Tag Archives: Rider-Waite-Smith Centennial

29 January 2019

Mystic Monkey: The 6 of Pentacles

By thefallenmonkey

Finally, another Pentacles card! We haven’t gotten many of these so far, so show me the money! 👛😉

Today’s tarot card of the day is the Six of Pentacles:

If the Three of Pentacles showed us an initial stage of accomplishment and the Ten of Pentacles depicted the end of that cycle, where goals have been achieved and wealth accumulated and bestowed upon the next generation, then the Six finds us midway between–where we’ve just amassed enough to not only feel comfortable, but there’s enough to go around. As we look at this nobleman standing over two kneeling less-fortunates, we see he holds a scale in one hand as he doles out money with the other. This shows the balancing of his scale, which likely tipped more in his favor just prior to removing the excess for others’ benefit. He’s maintaining an even flow of giving and receiving.

So, this card encourages our generous spirit; we need to recognize when we’ve been blessed and bountiful and can afford to share our abundance with others. While the card literally depicts coins, and Pentacles do generally represent our material world, depending on context, this could represent an abundance of anything, really, that gives us a sense of security. There’s intangible wealth to be spread, too, if there’s anything we can do to help those in need, even if it’s just offering some of our time or advice.

Conversely, we could be the ones in need. Maybe we must learn to accept help when it’s given. We might be on the receiving end of someone’s charity or a loan that we can work hard to pay back someday. Or maybe we’ve become overly dependent and need to balance those scales on our end by not taking more than we give. It’s possible, too, that someone’s patronizing us and trying to make us submissive. It really does depend on the nature of your question and where this card may fall in a spread (as well as if it’s reversed).

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Crystal pairing: pyrite + citrine for prosperity and generosity.

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28 January 2019

Mystic Monkey: The 10 of Swords

By thefallenmonkey

Today’s was a dark photo shoot…

Sorry, Monkey. 😦

The Ten of Swords is a tough one to take. But on the bright side, it can’t get worse than this! You might have hit rock bottom, but it’s uphill from here as this cycle comes to a close and you make a new start. See that sunlight on the horizon? The yellow light fends off the black darkness looming above. So though it looks bleak, all hope’s not lost. You’ve gotten your ass handed to you, is all. You’ll get back up again. Remember that in tarot, Swords are of the mind, and so is your defeat. Yeah, it hurts. And yeah, the guy on the card looks dead. Quite dead. If he’s not, he’s a freaking medical marvel. But this death isn’t literal; it’s just some sort of ending, loss, or betrayal. Painful, but you can come back from it and stand again simply by shifting your mindset. Don’t dwell on the negative, learn from it. Grow from it. Recover, then rise.

The brown earth and red shroud, from a chakra-color standpoint, show a need to get grounded, to find stability, and the still, blue water shows calming emotion. Breathe it out and get clear on the truth of the situation, however painful it might be, so that you can see it for what it is and move on. There will always be more obstacles ahead (which I see in the distant mountains), but you’ve overcome them before and you’ll do it again. Yes, you will survive this to see another day and go the distance with new goals in mind.

You’ll see.

Once you get your face outta the mud.

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Crystal pairing: red jasper + yellow aventurine for endurance and hope.

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3 October 2018

Mystic Monkey: The Page of Cups

By thefallenmonkey

Eek, I’m getting this one in just under the wire in UK time. But today’s tarot card at least puts the “sweet” in short-n-sweet…

(In lieu of having a fish handy around the flat, I at least somehow managed a turtle for the photo.)

So here we are, with the Page of Cups! I have a tendency to see this guy and automatically think, aw crap, I’m being too fanciful and immature again…which is of course what this card can mean, but it doesn’t always have to be that negative. It can also give props to our imaginative selves full of whimsy and creativity. Our child at heart who would not only delight in finding a fish in her cup but also carry on a conversation with it as well–y’know, in a cute and clever and not alarmingly crazy way. Within the tarot court cards, Pages can represent a young person in our life or our own youthful aspect (or early stage in a new endeavor). And when it comes to the tarot suit of Cups, we’re working within the realm of emotions, intuition, creativity, and spirituality. The soft, soothing blues of this card and the gently undulating waves in its background give an easy-breezy impression of just going with the flow, wherever your whims may take you. A blessing for new beginnings.

There’s of course still that caution that I opened with, though, as Pages in their innocence can also be naive and in need of more experience and doses of reality. As with all tarot cards, however you take this one can depend on its context and perhaps if it’s reversed or not (if reading reversed cards is your thang–it’s mine but not everyone’s). But overall, it can’t help but be a delightful little messenger, with a freedom and lightness that gets a bit lost by the time this Page ages into the King of Cups.

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Crystal pairing: yellow fluorite + larimar for creativity, flow, and connecting with your inner child

2 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in Court Cards, Cups, Minor Arcana, Mystic Monkey, Tarot Journal

29 September 2018

Mystic Monkey: The 8 and 9 of Cups

By thefallenmonkey

Happy Weekend!

Since I slacked the last couple of days, I’m making today a tarot twofer. As it is, two cards did indeed fall into my lap while I shuffled, so I decided to take them as a pair. Usually, I set escapees like that aside for clarity on the cards I ultimately do pull. But for a one-card draw, I figure if one goes a-flyin’ to get my attention, why not let it be the card of the day? Or cards, in this case:

The Eight of Cups and Nine of Cups. Cool to get two in consecutive order to tell the story of the Cups toward its thrilling conclusion. To start, the Eight card clearly looks more mournful than the Nine, but Eights hold hope, so we must undergo this melancholy in order to achieve the satisfying outcome of the Nine. In this first card, we see all eight cups being left behind, cups that–as we’ve seen so far–have held pleasure and togetherness in the Three of Cups, solitary reflection in the Four of Cups, and all sorts of fancies in the Seven of Cups. But even things that once made us feel good don’t serve us later on. Perhaps they were shallow sources of happiness, relationships turned toxic, overindulgences–anything, really, that we might’ve thought we wanted but isn’t ultimately fulfilling. So, while it might be with some sadness and difficulty (like in the Six of Swords), we have to shed what no longer serves us and move on to something more meaningful. Cut loose the excess weighing us down so we can travel more lightly to higher ground. The person’s staff makes me think of the tarot’s Wands suit, which signifies taking action, and indeed the Eight of Cups is our cue to act on our gut intuition (symbolized by the moon) that’s been telling us things aren’t right and it’s time to go.

The true contentment we seek, then, is in the Nine of Cups, where we see this rather smug-looking man with a shit-eating grin. 😏 This is a “wish” card that promises emotional, spiritual, and even material fulfillment. After his journey, this guy has dropped his staff and taken a seat, able to kick his feet up and just enjoy when life is good. Discontent will inevitably return as this cycle continues to spin, but for now, all’s five-by-five.

Prior to selecting today’s tarot cards, Pixie’s Astounding Lenormand deck arrived at my door, so I decided to draw one of those as well. How darling are these sweet petite thangs (just over 2×3″)?? Rendered from Pamela Colman Smith’s artwork (the artist of the original Rider-Waite deck), these cards contain all the classic symbols of the Lenormand system, which I’ve yet to properly study (along with runes and geomancy and, and… Gah! I’ve got to get tarot down first.). In any case, the card that came up was #2, “The Clover,” which generally means:

[P]ure luck and fortune. It brings good tidings and reasons to celebrate. […] Be warned that this is not a lasting trend but a quick stroke of luck perhaps one of those ‘million-to-one’ chances [that] encourages you to pay attention, grab hold and pluck it while you can.

Well, la-tee-da. Nine of Cups plus the Clover?? Guess who’s wearing the shit-eating grin now! 😄

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Crystal pairing: smoky quartz + citrine for moving on and joy

1 Comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in Cups, Minor Arcana, Mystic Monkey, Tarot Journal

19 September 2018

Mystic Monkey: The 4 of Cups

By thefallenmonkey

Let’s waste no time getting into today’s tarot card of the day: the Four of Cups!

This dude just can’t be bothered. He sits (sulks?) under a tree, all by himself with his arms crossed in a more petulant than pensive manner. Nice body language, guy. Looks like it’s a beautiful day with lush green nature all around you, but do you even notice? Nah. That’s right, just keep staring at the ground, not giving mind to the three cups standing right there for the taking. A fourth cup is offered from the ether as well, opportunity practically falling into your lap, but you’re either too self-absorbed or apathetic to seize it.

Nice. *slow claps*

Okay, so maybe I’m being a little hard on this guy. Maybe he does just need a little time to himself, to sort out his thoughts. Maybe his cups are filled with the waters of negative emotions; maybe he’s been hurt or disappointed and just needs to process that experience and think through his next course of action. Maybe that disembodied hand in the sky just needs to, well, talk to the hand and leave this guy alone, not be all up in his face with new joys or sorrows to drown in. The natural setting does lend a nice earth element to this otherwise water card, indicating a need, perhaps, for grounding and stabilizing, which a good dose of solitary introspection can do. There’s an airiness that calls for clear thought as well, which again this isolation from distraction can provide.

But it seems this youth can’t escape distraction no matter how hard he tries; this might not be the time for escape, then, so he must instead face the music. Look up and around him to appreciate all that he already has and all that he has yet to embrace. Breath in the fresh air and awake from his bored complacency to then reach out for the opportunities presenting themselves to him. There are always times when we must withdraw and regroup, but sometimes detachment is unhealthy and you just gotta meet life halfway.

Take the cup, kid. Before that hand smacks ya upside the head with it.

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My chosen crystal pairing: carnelian + blue apatite to thwart apathy and alienation.

1 Comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in Cups, Minor Arcana, Mystic Monkey, Tarot Journal

4 September 2018

Mystic Monkey: The Queen of Wands

By thefallenmonkey

Hiya! Onward to Day 4 of my tarot card-a-day reflections. Only 74 more to go! 😃…😬…😦

Anyway, several cards tumbled into my lap today (whoa, hey there), but this little lady was the only one to present herself face-up.

I love her.

She’s just got it so together. She’s creative, she’s passionate, she’s fun, and she’s fiercely loving. She even has a kitty! She strikes me as a bit witchy for that reason, as if the black cat is her familiar and she can wield her wand for magic. Fiery solar plexus and sacral chakra colors here (yellow and orange), so I’m fully feeling the vibe of creative and sexual passion, confidence, joy, optimism, and drive. I have fond respect for all the queens, but the Queen of Wands is one I’d actually want to hang with. She seems full of whim yet no-nonsense at the same time, like she’d join in the laughs and be game for something totally spontaneous, but she isn’t going to take anyone’s crap and is only in it for a truly authentic experience. The sunflowers add to her charm, warm and happy as they turn to face the light, yet they’re also strong and hardy. Not delicate like other flowers. The lions add to the vim and vigor (the ones above her head look ready to party), but they can also be fierce and protective when need be–even kitten has claws and stares us down intimidatingly, still primal and superior in its evolved domesticity. The clasp on Queenie’s cloak shows her to be lionhearted as well. You want to stay on her good side. But she’s great. Loyal and lovely. Maybe a little eccentric. Very determined. I can only hope to embrace her energy today!! 🌻🌻🌻

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My chosen crystal pairing: orange calcite + carnelian for creativity and drive.

2 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in Court Cards, Minor Arcana, Mystic Monkey, Tarot Journal, Wands

3 September 2018

Mystic Monkey: The Knight of Cups

By thefallenmonkey

Well, look at this charmer.

He actually flew into my lap (well, hellooo 😘) upside down during shuffling, and I do take reversals into account in my readings. But for the purposes of this card-a-day exercise, I am only interpreting upright meanings.

So. Back to this dreamboat. The tarot suit of cups is associated with the element of water, and indeed I literally see water running through this image as a river or stream. The cup itself may be filled with water for this knight’s long journey. Water also flows through this guy’s get-up in a pattern that includes fish, so…he’s not winning any fashion awards with me, but I do give points for flamboyance. He’s owning it. And he’s perhaps the most gallant of the knights–literally the knight in shining armor on a white horse that we romanticize. And being the Knight of Cups means he’s in tune with his feelings and probably a great communicator. He’s a guy who could sweep you off your feet. Maybe also break your heart. The wings on his helmet and ankles show him to be fleet of foot, bringing in an air element to me that reinforces the idea of communication; he knows how to express himself. Lord knows he does it through his snazzy clothing, but he probably articulates himself well, too, through writing, speaking, and/or art. He sits tall and confidently, and even his pretty horsie is posing for the camera, though maybe this knight is a little vain, a little showy. A man of grand gestures, but how well does he follow through when it really matters? Does he go with the flow of the waters and just move on when he’s made a conquest? However he might regard others’ feelings, he does seem in command of his own and willing to share but is probably a bit sensitive, in both good and potentially bad ways. He feels all of the feels and doesn’t hide it. He has an artistic temperament, perhaps. But he-n-horsie are just stopped at the water for this little photo op; he doesn’t seem particularly ambitious about crossing it or getting around it some way. Nonetheless, as a knight of his strong posture, he has a degree of accomplishment, motivation, and responsibility and looks forward to his ultimate goal. He’s heading in the right direction and will get there, eventually, led by his heart. 💖

So, that’s my particular take on this particular card on this particular day. It always varies, and I’m not trying to lock in any meaning, only spending more time with each card and letting the thoughts flow to see what fresh perspective they might bring. In a nutshell, I’m just babbling. 🙊

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My chosen crystal pairing: blue lace agate + honey calcite to calm and smooth over communication (in case of cranky knights!)

2 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Court Cards, Cups, Minor Arcana, Mystic Monkey, Tarot Journal

2 September 2018

Mystic Monkey: The Lovers

By thefallenmonkey

Hello, hello! Yep, it’s me again, comin’ atcha’ with more frequency than you’d probably prefer! 🐵 I’ll try to make it quick.

Today’s tarot card-o-the-day is The Lovers…💞

Here, I see two lovahs baring their best assets. Behind them are the biblical serpent and burning tree, but their attention is drawn to each other and the angel on high. This is a fiery angel, with red wings and flaming hair–passionate yet benevolent. And up above radiates a brilliant sun, beaming light and enlightenment. Above and below align earthly desires with higher values. This could be a romantic card, but in the absence of any water (emotional) element, it also celebrates balance and harmony. A union of people or ideas that can prove fruitful and meaningful, blessed from above. I see the hill in the distance as a volcano that is dormant for now, so though there have been–and inevitably will be–trials and tribulations between this pair, for now they’re at peace. Exposed but not vulnerable. Soft but also strong and trusting. The earth and fire elements visible in this image also reinforce a sense of neutrality, though the air element present in the cloud can either fan the fire or erode the earth–again showing a need to balance constructive and destructive energies within a grounded partnership. I’m not super well-versed in numerology, but I believe 6 is also a number of cooperation and harmony. These lovebirds are still at the beginning of their journey, though, so this signals creation more than culmination of anything. Choices yet to be made.

As for how that might apply to me today? Welp, so far husband-n-me have been enjoying a lazy Sunday. Together, but also pursuing our own personal passions and supporting each other’s right to do so. I feel pretty aligned with him and within myself, but it’s still early in the day, so time will tell how long things remain harmonious in our little urban Eden. 😄

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My chosen crystal pairing: rose quartz + garnet for looove and grounding.

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