Card reading for January

Firstly, from Caitlin Matthews’ ‘Hallowquest’, I have chosen  ‘Merlin' which is numbered 1 and shows Merlin as a mature and centred man of influence and power, preparing the way for Arthur. Above his head are red and white dragons, locked in combat. Behind his right shoulder is the crumbling castle of the unworthy King Vortigern; behind his left, is a dwelling, created for him by his sister with which to see the heavens. He is looking at a map which is laid out a stone table with the four Hallows, the Sword, Spear, Grail and Stone Chessboard. Merlin was born of an earthly mother and Otherworldly father, giving him knowledge of both physical and non-physical realms. He does not use his power to manipulate but to balance and mediate, to intuit and take wise action. It was foretold that the safety of Vortigern's castle could only be achieved if the blood of a child with no father was sprinkled upon the foundations, and this put Merlin in great danger. However, Merlin proved that the crumbling castle was due to the warring dragons.  

From the Enchanted Tarot by Amy and Monte Zerner, my second card is The Chariot, numbered 7. The Dream and the Warrior Maiden carry the spoils of war. She is Brunhilde and she triumphantly wins the race on her reindeer steed against formidable opposition. She carries her shield to symbolise the aggression which brought her victory. She has a good physique and a stern resolve, bravado and self-assurance and she has suppressed all emotion but this will not serve her in all situations. Golden unicorns on the horizon represent her aspirations and these are where she is heading. The Awakening tells us that in order to triumph, we must take the reins of control and enlist other assistance in our quest. Right now, there is no room for emotion, just single-minded concentration on the goal. But as we grow, we need to remember to remove the frightening mask so we can be our true selves. The Enchantment offers us a space to close our eyes, see a strong, white light surrounding us, making us radiant with energy and health and strengthened within and without. We are to daily visualise the accomplishment of our goal and accept adulation. Power and determination lead us to victory!

 

From the Mysteries of the Star Major Arcana, I have chosen the third card number 21 - titled 'The World' by Philippe Rouchier. Planetary health is of fundamental importance to our present situation as everything depends on it. The card shows a strong, bare-chested man with long, flowing black hair and a white beard and moustache. His eyes are hidden in shadow. He is holding in his hand a circle of energy. The traditional meaning of ‘The World’ card is wholeness, success and completion. This is about a new beginning taking place and the shades need to be lifted from the eyes of the seeker in order for wisdom to be available for the good use of the energy which they hold within their hands. In this reading we think about the planet and the needs of all species, from the largest to the smallest, and how strong and wise we need to be to hand on a healthy planet to coming generations.

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
"Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown!"
And he replied:
"Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way."

So, I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night And He led me toward the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

So, heart, be still!
What need our little life,
Our human life, to know,
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife
Of things both high and low
God hideth His intention.
The Desert 1908 by Minnie Louise Haskins 1876 - 1957
The Unknown Card by Jennifer Gallasso


Creative readings, loosely based on card information by Wendy Stokes Visit www.wendystokes.co.uk