This layout forms the shape of an arrow pointing upwards, symbolic of the focus of any ambitious, career-minded individual. The first card shows where you are currently at in your career. The second shows the challenge you will need to overcome on your way up the ladder of success. You can rely on your strengths, hinted at in Card #3 to help you along your way. Cards #4 and #5 show the Past and Future Influences that affect your journey. Finally, Card #6 shows the outcome of your efforts.

The Outcome![]() The Emperor |
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Past Related Influences![]() 4 of Swords |
Future Related Influences![]() 10 of Swords |
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Your Strengths![]() 10 of Wands |
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The Challenges Before You![]() 4 of Wands |
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Your Current Position![]() 2 of Cups |
Your Current Position
A youth and maiden are pledging the love of one another, and above their cups rises the Caduceus of Hermes, between the great wings of which there appears a lion's head. It is a variant of a sign which is found in a few old examples of this card.
Upright Meaning:
Love, passion, friendship, affinity, union, concord, sympathy, the interrelation of the sexes, and – as a suggestion apart from all offices of divination – that desire which Nature is sanctified.
From the four great staves planted in the foreground there is a great garland suspended; two female figures uplift nosegays; at their side is a bridge over a moat, leading to an old manorial house.
Reversed Meaning:
Prosperity, increase, felicity, beauty, embellishment.
A man oppressed by the weight of the ten staves which he is carrying.
Upright Meaning:
Fortune, gain, success, false-seeming, disguise, perfidy. The rods that he carries may be bad news to the place he brings them. Success is stultified if the Nine of Swords follows.
The effigy of a knight in the attitude of prayer, at full length upon his tomb.
Reversed Meaning:
Wise administration, circumspection, economy, avarice, precaution, testament.
A murder victim, pierced by ten swords showing the act of excessive force.
Upright Meaning:
Pain, affliction, tears, sadness, desolation. It is not especially a card of violent death, but the feeling of utter victimisation and hopelessness.
The Emperor sits on his throne holding his sceptre. He represents a male figure of power and authority.
Upright Meaning:
Authority, stability, power, protection, benevolence, realisation a greatness, aid, reason, conviction, willpower.