Queen of Tarot

Card Meaning When Upright

Authority, supervision, vigilance, spying, examination.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

treachery and infidelity will lie in wait for you, but you will come victorious out of the trial. Endurance and courage will lead to a speedy marriage.

Card Description

An agile, active figure holds a sword upright in both hands. He walks swiftly over rugged land, and around him the clouds are moving wildly. He is alert and watchful, looking this way and that, as if an expected enemy might appear at any moment.

Card Meaning When Upright

Loss, theft, deprivation, abandonment.

Card Description

A large, radiant star of eight points, surrounded by seven lesser stars—also of eight points. The female figure in the foreground is entirely naked. Her left knee is on the land and her right foot on the water. She pours the Water of Life from two great pitchers, irrigating sea and land. Behind her is rising ground, and on the right a shrub on which a bird perches. The figure expresses eternal youth and beauty. The star is l'etoile flamboyante, a symbol of Freemasonry. The figure communicates to the earth around her the substance of the heavens and the elements.

Card Meaning When Upright

Stability, power, protection, realization; a great person; aid, reason, conviction; also authority and will.

Card Description

He has a form of the Crux ansata (like an Ankh) for his scepter and a globe in his left hand. He is a crowned monarch—commanding, stately, seated on a throne. The arms of his throne have rams' heads on the front. He is execution and realization, the power of this world, clothed with the highest of its natural attributes. He is the virile power to which the Empress responds, and in this sense, he is the one who seeks to remove the Veil of Isis; yet she remains a virgin.

Card Meaning When Upright

Ravage, violence, vehemence, extraordinary efforts, force, fatality; matters predestined but not necessarily evil.

Card Description

The main figure is entirely naked; he has bat-like wings, and his feet have the claws of a bird. His right hand is upraised and extended, which is the reverse of the blessing given by the Hierophant. In his left hand there is a great flaming torch, inverted toward the earth. A reversed pentagram is on his forehead. There is a ring in front of the altar, from which two chains are attached to the necks of two figures, male and female. These are analogous to The Lovers, like Adam and Eve after the Fall. They represent the chains and fatality of the material life.

Card Meaning When Upright

Misery, distress, extreme poverty, adversity, disasters, disgrace, deception, ruin. It is a card in particular of unforeseen catastrophe.

Card Description

A Tower struck by Lightning. It is definitely a card of confusion, and the design can correspond to any well-known catastrophe. It may also depict the House of God, abandoned, and the Veil of the Temple, rent.

Card Meaning When Upright

Valor, capable intelligence, business and normal intellectual aptitude, sometimes mathematical gifts and achievements of this kind; success in these paths.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

a joyful bridal; a happy wedding-day: endeavors toward a union with a beloved object

Card Description

The face is rather grim, suggesting courage, but is also somewhat lethargic. The bull's head should be noted as a recurrent symbol on the throne.

Card Meaning When Upright

Activity in undertakings, the path of such activity; swiftness, as that of an express messenger; great haste, great hope, speed toward an end that promises certain happiness; generally, things on the move; also the arrows of love.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

fortunate result of unremitting exertions.

Card Description

This card represents motion through the unmoving—a flight of wands through an open countryside. They approach the end of their path. The future they signify is at hand; it may be even on the threshold.

Card Meaning When Upright

Imitation, as in a pretend fight, but also the battle of life—strenuous competition and the struggle of the search for riches and fortune. Thus, possibly a card of gold, gain, luxury.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

signifies a person high in office, who is well disposed toward you.

Card Description

A group of youths brandish staves, as if in sport. They play at mock warfare, and the divinatory meanings match this.

Card Meaning When Upright

Application, study, scholarship, reflection; also command, management.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

he (she) who loves you is in the bloom of life; but he (she) will woo (accept) another.

Card Description

A youthful figure looks intently at the pentacle that hovers over his raised hands. He moves slowly, ignoring what is around him.

Card Meaning When Upright

Assured success, compensation, voyage, travel, emigration, fleeing, change of place.

Card Description

The four living creatures of the Apocalypse and Ezekiel's vision are grouped around an elliptic garland. They are attributed to the four Gospels in Christian symbolism. Within this garland there is the figure of a woman, whom the wind has clothed with a light scarf, and this is all she wears. She is dancing, with a wand in either hand. It speaks of the swirl of the sensory life, of joy attained in the body, of the soul's intoxication in the earthly paradise. However, she is still guarded by the Divine Watchers. They are the powers and the graces of the Holy Name, Tetragammaton, JVHV. These four ineffable letters are often attributed to the four mystical beasts. This card represents the perfection and end of the Cosmos, the secret within the Cosmos, its rapture when it understands itself in God. This card is further the state of the soul in the awareness of Divine Vision, reflected from the self-aware spirit.

Card Meaning When Upright

Material success, fortunate marriage, contentment.

Card Description

A naked child mounted on a white horse displays a red banner. The sun shining above represents consciousness in the Spirit—with direct, as opposed to reflected, light. The archetype of humanity has become a little child beneath its rays—a child in the sense of simplicity, with innocence in the sense of wisdom. In that simplicity, he bears the seal of Nature and Art; in that innocence, he signifies the restored world. When the self-knowing spirit has dawned in the consciousness above the natural mind, that mind is renewed and directs the animal nature in a state of perfect conformity.

Card Meaning When Upright

Journey by water, route, travel, messenger, assistance.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

if the person who inquires of the cards imparts what he has upon his mind to the one who is sitting next him, his wish will be fulfilled.

Card Description

A ferryman carries passengers in his raft to the far shore. The course is smooth, and the freight is light; the work is not beyond his strength.

Card Meaning When Upright

Fairness, rightness, integrity, accomplishment; triumph of the deserving side in law.

Card Description

This figure sits between pillars, like the High Priestess. The pillars of Justice open into one world and the pillars of the High Priestess into another. The operation of spiritual justice is like the breathing of the Spirit where it wills, and we have no way to explain it. It is like the possession of the fairy gifts, high gifts, and the gracious gifts of the poet—we either have them or we don't, and their presence is as much a mystery as their absence.

Card Meaning When Upright

Marriage, alliance, captivity, servitude; also mercy and goodness; inspiration; the man to whom the Querent has recourse.

Card Description

He wears the triple crown and is seated between two pillars, but not those of the Temple guarded by the High Priestess. In his left hand he holds a scepter ending with the triple cross. With his right hand he gives the well-known ecclesiastical sign of esotericism, distinguishing between the surface and concealed parts of doctrine. At his feet are the crossed keys, and two priestly ministers in albs (priestly robes) kneel before him. He is the ruling power of external religion, as the High Priestess is the prevailing force of the esoteric power.

Card Meaning When Upright

Prudence, caution; also and especially treason, hypocrisy, mischief, corruption.

Card Description

A star shines in the Hermit's lantern. This is a card of attainment, and to emphasize this idea the figure is seen holding up his beacon on a hill. The Hermit is not a wise man in search of truth and justice; nor is he particularly an example of experience. His beacon hints that "where I am, you also may be." (see John 14:3)

Card Meaning When Upright

Work, employment, jobs, craftsmanship; skill in craft and business, perhaps at an entry level.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

what you dream on the night between Friday and Saturday, will come out true. If you do the contrary to that which some one whispers in your ear, you will have good luck. This card also signifies the prosperous course of any business undertaking; a bountiful harvest, and a fruitful marriage.

Card Description

An artist at his work in stone, which he exhibits in the form of trophies.

Card Meaning When Upright

Vigilance, retreat, solitude, isolation, exile, tomb and coffin.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

there is among your circle of acquaintances some one who wishes to be united to you in marriage; consent, and you will not repent it.

Card Description

The corpse of a knight in a position of prayer, laid out upon his tomb.

Card Meaning When Upright

Destiny, fortune, success, advancement, luck, delight.

Card Description

The four Living Creatures of Ezekiel occupy the corners of the card. The symbols on the disc in the center stand for the perpetual motion of an ever-changing universe and for the flux of human life. The Sphinx is equilibrium within that state of change. The letters of Taro or Rota are inscribed on the wheel, interspersed with the Hebrew letters of the Divine Name—to show that Providence is implied through all existence. However, this is the Divine intention within, and the similar intention on the surface is represented by the four Living Creatures.

Card Meaning When Upright

Utility, usability, interest, responsibility, decency—all on the surface.

Card Description

A knight rides a slow, heavy horse, similar in appearance to himself. He displays his symbol, but does not look at it.

Card Meaning When Upright

Man of fair appearance; man of business, law, or divinity; responsible man, amenable to helping the Querent; also fairness, art and science, including those who profess science, law and art; creative intelligence.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

a man high in station for a husband; a wealthy man will give the bride away, and will likewise furnish the marriage portion. The bridegroom will attain to high honors. On Christmas-day the person will obtain the consent of his or her beloved.

Card Description

He holds a short scepter in his left hand and a cup in his right. His throne is set upon the sea. On one side a ship sails, and on the other a fish leaps.

Card Meaning When Upright

Country life, safe haven, domestic harvest; home, rest, tranquility, harmony, prosperity, peace, and the perfection of these.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

you will be slandered and deceived, but it will turn out for your advantage. At a certain place there is some one waiting for you – let him not wait in vain.

Card Description

From four staves planted in the foreground, a great garland hangs. Two female figures hold up bouquets. To one side is a bridge over a moat, leading to an old mansion.

Card Meaning When Upright

Young man of fair appearance; someone obliged to render service and with whom the Querent will be connected; a studious youth; news, messages; perseverance, reflection, meditation; also these things directed to business.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

bridegroom; a fortunate wooer; the lover will at last soften the heart of his coy charmer; proposals of marriage and consent; you will receive tomorrow a letter containing money.

Card Description

A fair, attractive, somewhat effeminate Page, of studious and intent appearance, contemplates a fish rising from a cup to look at him. It is the pictures of the mind taking form.

Card Meaning When Upright

Attraction, love, beauty, trials overcome.

Card Description

The sun shines above, and beneath is a great winged figure with arms extended, pouring down mystical influences. In the foreground are two human figures, male and female. They are naked before each other, like Adam and Eve when they first occupied Paradise. Behind the man is the Tree of Life, bearing twelve fruits. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is behind the woman, with the serpent wrapped around it. The figures suggest youth, virginity, innocence, and love before it is contaminated by gross material desire. This is the card of human love; part of the Way, the Truth and the Life. In a very high sense, the card is a depiction of the Covenant and the Sabbath.

Card Meaning When Upright

Happiness and enjoyment coming from the past; things that have vanished.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

much domestic happiness; every year a christening; children will receive rich presents from godfathers and godmothers.

Card Description

Children play in an old garden, their cups filled with flowers. A card of the past and of memories, as if looking back on childhood.

Card Meaning When Upright

Dark, friendly man; man from your hometown or country—generally married, honest and conscientious. The card always signifies honesty, and may mean news concerning an unexpected inheritance to arrive before long.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

vexation, quarrels, strife – a duel – murder and bloodshed, of which, however, the person inquiring of the cards is innocent. This card signifies also an age of eighty years and upward.

Card Description

The physical and emotional nature of this card is dark, avid, agile, and noble. The King holds a flowering wand, and wears a cap beneath his crown. He is symbolized by the lion engraved on the back of his throne.

Card Meaning When Upright

Love, passion, friendship, affinity, union, consensus, sympathy, the relationship between men and women.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

a marriage; fidelity in wedlock

Card Description

A young man and woman pledge themselves to one another. Above their cups rises the Caduceus of Hermes, with a lion's head between its spread wings. It represents our desire to find a soul mate, by which desire Nature is sanctified.

Card Meaning When Upright

The decline of a matter; something thought to be important is really of slight consequence—either for good or evil.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

parents and children live together in unity and love; the parents will receive birth-day gifts from their children.

Card Description

A dejected-looking man abandons the cups of his celebrations. They symbolize an enterprise, undertaking, or previous concern.

Card Meaning When Upright

Goodwill, contentment, physical well-being; also victory, success, advantage; satisfaction for the Querent.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

beautiful wedding gifts; a rich dowry: golden ornaments; a necklace; a diamond right; a gold watch.

Card Description

A stout man has feasted to his heart's content. An abundant supply of wine is behind him, as if to show that the future is also assured. The picture offers the material side of assurance only: it does not reflect the spiritual.

Card Meaning When Upright

Departure, absence, fleeing, emigration; a dark, friendly young man; change of residence.

Card Description

A knight rides on a journey, armed with a short wand. Although wearing armor, he is not on a warlike errand. He passes pyramids on the horizon. The rearing of the horse is a hint at the character of its rider, and suggests an expectant mood or things connected with expectation.

Card Meaning When Upright

A victor triumphing; also great news, such as might be carried by the King's courier; expectation crowned with its own desire, crowned with hope—in other words, expectation that is its own reward.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

general good luck; for example, a present; an inheritance; success in business; the finding of a treasure.

Card Description

A horseman wearing a laurel crown holds a staff adorned with another laurel crown. Footmen with more staves are at his side.

Card Meaning When Upright

The conclusion of any matter in plenty, perfection and merriment; an easy birth; victory, fulfillment, solace, healing.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

a son born in the course of the year; unity of sentiment.

Card Description

Ladies stand in a garden with cups held high, as if making a promise to one another.

Card Meaning When Upright

Whole-hearted peace and contentment; also perfection of human love and friendship; a person who is taking charge of the Querent's interests; also the town, village or country inhabited by the Querent.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

blessed with offspring; betrothal, merry weddings in the family; fortunate events occur in the family; joyful news; a great prize; a rich inheritance.

Card Description

Above are ten cups in a rainbow. This vision is contemplated in wonder and awe by a husband and wife below. His right arm is around her, his left raised upward. She raises her right arm. Two children dancing near them have not observed the miracle, but are happy in their own play. There is a home on the horizon.

Card Meaning When Upright

Judgement and its associations; power, command, authority, military intelligence, law, offices of the state.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

you will be drawn into difficulty on account of politics; but you will be so fortunate as to save the life of a person high in station, who will advance you, and you will become prosperous and renowned.

Card Description

He sits in judgement, holding the sign of his suit. He recalls the Justice card from the Major Arcana, and he may represent this virtue, but he possesses earthly power over life and death, because he is King.

Card Meaning When Upright

Weariness, disgust, aversion, imaginary annoyances; also mixed pleasure.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

the marriage will be blessed with twins; a faithful compact

Card Description

A young man sits under a tree, contemplating three cups on the grass before him. An arm extends from a cloud to offer him another cup. His appears discontent, as if the wine of this world had barely satisfied him. Another wine—a fairy gift—is now offered to the vagabond, but he sees no consolation in it, either.

Card Meaning When Upright

Secrets, mystery, the future as yet unrevealed; the woman who interests the Querent, if male; the Querent herself, if female; silence, tenacity, wisdom, science.

Card Description

She has the lunar crescent at her feet, a horned circlet on her head with a globe at its center, and a large solar cross on her chest. The scroll in her hands is inscribed with the word Torah, signifying the Greater Law, the Secret Law, and the second sense of the Word. It is partly covered by her mantle, to show that some things are implied and some spoken. She is seated between the black and white pillars—labeled B. and J.—of the mystic Temple. The veil of the Temple is behind her, embroidered with palms and pomegranates. Her clothing is flowing and gauzy, and her mantle suggests light—a shimmering radiance. She is the Secret Church, the House of God and man. She is the spiritual Bride and Mother, the daughter of the stars and the Higher Garden of Eden. She is the Queen of the borrowed light, which is the light of all. She is the Moon nourished by the milk of the Celestial Mother. In a way, she is also the Celestial Mother herself—the bright reflection of the moon. She is the Spiritual Bride of the Just Man. When the Just Man reads the Law (Torah), she gives the Divine meaning. There are some respects in which this card is the highest and holiest of the Major Arcana.

Card Meaning When Upright

Skill, diplomacy, subtlety; sickness, pain, loss, disaster, the traps of enemies; self-confidence, will; the Querent, if male.

Card Description

A youthful figure in the robe of a magician, having the appearance of divine Apollo, with a smile of confidence and shining eyes. Above his head is the mysterious sign of the Holy Spirit, the sign of life, like an endless cord, forming the figure 8 in a horizontal position. About his waist is a serpent-sash, the serpent appearing to devour its own tail. This is familiar to most as a symbol of eternity, but here it indicates the eternity of attainment in the Spirit. In the Magician's right hand is a wand raised toward heaven, while the left hand is pointing to the earth. This dual sign indicates the descent of grace, virtue and light, drawn from things above and passed to things below. The suggestion throughout is therefore the possession and communication of the Powers and Gifts of the Spirit. On the table in front of the Magician are the symbols of the four Tarot suits, signifying the elements of natural life, which lie like tools before the adept, and he uses them as he wills. Beneath the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley (see Song of Solomon 2:1), changed into garden flowers, depicting the culture of self-improvement. This card signifies the divine motive in man, reflecting God.