The Celtic Tarot - Interpretation - Part 1

In this article and the following ones, the meanings of the individual cards will be presented for information. The cards of the Major Arcana are presented first.

The Fool

The Fool has been called the most intense card in the Tarot. The key words signifying the meaning of the Fool are New Cycles, Principles and Arrogance. It represents the beginning of a journey but the element of Air, a symbol of the spirit controls his actions. It summarizes the quest for perfection and wisdom.

On the divination side the Fool indicates the trusting of one's own judgment and going ahead with making plans rather than a commitment. Clearly understood, it indicates a new cycle providing real growth in the intellectual and spiritual sense.

When the card appears reversed, the person consulting the oracle might be stepping into a vacuum of apathy, unnecessary gestures and the sheer folly of arrogance.

The Magician

The key words for the Magician are Fantasy, Delicate Changes and Truthfulness. This card has great force and reveals the subtle changes taking place around the consultant that are at times difficult to understand.

There is an indication that the consultant is being stage-managed in some strange way. Reliance on intuitive and meditative is indicated. The cards surrounding the Magician give a clue to the reason for the activities around the consultant and maybe who is responsible for the situation.

Appearing reversed the card indicates that the consultant is subject to illusions of a selfish nature and self-deceit. He or she may be a victim of lies and deceit. An inclination to lie and cheat on others involved in the same situation is indicated. An tendency to hold on to material gains at the others is also an indication.

The High Priestess

The key words that signify the High Priestess are Spirituality and Secret Wisdom. The card is a feminine force and usually relates to women; representing the woman if she happens to be the consultant so a woman involved with consultant if the consultant happens to be a male. It indicates changes in his or her life that are already taking place causing worries.

But it also shows great firmness and wisdom in dealing with the problems and is quietly gathering the required strength to deal with the problem. The High Priestess is also associated with the arcane sciences and arts that may be of interest to the consultant.

The Empress

The keywords signifying the Empress are Motherhood, Sophistication and Idleness. This is a card that signifies enterprise and triumph. A fine appreciation of the arts is indicated and also an understanding of the skills and labor involved. It shows that the consultant is involved in some kind of an enterprise. The sense of motherhood an be interpreted to mean fruitful labor.

If the card is reversed it means ignorance and idleness and a poor opinion of one's self. The card, by itself, is neither evil or difficult and depends on the surrounding card to be either disruptive or beneficial. The consultant may also be experiencing problems in expressing the skills required to adjust to life.

The Emperor

The keywords signifying the Emperor are Father, Barriers, Patronage. In a personal sense the card relates to the father of the consultant and maybe some with authority over the consultant. It can also mean a benefactor or patron who is helpful to the consultant. The card deals with stability, and order, responsibility and reason.

There is a need to show compassion in times of triumph. If there is a query regarding a contemplated course of action then the appearance of this card is a sign that the course of action thought of s correct. It reveals determination and ambition in case the consultant is feeling a lack of self-assurance.

If reversed it shows an iota of immaturity in the nature of the consultant. Too much of disagreement and conflict. There an impulsive nature in the consultant that needs to be curbed. There is the possibility of obstacles or barriers appearing impeding the progress of the consultant.