with stress and conflict, they too will experience the culmination of all that has come to be throughout their journey.
For all the Suits involved, it is now time to review and reflect on the consequences of their actions.  Their journey is over, but not just yet, for they must now take a long hard look back and be totally honest with themselves.  They all started out on the same footing; with the same advantages, the same innocence and the same quality of Gift from Spirit.  They were all bursting with potential as they accepted and grasped their Gift firmly in their hand. They were all equal and full of promise as they stood before Spirit, receiving their blessings and advice. They had held such high hopes for their futures.
Some, were already formulating plans and goals as they instinctually knew what they wanted of their Elemental Gift (Pentacles). Others had wonderful ideas and visions but preferred not to settle on anything too soon. Bursting with their Fiery Elemental Gift, they would try to experience as much as possible (Wands). Then there were some who held high and noble hopes of love and happiness, not just for one, but for all.  They offered their Cup to share with another and set goals of happiness, love and joy (Cups). Of course we had one who fretted and worried over what to do with theirs.  Their Gift weighed heavily on them and often wondered why they had drawn the short straw?  Their Gift was a potentially dangerous weapon and possibly they felt too inexperienced to know how to handle it adequately.  Starting off with such worries and unsettling thoughts did put a dampener on the  excitement of the occasion. It did not augur well for the future (Swords). It is a pity they did not understand its beauty for when handle