MAJOR ARCANA
The Shadow Witch moves into the woods because the forest symbolizes unknown, forgotten places. We are part of nature, not separate from it. The forest is the outward manifestation of our subconscious life. Forest symbolism is widely used in myth, film, and literature. A forest is the entrance to Hades, the Greek underworld, as described by Virgil in the Aeneid. Dante Alighieri finds himself inside a dark forest in his Divine Comedy. The Star Wars saga sends Luke Skywalker to a bog-like forest planet for Jedi training, where he meets his subconscious in a dark cave. Innumerable fairy tales-from Little Red Riding Hood to Hansel and Gretel-send their protagonists inside eerie, dark woods to outwit monsters and learn valuable lessons. The forest is where we become lost so we can find ourselves.
Fool
Each step brings you closer to your destiny -- A leap of faith. Acting impulsively. Foolishness echoing freedom. Acting in self interest. A grand adventure. Optimism. Youth. A journey only you can take. The road is yours alone. Acting Impulsively. Complete trust. Innocence. The beginning of a new cycle. A door opens. The adventure begins.
Magician
All the magic of the world resides in you -- Charisma. Dynamic personality. Working wonders. Ability to take action. Purposeful magic. Asserting one's will over the self. Supreme self-governance. The ability to realize one's full potential. Activity and intention. Clear and concise goals.
High Priestess
You are the divine whisper of the universe -- Silence. Secrets. Darkness. Evolution of the soul. The blueprint of your personality, talents and traits. A deep knowledge and third eye vision. Activated intuition. Lunar cycles. Inner knowledge. Personal authenticity.
Empress
Your passion is the blueprint to your magic -- Mother figure. Creation. Artistic ability. Soft, gentle, nurturing touch. Reinvention and expression. Confidence and the abundance of the soul. Fertility and birth. Sensorial pleasure and earthly delights. Stepping in tune with seasonal change, displaying natural abundance in all things. The nurturing of self expression and potential.
Emperor
Define the boundaries of your life to create a kingdom -- Father figure. Habits and strategies creating success and results. Authority and domination. Defense and protection. Established rules. Asserting boundaries when needed and moving them when necessity calls for it. Self possession and, above all things, self control.
Hierophant
The answers you seek stand before you -- The passing on of a lineage and holy teachings. Religious, esoteric texts and ritualistic implements. External spirituality, religious structures and institutions. Belief systems that are instilled rather than experienced. Societal norms and expectations. Teachers and students. Mentorship. The sharing of information. What lesson are you learning?
Lovers
Love is the unifying, expansive, and binding force of the universe -- Love and romantic attraction. Flirtation. Deep bonds. Profound and emotional connection. Sensuality and pleasure. Spiritual ecstasy. Rapture. The unfolding of the mind, body, and spirit. Deep gratitude and sense of aliveness. Soul mates. Twin flames. Quantum entanglement.
Chariot
Spread your wings and take flight -- Your goal is a person, place, thing, state of mind, or a manner of being. It will be yours. You are moving in alignment with the nature of your soul. You will reach your destination. Ascend to new heights. Success, drive, and attainment.
Strength
Universal power lies within you -- Gentle control. Inner wells of power. Stable body. Sound mind. Fortitude and unwavering sense of self. Knowing when to apply pressure and when to release it. Character and resiliency. Effortless action. Recognizing one's power. Your energetic birthright. Stoking your inner fire and transforming your reality.
Hermit
The wisdom of silence is deafening -- Silence. Space. Thought. Sequester. Meditation. Curiosity. Questioning. Removing yourself from the noise of everyday life. Inner knowledge cultivated by personal investigation. Acute listening to the universe inside of you. Sharing wisdom with others. Leading by example.
Wheel of Fortune
The symphony of life is a perpetual wheel of motion -- Life's ups and downs. The rhythm and flow of existence. Expansion and movement. The Wheel of Fortune turns in your favor. The ability to ride with challenges and blessings. Accepting help from the unseen.
Justice
What you do to others you do to yourself -- Work and effort. Karma. The witch's rule of three. The energy you put out returns to you three times over. Taking responsibility. Doing the right thing even if it is a tough, scary choice. Showing up when you would rather avoid the situation. Doing right by yourself. Facing the truth. Owning up.
Hanged Man
The deeper you look, the more is revealed -- A moment's pause. Stillness. A sacrifice is made for the greater good of all involved. The world seen through a new set of eyes. Revelations beheld. Keep looking. Excitement is afoot. Deep mystical tendencies. Contemplation. Seeing the situation at hand from an entirely new point of view. Cultivating depth in the present moment.
Death
Let death teach you how to live -- Terminus. The end of a way of being. Clearing the path. The ascent to higher understanding. The beginning of true integration. A new beginning with a deeper understanding unfolds. Let go.
Temperance
Transcend duality to embrace identity -- Balance within duality, leading to complex thought and action. The honing of skills. Energetic mastery. Going with the flow. Unique and successful combinations. Excellent management skills put to the test with good results. Originality. The unique expression of personal talent.
Devil
Make fear your friend and turn obstacles into allies -- Illusion. Abusive power and control. Shadow. Addiction. Deception and trickery. The heart of the matter. The source of discomfort. Shapeshifting and trickery. A rip-roaring good time. Immediate desires fulfilled at a dangerous cost.
Tower
An act of release is the art of surrender -- Mayhem. Destruction. Collapse of what never fit in to begin with. Needed recalibration. Shocking events. Surprise. Aha moment. Abrupt clarification. Empty space.
Star
Universal alignment is your natural state -- Inspiration. Minimalism. Motivation. Creating a new reality. Emotional clearing. Gifts of the heart and soul. Belief. Peace. Pleasure. Space cleared. Hope. Optimism.
Moon
Portents are seen in the mind's eye and felt in the body -- Dreams. Nighttime. Psychic activity and the paranormal. An idea, thought, or thing inside your subconscious is ready to rise and be seen. Imagination. Visions. Dark magic.
Sun
Health and vitality flourish -- Expansion, renewal, and growth. Brilliance and beauty. Pregnancy. The unfolding of the heart's desire. Pleasure. Productivity. Recognition of achievement.
Judgement
You have passed the point of no return -- The choice is made. Wake-up call. Eternal change. Nothing will ever be the same. Evolution is at hand. Rebirth. Heeding the call of your heart. Unfolding joy.
