Death- What does the Tarot Card of Death herald? Death is the herald of change!! This is an often misunderstood card that strikes unnecessary fear. In the sequence of the Major Arcana, Death comes after the Hanged Man. Death has been numbered 13!! Death heralds a major change in your life. This transformation will occur whether you are ready to accept it or not, and going with the flow is the only way to complete the metamorphosis that must manifest. The dreaded Death card is a well-known joke within the Tarot community, as most movies showing Tarot Cards (especially in the 20th century) depict a Death card, which typically conveys a portentously ominous future. Death, however, unlike the Tower, which signifies an abrupt change, is a slow, harmonious and natural conclusion. Coming after the Hanged Man in the Major Arcana, Death is a welcome change and ushers in a rebirth when troubles fall away. There is a saying that you can never step into the same waters twice in a running river. That is the same in life. Each moment dies to birth a new one. Celebrations are also moments of change. Bachelor or hen parties were traditionally held to mark the end of single life! The baby showers mark the death of that being of state before one is responsible for another life! In the picture we see, the King lies Dead, since he is terrified, the maiden knows it's inevitable, and the Bishop welcomes Death in all its glory, for he knows that Death is but a change and the River flows on!! The child who is not yet set in its ways, and still remembers the realm of light, welcomes death with flowers in her hands. The boat on the river shows life goes on, or the soul goes on. And the most glorious of sights, the Rising sun foretelling a new day, is in the background of this card!! Death then becomes a card that doesn't just foretell a change is coming, but also talks about our attitude towards that change. When you draw the Death card, remember that you have the courage to face what's coming up. You are ready to be reborn. Let go of all that is no longer necessary. Change can be terrifying for some people. Even when that change is what one has been dreaming about, the precipice of change can be scary. Remember, you have the courage to step into a new life, embrace change, and You Will Thrive!! Does the Death card in the tarot mean a physical death? This is from the Dark Goddess Tarot The Death card in the tarot almost never talks about a physical death. At any rate, it is worth noting that no responsible reader would predict a [hysical death. Here is Santa Muerte, translated as Hold Death. She is the goddess who personifies death, depicted as a skeletal figure bearing a scythe and a globe, both clearly visible on the card. She is truly a wonderful archetype for the death card, since she represents transformation, endings and the stripping away of illusions that no longer can hold us back. I love that Santa Muerte is personified as a woman and as a mother. Here is a maternal inversion: death as both terrifying and protective. Psychologically, this combines nurturing and annihilation—echoing the Great Mother archetype in her dual aspects as life-giver and life-taker. Where does Death show up in the Fool's Journey? I love the Death card, since in my opinion, in the sequence of the tarot, it shows up after the Hanged Man. I like to think that the seeds of change are set in motion by Trump 11 or Justice when we choose a particular path or direction for our life. Then comes the Hanged Man or Trump 12, which is all about sacrifice and surrender to a higher power. People think of the Hanged Man as a very passive energy, but this is not the case. It does not mean abdication of responsibility; rather, it is about doing our best and surrendering the outcome to the Universe or a higher power. Death thus means the end of the uncertainty, and the move to a new beginning beyond the surrender of the Hanged Man phase. What is the Psychological meaning of the Death archetype in the tarot? The Death card is all about Radical Equality, since it dissolves all Hierarchy. Death, be it actual death or the change that the tarot foretells, is all about confronting the ego with impermanence. It is about letting go of identities and social masks that no longer can grow with us. Santa Muerte, personified as the skeleton, represents the dissolution and death of the ego. In the way Death confronts the ego, Santa Muerte is greatly sought out by marginalised groups who see her as a loving mother. Death in the tarot is all about regeneration, especially since it denotes the time when old identities collapse, akin to an actual death, and a new life begins. This corresponds to periods where old identities collapse: divorce, illness, migration, loss, or spiritual awakening. The Death card, therefore, marks a transition and can provide a container for navigating liminal states—the “in-between” phase in which one self dies before another emerges.  Santa Muerte symbolically embraces the totality of human experience, including fear, desire, survival, and moral ambiguity. In Jungian terms, she may represent an encounter with the shadow — the parts of the psyche that culture or religion often represses. I find it very interesting that so many of us are icked out by bones. I have a bone kit that I turn to for guidance. Many of my friends are also creeped out by the bones. However, when I connect to the bones, all I can think of is the life that the little fox must have had before it transitioned. In fact, ritual contact with death imagery often helps reduce existential anxiety. By meditating on the death card as a herald of change, transition becomes relational rather than abstract, making fear of change more manageable. What are the themes of the Death Card in a Nutshell? Death is about embracing impermanence. As the Gita says, the only constant in life is change!! It is about recognising that change is both a form of radical equality and a universal experience. Death is about embracing the courage needed for acceptance of the shadow, and knowing that there is great transformations during endings. That is why goddesses like Ukemochi and Sedna also personify the death archetype, with their emphasis on something dying to make way for something different and beautiful. Death is all about the moment when an old identity must be let go of so that a new one can emerge. Meditation on Death “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude” -Oprah Winfrey. What change is coming up for you? Are you ready to ride the tide? What do you need to let go of to move into your new life? Visualise your new life. Images Used on The Site. Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc

When The Hermit appears, you enter a time of introspection and enjoy your solitude for it gives you the space to ruminate on your experiences. There are times when it is absolutely essential for you to withdraw from the world and spend some time with Yourself! This becomes a period of gratifying detachment or even isolation for it gives you the space to study, gain self-knowledge and really hear your inner voice. ​ You are an old soul with a tremendous amount of wisdom, and sometimes it becomes essential to quieten the hustle and bustle of daily life to go within and truly hear yourself. Taking this time out will nourish you on the deepest level, and allow you to follow your own path. You do not seek out to be like the others or give in to peer pressure since you know that your soul is following its own roadmap. Sometimes, we all need that time to nourish our souls when we dip into our own wisdom and quieten everything else around us. The Hermit is the lamp bearer of wisdom carved out of solitude, not loneliness. The appearance of the Hermit suggests that you need and may even thrive on the "me time". If, however, you do not enjoy time alone, The Hermit appears to let you know that getting out of your comfort zone can be uncomfortable and stressful, but if you follow the process there is a lot to be gained from it. Maybe the question then should be what are you avoiding by shying away from spending quality time by yourself. Do not fear, you are brave and the Hermit is ready to hold your hand, shine you a light, and take you into your own solitude. ​ Meditation On The Hermit “I have to be alone very often. I'd be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That's how I refuel." (Audrey Hepburn: Many-Sided Charmer, LIFE Magazine, December 7, 1953)” ― Audrey Hepburn What does solitude mean to you? Do you enjoy your solitude? Why? Would you rather seek out company so that you are not alone? Why? Images Used on The Site. Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc

Strength is not the boorish display of brute prowess, rather, it is the dignified, elegant fortitude that can stand up against all odds to uphold one's values. In most versions of The Strength card, we see a graceful maiden with a huge beast. The Lion looks bigger not only by virtue of its own size but also because of being juxtaposed with the fragile beauty. The lion is the key to understanding this card. The Lion represents our inner desires and basic instincts. He represents our passions ranging be it, love, rage, jealousy, lust, pride, anger, yearning, greed, hunger, and everything that can be named but only felt to understand its true magnitude. The Lion is the part of us that is not invited around in civilized society since it is considered our baser self or the shadow self. The Woman confidently rides the Lion. She is the evolved consciousness or everything that is good. The Woman manages to ride the Lion, not because she has subjugated it. Holding the beast against his will would only make him dangerous and it could be a precarious task since she could have been overthrown at any time. Instead, the woman manages to rise the Lion since he has been befriended by her. She has earned his trust and he knows she would never hurt him. When we deny our inner-self or try to hold it captive it turns from a kitten into a raging beast who can threaten our very existence. The woman has lovingly accepted her inner beast. She acknowledges, understands, accepts her inner beast, and yet follows what she wants to do. When the Strength card turns up, it means that you have got the strength to do what needs to be done. Like the woman, you can control your inner beast. You may be angry with someone and you acknowledge your inner rage, but you do not react, you still are very civil in a situation. Strength like the other virtues is a choice. It is a choice that you need to actively make with every decision. Like the woman, you need to keep that calm dignity and strike with fortitude. Today you can choose to act with calm grace and do what is right by all, instead of reacting with passion to something that has happened. Meditation on Strength “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”– Arnold Schwarzenegger What does Strength mean to you? Where do you decide not to surrender? How friendly are you with your inner beast? The appearance of the Strength card is a harbinger of opportunities for courage. Courage means different things to different people. For some, it may mean the triumph of goodness over the more negative experiences, for others it is kindness to children and animals and the ability to stand up for those who cannot fight for themselves. Some may choose to express Strength by loving even those that seek to hurt them while for others Strength is to sound a battle cry. However, an individual chooses to express their Strength, the one thing that is common is that Strength is a choice! The lady in the Strength card is gently closing the mouth of the Lion. There is a definite affinity between her and the beast. In fact, the beast acknowledges her strength as is shown by his timid tail! When we love and accept our inner beast or the basest emotions, they surrender to us. When we deny our emotions, they can take on the form of a beast far more terrifying than the Lion on the card. Strength is adherence to principles that are universally good and respectful towards all life. It is recognizing one's desires and range of emotions, as expressed by the Lion but making sure that they are managed with love by rationality and principles. We can be our best strongest selves when we accept our emotions and allow our principles to guide us nevertheless. Strength can and is dignified and gentle. Pamela Coleman Smith could've used Hercules the personification of Strenth for this card and she chose to use a woman, controlling a situation not with aggression but with love. Strength hence can be defined as patience, resilience, fortitude, tenacity and stability. When you see the Strength card, remember that you are capable of the task at hand. God in his infinite love for you will not put you to a test that you would fail. You are strong enough to handle the task at hand. By showing up to a situation that is trying emotionally, mentally, or physically, you also affirm that you are capable to take up the challenge. You also have the wisdom to find your unique solutions, so don't lose heart. Let your principles guide the way and temper your heart with love and acceptance of your emotions but firmly lead them with principles. Meditation on Strength “Sometimes you don’t realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness.” – Susan Gale What does Strength mean to you? Where have you found your reservoir of strength? Remember a situation that called for you to use your dignity and stand strong. Images Used on The Site. Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc Muse Tarot By Chris-Anne. Used with Permission of the Creator.

We see a formidable hero, dressed in armor, in a very stone-like Chariot, made all the more valiant by the fact that he is riding Sphinxes and not Horses. The Chariot marks that time when you decide that you need to step out and go on that quest. The Charioteer is all armored up, but like the crab the Charioteer is armored and gentle, emotional and sensitive. He demonstrates the most important aspect of courage. Courage is not the absence of fear that one may feel, but the ability to move and act despite it. The Charioteer may have his doubts and his fears, but he has decided that he will go on to make that journey and be ready to fight whatever comes his way, and therein lies his heroism. The Sphinxes are colored black and white representing opposing points of view, and they want to go separate ways. Sometimes we need to make our way forward, but do not know where we are headed. That indecision can keep people paralyzed, or stuck where they are. The Charioteer has chosen to move forward to find his path no matter what. That is in itself a moment of victory. He may conquer all or may hit an obstacle, but for now, in his decision to make that leap, he is a hero. The Chariot is a strange one, not only on the account of it being driven by Sphinxes but also as there are no reins. The Charioteer controls them by sheer willpower. When we start a journey and leave behind our comfort zone, we need our will-power to be resolute and strong enough to push us through. Courage is a choice, and will-power is definitely what fuels it. It is persistence, dedication and hard work that will bring about success. The armor of the Charioteer reminds us that sometimes in life we need to wear masks to protect ourselves and make sure that our emotions are balanced by logic to survive. The Chariot is the suggestion to look within and see if we are balancing our emotions and our logic. For now, you are a hero, to leave the safety of your comfort zone (the city behind him), navigate through emotions (the moat) and to get into a Chariot driven by Sphinxes. Stay on your path forward, and move with determination. This first step of overcoming your fears and beginning your journey has already made you a success. Meditation on The Chariot "All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination." Earl Nightingale "Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties." Erich Fromm What uncertainty are you facing? Are you willing to let go of your comfort zone and move on? Do you know what you truly desire? Have you set up a map to get there? Are you ready to move on despite the fear, and ride The Chariot? Images Used on The Site. Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc

The Lovers are all about love, harmony and self-love. It is about our relationships with ourselves and others. The Lovers is also about the choices we make and the path we take. The people we choose are a reflection of ourselves. However, the Lovers is first and foremost a card about self-love. It is about mending our fences within ourselves and finding our peace. The Lovers is first and foremost about healing ourselves and being whole. Till we are complete and independent we cannot really reach out and give of ourselves to others. “It’s all about falling in love with yourself and sharing that love with someone who appreciates you, rather than looking for love to compensate for a self-love deficit.” – Eartha Kitt. To that effect, the Man in The Lovers card is your logical, rational self, the woman your intuitive inner self and the angel is your connection to the spiritual flow or your superconscious. To stay balanced and complete, it is essential to give each of the three figures their due. Rationality without emotions makes one incomplete, and if we lack empathy and love we can never tap into the universal consciousness, which is the angel in this card. That is the reason why the man stares at the woman. Love if not guided by a certain discipline would make one promiscuous and again left adrift. To have a glimpse of what is bigger than ourselves, rationality needs to be guided by emotions and only then can the divine be perceived. You know that you are in harmony when you are at peace. You are comfortable under your skin and love and accept yourself as you would another. That is the essence of The Lovers- True self-love where you can dare to be your true, genuine self without the need for validation from another. The Lovers also reminds us of the garden of Eden and the first couple Adam and Eve. The man has the tree of life behind him and the woman stands in front of the tree of knowledge with the serpent. This card subverts the Biblical myth and the angel blesses the union, instead of turning them out of the garden. In fact, the Fall of Man or the expulsion of Man from the Garden of Eden has been known as the "Felix culpa" or lucky fall, which says that the fall of man was a fortunate event, for now, man gets to choose virtue over vice instead of just being created pure. When the Lovers turns up, it may sometimes refer to a relationship of passion! It can also refer to a choice that needs to be made, very much in the manner in which Eve chose to listen to the serpent and eat the apple. How do you choose your partner? What do you look for? A partner is merely a reflection of you, and the partner you choose tells more about who you are. Meditation On The Lovers If you’re searching for that one person that will change your life, take a look in the mirror. Do you value yourself? Do you give equal precedence to both the logical and emotional aspects of yourself? What do you look for in a partner? Do you have a type? If so, what does your type, say about you? Images Used on The Site. Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc

The Empress is the mother archetype in the Tarot. She is nurturing, loving, fertile and creative. She is the mother archetype and the means by which the Fool comes into the World. The Empress. Rider Waite Tarot. When The Empress card is drawn, she asks you if you are looking after yourself? It is so essential, for us to take care of ourselves. When I was working as a Flight Attendant, we used to remind everyone during the safety briefing " Please put on your own Oxygen Mask before you assist anyone." We can only care for others if we are in a position of health and stability. The Empress is a reminder to put on your oxygen mask First!! Do take care of your physical body- go for a massage, pamper yourself. The Empress sits on a pillow that is shaped like a heart, bearing the glyph of Venus. As the goddess of love Venus, she is sensual and follows her heart. She reminds you, to do the same. Sometimes it is essential to indulge yourself and follow your soul's desires. She is the creativity that flows and is a contrast to The Emperor who is the discipline that strengthens. The Empress sits in a lush cornfield with a waterfall in the background. She is garbed in a gown, as pregnant women in the era would wear. On her head is a crown made of twelve stars, which represent the signs of the Zodiac. The Empress is an indication of the abundance that is coming your way. You are about to enter a period of growth and fertility. Dream big, take a longer view of things so that you can benefit from the phase of plentitude. The Empress is an indication to get the creative streak moving!! The Empress is the archetype of nurturing and care. She is the mother figure. Today could be all about mothering another or yourself. What parts of you do you feel need loving care and encouragement? Here on this gorgeous card, we also see Mother Nature in all her glory, the waterfall with the flow of abundance, and the lush corn fields representing fertility. I feel like a mother's love, the biggest balm for troubles is spending time in nature. Walking into the scenery of this card, using it as a portal reminds us that everything in life is cyclic and the world is huge, and we are so much bigger and stronger and powerful than we give ourselves credit for. After all, we exist because we are a winning combination, and any worries that we may carry will pass away. Knowing that nature is eternal, evolving and thriving is such comfort and makes our cares look smaller when we see them juxtaposed with eternity. Everything will grow and mature at the time that is perfect and on their own schedule, and so will you!! Like the water that flows on this card, which areas of your life can do with the flow of emotion? Where can you allow more love and creativity to work through? I feel that the biggest advice of the Empress, however, is the ability to love herself!! Today is a call to honour and love yourself, warts and all!! After all each scar that you have earned, tell a story-the story of what makes you unique!! The biggest takeaway from the card of the Empress is that fertility we see here is a result of love and understanding. Love is the one power that allows us to rise over our fears and to see others without judgement and extend support to all. That kind of energy has its own power of manifestation. Meditation on The Empress “With every act of self-care your authentic self gets stronger, and the critical, fearful mind gets weaker. Every act of self-care is a powerful declaration: I am on my side, I am on my side, each day I am more and more on my own side.”– Susan Weiss Berry How do you take care of yourself? What gives you joy? What is your idea of mothering? How were you mothered? What are you looking to create? How do you plan to nourish this baby so that it can grow into an entity? Images Used on The Site. Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Are You Taking Care of Yourself? 5 Simple Self-Care Practices You Can Implement Now (urbansoultarot.com)

Element: Fire Sign: Aries The Emperor is all about discipline, and protection through the creation of boundaries. He is known for the stability, structure and order he brings to a situation. ​ The Emperor sits in a very Martian environment, with a very thin stream of water running through his kingdom. He looks distant and remote, but that is only at first glance. He wears armour because that is his manner of caring. For the Emperor, actions speak louder than words, and his gift of love is to create a secure and stable environment. The armour, tells us that he is not depending on an army to get things done. Instead, he is hands-on with his duties and is ready to spring into action if the situation so calls for it. Stability is a very essential factor for the growth of any kind and for creating happiness. It can only be established with an iron hand and discipline. Rome was not built in a day, and the hallmark of the Emperor is to work consistently and with discipline day after day to bring his vision to life. He is practical, and functionality is all that matters to him. The Empress sits on a comfortable cushion, whereas the Emperor is content to sit on a hard seat since he does not want to become too comfortable. His is a life lived in dedication to his cause. While some may find the Emperor remote, his is a life lived with discipline so that his subjects can be themselves. The Stream runs through his kingdom because discipline is the foundation of any venture even a creative one. Dancers, Swimmers train day after day, every day to be as good as they are. The Emperor shows up to ask you, what is your dominion over? What is your vision? What step have you taken for the achievement of your vision? There are Rams on the throne of the Emperor, they stand for the sign of Aries which is ruled by the planet Mars. Mars in mythology was the god of war, taking whatever he wanted. The Emperor is all about being Martian and establishing boundaries. When the Emperor appears, we need to be disciplined in our approach where the head rules and emotions can only be felt through the lens of logical perception. Besides, we need to be ready to speak up and defend our position by establishing boundaries. Boundaries are the only manner in which we protect ourselves. Once those boundaries have been built and established, then one is the ruler of his own world. Meditation On The Emperor “Boundaries and discipline, when offered non-punitively and in the context of empathy and respect, are gifts we should feel proud of and one of the highest forms of love.” Janet Lansbury, Elevating Child Care: A Guide To Respectful Parenting Where do you need more discipline? Are you loving and consistent in your actions? What is the extent of your boundaries? Do you have control over whom you allow into your mind? What is the personal space you demarcate as your boundaries? Images Used on The Site. Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

CROWN THIRD EYE THROAT HEART SOLAR PLEXUS SACRAL ROOT Chakras are spinning energy centers placed within the body. We have Seven Chakras, and each of these corresponds with a physical endocrine system in the body. Chakra which means Wheel is a term that comes from Sanskrit. Whilst there are 7 major Chakras placed along the spine, we have a total of 114 Chakras and 72,000 nadis or channels through which the Chi or Prana or energy moves. For the individual to be at optimum, physical, emotional and psychic health energy flow through these chakras needs to be unobstructed. In addition, we have 4 more Major Chakras. Of these, the Earth Star comes in below the Root chakra. The rest are above the Crown Chakra and they are the Soul Star, Spirit, Universal, Galactic & Divine Gateway Chakra. Yoga has popularized the concept of the Seven Body chakras. ​ Reiki helps heal the Chakras so that they can allow the flow of energy and we can function at optimal levels. The Seven Major Chakras in the Human body are as follows. 1. Root / Muladhara.​ Colour: Red Element: Earth Stone: Hematite When it develops: Between the age of 1 to 7 years Positioning: Base of the Spine Body Parts: the bones of the legs, the spinal column, Kidneys & the Adrenal glands. Function: It Grounds one physically, by giving a sense of identity and stability. The fight or flight response is stored here. This is also about financial independence, Physical Manifestations of Imbalance: Colon Problems, Constipation & arthritis, lower back pain, pain in the legs and the feet, insomnia, metabolic issues. Imbalance: Insecurity about finances, overly dependent on others, insecurity about basic survival, low self-esteem & overly defensive. Mantra: I grow strong with a firm foundation. Tarot Cards: The Fool , the Magician, The Emperor , Strength, Death, The Devil, The Tower, Ace of Pentacles, Two of Pentacles, Three of Pentacles, Four of Pentacles, Five of Pentacles, Six of Pentacles, Seven of Pentacles, Eight of Pentacles, Nine of Pentacles, Ten Of Pentacles, Page of Pentacles, Knight of Pentacles, Queen of Pentacles, King of Pentacles. ​ 2. Sacral /Svadhisthana​ ​​ Colour: Orange Element: Water Stone: Tigers Eye When it develops: Between the Age of 8 to 14 years Positioning: Below the belly button, exactly 2 inches below the navel. Body parts: bladder, spleen, and the reproductive system. Function: It is the powerhouse of our creativity, sexuality and the seat of emotions. This is where gut feelings come from, and the place that determines self-love and self-worth. This is the chakra that manifests abundance. Physical Manifestations of Imbalance: Impotence, Lower back pain and Urinary Tract Infections. Imbalance: Addictions since they usually fill a hole within us; sexual disorders and by extension reproductive disorders; Issues of self-esteem and the base emotions that are associated with it such as jealousy, envy and other lower vibration feelings. Mantra: I ground myself and then let it emanate out and create an ambience of stability. Tarot Cards: The Empress, The Wheel Of Fortune, Temperance, The Devil, The Star, The Sun, Ace Of Cups, Two of Cups, Three of Cups, Four of Cups, Five of Cups, Six of Cups, Seven of Cups, Eight of Cups, Nine of Cups, Ten Of Cups, Page of Cups, Knight of Cups, Queen of Cups, King of Cups. ​ 3. Solar Plexus /Manipura Colour: Yellow Element: Fire Stone: Amber When it develops: Between the Age of 15 to 21 years Positioning: This is placed in the Upper Abdomen. Body parts: Function: Issues of self-worth, confidence and self-esteem spring from the solar plexus. This is the storehouse of our personal power. Physical Manifestations of Imbalance: Indigestion, Ulcers, Heartburn, Eating disorders. Imbalance: Mantra: I accept my entire self in all entirety. Tarot: The Magician, The Emperor, The Chariot, Ace of Wands, Two of Wands, Three of Wands, Four of Wands, Five of Wands, Six of Wands, Seven of Wands, Eight of Wands, Nine of Wands, Ten Of Wands, Page of Wands, Knight of Wands, Queen of Wands, King of Wands. ​ 4. Heart / Anahata Colour: Green Element: Air Stone: Rose Quartz When it develops: Between the Age of 21 to 28 years Positioning: Center of the Chest. Just a finger above the heart. Body parts: Heart Function: This controls empathy and compassion. This is also connected with our ability to receive and give love. Since his Chakra falls halfway between the lower and the higher chakras this is the bridge between them. With compassion towards ourselves and others, we can unlock our spirituality and connection to the divine. Physical Manifestations of Imbalance: Asthama, Heart-related issues, Weight as an extension of heart-related issues. Imbalance: An inability to connect with others. Feelings of being lonely, unlovable and insecure as a result of that. Mantra: I love myself completely, and I love others. Tarot Cards: The Empress, The Lovers, Strength, Temperance, Ace of Swords, Two of Swords, Three of Swords, Four of Swords, Five of Swords, Six of Swords, Seven of Swords, Eight of Swords, Nine of Swords, Ten of Swords, Page of Swords, Knight of Swords, Queen of Swords, King of Swords. ​ 5. Throat / Vishuddha Colour: Dark Blue/Turquoise Element: Sound Stone: Aquamarine When it develops: Between the Age of 29 to 35 years Positioning: Throat Body parts: Throat and the oral apparatus, ENT, Teeth gums and mouth. Function: It controls communication, the ability to speak the truth and ask what needs to be done. Physical Manifestations of Imbalance: Imbalance: Inability to express or stand up for one's self. It may conversely mean having dominating conversations without being mindful of the next person or gossiping. Mantra: I speak my truth Tarot Cards: The Hierophant Justice ​ 6. Third Eye / Ajna Colour: Light Blue Element: Light Stone: Amethyst When it develops: Between the Age of 36 to 42 years Positioning: Between the Brows, where the Third Eye is supposed to be. Body parts: Head Function: When in tune with one's intuition, it is easy to know one's goal and see the bigger picture. Physical Manifestations of Imbalance: Headaches, Sight and Hearing problems. Imbalance: Inability to see the bigger picture. It is about having a distorted view of reality. Mantra: I connect to the intuition within me. Tarot Cards: The High Priestess, The Hermit, Justice, The Tower, The Moon, The Sun, Judgment ​ 7. Crown / Sahasrara Colour: Whitte/ Indigo Element: Divine Consciousness Stone: Clear Quartz When it develops: Between the Age of 43 to 49 years Positioning: Top of the Head. Body parts: The mind Function: It connects to our life purpose and spirituality. Physical Manifestations of Imbalance: Imbalance: Prejudices, Narrow Mindedness, Stubbornness and Rigidity. Mantra: I aspire to be one with the divine. Tarot Cards: The Magician, The High Priestess, The Hierophant, The Wheel of Fortune, The Hanged Man, Death, The Star, The Moon, Judgement, The World ​If you would like to experience the Healing Power of Reiki, consider Booking A Session . Reiki Healing and Reiki with Tarot Chakra Update.

What Is Reiki? History of Reiki The Traditional Reiki Symbols - Shirushi Cho Ku Rei The Power Symbol Sei Hei Ki Symbol Mental & Emotional Healing Hon Sha Za Sho Nen The Distance Reiki Symbol Dai Ko Myo Great Shining Light What Is Reiki? Reiki is a way of life, based on Five Underlying Principles: Just for today, I will not Worry. Kyo dake wa, Shinpai suna. Just for today, I will not be Angry. Kyo dake wa Ikaru na. Just for today , I will do my Work Honestly. Kyo dake wa , Gyo o hageme. Just for today , I will give thanks for my many blessings. Kyo dake wa , Kansha shite Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing. Kyo dake wa , Hito ni shinsetsu ni ​ Rei is a Japanese word that means universal life, superior energy or for the more devout God's wisdom, and Ki means energy or more specifically life force. Reiki is a spiritual and healing practice of balancing our energy and using it for remedial and curative purposes. It is a framework in which we can better ourselves without being pressured. Reiki doesn't expect us to not be human. The aim is to better ourselves one step at a time, following the method of "Just for today". It is above all the flow of love, that we can benefit from. In the early twentieth century, a Japanese Buddhist Monk rediscovered Reiki energy. Mikao Usui believed that our bodies can heal naturally and the universal energy is there to help us do so. Reiki is transferred by the placement of hands over the energy centers of the body. It is an intelligent energy that flows to the part of the body that requires the most healing. Since Reiki is universal energy, it does not need belief in any particular system or faith- Reiki is beyond religion. History of Reiki Mikao Usui (1865-1926) was born in Japan. He trained to be a Buddhist Monk. Being a scholar of sorts he was on the existentialist path to seek the meaning of life and he came to the conclusion that the main aim of life was to perfect the practice of mindfulness to attain the ultimate goal of An-shin Ritsu-mei. This is defined as not holding on to what is not in our hands and releasing that control to the universe. In his dogged desire to find the answers which remained ever-elusive, Usui decided to head up to Mount Kurama to pray in solitude and fast, in February 1922. After three weeks of meditation, at midnight he felt a great shock in his brain, which radiated out as though he had been struck by lightning. It caused him to lose consciousness for a while. When he came to consciousness, he realised that he was feeling well, full of vitality and completely nourished. Reiki energy had permeated his being. He came down from the mountain and had a full meal which did not cause his stomach to hurt. He healed the girl who served him, as she had a toothache and he placed his hand on her face. On returning to his monastery, Usui found his friend the Abbot in bed with severe painful arthritis. Usui had discovered the secret of hands-on healing which had been granted to Christ and Buddha. ​ Wanting to share his spiritual gifts he went into the slums of Kyoto, to heal the beggars and give them a new name so they could go on to live productive new lives. He was devastated when seven years later when he realised that the beggars were returning to beg since it was easier. That was when Reiki was given in exchange for energy transfer. ​ Dr Usui decided to document his teachings and he thus founded the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, which was the Reiki Healing Method Learning Society. The methods of learning were stringent and there was hands-on training required for the initiate who would move up the ranks from Level 1-Shoden or Entrance to Level 2-Okuden or Deep Inside, to Level3-Shinpiden or the Mysteries and Secret teachings where the initiate became a Reiki Master. ​ The Emperor of Japan bestowed a doctorate upon Usui for the work he did. By 1930 Dr Usui, had initiated 19 students to the level of Reiki Master and when he died he was cremated and his ashes are held in a Zen Monastery in Tokyo. Dr Chujiro Hayashi was the next Grand Master of Reiki and he went on to initiate Takata to keep the knowledge safe. Reiki thus spread to the West through a woman Hawayo Takata (an American-born Japanese) and made its way back to Japan where the information had been nearly lost, over time. ​ The Traditional Reiki Symbols - Shirushi The Traditional Reiki Symbols are known as the Shirushi. They were traditionally meant to be kept secret. Sensei Takata, the first foreigner who was taught Reiki had insisted that her students memorize the symbols. They were a part of the secret initiation and hence could not be shared with anyone, other than the initiated. In 1992, two of the Reiki symbols were revealed in a book by A.J. MacKenzie Clay called The Challenge To Teach Reiki . Following that the Reiki symbols were more out in the open. ​ These Symbols are incredibly powerful. However, without a Reiki Attunement, they would not work. These Symbols are originally not used by Dr Usui. However, he introduced them later as they were a powerful means to direct Reiki Energy, forming a means to direct the focus. ​ Where can the Reiki Symbols be used? The Sky is the limit for the use of the Reiki Symbols. The only limit to using the Reiki Symbols lie in the imagination. You can visualize it in your room for protection. You can use energy to clean your surroundings. You can sew physical copies in your children's clothes. You can give Reiki to your food and drinks. You can send Reiki to your career and dreams, and even to your past using the symbols. Cho Ku Rei - The Power Symbol The Cho Ku Rei is known as The Power Symbol. It is termed so since it is the symbol that is essential to activate the other symbols of Reiki Energy. Cho Ku Rei is the symbol to be used first in any kind of treatment, either for the self or for healing others. Cho Ku Rei is translated as "placing all the power of the Universe here, now" As a Power switch, the Cho Ku Rei enhances the energy of the Reiki running through the practitioner. By the virtue of enhancing the Reiki energy the Cho Ku Rei is a very potent symbol of protection and cleansing. The Cho Ku Rei Symbol allows Energy to flow freely and enhances every other symbol and treatment. The Cho Ku Rei is needed to turn on Reiki 2, or else it is still the powerful first-degree Reiki that the practitioner transmits. The Cho Ku Rei also brings Balance into your life. Sei Hei Ki Symbol Mental & Emotional Healing The Sei Hei Ki is a powerful symbol of emotional and mental healing. The Sei Hei Ki is a symbol of balance and harmony. The Sei Hei Ki is the symbol that is used to break addictions. It does so in a two-fold manner. The Sei Hei Ki gets to the root cause of the addiction and explains what emotional need that addiction is fulfilling. Sei Hei Ki also ensures that there is awareness of the negative effects that addiction casts both physically and emotionally on one's life. Sei Hei Ki brings about an acceptance of both the negative and the positive in one's psyche and thus brings about healing, by bringing self-love. The Cho Ku Rei is the power symbol that turns on the healing, the Sei Hei Ki is the one that opens the gate to that healing. Since the Sei Hei Ki promotes healing through the acceptance of one's entire psyche, it is a wonderfully powerful symbol to use against depression, anxiety and fear. Sei Hei Ki works on relationship issues, on anger, ad sadness and healing a state of grief. Using the Sei Hei Ki in conjunction with the Cho Ku Rei, releases and protects against future depression. The two symbols can also be used for someone who is in pain or suffering from cancer or leukaemia and visualizing it permeating the body leads to healing. The Sei Hei Ki also helps with weight issues, anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Sei Hei Ki works on chronic problems and blockages in the body. Sei Hei Ki is my personal travel favourite. It gives protection during travel. Sei Hei Ki helps expand consciousness and find lost objects. Hon Sha Za Sho Nen The Distance Reiki Symbol The Hon Sha Za Sho Nen is the most powerful Reiki symbol there is. The Hon Sha Za Sho Nen is a timeless Symbol, without past, present or future. It transcends time. It goes beyond the linear notion of time. The Hon Sha Za Sho Nen is a symbol that transcends space, thereby being able to perform distance healing. The Cho Ku Rei combined with the Sei Hei Ki and Hon Sha Za Sho Nen together activate healing over time and space. Using the Hon Sha Za Sho Nen Reiki can be sent to any part of the world. The Hon Sha Za Sho Nen can send Reiki to the past or the future. By sending Reiki to the past it means healing Childhood Trauma. Reiki could be sent to the future to work on an exam or an interview. Hon Sha Za Sho Nen can send Reiki to a country, a disaster area, or any place or time it is required. Hon Sha Za Sho Nen can be used safely on children Hon Sha Za Sho Nen can be used to heal Karma in the past, and for World Peace. It is possible to use the Hon Sha Za Sho Nen on yourself. It is also possible to send Reiki to your spirit guides or a loved one who has passed away. Dai Ko Myo Great Shining Light The Dai Ko Myo is the Reiki Masters Symbol, and can only be used by a master. Healing the soul is the power possessed by the Dai Ko Myo. Dai Ko Myo is the symbol to use to activate the initiation and attunement of Reiki to others. Dai Ko Myo helps to find the purpose of the soul. Dai Ko Myo is the symbol of spiritual connection and empowerment. It is an incredibly creative symbol. Dai Ko Myo is the symbol that connects us to cellular healing. Dai Ko Myo works at a genetic level by heightening our intuitive and psychic abilities. Dai Ko Myo connects us to the divine love that is omnipresent. Dai Ko Myo helps manifest desires, dreams and the soul's true purpose. Dai Ko Myo comforts on the level of the spiritual body. It raises the vibration of the individual. ​If you would like to experience the Healing Power of Reiki, consider Booking A Session . Works Cited: Usui Mikao, Petter Frank Arjava. The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr Mikao Usui. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press, 2011.

Who is Ardhanarishvara? How is the diety an archetype of The World? The Ardhanarishvara is a combination of Shiva and Parvati, merged vertically to form a whole single individual. The two also exist in their full forms but when one is invoked it implies that the other is also invoked. Indian mythology is based on the world thriving and surviving because of the watchfulness of the trinity gods. The trinity gods are Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer . By Unknown author - https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_1940-0713-0-79, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12813191 In Hindu mythology, Shiva was the consort of Parvati, who had lost her heart to him and had performed many austerities to attract his attention and finally claim him as her own. Shiva and Parvati or Shakti are also termed Purush and Prakriti. Purush in the language of the tarot is the Magician or the primal idea or source of creation, and Prakriti is known as nature or creation. Together within them once they merge the hold the entire universe. Shiva and Shakti both are the basis of our genetic makeup, and within ourselves, we hold both the masculine and the feminine. Ardhanarishvara means “(Ishvara) Deity who is (Ardha) half woman (Nari).” The Ardhanarishvara then is half male and half female, making it a hermaphrodite or an androgynous being. The male half is on the right-hand side and thereby shows Shiva with half of his third eye which is on the crown chakra. The hair is matted and is tied on the head with the Ganges flowing out of it. The right side of the body is dressed in tiger skin to cover the privates and being the lord that he is, he is decorated with serpents. The left-hand side is the feminine side or the side of Shakti. The left, therefore, is adorned with a gorgeous mane of well combed and well-tied hair, a beautiful half tilak or dot on the forehead, anklets and red henna on the feet, and bangles which are plenty. She wears silk garments that are beautified using jewellery and has a voluptuous well-developed figure. The figure therefore on the right-hand side is all male, the perfect masculine figure and the left-hand side is feminine beauty incarnate, and they are merged perfectly to create a new whole. There are many forms of myth to explain the existence of the Ardhanarishvara . The Shiva-Puranas, mentions that Brahma the creator had created male figures and blessed them to create life, but it was not possible for them to do so by themselves, so Shiva approached him in his merged form with Shakti so that he could rectify his error and create women. Another explanation of the Ardhanarishvara is from the Upanishads though it is very Platonic in content. It mentions that initially the perfect being was an amalgamation of masculine and feminine, but he fell apart to create man and woman so that they could embrace again. Both Indian and Greek cultures, therefore, call the hermaphrodite the pinnacle of bliss and perfection. Perhaps the story that most embodies the world card as a card of bliss and joy is as follows . Shiva and Parvati were married after she fell hopelessly in love with him and won him over to realizing that he too was incomplete without her. After they were wedded, they wanted to share every experience, and Shiva wanted Parvati to partake in his bliss. She bared her soul and offered to perform further austerities to experience it. Shiva, on the other hand, explained that to experience his bliss she only needed to come sit on his lap so that he could communicate how he felt. Parvati loved him and accepted him so totally that she went to sit with him and gave herself to him with no barriers and no resistance whatsoever that she fell into him and merged with him. As soon as she merged with him, Shiva became the Ardhanarishvara and his state moved from being blissful to being ecstatic . The union of the two, the Ardhanarishvara, is considered by a few of the ancient Indian texts to be the supreme form of Shiva. A hermaphrodite is the mode of perfection since within oneself, the masculine and the feminine merge creating a complete whole. To accommodate Shakti, Shiva had to shed a part of himself. Likewise, Parvati also had to relinquish parts of herself to merge into Shiva so that the sum of their parts was greater than the whole. The masculine and the feminine do not gender but are polarities and when the two merge the soul is in complete harmony. Ardhanarishvara is an evolution of the human species to the next level, where growth and amalgamation within the soul have reached the next level and there is a feeling of balance within. Having achieved completion of a level, the soul is ready to become a Fool or spirit in search of a new adventure and step out into another journey. The World in the Tarot represents the completion of a cycle before the beginning of the next cycle. While the World may not always represent the ecstasy of the Ardhanarishvara, it is a positive card, which means that there is a completion, a wholeness a balance and a time for joy and celebration. Something has come a full circle, could be a stage of life like marriage, or the birth of a child, or conversely a long term project is coming to an end. This stage is marked by the closure that is needed to move on to the next level. The World also augurs a need to tie up loose ends and like Shiva ecstatically shed what is not relevant and encompass what needs to be done to have closure. Just as the world upright indicates completion, the reversal shows that a project may be close to the end but the focus seems to have gone. Maybe there is also a desire to stay on where one is so that the completion does not arrive and need to be a Fool once again is delayed. Just as the Ardhanarishvara, is a perfect mixture of the feminine and the masculine in the ideal form, reversed this may also indicate an imbalance, and a slacking that is not allowing one to achieve one’s goals. Works cited: Bhattacharyya, Ashim Kumar. Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology. iUniverse, 2006. Dowson, John. A classical dictionary of Hindu mythology and religion, geography, history, and literature. London: Tubner, 1879 [Reprint, London: Routledge, 1979]. Coomaraswamy, Ananda K. and Nivedita. Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists . New York: Henry Holt & Company, 1914. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (9 April, 2015). Ardhanarishvara. Retrieved from Encyclopædia Britannica : https://www.britannica.com/topic/ Ardhanarishvara Laser, T. Gods & goddesses of ancient India. New York: Britannica Educational Publishing in association with Rosen Educational Services, 2015. Kraig, D. M. Modern Tantra: living one of the world's oldest, continuously practised forms of pagan spirituality in the new millennium. Woodbury, Minnesota: Llewellyn Publications, 2015. The Painting of the Ardhanarishvara: By Unknown author - https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_1940-0713-0-79, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12813191 Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Almost every culture records a gigantic deluge , which cleansed the earth and removed the sinners and left only a handful of virtuous human beings to repopulate the  earth. Atlantis was said to be a prosperous island situated to the right of the "pillars of Hercules" or the Straits of Gibraltar, as per the account  of Plato and was in the domain of the Greek god of the Oceans and Earthquakes, Poseidon. Poseidon had fallen in love with the mortal woman Cleito, and to save her from the wrath of the gods, he had placed her on the scenic island and built her house in the midst of concentric circles of canals and land. Together with her, he fathered ten children the eldest of whom was Atlas. He thus divided the island into ten parts and the most prosperous of those parts was given to Atlas and was called Atlantis.      Atlantis epitomises the pinnacle of human achievement and virtue. It is like the other fantastical and fabulous fabled cities with roads made of gold and riches magnificent and untold. Atlantis is set apart from all other magical mythological cities, not for its legendary scenic value, or breathtakingly beautiful buildings of marble-topped up with gold and silver, or its flora and fauna, which were unique in the Mediterranean or even its rich deposits of Orichalcum, a metal native to Atlantis, which was an alloy of copper and second to gold in value, but the amazing technical feats of the time, some of which were invented as late as the eighteenth century.      The land of Atlantis was righteous and the kings ruled in accordance with the divine law. The division of society and the general populace of the land were virtuous and principled, with no discrimination among the multiple races that lived there. In time the society degenerated in its morals and values and corruption and decay set in at all levels of society. In some versions of the myth, it is said that other people became jealous of Atlantis's progress thus the Atlantean’s created a laser weapon, which was extremely powerful and then was done in by the malfunction of its weapons. Other versions of the myth say that the gods were angry with Atlantis pursuant to the degeneration of society and that they cursed Atlantis. The island soon began to fall prey to major earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and tidal waves. The lands shook and the hills rumbled and Atlantis went underwater in just a day since the inhabitants of Atlantis failed to live up to the ideals that made Atlantis great.      All versions of the myth, however, agree on the following Atlantean ecclesiastical scholars were aware of the impending doom and had begged the king to secure Atlantean knowledge so that all may not perish with the island itself. As a result, the king sent out emissaries with secret sacred knowledge. The King himself was aware that corruption had eaten through the morals of the society, and that it was on the path to destruction, but he was powerless to reverse the situation and resume the favour of the gods. It is conjectured that it was probably the Atlanteans who influenced the Pyramids, and the other civilisations that rose after its fall.      The civilisation of Atlantis was brought down because the ego became too big and took on a life on its own . It is essential for us to have our perceptions and the facades that we put on for the world. However, just as water is essential as in it is a giver of life but devastating in the wrong proportion as in a tidal wave, our egos are essential since they define us but if allowed to grow uncontrollably they are as destructive as the waves that took Atlantis down with them.      Atlantis also calls to mind the  destruction that has been brought on by repressed emotions. The ecclesiastics amongst the Atlanteans were deeply troubled by the decay of the moral fibre but society managed to rationalise the entire decadence by concluding that Atlantis was a civilisation at its zenith and that they were untouchable by any other contemporary kingdom. They were completely insulated from their own emotions or those of the others around them.      When you draw the card of Atlantis or The Tower, it represents that phase of your life when there is a drastic change occurs and there is nothing that you can do to stop it. This card represents a destructive release of emotions that have been bottled up until a bursting point. Just as the earthquakes racked the island of Atlantis, there are major upheavals in your life. You feel as though you are completely stripped of security. The changes in your life are so abrupt that they can be compared to the earthquakes that rocked Atlantis. As the earthquakes were both expected and terrifying, so are the changes in your life. The typical situations that Atlantis envisages could be a spouse discovering that he/she is being cheated on by the other partner, which  in retrospect seem so obvious, or the feeling of being betrayed by someone close to us. While the feeling of betrayal may be justified, it could also be that we are betraying ourselves with false expectations. Whatever the cause may be, we are as unprepared for the waves of change that roll over us, as the inhabitants of Atlantis were for the tidal wave that struck their lands.      It can be denial or jaded perception that led to the current situation. Sometimes in retrospect, things just seem to fall into place as though they were the missing pieces of the puzzle.      It has often been conjectured that the Greek, Egyptian, Aryan and even the Mayan civilisations drew on Atlantean wisdom, which had survived, owing to the persuasion by the priests to preserve Atlantean knowledge. Thus though the devastation and destruction seem so final and intense, this card has often been known as the hand of God by the occultists. This being the case since God loves you so much he would not allow you to live in deception. Hence the waters flow in and cleanse and purge the area. Everything of substance will survive, and the foundation that is sound will be the only thing that is left standing. Everything that is pseudo and deceptive, be it expectations, hopes dreams or any illusive fantasy will come crashing down. The goodness of this card is eclipsed because of the obvious pain and trauma that it unleashes, for this is the end of a period and the beginning of a new phase. Atlantis advises you to go with the flow since resistance is futile . Just as Atlantis was powerless to stop the deluge despite its superior technology, the waters will enter your life and bring in a new beginning.        If the card drawn by you is reversed, then Atlantis indicates that the facade has held for now, but it is temporary. It may also indicate living in denial and not acknowledging or even being aware of the denials or egos that bind us on to the flimsy ground. The change however is merely delayed, but the situation is yet giving similar trauma.      To know more about the Tower: https://www.urbansoultarot.com/the-tower Works Cited: Hamilton, Edith. Mythology. New York, USA: Warner Books, Inc., April 1999.     Haven, Kendall and Julie (illustrator) String. Wonders of the Sea: Merging ocean myth and ocean science . Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2005.    http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/friends/ showthread.php?t=2770   Westmoreland, P.L. Ancient Greek beliefs . Lee And Vance Publishing Co., 2007. Conner, N. The Everything Classical Mythology Book: From the Heights of Mount Olympus to the Depths of the Underworld - All You Need to Know about the Classical Myths. Adams Media, 2007 Images Used on The Site. Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

The Fool Personified in the Story of Dionysus. Dionysus the Greek god of wine, who was also known as Bacchus by the Romans was an impulsive god who had a childlike spirit and did not live by anyone's rules save himself.     Dionysus was the son of  Zeus and Semele.   Semele was the daughter of Cadmus, the founder of the city of Thebes. Her mother Harmonia was the daughter of Aphrodite or Venus the goddess of love and Ares or Mars the god of war. Dionysus eventually found his mother in Hades the Greek underworld and took her to Olympus the abode of the gods, where she took up residence and was accepted by the gods.      Zeus the father of the gods was the god of the Thunderbolt and the king of the Greek Pantheon of gods. He was the son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. In Rome, he was known as Jupiter. He overthrew his father Cronus, who in turn had overthrown his father Uranus. He then became the ruler of the children of the Titans who were called the Olympians.  Zeus was also known for his love of women, and he pursued them  wholeheartedly behind the watchful eye of his wife.  Zeus’s wife was  Hera the goddess of wedded love, women and the sky. Given that Zeus had many transgressions, Hera was an overly jealous goddess and she spent most of her time persecuting and tormenting Zeus’s unlawful children whose only fault was being a product of illicit unions. She was known as Juno in Rome. Disguised as a maid, in a fit of jealousy, Hera managed to persuade Semele to ask Zeus to appear to her in his glorious immortal form. Semele extracted a promise from Zeus as per Hera's instructions and when Zeus appeared to the mortal Semele as the King of Heaven and the Thunderbolt God; she could not endure his brilliance and was instantly charred to death.  It was Hermes, who came to Dionysus’s rescue. Hermes was the messenger of the gods. He was the son of Zeus and the nymph Maia who was the daughter of the Titan Atlas. His winged crown and winged sandals and his wand known as the caduceus identify him. The Romans knew him as Mercury. Hermes the messenger of the gods, managed to remove the unborn Dionysus from Semele's womb and sew him into the thigh of Zeus, and later when the foetus reached maturity, he cut open Zeus's thigh to deliver Dionysus. Hera still blind in her rage, had the infant Dionysus torn to bits, but Rhea the mother of Zeus and his grandmother, managed to find the pieces of flesh and breathe life into him once again. Dionysus thus has been brought to life the third time, and possibly he is a good-natured god as he is optimistic that he will survive and endure.       Dionysus is also known as Bacchus was the god of wine and his followers were known as Maenads or Bacchantes. They did not worship him in temples, instead, they would go up on the mountains and live as one with nature and go about in a drunken manner listening only to the dictates of their own hearts. To them, Dionysus was the personification of freedom. Dionysus was the god of merrymaking. He chanced upon and married princess Ariadne and through his gatherings were known for their revelry, he was a faithful husband.   Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos of Crete, who fell in love with the Athenian hero Theseus and helped him kill the Minotaur who was a terrible monster who was half man and half bull. After the hero vanquished the terrible monster, she eloped with him, but he deserted her for no apparent reason at the island where Dionysus met, comforted and subsequently married her.    Dionysus was the god of wine. Alcohol helps create an altered state of consciousness in which one drops all inhibitions and acts according to his innermost nature. The rational mind is no longer in control, and the subconscious soars. Hence there is nothing to hold one back from what they desire and no worries about the rules of society. Dionysus is best known for his indulgent lust for life and thus is the flawlessly primaeval energy whose life path is not dictated by society or ritual or propriety.       Bacchus usually appeared with minimal clothing. The nakedness of Bacchus is very telling, as it reflected the purity of his being. He has the courage to wear nothing and be totally unfettered, just as he has the courage to be what he envisions himself to be. It also reinforces the fact that he is not carrying any baggage or past experiences that weigh him down, thereby making him free to learn and create on the way. He is self-sufficient and artless, with an innocence that sustains him.  He is committed to his own nature and the fertility of his endeavours which keeps him eternally youthful .      The f rozen peaks of  Mount Olympus where the god stays also represent the potential of Dionysus that is yet untested but shall be manifest, as soon as he takes his journey . The mountains are representative of the laws that govern nature, since they are as old as the earth itself, and in this case housing the gods of the pantheon. They may look cold but when the glaciers melt, they bring life to the valley below. Thus  if we free our consciousness and let our imaginative side take flight then we too shall be blessed by what we perceive to be a rich and fertile life.      Dionysus was kind and faithful, but he too had a cruel streak in him, which is seen in his handling of Pentheus, the King of Thebes and the son of Semele's sister. Pentheus in his extreme arrogance ignored the status of Dionysus as a god and thus Dionysus punished him by creating the illusion among his followers whom Pentheus was a mountain lion.  Pentheus was with his mother and sister at that time, but they too were under the spell of Dionysus, being the first to pounce on Pentheus along with the Maenads and tear him to shreds. Thus sometimes Dionysus may actually be leading you down the path of the proverbial fool who rushed in "where angels fear to tread". Weakly Aspected one must keep in mind that the urge may be from the darker side of the mind contrary to the optimistic half.         Meaning Of The Fool In the Tarot The Fool is a card of beginnings, of your journey on an innovative path of self-discovery, to seek out answers or develop diverse skills. It is a time to take risks to nurture the inner child who wants to come out and play. There is a change coming your way. Take risks and let the moment be the only thing that you are preoccupied with. Have faith in the goodness of life and know that it will hold you up.  Just as Dionysus was unconventional and wild, this is the time for you to be bold, unconventional and march to your own beat. Once you release your fears and trudge forward the universe will hold you up and keep you safe, just as Dionysius was given new leases on life.     Like Bacchus, who travelled with no baggage and hardly any clothes on, the Fool reminds you to travel light. Do leave all your baggage behind, so you can truly be free.   If however, The Fool is drawn reversed or weakly aspected, you may be making a foolish choic e, thus weigh your pros and cons and do not rush headlong into things, making sure you look before you leap.   Alternatively, this could also mean that there is a change coming your way and you are too scared to make the leap of faith!   The opinions of others are holding you back from trusting your own instincts. Do not allow an opportunity to pass you by being too cautious.   Just as the right way up, the card represents airing your inner child, reversed the card asks you to address issues from your childhood . Maybe you need to have more fun. Alternatively, it can also mean that you are very childlike and dependant on others to the point of being needy.   While these meanings are all opposing, a look at the cards in a spread may help you decide where you figure in. other cards in a spread may help you decide where you figure in. Works Cited: Hamilton, Edith.  Mythology . New York, USA: Warner Books, Inc., April, 1999.     Hard, Robin and Herbert Jennings Rose. The Routledge handbook of Greek mythology: based on H.J. Rose's "Handbook of Greek mythology". Routledge, 2004.  Brunel, Pierre editor Companion to Literary Myths, Heroes and Archetypes Routledge, 2015. Grimal, Pierre. The dictionary of Classical Mythology . Wiley-Blackwell, 1996. Images Used on The Site. Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.