4 of Pentacles
Explanation
The 4 of Pentacles is about holding on to what you got. The number 4 represents structure and order, and fits well with the suit's element, Earth.
Meaning
Positive
Try to make a list of what you have, and what you would like to have. It'll help bring some clarity, probably.
Neutral
Holding on to what you have can often result in a tense attitude. But you can hold on in a relaxed fashion as well, if you remind yourself regularly at first.
Negative
Beware that you don't become too cramped while you're trying to hold on to what you have. Try to relax and allow others their fun as well.
3 of Wands
Explanation
This card is about exposing your new ideas to the world. The Wand's element fire goes well with the number 3, as 3 is an output number, a number of results. Fire likes getting to results quickly.
Meaning
Positive
Now is the time to come out with your plans. Trust your own objective judgement on whether your ideas are any good, and others will likely share your opinion. Don't fear rejection, though.
Neutral
Your new ideas are ready to face the world, and you're ready to talk about them with those around you. You do this in an enthousiastic and positive way, you feel proud and energetic. You're sure that your ideas are worth their salt and you're capable of convincing others of that.
Negative
Be careful about what you tell others of these new ideas of yours. They might think you've gone crazy, or you could give your competition your idea for free. Be careful and look at your ideas with a critique's eye.
Queen of Swords
Explanation
The Queen of Swords makes you aware of what you can do with alertness, objectivity, diplomacy, and your own intelligence. She will teach you how to approach your goals while also guarding yourself against dangers.
Meaning
Positive
Try to fully understand the other party or parties before telling your own story. This will give you an advantage in negotiations.
Neutral
This is a time of passing through dangerous territory, with constant course adjustments to stay out of danger. You'll need to stay diplomatic to avoid making too many enemies, but you should not let yourself be fooled by the plenty of people who seek to gain at your expense. Communication is your weapon.
Negative
You're trying to think about too many vectors at the same time. Your gut and feelings can provide you with help.
2 of Pentacles
Explanation
The 2 of Pentacles is an assignment number card, and the assignment here is to maintain a happy and relaxed attitude during a wait for results of what you started.
Meaning
Positive
You might be able to do some preliminary work while you wait. Try to relax a bit as well.
Neutral
You've started something that now practically requires you to wait a bit for results to come in. This gives you the chance to relax, and to do some final polishing as well.
Negative
You don't actually have to wait for results right now, you can proceed with your efforts, perhaps from a different angle.
The Lovers
Explanation
Some attribute love and romance to the card of The Lovers. Others see it as finding and living with both female and male aspects of yourself.
Place in the cycle
This card carries the number 6. It is the number of protection, of stability and security. It comes after the assignment number 5, it is the reward after hard work.
The Magician announced four wisdoms. In the cards that followed, they came into view one by one. The traveler of Tarot has accumulated the baggage with which to travel. This card signifies a choice between staying with the old and familiar, or (the way of Tarot:) going to new experiences and lessons.
Meaning
Positive
Open yourself to growth towards independence.
Neutral
When the card of The Lovers is drawn, then you're ready to realize that you've gained security in yourself. You've developed a basic self confidence that enables you to look objectively to your surroundings. But you're ready to grow beyond your current realm of comfort. Your need for self reliance is increasing. This card is a process card, which means that it's effect might last for months.
Negative
Don't linger, don't get stuck in your own habits. Spring into action.
The Moon
Explanation
The Moon has been looked in all ways during our history. It has been both revered and dispised.
Where the sun ruled the day, the moon ruled the night. Those who knew the lunar cycles knew when they needed to seed and when they needed to harvest.
Place in the cycle
The Moon carries the number 18, composed that is 9. This composed number is the number of completion, of achievement.
The Hermit, also a 9, closed off the upperworld. The Moon closes the underworld.
You've faced a lot in the underworld, your own fears not least of them. Now it is time to crawl back up to securities and comfort, but there's work to be done before you're there.
Meaning
Positive
If you want to achieve a high goal, you'll need to walk the middle ground between the swamps. You'll need to articulate to others where you want to go, and in telling them about your desires expose yourself somewhat.
Neutral
You're busy with your feelings at the moment, re-finding your ideals and vocalizing your feelings despite that making your vulnerable. This is not the time to get stuck in the sea of your feelings, it is time to go onto shore and find the golden middle path toward hapiness.
Negative
Don't look at your ideals and desires too much. Stick to practical goals.
8 of Swords
Explanation
The 8 of Swords is about slowly regaining strength and energy. The 8 is an assignment number, and in the element of Swords it's a bit harder than usual.
Meaning
Positive
A little rest can help here, you're working through (old) emotions that prop up while you try to adapt to new ways of working (with your surroundings).
Try to balance the need for rest with the need for making progress.
Neutral
You're done with those things that are not good for you, but while your mind understands it, your feelings lag behind a bit. You keep drifting back to old viewpoints, and it will take at least a little time to let go of these.
Negative
It's not needed to look at everything with pessimism. Push yourself to let go of the old and embrace the new.
Death
Explanation
This is about psychological death (or: transformation), not physical death as we have to face in life.
Place in the cycle
Death carries the number 13, which is considered the unlucky number not now but throughout history as well.
It's composed number is 4, the number of structure and order.
Meaning
Positive
Get rid of the old (habits) and get ready to welcome in the new. Don't look back too often, which may make you second guess your decisision.
Neutral
You're in a period of your life where you've decided to radically clean up your act. Actually you've made the decision at The Hanged Man, the previous card in the deck, and now at Death you're ready to fill in the blanks of that change. The cleaning up concerns things that you know have to change. You get rid of things that no longer matter and will become blockages when you continue with them. But the new is not here yet, so while you cut old habits out of your life you may end up waiting for the input of the new. This may cause feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability.
Death is a card that does not fall frequently, it is a bit of a special card. When it does fall, you should spend time to understand it's meaning for you then and there. First of all to take away the negative appearance of the card, second because the card signifies an important time in the life of the asker.
The card may indicate relational problems. Getting rid of the old may mean abandoning someone you once loved.
There is the chance that you may want to kick out the old (habits) too soon, just to get clarity. Or you may end up in limbo, having eliminated the old but also not welcoming of whatever new is heading your way.
Negative
Don't make any (drastic) changes yet, give things time instead.
The Hermit
Explanation
The Hermit shuts out the world and retreats into solitude to better understand some spiritual aspect of life. He opens to the cosmos and lets it's wisdom sink in. Hermits are often seen as wise old men who can guide a traveller along a journey.
Place in the cycle
The Hermit carries the number 9. This is the highest base number. After 9 the composed numbers emerge. Therefore the number 9 is the gateway to a higher order. It is also a place to rest before embarking on the next leg of the journey.
Meaning
Positive
Rest, but at the same time prepare for the next leg of your journey. Empty your mind of things past, and wait for inspiration to hit you. Wait for a sign, it'll be there in time.
Neutral
When the card of The Hermit is drawn, it means you can relax a bit and recall the leg of the journey that you have completed. Up to now everything has been guided by your own choices, now it is time to let the universe guide you along the next steps. The card signifies a waiting period.
Negative
Don't be too passive, now is not the time to rest.
