The Court Cards
Integrating types borne out of the mixture between Elements, Signs & Modalities
As you can see there are only 12 of the 16 Court Cards represented here. The reason for this is that the 4 Princesses represent the 'lowest' and most manifested expression of the mixed elements upon the earth (As we will find out, they also in a sense represent the 'highest'). Kabbalistically the Princesses make up the 4 personalities expressed in the sphere of Malkuth, The Kingdom, the material world.
It should be noted that the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which Myers and Briggs extrapolated from Carl Gustav Jung's book Psychological Types, identifies 16 possible personality type combinations. This may be mere coincidence, though on the other hand it might not be. Of course when one gets into all the placements and possible combinations within an individual natal chart, it's obvious that there are infinitely more than a generic "16 personality types."
Just as the 12 signs of the Zodiac each have within them 3 Minor Arcana correspondences or Decanates, so to each of the 12 Court Royals represented in the diagram seen here are the combined influence of 3 distinct Minor Arcana. The difference though here is the mixing of elements and influences between the signs themselves. Each Court Card rules from 20 degrees of one Sign to 20 degrees of the next and are a great way in which to understand the Cusps between the individual signs. All Court Cards are made up of "one part" one sign and "two parts" the sign following it. For example, as you can see the King of Disks is one part Leo and two parts Virgo. This personality type is predominately Virgo, and he is throned upon the 9 of Disks or central Virgo, though he has his beginning within the 7 of Wands, or late Leo. He is therefore one part Fixed Fire, two parts Mutable Earth.
Let's take the sign of Aries. The sign of Aries is comprised of the combined influence of the 2, 3, and 4 of Wands which are titled Dominion, Virtue and Completed Work. Now let's look at the sign of Aries as depicted in this chart above which identifies the Court rulerships. The sign of Aries is shared by two "personalities," or Court Royals, namely the Queen of Wands and the Prince of Disks. The Queen of Wands integrates Water with Fire, and the Prince of Disks integrates Fire with Earth. An individual born in the last 10 degrees of Aries will have many of the same general characteristics as someone born in the first 20 degrees of Taurus, the sign immediately following it. Likewise if we look at the Queen of Wands, we see that someone born in the last 10 degrees of Pisces will have the same character traits as someone born in the first 20 degrees of Aries, and so on around the Zodiac and within the Tree of Life.
Crowns, Voices & Altars
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The Round Table, the Grail Castle &
the Roles of the Inner Court
Each Court Card (minus the Princesses), may be thought of as having three distinct expressions. These are the Crown, the Voice, and the Altar. These may also be considered Conception, Action and Environment. Another way of viewing these Court rulerships is through the Hegelian dialectic of Thesis, Antithesis and Synthesis. Remember that the Crown of each Court personality type is of a different sign and element than it's Voice and Altar. The changeovers are between the Mutable area of one sign into the Cardinal and Fixed area of the next sign. In other words, from 20 degrees of one sign to 20 degrees of the next. Understanding the movement from the Mutable (thesis) area of a sign into the Cardinal (antithesis) area of the next sequential sign before settling into a Fixed position (synthesis) is imperative when looking at the motives and dispositions of each Court card.
- The Crown is indicated by the first card the Court Card rules, which is always of a different element and Sign than the following two Voice and Altar cards. This card represents initial inspiration, conception and also aspirations. It is the "head," the crowning reason for doing something. The three Crown numbers are 10-4-7, which make up the vertical column of Mutable decans as seen on the Modality page and correspond to Malkuth, Chesed and Netzach on the Tree of Life. The Mutable decans may be considered the "crowning achievements" of the Signs they find themselves in. The Crowns are also numerologically connected to the 1st Column as seen in the numerology section on the Major Arcana page.
- The Voice is indicated by the second card the Court Card rules. The Voice and Altar cards are always of the same Sign and element. The Voice card represents initiation, expression and the highly kinetic actions of the Court Card. The three Voice numbers are 2-5-8, which make up the vertical column of Cardinal decans as seen on the Modality page and correspond to Chokma, Geburah and Hod on the Tree of Life. The Voices are also numerologically connected to the 2nd Column as seen in the numerology section on the Major Arcana page.
- The Altar is indicated by the third card the Court Card rules. This card represents the four cornered enclosure of the vast "kingdom" within. It represents that which is most precious, prized and protected. It represents balance, ease and comfort as it shows the kind of environment the Court Card works best in. It also indicates things like synchronicity, that is, where the universe meets the personality "half way" if their Crown and Voice (thesis and antithesis) are operating correctly with their own distinct initiatives and seeming "exclusivity" from one another. The three Altar numbers are 3-6-9, which make up the vertical column of Fixed decans as seen on the Modality page and correspond to Binah, Tipareth and Yesod on the Tree of Life. The Altars are numerologically connected to the 3rd Column as seen in the numerology section on the Major Arcana page.
The Courts operate through integrative "families" of different elemental mixtures that are composed of 1/3 one element (Crown) and 2/3 the next sequential element (Voice and Altar). A thorough understanding of the Modality of the Signs and also the structure of the elements within Kabbalah and Astrology will be essential in grasping these dynamics. Ideally you want to be able to fill in this chart by memory, which is a lot easier than it might sound at first.
Integrating
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Integrating
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Integrating
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Integrating
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Note the trine relationships of these elemental families. This creates an inherent resonance between the cards and the personalities born under these areas. For example, if someone were born in the first 20 degrees of Scorpio, giving him the significator of the Prince of Cups, he may be able to relate to the sort of existential outlooks and perspectives as someone born in the last 10 degrees of Aquarius, being a Knight of Cups character. The same applies here to the Queen of Cups. The common ground of these three Courts is that they integrate Air with Water, as shown above.
Order of Succession
Queen of Disks
♐ ♑ ♑ |
Prince of Swords
♑ ♒ ♒ |
Knight of Cups
♒ ♓ ♓ |
Queen of Wands
♓ ♈ ♈ |
Prince of Disks
♈ ♉ ♉ |
Knight of Swords
♉ ♊ ♊ |
Queen of Swords
♊ ♋ ♋ |
Prince of Wands
♋ ♌ ♌ |
Knight of Disks
♌ ♍ ♍ |
Queen of Swords
♍ ♎ ♎ |
Prince of Cups
♎ ♏ ♏ |
Knight of Wands
♏ ♐ ♐ |
Note that the beginning and end of the seasons at the Solstice and Equinox points are each "ruled" by a Queen. Her quadrant of rulership cover both the 10s (the end of a season) and the 2s (the beginning of a season), or from Mutable into Cardinal.
The Queen of Disks = The Winter Solstice
The Queen of Wands = The Spring Equinox
The Queen of Cups = The Summer Solstice
The Queen of Swords = The Fall Equinox
The Queen of Disks = The Winter Solstice
The Queen of Wands = The Spring Equinox
The Queen of Cups = The Summer Solstice
The Queen of Swords = The Fall Equinox
Bridging Fixed and Mutable Signs
Crown - All four 7s Voice - All four 8s Altar - All four 9s
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The Knights rule the 7s, 8s and 9s, or Netzach, Hod and Yesod. In the chart at the top of the page, these Courts are called "Kings," but it is more correct to call them Knights. The Knights form part of the famous "Knights of the Round Table" or "Grail Knights" in Arthurian legend, and also the Knights in the story of Parsifal who protect the Chalice of Ecstasy, or the 'Holy Grail.' In the Arthurian legend, the Round Table was created as a solution to the Knights arguing over position and rank. This is Yang energy coming together for a common purpose, and that purpose is to protect and/or quest for the Grail. What exactly is the Grail, and what is the Grail Castle?
On the Tree of Life diagram, one will notice that there is a large area called Yetzirah, otherwise known as the Formative World. This "world" consists of the Sephiroth 4 through 9. These Sephiroth are the "Round Table" that when taken together form the Yetziratic world ruled by the Yang Princes and Knights. The central point of the Round Table is the 6th sphere of Tipareth, the Sun. This is where King Arthur stands to address the Knights, being himself just another personification of the Sun, a Sun King, worked into story form. The entire Tree of Life itself is the "Grail Castle" that always becomes more elusive the closer the Yang Knights approach it. This is because the Knights and Kings rule the mental world of Yetzirah. One can see the 'Grail Castle' as having four turrets. These turrets are the four Fixed signs of astrology, Leo (the Lion), Scorpio (the Eagle), Aquarius (the Man) and Taurus (the Bull). The second card of the Fixed signs, being the four double fixed 6s, form the center of the Round Table, the 6th Sephiroth Tipareth, the Sun.
King Arthur is the Grail Keeper, the Sun King, and he is sometimes identified with or in the company of the "Fisher King" or "Wounded King," showing a direct parallel to Christ who was the "fisher of men" and wounded in his side while on the cross, the blood from which was caught in a Grail. In the Major Arcana, the "Fisher King" is the Hanged Man who achieves enlightenment by hanging from a tree and pouring his "blood" into a chalice or bowel. The card indicates, among other things, personal sacrifice out of love for Divine Order; "understanding the plan." The Hebrew Letter attributed to the Hanged Man is Mem, meaning Water. The Sun or Sun King represents concentrated Light within the Universal Womb represented by the Vesica Piscis (Piscis=pisces=fish. see 'Alpha and Omega of Soul Development' under Neptune on The Planets page).
All the Court Cards themselves, along with the Kabbalistic Worlds, represent "a perfectly unified continuum" as David Chaim Smith explains when discussing the Four Worlds in his book Kabbalistic Mirror of Genesis. As we will see in the section on the Queens, there will be the urge to interpret them as being "higher," and the Knights and Kings as being "lower." But, they are all equally part of the Grail Castle. One could not exist without the other.
The Divine Name Yod Heh Vau Heh indicates, among other things, the Four Worlds of Kabbalah. The Letter "Vau" indicates this formative world of Yetzirah ruled by the Fisher King, Sun King(s) and Grail Knights (Kings and Knights in Tarot). It is important to make things as simple as possible, as I know how frustratingly complicated it can get when looking into this subject. The Tarot is a perfect avenue through which to dispel these complications. From David Chaim Smith's book Kabbalistic Mirror of Geneis we read:
The ten sefirot articulate the creative array inherent in the essential Divine Name: YHVH. Its four letters correspond to the four interdependent modes of expression that make up the unity of the creative process. The diagram (left) illustrates how the sefirot arise naturally through these four interdependent modes, expressed in unison. They are represented by four intersecting circles, each representing one of the four letters of the name YHVH.
The ten sefirot are not a representation of a linear stepped-down hierarchy, which begins at keter and concludes at malkut, contrary to popular misconception. They present Ain Sof (without end or limit) as a unified intedependent whole with ten interactive functions. The sefirot arise together as the four letters of the Divine Name express its creative harmony. This harmonization is depicted graphically as four circles that interpenetrate one another from midpoint to periphery, as can be seen (in the) figure... The 'heart' of each circle is directly expressed as the out 'skin' of the next, as a single simultaneous gesture that transcends origin and cessation. If this construct is viewed beyond fixation to a linear progression, it illustrates a continuous simultaneity in which the sefirot and the four dimensions support each other interdependently...
Each of the four letters of YHVH represents a dimension of the primordial unity of Ain Sof. These four dimensions are complete realms in themselves, which kabbalists refer to as the four worlds. Contrary to common misconception, the world worlds do not divide higher states of purity from lower states of impurity. This view, based on divisive conceptuality, belongs tothe context of theistic religion.
The Divine Name is a perfectly unified continuum. Its component parts are only reference points fabricated by conceptuality to serve as tools for its understanding. However, despite its inherent unity, there is still an obvious variation in phenomenal function which is endemic to its worlds. Herein lies the basic paradox: unity is not contradicted by diversity. Taking this as the starting point will allow the study of the sefirot to transform what may appear to be tangible qualities into intangible wisdom aspects.
The Knights are seated upon Steeds implying motion, directed energy, moving toward a specific end, initiative, and strength. They are bringing energy, yet also looking for it. The masculine Knights are related to the masculine Princes (Kings) in this sense, since the Princes are themselves seated upon Chariots, which also imply motion, Yang force, directed energy, etc. All of the Knights Crowns are 7s, meaning contemplative, introverted, visionary, "against the grain," prophetic, a need to kindle and preserve inner fire, inner fortitude, resolve, etc. All the Knights Voices are 8s, showing their actions and works as being quite Mercurial, swift, bright, impermanent, and within the social sphere. Their actions are to achieve mastery by developing firm foundations, keeping a positive image, and materializing visions and goals. All the Knights Altars are 9s, the base of the Grail as set upon the 10 (Malkuth/Earth). This environment can be very "elitist," but also humanitarian and generous. The 9 is a sphere that genuinely cares. 9 as the Altar also represents the environment of the subconscious, connection with ancestors and ancestral memory, sexual energy/potency and generative dynamism (Yesod corresponds to the genitals) and communication through actions and deeds rather than through words or thought alone.
King Arthur is the Grail Keeper, the Sun King, and he is sometimes identified with or in the company of the "Fisher King" or "Wounded King," showing a direct parallel to Christ who was the "fisher of men" and wounded in his side while on the cross, the blood from which was caught in a Grail. In the Major Arcana, the "Fisher King" is the Hanged Man who achieves enlightenment by hanging from a tree and pouring his "blood" into a chalice or bowel. The card indicates, among other things, personal sacrifice out of love for Divine Order; "understanding the plan." The Hebrew Letter attributed to the Hanged Man is Mem, meaning Water. The Sun or Sun King represents concentrated Light within the Universal Womb represented by the Vesica Piscis (Piscis=pisces=fish. see 'Alpha and Omega of Soul Development' under Neptune on The Planets page).
All the Court Cards themselves, along with the Kabbalistic Worlds, represent "a perfectly unified continuum" as David Chaim Smith explains when discussing the Four Worlds in his book Kabbalistic Mirror of Genesis. As we will see in the section on the Queens, there will be the urge to interpret them as being "higher," and the Knights and Kings as being "lower." But, they are all equally part of the Grail Castle. One could not exist without the other.
The Divine Name Yod Heh Vau Heh indicates, among other things, the Four Worlds of Kabbalah. The Letter "Vau" indicates this formative world of Yetzirah ruled by the Fisher King, Sun King(s) and Grail Knights (Kings and Knights in Tarot). It is important to make things as simple as possible, as I know how frustratingly complicated it can get when looking into this subject. The Tarot is a perfect avenue through which to dispel these complications. From David Chaim Smith's book Kabbalistic Mirror of Geneis we read:
The ten sefirot articulate the creative array inherent in the essential Divine Name: YHVH. Its four letters correspond to the four interdependent modes of expression that make up the unity of the creative process. The diagram (left) illustrates how the sefirot arise naturally through these four interdependent modes, expressed in unison. They are represented by four intersecting circles, each representing one of the four letters of the name YHVH.
The ten sefirot are not a representation of a linear stepped-down hierarchy, which begins at keter and concludes at malkut, contrary to popular misconception. They present Ain Sof (without end or limit) as a unified intedependent whole with ten interactive functions. The sefirot arise together as the four letters of the Divine Name express its creative harmony. This harmonization is depicted graphically as four circles that interpenetrate one another from midpoint to periphery, as can be seen (in the) figure... The 'heart' of each circle is directly expressed as the out 'skin' of the next, as a single simultaneous gesture that transcends origin and cessation. If this construct is viewed beyond fixation to a linear progression, it illustrates a continuous simultaneity in which the sefirot and the four dimensions support each other interdependently...
Each of the four letters of YHVH represents a dimension of the primordial unity of Ain Sof. These four dimensions are complete realms in themselves, which kabbalists refer to as the four worlds. Contrary to common misconception, the world worlds do not divide higher states of purity from lower states of impurity. This view, based on divisive conceptuality, belongs tothe context of theistic religion.
The Divine Name is a perfectly unified continuum. Its component parts are only reference points fabricated by conceptuality to serve as tools for its understanding. However, despite its inherent unity, there is still an obvious variation in phenomenal function which is endemic to its worlds. Herein lies the basic paradox: unity is not contradicted by diversity. Taking this as the starting point will allow the study of the sefirot to transform what may appear to be tangible qualities into intangible wisdom aspects.
The Knights are seated upon Steeds implying motion, directed energy, moving toward a specific end, initiative, and strength. They are bringing energy, yet also looking for it. The masculine Knights are related to the masculine Princes (Kings) in this sense, since the Princes are themselves seated upon Chariots, which also imply motion, Yang force, directed energy, etc. All of the Knights Crowns are 7s, meaning contemplative, introverted, visionary, "against the grain," prophetic, a need to kindle and preserve inner fire, inner fortitude, resolve, etc. All the Knights Voices are 8s, showing their actions and works as being quite Mercurial, swift, bright, impermanent, and within the social sphere. Their actions are to achieve mastery by developing firm foundations, keeping a positive image, and materializing visions and goals. All the Knights Altars are 9s, the base of the Grail as set upon the 10 (Malkuth/Earth). This environment can be very "elitist," but also humanitarian and generous. The 9 is a sphere that genuinely cares. 9 as the Altar also represents the environment of the subconscious, connection with ancestors and ancestral memory, sexual energy/potency and generative dynamism (Yesod corresponds to the genitals) and communication through actions and deeds rather than through words or thought alone.
Knight of Wands
Crown: 7 of Cups - Debauch
Voice: 8 of Wands - Swiftness
Altar: 9 of Wands - Strength
♏ ♐ ♐
The Knight of Wands represents conviction, following through with an inner vision in a single burst of "knowing" what needs to be done. The Knight of Wands is known as the "Lord of the Flame and the Lightning; The King of the Spirits of Fire."
The Crown of this Knight is the 7 of Cups-Debauch, the last Decan of Scorpio. For being such a Fiery court card, always keep in mind his "Crowning" element is in fact Water. This gives the Knight a sense of deep emotional reasons for doing what he is doing, making him active while at the same time emotionally deep. The 7 of Cups is also highly creative and contemplative. This Knight has crowning conceptions of "breaking new ground," of revealing something completely new and different. For this Knight it is important to strike while the iron is hot, since, as we will see with his Voice, though his actions are swift and will leave a mark, they will likewise fade quickly if inspirations and conceptions are not acted upon.
His Voice, or action, is swift, indicated by the 8 of Wands-Swiftness, the first Decan of Sagittarius. The 8 of Wands is the most "electrified" of all the Minor Arcana, signifying the need for swift action while inspiration has not yet waned or dissipated. This Voice decan is also a decan of war and and the declaration of it. The declarations of this Knight, no matter what they entail, are of intense action and striking while the iron is hot. This intensity of inspiration in large part comes from the depth and sensitivity of his Scorpionic Crown, which is inherently introverted and contemplative. When a vision comes, it is up to this Knight to use the great kinetic action of his Voice to bring some level of manifestation to it.
The Knights Altar, being his environment or "kingdom," is the 9 of Wands-Strength, the second Decan of Sagittarius. This is a card representing steady force that cannot be shaken or detracted from it course. It is a decan of hard one successes, great strength, generosity and good health. On the same token, with this Altar there is a sense of the possibility of wavering and of the need for diligence, patience and integrity. The swift actions of this Knight's Voice begin to die down, hence this he begins to feel toughened up by the drudgery of the "mundane." If action is not taken when the inspiration is there, of "striking while the iron is hot," then this Knight may become frenetic and compromise what little energy is available in order to artificially bring change by force. This may lead to an air of impatience and/or incompetence. However, if this Knight has patience with his visionary Crown, trusting it to be "on time, every time," then a sense of the timeless will dawn within his environment, that he feels he can "do anything" as long as he sets his sights on it. This requires not trying to artificially tool inspiration into existence. The patient and competent Knight of Wands is pioneering, proud, authoritative, compassionate and certain in his abilities. If ill dignified, the Knight of Wands represents emotional imbalance, "snapping," victim consciousness, grudges, blaming, revenge, exhaustion, and reluctance to forgive and heal oneself emotionally.
The Crown of this Knight is the 7 of Cups-Debauch, the last Decan of Scorpio. For being such a Fiery court card, always keep in mind his "Crowning" element is in fact Water. This gives the Knight a sense of deep emotional reasons for doing what he is doing, making him active while at the same time emotionally deep. The 7 of Cups is also highly creative and contemplative. This Knight has crowning conceptions of "breaking new ground," of revealing something completely new and different. For this Knight it is important to strike while the iron is hot, since, as we will see with his Voice, though his actions are swift and will leave a mark, they will likewise fade quickly if inspirations and conceptions are not acted upon.
His Voice, or action, is swift, indicated by the 8 of Wands-Swiftness, the first Decan of Sagittarius. The 8 of Wands is the most "electrified" of all the Minor Arcana, signifying the need for swift action while inspiration has not yet waned or dissipated. This Voice decan is also a decan of war and and the declaration of it. The declarations of this Knight, no matter what they entail, are of intense action and striking while the iron is hot. This intensity of inspiration in large part comes from the depth and sensitivity of his Scorpionic Crown, which is inherently introverted and contemplative. When a vision comes, it is up to this Knight to use the great kinetic action of his Voice to bring some level of manifestation to it.
The Knights Altar, being his environment or "kingdom," is the 9 of Wands-Strength, the second Decan of Sagittarius. This is a card representing steady force that cannot be shaken or detracted from it course. It is a decan of hard one successes, great strength, generosity and good health. On the same token, with this Altar there is a sense of the possibility of wavering and of the need for diligence, patience and integrity. The swift actions of this Knight's Voice begin to die down, hence this he begins to feel toughened up by the drudgery of the "mundane." If action is not taken when the inspiration is there, of "striking while the iron is hot," then this Knight may become frenetic and compromise what little energy is available in order to artificially bring change by force. This may lead to an air of impatience and/or incompetence. However, if this Knight has patience with his visionary Crown, trusting it to be "on time, every time," then a sense of the timeless will dawn within his environment, that he feels he can "do anything" as long as he sets his sights on it. This requires not trying to artificially tool inspiration into existence. The patient and competent Knight of Wands is pioneering, proud, authoritative, compassionate and certain in his abilities. If ill dignified, the Knight of Wands represents emotional imbalance, "snapping," victim consciousness, grudges, blaming, revenge, exhaustion, and reluctance to forgive and heal oneself emotionally.
Knight of Cups
Crown: 7 of Swords - Futility
Voice: 8 of Cups - Indolence
Altar: 9 of Cups - Happiness
♒ ♓ ♓
The Knight of Cups is himself quite changeable, elusive and hard to define. Also take note of his relationship to the Queen of Cups and the Price of Cups meanings, that of bringing Air into Water, the difference here being that he is bridging scientific Aquarius to mysterious, sensitive and deep Pisces. As such his role is very important in bringing this Fixed sign of Mind into harmony with the Mutable and flowing sign of Water. The Knight of Cups is known as the "Lord of the Waves and the Waters; the King of the Hosts of the Sea."
The Crown of this Knight is the 7 of Swords-Futility, the last Decan of Aquarius. This Knights Crown, or his "crowning reasons," are Airy, that is, mental. Of all the Knights at the Round Table, it is the Knight of Cups who most wants peace between individuals and to have a cordial environment. The need for this "weighs" on his crown heavily, sometimes feeling that he must force an "ideal" to those who either really are against it, or that he imagines are against it. This is a paradox for the Knight of Cups, that is to sometimes feel the need to force equality and egalitarian ideals. This inherent "problem" leads to the Voice of this Knight that may take the form of either striving for the impossible, or holding on to that which harms rather than helps in the name of some buried and unrealistic ideal.
The Voice of this Knight is the 8 of Cups-Indolence, the first Decan of Pisces. This may indicate striving for the impossible, and also a sense of abandonment. Through his actions he may skip from one thing to the next, seeking for the "thing" that will bring true and lasting happiness. This is his search for the 'Holy Grail.' Of all the Knights, the Knight of Cups is the quintessential Grail Seeker. He may also cling to things that are not good for him, while abandoning those things that are good for him.
The Altar of the Knight of Cups is the 9 of Cups-Happiness, the second Decan of Pisces. His Altar is very likable and affable. This is an environment that is easy to be around, that is beautiful and full of simple pleasures. Having this card as his Altar makes him "high minded" and not easily satisfied with what seems to be limited in scope. He wants to push for "more." If ill dignified, this Knight is overly sensual, insatiable and untruthful.
The Crown of this Knight is the 7 of Swords-Futility, the last Decan of Aquarius. This Knights Crown, or his "crowning reasons," are Airy, that is, mental. Of all the Knights at the Round Table, it is the Knight of Cups who most wants peace between individuals and to have a cordial environment. The need for this "weighs" on his crown heavily, sometimes feeling that he must force an "ideal" to those who either really are against it, or that he imagines are against it. This is a paradox for the Knight of Cups, that is to sometimes feel the need to force equality and egalitarian ideals. This inherent "problem" leads to the Voice of this Knight that may take the form of either striving for the impossible, or holding on to that which harms rather than helps in the name of some buried and unrealistic ideal.
The Voice of this Knight is the 8 of Cups-Indolence, the first Decan of Pisces. This may indicate striving for the impossible, and also a sense of abandonment. Through his actions he may skip from one thing to the next, seeking for the "thing" that will bring true and lasting happiness. This is his search for the 'Holy Grail.' Of all the Knights, the Knight of Cups is the quintessential Grail Seeker. He may also cling to things that are not good for him, while abandoning those things that are good for him.
The Altar of the Knight of Cups is the 9 of Cups-Happiness, the second Decan of Pisces. His Altar is very likable and affable. This is an environment that is easy to be around, that is beautiful and full of simple pleasures. Having this card as his Altar makes him "high minded" and not easily satisfied with what seems to be limited in scope. He wants to push for "more." If ill dignified, this Knight is overly sensual, insatiable and untruthful.
Knight of Swords
Crown: 7 of Disks - Failure
Voice: 8 of Swords - Interference
Altar: 9 of Swords - Cruelty
♉ ♊ ♊
The Knight of Swords has a very scintillating mind and demeanor. He can "cut" into things. He may be very good with technology or anything that requires technical skill, language, thought and ability. He is known as the "Lord of the Winds and the Breezes: The King of the Spirits of Air."
This Knight has an interesting Crown or "helmet." His Crown is the 7 of Discs-Failure, the last Decan of Taurus. Failure is a strong word. It could just as easily be "retreat" or "contemplation of the physical" without feeling the urge to change physical circumstances right away. A person can admire a tree without feeling the need to cut it down and make a table out of it. The 7 of Discs is "quiet" with form, and very contemplative. Things don't seem to be moving. Some see this path as "muddling," negative and lacking initiative, but through contemplation of physical form, the Knight of Swords gains a lot of knowledge of the physical which then gets translated into swift mental action through his Voice.
The Voice of this Knight is represented by the 8 of Swords-Interference, the first Decan of Gemini. Through all the mental static indicated by the 8 of Swords, the Knight of Swords begins to cut through the minutiae. The actions and words of this Knight are pointed and precise, cutting right to the source in an attempt to dispel certain Interference patterns that are inherent in thought, language and mind. Through the patient observance that is learned from the Crown, they want to get to the real heart of things and obtain true freedom. A well known Knight of Swords personality was J. Krishnamurti, who was born in the 7 of Disks Decan, or the Crown Decan of the Knight of Swords. Note his extreme care with subject matter, and his intense, though patient and thoughtful, observance, which cuts to the core of matters.
The Altar of the Knight of Swords is the 9 of Swords-Cruelty, the second Decan of Gemini. This is another negative title which needs clarifying. Having this as one's Altar means they are in an environment for great care, patience, and a willingness to dispel the incredible turbulence of the mind that may lead to despair and suffering. This is the suffering of the mind, which has a penchant for making things complicated. The "terror" which arises out of this Decan occurs only to the mind not prepared or ready for the revelation. Even a peek behind the curtain of reality may cause more harm than good, but sometimes this is necessary, like getting cold water splashed on one's face which "wakes one up." In the Rider Waite tarot, the 9 of Swords card is depicted as a man sitting up in bed with his hands over his face, as if he were abruptly awakened by a jarring nightmare. This is precisely what the Knight of Swords environment is like, not necessarily full of "night frights" or scary thoughts, but in understanding how sensitive the mind itself is, and that Truth needs to be approached in a particular way less it seriously disturb one's mind in its fixed patterns. This Knight's Altar is of incredible revelation, revealing, care, subtlety, prayer, faith, and unselfishness. If ill dignified, this Knight is conniving, evil, crafty and manipulative.
This Knight has an interesting Crown or "helmet." His Crown is the 7 of Discs-Failure, the last Decan of Taurus. Failure is a strong word. It could just as easily be "retreat" or "contemplation of the physical" without feeling the urge to change physical circumstances right away. A person can admire a tree without feeling the need to cut it down and make a table out of it. The 7 of Discs is "quiet" with form, and very contemplative. Things don't seem to be moving. Some see this path as "muddling," negative and lacking initiative, but through contemplation of physical form, the Knight of Swords gains a lot of knowledge of the physical which then gets translated into swift mental action through his Voice.
The Voice of this Knight is represented by the 8 of Swords-Interference, the first Decan of Gemini. Through all the mental static indicated by the 8 of Swords, the Knight of Swords begins to cut through the minutiae. The actions and words of this Knight are pointed and precise, cutting right to the source in an attempt to dispel certain Interference patterns that are inherent in thought, language and mind. Through the patient observance that is learned from the Crown, they want to get to the real heart of things and obtain true freedom. A well known Knight of Swords personality was J. Krishnamurti, who was born in the 7 of Disks Decan, or the Crown Decan of the Knight of Swords. Note his extreme care with subject matter, and his intense, though patient and thoughtful, observance, which cuts to the core of matters.
The Altar of the Knight of Swords is the 9 of Swords-Cruelty, the second Decan of Gemini. This is another negative title which needs clarifying. Having this as one's Altar means they are in an environment for great care, patience, and a willingness to dispel the incredible turbulence of the mind that may lead to despair and suffering. This is the suffering of the mind, which has a penchant for making things complicated. The "terror" which arises out of this Decan occurs only to the mind not prepared or ready for the revelation. Even a peek behind the curtain of reality may cause more harm than good, but sometimes this is necessary, like getting cold water splashed on one's face which "wakes one up." In the Rider Waite tarot, the 9 of Swords card is depicted as a man sitting up in bed with his hands over his face, as if he were abruptly awakened by a jarring nightmare. This is precisely what the Knight of Swords environment is like, not necessarily full of "night frights" or scary thoughts, but in understanding how sensitive the mind itself is, and that Truth needs to be approached in a particular way less it seriously disturb one's mind in its fixed patterns. This Knight's Altar is of incredible revelation, revealing, care, subtlety, prayer, faith, and unselfishness. If ill dignified, this Knight is conniving, evil, crafty and manipulative.
Knight of Disks
Crown: 7 of Wands - Valor
Voice: 8 of Disks - Prudence
Altar: 9 of Disks - Gain
♌ ♍ ♍
The Knight of Disks' love and individualist spirit become fused within all the crafts and material matters he works with, very much embodying the idea of adding one's"personal touch." There is a stoutness, a great love of the land, a caring touch, a robustness, great patience, and a willingness to push and plow forward with a resolve that does not crumble under pressure. This Knight is known as "The Lord of the Wide and Fertile Land; The King of the Spirits of Earth."
The Crown of the Knight of Disks is the 7 of Wands-Valor, the last Decan of Leo. This is the introspective spirit of the individual, a "flicker" that may seem dim to some, but within its solitude is a roaring fire of soulful intent. This is the "hidden fire." This Knight senses that he is on his own, and that every craft he undertakes must be done carefully, mindfully, and thoughtfully. This Knight's Crown has "been through much" and has seen much, though he still moves forward with inner resolve, valor and strength. Bridging the elements of Fire and Earth is important in that this may be considered bridging the Alpha and Omega of oneself, the spiritual and the physical.
The Voice of this Knight is his work, represented by the 8 of Disks-Prudence, the first Decan of Virgo. This is a card of craft and workmanship, and of paying careful attention to detail over time. This is, of course, the perfect antithesis to his Crown of the 7 of Wands which may at times feel as if time itself running out. His calloused hands, though rough, create great works imbued with his love for authentic beauty. His are the hands lovingly and patiently applied to all material matters. For this Knight especially, to care deeply for ones environment and "till the soil" is to ultimately care for and till the soil of the Self.
The Altar of the Knight of Disks is the 9 of Disks-Gain, the second Decan of Virgo. This is an environment of plenty, abundance, generosity and sharing. It is the time of harvest, storage, and reserves for winter. This Knights environment is of a "more than enough" and "take your fill" kind. Like all Altar cards within the Courts, the 3s, 6s and 9s, there is a special relationship sowed between people, that of sharing, generosity, charity, and general togetherness. If ill dignified, this Knight is dull, rigid, closed off, emotionless, and envious.
The Crown of the Knight of Disks is the 7 of Wands-Valor, the last Decan of Leo. This is the introspective spirit of the individual, a "flicker" that may seem dim to some, but within its solitude is a roaring fire of soulful intent. This is the "hidden fire." This Knight senses that he is on his own, and that every craft he undertakes must be done carefully, mindfully, and thoughtfully. This Knight's Crown has "been through much" and has seen much, though he still moves forward with inner resolve, valor and strength. Bridging the elements of Fire and Earth is important in that this may be considered bridging the Alpha and Omega of oneself, the spiritual and the physical.
The Voice of this Knight is his work, represented by the 8 of Disks-Prudence, the first Decan of Virgo. This is a card of craft and workmanship, and of paying careful attention to detail over time. This is, of course, the perfect antithesis to his Crown of the 7 of Wands which may at times feel as if time itself running out. His calloused hands, though rough, create great works imbued with his love for authentic beauty. His are the hands lovingly and patiently applied to all material matters. For this Knight especially, to care deeply for ones environment and "till the soil" is to ultimately care for and till the soil of the Self.
The Altar of the Knight of Disks is the 9 of Disks-Gain, the second Decan of Virgo. This is an environment of plenty, abundance, generosity and sharing. It is the time of harvest, storage, and reserves for winter. This Knights environment is of a "more than enough" and "take your fill" kind. Like all Altar cards within the Courts, the 3s, 6s and 9s, there is a special relationship sowed between people, that of sharing, generosity, charity, and general togetherness. If ill dignified, this Knight is dull, rigid, closed off, emotionless, and envious.
Bridging Mutable and Cardinal Signs
Crown: All four 10s Voice: All four 2s Altar: All four 3s
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The Queens rule the 10s, 2s and 3s, or Malkuth, Chokmah and Binah. Some feel the Queens only rule the 2s and 3s, with the 10s exclusively being the territory of the Princesses. But, there is an overlapping, which will be discussed later.
Whereas the Knights rule the realms of protecting and/or questing for the Grail or Chalice, the Queens rule the realm of the ideal, or Divine principles, which itself forms the Rim or opening of the Chalice (pictured below). The Queen at the same time pours herself into the Grail, which subsequently guides the work taking place "below." In this sense, the Queens are quite a force. They represent a higher perspective, a perfected Yin ideal of Divine connectedness, which then becomes translated further down in the Tree of Life as Yang action in the Yetziratic world. The masculine Yang grows out of the feminine Yin. The Yin Queens have very wide vision and broad scope, whereas the Yang Knights and Princes are considered as being "focused in" around the Round Table. The Queens high perspective needs a "target" or an "object" through which to materialize, and the Princes and Knights represent the action of "zeroing in" on that target, bringing Divine Principle into conscious awareness through the use of intellect.
Whereas the Knights rule the realms of protecting and/or questing for the Grail or Chalice, the Queens rule the realm of the ideal, or Divine principles, which itself forms the Rim or opening of the Chalice (pictured below). The Queen at the same time pours herself into the Grail, which subsequently guides the work taking place "below." In this sense, the Queens are quite a force. They represent a higher perspective, a perfected Yin ideal of Divine connectedness, which then becomes translated further down in the Tree of Life as Yang action in the Yetziratic world. The masculine Yang grows out of the feminine Yin. The Yin Queens have very wide vision and broad scope, whereas the Yang Knights and Princes are considered as being "focused in" around the Round Table. The Queens high perspective needs a "target" or an "object" through which to materialize, and the Princes and Knights represent the action of "zeroing in" on that target, bringing Divine Principle into conscious awareness through the use of intellect.
When looking at the Grail as it's outlined on the Tree of Life, we can very easily see the receptive Yin quality of the Queens. Their main elements of rulership are within the 2nd and 3rd spheres of Chokma and Binah, the two sephiroth that form the receptive opening of the Grail pattern itself.
The Queens, which rule the 10s, 2s and 3s, can be thought of as having a clear view of both the lowest (10th sphere) and the highest (2nd and 3rd spheres), and also ends (end of the season) and beginnings (beginnings of the season). The Crown, or inspiration, of the Queen is actually quite material and visceral as it's within the realm of pure experience as apprehended by the senses in Malkuth, 10, 'The Kingdom.' Within the Tree of Life diagram, one way of looking at the Four Worlds is that Kether, 1, 'The Crown,' is Yod of Tetragrammaton. This "first" world is also given the name of Atzliluth, the Archetypal World. The second world, Heh of Tetragrammaton, centers around the invisible sphere of Daath. This is known as the world of Briah, the Creative World. The third world, which was discussed in the Knights section, Vau of Tetragrammaton, is called Yetzirah, the Formative World. The fourth and last world, the final Heh of Tetragrammaton, is centered around Malkuth, and is called Assiah, the Material World. Of course this is just one way of looking at the Four Worlds concept, not the only way.
There is a special overlapping between these worlds and there are many ways of looking at them, but lets look at it in terms of the Court Cards. One could say that the Queens make an attempt at raising their 10th sphere Crown to the position of the 1st sphere, making Earth and "Heaven" one and the same with no division. This brings the realization of Divinity within matter. The 10th sphere, Malkuth, even though it is ruled by the Queens or 'Mothers', is also ruled by the Princesses, the 'Daughters.' Through numerological reduction, 10 really is 1. Kether is Malkuth, and Malkuth is Kether. Within the Divine Name Yod Heh Vau Heh, the two feminine Hehs play a vital role in guidance and the realization of Divinity upon and within matter and the Earth itself. In Crowley's Book of Thoth on page 118, when discussing the Universe card of Tarot, he states:
Saturn, therefore, is masculine; he is the old god, the god of fertility, the sun in the south; but equally the Great Sea, the great Mother; and hte letter Tau upon the Tree of Life appears as an emanation from the moon of Yesod, the foundation of the Tree and representative of the reproductive process and of the equilibrium between change and stability, or rather their identification. The influence of the path descends upon the earth, Malkuth, the daughter. Here again appears the doctrine "setting the daughter upon the throne of the Mother." In the card itself there is consequently a glyph of the completion of the Great Work in its highest sense, exactly as the Atu of the Fool symbolizes its beginning. The Fool is the negative issuing into manifestation; the Universe is that manifestation, its purpose accomplished, ready to return. The twenty cards that lie between these two exhibit the Great Work and its agents in various stages. The image of the Universe in this sense is accordingly that of a maiden, the final letter of Tetragrammaton."
Another way to relay the story of this relationship between the Queens and Princesses, the "highest" and "lowest," is to look to the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone. Demeter, the divine mother, loses her daughter, Persephone, to Hades. In the myth, as told in the "Homeric Hymn to Demeter," Persephone was out picking flowers away from her mother. One of the flowers she picked was a narcissi, a flower from the myth of Narcissus (where we get narcissism-obsession with the self). Out of all the flowers, the narcissi was the most beautiful and enchanting. It had one hundred heads and a fragrance that pleased the sky, earth and sea. As Persephone reached for the narcissi the earth opened up and Hades grabbed her and took her to the underworld. The "underworld" in Greek myth may be considered physical matter, or nature. From the book Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore, on page 41, we read:
As he (Hades) forced her into his golden chariot, she screamed, but no one heard her except the sun and the moon. Finally, Demeter heard her daughters grieving, and "A sharp pain seized her heart." Immediately, throwing off her headdress and abstaining from divine food and drink, she went off in search of her daughter... Hades is the "Invisible One," lord of the underworld. His is the realm of essences, the eternal factors that, while they are very much part of life, are invisible. For the Greeks, the underworld was the proper home of the soul... Jesus, too, journey to the land of the dead in the time between his death and resurrection, and Dante began his mystical pilgrimage there. The image of "underworld" in these stories has a relation to actual death, but it also represents the invisible, mysterious, unfathomable depths of a person or society. The Persephone myth informs us that sometimes one discovers soul and the underworld against one's will. Certain attractive things in the world may act as lures, setting us up for a challenging fall into the depths of self.
As the poet Rilke stated, "Our task is to stamp this provisional, perishing earth into ourselves so deeply, so painfully and passionately, that its being may rise again, 'invisibly,' in us." What is "invisible" to the mind is the divinity of nature, and that we ourselves come out of that very same nature. This is the "Kether in Malkuth" and the "Malkuth in Kether." It is the divinity, symbolism and truth in nature that is so close one may not even notice it. We often here the adage "go within" to find the truth of our existence. This has the connotation of sitting alone in silence and in contemplation. But, when we go out at night and look up at the stars we are also looking within ourselves. Is this not also one's Great Body? An individual may partake of all nature's pleasures, but may not necessarily notice its messages and symbols.
Demeter, out of her grief of losing Persephone, stops all plants and vegetation from growing for a long while. This part of the myth is instructive in showing how a person may not really know what they have until it's taken away. This is a humbling experience for the Yang mind and instructs it to do as nature does, to see itself in the change of seasons, the growing of plants in the soil, the darkness of night and the light of the sun. It is only through the symbols of the enveloping and conterminous parts of nature that mind may come to a reasonable, spiritual and also logical understanding of itself.
Like the Princesses, the Queens are pictured within their respective elements without need of chariots or steeds, implying the Yin principle of embodiment and connectedness with the environment. They are in perfect harmony with the elements. In this sense, one could say they are an embodiment of, or messenger of, the Universal Intelligence itself. All the Queens Crowns are 10s, meaning both initiation and completion, a closeness to materiality, multifaceted ability, multitasking, wholeness, the 'Alpha and Omega,' visceral experience, instinct and intuition. All the Queens Voices are 2s, showing their actions are aimed at compromise, comparison, counseling, seeing all sides, partnership, diplomacy, and maintaining peace. The 2 as the Voice is also concerned with understanding what is transitory and impermanent. As such, the 2 action sows seeds of great care and loving awareness in ways that may withstand any "changes" that occur. All the Queens Altars are 3s, meaning that their environment, their "kingdom," is one of togetherness, joy and harmony between seemingly disparate parts. 3 is the most feminine number and also shows the most panache. The family is the perfect analogy to the 3 dynamic. Families are comprised of many strikingly different personalities who make an effort to living together peacefully without too much discord. 3 consciousness is what "holds it together," to be able to stick out and embrace your individuality, your panache, but to also accept those around you as having their own way of doing things as well.
The Queens, which rule the 10s, 2s and 3s, can be thought of as having a clear view of both the lowest (10th sphere) and the highest (2nd and 3rd spheres), and also ends (end of the season) and beginnings (beginnings of the season). The Crown, or inspiration, of the Queen is actually quite material and visceral as it's within the realm of pure experience as apprehended by the senses in Malkuth, 10, 'The Kingdom.' Within the Tree of Life diagram, one way of looking at the Four Worlds is that Kether, 1, 'The Crown,' is Yod of Tetragrammaton. This "first" world is also given the name of Atzliluth, the Archetypal World. The second world, Heh of Tetragrammaton, centers around the invisible sphere of Daath. This is known as the world of Briah, the Creative World. The third world, which was discussed in the Knights section, Vau of Tetragrammaton, is called Yetzirah, the Formative World. The fourth and last world, the final Heh of Tetragrammaton, is centered around Malkuth, and is called Assiah, the Material World. Of course this is just one way of looking at the Four Worlds concept, not the only way.
There is a special overlapping between these worlds and there are many ways of looking at them, but lets look at it in terms of the Court Cards. One could say that the Queens make an attempt at raising their 10th sphere Crown to the position of the 1st sphere, making Earth and "Heaven" one and the same with no division. This brings the realization of Divinity within matter. The 10th sphere, Malkuth, even though it is ruled by the Queens or 'Mothers', is also ruled by the Princesses, the 'Daughters.' Through numerological reduction, 10 really is 1. Kether is Malkuth, and Malkuth is Kether. Within the Divine Name Yod Heh Vau Heh, the two feminine Hehs play a vital role in guidance and the realization of Divinity upon and within matter and the Earth itself. In Crowley's Book of Thoth on page 118, when discussing the Universe card of Tarot, he states:
Saturn, therefore, is masculine; he is the old god, the god of fertility, the sun in the south; but equally the Great Sea, the great Mother; and hte letter Tau upon the Tree of Life appears as an emanation from the moon of Yesod, the foundation of the Tree and representative of the reproductive process and of the equilibrium between change and stability, or rather their identification. The influence of the path descends upon the earth, Malkuth, the daughter. Here again appears the doctrine "setting the daughter upon the throne of the Mother." In the card itself there is consequently a glyph of the completion of the Great Work in its highest sense, exactly as the Atu of the Fool symbolizes its beginning. The Fool is the negative issuing into manifestation; the Universe is that manifestation, its purpose accomplished, ready to return. The twenty cards that lie between these two exhibit the Great Work and its agents in various stages. The image of the Universe in this sense is accordingly that of a maiden, the final letter of Tetragrammaton."
Another way to relay the story of this relationship between the Queens and Princesses, the "highest" and "lowest," is to look to the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone. Demeter, the divine mother, loses her daughter, Persephone, to Hades. In the myth, as told in the "Homeric Hymn to Demeter," Persephone was out picking flowers away from her mother. One of the flowers she picked was a narcissi, a flower from the myth of Narcissus (where we get narcissism-obsession with the self). Out of all the flowers, the narcissi was the most beautiful and enchanting. It had one hundred heads and a fragrance that pleased the sky, earth and sea. As Persephone reached for the narcissi the earth opened up and Hades grabbed her and took her to the underworld. The "underworld" in Greek myth may be considered physical matter, or nature. From the book Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore, on page 41, we read:
As he (Hades) forced her into his golden chariot, she screamed, but no one heard her except the sun and the moon. Finally, Demeter heard her daughters grieving, and "A sharp pain seized her heart." Immediately, throwing off her headdress and abstaining from divine food and drink, she went off in search of her daughter... Hades is the "Invisible One," lord of the underworld. His is the realm of essences, the eternal factors that, while they are very much part of life, are invisible. For the Greeks, the underworld was the proper home of the soul... Jesus, too, journey to the land of the dead in the time between his death and resurrection, and Dante began his mystical pilgrimage there. The image of "underworld" in these stories has a relation to actual death, but it also represents the invisible, mysterious, unfathomable depths of a person or society. The Persephone myth informs us that sometimes one discovers soul and the underworld against one's will. Certain attractive things in the world may act as lures, setting us up for a challenging fall into the depths of self.
As the poet Rilke stated, "Our task is to stamp this provisional, perishing earth into ourselves so deeply, so painfully and passionately, that its being may rise again, 'invisibly,' in us." What is "invisible" to the mind is the divinity of nature, and that we ourselves come out of that very same nature. This is the "Kether in Malkuth" and the "Malkuth in Kether." It is the divinity, symbolism and truth in nature that is so close one may not even notice it. We often here the adage "go within" to find the truth of our existence. This has the connotation of sitting alone in silence and in contemplation. But, when we go out at night and look up at the stars we are also looking within ourselves. Is this not also one's Great Body? An individual may partake of all nature's pleasures, but may not necessarily notice its messages and symbols.
Demeter, out of her grief of losing Persephone, stops all plants and vegetation from growing for a long while. This part of the myth is instructive in showing how a person may not really know what they have until it's taken away. This is a humbling experience for the Yang mind and instructs it to do as nature does, to see itself in the change of seasons, the growing of plants in the soil, the darkness of night and the light of the sun. It is only through the symbols of the enveloping and conterminous parts of nature that mind may come to a reasonable, spiritual and also logical understanding of itself.
Like the Princesses, the Queens are pictured within their respective elements without need of chariots or steeds, implying the Yin principle of embodiment and connectedness with the environment. They are in perfect harmony with the elements. In this sense, one could say they are an embodiment of, or messenger of, the Universal Intelligence itself. All the Queens Crowns are 10s, meaning both initiation and completion, a closeness to materiality, multifaceted ability, multitasking, wholeness, the 'Alpha and Omega,' visceral experience, instinct and intuition. All the Queens Voices are 2s, showing their actions are aimed at compromise, comparison, counseling, seeing all sides, partnership, diplomacy, and maintaining peace. The 2 as the Voice is also concerned with understanding what is transitory and impermanent. As such, the 2 action sows seeds of great care and loving awareness in ways that may withstand any "changes" that occur. All the Queens Altars are 3s, meaning that their environment, their "kingdom," is one of togetherness, joy and harmony between seemingly disparate parts. 3 is the most feminine number and also shows the most panache. The family is the perfect analogy to the 3 dynamic. Families are comprised of many strikingly different personalities who make an effort to living together peacefully without too much discord. 3 consciousness is what "holds it together," to be able to stick out and embrace your individuality, your panache, but to also accept those around you as having their own way of doing things as well.
Queen of Wands
Crown: 10 of Cups - Satiety
Voice: 2 of Wands - Dominion
Altar: 3 of Wands - Virtue
♓ ♈ ♈
The Queen of Wands represents conviction and high bursts of energy, a bit like the Knight of Wands, only the Queen of Wands is different in terms of working with others and that her energy is much less short lived. This Queen is known as the "Queen of the Thrones of Flame."
The Crown of this Queen is the 10 of Cups-Satiety, the last Decan of Pisces. This is partly why she is so likable and works well with others. In other decks the 10 of Cups is called 'Perfected Happiness.' This Crown represents initiation through incredibly deep emotional connectedness with the environment, a kind of 'Perfected Happiness.' The aspirations of the Queen of Wands personality are within the realm of family, but also togetherness and ease generally. One may say she has a vast supply of the Orgone energy that Wilhelm Reich discovered was essential for psychological and physical health. This Queen also dissolves blockages which may be stoping the flow of this energy.
The Voice of this Queen is the 2 of Wands-Dominion, the first Decan of Aries. This is translated as action taken through close partnerships which are highly kinetic. So long as one does not stand against this will of this Queen, everything should run smoothly. One should understand the inspirations and aspirations of this personality type are primarily with dissolving blockages to Orgone flow. There is an element of "destruction" in having this card as her Voice, but it is more like rapid dissolution of energy blockages. Even if one does not agree with the actions of this personality type, they may still see how important it is too remove blockages of this flow of energy within oneself. In essence, this Queen represents openness, brutal honesty and the ending of repression.
The Altar of this Queen is the 3 of Wands-Virtue, the second Decan of Aries. This indicates that the most suitable environment of this Queen is highly active, "buzzing" with activity. This does not mean she does not take time out in stillness, quietude and solitude, but that she really can shine when within in a group. All 3s in Tarot represent a certain group mentality, the realization that "we are all in this together." As such she possesses a great care for others, even if the actions of her Voice, the 2 of Wands, may seem abrasive at times. If ill dignified, this Queen is particularly pushy and domineering.
The Crown of this Queen is the 10 of Cups-Satiety, the last Decan of Pisces. This is partly why she is so likable and works well with others. In other decks the 10 of Cups is called 'Perfected Happiness.' This Crown represents initiation through incredibly deep emotional connectedness with the environment, a kind of 'Perfected Happiness.' The aspirations of the Queen of Wands personality are within the realm of family, but also togetherness and ease generally. One may say she has a vast supply of the Orgone energy that Wilhelm Reich discovered was essential for psychological and physical health. This Queen also dissolves blockages which may be stoping the flow of this energy.
The Voice of this Queen is the 2 of Wands-Dominion, the first Decan of Aries. This is translated as action taken through close partnerships which are highly kinetic. So long as one does not stand against this will of this Queen, everything should run smoothly. One should understand the inspirations and aspirations of this personality type are primarily with dissolving blockages to Orgone flow. There is an element of "destruction" in having this card as her Voice, but it is more like rapid dissolution of energy blockages. Even if one does not agree with the actions of this personality type, they may still see how important it is too remove blockages of this flow of energy within oneself. In essence, this Queen represents openness, brutal honesty and the ending of repression.
The Altar of this Queen is the 3 of Wands-Virtue, the second Decan of Aries. This indicates that the most suitable environment of this Queen is highly active, "buzzing" with activity. This does not mean she does not take time out in stillness, quietude and solitude, but that she really can shine when within in a group. All 3s in Tarot represent a certain group mentality, the realization that "we are all in this together." As such she possesses a great care for others, even if the actions of her Voice, the 2 of Wands, may seem abrasive at times. If ill dignified, this Queen is particularly pushy and domineering.
Queen of Cups
Crown: 10 of Swords - Ruin
Voice: 2 of Cups - Love
Altar: 3 of Cups - Abundance
♊ ♋ ♋
The Queen of Cups represents the placid waters of deep self reflection after mental turbulence. This Queen is called "The Queen of the Thrones of the Waters." Her dynamics are a bit like the Knight of Cups, only she does not "chase butterflies" as much. In other words, Queens always represent less of a mental Yang "grasping," and more of a Yin embodiment. The mental turbulence of her Crown is extreme, though the waters of her Voice and Altar are the perfect mirror for mind to see itself in. She is the great reflecting pool in which one may clearly see how they are being undone or possibly sabotaging themselves mentally.
The Crown of this Queen is one of the most unsettling cards of the Minor Arcana, the 10 of Swords-Ruin, the last Decan of Gemini. But, this card also presents a great gift in self-awareness. One could say that the inspiration and aspiration of this Queen is to bring absolute clarity and relief to the mind by seeing itself as an aspect of a greater whole. A useful way of seeing this is through a quote from the character Don Juan in Carlos Casteneda's book The Teachings of Don Juan: "All paths are the same: they lead nowhere. ... Does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn't, it is of no use. Both paths lead nowhere; but one has a heart, the other doesn't. One makes for a joyful journey; as long as you follow it, you are one with it. The other will make you curse your life. One makes you strong; the other weakens you." The 10 of Swords represents a kind of stabbing within the victim mind easily taken in by the metacontrast of seemingly opposing forces, either outside of oneself or within oneself. It only sees what is incompatible, irreparable and irredeemable. But, through this it may find great truth in understanding its own illusions. The joy and the poetry of this Queen is found in her Voice and Altar.
The Voice of the this Queen is indicated by the 2 of Cups-Love, the first Decan of Cancer. This is pure redemption for the mind, that only open and loving embrace can cure a turbulent mind. This is really what it's all about, that is, the power of touch. Of course, the 2 of Cups may represent physical love between people, but it also represents being emotionally touched. Emotions themselves are actually quite physical feeling. They are felt within the water of the body. The 10 of Swords Crown is useful as a "mind mirror" which leads to the Voice's action of reconciliation. People experience this in many ways. For example, if one has become upset over some hopeless incompatibility, pointing out each and every thing that doesn't work, the mind then in a sense "gives up," realizes its futility, and begins to reflect. This deep reflection in the waters of the 2 of Cups represents the direct experience of what is compatible. This process has little to do with sharp mental exclusion that can lead to injury, and more to do with soft emotional inclusion that can lead to healing.
The Altar of the Queen of Cups is the 3 of Cups-Abundance, the second Decan of Cancer. This represents an environment, or "kingdom," of genuine thanksgiving, community, togetherness and the expressed joy of that togetherness. Interestingly, one of the best ways to understand the 3 of Cups is through listening to Waltz music that has the time signature of 3 beats per measure; 1-2-3 1-2-3 1-2-3. There is a reason why the Waltz evokes feelings of togetherness and has such a close connection to dancing, embracing the other, and joy. Here is a good example of a quintessential 3 of Cups experience. In a sense, this is the 10 of Swords realized in a positive sense, redeemed from the ruins of sharp contrast and aching "apartness." The 3 of cups environment represents the abundance of individuals coming together peacefully. Having such a sharp Crown, but such a loving environment, makes this Queen symbolic of the crafts of poetry and art, "brutal honesty" communicated through soft and compassionate modalities. In this sense, she may also represent diplomacy, therapy, and things like marriage counseling. If ill dignified, she is inordinately preoccupied with and affected by the moods, thoughts and actions of others.
The Crown of this Queen is one of the most unsettling cards of the Minor Arcana, the 10 of Swords-Ruin, the last Decan of Gemini. But, this card also presents a great gift in self-awareness. One could say that the inspiration and aspiration of this Queen is to bring absolute clarity and relief to the mind by seeing itself as an aspect of a greater whole. A useful way of seeing this is through a quote from the character Don Juan in Carlos Casteneda's book The Teachings of Don Juan: "All paths are the same: they lead nowhere. ... Does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn't, it is of no use. Both paths lead nowhere; but one has a heart, the other doesn't. One makes for a joyful journey; as long as you follow it, you are one with it. The other will make you curse your life. One makes you strong; the other weakens you." The 10 of Swords represents a kind of stabbing within the victim mind easily taken in by the metacontrast of seemingly opposing forces, either outside of oneself or within oneself. It only sees what is incompatible, irreparable and irredeemable. But, through this it may find great truth in understanding its own illusions. The joy and the poetry of this Queen is found in her Voice and Altar.
The Voice of the this Queen is indicated by the 2 of Cups-Love, the first Decan of Cancer. This is pure redemption for the mind, that only open and loving embrace can cure a turbulent mind. This is really what it's all about, that is, the power of touch. Of course, the 2 of Cups may represent physical love between people, but it also represents being emotionally touched. Emotions themselves are actually quite physical feeling. They are felt within the water of the body. The 10 of Swords Crown is useful as a "mind mirror" which leads to the Voice's action of reconciliation. People experience this in many ways. For example, if one has become upset over some hopeless incompatibility, pointing out each and every thing that doesn't work, the mind then in a sense "gives up," realizes its futility, and begins to reflect. This deep reflection in the waters of the 2 of Cups represents the direct experience of what is compatible. This process has little to do with sharp mental exclusion that can lead to injury, and more to do with soft emotional inclusion that can lead to healing.
The Altar of the Queen of Cups is the 3 of Cups-Abundance, the second Decan of Cancer. This represents an environment, or "kingdom," of genuine thanksgiving, community, togetherness and the expressed joy of that togetherness. Interestingly, one of the best ways to understand the 3 of Cups is through listening to Waltz music that has the time signature of 3 beats per measure; 1-2-3 1-2-3 1-2-3. There is a reason why the Waltz evokes feelings of togetherness and has such a close connection to dancing, embracing the other, and joy. Here is a good example of a quintessential 3 of Cups experience. In a sense, this is the 10 of Swords realized in a positive sense, redeemed from the ruins of sharp contrast and aching "apartness." The 3 of cups environment represents the abundance of individuals coming together peacefully. Having such a sharp Crown, but such a loving environment, makes this Queen symbolic of the crafts of poetry and art, "brutal honesty" communicated through soft and compassionate modalities. In this sense, she may also represent diplomacy, therapy, and things like marriage counseling. If ill dignified, she is inordinately preoccupied with and affected by the moods, thoughts and actions of others.
Queen of Swords
Crown: 10 of Disks - Wealth
Voice: 2 of Swords - Peace
Altar: 3 of Swords - Sorrow
♍ ♎ ♎
The Queen of Swords represents sharp and airy intellect deducing and judging much from the material world of circumstance. The 10 of Disks is the last card of the Minor Arcana, the double Mutable area of Virgo, and represents physical matter itself. This is her starting point, her Crown, which is then blended into the first two Decans of the Cardinal Air sign of Libra that has everything to do with mentally weighing "this and that," comparing opposites, finding compromise, start-up partnerships, etc. This Queen is called "The Queen of the Thrones of Air."
The Crown of this Queen, as stated, is the 10 of Disks-Wealth, the last Decan of Virgo. The 10 of Disks is also the very last card of the Minor Arcana. This is a special area in that it shows the close connection between the material world and one's higher mind. This Queen's Crown, her "original conception," is hence very graceful and fond of "things." The 10 of Disks is a Crown of keen observational skills and represents an inherent talent for balance. This can be either physical balancing with things like dance or musicianship, or intellectual balancing with many different subjects of particular interest. Usually, though, the realms of interest for this Court are purely physical and concern material matters. Pragmatic and highly functional solutions to problems are the forte of this Queen, and her graceful interaction with the physical world may be quite inspired and also inspiring to others.
The Voice of this Queen is the 2 of Swords-Peace, the first Decan of Libra. The actions and expression of this Queen are generally within the realm of giving advice, consolation or consultation, of finding compromise, comparing opposites, and also considering the consequences of one's actions. Being involved in cooperative efforts is important as this type can usually show others the path of least resistance. Her Voice is usually sharp and discerning, cutting right to the core of issues. One might say this is a Voice that "administers justice," symbolized by her holding the severed head of a man. There is much "accumulated clutter" within her Crown of the 10 of Disks, but this clutter is categorized, separated and put away into proper "shelves" by her active 2 of Swords Voice, the first decan of Libra; the library.
The Altar of this Queen is the 3 of Swords-Sorrow, the second Decan of Libra. This indicates that her environment is one of deep processing of the past within the psyche, and this involves much healing of wounds, catharsis and honesty with others and oneself. Just as the 2 of Swords Voice of this Queen is very lucid, her Altar, the 3 of Swords, is very lucid as well. The difference is that her Altar is lucid of the inherent futility of the mind's attempt at correlating, coordinating all its contents. This gives the Queen of Swords great wisdom and a sense of empathy (and also sympathy) for others passing through difficulties. Behind the 'counseling' aspect of her Voice is a deep empathy that enjoys working with others who are themselves trying to work through all of their own mental clutter. This makes her presence one of psychological healing, deeper feeling and ultimately acceptance. If ill dignified she is inordinately sharp and short with others whilst using her natural cunning to always make a "good case" for her sometimes abrasive attitude and behaviors.
The Crown of this Queen, as stated, is the 10 of Disks-Wealth, the last Decan of Virgo. The 10 of Disks is also the very last card of the Minor Arcana. This is a special area in that it shows the close connection between the material world and one's higher mind. This Queen's Crown, her "original conception," is hence very graceful and fond of "things." The 10 of Disks is a Crown of keen observational skills and represents an inherent talent for balance. This can be either physical balancing with things like dance or musicianship, or intellectual balancing with many different subjects of particular interest. Usually, though, the realms of interest for this Court are purely physical and concern material matters. Pragmatic and highly functional solutions to problems are the forte of this Queen, and her graceful interaction with the physical world may be quite inspired and also inspiring to others.
The Voice of this Queen is the 2 of Swords-Peace, the first Decan of Libra. The actions and expression of this Queen are generally within the realm of giving advice, consolation or consultation, of finding compromise, comparing opposites, and also considering the consequences of one's actions. Being involved in cooperative efforts is important as this type can usually show others the path of least resistance. Her Voice is usually sharp and discerning, cutting right to the core of issues. One might say this is a Voice that "administers justice," symbolized by her holding the severed head of a man. There is much "accumulated clutter" within her Crown of the 10 of Disks, but this clutter is categorized, separated and put away into proper "shelves" by her active 2 of Swords Voice, the first decan of Libra; the library.
The Altar of this Queen is the 3 of Swords-Sorrow, the second Decan of Libra. This indicates that her environment is one of deep processing of the past within the psyche, and this involves much healing of wounds, catharsis and honesty with others and oneself. Just as the 2 of Swords Voice of this Queen is very lucid, her Altar, the 3 of Swords, is very lucid as well. The difference is that her Altar is lucid of the inherent futility of the mind's attempt at correlating, coordinating all its contents. This gives the Queen of Swords great wisdom and a sense of empathy (and also sympathy) for others passing through difficulties. Behind the 'counseling' aspect of her Voice is a deep empathy that enjoys working with others who are themselves trying to work through all of their own mental clutter. This makes her presence one of psychological healing, deeper feeling and ultimately acceptance. If ill dignified she is inordinately sharp and short with others whilst using her natural cunning to always make a "good case" for her sometimes abrasive attitude and behaviors.
Queen of Disks
Crown: 10 of Wands - Oppression
Voice: 2 of Disks - Change
Altar: 3 of Disks - Works
♐ ♑ ♑
The Queen of Disks represents high energy and impulsiveness, but an impulsiveness which is grounded. She is quick in coming to certain levels of knowing, has a big heart, yet is also quick in changing perspective and opinion. She is known as "The Queen of the Thrones of Earth."
The Crown of this Queen is the 10 of Wands-Oppression, the last Decan of Sagittarius. Her original conceptions are of great spirit and strength, and her crowning "reasons" for action are seemingly within the realm of intense and visceral experience accumulation. The 10 of Wands is deeply grounded Fire, meaning high velocity energy is being put into the deepest of the physical leading to great struggles, acts of heroism, displays of strength, and pulling through seeming impossible odds with a truly winning spirit. Initiations for this Queen are usually quite "heavy," meaning she is either involved in an arduous and intense process of initiation and/or work, or is at contemplative rest waiting for the next rush of events that seem to "take her by storm." She is rich in terms of personal experience and know-how.
The Voice of this Queen is the 2 of Disks-Change, the first Decan of Capricorn. This is how her actions manifest which acts as a kind of cushion for the highly energized, intuitive and spiritual initiations and conceptions within her Crown. The actions of this Queen involve the seeking of camaraderie, an investment of time with others. Like all 2s, this Voice is about the consideration of possible courses of action, though here it is within the material realm. As such, this Queen has much on her plate to do, though the nature of her Crown leaves her open to particularly challenging and changing circumstances. She requires action, and this involves engaging others in a "point blank" kind of way. In a sense, the action of this Queen, her Voice, is always busy, and through this busyness she accumulates a lot of first hand experience with things and how they work, especially if they are objects of interest.
The Altar of this Queen is the 3 of Disks-Works, the second Decan of Capricorn. This is the Queen's main environment, her "temple" over which she rules. This environment is one of Work, as the title of the 3 of Disks states. The nature of this work is anything that withstands the tests of time, of building things to last and not "half doing" things. These works may or may not involve others who were found with the Voice "calling out" for partnerships as it were. The Altar of this Queen shows an appreciation of things that are impressive, things that leave their mark. The Great Pyramids of Egypt are one grand example of this kind of consciousness. Great works of art that continue to deeply move people hundreds of years after they were created also have a 3 of Disks quality to them. But, this can be within any realm or field, from literary, to musical, to artistic, architectural, business, scientific, etc. Even if a Queen of Disks personality type is not into any of these fields, they still leave a memorable 'mark' whether through their attitude, their lifestyle, their particular mind, their conversations, etc. If ill dignified this personality is indecisive, capricious, scattered and unproductive.
The Crown of this Queen is the 10 of Wands-Oppression, the last Decan of Sagittarius. Her original conceptions are of great spirit and strength, and her crowning "reasons" for action are seemingly within the realm of intense and visceral experience accumulation. The 10 of Wands is deeply grounded Fire, meaning high velocity energy is being put into the deepest of the physical leading to great struggles, acts of heroism, displays of strength, and pulling through seeming impossible odds with a truly winning spirit. Initiations for this Queen are usually quite "heavy," meaning she is either involved in an arduous and intense process of initiation and/or work, or is at contemplative rest waiting for the next rush of events that seem to "take her by storm." She is rich in terms of personal experience and know-how.
The Voice of this Queen is the 2 of Disks-Change, the first Decan of Capricorn. This is how her actions manifest which acts as a kind of cushion for the highly energized, intuitive and spiritual initiations and conceptions within her Crown. The actions of this Queen involve the seeking of camaraderie, an investment of time with others. Like all 2s, this Voice is about the consideration of possible courses of action, though here it is within the material realm. As such, this Queen has much on her plate to do, though the nature of her Crown leaves her open to particularly challenging and changing circumstances. She requires action, and this involves engaging others in a "point blank" kind of way. In a sense, the action of this Queen, her Voice, is always busy, and through this busyness she accumulates a lot of first hand experience with things and how they work, especially if they are objects of interest.
The Altar of this Queen is the 3 of Disks-Works, the second Decan of Capricorn. This is the Queen's main environment, her "temple" over which she rules. This environment is one of Work, as the title of the 3 of Disks states. The nature of this work is anything that withstands the tests of time, of building things to last and not "half doing" things. These works may or may not involve others who were found with the Voice "calling out" for partnerships as it were. The Altar of this Queen shows an appreciation of things that are impressive, things that leave their mark. The Great Pyramids of Egypt are one grand example of this kind of consciousness. Great works of art that continue to deeply move people hundreds of years after they were created also have a 3 of Disks quality to them. But, this can be within any realm or field, from literary, to musical, to artistic, architectural, business, scientific, etc. Even if a Queen of Disks personality type is not into any of these fields, they still leave a memorable 'mark' whether through their attitude, their lifestyle, their particular mind, their conversations, etc. If ill dignified this personality is indecisive, capricious, scattered and unproductive.
Bridging Cardinal and Fixed Signs
Crown: All four 4s Voice: All four 5s Altar: All four 6s
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The Princes, or Kings as they're sometimes called, rule the 4s, 5s and 6s, or Chesed, Geburah and Tipareth. These four Princes taken together are an amalgamation of King Arthur as expressed in the 6th Sephiroth of Tipareth, the Sun, where they guard the 4 turrets or the "hub" of the Grail Castle corresponding to the Fixed signs of astrology. We find the Princes' chariots pulled by the four cherubim of the Lion, the Eagle, the Man, and the Bull, representing the Fixed signs of Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius and Taurus. These Princes are expressions of mostly Fixed qualities, though they all have Cardinal Crowns as found in the 4th sphere of Chesed, thus they are Crowned with the Mutable qualities of the Cardinal signs.
The Princes represent the first kinetic actions of the Yetziratic Yang world of intellect, mind and mental acquisition. It must be stated that this does not mean people born within the Decans of Princes are automatically "smarter" than other people. It is more about their dynamic, activity and consistency. These are the Sons/Suns of Tarot, and as such they very much embody the archetype of the child. They are curious and possess a kind of natural intelligence, though at the same time that curiosity may come off as naivety, making them seem "inexperienced." But the Suns/Sons hunger for experience. Curiosity killed the Kings, so to speak, and this is what makes the Kings (Princes) wise through their reckless self abandonment into elemental forces. "The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom" as William Blake once wrote. But where is this excess? When some read that quote they immediately think of debauchery and things like drug use, but in terms of the Princes of Tarot, these excesses are shown by sheer the quantity of experiences and perspectives they must move through. The Princes are "dot connectors," generalizers, and simplifiers. They are for all intents and purposes the "Grail Keepers" as their Alters are comprised of the 6s of Tarot, which make up the hub of the Tree of Life being the double Fixed turrets of the Grail Castle and the center of each Season of Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. One might use the analogy that Prince personalities are able to "see far" due to their position on these turrets or "watchtowers." They are able to see up the fractal into the Cardinal realm, but also down the fractal into the Mutable worlds. This is what lends to their gift of simplification and generalization, that they can naturally see a wide landscape, explore it and then make "fixed" interpretations of it from their central reference point. This does not mean that Princes "cannot see the forest for the trees." They can, they just happen to see an excess of trees which at times may lead to superficiality (See Cross of 6s on the Decanate Cross Meanings page).
All the Princes Crowns are 4s, meaning that their inspirations and conceptions are comprised of expansive vision and a kind of athleticism. Sometimes this is actual physical athleticism, though a Prince may express athleticism in attitude as well, that is, they may not tire of a particular subject but keep peering and piercing into it with what may be considered "mental acrobatics." This imperative is compounded by the Prince's Voices, the 5s, meaning that their actions and expressions are of bringing many different elements together into an "elemental soup." The expressions of the Princes are hence quite diverse and sometimes complex. Some may even see the actions of a Prince personality as quite unnecessarily complex. But, this challenging complexity is what keeps the Prince highly active in the mental sphere as they very much love the eventual reconciliation and synthesis of the "this and that" in their Alters, being within the 6, the hub of the airy Yetziratic world of mind. All the Princes Altars are 6s, meaning that their environment, their "kingdom," is one of brightness and great synthesis between the "higher" and the "lower." The Princes truly embody a quintessential formula of thesis, antithesis and synthesis in that through all the struggles and pains of experiencing the metacontrast of "this and that," a point of real calm and matter-of-fact perspective finally dawns. The thesis is found in the Crown of 4. 4 is the "fourmula," an expression of what is tried and true in the Cardinal prerogative. The antithesis is 5, the diversity and the problems/obstacles that may be encountered through over-reliance on an established 4 formula. The 5 is the "troubleshooter," innovator and problem solver. The synthesis is the 6, where all separate and disparate parts are brought together into harmony. 6 is the alchemical 'gold' of the Grail Castle, leading the Princes to have a particularly youthful quality at their core.
All the Princes Crowns are 4s, meaning that their inspirations and conceptions are comprised of expansive vision and a kind of athleticism. Sometimes this is actual physical athleticism, though a Prince may express athleticism in attitude as well, that is, they may not tire of a particular subject but keep peering and piercing into it with what may be considered "mental acrobatics." This imperative is compounded by the Prince's Voices, the 5s, meaning that their actions and expressions are of bringing many different elements together into an "elemental soup." The expressions of the Princes are hence quite diverse and sometimes complex. Some may even see the actions of a Prince personality as quite unnecessarily complex. But, this challenging complexity is what keeps the Prince highly active in the mental sphere as they very much love the eventual reconciliation and synthesis of the "this and that" in their Alters, being within the 6, the hub of the airy Yetziratic world of mind. All the Princes Altars are 6s, meaning that their environment, their "kingdom," is one of brightness and great synthesis between the "higher" and the "lower." The Princes truly embody a quintessential formula of thesis, antithesis and synthesis in that through all the struggles and pains of experiencing the metacontrast of "this and that," a point of real calm and matter-of-fact perspective finally dawns. The thesis is found in the Crown of 4. 4 is the "fourmula," an expression of what is tried and true in the Cardinal prerogative. The antithesis is 5, the diversity and the problems/obstacles that may be encountered through over-reliance on an established 4 formula. The 5 is the "troubleshooter," innovator and problem solver. The synthesis is the 6, where all separate and disparate parts are brought together into harmony. 6 is the alchemical 'gold' of the Grail Castle, leading the Princes to have a particularly youthful quality at their core.
Prince of Wands
Crown: 4 of Cups - Luxury
Voice: 5 of Wands - Strife
Altar: 6 of Wands - Victory
♋ ♌ ♌
The Prince of Wands represents great energy reserves being expressed through highly kinetic action. All Princes have 4 as a Crown which lends itself to a kind of athleticism, and this is especially true for the Prince of Wands character. He is known as the "Prince of the Chariot of Fire."
The Crown of this Prince is the 4 of Cups-Luxury, the last Decan of Cancer. I've often described this Decan as representing the reservoir of Wilhelm Reich's Orgone Energy; the dynamic and "orgasmic" life force within oneself, and which also permeates the environment. Reich discovered that the correct flow of this energy is essential for both physical and psychological health. If it becomes blocked or expressed in a negative way, physical symptoms and eventual neuroses can result. The Prince of Wands personality has direct access to, and a close connection with, this energy, along with a great need to express it. The 4 of Cups shows great emotional balance and a stillness within where ones reserves are full to almost overflowing, so to speak. This Crowning inspiration and conception for the Prince of Wands is what lends him his highly expressive nature and also his athleticism.
The Voice of this Prince is the 5 of Wands-Strife, the first Decan of Leo. This represents this personalities actions and expressions which fall within the realm of needing to put the "orgone accumulation" of the Crown to good use. The 5 of Wands, and indeed all 5s, have a trial & error "trouble shooting" dynamic in which foundations are laid and one's strength and integrity are tested. This is a Decan of trials, exertion, and the testing of one's will and spirit. This Voice and action also has a particular administrative or leadership capacity, to lead others or show them the correct way of doing things. Through all the trials that this Prince experiences with a 5 of Wands expression, he eventually becomes a proficient master of certain things which are of particular interest to him. He achieves agility and can be expedient without cutting corners at the same time. Through this he may then "show others the way." The 5th Sephirah itself is about tempering and refining what is inherently gross and unrefined. It may be a difficult process for the Princes to have Geburah oriented action, but the seeming strife at times is worth every effort in bringing eventual synthesis.
The Altar of the Prince of Wands is the 6 of Wands-Victory, the second Decan of Leo. This is the great equilibrating point between the energy reserves of the 4 of Cups Crown and the exertion of the 5 of Wands Voice. In essence, the environment that the Prince of Wands occupies is all about balance between work and play, exertion and rest, discomfort and luxury, etc. Victory itself implies accomplishment, and accomplishment implies a certain level of rest after work. But, the work is not done. After foundations are laid and something is finished, more work may be done. Perhaps this is work in the realm of touching up, beautifying, refining, simplifying, etc. After an individual has a house built, the only thing left to do is move in, which itself requires work, but work more within the realm of right brained decorative modes, that of understanding space, colors, shapes and layouts in terms of pure aesthetics. "What looks and feels right/good." This applies to all areas of life and is where the real joy and agility of this Prince may shine through. All 6s, being the Altars of the Princes, may be thought of as points of synthesis between the material and spiritual, or the higher and the lower. Building the temple requires wide and enveloping emotional fortitude (4 of Cups) and work done correctly (5 of Wands). When it is finished, spirit descends into it (6 of Wands), taking up residence. Further work (or rituals) of a "higher" more refined order may then be commenced. If ill dignified, this personality does not respect boundaries and is intolerant of those who do not share his energetic constitution.
The Crown of this Prince is the 4 of Cups-Luxury, the last Decan of Cancer. I've often described this Decan as representing the reservoir of Wilhelm Reich's Orgone Energy; the dynamic and "orgasmic" life force within oneself, and which also permeates the environment. Reich discovered that the correct flow of this energy is essential for both physical and psychological health. If it becomes blocked or expressed in a negative way, physical symptoms and eventual neuroses can result. The Prince of Wands personality has direct access to, and a close connection with, this energy, along with a great need to express it. The 4 of Cups shows great emotional balance and a stillness within where ones reserves are full to almost overflowing, so to speak. This Crowning inspiration and conception for the Prince of Wands is what lends him his highly expressive nature and also his athleticism.
The Voice of this Prince is the 5 of Wands-Strife, the first Decan of Leo. This represents this personalities actions and expressions which fall within the realm of needing to put the "orgone accumulation" of the Crown to good use. The 5 of Wands, and indeed all 5s, have a trial & error "trouble shooting" dynamic in which foundations are laid and one's strength and integrity are tested. This is a Decan of trials, exertion, and the testing of one's will and spirit. This Voice and action also has a particular administrative or leadership capacity, to lead others or show them the correct way of doing things. Through all the trials that this Prince experiences with a 5 of Wands expression, he eventually becomes a proficient master of certain things which are of particular interest to him. He achieves agility and can be expedient without cutting corners at the same time. Through this he may then "show others the way." The 5th Sephirah itself is about tempering and refining what is inherently gross and unrefined. It may be a difficult process for the Princes to have Geburah oriented action, but the seeming strife at times is worth every effort in bringing eventual synthesis.
The Altar of the Prince of Wands is the 6 of Wands-Victory, the second Decan of Leo. This is the great equilibrating point between the energy reserves of the 4 of Cups Crown and the exertion of the 5 of Wands Voice. In essence, the environment that the Prince of Wands occupies is all about balance between work and play, exertion and rest, discomfort and luxury, etc. Victory itself implies accomplishment, and accomplishment implies a certain level of rest after work. But, the work is not done. After foundations are laid and something is finished, more work may be done. Perhaps this is work in the realm of touching up, beautifying, refining, simplifying, etc. After an individual has a house built, the only thing left to do is move in, which itself requires work, but work more within the realm of right brained decorative modes, that of understanding space, colors, shapes and layouts in terms of pure aesthetics. "What looks and feels right/good." This applies to all areas of life and is where the real joy and agility of this Prince may shine through. All 6s, being the Altars of the Princes, may be thought of as points of synthesis between the material and spiritual, or the higher and the lower. Building the temple requires wide and enveloping emotional fortitude (4 of Cups) and work done correctly (5 of Wands). When it is finished, spirit descends into it (6 of Wands), taking up residence. Further work (or rituals) of a "higher" more refined order may then be commenced. If ill dignified, this personality does not respect boundaries and is intolerant of those who do not share his energetic constitution.
Prince of Cups
Crown: 4 of Swords - Truce
Voice: 5 of Cups - Disappointment
Altar: 6 of Cups - Pleasure
♎ ♏ ♏
The Prince of Cups represents the intellectual swords of Libra (library) being dipped into the transformative and emotional cups of Scorpio. This Prince needs to find the highest reasons for his feeling. In terms of dialectic, his thesis is careful study and composure, his antithesis is emotional disappointment and loss of composure, but his eventual synthesis is authentic pleasure. Since this card is composed of one part Air and two parts Water, one may consider it to be the the air bubbles of intelligence rising out of the boiling waters of all that is sensual. This "emotional intelligence" is symbolized by the clouds of steam billowing from behind the character. He is known as the "Prince of the Chariot of the Waters."
The Crown of this Prince is the 4 of Swords-Truce, the last Decan of Libra. This Prince has taken up the baton, so to speak, of the Queen of Swords personality before him. In fact, one may think of the passing from the Altar of one Court to the Crown of the next as a "crowning," a kind of bequeathment of task, responsibility and ability. The Knight crowns the Queen, the Queen crowns the Prince, the Prince crowns (or knights) the Knight, and one might say that the Knight also crowns the Princess. So, the Queen of Swords has bequeathed to the Prince of Cups the sharpness of Libra as his crown. This means that the crowning inspirations of this Prince are within the realm of study, (s)words, and piercing insights. He is the "libra-rian" of the Courts, and as such runs the danger of becoming incredibly bored if not intellectually stimulated. Due to the emotional dispositions of his Voice and Altar, he may become scattered and ambiguous in his thinking, even though there is usually great conviction and certainty in his Voice. As stated, his task is to find the crowning reasons for his deep feelings, to understand the intelligence of emotions. He may be quite vulnerable and secretive with his thoughts as a result. But, as we will see with his Voice and Altar, when this Prince shares those thoughts they are usually of a quite poetic, passionate and piercing nature.
The Voice of this Prince is the 5 of Cups-Disappointment, the first Decan of Scorpio. This is difficult for the Prince of Cups personality in that his actions seem to be motivated by emotional discomfort and dissatisfaction. This is both a bane and a blessing. It is a blessing in the sense that his standards are quite high, and to his mind for good reason, but a bane in that they may be at times unattainable. The trick for this personality type is to remain somewhat stoic in the midst of disappointments and dissatisfaction. As we will see with his Altar, his seemingly grim disposition leads to great honesty, openness, and commitment to values. In short, the smiles, pleasures and joys that erupt out of a seemingly grim disposition are usually authentic and genuine, representing all that is truly important to this personality type. This leads to great loyalty. The general expression of this Prince is that of being "let down," but once his "watery armor" is pierced one will find an invaluable confidant in terms of sharing emotional hardship or of judging circumstances from an emotional perspective. To this Prince, the emotions are interpreted as quite "matter of fact," directly linking them to pragmatic solutions. Treating one's emotions as being somewhat objective might seem like a logical fallacy of some kind. If something does not feel right, it is not right, at least not to the Prince of Cups. His expression can be either charming and pleasant or destructive and vindictive, depending on which way the winds of his Crown stir the lakes of his Voice and Altar.
The Altar of this Prince is the 6 of Cups-Pleasure, the second Decan of Scorpio. The synthesis of intellectual interests and emotional disappointment actually leads to pleasure, bringing balance to the environment of this Prince. This is why the Prince of Cups personality is a bit paradoxical in terms of pleasure coming out of pain, or happiness coming out of cynicism. Frank Zappa makes the case clear in this short clip. The trick of the Prince of Cups is to remain consistent even whilst in the throws of extreme emotional turbulence and upheaval. Within this "realm," it is possible for even the smallest and most mundane of things to give this personality such joy as to seem bizarre to an outsider looking in. In the presence of true beauty, creativity, and openness, this Prince revels in the display. It is this environment, or "kingdom," in which he thrives and rules. It is an environment of Emotional Intelligence and of living poetically, even if a bit awkwardly. The physical sensations and mental visions of love and beauty are what govern this personality type. The only problem is that the chemical cocktails creating these sensations are not always "turned on." The interim between these states are composed of the 4 of Swords Crown of cool perceptiveness, and the 5 of Cups Voice of a general kind of disappointment or even emotional healing and retreat into oneself. Through this dynamic, the Prince of Cups personality may be quite the perfectionist. The mental Crown and the emotional Voice are the testing grounds that make up part of the secretive nature of this personality, the "armor" as it were. The Altar, the 6 of Cups, is the actual display, an open and honest sharing of 4 of Swords mental deductions along with the 5 of Cups emotional intelligence. If ill dignified, this personality is ostentatious, malicious, vindictive, vengeful and short tempered.
The Crown of this Prince is the 4 of Swords-Truce, the last Decan of Libra. This Prince has taken up the baton, so to speak, of the Queen of Swords personality before him. In fact, one may think of the passing from the Altar of one Court to the Crown of the next as a "crowning," a kind of bequeathment of task, responsibility and ability. The Knight crowns the Queen, the Queen crowns the Prince, the Prince crowns (or knights) the Knight, and one might say that the Knight also crowns the Princess. So, the Queen of Swords has bequeathed to the Prince of Cups the sharpness of Libra as his crown. This means that the crowning inspirations of this Prince are within the realm of study, (s)words, and piercing insights. He is the "libra-rian" of the Courts, and as such runs the danger of becoming incredibly bored if not intellectually stimulated. Due to the emotional dispositions of his Voice and Altar, he may become scattered and ambiguous in his thinking, even though there is usually great conviction and certainty in his Voice. As stated, his task is to find the crowning reasons for his deep feelings, to understand the intelligence of emotions. He may be quite vulnerable and secretive with his thoughts as a result. But, as we will see with his Voice and Altar, when this Prince shares those thoughts they are usually of a quite poetic, passionate and piercing nature.
The Voice of this Prince is the 5 of Cups-Disappointment, the first Decan of Scorpio. This is difficult for the Prince of Cups personality in that his actions seem to be motivated by emotional discomfort and dissatisfaction. This is both a bane and a blessing. It is a blessing in the sense that his standards are quite high, and to his mind for good reason, but a bane in that they may be at times unattainable. The trick for this personality type is to remain somewhat stoic in the midst of disappointments and dissatisfaction. As we will see with his Altar, his seemingly grim disposition leads to great honesty, openness, and commitment to values. In short, the smiles, pleasures and joys that erupt out of a seemingly grim disposition are usually authentic and genuine, representing all that is truly important to this personality type. This leads to great loyalty. The general expression of this Prince is that of being "let down," but once his "watery armor" is pierced one will find an invaluable confidant in terms of sharing emotional hardship or of judging circumstances from an emotional perspective. To this Prince, the emotions are interpreted as quite "matter of fact," directly linking them to pragmatic solutions. Treating one's emotions as being somewhat objective might seem like a logical fallacy of some kind. If something does not feel right, it is not right, at least not to the Prince of Cups. His expression can be either charming and pleasant or destructive and vindictive, depending on which way the winds of his Crown stir the lakes of his Voice and Altar.
The Altar of this Prince is the 6 of Cups-Pleasure, the second Decan of Scorpio. The synthesis of intellectual interests and emotional disappointment actually leads to pleasure, bringing balance to the environment of this Prince. This is why the Prince of Cups personality is a bit paradoxical in terms of pleasure coming out of pain, or happiness coming out of cynicism. Frank Zappa makes the case clear in this short clip. The trick of the Prince of Cups is to remain consistent even whilst in the throws of extreme emotional turbulence and upheaval. Within this "realm," it is possible for even the smallest and most mundane of things to give this personality such joy as to seem bizarre to an outsider looking in. In the presence of true beauty, creativity, and openness, this Prince revels in the display. It is this environment, or "kingdom," in which he thrives and rules. It is an environment of Emotional Intelligence and of living poetically, even if a bit awkwardly. The physical sensations and mental visions of love and beauty are what govern this personality type. The only problem is that the chemical cocktails creating these sensations are not always "turned on." The interim between these states are composed of the 4 of Swords Crown of cool perceptiveness, and the 5 of Cups Voice of a general kind of disappointment or even emotional healing and retreat into oneself. Through this dynamic, the Prince of Cups personality may be quite the perfectionist. The mental Crown and the emotional Voice are the testing grounds that make up part of the secretive nature of this personality, the "armor" as it were. The Altar, the 6 of Cups, is the actual display, an open and honest sharing of 4 of Swords mental deductions along with the 5 of Cups emotional intelligence. If ill dignified, this personality is ostentatious, malicious, vindictive, vengeful and short tempered.
Prince of Swords
Crown: 4 of Disks - Power
Voice: 5 of Swords - Defeat
Altar: 6 of Swords - Science
♑ ♒ ♒
The Prince of Swords represents the "airy" worlds of the communication, community, mind, intellect and the method of science; a general seeing through the eyes of logic and reason. Like the Knight of Swords, this Prince is also careful with words and deductions, though one might say it is much more energetic, lively and "mentally athletic." All Princes have a dynamic of "youthful energy," and here we see it expressed mostly in the realm of mind and intelligence. This seemingly untamed mental acumen can either swiftly create or swiftly destroy, though this Prince is very careful with his designs and judgements. He is known as the "Prince of the Chariot of the Winds."
The Crown of this Prince is the 4 of Disks-Power or Earthly Power, the last Decan of Capricorn. This crowns the prince with an inspiration to know deeply the physical universe. It is the objective side of the Prince of Swords that sees the physical universe and feels compelled to comment upon it, measure it, test it, understand it and ultimately use that understanding in some way. The 4 of Disks, being the mutable Decan of Capricorn, is taking this "high end" understanding of the physical world and of things like creative works, money, fiscal maneuvering, etc., and grounding it deeply within itself, that is, deeply within the 4. 4s are all about structure and stability. They handle the "brunt" of the highly energetic Cardinal element and are symbolic of all that is "built to last." For Capricorn, Earth, this would be like pyramids and other ancient structures, or works of art or literature that withstand the tests of time. Remember that all Cardinal signs are in essence preparing elements for their Fixed expression in the following season as discussed on the Modality page. This objective, material conception and inspiration of the Prince of Swords is then translated through the kind of scientific scrutiny, subjective commentary and interpretative actions of the 5 and 6 of Swords; the mental waves of Aquarius.
The Voice of the Prince of Swords is the 5 of Swords-Defeat, the first Decan of Aquarius. As with all 5s, the element of trial & error is present, but for the Prince of Swords this is purely within the realm of mind and Logic. Imagine; what could be the antithesis to the thesis of general physical and material certainty as it's found in the 4 of Disks? Enter Defeat. For the element of Air, being representative of the mind, there is the distinct sensation of feeling imprisoned by one's material certainties. This is eventually translated into the synthesis of Science, the 6 of Swords, but for now we have to focus on what this Prince expresses in the world. The Defeat of the 5 of Swords may be thought of as defining the great humility the mind experiences in the presence of Nature, i.e., the physical Universe. Through this humility of seeing the vastness of an already perfected ballet of harmony and balance in Nature, and then realizing through sheer intellectual fortitude that one's mind is part and parcel of that great balance, the mind itself stands defeated by its discerned stature in that vastness. This then provokes many commentaries on all things seen. Things like theories, hypotheses, speculations, and scientific tests are more or less borne out of this inherent need for the mind to understand it's rightful place among the cosmos. This almost frenetic mental inquiring and intellectually active predisposition of the Prince of Swords may also be interpreted through the social milieu. This personality will readily point out the mental state of affairs within groups and organizations and pinpoint what may be wasted efforts or what may lead to future discord. "Fruitless intellectual exploits" are of great concern to the Prince of Swords, and no Court understands the saying "the mind is a terribly thing to waste" quite like this one. The 5 of Swords Voice may also indicate an unnecessary amount of brooding over defeat or seeming "failures" of any kind.
The Altar of this Prince is the 6 of Swords-Science, the second Decan of Aquarius. The synthesis of the 4 of Disks, Power, and the 5 of Swords, Defeat, leads to Science. Science here may be simply defined as mental clarity. As with all 6s, the social realm is involved. The environment of the Prince of Swords is within the social world, and at that on a mental/intellectual level. Cooperation, teamwork, and clear intent are the "goals" of this personality type. If there is no clear communication between parties, and if relations between individuals are not aimed toward a common goal, the Prince of Swords aims to bring harmony to the situation through clarity of intent and a need to "keep the ball rolling" in the proper direction. Bands of musicians, for example, are united by 6 of Swords consciousness, that their combined efforts and unison of intent leads to great harmony. The title of the 6 of Swords, Science, may also be defined as the world of science itself, meaning the measuring and weighing of the world and it's parts to come to conclusive answers. If ill dignified, this personality is calculating yet unreliable.
The Crown of this Prince is the 4 of Disks-Power or Earthly Power, the last Decan of Capricorn. This crowns the prince with an inspiration to know deeply the physical universe. It is the objective side of the Prince of Swords that sees the physical universe and feels compelled to comment upon it, measure it, test it, understand it and ultimately use that understanding in some way. The 4 of Disks, being the mutable Decan of Capricorn, is taking this "high end" understanding of the physical world and of things like creative works, money, fiscal maneuvering, etc., and grounding it deeply within itself, that is, deeply within the 4. 4s are all about structure and stability. They handle the "brunt" of the highly energetic Cardinal element and are symbolic of all that is "built to last." For Capricorn, Earth, this would be like pyramids and other ancient structures, or works of art or literature that withstand the tests of time. Remember that all Cardinal signs are in essence preparing elements for their Fixed expression in the following season as discussed on the Modality page. This objective, material conception and inspiration of the Prince of Swords is then translated through the kind of scientific scrutiny, subjective commentary and interpretative actions of the 5 and 6 of Swords; the mental waves of Aquarius.
The Voice of the Prince of Swords is the 5 of Swords-Defeat, the first Decan of Aquarius. As with all 5s, the element of trial & error is present, but for the Prince of Swords this is purely within the realm of mind and Logic. Imagine; what could be the antithesis to the thesis of general physical and material certainty as it's found in the 4 of Disks? Enter Defeat. For the element of Air, being representative of the mind, there is the distinct sensation of feeling imprisoned by one's material certainties. This is eventually translated into the synthesis of Science, the 6 of Swords, but for now we have to focus on what this Prince expresses in the world. The Defeat of the 5 of Swords may be thought of as defining the great humility the mind experiences in the presence of Nature, i.e., the physical Universe. Through this humility of seeing the vastness of an already perfected ballet of harmony and balance in Nature, and then realizing through sheer intellectual fortitude that one's mind is part and parcel of that great balance, the mind itself stands defeated by its discerned stature in that vastness. This then provokes many commentaries on all things seen. Things like theories, hypotheses, speculations, and scientific tests are more or less borne out of this inherent need for the mind to understand it's rightful place among the cosmos. This almost frenetic mental inquiring and intellectually active predisposition of the Prince of Swords may also be interpreted through the social milieu. This personality will readily point out the mental state of affairs within groups and organizations and pinpoint what may be wasted efforts or what may lead to future discord. "Fruitless intellectual exploits" are of great concern to the Prince of Swords, and no Court understands the saying "the mind is a terribly thing to waste" quite like this one. The 5 of Swords Voice may also indicate an unnecessary amount of brooding over defeat or seeming "failures" of any kind.
The Altar of this Prince is the 6 of Swords-Science, the second Decan of Aquarius. The synthesis of the 4 of Disks, Power, and the 5 of Swords, Defeat, leads to Science. Science here may be simply defined as mental clarity. As with all 6s, the social realm is involved. The environment of the Prince of Swords is within the social world, and at that on a mental/intellectual level. Cooperation, teamwork, and clear intent are the "goals" of this personality type. If there is no clear communication between parties, and if relations between individuals are not aimed toward a common goal, the Prince of Swords aims to bring harmony to the situation through clarity of intent and a need to "keep the ball rolling" in the proper direction. Bands of musicians, for example, are united by 6 of Swords consciousness, that their combined efforts and unison of intent leads to great harmony. The title of the 6 of Swords, Science, may also be defined as the world of science itself, meaning the measuring and weighing of the world and it's parts to come to conclusive answers. If ill dignified, this personality is calculating yet unreliable.
Prince of Disks
Crown: 4 of Wands - Completion
Voice: 5 of Disks - Worry
Altar: 6 of Disks - Success
♈ ♉ ♉
Princesses
Altar: All four 10s
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The Princesses rule all the 10s. As you can see within the cards, the Princesses all have Altars (EL-tars) next to them. In the Princess of Cups, the shell she is holding may be considered her Altar. In essence the Princesses represent the quintessential Alter of life and the Earth itself as it is experienced in the sphere of Malkuth, The Kingdom. When thinking of the word "kingdom," one may think of the animal kingdom and also the many "kingdoms" of species, from the vertebrate to invertebrate, and from mammals to fish.
Princess of Wands
Altar: 10 of Wands - Oppression
Princess of Cups
Altar: 10 of Cups - Satiety
Princess of Swords
Altar: 10 of Swords - Ruin
Princess of Disks
Altar: 10 of Disks - Wealth
