Card 20 - 6 of Fire: "SELF-RELIANCE"

"No one can cheat you out of ultimate success but yourself"---Ralph Waldo Emerson

From the smoke of the cleansing fire arises much intuitive protection from within.  Worry not, for continual expanding movement is possible now.        

Pictured in the tarot is a man working manually, stoking the fire of a giant furnace, this has been his job for a long time and he is used to it.  The men looking into his inferno  admire his ability to work at this job for as long as he has, never faltering, never taking a sick day.  His consistency is one of the rare gifts in life, and though he is not egotistical, he is proud in his accomplishments.

INTERPRETATION:  Success is possible through honouring the inherent intuition within you.  Listen to your inner voice.  Your passion for doing something is quite high now so whenever you begin a new project now, you will be able to take care of everything all by yourself.  You do not need to do it all yourself, but you could if you wanted to.

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, whatever it is
·     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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1II2nPmBZJk

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

Best Wishes, Gabrielle Elliot ©2011

Tarot 19 - 5 of Fire: Associations and Assignations

It isn't always what you know...

...but who you know...

A link to get you in the mood~~~

Edgar Allan Poe's "Assignation"
http://vimeo.com/groups/883/videos/2069156
Pictured on this tarot: five people smoking in intimate and everyday situations 

INTERPRETATION: Sometimes also who you know can hinder you as others will have a tendency to pre-judge you based on external factors, what you wear, how you carry yourself and with whom you associate.  Normally these judgements will be more negative than positive.

All of the fives in each of the suits represent a place of lack in your life at present and these are somewhat more difficult to work through.  These images throw up the reasons why something you want that you cannot have just now. 

They depict circumstances beyond your control and this is what makes them so difficult as they often feel unfair because you do not have the power to change them now.  Depending on which five you find, it will at least help you understand why things are not happening the way you would like them to, in these basic ways:

•    In 5 of earth the “Depletion” tarot represents that the material world is in opposition to your desires.
•     In 5 of fire the “Associations and Assignations” tarot represents that passions and arguments are rife, making it impossible to act in the way you desire
•     In 5 of water the “Repentance” tarot represents that you will be experiencing emotional warfare, blackmail or undo guilt making from something someone knows about you and is manipulating you emotionally in some way that makes you feel that you can never get or deserve what you desire
•    In 5 of air the “Metamorphosis” tarot represents the time between one time period in your life and another, it’s a time in your life will be confusing and information is not clear enough for you to even know what you ought to desire

It is time to recognise and understand your stumbling blocks, which may be very difficult because you may feel powerless to act within the situation you find yourself in at present.  Remember, this too will pass, in the future---it will only feels like it’s lasting forever.

Be careful of folks you may meet now who seems to be someone who will help you, do not confide in this individual, take their advice or allow them to get involved as they are not going to help you at the end of the day.  So if you do it anyway when you meet this individual be aware that in addition to feeling unhappy about your situation you will likely become even more distressed when this person breaks a confidence or turns into a trouble-maker for you.

When you choose this tarot it is time to look at your habits and discern which ones are necessary and which are not and which are actually harmful for you.  It would be a great time to address bad habits and rectify your life by ridding yourself of their control over your behaviour.

Put down your weapons, for nothing can be accomplished at this time through struggle or argument. You will feel like confronting all manner of things but you will have to make yourself temper this confrontation with patience or you can end up getting very angry, argumentative and violent.  It is time to become a part of the flow of movement, do not try to swim against the tide.

Examine carefully those with whom you associate, there is a change of social climate afoot.  Decide if your social circle is helping or hindering you and act accordingly to shape your circle with more supportive and positive friendships.

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

Best Wishes, Gabrielle Elliot ©2011

Tarot 18 - 4 of Fire: "REBIRTH"

Life, death and rebirth are inevitable--- Rig Veda

A surprising encounter brings a renewal of your spirit.

Upon a lake of fire floats the soul bubble  of a many-armed and legged man.  In 4 of his hands he holds 4 candles.  Framing this tarot are assorted lighters, the potential to start a fire at the ready.

INTERPRETATION:  All 4s in each suit reminds us of four legs on a table, or a chair or a stool, four legs balance and make secure.  Four is the number of stability and enhancement.  Normally when fours come into a reading it is a time when an issue or problem in any of the elements you’ve been experiencing is finally coming to a conclusion.

• In earth four we realise it as a representation of  balanced provisions---having enough to eat, enough to drink, a home and good health, it normally also relates to having enough money to live well upon after a long time of dwindling resources.
• In fire four we realise it as balanced inspiration and passion---having enough fire in your belly to fight for your needs and rights, it normally also relates to a resurgence or rebirth of your freedom or creativity after a period of feeling confined or having had a period of “writer’s block” regardless of what creative/artistic talent/leaning you have.
• In water four we realise it as a representation of balanced emotions, in particular loyalty---having someone in your life that you trust implicitly, so much so that you can diverge your secrets to this person or persons after a long time of keeping your feelings to yourself or feeling particularly lonely.
• In air four we realise it as a representation of balanced intellect---having enough to occupy your mind in a fulfilling and creative way. Thoughts, philosophy, learning, Oscillating from subject to subject flexibly and comprehensibly, communicating well your luscious ideas, after having survived a period of worry, mental instability or depression.

The rebirth experienced in this tarot comes rather un-expectantly and dramatically.  Any injustice or incarceration you have had to endure is finally releasing you now.

Like a breath of the freshest air imaginable you will find a revitalisation of your spirit.  You will feel happy and content and be delighted in the most simple of life’s pleasures and this will make you very popular.  In turn, as you draw people to you, you will feel complete with your relationships.  It should also be a time when you feel very sensual.

Normally what occurs to bring you into this joyful period will come in surprising circumstances that you never would have been able to predict. Even though this tarot dwells in the minor arcana, it is one that encompases the spirit.  It will feel a little bit like falling in love with life.  Kinda like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaNdOHYLZYk

Realise that you are stronger than ever before, renewed.  The old cycle ends, a new one begins and you are prepared for it.

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

Best Wishes, Gabrielle Elliot ©2011

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 16 - 2 of Fire: "UNION"

A true friend is one soul in two bodies ---Aristotle

Spirits unite and then ignite, passions are high and creation begins

Within a ring of fire two men embrace in a passionate union, they are lovers and friends.  Their ardour is high and they delight in each other’s company.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cyfTFbzk9A&feature=related

INTERPRETATION:  This is the time to consider the nature of duality. 

All twos in all of the suits show a balance and a joining of the element.

·                     In earth “Discovery” two physical bodies join, balancing your resources and physical work

·                     In fire “Union” two passions join, balancing the sensual, intuitive and spiritual self

·                     In water “Synchronicity” two emotions join, balancing feelings and imaginings within you

·                     In air “Illusion” two mentalities join, balancing thinking, communicating & teaching with learning

Opposites are attracting, and from two independent spirits a wonderful bond is created.  FALLING in lust is a definite possibility at this time. While it will be exciting, it may not be long-lasting as it will likely be a strong passionate attraction and it won’t wait around to long before it is satisfied. 

Fire acts quickly, think of how quickly a match will burn itself out once it’s lit. So if a new relationship comes into your life now, realise it may also burn itself out.  It is a good idea to recognise this and alter your expectations accordingly.  This doesn’t mean it can’t be long-lasting, it’s just that the energy of fire will act before thinking, so you may not be compatible in other ways so if you are looking for a more permanent relationship at the moment, make sure you know the person before jumping into bed with them simply because you have “the hots” for the new beloved.

There will be a great deal of experimentation in your life and since partnering is on the cards, you will gain a great deal of experience in partnerships.  This is likely to include changing roles and experimenting living in alternative and more free and easy relationships in general.

Realise too that this tarot can herald the time when you will meet a future good friend.  This person will share a passion of some kind with you, you will feel totally at ease and it will be as if you’ve known each other forever, when you have only just met. These kind of friends make good business or creative partners as you will both just enjoy being with each other.

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