• Symbolizes: Manifestation, change

  • idea of manifestation...making something real out of the possibilities in life” (Pollack 30)

  • it takes many kinds of people to change the world” (Minnis 18)

  • Objects on the table represent the minor arcana pentacles, swords, cups, and wands

  • Flowers symbolize “the emotional and creative power we feel in our lives needs to be grounded in physical reality (Pollack 31)

  • “The Magician…signaling the six directions…they are free to travel above and below, here we find the middle  world with its four” (Red Tarot 17)

• Reverse meaning

  • Mental disquiet,hallucinations, fear (Pollack 34)

I feel that this card demonstrates the potential for people to take the reigns of their own lives and use it on what they find necessary. People can be creative and create new ideas that challenge old ideas, or create change in our world through stories, art, and speech.  

• Symbolism: Fortune, cycle of life, change

  • good or bad” (Mathers 7)

  • A snake “represents...bringer of death who kills Osiris, god of life” (Pollack 88) as seen in egyptian myths.

  • Jackal-headed man is Anubis ,guide to the dead souls, and therefore giver of new life (Pollack 88) 

• 10th number

  • The number 0, is also everything (Pollack 89)

  • The Fool

  • In other depictions of the card there are no symbols in the center of the wheel, reflects the 0 

• Christianity

  • Christ died on the cross for our sins, live in heaven

  • Reflects the circle of life

• Reverse meaning

  • Signals a struggle against events (Pollack 90)

  • Change is hard for anyone,not dealing with it makes it harder

The way i see this card is that it represents changes that can happen throughout an individual's life and our acceptance of the change. It also represents the creativeness with in humans and that we will continue to live in life spiritually or not.

• Symbolizes: Femininity, Motherhood, Creativity, Love

  • femininity, it can be “associated with...expression, creativity” (Gong)

  • represent the love people have for others and themselves while being creative and expressive

  • “Motherhood is the basic means by which life continues through nature” (Pollack 47)

• 3rd number

  • “Number of truth…true communication is meant to reach an intelligent, responsive audience” (Red Tarot 89)

  • “Numbers 1 and 2 stood specifically for male and female…number 3 signifies the child produced”(Pollack 47)

• Reverse Meaning

  • “New intellectual awareness” (Pollack 48) in regards to our emotions

This card seems to represent the love people have for others and themselves while being creative and expressive. This card also gives  an individual access to release any built up emotions, which helps the emotions be expressed and be put in the past.

• Symbolizes: Spiritual Transformation, new beginnings, change, Transition 

  • Old version of you needs to ‘die’ to allow the new you to be created (Gong)

  • signifies spiritual transformation and a time of change and new beginnings (Death Tarot Card Meaning)

• 13th number

  • Considered as an unlucky number

  • 13 refers to Judas...the thirteenth man at the last supper (Pollack 104) 

  • resurrections of our soles or past behaviors forgiven 

  •  become something new in life. 

• The reverse card

  • indicates being stuck in old habits (Pollack 105) 

  • resisting change that is necessary to move forward (Death Tarot Card Meaning)

Death allows us to feel the pain and sorrow in order to embrace that new change. The death of a loved one is one of many changes people may struggle through in life. Feeling out the pain and letting go of it allows us to become someone new, someone who embraces the new opportunities ahead of us. 

The Page of Wands represents the beginning of a journey of creativity, self-discovery, or expression.  This Page proudly marches to the beat of their own drum and approaches their journey playfully.

This Page confidently sizes up their wand, which stands just taller than them. The wand is held parallel to their body, and they look upon it proudly. The Page wears an eccentric outfit, including several yellow pieces, a cape, and a feathered hat. The background is simple and somewhat desert-like, but they dress themselves to stand out.

In Red Tarot, Marmolejo characterizes the Page of Wands as being a vibrant and energetic person who is self-assured in their expression, and who is not concerned with conformity or assimilation. He compares this Page to a poet who tells their story through their own language and vernacular, someone who "[champions] their vibrant culture" (Marmolejo, 54). The Page of Wands will express themselves in a way that is authentic to them, regardless of their digestibility to others. They take full ownership of their journey. When they are not given the space they need, they make it. To Marmolejo, this page wants to plant their wand like a tree, "making an oasis where there was once a desert" (Marmolejo, 56). 

“They embody a feeling of freedom when you are on a path that is yours alone, a path motivated by the conviction of purpose." (Marmolejo, 57).

NB: Page numbers for the Pages may be different in your book. I am using the Apple Books version.

The Page of Swords is a card of newly found power and invigoration. It represents the beginning stages of a journey, often of learning, where we are just starting to use our new skills and we are eager to move forward. 

The figure stands confidently, larger than life, as tall as the clouds in the background. The focus of the image is on the page themselves - the sword extends "off camera". The Page appears to be ready to use the sword, possibly striking to the left, as indicated by the gaze. Alternatively, the Page could be walking forward, looking back to where they've been, leading with their sword. Given Marmolejo's perspective, this Page is likely practicing wielding the sword.

In Red Tarot, Marmolejo describes the Page of Swords as being a person who is learning a new language or way of knowing or communicating. This person may be someone new to tarot, or they may be learning a new language or view on the world outside of the dominant narrative. They have an open mind as a beginner in their space, "“ready to learn, ready to share perspective" (Marmolejo, 52). As a learner, they must be given, or give themselves, opportunities to practice and improve. They are in a period of exploration with their expression. They are moving toward a sense of angency, destiny, and integrity in their journey. In Marmolejo's connection to justice work, what the Page learns to wield, represented by the sword, carries potent power: their voice. Our voices, when used well, have significant weight. The way we use language and express ideas matters. Someone on an activist journey may resonate with the Page of Swords at a time when they are just starting to take what they are learning about the world and apply it to their work.

"They are training with the sword, beginning to understand its power, how to handle its weight, the depth of its duty. They wrestle with the sacrifices required to uphold principles, personal values, self-belief, and a responsibility to right relation," (Marmolejo, 52).

The Page of Cups is a card of new beginnings and intuition. It can signal good news to come, and it reminds us to pay attention to our emotions and allow them to be present on our journey.

The Page holds a golden cup in one hand, placing the other hand on their hip. The cup contains a small fish which is the same color as the Page's hat and part of their outfit. They make eye contact with the fish. Seeing a fish on land is unexpected, but the Page seems to welcome the surprise. There is waving water in the background, showing where the fish likely came from. 

Marmolejo sees the Page of Cups as a symbol of birth, intuition, and emotion. He connects the water to the theme of birth, referencing the role of water in birth in Indigenous culture. Marmolejo explains the feeling of intuition by contrasting it with anxiety:

“Often anxiety is loud and incessant, and it deteriorates our overall sense of well-being, no matter its pretense of protection. As the voice of intuition—soft, still, reassuring—is the Page of Cups. What they have to say only inspires trust, belief, and care. When the Page of Cups speaks, fears fall asleep.” (Marmolejo, 59).

The Page of Cups represents a development of this intuition, and it brings about emotional attunement. Marmolejo also connects this Page to spirituality and religion, relating it to how a person may engage with God.

“They communicate truth through dreams, poetry, and song. This is the child who experiences awe beholding goldfish held in a plastic bag. They will learn that the goldfish will grow as big as the body of water it’s placed in, like love, like faith.” (Marmolejo, 60)

The Page of Pentacles is a card for dreamers and go-getters. It asks us to focus on our goals and allow determination, diligence, and joy to guide us to them on our upcoming journey.

The Page of Pentacles stands among a field of flowers. Behind them are lush trees and a snowy mountain. However, their gaze is firmly fixed on their coin. The Page holds the coin at eye-level, looking at it lovingly. They are not distracted by the beauty around them; the coin is the most important entity in their world. The coin shares its yellow color with the sky, and it is placed near the top of the image. The coin appears where the sun might be in the sky, which may represent the dawn of a new day and the nourishment and warmth the sun brings.

Marmolejo characterizes the Page of Pentacles as one whose "psychic prodigy is an instinctive vision of an orchard from just a single seed" (Marmolejo, 64). They are representative of someone who is intently and intensely focused on their goals and who has a vision of what they want to achieve. To Marmolejo, this Page also has a great connection with and respect for the Earth. He relates the Page of Pentacles to young climate activists who were handed a world on the brink of destruction, but nevertheless have a vision of how the Earth may be restored. Marmolejo also connects this card to trans activists, who envision a world in which their community is able to thrive and access gender affirmation. The Page of Pentacles sees what is wrong in the world and envisions a better future anyway. They put in the work to get there, and they allow their joy to lead the way.

"There is joy in beginning to fertilize your dreams, and the Page of Pentacles maintains this joy by shifting their focus from the harvest to the pleasure that ripens in process...Rather than fixating on results or forsaking pleasure until an arbitrary standard has been imposed, this Page possesses the wealth of presence, the pleasure of the body’s being” (Marmolejo, 64).

Symbolism: Ones basic instinct, drive, balance, leadership

“The Queen of Wands can represent your basic instinct, and that you should focus on what will get you moving and how to do it.”

Her Position: Front and center, elegantly on her throne and fully in command. She appears to be relaxed and also alert like she is comfortable with her position and prepared to act when necessary. 

The Cat: Cats tend to be a representation of divine femininity. 

Harmony of opposites: Black Cat and Sunflower, The faces of the lions on the throne, rigid and flat land on either side of the throne. 

Symbolism: Intellect, boundaries, power, clear judgment position: Facing into the distance, overlooking and commanding what is beyond her. Shows authority. 

The sword: Straight up, represents a desire for truth and moral backbone for her intelligence. 

Childs head: The child's head on the throne may represent the childlike innocence and wonder that is required to lead. It can also be a symbol of the subconscious part of our intelligence.'

Symbolism: Self care, authenticity, compassion, and sensitivity 

Her position: Relaxed admiring her cup. She's sitting by the ocean connecting to her inner emotions. Her rule is seen more casual than authoritative. 

The Throne: The gray color shows an unbiased nature. The nymphs carved on the top of the throne represent keeping your inner child alive. 

Queen's robes: Light blue and flowy like the ocean and water. 

Pebbles: Reveals the beauty that can come from the weathering of the ocean waters. They can also represent all of the hardships we face that make us who we are. When placed together they illustrate  a beautiful mosaic. 

Symbolism: Generous, down to earth, motherly, realistic

Her Position: Not upright, bent over the pentacle. Looking at the pentacle with love and care as if it’s her child. 

Flowers: The blooming colorful flowers show the queens connection with nature and beauty. 

The Rabbit: Rabbits represent fertility and creation. This would match the queens motherly energy. 

Ibex on the arm of the throne: The ibex survives in incredibly dry climates. It represents longevity.

Meaning:

• Strength, power, sexual energy, love of living (Pollack, 182)

Reversed:

• Chaos, things falling apart (Pollack, 183)

Symbolism:

• Leaves – Yods

• Phallus – active symbol of power and fertility (Red Tarot)

• Tree

• Torch

Other:

Waite’s reversed interpretation: “clouded joy”, like a four or the sun (Even when we can’t see them, the good things are there) (Pollack, 183)

Meaning:

• Truth, intellect, wisdom, emotional force (Pollack, 231)

• Writing = freedom (Red Tarot)

Reversed:

• Illusion, confusion, overpowering emotions (Pollack, 231)

Symbolism:

• Mountains – abstract truth, objective facts

• Sword facing up – true perception

• Tight grip

Meaning:

• Happiness, love, gift of joy  (Pollack, 207)

Reversed:

• Unhappiness, violence, destruction (Pollack, 207)

Symbolism:

• Dove and wafer

• Holy grail

• Water – receptivity

Meaning:

• Nature, wealth, security, a joyful life (Pollack, 258)

Reversed:

• Selfishness, extreme competition, mistrust, overdependence on security and comfort (Pollack, 259)

Symbolism:

• Garden

• Earth

• Mountains

Other:

Connections to World Dancer and Ace of Swords. 

• Third Number

• Wands

  • Element of fire, construction of culture (Red Tarot)

• Keywords

  • Momentum, confidence, expansion, growth, foresight, looking ahead

• Reversal

  • Restriction, limitations, lack of progress, obstacles, frustration

• Symbolism

  • Setting sun, edge of cliff, back turned

My interpretation– You have taken many strides to reach this point, but now isn’t the time to stop. Take a moment to prepare for the journey ahead, and reassure yourself that you’re ready. Your choices have lead you to this moment, don’t be afraid to continue on

• Swords

  • Element of air, construction of commitment and clarity (Red tarot)

• Keywords

  • heartbreak, separation, sadness, grief, sorrow, loss, trauma–necessary aspects of life, depiction of suffering that is meant to make us stronger, more careful, and more vigilant

• Reversal

  • healing, forgiveness, recovery, reconciliation, repressing emotions

• Symbolism

  • Stabbed heart in center, figureless

• My interpretation - Something is harming you and you must make a necessary change. Whether that means breaking away from a harmful relationship or ending harmful patterns/habits, this card encourages us to pay attention to the pain and find a way through the storm

• Cups 

  • Element of water, construction of community and fate (Red Tarot)

• Keywords

  • Friendship, community, gatherings, celebrations, group/social events

• Reversal

  • Gossip, scandal, excess, isolation, loneliness, imbalanced social life

• Symbolism

  • Joyful expressions, surrounded by the “fruits of their labor”

• My interpretation–Representing community and support, you are being encouraged to connect with others and celebrate your achievements 

• Pentacles

  • Element of Earth, construction of bodies of belief (Red Tarot)

• Keywords

  • Teamwork, shared goals, collaboration, apprenticeship, effort, pooling energy

• Reversal

  • Lack of cohesion, lack of teamwork, apathy, poor motivation, conflict, ego, and competition

• Symbolism

  • A stonemason and two architects, plans for cathedral’s design, strongest structure in architecture 

• My interpretation–I see this card as a message to rely on the support of others amidst projects and life events. The symbolism of the strongest structure insinuates there is power in confiding with others and trusting them to walk with you on your journey

“Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning.” The Tarot Guide, 14 Sept. 2023, www.thetarotguide.com/wheel-of-fortune/. 

Marmolejo, Christopher. Red Tarot: A Decolonial Guide to Divinatory Literacy. North Atlantic Books, 2024. 

Esselmont, B. (2024, July 26). Court card meanings in-depth: Pages: Biddy tarot blog. Biddy Tarot. https://biddytarot.com/blog/court-cards-pages/ 

Gong, Tina. “Death Meaning - Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings.” Labyrinthos, 21 Nov. 2022, labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list/death-meaning-major-arcana-tarot-card-meanings. 

Gong, Tina. “The Empress Meaning - Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings.” Labyrinthos, 21 Nov. 2022, labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list/the-empress-meaning-major-arcana-tarot-card-meanings. 

Horoscopes, Zodiac signs, Tarot, Astrology & More. Tarot.com. (n.d.). https://www.tarot.com/ 

“The Empress Tarot Card Meaning.” The Tarot Guide, 15 Sept. 2023, www.thetarotguide.com/the-empress/. 

“Death Tarot Card Meaning.” The Tarot Guide, 15 Sept. 2023, www.thetarotguide.com/death/. 

 Marmolejo, Christopher. Red Tarot: A Decolonial Guide to Divinatory Literacy. North Atlantic Books, 2024.Red Tarot : A Decolonial Guide to Divinatory Literacy (ebscohost.com)

Rider Waite Smith. (2024, July 15). https://www.riderwaitesmith.com/ 

“Tarot Card Meanings List - 78 Cards by Suit, Element, and Zodiac.” Labyrinthos, labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list. 

Tarot of the divine cards