Spiritual Element

The Major Arcana

The Major Arcana express universal themes and our journey through these major influences on our lives.

The word arcana is the plural of arcanum which means profound secret. The Tarot cards are therefore a collection of the secrets of our universe. This Australian Animal Tarot explores these secrets of our universe through the messages of the Australian Animals.

The 22 cards of the Major Arcana are the heart of the deck.

Many interpreters view the Major Arcana as showing the different stages on an individual's journey of inner growth - what some call the Fool's Journey - I call it the Tiger's Journey

The Major Arcana - Spiritual (Purple)

Shape = teardrop

The Tasmanian Tiger experiences life as full and meaningful, his future is filled with infinite promise. In line with his personal calling, he becomes actively involved in the world and promoting world peace. He renders service by sharing his unique gifts and talents and finds that he prospers at whatever he attempts. Because he acts from inner certainty, the whole world conspires to see that his efforts are rewarded. His accomplishments are many. Tassie Tiger is our guide through the Major Arcana.

0. The Tasmanian Tiger - (The Fool)
TASMANIAN TIGER (Thylacine) ~ Illusion; Elusiveness

The Journey - The unknown or unexpected - is it all an illusion?

If Tasmanian Tiger has materialized into your life you are being advised by 'Spirit' to act with caution, become a little illusive and don't put yourself out there for everyone else too freely. Allow yourself to slip into the background and become invisible for a while. In other words, step back from the goings on around you and observe from the outside, looking in. This is a self protective move and may be necessary so that you can have some meditative time alone with your own thoughts.

O. The Fool
Filled with a sense of fun and adventure, the Fool arrives at a major karmic crossroads. Here and now, all things are possible. The lesson of The Fool is that every dream that is worthy of pursuit must begin with a leap of faith.

Reversed - the Fool is an indicator of newness; as well as the purity and open-hearted energy of a child. This is generally considered a positive card, with the caveat that it's important to take time to be sure that you are "looking where you're going". In reversal, The Fool can show that there is a need for a new beginning, but that there is some hesitancy about making it happen.

Thylacine teaches us to embrace and accept the unknown. Some mysteries we will never learn, and we have to let them go. In accepting the unknown and respecting that it should remain 'unknown', we let go, and our lives become more rich. Thylacine is the solitary hunter. He teaches us how to achieve our goals alone, but also teaches us to take joy in this solitude. Thylacine teaches us that some secrets need to stay hidden. Thylacine teaches us the opposite of opening up, he comes into our lives to teach us how to keep ourselves, or parts of ourselves hidden. As soon as we expose the parts of ourselves that need to remain hidden, we risk destroying them, and thylacine warns us against being too open, or being an 'open-book'.

1. The Cat - (High Priestess)
CAT (Domestic) ~ Resourcefulness; Independence

Wisdom & knowledge - seeing the unseen. Be on the lookout for more magic in your life.

The cat, a creature which combines a high degree of sensuality with a deeply psychic and spiritual nature, teaches us that the physical and spiritual worlds are not separate, but one. Cat is a popular totem as many of us bring their ancient presence into our hearts and homes. Here is the gift of psychic power, independence, intelligence and creativity. In dreams, cats teach us to believe in ourselves intuitively. The key is to further develop our feminine aspects as we gain greater understanding of the psyche.

II. The High Priestess
The High Priestess is the wise woman archetype. She is intuitive, intelligent, steadfast and patient. The lesson of the High Priestess is to look more deeply for the answer because the truth is not always what it first appears to be.

Reversed -You may be finding it difficult to "hear" what your intuition is telling you. If that's the case, it's a clear signal to quiet down, spend some time in meditation, and spend some time alone. Try different approaches, including journaling, or even yoga or walking meditations. The information you seek is there. Trust yourself and your instincts.

Cats are natural healers, guiding us to honour the mystery of life. Cat medicine is to see that magick is in the air. Magick, independence, clever, unpredictable, balance of energies and actions in life, mysteries will unfold in life if a cat has come around. Cat shows how to clarify perceptions which allows new ideas to manifest, encourages mental and emotional agility, aids in being resourceful and stealthy tactics, teaches courage and confidence. Do you need to be more independent? Are you using your resources the best of your ability? Is it time to start a new project? Cat will show how to continue the process of opening your intuition for soul growth.

If cat a glided past you today 'Spirit' is whispering to you that quite likely you were already a night person before you acquired the cat as your spirit helper, but if not, you will gain a new appreciation for the creative energy that can arrive after midnight. Your spirit journeys will enable you to maintain a careful balance so that your emphasis on an independent lifestyle and a quest for mystical truths do not cause you to develop a taste for the bizarre and occult, which can tempt you to detour from the true spiritual goal of your life-path.

16 Bat - (Tower)
BAT (The Greater Long-eared bat) ~ Renewal; Rebirth

New life and new ways coming. The phoenix is about to rise out of the ashes. Shock and change.

If Bat has winged his way past you this day 'Spirit' is urging you to let go of the past and allow yourself to be reborn. You will go through many periods of renewal in life as new cycles are already waiting for you. Don't be afraid to allow the changes to come into your life, and be willing to let go of what you no longer need as this is Spirit's way of telling you that there is something greater awaiting your rebirth. Now is the time to take that next step to a new you! It may be a bit frightening to let something go but remember that the Australian bush needs a bushfire to allow new growth to come forth. Your bushfire is at hand, so fan it and encourage the flames so that you can speed on to your renewal. Meditation is a great way to get in touch with your inner guides, and is important for the renewal of self and self-love.

XVI. The Tower
The Tower need not be the omen of calamity and disaster as it is so often portrayed. Rather, it is a flash of truth that prepares the psyche for an inevitable change. The lesson of The Tower is to allow old patterns of behaviour to fall away.

Reversed - When the Tower shows in reverse, it is unfortunately still a possibility that some people/situations that you have counted on as being "there for you" may no longer be there in quite the same way. Try not to over-think this, it doesn't have to indicate a major, horrible change in life. It's just some change. Stay mindful of the reality that you either already have - or can get - all the resources you need, to deal with life and to do what you need to do.

Bat tells us to quiet the mind and carefully listen within our hearts for a new voice of expression. Bat's spirit reminds us that the past is no longer relevant. Now, we must release old habits and seek a different way of being. The key is to bring all things into balance. In this manner, bat shows us that positive change can be our soul's greatest ally.

Initiation, death-rebirth, changes are taking place which are blessings, facing facts in ones life, fears are always beneficial, trust instincts. Bat tells us it the end one phase of life and the beginning of another. Bat can show how to navigate in the dark and unknown. Soon you will see the world with a new perspective, teaches sensitivity to vibrations around you, navigation, introspection and demonstrates ability of observation and power of meditation and solitude along with ability of working in groups when necessary. Bat shows how to make those important transitions.

17 Emu - (Star)
EMU ~ Attentiveness; Action

Hope and promise. Spirituality may need attention. Wandering spirit, acceptance, responsible fathering - Emu is the wanderer.

Emu's wander alone, through the deserts & outback of Australia [the land downunder], till they come upon others of their own kind - all being accepted, no judgement or criticism when each moves on to another flock in divine timing. The males care for the young & are dedicated fathers

XVII. The Star
The Star is the perfect symbol of hope, joy and good health. It indicates that whatever we begin at this moment in time will have import far into the future. The lesson of The Star is to know that we are protected on our spiritual path.

Reversed - The Star reversed is still a good omen. Look hard at what you are feeling and discern whether, if you looked a little deeper, you could find reasons to be more optimistic and helpful. When this card appears in reverse, often we are tending to look on the darker side. Lift up your eyes! If you are drawing breath, there is always something you can be thankful for.

The emu teaches us about freedom, its positive and negative aspects and helps us attain quality of life. Because they don't live a long life the emu holds the teachings of youth and innocence and reminds us to maintain a light heart and a playful spirit.

If Emu is striding past you, 'Spirit' is asking you to be attentive to the family of man. It may be time for you to bring action in to see what you can do to assist your fellow man. Remember to follow through and complete all tasks you set out with today. You have a tendency of being a 'Gonna'. In other words "One day I will do that" but never do!

*Gonna = Australian slang for 'going to do something but never do', all talk and no action.

After journeying through all the lessons of the major arcana we find that the Tiger's Journey was not so foolish after all. Through perseverance and honesty, he re-established the spontaneous courage that first impelled him on his search for Self, but, now, he is fully aware of his place in the world and the interconnectedness of ALL. This cycle is over, but the Tiger will never stop growing. Soon he will be ready to begin a new journey that will lead him on to even greater levels of understanding.

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