Tarot 17 - 3 of Fire: "PREPARATION"

By careful tending, an exciting project is nearing an easily reached accomplishment

Pictured here are three figures preparing to serve a meal.  One is blending up some BBQ sauce while another tends the fire and the third, a woman, holds the dinner triangle about to call people to the meal.  Preparing food for others is a practical ability, but making it nutritious and good-tasting is an art, that requires practice to make it perfect and a heart big enough to share whatever you have prepared with others.

All threes in all of the suits represent making something.  In the twos we see the duality of nature and in three we find what the twos have produced [reproduced]

·                     In 3 of earth the “Conquest” tarot represents the strategy and energy to conquer the material world, it relates to having a firm foundation in the material world

·                     In 3 of fire the “Preparation” tarot represents the ability to use the fire to make something that sustains you and others around you

·                     In 3 of water the “Bonding” tarot represents the sensitivity and wondrous new understanding you have when you bond with other individuals

·                     In 3 of air the “Experience” tarot represents the ability to find the right course of action due to being able to harness your past memories of your experiences

INTERPRETATION:  That which you have been creating is now coming into existence, all is well, and your hard work brings honours with its completion.  No matter if your project is a simple meal for your family or a creation in an entirely new area of your life; you are in the preparation stage. If, however, you have been having difficulties getting your project off the ground, then it’s time to throw in the towel and abandon it, and look for something different to put your talent and effort into.

It is a time to broaden your experiences, so this is a very good time to try investigating something new: a new career, a new learning experience, a new relationship, etc.  Whatever aspect of your life you concentrate on now it is bound to build your confidence.  You may find yourself leading a project or being made a key player in a group work.

This tarot can indicate having two significant relationships at the same time. These two will tolerate you need to share time with both of them.  You may also find that there are three of you in the one relationship or that there are three different couples in your relationship together. Significant does not necessarily mean sexual, and even though the three may be comfortable together to begin with, the element of fire can move into argument and jealousy with time if you are not careful.

Realise also that threes are the natural conclusion of twos for when two elements, spirits, bodies, lovers join they create a third new thing, quite a bit like the sentiment found in this poem:

“...I want to make with you

some bold new thing

to stand in the marketplace,

the statue of a goddess

laughing, armed and wearing

flowers and feathers...

...I want

to force from this fierce sturdy

rampant love some useful thing.”

[From the Poem “Will we work together” by Marge Piercy in her book, “The Moon is Always Female”] 

Certainly link and make suggestions to anyone you think would like to see these. Just please do not reprint as your own work.

Best Wishes, Gabrielle Elliot ©2011

Tarot 12 Adolescent of Earth: "The RUNAWAY"

"Know thyself"? If I knew myself I'd run away”---

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe “I want to run away, Just be gone – check out I long to hide away And bury my head in my hands To just cry until I am all cried out Done - no tears left Cry till all the sad is gone...” Karen C Vanderlaan The Adolescent of earth feels the stirring energy of the metropolis; uncomfortable almost in his own skin.  INTERPRETATION:  All of the adolescents should be considered as being in the state of being a terrible teen.  They are grown up in some ways and still innocent of experience in the world.  The adolescent of earth, “the RUNAWAY” is changing every moment and this means that he can never catch his breath.  He doesn’t like the state he is in and thinks that to runaway is his only option. He may appear to trust you but when your back is turn he runs away again. The adolescent of fire, “the INITIATE” has prepared herself to go into the next part of her life.  Her elders have told her what to expect but not how to feel about it. Only when she finally experiences her initiation will she finally know. She trusts only her experiences. The adolescent of water, “the PIRATE” is quite self-indulgent, the whole world revolves around him and he thinks nothing of taking what he wants.  This narrow view of the world leads him into doing some petty crimes so to get what he wants.  He is not to be trusted as he will have a convincing act. The adolescent of air, “the JAILER” feels out of control mentally, constantly worrying about everything.  Since she cannot control her own mind to concentrate, she tries to entrap others to try and control what others think.  She will lie to get people to do what she wants them to and if you can catch her with her true face on you will see how truly manipulative she is. She will try to gain your trust, but tell her as little as possible. He yearns for the activity and adventure of the unknown.  He has yet to realise that he can never run away from himself. You will notice that he likes to wear clothes that once belonged to someone else.  He perches near doors and windows, close to the exits.  The earth is changing and is vulnerable.  You are vulnerable as well, but do not run away from your vulnerabilities, make an effort to understand them.  Realise who you are, where you came from, where you are going to…all of these culminate in the you that is you today.  Don't run away from the pain of understanding yourself.  All parents have to bear the “teenage years” when all children are working out for themselves who they are and what the world means to them.  Taking one’s first steps toward independence is a difficult adventure, especially if the parents’ aren’t too keen on letting go. If you are a parent with teenagers, this may indicate that they need a little room to grow, so give them some breathing space. If you follow the child on his runaway adventure because you want to forget something, you could lose what you have already gained in the material realm, can you really afford to lose it?  Running away may seem fun and adventurous but if it is simply an escape to get away from a situation or encounter you believe will be a bad one you will never escape finding a conclusion no matter how far you run. If you need space from someone or something then this is the time to take off and leave it all behind.  Certainly it’s important to look forward and really commit to the adventure, there will not be any going back. "Vacation from myself Vacation from myself I'm sick of all three Myself and I and me And I need a vacation from myself"---Jason Eklund If you are undergoing a period of redefining who you are and how you want to express it you may find this being a somewhat painful experience.  It may make you feel like running away and changing your identity.  Bear in mind that no matter how you change your appearance, where you work or live or who you live with, you will always end up with the same person---yourself. Certainly link and make suggestions to anyone you think would like to see these. Just please do not reprint as your own work. Best Wishes, Gabrielle Elliot ©2011

Tarot 11 Child of Earth "The LOVER"

Innocent and fiercely trusting, this tarot motivates to give and receive love above all else

“We waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love.”---Tom Robbins

INTERPRETATION: The Children of each suit represent each element in their purest form, stripped down to its most basic state---

• The child of earth, “the LOVER” knows only how to love, to touch, to embrace...she is a rare treasure.  She knows for certain that love is all and that a hug will heal most hurts. 
• The child of fire, “the RESEARCHER” knows only the must experience to make sense of the world around him...he seems to be quite brave.  He knows that he still has a lot to learn and is not afraid to learn new things.
• The child of water, “the SAVIOUR” knows only how to give...she is precious inspiration.  She only touches people’s hearts and gives herself.
• The child of air, “the DREAMER” knows more about his imaginative self than his physical world.  It is hard for him to determine which is real and which is imagined, both will seem equally valid to this child.

When you meet her, you may notice that she wears clothing made from sumptuous fabrics and has the tendency to hold onto something soft, a purse or pillows.  You will notice her sensuality and she will most likely ask for a hug [or just take one] upon your first meeting. 

The earth is reborn in this infant and she is healing herself.  You are also reborn when you draw this card.  Touch can heal you. 

Nurture your childlike qualities and go outside and play.  It is a time to pay attention to the physical world.  See it anew with awe of her beauties. 

Learn to love the feeling of the earth between your fingers, stand in the tall grass barefoot.  Simple pleasures now can fill you with awe at the magnificence of the world.

Certainly link and make suggestions to anyone you think would like to see these. Just please do not reprint as your own work. 
Best Wishes,

Gabrielle Elliot

©2011

Tarot 10 of Earth "BOUNTY"

Embrace the Earth and care for her as did your ancestors.  They left her as your birthright

What birthright will you bequeath to those who come after you?         

INTERPRETATION:  Attention to family traditions and inheritance are of utmost importance at this time. 

The tens in all the suits bring the challenge of their individual elements.  In some cases it can give just a little too much of the energies they represent:

·                                 In 10 of earth “Bounty” you will be incredibly focused on your material world, quite possibly to the point of obsession.  You could become a collector now, believing the items you collect will be of greater value in the future.  You may find the collecting and having needs outweigh other needs just now.  Be careful not to alienate those closest to you by being single-minded in your acquisitioning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W25_jgiY51I&feature=related

·                     In 10 of fire “Isolation” you will need to be alone and become something of a hermit for a brief period.  You have had far too many responsibilities and commitments for too long.  You now need to take yourself off for a while to reboot yourself.  If you do not take time for yourself you may find your health will suffer, causing you to take time off anyway.

·                     In 10 of Water "Baptism" you will have wonderful skills of visualisation.  You will be able to create pictures with your mind.  What may be much more difficult to make something of those inspirational images.  You will have to separate fantasy from reality as you may be overly confident on what you can actually achieve alone.

·                     In 10 of Air "Transcendence" there may be an important decision you have to make but it is difficult when you have too much interference.  You will have to make your decision based on yourself alone, and not allow others have an opinion.  A good way to work with this energy is through meditation, when you can make your mind blank and at peace. Only then will it be possible for you to know how you want to proceed.

A stable home is being established, preserving and/or improving your home is indicated. This home improvement will be from the perspective of improving its value due to your own creative thinking. 

Material gifts are likely to come to you through a female.  Finding this card represents a time when the material world is benefiting you.

Think about what it is that you really need.  Then take what you need, and pass on what you do not require.  This tarot requires fluidity of the material resources you use, so be advised that hording or collecting will be of little security to you. 

Certainly link and make suggestions to anyone you think would like to see these. Just please do not reprint as your own work.

Best Wishes, Gabrielle Elliot, ©2011

Tarot 9 of Earth "SEASONS"

Every earthly manifestation has its moment in the Sun, every step on the spiral of life is a new adventure and every age you live has its golden moments.

INTERPRETATION: Nine of earth represents those things that you have (own, possess) that are intangible.  The material world gives value through the living of your life, but those valuable possessions cannot always be held in your hands. Your life itself is invaluable to you, give a listen:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DejUPN4SksU&feature=related

All nines in all of the suits are very powerful because the numbers

3x3 = 9,

which can either be a powerful positive (blessing) or negative (curse). 

·                     In 9 of earth “Seasons” the power you have at your disposal now comes from a mastery of the seemingly mundane: family, home and friends and neighbours.  In its most beneficial you will experience the pleasure of your home life and family, in its most negative you may discover family histories or secrets that do not appeal and at worst makes you feel ashamed to be a member of it

·                     In 9 of fire “SECRET INVESTIGATIONS” the power you have at your disposal now comes from a mastery of the passions: through vocations or avocations, love relationships, sexuality and the arts.  In its most beneficial you will experience a most satisfying and accomplished period through the secrets you uncover and if you research this is an extra benefit to give you the break-through you were looking for, in its most negative you may find that your investigations have led you to finding things out that you wish you never knew, and this can lead to falsely misconstrued accusations, which in turn can lead to a great explosion of arguments that have the potential of becoming physical fights, revenge-seeking and the ending of an important relationship.

·                     In 9 of Water "Resources" the power you have at your disposal now comes from a mastery of the emotions: through giving yourself to others, love relationships, spirituality and the photographic arts.  In its most beneficial you will experience a full soul, a period of spiritual rebirth and romantic love, in its most negative you will be confused and unable to control your emotions and this can cause deep hurt, emotional crippling and loneliness

·                     In 9 of Air "Deception" the power you have at your disposal now comes from a mastery of the intellect: through an ability to ferret out any deception surrounding you.  In its most beneficial you will experience of teaching, learning and research is enhanced, also others will likely seek you out for your good judgement, in its most negative you will find yourself in a situation where you feel you can only act in a deceitful way to protect yourself and this can lead to losing yourself in a tornado of lies

This is a tarot of power because it symbolises the strength of the family line, the value in “blood” whether it is your own blood or the blood of your ancestors---“the blood is the life”. Apparently when the Celtic tribes would take a census of all they owned, such as seven sturdy horses, one bag of silver, etc.  At the very top of their census was the item:  “Child wealth”, for they revered their offspring as the single most important thing they possessed. 

Material security is yours now, though you may not realise it just yet.  Live in the present now, not the past nor future.  Stay in your body!  Earth has her seasons and no one season is more important than the next, spring, summer, autumn and winter.  All lives have their cycles, birth, life, decay and death, rebirth, etc.  It is time to understand the cycle of your own growth and development you find yourself in and embrace it rather than disdain it. 

When you have chosen this card you may need to examine your intangible possessions and appreciate them; such as good health, happy family relationships, joy in living.  Examination of positives helps create stronger focus in your life as you slowly teach yourself to look for that which will be of value to you in the future.  If you are a parent, pay attention to your children, what do you value about then?  Tell them how you value them.  If you are a grandparent, it is time to impart some legacy on one of your children or grandchildren.

If you are an adult and have a living grandparent, visit him or her and pay your respects, as this will help you understand the power in your blood. No matter which stage on the cycle of life you are in now, it is a time to embrace and appreciate all you are and all that you possess.   

Certainly link and make suggestions to anyone you think would like to see these. Just please do not reprint as your own work.

Best Wishes,

Gabrielle Elliot, ©2011

Tarot 7 of Earth "CIRCUMSTANCES"

Sometimes things just happen; they are neither punishment nor reward. 

Around and around the clock we go but time is rather funny there

The sliding clock is adorned with seven earths and seven figures stand in a circle upon it, they have clocks for faces, representing how whenever we try to control time we will become frustrated, angry and stressed out.  The figures have clock faces illustrating how many people are so ruled by their schedules that they become a bit of a cog in the machine and lose their personality in pursuit of this impossible task.

INTERPRETATION:  Time to accept whatever circumstances you find yourself in at the moment.  No matter how long you have been ignoring your issue it will urgently need attention very soon.  The time is nearly come for it.

In all the sevens in each of the suits you will find the theme of needing to recognise and acknowledge a basic truth that you have either ignored or simply not comprehended.  This then represents the something that is limiting you from proceeding on your course.

You may think that something you want or something you want to do has been thwarted recently and it is down to this inability to have recognised about the truth of the situation. It can be something you really believe you haven’t got that you need, but in actuality there is an alternative something you have not yet considered that can alternatively get to where you want to be. Kind of like this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11BQQvVy8LI

·                     In 7 of earth “Circumstances” you will have to come to understand that you have been trying to work against time, either your ideas are ahead of their time or you will have to accept that you have missed the boat and will now have to try and launch your project in the future when the time comes around again

·                     In 7 of fire “Persistence” you may be worried that you do not have the passion needed to carry through your ideas or dreams, you will have to understand that you have enough passion, so it is more about believing in yourself and that you really can accomplish what you want

·                     In 7 of water “Self-preservation” you may fear that loving means you will inevitably be hurt again so you have been holding yourself back from relationships.  When you realise that sharing yourself emotionally with others will always be a risk, then you will be ready to go out and try again to love

·                     In 7 of air “Reality Check” is about recognising that you honestly do know what’s best, in many instances this tarot represents “physician heal yourself”

Day and night on earth is dictated to be the rotation of the earth around the sun.  Ocean waves are controlled by the lunar cycles.  Time is necessary in order to understand and appreciate the concepts of nature's laws.

Give yourself time.  Is there really anything that cannot be done tomorrow? 

You may be creating a great deal of stress in your life, ease off. 

You may have tried something recently and failed.  Having the seven of earth in your reading indicates the time will be right in the short-term future. So try again.

Certainly link and make suggestions to anyone you think would like to see these. Just please do not reprint as your own work.

Best Wishes,

Gabrielle Elliot, ©2011

Tarot 6 of Earth "DISCRIMINATION"

Weed your garden now; allow the strongest, most productive plants more space to expand and place the weak and puny a place on the compost heap so they may become a part of the re-creation (to become again and again)...

Getting your hands dirty is apt now

Pictured in this card in an artist and his craft, several of his pots frame the image and in background is red clay.

INTERPRETATION: It is time now for you to Do-it-yourself in all earthy and creative matters

The sixes in any of the suits represent the state of being self-reliant and self-inspired   

·     In 6 of earth the “Discrimination” tarot represents a state where you will have to make it yourself and you will decide what is essential and what is not

·     In 6 of fire the “Self-Reliance” tarot represents a state where you will have to be self-inspired and self-motivated

·     In 6 of water the “Recollection” tarot represents a time when you will have to rely on your memories and intuition

·     In 6 of air the “Connections” tarot represents a time where you will have to be the hub of communications and networking will be important to you now

You are meant to “make it yourself” and to be the one in charge of physical changes in yourself and your environment.   Any art or craft that has a practical purpose of some sort is just right---cooking, gardening or anything you can get your hands into creatively is just what you need now to express yourself now. Obviously clay and ceramics are perfectly representative of the earth suit since they are art made of earth quite literally.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Work

You work that you may keep pace with the earth and the soul of the earth.

Which of you would be a reed, dumb and silent, when all else sings together in unison?

For to be idle is to become a stranger unto the seasons, and to step out of life's procession, that marches in majesty and proud submission towards the infinite.  

When you work you are a flute through whose heart the whispering of the hours turns to music.  
But if you in your pain call birth an affliction and the support of the flesh a curse written upon your brow, then I answer that naught but the sweat of your brow shall wash away that which is written.

Always you have been told that work is a curse and labour a misfortune. But I say to you that when you work you fulfil a part of earth's furthest dream, assigned to you when that dream was born, And in keeping yourself with labour you are in truth loving life, And to love life through labour is to be intimate with life's inmost secret. 

You have been told also that life is darkness, and in your weariness you echo what was said by the weary.

And I say that life is indeed darkness save when there is urge,

And all urge is blind save when there is knowledge,

And all knowledge is vain save when there is work,

And all work is empty save when there is love;

And when you work with love you bind yourself to yourself, and to one another, and to God.

And what is it to work with love?

It is to weave the cloth with threads drawn from your heart, even as if your beloved were to wear that cloth. It is to build a house with affection, even as if your beloved were to dwell in that house. It is to sow seeds with tenderness and reap the harvest with joy, even as if your beloved were to eat the fruit. It is to charge all things you fashion with a breath of your own spirit, And to know that all the blessed dead are standing about you and watching.

Often have I heard you say, as if speaking in sleep, "He who works in marble, and finds the shape of his own soul in the stone, is nobler than he who ploughs the soil. And he who seizes the rainbow to lay it on a cloth in the likeness of man, is more than he who makes the sandals for our feet." But I say, not in sleep but in the overwakefulness of noontide, that the wind speaks not more sweetly to the giant oaks than to the least of all the blades of grass;

And he alone is great who turns the voice of the wind into a song made sweeter by his own loving.

Work is love made visible.

And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy.

For if you bake bread with indifference, you bake a bitter bread that feeds but half man's hunger.

And if you grudge the crushing of the grapes, your grudge distils a poison in the wine.

And if you sing though as angels, and love not the singing, you muffle man's ears to the voices of the day and the voices of the night.

--- Kahlil Gibran

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Additionally you may need to evaluate your material matters, some things are helping you grow, others are crowding your space...decide upon the only best to cultivate.  Now is the time to make some hard decisions to get rid of things that are tying you down and this effort will be rewarded with freedom and expansion. 

Things around you now need careful selection, get rid of anything that you have not needed for a long time or that you believe will be of no help to you in the future.  This is the time to clean out the closets, and sell all the things that you do not need.  

The extra income from the sales will benefit you now. Believe that the earth will provide you with all the resources you need and you will soon find that you are well provided for indeed.  

Certainly link and make suggestions to anyone you think would like to see these. Just please do not reprint as your own work.

Best Wishes, 

Gabrielle Elliot, 

©2011