Ok - let's wrap up the pips today shall we?
Just 8s, 9s, & 10s! If you're still with me in the series then give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back and hey, if you're enjoying the spooktacular I'd love to know... share the love! Tarot numerology of the 8: recall that 4s were a number of solid foundations, and 4 + 4 = 8 so, two cycles of foundations to create this auspicious |
number. AND when place on its side the 8 turns into an infinity symbol ∞ a symbol that is seen throughout the images on the Major Arcana in the Rider Waite Smith Deck (yep, I'm thinking that's really cool and thus makes 8 one of my all time favorite numbers) which in an or itself represents a cycle of reaping & sowing, as above so below and so on. 8 is associated with a power that comes from within but also of mastering the external manifestation of that power. It is nearing the end of our process cycle of the pips, and begs us to harness what we mastered at the 7s (our spiritual insights) and make that manifest into our reality. A great number for ambitions in regards to work or career, a bit challenging as it relates to our emotional side as we may find we still have a bit of inner work yet to do.
Quick Reminder: though I'm sure you've got the hang of it by now and are doing really well... to read the cards combine: number + suit + image/story = meaning
If you need a refresher on the process visit the Introductory post in the Halloween Tarot Tutorial Spooktacular.
Quick Reminder: though I'm sure you've got the hang of it by now and are doing really well... to read the cards combine: number + suit + image/story = meaning
If you need a refresher on the process visit the Introductory post in the Halloween Tarot Tutorial Spooktacular.
The 8s:
8 of Bats - now isn't this interesting? A woman bound in gauze like a mummy. Recall that bats are equivalent to the suit of swords or the element of air which relates to our thoughts and conflict. Imagining those bats as her thoughts she appears to be completely bound by her own illusions. The gauze is not tied however, which shows that she could release herself if she desired.
Possible meanings: paralysis by analysis, halted in indecision, bound by one's illusions
8 of Ghosts - Oh dear, the little ghosts look quite upset that this person is leaving them. But what of the new journey? This individual could be walking away from friends, even good friends perhaps in search of something new or for deeper meaning. Remember the 8 is about completing the inner work to manifest the reality. Perhaps this person is off on a journey of self reflection to gain a new perspective by leaving the status quo. Just as Dorothy had to leave the Munchkins to walk the yellow brick road with her dog, so does this person with their little black cat.
Possible meanings: moving on, seeking deeper spiritual connection, leaving the status quo for greater possibilities
8 of Imps - ok so, this is one of those cards that even in the traditional Waite Smith decks always tends to confuse. So let's just describe what we see... 8 Imps clearly all flying (taking action of some sort) in the sky. Could those be cupids arrows that several of them are wielding? Do you think that they are working together or are they just so excited to do something that they are all taking action at once without direction?
Possible meanings: time to "get it together", take action, do something for love or your passion in life, eager movement toward your desired outcome
8 of Pumpkins - here the onion man is working diligently on his pumpkin designs without anyone disturbing him except, of course, his dear black cat. (Ever read tarot cards with a cat nearby? I believe I've posted pictures of mine on the blog... it can be quite tricky). He looks to be enjoying his work and delighting in each of his creations.
Possible meanings: mastering your craft, an artisan, enjoying your work
Possible meanings: paralysis by analysis, halted in indecision, bound by one's illusions
8 of Ghosts - Oh dear, the little ghosts look quite upset that this person is leaving them. But what of the new journey? This individual could be walking away from friends, even good friends perhaps in search of something new or for deeper meaning. Remember the 8 is about completing the inner work to manifest the reality. Perhaps this person is off on a journey of self reflection to gain a new perspective by leaving the status quo. Just as Dorothy had to leave the Munchkins to walk the yellow brick road with her dog, so does this person with their little black cat.
Possible meanings: moving on, seeking deeper spiritual connection, leaving the status quo for greater possibilities
8 of Imps - ok so, this is one of those cards that even in the traditional Waite Smith decks always tends to confuse. So let's just describe what we see... 8 Imps clearly all flying (taking action of some sort) in the sky. Could those be cupids arrows that several of them are wielding? Do you think that they are working together or are they just so excited to do something that they are all taking action at once without direction?
Possible meanings: time to "get it together", take action, do something for love or your passion in life, eager movement toward your desired outcome
8 of Pumpkins - here the onion man is working diligently on his pumpkin designs without anyone disturbing him except, of course, his dear black cat. (Ever read tarot cards with a cat nearby? I believe I've posted pictures of mine on the blog... it can be quite tricky). He looks to be enjoying his work and delighting in each of his creations.
Possible meanings: mastering your craft, an artisan, enjoying your work
The 9s
On to the 9s - the pen ultimate ending or the ending before full integration into life.
Tarot numerology of the 9s: we can now see the rewards of our labors, 9 is the manifestation of all of the intention we have put into play up until this point in the process. What we have reaped we now will sow (and next put into play in our lives as part of a new elevated beginning - the 10s) so it is very important to recognize, as we saw with the 8s that this manifestation process is cyclical - from what point did your intention arise, how did you react along the way, did you make adjustments? If you started with a negative outlook it is certainly possible to feel burdened by that at this point in your journey. 9 is a number of fruition and completion but also of karma, self sacrifice and a higher perspective.
Let's move on then to see how our journey in each of the suits concludes.
9 of Pumpkins - yes please! This is clearly a woman of extravagant means, heck she even has a pet owl. Clearly given her luxurious outfit she is attending a masquerade ball or a spooktacular event at a chateau but, we certainly wouldn't expect her to be one going door to door begging for candy now would we?
Possible meanings: success, independence, prosperous self-employment/enterprise, wisdom gained through successes, a sense of high self-worth
Ok so, seems that the physical suit, that of the pumpkins is concluding quite well!
9 of Ghosts - Hey, look at me! I've got all these cool ghosts admiring me and clearly have total command of my black cat. I'm feeling really good about my accomplishments! Seems to me like all is going really well right now.
Possible meanings: living the good life, dreams come true or even make a wish - remember the ghosts are our emotions and represent that which we may not be able to see but instead feel so perhaps this skeleton is feeling that all of his dreams have come true.
And it looks like the suit of our emotions is concluding blissfully as well.
9 of Imps - does this not look like that imp will not allow the black cat to go beyond that wall of torches? Why is that? What is going on beyond them? Is there a password to enter this secret society? He is clearly protecting something and not sure he wants to share that something with this kitty. Or is it that this kitty doesn't look like the imps - is he not eligible for entry because he doesn't conform with the standards set?
Possible meanings: protecting one's efforts, expecting hidden agendas, distrusting non conformity
9 of Bats - well now, those aren't sheep she's counting are they? Kitty is trying to console her as she has all of her thoughts floating around keeping her up at night. Who hasn't had this experience at least once?
Possible meanings: thoughts are taking over, sleepless nights, grief or despair
Ok so, maybe if we are more concerned with enterprise (wands/imps) and our own thoughts (swords/bats) than we are with our physical (pumpkins) and emotional (cups) well being, the completion is not as good as we might like!
Let's see what happens when we put these 9s into play in our lives. On to the 10s! This is it the very LAST of the Pip cards!
Tarot numerology of the 9s: we can now see the rewards of our labors, 9 is the manifestation of all of the intention we have put into play up until this point in the process. What we have reaped we now will sow (and next put into play in our lives as part of a new elevated beginning - the 10s) so it is very important to recognize, as we saw with the 8s that this manifestation process is cyclical - from what point did your intention arise, how did you react along the way, did you make adjustments? If you started with a negative outlook it is certainly possible to feel burdened by that at this point in your journey. 9 is a number of fruition and completion but also of karma, self sacrifice and a higher perspective.
Let's move on then to see how our journey in each of the suits concludes.
9 of Pumpkins - yes please! This is clearly a woman of extravagant means, heck she even has a pet owl. Clearly given her luxurious outfit she is attending a masquerade ball or a spooktacular event at a chateau but, we certainly wouldn't expect her to be one going door to door begging for candy now would we?
Possible meanings: success, independence, prosperous self-employment/enterprise, wisdom gained through successes, a sense of high self-worth
Ok so, seems that the physical suit, that of the pumpkins is concluding quite well!
9 of Ghosts - Hey, look at me! I've got all these cool ghosts admiring me and clearly have total command of my black cat. I'm feeling really good about my accomplishments! Seems to me like all is going really well right now.
Possible meanings: living the good life, dreams come true or even make a wish - remember the ghosts are our emotions and represent that which we may not be able to see but instead feel so perhaps this skeleton is feeling that all of his dreams have come true.
And it looks like the suit of our emotions is concluding blissfully as well.
9 of Imps - does this not look like that imp will not allow the black cat to go beyond that wall of torches? Why is that? What is going on beyond them? Is there a password to enter this secret society? He is clearly protecting something and not sure he wants to share that something with this kitty. Or is it that this kitty doesn't look like the imps - is he not eligible for entry because he doesn't conform with the standards set?
Possible meanings: protecting one's efforts, expecting hidden agendas, distrusting non conformity
9 of Bats - well now, those aren't sheep she's counting are they? Kitty is trying to console her as she has all of her thoughts floating around keeping her up at night. Who hasn't had this experience at least once?
Possible meanings: thoughts are taking over, sleepless nights, grief or despair
Ok so, maybe if we are more concerned with enterprise (wands/imps) and our own thoughts (swords/bats) than we are with our physical (pumpkins) and emotional (cups) well being, the completion is not as good as we might like!
Let's see what happens when we put these 9s into play in our lives. On to the 10s! This is it the very LAST of the Pip cards!
The END of the Pips... the 10s
Tarot numerology of the 10s: a number of transformation and renewal, completion for sure but, it also contains a 1 which is the number of new beginnings and possibilities. We are now complete and we are renewed and ready to begin a new cycle. This is the realization of our thoughts, actions, plans, feelings and even our mistakes along the way.
From Angelpaths.com an outstanding recap of the tarot numerology:
the 1 shows the initial idea or thought; the 2 shows joining that thought into others in order to develop it; the 3 shows achieving a balance or result from that merging; the 4 indicates the next stage of planning; the 5 shows obstacles and difficulties which appear along the way; the 6 shows the triumph over difficulties and the approach to the next stage; the 7 shows initial manifestation - that is the first hint that things are taking shape in the material world; the 8 shows that the circuit between our intellect and our physical life has been completed; the 9 shows the arrival of whatever we were attempting to manifest - and the 10 shows its integration into daily life. http://www.angelpaths.com/numerology/numerintro.html
10 of Ghosts - Isn't it cool when the whole family dresses up for the affair and enjoys themselves in the moment? 10 happy little ghost lights, Mom and Dad smiling, the kids dancing in celebration, even the full moon is enjoying the moment. Does it get anymore "Happy Family" than this?
Possible meanings: happily forever after, celebration, joyful home life
Completing the cycle of the Ghosts/Cups: Clearly focusing on our spirituality, love and our emotional side bodes well for us! This kind of work according to the tarot leads to dreams or wishes fulfilled (9) and a happily ever after energy (10).
10 of Bats - she looks completely disconnected from her thoughts, peaceful but, unaware that those 10 bats are flying above her. Even the cat is wondering what happened to her. It looks like her thoughts just got to be too much for her and she's decided an aromatherapy bath is a much better idea.
Possible meanings: analyzed it to death, escape from pain/conflict
Completing the cycle of the Bats/Swords: seems as though the tarot is sharing with us that approaching our lives through conflict or pure logic may end up leaving us with much to be desired. We may end up with sleepless nights (9) or paralysis by analysis or a strong desire to escape the situation we've created (10).
10 of Imps - uh oh the hunchback has dropped one of his cute little toy imps. Is he hoarding them? It certainly looks as if his arms aren't wide enough to carry them all and yet that last one is very important to him as he looks distraught that he's lost it and is keeping a close eye on it.
Possible meanings: taking on too much, burdened by work, selfishness
Completing the cycle of the Imps/Wands: Enterprise and passion are wonderful to have but, if work is your only focus and drive then what of the rest of your experience? The tarot shows that focusing solely on your work or passion for it may leave us a bit paranoid and protecting all of our assets (9) or flat out overburdened by taking on too much (10).
10 of Pumpkins - yay a piñata! Nothing like seeing immediate gratification for your efforts. This little boy is the only one in line to go after the piñata which means all that luscious candy will be his when he breaks it open!
Possible meanings: just rewards for your efforts, plentiful resources
Completing the cycle of the Ghosts/Cups: Taking care of our earthly resources both for ourselves and for others results in both free flowing independence (9) and the legacy of just rewards for all of our efforts (10).
From Angelpaths.com an outstanding recap of the tarot numerology:
the 1 shows the initial idea or thought; the 2 shows joining that thought into others in order to develop it; the 3 shows achieving a balance or result from that merging; the 4 indicates the next stage of planning; the 5 shows obstacles and difficulties which appear along the way; the 6 shows the triumph over difficulties and the approach to the next stage; the 7 shows initial manifestation - that is the first hint that things are taking shape in the material world; the 8 shows that the circuit between our intellect and our physical life has been completed; the 9 shows the arrival of whatever we were attempting to manifest - and the 10 shows its integration into daily life. http://www.angelpaths.com/numerology/numerintro.html
10 of Ghosts - Isn't it cool when the whole family dresses up for the affair and enjoys themselves in the moment? 10 happy little ghost lights, Mom and Dad smiling, the kids dancing in celebration, even the full moon is enjoying the moment. Does it get anymore "Happy Family" than this?
Possible meanings: happily forever after, celebration, joyful home life
Completing the cycle of the Ghosts/Cups: Clearly focusing on our spirituality, love and our emotional side bodes well for us! This kind of work according to the tarot leads to dreams or wishes fulfilled (9) and a happily ever after energy (10).
10 of Bats - she looks completely disconnected from her thoughts, peaceful but, unaware that those 10 bats are flying above her. Even the cat is wondering what happened to her. It looks like her thoughts just got to be too much for her and she's decided an aromatherapy bath is a much better idea.
Possible meanings: analyzed it to death, escape from pain/conflict
Completing the cycle of the Bats/Swords: seems as though the tarot is sharing with us that approaching our lives through conflict or pure logic may end up leaving us with much to be desired. We may end up with sleepless nights (9) or paralysis by analysis or a strong desire to escape the situation we've created (10).
10 of Imps - uh oh the hunchback has dropped one of his cute little toy imps. Is he hoarding them? It certainly looks as if his arms aren't wide enough to carry them all and yet that last one is very important to him as he looks distraught that he's lost it and is keeping a close eye on it.
Possible meanings: taking on too much, burdened by work, selfishness
Completing the cycle of the Imps/Wands: Enterprise and passion are wonderful to have but, if work is your only focus and drive then what of the rest of your experience? The tarot shows that focusing solely on your work or passion for it may leave us a bit paranoid and protecting all of our assets (9) or flat out overburdened by taking on too much (10).
10 of Pumpkins - yay a piñata! Nothing like seeing immediate gratification for your efforts. This little boy is the only one in line to go after the piñata which means all that luscious candy will be his when he breaks it open!
Possible meanings: just rewards for your efforts, plentiful resources
Completing the cycle of the Ghosts/Cups: Taking care of our earthly resources both for ourselves and for others results in both free flowing independence (9) and the legacy of just rewards for all of our efforts (10).
Practical Application Moment... Go Have Fun!
Practical application moment - ok, how about you grab your tarot deck and separate out the Pips (Aces through 10s of all four suits) and start looking at the images. If you do not have the Halloween Tarot as I've been using here you'll surely have different images. However, the same interpretation guidelines apply. Take the number + the suit + the image to determine your POSSIBLE meaning. What do you see? What do you feel?
This is a great time to start a tarot journal and write down anything that comes to you for each card. The more you get to know your deck, the clearer, deeper and more profoundly accurate your readings will be.
Tarot Tip: Keep it SIMPLE! You do not need to write a novel nor determine several meanings for each of your cards at this phase. Whatever comes to you is a GREAT start! If it's just one keyword, a sentence or even a question that's perfectly acceptable. Do not become the 9 or 10 of bats and over think this one. Let your intuition be your guide and above all have FUN!! If you find that you are NOT connecting with the images on the deck that you have... perhaps it's time to choose another one. There are thousands of delicious and delightful decks to choose from on nearly any subject.
To make it easiest for yourself at this point (and to follow along with the instruction I've provided for you here) choose a deck that is designed in the Rider Waite tradition - meaning it follows the imagery of the deck designed by Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Coleman Smith.
Here are a few really fun one's that I would recommend for you to consider (all linked to Amazon so that you can have nearly immediate gratification):
This is a great time to start a tarot journal and write down anything that comes to you for each card. The more you get to know your deck, the clearer, deeper and more profoundly accurate your readings will be.
Tarot Tip: Keep it SIMPLE! You do not need to write a novel nor determine several meanings for each of your cards at this phase. Whatever comes to you is a GREAT start! If it's just one keyword, a sentence or even a question that's perfectly acceptable. Do not become the 9 or 10 of bats and over think this one. Let your intuition be your guide and above all have FUN!! If you find that you are NOT connecting with the images on the deck that you have... perhaps it's time to choose another one. There are thousands of delicious and delightful decks to choose from on nearly any subject.
To make it easiest for yourself at this point (and to follow along with the instruction I've provided for you here) choose a deck that is designed in the Rider Waite tradition - meaning it follows the imagery of the deck designed by Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Coleman Smith.
Here are a few really fun one's that I would recommend for you to consider (all linked to Amazon so that you can have nearly immediate gratification):
- The Halloween Tarot
- The Black Cats Tarot
- The Housewives Tarot
- LeGrande Circus and Sideshow Tarot
- Tarot of the Magical Forest
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Now go have fun!
~Glinda
~Glinda