Art of Life
Art of Life
Art of Life
INTRODUCTION
It is the mark of a good action that, in retrospect, it appears inevitable.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Such it was for me in creating The Art of Life
Tarot Deck.
For many years I was a casual tarot card
reader, intrigued with periodically laying them
out, not really knowing or caring about their history, nor memorizing their individual meanings.
It was an occasional, entertaining hobby.
Then, in 2005, my husband was diagnosed
with Alzheimers disease. I found myself turning
to the cards more often, searching for some external source of meaning and seeking comfort. It
3
STRENGTH
Courage, fortitude, resilience
HERMIT
Solitude, reflection, withdrawal
WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Change, destiny, success
JUSTICE
Truth, fairness, equity
HANGED MAN
Surrender, sacrifice, new outlook
DEATH
Ending, change, mortality
TEMPERANCE
Balance, harmony, moderation
DEVIL
Ignorance, wrongdoing, submission
TOWER
Upheaval, adversity, ruin
11
STAR
Promise, optimism, faith
MOON
Dreams, illusions, subconscious
SUN
Joy, clarity, enlightenment
JUDGMENT
Reward, karma, transformation
WORLD
Self-actualization, fulfillment, wholeness
12
SUITS
Wands..........Enterprise, development, creativity
Cups.............Emotions, relationships, love
Swords.........Mental and spiritual activity, strife
Pentacles....Money, work, prosperity
NUMBERS
Ace ..............Beginnings, potential
Two..............Balance, combination
Three...........Activity, development
Four.............Structure, stability
Five..............Struggle, change
Six ...............Harmony, activity
Seven...........Challenge, hidden
Eight.............Movement, energy
Nine.............Fulfillment, completion
Ten...............Transition, abundance
14
COURT CARDS
King.............Leader, innovator
Queen..........Supporter, nurturer
Knight..........Explorer, doer
Page.............Beginner, learner
16
18
20
22
24
25
SAMPLE READING
CARD INSPIRATION
Queen of Swords: Experience with sorrow
and adversity, perceptive, intelligent
Quote: Be content with what you have; rejoice
in the way things are. When you realize there is
nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
Interpretation: Find inspiration in your own
strength and others who have overcome similar
problems.
26
CARD CHALLENGE
Seven of Wands: Courage, cleverness, overcoming obstacles
Quote: Life is not a matter of holding good
cards, but of playing a poor hand well.
Interpretation: Make the most of what you
have. If life gives you lemons
27
CARD INFLUENCES
The Sun: Joy, clarity, enlightenment
Quote: "Precisely the least, the softest, lightest,
a lizards rustling, a breath, a moments glance
it is little that makes the best happiness.
Interpretation: With the Sun ruling, your
capacity for happiness is a personal choice, not
related to external circumstances.
28
CARD PROCESS
King of Cups: Appreciation for the arts,
nature, compassion, respect, strength
Quote: It is a good thing to be rich and to be
strong, but it is a better thing to be loved.
Interpretation: Focus more on the doing and
less on the rewards of your work.
29