Aquarius in the Minor Arcana: The Five of Swords

Let’s continue our exploration of Aquarius in the tarot with a dip into the Minor Arcana.  In the astrological correspondence system that I follow, Aquarius is linked to the Five, Six and Seven of Swords (for more information on this system, I recommend Elizabeth Hazel’s Tarot Decoded, published by Weiser, 2004). Today I’m going to look at the Five of Swords, which corresponds to Venus in Aquarius – as well as the first ten days of Aquarius (so from the 20^th to the 29^th-30^th January this year).

Five of Swords (trimmed):

© Sharman-Burke/Caselli Tarot

Aquarius is the fixed Air sign, so we’re looking at maintaining lines of communications, and establishing ideas and concepts – but not just any old idea. This is the sign of the unconventional and the unorthodox, the reformer and revolutionary.  When we add Venus, the ‘principle of attraction’, to this we have a sign that expresses itself freely, perhaps flirtatiously – but very likely in an experimental way.  Aquarius can be detached and impersonal, so that flirtation might be very superficial and could impede the development of intimate relationships.  There’s a strong need for active socializing, for establishing groups based around a common cause, but this will be influenced by beliefs in individual freedom and expression, which could lead to conflict if not managed.

So how might this play out in the Five of Swords?  Let start with a relatively ‘traditional’ depiction of the Five of Swords, such as that of the Sharman-Burke/Caselli deck. Here we see a figure standing in a triumphant pose, holding three swords aloft while the other two lie at his feet.  Two figures behind him are creeping away in defeat, heading towards choppy waters and a stormy-looking sky.   Juliet Sharman-Burke, in her accompanying book to this deck, writes of needing to ‘accept the limits of both victory and defeat’.  The limits come through the fixed-ness of Aquarius, I feel – needing to recognize that there are limits to what we want to achieve, what we’re attracted to (the Venusian quality). Not that we have to give up, necessarily, but to accept a ‘temporary defeat’ or setback by objectively (Aquarius again) assessing how strong we are, be it as an individual or group, in relation to our opponent, be that another individual or community, and being able to step back from a battle that can’t be won.  A battle – not the ‘war’.  By knowing when to walk away from a situation or relationship, whatever it might be, we live to fight another day for what we believe in, what we’re pulled towards – the attraction principle, again.

Five of Swords (trimmed):

© Druid Craft Tarot

The Druid Craft’s image for this card is a relatively ‘traditional’ depiction, with a figure standing in a triumphant – or perhaps defiant - pose, holding three swords while the other two lie at his feet.  A hunched figure behind him slumps away in defeat – the risk of defeat over his belief in freedom of expression, perhaps?  The victor in this case may have acted without compassion or humility – the downside of Aquarian’s detachment, maybe.

In the Shadowscapes and Thoth decks, the emphasis is the same, although the images are different.  Things are out of balance due to the tension or conflict between ideologies, say – the harmony that we normally associate with Venus has been lost.  Aquarius looks towards the future though – it’s the forward-thinking sign.  The challenge is to stay objective, to be able to look at the situation clearly and to assess the options open to us, rather than succumbing to the loss of hope – the Venusian/Aquarian ideal.

Five of Swords (trimmed):

© Thoth Tarot

Five of Swords (trimmed):

© Shadowscapes Tarot

If you’ve enjoyed this post, you might be interested in my e-book, Astrology in Tarot, now available from Amazon.

Beginner’s Guide to the Tarot created by Juliet Sharman-Burke, illustrated by Giovanni Caselli, published by Connections

Druid Craft Tarot created by Philip Carr-Gomm and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, illustrated by Will Worthington, published by Connections

Shadowscapes Tarot created by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law and Barbara Moore, published by Llewellyn

Thoth Tarot created by Aleister Crowley, illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Libra in the Minor Arcana: The Four of Swords

The last of the three minor Swords cards associated with Libra, the Four of Swords is linked to Jupiter in the cardinal Air sign. It also corresponds to the last ten days of Libra, from the 13^th through to the 22^nd October this year (see Elizabeth Hazel’s excellent Tarot Decoded, published by Weiser, 2004, for more on Planetary and Zodiacal dignities).

So, what qualities does Jupiter bring to Libra? Well, Jupiter is associated with expansion, the broadening of horizons – and by association, optimism and faith.  Jupiter was a Roman god, also known as Jove, giving us the word ‘jovial’ – so we have humour, as well as benevolence to add to the Jupiterian or Jovian mix. But we also have the sense of fairness – Jupiter as the arbiter at the tribunal.

Four of Swords (trimmed):

© DruidCraft Tarot

Add this to the cardinal airy-ness of Libra, the quest for harmony and balance within relationship, and what happens?  The quest expands!  The objectivity and fairness is still there, but now we can add diplomat as well as negotiator – the ability to see the ‘bigger picture’.  Not only fair-minded, but also broad-minded, Jupiter in Libra wants to see things grow and develop through co-operation, and encourages this.  One thing to be wary of might be the need to weigh everything up, which could perhaps inhibit the confidence and decisive thought!

How does this fit with the Four of Swords?  This card is often associated with themes of recuperation, rest, and convalescence. Four is a number of stability – think of a square: it rests solidly on four corners, and it takes a lot to shift it.  Taking time to stand still (or lie still, as often depicted in Four of Swords images) to recover or re-charge before facing the next challenge is definitely indicated.

Four of Feathers (trimmed):

© Margarete Petersen Tarot

Jupiter in Libra brings a sense of clarity, after the pain and sorrow of the Three.  With acceptance – the lesson from the Three – comes time to breathe, to take a deep breath, to expand the lungs, to expand our view of the situation.  To quote Gerd Ziegler (‘Tarot: Mirror of the Soul’, published by Weiser Books), what “has seemed hopeless until now actually carries within itself all the elements for a fortunate, prosperous solution.”  Through rest, the body, mind, spirit and emotions have all been brought together ready to face another day.

If you’ve enjoyed this post, you might be interested in my e-book, Astrology in Tarot, now available from Amazon.

DruidCraft Tarot created by Philip Carr-Gomm and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, illustrated by Will Worthington, published by Connections

Margarete Petersen Tarot, AGM-URANIA/Deep Books, 2004.

Virgo in the Minor Arcana: The Eight of Pentacles

Now let’s look at Virgo in the Minor Arcana.  Virgo is linked to three ‘pip’ cards in the earthy suit of Pentacles.  Because Virgo is a mutable sign, we look to the 8, 9 and 10 of the suit to find the planetary correspondences.  (For more information on this system of Planetary and Zodiacal dignities, I recommend Elizabeth Hazel’s Tarot Decoded, published by Weiser, 2004).

8 of Disks (trimmed):

© Thoth Tarot

In the system I follow, the Eight of Pentacles is linked to the Sun in Virgo – and to the first ten days of the Sun’s journey through this sign (23^rd-2^nd September).  The deck that conveys this best, for me, is the Thoth.  The earthiness of the Pentacles (Disks, in the Thoth) is represented by the plant, and the earthy greens and browns.  I can almost feel the sun, with all that bright yellow-gold suffusing the card!  Gerd Ziegler, in his ‘Tarot: Mirror of the Soul’ (published by Weber Books, 1998) talks of the ‘flowering of internal and external richness’ – a lovely description of this image.  

Notice how each blossom is shaded from direct sunlight by a large leaf?  There’s a message here about protection, about being careful and prudent (the keyword on the Thoth’s Eight of Disks).  Although we’re in Virgo, this card isn’t about harvest.  It’s too early for that, in this card - whatever it is you’re nurturing has only just reached flowering stage.  It needs time to develop blossoms.  If we extend this to wider Pentacles themes, such as health or finances, the message becomes one of ensuring that our resources have time to develop sufficiently to allow for success.   

Eight of Stones (trimmed):

© Wildwood Tarot

Virgo, the sixth sign of the zodiac, is associated with the sixth house – the house of service, of daily routine, of health and well-being.  Virgo needs to be helpful in a tangible, practical, down-to-earth way.  The Sun just wants to shine!  The Eight of Pentacles is about allowing ourselves to grow and develop our skills and talents - the things we use in our daily lives – carefully.  We have to tend to our creativity, just as we would our garden.  Some discrimination is required – what’s useful, and what need to be weeded out?

The image in the Wildwood Tarot’s Eight of Stones focuses more on Virgo’s attention to detail, to the crafting of practical things.  The keyword here is ‘skill’. In order to acquire skills, we need to develop self-discipline, as well as patience and perseverance – qualities we might associate with the other earth signs of Taurus and Capricorn, perhaps. But that’s where the mutability comes in – Virgo takes what’s been set in motion by the Capricorn discipline and maintained by the Taurean perseverance and determination, and turns it into something that can be used in a very practical way!

Eight of Pentacles (trimmed):

© Shadowscapes Tarot

The Shadowscapes’ Eight of Pentacles also focuses on attention to detail – just look at the delicacy of a spider’s web!  The image also reminds us that diligence and patience are important qualities when it comes to creating something.  The deck’s creators write of “a practical application of intellect and skill to a task to see through to the finish” – a great description of Virgo qualities!

If you’ve enjoyed this post, you might be interested in my new e-book, Astrology in Tarot, now available from Amazon.

Shadowscapes Tarot created by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law and Barbara Moore, published by Llewellyn

Thoth Tarot created by Aleister Crowley, illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Wildwood Tarot created by Mark Ryan and John Matthews, illustrated by Will Worthington, published by Connections

Libra in the Druidcraft’s Minor Arcana: The Four of Swords

The last of the three minor Swords cards associated with Libra, the Four of Swords is linked to Jupiter in the cardinal Air sign. It also corresponds to the last ten days of Libra, from the 13^th through to the 22^nd October this year (see Elizabeth Hazel’s excellent Tarot Decoded, published by Weiser, 2004, for more on Planetary and Zodiacal dignities). 

So, what qualities does Jupiter bring to Libra? Well, Jupiter is associated with expansion, the broadening of horizons – and by association, optimism and faith.  Jupiter was a Roman god, also known as Jove, giving us the word ‘jovial’ – so we have humour, as well as benevolence to add to the Jupiterian or Jovian mix. But we also have the sense of fairness – Jupiter as the arbiter at the tribunal.

Add this to the cardinal airy-ness of Libra, the quest for harmony and balance within relationship, and what happens?  The quest expands!  The objectivity and fairness is still there, but now we can add diplomat as well as negotiator – the ability to see the ‘bigger picture’.  Not only fair-minded, but also broad-minded, Jupiter in Libra wants to see things grow and develop through co-operation, and encourages this.  One thing to be wary of might be the need to weigh everything up, which could perhaps inhibit the confidence and decisive thought!

Druidcraft Tarot: Four of Swords (trimmed)

How does this fit with the Four of Swords?  This card is often associated with themes of recuperation, rest, and convalescence. Four is a number of stability – think of a square: it rests solidly on four corners, and it takes a lot to shift it.  Taking time to stand still (or lie still, as often depicted in Four of Swords images) to recover or re-charge before facing the next challenge is definitely indicated. The figure in the Druidcraft’s image rests in the shade of a tree, perhaps drawing strength from it.  Note too that three of the swords still remain upright, their tips pointing upwards, reflecting the shape of the Awen that we saw in the Three of Swords.

Jupiter in Libra brings a sense of clarity, after the pain and sorrow of the Three.  With acceptance – the lesson from the Three – comes time to breathe, to take a deep breath, to expand the lungs, to expand our view of the situation.  To quote Gerd Ziegler (‘Tarot: Mirror of the Soul’, published by Weiser Books), what “has seemed hopeless until now actually carries within itself all the elements for a fortunate, prosperous solution.”  Through rest, the body, mind, spirit and emotions have all been brought together ready to face another day.

Druidcraft Tarot created by Philip Carr-Gomm and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, illustrated by Will Worthington, published by Connections

Libra in the Druidcraft’s Minor Arcana: The Three of Swords

Today we move on to the Three of Swords, linked to Saturn in Libra.  It also corresponds to the second ten-day period in Libra – this year, that’s from about the 3^rd October through to the 12^th (see Elizabeth Hazel’s excellent Tarot Decoded, published by Weiser, 2004, for more on Planetary and Zodiacal dignities).

Just to recap: Libra is the cardinal Air sign, so we’re looking at creative energy around activity involving thought, ideas, logic, reason.  It’s about partnerships of all kinds, but the emphasis is on the contractual side of things – wanting to ensure equality and fairness within the relationship, be it personal or professional – rather than the romance and passion.  Libra is ruled by Venus, so often takes on the role of peacemaker or mediator.

Kronos

But here we have Saturn in Libra!  One of the things that Saturn symbolizes is the imposition of limits and restrictions. Sometimes this works to our advantage – where would we be without some boundaries in place? But sometimes it feels as though it’s working against us.  Through the connection to Kronos (the Greek counterpart to the Roman god Saturn), we have a link to time and chronology as well.

Interestingly, Saturn is what we call ‘exalted’ (not to be confused with rulership) in Libra, meaning that it’s very comfortable in this sign.  Saturn in Libra represents the ability to establish and maintain relationships on an equal footing.  Through the ‘time-management’ quality of Saturn, it also symbolizes the ability to organize and structure relationships based on harmony and balance.  Discipline plays a big part in maintaining these partnerships, in which promises and commitments are honoured.

A connection to the Three of Swords isn’t obvious, is it?  Traditionally, we’ve come to think of this card as representing a release of tension, and the need to accept that disappointment and pain are an inevitable part of life’s journey.  I like Rachel Pollack’s view on this: that the way to deal with sorrow is to take it into our hearts, accept it, and to go beyond it.  We see that in the traditional images in this card - often shown as a heart being pierced by arrows.  I think too of Venus, Libra's ruler, when I see the heart; she represents harmony, which is what we're after here - the bringing into balance of sorrow and joy, if you like.

To me, the links to Saturn are the time and discipline elements – recognizing that there are times and situations where things have to change, and that sometimes it takes time and self-discipline to accept that, no matter how sad or painful the circumstances.  I’ve heard it said that joy and sorrow come from the same place, which conjures up the images of the scales of Libra; sorrow has to be balanced by joy, through a process of resolution – all very Libran themes.

Druidcraft Tarot (trimmed)

So, can we see any of this in the Druidcraft’s Three of Swords? The image is relatively traditional in that it depicts three swords and a heart-shaped stone. Unlike the RWS deck, the swords are not shown piercing the heart, and there are no drops of blood to be seen. Instead, the swords rest on the heart-stone, tips pointing skyward. To anyone versed in Druid lore, the shape they form reflect the Druid symbol for the Awen, the inspiration (in-spire = inhale, perhaps – the intake of Air as well as ideas) that allows us to grow and transform.

The number 3 comes from adding 1 and 2 together, so we have the combining of the one-ness and the duality – the creation of a third ‘being’. The creators of the Druidcraft, Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, talk of the Threes representing fertility, harvest, and fulfilment, so combined with the suit of Swords we have the ‘harvest’ of conflict and challenge: sorrow or suffering. But from that heartache comes a wisdom, the knowledge that some form of healing can come from this.  Here’s the Saturn in Libra, then – the maturity that comes through trials and tribulations, the understanding that it takes time to heal, and for things to change. 

This, on the same day that I learn about the death of a wonderful woman who will be sadly missed. Our circle of friends will be dealing with that heartache and challenge for some time... Sending love and light to Ewa and all who knew her.

Druidcraft Tarot created by Philip Carr-Gomm and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, illustrated by Will Worthington, published by Connections

Virgo in the Druidcraft Minor Arcana: The Eight of Pentacles

Now let’s look at Virgo in the Minor Arcana.  Virgo is linked to three ‘pip’ cards in the earthy suit of Pentacles.  Because Virgo is a mutable sign, we look to the 8, 9 and 10 of the suit to find the planetary correspondences.  (For more information on this system of Planetary and Zodiacal dignities, I recommend Elizabeth Hazel’s Tarot Decoded, published by Weiser, 2004).  In the system I follow, the Eight of Pentacles is linked to the Sun in Virgo – and to the first ten days of the Sun’s journey through this sign (23^rd-2^nd September).  

Virgo, the sixth sign of the zodiac, is associated with the sixth house – the house of service, of daily routine, of health and well-being.  Virgo needs to be helpful in a tangible, practical, down-to-earth way.  The Sun just wants to shine!  The Eight of Pentacles is about allowing ourselves to grow and develop our skills and talents - the things we use in our daily lives – carefully.  We have to tend to our creativity, just as we would our garden.  Some discrimination is required – what’s useful, and what need to be weeded out?

 

8 of Pentacles (detail): Druidcraft Tarot

Can we see this in the Druidcraft’s Eight of Pentacles?  I think so, yes.  The image focuses on attention to detail, to the crafting of practical things. I think of training, of studying, of learning new skills.  But in order to acquire these skills, we need to develop self-discipline, as well as patience and perseverance – qualities we might associate with the other earth signs of Taurus and Capricorn, perhaps. But that’s where the mutability comes in – Virgo takes what’s been set in motion by the Capricorn discipline and maintained by the Taurean perseverance and determination, and turns it into something that can be used in a very practical way!

Although we’re in Virgo, this card isn’t about harvest.  It’s too early for that, in this card - whatever it is you’re nurturing has only just reached flowering stage.  It needs time to develop blossoms.  If we extend this to wider Pentacles themes, such as health or finances, the message becomes one of ensuring that our resources have time to develop sufficiently to allow for success.   

It’s the perfect card for me today, as this is my first day in my new job – which will involve looking after office administration as well as fulfilling natural health food product orders, as well as keeping my bank manager happy.  How Virgoan is that??

Druidcraft Tarot created by Philip Carr-Gomm and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, illustrated by Will Worthington, published by Connections,2004