Exploring Tarot ~ The Universal Waite Tarot

The Universal Waite Tarot deck is a shinier version of the traditional Rider-Waite deck. I’ve been using the Rider-Waite deck for my somewhat daily tarot and rune YouTube webcasts which I actually like better now than the shinier version but then I’ve never been a real fan of bright colors. I’m more of an earth tones person with a strange foray into pink for some reason over the last few years.

The overall numerology for the reading is one or new beginnings and wholeness with Earth and Air influencing and one card is from the Major Arcana.

Night gives way to dawn, illuminating a dead body on the shore. Ten swords pierce the back of the man who lies dead on the ground, a red cloak covering most of his lifeless body. A large body of water, either a great river or lake, lies beyond the scene with mountains visible in the distance. Swords is an interesting suit in that it governs all things associated with intellect and communication. The power of words can elevate or destroy and in this card, nothing more can be said. Either we’ve experienced slander, or our thoughts have taken us in a self-destructive direction. However, our torment appears to be over and a new day is dawning.

Inner balance is reflected in the 2 of Pentacles. We’re juggling two things at once or weighing options. The waves behind the juggler depict the ups and downs of life as well as the eternal passage of time. In a sense, it’s a closed energy system that’s depicted or one that depicts a purely individual experience.

The Chariot is the final card in the reading, the seventh card from the Major Arcana. Here we see a King riding in a chariot wearing a golden crown surrounded by a green wreath. Two upturned crescent moons representing Maiden and Crone sit atop his cape, faces visible on each shoulder. Stars adorn the fabric draped over the top of the chariot shielding him from the Sun. A castle appears behind the King. A shield consisting of a winged Sun and a dreidel appears on the front of the chariot while black and white sphinxes sit at the front of the chariot alert in the protection of their charge.

Progression and balance are among this card’s traditional interpretations along with knowing when to surrender or to take control. The King has returned from battle and the townspeople have gathered in celebration of his successful return. The Chariot reflects strength and mastery and suggests we’re well-prepared for the future.

If we’re taking an inner view of the 10 of Swords, then we’ve gone as far as we can go with wherever our destructive thoughts were taking us. We need to get a grip and make a decision. The King and the two sphinxes all seem comfortable in their roles, the King ready to direct if needed or to relax and allow the sphinxes to lead if that’s the appropriate choice. Oftentimes we just struggle too much and it can take an enormous amount of inner strength to stop trying to control every outcome. Like the ships depicted on the waves of the 2 of Pentacles, there’s always another wave, another challenge in life to overcome. We might as well try to enjoy the ride.

~ Blessed Be