2 of Swords
Explanation
The 2 is an assignment number in tarot, and in this case of the 2 of Swords, it's about being forced to wait for something, often even while blindfolded in some sense.
Swords don't like to be in uncertainty, yet they will have to face it here.
Meaning
Positive
Try to have some fun with other activities while you have to wait. No sense getting depressed over having to wait a bit.
Neutral
You've started something, and now you have to wait for the results to show themselves. Until they arrive you will face some pressure.
Negative
Either it's not the time to wait around right now (if there's an action card elsewhere in your reading), or it's not a time to get nervous about having to wait for results that will prove to be advantagious for you (when a positive and relaxed card opposites this one)
8 of Wands
Explanation
The 8 is the third and last assignment number. The element Fire, associated with Wands, doesn't like assignments much. It prefers to do exactly as it pleases.
Meaning
Positive
Assess what possibilities and capabilities you have, have a good look around, and then decide what to do. Don't let impatience stop you from making a good choice.
Neutral
You might have felt stuck for a while. Now you're entering a phase in which the chance for new experiences increases. See if you can use it to break the stalemate you were in.
Negative
Try not to seek those things that are not of direct importance to you, which can be seen as flight behavior. Do you have real responsibilities that you can't just put aside? Then focus on those.
The Hierophant
Explanation
The Hierophant is another name for The Highpriest.
Where The Emperor is the chief of worldly power, The Hierophant is the head of spiritual matters.
Place in the cycle
The Hierophant carries the number 5. This is the number connected to humans. 5 senses, 5 limbs (including the head), 5 fingers on a hand, 5 toes on a foot.
Research (via known and unknown senses) is part of the number 5, with enthousiasm and in freedom.
Meaning
Positive
Use your mind, analyze the situation. Look at what you'll need to solve the situation and what your weaknesses in this task are.
Then seek help from a specialist and follow their advice. In the end, it's you who has to make the steps.
Neutral
When the card of The Hierophant is drawn, then there is something you want to achieve or solve. You'll be able to do this, because it's not the first problem in your path.
Negative
Go it alone, don't seek help. You can make it on your own. Don't bother others with your problems.
The Star
Explanation
The Star is a guidepost by which you can find your way, it represents hope but also unreachability.
Place in the cycle
The Star carries the number 17, composed that is 8. This composed number is an assignment number, like 5 is. It is a nice card, but one where work is to be done as well.
After The Tower, you're in the mess chaos left behind. The Star is your compass to find your way out of these problems. You haven't lost everything, you've still got yourself.
Meaning
Positive
Dare to show some vulnerability. Follow the stars and dare to hope. Try to see positive developments and pick up on them. You will re-find your ideals, try to open to them (again).
Neutral
You've lived in chaos for a while and you've accepted that chaos and might even have gotten used to chaos. Now you're challenged to step out of chaos and develop trust and confidence again. But: someone who hopes might be disappointed, so you will have to show some vulnerability, which won't be easy after the period you've just gone through. You might get hurt again.
Negative
Use your brains, don't get too naive and protect yourself.
The Lovers
Explanation
Some attribute love and romance to the card of The Lovers. Others see it as finding and living with both female and male aspects of yourself.
Place in the cycle
This card carries the number 6. It is the number of protection, of stability and security. It comes after the assignment number 5, it is the reward after hard work.
The Magician announced four wisdoms. In the cards that followed, they came into view one by one. The traveler of Tarot has accumulated the baggage with which to travel. This card signifies a choice between staying with the old and familiar, or (the way of Tarot:) going to new experiences and lessons.
Meaning
Positive
Open yourself to growth towards independence.
Neutral
When the card of The Lovers is drawn, then you're ready to realize that you've gained security in yourself. You've developed a basic self confidence that enables you to look objectively to your surroundings. But you're ready to grow beyond your current realm of comfort. Your need for self reliance is increasing. This card is a process card, which means that it's effect might last for months.
Negative
Don't linger, don't get stuck in your own habits. Spring into action.
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.
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.
The Chariot
Explanation
The Chariot is pulled through the city with the conqueror on it to signal a big win to a large audience.
Place in the cycle
This card has the number 7 attached to it, the "lucky number" in Western Culture. It was and is seen as a magical and holy number. But it also encourages growth.
During the prevous card, The Lovers, all the wisdom of the first cards in the deck has been processed and a choice was made for personal growth. Now it's time to do something with all this baggage, to actually travel the road. A lot has been done so far, wisdoms have been accumulated and integrated into one's personality.
Meaning
Positive
The time to let others tell you what to do is over, you're ready to grow on your own. But remember; you'll have to work for growth, it won't just be given to you.
Neutral
You've probably gone through a time when you were growing toward something that (subconciously or not) scared you (a bit). Now you're ready to really grow toward the new, toward the exciting, and you're telling nearly everyone with enthousiasm and some naivety perhaps.
However, you run the risk of getting stuck in showboasting. You may claim all sorts of things, and then when push comes to shove you may neglect to make the necessary steps.
Negative
Now is not the time to be reckless. Look at things objectively and don't rush into adventure.
7 of Swords
Explanation
The 7 of Swords is about making slow progress because you can't trust the situation and/or people around you.
Meaning
Positive
Now is a good time for a little extra relaxation, to take the edge off. Make sure you sleep and eat properly, and solicit the advice of those you do trust.
Neutral
You're not exactly sure who and what you can trust right now, but by being cautious you can still make some progress, even if it's not as much or as fast as you'd like.
Negative
You're too distrusting at the moment, it's probably wise to give anyone the benefit of the doubt at least once.
