1. Card IX: The Hermit
- Core Themes: Healing, self-exploration, solitude, introspection, wisdom.
- Symbols & Correspondences: Virgo, Earth element; Hebrew letter Yod (hand, meaning prudence). Key symbols include: the staff (self-support; in some decks entwined with a snake as the Rod of Asclepius), the lantern (divine inner light that illuminates one’s life path), the six-pointed star (hope and guidance; heaven and earth in unity), the old man archetype (wisdom, retreat, discretion).
- Upright Meaning: Offers an opportunity to step away from routine to consider your options or advance a personal project. You may enjoy solitude, as you need space to process thoughts and feelings. May represent a physical journey, but more often indicates a state of wise withdrawal. May involve breaking with tradition and finding a unique approach to a challenge. A mentor may appear when you are ready. Until then, rely on yourself and connect with your inner wisdom. Has a healing aspect, indicating self-healing or guiding others.
- Reversed Meaning: You may feel alone and unsupported, though this attitude may not reflect reality. Consider whether you are avoiding help. May indicate holding onto a role (such as victim or martyr) out of habit or stubbornness. Alternatively, you may be cut off from usual support systems. The advice is to withdraw briefly and rely on your own guidance, following the upright meaning.
- Wisdom Message: “Live quietly for a time.”
The Hermit Spread (The Hourglass): Place The Hermit card, draw 8 cards. Ask: “What or whom do I need time out from?” or “What can I learn on my journey?” (Positions: 1 Past events, 2 Impact of the past, 3 Your emotions, 4 Your ambition, 5 What holds you back, 6 What will help you go forward, 7 Hopes and dreams, 8 Outcome)
2. Card X: The Wheel of Fortune
- Core Themes: Fate, change, intuition, turning point, destiny.
- Symbols & Correspondences: Jupiter, Fire element; Hebrew letter Kaph (palm of the hand or cup, meaning destiny). Key symbols include: the wheel with inscription taro (can be rearranged as Rota or Tora), alchemical symbols on the wheel (mercury, sulfur, water, salt), Hebrew tetragrammaton YHVH (the name of God), the sphinx (unity in diversity), the snake (Typhon, the negative aspect of fate), the god Anubis (guardian of the afterlife, symbolizing cycles of life, death, and rebirth), the angel and three animals (the four evangelists or four elements/fixed zodiac signs).
- Upright Meaning: Anything is possible, and outcomes are usually positive. Chance meetings, unexpected offers, and news arrive in force. If life has been difficult, this card signals a turn for the better. Your intuitive powers heighten, and you may reconnect with people from the past. Auspicious for long-distance communication. Reveals psychic ability and the opportunity to discover hidden aspects of yourself (both light and dark). Your energy aligns with guides, angels, and spirit helpers.
- Reversed Meaning: You may experience some bad luck, but thankfully this marks the end of a challenging period. The simple interpretation is closure. The benefits of the upright Wheel will come, though it may take longer to gather momentum. May indicate lack of confidence in intuitive messages or a false start on a spiritual path. The advice is to adapt, begin again, and keep working toward your goal.
- Wisdom Message: “Surrender to fate.”
The Wheel of Fortune Spread (The Four Elements): Use only the minor arcana. Shuffle each suit separately and draw one card from each. Ask: “What opportunity is coming?” (Positions: 1 What grounds you [Earth/Pentacles], 2 What inspires you [Fire/Wands], 3 Your wish [Air/Swords], 4 What will come, the future [Water/Cups])
3. Card XI: Justice
- Core Themes: Balance, perception, objectivity, karma, fairness.
- Symbols & Correspondences: Libra, Air element; Hebrew letter Lamed (whip, meaning fairness). Key symbols include: stone pillars (boundaries and permanence), sword (action resulting from judgment, held upright to signify success), scales (weighing both sides of a story), crown (authority; crenelated like castle walls to symbolize justice in a civilized society), veil (soft boundary between the court and the everyday world), yellow background (consciousness and clear vision).
- Upright Meaning: A positive outcome is coming. Past errors or imbalances can be redressed. You benefit from fair systems if you are accountable, honest, and deserving. You may act as your own judge, using perspective and integrity to make good decisions. In legal matters, rulings will favor you, justice will be done, and order restored. On a spiritual level, Justice shows karma in action. Influential people favor you, and your projects receive support. Listen to advice from those you respect.
- Reversed Meaning: A decision may go against you. There may be dishonesty, injustice, or a miscarriage of justice. A trusted individual may give bad advice. You may struggle to speak your truth and feel overruled by those who do not understand your situation. The advice is to find your voice and remain strong in your values if you are in the right.
- Wisdom Message: “With the right values, reward comes.”
Justice Spread (The Balance of Power): Place Justice card, draw 4 cards. Ask: “How do I make this decision?” or “Will a decision go in my favor?” (Positions: 1 Present situation, 2 The scales (what needs to be weighed up), 3 The sword (what action to take or what events will occur), 4 The outcome)
References
Greer, M. K. (2019). Tarot for your self: A workbook for personal transformation (3rd ed.). Weiser Books.
