What they had available was largely your standard tattoos. You know, like pin-up girls, military tattoos, tribal, dragons, butterflies and fairies mostly drawn in what appeared to be the ’80s-style. We both looked at a wide variety of books and not one matched who we are. They styles were not right for us.

This got me thinking: What about a Tarot tattoo? A quick search of the internet yielded this site, http://www.TattooSymbol.com/tarot. This looks promising…The divination meanings are accurate and well researched too, bonus! They have even tattooed The Hermit, my favorite Tarot card, unto someone here: http://www.tattoosymbol.com/just-for-site/hermit.html. Neat!

I am drawn equally to The Hermit, The High Priestess, The Moon and the Six of Swords. The Hermit likes to think about things and I am always thinking of something! Standing there he might just give you the answer that you seek, if you ask correctly. Although he is just as likely to answer a question with a question. Old knowledge is hard to come by and harder to keep. He reminds me, that every so often, I need to unplug from society and recharge my inner being. Just as he himself does.

Additionally, I like The Hermit because it is my Soul card. Soul cards are the first 9 Major Arcana cards. They will tell you more about who you are. To find yours, add your birthday together until you get to a single number. For example: 5+12+1956=1973 -> 1+9+7+3=20 -> 2+0=2 so your Soul card is The High Priestess.

The High Priestess keeps the secrets and what Tarot reader wouldn’t want to know some secrets? That in itself is intriguing…She is also very young and very pretty. On a deeper level, for me she represents the veil between what we know and that which we have yet to uncover about ourselves.

The Moon represents being psychic and dreaming. Both are really cool things! It also occasionally shines truth onto things if you can work around your emotions and fears. That is always a good reminder to have.

The Six of Swords is journeying from one phase of life to the next, She’s in transition or metamorphosis from her old life to her new one. Like a caterpillar to a butterfly. She moves over the water silently always on the look out for rocks or a change in the river bend. She is flexible in her choices and with her options always ready to change course if that is what needs to be done.

The search is on!

What Tarot tattoo would you get? Which card is your favorite?

For information on calculating the Tarot card for April, look at March’s Tarot card of the month. Read the first paragraph for instructions. The following two paragraphs contain further useful knowledge relating to numerology and Tarot.

Following the instructions in the first paragraph, 5+2+0+1+2=2,017 and 2+0+1+7=10. There is no need to reduce this number further. The Tarot card for May 2012 is the Wheel of Fortune.

Keywords that relate to the Wheel of Fortune are:  luck, change, revolution and consequence.

The associated zodiac signs are: Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio and Taurus.

 “Diligence is the mother of good luck,” Benjamin Franklin.

January’s card was The Hierophant who laid out the rules, February brought The Chariot that showed us how to scale mountain peaks, March showed us Strength that taught us what it is to be balanced and April gave us The Hermit with time to reflect and analyze.  This month, the Wheel of Fortune is ready for us to take a chance!

"Around and around it goes! Where it stops, nobody knows!"

What will you do this month? If there is something you have been waiting until the time is right to achieve, May is month to take a chance on it. Whether it is a project, an idea, calling an old friend, or jet setting across the globe, spin the Wheel of Fortune and go! Be aware that the associated zodiac signs are fixed and unmovable. This means that whatever choice you make with regard to the Wheel of Fortune will result in consequences. Spinning the Wheel of Fortune, or opting not to, cannot be undone.

Should you spin the Wheel of Fortune this month or pay it safe? That choice is yours to make, but know that this is not an opportunity that comes often. It is not an easy choice but luck is fleeting so a swift decision is required!

Do spin the Wheel if: You like adventure and excitement. You want to try new things. You are willing and able to take the risk no matter the outcome. You can afford to accept the possibility of loss. You want like the thrill of watching the Wheel go around and around!

Do not spin the Wheel if: You prefer to play it safe. You only take calculated risks of which you are sure of the outcome. You are not able to afford the possibility of loss at the present time. Watching the Wheel spin around makes you queasy.

All luck is simply the chance to try. Penny ante or millions at stake, the risk of the unknown is a universal call that cannot be ignored once heard. It requires a response. What will yours be?

What do you see when you look upon this piece? What calls to you? What is absent from this? What emotions are evoked by this piece?

There are many more questions to be asked. Some have ready answers and some require thought. Personally, I love the bold colors and how the shapes intersect and seem to flow together. That speaks volumes to me. There are a lot more things that could be done with The Empress but i think they are just icing on the cake and would cloud the core of who The Empress is. I feel welcomed and invited into her sanctuary personally. She would definitely be hugging all of her guests because that is just how she is! “The more, the merrier!”, she seems to be saying.

How would you visually depict The Empress? What do you see when you look at her? How does she speak to you? What message does she bring?

Have you ever wondered about the Wanderer archetype in Tarot? What do you think of when you see The Fool in  a Tarot reading? Do you see in your mind’s eye a male figure going off toward the horizon in search of grand adventures? Are there people on a wagon train headed west? Maybe you picture families who were forced to leave their homesteads in hard times, or a young person going away to college?

The Fool in search of new experiences does not need to be male. Only one example listed above describes a man. Women were also on wagon trains that went west. Men and women both left their homesteads when the land could no longer provide for their needs. Lastly, women leave home to attend universities along with men. So, why is it a masculine figure that goes on the adventure of discovery?

Are there any female wanderers you think of when you see this? Personally, I see Dorothy in the land of Oz.

Traditionally, men were the ones who left home to make their fortunes in the world. “Go West, young man” was advice given by Horace Greeley in 1865 talking about the United States’ Homestead Act. Men were encouraged in droves to expand westward, so much so that they outnumbered the women who were already in the West. To solve this problem, mail-order brides were the solution. Some women chose to answer these advertisements and they too moved from the populated east coast to the sparse west coast.

Some keywords that are used to explain The Fool of the Tarot are: beginnings, fresh starts, and simplicity. These words are not gender specific. We all need to start over from time to time as our lives change. Moving, marriage, children, changing jobs and retirement are all beginnings and fresh starts that both genders can achieve in their lives. Computers, garage sales, storage units, and trashcans are some things we use to help simplify our hectic existences.

When The Fool appears in your next Tarot reading, look closely at the image. What is it that you see? The figure, or the idea it represents? What is the archetype conveying to you? Take the message and use it to form your own personal Wanderer image. Think carefully about what it will look like. What message would it tell others? If you are stuck and need a place to start, my Tarot As Art post about The Fool can help get the imagination flowing!

For information on calculating the Tarot card for April, look at March’s Tarot card of the month to learn more. Read the first paragraph for instructions. The following two paragraphs contain further useful knowledge relating to numerology and Tarot.

Therefore, we add the month and the year together. 4+2+0+1+2=2,016 and 2+0+1+6=9. The Tarot card for April 2012 is The Hermit.

Keywords that relate to The Hermit are: humility, wisdom, searching and observation.

The associated zodiac sign is: Virgo

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail,” -Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The Hermit looks only at the lantern; where the light illuminates his journey.

Take a few moments to reflect on the path thus far. January’s card was The Hierophant, February brought The Chariot, and March showed us Strength. All of these are actively involved months. Expect April to be a relatively relaxing month thanks to The Hermit!

April showers bring rain that helps to nourish the Earth. That same rain can also quench thirsts and, in doing so, bring much needed relief. The Hermit is like that rain giving support and advice in times of great need. He does not speak often; but when he does, take heed for his wisdom is finely honed and cultivated.

Seek The Hermit out this month for guidance and assistance if you are struggling, stumped, or stuck. If you can find him, he is sure to help! His words may not be want you want to hear, but they will be what you ought to know.

If you are having trouble finding your inner Hermit, relax. Turn off the phone. Go for a walk. Listen to calm and meditative music. Do whatever it is you like to find your inner being. You will end this month happier and more connected with yourself than you started it if you can locate The Hermit.

]]> http://tarotunlimited.com/monthlytarotcard/april2012thehermit/feed/ 0 http://tarotunlimited.com/tarotspreads/lt/temperancejusticetemperancethechariot/ http://tarotunlimited.com/tarotspreads/lt/temperancejusticetemperancethechariot/#comments Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:45:37 +0000 Genevieve http://tarotunlimited.com/?p=1391

Look Twice! is a new feature on TarotUnlimited.com. I have often speculated about the question, “How would the meaning of the Tarot cards change if they were positioned differently? And if they did change, how would that affect the interpretation of those Tarot cards?” This set of posts will delve into these questions and allow you to hone your interpretative skills as well.

To explain the above image, there are two separate Tarot Spreads, labeled one and two. Each spread has four cards. The cards can be read by column (up and down) or by row (across) whichever is your preference. Standard practice is to start with the top left card, but that is up to you.

Temperance and the Nine of Wands are associated with the element of Fire. Justice belongs with Air. The Chariot rides through the Water.

Now it is your turn. What do you see in the first spread? What immediately catches your eye? What is the spread saying to you? Take everything in and do not overlook anything. Everything is important. What is the message of this spread?

Remember to look for patterns in the Tarot cards. Have you found any? What do the patterns mean?

Look at the second spread. How is it different from the first one? What aspects are the same? What message does this Tarot spread give you? How does it differ from the first spread’s message? In what way is it the same?

Are the patterns different or the same as the first spread? What makes the patterns different here?

These questions are just the tip of the iceberg. Enjoy exploring these spreads and developing your skills as a Tarot reader! Do not forget to record your discoveries. Good luck!

This is the third creation in the Major Arcana Tarot as Art series.  The High Priestess is very much in tune with her feelings. Unlike her counterpart, The Magician who blazes straight through into through, the knowledge she shares is hidden and more subtle. Something that is just out of reach. This piece expresses what I feel when I see the High Priestess. She is elusive, honest and intuitive.

How do you get in touch with your feelings? What does The high Priestess say to you? How does the artwork make you feel? How would you visually describe and create The High Priestess’ essence?

Keywords that relate to the Ace of Pentacles are: prosperity, fresh start, new financial opportunity, and improved status.

The Ace of Pentacles is generously holding out and giving away a pentacle! A hand from the sky surrounded by clouds reinforces the message to give as well as receive. The lush green and flowering land below represents the hard work it took to get here. The path through the grass toward the arch and mountains shows that with the Ace of Pentacles higher peaks, greater accomplishments can still be reached. What a way to have achievements recognized!

"Thanks for all the hard work so far. Keep it up, and you can reach those mountain peaks!"

What can be learned from this card?

What a great card! The Ace of Pentacles shows me that anything is possible if I believe enough to go after it and make it a reality. I started this website because I wanted to share what I have learned about Tarot with the world. This card shows that all the work related to that effort has been noticed. As this card also relates to health, my goal to eat healthier will become easier too. Good! The rock that rolls gathers no moss. It is important not to slack off now that this pentacle has arrived or all the progress will be for nothing and it is back to square one.