Let me know if this isn't the place..
Just something I'm writing..I am doing the pictures, but that will take alot of time.. I get to experiment with my watercolors..
However, here is half of the Major Arcana, more tomorrow. Can you guess what prominent figures in Belariath I've used thus far?
Belariath TarotMajor Arcana 00 – The FoolDescription:
He is the image of freedom, of naiveté and wisdom. The picture itself a bright wash of yellows and reds, with a young elf with a stick carrying a bag of his possessions set against his shoulder, a cavalier smile upon his red lips. He is walking a narrow road; a cliff set just where his next step should be. Yet he does not seem afraid, but almost ecstatic of where he is going.
Meaning:
The Fool is a contradiction in terms – he is innocent yet wise, he is free of his fears and set for the journey ahead. The Fool only ever carries what he needs, experiencing life through his senses and throwing off materialistic needs. This card usually means the chance for opportunity is ahead, or a need to take a foolish risk; to emulate what the Fool represents in one’s personal life. Do not be afraid of risks, do not be afraid of the shackles of the everyday world – this is the time to refuse to be held by the problems life throws in our path.
01 – The MageDescription:
The Magician is a Master of disguise, a mutable character that shifts as his needs to. This allows him better control over the elements in his hands. He is a human man of some middle years, thick hair with grey at the sides pulled back into a queue at his neck – a thick but expertly trimmed beard covering above lips and jaw line. The colors are fully saturated in red, yellow, greens and blue. He sits behind his desk, a library behind him but the ceiling open to the sky; however, he is confident in his look, a hand raised above the four symbolic items set before him. The wand, the cup, the pentacle and the sword.
Meaning:
The Mage is power itself; over the four given elements, over others – and ultimately over himself. It is represents what we come to understand as the masculine qualities of personality; however, that is the more traditional aspects of the card. This representation however focuses on action through Will, and not physical action – it is the analysis and ultimately the application of knowledge to achieve the desired state.
When this card appears in a Tarot spread, it indicates the attainment of goals through the application of knowledge and Will. If badly aspected in a spread, this card can represent abuse of power. It can indicate manipulation of others, trickery and deception.
The Magician can be both sage and conjuror.
02 – The High PriestessDescription:
The High Priestess stands within a Temple, on either side the cavernous ceiling is supported by a white pillar and a black pillar, at her back an open field of golden wheat ripples from the open Temple doors. Her moriel features are beautiful, enigmatic – long white hair pulled back in braids and a tunic of dark purple cloth falling from small frame to cover the stairs that lead down. Pale lavender eyes stare with their all encompassing secrecy, and a smile that is as faint as the mystery in which she dwells. In front and below her, a pool of water, not reflecting what is there, but what is underneath. The colors are black and white; purple, with that hint of gold set in the distance.
Meaning:
The High Priestess is intuition, instinct and hidden knowledge. She encompasses the word "esoteric". She is the opposite of the Mage in that she relies upon synthesis and instinct to bring the answers to her; a trust in herself to find them, and in so doing, she holds those secrets few have gained, and has learned to give nothing of hers in return.
This card often comes when there is a problem; a question remarked prior to the card being plucked from its deck. Trust your instinct, follow your intuition and that will lead you to the Truth. If badly aspected, it can mean suppression and ignoring of such instincts - following your head at the expense of your heart
03 – The EmpressDescription:
Set within a field of golden wheat, the forest and mountains in the backdrop, upon a throne of twisting vines and blossoms, a woman of voluptuous form perches. Her toga is long and flowing, clinging to a well-rounded figure, her creamy skin tinged by that blush and hair as rich and green as the verdant woods behind her. Her crown are the wildflowers of the woodland glen, surrounded in the richness of what she is, what is hers, she is the epitome of feminine beauty. At the base of her throne, a pentacle and cup rest, the cup spilled with its overflowing of wine, the pentacle topped with grapes, bread, the fruit of the land itself.
Meaning:
The Empres s is the embodiment of the female personality. The maternal symbol of nature and the mortal realm; yet she also represents the material plain, where the Fool throws off the material, she embraces it as her earthly domain. Her element is the tangible earth, and in the touch of her expressive kiss, in the strength of her compassion and the security of her arms, she demonstrates her power. This is not a weak figure, for if her children are threatened, she will stop at nothing to protect them.
If well aspected in a Tarot spread, the Empress can symbolize security, protection and unconditional love. If badly aspected, it can represent over-protectiveness, fear of risk taking and refusal to face the real world.
04 – The EmperorDescription:
Tall, broad shouldered the physical personification of dominant male power; a human with his arms crossed, sitting upon a throne that is not on the mountain, but is the mountain. Behind him, a field of wheat that stretches towards the darkness of the Forest. His throne is black, with wolven’s carved into the arms, roaring their incomparable brevity into the open air. The Emperor wears a crown of gold, with long dark hair and hard blue eyes. His cloak is Forest Green, his short toga red, colors of power that reinforce his aura, and a sword that braces itself against a bent knee.
Meaning:
The Emperor represents power. He has power through power – not through the knowledge or intellect of the Mage and High Priestess, not through the material love of the Empress, but through himself and what he represents. The Emperor is an uncontrolled force, he IS control; forceful, ambitious. He is the natural leader, the Alpha, disposing of all that stands in the way of his ultimate goal.
If well aspected in a Tarot spread this card can indicate success; it represents obstacles overcome, goals reached and ambition fulfilled. If badly aspected it can indicate either weakness or an abuse of power.
05 – The Hierophant Description:
He stands within the darkness of the street, a hooded figure bearing the robes of a clergyman, his right hand lifted and wrapped upon a staff he bears like a sceptor. The Hierophant is a faceless entity, but by the red color of his robes and the forest green cloak that almost appears black, he is an entity of the Empire in which he is established. Behind him, the walls of an enclosed room, the richness of its tapestries offset by the emptiness of his expression. At his waist, his belt is laden with a single disc bearing the pentacle, a symbol of his element and the fixed and reinforced nature of his being.
Meaning:
The Hierophant is spiritual power, but more importantly, is power through establishment. Through politics and public opinion, he is faceless, as the need for conformity often is and the catapulting into social pressures. He seeks safety within numbers, never venturing onto the singular path of his own, but trusts in the common opinion of his peers, obtaining security through this. His will is social order, a place for each, the illusion of security through the expense of freedom.
This card set within the tarot can often indicate security and a good reputation within society. In its subvert connotation it can also mean the escape of authority, or the ability to escape authority. It can represent the loss of public standing and/or the suppression of individuality. Nothing escapes the attention of the Hierophant.
06 – The LoverDescription:
In a pit of silk covered pillows, naked limbs and bodies entwine in the most erotic of coupling. Their frames indistinct from the next, but faces of bliss and pure open lust; set within the center, a woman of slender but well endowed proportions reclines with hand upon silk clad hip, a look of satisfaction upon swollen lips and heavy lidded eyes. Her domain is covered in silk panels, in the open expression of her arms and the unadulterated hedonism of her followers. However, do not be fooled by the physical implication of her offer, for there is a frank and honest assertion in her expression – for what is the most honest than the baser desires of that mortal flesh?
MeaningThe Lover is the simplest of cards; it represents love, couples, and strong bonds of the emotional and physical variety. It is the commitment of one to the other, of coming into those arms and making a vow to the other. This card represents the trust of that commitment, as two bodies that hold no secrets from the other and are stronger when together rather than apart.
When pulled from the Tarot, it represents the forging of a new relationship or the strengthening of an existing one. The forging of this pairing helps to resolve problems, especially when two work as one. In its more negative light, it can represent the loss of trust, a breakdown in a relationship; it can also refer at times to false relationships, deception and pain.
07 – The ChariotDescription:
Set within the center, a bronze skinned Torian of golden hair and amber eyes stands with a bright, aggressive grin. She wears armor of blood red and gold, her long legs braced and blood-red wings flared behind her. In both hands, she holds the tethers of the heavily muscled horses that bear in opposite directions. One white, one black, each with flared nostrils and a determined slant of their frames. The Torian holds those reins with an ease and forceful control, bringing them to bear in the direction of their Mistress.
Meaning:
The Chariot represents forward movement, self-control and self-motivation. The central figure itself holds those two beasts that constantly push to the left and right, never forward, but through self-determination she controls the forward movement of those two opposing beasts to bring them together. The Chariot knows where they are going, they have their goals set and know the final destination they will find themselves. It is through their sheer control they will overcome all obstacles that stand within their way.
If well aspected in a tarot reading this card indicates progress and overcoming of obstacles. If badly aspected it can represent either failure to overcome those obstacles or - possibly more dangerous - success in achieving the wrong goals.
08 – StrengthDescription:
It is an open field with a bright yellow and blue sky, and a green field. In its center, a large behemoth of troll sits with legs crossed, his muscled arms set upon his knees, and a contemplative expression in his reflective black eyes. There is strength itself in his physical appearance, but also in the smooth and almost handsome expression of his visage that stares with a sense of inner peace. Upon his shoulders, a smaller sylph perches with her legs spread and her fists on her hips, hair caught within the breeze as she affects a confident and brave demeanor. Her expression holds the braggart of her strength that her companion is lacking.
Meaning:
Strength refers to not only physical strength, but emotional and spiritual as well. It is the courage and strength to do what is right, despite opposition; to defy convention and yes sometimes even authority.
It is not always a direct persona that is granted from the Strength card, but the use of inner strength to support one in the face of attack of what they hold as important and dear. While the Hierophant calls for co-operation and individual anonymity, Strength is forging their path, and remaining true to who they are. Strength is not something that should be inflicted on others when there is a clear alternative; it is a shield, not a sword, used to bolster oneself, not force upon another.
If well aspected in a Tarot reading, this card can indicate overcoming of obstacles and refusal to be beaten down. It is a card that symbolizes total belief in one's cause and the willingness to do whatever is necessary. If badly aspected this card can indicate loss of faith, failure of Will. Or worse, it can mean using one's strength to oppress others.
"The greatest warrior is one who does not need to kill."
09 – The HermitDescription:
The Hermit is a somewhat tall but not overbearing figure of a Wolven, his white fur obscured by the ripples of dark grey robe that fall in near darkness from his shoulders. He bears himself within the fury of a storm, its wind and ice encrusted at his feet, breaking against his solid figure. In his left hand, he bears a shepherds staff with a lantern glowing as a single pin-point of light against the black edges of the card. His expression seen is stark but calm, a near glacier s, is a lone figure, walking through the darkness carrying the light. The light can be a great burden but is also a great gift.
Meaning:
The Hermit is a quiet, contemplative card. While others rush around and shout, he sits quietly alone and thinks. He goes deep within to reach wisdom. The Hermit is a careful planner, never rushing into anything. Yet when he does act he does so all the more effectively, applying the results of his contemplation to overcome previously insurmountable obstacles. He knows the outcome of the game before making the first move.
If well aspected in a Tarot reading, this card can indicate contemplation leading to new wisdom and inner strength. It can also indicate obtaining wise counsel from such a person. If badly aspected this card can indicate excessive isolation and withdrawal, refusal to cooperate or be involved with others.
10 – Wheel of Fortune Description:
Set within a yellow background, stormy clouds giving into bluer ones, a Wheel showcasing the Illifrian Calendar spins. At its bottom, an elven slave with soft red hair and Chirot wings perches, hands upon her thighs and expression turned to the one standing at the Wheels opposite side. That one, a taller cat-folk female with dark red hair and black stripes, arms akimbo as she watches the spin of the Wheel, though her smile is amiable and confident. The third subject stands as though in flight above the Wheel, a blonde Knight garbed in armor from foot to fingers, she has the symbol of Aden-Ver upon her shield, and her sword is raised, prepared to strike and end the Wheel’s turn.
Meaning:
The Wheel of Fortune is the cycle of nature and reality. The passage of time, the essence of wisdom hinted at in the other cards. It shows that life itself is change, that through life the wheel will always turn, to stop means stagnation and the end of such things. All things change as they need to, but in change remains the constant of that change. That day will become night, that rain becomes sun becomes rain, and that joy becomes pain becomes joy.
If well aspected in a Tarot reading, this card can indicate good fortune through change, the wheel turning for now to a better position. If badly aspected this card can indicate what appears to be misfortune. It can also represent resistance to the inevitability of change.
11 – JusticeDescription:
He sits within a throne of slate grey, robes of fiery orange and red, balanced in one hand a set of scales, in the other a sword held upwards. His eyes are held behind a blindfold, keeping him from bias and only hearing the facts themselves. Two pillars on each side, one black, one white.
Meaning:
Justice represents impartial authority and the settlement of disputes. There is no fear or favor here; just the evidence itself. Everything within his domain passes to him. Justice must be done, must be witnessed to be done. In secrecy justice cannot prevail. Only once the evidence is given, and the accused brought before their peers and plaintiff, can true Justice be settled. Justice is not the same as the Law, it is the spirit of that Law and not its written letter. If Justice See’s Law as being incorrect, it will set it aside for what is right and sacred, as this responsibility the judge is awe-inspiring and powerful.
In positive positions, when pulled, this card can indicate settlement of disputes, the achievement of a just outcome. If badly displayed this card can indicate corruption and failure of justice.
12 – The Hanged ManDescription:
This Chirot hangs from his perch with one leg free, bent at his knee, a smile upon his sharp features. Despite his predicament, the Hanged Man is not a victim, for he going to his fate happily. The background consists of green and red, with a branch holding the damned’s weight by that rope. There is the light of illumination around his head, as he has found his answers, and knows nothing can take that from him.
Meaning:
The Hanged Man is not a victim, as stated before – he goes to his fate with a smile, a Martyr a cause that he believes totally in. He has risked all for his belief, and in that has found enlightenment. This is his card. He is content, serene, knowing his self-sacrifice will benefit others, and what will await his tormentors on the morrow.
In its positive position or reading, this card can indicate sacrifice for a cause, giving up one thing to obtain something greater. If negatively given this card can indicate loss of faith and lack of true commitment, and "fair weather friends". It indicates an over-emphasis on the short term at the expense of the long.
13 – DeathDescription: Death, the most misunderstood but well known of the Major Arcana. She is a Moriel of petite stature, locks of flaming color lighting the neutral color of the background. Her robe is white, to denote the reflection of all sides, all things. Her bare feet touch upon a wilting crop, while the souls of the dead rise at her behest. In one hand she bears a Scythe, in the other, a sacred flame that burns at the old crops, for the new cannot come without the cleansing and making of room.
Meaning:Unlike the image it gives, Death is not about dying. It is about Change, and the need for it. It represents the death of the old, to give to the rebirth of the New. This is not a card of despair, but one that pronounces hope in the changing of things; seasons, minds, in new beginnings, of the death of old habits. Without death, stagnation will happen, the Wheel fails to turn and movement forward is halted. It is a vital key in the lives of mortals, and should not be given light thought.
Of course with change, there can be pain, of short term loss. These are the negative implications if Death is pulled and placed thusly during readings.