Arnell Ando's Major Arcana 'Cliff Notes'

Arnell Ando’s 22 Major Arcana ‘Cliff Notes’

Here’s a brief description of how I see each card, visually and symbolically, as well as some traditional symbols and perspectives. I include a few movies and characters, which viscerally depict, the mood or archetypal persona of each card.

0 The Fool
Symbols found in the image: The Fool is usually traveling (towards the right is the future, cuz towards the left would be the past) with his lucky dog, nipping at his heels warning him of some danger that his animal instinct senses. So in the image there is often some element of danger about to happen to the Fool, (such as his being too oblivious to notice he’s about to fall off a high cliff into the abyss.) Its not that he is an idiot, (despite his title), it’s more that he is so curious and amazed by everything going on around him, and that he lives so much in the moment, that he doesn’t tend to focus on what’s about to happen or dwell on past failures. This is usually a very colorful, bright card. Often the Fool looks like a hobo or a traveler with all his worldly possessions (his accumulated experiences/knowledge) fastened together with a kerchief onto a walking stick that he has slug over his shoulder.
Movie/characters: He is Kramer (of Seinfeld). The Dude (in The Big Lebowski), Forrest Gump, Truman of The Truman Show, (Chance Gardener in) Being There, (Philbert in) Pow Wow Highway, The Little Tramp, Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (even Pee-Wee’s bike for the race had the Fool’s ‘0’ number), Oh Brother Where Art Thou (all three main characters were a compilation of the Fool).
Description: Ancient/Modern Manifestations: Coyote, court jester, divine child. The Fool actually represents you or me on our life journey, not knowing what the hell we’re doing here, but still haphazardly moving forward through life, ending up where we do because of our choices, luck, (or lack of it), and our own sense of adventure and curiosity. The Fool may be innocent, wide-eyed, scraggly (unkempt), slightly wild and unconcerned with following other people’s protocol or rules. He hasn’t become conditioned by society and so follows his heart and free spirit. He also represents the kid who has left home to be on his (or her) own for the first time, with all that potential for prospect or peril. The Fool is about adventure, travel, openness to explore new experiences, unexpected opportunities, fortune in misfortune, taking a flying leap of faith into the future. He is unacquainted with fear and so will try anything for experience's sake.

I The Magician
Symbols found in the image: He is a Magician… so he tends to be surrounded by Magician-like props. It’s customary that he would have the 4 elements represented in some way (usually on a table prepared for his performance). They are fire, water, air and earth (they can also be represented as wands/clubs, cups/hearts, swords/spades, and coins/pentacles/diamonds). He might be depicted performing some sort of illusion or trick. He often has the infinity symbol just above his head (looks like a long, sidewise 8) and he is usually standing and can be seen holding a magic wand in the air which acts like a lightning rod to attract the natural elements so magic can occur. He could also possess a black top hat and cards or look more esoteric. What do you conjure up when you imagine a Magician?
Movie/Characters: In Lord of the Rings; Gandalf, in King Arthur; Merlin, ‘Joe’ is the Magician in the movie, In the Soup, (John Goodman as Woolsey in) Matinee, (Robin Williams as Keating in) Dead Poet's Society, Ed Wood, Beetlejuice and The Illusionist
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Merlin, wizards, alchemists, hypnotists, illusionists, snake oil salesman, and grifters. The Magician can represent skills that we are either born with or that we are cultivating that make us unique, or that dazzle others. The Magician is that part of ourselves that showcases our talents and skills and exhibits charm and charisma. The self that can mesmerize, attract or even con others. The Magician focuses on communication and mental powers. Manipulating the elements to attract and captivate an audience (and bend it to his will). The energy itself is neutral; it’s the intention, which transforms it. Using focused intent and mind over matter. This stage in the game represents self-reliance, imagination and mastering creative skills, illusion and intrigue.

II The High Priestess
Symbols found in the image: She is usually seated between two tall pillars. One is dark the other light (yin~yang, female~male; polarizing opposites). Sometimes she has a Sphinx, black cat or raven as a guardian or familiar that can communicate between other dimensions. She is often depicted holding a set of keys (that unlock other dimensions; other worlds) and a book of shadows, magic, mysteries, or even a diary. Above her head like a headdress is a symbolic crescent moon with the two tips pointing towards the sky (she is the maiden, virgin Goddess or crescent aspect of the moon). Sometimes her face is partially veiled or there is a curtain hiding something in the background. I see her as rather mysterious (maybe even Gothic looking) with long dark hair and penetrating eyes. She doesn’t show much in her facial expression and her clothing tends to be long, unrevealing and either blue or rather dark too. There is an aura o f mystery. She could be depicted as a fortuneteller or a biker chick that patrols the sacred sites late at night.
Movies: (Sister Helen in) Dead Man Walking and Morgan of King Arthur
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Virgin Mary, the Pagan high priestess, sorceress, psychic healers, Delphi Oracles, Sphinx, parapsychologists and fortunetellers. The High Priestess has to do with our independence, and self-study, intuitive and psychic development, mystery and the magic arts. She represents a gypsy, witch or free spirited woman though she has a tendency to be secretive and guarded.

III The Empress
Symbols found in the image: The Empress tends to look more open, warm and hospitable than the guarded, secretive High Priestess. The Empress is the archetypal ‘Mother’ and is often depicted pregnant or with vegetation all around, such as fruits, flowers and greenery. She is Mother Nature even as she is depicted perched on a throne. The symbol of Venus quite often is on a protective shield that rests on the ground. She holds an Orbed scepter. Her expression is compassionate and receptive and her eyes gentle. Colors might be more nature based (greens, blues and earth tones). Her dress covered in a floral pattern. She usually wears a crown or a tiara. Rabbits, frogs and other symbols of fertility could populate the picture too.
Movies: Steel Magnolias, Terms of Endearment, Little Man Tate, Mother, (the Grandma in) Triplets of Belleville
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Isis, Hera, Demeter, Mother Nature, Queen, fairy godmother, anima, nurse, mother and designer. She is nurturing, compassionate, sensitive and creative. The Empress represents the passionate approach to life and relationships. She is about giving birth either literally, or metaphorically to creative projects, and is about nurturing and the protection of others. One who is deeply connected to nature and the environment. She might also portray a businesswoman or a political leader for human rights, the preservation of natural resources and the New World order.

IV The Emperor
Symbols found in the image: The Emperor tends to be seated on a throne too, but his is more handcrafted, polished and elaborate and might have his totem animals such as the Ram carved into the armrest ends of the chair and eagle talons as the throne’s feet. His animal symbols are the ram (Aries, aggressive horned, hoofed, territorial mountain animal), and the eagle (predator with remarkable precision and courage). Both of these animals can see ‘the bigger picture’ or the entire kingdom from a high perch. The Emperor is often holding a scepter (‘speak softly but carry a large stick’) and an orb (globe, or symbol of the world) in the other hand. He usually wears a crown. The Emperor is the archetypal ‘Father’. A modern symbol associated with him would be either the TV (communication~ 4 Square reality) or the computer. I tend to view him either as my own father or a political leader such as a modern president.
Movies: Lord of the Flies, Braveheart, The Godfather, King Arthur, and (Aragon in) Lord of the Rings, Good Night and Good Luck
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Zeus, king, leader, chief, godfather, father, animus, boss or authority figure, president or director. The Emperor has to do with being assertive, pioneering, authoritative, ambitious, and possessing strong leadership skills, while also dealing with mathematics and logical, rational thinking. He represents learning to master self-control. Or that part of us which uses natural leadership abilities to guide others. One who is open to opinions but confidently follows their own convictions. It can mean an authority or father figure seeking to establish dominance and control, or some confrontation with someone who upholds traditions, laws, systems and structure.

V The Hierophant/Sage
Symbols found in the image: While this image traditionally was depicted as a religious icon such as the Pope, I like to perceive him more as an alternative, non-conformist type teacher of spirituality or a leader of social change (such as Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Nelson Mandela, Michael Moore…you get the idea. A visionary who becomes a leader for social change and the evolution of consciousness) or he can be depicted as the dark side of the overly pious, judgmental, controlling and even hypocritical religious zealot.
Movies: To Sir With Love, Searching for Bobby Fischer, Lean on Me, (the teachers in these films) Gandhi, No Maps for These Territories
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: High Priest, Shaman, Buddha, Jesus, theologians, Rabbi, Pope, inner guide. The Hierophant is about learning from a wise soul. It’s also about teaching, and spiritual and social guidance, or working within social structures or redefining them. Having faith in one's higher consciousness or the power of the universe. Ancient knowledge guiding you. Seeking a deeper connection through meditation and ritual. It can also stand for a spiritual leader, psychologist or a nonconformist acting as guide or teacher. On the other hand, this card may mean one dealing with conventional morality and patriarchal law. It could signify the tendency to cling to ideas and principles even if outdated. In other words, structure that controls and hinders instead of supporting one's growth. It could also be rebelling against such rigid beliefs systems.

VI The Lovers
Symbols found in the image: Love is depicted in this card but so is an important choice that will change the course of your life, such as choosing between two loves of different personalities, two lifestyles, (career for monetary gain or one that inspires) or another demonstration of being at the crossroads where an important choice of the heart is needed. This is not a dark card but there is the angle of a love triangle or something pulling the hero/heroine in two equally persuasive directions. Sometimes cupid can be seen making the choice a bit less out of the hands of our players.
Movies: When Harry Met Sally, Moonstruck, Annie Hall and The Cooler
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Adam and Eve, Romeo & Juliet, unified anima and animus, yin/yang, sun/moon. The Lovers has a lot to do with choices and being at a crossroads where choices related to relationships are being considered, aside from the obvious connection to love and the pairing of opposites. It also often has to do with a lover's triangle and choosing between two diverse lifestyles or paths. (In this instance, it’s best to follow the heart). The art of relationship and the integration of opposites. It can also mean a struggle between devotion and baser physical desires.

VII The Chariot/Challenge
Symbols found in the image: A car, boat, locomotive train, spaceship, or horse; usually some sort of vehicle in motion is depicted along with someone trying to move it forward against an opposing tension. Such as two horses (one black, one white; yin yang) pulling the rider in opposite directions, or driving a car on ice and being pulled dangerously off the road…something that would force the driver to be focused, courageous and single minded. The vehicle is often portrayed as coming towards us, the observer (which would signify this occurring in the present, or moving towards the right; the future).
Movies: Contact, Star Wars, Star Trek, Thelma & Louise, Punch Drunk Love
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Alexandra the Great, knights, gladiators, conquerors, pioneers, crusaders, Apollo the Charioteer, cars, vehicles, Space shuttles and explorers. The Chariot has a lot to do with becoming more assertive and confident, exploration, challenge and overcoming obstacles and fear. Also, being pulled in two directions while trying to pursue a goal. It has to do with focus, self-control and courage.

VIII Justice
Symbols found in the image: Lady Justice is usually depicted blindfolded, wearing a crown, holding the scales and an upright sword but I like to see her more as the Statue of Liberty or some such icon that stands for the protection of the underdogs of society. (I don’t tend to have her blindfolded, as I don’t believe that Justice is blind in our society. Not even idealistically.) Two stone pillars bordering the scene to represent structure, balance, law and order. Also depicting opposing elements on top of these two pillars (or something like a peace dove and a fly) could convey that all is treated with consideration and equality in her domain. Exposing one of her breasts from a loosely draped gown could perhaps also symbolically reveal her more nurturing, compassionate qualities. On the other hand this could be a superhero out for Justice such as the bride in Kill Bill.
Movies: To Kill a Mockingbird, Sling Blade, Norma Rae, Erin Brockivich, Fahrenheit 911, also Justice can be characters like Batman, Spiderman, the X-Men or the Bride in Kill Bill
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Scales, measuring devices, judges, trials, juries, dharma, Maat. Legal issues, contracts, balance & harmony, social issues, overcoming injustice. It can also mean standing up for one's rights and beliefs. The protection of civil liberties. The fight for equality and that sort of thing. Poetic justice.

IX Hermit
Symbols found in the image:
I envision the Hermit as a recluse who has lost any desire to play societal games and has instead chosen to live in the deep woods following only his instincts and the cycles of nature. Something tragic or perhaps some epiphany has pushed him far into the forest, never to return to so-called civilized life. He would probably look a bit weathered and old with long straggly grey hair and beard. He is often wearing a grey or brown hooded robe with the hood hiding much of his head. It could be at twilight and the Hermit’s face is only seen by the soft light of the moon and the small fire of his lantern, which he holds close to his face. Other animals that retreat into the dark void (of hibernation, or death-like sleep) such as bears and snakes could be his protectors. If anyone were to come upon him and need his assistance he would be helpful but his preference would be to live alone and be no burden or support to humankind.
Movies or characters: The Razor's Edge, (Larry Darrell), Ghost Dog, and the influential series of the 70's ~ Kung Fu
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Henry David Thoreau, Monks, sages, philosophers, bears, Cave dwellers, lamps, lanterns, guides, journeymen and illuminators. The Hermit is about solitude, introspection and self-study, evaluating beliefs and replenishing the spirit. One who is independent, introspective and on the path to individuation.

X The Wheel of Fortune
Symbols found in the image: The wheel is about luck, misfortune and karma. It is also about the importance of timing. And how one's position on a spoke in the wheel gives her or him a clear view from that angle but at the same time, other areas are then shaded from view. The Wheel can be depicted in any number of ways such as a Native American Medicine Wheel, a roulette wheel in Vegas, or a Ferris Wheel. What represents the cycle of change, fate and opportunity best to you?
Movies: The Big Lebowski, Small Change, The Man Who Wasn't There, The Man Without a Past, Croupier
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Juno, Fortuna, Mandala, sun dial, rosaries, worry beads, roulette, concepts of destiny and fate, chakras, Ferris wheels, clocks, and the medicine wheel. Major change of residence, job or outlook; beginning a new cycle. A change in luck, for better or worse. Seeing an alternate view from a different spoke in the wheel. The laws of Karma. The art of timing. Taking responsibility for one's fate. Learning to go with the flow, realizing there is a reason for everything. An awareness of the laws of change, natural cycles, seasons, and all circular patterns. Karma, fate, destiny, evolution.

XI Strength
Symbols found in the image: This card is about female strength or taking control of a potentially dangerous situation by empathizing with the other rather than using brute force and domination. It’s a lion tamer being able to place her head inside the jaws of the carnivores creature, trusting it will not harm her, because she has taking the time to connect with the animal and has shown it love and compassion. It’s overcoming fear to wrestle with a difficult situation that requires you to remain calm, centered and empathic. It’s the music that soothes the savage beast. It’s art expressing the horrors of war in such a way that people will become moved to do something positive rather than exhibiting destructive, hopeless rage. Traditionally depicted is a woman and lion in a natural setting. She sits or stands behind the lion and holds his jaws open with her hands. He is passive, with tail between his legs. He trusts she is no threat.
Movies: (Lola in) Run Lola Run, Terminator II (the Mother, but also the powerful and protective cyborg), Midnight Cowboy (the final bus scene), Layla in Buffalo 66, and The Little Prince
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Gandhi, Hercules, Samson, Lion trainers, zoologists, Shamans, exorcists. Strength is about courage and facing fears and triumphs of love over hate, compassion over brutality or cruelty, awareness over ignorance and fear. Gentle strength and inner mastery.

XII Hanged Man
Symbols found in the image: This card typically has a man hanging upside down from a tree. The rope is attached to the tree and wound around one foot. His other leg bent over the first looks like an upside down 4 (he was not forced into this circumstance but rather did so to gain another, more spiritual perspective of reality, like a Shaman who hangs from spikes until he gets a sacred vision). Sometimes coins can be seen falling from the Hangman’s pockets (he is letting go of material attachments). His arms are often hidden behind his back or untied. I also like to see this card from a political perspective since what we learn of mainstream news and history is usually distorted and the truth can best be viewed from different perspectives. In the past I’ve depicted the dichotomy of witches being burned at the stake (as millions were) and Christians self-sacrificing themselves. Scapegoating as well as self-sacrifice for a greater cause being pondered in such an image, as is the idea of having a polarized view of truth. But (as Billie Holiday sings of in Strange Fruit) the depiction of runaway slaves hanging from trees is also an injustice that this card encompasses. Or if you wanted to go in a less political or spiritual direction, then a vampire hanging upside down would make a worthy model for this card… rejuvenating himself for a big night with the full moon just coming up over the hills.
Movies: Casablanca, the Last Samurai, Life is Beautiful, Edward Scissorhands, The Velveteen Rabbit
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: the resurrecting Egyptian God Osiris, or resurrecting Jesus, (unjustly hung people as well) Buddha’s Bodhi Tree, crucifixion/resurrection, sacrificial goats, spiritualists and shamans that go through great pains for enlightenment. The Hanged man is about reflection, meditation and feeling the need to sacrifice oneself for a cause or for others or the greater good. Looking at one's personal 'hang ups' and surrendering fixed ideas, attitudes and beliefs. Seeing the world from an opposing view (an upside down perspective from the societal view).

XIII Death
Symbols found in the image: The grim reaper makes an appearance riding a white horse and loping off the heads of anyone in his (or her) path. Kings, Popes, children; he (she) makes no distinction. The yellowed teeth, hollow eye sockets and bone chilling cold stare hypnotizes anyone like a deer caught in the headlights. While I do like the Death card to look frightening, I appreciate some symbol of regeneration or rebirth in the card such as a snake (that sheds its skin in Spring after a hibernating death like sleep) or butterfly or some other animal that transforms after a long coma-like slumber. This gives the card more dimension and a sliver of hope never hurt nobody.
Movies: Dead Man Walking, Fearless, the Crow, Pulp Fiction (Jules)
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Skeleton, Grim Reaper, the snake shedding its skin, butterfly, Lady Death, phoenix, and the black rose. Death is all about letting go of outgrown forms to make way for new growth, rebirth and regeneration. Sorrow associated with the pain of moving on and closing some doors to the past. The stripping away of outgrown feelings or beliefs. The end of the old and the birth of a new cycle. The need to surrender to the inevitability of change. An ending that is illusory when viewed from a higher perspective. The natural conclusion of a stagnated relationship or familiar situation that stifled individual growth and change.

XIV Temperance
Symbols found in the image: A (semi) naked woman stands by a river bed (or perhaps she is an angel with wings and halo). One foot rests in the shallow water and the other is on the ground (existing both in the unconscious and consciousness). She mixes liquid elements from two jugs, chalices or urns (one is often depicted silver and the other gold). It is a kind of alchemy: two diverse substances creating a third. It’s about combing the yin and yang and the whole being more than the sum of its parts. It could be depicted as the artist mixing paints to create some dramatic scene, but it is the combining and balancing of opposites that blend together to transform into something new.
Movies: Chocolat, Like Water for Chocolate, Lost in Translation, Rivers & Tides
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Creation myths, gold miners, artists, musicians, alchemists, mythologists and symbolists. Temperance is about harmony or the alchemy of adding diverse elements together to create something new. It is the communication between the unconscious and conscious, and how one thing wrong with the machine can screw up the whole system; the fluidity of a harmonious system or relationship.

XV Devil
Symbols found in the image: I like to have fun with this image and tap into that shadow side that resides in us all. For me it was always Spiderwoman, trapping unsuspecting victims in her web of deceit and feeding off their fears, ego and illusions. (Remember, the energy itself is neutral, it’s the intention which transforms it). What is your demon and how does it reveal itself? Traditionally this card would depict the horned one with a long pointy tail, the black wings of a bat, glowing eyes, a wild, unkempt beard and either hoofed or taloned feet. His legs would appear furry, so that he is seen as half beast/half human. Squatting on a cube (the 4 square reality of humankind) he has a naked male and female (from the Lover’s card) also chained to this cube. His right hand would be palm open and pointing upwards and the left down and clasping a fiery torch. His open palm might be tattooed with the symbol of Saturn, that rules Capricorn (the Goat), which is the sign for this card. The colors would be mainly orange, yellow and black.
Movies: Leaving Las Vegas, Dracula, U-Turn, Moulin Rouge, Being John Malkovich
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Goat, Pan, Satyr, Bacchus, Dionysus, Hades, Dweller of the Threshold, Eye of Siva, Yoni, Tantra. The Devil has to do with inner power struggles, anarchy and the destruction of societal systems, manipulation, irony and a wicked sense of humor, mischievousness stirring unrest and sensuality, passion, lust, total obsessions and going to extremes or feeling out of control. Dependence upon another that can lead to misery. Self-destructive tendencies. Ignoring one's inborn code of ethics. Lack of balance. It may indicate an inability to trust. It could also indicate the pleasure in the subjection of others or, sadomasochistic qualities.

XVI The Tower
Symbols found in the image: Traditionally this card depicts the tower of a castle being hit by lightning (destiny), and set ablaze. Two people jump from the (three) windows head first to their death. Now of course it has also come to represent the two struck towers of September 11th where so many people plummeted to their untimely deaths. This is the most tragic and challenging card in the Tarot deck. It is about ignoring the signs that signal a need for change and so a more dramatic consequence occurs to force us out of the present situation. I tend to see this card as the destructive Hindu Goddess Kali. With a sword in one hand and a severed head in the other. She has a necklace of skulls and looks like a wild creature with crazy eyes and sharp teeth. She is a blood thirsty, crude, horrific archetype that brings forth decay and death, destroying all we humans have created or loved, while consuming us along with our ideas about who we are. She is also merciful and compassionate, determined to burn away our illusions so that the truth may be realized. She is powerful, raw and exaggerated - a symbol of transformation and change. In the background of her image, is also another dramatic scene of a fallen tower being engulfed in flames.
Movies: Brazil, A Streetcar Named Desire, American Beauty, Requiem For a Dream
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Tower of Babel, Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Hindu Goddess Kali, 9/11 towers, buildings, houses, furnaces, fire places, Greek Goddess Hestia. The Tower is about cleansing; tearing down rigid beliefs that no longer serve. Radical change and upheaval. Renewal from the act of destruction. This card doesn't stand for the realization but instead the cause. A traumatic escape from 'prison' and confining structure. This can signal tragedy if awareness is denied. If one is not psychologically or emotionally prepared for such an abrupt and often disruptive change, one may regress, becoming disoriented and confused, and it may seem difficult to recover from the fall. If, however one is aware of the need for such a change to occur or can regard fate objectively, they will rise above the circumstances and experience a deep awakening

XVII The Star
Symbols found in the image: This card is one of the most optimistic and hopeful in the deck and a welcomed sign after the horrible Tower experience. I see it as innocent as wishing on a star. Or the Native American folktale of the Great Spider Goddess who has created the universe and the twinkling stars are the dew upon her magnificent and intricate web. I also favor the belief that there are as many stars as there are souls and that each one of us has a guiding star on which to wish upon.
Movies: Rocky, Rudy, Amelie
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Star of Bethlehem, Star of David, movie stars, The all-stars, stars of the US flag. The Star is about things looking optimistic and bright. Feeling renewed and inspired. Recognition for achievements. Wishing upon a falling star; having faith in something or someone.

XVIII The Moon
Symbols found in the image: The full moon is a powerful feminine archetype. She floats in the sky above the ocean (she controls the tides and the menstrual cycles and influences cyclical nature). She can look either loving or moody with howling wolves below and long dark shadows on the ground. Two spooky looking towers often balance out the image. This card also reminds us that dreams and nightmares can touch us but not really harm us and that they are intended to alert us to some secret truth. She rules the nighttime; dreams, intuition and the subconscious mind. So there might be a subtle element of danger to this image (traditionally it is a crayfish or lobster crawling out of the waters, looking a little frightening and out of place). Or a dreamlike, surreal quality would also go well with the atmosphere of this card.
Movies: The Piano, City of Lost Children, Naked Lunch, Everything is Illuminated and Pan's Labyrinth
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Moon Goddess Diana/Artemis, Isis, collective unconscious, portals, gates, lunar cycles, the tides of oceans and the depths of the unconscious. The 3 aspects of the Triple Goddess as she relates to the 3 aspects of the Moon; crescent, full & waning and of women, (as maiden, mother & crone). The Moon has a lot to do with the ebb and flow of emotions, intuition and creativity and being drawn into the unknown. Imagination and dream work. It can mean fear of the unknown resurfacing in dreams. Surreal imagination. The moon is metaphorically seen as the womb which both gives and takes life, so this card also stands for being sensitive to the inner knowing of when to bring something into your life as well as letting something go when the learning or spiritual process is complete.

XIX The Sun
Symbols found in the image: As the Moon is feminine energy, so the Sun is strong masculine power. This card is typically very bright, warm…outgoing and optimistic (almost overpoweringly so.) Often the Sun is depicted beaming brightly in the sky with one or two naked children happily playing down below. The sun usually has a gentle but focused look about him. The Sun radiates warmth and good vibes and is considered a fortunate card if it comes up in a reading that brightens the mood of the surrounding cards. Colors are typically yellow, orange, white, (cheerful, bright hues).
Movies: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Randle Patrick McMurphy), and Forrest Gump
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Sun God, Apollo, solar energy, Eye of Ra, Lord Siva, sunflowers. The Sun is about growth optimism, rekindled enthusiasm and the achievement of goals. Basking in the warmth of loved ones and success. In a negative context, it can mean burnout.

XX Judgment/Liberation
Symbols found in the image: This is typically one of those religious images with naked people rising out of coffins with their hands in the air being lifted towards some invisible heaven and an angel trumpeting the triumphant end of days, but I prefer to see it as Liberation rather then some final judgment on the soul. It’s a rather abstract concept to convey but I tend to see it as a long corridor with many open doors or windows to pass through before getting to the end where a reflection of oneself stares back. In other words, after all your trials and tribulations through life if you can look at yourself straight on and can come to terms with what you made of your time on earth, then you free yourself from any future karmic obligations.
Movies: Shawshank Redemption, It's a Wonderful Life, High Fidelity, Waking Life, Monster's Ball, Schindler's List, The 6th Sense, The Color Purple, Everything is Illuminated
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: The Last Judgment, Goddess Nuit, diplomats, mediators, judges, St. Peter the gatekeeper, and bringing light into darkness. Judgment is about dealing with transitions. Evaluations of yourself and others, having a clean slate, making peace with the past and paying off karmic depts. Rising above negativity to resolve a situation.

XXI The World
Symbols found in the image: The great Goddess holds the earth in her ample lap. A snake (symbol of regeneration and rebirth) twists itself around her. Animals surround the scene. The mound (could be a hillside) that she sits upon has a crack that reveals the infinite universe (blackness and twinkling stars). This mound also represents her womb - the great void where chaos is brought into form and returns once more in order to transform. Chaos becomes creation. This card is a sign of coming full circle and a celebration of overcoming obstacles and gaining some truth or reward in the process. But if that is too cheerful for ya, it could also be depicted as the rape of the land, the destruction of Mother Earth due to Humankind’s greed and domination. But even now I still tend to see it in the more positive light.
Movies: Rivers & Tides, Karen Valentine, and Bagdad Cafe
Description: Ancient/Modern Examples: Mother Earth, the universe, the womb, the Great Void, Kundalini, global consciousness, globes and spears. The World is about celebration and abundance. The dance of life. Harmony, liberation and expansion but also an awareness of the earth as a living entity and a desire to protect her. Completing a major stage or cycle in your life.

Arnell Ando