Overview: The Wheel of Fortune & The Tens

The first step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the Tarot, and something a lot of people forget to do, is to break down the 56 minor arcana cards into 14 groups - the aces, the twos, threes, and so on. So instead of having 56 cards, you only have one set of 14 cards, each with four different suits, coupled with a card from the major arcana as an influence of those cards. In a previous post we discussed the suits and the difference aspect they symbolise, now it's just a matter or leaning the 14 different groups of cards, and their relationship with their "parent" major arcana.

In this lesson, we shall be discussing the wheel of fortune and the tens

The Wheel of Fortune & The Tens

 

 

The Wheel of Fortune

The tens' parent major arcana card is the wheel of fortune. It is a circle, a return to the beginning, but in returning to the beginning it carries with it the past experiences of all of the previous cards. The wheel of fortune symbolises transcendental completion. It is not just the completion of a task, that is represented by the nines, this is more the wrapping up of all the loose end, tidying up, and carrying on. The wheel also represents transition, movement and change. This card represents the rises and falls that we experience in life. Never assume that the story that starts with twos, threes, fours, going through up to the nines - that the end result is assured success. You never know.

The Tens

With ten comes a replacement of the old with the new, a mastery of previous things, but with some parts of life being pushed towards the bottom and others being pushed towards the top in the ever turning wheel. The tens are a combination of one (a new beginning) and zero (emptiness or nothingness) This is a far different place than where you can pause and say that completion has been achieved. Thus, you need to think of the tens as both a time of closure and also a time of new beginnings - where you are entirely open to new things and new experiences. Whatever responsibilities or obligations you faced in the past are now behind you and the wheel of fortune continues to turn - deciding the fate of your new encounter.

The Ten of Swords

The ten of swords depicts a man, he is dead, with swords in his back, his blood has been spilt. Remembering that swords represent ideas of the mind and communication, they represent big ideas and large goals. In that instance this card serves as a reminder that ideas too face death. There can be an end or enquiry, an examination, there can be a finalisation of a project; an end to a dream or an idea. Depending on its position in the reading, this card may also remind the querant that certain ideas, goals or ambitions have already been explored and examined. It may not be necessary or wise to repeat old mistakes again. In terms of interpretation the card as involving murder it may indicate that another person has killed ones idea, goal, or reputation. It can indicate that idea has been beaten to death, or it has been driven into the ground. It may indicate that a new path, idea, or goal ought to be pursued, rather than lingering upon what has passed. This card may also indicate pain, affliction, tears, sadness, loss, or desolation.

The Ten of Wands

The ten of wands depicts a powerful broad shouldered man carrying a burdensome collection of wands. He is in command, in charge and with that comes the burden of responsibility. This card represents the burden of success. There is an indication that the man is working too hard, perhaps needing to lighten his load. Perhaps he bit off more than he could chew? Now might also be a good time to take on new endeavours, lest the querant remain burdened by his past. The querant could use this time to rediscovered the joys that were once had in the querant's pursuits before they became complicated and overburdening.

The Ten of Cups

The ten of cups depicts a celebratory scene, it represents stability of home life, bountiful blessings, emotional well-being and fulfilment. It represents a happy home life in your relationship with others, the attainment of purity and happiness through the integration of emotional experiences. This card suggests the querant has the instincts, control and emotional maturity to handle situations. It predicts good times with those who we love - holidays, reunions and special occasions.

The Ten of Pentacles

The ten of pentacles depicts a scene of comfort and wealth. In fact this is sometimes referred to as the wealth card. With the pentacles representing material possession, coupled with the tens that indicate towards completeness - we see a picture of harmony and comfort. Everyone is sharing the wealth, their bounty, and this is also in the spirit of the pentacles. This card serves as a reminder to share and be generous, to create goodwill, harmony, and even loyalty (as represented by the dogs that have been depicted.)