This spiraling five-card layout shows the present situation as it enters the future. The first card is the significator, meaning the overall theme and mood of the question posed. The significator is compounded by the next two cards, showing the current problem and a clue to what might offer a helping hand to overcome this problem. The fourth and fifth cards show the near future, leading into the long-term outcome.
Positive Influences 2 of Swords |
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Obstacle The Devil |
Long Term Results The Wheel of Fortune |
What's coming soon 10 of Wands |
The Situation 2 of Cups |
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The Situation
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.
Reversed 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 by which Nature is sanctified.
The devil holds the lovers, Adam and Eve in chains. This card represents the fall of man.
Upright Meaning:
Vengeance, violence, disgrace, force, lust, lies, cheating, hoax, bait, snake oil, disorder, confusion, false values, compulsion.
A hoodwinked female figure balances two swords upon her shoulders.
Reversed Meaning:
Imposture, falsehood, duplicity, disloyalty, treason, back-stabbing.
A man oppressed by the weight of the ten staves which he is carrying.
Reversed Meaning:
Oppression, difficulties, intrigues, heavy-handedness, bad luck.
The Sphinx sits atop a wheel in the sky, symbolic of the wisdom of fate. Other Egyptian characters ride the wheel as it turns, which is surrounded by four cherubs who serve as the guardians of Heaven.
Reversed Meaning:
Increase, abundance, superfluity, comfort, gain, eminence, convenience, luxury, extravagance, benefit.