Guidebook for Exile Tarot

May 3, 2024

Joy dances on the homeward path, future days hold promises bright. "I often push myself to the limits, driven by my fear of wasted efforts and buoyed by a misguided optimism that steers me into dead ends," said the author, Chun Wei Huan. "Still, when life casts me into exile, my unwavering belief in ultimate freedom becomes my salvation. It's the key to finding my spiritual sanctuary, somewhere I can truly reconcile with myself."

MAJOR ARCANA

0. THE FOOL

“I leap towards the dazzling white light of truth and fall liberated.”

Vision

The black serpent represents the untamed subconscious. Normally, one’s conscious self guards against the subconscious to maintain their established persona. In this card, however, all past experiences and codes of conduct are abolished. We sever connections with the conventional masses. Alongside the fierce beast lurking within all things, we venture into a void beyond the ordinary’s reach. A silver of bliss breaks through the clouds and hits The Fool’s diminishing ego.

Message

The Fool scares me the most. Not only does it always bring unpredictability to my life, it challenges the most rigid part of my personality and my most conservative beliefs on a deeper level of energy exchange. I don’t like this card, nor do I try to glorify it in my reading. I respect the unique bond that my life trajectory has shaped for me and the card’s imagery. Therefore, whenever I encounter The Fool, I ask myself to treat it in awe. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from my tarot teacher in the past year is that under the premise of carefully discerning the meaning of each card, one must never lie about their feelings. Hence, in the creation of this deck, I choose to tell stories from my heart. This deck is not a “master key”; all cards are highly personal. I intend to share how they have impacted my life with vivid, stunning memories.

Keywords

I. THE MAGICIAN

“Let the ancient poetry and magic continue.”

Vision

The great river that gathers all secrets and memories of the universe surges tirelessly. Its raging waves keep crashing into The Magician’s mind. Not only aware of the river’s existence, they may draw a stream from it to channel spiritual power into physical reality, thereby creating value. The Magician is the conduit linking heaven and earth, who can unlock the archaic art of necromancy. Countless symbolic omens manifesting as birds fly out from their right palm, heading to whoever in need of divine guidance or miraculous inspiration.

Message

A great beginning, this card signifies manifestation and infinite possibilities for further development.

Keywords

II. THE HIGH PRIESTESS

“Quiet and motionless.”

Vision

The High Prietess’s temple lies in the dim bottom of the sea where no sound can reach – an underwater vacuum. It alludes to the circumstance where someone, swimming at the juncture of consciousness and unconsciousness, is influenced by irrational wisdom even without contact. In the lower right corner, the bottle contains a flame representing masculine power. Although this card often suggests suppression, avoidance, and stillness, the stillness arises from a precondition of action, as it follows The Magician.

Message

The energy and temperament embodied by The High Priestess are defined in most cultural contexts as being opposite to masculinity. Together with The Hermit, they absorb the profound secrets born in darkness, becoming an obscure, unknowable veil. After the energy emitted by The Magician subsides and as we sit in the deep of the night when all daily affairs are still asleep, we finally have the opportunity to withdraw ourselves from any social activities or external bindings. In heartfelt tranquility, we regain strength and learn truths that can neither be reached or verified by mere forceful actions.

Keywords

III. THE EMPRESS

“She asks for it, and someone will answer.”

Vision

In times of prosperity, keep a free and open mind. Allow diverse happenings. Encourage methods and conducts that exhibit strong individualities. As long as things are generally good, why not relax a little, laugh a little, and tolerate a little more?

Message

Embodying the rewards of destiny, The Empress generally carries positive meanings and a nurturing energy for love and care to thrive. Beauty and pleasure are prioritized. You are self-sufficient, so you don’t nitpick. You are allowed to follow your interests, pursue meaningful experiences, and have fun, instead of calculating every move by utilitarian gain or loss.

Keywords

IV. THE EMPEROR

“What does he talk about besides his great achievements?”

Vision

The Emperor oversees his island in a guardian’s posture. In this confined territory, The Empress’s free and open policies are reined in. Priority is given to meeting the need for stability and autonomy. Around The Emperor, an invisible protective shield shatters any stones thrown at him, symbolizing his triumph over all attacks and limitations through his talents, disciplines, and resolution.

Message

I often discuss with friends the personal impacts of creating a tarot deck. Each card, from its conception to completion, represents a distinct challenge I face in my life. The High Priestess asked me to set boundaries. The Empress made me reevaluate my relationship with my mother. As for The Emperor, it starkly pointed out my then-greatest inner demon: basing my self-worth on an external void. Sometimes I felt unqualified to discuss tarot, attributing the valuable guidance I had received solely to luck. In my mind, there loomed a tall, imposing figure of authority who would never acknowledge my worth.

Keywords

V. THE HIEROPHANT

“He can’t help gripping the key tighter when he hears the sound of arcane knowledge locking up.”

Vision

The Hierophant and his two disciples stand at the church’s entrance. They offer guidance to those seeking spiritual sanctuary. They test the truthfulness and qualifications of those who wish to explore more advanced knowledge. These all fall within the scope of this card: joining certain organizations, accepting the protection of leaders or collectives, and obtaining member-exclusive privileges.

Message

The priest in Les Misérables who gives Jean Valjean a second chance inspired the conception of this card, so did the nuns in The Sound of Music who help the von Trapp family escape. Their actions transcend secular laws and reflect the essence of summum bonum – the highest good. Helping those in need with the utmost benevolence, they recognize each individual’s intrinsic worth. Such timely, selfless acts of protection are a great redemption for those who have just climbed out battered from the mud. In this card, anyone may choose to let go of their heavy past.

Keywords

VI. THE LOVERS

“Leave home before dawn. Go deep into the forest that only looks dangerous.”

Vision

Tired of The Hierophant’s tutelage, the young woman yearns to start her own story. Only she can complete this spiritual odyssey that demands her whole heart. The black-winged skeleton trailing behind her symbolizes the part of her psych unknown even to herself. As she struggles to unveil or explore this mysterious inner realm, her desire to understand herself projects onto the external world and becomes an introspective adventure that hinges on external activities.

Message

Caught between The Hierophant and The Chariot, this card shows ease and spontaneity. At first glance, the woman only wants uninterrupted freedom; however, deep within, she has always sought the most suitable path for her personal growth. Learning to distinguish right from wrong is an integral part of her journey toward maturity as well. Too much pressure does no good to her current self. When you draw this card, may you feel like a bundle of willow branches – supple, receptive, free-flowing, self-paced, and flexible.

Keywords

VII. THE CHARIOT

“Listen, if you can’t see how dangerous this trip is, stay put for now.”

Vision

The protagonist has made tangible progress on their journey of self-discovery. They begin to lay the groundwork. What was once a leafy boat has turned into a formidable sailing ship. A deep sense of duty and commitment to the undertaking prevent them from suddenly leaving to chase freedom. Laden with all their belongings, they navigate intricate paths with utmost deliberation to get away from the center of authority.

Message

This card shows success achieved through remarkable control and self-discipline. The hard-won success has not been rewarded with a grand ceremony. The man on The Chariot gazing to his right still looks vigilant and prepared. The real test may be just starting now. What come next are more splendid yet merciless battles among those few who have already fought their way out once.

Keywords

VIII. STRENGTH

“I love your invincible look.”

Vision

I drew two women: one is sphinx-like; one is a robot. Most of the Strength cards I’ve seen emit a tension stemming from the juxtaposition of two contrasting elements. In this case, tension exists between technological civilization and primitive beastliness, which is evident in the robot’s battered body and the claw marks on the wall. A violent undertone casts a shadow over this seemingly affectionate moment.

Message

The situation is still somewhat manageable by human efforts; however, if you bury the hazard and your fear even deeper, you might retreat to The Chariot without fixing the real problem. The part of you that harbors destructive impulses and primitive desires is still unaccepted. Here, the robot is an equivalent of the woman in the traditional Rider-Waite Strength card, who has tamed the lion. As an immortal virtual existence, the robot can withstand the sphinx’s fury countless times. Attacks in the traditional sense cannot harm her. This time, the sphinx won’t loss her loved one by mistake. Exonerated, it can finally learn how to love and be loved through trials and errors.

Keywords

overcoming fears and destructive impulses with inner strength | qualified | brave enough to be in real intimate relationships | acceptive of partner’s negativity | synergy

IX. THE HERMIT

“As I take over the mantle of my predecessor, I realize that perhaps we can never reach the door of truth, which silently watches right before our eyes.”

Vision

The Hermit has built himself a secret cave, where all his wonders are born and buried. This domain embodies his life’s work. It could stand for a certain academic subject, a cutting-edge field, or an unsolved mystery. In this darkness unreachable by most people, The Hermit, with his genius and humbleness, burns his soul and morphs into a distant star hanging above the dreamland where he and his kin long for. It’s a beacon for humanity on its march towards a future not favored by many.

Message

Having defeated the first beast in their adventure, the protagonist visits the great magician dwelling in the secluded verdant realm, who is known for bestowing enlightenment upon heroes. Like all wise elders who steer heroes toward the correct course, many Hermit-type people dedicate their lives to heavy subjects concerning the future of academia, society, or humanity. Only their bodies exist in the mundane world. Their souls reside somewhere else in a mysterious and an exciting dark kingdom.

Keywords

X. THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE

“I open myself up, allowing everything to go past my life in their own way. I see unexpected profundity and commonplace absurdity everywhere.”

Vision

The once clear expanse is now fogged up. A mysterious tunnel opens up in the middle. Residents nearby gather to survey it. This is a game with concealed rules. We meet, hug, fight, take risks, give all we have, bid farewells, age, die, and start over. Anyone who comes close is unwittingly pulled into the game to face surprises and risks alike. Its meaning remains unclear. The rewards and penalties are unpredictable. Even every entry or exit from the game is dictated by fate.

Message

Always anxious about the future, I tend to overthink and panic even when things are going well. For someone like me, drawing this card is a relief: “Well, now there’s nothing I can do. I’ll just watch life play out its dramatic plot twists.” With this mindset, I gradually fell in love with this card. In this unpredictable scenario, I’m both a minor character blindly swept into the vortex of life and a great director who welcomes anything and anyone into the narrative. I can exist here or nowhere. When I let go of the tether that maintains my form, my pressure and fear vanish.

Keywords

XI. JUSTICE

“When it’s the most complex system at play, it’s hard to ensure that every byte is always error-free.”

Vision

The robot in charge of overseeing the world operates on presets. It monitors every moment, making sure it follows the intricate causal laws of the universe.

Message

This card values rules and standards. It asks us to deal with the issues it highlights without mixing in any personal likes, dislikes, or emotions. The impact of one person’s initiative and approach is limited now. Understanding and utilizing the game rules are key to problem-solving.

Keywords

XII. THE HANGED MAN

“The trap ahead is both a belief and a painkiller.”

Vision

A wine bottle containing a flower sinks to the seabed, lighting up the somber world of the mermaid like a sunbeam. Captivated, the mermaid ventures into the bottle warped in barbed wire. Her hand outstretched toward the flower, she moves with caution as if mesmerized.

Message

On spiritual matters, this card implies a transcendent state of experiencing life directly through one’s inner perception. However, when addressing more mundane matters, it conveys a striking sense of confinement, sacrifice, and delusion.

Keywords

XIII. DEATH

“Rebirth has not happened yet. The wait is the most tormenting and despairing part.”

Vision

The person focuses intently, their fists unconsciously clenched and their mind wholly occupied on how to overcome the hurdle before. This card inherits the energy of The Hanged Man but amplifies it with a deeper sense of faith. Anticipation becomes stubbornness; plight becomes “do-or-die.” Carrying a cocoon on their back, the person eagerly waits for the new creation crafted with their blood and sweat to hatch and the power accumulated in darkness to be rightly rewarded.

Message

I frequently experienced the energy of Death over the past year, feeling like navigating a dark path leading to Temperance. I had to reassure myself that the exit lay ahead. However, it was precisely because of this uncertainty about the future and the chosen direction that I poured in more effort and attentiveness – far exceeding what the situation could contain. I sacrificed my normal life, pressing on against the wind with sheer willpower and hoping to soon trade it for a not-so-bad outcome.

Keywords

XIV. TEMPERANCE

“A right amount of spontaneity allows us to be both balanced and efficient.”

Vision

Having passed through the treacherous, narrow, and dark tunnel of Death, we welcome a comfortable and broadening period of ascent. The energy accumulated so far unleashes like the waterfall, running from the foot of the mountain to the lush meadows. The person stretches their body to feel the circulating wind unclog their life. Regardless how we did or what we learned in the previous phase, this calm and slightly jubilant morning is worth enjoying. It’s time to retrieve the lost sense of rhythm and welcome our new selves that have undergone significant growth.

Message

On a metaphysical level, this card implies the adept communication between one’s conscious and subconscious minds. The figure holding the cup represents one’s cognition, which is not born perfect or fixed but in continuous flux and self-enhancement. It can synthesize different facades of life and assimilate new life experiences into preexisting values. This person may seem immature, but their soul has learned how to engage with itself and with the world effectively.

Keywords

XV. THE DEVIL

“The thought of escape flashes through your mind, but your body screams to stay.”

Vision

The dining table staged amidst ruins symbolizes insatiable gluttony. In early Western moral teachings, indulging in gustatory pleasure was considered the seed of greed and crimes. Gluttony was believed to cause all diseases, frailties, and vices, leading to descent into animalistic behaviors and departure from the divine. Many respected individuals held that hedonism would fuel an endless inflation of desires and ultimately destruction. I think these early thoughts align with the energy of this card. The imageries of the dining table, skeletons, thorns, and the fruit of desire all stem from this.

Message

This card poses various challenges. It is both a fork in the road leading to the great mystery of the universe, enticing us to look back; and a shackle weighing down on us, demanding a higher toll of suffering. If we fail to recognize which kind of growth we need, we risk being deceived by typical illusions and a false sense of contentment.

Keywords

XVI. THE TOWER

“Even the darkest besiegement is only a page of life’s story. Once turned, a new day begins.”

Vision

On the open pages, a tottering paper tower is burned in the flames of divine punishment. Below, the protagonist who has managed to escape lies prostrate in the rain, body clinging to the ground and waiting for the storm to pass.

Message

The Tower reminds us to be wary of the fallacies bred by unchecked optimism and escapism, which have built up imposing cages around our existences. Invisible oppression intensifies. The soul thirsty for freedom summons a storm to sweep away any shackles that hinder its growth. Some of these shackles may have once offered a sense of security and accomplishment, but they must be phased out of the story now. Life needs some flexible blank space.

Keywords

XVII. THE STAR

“A deep breath is worth a thousand words.”

Vision

Following the turmoil and cleansing that have occurred in the Tower, this card brings us to a new space is rid of any unwanted stuff. Peace and openness are brought to the body and the mind. A glowing figure emerges from their cocoon, leaving behind the imagery of thorns that has pervaded the journey. No need to be strong or special anymore. In this moment, being yourself is enough.

Message

The Star marks a pivotal moment in my life. In the original Rider-Waite deck, the woman in this card is seen gazing at her reflection in water. My fascination with faceless figures was, in a way, akin to deliberately stirring the water to obscure the reflection. A friend in art therapy suggested that this could imply unease with my current environment and resistance to accept myself. This year, the knot that had weighted on my heart finally loosened. I now embrace all my feelings, be them disappointment, sadness, arrogance, anger, or annoyance. It takes time to rebuild the framework for self-assessment, but I’m certain that the feeling of rebirth I experience right now is real.

Keywords

XVIII. THE MOON

“I can’t be honest yet. Luckily, the Moon knows it all.”

Vision

This card evokes the image of a humid, filthy pond obscured by the most unspeakable yet intimate secrets. The Star has taught us to transmute unconscious energy into tangible reality. Here, the black silhouette symbolizes a more emotionally charged continuation of this metamorphosis. Something even more repressive is to be decoded, and the best way to liberate repression is by transferring and articulating our internal conflicts in constructive ways. Such internal conflicts are drawn as fragmented lines of poetry on drifting paper scraps. Only the lowest candle is lit, suggesting a phase of active subconsciousness.

Message

As if lured by a voice rising from within, I feel myself being slowly pulled away and even against ordinary life. It seems once I enter any mysterious domains, I will realize that the familiar self I once knew was just a hypnotic lie. The hard-won life I have now will crumble as well, just like how numerous radical changes have upended my life before. In the tightly woven narrative of the present, I find myself an outsider, an alien once more. I long for peace and solace, but strange marvels keep seeking me out to remind me that the journey is far from over.

Keywords

XIX. THE SUN

“The sky is brightly lit now. Every unique giant can walk in the most ordinary miracle.”

Vision

Contrary to The Moon’s introverted and cathartic expression of feelings, The Sun is emissive. It is mostly prosperous, happy, admiring, and thankful. Like in a child’s doodle, this moment is free of rules or standards. The joy is pure.

Message

The sunrise ushers in just another normal day – no shocking magic, mysterious spells, or miraculous sights in the sky. Relish it with an optimistic mind. Stay driven and spirited. We finally see familiar views at the end of this monumental journey. Like heroes returning home from a grand escapade, we start to recognize the light, love, and joy of life that have always been around us. We return to our simplest selves.

Keywords

XX. JUDGEMENT

“In the grand play called life, no one is born out of nothing.”

Vision

The soul of a young woman travels down the River Styx in a small boat, navigating the liminal space between life and death. Alongside other souls, she reflects on her short life: what has she learned and accomplished? What remain unsolved? This is her last chance to reminisce her existence.

Message

This card is often associated with fate, a bittersweet concept that underscores the timeless nature of karma. I believe in the immortality of the soul. When I die, I will reunite with important people who will take me back. I also believe that each lifetime has its own calling. Eventually, I will fully understand it from an overarching perspective. The choices I’ve made seemingly inadvertently will reveal their interconnectedness, so will the wondrously profound and nuanced ways the universe’s laws manifest in me. While the whole picture of this life remains ambiguous, Judgement signals a critical point, offering me a glimpse into the enigma of the soul.

Keywords

XXI. THE WORLD

“I have reached the end of my journey home. I bloom fully in peace.”

Vision

The protagonist is completely merged with their surroundings. The floral wreath in the traditional World card is replaced by winding roots. Rather than being confined here, the protagonist is the active center of the environment. Other existences, affected by their energy, must constantly adjust. The air is shrouded in the deceptive clouds and mist of life’s drama, impeding our grasp of the world’s inner workings. Yet, when we look away from the myriad leaves and trace the branches to their roots, we find clarity, realizing that all illusions arise from within.

Message

This card signifies the integration of one’s authentic self with the external world. You may act in accordance with your true aspirations and personality. You may mobilize the energies around you through your actions and visions. Different frequencies and magnetic fields align, resulting in a long-lasting sense of perfection.

Keywords

SUIT OF WANDS

ACE OF WANDS

"Yes, my heart is crying out loud. This is exactly what my soul wants!”

Vision

A black silhouette wields a giant wand entwined with leaves, branches, and moss and bursting with vigorous life. This scene symbolizes one’s subconscious helping their smaller self foster and develop exceptional talents that transcend the limits of consciousness.

Message

The giant wand ushers in an incessant flow of energy wherever it arrives. Amidst the tapestry of mundane life, woven with daily routines and habitual thoughts, there occur exciting moments that make people jump and stir the dormant volcano in them awake. The dreams and aspirations once ignored by the subconscious hasten to ask the present self: is this the life you want?

Keywords

TWO OF WANDS

“I cuddle my anticipation for the unknown, protecting this pure ambition from being tainted.”

Vision

Wanting to explore the splendid civilization buried under the lake, the youth holding the feathered garment steps one foot into it, with their hand reaching towards afar. I hear the call of an unknown adventure. Perhaps I’m not fully ready, but I don’t want to waste today.

Message

The real adventure lies underwater, while the world above is familiar to the youth: warm, peaceful, and idyllic, like a nook left alone. Lingering around, he has even refurbished the cabin left by those before him; however, the lazy warm breeze fails to erase his longing for the unknown. It’s time to set off again. The youth takes a soft, tentative step towards a future beyond his imagination.

Keywords

ready to set off | internalizing new elements | myriad possibilities | open-minded

THREE OF WANDS

“I play the conqueror in this life, handing out a summoning bell in exchange for the walking stick that will help me tread on new lands.”

Vision

A man wearing a red cape stands aboard a ship. Gazing into the distance, he attentively observes the wind’s direction as the crew strategize their next move.

Message

We only see the man’s back. The first time I drew this card was in response to a friend’s inquiry about her love life. The card suggested that her partner was always focused on more distant, constructive issues. Her view of him was mixed with a hint of melancholy and immense pride.

Keywords

FOUR OF WANDS

“We are all part of this great city, where the most ordinary people bear the most unique co-shaping relationships with the ground beneath them.”

Vision

Two sisters, hand in hand, stroll around a lively market outside the castle. The air is fragrant with the sweetness of fruits and wines; the sun warms the fertile land. Welcome to the annual festival.

Message

The faraway castle is a common motif in Four of Wands, symbolizing homeland or authority. It meets the basic needs of its residents, providing shelter yet urging them to venture beyond this ivory tower into richer and more challenging new realms.

Keywords

pairing up | traveling together | traditional holidays | assuring members’ basic needs | relaxed and open environment

FIVE OF WANDS

“Gather strength in darkness. Wait for your enemies to eliminate each other and stand unscathed.”

Vision

The circus cargo truck is packed with fearsome creatures, crammed together in a tight space. With just a piece of cloth and a bundle of ropes, all conflicts retreat to obscurity.

Message

I want to portray the most negative aspect of this card: a dilemma of chaos, where individual voices are drowned out by the cacophony. Even the wise struggle to make sound decisions given jumbled information. The line between virtue and hypocrisy blurs. People ignore their common enemy, turning against one another instead. No one is immune to this turbulent ordeal. Vicious competition ensnares all. The cage’s interior is covered by a cloth, implying that these struggles are more likely to happen in darkness. All we can do in moments like this is holding onto our resolve, like the hand reaching out from under the cloth. Trust your abilities and creativity wholly. Wait for the right time and opportunity.

Keywords

SIX OF WANDS

“The spotlight of history shines on the protagonist of the story.”

Vision

Legend has it that in his youth, the king and his followers obtained a mysterious fruit from the elves, which they held dear. The fruit helped the king win the support of the entire forest community. From then on, his great journey was destined for success.

Message

This card signifies that the protagonist will attain their goal and reach significant milestones. This pivotal small step will unveil its importance in hindsight of their legendary life. It marks when they have acquired the essential qualifications and conditions for success.

Keywords

achieving goals and glories | highlights | confidence | gaining mass support | outstanding individual representatives

SEVEN OF WANDS

“Threats and challenges come from patterns, anxiety and fear from choices.”

Vision

The “king” ascends the sandcastle built by all and plants a flag to declare ownership. The rest of the group feel betrayed and try to conquer the fortress through collective effort, which ironically was built by themselves.

Message

The “king” indeed has advantages in terms of resources and environment. However, behind him, an agile figure has also climbed this formidable stronghold. They could be an assassin sent by the opposing faction, or maybe a traitor helping the king gather resources.

Keywords

EIGHT OF WANDS

“Ride the wind, and you can conquer mountains and valleys with just a small step.”

Vision

Compared to the original Rider-Waite, the eight wands in this picture fly more horizontally. Propelled by the wind, they cross this land without landing easily.

Message

In my arrangement, the eight wands fly over the very same plain drawn in Two of Wands. It’s akin to passing your hometown on an ambitious journey, casting only a fleeting glance before marching onward with the rest of the expedition.

Keywords

NINE OF WANDS

“The person I love is still trapped in the battlefield of the past. A significant part of their soul has yet to find its way back home.”

Vision

A soldier with wounded eyes grips a staff. The insecurity brought by blindness keeps him vigilant of his surroundings. Unbeknownst to him, the war has long ended, and the enemies of yesteryears have withered away into bones at his feet. The spring breeze has healed the scars of the war. Only he is forgotten in the harsh winter of sword and bloodshed.

Message

This card harbors grave sadness in my mind. In the original Rider-Waite depiction, I see an injured and weary person standing still, not knowing what to do with the fire in their chest. There is neither room for it to burn freely nor rain to quench this unwarranted calamity. Consequently, the fire keeps consuming them and harming anyone who comes near.

Keywords

TEN OF WANDS

“Blind optimism is like a tiny spark of fire, inadvertently separating me from true freedom.”

Vision

A massive wildfire has erupted in the forest under the ranger’s watch. In this nearly hopeless scene, they mockingly hoist a broken bucket and head towards the daunting mass which they know they cannot manage alone.

Message

The ten wands weighing down on the ranger catch on fire. When they accepted the job, they naively thought that such a disaster would never befall them. Now, it has nearly escalated into an irreversible state, where effort and persistence alone can no longer surmount the problems at hand. The ranger focuses on solving the endless puzzles before him, but if they were to turn around and look at the slowly growing grass, they might find the solution: rebuilding is much easier than making amends.

Keywords

PAGE OF WANDS

“We need no extensive script or complication now. A new stage of life is coming. Feel it bravely, don’t rush to seize it.”

Vision

On the frigid mountaintop, she arrives in this world with the first touch of sunlight. Still a sapling, she eagerly extends her branches towards the sky. Everything feels new: the icy air she inhales for the first time upon touching the ground, or the pulsating heartbeat in her chest. There’s no more explicit joy than the feeling that “I’m growing, I’m alive.”

Message

This card signifies an active, inquiring venture into a new chapter of life. Imagine getting a new game; we’d naturally toss the instruction manual aside and poke and trod at all the interactives to see what feedbacks we’ll get. The beginning doesn’t have to follow rules. Likewise, life gives us the privilege to commence a new phase however we choose.

Keywords

venturing into new phases in life | debuts | beginnings of new plans | firsthand new experiences

KNIGHT OF WANDS

“The protagonist thus embarks on a journey.”

Vision

Riding his beloved horse and holding a torch in his hand, the Knight crosses the valleys of his hometown and ventures into a vast, mysterious world. His great adventure has begun.

Message

The Knight embodies both a practitioner and an adventurer who is zealous and confident about their undertaking. They act fast and enjoy the process. A key figure in driving progress, they are adept at employing their skills and resources across various domains, embracing any new challenges.

Keywords

making progress through individual effort | utilizing a certain ability | transferring previously acquired skills to new areas | embracing new challenges

QUEEN OF WANDS

“If you’re looking for someone to travel with, the Queen of Wands’ companionship will make your entire journey more fun and safer.”

Vision

The Queen embodies the fire element’s qualities of acceptance and understanding. The blue hands emerging from behind her symbolize her keen intuition, a potent sixth sense that reminds her when to advance and when to defend during critical moments. She kisses the fruit of desire, as her vigor and enthusiasm let her enjoy the external world more vividly than the other three Queens.

Message

This card is inspired by a close friend I had during college. One time, when I was struggling with my art, she hopped on the earliest train and showed up in my city the next day. Thanks to her, this card was drawn with a similar decisiveness and efficiency, as if it absorbed some of her temperament.

Keywords

action-oriented | asking for more tasks | actively managing things around | optimistic | passionate

KING OF WANDS

“No one will become losers under my command.”

Vision

The King looks certain, as if he holds the winning ticket. His wand is the thickest and longest-burning one in this suit. His one hand conceals a bright red heart, symbolizing his control over the heart of the matter. Unlike the Queen of Wands, who lets this heart sway high on the tree and graces it with a tender kiss only when her whims dictate, the King arrogantly plucks it, in case his rivals do.

Message

What strikes me the most are the King’s unwavering willpower and exceptional inner strength. While ordinary people would waver due to the fear of making critical errors, the King would roll right over the hurdle that every leader must overcome with his unwavering conviction. His reassuring presence in any unfamiliar expeditions helps the troops remain unshaken. Even in the face of serious setbacks and harsh lessons, he can quickly assimilate them, casting no shadow of doubt or self-doubt over his next great endeavors.

Keywords

grasping the core of the matter | advancing decisively and resolutely | courageous and strategic | without hesitation or delay | tenacity

SUIT OF CUPS

ACE OF CUPS

“Approach the universe with a relaxed and candid mindset. We will get what we truly desire.”

Vision

The enormous cup far beyond the hold of hands represents spiritual power transcending one’s conscious self. The garden represents one’s complex inner world. Use imagination to navigate groomed bushes and wild weeds. Find love, meanings, and personal values.

Message

Joy quietly brews. The protagonist harbors a tender yet profound vision. Feeling its presence in the heart brings them an immediate, endless surge of strength and encouragement. It pulsates in the core of faith, affirming their irreplaceable existence in the world.

Keywords

accumulated unleash of passionate love | overflowing joy | embracing a new relationship | realizing a long-cherished wish

TWO OF CUPS

“She created the unique bond between us in her own way.”

Vision

In the library, on a rainy day, a woman and a kitten share their reading notes. This card is about equality, respect, and spiritual exchange. A cup is placed on some books, another on a tree trunk rising from the water. Visually, they are on the same level, representing two entities united in their quest for simple love, mutual understanding, and collective joy.

Message

When this card concerns only the querent, it suggests a time for tending to the spiritual realm. The books represent external world experiences; the woman and the cat represent two different inner voices. One is more seasoned and tactful; the other is purer, craving love and compensation. This card highlights the reality of diverse inner voices. It’s vital to listen to all of them unbiasedly and foster an imaginary conversation among them. The present spiritual journey should focus on resolving any deep-seated internal conflicts.

Keywords

spiritual exchange based on equality and respect | intimate fellowship | self-dialogue

THREE OF CUPS

“The blessing magic and the midsummer song.”

Vision

The three sorceresses represent body, mind, and spirit. They gather to praise midsummer and bless the forest creatures. This card reveals a mental or an emotional framework that is robust, adaptable, self-renewing, and bursting with potential. It begets a steady energy flow like the water, gently streaming down from the cup to the earth and offering us positive emotional guidance.

Message

Friendly communication takes place in open settings. Unlike in debates, any serious or aloof behaviors would ruin the mood. Nothing is truly problematic now. Relax your nerves, shed your armor against potential offenders, and allow yourself to anticipate the joy of social interaction.

Keywords

celebrating success | sharing joy | participating wholeheartedly | enjoying social interaction

FOUR OF CUPS

“I feel out of place in this spring.”

Vision

People cluster around the ladder to pluck heavenly fruits, but the winged Miss Crow is unmoved by their fervency. She mocks those vying for chances yet envies them secretly. Leaning against a pale old tree, she anticipates the belated spring.

Message

I’m eager to see how this card plays out in different contexts. For me, it reminds me of feeling like an outsider among friends. These memories of friendships tinged with loneliness make me doubt my truthfulness. Of course, social ennui is just one aspect of the card. In brighter situations, it reveals a wisdom of restraint and non-competitiveness.

Keywords

biding one’s time | non-action | surrounded by an inexplicable sense of shortage

FIVE OF CUPS

“The mind is lost in the storm, but the soul knows its way home.”

Vision

Stuck in their own existence, the protagonist kneels towards the left (the past). Outside, the distant tombstone symbolizes the unliftable weight on their heart. Their shadowed figure echoes the looming storm, and their heart finds no escape in this bleak tempest. Behind, the door remains open; warm sunlight breaks through. The most enlightened part of oneself is ever powerful, waiting for the moment their lesser self completes its act, acknowledges the past, and stops punishing itself.

Message

I often draw this card in my daily readings. On rich and fulfilling days, sorrow seems far away. However, just as I start to forget about the card, I would be unexpectedly hit by, for example, a tear-jerking movie. Still crying, it’s as if I could hear the card’s undisguised laughter.

Keywords

emotional lows | intense emotional episodes | bouts of crying | mourning losses

SIX OF CUPS

“Build a shelter for only you and me. I won’t open the urgent letter from afar.”

Vision

A teenage girl combs her little sister’s hair. A white bird entering from the right, symbolizing a messenger from the future, clutches a letter from home in its beak. It is likely to disrupt their peaceful life. While this goes unnoticed by the younger sister, who remains blissfully ignorant of the world outside, the older sister freezes involuntarily mid-stroke when sensing this harbinger of change.

Message

The older sister recurs in Queen of Pentacles. She is based on a friend I’ve known for 15 years. She was my protector and mentor in my early teens, as I ventured beyond the familiar confines of school and home. She helped me navigate the city and stay away from any questionable relationships. She assumed the role of an older sister, habitually masking her pain under a veneer of resilience. Eager to grow up, I chafed against the thin fences she erected around her heart. I tried to be more sensitive and to discern the undercurrents of emotion that rippled beneath her peaceful facade.

Keywords

comfort zone | a period of sustenance and solace | memories of the past

SEVEN OF CUPS

“Every window is a screen on which the drama of life unfolds.”

Vision

Above the clouds stands an immense library, a repository of all the conceivable outcomes birthed from parallel universes. A young woman imagines visiting this place and browsing through her own cross-dimensional diary.

Message

This card portrays a dreamscape where the subconscious unfurls various scenarios to illuminate the deepest pressures and desires in our hearts. When it occurs, the protagonist may begin envisioning myriad possibilities and imagining what different life scripts entail. The question posed by this card often appears to be “what’s the next step,” while the real challenge is embracing one’s unique self.

Keywords

divergent thinking | anticipating various possibilities | discovering one’s inner needs | self-understanding through decision-making

EIGHT OF CUPS

“I won’t leave this town when it’s ravaged by strong winds. I will when dawn comes.”

Vision

The man used to share this house with his wife. The mottled walls and withered flowers suggest its desolation after the wife’s departure. It also mirrors the man’s heart, a corner untouched by light. On an ordinary morning, he finally decides to move on.

Message

This card typifies one’s quest for change. The man has barely begun his journey. A long way lies ahead before he can truly escape his status quo. For now, only his mindset has changed, as he starts to embrace the prospect of a new chapter in life.

Keywords

wishing to escape the status quo | change of mindset | enduring before breaking through

NINE OF CUPS

“I’ve finally become the person I once greatly admired.”

Vision

We return to the scene in Ace of Cups, the garden where the young woman tosses a coin into the wishing well and hopes that her feelings for the young man are reciprocated. This card often reveals a man satisfied with his circumstances and himself. In some practical interpretations, this card points to a public lover, who is charismatic and idiosyncratic.

Message

The drawing is based on a mental imagery of my first love, who visits my dreams at every crucial juncture of my life. At first, I could only catch fleeting glimpses of him among people or from a distance. The dreams would get unusually complicated whenever I tried to approach him. Later, as I began practicing tarot and my work gained recognition, I formed a stronger identity and could finally reach him in my dreams. Through our interactions, I recognized my own growth and how I was being guided step by step towards spiritual enlightenment.

Keywords

accepting oneself | being satisfied with the present | radiating personal charm | celebrating by oneself

TEN OF CUPS

“Only those living happily have the luxury to relax and look for meanings.”

Vision

A couple and their child dance on the lush midsummer grass before a greenhouse. The air around them is filled with harmonious ease. This card describes an inclusive and a relaxing environment that fosters joy, creativity, and innovations. It’s a place where discussions aim to find common ground amidst diversity; where progressive ideas are celebrated; and where dogmas, authority, and oppression have no foothold.

Message

I envisioned this card one afternoon, when I was walking home from the grocery store with my boyfriend and suddenly felt a familiar happiness. It was like gazing at an empty stage during the intermission, suddenly struck by its inherent beauty. This stage, a witness to the drama of life, had existed long before I was born. It was robust, grand, and magnificent in its own right. At that moment, my most pressing concerns were about living better, finding my purpose, and deciding what to have for dinner the next day. These worries, I realized, were luxuries in themselves.

Keywords

relaxing atmosphere | harmonious families and communities | long-term maintenance of relationships | national prosperity and social stability

PAGE OF CUPS

“We’re having an afterschool party in the dance studio. My heart floats like a cloud.”

Vision

Innocent and callow, the Page is often absorbed in their own romantic fantasies. This card depicts the most carefree girl in the Cup family. I created for her an indoor setting bathed in gentle sunset. She doesn’t need to leave this warm sanctuary yet. Dancing with her imaginary friends near the entrance, she waits for the adults to come back.

Message

This card filters out external influences, revealing a slightly tipsy state of being caused by deep self-immersion. The bubble-like smoke escaping the Cup is intended as a hint. The Page is like a perceptive renderer of joy, turning mundane moments of the unpredictable life into a play. With the help of background music, any scene could take on a romantic hue, becoming a dramatic plot.

Keywords

self-immersed | guided by childlike mindsets and behaviors | steady source of happiness

KNIGHT OF CUPS

“My love is a never-empty glass. May you drink a thousand times without getting drunk.”

Vision

The Knight has left his sanctuary in search of a vehicle to express his sensibility and imagination and a way of channeling his spirituality into boundless power, like a gentle flowing stream.

Message

The Knight’s chest is marked by a heart dripping with golden fluid. On his unhurried journey, this essence slowly infiltrates everyone and everywhere he passes. Guided by intuition, he is a traveler who spreads love, braving mountains and rivers while making spontaneous stops along the way.

Keywords

cultivating the expression of inner spirituality | seeking conduits for emotions and visions | looking for meaningful connections | taking actions and making changes according to one’s deepest desires

QUEEN OF CUPS

“The first tear I shed for you is more precious than any stakes that may follow.”

Vision

The Queen is engrossed in her thoughts and the cup. The crystal ball suggests that she is a spiritual practitioner, adept at capturing subconscious messages. Her gaze penetrating deep, she reflects on past events. Insights and inspiration surface from the water in a relaxed state. At her feet, a black bird rests beside its egg. This is the bird’s home, the starting point of its journey. The rainbow the Queen sits on symbolizes her overcoming emotional turmoils and adverse feelings.

Message

The Queen harbors a tragic story. The black bird is a recurring motif in The Hermit and Ten of Wands. The former commemorates her only friend, with whom she shared secret spiritual revelations. The latter recalls a devastating fire. She recalls how she tried in vain to save everything and mourned the irreversible losses relentlessly. Eventually, time washed everything away. The heavy rain she had prayed for during the fiery blaze arrived too late, like a belated apology. It drizzles to this day.

Keywords

engrossed in one’s mind | listening to intuition | insights into past events | emotional and imaginative

KING OF CUPS

“The scarred soul exhausts itself before talent and genius do.”

Vision

The King sits in an empty room, his back to the window. The bustling lights across the river mark his origin – a sleepless city. He bought this desolate and barren mansion for its quietude, where he can focus on his creative work but still see the lively city. The cup that has accompanied him for years is almost like a miniature representation of his life.

Message

The King is attentive to those who speak to him. This card reminds me of artists and poets marked by both exceptional artistic success and profoundly tragic lives. In their creative undertakings, love and vitality reach extreme heights, yet they struggle to ground this vibrant spirit into their own lives. Their hearts are devoted to conjuring distant spring rains but do not let even one sweet drop fall in their own neglected courtyards.

Keywords

talents rewarded by success | creativity in professional endeavors | emotionally reserved | tendency to complicate relationships

SUIT OF PENTACLES

ACE OF PENTACLES

“A precious gift will soon arrive. I can hear its call.”

Vision

Drawn to a golden radiance, the woman finds a divinely aglow object in the shadowy woods. She touches it gently, like caressing her unborn child. Legend has it that beholders of this enormous pentacle will gain fortune’s favor. The woman is reassured that someone as diligent, kind, and earnest as she is will receive the gods’ blessings.

Message

All Aces in the Rider-Waite deck represent uncertainty. Likewise, this card heralds a vital resource or opportunity, but it guarantees no easy access. It merely shows a viable potential, but the temptation is huge, like the dazzling light in the forest which ensnares every passerby.

Keywords

acquiring a vital resource or opportunity | enticement | enduring faith | ripe time

TWO OF PENTACLES

“Practice optimism and peace of mind. The highs and lows of life are equally important.”

Vision

Through wars and ruins, the superheroine wields two forces. She has grown accustomed to barren lands and complex tasks. After all, tricky situations and messes are often the domain of the capable.

Message

Those who possess the energy of this card are adept at juggling two roles or managing two tasks, weaving their main and side ventures in unison. Always striving to improve, they sustain a seemingly effortless balance through intense focus and self-control. However, they sometimes feel twice as tired, making this equilibrium difficult to uphold.

Keywords

multitasking | keeping balance | showing one’s capabilities

THREE OF PENTACLES

“Office area ahead. Unauthorized personnel prohibited.”

Vision

The trio is preparing for a play. Big Bear, the tailor, is making costumes for the closing scenes. Miss Puppet, with her makeup done, is ready to go on stage. Mouse, the designer, is instructing Big Bear while making final adjustments for the lead actress’s entrance.

Message

This card is constructive. It depicts secret activities and the unseen yet vital preparation for any magnificent pursuit, which remind me of the backstage. In this concealed realm lies the heart of artistry: investment, script, casting, rehearsals, costumes, pops, all converging to approach perfection. My vision of this card is complete in this synergy. Behind the curtain, the unseen foundation breathes life into the visible spectacle.

Keywords

project incubation | division of labor | collaboration | unseen preparation | workplace dynamics

FOUR OF PENTACLES

“I ain’t no fighter, but I won’t easily surrender.”

Vision

Crow Boy clutches the pentacle. In this bustling square thronged with people and birds, he must guard his belongings against the shameless opportunists lurking to snatch his bags.

Message

This card signals defense. Prune any excessive branches to prepare for an imminent harsh winter. Minimize loss when a crisis strikes by staying hypervigilant.

Keywords

safety awareness | cutting expenses | frugality | stasis | damage and loss prevention

FIVE OF PENTACLES

“In the ‘Difficult’ mode, rewards are higher as well.”

Vision

The two experience material scarcity, indicated by the dust and ruins. The severe conditions of the desert quicken their physical drain. Desperate for temporary shelter, they navigate through the sandstorm, risking the chance of passing a nearby oasis hidden by the blinding swirls.

Message

The transition from comfort to plight is more than a result of external forces. It’s faith that stirs people to reject a stable yet monotonous life which threatens to suffocate their spirits. Choosing to sever their roots and ties, they venture into rarely trodden territories with like-minded companions, scaling life’s mountain from the very bottom again.

Keywords

material scarcity | depression | pursuing faith in adversities | odysseys | roads less traveled

SIX OF PENTACLES

“Fate has its own mechanism of reward and laws of bestowal.”

Vision

The figure in The Wheel of Fortune becomes a resource distributor. The two pentacles above represent balance and circulation. The two children are in disparate conditions. The richer one, used to being appreciated for his talent and hard work, holds more coins. The poorer one, having never received such a substantial gift, gazes at the pentacle in surprise. The central figure, an incarnation of fate, is obviously keener on the poor child’s journey.

Message

I was inspired by the original Rider-Waite version of this card, especially the rationale behind the central figure’s partiality. In my drawing, the rich child dons a cloak similar to that in Three of Wands. Echoing the theme of teamwork in Three of Pentacles, the cloak symbolizes his duty to foster growth in his environment by sharing his resources. Meanwhile, the poor child holds Ace of Pentacles, which signifies a personal opportunity or a pivotal step in improving his status quo. The distribution is fair on a need-based level, ergo the scale drawn on the open book pages.

Keywords

material distribution | resource allocation | delicate balance | fair arrangement | stable operation

SEVEN OF PENTACLES

“Why is this… not what I imagined?”

Vision

The gardener is puzzled by the appearance of a potted plant. The diagram shows how it’s supposed to look: lush green branches hanging with golden fruits. The one on the table, however, has strayed from this ideal perfection.

Message

In the original Rider-Waite depiction, a man stares worriedly at his crops. Having done the bulk of the work, he steps back to assess the result, only to find gaps and flaws that leave him dissatisfied. I often draw this card during long-term projects, and I sense many creators resonate with this: a work that seemed adequate yesterday can feel hugely far from ideal upon revisiting, leading to a resolute overhaul even of a nearly finished piece.

Keywords

events unfolding by their own rules | facing technical bottlenecks | scrutinizing current outcomes | reassessing entire processes

EIGHT OF PENTACLES

“I’m here when my friend climbs mountains and valleys. I’m here when they reach the far shore.”

Vision

On a fast-moving train, an earnest apprentice focuses on carving their piece, oblivious to the fleeting, colorful scenery outside. The predominant blue hue immerses them in an underwater void, a pattern seen in The High Priestess and The Hanged Man. In all three, the protagonists are absorbed in their own worlds, with the water muffling any external noises. They desire minimal disturbance.

Message

When we are immersed, time slows down around us. We only realize upon looking up that the sky has changed and much time has slipped away. Sometimes I wonder if I’m wasting my brief prime and if I should venture out more. Yet, the protagonist or the storyteller – I can only play one role well given my limited talents. So, I return to my pen day after day. Resolved to spend my life by a window where I can see dawn and dusk, I invest my all into the worlds I craft, hoping that my written journeys resonate as distant voyages for my readers.

Keywords

routine tasks | daily grinds | in the zone | becoming more professional

NINE OF PENTACLES

“My life is a dessert of the utmost sophistication. I revel in its power to dazzle the commoners.”

Vision

It’s snowy and freezing outside, but the witch’s abode is warm like spring. The saplings she planted thrive under her meticulous care. The magic of maintaining perpetual spring, while visually unassuming, demands a highly sophisticated spell and the caster’s unwavering dedication and attentiveness to every detail. The magic culminates in a hardly replicable vista.

Message

A remarkable success has been achieved in the real world. An affluent lifestyle allows the protagonist to engage in activities that bring them joy and spiritual fulfillment without worrying about materials. The process mirrors the witch using her exceptional skills and ample leisure to forge a personal haven. This card typically features exquisite artworks, collectibles, and royal tributes.

Keywords

affluent life | materially self-sufficient and satisfied | carefully crafted vistas | success rooted in attention to detail

TEN OF PENTACLES

“Is my arrival a reward for their good deeds and merits, or a time bomb threatening them to continue atoning for their ancestors’ mistakes?”

Vision

A new family member is about to be born. Before coming to this world, their tender soul visits the family hall and meets the aged spirits who will soon become their forebears.

Message

This card is directly related to family, carrying a stronger sense of gravity and destiny than Four of Wands or Ten of Cups. Growing up, I’ve learned that every family harbors its own challenges. The bond of blood: a blessing or an ordeal?

Keywords

family-related | kindred | internal work relations | division of property or stock shares

PAGE OF PENTACLES

“Only by becoming a better version of myself will I have the future I eagerly anticipate.”

Vision

The heavy snow has not stopped the Page from attending the library on time. Absorbed in the literature, he’s after any resources useful for his research. Deeply intrigued, he is convinced of the subject’s untapped potential.

Message

The Page of Pentacles has always known his objectives and responsibilities. While the other three Pages are still enjoying their carefree childhoods, he is already thinking about his future, academic trajectory, and career options. A passionate researcher, he finds great satisfaction in his accomplishments. He also works diligently towards his goals once they are set.

Keywords

clear objectives | long-lasting accomplishments | passionate about academic research | focused on the work itself

KNIGHT OF PENTACLES

“When confronted by fate, he gave his answer at a young age. Any time left is merely spent testing its validity over and over again.”

Vision

The Knight has found something beyond himself that he is eager to nurture over the long haul. He is dedicated to furthering this endeavor. This vision for the future, already tested by time, shines as a beacon through the mist of existence. Ideally, his every action will align perfectly with his life’s quest.

Message

The Knight’s adventurous nature is tempered by a responsible, pragmatic mindset. Should a journey be needed, no matter how tedious or complex, he embraces it with full zeal and no attachment. He simply wants to complete the undertaking with steady steps towards its immediate execution.

Keywords

profit-driven | concrete development | methodical execution of plans | long-term investment

QUEEN OF PENTACLES

“In the eyes of my younger self, her serene and mysterious smile conceals the secrets of the world.”

Vision

A dignified woman is seated in a lush forest, a spinning wheel at her feet. She holds a ball-shaped pentacle made from golden flax, symbolizing fate; and wears a crown of thorns, symbolizing the hardships she has endured in the distant past. These trials are only once significant.

Message

The Queen conveys inertia and a deep connection to her locale. Over time, she has found her unique pace and place in the environment. As long as this place can still nourish her, she sees no need for moving. She symbolizes success achieved through endurance and accumulation.

Keywords

nurturing the environment | accumulating experience | success borne from endurance | confidence

KING OF PENTACLES

“Successful people do not wait until after they succeed to learn to enjoy life. Quite the opposite, knowing how to find the joys of life is required for making outstanding accomplishments.”

Vision

A castle stands in the backdrop, representing the King’s majesty. However, compared to the throne, he prefers staying in the garden, where he can feel the change of seasons, taste the sweet ripe fruits, stop the relentless climb, sit in the hard-won abundance, and fully enjoy it. This is the meaning of life.

Message

The King is disinterested in adventures or challenges. To me, he shares the mindset of those who think, “If things aren’t deteriorating, there is no need for change or improvement.” This energy had never resonated with me until recently, I frequently drew this card when thinking about my salary. I’m not rich by standard definitions, but I’m reluctant to leave my comfort zone for higher income. I enjoy the freedom to “fish for three days and dry the nets for two,” a leisurely lifestyle I’m unwilling to give up. I find myself caught in a similar dilemma and escapist tendency embodied by this card.

Keywords

SUIT OF SWORDS

ACE OF SWORDS

"Swing a sword into the void amidst confusion. At least one can sever their weak self.”

Vision

The swordsman breaks the shackles in the clouds to dispel the chaotic mist. His back turned to us implies that any emotions would only obscure our minds now. Only the soul knows the right choice. All we need to do is confront and embrace our true selves.

Message

Many wise decisions are born from foresight, the ability to see through illusions to achieve greatness. This card indicates that the protagonist has overcome the trial and made the right choice, though it may take them some time to see it clearly.

Keywords

organized thoughts | times to start new plans | making up one’s mind | adhering to beliefs | achieving breakthroughs in certain endeavors

TWO OF SWORDS

“Maybe I should listen to their advice, but why does my heart still try to resist?”

Vision

The hand holding the sword represents certain rational thoughts or plans that await execution. Unlike in Ace of Swords, the protagonist has doubts about their conclusions: “Should I really do this? Is this really what I want? Isn’t there a better solution?” Meanwhile, the tree branch extending from the bushes forms a subtle contrast with the sharp blade. It represents the externalization of the protagonist’s real wishes. Their heart influences their surroundings in an irrational way while giving them hints through nuanced means. Even the faintest feeling of dissonance has the power to counter the illusion of rationality, which is capable of gently stopping them when they feel compelled to make a definitive stand.

Message

The inspiration for this card came when I once rushed to make a decision. I felt like carrying the last bottle of water through a desert storm, betting on a path to salvation. This card appeared timely, which suggested I stay put instead of rushing into an irreversible situation. It made more sense to conserve energy and wait for rescue or a turn of fortune.

Keywords

weighing options back and forth | indecision | minor yet rigid barriers | suppressing emotions

THREE OF SWORDS

“No one wants to be the villain destined for tragedy.”

Vision

An abandoned wooden puppet and sundries are thrown into the corner. Behind the curtain is the stage she dreamed of, but the place under the spotlight has already been taken.

Message

This card conveys an acute heartache, often experienced when we face betrayal, disappointment, or thwarted visions. It symbolizes a brief yet heart-wrenching moment, a low point in life that, while not fatal, is enough to make one feel shameful about their circumstances. This is the only card illustrated with red swords, highlighting the visceral nature of the pain. It’s okay to acknowledge any feelings of discouragement and exhaustion, even to stop everything we’re doing until the wounds heal.

Keywords

real harm | acute heartache | unjust treatment | irreversible mistakes

FOUR OF SWORDS

“Let it sleep a little longer.”

Vision

The kitten fell asleep on the desk over the brewing of a cup of tea. Its owner draped his coat over it. It’s so nice outside. He could finally soak up some sun and unwind.

Message

The swords are drawn on the side of the books, representing unfinished tasks lying quietly on our to-do lists. City dwellers always have endless things to deal with, but regardless, now is a perfect time to relax.

Keywords

respite | recovery | momentarily stepping away from the hustle and bustle | strategic pause

FIVE OF SWORDS

“You can’t stop me now.”

Vision

I want to depict the end of a relationship. A once imprisoned soul has finally broken free from the chains, even if it meant resorting to the most extreme measures. It has destroyed every source of harm and left with a sardonic smile.

Message

The inspiration for this card is a typical story of “self-exile.” The ramshackle cottage, where we once felt safe, has now become a trap. The three swords impaled on the roof symbolize injustice, pain, calamity, and the stark reality of life. Unlike the protagonist in Three of Swords, who weeps unnoticed in the corner, the centaur here chooses to repay the inflicted pain in full: “Lament my betrayal where you stand, for I’m off to chase the freedom that you once took from me.”

Keywords

facing adversities heads-on to achieve breakthroughs | eruption of conflicts | severing ties | betrayal | ferocious onsets of revolutions

SIX OF SWORDS

“The spring you love will surely arrive at the end of the journey.”

Vision

The warm light gently lights up the snowy night sky. Mr. Deer, alongside the girl he protects, passes through a quaint town blanketed in ice and snow. The branches are sprouting hints of new green. Told by his sharp sense of smell, Mr. Deer knows that the spring they seek is just around the corner.

Message

This card depicts a unique companionship. The girl, physically weak yet mentally strong, leads the way. Mr. Deer, loyal and admiring, earnestly aids her in reaching her kingdom. For both the slender girl and the docile herbivore, the homeward journey is fraught with hidden dangers. Thankfully, the path they are on now seems relatively safe.

Keywords

temporary, phase-specific strategies | enduring non-fatal yet challenging periods with companions | the road home

SEVEN OF SWORDS

“No worries, ‘mom.’ It’s just a few books falling.”

Vision

A black kitten has sneaked into the girl’s room. When her guardian hears the noise and enters her room, she tells another skillful lie to the towering figure before her.

Message

I added a dramatic touch to this card. The girl’s somewhat childish quick wit alludes to bold moves that are possibly deceptive in nature. Her position in relation to her surroundings is also intriguing. The chiseled floor implies breaking away from the norm to chase an elusive truth. Meanwhile, another cat in the wall painting silently observes everything, indicating that the lie is not flawless. Some higher-dimensional force or third-party is witnessing this series of risky maneuvers.

Keywords

EIGHT OF SWORDS

“My life is like a difficult puzzle, and I seem to have lost the answer sheet.”

Vision

An aimless girl sits on the platform of an abandoned train station. To the left, a large stone represents a problem from the past. Pressing heavily on the railway tracks that lead to distant places, it may be the cause of the station’s abandonment. Obsolete carriages are stacked up, mirroring my endless yet futile attempts to change my life, each ending in absurd failure. Yet, in the distance, the comforting glow of a lighthouse reaches even this forsaken spot, illuminating a path for those seeking guidance.

Message

I wanted to convey both an external impasse and internal disorientation in one scene. I decided to turn the station platform, which typically represents the start of a journey, into a dead end that can no longer usher in new life. The fallen signpost at the girl’s feet reveals various factors that keep her anchored in this place. Perhaps she hasn’t found a direction, or maybe she’s still grappling with the outcome. She needs some time to process the disappointment and fatigue in her chest, or maybe she’s waiting for someone to rescue her.

Keywords

deadlocks | defined limits | invisible oppression | self-imposed limits | walking into dead ends

NINE OF SWORDS

“I don’t know when the storm in my dream will stop.”

Vision

Rubbing my fingers against the bedsheet to feel the rough texture of the cotton, I try to bring my thoughts back to the present. Yes, I have escaped that place, but why don’t the nightmares from the past let me go.

Message

This card describes a psychological state I’ve endured for a long time. Every night, lying in bed, a flood of fear and worry hits me before sleep. I involuntarily assume that everything will turn out badly and repeatedly simulate responses to those disasters that occur only in the theater of my mind. Every night, these uncontrollable thoughts drag me in, and it’s not until the morning when I open my eyes that I realize I’ve been washed ashore. The sun is still shining outside. Life is as calm as yesterday. Yet, come nightfall, I find myself staring at the ceiling again, unable to sleep, as if caught in turbulent waves and pushed by emotions and fears.

Keywords

demons from the past | anxiety | fear | uncontrollable chaotic thoughts | sleepless nights

TEN OF SWORDS

“Leave what can’t be taken and start a new file.”

Vision

The story in one timeline has reached its end, with the protagonist falling under countless blades. Finding her story irreversible, she pins her hopes on a brand new chain of karma, a fresh journey: “Let her start her life anew – the version of me who hasn’t embarked on this path of no return.”

Message

I’m fond of the original Rider-Waite version of this card, which represents ending a vicious cycle by plunging into destruction. When I’m teetering on the edge, I’d rather jump and see where I land than clinging to a rope that could be retracted at any time. Let the obsolete parts of me perish completely; the rest will be reborn in the darkness – a painful yet efficient transformation. The little girl in white has shed her shell. Such remnants of the past should exit her forthcoming journey.

Keywords

rebirth from near-death situations | ending vicious cycles by embracing destruction | following inevitable trends | determined outcomes

PAGE OF SWORDS

“She’s in a field that suits her, like a self-aware signal tower.”

Vision

I’ve illustrated this card with elements related to music players to highlight the Page’s proficiency with information. He adheres to his own standards, like a radio host who favors niche music.

Message

I think the Swords characters all have their own styles. “It’s best to follow my standards” seems to be their unspoken mantra. Among them, the Page is the most receptive to innovations and forefront ideas. His standards evolve with technological and environmental shifts: “I won’t stop learning. Knowledge is like intelligence. The more I know, the better I understand myself, which allows me to devise a more efficient and more self-suiting life strategy.”

Keywords

receiving signals | updating information | planning | pursuing cutting-edge knowledge

KNIGHT OF SWORDS

“Time is of the essence. I will give it my all, for the mission must be completed.”

Vision

Braving the snowstorm, a warrior with eyes only for targets and preys rides swiftly across the frozen battlefield. This card reveals a period of constant change and turbulence. Feeling threatened, the Knight points his sword forward. While the Page is still managing information, the Knight already knows whom he is competing against and what for. His only desire now is to reach the interim goal faster than anyone else.

Message

I sometimes feel that the Knight of Swords is the most likely of all the court characters to hurt others with his words. He rarely slows down to consider others’ feelings, dismissing emotions as trivial and temporary. He cares deeply about goals, numbers, scores, and rankings. He reminds me of myself and my friend during a gaming season, pouring all our time into improving our rank. Any disputes or hard feelings during the game become irrelevant once “Victory” pops up on the screen.

Keywords

working towards interim goals | accurate responses to needs | periods of rapid change

QUEEN OF SWORDS

“Before you start plotting against me, dear, better think about how it ended for those who did.”

Vision

The Queen sits firmly in a temple surrounded by thorns. Like a steady, sharply defined spine that won’t easily break, her sword exists to defend standards and distinguish right from wrong. Facing those who dare to profane rules, she won’t even blink. She’s a cold-blooded guardian of secrets, demanding the most severe trials before giving her approval.

Message

A part of me wants to be like the Queen, so I drew this card with admiration. The red mark on her chest is an eternal wound. Someone used her own sword to kill her right there. After rebirth, she vowed to remember this lesson and make all who cross her boundaries pay the due price.

Keywords

wisdom learned from setbacks | giving spiritual consensus | fully aware of the truth | insurmountable standards and tests | defending one’s boundaries and principles

KING OF SWORDS

“I think the greatest thing about truth is that it defends no one.”

Vision

The King sits before a frozen gate, firmly gripping a sword – it is the truth purified through countless trials, a formulaic conclusion drawn from extensive experimental results. Dedicated to solving the most complex problems, the King is an expert in his field. He strives to maintain utmost impartiality as well. In front of his seat are many weapons seized from his adversaries, who drastically diverged from the righteous path he upholds, now evidence of his victories.

Message

The King reminds me of my grandfather, who is a very accomplished researcher but very strict. My mother told me about the stringent house rules he made and how he rarely smiled, which made her dread going home. These stories seem so strange to me, as the grandfather I remember is a wise old man who never talks without smiling. Yet, through my mother’s impeccable performance when hosting guests, I seem to feel the scrutinizing gaze of the King that once fell upon her.

Keywords

highest industry standards | professional opinions | scrutinizing the current situation | taking some time before making judgements | not easily swayed by emotions or sentiments

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