ARCANA UNVEILED Justice - Death
Creatress
Rev. Dr. Aphrodette North
(Please note! Aphrodette facilitates the Tarot Share Group at LIFESTREAM!)
We are all gifted with the essence of intuition. As we stroll, stumble or race through life, we look for signposts to guide us as we navigate our journey.
In ages past, we would look for signs in nature. The tender dew of dawn, storm clouds gathering, chattering squirrels, a crimson sunset or a cawing crow would impress upon us an unfolding atmosphere. Today, surrounded by buildings and highways, the signs seem to whiz by and decry contemplation. We get "messages" from an unexpected email, clicking through television stations or seeing a car disabled on the highway that looks exactly like the one of an old friend we have been meaning to call. It can all be effective as synchronicity is the portal of truth for the intuitive.
Tarot, a time revered divination tool, is a pictorial representation of life's journey. The manor in which this journey is demonstrated is as diversified as the many artists who choose to design a unique set of cards. One cannot examine and contemplate these cards and remain separate from the artist who initially pondered and illustrated the many facets of growth and experience. On a Soul level we can perceive our human foibles and victories with these images and apply a more refined perspective to our personal evolvement. The cards illustrate both process and event. We can gauge our progress and illuminate the steps that lie ahead as well as see the trends of change in the World around us.
Each Major Arcana card in the Tarot, typifies a particular Solar Cycle, a Theme and a Numerological insight. Major Arcana cards are 22 in number and typify each of the 22 Hebrew letters that are described poetically in Psalm 119 of the Holy Bible. Each Hebrew letter is more than a letter or even a word. Rather, each letter is a conceptual representation of how the Higher Self is expressed in our Earthbound existence.
Each month, we will be peering into the nuances of each Major Arcana card in the Tarot deck and delve into its interpretation in that cycle.
JUSTICE
The Solar period when the Sun is in Libra occurs between September 23rd and October 22nd and is represented by JUSTICE. The Sun is in Cardinal Air Aspiring to high ideals blending intellect with art and reason; Libra is ruled by Venus. Venus is associated with love in all its manifestations and considered to be the lesser benefic of the "wandering stars". Venus is also known to be an intricate inspiration in\ the arts and a companion to the Muses. Libras are most often fair-minded, articulate and make fair evaluations. The Achilles' heal of the Libra is often vanity. It is not uncommon that their logical approach is mistaken for coolness. Be not fooled, as many Libras are quite passionate about their ideas and ideals. A lack of justice in their world can actually bring them to rage!
JUSTICE represents the principle of balance, justice and a restoration through adjustment... The esoteric title of this card is The Daughter of the Lords of Truth or the Ruler of the Balance. On the Tree of Life, it is the 22nd Path of Lamed which translates to "ox-goad". This path represents the great flow of energy from Tiphareth to Geburah and the faithful intelligence that accepts the responsibility to harmonize and reconcile. This energy is the Essence of the Alpha and Omega and is the teacher of teachers.
In Numerology, JUSTICE is the 8th Key and shares a kinship with the 17th Key, THE STAR which reflects self esteem, radiance and faith. Most decks depict THE STAR as internal balance and clarity shining forth as we become a channel for the Absolute to manifest here. Through altruistic aims, others recognize the Infinite Spark shining through in a Universal Light. Inspiration is the key note of this card!
If your birthday or your current numerological year add up to the number 8 or can be reduced to 8 (1+7=8), it is important to remember that ideals become truth through faith and an unfaltering search for enlightenment. The 8's in the pips or Minor Arcana express the specifics regarding balance and imbalance in the moment. If in your spread, JUSTICE or the STAR appear with 8's, it is important to examine if greater thought, action or determination is required - or less. It is all about balance!
DEATH
Next, we pass through the next Solar period of Scorpio which occurs from October 23rd and November 22nd. The Sun is in Fixed Water. Mystical, transformative and intense, Scorpio is ruled by both Mars and Pluto. Mars rules both Aries and Scorpio; Pluto, although re-categorized as a dwarf planet is specific unto Scorpio. Mars, the planet of war and action and Pluto, the planet of life, death, rebirthing and transmutation make a powerful pair for those born under this sign.
The Major Arcana card that reflects this cycle is DEATH. The principle edified by DEATH is one of beginnings and endings but also of the infinite or continuum. There is an illusionary aspect to DEATH; as Creation changes form and energy transmutes to its next level of evolvement. The esoteric title for this card is two-fold: The Children of the Great Transformers and Lord of the Gate of Death. On the Tree of Life it is the 24th Path of Nun; the Path of Imaginative Intelligence. This is the Path of the Faming Sword between Tiphareth and Netsach and its focus to embody the Higher Self into personality and purpose in the Earthbound existence. The word, Nun, means fish and it is interesting to note that there are four symbols for Scorpio, depending upon its mission. One is the snake of the Garden of Eden, the scorpion, the high soaring eagle of the Bible and then - the Phoenix that rises again out of its own ashes. The final phase of evolvement is of course this Ascent!
In Numerology, DEATH is the 13th Key and shares a kinship with the 4th Key of THE EMPEROR who embraces ambition, authority domination and organization. This kinship helps us to understand that we must take personal responsibility for out Eternal soul manifesting in the World and working to establish order in this realm.
If your birthday or your current numerological year adds up to 4 (1+3=4), developing philosophies that honor patterns in manifestation will come easily. The 4's in the Pips or Minor Arcana represent the establishment of a better foundation in each of the elements they represent. If DEATH or THE EMPEROR card are present in a spread with accompanying 4's they reveal that there is much to consider as you move toward change and progress. Accepting the responsibility of command decisions knowing the transmutations will take time and may be unpopular with many, is part of the growth and the mission. The destruction of war and the building of empires affect us all at our core. The passion for a better life burns beneath the surface.
In October, the World around us is bountiful in Harvest and all of nature transforms into spectacular colors! The artistry of the landscape with Venus active in the sign of Libra is magnificent and one can hear a harmony of symphonic sounds as the breezes rustle through the changing texture of the leaves. In late October and November, the trees become bare as the leaves have fallen to enrich the soil for the year ahead. These barren trees are not dead, but simply sleeping - as the bears that hibernate each winter. We have festivals that honor the dead (All Hallows Eve); as well as the Ascended (All Saints Day). Eternal life and rejuvenation is expressed through the promise of Spring - but winter still lies ahead. The Earth must have its rest.
