by Jui Guoliang
THE
CHINESE
TAROT DECK
Text by Stuart R. Kaplan Published by U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.
© 1989, 2013 U.S. Games Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The illustrations, cover design and contents are protected by copyright.
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CHINESE TAROT DECK
INTRODUCTION TO TAROT The complete seventy-eight-card tarot pack is divided into two sections: twenty-two Major Arcana and fifty-six Minor Arcana cards. The Major Arcana are allegorical cards and are also known as the Triumphs, the Greater Arcana, the Higher Arcana and the Atouts.
The Minor Arcana are divided into four suits: swords, staves, cups, and coins. In each suit, are four court cards: king, queen, knight and page; and ten numbered cards. Today’s ordinary playing cards descend from the Minor Arcana of the tarot. The knight and page were combined to form the jack of the fifty-two-card deck and swords became spades; staves, clubs; cups, hearts and coins, diamonds.
Transliteration of Chinese to English spelling varies according to source, and was reformed in the early 1980s. For example, the city name of Beijing was formerly spelled Peking. The spelling used here for Chinese names is that most commonly found in published sources, the trans-literation used before the reform.
THE MAJOR ARCANA
O THE FOOL The Fool, in China, is seen as
foolish and comic, but is also considered a kind and honorable person.
Divinatory Meanings: Folly. Lack of discipline.
Immaturity. Irrationality. Frivolity. Delirium. Frenzy. Enthusiasm. Naivety.
Reverse Meanings: Bad decision. Apathy.
Hesitation. Negligence.
I THE MAGICIAN The Magician holds a
flaming sword and a bowl of steaming water. Magic is used in Chinese folklore for curing wounds and illness, and for gaining love and power.
Divinatory Meanings: Originality. Imagination.
Self-reliance. Self- confidence. Deception.
Reverse Meanings: Weakness of will. Ineptitude.
Insecurity. Delay. The use of one’s skills for destructive ends.
II HIGH PRIESTESS Shi Tai is the Chinese
title for an abbess. The High Priestess uses prayer beads to guide her in chanting a specific number of mantras, or meditational prayers.
Divinatory Meanings: Wisdom. Sound
judgment. Serenity. Objectivity. Intuition. Self- reliance. Emotionlessness. Platonic relationships.
Reverse Meanings: Ignorance. Shortsightedness.
Selfishness. Passion. Physical ardor. Acceptance of superficial knowledge.
III THE EMPRESS The Empress holds a
peony, called Flower of Riches and Honors, and symbol of yang, the male principle, a reference to her consort, the Emperor. A phoenix is behind her, a symbol of peace and prosperity, used as an ornament by empresses of China.
Divinatory Meanings: Feminine progress.
Fruitfulness. Accomplishment. Marriage. Children. Feminine influence. Ability to motivate others.
Reverse Meanings: Vacillation. Lack of interest.
Lack of concentration. Infertility. Infidelity.
IV THE EMPEROR Two splendid dragons
decorate the wall behind the Emperor, as symbols of strength and goodness. The five-clawed dragon was the emblem of imperial power.
Divinatory Meanings: Worldly power.
Confi-dence. Wealth. Stability. Authority. Indomitable spirit. War-making tendencies. Male influence.
Reverse Meanings: Immaturity. Ineffectiveness.
Indecision. Weakness of character. Failure to control petty emotions.
V HEAVENLY MASTER Chang Tao Ling,
or the Heavenly Master, was the first great teacher of Taoism and was known as a great healer and magician. He holds a censer. On his robe is the symbol of yin-yang, the unity of male and female principles, an emblem of creation. Around the yin-yang sign are the eight diagrams, or hexagrams (some concealed), that denote the elements of nature and corresponding qualities: heaven, untiring strength and power; standing water (for example, lakes and swamps), pleasure and satisfaction; fire, brightness and elegance; thunder, movement and exciting power; the wind and wood, flexibility and penetration; water flowing (for example, rain and streams), peril and difficulty; hills and mountains, repose and interruption; and earth, capaciousness and submission. The diagrams also represent certain animals. The medallion protects its wearer from misfortune.
Divinatory Meanings: Ritualism. Mercy.
Reserve. Tendency to cling to ideas and prin-ciples even after they are outdated. Conformity.
Reverse Meanings: Foolish exercise of generosity.
Impotence. Vulnerability. Frailty. Unorthodoxy. Renunciation.
VI THE LOVERS The Lovers card shows
the Cupids of China, the god of harmony and the goddess of union. Twin lotus flowers on one stalk, a pair of bats, and a toad are all symbols of a happy marriage.
Divinatory Meanings: Love. Beauty. Perfection.
Harmony. Trust. Romance. Deep feeling. Optimism. Freedom of emotion. Testing someone.
Reverse Meanings: Failure to meet the test.
Separation. Frustration in love and marriage. Interference. Fickleness. Unwise plans.
VII THE CHARIOT A passionate warrior
raises his spear against the forces of evil. A dragon draws his chariot.
Divinatory Meanings: Adversity, possibly already
overcome. Conflicting influences. Vengeance. Success. Possibly, a voyage or journey. Escape. Rushing to a decision.
Reverse Meanings: Failure. Sudden collapse of
plans. Unrealistic plans.
VIII STRENGTH Strength portrays Wu Sung,
a legendary hero who slew a tiger.
Divinatory Meanings: Strength. Courage.
Energy. Resolution. Defiance. Action. Zeal.
Reverse Meanings: Pettiness. Impotence.
IX THE HERMIT In ancient times, scholars
often retreated from the world, living in remote villages or in the mountains. There they would write literary works and play music. Boys often acted as their servants and scribes.
Divinatory Meanings: Counsel. Knowledge.
Solicitude. Prudence. Vigilance. Circumspection. Self-denial. Withdrawal. Regression.
Reverse Meanings: Imprudence. Prematurity.
Incorrect advice. Failure caused by dullness. Over- prudence resulting in unnecessary delay.
X WHEEL OF FORTUNE The Wheel of
Fortune is the yin-yang sign and the eight hexa-grams. (See V Heavenly Master.) Around it are four creatures: a tiger, symbol of dignity and stern-ness; a phoenix (see III The Empress); a dragon (see IV The Emperor); and a tortoise, symbol of the universe. Together, the four creatures form the quadrants of the sky.
Divinatory Meanings: Destiny. Fortune.
Outcome. Culmination. Good or bad luck, depending on influences of nearby cards. Inevitability.
Reverse Meanings: Bad luck. Broken sequence.
Outside influence not contemplated.
XI JUSTICE Wei T‘o is a bodhisattva in
Buddhism, a soul whose compassion is such that it postpones complete enlightenment and retains a personality in order to help bring others to enlightenment. Wei T‘o is depicted in full armor, with a spear, as a defender of Buddhist principles.
Divinatory Meanings: Justice. Balance.
Reverse Meanings: Bias. False accusations.
Bigotry. Severity in judgment. Intolerance. Unfairness. Abuse.
XII HANGING GHOST In ancient China,
being treated badly, with no recourse to justice, was a reason for suicide. The Hanging Ghost is the soul of a person who was wronged. It exhorts people to be kind to one another.
Divinatory Meanings: Life in suspension.
Transition. Change. Reversal of the mind and in one’s way of life. Apathy and dullness. Abandonment. Renunciation. The changing of life’s forces.
Reverse Meanings: Lack of sacrifice.
Unwill-ingness to make the necessary effort. Egotism. False prophecy. Useless sacrifice.
XIII DEATH Yama, portrayed on Death,
is the ruler of the Buddhist hell. The soul that passes before him is not doomed to stay in hell forever, but will pass through various trials before being reincarnated as a human or animal.
Divinatory Meanings: Transformation.
Clearing away the old to make way for the new. Unexpected change. Alteration. The ending of a familiar situation or friendship. Financial loss. Beginning of a new era.
Reverse Meanings: Stagnation. Slow changes.
Partial change. Inertia. Narrowly avoiding a serious accident.
XIV TEMPERANCE A monk prays in a
temple. Buddhist nuns and monks begin monastic life by shaving their heads and making nine burns
on their scalps with joss sticks. The bell behind him is rung to mark periods of prayer and meditation, and it symbolizes stillness and veneration.
Divinatory Meanings: Moderation. Temperance.
Patience. Accommodation. Harmony. Fusion. Management. Adjustment. Good influence.
Reverse Meanings: Discord. Conflict of interest.
Hostility. Inability to work with others.
XV THE DEVIL A horse-headed demon
and a bull-headed demon hold chains and a spear with which to torment the souls during their trials in hell. The horse-headed demon is also associated with the thunderbolt, the blow of which is like Buddhist doctrine, which dispels illusion and wickedness.
Divinatory Meanings: Subordination. Ravage.
Bondage. Malevolence. Subservience. Downfall. Weird experience. Bad outside influence or advice. Black magic. Unexpected failure.
Reverse Meanings: Release from bondage.
Divorce. Recognition of one’s needs by another person. Overcoming severe handicaps.
XVI THE TOWER A tower is struck by the
god of thunder and the goddess of lightning. The cock-headed god is winged and wields a mallet and chisel, and stands on drums. He kills the unrighteous, assisted by the lightning goddess, who flashes light to blind the victim.
Divinatory Meanings: Complete and sudden
change. Breaking down of old beliefs. Aban-donment of past relationships. Severing of a friendship. Changing one’s opinion.
Reverse Meanings: Continued oppression. Living
in a rut. Entrapment in an unhappy situation.
XVII THE STAR The Star depicts the god
of longevity, an old man who is represented by the star Canopus, in the constellation Carina. He holds the peaches of the miraculous tree that blossoms only once every three thousand years, and he is accompanied by a stag. Cranes are an emblem of longevity.
Divinatory Meanings: Hope. Faith. Inspiration.
Bright prospects. Mixing of the past and present. Optimism. Insight. Good omen. Spiritual love. Astrological influence. Pleasure.
Reverse Meanings: Disappointment. Pessimism.
Bad luck. Lack of opportunity. Stubbornness. Imbalance.
XVIII THE MOON The Moon represents
the female essence of nature. The goddess of the moon holds a hare, an emblem of longevity.
Divinatory Meanings: Deception. Twilight.
Obscurity. Intuition. Disillusionment. Danger. Bad influence. Ulterior motives. False friends.
Reverse Meanings: A minor deception
recog-nized before damage is done. Trifling mistakes. Overcoming temptation.
XIX THE SUN A Chinese legend relates that
in ancient times there were nine suns in the sky. Scorched by the suns, Earth was almost bare and lifeless. Hon Yi, husband of the moon god-dess, took his bow and arrow and shot down eight of the nine suns. With only one sun in the sky, Earth was saved.
Divinatory Meanings: Accomplishment.
Contentment. Success. Favorable relationships. Love. Joy. Devotion. Achievement.
Reverse Meanings: Unhappiness. Loneliness.
Possibly a broken engagement or marriage. Cancelled plans. Triumph delayed.
XX CONFUCIUS The teachings of
Con-fucius emphasize benevolence, a sense of duty, sincerity, justice, and wisdom. The philosophy is based on the tenet that the universe and humanity are regulated by a moral order.
Divinatory Meanings: Atonement. Judgment.
Self-perspective. Rejuvenation. Rebirth. Improvement. Development. Promotion.
Reverse Meanings: Disappointment. Failure to
face facts. Indecision. Divorce. Procrastination. Theft. Alienation of affections.
XXI THE UNIVERSE Kuan Yin is the
goddess of benevolence and salvation. She helps people out of the abyss of misery and leads them to paradise.
Divinatory Meanings: Attachment. Completion.
Perfection. Ultimate change. Synthesis. Fulfillment. Capability. Triumph in undertakings. Rewards of hard work. Admiration of others.
Reverse Meanings: Imperfection. Failure to
THE MINOR ARCANA
THE SUIT OF SWORDS KING OF SWORDS The king is attended
by two men, sheltered by an umbrella, and armed with a sword.
Divinatory Meanings: An active and
determined person. Experienced. Controlled. Commanding. A professional man. Highly analytical person. Justness. Force. Superiority.
Reverse Meanings: A person who may pursue
a matter to ruin. Conflict. Selfishness. Sadism. A dangerous or wicked person. One who causes unnecessary disturbance and sadness.
QUEEN OF SWORDS The queen holds a
sword. Her attendants carry fans decorated with phoenixes.
Divinatory Meanings: Quick-witted. Intensely
perceptive. A subtle person. May signify a widow or woman of sadness. Mourning. Privation. Absence. Loneliness. Separation.
Reverse Meanings: Narrow- mindedness.
Maliciousness. Deceitfulness. Vengefulness. A treacherous enemy. An ill-tempered person.
KNIGHT OF SWORDS The knight escapes
his enemies on a magical flying horse.
Divinatory Meanings: Bravery. Skill. The
strength and dash of a young man. Heroic action. Impetuous rush into the unknown.
Reverse Meanings: Incapacity. Imprudence.
PAGE OF SWORDS The page is a valiant
youth.
Divinatory Meanings: Vigilance. Agility. Spying.
A discreet person. An active youth. A lithe figure. A person adept at perceiving, discerning, and uncovering the unknown.
Reverse Meanings: An imposter revealed.
Illness is also possible. Powerlessness in the face of stronger forces. Lack of preparation.
TEN OF SWORDS A Taoist priest launches
an attack with ten magical swords.
Divinatory Meanings: Ruin. Pain. Affliction.
Mental anguish. Desolation. Misfortune. Disappointment.
Reverse Meanings: Benefit. Profit. Improvement.
Passing success. Temporary favor. Momentary advantage.
NINE OF SWORDS A youth struggles
against swords.
Divinatory Meanings: Miscarriage. Anxiety over
a loved one. Worry. Despair.
Reverse Meanings: Suspicion. Slanderous gossip.
Shame. Scruple. Timidity. Shady character.
EIGHT OF SWORDS Four warriors holding
two swords each assume a defensive stance.
Divinatory Meanings: Crisis. Calamity.
Domi-nation. Imprisonment. Turmoil. Bad news. Criticism. Sickness. Calumny.
Reverse Meanings: Treachery in the past.
Difficulty. Hard work. Depression. Disquiet. Accident. Fatality.
SEVEN OF SWORDS Three men and a
woman battle with swords.
Divinatory Meanings: New plans. Wishes.
Fortitude. Perseverance. Hope. Confidence. Fantasy. Partial success.
Reverse Meanings: Arguments. Uncertain
counsel or advice. Circumspection. Slander.
SIX OF SWORDS Three women pose
grace-fully with swords.
Divinatory Meanings: A trip or journey.
Headstrong attempts to overcome difficulties. Expedient manner. Success after anxiety.
Reverse Meanings: Stalemate. Unwanted
proposal. Confession. Declaration.
FIVE OF SWORDS A youth dexterously
handles five swords.
Divinatory Meanings: Conquest. Defeat.
Destruction of others. Degradation. Adversary may arise. Revocation. Infamy. Dishonor.
Reverse Meanings: Uncertain outlook. Weakness.
Possible misfortune befalling a friend.
FOUR OF SWORDS In an autumn landscape,
two men rest after a martial arts match.
Divinatory Meanings: Respite. Rest after illness.
Repose. Replenishment. Solitude. Retreat.
Reverse Meanings: Circumspection. Precaution.
Economy. Guarded advancement. Desire to recover what is lost.
THREE OF SWORDS A girl runs through
falling leaves, balancing a sword between two swords.
Divinatory Meanings: Absence. Sorrow.
Disappointment. Strife. Removal. Dispersion. Diversion. Opposition. Separation. Delay.
Reverse Meanings: Distraction. Confusion.
Disorder. Mistake. Incompatibility. Anxiety. Loss.
TWO OF SWORDS A girl dances, holding
two swords. Dogwood blossoms and green willow boughs denote spring.
Divinatory Meanings: Balanced force. Firmness.
Concord. Stalemate. Affection.
Reverse Meanings: Duplicity. Misrepresentation.
Treachery. False friends. Lies.
ACE OF SWORDS A man practices martial
arts, exhibiting skill and discipline.
Divinatory Meanings: Great determination.
Initiative. Strength. Activity. Excessiveness. Triumph. Fertility. Prosperity. Deep emotions.
Reverse Meanings: Debacle. Tyranny. Disaster.
Self- destruction. Violent temper. Infertility. THE SUIT OF STAVES
KING OF STAVES The king of staves is
attended by two maids of honor. One carries coral, an emblem of longevity and official promotion.
Divinatory Meanings: An honest and
con-scientious person. Mature. Wise. Devoted. Friendly. Sympathetic. Educated. A gentleman.
Reverse Meanings: Severity. Austerity.
Somewhat excessive and exaggerated ideas. Dogmatic. Deliberate.
QUEEN OF STAVES The queen of staves
is accompanied by two women, who carry a golden censer and a peacock fan. The peacock is a symbol of beauty and dignity.
Divinatory Meanings: A sympathetic and
understanding person. Friendly. Loving. Chaste. Practical. Charm and grace. Gracious hostess.
Reverse Meanings: Jealousy. Deceit. Infidelity.
Unstable emotions. Fickleness. Resistance.
KNIGHT OF STAVES The knight is an old,
honored general. He stands on a tiger carpet as a sign of his prowess.
Divinatory Meanings: A journey. Advancement
into the unknown. Alteration. Flight. Absence. Change of residence.
Reverse Meanings: Interruption. Unexpected
change. Quarreling. Breakup of personal rela-tionships. Rupture.
PAGE OF STAVES The page is an old man
leaning on a staff. Behind him are cypresses wrapped in fog.
Divinatory Meanings: A loyal person. An envoy.
Emissary. Trusted friend. A stranger with good intentions. A bearer of important news.
Reverse Meanings: Indecision. Reluctance.
Instability. A gossip. Bearer of bad tidings. A person who may break your heart. Displeasure.
TEN OF STAVES A Taoist priest exercises his
magic using a rod. Golden leaves of autumn fall around him.
Divinatory Meanings: Excessive pressures.
Problems soon to be resolved. Possibly using power for selfish ends.
Reverse Meanings: Difficulties. Intrigues.
A traitor. Deceiver. Some losses will occur.
NINE OF STAVES A young warrior braves
the attack of nine magic staves.
Divinatory Meanings: Expectation of
dif-ficulties and changes. Deception. A pause in a current struggle.
Reverse Meanings: Obstacles. Adversity. Delays.
Disaster. Ill health.
EIGHT OF STAVES An exhibition of martial
arts is taking place. An old man supervises, stressing that control, not haste, is essential.
Divinatory Meanings: Swift activity. Sudden
progress or movement. Speed. Hastily made decisions. Too rapid advancement.
Reverse Meanings: Thorns of dispute. Jealousy.
Harassment. Stagnation. Domestic quarrels.
SEVEN OF STAVES A maker of staves shows
his wares at the market. The roses tumbling over the wall herald success.
Divinatory Meanings: Success. Gain.
Over-whelming odds surmounted. Advantage.
Reverse Meanings: Anxiety. Embarrassment.
SIX OF STAVES A matriarch is leading her
disciples to fight heretics.
Divinatory Meanings: Conquest. Triumph.
Good news. Advancement. Expectation. Desires realized as a result of efforts.
Reverse Meanings: Indefinite delay. Fear.
Apprehension. Disloyalty. Superficial benefit.
FIVE OF STAVES Five old men dispute the
aesthetics of ancient paintings.
Divinatory Meanings: Unsatisfied desires.
Labor. Violent strife. Obstacles.
Reverse Meanings: Trickery. Contradictions.
Complexity. Involvement.
FOUR OF STAVES An old man displays his
skills in handling staves. Plum blossoms in the background symbolize happiness.
Divinatory Meanings: Romance. Society.
Harmony. Newly acquired prosperity. Tranquility. The fruits of labor. Rest after strife.
Reverse Meanings: Loss of full tranquility.
Unfulfilled romance. Insecurity. Tarnished beauty. Incomplete happiness.
THREE OF STAVES An instructor in the
martial arts demonstrates a maneuver.
Divinatory Meanings: Practical knowledge.
Business acumen. Enterprise. Negotiations. Trade. Commerce.
Reverse Meanings: Assistance with an ulterior
TWO OF STAVES An elderly couple awaits the
visit of children and grandchildren. The bamboo behind them means filial affection and long life.
Divinatory Meanings: Mature individual.
Ruler. Attainment of goals and needs. Boldness. A dominant personality.
Reverse Meanings: Sadness. Trouble. Restraint
caused by others. Loss of faith. Surprise.
ACE OF STAVES A venerable scholar searches
for the source of the river. Mountains, clouds and pine trees form the backdrop.
Divinatory Meanings: Creation. Start of an
undertaking. Fortune. Inheritance. Birth of a child. Beginning of a meaningful experience. An adventure.
Reverse Meanings: False start. Cloudy outlook.
Unrealized goal. Decadence. Empty existence. Vexation. Cancellation of plans.
THE SUIT OF CUPS
KING OF CUPS The king raises his cup as
a toast to the dragon behind him, a symbol of imperial power.
Divinatory Meanings: Responsibility and
creativity. Learned person. Religious person. Scientist. A considerate person, kind and reliable. Liberal manner. Interest in the arts and sciences.
Reverse Meanings: Artistic temperament.
Double dealing. Scandal. Loss. Ruin. Injustice. A crafty person without virtue.
QUEEN OF CUPS The queen is an imperial
concubine, dancing drunkenly. A phoenix crown is on her head, cranes and pines are painted on the screen behind her, and the carpet is deco-rated with a phoenix.
Divinatory Meanings: A warm-hearted and
fair person. Beloved and adored. Good friend and mother. Devoted wife. Practical. Honest. Loving and intelligent. Gift of vision.
Reverse Meanings: Dishonesty. Unreliability.
Vice.
KNIGHT OF CUPS The knight is a general
drinking alone. He wears armor under the red robe.
Divinatory Meanings: An invitation or
oppor-tunity may soon arise. Advancement. Attraction. Inducement. Challenge. Proposal.
Reverse Meanings: Subtlety. Artifice. Trickery.
A sly and cunning person. A person capable of swindling.
PAGE OF CUPS The page, seated on a mat,
drinks wine. Outside, it is raining and misty.
Divinatory Meanings: A studious and
intent person. Reflective. Meditative. Loyal. Willingness to offer services and efforts.
Reverse Meanings: Deviation. Susceptibility.
Temporary distraction. Seduction. A flatterer.
TEN OF CUPS Chung K’uei, shown
jug-gling bowls, is a legendary figure whose power over evil demons protects people from harm.
Divinatory Meanings: Home. Joy. Pleasure.
Peace. Love. Contentment. Good family. Honor. Esteem. Virtue.
Reverse Meanings: Loss of friendship.
Unhappiness. Family quarrel. Pettiness. Rage. Difference of opinion.
NINE OF CUPS Chu Wenjun was a scholar
from a rich family. She became a wineseller in order to enjoy a tranquil life and freedom from fame and gain.
Divinatory Meanings: Success. Advantage.
Well-being. Abundance. Good health. Difficulties surmounted.
Reverse Meanings: Mistakes. Material loss.
Imperfections. Misplaced trust. False freedom. Opposition. Differences.
EIGHT OF CUPS The eight cups symbolize
the eight famous poets and artists of the Tang Dynasty, as sung in Tu Fu’s verse: “A Drinking Melody by the Eight Gods.”
Divinatory Meanings: Discontinuance of effort.
Disappointment. Abandonment of previous plans. Shyness. Modesty. Abandoned success.
Reverse Meanings: Effort continued until full
success is attained. Festivity. Gaiety.
SEVEN OF CUPS A youth dreams of coins
and precious gems.
Divinatory Meanings: Fantasy. Imagination.
Daydreams. Foolish whims. Wishful thinking. Illusionary success.
Reverse Meanings: Desire. Determination. Will
power. A goal nearly attained. Intelligent choice.
SIX OF CUPS A drunken man juggles six
cups, spilling their contents. The empty cups signify the loss of childhood, joy, and pleasure.
Divinatory Meanings: Memories. Past
influ-ences. Nostalgia. Faded images.
Reverse Meanings: The future. Opportunities
ahead. Coming events. New vistas. Plans that may fail.
FIVE OF CUPS A warrior drinks alone in a
shabby tavern, trying to dispel his melancholy.
Divinatory Meanings: Partial loss. Regret.
Friendship without real meaning. Inheritance. Incomplete union or partnership.
Reverse Meanings: Hopeful outlook. Favorable
expectations. New alliances. Affinity. Return of an old friend. Reunion.
FOUR OF CUPS Su Tung P’o (Su Shih) was
a well-known poet of the Sung Dynasty. He was not successful, in spite of his brilliance, and he often drank to alleviate depression. The orchids on the painting symbolize aloofness from political concerns and material pursuits.
Divinatory Meanings: Weariness. Aversion.
Disgust. Disappointment. Bitter experience. Stationary period in life.
Reverse Meanings: New possibilities. New
relationships. New approaches to old problems. New knowledge.
THREE OF CUPS A general toasts his victory. Divinatory Meanings: Resolution of a problem.
Conclusion. Solace. Healing. Satisfactory result. Compromise.
Reverse Meanings: Excessive pleasures.
Over-abundance. Superfluity. Loss of prestige. Lack of appreciation.
TWO OF CUPS Li Po, the great poet of the
Tang Dynasty, sips his wine while savoring the beauty of a moonlit night. He wrote a famous poem in which he invited the moon to join him in drinking.
Divinatory Meanings: Love. Friendship
beginning or renewed. Passion. Engagement. Understanding. Cooperation. Partnership. Marriage.
Reverse Meanings: Unsatisfactory love. False
friendship. Troubled relationship. Divorce. Separation. Crossed desires. Misunderstanding.
ACE OF CUPS A woman scholar enjoys the
chrysanthemums in her garden. Chrysanthemums signify ease and retirement.
Divinatory Meanings: Great abundance.
Fulfill-ment. Perfection. Joy. Fertility. Productiveness. Beauty and pleasure. Favorable outlook.
Reverse Meanings: Change. Erosion. Instability,
Sterility. Unrequited love. Clouded joy. False heart. Inconsistency.
THE SUIT OF COINS
KING OF COINS The king sits on his throne,
enjoying the fragrance of incense.
Divinatory Meanings: An experienced and
successful leader. A person of character and intel-ligence. Business acumen. Mathematical ability. Reliable partner. Wise investment. Ability to acquire money and valuable possessions.
Reverse Meanings: Corruption. Using any
means to achieve the desired end. Avarice. Unfaithfulness. An old and vicious man. Peril. Thriftlessness.
QUEEN OF COINS The queen is seated
before a screen decorated with a phoenix.
Divinatory Meanings: Prosperity and
well-being. Generosity. Security. Liberty. Grace. Dignity. A noble soul.
Reverse Meanings: False prosperity. Suspense.
Suspicion. Responsibilities neglected. Vicious person. Distrustful person. Fear of failure.
KNIGHT OF COINS The general is fully
armored. A flag is behind him.
Divinatory Meanings: A mature and responsible
person. Reliable. Methodical. Patient. Persistent. Ability to conclude a task. Laborious. Organized.
Reverse Meanings: Stagnation. Inertia. Lack of
determination or direction. Narrow- mindedness. Idleness.
PAGE OF COINS An old man stands before
Divinatory Meanings: Deep concentration and
application. Scholarship. Reflection. Desire for new ideas. A do-gooder. Bearer of news.
Reverse Meanings: Failure to recognize obvious
facts. Dissipation of ideas. Illogical thinking. Rebelliousness. Wastefulness.
TEN OF COINS Chao Kung Ming is the
god of wealth. Astride a black tiger, he defends the people from injustice and helps the poor and those who are kindly.
Divinatory Meanings: Riches. Safety. Family
matters. Ancestry. Inheritance. Home.
Reverse Meanings: Bad odds. Possible loss.
Hazard. Robbery. Loss of inheritance. Dissipation. Gambling.
NINE OF COINS The god Liu Hai,
accompanied by a toad that sits on his back, is a sign of success and fortune.
Divinatory Meanings: Accomplishment.
Discernment. Discretion. Foresight. Prudence. Material well-being. Love of nature.
Reverse Meanings: Roguery. Danger. Storms.
Bad faith. Possible loss of a valued friendship or a treasured possession.
EIGHT OF COINS A greedy trader picks up
coins from the ground. The image is of a person seeking prosperity through windfalls, rather than through work.
Divinatory Meanings: Apprenticeship.
Craftsmanship. Quickness to learn. Candor. Modesty. Handiwork. Personal effort.
Reverse Meanings: Lack of ambition. Vanity.
Disillusionment. Usury. Hypocrisy. Flattery. Intrigue.
SEVEN OF COINS A nun begs for alms.
In Buddhism, the flywhisk symbolizes the command not to kill, as one brushes away flies rather than killing them.
Divinatory Meanings: Ingenuity. Growth.
Handiwork. Progress. Successful dealings. Money Treasure.
Reverse Meanings: Impatience. Uneasiness.
Imprudent actions. Loss of money. Unwise investments.
SIX OF COINS A warrior tosses coins in
order to predict the future.
Divinatory Meanings: Generosity. Philanthropy.
Charity. Gratification. Gifts.
Reverse Meanings: Avarice. Selfishness. Envy.
Jealousy. Bad debt. Unpaid loans.
FIVE OF COINS The image of a corrupt
official warns that it is better to go bankrupt than to succumb to blackmail.
Divinatory Meanings: Destitution. Loss. Failure.
Error. Mistress. Lover.
Reverse Meanings: Reversal of bad trend.
New interest in matters. Overcoming ruin. Disharmony in marriage or love interests.
FOUR OF COINS A plump boy bearing
Divinatory Meanings: Love of material wealth.
Hoarder. Usurer. Skinflint. Inability to share.
Reverse Meanings: Setbacks in material matters.
Opposition to further gain. Suspense and delay. Spendthrift.
THREE OF COINS An archer shoots arrows
through the centers of coins.
Divinatory Meanings: Great skill in trade
or work. Mastery. Perfection. Artistic ability. Dignity. Renown. Rank. Power.
Reverse Meanings: Sloppiness. Mediocrity.
Money problems. Commonplace ideas. Lack of skill. Preoccupation.
TWO OF COINS A pair of coins symbolizes
engagement. The palm trees, weeping willows, and full moon all indicate a happy marriage for the couple.
Divinatory Meanings: Difficulty in launching
new projects. New troubles. Embarrassment.
Reverse Meanings: Literary ability. Agility in
handling matters. Simulated enjoyment. Enforced gaiety. Letter. Message.
ACE OF COINS A scholar holding a gold
coin is content with his placid and wealthy life.
Divinatory Meanings: Perfection. Attainment
Prosperity. Felicity. Bliss. Gold. Treasures. The combination of material and spiritual riches.
Reverse Meanings: Prosperity without
happiness. Misused wealth. Wasted money. Corruption by money. Miserliness. Greed. Fool’s gold.
THE TEN-CARD SPREAD
The ten-card spread is a slightly altered version of the Ancient Celtic Method described by Arthur Edward Waite in The Pictorial Key to
the Tarot.
The person seeking an answer to a question is known as the questioner or querent. The ques-tioner sits at a table opposite the diviner and both persons maintain a serious attitude.
The questioner should concentrate on the specific question to be answered. This question is stated aloud to the diviner while the questioner shuffles the face-down deck. The shuffling must be done by the person seeking an interpretation or prediction—not by the diviner. When the ques-tioner is satisfied with the shuffling, the deck is placed face down in front of the diviner. The cards are always viewed from the diviner’s position.
Beginning with the top card as number one, the second card as number two, and so on, the diviner turns over the first six cards, one at a time, placing them face up on the table in the sequence shown in the diagram.
The cards with pictures upside down to the diviner are said to be reversed, and therefore, the reverse meanings apply to them. Generally, if more than half the cards are reversed, the diviner may find a better reading is obtained by moving the reversed cards to upright positions.
10 9 8 7 6 4 3 5 2 1
The significance of the cards in the ten-card spread is as follows.
Card 1: Present position. Atmosphere in
which the questioner is presently working and living. Influences on the questioner. This card also represents the questioner.
Card 2: Immediate influence. The influences
or obstacles that lie just ahead. This card crosses the questioner.
Card 3: Goal or destiny. The ultimate goal or
destiny of the questioner. The best that can be accomplished by the questioner based on exist-ing circumstances. This card may also represent the questioner’s aim or ideal in regard to the question. This card crowns the questioner.
Card 4: Distant past foundation. Past events
the present events. This card is behind the questioner.
Card 5: Recent past events. The sphere of
influence or events that has passed or is just passing. The card may represent distant past influences exerting pressure on recent events. This card is beneath the questioner.
Card 6: Future influence. The sphere of
influence that is coming into being in the near future. This card is in front of the questioner.
After reading the preceding six cards, the diviner turns over the next four cards from the deck, placing them one above the other in a line to the right of the previous six cards, as shown in the diagram.
Card 7: The questioner. The questioner’s
present position or attitude within the circum-stances. This card is used to place the questioner in proper perspective.
Card 8: Environmental factors. The questioner’s
influence on other people and his or her social position in life. Tendencies and factors that exist with respect to other persons who may have an effect on the questioner.
Card 9: Inner emotions. The inner hopes,
hidden emotions and secret desires, fears and anxieties of the questioner. Includes thoughts that will arise in the future.
Card 10: Final results. The culmination and
outcome of the influences revealed by the other cards in the spread, provided events and influ-ences continue as indicated.
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