Elemental Dignities

Rider-Waite Tarot

Let's see what happens when we use Elemental Dignities in the latest Tarot Tuesday reading.

I've looked into the process and come to a vague understand of how this works. I'm still a little confused, but bear with me. As I learn, you can learn with me.

I had a friend go over a spread and it all made sense, but on my own it didn't seem so clear anymore. Like everything in life, practice is the key.

First you will need to know:

Fire and Air are friendly and active
Water and Earth are friendly and passive
Fire and Water are enemies, they weaken each other
Air and Earth are enemies, they weaken each other
Fire and Earth strengthen each other but are neutral
Water and Air strengthen each other but are neutral

Elemental Dignities are usually read in triplets. The middle card is known as the Principal card an the cards flanking it are called Moderators. The point in this process is to find the strongest card, therefore identifying where the focus of the reading should be.

Elemental Properties can be found here.

In Tarot Tuesday's reading, the cards pulled were: 13 Death (water), 9 of Wands (fire), and 8 of Pentacles (earth).

First, let's look at the relationship of the first two cards: water and fire are enemies, they weaken each other.

Second, the relationship between the last two cards: fire and earth strengthen each other but are neutral.

Third, the relationship between the first and last card: water and earth are friendly and passive.

In this case one flanking card strengthens the central card, while the other weakens it. The central card remains strong, but modified by the enemy.

When using this in a reading, it does not change the cards' meanings. It only changes the ultimate focus.

So looking back at the reading, we find that the central card (9 of Wands) is the focus but it is now modified by the enemy flanking card (13 Death).

What does all this mean? The process of standing up will be a part of a transformation period. Therefore: This appears not to be a recovery process as thought of before, but a transformation period.

Any thoughts or opinions are welcomed. As I said before, I'm not sure about how to do this. I'm winging it. Let me know what you think. Was this helpful?

Elemental Properties of the Tarot

Gunjan Karun © gunjankarun.com

Elemental Properties of the Tarot

It is important to understand that these properties may vary between decks and users. What follows is the process I use myself.

Also know that the names of the suits and the Major Arcana cards may vary between decks. Such as Pentacles are also known as Coins and the High Priestess can also appear as the Priestess. Decks vary, so change accordingly.

Minor Arcana

Wands - Fire
Cups - Water
Swords - Air
Pentacles - Earth

Major Arcana

0 Fool-Air
1 Magician-Air
2 High Priestess-Water
3 Empress-Earth
4 Emperor-Fire
5 Hierophant-Earth
6 Lovers-Air
7 Chariot-Water
8 Strength-Fire
9 Hermit-Earth
10 Wheel-Fire
11 Justice-Air
12 Hanged Man-Water
13 Death-Water
14 Temperance-Fire
15 Devil-Earth
16 Tower-Fire
17 Star-Air
18 Moon-Water
19 Sun-Fire
20 Judgment-Fire
21 World-Earth

Tarot Tuesday

Rider-Waite Tarot

In last week's Tarot Tuesday, the 3 of Swords, 'the recovery card' appeared. This week's question is based on that card.

Deck: The Rider Tarot Deck
Spread: 3-card, no designated positions
Question: What do I need to recover from?

Numerical Overview of Reading - This is found by adding the numerical values of the cards and reducing to corresponding numbers of the Major Arcana - 3 The Empress - This is known as the mother card. She represents nourishment and abundance.

13 Death - The energies of this card are transformation and rebirth. It can indicate the end of one phase and the beginning of a new phase.

9 of Wands (reversed) - In the upright position, this card represents taking a stand, and speaking up for oneself. Reversed, it indicates one not doing so, shying away from confrontation.

8 of Pentacles - This card represents learning a new trade, using your skills, or enjoying your work.

Reading Overview: The appearance of the Death card indicates to me that I am already in the recovery stage which is to be a major transformation. Concerning my work and life, there is a need to stand up for myself, and to share who I am and what I'm about. The Empress tells me that this is a fruitful time and also speaks of sharing feelings, and caring for others.

Question: What do I need to recover from? I need to step out of the shadows, and become myself. I need to recover from being pushed into the corners and told to hush. My past relationship was the garden in which this tongue-tied spirit was born. It is time to speak up.

Using Elemental Dignities In a Tarot Reading

I'm not even going to pretend that I know how to use Elemental Dignities in a Tarot Reading, but it is something I want to look further into and decide rather it is worth using during a reading.

For now, I'm going to direct you to a post that can get you started in understanding in the process at Tarot Eon.

In later posts, we may dig deeper into this process and see what happens to a reading when used.

Tarot Tuesday

Below you will find a reading that I have done for myself today. It is much harder to read for yourself than it is for others. You are too close to the situation to see everything clearly. But like everything else, practice makes perfect.

And now, I present to you the first posting of Tarot Tuesday. I hope you enjoy. Feel free to share any insight you may see in my reading that I have missed.

Deck: The Rider Tarot Deck
Spread: 3-card, no designated positions
Question: What should my energies be focused toward?

Rider-Waite Tarot

Numerical Overview of Reading - This is found by adding the numerical values of the cards and reducing to corresponding numbers of the Major Arcana. - 2 The High Priestess - The energies of this card are of intuitive awareness, and gaining intuitive balance. It can also represent hidden knowledge, something that you are unaware of consciously.

18-The Moon-The energies of this card are of the unknown. It warns against deceit and dishonesty. It is a sign of something coming to surface and being revealed. You may be becoming intuitively aware of something.

3 of Swords (reversed) - In the reversed position, this card becomes a symbol of recovery. You have had pain and sorrow, but you have moved passed that into the recovery stage.

8 of Wands - This card shows fast movement forward. You are approaching your goal rapidly. Progress and growth are steadily occurring.

Reading Overview: I have experienced mental anguish  which I'm in the process of healing from. This is bringing about an intuitive awareness that has been hidden from me in the past. The progress of this development is moving at a quick and steady pace.

Question: What should my energies be focused toward? At this time, I should be focused on my intuition and attempting to find a healthy balance as I move forward in my growth.

This is an interesting reading as I have just purchased my first pendulum and my first Chakra healing kit.

Tarot has been my main source of outlet for my intuitive nature, but I'm feeling a need to expand. I'm sure you'll hear more about that in a later post.

Your Hidden Factor Card

Rider-Waite Tarot

The third card in your Tarot Profile is the Hidden Factor Card. This card may also be called the Teacher Card. The Major Arcana card shows your underlying issues. As the Teacher Card it assists you in overcoming these issues.

You can determine this card with the chart on page 32, shown in the preview section on Tarot for Your Self by Mary K Greer. More information on this card and Minor Arcana cards which show further lessons to be learned can also be found in these preview pages.

To obtain a better understanding of your Tarot Profile, purchase a copy of this Mary K Greer's Tarot for Your Self.

My Hidden Factor Card is 14 Temperance. This card reflects that my underlying issues are finding balance in life and experiencing spiritual growth. To accomplish my goals for this lifetime, I need to be aware of what I do, what I give, and what I receive. The universe works on cause and effect and for me to see the whole I must balance it all out. The concept is that the effects of this card are stronger after you've stepped over the 30 year mark. This seems completely logical, for I find myself searching for this balance and intrigued by spirituality.

My Minor Arcana Cards are the fives of each suit. These reflect other lessons to be learned.

5 of Cups - A lesson of thinking positive.
5 of Swords - A lesson of accepting victory graciously.
5 of Wands - A lesson of gathering knowledge.
5 of Pentacles - A lesson of struggling against the odds.

The Tarot is a great way to learn more about yourself. By creating a Tarot Profile, you'll be amazed at what you may learn.