Meet the Cards: Ten of Earth

What I See:

I see a lot in this image. We have a nurse stump/log which speaks to the endings and beginnings theme of the tens. A tree falls and as it decays it gives new life to moss and ferns and fungi and tree seedlings.

I get a sense of journey’s end whether you look at the physical or symbolic. It even looks like the man is walking toward the light. “Light at the end of the tunnel” anyone? Or, on the spiritual side, “going into the light.”

I have mixed feelings about the man being alone. On one hand, it looks like he’s out on a peaceful afternoon stroll through the woods. On the other, I wonder where his family and friends are. I want to step up next to him, linking my arm through his, and ask him to tell me a story as we walk along the path.

General Earth element/Pentacles suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Earth.

Light (upright) Reading:

Past wisdom shines new light on your life.

• Keywords: Tradition, Comfort, Abundance, or Inheritance.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of feeling trapped, or seeing the glass half empty.

• Keywords: Family Troubles, Suffocating Traditions, Dependence, or Excessive Materialism.

Plots:

How about a storyteller? An elder passing on his history to the next generation? Perhaps, a first-time grandparent holding that grandchild (or great-grandchild!) for the first time. Or maybe, a grandparent caring for/raising a grandchild? A governess or nanny?

Maybe retirement? An ending to working for a living and a beginning to living for a living.

It’s hard to look at this image and not think about an end of life. Transitioning from the physical plane to the spiritual or metaphysical. Perhaps a ghost story, or life-after-death tale.

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

Typically, this card shows three generations of a family. According to Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner, “The Ten of Pentacles suggests the richness of family life.” Perhaps a tale of inheritance, whether monies or wisdom or experience or values or beliefs. Perhaps a story around a family tradition.

Characters:

Passing our knowledge to the next generation.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Merchants, Business, and Professional class.

Additionally, look up one of the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) 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 Water

What I See:

There’s a whispiness to her that makes me think of spirits wandering. I have a sense of her rising from the sea, breathing life into the Selkie myth. The colors bring to mind the ocean after a storm. Or maybe, the calm before the storm.

Seeing the light. With her arms open wide, whether spiritually or physically or emotionally, she is embracing fulfillment. The book says she’s standing in a sea cave but the edges are blurred enough she could be standing on the banks of a stream in a forest. I love the duality of that.

General Water element/Cups suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Water

Light (upright) Reading:

All is well.

• Keywords: Happiness, Wishes Fulfilled, Sensual Pleasure, or Bliss.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of shutting down your emotions.

• Keywords: Extravagance, Superficiality, Hedonism, or Addiction.

Plots:

With that shining light, perhaps a life after death story. How about a ghost story? Maybe a tale about a medium or tarot reader? There’s an otherworldly feel to the image so perhaps time-travel or aliens or shifters.

With her arms outstretched like that, perhaps she’s a shaman or some other spiritual guide. Maybe she’s on a vision quest?

How about a mythic helper who seems ordinary? (Perhaps refer back to The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler for mythic archetypes.)

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

Typically, this card shows a barkeep/innkeeper leaning against a wall lined with cups. Perhaps your character is a bartender? Or maybe, you use a bartender to extract your character’s secrets.

Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner points out that the bartender could be looked at as a “low-rent High Priestess” — perhaps a story lurks there.

Characters:

Harmony with the Divine.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Clergy and Priestly class.

Additionally, look up one of the Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) for personality traits.

For more information on the Nines in general, please refer back to the Nine of Air.

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 Fire

What I See:

This card is similar to the traditional one. I think of wishing on stars, looking for the first star in the night sky. There’s a feeling of distance. The horizon looks to be a long way away. I’m struck by a sense of vastness. I have a visual of Lee Ann Womack’s I Hope You Dance — sure, she was talking about the ocean, but I think the same applies with a meteor shower. Meteors certainly speak to the Fire element. There’s a sense of fleeting. A fleeting moment. A fleeting opportunity. A fleeting emotion. A sense of embracing the spectacular.

General Fire element/Wands suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Fire

Light (upright) Reading:

Strike when the iron, or inspiration, is hot.

• Keywords: Excitement, Movement, Travel, or Communication.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of being resistant to change.

• Keywords: Impulsiveness, Hysteria, Discord, or Thoughtlessness.

Plots:

A nature story? How about camping and sleeping under the night sky? Wishing on a star?

A space story? Perhaps those are escape pods landing on an alien planet? Or are they aliens landing on Earth?

Maybe fireworks?

It almost looks like the flaming tips of arrows. A war? A siege? Perhaps Cupid’s arrows, how about a romance?

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

According to Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner the Eight of Wands is “associated with long-distance travel and messages.” What about a long-distance romance? A chat-room affair?

Characters:

Filled with awe and wonder.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Peasant or Servant Class.

Additionally, look up one of the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) 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

Coyote Con: Tarot Transcript

Me: Hiya Kait! How are you this morning?
Kait Nolan: Good morning!
Diana Castle: Good morning!
Me: Good morning Michelle!
Diana Castle: Hi, Michelle. Thanks for joining us.
Michelle Roper: Glad to be here
Me: Shall we give people a few more minutes Diane?
Diana Castle: Looks like it’s about 5 after. Maybe a couple of minutes more. While we wait, can I ask our guests why you’re interested in tarot and writing?
Kait Nolan: I like it for plotting and getting to know my characters. I’ve got Tarot for Writers, and I’ve found it really useful in developmental stuff because it gives some parameters without too much restriction.
Me: Morning Maria!
Diana Castle: Tarot for Writers is a great book! Highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t read it.
Diana Castle: Welcome Maria!
Maria Zannini: Made it!
Diana Castle: It’s early so thanks for joining us!
Ayla: it’s not an idea I’ve come across before so I’m interested in how it can be applied to writing
Michelle Roper: I agree. I use tarot to build characters, finding their flaws.
Diana Castle: Great, Ayla. That’s what we’re going to cover this morning.
Diana Castle: Exactly Michelle. It’s a great character tool.
Me: Maria, Diane asked why you’re interested in tarot and writing if you’d like to answer before we start.
Maria Zannini: I’ve used horoscopes in the past to build character traits. I was hoping tarot would deepen it.
Me: Okay, I’m showing it’s 10 after, let’s start.
Diana Castle: Maria, if you’re interested, Corrine Kenner has written a book called Tarot and Astrology: Enhance Your Readings With the Wisdom of the Zodiac. She’s the same author who wrote Tarot for Writers.
Maria Zannini: Good to know. Thanks.
Diana Castle: You’re welcome. Okay, yep, let’s start.
Me: Welcome to the Using Tarot in Writing Panel. I’m Raelyn Barclay and I have been using tarot to brainstorm stories for about two years now. You can find my Meet the Cards tarot series on my blog most Thursdays. The tarot is a fabulous addition to the writer’s toolbox. And I have my co-panelist, Diana, to thank for turning me onto tarot. Diana, would you like to introduce yourself?
Diana Castle: Hi, I’m Diana Castle. I’ve been studying tarot for nearly twenty years, but it’s only been the past few years that I’ve used it for writing fiction. I’ve been writing for close to ten years. I’m currently independently publishing and you can find my e-books at Amazon and at Barnes and Noble. You can also find them listed at http://dianacastle.com/
Me: As it is just the two of us, we’ll take questions and/or comments as we go. Feel free to jump in at any time.
Me: There are many aspects to tarot, far too many to explore in this single panel, and using it for your fiction writing. To start, you need a deck of tarot cards. And there is a tarot deck for everyone! I believe Diana, you turned me onto http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/ which is an awesome resource for looking at the numerous decks available. I currently own four decks. How many decks do you have now Diana?
Diana Castle: Oh, my, well certainly not as many as some people but far more than I would imagine the average sane person owns.
Kait Nolan: I love the artwork on them.
Me: Definitely Kait.
Diana Castle: That is one of the appealing things about the various decks out there. Some fabulous artists are creating amazing decks.
Michelle Roper: I love the artwork, too.
Maria Zannini: Do certain decks work better for certain genres?
Diana Castle: Yes, they do.
Maria Zannini: Complete tarot newbie so feel free to use small words.
Diana Castle: Of course, you can get by with using only one deck if that is the deck that speaks to you, but I like using different decks for brainstorming if I’m writing in different genres. Or if I’m working on plotting as opposed to characters or world-building as opposed to brainstorming ideas.
Diana Castle: No problem, Maria. Tarot is both simple and very complex.
Kait Nolan: Do you have some examples to offer Diana?
Diana Castle: There are so many decks available that it’s not at all difficult to find a deck that will suit your tastes, interests, genre, etc. Decks range from the Housewives Tarot to the Zombie Tarot. Interestingly, both decks are by the same artist, Paul Kepple!
Kait Nolan: I can just tell I’m going to wind up with another deck after today…
Diana Castle: I recently purchased the Steampunk Tarot.
Diana Castle: And it’s a great deck if you’re writing steampunk.
Diana Castle: The Aeclectic Website is an excellent place to start as it not only offers reviews of the various decks but also provides images so that you can preview some of the cards before purchase. They have also sorted the decks out by such themes as Fairies, Erotic, Russian, Steampunk, etc.
Kait Nolan: OOOOOO
Maria Zannini: Would you say tarot is more an intuitive art? That is, does different art help you interpret differently?
Me: Maybe, I should have warned Diane about Maria’s questions
Diana Castle: Yes, most definitely. If I’m using, let’s say, my gothic vampire deck or that zombie deck I’m going to get a different feel than if I use my fairy tale deck for example.
Maria Zannini: LOL.
Diana Castle: That’s fine. They’re great questions.
Me: I know…you should see some of the ones she’s hit me with on my blog.
Diana Castle: I would say that when choosing a deck for writing choose one that speaks to you but don’t be afraid to choose a deck that may not necessarily speak to you. Since fiction is about conflict, working with a deck that makes you uneasy may be just the thing you need to shake you out of a rut or a blockage regarding your writing.
Kait Nolan: I’m interested in some other resources or means of interpretation. As I mentioned, I’ve got Tarot for Writers, but at that level it doesn’t seem to matter what kind of deck you have, as the write up is the same. I’m curious how to really step beyond the basics of what’s outlined in the book to deepen my read so to speak.
Diana Castle: That’s going to involve really working one on one with the deck. Some people work with a card a day as a means of getting deeper into the deck. It’s almost like having a conversation with the cards.
Me: Similar to the Meet the Cards series I’m doing now. I learn new things every time I look at the cards.
Diana Castle: And you’ll find, Kait, that the more you use the cards for your writing, the more you will create your own interpretations of the cards.
Kait Nolan: Probably my natural bent is a bit more scientific than it need be to go with something like tarot
Ayla: I’ve not heard of using tarot to help with writing so can we go back to basics on that please?
Me: Definitely, let me go back to what Maria brought up. One thing I get asked all the time on my blog is, “how much knowledge of tarot do you need to work with it?” Which is almost always followed by, “is there a meaning to each card or is it more an intuitive interpretation?” What’s your take on those questions, Diana?
Diana Castle: You need no prior knowledge to work with the deck for writing. You could pick up a deck right now and start working with it for writing. The pictures on the deck help so much with that. As for a meaning to each card, there are “traditional” meanings to the card and it doesn’t hurt to know those, but you will bring to each card your own individual perceptions of that card. Are you familiar with tarot spreads, Ayla?
Ayla: vaguely
Me: Diane is my go-to person for tarot spreads. Perhaps you can start by sharing how to lay out and read a spread.
Diana Castle: A tarot spread is a design for laying out the cards. So, for example, I could lay out three cards in a row. However, each position in the spread would mean something specific. A three card spread could mean, past, present and future. I would then lay the cards out and interpret them in terms of whether the cards occupies the past, present or future space. The same card in a different position would, therefore, mean something different. That’s where a lot of the intuition comes through.
Kait Nolan: :tears self away from Aeclectic before I buy more than just the steampunk deck:
Diana Castle: Most tarot books talk about how to lay out and read a spread and there are even books totally devoted to spreads. If you want to learn more, just do a search on tarot spreads and you’ll find a lot of information on it. Spreads can be as simple as one card layouts to spreads that encompass all 78 cards of a typical tarot deck.
Me: LOL, isn’t that steampunk deck awesome?
Kait Nolan: I just put 3 other decks on my Amazon wishlist…
Diana Castle: Maybe it will help more if I provide an example of a spread I use when plotting. I use this when I’m brainstorming ideas for a plot. Tarot Plotting
Me: I have about 10 on my wishlist.
Maria Zannini: Diane, this is very useful. Thank you.
Kait Nolan: Ooo worksheet! I love worksheets!
Michelle Roper: Thanks. Love the worksheet.
Diana Castle: I basically shuffle the cards, think about my story or whatever idea I have for the story and I lay out the cards.
Diana Castle: Does anyone have any questions about it?
Kait Nolan: Okay so for example, you’ve got like the Midpoint and then a card below it dealing with the stakes. So you would interpret the midpoint card toward like…events that surround the midpoint and then the stakes card in conjunction with that?
Diana Castle: Yes, exactly. Usually when I’m plotting things start to get really heavy-duty around the midpoint. This spread gives me some ideas to brainstorm around with. I should say this is a purely brainstorming spread. Nothing is set in stone when I use this spread.
Diana Castle: I use this spread merely to get ideas.
Kait Nolan: so you have spreads where stuff DOES get set in stone?
Diana Castle: No, not really. I primarily use the tarot for brainstorming. Sometimes I may use it when I’m heavy into drafting but that’s just to get some ideas when I’m stuck.
Me: I use spreads in a more mind-map way.
Kait Nolan: How does that work for you Raelyn?
Me: Say I’m developing my character, using Diana’s Character Circle — my favorite by the way — which she’ll talk about in bit, one of spots on the spread is for the character’s fear. I’d write down my impressions of the card drawn for that spot, whether I felt it fit the story or not. Then if I needed more to define the fear I would look up the meaning. I’ve had someone tell me this was convoluted but it works for me.
Me: So Fear would be the center with my impressions around it in a traditional mind-map format.
Kait Nolan: Apparently I took a class from you before Diana. I just found the character circle worksheet in a folder.
Diana Castle: The important thing to keep in mind about using the tarot for writing is to find what works for you. That’s something I think is more important than anything. It’s very intuitive using the tarot so you have to find what works for you whether it comes to spreads, decks or interpreting. It gets easier the more you work with the tarot in your writing.
Diana Castle: Probably under one of my other nom de plumes. I have quite a few.
Diana Castle: I’ll post the character sheet now for those who don’t have it. Character Circle
Kait Nolan: Looks like something from 2010
Diana Castle: Yep, that was moi.
Michelle Roper: Will you be offering any more classes?
Diana Castle: I’m hoping to but probably won’t be until the new year. I’m working on writing a book about using the tarot for writing. I hope to have it ready early next year.
Me: On to characters then. Help! My characters won’t talk to me. How to can we use tarot to develop them?
Diana Castle: Well, I sometimes do readings for my character. Meaning, I pretend that they’ve come to me for a reading. I lay out the cards and see what’s in them. By doing this kind of reading I can, for example, find out what my character is most concerned about, what they want, what they’re afraid of. It’s a fun way to find out more about my characters. The Character Circle is a great way to get into your character’s head.
Me: When you say you do a reading for your characters, I’m picturing them pulling up a chair, or not, and you shuffling the cards, having them cut the deck, then you laying out three cards in a past, present, future kind of thing. Am I close? I’ve never personally had a reading done, so how do you read for your character?
Diana Castle: That’s exactly what I do. It’s similar to writing exercises where writers interview their characters or have conversations with them. The only difference is that I’m using the tarot cards. Those books I mentioned on tarot spreads? There are spreads for all kinds of situations, circumstances. There are spreads that deal with a person’s love life, their career, their finances. But even doing a three-spread card can reveal a lot.
Kait Nolan: Do you have any other books you recommend?
Diana Castle: Yes, I do. Hold on and let me get my list. I had meant to load it and totally forgot to. Sorry about that.
Me: While we’re waiting for Diane to grab that list, any other questions/comments?
Diana Castle: Having trouble finding the list. but one book I do find very useful is Tarot for Life: Reading the Cards for Everyday Guidance and Growth by Paul Quinn. I like this book because he offers interpretations of the cards that geared more to day to day stuff and are not as mystical as other books. That kind of interpretation is much more useful for me when using tarot for writing fiction.
Kait Nolan: oo
Diana Castle: If you’re just starting out with tarot and writing, I highly recommend Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner.
Maria Zannini: Is there any truth to the story that Tarot works best if the deck is gifted to you rather than buying it yourself? I heard this once many years ago by a Tarot/palm reader. She’s the same one who said I was going to be published five years before I even considered writing.
Diana Castle: No, there isn’t. I have dozens and dozens of decks and I bought them all myself and they work fine for me. I know some people believe that but I don’t.
Maria Zannini: Old wives tale then.
Me: I’d be more worried I’d get something that didn’t speak to me!
Diana Castle: Exactly.
Diana Castle: It looks like we’re close to the ending of the workshop. Any final questions?
Me: Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner. The first half of the book is a Tarot for Writers 101 and the second half of the book explores each of the 78 cards individually, providing you with key symbols and keywords along with writing prompts. My copy is always within reach.
Kait Nolan: Mine’s on the coffee table right now
Diana Castle: Ayla, I know you said you’re new to tarot and writing. Definitely pick up Kenner’s book. It’s a great intro to tarot also.
Ayla: I will thank you
Kait Nolan: Thanks y’all! This was very interesting!
Me: We’ve looked at plot and characters. And, of course, we need the backdrop. How can we use tarot to develop the setting? Or even build an entire world?
Diana Castle: Well, world-building is a workshop in itself but I did create a spread for that too. World-Building
Diana Castle: Again, I just lay out cards and brainstorm off them.
Ayla: these worksheets are really good
Me: Ayla I have a few of them on my blog where I did the spread “live” if you will. It was last year but if you look under the Tarot category they should come up.
Maria Zannini: I’m not sure I understand how the world building spread works. Can you explain?
Diana Castle: The world building spread is actually one that I would recommend a person not use until they feel more comfortable with the cards. But I basically just lay out cards for each position. So, let’s say, I want to learn more about the religious system of my world and I pull the High Priestess card. That might suggest that this is a world where the religion is goddess centered.
Diana Castle: The more you work with the tarot and writing the more you’ll find it easier. The important thing is to relax and fun. The cards are there to help you when you’re stuck. Don’t tense up worrying whether you’re doing it right or not. Just go with the flow. The cards will speak to you if you let them.
Diana Castle: Unfortunately, I have to go but are there any final questions?
Maria Zannini: I need to run too, but I want to thank you both. This was very informative.
Diana Castle: You’re welcome, Maria. Thanks for coming.
Ayla: this was great thanks, I’m going to look into it for sure
Maria Zannini: I want to add too, There’s a Tarot scene in Mistress of the Stone, my latest release and Raelyn helped me crystallize some of the interpretations so that they feel natural to the story. — Ayla, that might be interesting to you since you just won that book.
Michelle Roper: I agree with Maria. Very informative. Diana where can I find out about your classes and your tarot writing book?
Maria Zannini: Yes. And can you repost your blog info too?
Diana Castle: Stop by my website at http://dianacastle.com/. I’ll have information about it there.
Me: Thank you everyone for showing up early on a Sunday
Maria Zannini: Bye! Lovely time.
Diana Castle: Yes, thanks! Appreciate you all coming.
Ayla: it’s 4pm for me
Me: LOL, I needed toothpicks myself Ayla!
Diana Castle: Gotta run, but have fun with the tarot.

Be sure to stop by the main Coyote Con site for more transcripts!

Meet the Cards: Four of Water

What I See:

I imagine a pilgrimage — according to the book that is the Chalice Well in Glastonbury, England — and refilling of the emotional well. We have the overlapping circles, creating the mandorla as talked about in The World post, bisected by a sword. The sword makes me think about Arthurian legends. And I’m back to the holiness of the Chalice Well, where Joseph of Arimathea is said to have put the cup that collected Jesus’ blood. Wells are said to be a gateway to the spirit world. I must say, with the history surrounding this well, I’d agree. And that greenery. It doesn’t seem to be just a reflection on the water but rather a living thing reaching out of the water toward the pilgrim at its edge.

General Water element/Cups suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Water

Light (upright) Reading:

It’s time to replenish you emotional well.

• Keywords: Invitation, Introspection, Unforeseen Solutions, or Omen.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Get out of your rut by counting your blessings.

• Keywords: Discontent, Emotional Distance, Apathy, or Lethargy.

Plots:

This card screams sacred space. Perhaps your story focus on a sacred location. Or maybe the pilgrimage to a sacred location? With the well’s history, perhaps a retelling of a myth or legend.

Perhaps your focus is the woman. Happy or sad? Perhaps she’s scrying?

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

Traditionally, this card depicts a man sitting under a tree with three cups in front of him and one held aloft by a cloud. This could mean your MC is bored or discontent. Perhaps s/he is in the valley after a turning point in your story.

Perhaps you see Odin in that man sitting beneath a tree. Odin climbed the World Tree, even losing an eye. How about a retelling of that story?

According to Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner the Four of Cups is a card of disappointment. I don’t see that here, but rather a card of reflection.

Characters:

Take a pilgrimage to a sacred place.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Clergy and Priestly class.

Additionally, look up one of the Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) 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 Earth

What I See:

The three women is something I expect on the Three of Water card. It threw me a bit. It also makes me want to head over to Maria’s house to help her put up the bounty from her garden. I just feel the friendship flowing from this card. The women also seem to be different ages, giving me that generational feel. I also get the sense of age doesn’t matter when similar interests bring you together.

According to the book, “a traditional meaning for this card is ‘building the house of the Goddess.’ In this case, the temple of the Goddess is our own bodies…” That puts to mind the blending of the mind, body, and spirit.

General Earth element/Pentacles suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Earth.

Light (upright) Reading:

Synergy, your community is more than each of its separate parts.

• Keywords: Superior Talents, Progress, Diligence, and Expertise.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

It’s time to seek out a community, or create one.

• Keywords: Inefficiency, Boredom, Thankless Task, and Lack of Respect.

Plots:

Perhaps a story about three sisters, three friends, or three generations of woman? Harvest, canning, and freezing — perhaps a story about coming together to get a job done. How about a catering company?

Maybe those women are witches? Midwifes, cooking up medicines to help with labor and delivery?

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

According to Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner, “The card depicts the process of giving substance and form to our spiritual ideas and beliefs.” So perhaps your story is about an artist or a writer? How about channeling a vision? Or perhaps the feeling of words flowing through you rather than coming from you?

Characters:

You find pleasure creating something of lasting value.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Merchants, Business, and Professional class.

Additionally, look up one of the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) 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: Two of Water

What I See:

Compared to last week’s couple, their power and passion, this is a peaceful card. The lotus tattoo symbolizes purity and spirituality. There’s a comfort in the image that speaks to me of a long lasting friendship. Water is emotion, two is a test of choice, and the dog makes me think of unconditional love, the resiliency of love. I think of the choice to start, continue, or end a relationship. I get a sense of finding joy in the little things, like a fur baby’s kiss. We can’t see it but the waterfall implies a pool behind the woman and I imagine it’s a soothing spot to meditate.

General Water element/Cups suit:

Please refer back to Ace of Water.

Light (upright) Reading:

A deep heart connection brings healing and joy.

• Keywords: Romance, Reciprocity, Healing, and Renewal.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Fear prevents you from sharing your heart with another.

• Keywords: Infidelity, Secret Affairs, Resentment, and Inequity.

Plots:

This is a relationship card whether you explore a love, a friendship, or a partnership. A new love — perhaps your story explores firsts…first smiles, first dates, first kisses. An old friendship — maybe your story is about a friendship that has stood the test of time. The breaking down of a partnership –how about the ups and downs of business partners?

How about soul mates or reincarnation? Typically, this card has a caduceus with a lion’s head at the center. According to Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner the lion is a symbol of recreation and procreation. Perhaps your story involves a soul waiting for a body to be born into. Or perhaps it’s light vs. dark battle for a soul? How about a couple struggling with infertility?

Perhaps an animal or animal rights story? A shifter?

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

The Lotus flower flourishes in shallow ponds and near the edges of larger bodies of water. It grows up from the soil, through water, and then into the air. In this way, the flower, metaphorically as well as literally, connects the three spheres of earthly existence – land, sea, sky – and embraces the metaphorical associations attributed to each. The lotus, as such, acts as a symbolic tie which demonstrates the contiguous interdependence and unity of all things – a string by which everything is metaphorically tied. ~VagabondJourney.com

There’s a story in that quote somewhere, I just know it, perhaps your story?

Characters:

Kindred spirits are more than the sum of their parts.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Clergy and Priestly class.

Additionally, look up one of the Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) 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