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COURT CARDS

In document Tarot (Page 34-40)

The most troublesome cards in the deck are the court cards. They are very hard to read in the context of a spread. For example, if you get the Queen of Cups in the "Health" position in a spread, what does that mean? (How would I read this?

Alternative medicine, likely dispensed by a new, female healer that the Querent is going to or should go to). I'll be going through each court card in its own thread.

I hope we can all get talking about these cards and find a way to solidify them in our minds! So, first, what are court cards?

There are four, and even these are confusing. Rider-Waite style, they are Pages, Knights, Queens, Kings. Crowley style, they are Princesses, Princes, Queens, Knights.

Does this make a difference? Some say yes, very much so. They argue that in Crowley, there are an equal number of male/females, and that the seated Queen indicates the "Goddess power" whereas the active Knight indicates the "God"

power. Unlike the more hierarchical situation in the Rider-Waite deck where you have a seated King ruling at the top, unequal with the seated queen and unmoving compared to the knight he commands.

In either case, certain things we need to assume.

1) Court cards almost always indicate people. Someone in the Querent's life (past or present), about to come into the Querent's life or the Querent themselves.

2) Yes, Court cards can be symbolic. For example, Pages can indicate a "message," Knights a "movement" or a "trip." It depends on the reading and reader. But in most cases, the cards are likely to be people, not symbols.

3) Zodiac symbols (designations) are a good way to tell what kind of person each court card is. For example, that the Queen of Wands is a Leo. But which card is which Zodiac symbol can differ from deck to deck. So examine images carefully to see which card is which Zodiac sign in your particular deck. The pentacle court card which has a field of wheat in it (for example) is undoubtedly Virgo, whether it is King, Queen or Knight.

PAGES

The first court cards are the Pages/Princesses. It is always best to imagine them as young, and with a letter or scroll in hand or on their person. The element of the pages is "Earth" indicating something young, growing, a seed planted. So the Page of Wands would be "Earth of Fire" - the seed of fire, so to speak. The spark. Pages most often stand for children, though they can also be said to be the "Fool's" alter ego. So, an adult who is child-like enough might also be a page. The Querent, if starting something very new and fresh might also be said to be "The Page" - in this case, a kind of apprentice. Deck-wise, if a Page, they can be male or female. If a Princess, likely a female young person; the prince will be the male young person.

When no children seem to be involved (the person you're reading for is childless, has no friends with kids, etc.), then the Pages can indicate that the Querent is about to receive a message. The purpose of a page, after all, is to deliver messages.

In this case:

Page of Wands

A message, possibly from far away, about a trip, career move, leadership position or something spiritual/philosophical.

Page of Cups

A message of love, romance, heart-break or family.

Page of Swords

A message relating to a problem either solved or ending badly, or a message that gives one an idea or solution. Sometimes about illness. Sometimes rumor or gossip - in which case, check it out carefully, it might be false.

Page of Pentacles

A message about money, luck or a good, unexpected turn in health.

. . .

As for what kind of kids these pages are:

Page of Wands

This is a kid that never stays still, runs all over the place, always wants to go outside and play, is always getting into strange places, climbing trees, wanting to go on trips. He's never home for dinner on time. Personality wise, however, he is usually a delightful child, happy, fun-loving, charismatic. He loves being the center of attention and the leader; however, and you might have to watch that he doesn't bully other kids.

Page of Cups

This is the daydream kid; head in the clouds, rarely paying attention. They've got a great imagination and love telling or being told stories, but they're also overly sensitive; very kind and sweet, they'll bring you a flower, try to rescue sick birds or abandoned kittens, take very seriously the death of a goldfish. When sad, they're the saddest kid you ever saw. When happy, they're positively blissful.

Page of Swords

You can't shut up this kid. "Why? Why? Why?" he/she's always asking. And even more alarming, anything they hear, they'll repeat, just blurt it out in front of people. They'll go up to Aunt Hazel and say, "Are you carrying a baby? Mommy says it looks like you are...." On the positive side, this kid could be quite a brain, good at puzzles, quick to learn. And they already know how to use the computer better than you do. Likeable, but also the most aggravating of kids because

whatever you tell them to do, they'll argue about it. You have to watch that they don't become "know-it-alls" or tattletales.

Page of Pentacles

This is the kid who likes to make things. He/she is always playing in the mud with their truck, making sand castles, bringing home caterpillars and lizards and frogs. They like to hammer together bird houses, help build a tree house. And they'll take it upon themselves to do extra chores for extra money. They'll deliver papers, water lawns, walk pets. They're very frugal with that money, keeping it in the piggy bank and counting it out often to see how much they've got.

Personality wise, they may seem a bit too serious and sober for their age, a little too practical perhaps, though often generous and good hearted.

KNIGHTS

Knights or princes are the spirit of the teenager, all about changes. Knights are never still; as the pages/princesses suggest messages, the knights/princes suggest movement, travel.

Elementally, they are Air moving and flowing like that element. As a person, they're likely to stand for a young adult or someone who acts very like a teen. Their beliefs are purer than of an adult, less cynical and more fierce. In this they are most knight like: powerfully, almost unquestioning loyal to a kingdom or cause.

As travel:

Knight of Wands

An exciting trip, and likely a long one to an exotic place. Likely a trip by motorcycle, car, bus or train.

Knight of Cups

The types of teenager-like people they can be:

Knight of Wands

I like to think of this teen as the "tilting at windmills" Knight. Charismatic, the kind of youth who never slows down, who always goes for grand gestures. This is the party "teen", and we're talking big, wild parties; the kind of youth who loves his car and seems to live in it, driving everywhere, picking up his friends as he goes. He's popular, the center of attention, the leader who comes up with crazy ideas. He'll be voted class president or Prom King, and is likely an aggressive player on the football team. On the negative side, this teen can be headstrong, bossy or a bully. A little narcissistic, he's not always sensitive to others feelings. Don't expect him to be reliable or on time. Fiercely loyal to his friends, and his religion whether that is sports, a philosophy or church.

Knight of Cups

A knight in the truest sense, this is the knight of love, the Romeo. The teen we all know and love; dreamy, sensitive, moody, "deep." He plays music, spends long hours alone in his room with the shades drawn, he writes dark, meaningful poetry. He will fall in love, passionately, profoundly and he and his love will be inseparable. On the negative side, he should be watched for depression which can be very real. Though moody, he's fiercely loyal to anyone he loves, including family.

Knight of Swords

Too smart for his own good, this young man is also too talkative. He's engages in flame wars on a dozen internet chat sites, he questions his teachers, he likes to play devil's advocate and argues with his friends and family just for the sake of arguing. This sharp mind and sharp tongue can, in the negative, lead him to spread gossip or nasty rumors just to see what will happen. If there's anything this knight will fight and die for, it is for freedom of information and speech.

Knight of Pentacles

This teen appreciates the very best things money can buy - not only because he likes such things, but because he doesn't like to stand out. He's got projects going, jobs on the side, he fears not having what others have, not fitting in. In

comparison to the Knight of Wands, however, this teen likes being at home. He needs to have his own room or secret place, and woe to anyone who goes into that room or changes it in any way. This teen has his own organization system for

everything. On the negative side, this teen can be far too solitary, too concerned with perfection, what he does or does not have, or earning a place of respect. Fear of failure or competition or standing out may keep him from leaving his room. He values and protects beautiful things and is a loyal employee if treated right.

QUEENS

The element of Queens is water and, not surprisingly, they are a reflection of the Empress. In this they signify the creative force. One way to think of the court cards is this: The Kings are the motivating force (Fire = the sun waking up the sleeping Earth). The queens are the ones who make it real (water = rain bringing forth life from the earth). The Knights spread the idea of the Kingdom (wind = spreading the seeds). And the Pages, of course, are the fertile soil in which all of this can grow.

When Queens appear they signal a time of growth and development, a time when the Querent is making things real. For example:

Queen of Wands

Developing a trip or making real a career, especially one in acting or leadership.

Queen of Cups

Developing a romance, psychic powers, or the growth of a family.

Queen of Swords

Developing a speech, making real a story, working on a debate, or just spreading news.

Queen of Pentacles

Making real a business, altering a work situation, or developing an exercise or health plan.

. . .

As always, Court Cards are more likely to be actual people. The queens are adult women, often women in charge:

Queen of Wands

They light up a room when they enter; they radiate warmth and energy, humor and spirit. Very often they're in

entertainment, as actresses or singers. They can also be leaders and activists. Men and often other women hover round them like moths to a flame, and can certainly be burned by their hot, passionate, restless natures. Not that these women can't be gentle; they love children and are almost over-active participants in the lives of their kids, making costumes for plays, coaching teams, etc. These are very creative women, with boundless energy to make, do, travel, entertain. The problem, of course, is that these Queens have trouble stepping out of the spotlight. They can overwhelm or intimidate, be bossy and overbearing. At their best, however, they are an inspiration to their family and friends, and often to admiring strangers as well.

Queen of Cups

Often a healer, counselor or psychic, this is a woman who seems to know what's wrong even before you open your mouth.

Call her the emotional fix-it woman, but she seems to have exactly the right solution to problems relating to home, friends, love. Sometimes she is shy, self-effacing, you might not even notice her; other times she can be a little scary, dreamy, mysterious, a creative storyteller. Affectionate and loving, she is a "mom's mom" always there to hug, heal and bake cookies for her children. Her intuition is uncanny, her temper...well, it runs very deep and you don't ever want it turned against you. Talk about scary. Unfortunately, this is also a queen who can suffer from female hormonal problems, depression, moodiness, alcoholism, drug addiction, psychological problems.

Queen of Swords

She's a walking encyclopedia. Any information you want, this woman has it, and as such she can mingle with almost anyone. She can talk science with the scientists, history with the historians, literature with the poets. She knows obscure facts, strange tid-bits, and she seems to love nothing better than to pour it all out, give it away like gifts to help people. In fact this woman is likely to be involved in a job that includes talking: psychology, politics, radio, or information gathering, like the sciences. She absorbs information, and is able to relate it back succinctly, clearly, simply, so everyone can

understand and use it; men who aren't threatened by her (and many are!) gather round to listen to her beautiful voice, fascinated. You can always pick out this woman in a crowd as she is always stylish in her own, unique way; almost eccentric in dress. The problem? These queens can be the most "queen-like." Aloof, even cold. They believe the right facts can fix any problem, and will offer that instead of sympathy or warmth. They also like to know everything, and are likely to listen in on conversations, read diaries. Worse, they might well spread what they've learned thinking it will do good.

They mean well, but their need to know and solve problems often outweighs other considerations.

Queen of Pentacles

This is the practical, down-to-earth woman. An enthusiastic outdoors woman, she's always encouraging friends and family to exercise. She also owns her own successful business. Her accounting is scrupulous, but that doesn't mean she's afraid to spend. She loves beautiful things and has an artist's eye. Her home is impeccably decorated with paintings, furniture, and trinkets. Her garden is also beautifully maintained. Tasteful is the perfect word for her; likewise in her dress, jewelry and make-up. As in work, nothing less than giving her all to her family will do for the Queen of Pentacles. She wants them to have the best so they can succeed. But this can put a lot of pressure on them. The queen does not understand that buying a child a Steinway piano will not make them Beethoven; also, this Queen's pragmatism, her dislike of anything strange or distasteful, may exclude anything unique or imaginative - solutions as well as people. Her children or partner feel that they can't be themselves and still be loved.

KINGS

Kings. Although they come last, they really should come first, as Kings are where the Court Cards start. They are the fire - their element - the passion, the driving force. This is why Crowley has them as Knights instead, riding on horseback (rather than sitting passively on a throne), filled with energy, moving, leading. Kings are related to the Emperor, and like him they are planners, motivators, commanders, and creators; the one who rallies everyone together to form the kingdom. (Think Henry V.) The Queen is the one who will make it real, and the Knight/Prince will take it beyond the castle walls. But without the King, it won't happen at all.

Thus, Kings in a spread can indicate motivation, a beginning or start of something.

King of Wands

The planning of a great trip, the idea for some grand new career, being motivated to go into politics or take charge.

Depending where it is in the spread, it can indicate that the Querent has decided to take command, to overthrow the old with his new, bold ideas.

King of Cups

The decision to start a new relationship may indicate a man deciding to propose or just finally motivating himself to approach a special someone. This is a new love, but it is a mature love, one that is determined. Can also indicate a man motivated to be a new and better provider, father and husband.

King of Swords

Tossing out a new idea, getting thoughts on paper, brainstorming. The ability to see problems objectively and find new and better solutions.

King of Pentacles

Drawing up plans for a new business, new thoughts on how to make money or craft something. Perhaps building a new house.

. . .

The thing to remember with the Kings is that while they are powerful motivators, they are still "in the crown" - in the head.

They can move mountains with their enthusiasm and energy and light a fire under almost anything. But they can't make it real all by themselves.

Like all court cards, the King cards are most likely to be people. These might be men the Querent knows or the Querent himself if he's an adult male. It may signify the kind of man he is, or the kind of man he is at this time or in this

circumstance.

All Kings have high aspirations, they dream of having the best "kingdom" in the land. And they expect loyalty, especially from family and friends. They are men of influence, and leadership; others come to them for advice. They can be stubborn, absolutely sure that they are right.

King of Wands

Call him "The Preacher." His dream kingdom is a philosophy. He fills a room when he walks in, expansive, full of energy, charisma, fun. You know this man; he's the motivational speaker, the charismatic church leader, the warm politician, the bullying coach who turns losers into winners. He loves danger, adventure, challenges. A great innovator, he can turn a company around, with employees working overtime to please him. This is Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Henry V. He always has to lead the charge. He hasn't friends so much as worshippers; people either love him or hate him, and the same goes for his family. Not that he doesn't love his family; he fell in love with his wife at first sight and wooed her till she loved him back; and he's great with kids. No dad was ever so inventive or fun. But he fully expects his family to come with him, wherever he goes - like an impromptu African Safari - support whatever he does. If they don't, his other side can come

Call him "The Preacher." His dream kingdom is a philosophy. He fills a room when he walks in, expansive, full of energy, charisma, fun. You know this man; he's the motivational speaker, the charismatic church leader, the warm politician, the bullying coach who turns losers into winners. He loves danger, adventure, challenges. A great innovator, he can turn a company around, with employees working overtime to please him. This is Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Henry V. He always has to lead the charge. He hasn't friends so much as worshippers; people either love him or hate him, and the same goes for his family. Not that he doesn't love his family; he fell in love with his wife at first sight and wooed her till she loved him back; and he's great with kids. No dad was ever so inventive or fun. But he fully expects his family to come with him, wherever he goes - like an impromptu African Safari - support whatever he does. If they don't, his other side can come

In document Tarot (Page 34-40)

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