The Star

The Star is the seventeenth card of the Major Arcana. This is the picture that I deliberately conceived prior to creating this card. The young woman is a dear friend of mine who lives in Santa Fe, where I go rather regularly. It is taken before sunset by a pond and she is holding a real ancient jug. I knew she would be perfect for the depiction of the Star.

The Star is a symbol of pure radiant energy manifesting in the world of forms. The card is a reminder that we are all potential vessels to contain and pour the precious light of this magnificent universe. The more we trust our destiny the more our destiny becomes a movement of balance and clarity in the world for all to see and benefit. This result in us experiences self sufficiency so that there is no neediness in our relationships. If all of this resonates in you, you are experiencing a deep recognition of your essence.

If you pick this card it is a reminder that you are both the director and the actor, so if you don't like the script you find yourself in it is time to change it. Know that you have the ability to do so. This card is about self esteem and loving oneself.

Strength

The Strength Card is the eight card of the major Arcana. Usually this card is represented by a woman standing by a lion, often she holding his mouth wide open. Which means the taming of the inner demon/beast in all of us. I decided on a collage I had done years ago. When I looked at it again recently it felt right, because in order to tame the inner demons you have to go within yourself and acknowledge them with compassion. The very going within creates the transformation of your demons into your allies.

If you picked this card during a reading it is time to clean up your inner temple! It is not easy to acknowledge ones weaknesses without judgment, but we are all human. We are the bridge between the beast and the divine. Only your longing for transformation will give you the strength, the courage, to look within.

The Emperor

The Emperor card is the fourth card of the major arcana. This is the card of the pioneer that enters into unchartered territories, inspiring others to follow. This picture was taken in Santa Fe in the garden of my friends at sunset. The tree at some point was dying and we had to cut quite a few big branches. After a year or so it looked so alive and vigorous. The trunk with two main branches seemed to represent victory. So when I was looking for a picture representing the Emperor I felt this one was quite appropriate because it looked like a noble giant with his arms raised in glory.

The Emperor represents vitality and eagerness to discover. The Emperor also has to be careful about becoming angry and impatient with those that are not ready to follow him. He might start ahead of the others, and let them realize that they also want to go into the unknown.

If you pulled this card during a reading you have to take charge of your life. Reinvent yourself, try to transform the anxiety into excitement for the unknown.