Meet the Cards: The Devil

Or in this case, BINDWEED. Talk about a shadowed card! In most decks, the Devil is a grotesque mirror image of The Lovers. Bindweed is number fifteen of the Major Arcana and is a life out of balance.

• Symbolism: Being trapped.
• Element: Earth (see Tarot Elements)

What I See:

Morning Glories, oh the bane of my backyard once upon a time. Beautiful death. The figure is bound by these strangling vines. Head bowed, eyes closed tight, and huddled upon himself, the man leaves me with a sensation of depression, struggling with an addiction, taking one step forward only to take three steps back. Then there is the shadows in the background…are they leaves? More birds? And speaking of The Birds, does anyone else get a decidedly Hitchcock feeling from those birds chattering above him? :shudder:

Light (upright) Reading:

Someone is playing power games. What is taking more than its fair share of attention or energy?

• Keywords: Power, Sexuality, Ambition, and Enlightenment.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of addictions or denial becoming more deeply entrenched.

• Keywords: Bondage, Negativity, Co-dependency, and Fears.

Plots:

Depression, addiction, bondage (real or figurative), temptation, and oppression are all great things to build a plot around. How about ambition? Or perhaps co-dependency?

How about a retelling of Pan, Dionysus, Hades, Baphomet, or Cernnunos? What about a creature of the night? Channel Alfred Hitchcock or Stephen King and write a simple horror story.

• Themes: Life Out of Balance, Materialism, Addictions, Ignorance, Despair, Bondage, Limitations, or Oppression.

Characters:

Bindweed sees no way out, his internal struggle is reflected around him.

• Archetype: Shadow, Adversary, or Saboteur.

…the Shadow archetype stands for psychoses that not only hamper us, but threaten to destroy us. ~The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler

• Mythical Figures: Pan, Set, Typhon, Satan, and Horned God.

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

The Devil is E6: Devil’s Advocate, Loyalist, Troubleshooter, and/or Guardian.

• Self Image — I do my duty
• Passion — Fear
• Virtue — Courage
• Narcissistic Trap — Security
• Avoids — Deviance
• Speaking Style — Warning or Limiting

E6 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 Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) for personality traits.

When the Devil appears in your writing practice, you can take a cue from Pan, and be playful in your writing. ~Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Temperance

Temperance, the combining of opposites, is number fourteen of the Major Arcana. According to Raven’s Tarot site “14 as two times the 7, adjustment of destiny.” It is also the number of cards in each suit when you count the court cards.

• Symbolism: Moderation.
• Element: Fire (see Tarot Elements)

What I See:

For a fire card I don’t get an overwhelming sense of the element. Though there is a feeling of steam, fire mixing with water. A very Lady of the Lake image with her raising from the pool like that. I get a sense of day blending into night, or vice versa. Rainbows can symbolized the bridge between heaven and earth, and more currently GLBT, which leaves me thinking of acceptance and finding peace within ourselves. It maybe the story I’m working on, but I also get a feeling of mixing cultures, races, and/or bloodlines. The overall color palette speaks of art and creativity, the blending of colors to create others.

Light (upright) Reading:

The serenity of the middle between polarities.

• Keywords: Tolerance, Moderation, Blending, and Adaptation.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of a struggle to blend opposing sides.

• Keywords: Volatile, Excessiveness, Outlandishness, and Haste.

Plots:

The rainbow has become a symbol of gay/lesbian rights, perhaps your story revolves around that. Angels and demons? It looks like she’s raising from a pool of water, perhaps a Lady of the Lake type story. How about the obvious guardian angel? Maybe her wings mean the ability to cross between worlds, spirit and physical. Or maybe the colliding of worlds?

Temperance is one of the four cardinal virtues, perhaps the cutting of something with water or alcohol abstinence? Temperance is the blending of opposites to create something new, maybe your story focuses on wine making, cooking or a nutritionist, a pharmacist, a doctor or nurse or healer.

• Themes: Balancing Opposites, Art & Creativity, Healing, Moderation, Finding the Middle Path, Owning Your Light & Shadow, Boundary Between Conscious & Unconscious/Thought & Intuition, or Blending to Create Something New.

Characters:

Temperance is a mixed-race child with the bloodlines of many cultures.

• Archetype: Alchemist, Healer, or Guardian Angel (the Higher Self).

Mentors represent the Self, the god within us, the aspect of personality that is connected with all things. The higher Self is the wiser, nobler, more godlike part of us [think Jiminy Cricket in Disney's Pinocchio]. ~The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler

• Mythical Figures: Hestia, Panthea, Asclepius, Chiron, Vishnu, and Apollo.

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

Temperance is 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 Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) for personality traits.

When the Temperance card appears in your writing practice, you might want to reflect on how you find balance in your work as a writer. ~Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Death

Death. Sadness. Release. What do you associate with that word? The Death card is number thirteen in the Major Arcana. Boy, the poor card can’t catch a break.

• Symbolism: Change and/or transition.
• Element: Water (see Tarot Elements)

What I See:

This card is very apropos for me at the moment. I see the sun glinting on the water, in Celtic traditions it’s often seen as a goddess manifestation called the White Lady. The Lady of the Lake anyone? I even get a sense of the Otherworld (Celtic) with the islands in the background. I think of Vikings placing their dead in a boat and sending them off. Does that broken boat mean the traveler made it? Or not? (Probably a story somewhere in the answer.) There is certainly a feeling of death with the decaying bird and the circling vulture. Yet, there is rebirth with the butterflies.

Light (upright) Reading:

Release what no longer serves and clear the space for new beginnings.

• Keywords: Transformation, Renewal, Cleansing, and Liberation.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Profound, permanent change may trigger intense fears of the unknown.

• Keywords: Obstinacy, Decay, Obsession, and Paranoia.

Plots:

How about the Phoenix, the bird that burns and is reborn of its ashes? A forest fire, which can destroy while purifying. Life after death. Or even a ghost. According to Kenner, the rising and setting of the sun symbolizes death and resurrection.

Water is the emotional element, perhaps your story focus is on “la petite mort” (the little death) of orgasm.

You can explore the number thirteen. The thirteen lunar months (full moons) of the year. The negative side, thirteen diners at the Last Supper. The positive side, thirteen in a baker’s dozen.

• Themes: Transformation, Physical Death, Conclusion, Rebirth, Ending, Transition, or Renewal.

Characters:

Standing at the gateway of life and death.

• Archetype: Death, Rebirth, Transformation, or Metamorphosis.

[Trickster archetypes] bring about healthy change and transformation, often by drawing attention to the imbalance or absurdity of a stagnant psychological situation. They are the natural enemies of the status quo. ~The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler

• Mythical Figures: Hades, Pluto, Kali, and Hecate.

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

Death is E4: Tragic Romantic, Individualist, and/or Connoisseur

• Self Image — I am different
• Passion — Envy
• Virtue — Equanimity
• Narcissistic Trap — Authenticity
• Avoids — Ordinariness
• Speaking Style — Lyrical or Lamenting

E4 people are relationship oriented. They are concerned with what others think of them, image and prestige. They see themselves as being for others and often believe they know what’s best. They dislike being alone and may feel sad or inadequate.

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

…the Death card can also remind you to eliminate words, phrases, scenes, and chapters that don’t move your story along. ~Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: The Hanged Man

Or THE TREE in this case is about letting go. The Tree is the twelfth card of the Major Arcana and is a reminder of other important dozens, twelve months of the year, etc.

• Symbolism: Necessary sacrifice.
• Element: Water (see Tarot Elements)

What I See:

Yoga anyone? I see grace and serenity. I get a sense of balance amongst upheaval. The leaves are yellow, the end of the season, or cycle. I get the sense it is time to let go of old ideas, beliefs, teachings, or memories. There is a dream-like quality to the image with the fluffy white clouds on her outfit. Yet the tilting water could mean emotional upset. It’s almost like she knows she must let go, is trying to give control to a higher power, but is emotionally attached. A very compelling image and I’m sure I’m missing details.

Light (upright) Reading:

The ego’s notion of being in control is an illusion.

• Keywords: New Perspective, Selflessness, Flexibility, and Serenity.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

The ego refuses to surrender.

• Keywords: Guilty Conscience, Denial, Martyrdom, and Punishment.

Plots:

According to Kenner, the card has been called ‘the traitor’ from the practice of hanging traitors upside down. Perhaps a retailing of Judas or Mussolini? Or even a good ol’ fashioned hanging/hangman’s noose. How about a person frozen in time? An alternate reality? An out-of-body experience?

You could focus on the number twelve. The twelve apostles. The twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve signs of the zodiac. Or even the twelve months of the year. Perhaps, your story only has twelve chapters? How about the fact the legs look like the number four — you could explore the stability of the Emperor/Builder despite the topsy-turvy world.

• Themes: Surrender, Letting go of Control, Release, A new Perspective, Suspension, Sacrifice, or Reversal.

Characters:

Perhaps we are right-side up in an upside-down world.

• Archetype: Sacrifice, Victim, or Martyr.

Sacrifice [the true mark of a Hero] is the Hero’s willingness to give up something of value, perhaps even his/her own life, on behalf of an ideal or a group. ~The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler

• Mythical Figures: Odin, Osiris, Adonis, Prometheus, Christ, and Judas.

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

The Hanged Man is E3: Performer, Producer, and/or Achiever

• Self Image — I am successful
• Passion — Deceit
• Virtue — Truthfulness
• Narcissistic Trap — Efficiency
• Avoids — Failure
• Speaking Style — Wooing or Inspiring

E3 people are relationship oriented. They are concerned with what others think of them, image and prestige. They see themselves as being for others and often believe they know what’s best. They dislike being alone and may feel sad or inadequate.

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

The simple act of writing makes ideas become real; it gives them physical existence. ~Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Justice

Justice, karmic balance, is number eleven of the Major Arcana. Some consider eleven a master number because it amplifies ‘one.’ Traditionally, Justice depicts the ‘scales of justice,’ much like the Libra sign.

• Symbolism: Balance and justice.
• Element: Air (see Tarot Elements)

What I See:

There is so much nature in this card! Endangered species. Destroyed habitat. But there’s balance too. The trees in the background. The river, irrigating the land, nourishing the spirit. And the man as the scales. Love that. Passion vs. Intellect. Karma. I definitely get a sense of weighing our actions against the consequences. I’m reminded of the Martin Luther King quote, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”

Light (upright) Reading:

It is time to face the consequences of past actions, positive or negative.

• Keywords: Fairness, Clarity, Impartiality, and Law & Order.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of reaping the outcome of unethical choices and/or bad habits.

• Keywords: Fickle, Bias, Indecision, and Red Tape.

Plots:

With that flaming heart and feather, how about a retelling of Ma’at, Goddess of Truth? Or Themis, the Greek Goddess of Justice? Perhaps bring the god/dess into modern day. Certainly with the traditional Justice card, the legal system comes to mind.

Perhaps explore injustices against races and/or cultures? This card shows endangered animals and clear cutting, perhaps your story is about the consequences of taking too much.

• Themes: Karma, Justice, Truth, Cause & Effect, Responsibility, Injustice, Legal Issues, and Actions & Consequences.

Characters:

Justice asks us to consider the consequences of our actions with each choice.

• Archetype: Karma, Avenger, or Mediator.

Catalyst Heroes, central figures who act heroically, but do not change much themselves because their main function is to bring about transformation in others. Catalyst Heroes are especially useful in continuing stories [think Lone Ranger and Superman].
[AND]
Threshold Guardians challenge and test heroes on the path. ~The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler

• Mythical Figures: Athena, Themis, Metis, Ma’at, Nemesis, and Dike.

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

Justice is E2: Helper and/or Giver

• Self Image — I help
• Passion — Pride
• Virtue — Freedom
• Narcissistic Trap — Service
• Avoids — Needs
• Speaking Style — Flattering or Advising

E2 people are relationship oriented. They are concerned with what others think of them, image and prestige. They see themselves as being for others and often believe they know what’s best. They dislike being alone and may feel sad or inadequate.

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

…the Justice card might suggest that you need to use a double-edged sword to cut through confusion, eliminate excess verbiage, or get straight to the point. ~Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: The Wheel of Fortune

Or just THE WHEEL in this case. Cycles and seasons. This card is the tenth in the Major Arcana and is the number of culmination, completion, and perfection.

• Symbolism: Change, moving in circles.
• Element: Fire (see Tarot Elements)

What I See:

I love this card. I see all the seasons in the tree. The intertwined roots reminds me we’re all connected. Of all the cards this one has the clearest “Tree of Life” look and feel to me. I see the moon cycle and think of the eight holy days of the solar year. I see the zodiac symbols. I see the butterfly representing the life cycle, to me at least. And then there are the beads, prayer beads according to the book, divided into six sets of nine (3 times 3 is magical). At the very center is what looks like a campfire, the fiery core of our being. I think of wedding rings and the promise of love. I think of counting a baby’s fingers and toes at birth. I think of generations and family.

Light (upright) Reading:

Change is imminent; something is passing away to make room for something new to come into being.

• Keywords: Good Luck, Change for the Better, Opportunity, and Joy.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of an unexpected turn of events.

• Keywords: Disappointment, Vicious Cycle, Stagnation, and Cockiness.

Plots:

Perhaps a family epic? Or turn to myth and the fates who spun the wheel of life. A reversal of fortune, the winning lottery ticket or the loss at the track. What about a fortune teller or tarot reader?

How about exploring the Tree of Life? It can be a symbol of fertility and/or everlasting life. Scientifically you could look for the evolutionary interrelatedness. And there is the World Tree connecting heaven, earth, and the underground.

This is a card rich in numeric significance: the four seasons, the four stages of man (infancy, youth, adult, and old age), the four directions with the four midpoints, the eight holy days of the solar calendar, the eight phases of the moon, the ten spheres of the Kabbalah, the ten numbered cards of the Minor Arcana, the twelve signs of the zodiac.

• Themes: Cycles, Orderly Change, Impermanence, Living in the Now, Turning Point, Seasons, Wheel of the Year, or Coming Full Circle.

Characters:

Wherever we stand on the wheel we are certain to continue to the next stage until we come full circle.

• Archetype: Karma, Faith, Destiny, or Change.

Heralds provide motivation, offer the hero a challenge, and get the story rolling. They alert the hero that change and adventure are coming. ~The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler

• Mythical Figures: Fortuna, Kismet, The Fates (Moirae), and The Sphinx.

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

The Wheel is 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 Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) for personality traits.

When the Wheel of Fortune appears in the course of your writing practice, it can remind you of your unique position as a writer. ~Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: The Hermit

The Hermit, sacred solitude, is the ninth card in the Major Arcana. In a way, we’ve already met the Hermit as the Fool, s/he is simply older and wiser now.

• Symbolism: Wisdom
• Element: Earth (see Tarot Elements)

What I See:

It’s an earth card yet I see all the elements in harmony here. The setting feels peaceful to me. I love that he’s alone but not. The owl speaks of wisdom. The wolf speaks of a deep bond to family/friends. He appears reflective, or meditative, as though he’s taking stock of his life. The wispiness of some of the features in this card make me think of dreams, ideas, memories. And he’s writing in a book — Hello! Can we writers relate, or what?

Light (upright) Reading:

The spirit is crying out for sacred solitude, a time to focus on life and spirituality, refill the well.

• Keywords: Self-Discovery, Self-Sufficient, Prudence, and Atonement.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware too much isolation can lead to loneliness.

• Keywords: Exile, Loneliness, Fear of Intimacy, and Skepticism.

Plots:

How about a magical world? Or a dreamworld? Maybe a cloak of invisibility or some other ceremonial clothing that imbues the wearer with power. Perhaps your story focuses on a worn down caregiver in need of a break mentally, physically, spiritually. Or a retelling of Diogenes, who lived by example, the philosophy of cynicism. And there’s the obvious Merlin the Magician connection just waiting for your muse to strike.

What about the number nine? Pregnancy? According to Kenner, nine symbolizes selflessness, compassion, universality, humanitarianism, and spirituality…all good things to explore.

• Themes: Solitude, Retreat/Withdrawal, Silence, Introspection, Replenishment, Wisdom/Experience of Age, Guiding Light, or Communion with Natural World.

Characters:

The Hermit retreats from others to replenish his soul in solitude.

• Archetype: Wise Old Man, Mentor, Guide, Hermit, or Crone.

An archetype found frequently in dreams, myths, and stories is the Mentor [Wise-Man], usually a positive figure who aids or trains the hero. ~The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler

• Mythical Figures: Saturn, Chronos, Father Time, Hestia, and Hecate.

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

The Hermit is E9: Mediator, Peacemaker, and/or Preservatioinist

• 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 Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) for personality traits.

In many ways, the Hermit has a lot in common with writers. In fact, writers usually are hermits. ~Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Strength

In some decks, Strength is number eleven, switching places with Justice. However, this change doesn’t effect the meaning and my deck places Strength as the eighth card of the Major Arcana. Eights represent infinity because they resemble the sideways symbol for infinity. In fact, most Strength cards will have the lemniscate symbol included in the artwork.

• Symbolism: Determination
• Element: Fire (see Tarot Elements)

What I See:

I definitely get a sense of courage looking at this card. Not everyone has the guts to embrace a cougar — figuratively or literally. Yet I also get a feeling of quiet strength. Some of the strongest people I know are the ones made so by hardship or adversity. I see a balanced woman who has integrated all aspects of herself, and is at peace. And it’s a warm card, Fire element, with its bright yellows making me think of a spring/summer day. I’m reminded to be passionate, spontaneous, and creative.

Light (upright) Reading:

Embrace the wilder, more instinctive, side.

• Keywords: Self-Confidence, Patience, Inner Strength, and Courage.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware that anxieties don’t take over the situation.

• Keywords: Despotism, Vanity, Arrogance, and Insolence.

Plots:

There a number of stories you could retell from Daniel in the Lion’s Den to Beauty and the Beast. How about wildlife conservation? A lion tamer/circus. Leader of the pack. This card definitely gives me a shapeshifter vibe, how about working that into your plot? A wild child…Ooo, how about a retelling of Tarzan?

“The enemy of my enemy is my friend” could be an interesting twist. You could explore the wheel of the year, there are eight points. Or how about regeneration? (According to Kenner, eights also represent the eternal spiral of regeneration.) Perhaps, past lives?

• Themes: Courage, Stamina, Perseverance, Chi Energy/Life-force, Embracing Inner Wild Woman/Man, Power to Turn an Adversary into a Friend, Passion, or Sexuality.

Characters:

Sometimes the lady and sometimes the lioness.

• Archetype: Enchantress, Witch, Passion, or Anima (the unconscious female element of the male) — Vogler refers to this as the Shapeshifter.

The Shapeshifter archetype is also a catalyst for change, a symbol of the psychological urge to transform. ~The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler

• Mythical Figures: Sekhmet, Bastet, Europa, Beauty and the Beast, and Hercules.

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

Strength is E8: Boss, Top Dog, Challenger, and/or Confronter

• Self Image — I am strong
• Passion — Lust
• Virtue — Simplicity
• Narcissistic Trap — Justice
• Avoids — Weakness
• Speaking Style — Challenging or Unmasking

E8 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 Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) for personality traits.

Writing takes courage. In fact, writing takes more fortitude and strength than most people can muster. ~Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: The Chariot

Or in this case THE CANOE. Number seven — a mystical, magical number — in the Major Arcana. To fully randomize your deck, shuffle it seven times before a reading and stay focused on your path.

• Symbolism: Hard work and Victory.
• Element: Water (see Tarot Elements)

What I See:

This is very much a water elemental card. I love it. Coming to the desert from the lushness of the Pacific NW, this card calls me home with the orca whales (guardians of the sea in some myths), the salmon, and the eagle. I think of vision quests, paying heed to the emotional landscape, and traveling at our own pace. The man in the card is focused, looking forward. Hmm…goal setting anyone? How apropos as we round the corner toward the new year.

Light (upright) Reading:

Set the goal, take the first steps, and your guides will be at your side to help along the path.

• Keywords: Determination, Success, Inner Peace, and Self-Discipline.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of opposing ideas bringing conflict.

• Keywords: Inconsiderate, Clinginess, Insecurity, and Moodiness.

Plots:

Obvious plot possibilities of vision quests, pilgrimages, and crusades would work well. On the flip side, how about a homecoming or victory parade? You could even focus on a simple family vacation. Or perhaps a honeymoon cruise. How about a “road less traveled” story?

You could focus on the number seven. The seven virtues. The seven deadly sins. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. An alchemist’s seven metals. The seven notes in a musical scale. The seven colors of a rainbow. The seven chakras.

• Themes: Focus, Independence, Initiation, Rite of passage, Endurance, Success, Finding/Creating a place in the world, or An outward journey that reflects an inner one of change. (Hmm, that last one sounds like a character arc doesn’t it?)

Characters:

Brings strength, will, and courage to the task at hand.

• Archetype: Warrior, Hero, or Animus (the male element in the female unconscious) — Vogler refers to this as the Shapeshifter.

The Shapeshifter archetype is also a catalyst for change, a symbol of the psychological urge to transform. ~The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler

• Mythical Figures: Apollo, Oedipus, Sinn, and Tamuz.

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

The Chariot is E7: Epicure, Enthusiast, Visionary, Dreamer, and/or Generalist

• Self Image — I am happy
• Passion — Gluttony, Over-indulgence, or Charlatanry
• Virtue — Sobriety
• Narcissistic Trap — Idealism
• Avoids — Pain
• Speaking Style — Garrulous or Story-telling

E7 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 Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) for personality traits.

Like you, the charioteer in the Chariot card is a driving force and he’s determined to move forward. ~Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: The Lovers

Follow your passion with The Lovers. Number six in the Major Arcana, some say this represents the human being “because man was said to be created on the sixth day.”

• Symbolism: Lovers or union of opposites.
• Element: Air (see Tarot Elements)

What I See:

I like that this card doesn’t scream Adam and Eve to me. Yet the couple definitely feels like they are in the honeymoon stage of their relationship. I get a peaceful feeling of new beginnings from this card. An airy feeling even with all the birds. The doves give me a sense of hope. And wasn’t Aphrodite represented by the swan? Or had a swan? (Note to self, look up Aphrodite.) I also get a sense she is Mother Earth with her green dress while he’s Father Sun in his yellow shirt, I’m not entirely sure what that means.

Light (upright) Reading:

The Lovers often appear when a choice needs to be made.

• Keywords: Union, Sharing, Trust, and Attraction.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of isolation, of not being able to give or receive love, due to disappointment.

• Keywords: Inconsistency, Impatience, Hedonism, and Wonder-lust.

Plots:

Perhaps a coming-of-age story, from the ideal of childhood to taking responsibility for themselves. Soul-mates, twins, or some other spiritual connection between two people could be the basis of your story. How about a retelling of the Aphrodite myth?

The number six symbolizes the sixth sense, or psychic ability, how about exploring that in your story? Perhaps look into the six directions of space: left, right, forward, backward, up, and down. Hmm, that might lead to a space opera. Or maybe even time-travel.

• Themes: Passion, Choice, Sexuality, Union of Opposites, Balance, Sacred Marriage, Self-love, or Interdependence.

Characters:

The Lovers embody the sweetness and the sting of passion.

• Archetype: Beloved, Paradise, or Choice.

But on a deeper psychological level [Threshold Guardians] stand for our internal demons: the neuroses, emotional scars, vices, dependencies, and self-limitations that hold back our growth and progress. It seems that every time you try to make a major change in your life, these inner demons rise up to their full force, not necessarily to stop you, but to test if you are really determined to accept the challenge of change. ~The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler

• Mythical Figures: Adam & Eve, Isis & Osiris, Eros & Psyche, and Shiva & Shakti.

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

The Lovers is E6: Devil’s Advocate, Loyalist, Troubleshooter, and/or Guardian.

• Self Image — I do my duty
• Passion — Fear
• Virtue — Courage
• Narcissistic Trap — Security
• Avoids — Deviance
• Speaking Style — Warning or Limiting

E6 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.

When you sit down to write, direct your energy toward just one person — your ideal reader. That way, you’ll be one of two people in communication with each other, like the Lovers in the cards. ~Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide