HANSON-ROBERTS

TAROT DECK

Illustrated by
MARY HANSON-ROBERTS
Instructions by
STUART R. KAPLAN
S
Published by
U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.
Stamford, CT 06902
www.usgamesinc.com
1
Copyright © 1985, 2004 U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

All rights reserved. The illustrations, cover design,

and contents are protected by copyright. No part of
this booklet may be reproduced in any form with-
out permission in writing from the publisher,
except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief pas-
sages in connection with a review written for inclu-
sion in a magazine or newspaper.

Second Edition

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Printed in Italy

U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.

179 Ludlow Street
Stamford, CT 06902 USA
www.usgamesinc.com
2
 HANSON-ROBERTS TAROT
BY STUART R. KAPLAN

T he complete seventy-eight card tarot pack

is divided into two sections: twenty-two
Major Arcana and fifty-six Minor Arcana
cards. The twenty-two Major Arcana cards,
also known as Triumphs, Atouts, and Greater
Arcana, comprise twenty-one allegorical cards
numbered from I to XXI plus an unnumbered
card known as The Fool.

THE 22 MAJOR ARCANA CARDS ARE:

0 The Fool 11 Justice
1 The Magician 12 The Hanged Man
2 The High Priestess 13 Death
3 The Empress 14 Temperance
4 The Emperor 15 The Devil
5 The Hierophant 16 The Tower
6 The Lovers 17 The Star
7 The Chariot 18 The Moon
8 Strength 19 The Sun
9 The Hermit 20 Judgment
10 Wheel of Fortune 21 The World

The sequence of the Hanson-Roberts Major

Arcana follows the designation by Arthur
Edward Waite who assigned number VIII to
Strength and XI to Justice. By contrast, most
traditional tarot decks designate VIII as Justice
and XI as Strength.
3
 Generally the Major Arcana cards represent
the physical and spiritual forces of life—illness,
death, storms, strength, power, religion, and
love. The remaining fifty-six cards are called
Minor Arcana or Lesser Arcana.
They are divided into four suits:
Swords — spades
Rods (Wands) — clubs
Cups — hearts
Pentacles (Coins) — diamonds
Each of the four suits contains four court
cards and ten pip cards numbered 1 (ace)
through 10. The four court cards in each suit
are called King, Queen, Knight, and Page.
The Minor Arcana cards generally represent
occupations, social position, and status.
The precise origin of tarot cards remains
obscure. It is sometimes theorized that the
tarot deck was created as a seventy-eight card
deck. However, it might be that the twenty-two
Major Arcana cards with their emblematic
designs and the fifty-six Minor Arcana cards in
their familiar four suits were originally devised
separately and later were combined into one
pack.
Italian Renaissance nobility of the mid-
fifteenth century in northern Italy amused
themselves by playing a game called trionfi,
subsequently called tarocchi, using the earliest
extant tarot pack.

4
 THE ARTIST
T he artist of the Hanson-Roberts Tarot deck
was born on April Fool’s Day—April 1,
1947—and grew up in Massachusetts. She won
a scholarship to Dean Junior College and grad-
uated in 1966 with a major in Fine Arts.
After graduation, Mary Hanson-Roberts
joined a summer stock company and, finding
her drawings more in demand than her acting,
she became their poster designer. She also
began freelancing on a part-time basis. While
concentrating mainly on portraiture, she
gained valuable experience in a variety of areas.
One project, the design of a logo for
Summerthing, a program sponsored by
Boston’s Department of Recreation, led to staff
work as an illustrator on the Department’s
newsletter. There were also several small gallery
shows and a commission to design a coloring
book that was distributed to hospitalized chil-
dren at Christmastime.
In 1977, the artist moved to Florida to try
freelancing on a full-time basis. She produced
a second coloring book that received favorable
notice at the World Science Fiction Convention
in Miami. Her work, becoming more oriented
toward fantasy and occult themes, began to
win recognition and awards at local galleries
and shows.
At one of the shows, the artist met her future
husband and they live today in Florida with

5
their two sons and a menagerie of cats. Ms.
Hanson-Roberts is now primarily a magazine
illustrator. In addition, she also prepares
designs for books and film animation. She
especially enjoys science fiction work, but her
diverse interests recently led her to complete a
series of paintings of the twelve disciples.
The Hanson-Roberts Tarot deck represents
a major work of the artist. She devoted approx-
imately eight months to the execution of the
eighty-one pieces of art (seventy-eight face
cards of the twenty-two Major Arcana and fifty-
six Minor Arcana, plus top card, introduction
card, and back design). The original artwork,
approximately twice the size of the finished
printed cards, was created with colored pencil.
The artist has long admired the work of
Pamela Colman Smith in the Rider-Waite Tarot
deck. The Hanson-Roberts designs provide
added relevance to the work of Pamela Colman
Smith while presenting a new dimension to the
tarot through the special interpretations and
artistic genius of Mary Hanson-Roberts and
her magnificent illustrations.

6
 THE 22 MAJOR ARCANA
0 • THE FOOL
A YOUNG MAN dressed in colorful garments is
shown walking in an open field. In his right
hand, and resting over his right shoulder, is a
stick which symbolizes his desire and will. A
bundle bearing his previous experiences is
attached to the stick. In his left hand he holds a
white rose to symbolize his spiritual desires.
Divinatory Meanings: Thoughtlessness.
Folly. Extravagance. Lack of discipline.
Immaturity. Foolishness. Inconsideration.
Frenzy. Enthusiasm. Irrational insecurity.
Frivolity. Delirium. Reverse Meanings: Faulty
choice or a bad decision. Indecision. Apathy.
Hesitation. Negligence.
I • THE MAGICIAN
THE MAGICIAN stands before a table on which
are the suit symbols of the Minor Arcana: a
sword, a rod, a cup, and a pentacle. Above his
head appears the figure eight, the ancient
occult number ascribed to Hermes and the
symbol of eternal life. Around him is a garden
of lilies and roses. The Magician holds in his
upraised hand the phallic wand of creativity—
with his other hand he points downward. This
dual sign suggests that all creation on earth is
derived from above. The Magician possesses
the ability of utilizing the diverse objects on his
table for success in thought, word, and action.
7
 Divinatory Meanings: Originality and cre-
ativity. Ability to utilize one’s capabilities in
order to accomplish a task. Imagination. Self-
reliance. Ingenuity. Spontaneity. Self-control.
Self-confidence. Flexibility. Masterfulness.
Deception. Sleight of hand. Reverse
Meanings: Weakness of will. Indecision.
Ineptitude. Insecurity. Disquiet. Delay. The use
of one’s skills for destructive ends.
II • THE HIGH PRIESTESS
THE HIGH PRIESTESS is seated within the
precincts of her temple. She holds on her lap a
book of knowledge and esoteric wisdom. She is
a large woman—suggesting challenge to mas-
culine domination. She is the eternal feminine
goddess of the ancient world, emanating both
knowledge and wisdom into the life around her.
Divinatory Meanings: Wisdom. Sound
judgment. Serene knowledge. Common sense.
Serenity. Objectivity. Penetration. Foresight.
Intuition. Comprehension. Perception. Self-
reliance. Lack of emotion. Platonic relation-
ships. Reverse Meanings: Shortsightedness.
Ignorance. Selfishness. Passion. Acceptance of
superficial knowledge. Poor judgment.
III • THE EMPRESS
THE EMPRESS IS SEATED upon her throne. In
her right hand she holds a scepter of authority.
She is surrounded by ripe fruit and grain. The

8
Empress suggests the symbol of feminine pro-
ductivity and action. By effectively mobilizing
all her capabilities, she can create meaningful
and noteworthy developments in her life.
Divinatory Meanings: Feminine progress.
Fruitfulness. Fertility. Mother. Sister. Wife.
Accomplishment. Ability to motivate others.
Practicality. Intuition. Marriage. Children.
Feminine influence. Reverse Meanings:
Vacillation. Inaction. Lack of concentration or
interest. Indecision. Delay in accomplishment
or progress. Anxiety. Infertility. Infidelity.
IV • THE EMPEROR
A REGAL MAN of middle age sits upon a
throne decorated with rams’ heads. He wears a
crown of living leaves. A ceremonial scepter is
in his right hand and with his left hand he
holds a worldly globe of dominion. He exudes
confidence and accomplishment.
Divinatory Meanings: Worldly power.
Accomplishment. Confidence. Authority.
Wealth. Stability. Indomitable spirit.
Leadership. War-making tendencies. Male
influence. Patriarchal figure. Father. Brother.
Husband. Domination of reason and intelli-
gence over emotion and passion. Strength.
Attainment of goals. Reverse Meanings:
Immaturity. Ineffectiveness. Lack of strength.
Indecision. Inability. Weakness of character.
Feebleness. Failure to control petty emotions.

9
 V • HIEROPHANT
A PAPAL FIGURE with beard and mustache
holds a three-tiered staff in his left hand. He
wears the triple crown of papal authority. The
crossed keys indicate the keys to his kingdom.
He appears to give a blessing with his right
hand to the two figures before him. The
Hierophant possesses creative power through-
out the divine, intellectual, and physical
worlds. Behind him are two columns—one
symbolizing law and order, the other the right
to choose whether to obey or to disobey.
Divinatory Meanings: A tendency to cling
to former ideas and principles even if outdated.
Ritualism. Mercy. Forgiveness. Inspiration.
Kindness. Compassion. Servitude. Inactivity.
Reverse Meanings: Over-kindness. Foolish
exercise of generosity. Susceptibility. Impotence.
Unconventionality. Unorthodoxy. Vulnerability.
Frailty. Renunciation.
VI • THE LOVERS
A YOUNG LAD AND MAIDEN stand together,
hands clasped. Above them appears a winged
angel who protects them. The Lovers represent
all that is essential in the interaction of love
and affection between human beings.
Divinatory Meanings: Love. Beauty.
Perfection. Harmony. Confidence. Honor.
Trust. Beginning of a possible romance. Deep
feeling. Oblivious to possible consequences.

10
Optimism. Freedom of emotion. The necessity
of testing or subjecting to trial. Struggle
between sacred and profane love. A meaningful
affair. Reverse Meanings: Failure to meet the
test. Unreliability. Separation. Frustration in
love and marriage. Interference by others.
Fickleness. Untrustworthiness. Unwise plans.
VII • THE CHARIOT
A CROWNED CONQUEROR rides in a chariot
drawn by two sphinxes representing negative
and positive forces. The man bears a scepter in
his right hand and wears a suit of armor
emblazoned with facial epaulets on each shoul-
der. The faces may represent the Urim and
Thummim, revealers of the divine will of God.
The Chariot represents the material currents
which carry man along toward his destiny.
Divinatory Meanings: Trouble. Adversity,
possibly already overcome. Conflicting influ-
ence. Turmoil. Vengeance. Voyage or journey.
Escape. Urgency to gain control of one’s emo-
tions. Reverse Meanings: Defeat. Failure.
Losing something otherwise within your grasp
at the last minute. Sudden collapse of plans.
Conquered.
VIII • STRENGTH
A WOMAN GENTLY HOLDS the jowls of a
massive lion who rests in her control. Above
her head appears the eternal figure eight or
cosmic lemniscate.

11
 Divinatory Meanings: Strength. Courage.
Fortitude. Conviction. Energy. Determination.
Resolution. Defiance. Action. Confidence.
Innate ability. Zeal. Fervor. Accomplishment.
Reverse Meanings: Weakness. Pettiness.
Impotency. Sickness. Tyranny. Lack of faith.
Abuse of power.
IX • THE HERMIT
AN ELDERLY, BEARDED MAN wearing a heavy
habit holds aloft in his right hand a lantern
that represents the knowledge of occult sci-
ence. Light emanates from the six-pointed star,
symbol of creation and divine protection. The
Hermit travels the path of initiation and
knowledge. He is ready to assist others with
counsel and advice. He is the guardian of time,
dispensing wisdom and truth.
Divinatory Meanings: Knowledge.
Counsel. Solicitude. Prudence. Discretion.
Caution. Vigilance. Circumspection. Fear of
discovery. Self-denial. Withdrawal. Regression.
Annulment. Tendency to withhold emotion.
Reverse Meanings: Imprudence. Hastiness.
Rashness. Prematurity. Foolish acts. Incorrect
advice. Immaturity. Failure caused by dullness.
Overly cautious, resulting in unnecessary delay.
X • WHEEL OF FORTUNE
THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE contains eight visi-
ble spokes, each indicating a state of life, and
four spokes are marked with alchemical sigils

12
of mercury, sulphur, water, and salt. The letters
T A R O are interspersed with the four Hebrew
letters I H V H for Jehovah. The serpent on the
left descending the wheel is falling into misfor-
tune while the animal on the right appears to
be rising out of previous difficulties. At the
four corners of the card are four biblical crea-
tures, each with a book.
Divinatory Meanings: Destiny. Fortune.
Fate. Outcome. Culmination. Approaching the
end of a problem. Good or bad depending
upon influences of nearby cards. Inevitability.
The entire sequence of the Wheel suggests the
course of things from beginning to end.
Advancement for better or worse. Reverse
Meanings: Failure. Poor luck. Broken
sequence. Unexpected bad fate. Interruption or
inconsistency due to unexpected events.
Outside influences not contemplated.
XI • JUSTICE
A CROWNED FEMALE FIGURE holds the scales
of justice and a heavy, double-edged sword
which endows her with the ability to decide
right from wrong. Justice is capable of the fair
administration of manners and morals accord-
ing to the best interests of the persons involved.
Divinatory Meanings: Reasonableness.
Fairness. Justice. Proper balance. Harmony.
Righteousness. Virtue. Honor. Virginity. The
eventual outcome, whether favorable or not,
will truly be fair for the person concerned.
13
Reverse Meanings: False accusations. Bigotry.
Severity in judgment. Intolerance. Unfairness.
Abuse. Bias.
XII • THE HANGED MAN
A YOUNG MAN HANGS from a tall cross by his
right foot. His hands are secured behind his
back. The man’s eyes are open and he remains
fully conscious and aware of his surroundings.
The Hanged Man is depicted in a state of
inertia. Although earthbound, he has attained
some relief from the transition of life.
Divinatory Meanings: Life in suspension.
Transition. Change. Reversal of the mind and
one’s way of life. The changing of life’s forces.
The period of respite between significant
events. Sacrifice. Readjustment. Rebirth.
Regeneration. The approach of new life forces.
Reverse Meanings: Unwillingness to make the
necessary effort. Lack of sacrifice. Failure to
give of one’s self. Preoccupation with the ego.
False prophecy. Useless sacrifice.
XIII • DEATH
A SKELETON CLAD IN ARMOR carries a black
flag with a five-petaled white rose. He rides a
white horse while kings, women, and children
lie dead and ashen before him. In defeating the
physical body, the skeletal knight prepares the
way for resurrection of the soul. The skeleton
represents changes in the present which will
influence the events of the future.

14
 Divinatory Meanings: Transformation.
Clearing away the old to make way for the new.
Unexpected change. Loss. Failure. Alteration.
The ending of a familiar situation or friend-
ship. Loss of income or financial security.
Beginning of a new era. Illness. Reverse
Meanings: Stagnation. Immobility. Slow
changes. Partial change. Inertia. Narrowly
avoiding a serious accident.
XIV • TEMPERANCE
THIS CARD DEPICTS THE VIRTUE of
Temperance as a winged angel robed in flowing
garments—pouring liquid from one urn to
another. The essence of life flows between the
two vessels, symbolic of the flowing of the past
through the present and into the future. The
triangle within the square on Temperance’s
breast represents the presence of spirit within
the confines of reality. The angel of
Temperance possesses moderation and self-
restraint. She is secure and self-reliant.
Divinatory Meanings: Moderation.
Harmony. Fusion. Patience. Management.
Compatibility. Fortunate omen. Successful
combination. Consolidation. Accommodation.
The bringing together into perfect union.
Accomplishment through self-control and fru-
gality. Reverse Meanings: Discord. Disunion.
Conflict of interest. Hostility. Inability to work
with others. Impatience. Sterility. Difficulty in
understanding others. Frustrations.
15
 XV • THE DEVIL
THIS CARD SHOWS A HORNED, bat-winged
demon with elongated ears. A pentacle is
inverted on his forehead, signifying perversion
of the five senses. The Devil is elevated on a
pedestal. He holds in his left hand an inverted
torch of destruction. His right hand is upraised
in the sign of black magic. The Devil is the
bearer of misery, disaster, and death. Two fig-
ures are tied by their necks to the base of the
Devil’s pedestal. This card indicates human suf-
fering and desolation. However, the bondage
suffered by the two figures could be broken by
positive determination and willpower.
Divinatory Meanings: Subordination.
Ravage. Subservience. Downfall. Lack of suc-
cess. Weird experience. Bad outside influence
or advice. Black magic. Unexpected failure.
Inability to realize one’s goals. Reverse
Meanings: Release from bondage. Throwing off
shackles. Respite. Divorce. Recognition of one’s
needs by another person. Overcoming severe
handicaps. The beginning of spiritual under-
standing. The first steps toward enlightenment.
XVI • THE TOWER
A TALL TOWER with a crowned roof has been
struck violently by a blast of lightning and fire.
Only the top, the crown, is severed, signifying a
clean break from the past. The flame is a sym-
bol of a strong and dominating occurrence.

16
Two persons fall to the ground. The falling fig-
ures represent escape from the past and sudden
immersion into new events. The card is vari-
ously called The Lightning Struck Tower, The
House of God, The Hospital, Fire of Heaven, or
The Tower of Babel.
Divinatory Meanings: Complete and sud-
den change. Breaking down of old beliefs.
Abandonment of past relationships. Severing
of a friendship. Changing of one’s opinion.
Unexpected events. Disruption. Adversity.
Misery. Deception. Bankruptcy. Downfall.
Loss of stability. Loss of security. Reverse
Meanings: Continued oppression. Following
old ways. Living in a rut. Entrapment in an
unhappy situation. Inability to affect any
worthwhile change.
XVII • THE STAR
A NAKED YOUNG MAIDEN pours the waters
of life from her open palms. This signifies the
stirring of new ideas and the precipitation of
new concepts. Although the maiden appears
complacent, her outlook remains one of aspi-
ration and hope. Hovering in the sky above her
is the Star of the Magi—surrounded by seven
smaller stars. The eight-pointed stars of hope
ascend above the maiden. A bird and flowers
evidence the birth of life and promise.
Divinatory Meanings: Hope. Faith.
Inspiration. Bright prospects. Mixing of the
past and present. Optimism. Insight. Good
17
omen. Spiritual love. Astrological influence.
Accumulation of past knowledge for use in the
present. The proper balancing of desire and
work, hope and effort, love and expression.
Reverse Meanings: Unfulfilled hopes. Bad
luck. Disappointment. Lack of opportunity.
Pessimism. Conclusion of an unsatisfactory
business experience or social friendship.
Bullheadedness. Stubbornness. Imbalance.
XVIII • THE MOON
A DOG AND A WOLF howl at the moon,
which cradles a face in profile and drops the
moisture of intuition and psychic knowledge.
Two ominous towers rise in the background. In
the foreground a crayfish rises from a pond,
signifying uncontrolled manifestations of the
subconscious. This card suggests the presence
of envy, deception, jealousy, and prejudice in
daily life. It is a card of caution and danger.
Divinatory Meanings: Disillusionment.
Deception. Twilight. Caution. Obscurity.
Intuition. Bad influence. Danger. Ulterior
motives. Insincerity. False friends. Selfishness.
Deceit. Double dealing. Craftiness. False pre-
tenses. Disgrace. Slander. Liable. An insincere
relationship. Superficiality. Unknown enemies.
Reverse Meanings: A minor deception recog-
nized before damage is done. Trifling mistakes.
Overcoming bad temptations. Realizing gains
without paying the price. Taking advantage of
someone.
18
 XIX • THE SUN
A BEAMING SUN shines down upon a naked
child astride a horse. Four sunflowers represent
the four elements of earth, fire, water, and air.
The sun’s rays shine out and touch all the
earth. From the sun’s rays flow strong and pos-
itive solar energies which permeate all living
beings and give rise to feelings of contentment
and satisfaction. This card represents the ful-
fillment of love and friendship.
Divinatory Meanings: Accomplishment.
Satisfaction. Contentment. Favorable relation-
ships. Love. Joy. Devotion. Engagement.
A happy marriage. Pleasure in daily existence.
Warmth. A good friend. Sincerity. Pleasures
derived from simple things. Achievement in
the arts. Liberation. Reverse Meanings:
Unhappiness. Loneliness. Possibly a broken
engagement or marriage. Cancelled plans.
Triumph delayed although not necessarily
completely lost. Clouded future. Lack of
friendship.
XX • JUDGMENT
THIS CARD DEPICTS a winged angel blowing a
trumpet. Attached to the trumpet is a banner
bearing the design of a cross. Below, a family
rises from shallow waters. The woman is posed
with clasped hands. This card suggests the
revival and reawakening of the individuals
concerned, and a call to atonement for that

19
which is past and present. The shroud of the
past is cleansed away. The deeper our emotions
and sorrows, the richer our atonements and joys.
Divinatory Meanings: The need to repent
and forgive. Atonement. Judgment. The
moment to account for the manner in which
we have used our opportunities. Rebirth.
Rejuvenation. Improvement. Development.
Promotion. The desire for immortality. Legal
judgment in one’s favor. One should carefully
consider present actions as they affect other
persons. Reverse Meanings: Indecision. Delay.
Disappointment. Failure to face facts. Divorce.
Procrastination. Theft. Alienation of affection.
XXI • THE WORLD
A CLOTHED FEMALE FIGURE stands within
the center of an oval wreath. She holds a thin
wand in each hand, symbolizing the powers
she commands. Her powers are a direct result
of all the efforts described in the preceding
cards and of the energy of conscious and sub-
conscious concentration. In each of the four
corners of the card appears a symbolic figure
from the Apocalypse. In the upper left is a man
or angel and in the upper right an eagle. In the
lower corners are the figures of a bull and a
lion—guardians of the truth. All that has taken
place before now culminates in ultimate com-
pletion. The four corners of the card suggest
the four elements of air (man), water (eagle),
fire (lion), and earth (bull), which are balanced
20
to form the basis of life on earth and the com-
position of each day.
Divinatory Meanings: Attachment.
Completion. Perfection. Ultimate change. The
end result of all efforts. Success. Assurance.
Fulfillment. Capability. Triumph in undertak-
ings. The rewards that come from hard work.
Admiration of others. The outcome of events
in spite of other signs. Reverse Meanings:
Imperfection. Failure to complete the task one
starts. Lack of vision. Failure. Disappointment.

S
THE 56 MINOR ARCANA
THE SUIT OF SWORDS
(CORRESPONDS TO SPADES)

S words generally represent courage, force,

strength, boldness, authority, aggression,
and ambition. These cards indicate activity,
progress, and accomplishment for good or bad,
or sometimes misfortune and disaster. This is
the suit of leaders and warriors.
KING OF SWORDS
THE KING OF SWORDS is cloaked and wears
an armored head cover. He sits in judgment,
holding unsheathed the sign of his suit. A
pouncing eagle is on the back of his throne.
Behind him storm clouds gather.

21
 Divinatory Meanings: An active and deter-
mined person. Experienced. Authoritative.
Controlled. Commanding. A professional
man. Someone proficient in his field. Highly
analytical. Justice. Force. Superiority. A person
having many ideas, thoughts, and designs.
Reverse Meanings: Cruelty. Selfishness.
Conflict. Sadism. One who causes unnecessary
disturbance and sadness. A dangerous or
wicked person. Perversity.
QUEEN OF SWORDS
THE QUEEN OF SWORDS sits upon her throne.
The upraised sword in her right hand repre-
sents a quick-witted and capable person. Her
countenance is severe and preoccupied. A
stormy and desolate landscape is behind her.
She is one who has suffered a great loss but
bears up nobly under her misfortune.
Divinatory Meanings: Sharp. Intensely
perceptive. A keen person. Quick-witted. May
signify a widow or woman of sadness. A subtle
person. Mourning. Privation. Absence.
Loneliness. Separation. One who has savored
great happiness but who presently knows the
anxiety of misfortune and reversal. Reverse
Meanings: Narrow-mindedness. Bigotry.
Maliciousness. Deceitfulness. Vengefulness.
Prudishness. A treacherous enemy.

22
 KNIGHT OF SWORDS
THE KNIGHT OF SWORDS, a forceful figure
dressed in full armor, rides horseback, bran-
dishing his sword. He is the defender of good
and opponent of evil—a symbol of chivalry
and bravery. He is courageous and good at
heart. He is the forerunner of activity.
Divinatory Meanings: Bravery. Skill.
Capacity. The strength and dash of a young
man. Heroic action. Opposition and war.
Impetuous rush into the unknown without
fear. A master in the art of action and warfare.
Reverse Meanings: Incapacity. Imprudence.
Dispute or ruin over a woman. Impulsive mis-
takes. Conceited fool. Simplicity. Disunion.
PAGE OF SWORDS
THE PAGE OF SWORDS wears a fur hat and a
regal costume with flowing cape. He clasps an
upright sword in both hands.
Divinatory Meanings: Vigilance. Agility.
Spying. A discreet person. An active youth. A
lithe figure. This card symbolizes a person
adept at perceiving, discerning, and uncover-
ing the unknown or that which is less than
obvious. The quality of insight. Reverse
Meanings: An imposter revealed. Illness is also
possible. Powerless in the face of stronger
forces. Lack of preparation.

23
 TEN OF SWORDS
A PROSTRATE FIGURE is shown pierced by the
swords of his suit.
Divinatory Meanings: Ruin. Affliction.
Pain. Sadness. Mental anguish. Desolation.
Tears. Misfortune. Trouble. Disappointment.
Grief. Sorrow. Reverse Meanings: Benefit.
Improvement. Temporary gain or profit.
Passing success. Momentary advantage.
NINE OF SWORDS
A SLEEPLESS WOMAN sits bowed in despair,
oppressed by nine swords.
Divinatory Meanings: Misery. Concern.
Unhappiness. Miscarriage. Anxiety over a
loved one. Worry. Despair. Suffering. Reverse
Meanings: Doubt. Slander. Gossip. Shame.
Suspicion. Timidity. Reasonable fear.
EIGHT OF SWORDS
A WOMAN, BOUND and blindfolded, is
surrounded by the swords of her suit.
Divinatory Meanings: Crisis. Calamity.
Conflict. Domination. Imprisonment. Bad
news. Turmoil. Censure. Criticism. Sickness.
Calumny. Reverse Meanings: Treachery in the
past. Difficulty. Depressed state of mind.
Disquiet. Accident. Fatality.
SEVEN OF SWORDS
A YOUNG MAN escapes with five swords, while
two swords remain impaled in the ground.

24
 Divinatory Meanings: New plans. Wishes.
Fortitude. Perseverance. Endeavor. Hope.
Confidence. Fantasy. Partial success. Reverse
Meanings: Arguments. Quarrels. Uncertain
counsel or advice. Circumspection. Slander.
SIX OF SWORDS
A FERRYMAN carries six swords to the oppo-
site shore.
Divinatory Meanings: A trip or journey.
Travel. Voyage. Route. Headstrong attempt to
overcome difficulties. Expedient manner.
Success after anxiety. Reverse Meanings:
Stalemate. Unwanted proposal. No immediate
solution to present difficulties. Confession.
FIVE OF SWORDS
A SOLDIER looks with disdain at two fleeing
and unarmed adversaries.
Divinatory Meanings: Conquest. Defeat.
Destruction of others. Adversaries may arise.
Degradation. Revocation. Infamy. Dishonor.
Reverse Meanings: Uncertain outlook.
Chance of loss or defeat. Weakness. Possible
misfortune befalling a friend. Seduction.
FOUR OF SWORDS
THE EFFIGY OF A KNIGHT in the attitude of
prayer rests upon a tomb.
Divinatory Meanings: Respite. Rest after
illness. Repose. Replenishment. Solitude. Exile.
Retreat. Temporary seclusion. Abandonment.
Reverse Meanings: Activity. Circumspection.
25
Precaution. Economy. Guarded advancement.
Desire to recover what is lost.
THREE OF SWORDS
THREE SWORDS pierce an enormous red
heart. Rain clouds appear in the background.
Divinatory Meanings: Absence. Sorrow.
Disappointment. Strife. Removal. Dispersion.
Diversion. Opposition. Separation. Delay.
Reverse Meanings: Distraction. Confusion.
Disorder. Error. Mistake. Incompatibility.
Mental anxieties. Loss. Alienation.
TWO OF SWORDS
A BLINDFOLDED YOUNG WOMAN balances
two upraised swords.
Divinatory Meanings: Balanced force.
Harmony. Firmness. Concord. Offsetting fac-
tors. Stalemate. Affection. Reverse Meanings:
Duplicity. Falsehood. Misrepresentation.
Disloyalty. Treachery. False friends. Lies.
ACE OF SWORDS
A LARGE SWORD rises in the sky, a wreath
encircling the blade.
Divinatory Meanings: Great determina-
tion. Initiative. Strength. Force. Activity.
Excessiveness. Triumph. Power. Success.
Fertility. Prosperity. Deep emotional feeling.
Love. Championship. Conquest. Reverse
Meanings: Debacle. Tyranny. Disaster. Self-
destruction. Violent temper. Embarrassment.
Obstacle. Infertility. Hindrance.
26
 S
THE SUIT OF RODS
(CORRESPONDS TO CLUBS)

R ods generally represent enterprise, growth,

lprogress, advancement, animation, inven-
tion, and energy. These cards also represent
modest and humble persons. This is the suit of
laborers and workers.
KING OF RODS
THE KING OF RODS bears a noble facial
expression. He holds in his right hand a flow-
ering rod. A lion is on the back of his chair.
Divinatory Meanings: This card denotes
an honest and conscientious person. Mature.
Wise. Devoted. Friendly. Sympathetic.
Educated. A gentleman. Generally married.
Fatherly. Reverse Meanings: Severity.
Austerity. Dogmatic. Deliberate. Somewhat
excessive and exaggerated ideas.
QUEEN OF RODS
THE QUEEN OF RODS, seated upon her
throne, is dressed in beautiful robes. She has
long hair cascading across her shoulders. In her
right hand is a long, flowering rod. With her
left hand she holds a sunflower. A cat naps in
front of her.

27
 Divinatory Meanings: A sympathetic and
understanding person. Friendly. Loving.
Chaste. Practical. A person possessed of charm
and grace. Capable of meaningful expression
and love. Gracious hostess. Sincere interest in
others. Reverse Meanings: Jealousy. Deceit.
Possible infidelity. Unstable emotions.
Fickleness. Resistance.
KNIGHT OF RODS
A HANDSOME YOUNG KNIGHT of Rods is
clothed in golden armor with a dragon mounted
on his helmet.
Divinatory Meanings: Departure. A jour-
ney. Advancement into the unknown.
Alteration. Flight. Absence. Change of resi-
dence. Reverse Meanings: Discord.
Interruption. Unexpected change. Quarreling.
Breakup of personal relationships. Rupture.
Discontinuance.
PAGE OF RODS
THE PAGE OF RODS holds a flowering rod. He
cups his left hand to his cheek while he shouts
across the barren wasteland. A sun disk is on
his chest.
Divinatory Meanings: A faithful and loyal
person. An envoy. Emissary. Trusted friend. A
stranger with good intentions. A consistent
person. A bearer of important news. Reverse
Meanings: Indecision in proceeding.
Reluctance. Instability. Difficulty in making

28
decisions. A bearer of bad tidings. A person
who may break your heart. Displeasure.
TEN OF RODS
A MAN IS BURDENED by the weight of ten
flowering rods that he carries toward a castle.
Divinatory Meanings: Excessive pressures.
Problems soon to be resolved. Striving to meet
a goal or to maintain a certain level or position.
Possibly using power for selfish ends. Reverse
Meanings: Difficulties. Intrigues. Duplicity.
Treachery. A traitor. Deceiver. Subterfuge.
Some losses will occur.
NINE OF RODS
A TALL FIGURE with an expectant look leans
upon a flowering rod. A bandage unfurls from
his forehead.
Divinatory Meanings: Expectation of dif-
ficulties and changes. Awaiting tribulation.
Anticipation. Hidden enemies. Deception.
Discipline. Order. A pause in a current strug-
gle. Reverse Meanings: Obstacles. Adversity.
Problems. Delays. Displeasure. Calamity.
Disaster. Barriers to overcome. Poor health.
EIGHT OF RODS
A FLIGHT of eight flowering rods soars
through the open countryside.
Divinatory Meanings: Swift activity.
Sudden progress or movement. Hastily made
decisions. Too rapid advancement. Reverse

29
Meanings: Thorns of dispute. Jealousy.
Harassment. Discord. Delay. Stagnation.
Domestic quarrels.
SEVEN OF RODS
A YOUNG MAN wards off six attacking ene-
mies by holding a flowering rod in his hands.
Divinatory Meanings: Success. Gain.
Obstacles and challenges met. Overwhelming
odds are surmounted. Advantage. Victory.
Reverse Meanings: Consternation. Anxiety.
Embarrassment. Indecision. Hesitancy may
cause losses. Uncertainty. Perplexity. Doubt.
SIX OF RODS
A LAURELED HORSEMAN carries a flowering
rod decked with a wreath while a companion
walks nearby.
Divinatory Meanings: Conquest. Gain.
Triumph. Good news. Advancement.
Expectation. Desires realized as a result of
efforts. Reversed Meanings: Indefinite delay.
Apprehension. Fear. Disloyalty. Superficial
benefit. Inconclusive gain.
FIVE OF RODS
FIVE ROWDY BOYS brandish flowering rods as
if in sport or combat.
Divinatory Meanings: Unsatisfied desires.
Struggle. Labor. Endeavors. Violent strife.
Conflict. Obstacles. Reverse Meanings:
Contradictions. Complexity. Involvement.
Trickery. Caution against indecision.
30
 FOUR OF RODS
A GREAT GARLAND is suspended from four
flowering rods. Two young maidens clutch
nosegays. In the background is a moated castle.
Divinatory Meanings: Romance. Society.
Harmony. Newly acquired prosperity. Peace.
Tranquility. The fruits of labor. Rest after
peace. Reverse Meanings: Loss of full tran-
quility. Unfulfilled romance. Insecurity.
Tarnished beauty. Incomplete happiness.
THREE OF RODS
A CALM, STATELY FIGURE, possibly a mer-
chant, stands at a cliff ’s edge watching as ships
return from a sea voyage.
Divinatory Meanings: Practical knowl-
edge. Business acumen. Strength. Enterprise.
Negotiations. Trade. Commerce. Undertaking.
Reverse Meanings: Assistance with an ulterior
motive. Treachery. Diminishing adversity.
Beware of help offered.
TWO OF RODS
A YOUNG MAN LOOKS from a castle wall
across shore and sea. He holds a globe of the
world in his right hand and a flowering rod in
his left hand.
Divinatory Meanings: Mature individual.
Ruler. Attainment of goals and needs.
Boldness. Courage in undertakings. A domi-
nant personality. Reverse Meanings: Sadness.
Trouble. Restraint caused by others. Loss of
faith. Surprise.
31
 ACE OF RODS
A BEAUTIFUL FLOWERING ROD stands in the
foreground against radiant sunlight. A castle is
on a distant hill.
Divinatory Meanings: Creation. Start of
an undertaking. Beginning. Invention.
Fortune. Enterprise. Gain. Inheritance. Birth of
a child. Beginning of a meaningful experience.
An adventure. Escapade. Reverse Meanings:
False start. Cloudy outlook. Unrealized goal.
Decadence. Empty existence. Vexation.
Cancellation of plans.

S
THE SUIT OF CUPS
(CORRESPONDS TO HEARTS)

C ups generally represent love, happiness,

gaiety, and joy. The cups hold water—a
symbol of pleasure and happiness. These cards
represent passions and deep feeling. This is the
suit of the humane person.
KING OF CUPS
THE KING OF CUPS, with a thick beard and
mustache, clasps a great cup in his right hand.
In his left hand he grasps a rod of authority
and knowledge. He wears a regal crown and his
vestments are rich and majestic. In the back-
ground are a ship and a porpoise.

32
 Divinatory Meanings: Responsibility and
creativity. Learned person. Professional.
Businessman. Religious person. Scientist. A
considerate person, kind and reliable. Lawyer.
Liberal manner. Artist. Interest in the arts and
sciences. Generosity. Reverse Meanings:
Artistic temperament. Double-dealing. Loss.
Scandal. Ruin. Injustice. Shifty in dealings. A
crafty person without virtue.
QUEEN OF CUPS
THE CROWNED QUEEN OF CUPS holds a
great cup in her two hands. She is richly and
majestically robed.
Divinatory Meanings: A warm-hearted
and fair person. Beloved and adored. Good
friend and mother. Devoted wife. Practical.
Honest. Loving intelligence. Gift of vision.
Reverse Meanings: Dishonesty. Possible
immorality. Dishonesty. Unreliability. Vice.
KNIGHT OF CUPS
THE KNIGHT OF CUPS rides gracefully on his
horse. He balances a great cup in his right hand
and appears contemplative.
Divinatory Meanings: An invitation or
opportunity may soon arise. Approach.
Arrival. Request. Advancement. Attraction.
Inducement. Appeal. Challenge. Proposal.
Proposition. Reverse Meanings: Subtlety.
Artifice. Trickery. Deception. Fraud. A sly and
cunning person. A swindler.

33
 PAGE OF CUPS
A YOUNG PAGE of Cups holds in his right
hand a large cup from which appears a fish.
Ocean waves swirl behind the page.
Divinatory Meanings: A studious and
intent person. Reflective. Meditative. Loyal.
Willingness to offer services and efforts toward
a specific goal. A helpful person. A trustworthy
worker. Reverse Meanings: Inclination.
Deviation. Susceptibility. Temporary distrac-
tion. Seduction. A flatterer.
TEN OF CUPS
A YOUNG COUPLE EMBRACE while two chil-
dren frolic nearby. The man’s arm is raised
toward a rainbow of ten golden cups.
Divinatory Meanings: Home. Abode.
Happiness. Joy. Pleasure. Peace. Love.
Contentment. Good family life. Reputation.
Honor. Esteem. Virtue. Reverse Meanings:
Loss of friendship. Pettiness. Unhappiness.
Family quarrel. Rage. Combat. Strife.
Opposition. Difference of opinion.
NINE OF CUPS
A ROBUST MAN stands before nine cups
stacked on shelves behind him.
Divinatory Meanings: Success. Material
attainment. Good health. Difficulties sur-
mounted. Advantage. Well-being. Abundance.
Victory. Reverse Meanings: Material losses.
Mistakes. Imperfections. Misplaced truth. False
freedom. Opposition. Differences. Disputes.
34
 EIGHT OF CUPS
A CLOAKED FIGURE with a wide-brimmed hat
is seen fleeing. Eight neatly stacked cups are in
the foreground.
Divinatory Meanings: Discontinuance of
effort. Disappointment. Abandonment of pre-
vious plans. Shyness. Modesty. Abandoned
success. Reverse Meanings: Happiness. Effort
continued until full success is attained.
Festivity. Joy. Gaiety. Feasting.
SEVEN OF CUPS
STRANGE VISIONS ARISE from seven cups in
the clouds before a magical man.
Divinatory Meanings: Fantasy. Unrealistic
attitudes. Imagination. Daydreams. Foolish
whims. Wishful thinking. Illusionary success.
Reverse Meanings: Desire. Determination.
Strong willpower. A goal nearly attained.
Intelligent choice. Will. Resolution.
SIX OF CUPS
TWO YOUNG CHILDREN play with three cups
filled with flowers. Behind them three more
cups rest on a stone wall.
Divinatory Meanings: Memories. Past
influences. Things that have vanished.
Childhood passed. Nostalgia. Faded images.
Longing. Reverse Meanings: The future.
Opportunities ahead. New vistas. Coming
events. Plans that may fail. That which will
shortly arrive.
35
 FIVE OF CUPS
A REMORSEFUL CLOAKED FIGURE stands by
three spilled cups. Behind him two full cups
remain and in the distance is a castle.
Divinatory Meanings: Partial loss. Regret.
Friendship without real meaning. Marriage
without genuine love. Imperfection. Flaw.
Inheritance. Incomplete union or partnership.
Reverse Meanings: Hopeful outlook.
Favorable expectations. New alliances. Affinity.
Return of an old friend. Reunion.
FOUR OF CUPS
A YOUNG MAN SEATED UNDER A TREE con-
templates three cups on the grass before him,
while a fourth cup, held by a hand, issues from
a cloud.
Divinatory Meanings: Disappointment.
Weariness. Aversion. Disgust. Unhappiness.
Bitter experience. Stationary period in one’s
life. Reverse Meanings: New possibilities. New
relationships. New approaches to old prob-
lems. New acquaintance. New knowledge.
THREE OF CUPS
THREE YOUNG MAIDENS in a garden hold
aloft three cups, as if in celebration. Garlands
of flowers surround them.
Divinatory Meanings: Resolution of a
problem. Conclusion. Solace. Healing.
Satisfactory result. Fulfillment. Compromise.
Reverse Meanings: Excessive pleasures.
36
Overabundance. Superfluity. Loss of prestige.
Delays. Lack of appreciation.
TWO OF CUPS
A YOUNG MAN AND WOMAN bend over two
chalices. Above them is a caduceus and a lion’s
head with great spiritual wings.
Divinatory Meanings: Love. Friendship
beginning or renewed. Passion. Union.
Engagement. Understanding. Cooperation.
Partnership. Marriage. Reverse Meanings:
Unsatisfactory love. Troubled relationship.
False friendship. Misunderstanding. Disunion.
Crossed desires. Divorce.
ACE OF CUPS
FOUR STREAMS OF WATER spring from a cup
and fall into a pond where water lilies float.
Divinatory Meanings: Great abundance.
Fulfillment. Perfection. Joy. Fertility. Opulence.
Fullness. Happiness. Productiveness. Beauty
and pleasure. Goodness overflowing. Favorable
outlook. Reverse Meanings: Change.
Alteration. Erosion. Instability. Sterility.
Unrequited love. Clouded joy. False heart.
Inconsistency.

37
 S
THE SUIT OF PENTACLES
(CORRESPONDS TO DIAMONDS)

P entacles generally represent material and

financial matters: money, occupation,
material gain, business development, and so
on. These cards also represent deep sensitivity
and involvement. This is the suit of merchants
and tradesmen.
KING OF PENTACLES
THE DARK KING of Pentacles sits upon his
throne. He holds a large coin blazoned with a
pentagram in his left hand. He is dressed in
rich robes.
Divinatory Meanings: An experienced and
successful leader. A person of character and
intelligence. Business acumen. Mathematical
ability. Loyal friend. Reliable marriage partner.
Successful businessman. Wise investment.
Ability to acquire money and valuable posses-
sions. Reverse Meanings: Corruption. Using
any means to achieve the desired end. Vice.
Avarice. Unfaithfulness. An old and vicious
man. Peril. Danger. Thriftlessness.
QUEEN OF PENTACLES
THE QUEEN OF PENTACLES holds aloft in her
right hand the great coin of her suit. With her
other hand she gently clasps a rabbit of fertility.
She is seated in a bower of roses and fruit.
38
 Divinatory Meanings: Prosperity and
well-being. Wealth. Abundance. Luxury.
Opulence. Extreme comfort. Generosity.
Security. Liberty. Magnificence. Grace. Dignity.
A noble soul. A wealthy person who is both
generous and charitable. Reverse Meanings:
Untrusting person. False prosperity. Suspense.
Suspicion. Vicious person. Responsibilities
neglected. Fear of failure.
KNIGHT OF PENTACLES
THE KNIGHT OF PENTACLES wears a horned
helmet. The coin of his suit appears with him.
Divinatory Meanings: A mature and
responsible person. Reliable. Methodical.
Patient. Persistent. Ability to conclude a task.
Laborious. Organized. Capable. Dependable.
Reverse Meanings: Stagnation. Carelessness.
Inertia. Lack of determination or direction.
Narrow-mindedness. Dogmatic views. Idleness.
PAGE OF PENTACLES
A PENSIVE MAIDEN is the Page of Pentacles.
She holds the symbol of her suit.
Divinatory Meanings: Deep concentration
and application. Study. Scholarship. Respect
for knowledge. Reflection. Desire for learning
and new ideas. A do-gooder. Bearer of news.
Reverse Meanings: An unrealistic person.
Failure to recognize obvious facts. Dissipation
of ideas. Illogical thinking. Rebelliousness.
Wastefulness. Loss. Unfavorable news.

39
 TEN OF PENTACLES
AN ELDERLY, bearded man pets a dog while a
young boy watches. Behind them a young cou-
ple embraces. A castle appears in the distance.
Divinatory Meanings: Prosperity. Home.
Family. Riches. Security. Ancestry. Inheritance.
Family matters. Safety. Dwelling. Reverse
Meanings: Poor risk. Bad odds. Possible loss.
Hazard. Loss of inheritance. Dissipation.
Robbery. Gambling.
NINE OF PENTACLES
A WELL-DRESSED WOMAN stands in her vine-
yard with a bird perched on her arm. Three
arches and a castle are in the background.
Divinatory Meanings: Accomplishment.
Discernment. Discretion. Foresight. Safety.
Prudence. Material well-being. Love of nature.
Reverse Meanings: Threat to safety. Roguery.
Danger. Storms. Bad faith. Possible loss of a
valued friendship or a treasured possession.
EIGHT OF PENTACLES
A YOUNG MAN studies intently the workman-
ship of a large coin blazoned with a pentagram.
Divinatory Meanings: Apprenticeship.
Craftsmanship. Quickness to learn. Candor.
Frankness. Modesty. Handiwork. Personal
effort. Reverse Meanings: Lack of ambition.
Vanity. Conceit. Disillusionment. Usury.
Hypocrisy. Flattery. Intrigue.

40
 SEVEN OF PENTACLES
A YOUNG MAN LEANS TIREDLY on his hoe at
the end of a day’s work.
Divinatory Meanings: Ingenuity. Growth.
Hard work. Progress. Successful dealings.
Money. Wealth. Treasure. Gain. Reverse
Meanings: Anxiety. Impatience. Uneasiness.
Imprudent actions. Loss of money. Unwise
investments.
SIX OF PENTACLES
A PROSPEROUS MERCHANT weighs money
in a pair of scales and distributes coins to the
needy.
Divinatory Meanings: Charity. Kindness.
Philanthropy. Generosity. Gratification. Gifts.
Material gain. Reverse Meanings: Avarice.
Selfishness. Envy. Jealousy. Bad debt. Unpaid
loans.
FIVE OF PENTACLES
TWO MENDICANTS IN A SNOWSTORM pass
before a lighted window. One is lame and both
are destitute.
Divinatory Meanings: Material trouble.
Destitution. Loss. Impoverishment. Failure.
Error. Mistress. Lover. Reverse Meanings:
Reversal of bad trend. New interest in matters.
Overcoming ruin. Lack of harmony in love or
marriage.

41
 FOUR OF PENTACLES
A CROWNED FIGURE, with a pentacle over his
crown, clasps another pentacle with his hands
and arms while two pentacles rest beneath his
feet.
Divinatory Meanings: Love of material
wealth. Hoarder. Usurer. Skinflint. Miser. Lack
of generosity. Inability to share. Reverse
Meanings: Setbacks in material holdings.
Obstacles. Suspense and delay. Opposition to
further gain. Spendthrift.
THREE OF PENTACLES
A SCULPTOR IS AT WORK in a monastery. He
chisels three pentacles above a stained glass
window.
Divinatory Meanings: Great skill in trade
or work. Mastery. Perfection. Artistic ability.
Dignity. Renown. Rank. Power. Reverse
Meanings: Sloppiness. Mediocrity. Lower
quality. Money problems. Commonplace ideas.
Lack of skill. Preoccupation.
TWO OF PENTACLES
A JUGGLER BALANCES two pentacles on the
shore of a turbulent sea.
Divinatory Meanings: Difficulty in
launching new projects. Difficult situations
arising. New troubles. Embarrassment. Worry.
Concern. Reverse Meanings: Literary ability.
Agility in handling matters. Simulated enjoy-
ment. Enforced gaiety. Letter. Message.
42
 ACE OF PENTACLES
A LARGE PENTACLE APPEARS in the sky sur-
rounded by golden clouds and resting upon
beautiful lilies.
Divinatory Meanings: The combination of
material and spiritual prosperity. Perfection.
Attainment. Prosperity. Felicity. Great wealth.
Riches. Bliss. Ecstasy. Valuable coins or arti-
facts. Treasures. Gold. Reverse Meanings:
Prosperity without happiness. Misused wealth.
Wasted money. Greed. Corruption by money.
Miserliness. Fool’s gold.

S
THE TEN-CARD
SPREAD
T HE TEN-CARD SPREAD is one of the most
popular and effective methods of using the
tarot for divination. It is a slightly altered ver-
sion of the Ancient Celtic Method described by
Arthur Edward Waite in The Pictorial Key to
the Tarot.
The person seeking an answer to a question
is known as the questioner or querent. The
questioner sits at a table opposite the diviner
and both persons maintain a serious mental
attitude. The questioner must clear his mind of
all thoughts except the specific question to be
answered. This question is stated aloud to the
diviner while the questioner simultaneously
43
shuffles the face down deck. The person who
handles the cards impregnates them with per-
sonal magnetism and thereby creates a rapport
between the subconscious and the cards. The
cards may be shuffled either hand over hand or
by riffling (separating the deck into two parts
and riffling with the thumb so the cards are
well mixed). The shuffling must be done by the
person seeking an interpretation or predic-
tion—not by the reader, interpreter, or diviner.
When the questioner is satisfied with the shuf-
fling, he or she places the deck face down in
front of the diviner. The cards are always
viewed from the diviner’s position.
Beginning with the top card as number one,
the second card as number two, and so on, the
diviner turns up the first six cards, one at a
time, placing them face up on the table in the
sequence shown in the diagram at right.
The diviner should turn the cards over from
left to right thereby assuring that the cards
continue to point in the same direction as
when placed on the table by the questioner.
The cards which face the diviner are said to be
positioned for a strong, positive reading. The
cards which face the questioner are said to be
upside down or inverted and therefore have a
weak, delayed, or even reversed meaning.
If the first card turned over by the diviner is
upside down, the diviner should reverse the
first card so that it is displayed upright. The

44
remaining nine cards should then be turned
over from bottom to top in such a manner as to
reverse the direction of each of these cards
since the questioner may have mistakenly
handed the deck upside down to the diviner.
Generally, if more than half the cards are
reversed, the diviner may find a more consis-
tent reading is obtained by returning any
reversed cards to their upright position.

Ten-Card Spread
10

9
2
6 4
1
8

5
7

45
 CARD NUMBER 1 • Present Position
Atmosphere in which the questioner is
presently working and living. Shows the area of
influence in which the questioner presently
exists. This card represents the questioner.
CARD NUMBER 2 • Immediate Influence
Shows the nature of the influence or immedi-
ate sphere of involvement or obstacles which
lie just ahead. This card crosses the questioner.
CARD NUMBER 3 • Goal or Destiny
The ultimate goal or destiny of the questioner.
Indicates the best that can be accomplished by
the questioner based on existing circum-
stances. This card may also represent the ques-
tioner’s aim or ideal within the present frame
of reference. This card crowns the questioner.
CARD NUMBER 4 • Distant Past Foundation
Represents the broad and basic events and
influences which existed in the past and upon
which the present events are based. This card is
behind the questioner.
CARD NUMBER 5 • Recent Past Events
Shows the most recent sphere of influence or
events which have passed or which are just
passing. This card may represent distant past
influences exerting pressure on recent events.
This card is beneath the questioner.
CARD NUMBER 6 • Future Influence
Shows the sphere of influence that is coming
into being in the near future in a broad sense.
This card is in front of the questioner.
46
 After reading the preceding six cards, the
diviner proceeds to turn over the next four
cards from the deck, placing them one above
the other in a line to the right of the previous
six cards, as shown in the diagram on page 45.

CARD NUMBER 7 • The Questioner

Shows the questioner in his present position or
attitude within the surrounding circum-
stances. Attempts to place the questioner in
proper perspective.
CARD NUMBER 8 • Environmental Factors
Denotes the questioner’s influence on other
people and his position in life. Reveals those
tendencies and factors which exist with respect
to other persons who may have an effect on the
questioner.
CARD NUMBER 9 • Inner Emotions
Shows the inner hopes, hidden emotions and
secret desires, fears, and anxieties of the ques-
tioner. Includes those thoughts which will
come to the mind of the questioner in the
future.
CARD NUMBER 10 • Final Result
The culmination and results which will be
brought about from all of the influences as
revealed by the other cards in the divination,
provided events and influences continue as
indicated.

S
47
 U.S. Games Systems, Inc. offers an exciting and
diverse range of tarot and cartomancy decks, books,
and deck/book sets. Look for these titles at most
book, metaphysical, museum, and gift stores.
TAROT DECKS
Adrian • Ages • Albano-Waite • Ancestral Path • Angel
Aquarian • Barbara Walker • Cat People • Celestial
Ceremonial Magick • Classic • Connolly • Cosmic
Crowley Thoth • Crow’s Magick • Dali • Dragon
Epicurean • Fantastical • Feng Shui • Forest Folklore
Fradella • Gatti Originali (Feline) • Gendron • Gill
Goddess • Golden Tarot • Haindl • Halloween
Hanson-Roberts • Herbal • Hudes
I Cani Originali (Dogs) • Londa • Lord of the Rings
Lover’s Path • Medicine Woman • Medieval Cat
Medieval Scapini • Moon Garden • Morgan-Greer
Motherpeace Round • Native American
Navigators Tarot of the Mystic SEA
New Century • New Palladini • Old English • Old Path
One World • Phantasmagoric • Renaissance
Rider-Waite • Royal Thai • Russian • Sacred Rose
Sephiroth • Spirit • Spiral • Starter • Swiss 1JJ
Tarot Affirmations • Tavaglione • Unicorn
Universal Waite • Vampire • Whimsical • Witches
Wonderland • Zolar’s Astrological
CARTOMANCY AND GAMES
Angel Meditation • Angel Power
Blessing Cards in a Bowl • Fantasy Fortunes
Gypsy Witch • Ouija® Oracle • Shaman Wisdom
Transformation Game • Wolf Song
B O OKS BY STUART R. KAPLAN
The Encyclopedia of Tarot, Volumes I, II, and III
Tarot Classic • Tarot Cards for Fun and Fortune Telling
—————
U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.
179 Ludlow Street, Stamford, CT 06902 USA
Phone: 203-353-8400 • Order Desk 800-544-2637
FAX 203-353-8431 • 48 www.usgamesinc.com