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Monday, 30 May 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

Saturday, 28 May 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

Wednesday, 11 May 2011

Tarot 15 Ace of Fire: "INSPIRATION"

Look for the Eureka moments that come to you like a flash of lightning
Use the lightening strike information to make an innovative act

In the image a bolt of lightning strikes a thinking person, the strike acts like an x-ray machine so we can see the skull of the thinker.  This represents bringing what is inside, out into the light of manifestation.  The eyes glow with aspiration and expanded understanding.

INTERPRETATION:  You have just had or will have shortly an idea or inspired thought.  You must utilise this as soon as you can, you will not have time to hesitate.  Strike out as soon as you feel the inspiration, act on impulse, do not allow it to become a memory of what might have been. “Carpe Diem”!


“'Carpe diem' is usually translated from the Latin as 'seize the day'. However, the more pedantic of Latin scholars may very well seize you by the throat if you suggest that translation.

'Carpe' translates literally as 'pluck', with particular reference to the picking of fruit, so a more accurate rendition is 'enjoy the day, pluck the day when it is ripe'.  The extended version of the phrase 'carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero' translates as 'Pluck the day, trusting as little as possible in the future'.

The meaning is similar to that of many proverbs that we continue to use in English and is a warning to make the most of the time we have, with the implication that our time on Earth is short. Other such proverbs are 'Strike while the iron is hot', 'The early bird catches the worm', 'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may', and so on.

The original source for the Latin phrase is the lyric poet Quintus Horatius Flaccus (65 BC – 8 BC), more widely known as Horace. The term is first found in Odes Book I: Dum loquimur, fugerit invida

Aetas: carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero

Which translates as:

While we're talking, envious time is fleeing: pluck the day, put no trust in the future

Many authors have quoted the Latin original, but it was Lord Byron's use of the phrase that first began to integrate it into English. He included it in his 1817 work 'Letters', which was published in 1830 by Thomas Moore:

"I never anticipate, - carpe diem - the past at least is one's own, which is one reason for making sure of the present."

The noble George Gordon Noel, sixth Baron Byron, is better known as a womaniser than as a Latin scholar, but he was well versed in the language and was a Horace aficionado. He was taught Latin as a child by the son of his bootmaker and went on to write his version of Horace's Ars Poetica(The Art of Poetry), as 'Hints from Horace', in 1811.

All aces in all of the suits indicate an opportunity presenting itself to you and it is up to you to do something with it.  If you don’t want that kind of opportunity, do nothing and nothing will happen, but if you need a change then act upon the opportunity and you should be pleased with the outcome

·                     In Ace of earth “Birth” an opportunity to bring about a new life is around you, normally coming in the forms of a new outlet for earning income, a new job, a new home, a new baby, etc.

·                     In Ace of fire “Inspiration” an opportunity to bring about a new idea or an inspiration that can cause you to have a break through, an eureka moment changing your upcoming actions.  If you are an artist or work in a creative field Ace of fire will bring a different and valuable mindset to complete and compliment your projects

·                     In Ace of water “Abundance” an emotional opportunity comes along, generally in the form of a new love or friendship.  It can also involve some longed for revolution in an artistic or craft endeavour.

·                     In Ace of air “Revelation” an opportunity arises through communications, thinking, learning, research and development.  For one who studies or teaches, this tarot would indicate the opportunity to learn a related subject or earn a grant for research you are working on, and so on.

What has presented itself to you is only a possibility at the moment, it is up to you to transform it into a concrete reality. Do not hesitate, if you do, you will lose the opportunity. 

You will feel passionate and have much energy when working to bring the inspiration to life.  It may feel compulsive [and this will power your need to complete your tasks], you will be focused once you decide to act on this new idea.  This image represents a time when your imagination and creativity is quite powerful, and can be helpful when you try to bring your ideas into a concrete form.

You will be given opportunities to improve something in your life and if you take the opportunities that arise, you will expand your confidence and your self-esteem.  Also you will be inspirational and a cheer-leader for others. This in turn will cause you to bring others to you and your creative energies will build with each of these encounters.  If you like being with other creative types, drawing this tarot will expand your popularity and influence with others.

All aces represent opportunities coming to you, but you will have to take them up or they will disappear.  You do not have to do anything and leave it alone if this is not something you are interested in and no harm will come to you in any way.  If, however, you are interested in having a creative life, embrace this image with both arms.

Not only will you have good new ideas or inspirations, but  also enough focus and concentration to see through a project you decide to make from your eureka moment. You may find you have much more energy than you have had, and the more you work on your projects the more it energises you.

This card has a masculine/positive influence and thus you will have to do something with it, you cannot sit on what comes to you or it will be of no values in the long run.  Get a little pad of paper to carry with you [or a smart phone or suchlike] so as ideas come to you, you will have something to record them with so you can use them later.

If you are male, you are particularly potent right now, so if you want no children, take precautions.  Regardless of your gender, it will probably be a quite sexy period for 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

Friday, 6 May 2011

Tarot 14 Woman of Earth: "the GARDENER"

Nurturing the world without ever meaning to, it simply is naturally for her to do so


The gardener has just found that her garden has produced a rose unusually late in the season just when the grapes are ready to harvest.  She stops to marvel at it and the single red rose becomes a significant symbol to her.  She, too, has just discovered that she is pregnant with a long-awaited expectancy that has come to her after an extended period of barrenness. 


INTERPRETATION: This woman, in a brief time will grow into the mother image pictured in the Ace of Earth, bringing the Suit of Earth full circle.

All of the women in all of the suits should be considered as having active attributes of the positive and negative of each of the suits. 

The woman of earth, “the GARDENER” is clearly a maternal figure.  She represents all of the womanly attributes: beauty, nurture and care.  If her energy runs too strong her children can be too clingy or may never leave her home.

The woman of fire, “the SNAKE CHARMER" always turns men’s [and some women’s] heads.  She is a temptress and seems to have the kind of aura that makes her mysteriously popular.  Beware as she represents the worst types of envy and retribution and when handling this type of energy you must be careful how you use it, as flying into a rage may have terrible consequences you never intended.

The woman of water, “the GOVERNESS is a quite ethereal being.  She is always calm, and often placid.  She will pick up a crying infant to soothe it, but forgets to do the checks to see if something is actually hurting the baby.

The woman of air, “the PILOT” takes herself very seriously.  She is likely to have either an important position in her career or is in charge of some rather large responsibilities.  It is very hard for her to understand a joke.  She will often seem remote or cold.  Her professional status can isolate her.

When you encounter the Gardener you are likely to notice that she wears sensible shoes, gives down to earth advice and is simple in her needs. You will know her by the dirt under her fingernails and her green thumb.  When you first meet her, she is likely to offer you the information needed to grow or make something. 

Notice in the image that the world is slightly hidden beneath the leaves as it gently matures under the gardener’s careful tending.  No matter what chaos and destruction seemingly inhabits your world, remember the feminine energy of nurturing care continues ceaselessly.  Wherever that parental love permeates it is multiplied and positively affects the world, protecting it from total destruction.

The gardener will birth her harvest.  Seedlings become fruits and she gathers them up in her careful and dirty fingers.  Your harvest time has come.  Be aware that the seeds you planted long before this; are manifesting for you now.  Ensure you pay attention and embrace the opportunities when they arrive.

This is the time to expect something you have longed for becoming an actuality. When it arrives do not pinch yourself to see if you are dreaming, you won’t need too because believe me, you are fully awake. 

If you are undertaking the role of the Gardener you will find that you will go through an extremely creative and productive period.  You will find that you will hit a pace, where everything you have learned, experienced & envisioned join up and make you masterful indeed.

If you are being influenced by a Gardener in your life, they may be there not only to assist you in some project or other but also to nurture you in some way. Use “her” to organise and make things happen and be certain she will carry out her “duties” in her own individual way.  If you allow her to do it the way she wants to and acknowledge her work, you will have a seriously good outcome.

If you have been feeling lonely, the Gardener will invite you to nurture yourself.  This can easily be achieved by taking some time out and listen to some mellow, instrumental music, when you are feeling relaxed, close your eyes.  Breathe deeply three times and just listen to the music a bit longer. 

Then count backwards, 5, 4, 3, 2...1, in your mind’s eye picture yourself in a gentle, green woods. Find yourself walking down a safe grassy path through the woods.  In the distance see and smell a campfire and move toward it. 

Move deeper into the woods until you are closer to the fire.  You notice a small figure sitting with its back to you.  So as not to frighten the little person you cautiously approach and call out a friendly greeting. 

When the child turns to you, it looks familiar and suddenly you realise it is YOU as you were as a child.  Approach and take time to encounter each other.  Realise why the child is happy or sad, frightened or angry or hurt or content, etc.

Realise too, that your child-self will be able to communicate his/her needs, desires, hopes, fears, beliefs and dreams. Accept them, no matter what they are; try not to judge them in any way, no matter how they make you feel, accept them. Your child-self cannot lie, it is still too innocent.

Allow yourself as an adult to promise your child-self that you will parent and love your whole-self just as you would with your own child.  Take as much time as you like with your child-self.  When you are ready, say goodbye to each other and walk back through the woods from whence you came.

As you recognize the place where you began, close your mind’s eye and count 1...2...3...4...5...6... When you are ready take a deep breath and slowly open your eyes. Take your time “coming back into the room” before moving about too quickly. 

You can revisit this meditation at any time now that you know how to get back to nurture your child-self.  The more you work at this relationship of parental love  the more it will resonate within your life.

..."Who are you?" asked the little prince, and added, "You are very pretty to look at."
"I am a fox," the fox said.
"Come and play with me," proposed the little prince. "I am so unhappy."
"I cannot play with you," the fox said. "I am not tamed."
"Ah! Please excuse me," said the little prince.
But, after some thought, he added:
"What does that mean--'tame'?"
"You do not live here," said the fox. "What is it that you are looking for?"
"I am looking for men," said the little prince. "What does that mean--'tame'?"
"Men," said the fox. "They have guns, and they hunt. It is very disturbing. They also raise chickens. These are their only interests. Are you looking for chickens?"
"No," said the little prince. "I am looking for friends. What does that mean--'tame'?"
"It is an act too often neglected," said the fox. It means to establish ties."
"'To establish ties'?"
"Just that," said the fox. "To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. And I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me. To you, I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world . . ."
"I am beginning to understand," said the little prince...”

---The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-ExupĂ©ry, 1943


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