Continued from page 1
The Emperor: A powerful father figure who likes to have his family gathered more for show than love. Gift type: Something expensive! It need not be large but must have taste, quality and usability. This man has not built his life up on trivia. Does he need a new wallet, or set of golf clubs? A years membership to his club?
The Page of Batons: Of all tarot court cards this page is one who symbolises child. When upright it is a capable child who enjoys having a go at most things, but when reversed Page of Batons depicts kind of child who is not very self confident and constantly requires help and reassurance, and is prone to temper tantrums. Gift type: Depending on age Page of Batons will enjoy most toys which have an element of exploration and fun, whether a construction type toy or game. However, reversed page, needs something less complicated which does not require such a long attention span. Musical instruments which give instant gratification would suit, as well as any toy which speaks back, either as a learning aid or simply for fun.
With people come problems. Here are a few simple examples of which cards can show typical Christmas problems.
The Three of Swords: With three of swords tarot card we find envy, jealousy and rage. Anything which isn't love. Upsets all round. Often over festive season this can be aroused by attitude of "He/she has a bigger, better gift than me," or by excessive alcohol. (see nine of swords below) Arguments always abound with three of swords.
The Four of Cups: This card when upright symbolises being rejected, which can be triggered by feeling left out or simply by not being invited! When reversed four of cups tarot card represents, amongst other things, need for a hug and physical attention. This is not sexual attention, and therefore, especially when next to Page of Batons, will depict that children need playing with with their new toys.
One card which can symbolise various Christmas difficulties is nine of swords. This card is where stress has stress and situations potentially get so complex and fraught that some folk will start to seriously hit bottle. Drinking is generally accepted around festive season but when alcohol intake becomes excessive, nastiness, bad feeling and sometimes even violence can ensue.
Not everyone has a large family or group of friends to spend Christmas with. In a reading you will often find four of swords representing aloneness. Maybe for some isolation represents a pleasant type of solitude away from potential arguments and bad feelings that family gathering can so often instigate. For others it represents loneliness and invokes feelings of desperation and despair. If separation from society and socialness is not chosen but forced upon individual through unpleasant circumstances then Star card reversed may well be seen next to four of swords.
And what of all those folk who like to bunk off to freedom for festivities?
The World: Quite literally escaping into larger world of opportunities.
The Eight of Cups: Envisaging something better far, far away.
The Sun: For those who like to escape cold and bask on a beach.
The Knight of Cups: This is an intrepid traveller, eager to seek out new places, people and situations. Most likely to spend Christmas climbing a mountain or sitting painting it…from a tent with a view!
For many people Christmas is a pleasure, a time to draw family together and be close to friends. For others it's a lot of fuss and bother for one day. The Six of Coins reversed symbolises overspending, so remember to budget carefully, take preparations in your stride…and whatever you do…enjoy a very wonderful Christmas day.
Toni has been a professional tarot reader for over 20 years and an astrologer for over 13. She is the author of The System of Symbols, a new way to look at Tarot. You can learn tarot through her website at www.toniallen.co.uk By appointment she offers private readings and tarot parties.