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11.11.11 The Immortals

Symbolic Living — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:58:29 +0000

11.11.11 is a date numerologists are eyeing.

The Tarot cards interchangeably associated with 11 are Strength and Justice, both signifying the importance of balance and the decision making symbolic in the 2.

For more information on the Numerology of 11 read this article. Here’s another article you may like if you’re interested in the History of Numerology.

From the Producers of 300, The Immortals brings more Ancient Mythology to the Silver Screen on this date.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Ancient Secrets of Magic

Symbolic Living — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 22:27:31 +0000

This documentary explores the historical and modern movements of spirituality and magic from ancient Egyptians and Alchemists to the modern new age movement. Each era brought forth a new understanding of the world through questioning common perceptions, beginning the development of scientific discovery and challenging the status quo.

Subjects discuss range from ancient gods, astrology, mysticism, the elements, alchemy, the emerald tablet, hermetics, mystery schools, angels, enochian language, tarot, oracles, theosophy, thelema, to modern technology and the sciences. Controversial ideas in their time, Isaac Newton, Galileo, Aristotle, Plato, Alestair Crowley, Madame Blavatsky, John Dee, Carl Jung, The Beatles, are a few of those mentioned as part of the development, discovery and popularity of these subjects and pushed boundaries.

Although the documentary brings as many questions as answers, it does provide an overview of many subjects in this area of interest.

A few of the concepts discussed:

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Three of Swords Tarot Minor Arcana

Symbolic Living — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:40:17 +0000

Welcome back to Tarot Notes by Symbolic Living.

We are pleased to rekindle your relationship with the symbolism of the Tarot each week. This week we’re continuing to share the three’s with the Three of Swords.

You may wish to review the Ace of Swords and the Two of Swords before proceeding.

Three of Swords

Astrological Association: Saturn in Libra

What is your initial reaction when viewing this card?

The rain clouds here draw up images of air and water, the mind and emotions respectively. Although this card is interpreted as distress, and it does look like this upon initial viewing there’s also a lot of opportunity here.

The swords are generally viewed as a more negative suit. That’s because swords relate to the mind, and the mind, as we all well know can be quite troublesome for many. A lot of what we think and believe with our minds is attached to a lot of conditioned ideas. The mind afflicted can lead one down a spiral of despair. It doesn’t have to be that way though. With our minds we have the power to choose how we think and react to situations.

What does the heart represent to you? How is the mind and the heart connected? How are your thoughts and beliefs connected?

We can think with our mind, or with our heart. As this card indicates the mind can pierce our emotional selves.

Circumstances in our life from marital problems, to loneliness, mourning, among many others, can lead to a gloomy outlook when our mind becomes entrenched in despairing thoughts. However once we go there, and do the work, the clouds clear and we are stronger than ever. Our brave hearts overcome the circumstance and we rise to the challenge if we pull out the daggers from our heart and let the light shine in our thoughts. The silver lining becomes visible once again.

In Zen and meditation clouds are used as a metaphor to describe the the way our minds work. Our thoughts come and go, arise and disappear, and are constantly moving, changing and affecting us. Stilling the mind is an important part of meditation to go beyond the illusions our minds can impose on our perception of reality.

Notice which way the clouds are moving. They are not stagnant, there is movement here and change is inevitable. It will not rain forever.

The rain is a symbol of fertility and life as well, we have the opportunity to bring new awareness into our lives that allow us to grow. Rain is as much necessary for growth as is the shining sun.

The clouds and rain can also represent a time needing cleansing.

The sacred heart also refers to our spiritual selves. How does your mind conflict with your spiritual center?

Questions for Personal Consideration:

Have you had a loss in life that required courage and strength?
Have you grown and matured immensely due to a struggle in life?
Do you worry, or are afraid of competition?
Have you been in a conflict where words dug deep into your heart? Have you done this to another?
Does your mind conflict with your heart?
Where in life do you have work to do, where an obstacle has been encountered and needs to be overcome?

You are also welcome to join the Symbolic Living Forum for further discussion in the Tarot section where each card can be discussed with members.

Stay tuned for our regular installments of Tarot Notes at Symbolic Living.

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Three of Cups Tarot Minor Arcana

Symbolic Living — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:52:21 +0000

Welcome back to Tarot Notes at Symbolic Living.

We are pleased to rekindle your relationship with the symbolism of the Tarot each week. This week we’re continuing to share the three’s with the Three of Cups.

You may wish to review the Ace of Cups and the Two of Cups before proceeding.

Three of Cups

Astrological Association: Mercury in Cancer

This card signifies an overflowing of emotion (cups). Although the card does not show spilling of the cups as one would suspect in overflowing, there is a firm foundation that holds these cups.

The will yellow, the security and foundation is dominant (red) white surrounds both. The woman in red has her hand on the white, signifying receiving what is pure. the right hand liften to the yellow shows the power of security driven by the will, she in yellow reciproates with the right hand lifting her cup. The woman in white lifts her cup with her left hand, signifying she is receiving the good that comes from security and will. The woman in red has yellow shoes further signifying the close connection of security and will through action. They all appear to be dancing.

The cups create a triangle, a unity. Cups symbolizing emotion, overflow with joy.

In some decks rain is present. Rain is a sign of abundance, fertility, life force granted to the dry earth. Consider in times of drought how ecstatic people are when the rains finally arrive. This signifies gratitude for what is.

Here we see friendship, camaraderie, a shared purpose in an abundant garden. It could be prosperity, but also shows us the rewards and riches felt within, and may not be dependent on externals.

Alchemical colors - white (purification), red (refinement), yellow/gold (perfection).

This card may denote a celebration but also shows us the presence of a healing atmosphere, enjoyed sharing, positive communications.

As mentioned in the security, foundation and will brought together. The common effort and purpose brought together.

Happiness shared is never wasted.

Cheers.

Some personal considerations:

What kinds of vegetables or fruit can you make out in the image? What do they symbolize to you personally? What memories of times in your life that felt abundant.

What do you have to be grateful for?
Who in your life do you enjoy and celebrate with?
Do you have a relationship that allows your views to be communicated?
Do you have a grip on your emotions?
Do you have a positive attitude that gives you a celebratory feeling within?

You are also welcome to join the Symbolic Living Forum for further discussion in the Tarot section where each card can be discussed with members.

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Three of Wands Tarot Minor Arcana

Symbolic Living — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:56:16 +0000

Welcome back to Tarot Notes at Symbolic Living.

We are pleased to rekindle your relationship with the symbolism of the Tarot each week. This week we’re beginning the three’s with the Three of Wands.

You may wish to review the Ace of Wands and the Two of Wands before proceeding.

Three of Wands

Exploration of the Art: Does this man look familiar to the man in the Two of Wands? Could he be the same man or a close family member.

One thing you’ll notice about this card is the color yellow is very prominent. Even the water is yellow. That is a strong sun!

The willpower, determination and ambition in this card is strongly signified by the yellow color dominance. Also dominating is the red cloak and red shoes. He’s got his feet very firmly planted on the ground.

Two staffs are secure in the ground, and he holds the third with his right (active) hand. Notice the leaves on the first two staffs, each growth is grouped with three leaves. Notice the top of the 3rd staff he is holding, it has an extra leaf growing, a fourth. What do you suppose this signifies?

Note the difference between his upper left side and upper right side of his body. How are the posture, and placement of clothes significant. His left hand is hidden, his right arm juts out with a blue shirt. Blue represents communication. Also notice the checkered black and yellow section of his cloak. Read more about the checkerboard here.

See how it moves from the large piece of yellow covering his left (receptive) hidden side. What is he willing, wishing to receive? His receptive side appears stable, while his right (active) side willingly decides what to do. His right hand does not hold the staff too firmly or too loosely, the grip appears comfortable, confident and present.

He also has a band circling his head, bringing our attention to the mind. What’s on his mind? We can not see any expression on his face. Would you guess he is confident from the other clues you see in the image?

In the gold water we see boats. Perhaps they are leaving for a voyage, or returning. There are three wands, and three ships. Is there equal return matching the effort given? Why would the water be yellow (golden) instead of blue?

Like the Two of Wands, we see the man has a high vantage point, looking down and observe a large area. Does this represent higher consciousness, knowing, status?

Anything else you notice or catches your eye?

Astrological Association: Sun in Aries

What does the Sun represent to you, and Aries? Expression, confidence, achievement, willpower, beginnings… what else?

This card is showing us the man who is doing well. This is someone who is following an inner inspiration, an urge to do well and is in a place where he can watch the actions of his decisions. He is following a purpose that has a fire burning within him of energy and desire to accomplish.

He is active, yet stable. He has positive energy, ideas, and enthusiasm. He had confidence that is broad reaching. His plans set in motion, able to think ahead and reap rewards.

He is a coordinator, or part of a larger vision, and takes his part.

Here we see trust in using energy wisely, to encompass a large capacity without wasting anything. Goals are achievable when effort and will are directed.

Questions for Self Reflection:

Are you a visionary?
Do you have long term goals you trust you can achieve?
Are you ambitious?
Where in your life did you work hard and then enjoyed the results?
What do you see in your future – out there?
What do you want for your life?
Are you willing to do the work and make the decisions necessary to see a return?
Do you do your work with integrity and honesty, deserving the positive rewards?
Looking back at the Ace of Wands and the Two of Wands, how does this card relate?
What accomplishments can you observe and be proud of?
Do you have ideas that are productive and reap rewards?

You are also welcome to join the Symbolic Living Forum for further discussion in the Tarot section where each card can be discussed with members.

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The Divine Trinity

Symbolic Living — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 19:15:53 +0000

Welcome back to Tarot Notes

As part of our exploration in the Tarot we’re also discussing the numerological associations.

As we know, the Tarot is an archetypal guide through the use of complex, symbolic images. Embedded in the tarot is the most primordial of all archetypal beginnings, Numbers.

We’ll be getting back to the tarot cards next week after this brief introduction into the number 3.

The Trinity – The fascinating and powerful Number 3 that brings one and two together.

The MOST primal, most fundamental example of the powerful symbolism of the trinity in 3 is Mother, Father and Child. The moment of conception, creation, birth. Life! There is no symbol more powerful than life.

In numerology the number three is considered a very positive number. It is associated with the Astrological Gemini as the third sign of the Zodiac. In Feng Shui three is an auspicious number to use when planning groups of items in your space.

In physics the number three is seen as the grouping of the atom – proton, electron, and neutron.

Three takes us past the limitations of duality (dyad) and through it. Thus it symbolizes union, rebirth, transformation, succession.

Three is everywhere in our world, a part of our everyday life such as:

Beginning, Middle, End.
Birth, Life, Death.
Three dimensions – height, length, width.
Light, energy, mass.

Three is balanced relationship – Where there is two, a third, unifying point exists. The third aspect present in duality, is the movement along the spectrum of polarities.

Please Note: Entire volumes of books could be written about Trinity Mythologies. Below is merely a brief taste.

The Divine Trinity revealed through Mythology

The Trinity is Universal. Nearly all cultures, religious and spiritual traditions, symbolize divinity as a holy trinity.

We see the trinity within ourselves as body, mind and spirit.

Examples of archetypal symbols in spiritual traditions

Eyptian Trinity

Osiris – god the Father, setting sun. God of afterlife, underworld
Isis – goddess the Great Mother, creative power
Horus – Son, rising sun, god of the sky, symbolizing sun and moon, left and right eyes, falcon head. The well known Egyptian eye, is the Eye of Horus (Wedjat).

In the image Osiris is in the center, Horus is on the left, Isis on the right.

Also, Ra, Amun, Ptah trinity

Thrice great, Hermes Trismegistus

The Three Wise Men, recognized in Christianity is also related to the 3 stars of the Belt of Orion, which the 3 Egyptian Pyramids are modeled after. The 3 stars also point to Osiris’ star Sirius.

Hindu Trinity

The One God is symbolized by three gods, as universal forces of the universe. Each aspect containing one another. Each god also has it’s *goddess consort (female aspect) .

The Trimurti.

Brahma – creator of the universe. *Saraswati
Vishnu – preserver of the universe. *Lakshmi
Shiva - destroyer of the universe. *Kali

The three gunas (fundamental attributes, modes of being)

Sattva – Purity (Essence)
Rajas – Activity
Tamas – Inertia

Sumerian Trinity

Anu - Supreme Lord of the Sky, Lord of constellations.
Enki (Ea) – Lord of Waters, intelligence, creation.
Enlil – Lord of Air and Earth (King of Heaven and Earth), god of weather.

for more on Sumerian myth, we suggest Brifae, a member of the symbolic living forum.

Greek, Roman Mythology

Greek – The Three Fates known as Moraie were goddesses of destiny. They would appear three nights after the birth of a newborn to assigning it’s destiny through birth, life, and death.

Roman gods – Jupiter, Juno, Minerva

Kabbalah

The Three are One

1. Kether - Crown. Union archetype, initial spark, creation.

2. Chokmah – Wisdom. Male archetype, extended energy, force of creation.

3. Binah – Understanding. Female archetype, holder of the energy, womb.

At once the illumination exists in the trinity.

In the Tree of Life are the 3 pillars on which the sephira are placed

Severity to the left (feminine)
Balance in the middle
Mercy to the right (masculine)

Pagan- Celtic, Druid Trinity

Triquetra – Maiden, Mother, Crone; Triple Goddess; Mother, Father, Child. It is used to symbolize many celtic, pagan associations.

Awen – Three rays of the sun, divine inspiration.

Left ray, feminine force
Central ray, balance
Right ray, masculine force

Christian Trinity

Spiritual Trinity as One God

Father, Son, Holy Spirit

Sacred Geometry

As we see the Vesica Piscis naturally gives rise to the first geometric shape with 3 sides, an Equilateral Triangle. Note the perfection of the points.

There are three types of triangles that exist:

equilateral – all sides equal
isosceles – two sides equal, third is not
scalene – no sides are equal

There are three types of angles that exist – acute, right angle, and obtuse

Freemasonry

Freemasonry has 3 degrees of initiation

Entered Apprentice
Fellow Craft
Master Mason

The universality of previous mentioned trinity associations of the Divine, with Sacred Geometry, the Egyptian pantheon and Kabbalah being most dominantly evident in trinity association, as well as Christianity.

On the U.S. dollar bill seal we see the pyramid symbolizing the physical world. The eye within the triangle above it, symbolizing our consciousness. What do you consciously choose to do in the physical world? Money is one example of a tool that manifests your choices in the world.

Certainly there are infinitely many more associations to the trinity, a universal part of our reality. This is not an exhaustive list by any means.

Where else do you see Three used in myth and fairytale? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.

When drawing the simple 3 card Tarot spread, it’s usually associated to Past, Present, Future. Try looking at the 3 card spread in terms of a mythological, universal triad.

We will get into the Tarot card associations next week.

Philosophy of the Matrix

Remember the Matrix? We hope you enjoy the thought provoking video. Consider the relationship between Neo (the One) and Trinity in the The Matrix. This video can not be embedded and will take you to youtube. Enjoy!

Click here to view the embedded video.

You are also welcome to join the Symbolic Living Forum for further discussion in the Tarot section where each card can be discussed with members.

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Two of Pentacles Tarot Minor Arcana

Symbolic Living — Tue, 24 May 2011 22:10:51 +0000

Welcome back to Tarot Notes at Symbolic Living.

We are pleased to rekindle your relationship with the symbolism of the Tarot each week. This week we’re continuing to focus on the Two’s, with the next card, the Two of Pentacles.

If you’re new, you may want to check out the Ace of Pentacles and the Two’s for more background before continuing below.

Remember to view each card as a piece of art with reflection on the content.

What did the artist intend? What message did they wish to convey? What does each part symbolize when looking deeper to the connections?

As we explore the cards we encourage you to really look at the cards and meditate on the possibilities for the symbolism presented. We hope beginners joining us can get started seeing some of the things you may have overlooked.

Two of Pentacles

Astrological Association: Jupiter in Capricorn

In this card we see a young male in a scene of movement. He has two pentacles (disks) one in each hand. His right hand (active) above his left hand below (receptive).

He wears predominantly a reddish-orange outfit. Green, Blue and Yellow are the other main colors. What do these colors represent to you?

Notice how he too appears as on stage like other cards, with the background being a theatrical backdrop. The floor line at his feet. Differing from the other two’s, he has a foot raised so both feet are not below the line.

There is a lot of movement here. He appears juggling the disks, following the symbolic lemniscate (spiritual infinity) symbol.

Upon first glance, what do you suspect the message of this card is saying?

Remember pentacles are a symbol for earth, materialism, money. Visit Ace of Pentacles for more on the earth element details.

The sea behind him is rolling with waves. If you review the other two’s, (wands, cups, swords) you’ll notice the backgrounds are all depicting scenery with similar rolling hills, rocks, or mountains. In each card the right hand is significant, as is the right side of the background scenery active and ascending. Also note how all four cards contain bodies of water, with the cups card naturally containing water within the cup.

Here the water is fierce. The ships (commerce, trade, transport) are on the high sea’s, and it’s not smooth sailing.

Looking at his movement, is his left hand closer to us? The ship seen below his left hand appears larger than the ship below his right hand, is it closer or is it a larger ship? What significance might that have related to his body position?

Both his hands are upturned, indicating he is willing to accept or receive. His receptive left foot is also lifted, further showing willingness to receive and act upon what comes to him.

The colors dominating are reddish-orange with green, symbolizing earth, the root chakra, commerce, stability, security and creative impulse. He’s connected to the earth, yet not afraid to lift himself off for a moment to see another point of view.

This card shows the need for balance, the willingness and ability to take an objective point of view when there are many things we must take charge of.

How is he handling his emotions among the turbulence?

Is he stressed by having more than one thing to deal with?

As he moves, is he dancing playfully, or is he rigidly lifting his leg to counter balance the movement of the scene? Which would work better for him overall?

He may very well be balancing many unpredictable matters of the material world such as health, money, career, etc., and it’s clearly important how it connects with the spiritual side of life.

He appears to be finding a rhythm and getting in sync with what he’s confronted with. He has the yin-yang balancing act, where the center point that isn’t rigid, but willing to compromise, act and bring harmony into the equation. Does he turn challenges into joyous purpose?

He finds his objectivity through his natural impulse to move in what appears a carefree, yet still careful, attitude.

Remember to note use of color. Yellow disks match yellow on the larger ship. He may have finances on his mind, among possibly many other material world considerations.

What other symbolism of exchange represent here? Business relationships, delegating tasks to others, transforming idea’s into concrete action. What do you think? Consider all types of exchanges from energy, communications, finances, etc.

When possible, enjoy the challenges for how they make your life move with purpose.

Also note the tall hat? Does this card bring forth any indications of the life force, spiritual/material union as a phallic symbol? What about the orange-reddish clothes as well as on the ships sails? What does that indicate to you?

Recall the previous cards in the two’s (wands, cups, swords). Remember the cards show people, which indicates the importance of relationships and so much of what we experience in life happens through connections to others.

How are the messages of the four cards related?

Questions for personal reflection:

On a global scale, what external influences have been happening in the world recently, that show emotional turbulence regarding the material/spiritual world?
What about on a more personal level?
How do you handle your emotions and choose to react to any turbulence around you?
Do you get caught in it, and nearly drown, or do you ride the current?
What is your attitude towards the concerns of your life?
Do you remain optimistic that you are able to handle what’s on your plate?
What parts of your everyday life need more balance with your spiritual self?
Where do you feel you need to be more responsible?
Are you carefree or careless in your choices? Which ones?
When you’ve got a big idea, with variables to consider, what choice will you make?
In challenging situations do you choose to react in a way that is best for your well being?

You are also welcome to join the Symbolic Living Forum for further discussion in the Tarot section where each card can be discussed with members.

Stay tuned for our regular installments of Tarot Notes at Symbolic Living.

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Two of Swords Tarot Minor Arcana

Symbolic Living — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:43:07 +0000

Welcome back to Tarot Notes at Symbolic Living.

We are pleased to rekindle your relationship with the symbolism of the Tarot each week. This week we’re continuing to focus on the Two’s, with the next card, the Two of swords.

If you’re new, you may want to check out the Ace of Swords and the Two’s for more background before continuing below.

Two of Swords

Astrological Association: Moon in Libra

This card shows complexity in duality, just as the mind often is.

The mind can be split in the decision making process. If you decide one way, you let go of the other.

In this card we see a woman seated on what appears to be a solid foundation, yet doesn’t appear it would be comfortable for long. She holds two swords which cross on both sides of her. She is blindfolded.

Her clothes are white, with her background predominantly blue with hints of yellow. In the rippling water are rocks and land in the distance below a crescent moon.

Her arms cross in front of her heart, the handles of the swords are at the level of her throat. Her mouth closed, in silence. Is she thinking before she speaks?

She sits centered, facing directly ahead, and has not made a choice to move either way.

This is another card that appears as if set upon a theater’s stage with it’s straight line above her feet, with the scenery as the backdrop. A backdrop is a rendition of reality, thus is illusory. Does it symbolize what is going on within her mind, that in fact her emotions are very present in influencing her thinking process?

Yellow denotes willpower, or using the will. What do her yellow shoes represent? Is she actively willing herself to make a choice?

What is the significance of having her back turned away from the sea? Is she trying to avoid her emotions, or not being receptive to her feelings? Is her mind overriding her feelings?

What does the crescent moon, also in yellow above her left represent in her thinking? Is the light of her mind emphasizing left brain (logical) thinking? How is the moon related to her shoes? Is her decision making process affecting or affected by her internal emotions?

We see that she is deep in thought, thinking without speaking. She is seeking balance in her decision, weighing her options with the desire for objectivity.

Here we see the swords intimating justice. The importance of reasoning, judgment, and truth are at the heart of the symbolism.

Are the swords she holds heavy or light? Can she hold the peace for long?

The swords crossing over her heart signifies to make the decision willingly from your heart, and the scene reflects the importance of the intuition.

What external pressure is she closing herself off from? What is she blind to?

The mind is often conflicted in life with decisions. Is she possibly meditating to release the burdens of the mind and accessing a deeper place for clarity? Is she actively achieving inner tranquility? In her stillness has she achieved peace between two opposing ideas finding a common juncture she can hold?

Since the scales of justice are not present the cause of the concern itself may still not be fully clear, and must be pondered.

The decision to be made must be thought through carefully weighing the pros and cons. There is more than one side to the issue that must be considered. She is sits alone in this card. The decision is hers to make. She may also conflicting thoughts and feelings deep within about herself she may not always like to look at which she is trying to resolve and find a balance in.

Both aspects of the mind are brought together. The right brain (creative) and left brain (logical) points of view are considered.

Within the complexity of duality, is unity of the mind – symbolized by the woman between the two swords.

What are you willing to see, and what are you blocking out of the equation?
How are you conditioned by others, society, and outside influences to think the way do?
Are you open or closed to other beliefs or ways of thinking?
What dogma’s are you attached to versus what resonates with your heart?
Can you sometimes have a “split personality” from your normal self, in different situations?
Are you not ready to fully commit to something?
Are you procrastinating, and avoiding looking at a problem that needs resolving?
Where in life do you ensure you act with diplomacy and fairness or do you take a hard stance?
Is your mind and feelings conflicted or in synch?
Is there something you just need to sit and think about before you decide?

You are also welcome to join the Symbolic Living Forum for further discussion in the Tarot section where each card can be discussed with members.

Stay tuned for our regular installments of Tarot Notes at Symbolic Living.

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Two of Cups Tarot Minor Arcana

Symbolic Living — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:46:53 +0000

Welcome back to Tarot Notes at Symbolic Living.

We are pleased to bring you to rekindle your relationship with Tarot each week. This week we’re continuing to focus on the Two’s, with the next card, the Two of cups.

If you’re new, you may want to check out the Ace of Cups and the Two’s for more background before continuing below.

Two of Cups

Astrological Association: Venus in Cancer

Here we see a young man and woman joining together, in what appears mutual, reciprocal understanding. The cups bond them together with their emotions. It is the foundation to all that follows. Between them we see the cadeuceus symbol of Mercury (Hermes). Above it we see a winged lion.

In the background there is scenery. Do we see a home or village there?

There is a straight line above their feet. What does that signify? Are they on stage, in a scene?

Here, two becomes one.

This card shows an expression of true love and affection. We see unity, healing, romance, cooperation.

Going beyond your own personal happiness, to give happiness to another recognizing authentic mutual fulfillment.

In love and commitment comes responsible choice and actions.

What is the lions wings doing? Creating a bridge, sweeping consciousness together, uniting the minds below him.

Does the lion bring forth willingness, courage, creative expression? Who does the lion represent to you? What part of yourself does the lion represent?

The young man reaches out to the young woman with his right, active, giving hand? What is he giving her? With her left hand, what is she receiving? Is she accepting to receive what is offered?

Has he given her the cup or has she brought it herself? What does the cup symbolize? (see Ace of Cups for more details on Cups meaning)

She wears blue and white, he wears red and yellow as primary colors, with black and white.

Blue represents communication, spirituality, healing, and the watery emotions. What else does blue represent to you? What does white represent to you?

Red represents passion. It is a fiery color with lots of activity sensations?

Where does red show up in this card? Where does it lead the eye?

What are they wearing on their feet? What do the feet represent? What are they wearing on their heads?

How do the colors relate, signify a connection to their mind, body and spirit?

Of the mind, body and spirit, which do you think dominates in the symbolism of this card, or are they equally potent?

Yellow represents the will, drive, the active principle. Where do we see yellow in this card?

The symbolism of this card show us a unification. From the ground of our body, to the mind, there is mutual understanding, connection here. This card is similar to the Lovers card of the Major Arcana but is more direct, relating to the practical level of life.

This bond shows the necessity for a secure relationship for fulfillment of the given desire, a partnership.

In their union, how do you think these two people change their core selves?

Do they let go of anything to accept something new? Is there a renewal or rebirth here? Does anyone sacrifice part of themselves for the unity of the whole?

Consider all above to be applicable aspects, as well, consider these further personal questions:

What do you need to be fulfilled?
Do you need help or healing in an area of life?
Are you in a position to give to another without only considering your own selfish desires?
Who in your life do you have open, understanding and mutual respect and admiration for?
Are there other people who heal you or are healed in some way by being connected to you?
Do you think the relationship symbolism in this card has to be with another person, or partnership?
Can the relationship symbolism be an internal aspect of yourself, or represent a skill or tool you need to fulfill a responsibility?
Are you willing and courageous enough to give and receive happiness into your life?

You may also visit the Ace of Cups and the Two’s for further insight relating to the meaning of this card.

You are also welcome to join the Symbolic Living Forum for further discussion in the Tarot section where each card can be discussed with members.

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Two of Wands (Staffs) Tarot Minor Arcana

Symbolic Living — Tue, 03 May 2011 20:03:24 +0000

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Two of Wands

Two of Wands (Staffs)

Here we see a man, usually considered a wealthy merchant, standing on what appears to be the roof of a castle. Could that be what we saw in the distance in the Ace of Wands card?

He looks out over a body of water, a village, and mountains. He has the world in his right hand and in his left hand he has one of two staffs.

The other staff is securely fastened to the parapet attached to the concrete wall. Is that the Ace of Wands he has already received?

By having the world in his right hand we can see that he is in control through his actions and thoughts. He has power, yet although he has what seems to be the whole world, he still is inspired to receive. The left hand symbolizes the receiving hand. What does he wish to receive?

In this card we also see two lilies and two roses forming a cross below his left handed staff. He is motivated by his desires.

He may appear to have all he desires in the material realm, working his way up the ladder, but something more fulfilling is calling him.

The ego is never fulfilled, yet when we achieve a level of satisfaction, our desires change.

See the post from last week the symbolism of the number Two, for clarity on the dynamic Two brings.

*If you are just getting acquainted with the Wands, you can visit the Ace of Wands for more.

The Astrological correspondence to this card is Mars in Aries. At of the time of this publication, the current Astrological climate does have Mars is in Aries.

Staffs correspond to Fire.

Are there area’s of your life where you now feel fulfilled?
Are there area’s where you are accomplished and are ready to go to the next level?
Do you wish to embark on a new project or enterprise?
How could you take this pioneering spirit and apply it to your life to achieve a new level of success?
Do you believe in yourself and that you are deserving of abundance in your life?
Is there an area of your life, such as a completed project that now gives you a stronger sense of security with a more solid foundation?
Are you in control of a situation?
How could you apply the symbolism of this card to one area of your life?

Meditate on your life. Visualize an area of your life with optimism.

Hierarchy of Needs

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