10 of Cups
Explanation
The 10 of Cups is the link to the Swords suit. It is time to leave your own emotions behind and face the world and the tasks ahead.
Meaning
Positive
It is time to pursue your chosen ideal. You've mapped out most of the road ahead of you, now it's time to start walking.
Neutral
You've found hapiness when you've found your ideal to pursue. You know what you have to do to give your life substance, now is the time to get really started.
Negative
The ideal you've chosen might not be the right one for you after all. Take a little extra time to think about your goals one more time.
Strength
Explanation
Strength is the second of the four midieval values. Justice, card 11, is the first, and the third, Temperance, is card 14.
Place in the cycle
In the Rider-Waite deck, the cards for Justice and Strenght have swapped places, because Waite saw links between the cards and the astrological signs Leo and Libra.
This card carries the number 8, and is the third and final assignment number. This assignment is no longer simple like the first two, but is all about standing upright in the real world.
Meaning
Positive
Stand up for yourself and don't bother yourself with others' opinions of you.
Neutral
When the card of Strength falls, you will gradually discover sides of yourself that you didn't know before. First you adjusted, now you've decided to go your own way. You are no longer bothered by the opinions of others. Even if others disapprove, you will go your own way. You stand up for yourself and accept yourself as you are. You don't have to be liked as much as you needed to be.
Negative
This card signifies a long process. When the card is drawn upside down, it usually means you're not going fast enough for real change to happen.
10 of Pentacles
Explanation
The 10 of Pentacles represents material posessions. The number 10 of Pentacles forms the links to the Ace (first card) of Wands (the first suit in the minor Arcana), and thus prepares to bring you back to the beginning of the minor Arcana, ready for a next cycle through the tarot.
Meaning
Positive
Let your recent work or success increase your self-esteem and self-confidence, but not so much that you become arrogant or lazy.
Neutral
Success has smiled upon you recently, and you radiate it at least somewhat to the world around you, where some other people might notice on your self-confidence and get interested by it and what you're doing to get in such a state. These people might in turn be willing and able to help you further along your path to your ideal.
Negative
What you're doing and what you've achieved can sometimes actually sneekingly become a hinderance to you, because you cling to those achievements and think you've completed your ideal, while in reality you're not completely there yet. So don't become lazy, take the relexation that your previous achievements bring and combine it with alertness to make the next steps to fulfillment of your ideal.
Knight of Swords
Explanation
The Knight of Swords lacks the naivety of the Knight of Wands, he has analyzed the terrain ahead and weighed his options there. He knows what his own nature can throw into the mix, but does not let himself be held idle by that. The activities ahead will likely include the solving of conflicts and problems on your road to your ideal.
Meaning
Positive
Don't avoid any confrontation right now. Face it head on and let yourself be heard.
Neutral
There will be some problems and possibly some confrontations on the next leg of your journey. You're advised to fight for your rights, but with constant attention to where the stream of events is heading. Stay relaxed enough to deal effectively with unexpected events.
Negative
Don't be too aggressive, or you'll scare away those that can help you. You don't always need violence to solve problems or conflicts.
7 of Pentacles
Explanation
The 7 of Pentacles is about perseverance, about not giving up the work. Yet it may also make you aware that while you've started the job, you're now perhaps also quickly tired from the work.
Meaning
Positive
You've got to decide, because it doesn't feel nice to be divided between two extremes; either you enjoy the work you've done so far, or you work some more right now.
Neutral
You're divided between a desire to be active, and a desire to be lazy. You want to stand still and admire your own work, yet something inside you is telling you you've done this for long enough now.
Negative
It's not wise to be lazy at this time. Your situation likely demands that you keep on working.
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 Pentacles
Explanation
This card is about completing a masterpiece, it's the output number of the production cycle after all.
It's a chance to show the world what you're capable of.
Meaning
Positive
Don't let this opportunity to show off your skills slip by.
Neutral
You have received, or will soon receive, a valuable opportunity where you perhaps can gain some free advertising if you do the job well.
Negative
Although you might receive an opportunity to do some high-profile work, this is not the perfect time for you to be very ambitious in this (new?) field, you've yet to master the craft.
King of Swords
Explanation
The King of Swords rules with diplomacy and a strong sense of responsibility, not just for himself but also for those around him, yet he is not afraid to make heavy decisions that compel him to eliminate dangers and dangerous opponents with some force.
Meaning
Positive
You happen to have the best solution for the problems facing your group. Go ahead, take the leadership on this course change and lead with convincing logic coupled to the emotions that most people in your group have right now.
Neutral
Not everyone is going to be happy with the leadership's chosen direction, even if the leadership has acted from the best of intentions for everyone. But that'll change when the rewards arrive.
Negative
You're not the right guy or girl to lead at this time, sorry. If you have to lead, consult the wise and just.
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.
2 of Cups
Explanation
This the first assignment number of the Cups suit. Unlike Wands, with the Fire element, Cups, with the water element, has a lot more patience. Water is by nature more introspective, and this second card in the Cups suit is indeed about exploring yourself. The outcome is uncertain as always, but it usually results in better acceptance of yourself.
Meaning
Positive
Now is the time to take some rest and relaxation, not the time to go on wild adventures.
Neutral
You're going through a process of self-healing, and are perhaps almost unaware of that. You may feel a little tired, or confused, or wary, but along the way you will get more lenient with yourself, and give your soul the rest it needs.
Negative
You might be pressing for reconciliation with yourself a bit too hard. The middle road is not always the right one, and confrontations (with yourself or with others) should not always be avoided.
