Decoding the Wisdom of Rider-Waite Tarot E-Book

Eleonore Radtberger

• Herausgeber: BoD - Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Ratgeber
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 308

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

What kind of power enables us to tell the truth and predict the future? Is this power within us, within a pack of cards, or does it draw on multiple sources? When it comes to Tarot, the answer is simple: this ancient, wise and magical picture book draws its power from its symbolism. In her book, Eleonore Radtberger discusses all 78 cards of the Rider-Waite Tarot in detail. Further articles provide valuable tips on how to use the Tarot and alternative perspectives on the metaphysical. This book was first published in German in 2011 under the title 'Das große Tarot-Buch: Die 78 Karten des Rider-Waite-Tarot' (ISBN 978-3741205026). Eleonore Radtberger is delighted to have the opportunity to share her experiences with English-speaking readers.

Leseprobe

The book

What kind of power enables us to tell the truth and predict the future? Is this power within us, within a pack of cards, or does it draw on multiple sources?

When it comes to Tarot, the answer is simple: this ancient, wise and magical picture book draws its power from its symbolism.

In her book, Eleonore Radtberger discusses all 78 cards of the Rider-Waite Tarot in detail. Further articles provide valuable tips on how to use the Tarot and alternative perspectives on the metaphysical.

The author

Born in 1957, Eleonore Radtberger has many years of experience in spiritual work, with the Tarot playing a significant part. Advocating an undogmatic approach to spiritual paths, the author also works with other mediums, such as runes and Lenormand cards.

'There is more than one view of things, even when it comes to what constitutes our reality' is a sentiment that Eleonore Radtberger wishes to convey to her readers. Anyone who engages with the Tarot can do so in their own unique way, as this ancient book of wisdom was created outside the realm of rules and constraints.

The author's books, published in Germany by Winfried Brumma (Pressenet), are intended as guides to the world. Everyone must discover them for themselves.

Table of contents

The power of magical images

Explore the wisdom of the Rider-Waite deck

The right way to use the Tarot

The Major Arcana

Card 0: The Fool

Card I: The Magician

Card II: The High Priestess

Card III: The Empress

Card IV: The Emperor

Card V: The Hierophant

Card VI: The Lovers

Card VII: The Chariot

Card VIII: Justice

Card IX: The Hermit

Card X: Wheel of Fortune

Card XI: Strength

Card XII: The Hanged Man

Card XIII: Death

Card XIV: Temperance

Card XV: The Devil

Card XVI: The Tower

Card XVII: The Star

Card XVIII: The Moon

Card XIX: The Sun

Card XX: Judgement

Card XXI: The World

The Minor Arcana

The Four Aces

Ace of Swords

Ace of Wands

Ace of Cups

Ace of Pentacles

Two of Swords

Two of Wands

Two of Cups

Two of Pentacles

Three of Swords

Three of Wands

Three of Cups

Three of Pentacles

Four of Swords

Four of Wands

Four of Cups

Four of Pentacles

Five of Swords

Five of Wands

Five of Cups

Five of Pentacles

Six of Swords

Six of Wands

Six of Cups

Six of Pentacles

Seven of Swords

Seven of Wands

Seven of Cups

Seven of Pentacles

Eight of Swords

Eight of Wands

Eight of Cups

Eight of Pentacles

Nine of Swords

Nine of Wands

Nine of Cups

Nine of Pentacles

Ten of Swords

Ten of Wands

Ten of Cups

Ten of Pentacles

The Court Cards

The King of Swords

The Queen of Swords

The Knight of Swords

The Page of Swords

The King of Wands

The Queen of Wands

The Knight of Wands

The Page of Wands

The King of Cups

The Queen of Cups

The Knight of Cups

The Page of Cups

The King of Pentacles

The Queen of Pentacles

The Knight of Pentacles

The Page of Pentacles

Tarot should be 'convenient' for you

Tarot relies on ritual and concentration

Which deck is the right one?

The Tarot reading systems

The Blind Spot laying system

The Three-Legged system

The Cross

The Little Number Crunching

The Relationship Game

Decisions

The Annual Cycle

Tarot is a matter of interpretation

Spiritual Media: When less is more

Are you only allowed to have 'good' cards?

Tarot for the Round Table

Recommendation: Try swinging a pendulum

Fire, water, air and earth

Fire: An image of activity

Water: Our origin

Air: The element of lightness

The earth: Clarifies the mind

Aleph: The ox symbolises progress

Card reading with Lenormand cards

Numerology and horoscopes: Birthday analysis

The power of stones

Channelling: Finding the right channel

Recommendations for books in German

Editorial notice

This book was first published in German in 2011 under the title 'Das große Tarot-Buch: Die 78 Karten des Rider-Waite-Tarot' (ISBN 978-3741205026). Eleonore Radtberger is delighted to have the opportunity to share her experiences with Englishspeaking readers.

The book was never intended to include illustrations or a set of cards. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase a Rider-Waite Tarot deck from a specialist retailer instead.

The power of magical images

When I was young, I used to enjoy playing with my grandfather's deck of playing cards. I admired the colourful, elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen on the picture cards. My interest went beyond games such as 'Black Peter' or 'Mau-Mau', because to me, the colourfully dressed society seemed real. They were like a magical picture book with loose pages.

Of course, I knew nothing about the hidden symbolism of the 'colours', as it was not a topic in my family. It was only later that I met an old lady who 'read cards' and was friends with my grandmother. She used Lenormand cards as well as a regular pack of playing cards. In a way that only she understood, she combined the two decks to make amazing predictions.

'The cards never lie', she proclaimed. She swore by them and apparently believed they had magical powers. Later in life, I met many people interested in Tarot or other 'fortune-telling cards'. They were all convinced of the power inherent in the cards.

Magical images and our subconscious

But what kind of power enables us to say true things and actually 'predict the future'? Does this power lie within us, within a set of printed pieces of cardboard, or does it draw on more than one source?

When it comes to Tarot, the answer is simple. This ancient, wise and magical picture book draws its power from its symbolism. We may have forgotten what the 'Cup' or the 'Heart' really represents, but our subconscious exists in harmony with all the world's inherited knowledge. If the Tarot deck uses traditional symbols and images, something within us will understand this language. This does not happen overnight, as it takes a little practice.

We are accustomed to modern images, but these are usually just reworked versions of the original core. Nowadays, we no longer think of horse-drawn carriages for travel, but of cars, aeroplanes or luxury ships. However, the Arcanum VII of the Tarot, the Chariot, is no different. Its meaning is much deeper and more profound, but it definitely represents a journey and a departure.

The cards act as a kind of key, unlocking long-forgotten spaces full of living knowledge – if you allow their messages to enter, that is. You don't need any magical powers of your own because true power lies within us all. Working with a medium such as the Tarot quickly makes us more sensitive to this hidden knowledge, enabling us to recognise connections that we would otherwise miss. Once awakened, the Tarot becomes an ever-new and ever-relevant book of life. However, this is achieved by the person who opens the book.

The future is a consequence of the present

We humans can look into the past. We also recognise the present. So why shouldn't we be able to take a look into the future from time to time? The future is not set in stone, and our subconscious mind can recognise a line extending into the distance – that is, into the future.

Perhaps it is only a snapshot or a moment, but it is possible. Nevertheless, we should not forget that the future is a consequence of the present, from which it originates. Those who do not understand this will not benefit much from looking at what is to come and will hardly be able to change anything.

Cards are a wonderful tool and an excellent medium that can provide the right 'fine tuning' – but the real power lies within us. However, those who do not 'clear the way' will only ever see colourful pictures.

Explore the wisdom of the Rider-Waite deck

The Tarot: This mysterious set of cards has experienced a renaissance time and again. They have been known and appreciated since the Middle Ages, and this remains true to this day.

While their exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, it seems certain from a historical perspective that the French origin of the name is connected to the word 'Tarock', which refers to a popular card game. This word actually means 'trump', and people still sometimes refer to the trump cards of the Tarot today. In fact, a Tarot deck could be used for a regular card game, as it has four suits, trumps and numbered cards, and usually comprises 78 cards.

After all, traditional skat cards are also used for fortune-telling. The trumps correspond to the colours of the Tarot or have evolved from them. For instance, the sticks or lances became clubs, the cups or goblets became hearts, the coins or pentacles became diamonds, and the swords became spades. While these are the facts, they do not explain the meaning of the Tarot.

Those involved in divination would never simply call a deck a pack of cards because it is much more than that. Many esotericists also refer to the Tarot as the 'Book of Thoth', after the Egyptian god of wisdom and writing. Many experts trace the Tarot's origins back to the Egyptian Mysteries and the Jewish Kabbalah. This book contains all the knowledge of the cosmos, and its arrangement can reveal new truths. In a sense, it is an interactive book that reacts to whoever reads it.

This is reminiscent of the magic cauldron in old fairy tales that is never empty and contains something different for everyone – namely, exactly what they need at that moment. There is some truth in this, because the symbols on the cards are ancient and archetypal. This primarily applies to the twenty-two 'big' cards, the 'Major Arcana'. In some decks, these are the only cards with pictures, although most variations of the 'minor' cards now have pictures too. Accessing the cards is much easier if the subconscious reacts to the pictorial symbols.

Of the 78 cards in a deck, the twenty-two Major Arcana – the word 'Arcana' means 'secrets' – are the most important. Some decks consist only of these twenty-two 'trumps', as many esotericists believe them to represent the true essence of the Tarot. The Major Arcana contain all the knowledge that can be communicated to the questioner. According to this view, the remaining cards, i.e. the Minor Arcana, provide more of an accompanying context.

Many laying systems use only the Major Arcana completely dispensing with the Minor Arcana. The order of the twenty-two Majors is not random; it is based on ancient knowledge and tradition, even though the Tarot as we know it today has only been in use since the Middle Ages. The power of symbolism connects with the subconscious, even if we are unaware of it.

As well as personal symbols – for example, a cat may have different meanings for different people – there are also archetypal symbols that have a broader meaning. Although modern people react differently to pictorial representations than people in ancient and prehistoric times did, their subconscious still understands the hidden messages of symbolism, which often manifest in dreams. Dreams rarely feature machines, bits and bytes, but rather wild animals and natural elements – expressions of the soul that unite all periods of human life and are not bound by linear time.

While symbols may change – for example, a horse-drawn carriage in a dream might now be a bus – the basic idea remains the same. When you look at a Tarot card, you don't need to understand the symbolism immediately – it still speaks to you. However, this also depends on how much of the original meaning is still present.

There are thousands of beautiful decks, some of which have little to do with the original Tarot except for the numbers and names. The design of the cards is irrelevant, and which deck the buyer chooses is up to their personal taste – just make sure the message isn't distorted.

You can buy special 'Love Tarot' or astrological decks, for example, because the cards communicate everything you need to know, whether it's about matters of the heart or finances. You don't need a different deck for every occasion – just choose one carefully.

For beginners, the traditional Rider-Waite deck is usually recommended as its clear, appealing images make it easy to understand. The same applies to the beautifully designed Crowley Tarot. Once you have learnt the language of the cards, you can use almost any good deck, choosing based on aesthetic criteria alone.

So, what can the Tarot do for us? The answer is: 'What do we want it to do for us?' If you are simply looking for fortunetelling cards: 'There's a dark-haired man next to you and you're going to lose that lawsuit', then perhaps you should look elsewhere. There are special oracle cards designed for this purpose, such as Mademoiselle Lenormand's cards or the so-called 'Kipper Cards'. This doesn't mean that the Tarot can't do this – it can. However, this is not why people are interested in it.

If 'fortune telling' means telling the truth, then you won't be disappointed. It is more important to analyse the present situation than to predict events in the near future. Where do I stand, and how did I get here? What will happen if I behave in this way or that? Why do I keep getting into these situations, and how can I break the cycle? I am faced with a decision and need help. I don't know how to resolve this issue or that one.

The Tarot reveals unpleasant truths – it simply tells the truth. It is an excellent decision-making aid and can also be used for analysis, dream interpretation, counselling and meditation. It is, of course, also an oracle and much more besides. However, it should be no more than an aid, because the ability to change or act lies within us. The cards show us the possibilities; they are not the purpose.

Someone once said that a Tarot session is like a pleasant conversation with a wise and powerful friend who knows us inside out and never lies to us. Ultimately, though, we can only change things ourselves or with the help of others – the Tarot shows us the possibilities and ways to do so. It can also shed light on the times ahead. We just have to remember that we create our own lives every day and that we have everything we need within us.

The right way to use the Tarot

Whether it's right or wrong is not really the question. You should ask: 'What should I pay attention to so that the Tarot opens up to me?' The most common mistakes when dealing with this medium stem from having the wrong expectations. Beginners are often disappointed because they expect clear answers immediately.

However, the truth is that the cards communicate through symbols. These affect the subconscious mind symbolically. Of course, the choice of deck is important – many people could not get on with their Tarot cards until they switched to a different deck with a design they liked better. That's why you should definitely take your time when buying. 'Which images do I like at first glance? What style do I like?' And so on.

Newcomers probably won't understand the names of the Arcana. Names such as 'The Empress' or 'The High Priestess' are not necessarily contemporary, and their meaning is not easy to grasp. Furthermore, the names vary from deck to deck. Ultimately, it comes down to 'getting involved' and the patience you are willing to muster.

A great expert on the subject once said that, if we allow it, the cards don't just speak. They shower us with a torrent of words. Once you have opened the door, it won't close again, and the space behind it will become brighter and bigger.

There are many ways to properly get involved. A common recommendation is to look at the cards in order and simply let the images sink in. Allowing your mind to wander or making free associations is also a very good method. For example, if any detail of the picture catches your eye, ask yourself: 'What does this mean to me? How does this object or colour relate to me?' Without having read up on it beforehand, your own unique interpretation of the card will emerge.

The traditional meaning is not the only valid interpretation – yours is valid too. Over time, you will find that you have a few favourite cards and some that you dislike. You can then continue the game by asking yourself why you feel this way: 'Why don't I like the Moon card, and why does the Chariot card appeal to me so much?' Essentially, you are engaging in a dialogue with the cards, it's an exchange. If you really engage with it, you will discover surprising things about yourself. Memories you thought you had lost will suddenly return, and you will find answers to questions you have been asking yourself for a long time. It happens as if by magic.

Although every good Tarot book emphasises that there is no point in asking 'yes or no' questions, it is often tempting to try to force the issue. However, Tarot is much more profound than that. You can ask: 'What will happen if I do or don't do this or that?' The cards will show a trend, but this is still subject to change. Everything is in flux. Nothing stagnates for long.

Analysing the situation is probably the most valuable aspect, but many impatient newcomers ignore this. Many spread systems refer to the recent past, the present, and the near future – a compact package, so to speak. You could also say that the problem, its causes, and possible solutions are revealed. Therefore, asking whether you will win the lottery this week is superfluous.

It is also tempting for many to 'create' a negative picture that supposedly shows what the questioner wants to see. This 'cheating' is nothing more than self-deception. The so-called reading test, based on the assumption that the same cards will appear each time a question is asked, proves to be flawed on closer inspection. This is because a single matter has thousands of facets, yet the cards will not differ in their basic meaning. The same images do not have to appear.

Reference books usually provide different interpretations of the meaning of certain cards. However, the actual statement relating to the situation in question varies depending on the location and surroundings of the cards. Ultimately, personal interpretation is also very important. This can simply be seen as a valuable addition, given that everyone's understanding of symbolism is different.

Some people also interpret upside-down Arcana as negative, supposedly making the interpretation easier. However, many experts refrain from doing so, as each card indicates a tendency either way. Whether an image is understood as a warning or an indication of negative aspects depends on the context of the other cards and, of course, the question being asked.

Clearly, the Tarot is not an oracle that can be read quickly; it needs to be studied and explored. Those willing to put in the work will be rewarded with new perspectives and insights. Taking the time to quietly immerse yourself in the images is also an effective way to counteract stress and achieve inner peace.

The Major Arcana

According to many insiders, the 22 cards known as the 'Major Arcana' represent the true Tarot, the 'Book of Thoth'. In fact, the remaining 56 cards, the Minor Arcana, are not essential for interpreting this mysterious book. However, this is not the case. Nothing is possible without the 22 cards.

Some spread systems only use the 'big ones' and disregard the 'small ones' completely. Anyone who studies the matter will quickly discover why. The Tarot's symbols contain everything – nothing 'falls through the cracks', you could say.

Beginners are well advised to take plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the Major Arcana in particular. There are many ways to approach them. For example, you could start with the first card and contemplate its symbolism for a day – you will then realise that you could easily continue for weeks. Then move on to the second card, and so on until you reach the last one.

Alternatively, you could lay out all 22 cards face up and choose the one that appeals to you the most. Everyone can find their own exciting way of discovering the world of Tarot.

Many decks have small cards with no pictorial representation, showing only the appropriate number of symbols – something that could never be the case with the main cards. Only these cards carry the ancient symbols, without which transmission would be inconceivable.

One of the most beautiful and also most common decks is the Rider-Waite Tarot, to which all descriptions refer. This is because the images in this edition are particularly clear and concise yet still very appealing.

The Rider-Waite Tarot deck shows the symbolism without too many creative additions, focusing on the essentials. It is therefore highly recommended for beginners. In addition, the Minor Arcana are illustrated, making interpretation much easier. As there are countless decks in different styles and designs, this book discusses the clear symbolism of the Rider-Waite deck, which can be applied to most others.

The Major Arcana form a self-contained system, offering a logical chain of development that can be experienced in various ways. Each card can interact with any other card, each one showing a different perspective.

Imagine a book whose text changes depending on what you want to learn. It is a personalised guidebook that adapts to the situation at hand. This is precisely what the Tarot is, whether you use all the cards or just the Major Arcana.

Card 0: The Fool

The Fool is depicted cheerfully prancing along a rugged ridge, his eyes fixed on the sky as he casually holds a rose. This is the card numbered 0 in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. It can appear at the beginning or end of the Major Arcana, in which case it is numbered XXII.

The Fool carries only what he needs in a small bag; he doesn't burden himself with much luggage. Accompanying him is a small white dog that, like the Fool, frolics on the edge of the abyss. Each further step could result in a fall, yet the Fool and the dog are unconcerned. He is in higher regions, breathing free air and allowing nothing to weigh him down or hold him back. His childlike confidence enables him to walk through these airy realms with the sun at his back, paying no attention to the path ahead.

Is he a real fool? How you take it. The card belongs entirely to the element of air, symbolised by the predominant colour yellow. This signifies change, the unexpected, lightness and adventure. The Fool in the picture has no fixed destination. He wanders with great self-confidence, looking forward to the wonders he will encounter. He trusts himself and the world.

The dog represents the unconscious and instinctive, and here it happily follows its master. The little white dog symbolises innocence. The Fool is innocent too. He has no intention of doing anything evil, nor does he want to. Even when he encounters evil, he does not recognise it as such. If he does, he trusts his star to protect him. The Fool also represents our childish side and our innocent exploration of the world. Wisdom comes only through experience, which is often costly. The Fool has just begun his journey and still enjoys the protection of innocence.

Full of self-confidence, he stumbles upon things without searching for them because he does not know what he should be looking for. He lacks nothing and is happy. His exaggerated, mannered posture suggests a sense of humour, showing that he can laugh at himself as easily as he laughs at others. One viewer may find the picture enchanting and smile as they look at it, while another may see nothing but a vain monkey bristling with excessive self-conceit and stupidity.

How you interpret the Fool depends on your perspective. Those who nurture their inner child and embrace playfulness will immediately connect with the card. They may harbour an unspoken longing to let go and be light-hearted, as they have taken on too many duties and responsibilities.

In contrast, those who reject their playful side, denying it to themselves and becoming overwhelmed because they never relax, will dislike him at first. You could say he scares them. This is because he appeals to the inner child and the 'pure fool' in each of us. He may be cleverer than you think.

The Fool represents all this and much more, moving through life with ease and grace, without seeking or even noticing it.

When the Fool appears in a reading, he usually advises us to take things more lightly. The heavy sorrow or fear darkening the soul right now may seem insignificant in the face of what is to come tomorrow. Alternatively, they may simply disappear in the fresh air of a new day.

The Fool warns against dwelling on pain and exacerbating problems. He is also a symbol of positive thinking. Those who perceive no obstacles should beware of creating any for themselves. The Fool may encourage you to cast off your burdens and accompany him on his journey. This would benefit many of us.

However, every Tarot card also shows the dark side of things. The Fool warns against being too naive. Sometimes, the card encourages people to look around them more closely and turn their thoughts away from fantasies and towards more tangible things. In fact, it could say: 'Don't make a fool of yourself!'

The specific message depends on the other cards that appear, as well as the questioner's particular situation.

There is always more to learn than meets the eye. The Tarot never provides brief answers without context. If the meaning is unclear, it is the responsibility of the person asking the question to clarify it. Nervousness, tension, headaches and other discomforts are not ideal conditions for divination. We are most receptive to the messages of the Tarot when we are relaxed and attentive.

It can be helpful to make a note of any cards you cannot interpret, then lay them out again later or the next day. Sometimes it takes time for the meaning to become clear. Then, as with the Fool, you will find the answer without looking.

Card I: The Magician

'Recognise your potential. All possibilities are open to you.' This is the message of the Magician, the card with the number one. In the Rider-Waite Tarot, this card depicts a man dressed in white with a red cloak. He holds his wand aloft and points upwards with one hand and downwards towards the earth with the other.

Initiates know: 'Everything is above and below.' Everything has its equivalent in the cosmos. The same law applies everywhere. On the table in front of him are a coin, a sword and a chalice. Along with the wand, these represent the four elements of the Tarot – or, you might say, he is bringing them into play.

Above his head, is a lemniscate, the symbol for infinity. The flowers represent growth and life. The whole picture is bursting with activity. The Magician seems to be shouting: 'Let the game begin!' He invites the viewer to recognise his power and turn thoughts into actions. One of the card's many meanings is the realisation of an idea. It's a journey from thought to action, from calm to strength. The image also symbolises the self's willpower to realise its inner potential. The Magician stands between the purely spiritual idea and its realisation – he is the link.

He confidently handles all the elements and uses them wherever necessary. Unlike the previous card, the 0, everything here is deliberate and intentional. This card invites us to take control and embark on our own adventure.

If you draw this card, it is calling out to you: 'What are you waiting for? It's all in your hands. The means to do what you want are within you.'

The Magician advises against relying too much on others. He shows that it is time to take action and advises against waiting. This is his answer to all of life's questions – he encourages you to take action. He also warns against conforming and allowing others to influence you too much. The Magician conveys this message in difficult life situations. People tend to build up their problems like a wall around themselves, condemning them to immobility. Doing nothing is not necessarily wrong. However, it only serves to reinforce the negative situation.

Those who have long been told that they cannot do or achieve anything until they believe in themselves should take a closer look at the Magician's image. It can teach them otherwise and also warns against stagnation, which is sometimes necessary. Anyone who keeps telling themselves, 'It won't work after all. I won't be able to do it', is creating an island for themselves where they become increasingly isolated, as well as a good excuse. Over time, this phrase, literally recited with every minor setback, creates a world in which things just happen – a world in which people are not responsible for their failures, which are often merely perceived.

The Magician tells us that we must take responsibility for our thoughts and actions, and that we all have the opportunity to improve our lives. In most cases, the card represents an enthusiastic 'yes', provided you take action instead of waiting to see what happens.

Those who ask whether a particular idea can be put into practice will find the answer here. Anyone who wants to know if the time is right to take action will receive guidance. Where the Magician appears, it is time to act. Above all, it is time to recognise your abilities and powers. While the Fool casually carries his bundle on his wand and makes no use of it, the Magician has untied it and makes use of its contents.

We are all born with the four elements within us, as well as knowledge of ourselves. Some people have denied their talents for so long that they have forgotten them. Many only realise their abilities and talents in middle or old age, having buried them since their youth – perhaps because they were unwanted or they faced other obstacles. Everyone has inner treasures waiting to be discovered. This does not depend on age, but on willpower and recognising that you must take action if you want to achieve something.

However, the card also advises recognising and respecting the will and energy of others, which refers to the somewhat negative aspect of the Magician. It also warns against exaggeration, manic workaholism and the idea that you have to do everything yourself to get things done.

Anything positive can turn into its opposite if you lose sight of moderation. This applies to everything, including this card. If you reach your actual limits, accept them. But also respect the limits of others.

Every human being has creative potential waiting to be discovered. The mind has no limits, and neither does the potential for realisation.

Card II: The High Priestess

The Magician represented the beginning of action. He is action itself – movement. He represents the masculine aspect of the universe.

In opposition to him appears the High Priestess, who embodies the feminine principle. Sitting on a throne, she holds a scroll bearing the word 'Torah' in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. This indicates the profound secrets of the Kabbalah.

Behind a curtain, there is a passageway between two pillars – the secrets are yet to be discovered and the path must be explored. The curtain bears a pattern of large pomegranates, the fruits of life. Life itself is to be explored and experienced – one's own universe. Following the Magician, the High Priestess reveals the duality of things, showing that everything has an opposite. Nothing can be considered in isolation. This principle encompasses above and below, right and left, light and dark – duality.

In many cultures, the sun represented masculine power, while the moon represented the feminine. The life-giving power of the sun was attributed to men – who were considered to be light, bright and open. They were also associated with the element of fire. In contrast, women were associated with the moon, gentle light, twilight and water.

The High Priestess was the keeper of secrets, holding the key to knowledge and, above all, to the unconscious mind. In the card, the folds of her robe cascade like a waterfall over the crescent moon at her feet, symbolising the waxing moon. Water is associated with emotions, and the moon symbolises the unconscious, among other things.

This represents hidden knowledge with counterparts in the outside world. When the High Priestess appears, it is time to get to the bottom of things. She provides clarity about many things. Almost everything that holds us back or repeatedly hurts us originates in the subconscious. This is also where negative cycles originate, which we repeatedly experience because we don't know how to break them. As water is a symbol of the card, it can also represent a refusal to acknowledge something, or acting on false assumptions.

Self-deception is another theme associated with the High Priestess. This applies to a greater extent to card XVIII – the Moon. It often shows things in a deceptive light, but here it is simply a matter of pushing the veil aside slightly.

The High Priestess invites us to listen to our inner voice – our intuition. The soul usually knows the answer to any question; you just have to listen. Intuitive judgement of a situation or person is not prejudiced. This knowledge lies within us, resting like a treasure.

Without realising it, we collect impressions and knowledge from our earliest childhood because the subconscious never forgets anything. What we call 'intuition' is usually our unconscious accessing this stored knowledge. As this process is unconscious, we do not perceive a logical thought process, and believe that we have decided 'purely on instinct' or that we have had unexpected intuition.

Put simply, we see the maths problem and the answer. The calculation path remains invisible, even though it is correct. Becoming aware of these processes clarifies the value of intuition. The logical and intuitive paths complement each other; they do not negate each other. The key is to strike a balance by utilising both options and combining them where possible. Someone who is purely intellectual will fail just as much as someone who only acts on instinct.

When the High Priestess appears, she instructs us to take a closer look and not to deceive ourselves. She reveals that something is being hidden from us and that we are hiding something from ourselves. She tells us that we know too little and that we should continue to develop our souls. Above all, she warns us against standing still. She also suggests that the time has come to accept and integrate repressed truths.

She reminds us that every coin has two sides, and that we must accept both. Not everything is always as it seems. She can clarify confused feelings and help organise them by providing knowledge of their origins. She advises us to listen to our dreams and learn to understand their messages. If necessary, we must demand the truth from others to achieve clarity.

She embodies the healing power of spirituality and the soul. She is the counterpart to the Magician, the sorceress of the night. She represents one side of duality.

Card III: The Empress

The Empress symbolises the creative power of duality, representing pairs such as left and right, active and passive, head and heart, and outer and inner.

She sits amidst fruitful growth and ripening. Everything around her is green and blossoming, bearing lush fruit. She sits on a throne adorned with red cushions, holding a sceptre in her right hand.

Her robe falls in rich folds, adorned with pomegranate patterns. She also wears a crown of stars. At her feet, wheat grows in plump golden ears. Looking closely at this card, the word 'lack' certainly never comes to mind.

The earth itself is depicted as rich and abundant. The woman in the picture is an empress who is also pregnant, symbolising all-encompassing growth. She is the embodiment of life, the personification of the nourishing earth and of feminine strength and power. Her authority is inherent.

In fact, the Empress can indicate pregnancy when asked about. Themes of maternity, family, children and marriage are also present.