The Tarot of Prince Phillip’s Passing

Posted on April 11, 2021 by tanlee3

The death of Prince Phillip, consort to Queen Elizabeth, has made news around the world this week. Let’s dive into the Tarot of this a little bit, shall we?

With his passing, Britain has been plunged into this…

The British press has been united in lauding him…

Knight of Cups: The knight in shining armour

Even though they spent years doing this…

Prince Phillip was definitely…

The Emperor Reversed: A fallible man (aren’t we all?)

However, he was also…

King of Wands: A man of great achievements

I currently run a Duke of Edinburgh club at the school where I teach. Prince Phillip created this award scheme to encourage personal growth in young people. It has been incredibly successful in this endeavour for many decades, and I am proud to be a part of it.

But perhaps his greatest achievement was this…

The Lovers + Queen of Pentacles: Supporting his wife and queen

It wasn’t easy for him to always walk two steps behind the queen, but he did.

He had to give up this completely…

The Fool: Freedom to do what he wanted when he wanted

His experience must have felt a lot like this at times…

Vale Prince Phillip!

May he rest now in peace!

The Tarot of Good Friday

Posted on April 2, 2021 by tanlee3

On Good Friday, we remember the story of Jesus’ death. He was crucified on a cross. Nailed by his hands and feet to the wood. Struggled to draw breath for hours on end. Until eventually he passed away.

It is said that he suffered on that cross so all of us may live. That God loved us so much, he sent his only son to suffer public humiliation and death. This belief is at the very heart of Christianity.

Which seems like a strange notion, when you think about it! Why did Jesus have to die to heal our broken relationship with the divine? Wouldn’t a lifetime of preaching and miracles have been equally as affective?

Traditionally, Good Friday is celebrated by Christians as this…

The death on the cross always reminds me of this Tarot card…

The Hanged Man: Waiting for something to shift

Which doesn’t seem a really good fit for the story of Good Friday on the surface. Although it does proceed this card…

And Jesus’ death did precipitate a major change in world history: It spawned a whole new religion!

But for me, this event feels more like this card…

The Son of Man himself did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

Sacrifice was an important notion in the ancient world. A central creed. By the prehistorical era, it had been twisted into acts of animal, and even, human sacrifice. Jesus’ death was the ultimate example of this. But before we lost our memory of the origins of human civilisation, back when we lived in the forest and worshipped in the cave, it wasn’t an obligation imposed by our gods. It was an act of appreciation. A nod of recognition to the plants and animals that gave their lives in our food, so that we may live.

This was the original meaning of reconciliation.

Our ancestors wrestled with the knowledge that our lives came at the cost of others. To resolve that conflict they maintained an attitude of gratitude towards every creature that provided support and nourishment for humanity. Created customs to formalise that acknowledgement. Life is a great gift. And when we lived in nature, we were much more cognisant of that fact.

Which puts me in mind of this card…

When we appreciate the magic of our very existence in this universe, when we treat every being on this planet, beit animal, plant or mineral, with respect, we will find ourselves on a richer and more fulfilling path.

That’s what Tarot teaches us!

Opening Old Wounds

Posted on August 9, 2020 by tanlee3

My eyes are red and swollen.

I couldn’t stop bawling yesterday.

A beloved character in a TV show died.

Clearly, an over-reaction.

So what happened exactly?

Despite terrible reviews, I’m a big fan of the apocalyptic Netflix show, ‘The Rain’. In the penultimate episode of the entire series, my favourite character, Martin, bit the dust.

He reminded me a lot of my last boyfriend.

Six of Cups: Remembering happy times

Only better!

Knight of Cups: The ideal man

However, my mini-breakdown wasn’t about the character on tv, or even the old boyfriend.

It was about this..

The Fool + Two of Cups: The possibility of relationship

I was distressed that his partner lost the chance to grow old with him.

Which was a reflection of my distress at not having a life partner like him myself.

This is a classic example of this card…

Three of Swords: Opening old wounds

For no good reason, I felt consumed by grief.

Five of Cups: Crying over what you’ve lost, despite the good things in your life

The Three of Swords comes up when you’re reminded of a loss.

Even though you’ve done this…

Eight of Cups: Well and truly moved on

In fact, you feel like this…

Nine of Pentacles: Very content with your life

We all carry wounds in our hearts.

The longer we’ve lived, the more knives to the chest we’ve experienced.

People we’ve loved and lost.

Times when we were hurt deeply.

The important thing is not to be over-whelmed by these injuries.

Not to do this…

King of Cups Reversed: Drown your sorrows

Or this…

Six of Cups Reversed: Lose yourself in nostalgia or fantasy

Or even this…

The Moon Reversed: Succumb to a drug fuelled haze.

We have to keep moving forwards.

Carrying our secret griefs.

Using them to remind us to do this..

Judgement: Show compassion to one another

Always!

Regret

Posted on May 2, 2018 by tanlee3

This meme made me smile.

Yes, I’m definitely glad I don’t have an ex tattooed on my body.

Hard enough to have them tattooed on my heart.

So which Tarot card would this be?

One that represents regret, I guess.

Probably this one… Continue reading →

The Tarot of Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 13, 2018 by tanlee3

O-oh! Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. You might love it. You might dread it. Either way, it elicits a response.

These are the cards that come to mind when I think of this day…
Continue reading →

The Tarot of Insomnia

Posted on February 10, 2018 by tanlee3

It’s 3am in the morning and I can’t sleep. So I thought I might explore the Tarot of Insomnia while I’m in that zone… Continue reading →

The Tarot Of Frozen

Posted on January 23, 2015 by tanlee3

The movie Frozen has been an absolute phenomenon.

The World: Its been popular all round the world with boys and girls alike.

Two Of Cups: It’s the story of Continue reading →

The Tarot Of The Walking Dead

Posted on January 7, 2015 by tanlee3

I’ve just finished mainlining series two of ‘The Walking Dead’. Seeing as how I can’t get those zombies out of my head I thought we might explore the Tarot of this television show.

Continue reading →

Five Of Cups: For When Christmas Is The Saddest Time Of Year

Posted on December 29, 2013 by tanlee3

I just wanted to give a shout out to all those peeps who are struggling during this festive season. When there’s someone missing at your dining table or when the holidays leave you feeling bereft and alone Christmas can be the saddest time of year. It’s especially hard when someone you love has died near Christmas. The two events can become entwined in your mind. And if you’re struggling with mental health issues forced family celebrations combined with a lack of support and structure (because even your carers are on holidays) can make it hard for you to cope.

The Five Of Cups card reminds us that no matter what or who we’ve lost (the three spilled cups in front), we still have love in our life, if only we’ll turn around and look (the two upright cups behind). It’s a great card to meditate on if this time of year is hard for you.

The Tarot Of Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 14, 2013 by tanlee3

When I think of Valentine’s Day this is the card that springs to mind…