the lover`s path tarot - US Games Systems, Inc.

THE
LOVER’S PATH
TAROT
by Kris Waldherr
creator of The Goddess Tarot
Published by
U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.
Copyright © 2004 by Kris Waldherr
All rights reserved. The illustrations, cover design, and contents are protected
by copyright. No part of this booklet may be reproduced in any form without
permission in writing from the author, except by a reviewer who wishes to
quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine or newspaper.
First Edition
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Printed in China
ISBN 1-57281-468-3 (The Lover’s Path Tarot Set)
Design by Kris Waldherr Art and Words
www.artandwords.com
Visit The Lover’s Path website at www.loverspath.com
Published by
U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.
179 Ludlow Street • Stamford, CT 06902 USA
www.usgamesinc.com
Adapted from The Lover’s Path Tarot book by AnnMarie Mclaughlin.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Many people helped me as I worked on this project in its many
stages and forms of development, offering editorial feedback,
encouragement, and friendship. It is with gratitude that I acknowledge their generosity: Ellen Dreyer, Elise Tobin-Dyer, Sharon
Glassman, Stuart Kaplan, Elizabeth Kerkstra, Lisa Hunt Kramer,
Thomas Ross Miller, Theresa Park, Stephanie St. Pierre, Lynne
Twining and Karen Zuegner. I also wish to acknowledge those who
modeled so patiently for the art. They include: Dale Dyer, Elise
Tobin-Dyer, Jennifer Johnson, Thomas Ross Miller, Joe Paladino,
Stephanie St. Pierre, Charles Schwartz and Christy Vaughn
Schwartz.
Thank you all!
INTRODUCTION
A
mirror our relationship with ourselves.
They ultimately reflect upon our relationship with the world
around us—how we think others see us, what we believe we are
worthy of. Our beliefs about love relationships can even embody our
thoughts about how we feel the universe nurtures and supports us.
LL LOVE RELATIONSHIPS
This truth is a rewarding but complicated conundrum, which all
humans confront throughout their lives, for we are surrounded by relationships from our first breath. They begin with our dependence upon
our parents for our very existence, and continue as we grow through our
friendships. They reach their perhaps most intense expression in the magical, self-contained world of lovers.
In many ways, the ultimate expression of our connection to the world
is to fall in love. Daring to love another brings us face to face with whatever is going on within ourselves, for better or for worse. Love can be
viewed as the bravest act of all, for in order to be truly intimate, we must
be honest in our vulnerabilities. As we reveal our innermost selves to our
beloved with all of our imperfect glories, we are truly exposed in both
body and soul.
Experienced authentically, love relationships offer the sweetest
rewards and the thorniest challenges. They also present us with an unparalleled opportunity to gain awareness and wisdom.
The Lover’s Path Tarot is a tool to examine and improve relationships—whether they be with yourself, with your beloved, or with the
world. Examining our preconceptions about love, the ways we yearn to
connect with another, what we desire in a partner, is an act of self-illumination. More importantly, it’s one way to take personal responsibility for
our lives.
3
A BOUT
T
THE
A RT
The Lover’s Path Tarot was inspired by my first visit to
Italy in 1990. Accordingly, the art for The Lover’s Path Tarot is
inspired by the art, architecture, books, and maps of the Italian
Renaissance. The decorative borders for each card were painted in
gouache upon handmade paper. Other elements incorporated into the
borders—the map backgrounds, the oil paintings of the elements—were
digitally assembled.
The main card art was created with oil paints glazes, which were layered over a watercolor underpainting sealed with acrylic gel medium. The
paintings were modeled for by friends and associates, each person chosen
because they reminded me in some manner of the character they represented. In this way, the art reflects my personal belief that the human is
divine, the divine human.
HE ART FOR
T HE S TRUCTURE OF
T HE L OVER’ S P ATH TAROT
L
IKE MOST TRADITIONAL tarot decks, The Lover’s Path Tarot contains
sseventy-eight cards. These seventy-eight cards are divided into twentytwo major arcana cards and fifty-six minor arcana cards.
Each major arcana card is affiliated with a story of a famous couple
from history or mythology. Accordingly, each card is named after archetypal emotional states represented by the stories; these, in turn, are related
to traditional tarot symbolism.
In the minor arcana, the great themes explored in the major arcana are
brought to earth, made relevant to our individual experiences. The minor
arcana is divided into four suits of cups, staves, arrows, and coins, which
are related to the elements of water, fire, air, and earth. Each suit represents one classic love story, with each card progressively depicting an
important scene from the story. They serve to impart the lesson associated
with each suit.
Meanings for reversed, or upside-down, cards are included here. These
can be used as you wish. I prefer to think of cards as being strong or
weak by considering the question asked, tarot spread position, and surrounding cards. For more information on reversed cards, see page 30.
4
THE MAJOR ARCANA
O
Q
INNOCENCE
Traditional Card: The Fool
Lovers: Tamino and Pamina
Keywords: New Ventures, Innocence, Trust, Optimism
The Magic Flute was the last opera Mozart composed before his death in
1791. Some of its fairy tale plot was inspired by the rites of the Freemasons,
a secret society into which Mozart had been initiated. The Magic Flute tells
of a princess named Pamina and a prince named Tamino who learn to trust
their hearts, innocent and inexperienced as they may be.
MEANINGS: The start of a great journey. Innocence that allows one to be
open to possibilities, and protects from difficulties. Facing fears. Trusting
your heart. Feeling protected by divine forces. REVERSED: Ignoring your
better instincts. Cynicism and pessimism. Distrust of the self or others.
I
Q
MAGIC
Traditional Card: The Magician
Lovers: Merlin and Vivianne
Keywords: Self Empowerment, Mastery, Actualization, Growth
When we think of magic, we often think of Merlin. Famed as the influential
advisor and wizard to King Arthur, Merlin fell in love in the winter of his life
with the lovely Vivianne. In time, Vivianne used the very spells Merlin
taught her to entrap him. Ultimately, the magic that empowered Merlin all
his life had been undone by the only thing more powerful—love.
MEANINGS: Developing the magic within yourself. Casting a spell on
another to create positive change. A yearning to grow beyond perceived
limitations. Renewed creativity and vigor. REVERSED: Blocked power.
Feeling under the spell of another. Manipulating or using others. A need
to control situations behind the scenes. Secrecy. Trickster behavior, which
creates distrust.
5
II
Q
WISDOM
Traditional Card: The High Priestess
Lovers: Shahrazade and Shahriyar
Keywords: Knowledge, Education, Enlightenment
Over the course of a thousand and one nights, Shahrazade, the wise bride of
King Shahriyar, tells many compelling stories. Shahrazade’s wisdom won the
king’s love and trust. In doing so, she saved her life—as well as those of her
fellow women of the kingdom.
MEANINGS: Wisdom gained from education. Translating book learning
into understanding. A teacher who will share with you what you are seeking. Using wisdom to transform a difficult situation for the better.
REVERSED: Unwillingness to learn. Superficiality. Intimidated by intelligence
or education. Feeling limited by a lack of knowledge or understanding.
III
Q
FERTILITY
Traditional Card: The Empress
Lovers: Cleopatra and Caesar
Keywords: Fecundity, Abundance, Growth
Cleopatra, queen of the fertile Nile, reigned as empress of Egypt for over two
decades. During this time, she became known throughout the ancient world
for her seductive charms, musical voice, and unusual intelligence. Caesar
immediately fell in love with the young queen and successfully helped her
regain her throne. Together they had a child they named Caesarion.
MEANINGS: Ruling over one’s life. A new marriage or special relationship.
Practical action that manifests as physical product—children, artistic
endeavors, or wealth. Pregnancy. REVERSED: Deprivation or sterility.
Feeling the lack of material resources. Limitation that overwhelms.
IV
Q
POWER
Traditional Card: The Emperor
Lovers: Arthur and Guinevere
Keywords: Leadership, Responsibility, Authority
The legend of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere appears in various forms
in British, Breton, Celtic, and Roman history and folklore. From the first
6
moment he saw her willowy form, Arthur loved Guinevere, the daughter of
King Leodegrace of the North. But Guinevere loved Lancelot, the king’s most
loyal knight. Though Merlin warned Arthur that another woman would
bring him greater happiness, the king’s heart was irrevocably set. Arthur used
his power to marry Guinevere, just as he used his power to rule wisely.
MEANINGS: The ability to use power wisely. Meeting an authority figure
or teacher who can help. The ability to lead and inspire. REVERSED:
Oppressed by another’s power and authority. Insecurity. Passive aggression. Using power to manipulate others for personal gain.
V
Q
TRADITION
Traditional Card: The Hierophant
Lovers: Romeo and Juliet
Keywords: Structure, Conformity, Ritual
Romeo and Juliet are considered the quintessential example of star-crossed
lovers. Trapped by their families’ traditional hatred for each other, their love
could only have a tragic ending. Sad as their tale may be, the love of Romeo
and Juliet did bring an end to the tradition of intolerance that plagued their
families. It gave way to a new tradition of peace and understanding.
MEANINGS: Following established social structures. In love relationships,
the desire for marriage or some other formal structure for the sake of
security. Awareness of public image and the desire to control it. Possible
rigidity. REVERSED: The need to throw out old social structures that constrain. Fear of unconventional ideas and ways of approach.
Nonconformity.
VI
Q
LOVE
Traditional Card: The Lovers
Lovers: Isis and Osiris
Keywords: Love, Harmony, Passion, Sensuality
The myth of Isis and Osiris illustrates the power of love and how it can transform us irrevocably. Isis and Osiris were blissful in their love for each other.
Jealousy ate at their brother Set’s soul, granting him no rest. He trapped
Osiris in a coffin and heaved him into the Nile. Using the power of her love,
the goddess brought Osiris back to life for a final embrace.
7
MEANINGS: Awareness of the nature of passionate love, and what is needed
to encourage it. A new, important relationship. Peace within oneself. Love
that transforms the world around you as well as yourself. REVERSED:
Feeling unworthy of love. Manipulating others with sexuality. Immaturity
and irresponsibility in love relationships. Game playing.
VII
Q
DESIRE
Traditional Card: The Chariot
Lovers: Tristan and Isolde
Keywords: Movement, Fate, Transition, Change
Without family of his own, Tristan pledged his loyalty to King Mark of
Cornwall, who loved and cared for Tristan as his own son. Through irreversible twists of fate—and despite devotion to Mark—Tristan fell helplessly
in love with Mark’s bride, Isolde, and she with him.
MEANINGS: Being pulled by desire. Movement into the next phase of life.
If you are feeling impatient, don’t worry—transitions will go smoothly, as
if they are meant to be. REVERSED: Impatience. Trapped by desires that
feel unquenchable. Inconvenient timing. Disregard or insensitivity to the
portents around yourself.
VIII
Q
STRENGTH
Traditional Card: Strength
Lovers: Siegfried and Brunnhilde
Keywords: Courage, Strength, Leadership, Confidence
The Valkyrie Brunnhilde was the favorite child of her father Wotan, divine
ruler of the gods and goddesses. Brunnhilde angered Wotan by betraying him
when she was moved by mortal Siegmund’s story of love. For the first time,
she understood the power of love, which made her strong enough to go
against her father’s will—she agreed to help Siegmund, though Wotan had
ordered her not to. This led to Brunnhilde finding her own true love with
Siegfried, the son of Siegmund.
MEANINGS: The transformation of weakness into strength. Integrity. The
strength to do great deeds. Confident leadership. REVERSED: Feeling
insecure or fearful. The scattering of energies. Creating discord to
weaken others.
8
IX
Q
CONTEMPLATION
Traditional Card: The Hermit
Lovers: Abelard and Eloise
Keywords: Withdrawal, Introspection, Retreat
Peter Abelard was famed as a brilliant theologian and teacher during the
medieval ages. Abelard quickly became known for mastery of philosophical
dialogue and independence of thought; he even went against church policy
and took positions sympathetic to pagan traditions. However it was his love
for Eloise that caused the biggest scandal. The story of their forbidden love is
set out in Abelard’s 1130 book, The History of My Calamities.
MEANINGS: Listening to your heart. Retreat into inner life—at this time,
your needs are not so focused on relationships with others, but on your
relationship with yourself. REVERSED: Distracted by the world. Ignoring
intuition. Superficiality. Feeling unconnected with your heart.
X
Q
FORTUNE
Traditional Card: The Wheel of Fortune
Lovers: Danae and Zeus
Keywords: Chance, Fate, Expansion, Prosperity
King Acrisius had a daughter named Danae—a princess with a curse, for
upon her birth it was predicted that one of the princess’s offspring would kill
the king. When Danae came of age, the king walled her within a tower made
of bronze. Despite this, Danae was loved by Zeus and together they had a son
named Perseus. Perseus grew into a strong man and after many adventures,
he did slay Acrisius—a just punishment for treating his only daughter so
cruelly.
MEANINGS: Positive fate. The generosity of the universe. The ability to be
open to abundance. Awareness of beauty and love. REVERSED:
Uncomfortable feelings or disappointing experiences with chance. Feeling
ignored by fortune—when will it be your turn?
9
XI
Q
JUSTICE
Traditional Card: Justice
Lovers: Penelope and Odysseus
Keywords: Justice, Wisdom, Fairness, Detachment
The story of Penelope and Odysseus is told in Homer’s The Odyssey. Though
Odysseus had been gone for ten long years, Penelope waited loyally for his
return. However, she was overwhelmed with suitors who wished to fill the
empty place in her marital bed. Through her cleverness, she managed to
delay their advances. Pretending to be a new suitor, Odysseus won a contest
Penelope had devised and slew all the suitors before claiming his wife anew.
MEANINGS: Justice will be done. Confident patience. Need for a more
detached viewpoint of a troublesome situation. REVERSED: Frustration
with bureaucracies or organizations. Impatience. The appearance of this
card shows that this is a temporary situation.
XII
Q
SACRIFICE
Traditional Card: The Hanged Man
Lovers: Orpheus and Eurydice
Keywords: Impasse, Surrender, Patience, Compassion
Orpheus was the son of Apollo. With his songs Orpheus moved the hearts of
humans and gods. He was loved by the nymph Eurydice and he loved her
wildly in return. Eurydice was killed soon after they wed. Distraught and
mad with sorrow, Orpheus decided to rescue her with his song. He stood
before Persephone, goddess of the dead and sang until she relented and honored his request, but with a difficult condition: Orpheus must not look at his
wife until they were safely home. Orpheus failed this test as he sacrificed his
quest to ease Eurydice’s insecurities.
MEANINGS: Being caught between worlds. Short term sacrifice to reach a
long awaited goal. Taking care of others’ needs, even if they’re not in your
personal interest. Gaining compassion from difficult experiences.
REVERSED: Feeling unable to make the sacrifice a situation requires.
Creating difficulties for oneself.
10
XIII
Q
TRANSFORMATION
Traditional Card: Death
Lovers: Persephone and Pluto
Keywords: Changes, Endings, Beginnings
Demeter, goddess of the harvest, had a daughter named Persephone whom
she treasured more than the earth. When Persephone was abducted by Pluto,
god of the underworld, Demeter cursed the soil to be barren until Zeus finally agreed to reunite Persephone with her mother—but only if she had not
eaten while in the underworld. Persephone had eaten six seeds of a pomegranate. Thus a compromise was reached: Each year, Persephone would live
six months in the underworld (winter) and six months on earth (spring).
MEANINGS: Transformations. The need to allow something to die in order
to create room for the new. Fear of loss from change. Creating life out of
death. REVERSED: Stagnation. Resisting transformation. The need to move
in a new direction, but the inability to do so. Rigidity.
XIV
Q
BALANCE
Traditional Card: Temperance
Lovers: Venus and Vulcan
Keywords: Harmony, Self Control, Equilibrium, Artistry
Venus was first worshipped as a nature goddess associated with the arrival of
spring, only later gaining notoriety for her sensual exploits. To balance her natural exuberance, the gods wed her to Vulcan, the lame god of the forge. Venus
did not appreciate her husband’s skillful craftsmanship and she did not hesitate to share her affections with others. Despite this, Venus and Vulcan’s marriage endured. Each was necessary to the other as opposites often are.
MEANINGS: Integration and moderation. Balance between opposites. Union
of the conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche. REVERSED:
Imbalance. Discomfort. Inability to find peace within or with others. Lack of
inspiration.
XV
Q
TEMPTATION
Traditional Card: The Devil
Lovers: Paolo and Francesca
Keywords: Inner Turmoil, Obsession
11
Francesca Da Polenta of Ravenna was married to Giovanni Malatesta to
strengthen their families’ political bonds. But there was one problem:
Francesca loved Giovanni’s brother, the handsome Paolo. Tempted by love,
Francesca and Paolo’s story could only end in sorrow. These true events
inspired the poet Dante, who had a vision of Paolo tenderly embracing
Francesca to protect her against the forces swirling about them in Hades.
Dante retold their sad story in his Inferno, the first book of The Divine
Comedy.
MEANINGS: Tempted by forces one cannot control. Obsession in the form
of envy. Sensual desires. The need to be controlling. REVERSED: Freedom
from temptation. Experiencing the envy of others. Transforming a weakness into a strength.
XVI
Q
OPPRESSION
Traditional Card: The Tower
Lovers: Dido and Aeneas
Keywords: Depression, Difficulties, Release
Queen Dido of Carthage was walking upon the beach when she found
Aeneas and his soldiers. She was charmed by the handsome stranger and
soon fell in love. Aeneas loved Dido in return. But he was a man with a cause
larger than the love he could bear for any woman. He claimed it was the gods’
will that he journey to found a new Troy in Italy. Distraught, Dido built a
funeral pyre at the top of a tall tower and set fire to it. As Aeneas’ ship cast
off into the sea, Dido climbed the tower and lay down upon the pyre.
MEANINGS: Feeling overwhelmed or oppressed by circumstances or emotions. Confusion. Inability to change our lives for the better. A pause
before moving into a new phase of life. REVERSED : Though your situation
may feel overwhelming, hidden forces are at work. Be patient and trusting—things will improve.
XVII
Q
GRACE
Traditional Card: The Star
Lovers: Dante and Beatrice
Keywords: Inspiration, Hope, Dreams
12
Beatrice’s presence made such an impression on Dante that he felt as though
his spirit had been infused with light. He was convinced that she was truly
an angel and was unable to speak to her when they met. Since he said nothing, Beatrice did not suspect Dante’s love. Soon after she wedded another, the
anguished Dante had an inspiring dream of Beatrice with the god Amor. He
awoke resolved that his love for Beatrice would be no earthly passion to
expire when they died. Instead, he would immortalize Beatrice with poems
that would last forever.
MEANINGS: Love that inspires us and inspires others. Turning dreams into
reality. Awareness of goals. The belief and self esteem to meet them.
REVERSED: Not following your bliss. Insecurity. Feelings of unworthiness.
Ignoring intuition.
XVIII
Q
ILLUSION
Traditional Card: The Moon
Lovers: Odette and Ivan
Keywords: Fantasies, Intuition, Emotion, Enchantment
Princess Odette, heroine of the popular ballet Swan Lake, was cursed by a
sorcerer to remain a swan forever except at night. The only way her enchantment could be broken was by a vow of eternal love—however, if this vow
were broken, even by chance, she would die. When Prince Ivan met her, he
promised to love her and to return to claim her as his bride. But the sorcerer
tricked Ivan and he soon heard a heartrending cry in the distance—the cry
of a dying swan. Ivan ran to rescue Odette, but it was too late.
MEANINGS: Enchanted by love, for better or worse. Confused by illusions
that may or may not be real. Intense emotions. The need to know what’s
real. REVERSED: Delusion. Deception. Discomfort with emotions or relationships. Lack of satisfaction.
XIX
Q
AWAKENING
Traditional Card: The Sun
Lovers: Cupid and Psyche
Keywords: Creativity, Success, Fertility, Optimism
Venus was jealous of Psyche’s outstanding beauty. She instructed her son
Cupid to pierce Psyche with his arrow, so she would foolishly love the first
creature she saw. But Cupid loved Psyche. He rescued her and secretly took
13
her as his bride. Psyche burned Cupid by accident when she tried to see him
by lamplight and the angered god flew away. Venus put forth many trials to
Psyche when she pleaded for her forgiveness. Cupid and Psyche were soon
rejoined, awakened to the preciousness of their love by its testing.
MEANINGS: Emotional awakening. An expansive, life-affirming energy
that brings opportunities and optimism. Love and sexuality. Creativity
and procreation. Relationships with children. REVERSED: Unwillingness
to accept affection. Problems with children. Creativity blocked by external or internal forces. Refusal to grow.
XX
Q
JUDGMENT
Traditional card: Judgment
Lovers: Tannhauser and Elisabeth
Keywords: Choices, Passages, Changes
Though Tannhauser loved the virtuous Elisabeth, he left her to wander the
world in search of adventure. During these travels, Tannhauser enchanted
Venus, the goddess of love. She quickly seduced the minnesinger and brought
him to her magical kingdom. In time, he longed for his true love—Elisabeth.
Unable to prove himself worthy of her to others, he went on a journey to
repent. Upon his return Elisabeth collapsed into his embrace and expired,
leaving only her pure love behind.
MEANINGS: A choice that must be made, sometimes between higher and
lower impulses. Passage into the next phase of life. Self knowledge.
REVERSED: Stagnation. Inability to act. Blockage. Giving up control.
XXI
Q
TRIUMPH
Traditional Card: The World
Lovers: Ariadne and Dionysus
Keywords: Expansion, Success, Travel, Closure
Princess Ariadne helped Theseus slay the Minotaur by teaching him to use a
golden thread as a path within the labyrinth where the Minotaur lived.
Ariadne thought they would live together forever, but Theseus abandoned
her upon the island of Naxos. Bereft as she was, Ariadne did not know she
was fated for a greater love—Dionysus, god of divine intoxication. He loved
Ariadne for her passionate bravery and loyalty. Now a goddess by marriage,
she went on to live in blissful triumph with her immortal husband.
14
MEANINGS: Triumph after difficulties. Feeling supported by the universe.
Happy closure to a phase of life. Travel and communications. REVERSED:
Fear of expansion. Feeling pessimistic—even if you’re uncertain how your
future will manifest, you are moving into a more hopeful period.
THE MINOR ARCANA
The Suit of Cups
LOVERS: TRISTAN AND ISOLDE
N THE LOVER’S PATH TAROT , the suit of cups represents the path of
emotion. It is associated with Tristan and Isolde, represented upon
Desire (VII), the eighth of the twenty-two major arcana cards. The story
of Tristan and Isolde presents a heady example of lives ruled by extreme
emotions such as love, desire, sorrow, yearning, and anger.
I
ACE OF CUPS
Keywords: Receptivity, Emotion, Inspiration, Satisfaction
MEANINGS: The beginning of a new cycle ripe with potential for happiness and satisfaction. Joy. Start of an important love relationship or nurturing friendship. Creative inspiration—a visitation from the Muses.
REVERSED: Rejection of others’ affection. Creative blocks. Disillusionment
with love. Sadness or melancholy.
TWO OF CUPS
Keywords: Harmony, Partnership, Love
MEANINGS: Enchantment. The integration of masculine and feminine
aspects within oneself. An attraction that may become an important
friendship or love relationship. REVERSED: Infatuation. Overindulging in
sensuality for the sake of the emotional “high.”
THREE OF CUPS
Keywords: Celebration, Joy, Happy Unions
MEANINGS: Great satisfaction. Peace between family generations or enemies. A celebration involving women. Possibly a wedding feast. REVERSED:
Overindulgence. Procrastination. Time to get back to work!
15
FOUR OF CUPS
Keywords: Dissatisfaction, Overindulgence, Boredom
MEANINGS: Taking something for granted—love, talents, beauty. Need for
a more authentic life. Reevaluation of a relationship that feels superficial.
REVERSED: Acceptance of the situation, though discontent is still present.
A passing phase.
FIVE OF CUPS
Keywords: Disappointment, Sadness, Pessimism
MEANINGS: Feeling trapped. Concentrating on problems instead of assets.
Not seeing opportunities. Creative blockage or infertility. REVERSED: A
growing awareness that relationships are what you make of them. The
ability to appreciate what one has.
SIX OF CUPS
Keywords: Memories, Children, Innocence, Peace
MEANINGS: Children and childhood memories. Shedding sad thoughts
and constraints. The ability to create sweetness within the home, incorporating the strengths of the past into the present. REVERSED: Feeling
restricted by the past or memories. Lost harmony. Cynicism.
SEVEN OF CUPS
Keywords: Choices, Indecisiveness, Fantasy
MEANINGS: Overindulging in thoughts of what the future may bring.
Daydreams. A decision must be made in order to move forward and
rejoin the world. REVERSED: Allowing fantasies to influence how you view
life. Projecting onto others instead of seeing things as they truly are.
EIGHT OF CUPS
Keywords: Leavetakings, Disillusionment, Transitions
MEANINGS: Time to move on. Need for more substance in life—whether
that be more satisfying relationships, or a more authentic way of life.
REVERSED: Lingering too long in a difficult or superficial situation.
Uncertainty about a relationship, whether to stay or leave. Doubts.
16
NINE OF CUPS
Keywords: Ecstasy, Granting of Wishes, Sensuality
MEANINGS: Joyful sensuality. Reunion with a loved one. Some consider
this card to be the “wish” card, meaning a wish will be granted if it appears
in a tarot reading. REVERSED: Complacency. Taking a relationship for
granted. Overindulgence. Inability to receive pleasure. Dissatisfaction.
TEN OF CUPS
Keywords: Joyful Closure, Fertility, Happiness, Community
MEANINGS: Satisfying emotional life. Abundance. Deep emotional satisfaction. Endurance in love relationships. Expansion of family or friends in
your community. REVERSED: Dissatisfaction though uncertain why—
everything looks perfect on the surface. An inability to experience joy.
PRINCESS OF CUPS
Keywords: Gentleness, Intuition, An Invitation, Loyalty
MEANINGS: Grace and talent. Emotional receptivity. An enticing invitation. REVERSED: An empty offer or invitation. Fickleness or immaturity of
affection. Inconsistent or unreliable messages. Ambivalence. Codependence.
PRINCE OF CUPS
Keywords: Inspiration, Grace, Pleasure, Artistry
MEANINGS: Grace and talent. Making dreams into reality. A young man
who represents the forces of love, beauty, and emotional richness and has
the ability to inspire. REVERSED: The need to be more receptive to beauty,
love, and harmony. Overindulgence in fantasies.
QUEEN OF CUPS
Keywords: Soulfulness, Emotion, Inspiration, Receptivity
MEANINGS: Emotional mastery of all the suit of cups represents: Art,
beauty, intimacy, love. Seductive emotions. The ability to express love, to
nurture others. REVERSED: Overwhelmed by emotions that need sorting.
Need to take control of these feelings. Disharmonious relationships.
17
KING OF CUPS
Keywords: Practical Artistry, Mastery, Emotional Wisdom
MEANINGS: Learning from love relationships. Ability to live up to ideals
and dreams. Emotional maturity, wisdom, and integrity. Someone who
symbolizes these forces. REVERSED: Desire to have more control over one’s
artistic aspirations. Need to stop fantasizing and get to work.
Inconsistency. Unreliability.
THE MINOR ARCANA
The Suit of Staves
LOVERS: SIEGFRIED AND BRUNNHILDE
HE ACTION-PACKED suit of staves arrives after the mysterious realm
of emotions explored within the suit of cups. In The Lover’s Path
Tarot, the suit of staves is associated with Brunnhilde and Siegfried, represented upon Strength (VIII), the ninth of the twenty-two major
arcana cards. The story of Brunnhilde and Siegfried shows how the force
of love can spur us to great deeds, making us strong where we were once weak.
T
ACE OF STAVES
Keywords: Energy, Growth, Action, Creativity
MEANINGS: Beginning of a focused period of growth. Inspiration that
inspires action. New opportunities. The masculine, or yang, aspect of life.
REVERSED: Difficulties with new ventures. The need to focus.
TWO OF STAVES
Keywords: New Ventures, Partnership, Ideas
MEANINGS: Beginnings of a new venture. Helpful influences. A dynamic
partnership. Transforming inspiration into action. REVERSED: Venture
that loses momentum after a promising start. Disappointment in projects. Frustration or impatience. Needing help.
18
THREE OF STAVES
Keywords: Waiting, Successful Enterprises, Planning
MEANINGS: An enterprise about to cumulate in success. The ability to
transform goals into realistic action. Focused activity. REVERSED:
Ambitious plans that may not be grounded in reality. Frustrating delays.
FOUR OF STAVES
Keywords: Stability, Creating a Home, Closure
MEANINGS: A new home. Accomplishing goals and enjoying them. First
success of a new venture. Satisfaction. Possibly a marriage or domestic
partnership. Closure to an unstable situation. REVERSED: Wanting stability. Frustrations or disappointments at home.
FIVE OF STAVES
Keywords: Conflict, Competition, Dissension
MEANINGS: Ego-oriented competition. Losing sight of what’s important
because of petty disagreements. REVERSED: Moving beyond petty concerns and worries to understand what’s important. Unifying forces.
SIX OF STAVES
Keywords: Triumph, Honor, Heroism
MEANINGS: Enjoying success after much hard work and struggle.
Acknowledgment and honor from those around you. The fruits of
courage and integrity. REVERSED: Victory is elusive. You’ve done the work,
you deserve the honors, but they haven’t come—perhaps because of a lack
of awareness in those around you. Lack of courage or honor.
SEVEN OF STAVES
Keywords: Defense, Combat, Struggle
MEANINGS: Instability. Success is possible, but only after dealing with difficult
people or situations that oppose your intentions. Be careful not to let their
mess become yours. REVERSED: Feeling overwhelmed. Being your own worst
enemy. Creating problems to distract from what is really going on.
19
EIGHT OF STAVES
Keywords: Sudden Communications, Movement, Release
MEANINGS: Energetic movement. Quickness and suddenness. Unknown
information finally released that makes sense. REVERSED: Waiting too
long for communication. Perhaps it is time to take the initiative, to create
waves. Waiting for others to make the first move. Passiveness.
NINE OF STAVES
Keywords: Responsibility, Pause Before Success, Work
MEANINGS: Temporary success. A pause in work to rest, to reconsider
plans. Need for protection or separation from others who may not be
fully supportive in order to finish a project. REVERSED: Feeling overwhelmed by work. Need for a break. Denial of responsibilities.
TEN OF STAVES
Keywords: Cumulation, Success, Creativity
MEANINGS: The cumulation of the creative venture begun with the one of
staves. Success that becomes overwhelming with its responsibility.
REVERSED: Overwhelmed and burdened by responsibilities.
PRINCESS OF STAVES
Keywords: New Ideas, Communications, Enthusiasm
MEANINGS: Important communications. Need to listen to inspiration. An
inexperienced young person who may be very passionate but not very
experienced. REVERSED: Too much energy and not enough focus. Ideas and
messages that fizzle out after initial enthusiasm.
PRINCE OF STAVES
Keywords: Passion, Integrity, Action, Movement
MEANINGS: The ability to create change in the world. Initiative. New ideas
or ventures that must be acted upon immediately. REVERSED: Scattered
energy. Hesitation. Inability to focus on matters at hand. Need to develop
skills to bring dreams into reality.
20
QUEEN OF STAVES
Keywords: Power, Cleverness, Talent
MEANINGS: Intelligence and power applied to creating pragmatic actions,
material goods, business expansion. Wit and wisdom. Enthusiasm and
action. Support. REVERSED: Waiting too long to use your forces. Not
showing the world your strengths. Feeling powerless.
KING OF STAVES
Keywords: Confidence, Mastery, Support
MEANINGS: Dynamic, stable enthusiasm. The ability to bring ideas to
fruition. Creative inspiration and help. REVERSED: Wanting to harness
these forces, but not quite strong enough to do so. Someone who seems
supportive, but isn’t reliable.
THE MINOR ARCANA
The Suit of Arrows
LOVERS: CUPID AND PSYCHE
UST AS FIRE, associated with the preceding suit of staves, burns us to
take action in our lives, arrows prick our consciousness into awakening. In The Lover’s Path Tarot, the suit of arrows is associated with Cupid
and Psyche, represented upon Awakening (XIX), the twentieth of the
twenty-two major arcana cards. The myth of Cupid and Psyche depicts
how love grants wisdom. Love transforms us, just as Cupid’s magical
arrows transforms all who are struck by them.
J
ACE OF ARROWS
Keywords: Wisdom, Understanding, Intelligence
MEANINGS: The incisive powers of the heart. Clarity and good judgment.
Truth. Beginning of a cycle of intellectual growth. REVERSED: Need for
thought. Self-recrimination and rejection of personal power to blame
others. Confusion.
21
TWO OF ARROWS
Keywords: Peace, Truce, Impasse
MEANINGS: Understanding a difficult situation. Balance attained, but
eventually issues will have to be confronted. Emotional control.
REVERSED: Discomfort with a decision. Overreliance on intellect, leaving
emotions unconsidered.
THREE OF ARROWS
Keywords: Loss, Sorrow, Oversensitivity
MEANINGS: A sharp pain to the heart—disappointment, end of a love
relationship, separation. Sorrow that can enlighten or debilitate. Time for
healing. The need to transform grief into understanding. REVERSED:
Overindulging in grief for the sake of drama. Slow easing of sorrow.
FOUR OF ARROWS
Keywords: Healing, Introspection, Isolation
MEANINGS: Need time to heal or rest. Peace after emotional disappointment. Detachment from the everyday world to regain balance. REVERSED:
Enforced isolation. Loneliness. Needing a more detached view of problems.
FIVE OF ARROWS
Keywords: Struggle, Distrust, Arguments
MEANINGS: Lack of trust that leads to conflict. Possible defeat or feelings
of defeat. The need for self-protection or caution. Discomfort or struggle
with a situation. REVERSED: Disingenuous surrender. Defeat because of
indecisiveness. Paranoia. Dishonesty.
SIX OF ARROWS
Keywords: Transitions, Travel, Movement
MEANINGS: Transitions that go smoothly. New knowledge that helps one
move beyond current limitations. The lessening of difficulties.
Detachment to better understand a situation. REVERSED: More understanding of a situation is needed before it can change. Travel delays.
22
SEVEN OF ARROWS
Keywords: Defense, Caution, Self-Protection
MEANINGS: Feeling vulnerable. The ability to defend oneself in a difficult
situation. Need for caution and examination. REVERSED: Paranoia. Feeling
defensive. Guilt. Denying need for protection.
EIGHT OF ARROWS
Keywords: Depression, Entrapment, Victimization
MEANINGS: Entrapped by emotions and sorrow. Inability to move. Feeling
victimized. Extreme sorrow. REVERSED: Things may not be as bad as they
seem. Obsession with personal problems to the detriment of others.
Problems that may come from within. Narcissism.
NINE OF ARROWS
Keywords: Anxiety, Unresolved Issues, Insomnia
MEANINGS: Worries that keep one awake. An issue that needs to be looked
at more closely—only then will it be transformed. Trials and tribulations.
Guilt. Psychic disturbances. REVERSED: The fading away of these worries.
Catharsis. Understanding. The ability to transform pain into strength.
TEN OF ARROWS
Keywords: Understanding, Cumulation, Wisdom
MEANINGS: Perfect emotional wisdom gained through experience. The
ending of a difficult situation. Sharing knowledge with others. REVERSED:
More needs to be considered before complete understanding can be
gained. Overwhelmed by too much information. Getting lost in details.
PRINCESS OF ARROWS
Keywords: Messages, Education, Articulation
MEANINGS: News that brings sense to a situation. The ability to create
influence and bring understanding, using the power of words. REVERSED:
Waiting for news. Not understanding as much as one would like to.
Ignorance. Confusion.
23
PRINCE OF ARROWS
Keywords: Decisiveness, Clarity, Determination
MEANINGS: The ability to move in an incisive way. Creating clarity from
confusion. Being able to defend oneself brilliantly. Helping others with
words. REVERSED: Not understanding as much as one would like to.
Feeling unable to stand up for oneself, inarticulate.
QUEEN OF ARROWS
Keywords: Brilliance, Honesty, Wisdom
MEANINGS: Wisdom in matters of the heart. Self knowledge. Brilliance in
writing and speaking. REVERSED: May symbolize loss or wounds—despite
good intentions, sharp words wound people and affect relationships.
Psychological or emotional manipulation.
KING OF ARROWS
Keywords: Authority, Responsibility, Detachment
MEANINGS: Calm authority and integrity. Perfect understanding. Incisive
intellect. High values that demand hard work. REVERSED: Placing too
much trust in the intellect. Being too critical. Emotional detachment.
THE MINOR ARCANA
The Suit of Coins
LOVERS: DANAE AND ZEUS
OINS SYMBOLIZE the best the world can offer us, which can only be
manifested by undergoing the three preceding suits of cups, staves,
and arrows. In The Lover’s Path Tarot, the suit of coins are associated
with Danae and Zeus, represented upon Fortune (X), the eleventh of the
twenty-two major arcana cards. The myth of Danae was considered
during the Italian Renaissance to be a metaphor for the courtesan—a
C
24
woman, much like a geisha, who was able to create her own independent fortune by accepting coin for conversation and affection. Danae’s
journey, as she grows from an innocent princess to the wealthy respected
mother of a hero, depicts the power of the suit of coins to transform lives.
ACE OF COINS
Keywords: Fertility, Growth, Prosperity
MEANINGS: The beginning of a new phase filled with good fortune.
Attainment of material goals. Contentment in personal life. REVERSED: A
desire to reap the fruits of labor. Elusive success.
TWO OF COINS
Keywords: Choices, Juggling, Balance
MEANINGS: The ability to juggle several situations at once—jobs, opportunities, ideas. Opposing desires. Balance between the earthly and the
spiritual worlds. REVERSED: Taking on too much for now. Feeling overwhelmed by demands. Overcommitting oneself.
THREE OF COINS
Keywords: Building, Manifestation, Construction
MEANINGS: Building of career, relationships, or home. The ability to manifest material goods or business success. Cooperating with others to construct such a venture. REVERSED: Recheck plans for expansion—are they
practical? Time to confer with those who may be more experienced.
FOUR OF COINS
Keywords: Wealth, Security, Inheritance
MEANINGS: Stability of material forces in one’s life. A family inheritance—this could be a talent, money, land, or a quality that adds richness
to life. Satisfaction. REVERSED: Being miserly with wealth, talents.
Conversely, being an overly generous spendthrift. Need to conserve and
protect resources.
25
FIVE OF COINS
Keywords: Poverty, Insecurity, Spiritual Richness
MEANINGS: An experience of poverty that forces one to look within for
greater resources. This poverty may be personified as a lack of wealth or
in a sense of emotional sterility. REVERSED: These feelings are transitory.
Have faith in the future—a more prosperous phase of life is on its way.
SIX OF COINS
Keywords: Generosity, Helping Others, Charity, Fortune
MEANINGS: Appreciation. Trusting in the prosperity of the universe.
Helping others who are less fortunate. REVERSED: Using wealth to manipulate others. Giving with expectations. Resenting those who need help.
SEVEN OF COINS
Keywords: Patience, Expectations, Nurturing
MEANINGS: Waiting for a harvest of a creative project, personal relationship, or any venture that time and work is invested in. Tending your “garden.”
REVERSED: Impatience. Insecurity about whether the reward received for
the work rendered will be worth it.
EIGHT OF COINS
Keywords: Talent, Compensation, Work
MEANINGS: Fair payment. Meeting deadlines. Developing talents for the
marketplace. Working with integrity and discipline. REVERSED: Avoiding
work. Need to bring talents to the next level—perhaps it is time for vocational education. Dissatisfaction with payment for work done.
NINE OF COINS
Keywords: Luxury, Prosperity, Fertility, Pleasure
MEANINGS: Feeling blessed by life. Enjoying the fruits of one’s labors.
Material prosperity—now that this has been accomplished, perhaps it is
time to create a family. REVERSED: Overindulgence in material pleasures,
perhaps to the point of compromising financial stability. Guilt over possessing so much; inability to enjoy it. Fear of envy or jealousy.
26
TEN OF COINS
Keywords: Cumulation, Prosperity, Expansion, Property
MEANINGS: Great satisfaction. Creating a family to share wealth with. The
successful cumulation of business plans. An inheritance. REVERSED:
Discontent at home or difficulties with family relationships. Elusive success on the material plane.
PRINCESS OF COINS
Keywords: Taking Responsibility, Messages, Fertility
MEANINGS: Gaining the knowledge necessary to make an idea a reality.
Practical planning. Mail or messages that bring possibilities for expansion. Business opportunities. REVERSED: Too much time thinking, not
enough doing. Waiting for money, business news. Unrealistic planning.
PRINCE OF COINS
Keywords: Opportunities, Hard Work, Development
MEANINGS: The hard work and wisdom necessary to create growth.
Seeking opportunities for development. Taking care of the self on the
material level, and enjoying the pleasures associated with this. REVERSED:
Inertia or laziness. Not taking action or responsibilities.
QUEEN OF COINS
Keywords: Fertility, Prosperity, Beauty, Generosity
MEANINGS: Creating prosperity and harmony. Fertility, possibly parenthood. Loyalty. Warmth and affection. Love. REVERSED: Need to ground
oneself. An overmaterialistic orientation to life. Disappointment in the home.
KING OF COINS
Keywords: Persistence, Business Acumen, Riches, Success
MEANINGS: The ability to create wealth. Real estate transactions.
Investments—money or emotional. Steadfastness and persistence.
REVERSED: Need to be more realistic. Involvement with people who may
promise more than they are able to deliver.
27
USING THE LOVER’S PATH TAROT
to work with The Lover’s Path Tarot is to meditate
T
upon a chosen card. Use its images and symbols as a starting point
for self-examination, the same way you would a dream and its accompaHE SIMPLEST WAY
nying symbolism. While you do so, you might like to try a technique
sometimes used in Gestalt therapy. As you gaze at your card, see if you can
experience it from the point of view of the card itself. Try to create a first
person narrative as you do so.
What follows are some other techniques for working with The Lover’s
Path Tarot.
Choose a Card
Q
Q
Q
If you have an issue on your mind that requires guidance, try choosing a
tarot card at random. To do so, spread the deck face down upon a table.
Close your eyes and place your hand over the cards. Allow a card to pull
your hand toward it.
You could also shuffle the deck at random, cut the deck in half, and
choose the top card. Consider this card an oracle granting you the information you need at that moment. Read the entry for the card in this
booklet. Take note of the thoughts and emotions that arise as you gaze at
the card. While you could use any tarot card for this exercise, working
with the major arcana alone is a great way to learn about each love story
represented in The Lover’s Path Tarot.
Have a Conversation
Q
Q
Q
Another useful technique is to have a conversation with the cards. Just as
you would speak with a friend to clarify an issue, tarot cards can be used
in a similar back-and-forth manner. This exercise is also helpful in building a relationship with The Lover’s Path Tarot.
Shuffle the tarot deck while you consider your issue at hand. When
you are ready to begin your conversation with the cards, start by posing a
single question to them. Your question may be as simple as “Is it in my
best interest to go on a vacation with this person?” or as complex as “What
is the purpose of my life?” Then randomly choose one card in answer to
your query.
28
Depending on the card chosen in reply, new questions may arise. As
you would in a conversation, continue to choose cards until a satisfying
closure has been achieved.
TAROT S PREADS
T
created by placing a number of cards into a preordained pattern. Different tarot spreads fill different purposes—
some are contemplative, others predictive.
As used in the following two spreads, the word “couple” is meant to
signify two people who may or may not be romantically involved; the
couple could be lovers, friends, business associates, even two aspects of
your psyche you yearn to reconcile. For simplicity’s sake, the terms “couple” and “partner” are used when describing these variations. They refer
to the two people doing the reading, not necessarily a romantic partner.
Whichever spread you decide to use for your tarot reading, as you look
over the cards chosen try to think of each one as a chapter in a story you
are telling. What do the pictures tell you? How can this story be changed,
if change is wanted? What lesson is being taught, what challenges offered?
Personal feelings or memories may also surface as you gaze at the images
before you. These are important and should be noted as well.
Also take note of the proximity and position of a card, whether there
is a preponderance of any one suit or arcana. When major arcana cards
dominate a reading, it suggests significant life events or issues at play.
Minor arcana cards often fill in the details of everyday life. Court cards—
princess, prince, queen, king—can symbolize people in our lives as well as
particular aspects of ourselves.
AROT SPREADS ARE
Preparing for a Tarot Reading
Q
Q
Q
Before a tarot reading starts, a question needs to be decided upon. How to
phrase this question is an important consideration. Generally questions
that receive the best responses are those that are posed with the greatest
clarity. Choose your words carefully; wording is important and implies an
awareness of the responsibility involved.
Next comes the choosing of the tarot cards for the spread. Cards are
usually chosen for a tarot reading by shuffling the cards a preordained
number of times to assure randomness, and cutting the deck. I often
29
think of tarot as a talking book, where various pages can be reordered to
tell different stories. Shuffling the deck allows this story to emerge.
Some tarot readers prefer to shuffle their cards themselves, allowing
the querent, or the person who is asking the question, only to handle the
deck while cutting it. This can relieve the querent of the belief that they
must choose the “right” cards—the responsibility is literally taken out of
their hands. Other readers prefer to have the querent shuffle the cards as
a way to participate in his or her own reading.
Another thing to consider before you choose your cards is whether
you wish to include reversed, or upside-down, cards in your readings.
These can be created by turning some of the cards around as you shuffle.
Some people believe that reversed cards add another dimension of clarity
to readings; these cards serve as focal points, showing where energy may
be blocked or special attention is needed. Others feel that all the information needed to create a full picture is already contained within the seventyeight cards of the tarot—reversed cards just muddy the water. Again, this
is a matter of personal preference.
However you decide to proceed, it is important to focus yourself
before the reading. A simple ritual, such as lighting a candle or closing
your eyes for a moment, can help create a properly receptive atmosphere.
THE RELATIONSHIP CROSS
taught to me by tarot reader Melanie Hope
Greenberg, is valuable for exploring complex questions where two
T
people are involved—perfect for The Lover’s Path Tarot. In The
HIS TAROT SPREAD,
Relationship Cross, three cards are read as one to sum up each area
explored, creating a more complete portrait than can be revealed by a
solitary card. This spread is also unusual because of the order in which the
cards are examined. Instead of reading from the first card to the last, cards
are read by group position.
When reading The Relationship Cross, you’ll need to first examine
cards 13 through 11, which represent the past. Then move onto cards 1
through 3, symbolizing the present. Cards 5 to 7 represent the other person in the situation, while cards 8 through 10 depict the future as it may
play out. Finally, card 4 offers an overview for the entire reading.
30
Reading the cards in groups may sound complicated—it’s really not,
so don’t be afraid. Try to see them as elements making up one big picture,
a snapshot of the specific area being examined.
After shuffling and cutting the deck, choose thirteen cards from the
top. Place them according to the diagram below.
8
3
5
11
TO BE READ
TOGETHER
TO BE READ
TOGETHER
{ 12
{ 13
TO BE READ
TOGETHER
TO BE READ
TOGETHER
6
7
{
{
{
{
2
4
9
TO BE READ
TOGETHER
1
10
{
{
THE
RELATIONSHIP
SPREAD
TO BE READ
TOGETHER
Cards 1 through 3: These three cards, which are read together, represent
the querent’s present role in the relationship.
Card 4: The overall outcome of the question regarding the relationship, if
things continue along the path they have been.
Cards 5 through 7: These three cards, which are read together, represent
the other person involved in the relationship. It also symbolizes his or her
current situation, for better or worse.
Cards 8 through 10: These three cards, which are read together, reveal the
future of the relationship, if things continue as they have been.
Cards 11 through 13: These three cards depict the past, or history, of the
relationship. It shows how it has affected the present situation under
examination.
Variation for Two:
The Relationship Cross can be easily adapted for couples seeking to
explore an issue in greater depth.
Alternate deck shuffles with your partner while concentrating upon
your relationship. Proceed as described earlier for cards 4, 8 through 10,
and 11 through 13. However, cards 1 through 3 and cards 5 through 7
should be read as follows.
Cards 1 through 3: These three cards, read as one, represent the first person’s role in the relationship and his or her current situation.
Cards 5 through 7: These three cards, read as one, represent the second
person’s role in the relationship and his or her current situation.
32
THE LOVER’S PATH
A
TOOL FOR MEDITATION, The Lover’s Path is intended for times when
aa romantic relationship requires deep examination—not because
there are problems, but because you want to become more intimate
with your loved one. This spread studies the relationship on four levels,
mirroring the elemental areas of water, fire, air, and earth, as symbolized
by the four minor arcana suits of cups, staves, arrows, and coins. It offers
a complex picture of the relationship as it is at that moment, providing
food for thought.
The Lover’s Path is unusual in that the major and minor arcanas are
used separately. The major arcana emphasizes the core issues propelling
your relationship, while the minors fill in the details.
The first step in creating The Lover’s Path is to separate the major and
minor arcanas. Once you have two piles—one bearing only major arcana
cards, the other only minor arcana—shuffle each pile separately, focusing
on the relationship under examination as you do so. When you are ready,
choose eight cards from the minor arcana pile, and four cards from the
major arcana pile. Then take the remaining cards—they should still be in
two piles—and shuffle them together to choose one card; this is card thirteen. Place these thirteen cards as shown in the diagram on pages 34–35.
Cards one through eight are minor arcana cards; cards nine through 12
are major arcana cards; card 13 could be either major or minor arcana.
Cards 1 and 2 (minor arcana): These two cards symbolize the water, or
emotional, nature of your relationship. They reveal how you express your
feelings, what fulfills your soul. Card 1 represents the first partner’s emotional needs; card 2 represents the second partner’s.
Cards 3 and 4 (minor arcana): These two cards symbolize the fire, or
active, nature of your relationship. Every person has his or her way of creating change in his or her personal and professional life. Card 3 represents
the first partner’s way of moving through life, how to achieve the goals he
or she set; card 4 the second partner’s.
Cards 5 and 6 (minor arcana): These two cards symbolize the air, or
intellectual, aspect of your relationship. They suggest how you communi33
THE
LOVER’S PATH
SPREAD
10
9
1
2
3
4
cate, the wisdom you offer each other. Card 5 represents the first partner’s
intellectual needs and communication style; card 6, the second partner’s.
Cards 7 and 8 (minor arcana): These two cards symbolize the earth, or
physical, aspect of your relationship. They reveal how you show affection
and express sexuality. Card 7 represents the first partner’s sensual needs;
card 8, the second partner’s.
Card 9 (major arcana): This card offers an overview of how water, or the
emotional, supports your love for each other. It’s a summation of the
emotional issues faced within your relationship.
Card 10 (major arcana): This card offers an overview of how fire, or the
active, supports your love for each other. It’s a summation of the goals set
and attained by your relationship, how you work together in the world.
Card 11 (major arcana): This card offers an overview of how air, or the
intellectual, supports your love for each other. It reveals the wisdom you
gain by loving each other.
Card 12 (major arcana): This card offers an overview of how earth, or the
physical, supports your love for each other. It shows how you please each
other, ways you can invite joy into your romantic life.
Card 13: This card is chosen randomly from the remaining major and
minor arcana cards, which have been shuffled together. It presents an
overall theme for the love relationship, suggesting how each partner is
transformed by loving each other.
34
11
5
12
6
7
8
13
Variation for Two:
The Lover’s Path can be used as easily for two people as it can for one.
Since this spread is intended as a meditative tool, take time to create a
conducive environment: candles, quiet music, or anything else that feels
transformational. Couples should alternate shuffles, and take turns
choosing each of the cards used within this spread.
After laying out the cards and examining them, spend some time talking about your reactions with your loved one. How accurately did the
cards reflect your relationship? Where can you create change, if change is
desired? This exercise can be a powerful intimacy builder, opening up new
vistas for your consideration.
It is my hope that The Lover’s Path Tarot brings harmony and enlightenment to your life and personal relationships. As you work with The
Lover’s Path Tarot, you may want to keep a journal of your experiences. A
tarot journal is a potent tool for processing your thoughts as you grow
and learn. You can record your “tarot conversations,” tarot readings, as
well as specific cards chosen for guidance.
Q
Q
Q
U.S. Games Systems, Inc. offers an exciting and diverse range
of tarot and cartomancy decks, books, and deck/book sets. Look for
these titles at most book, metaphysical, museum, and gift stores.
TAROT DECKS
Adrian • Ages • Albano-Waite • Ancestral Path • Angel • Aquarian
Barbara Walker • Cat People • Celestial • Ceremonial Magick • Classic
Connolly • Cosmic • Crowley Thoth • Crow’s Magick • Dali • Dragon
Epicurean • Fantastical • Feng Shui • Fradella • Gatti Originali (Feline)
Gendron • Gill • Goddess • Golden Tarot • Haindl • Halloween
Hanson-Roberts • Herbal • Hudes • I Cani Originali (Dogs)
Londa • Lord of the Rings • Medicine Woman • Medieval Cat
Medieval Scapini • Moon Garden • Morgan-Greer • Motherpeace
Native American • Navigators Tarot of the Mystic SEA • New Century
New Palladini • Old English • Old Path • One World • Phantasmagoric
Renaissance • Rider-Waite • Russian • Sacred Rose • Sephiroth
Spirit • Spiral • Starter • Swiss IJJ • Tarot Affirmations • Tavaglione
Unicorn • Universal Waite • Vampire • Whimsical • Witches
Wonderland • Zolar’s Astrological
CARTOMANCY AND GAMES
Angel Meditation • Angel Power • Blessing Cards • Fantasy Fortunes
Gentle Wisdom of the Faerie Realm • Gypsy Witch
Haindl Rune Oracle • Ouija® Oracle • Transformation Game
BOOKS BY STUART R. KAPLAN
The Encyclopedia of Tarot, Volumes I, II, and III
Tarot Classic • Tarot Cards for Fun and Fortune Telling
U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.
179 Ludlow Street, Stamford, CT 06902 USA
Telephone 203-353-8400 • Order Desk 800-544-2637
FAX 203-353-8431 • www.usgamesinc.com
37
38