Tag: major arcana

78 Days of Tarot – X Wheel of Fortune

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I am participating in the #tarot78days challenge which is being hosted by The Bookish Fox – instagram here and weblog here. You can read the first post in this series here.

X – Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune represents the ever-changing cycles of life, like a wheel these cycles are unending. This card reminds me of the medieval poem “O Fortuna”. The poem speaks of fate being a ‘monstrous and empty whirling wheel’.

“O Fortune, like the moon you are changeable, ever waxing and waning; hateful life first oppresses and then soothes as fancy takes it”

Carmina Burana, from where O Fortuna comes, was set to music by Carl Orff, it is a wonderful piece of opera.

Wheel of Fortune drawing

I experimented with different paper and pencils with this drawing.  I still need to pick up a couple of proper lead pencils for sketching rather than a standard pencil, however for colouring I used a set of Derwent Rexel Cumberland watercolour pencils that my husbitect gave to me. The paper I used was from a sketch book I found at a local dollar store, it was only $2.50 but very nice quality. I really enjoyed the shading I could do with the watercolour pencils. I felt quite proud of this drawing!

In writing this post I cam across Derwent’s website and discovered their fabulous video tutorials.

Tarot Deck used: Cat’s Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin. Website: Cat’s Eye Tarot

 

78 Days of Tarot – IX The Hermit

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I am participating in the #tarot78days challenge which is hosted by The Bookish Fox – instagram here and weblog here. You can read the first post in this series here.

IX – The Hermit

Magician Card drawing

An older black cat stands calmly in an alleyway. His thick fur highlighted by a white star on his chest. He gazes calmly at his surroundings, three mice sit beside the cat and behind the scene is the twinkling lights of the city skyline.

The Hermit speaks of wisdom gained over a lifetime & of quiet confidence. Time spent alone or a period of solitude is a theme of this card.

In Rachel Pollack’s ‘Tarot Wisdom’ we see that The Hierophant and The Hermit both signify teachers. The light above the door can signify illumination & wisdom. In this deck, I think the cat’s star, the lighted doorway and the twinkling skyline are all symbolic of enlightenment and the lessons we learn in life, sometimes with the guidance of a teacher.

I forgot the doorway and light in my drawing, but you can see them on the card! I tried watercolour pencils this time which was easier than shading with normal pencils.

My original post on Instagram – The Hermit

Tarot Deck used: Cat’s Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin. Website: Cat’s Eye Tarot
Book Referenced : Tarot Wisdom by Rachel Pollack.

78 Days of Tarot – VIII Strength

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I am participating in the #tarot78days challenge which is being hosted by The Bookish Fox – instagram here and weblog here. You can read the first post in this series here.

Cat's Eye Tarot - Strength

VIII Strength

Where the previous card of the Chariot was about hard control, this card is about soft control. We can see this in the kitten sitting calmly in the presence of a much larger dog. Both animals are calm in their demeanour.

The strength card often depicts a human in the place of the kitten and a lion in the place of the dog. Lions (Leo) are associated with strength and being ‘King of the jungle’. In Tarot Wisdom Rachel Pollack discusses how the lion was seen as also symbolising wild or “animal” desires, giving the card a message of subduing ones desires.

In her own deck (The Shining Tribe) Pollack uses a lioness who is reaching for the future yet still looking to the lessons of the past. Like Pollack, I don’t see passion as something that needs subduing; it is part of who we are.

To me, strength is about aligning with your passion and clearly knowing who you are – your strengths. It is a gentle strength that is tempered by compassion & patience. Another ‘know thyself’ card.

Link to my Instagram post: Strength

Tarot Deck used: Cat’s Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin. Website: Cat’s Eye Tarot
Book Referenced : Tarot Wisdom by Rachel Pollack.

78 Days of Tarot – VII The Chariot

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I am participating in the #tarot78days challenge which is being hosted by The Bookish Fox – instagram here and weblog here. You can read the first post in this series here.

Cat's Eye Tarot - The Chariot

VII The Chariot

The keywords for this card are Victory, Will, Self-assertion, and Hard Control. I would add Direction. The chariot is symbolic of success, of overcoming obstacles. It is about getting where you want to be using the power of the self. The Chariot can also be symbolic of an upcoming journey or a new car or other means of transportation.

In the #catseyetarot the chariot is represented by a silver tabby who is returning home at dusk, his prized prey in his mouth! With this drawing I went super-size and made my biggest drawing so far!

Link to my Instagram post: The Chariot

Tarot Deck used: Cat’s Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin. Website: Cat’s Eye Tarot

78 Days of Tarot – VI The Lovers

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I am participating in the #tarot78days challenge which is being hosted by The Bookish Fox – instagram here and weblog here. You can read the first post in this series here.

Cat's Eye Tarot - The Lovers

VI The Lovers

I took some in-progress shots with my drawing of The Lovers card:

I used a proper sketchbook this time as I think the loose leaf A4 paper I had been using isn’t good for drawing or colouring. After a lesson from my husbitect in shading, I feel a bit more confident! This is the most drawing I have done in years.

The two main figures on this card, the feline lovers, are reclining inside a house on a plush, purple window seat. The richness of the fabrics suggests luxury and comfort. The body language of the cats also suggests comfort; familiarity and love.

The female cat gazes ahead while the male cat appears to be gazing off to one side and through the window. Behind them, through the window we see green grass, trees and a sleek black cat running along a stone wall. Is the male cat gazing at the black cat outside? Is he perhaps debating between his world of luxury & comfort and the freedom of the natural world outdoors?

In Rachel Pollack’s ‘Tarot Wisdom’, I read that the Golden Dawn linked this card with Gemini, the twins, and the idea of choice and possibilities. The main feeling I get from this card is similar – the contrast between the plush domestic world indoors and the wild freedom of nature.

Link to my Instagram post: The Lovers

Tarot Deck used: Cat’s Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin. Website: Cat’s Eye Tarot
Book Referenced : Tarot Wisdom by Rachel Pollack.

78 Days of Tarot – V The Hierophant

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I am participating in the #tarot78days challenge which is being hosted by The Bookish Fox – instagram here and weblog here. You can read the first post in this series here.

Cat's Eye Tarot - The Hierophant

V – The Hierophant

This Hierophant is in a library, surrounded by collected knowledge and wisdom. To his right is a computer and to the left two books. The top book appears to read ‘Animal Behaviour’ while the bottom book is labelled ‘IV’, a link to the previous card of The Emperor. At the Hierophant’s feet are a set of crossed keys.

The crossed keys, two silver with a gold key in between could allude to two worlds or states; perhaps the conscience and unconscious mind. The two books represent the Hierophant and The Emperor working together to enforce the rules of behaviour, traditions and social conduct.

I find a librarian cat much more appealing than the traditional pope or priest. This version speaks of passing on knowledge and tradition rather than enforcing commandments from a religious ruler; this card is much more approachable.

Link to my Instagram post: The Hierophant

Tarot Deck used: Cat’s Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin. Website: Cat’s Eye Tarot

78 Days of Tarot – III The Empress & IV The Emperor

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I am participating in the #tarot78days challenge which is being hosted by The Bookish Fox – instagram here and weblog here. You can read the first post in this series here.

For this post I decided to post The Empress & The Emperor together. I found these two cards to be the most challenging to draw so far. I am using coloured pencils and drawing directly onto loose-leaf A4 paper which isn’t the best quality for drawing. I might try some better paper for my next attempts!

Cat's Eye Tarot - The Empress & The Emperor

III – The Empress

This for me is a card that I struggle with. As a woman who has never felt the desire to have children and has no intention of ever doing so, ‘mother’ cards have little meaning for me. I can see how this card also represents home and the relationship with your mate and even the wider relationships with parents and in-laws. The only maternal-like instinct that I have is for my two furbabies, my cats; home is where my family is – my husband and our two kitties! This is a card that I need to reflect on and read more about.

Link to my Instagram post (interesting discussion in the comments): The Empress

IV – The Emperor

Hello! *Insert lightbulb icon here* Call it a beginners mistake, but this card taught me a lesson looking back to yesterdays card; the cards I draw are not necessarily about me – they can signify someone in my life. Yeah, I know, duh! right? I get it now. Gosh, I hope that doesn’t make me egotistical! I have only ever read for myself, so I naively wasn’t seeing the bigger picture. Back to the Emperor and his great self!

The Emperor knows his place and more, his duties. While he has responsibilities, he also knows that it is important to have a little fun and enjoyment accompanying duties so that life is enjoyable. The Emperor has much wisdom to impart when he is balanced; reversed he embodies the saying “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”.

Link to my Instagram post: The Emperor

Tarot Deck used: Cat’s Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin. Website: Cat’s Eye Tarot
Book Referenced : Tarot Wisdom by Rachel Pollack.

78 Days of Tarot – II The High Priestess

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I am participating in the #tarot78days challenge which is being hosted by The Bookish Fox – instagram here and weblog here. You can read the first post in this series here.

Cat's Eye Tarot - High Priestess

II The High Priestess

I love the expression on the High Priestess cat’s face; it is friendly yet guarded. She has an air of deep wisdom and mystery. The thin veiled curtain highlights the mystical feel of this card; the High Priestess can see between worlds, both sides of the veil. She has a connection to the moon, the lunar cycle. Similar to the Waite Smith deck, beyond her we can see the dark, mysterious ocean. Rachel Pollack links water to the unconscious, “the ultimate mystery”. The path along the beach signifies to me the path to knowledge and self-awareness. The High Priestess’ mysterious gaze invites us to listen to the powerful voice we have deep inside, to follow the path and journey to awareness.

Link to my Instagram post: The High Priestess

Tarot Deck used: Cat’s Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin. Website: Cat’s Eye Tarot
Book Referenced : Tarot Wisdom by Rachel Pollack.

78 Days of Tarot – I The Magician

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I am participating in the #tarot78days challenge which is being hosted by The Bookish Fox – instagram here and weblog here.

Cat's Eye Tarot - The Magician

I – The Magician.

The Fool represents potential and in the Magician that potential has been sensed & harnessed. The bird, fish, mouse and lizard represent the elements. The Magician, with his unflinching gaze, is aware of his potential power and is calmly at one with it. He knows who he is and does not shy away from living his truth. In Rachel Pollack’s ‘Tarot Wisdom’ she states that the Roman numeral ‘I’ implies the conscious self, the ego. While the Fool has potential but is seemingly unaware of his power, the Magician sees a realisation and acceptance of this power. The Magician has obtained knowledge – know thyself – temet nosce.

Link to my Instagram post: The Magician.

Tarot Deck used: Cat’s Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin. Website: Cat’s Eye Tarot
Book Referenced : Tarot Wisdom by Rachel Pollack.

 

78 Days of Tarot – 0 The Fool

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I am participating in the #tarot78days challenge which is being hosted by The Bookish Fox – instagram here and weblog here.

Cat's Eye Tarot - The Fool

For each of the 78 days we study one card from a chosen deck(s) and write a description of the image and the meanings of the card. I have chosen the Cat’s Eye Tarot and have completed my study of the first seven cards of the major arcana. As well as a written description, I am also drawing each card to help familiarise myself with the deck and also to improve my drawing skills. I was doing one card a day at first however I will now switch to every two days as the drawing part takes a good deal of time.

The first card is 0 – The Fool.

Day 1. 0 ~ The Fool. #tarot78days hosted by @thebookishfox

I’ve decided to draw each card alongside my notes from the lwb (little white book) that comes with the deck and then follow with my own thoughts. Rachel Pollack (Tarot Wisdom) discusses the fool as potentially representing freedom, of being free of ego, of societal values of identity. “I am free. I am not that. I am nothing.” I love that idea, it speaks to me of potential; at any moment we can change direction and become something/one else. We are not stuck in one definition of the self.

The cat chasing the bee speaks to me of seeing the every day wonders that most people overlook. Symbolically the imagery in the card includes youth/freedom, roses, the sun, a river (life?) and a winged insect which could represent flying free.

Link to my Instagram post: The Fool.

Tarot Deck used: Cat’s Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin. Website: Cat’s Eye Tarot
Book Referenced : Tarot Wisdom by Rachel Pollack.