The Star

Typically The Star typically signifies hope, tranquility, inner peace, etc. However, a while back, while doing a reading using The Pictorial Key Tarot, The Star came up and rather than getting a sense of hope, the card gave me a strong sense of sexuality and eroticism. In both the Tarot de Marseille and the Rider-Waite Tarot, the female figure depicted on this card is shown nude, but not in an erotic manner. The Pictorial Key's depiction of the nude female figure is, admittedly, more graphic, but in the past I have never gotten a sense of eroticism from it, and certainly not from the way she is shown in the other two decks.


The Star from The Pictorial Key Tarot
© Lo Scarabeo


Tarot de Marseille © Camoin and Jodorowsky
Rider Waite Tarot © U. S. Games Systems Inc.

In my admittedly still-developing knowledge of tarot, it is my understanding that although there are, more or less, typical "standard meanings" for the individual cards, in many cases, a given card can take on an additional or altered meaning, depending on the context. The range of interpretation, from what I can tell so far, seems to range from adhering to very specific traditional meanings for each card, to largely or even fully "intuitive" understandings based on a particular instance. At this point, I am falling somewhere in the middle, depending on the situation. How does one know exactly where to land in any given case? Well, I suppose that one could use one's intuition for this! Is this not, ultimately, what the tarot demands of us?

My interpretation of this card is influenced by both the traditional meanings and by the more erotic sense I got from this card as described above. Also, I have drawn the stars with seven points, not the usual eight. This could be interpreted through an alchemical, Druidic, or even Christian lens. Do I have a specific meaning for this? Well, let's just say that it seemed like the thing to do at the time. Basically, that's pretty much how I'm rolling with these drawings for now; anything is ultimately subject to change.

(drawing completed on May 18, 2009)

The Lovers • The Devil

I decided to draw these cards together, as they are related both visually and thematically. Also, note that the number of the Devil, 15, reduces to the number of the Lovers, 6.

Again, I am keeping the content of the drawings somewhat similar to those in the RWS deck, with a few modifications. With The Lovers, other than the closer view of the figures (and their embrace), the elements are pretty much the same. The figures in the RWS version of The Devil are chained around their neck, but the chains are loose--the figures could free themselves if they wanted to. In my version, we do not see the chains, but we do see a key around the man's neck. (There is probably one around the woman's neck as well, but we can't see if because of her hair.) Although we do not see the chains, the key implies that they are there; perhaps they are leg irons. The man and woman could free themselves, but they are bound by their own choice.

(drawings completed on April 17, 2009)

The High Priestess

Well, let's see.... I'm not deviating too far on this one; a few changes though. The cross on her chest has been replaced by a medallion with the downward-pointing triangle-- the alchemical sign for water. The veil between the pillars has been removed; we now have a clearer view of the water behind her. There is land in the distance on either side, but the center leads out to the open sea, summoning us to explore the depths of our unconscious mind. Oftentimes, we will see the High Priestess with one of her feet on a crescent moon. Here, the moon resides on her staff.

(drawn on April 11, 2009)

Page of Swords

In the RWS deck, the Page of Swords is stepping to his left, looking back over her right shoulder. Her sword is raised, possibly in preparation for defense, but it looks more to me like a position of caution, hesitation, uncertainty. This is also reflected in her facial expression.

The way I have drawn this card shows the page as more defensive, perhaps even preparing to attack. Her face is more determined... don't mess with me or I'll cut your bloody head off!

Of course, all of the Pages in the RWS deck are male, although some could be considered to be somewhat androgynous. We certainly do not see any obvious female attributes in any of them. In some decks, we see that the Page has been changed to the Princess. I decided to stay more within the RWS tradition by sticking with the Page, but thought that this would be a really good opportunity to show a bad-ass young woman with a sword. What's not to like?

Color-wise, I'm not so sure that I see it with the sunny blue sky as in the RWS; perhaps a bit more ominous. We'll see... color is a long way off. Yes, it's windy-- note the hair and the belt blowing in the wind.

Another note-- something that I like about this card is that for some reason, it kind of reminds me of the art of N. C. Wyeth. I can't quite put my finger on why that is, exactly, but for some reason that 's kind of how it hits me.


(drawn on 4/3/09)

The Chariot VII

This card is often presented in a more static, formal manner. This would be that case in both the RWS and TdM decks. In those two decks, one has sphinxes, the other has horses. The Chariot is generally considered to be about victory, willpower, and control. I see this card as having a lot to do with power and strength, and as such have presented it in a more kinetic manner, suggesting not just power, but action as well.

The Charioteer needs no reigns; he is in total control of the horses, maintaining a balance between opposing forces. His right hand holds a wand of power in the physical realm. His left hand points to the heavens, connecting him to the forces of the universe, God, or however you choose to look at that (this is echoed in the winged all-seeing eye on the front of the chariot). The sun is directly above his head; there is triangle on his chest (the alchemical symbol for fire); both of these suggest a strong male energy in this card.

(drawn on 3/28/07)

Two of Cups

Lovers meet in the moonlight.

(drawn on 3/7/09)

Two of Pentacles

Not a lot to say about this one, really. I'm not drawing the cards in any particular order, just doing whatever comes to mind for whatever reason. This card typically has to do with balancing the various forces in one's life-- it is often seen as being a bit more lighthearted, but the way it came out seems to be a bit more serious, suggesting challenge, worry, even trepidation perhaps.

When I'm drawing these cards, I have a basic idea, but to some extent things just unfold on their own-- ideas have been coming mid-stream. For example, note that although the figure is upright, the horizon is tilted. Color-wise, I see this as a sunny day, blue sky, warm clouds. Hmm... that would lighten the mood a bit, wouldn't it. Well, this is all a work in progress; everything is subject to change.

(drawn on 2/19/09)