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The Major Arcana:
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. The Fool. A man in motley garb with a care-free expression about to step over a cliff. His
possessions are in a bundle over his shoulder, and a dog snaps at his heels. An image of Divine Folly.
1
. The Magician. A stylised figure standing in front of a table which holds the four Elemental
Weapons. His right hand points upwards to show the direction from which his power comes, his left
points downwards to show where it is directed. He is often portrayed with an infinity symbol (oo) over
his head, or as part of his headgear. The magician is the archetypal juggler of forces.
2
. The High Priestess. A mysterious woman seated on a throne between two pillars - a curtain behind
her, and under her arm a scroll. Her feet rest upon a crescent moon, and in the Waite pack she is
coloured with the blue of the Virgin Mary.
3
. The Empress. A pregnant woman, seated, surrounded by nature in its most bounteous form. An
aspect of the richness of Isis.
4
. The Emperor. A figure who appears very stern, seated in full armour upon a granite throne in barren
and desolate surroundings. Thought by some to be the apotheosis of Mars.
5
. The Hierophant. A much be-decked religious pontiff, enthroned and blessing or teaching two
acolytes who kneel before him. Often entitled the Pope.
6
. The Lovers. A man and a woman on each side of the card, with a mountain rising in the background
and an angel overhead. (Alternatively portrayed as Perseus rescuing Andromeda from the Dragon of
fear and the waters of Stagnation.)
7
. The Chariot. A man standing in a chariot, apparently drawn by two sphinxes - one black and one
white. However, the sphinxes are seated, and there are no reins or harness on them.
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. Justice. A stern enthroned female figure holding a pair of scales - and definitely not blind.
. The Hermit. A bearded and bent old man with a staff and a lantern. This card is sometimes entitled
'Prudence'.
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0. The Wheel of Fortune. A wheel surrounded by the four holy creatures of Ezekiel. At the top sits a
sphinx and a red demon-like creature falls off one side, while another appears to be ascending on the
other. The figures on the wheel are traditionally the Plutonian cynocephalus (a type of ape venerated in
Ancient Egypt), the Sphinx, and sometimes the Serpent.
1
1. Strength. A beautiful young woman, wreathed and robed in white, holds a lion's jaws open
apparently without effort. Often portrayed with the infinity symbol (oo) over her head.
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