The Cloisters(98)

A blockage or inability to see signs. Blindness. A sign that growth is waiting but you have not yet been able to actualize it. An unwillingness to face or begin a big change.



21

WORLD

DOMUN (SATURN)

CAPRICORN

SATURN

A bearded man stands holding his young in one hand, his mouth, a dark hole, open. Behind him is the world in miniature, but it is still an antediluvian world. The world just after heaven and earth have been separated.

Completion, a feeling of coming full circle. A sign of perseverance and ambition. A signal that it is your duty to close a chapter. A sense of relief, but also a sign of practicality, of being economical. Triumph and success in personal and professional realms.

Failure to reach completion. Lack of inspiration or slowness. Occasionally, a sense of severity in work or with oneself. A sign that it is time to refocus, that you may be lost.





MINOR ARCANA

*Nota Bene: Reversed cards in the Minor Arcana should be assigned the opposite meaning of those indicated below


CARD

SWORDS (reason, communication: air)

STAVES (creativity, action: fire)

CUPS (emotion, intuition: water)

COINS (materiality, success: earth)



ACE

Clarity

Creation

Intimacy

Prosperity



ONE

Determination. Strength. Triumph.

Beginning. Starting anew. An adventure or enterprise.

Abundance. Fertility. Fulfillment.

Perfection. Prosperity. Bliss. Extensive wealth.



TWO

Balance, but in the case of tension, a stalemate.

Travel. Bravery to venture down new paths.

Emotional partnership. Connection with another. Union.

Occupation. Signaling skill with words. Translation and communication.



THREE

Disappointment. Rejection. Separation or betrayal.

Commerce. Practicality or useful knowledge. Specialized skill.

Resolution. Conclusion. The closing of a chapter. Celebration.

Mastery. Artistic or creative skill. Recognition or accolades.



FOUR

Rest. Filling the well. Retreat. Seclusion.

Stability. Romantic harmony. Tranquility and enjoyment.

Aversion. Disappointment. An inability to move past or through something.

Possessiveness. Hoarding. Stinginess.



FIVE

Conquest. Defeat. Self-interest.

Conflict. Competition. Rivalry or jealousy.

Emotional instability. Loss of friendship. Incomplete connection.

Financial loss or ruin. Destitute. Adversity or insecurity.



SIX

Transition or travel. Voyage. Overcoming or moving beyond.

Conquest. Triumph. The realization of a goal.

Memory. Past experiences. Nostalgia, sometimes overwhelming.

Philanthropy. Charity. Generosity. The impulse to give.



SEVEN

Perseverance. Fortitude. The ability to endure.

Success. Overcoming the odds. Winning negotiations.

Inability to realize a passion. Unrealistic expectations. Daydreaming.

Ingenuity. Inventiveness. Gain. Discovery of treasure.



EIGHT

Conflict. Restriction or limitation. Turmoil.

Swift activity. Haste toward a goal.

Abandonment of effort. Leaving behind. Departure.

Craft or skill. Apprenticeship. Handiwork. Diligence.



NINE

Despair. Heartbreak. Anxiousness.

Anticipation. Vigilance. Grit. Awareness.

Abundance. Material success or victory. Gain.

Plenty. Accomplishment. Prudence. Material comfort.



TEN

Misfortune. Defeat. Loss of energy.

Burden. Responsibility. A feeling of great pressure.

Family harmony. Contentment. Virtue.

Inheritance. Legacy. Ancestry. Affluence.



PAGE

Curious and inquisitive. Insight and discretion.

Loyalty. A sign of important news. A semaphore.

Surprise. Happy news. An offer of services or assistance.

Study. Scholarship. Reflection. A desire for learning or knowledge.



KNIGHT

Capacity and skill. Occasionally impetuousness.

Passion. Lust. Comfort with the unknown.

Opportunity or arrival. A new approach or being newly approached.

Methodical and deliberate. Persistent. Capable.



QUEEN

Perception. Keen wit.

Exuberance and enthusiasm. Graceful.

Devoted. Warmth. Feminine intuition.

Prosperity. Luxury. Opulence and generosity.



KING

Controlled, clear-headed, authoritative. Experienced. Intellect.

Visionary. Maturity. Entrepreneurship.

Emotional balance. Sound counsel. Professionalism.

Reliable. Dependable. Providing for others. Professional acumen.





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS


First, thanks go to Sarah King, who read the opening chapters of an abandoned project and insisted there was something there. (And then, enthusiastically read countless versions!) This book wouldn’t exist without you.

To Natalie Hallak, my editor, whose vision and enthusiasm for this book never wavered: thank you. Working with you has been a master class on how to take a narrative from good to great, and I remain grateful for your kind, relentless pushing. To my agent, Sarah Phair, whose wise counsel and cool head are always a safe harbor: you talked me into showing you an early draft of this book and have been a champion of it ever since. Thank you for bringing big Virgo energy to all that you do!