XVI. THE TOWER
Portrayed as a tower being struck by lighting, the Tower is the 16th card of the Major Arcana. It is seen as an ill omen by some and is even omitted from some Tarot decks. The top of the Tower is crumbling and two people are falling (or jumping, in some cases) from the Tower.
The Tower Arcana represents "pride preceding the fall"; it tells the story of arrogance and pride leading directly to one's own downfall. It symbolizes chaos, sudden change (of the undesirable sort), impact, difficult times, crisis, revelations, disruption, realization of truth, disillusion, uncomfortable experiences, downfall and ruin, the demise of egotism, and rigorous transformation.
In the Journey of the Fool, the Tower represents the Fool's journey to free himself from the Devil's influence. The Tower represents this "fortress of ego" the Fool has built himself; his pride has swollen and he is obsessed with the "image" he portrays to the world. The worst part? This Tower hides the true, pure inner beauty lying within the Fool. The Tower is bleak, cold, and made of stone. Do the walls we build around ourselves protect us? Or does this notion backfire and create a prison for us?
Sometimes only an earth-shattering crisis can tear down the Tower and awaken us to the truth. On the card we see a bolt of lightning - representing enlightenment - destroying the Tower and launching it's occupants out into the world, seemingly to their death. A crown is falling from the top of the Tower - this represents the notion that pride and egocentrism poison us with: that we are rulers, kings, trophies - that we are protected and coveted by our Tower rather than trapped and anchored by it.
The Fools falling from the Tower survive. They may have needed a severe fall in order to awaken them to their own mistakes, but the revelation they reach as they stare back up at their tower provides them with the strength to move forward. The experience was terrifying and painful, but it was necessary for the Journey to continue - in the end the hardship is worthwhile. Despair gives way to the radiant light of truth and insight.
In a tarot reading, the Tower is an intimidating card. It symbolizes failure, ruin and catastrophe. It represent the need to realize that reality does not conform to your expectations, despite what your ego may tell you. You may be holding on to false ideas or beliefs and you must relinquish them - the Tower represents that if you do not change, something will force you to. On the positive side, the Tower represents life-changing epiphanies and the need to think outside the box. It sometimes can signify the need to seek higher education or higher knowledge.
The Tower Arcana represents "pride preceding the fall"; it tells the story of arrogance and pride leading directly to one's own downfall. It symbolizes chaos, sudden change (of the undesirable sort), impact, difficult times, crisis, revelations, disruption, realization of truth, disillusion, uncomfortable experiences, downfall and ruin, the demise of egotism, and rigorous transformation.
In the Journey of the Fool, the Tower represents the Fool's journey to free himself from the Devil's influence. The Tower represents this "fortress of ego" the Fool has built himself; his pride has swollen and he is obsessed with the "image" he portrays to the world. The worst part? This Tower hides the true, pure inner beauty lying within the Fool. The Tower is bleak, cold, and made of stone. Do the walls we build around ourselves protect us? Or does this notion backfire and create a prison for us?
Sometimes only an earth-shattering crisis can tear down the Tower and awaken us to the truth. On the card we see a bolt of lightning - representing enlightenment - destroying the Tower and launching it's occupants out into the world, seemingly to their death. A crown is falling from the top of the Tower - this represents the notion that pride and egocentrism poison us with: that we are rulers, kings, trophies - that we are protected and coveted by our Tower rather than trapped and anchored by it.
The Fools falling from the Tower survive. They may have needed a severe fall in order to awaken them to their own mistakes, but the revelation they reach as they stare back up at their tower provides them with the strength to move forward. The experience was terrifying and painful, but it was necessary for the Journey to continue - in the end the hardship is worthwhile. Despair gives way to the radiant light of truth and insight.
In a tarot reading, the Tower is an intimidating card. It symbolizes failure, ruin and catastrophe. It represent the need to realize that reality does not conform to your expectations, despite what your ego may tell you. You may be holding on to false ideas or beliefs and you must relinquish them - the Tower represents that if you do not change, something will force you to. On the positive side, the Tower represents life-changing epiphanies and the need to think outside the box. It sometimes can signify the need to seek higher education or higher knowledge.
XVII. THE STAR
"It's a strong card, one that gives hope to those on the ground below. It shines in times of need. But, eventually, it is destined to fall to the earth and disappear... Even I can feel the sadness of this inescapable destiny..." —Margaret, Persona 4
The Star card displays an image of a woman with one foot in the water and one foot on land. Above her head, a very large star shines. She holds a jug in each hand; one, she is filling with water, and the other she is emptying into the grass. In some decks, an The Star is depicted as an elderly man or woman staring at a large star in the sky. The water represents the unconscious, while the land represents the physical/material world. The woman, then, is the bridge and renewal of both. The two jugs represent harmonizing the two "opposite" sides of nature. The bright star represents hope for the future, and temporary peacefulness. Many Star cards have eight smaller stars depicted on them; this represents the 8 planets (at the time of Tarot deck conception, 8 other planets), and is seen as a "ladder to enlightenment" - the oath to return home to the Universe for the Fool.
The Star Arcana is the champion of hope, self-confidence, faith, selfless concern for others, and generosity. It represents peace, joy, a bright outlook, calmness, unconditional and free-flowing love, trust, peace of mind, purity, inspiration, regeneration, and good will. It represents the period of peaceful tenderness one exhibits after the realization of a harsh tragedy or trauma.
In the Journey of the Fool, the Fool has been battered and beaten down at the pinnacle of his self very often lately. He finds himself wandering at night, gazing at the stars. He appreciates their beauty and this break from the trials of the Journey. The view overwhelms him with a feeling of immense serenity. His soul is no longer smothered by any disguise or false belief. Brilliant stars twinkle in the clear sky, serving as beacons of hope, lightheartedness, and inspiration. The Fool whole-heartedly trusts in the universe, the Journey, and himself - he completely lets go of the Devil. His faith restored, he is brimming with love and appreciation and generously lets this flow out into the world. This is the calm after the storm, and it is a very influential moment for the Fool.
In a tarot reading, the Star card represents renewed hope, inspiration and discovery - albeit it stresses that these are all temporary and must not be taken for granted. It symbolizes a breakthrough of some sort. It is known as the first in a series of three cards depicting "greater light", indicating that one may be nearing the "light at the end of the tunnel" or beginning a journey to enlightenment or clarity. You may solve a mystery, discover a secret, or find closure.
The Star Arcana is the champion of hope, self-confidence, faith, selfless concern for others, and generosity. It represents peace, joy, a bright outlook, calmness, unconditional and free-flowing love, trust, peace of mind, purity, inspiration, regeneration, and good will. It represents the period of peaceful tenderness one exhibits after the realization of a harsh tragedy or trauma.
In the Journey of the Fool, the Fool has been battered and beaten down at the pinnacle of his self very often lately. He finds himself wandering at night, gazing at the stars. He appreciates their beauty and this break from the trials of the Journey. The view overwhelms him with a feeling of immense serenity. His soul is no longer smothered by any disguise or false belief. Brilliant stars twinkle in the clear sky, serving as beacons of hope, lightheartedness, and inspiration. The Fool whole-heartedly trusts in the universe, the Journey, and himself - he completely lets go of the Devil. His faith restored, he is brimming with love and appreciation and generously lets this flow out into the world. This is the calm after the storm, and it is a very influential moment for the Fool.
In a tarot reading, the Star card represents renewed hope, inspiration and discovery - albeit it stresses that these are all temporary and must not be taken for granted. It symbolizes a breakthrough of some sort. It is known as the first in a series of three cards depicting "greater light", indicating that one may be nearing the "light at the end of the tunnel" or beginning a journey to enlightenment or clarity. You may solve a mystery, discover a secret, or find closure.
XVIII. THE MOON
When you first take a look at the Moon card, it's likely to be very confusing: you see a disappointed figure in the Moon (hidden behind the Sun in our particular card, but this isn't always the case) and two dogs howling at it with a lobster emerging from a pool of water between them. Two massive pillars flank the edges of the card. What are you supposed to get from this?
First of all, one of the dogs is actually a wolf - this combination represents the "fears of the natural mind". There are always two parts to yourself - the wolf, the free and wild side, and the domesticated dog, the sophisticated side that relies on patterns and routine. Finally, there is a third part of you - a savage monster from the depths. Perhaps this is your past, your regrets, or simply the innate darkness that opposes the light bearing down on you at this stage. The exit lies before you, if you're willing to walk through the gates.
The Moon Arcana represents creativity, inspiration, madness, dreams, illusions, fear and fantasy, the subconscious and trickery. It symbolizes lack of clarity, tension, doubt, deception, psychological conflict, distrust, obscured vision, paranoia, confusion, worry, romanticism, anxiety and unrealistic ideas or expectations.
So, back to the Fool's Journey. When we left our Fool, wasn't he being intoxicated by the beauty of the stars? How could the Journey progress from the optimism of the Star to the pessimism of the Moon? How many more challenges does the Fool have to face?
Unfortunately, the bliss of the magical moment with the stars leaves the Fool vulnerable to the illusions of the Moon. In his elated state, the Fool isn't entirely in the right place for "mental clarity". Overwhelmed by a dreaminess, the Fool leaves himself open to influence by fantasy, distortion and facades of the truth. In our lives, we find ourselves most often taken advantage of when we are in our most positive and serene times - people assume that happy people have a cushion to fall back on, and thus the Fool, like the Stars, comes crashing back down to Earth. The Moon stimulates imagination and opens the way for novel ideas to come bubbling to the surface, no matter how bizarre. The problem with unleashing the power of the unconscious is that you can't pick and choose; along with these ideas comes deep-rooted fears and anxieties. The Fool finds himself feeling lost and bewildered once again.
In a tarot reading, the Moon can represent being attuned subconsciously to the world around you, gaining the temporary ability to sense things around you with direct input (i.e. intense intuition or "psychic instincts"). It has a duality about it - the moon can represent both dreams and nightmares. Therefore, it is possible that drawing the Moon card means you are or will be going through a very difficult, emotional time in your life. Rather than losing yourself in the sea of emotion and illusions, the Moon suggests to the reader to "let it all out" through some form of art. The Moon can also represent uncertainty and feeling haunted by the past; it suggests that you are travelling along a path you are unsure of. Finally, the Moon may represent that you are being or are feeling watched, or that life feels particularly surreal (in a positive or a negative way) for you.
First of all, one of the dogs is actually a wolf - this combination represents the "fears of the natural mind". There are always two parts to yourself - the wolf, the free and wild side, and the domesticated dog, the sophisticated side that relies on patterns and routine. Finally, there is a third part of you - a savage monster from the depths. Perhaps this is your past, your regrets, or simply the innate darkness that opposes the light bearing down on you at this stage. The exit lies before you, if you're willing to walk through the gates.
The Moon Arcana represents creativity, inspiration, madness, dreams, illusions, fear and fantasy, the subconscious and trickery. It symbolizes lack of clarity, tension, doubt, deception, psychological conflict, distrust, obscured vision, paranoia, confusion, worry, romanticism, anxiety and unrealistic ideas or expectations.
So, back to the Fool's Journey. When we left our Fool, wasn't he being intoxicated by the beauty of the stars? How could the Journey progress from the optimism of the Star to the pessimism of the Moon? How many more challenges does the Fool have to face?
Unfortunately, the bliss of the magical moment with the stars leaves the Fool vulnerable to the illusions of the Moon. In his elated state, the Fool isn't entirely in the right place for "mental clarity". Overwhelmed by a dreaminess, the Fool leaves himself open to influence by fantasy, distortion and facades of the truth. In our lives, we find ourselves most often taken advantage of when we are in our most positive and serene times - people assume that happy people have a cushion to fall back on, and thus the Fool, like the Stars, comes crashing back down to Earth. The Moon stimulates imagination and opens the way for novel ideas to come bubbling to the surface, no matter how bizarre. The problem with unleashing the power of the unconscious is that you can't pick and choose; along with these ideas comes deep-rooted fears and anxieties. The Fool finds himself feeling lost and bewildered once again.
In a tarot reading, the Moon can represent being attuned subconsciously to the world around you, gaining the temporary ability to sense things around you with direct input (i.e. intense intuition or "psychic instincts"). It has a duality about it - the moon can represent both dreams and nightmares. Therefore, it is possible that drawing the Moon card means you are or will be going through a very difficult, emotional time in your life. Rather than losing yourself in the sea of emotion and illusions, the Moon suggests to the reader to "let it all out" through some form of art. The Moon can also represent uncertainty and feeling haunted by the past; it suggests that you are travelling along a path you are unsure of. Finally, the Moon may represent that you are being or are feeling watched, or that life feels particularly surreal (in a positive or a negative way) for you.
XIX. THE SUN
The 19th card: the Sun. This card is often portrayed as two children holding hands under a massive, blazing Sun or as one child riding a white horse beneath the sun. In all Sun cards, the Sun is anthropomorphized (basically meaning it has a face), and it is smiling down at the world. The child or children may be holding a large red flag in a field of sunflowers. The flag represents "the blood of renewal" and the smiling sun represents accomplishment. The conscious mind has prevailed over the fears and insecurities of the unconscious.
The Sun Arcana symbolizes happiness, joy, energy, optimism, and accomplishment. It champions expansion, radiant energy, positive feelings, enlightenment and vitality, renewed innocence, praise, assurance, personal power, splendor and enthusiasm.
The Fool's Journey has now reached the Sun stage. The clarity of day acts as a guide for the wild imagination of the Fool; it illuminates all the dark corners of the world and brings new elements to life. It's light pierces through the clouds of doubt and despair, and it enlightens the Fool; he both feels and understands the beauty and positivity of the world. With new vigor and enthusiasm he can go forth; the Star's openness encourages him to be assured in himself. No challenge is too frightening! No day is too dark! The Fool feels a radiant vitality and he becomes involved in great undertakings; he will go to what he needs instead of waiting on it. He is able to realize his greatness and the fruits of his journey - and he also understands the need to complete the journey.
In a tarot reading, many people consider the Sun the "best" card. It represents success and abundant positive outcomes in regards to current or future struggles.
The Sun Arcana symbolizes happiness, joy, energy, optimism, and accomplishment. It champions expansion, radiant energy, positive feelings, enlightenment and vitality, renewed innocence, praise, assurance, personal power, splendor and enthusiasm.
The Fool's Journey has now reached the Sun stage. The clarity of day acts as a guide for the wild imagination of the Fool; it illuminates all the dark corners of the world and brings new elements to life. It's light pierces through the clouds of doubt and despair, and it enlightens the Fool; he both feels and understands the beauty and positivity of the world. With new vigor and enthusiasm he can go forth; the Star's openness encourages him to be assured in himself. No challenge is too frightening! No day is too dark! The Fool feels a radiant vitality and he becomes involved in great undertakings; he will go to what he needs instead of waiting on it. He is able to realize his greatness and the fruits of his journey - and he also understands the need to complete the journey.
In a tarot reading, many people consider the Sun the "best" card. It represents success and abundant positive outcomes in regards to current or future struggles.
XX. JUDGEMENT
The Judgement card is the 20th card in the Major Arcana. The card itself depicts an angel blowing into a massive trumpet, while a group of humans below stare in awe. In many decks, these people are standing up out of graves - they are souls leaving their physical selves. There are massive mountains or glaciers in the background.
Judgement represents hailing to one's calling, gaining a deep understanding of life, and being comforted by a feeling of acceptance and absolution. It represents restarting, accepting the past, release and forgiveness, the end of repression, reconciliation and renewal, decisions and salvation, new beginnings, hope, and redemption.
The Fool on his journey has been reborn; he has walked the paths of life and returned to the universe from whence he came. His false, ego-centric shell has been shed and his pure, radiant true self has stepped forward. He now understands that joy - not fear - is centric to life, and he feels free from guilt. He has forgiven himself and the people who have hurt him. He understands that any mistakes are only made because you are ignorant of, or fighting, your true nature. The Fool feels refreshed, ready to begin anew.
It is time for the Fool to make a deep Judgement on his Journey. With new and absolute clarity, he can now make necessary decisions about the future; he can choose wisely what to cherish and what to discard. He discovers or rediscovers the feelings and knowledge that prompted him to begin his Journey of life in the first place. The Fool is ready to follow his dream once again.
In a Tarot reading, Judgement represents postponed decisions that will soon have to be made. It symbolized impending judgement and may also be a sign of visits from the past. It can represent the need to clear out the past from your mind and start anew. Finally, it can be seen as a reminder to live life to the fullest; a nudge to the reader that they are holding back or wasting their days.
Judgement represents hailing to one's calling, gaining a deep understanding of life, and being comforted by a feeling of acceptance and absolution. It represents restarting, accepting the past, release and forgiveness, the end of repression, reconciliation and renewal, decisions and salvation, new beginnings, hope, and redemption.
The Fool on his journey has been reborn; he has walked the paths of life and returned to the universe from whence he came. His false, ego-centric shell has been shed and his pure, radiant true self has stepped forward. He now understands that joy - not fear - is centric to life, and he feels free from guilt. He has forgiven himself and the people who have hurt him. He understands that any mistakes are only made because you are ignorant of, or fighting, your true nature. The Fool feels refreshed, ready to begin anew.
It is time for the Fool to make a deep Judgement on his Journey. With new and absolute clarity, he can now make necessary decisions about the future; he can choose wisely what to cherish and what to discard. He discovers or rediscovers the feelings and knowledge that prompted him to begin his Journey of life in the first place. The Fool is ready to follow his dream once again.
In a Tarot reading, Judgement represents postponed decisions that will soon have to be made. It symbolized impending judgement and may also be a sign of visits from the past. It can represent the need to clear out the past from your mind and start anew. Finally, it can be seen as a reminder to live life to the fullest; a nudge to the reader that they are holding back or wasting their days.
XXI. THE WORLD
And so we come to the final Arcana and card in the Tarot deck - number 21, the World. The card itself portrays a woman surrounded by an angel, a bull, an eagle, and a lion (representations of the four elements again). She is holding staves in both hands and is surrounded by a green wreath; in some decks, this is a green ouroborous.
The World Arcana is a representation of the world's totality, the symbol of fulfillment, wholeness, and harmony. It is sometimes called The Universe. It symbolizes fulfillment, accomplishment, success, integration, involvement, prosperity, satisfaction, wholeness and connectedness.
The Fool's Journey has come to an end - and yet, the nature of ends is that they are always also beginnings. The Fool re-enters the World, this time in possession of a complete understanding of it. He has harmonize and merged all the battling parts of himself and achieved wholeness. He has reached the final level of happiness and fulfillment, the truest treasures the Journey has to offer. Life is meaningful and abundant; the future is infinite and full of promise. He sees his personal calling as becoming fully immersed and involved in the World. He shares himself with the World and lends his unique gifts and talents with it, and prosper in his every endeavour. Since he acts with resolute certainty in his very core, the World works with him to see his efforts rewarded. His accomplishments are many now that he and the World are in harmony.
So... the Fool's Journey was not so foolish after all. Through perseverance and the utmost honesty, he re-discovered the powerful curiosity and courage that first started him out on this Journey for his Self. He finally has the answers he was seeking; he is aware of his place in the World. The cycle may be over, but the Fool will never stop growing.
Perhaps he will even go in search of a new Journey...
The World Arcana is a representation of the world's totality, the symbol of fulfillment, wholeness, and harmony. It is sometimes called The Universe. It symbolizes fulfillment, accomplishment, success, integration, involvement, prosperity, satisfaction, wholeness and connectedness.
The Fool's Journey has come to an end - and yet, the nature of ends is that they are always also beginnings. The Fool re-enters the World, this time in possession of a complete understanding of it. He has harmonize and merged all the battling parts of himself and achieved wholeness. He has reached the final level of happiness and fulfillment, the truest treasures the Journey has to offer. Life is meaningful and abundant; the future is infinite and full of promise. He sees his personal calling as becoming fully immersed and involved in the World. He shares himself with the World and lends his unique gifts and talents with it, and prosper in his every endeavour. Since he acts with resolute certainty in his very core, the World works with him to see his efforts rewarded. His accomplishments are many now that he and the World are in harmony.
So... the Fool's Journey was not so foolish after all. Through perseverance and the utmost honesty, he re-discovered the powerful curiosity and courage that first started him out on this Journey for his Self. He finally has the answers he was seeking; he is aware of his place in the World. The cycle may be over, but the Fool will never stop growing.
Perhaps he will even go in search of a new Journey...