Meet the Cards: Ten of Air

What I See:

Looking at this sets my feet moving. I think of traveling and vacations. I think of my bucket list. There is a sense of continuing cycle in that Canada geese fly south each winter and return each spring. Yet there is also a feeling of change, of starting a new chapter in the book of our life.

We have a sense of sunset here, too. A transitioning from the bright light of day to the dark of night.

Many beliefs speak of birds carrying the souls of the dead. In fact, this card reminds me of the Wild Hunt tales I grow up on.

General Air element/Sword suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Air.

Light (upright) Reading:

It may be bittersweet but it is time to let go.

• Keywords: New Beginnings, Rebirth, Liberation, or Silver-Lining.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of resisting progress.

• Keywords: Failure, Hitting Rock-Bottom, Affliction, or Back-Stabbing.

Plots:

A retelling of the Wild Hunt myths (and there are many). A hunter? A fire festival? A New Year (whether a calendar date or a seasonal one) celebration? A solstice? All Hollow’s Eve?

Perhaps your story is paranormal and that transition from day to night plays a key role. Is that a storm moving in? Perhaps the birds are fleeing.

How about travel? Or maybe, crossing things of one’s bucket list. Perhaps the seeing off of children, of becoming an empty nester. Perhaps moving on after divorce, or the death of a spouse?

• Ten Themes: Transition, Transformation, or Endings and Beginnings.

Okay, typically, this card has a rather gruesome image. Definitely one for you horror folks. All ten swords have landed in a man, pinning him to the ground under a dark sky. (Think of the final scene in 300.) Murder, crimes of passion, or war plots come to mind. Maybe a theme of pain or grief yet with the promise of the sun rising again on a new day?

Characters:

Embrace change.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Nobility, Warrior, and Political class.

Additionally, look up one of the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) for personality traits.

For more information on the Tens in general, please refer back to the Ten of Fire.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Nine of Air

Generally, all Nines:

• Express the mastery of their suit, or element.
• Reflect the themes and wisdom of The Hermit.
• Symbolize completion.
• Can be the resolution of a plot point such as the crisis or climax; the character’s mastery of the change in their arc; or the conclusion of any trials either in the plot or with the character.
• Are the conclusion of the final set of mini-dramas mentioned in the Numbers in Tarot post.
• For additional info on Nines check out Tarot Notes Take a Number series on nines.

What I See:

I love seeing images in these cards I’ve seen in real life. The petroglyph seen in the upper left corner is She Who Watches. A sense of protection washed over me as I viewed this image in rock. (Here’s the legend.)

The stormy clouds seem to reflect an inner turmoil. Grief even. There’s a deeper sense of soul-searching to this image than the Three of Air. We’ve moved beyond pouring out our thoughts onto paper. That looks like it might be a standing stone which are often sacred spots and give me a sense of grounding.

General Air element/Sword suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Air.

Light (upright) Reading:

Don’t dwell on ‘could haves’ or ‘should haves.’

• Keywords: Soul-Searching, Shadow-Work, Prayer, or Mind-Healing.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of being crushed by grief.

• Keywords: Nightmares, Guilt, Suffering, or Depression.

Plots:

How about a retelling of the She Who Watches legend?

This particular card definitely speaks to the ‘Dark Night of the Soul’ so perhaps exploring depression, or melancholy. The eyes in the corner could mean a haunting, real or imagined or dreamed. Perhaps a nightmare?

How about loneliness? A mother’s grief? Pain?

Perhaps, she has traveled to a sacred spot for a premonition. Or maybe focus on the power of three times three (the nine).

• Nine Themes: Self-mastery, Solitude, Wisdom, Experience, or Completion.

According to Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner, the Nine of Swords is historically said to “suggest that someone’s suspicions or misgivings about a shady character were well-founded.” Perhaps a mystery or thriller?

Characters:

Open compassion for others.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Nobility, Warrior, and Political class.

The nine-point personality enneagram can also be useful for character building.

All Nines are E9: Mediator, Peacemaker, and/or Preservationist

• Self Image — I am content
• Passion — Indolence, Laziness, or Accidia
• Virtue — Diligence
• Narcissistic Trap — Self-abasement
• Avoids — Conflict
• Speaking Style — Monotonous or Rambling

E9 people are instinctive, spontaneous, and intuitive. Their “gut” feeling is the center of their awareness. They are often direct or territorial. They are concerned with power, ruled by aggression, and may be troubled by self-doubt or self-blame.

Additionally, look up one of the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) for personality traits.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Eight of Air

What I See:

I see lots of Air colors here in the blues and yellows. The one man has a stick with a feather making me think of talking sticks. The rest of the people are actively listening. I picture community meetings, even the sharing of stories. I’m curious what has brought this group together.

This is a very positive card of teamwork verses the more traditional Eight of Swords which has more of an entrapment feel.

General Air element/Sword suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Air.

Light (upright) Reading:

You may be challenged individually for the betterment of the group.

• Keywords: Transcending Destiny, Overcoming Obstacles (through hard work), or Release.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of trying to go it alone.

• Keywords: Interference, Entrapment, Blockage, or Viscous Circle.

Plots:

A Knights of the Round table type of tale? Perhaps a council meeting whether political, communal, familial, or spiritual?

The sharing of tales, stories? How about story time at a library? Maybe teacher and students?

• Eight Themes: Taking Action, Energy, Self-directed Movement, Empowerment, or Transforming Vision into Reality.

Typically, the Eight of Swords shows a blindfolded woman surrounded by swords — Damsel in Distress. A rescue story? Perhaps the swords are prison bars? Maybe a passive resistance theme? BDSM?

Characters:

Everyone shares power in a circle.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Nobility, Warrior, and Political class.

Additionally, look up one of the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) for personality traits.

For more information on the Eights in general, please refer back to the Eight of Earth.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Seven of Air

What I See:

Hike up into the clouds or follow the river? I definitely get a sense of the Air element with this card. Air is the strategist, the thinker, the communicator. Just like the map this hiker is holding, Air (Swords) “cut through confusion and get straight to the point” (Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner). He has a guide with the map yet he pauses, his route is not set in stone.

I won’t get into the whole pantser vs. plotter debate but it’s hard to miss the symbolism in the image on this card.

General Air element/Sword suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Air.

Light (upright) Reading:

Consider alternate routes as you strategize the next step of your journey.

• Keywords: Apology, Constructive Criticism, Wit, or ‘Coming Out’.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of over planning.

• Keywords: Guile, Thievery, Futility, or Deception.

Plots:

Like so many of the cards in this deck, a plot revolving around nature is the first thing that comes to my mind. A hiker, camper, mountain biker, etc. With the river on the map, perhaps a white water rafting trip.

Is he lost? An explorer? Is he even on Earth?

How about a dreamer, someone with their head in the clouds?

• Seven Themes: Initiation, Focus, Inner Work, Setting Intentions, or Self-awareness.

Traditionally, this card shows a man carrying seven swords with tents in the background. Perhaps a more medieval story, or a reenactment? Is the man a squire in charge of preparing the weapons for battle? Maybe the man is stealing the swords? He could be a double agent.

Characters:

Plan yet leave room for spontaneity.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Nobility, Warrior, and Political class.

Additionally, look up one of the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) for personality traits.

For more information on the Sevens in general, please refer back to the Seven of Water.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Six of Air

What I See:

We have Air in the expanse of sky behind the people along with the flying birds. The blues and purples lend themselves to Air as well. Plus we see the river or sea, Water, which brings to mind an emotional focus. The people look like they are greeting the new day. Opening themselves to new possibilities, ideas, and insight. I get a sense of celebration from the drum and the open arms lifted as though in the motion of dance. I also get a sense of prayer or opening one’s self to a greater spirit. There is also a reflective, meditative feeling in this image. I see people coming together in a joint activity, the blending of like minds if you will.

General Air element/Sword suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Air.

Light (upright) Reading:

You are open to new insight and clarity.

• Keywords: Moving on, Smooth Sailing, Beneficial Changes, or Travel.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of being caught in a negative thinking cycle.

• Keywords: Tentative, Fearful, Standstill, or Postponements.

Plots:

The first thought that comes to my mind is a class…yoga, dance, Jazzercise. The second thought that comes to mind is a retreat…spiritual, communal, festival. Perhaps your story focuses on the dynamic of these different people coming together? Or, maybe these people are members of a cult? Are they evil, or just misguided?

How about a transitional focus? Perhaps this is a celebration of life…birth, death. Or a transition from childhood to adulthood? Perhaps it is a welcome home, or a good-bye. How about moving beyond a troubled life to peaceful, or more fulfilling, one?

I imagine someone is leading this group in whatever exercise it is they are doing. How about leadership? Or a guide of some kind?

• Six Themes: Reciprocity, Collaboration, Peak Experience, Interaction, or Community.

Traditionally, this card is depicted with a ferryman steering a boat pierced by six swords across a river. The River Styx, anyone? The six swords could be old injuries or scars…how’d your hero/ine come by them? How about six tests your MC must pass?

Maybe, it is as simple as a journey, whether spiritual or physical. Or is it the arrival of a messenger?

Characters:

With new perspective we have the power to change.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Nobility, Warrior, and Political class.

Additionally, look up one of the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) for personality traits.

For more information on the Sixes in general, please refer back to the Six of Fire.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Five of Air

Generally, all Fives:

• Express the challenge of their suit, or element.
• Reflect the themes and wisdom of the Teacher.
• Symbolize a test of hardship.
• Can represent your story conflict; it can be a plot point such as the First Pinch Point, the unfiltered glimpse of the antagonist force; one of many tests during the “Tests, Allies, & Enemies” portion of the Hero’s Journey (The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler); it could be your mid-point, turning your story on its ear; a threshold guardian; or the experimenting step of your character’s arc.
• Are the test, often unexpected, in the second set of mini-dramas mentioned in the Numbers in Tarot post.
• For additional info on Fives check out Tarot Notes Take a Number series on Fives.

What I See:

The fives are like playing fifty-two card pick up after the structure of the fours. At least this card is with its riot of action.

This card reminds me of a Bev Doolittle painting. I want to sit and stare, and find the hidden images.

What magnificent birds. The Bald Eagle has come back from the brink of extinction and has actually overpopulated some areas. Like any creature, they have to fight to defend their territory. Two of the birds seem to be calling out comments, or warnings. Two seem to be fighting for the perch. And if that wasn’t enough conflict, here comes a fifth bird. Or it could just be my house and that fifth bird is the parent coming to break up yet another sibling fight, LOL.

General Air element/Sword suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Air.

Light (upright) Reading:

Beware of defending your space with hurtful words or bitterness.

• Keywords: Letting Go, End of Attacks, Treachery Revealed, or Detachment from Negativity.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of becoming lost in internalized negativity, it may be all in your head.

• Keywords: Malice, Ridicule, False Pride, or Negativity.

Plots:

With the obvious signs of fight in this card you could have a family feud, a school yard fight, a war, simple survival of the fittest, a legal battle, or a land dispute. Here in Nevada there is a debate about the wild horses and government round-ups and, even though there isn’t a horse to be seen in this card, I see that story unfolding here.

• Five Themes: Challenge, Crisis, Conflict, Instability, or Change.

Traditionally, this card is one of defeat, so perhaps your story focuses on a sporting event. A sore loser? How about exploring the emotion of humiliation? What about someone dishonorably discharged from military service? Perhaps a short-lived victory, or the spoils of war?

Characters:

“Conflicts often generate growth, as painful as they might be.”

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Nobility, Warrior, and Political class.

The nine-point personality enneagram can also be useful for character building.

All Fives are E5: Observer, Investigator, and/or Sage

• Self Image — I see through
• Passion — Greed
• Virtue — Detachment
• Narcissistic Trap — Knowledge
• Avoids — Emptiness
• Speaking Style — Explaining or Systematizing

E5 people are ruled by their head. They need to understand the pattern of events, where all the pieces fit in the puzzle of life, and are often detached from their emotions. Their objectivity may hide feelings of isolation or confusion.

Additionally, look up one of the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) for personality traits.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Four of Air

What I See:

I’m drawn to the pretty blue of the robin’s eggs. I get the sense of the circle of life, the four seasons, the four directions. The four eggs are resting safely in the nest, built high and away from predators. I think of what a mother does to keep her children safe and the feeling of “there’s no place like home.” The nest itself is an intricate weave of bits gathered here, pieces saved there, which makes me think of using what we have. It’s a welcoming little hideaway and that gives way to thoughts of a retreat, or time of respite.

General Air element/Sword suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Air.

Light (upright) Reading:

Take time to dream and clear your mind.

• Keywords: Recuperation, Introspection, Healing, or Meditation.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

You are unable to take time for yourself due to worry or responsibilities.

• Keywords: Isolation, Discontent, Banishment, or Detention.

Plots:

Like many of these cards, nature is prominent and stories of conservation spring to mind. Four eggs, four seasons, four directions, perhaps a circle of life story. Perhaps the four realms: spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical? The nest looks like a basket, perhaps basket weaving features in your story. Perhaps the ribbons and string carefully woven in the nest prompt the weaving of a story thread. Or maybe you see a seamstress in those ribbons and string?

Mystic journeys are often assigned to the Four of Swords. Perhaps because the traditional depiction of this card shows a knight asleep. Maybe your story focuses on an out-of-body experience? Or how about the dream plane? Yet the knight also looks to be laying in a crypt, so perhaps a life after death story. Or maybe being trapped in a crypt? Maybe the knight is a guardian?

Typically, this card represents a respite, or the brief recuperation following an illness. Perhaps your story is based on a caregiver, or a respite caregiver. Maybe a nurse or doctor or hospice worker. Or even a patient.

• Four Themes: Sacred Space, Structure, Boundaries, Limits, Foundation, or Stewardship.

Or maybe those aren’t robin’s eggs…

Characters:

Protecting your sacred space with firm boundaries.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Nobility, Warrior, and Political class.

Additionally, look up one of the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) for personality traits.

For more information on the Fours in general, please refer back to the Four of Earth.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Three of Air

What I See:

What a great card for writers. Maybe it’s because I’ve been working on Morning Pages myself but that’s exactly what I imagine he’s doing here. Purging the mind of all the superfluous stuff. Yet that looks like a tarot card there under the book. So maybe he’s journaling to a daily tarot card draw. It even looks like he’s using a calligraphy pen, talk about a dying art form. I get a sense of the Air element in the books — ideas, inspiration, and wisdom — and the feather standing in the jar. I even see the sky in the colors used.

General Air element/Sword suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Air.

Light (upright) Reading:

You’re in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

• Keywords: Recovery, Karmic Lessons, Wisdom from Pain, and Coming to Terms.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

You’re finding it hard to break from a negative pattern of thinking.

• Keywords: Heartbreak, Disharmony, Rejection, and Mourning.

Plots:

Perhaps a story based on journal or diary entries. I love coming across old letters and journals, maybe a genealogy story? Perhaps a journalist with a newspaper or TV news program. A librarian? A school or university? Maybe, your protagonist is a writer.

Typically, this card shows a heart stabbed by three swords. It’s a card of heartbreak. I picture love triangles. Perhaps your story is about divorce, or surviving divorce? Three can symbolize mother, father, and child, perhaps a miscarriage.

It’s also said the Three of Swords is the Sacred Heart of Christ, the bleeding wounds inflicted by the crown of thorns. How about a story of injustice? Perhaps a story of putting life back together after the death of a loved one. Or the afterlife?

• Three Themes: Harmony, Abundance, Ease, Manifestation, Productivity, or Expression.

Threes are the finale of the first mini-drama, perhaps this means you’re writing a tragedy.

Characters:

Self-exploration through journaling.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Nobility, Warrior, and Political class.

Additionally, look up one of the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) for personality traits.

For more information on the Threes in general, please refer back to the Three of Water.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Two of Air

What I See:

If ever there was a card calling me to mediate this is it. I imagine the woman has closed her ears to the world around her, peaceful as it appears, to turn her focus inward. The affirmation for this card is, “I take time in my day to listen and be open to receiving insight.” As twos are a test of choice, I sense she’s weighing a difficult decision.

General Air element/Sword suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Air.

Light (upright) Reading:

You’re making time to hear the voice within your heart.

• Keywords: Making Peace, Compromise, Equilibrium, and Self-Protective.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Your mind is too busy, it’s time to slow down.

• Keywords: Blocked Emotions, Uncertainty, Procrastination, and Delays.

Plots:

Typically, this card has a blindfolded woman holding two swords. Perhaps your story centers around someone who is blind. Or maybe someone with a sixth sense?

How about the need to merge two differing views or lifestyles? Perhaps a truce between warring people or countries. Maybe treachery?

According to Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner the Two of Swords historically represents friendship, harmony, and gifts for woman, or influential protection for a man. Perhaps a story about friendship. “Influential protection” gives me ideas for a Dom/me and sub story. Or maybe someone is sleeping their way to the top?

• Two Themes: Balance, Attraction, Receptivity, Duality, Reflection, or Choice.

The two birds in the background reinforce the theme of attraction as I picture lovers dancing around each other. The book says they are cedar waxwings “making companion calls.”

Characters:

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear,” says Ram Dass

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Nobility, Warrior, and Political class.

Additionally, look up one of the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) for personality traits.

For more information on the Twos in general, please refer back to the Two of Fire.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Ace of Air

Note: We’ll work through the pips by focusing on each number group rather than one suit at a time. Thus, to avoid redundancy, the first post of each number set will include the general information, that which is consistent across the number, in addition to suit specific information. The other three posts of each number set will focus on the suit specific information.

Generally, all Aces:

1. Share the purest, uncorrupted, attributes of their suit, or element.
2. Reflect the themes and wisdom of the Magician.
3. Symbolize potential.
4. Can represent Act One, the set-up, of your story; or the first stage of your character’s arc, their change and growth; thesis.
5. Begins the first of the three triads, or mini-dramas as mentioned in last week’s Numbers in Tarot post.
6. Tarot Notes is doing a series called Take a Number, for additional info on Aces check out her post on Ones.

Air is the breath of life, it blows away strife and carries positive thoughts. In most decks this would be the Ace [1] of Swords. Typically depicted by a right hand (symbolizing action) holding a sword aloft, think Excalibur.

What I See:

I choose to start with Air because of the butterfly, it reminds me of how we started this journey with the Fool or Seeker. I’ll bet you knew the Greek word for ‘soul’ is psyche. But did you know the Greek word for ‘butterfly’ is also psyche?! We have the butterfly emerging from the chrysalis. This image speaks to me of birth and transformation. We have the spring blossoms reminding us of the seasons and cycles of life. According to the book, that’s hawthorn which is considered the May-flower, so awesome that we’re starting the pips in May I come away from this image with a sense of trusting oneself to change.

General Air element/Sword suit:

• Keywords: Strife, Tension, Conflict, Struggle, Communication, Travel, Powerful, Intelligence, Foresight, Boldness, Reason, Logic, Sarcasm, Threats, Legal Actions, Surgery, Cutting, Accidents, Justice, Truth, Detachments, Separations, Moving On, and Mental Activity.
• Style: Storming, Freezing, Striving, Communicating, Cutting, and Confronting.
• Jungian Function: Thinking

Light (upright) Reading:

You are blooming with new thoughts or decisions.

• Keywords: Power, Courage, Fresh Ideas, and Authority.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

You may be stuck in your comfort zone and avoiding change.

• Keywords: Threats, Sarcasm, Pessimism, and Cynicism.

Plots:

The Ace of Air represents a new beginning on an intellectual level. Perhaps your story is about a student, or a teacher. The sword represents justice. Perhaps your story is about a mediator or lawyer, or even a law enforcement officer. How about a knight, sworn to protect and defend the weak? Or someone with knight-like qualities?

How about a Sci-Fi twist, and the people emerge from giant chrysalises? Or has that been done already?

How about a Charlotte’s Web type story featuring a butterfly?

All Aces represent the potential for creation. Perhaps you story involves a pregnancy. Perhaps a new idea is conceived.

• Ace Themes: Beginning, Potential, Opportunity, Conception, Birth, or Elemental Energy.

Characters:

“Follow your heart,” says Hawthorn.

“You’re a brand-new being,” say Butterfly.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Nobility, Warrior, and Political class.

The personality enneagram, a nine-pointed array of personality types, might also be a useful reference for character building.

All Aces are E1: Perfectionist and/or Reformer

• Self Image — I am right
• Passion — Anger
• Virtue — Serenity
• Narcissistic Trap — Perfection
• Avoids — Vexation
• Speaking Style — Teaching or Moralizing

E1 people are instinctive, spontaneous, and intuitive. Their “gut” feeling is the center of their awareness. They are often direct or territorial. They are concerned with power, ruled by aggression, and may be troubled by self-doubt or self-blame.

Additionally, look up one of the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) for personality traits.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide