The Tree of Life Tarot Spread

Even though the Celtic Cross Spread is probably the single most popular Tarot Spread among professional Tarot Readers today, there is another, lesser known 10 Card Spread worthy of note. 

The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life Spread is based on the Kabalistic interpretation of the 10 Sephirot, the series of Divine Emanations which culminate in the manifest reality. Gipsy mystics have learned from Jewish sages during the late Middle Ages, and since that time the Tree of Life spread is widely used by Gipsy Tarot readers. This spread provides a detailed, in depth analysis of the situation. A big picture view which takes into consideration external and internal influences and forces regarding the matter.
 

The Tree of Life harnessing the power of Gemstones

The Tree of Life Spread also carries numerological connotations, so this particular spread is most effective in the hands of tarot readers who also practice numerology.

Since this spread uses 10 cards (11, with the Da'ath Card) the reading takes about 1 hour, the same as the Celtic Cross reading. 

The Positions of the Cards in the Tree of Life Tarot Spread

1.Force, 2.Form, 3.For, 4.Against, 5.Feelings, 6.Thoughts, 7.World, 8.Persona, 9.Advice, 10.Spirit, 11.Da'ath (This additional card reveals the hidden connection between all the other cards in the spread.)

Tarot Card of the Day: Strength VIII

As the Shadow Planets Rahu and Ketu recently transited into Leo and Aquarius recently, we are going to look at the Tarot Cards that represent these two Astrological Signs.

Strength VIII The Astrological Sign Leo

Strength is the number 8 card in the Major Arcana. In a Tarot Spread, depending on its placement it can mean effortless domination, strength, effortless mastery, skill, manipulation, creative approach and the power of virtue.

As the Strength card stands for Leo, it carries with it the Astrological Connotations of the Sign. Leo is the Fixed Fire Sign, masculine, strong, passionate and immensely creative and family oriented. The Lunar Mansions (Nakshatras) Magha, Purva Phalguni, and a segment of Uttara Phalguni are located in the Sign of Leo.
Passionate Leo is ruled by the Sun If The Sun XIX shows up in the same Tarot Spread, it will reinforce the energy of the Strength card.

The Sun XIX represents the Sun, Ruler of Leo

Numerically Strength VIII is related to all the 8 cards of the Minor Arcana, and the 17. card The Star of the Major Arcana (which is incidentally the card of Aquarius, the Sign where Ketu is located at this moment)

17 (1+7)=8 The Star XVII

8 of Cups (Water)

8 of Swords (Air)

8 of Pentacles (Earth)

8 of Wands (Fire)