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XXI The World
As the Fool reached the final destination, she realized she was back where she started. She stood at the edge of that very same cliff she almost stepped over when she began her journey. But now she has a different vantage point. She began this journey thinking that she can separate body and mind, learn all about one, then leave it to learn about the other. But in the end, it is all about the self: mind and body, past and future, the individual, and the world. All one, including the Fool and the Mystic who are both doorways to the secrets of the universe.
With a knowing smile, the Fool takes that final step right off the cliff…and soars. Higher and higher, until the whole of the world is her to see. And there she dances, surrounded by a yoni of stars, at one with the universe. Ending, in a sense, where she began, beginning again at the end. The world turns, and the Fool’s journey is complete.
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XX—Judgement
The Fool is meeting the end of her journey. The sky is dark, cloudy, the air is cold. At the horizon, she sees a bright fiery light. She sees a winged creature, surrounded by waves of flames….It is angel, fierce and beautiful, with copper colored skin and piercing eyes of black obsidian. The Fool was filled with awe. The sound of the trumpet booms throughout the land. The waves of sound went through her body and threw her to the ground. With yellow red flames surrounding her, the Angel said “Fool! The sound of the trumpet is the call of judgment!” Suddenly, the Fool found herself surrounded by ghostly figures. The grey visages were familiar, they were people from her past; smoky images of friends, of enemies, both alive and dead. “They are your memories” said the angel, “they are imprints of your past, your hurts and your pains, they are reminders of when you have inflicted pain and sorrow. They are the ghosts of your soul”. The Fool was feeling smothered by these memories, swirling around her. “Decide, Fool!” said the angel. The Fool opened her arms and sank to her knees, allowing the ghostly wisps go right through her, until the smoky memories dissipated. The Angel blew the golden trumpet and said “never allow these ghosts to stay in the crypts of your soul, for they linger…release their bonds and you shall be free”.
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XIX The Sun—-
The Fool awoke to birds singing and a warm breeze. She opened her eyes to a blue sky and the honey glow of the morning sun in her face. She smells the fresh grass as it warmed by the sun and is reminded how wonderful it is to be alive. The morning dew is cool on her feet as she begins her walk down the hillside. She can see the green lush hills in the distance and can hear a faint echo of birds in the adjoining valley. She sits down on a soft mound and started to meditate on her journey. The knowing gaze of the Priestess, the wisdom of the Emperor, the essential warning of the Devil…She started to breathe in the warm air scented with lavender and grass…breathing rhythmically she takes in the energy of the sun with every breath…she begins to feel the warmth of the sun inside of her, she sees the light getting brighter and brighter; she sees bright blues, reds, greens surround her; Attuned to the beat of her heart, she hears the beats of wings getting closer…a whirlwind of energy now surrounds her. A host of winged creatures are carrying her into the sky, she screams with pleasure as she passes through clouds…the warm sun is getting closer and yet she does not feel any heat. She wants to get closer to the bright light, higher and higher…her heart is racing. Weightless and free, she feels alive…
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XVIII-The Moon
The journey has taken a toll on the Fool. Under the glow of a full moon, the Fool makes camp. The ground was comfortably cool, the stream was refreshing, the air was clean, and the trees provided quiet company. Her eyes grew heavy for all the things she has seen; her body grew limp for all the roads she has walked. Exhausted, the fool finally falls asleep. The fool opens her eyes and notices a ladder next to her camp where there was not one before. The fool gets up and sees the that the ladder stretched beyond the trees. Being a curious soul, the Fool decided to climb the ladder. The tree tops got closer as the fool ascended, she hears the owls announce her presence, the wolves howl in the distance…The moon was large and bright, “she is beautiful”, the fool exclaimed, “I feel like I can touch her”. The moon’s silvery glow mesmerizes the fool. Entranced, she climbed to the highest rung and reached out to the beckoning silver maiden. The fool hears a loud crack and feels the sudden pull to the earth. The fool lands on the soft earth. A voice from the trees, says “my radiance is beautiful and alluring. My light will give you visions, inspiration and genius. But my magic can be very intoxicating. If you surrender to me, my magic can bring you dark but beautiful insights. My mysteries are ancient and primal and they are your birthright. Take what you desire from me, but drink only enough of my silvery water to quench your thirst”.
With a deep breath, the fool opens her eyes and realized that it is now morning.
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whatsawonderwallanyway asked: Today I asked the tarot about what's going to happen in my love life and I pulled out death, sorrow, defeat, love (twice), the hermit and disappointment. Is it all bad news? please let me know. Thanks x
Hi Zaina, the hermit and the death card are often partners. The death card doesn’t really mean actual death but it means change. This card is telling you to let go all the old dysfunctional thoughts and feelings. The hermit card tells you that this time will be a time for contemplation…take accounting of what is working and not working in your life. These cards can be great teachers and guides…have faith in yourself :)
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XVII—-The Star
Sad and lonely, the Fool sits on a mound reflecting about the desolation of the Tower. The smoldering rubble was all that was left of man’s hubris and folly. This awful sight made the fool ponder on her own pretensions and her own inadequacies. She felt a pall of gloom and despair descended upon her. As these feelings were to overcome her, she felt a presence behind her. The fool turned around and saw a beautiful vision of a woman surrounded by starlight. The goddess walked closer to her, her radiance was blinding. She smiled at the Fool and said “come with me; I want to show you something”. The Fool takes her by the hand and is transported to the edge of a darkly luminous lake. “This is the lake of Gnosis. It is a fountain of knowledge and truth. It will replenish all those who drink from it. Drink from it Fool and it will quench your thirst.” With some trepidation, the Fool kneels down and takes a drink from the lake. She feels a warm rush then a feeling of euphoria washes over her. The Star goddess says “you feel that everything’s possible, is that right?” “Yes!” said the Fool, ” I feel I can do anything!” The Star calmly touched the Fool’s forehead, and said “remember the starfire is inside of you and take reverence in its power; for it will only guide you to your destiny.” As she removed her hand, the Fool felt a sharp but pleasant sensation on her forehead. The Star goddess said, “do not curse the night for the stars are always there”.
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XVI—The Tower
Leaving the Devil’s Lair, the Fool sees a great and magnificent tower far away;
As the Fool walks towards the Tower, she reflects on what she has experienced;
the Wisdom of the Hermit; the Confidence of the High Priestess; the Warning of the Hanging Man;
As she approaches the Tower, a great bolt hits the top and a large fire erupts with an explosion of people falling from the tower; the tower crumbles and is destroyed
The Fool walks through the rubble and lifts a man from the bricks; the man says with a weak voice “fool! we built this tower to make a mark on the World…we wanted to make sure that people see we were better than others…the Tower is our monument to pretense, a false structure built on false beliefs. Take heed friend, for nothing built on lies and hubris can remain standing for long. Better to tear it town and build on the truth”
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(XV) The Devil
I was once called the Light Bearer. Like the Morning Star, my radiance meant a new beginning. Now you meet me in my kingdom of shadows, where I reign. Do not fear me Fool, for I illuminate what’s inside of you. Do not resist me for I know your desires, your fears, your thoughts. I will not judge you for your desires, but I will show you the consequences of your actions. Excesses will keep you here with me in the shadows. Resisting your nature will also enslave you to me. Fool, you have incredible power. It can be dangerous and frightening but take comfort that this power can be transformational and it can also set you free.
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(XIV) Temperance
The Fool asks quite impatiently, “how do I reconcile between the dark and the light, the material and the spiritual; death and rebirth?”
The Angel of Temperance says “Any oppositions, fire and water, male and female, thesis and anti-thesis, can be made to harmonize. It is only a lack of will and a disbelief in the possibility of unity that keeps opposites, opposite. You are the vessel in which this harmony must happen.”
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(XIII) Death
She comes quietly in the night; the ultimate unwelcomed guest;
The Dark queen is accompanied by the Scorpion who brings death swiftly, the Snake, who is wise and knows heart and the Eagle, the intuitive hunter…
She brings about change as it is a constant; transforms everything she touches;
She is the great spinner of the web of life; She reminds you that with death, there is always a rebirth
