Neptune's Dolphins

 

Interpreting the Ten of Swords was once a problem for me. When I learned it was in the Last Decan of Gemini, it started to make sense to me. This Decan is the transition from spring to summer and possesses the mutable energies of Gemini. The Sun rules this Decan, burning and illuminating everything. This is reflected by the swords stabbing the man in the back. The mental energy of Gemini, enhanced by the Sun, pierces the truth beyond tolerance. Although the image is a dark one, the sun is rising. A sense of release, of transformation, infuses the Ten of Swords. Hope after destruction is the deeper meaning since the next card is the Two of Cups (according to the Zodiac).

 

My biggest insight is how Astrology makes the Tarot grow in various dimensions. Through the Planets and Signs, depth is added to each card, and hence to the reading. Like the double Mars of the Ten of Cups and Two of Wands, the Planets give hidden directions to the reading. Time is added by the Decans of the Zodiac. This gives a sense of the future or the past, thereby completing the reading. Knowing Astrology has deepened my relationship with the Tarot.

 

Works Used:

Chang, T. Susan and M.M. Meleen, “Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot.” 2021. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).

Chang, T. Susan, “36 Secrets: A Decanic Journey Through the Minor Arcana of the Tarot.” 2021. Anima Mundi Press: Leverett (MA).

Kenner, Corrine, “Tarot and Astrology.” 2011. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).

Greer, Mary “21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card.” 2006. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).

Hall, Judy, “The Astrology Bible.” 2005. Sterling: New York.

Louis, Anthony, “Tarot: Beyond the Basics.” 2014. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).

 

The Key – The Gate:

The wisdom between the ability to find the Gate and with the ability to use the Key to open it. Then to be bold enough to take the next step, and leave the past behind.

 

Exchange – Flexibility:

How to travel freely between events and choices. How we are part of the fabric of life.

 

Giving – The Diamond:

The contradiction of creating diamonds and then giving them away. In giving, the value of the diamonds is revealed. By having diamonds, we can give.

 

Nobility – The Waterfall:

The two opposing Realms – The Waterfall, which flows eternally, and Nobility, which holds firm, form a dynamic balance of wholeness.

 

Abundance – The Lake:

The Lake, which collects abundance and shares it, combines with Abundance to hold and maintain abundance for all.

 

The Flame – Creation:

Together, they are the contradiction of the tangible and intangible. There is magic in combining the primary lifeforce into something tangible.