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.
3 of Cups
Explanation
The 3 of Cups represents hope, faith and love. The 3 is a reward number and in this suit of Cups your feelings during that number will be that of joy and self-contentment.
Meaning
Positive
This card will test your abilities to enjoy hope, faith and love, in the widest. Let go of all doubts and enjoy the comfort of the innocence of a child who believes all will turn out for the best.
Neutral
You might be feeling a lot of optimism about the future, and this is not unjustified, even though parts of the world might believe differently.
Negative
You can go overboard with enthousiasm and optimism as well. If this card falls in a negative, upside-down way, try to be more realistic, so you don't get disappointed later.
The Hanged Man
Explanation
Inclusion of The Hanged Man in the Tarot could mean that Tarot has it's origins in Scandinavian mythology.
In the Edda is described how Odin hung himself upside down from the Yggdrasil, the tree of transformation, for nine days and nights, to better understand the runes.
This card can therefore be seen as a link to rune laying, another yet somewhat more mysterious divination tool.
But these observations can not serve as proof for Scandinavian origins for the Tarot.
Place in the cycle
This card has the number 12 attached to it, the composed value of which is 3 (an output number).
The year has 12 months, and therefore this card can be seen having a reference to the passing of time.
The Hanged Man is the first (composed) 3 in the second major cycle.
First you learned that you're not a plaything of fate, that you can make your own choices. Then you've learned how to fend for yourself and face yourself. Now, at The Hanged Man, you can learn to let go. You no longer have to cling to old values. You've found strength in yourself and by letting go, you allow growth.
This is the reward of the first output number (3) of the second cycle. The numbers 10, 11 and 12 may be seen as the gateway to the underworld. From 13, here, this underworld is truely entered.
Meaning
Positive
Allow things to happen to you, don't resist them. Follow your feelings and discard practical objections for a while. You're on the eve of a major transformation in your life.
Neutral
When this card is drawn, you've reached a point of giving up your resistance to change. You allow fate to take over for a while, and things to happen to you. You've got enough self-confidence to realise you'll make the right choice for yourself in whatever circumstances.
Negative
Keep your feet on the ground and don't jump into any adventure right now.
The Moon
Explanation
The Moon has been looked in all ways during our history. It has been both revered and dispised.
Where the sun ruled the day, the moon ruled the night. Those who knew the lunar cycles knew when they needed to seed and when they needed to harvest.
Place in the cycle
The Moon carries the number 18, composed that is 9. This composed number is the number of completion, of achievement.
The Hermit, also a 9, closed off the upperworld. The Moon closes the underworld.
You've faced a lot in the underworld, your own fears not least of them. Now it is time to crawl back up to securities and comfort, but there's work to be done before you're there.
Meaning
Positive
If you want to achieve a high goal, you'll need to walk the middle ground between the swamps. You'll need to articulate to others where you want to go, and in telling them about your desires expose yourself somewhat.
Neutral
You're busy with your feelings at the moment, re-finding your ideals and vocalizing your feelings despite that making your vulnerable. This is not the time to get stuck in the sea of your feelings, it is time to go onto shore and find the golden middle path toward hapiness.
Negative
Don't look at your ideals and desires too much. Stick to practical goals.
Knight of Cups
Explanation
The Knight of Cups is explores his own feelings, and the outside world might not even notice.
Meaning
Positive
Try to recognize your own true feelings, and try to come to some conclusion on where to move next. You may have to change a few things here and there.
Neutral
You're working with your own feelings about where to head next, about what makes you truely happy. Take your time for this choice.
Negative
Now is not the right time to express your feelings to others around you, you make yourself too vulnerable that way.
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.
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.
2 of Wands
Explanation
The 2 of Wands represents the research and digestion of a new idea. The number of this card and it's element are somewhat in conflict; while the 2 is focussed inwards, the Wand's element fire is outgoing. Fire wants to steam ahead while the blackbox 2 asks for patience.
Meaning
Positive
You'll need to be patient, postpone your activities related to new things in your life just a bit.
Try to focus your attention on what's useful to do right now.
Neutral
You are confronted with a waiting period, and you probably don't like it. You'd like to embark on new endeavours, but somehow circumstances force you to wait.
Negative
Waits are not required here. Even if it seems something is stopping you, try now to get around the block and proceed with your new idea.
8 of Cups
Explanation
8 is an assignment number, and in the suit of Cups, it is about overcoming the urge to sink into depression caused by view on the long road ahead.
Meaning
Positive
Try to overcome your own negative feelings, try to keep going.
Neutral
You've managed to overcome illusions, but now you might be feeling depressed by the realities of what you might expect on the road ahead. Try to overcome these negative feelings as well. Life is one long hard road it seems sometimes. But after any storm, you may expect sunshine.
Negative
Now might not be the best time to leave everything behind in search of something new. And consulting others for advice and encouragement might help cheer you up as well.
Queen of Wands
Explanation
Queens are the custodians in the game of Tarot, they are kind of introvert. They process the experiences of the Pages and Knights to come to a much better understanding of the Element associated with the suit that they are part of, paving the way for you to fulfill the role of King later.
The Queen of Wands is drawn when you (have to) become more aware of the properties of the Wands suit; vitality, optimism and enthousiasm.
Meaning
Positive
Realize what your positive attributes are, and try to enjoy yourself a bit.
Neutral
You've got plenty to offer to those around you, and it's not wrong to be somewhat aware of that.
Negative
You think too positive about yourself at the moment. It's not wise to get stuck feeling great about yourself without making any progress at all.
