COURT CARDS

Court Cards


People tend to fall into types known as ‘archetypes’. Their traits cluster together in familiar ways and we sometimes give these clusters names such as "loner", "dreamer" or "life of the party." Psychologists have devised elaborate systems that categorize types of people.



The tarot has its own system of personalities represented by the 16 court cards - the King, Queen, Knight and Page of each suit.



Firstly, a court card shows you a side of you that is being expressed or is seeking expression. It may be a side you value, or one you neglect. It may be an approach you recognize, or one you deny. How you view it depends on your question, the other cards and the situation.



Finally, a court card can reflect the general atmosphere. Sometimes, an environment seems to take on a personality of its own - one that matches a court card type.



The court cards have a human dimension that the other cards do not, so they can give you clear messages about who you are and what you want. The trick is to understand yourself and the situation so you can accept the messages when they come.



An abundance of Court Cards in a spread will indicate that many people are involved in the situation.





KINGS



KING of CUPS
KING of PENTACLES
KING of SWORDS
KING of WANDS


Kings are mature males, authority figures who embody power and paternalism, achievements and responsibility. Kings are active and outgoing and want to impact the world through the force of their personality.



If a King appears in a tarot spread that you cannot recognize, he may represent your own desires and ambitions.


Reversed, they become domineering, inflexible, over-bearing and stubborn.



QUEENS



QUEEN of CUPS
QUEEN of PENTACLES
QUEEN of SWORDS
QUEEN of WANDS
Queens are mother figures, mature women with authority and inherent fertility and wisdom. Queens are upbeat and lively, but they do not wield their personality as a force directed outward. Queens express their suits from the inside, setting a tone without imposing it.



Appearing reversed, Queens have a tendency to possessiveness and to live vicariously.



KNIGHTS



KNIGHT of CUPS
KNIGHT of PENTACLES
KNIGHT of SWORDS
KNIGHT of WANDS


Knights represent young men and women who are on the brink of emotional security and maturity. Knights are extremists and they express their suit qualities to the maximum. Such excessive feelings and behaviour can be either positive or negative depending upon the circumstances.



A knight who appears in a spread who is not recognized may represent an uncharacteristic quality that is slowly
developing within you.



Reversed, a Knight depicts immaturity and a tendency to pursue desires at the expense of others.



PAGES



PAGE of CUPS
PAGE of PENTACLES
PAGE of SWORDS
PAGE of WANDS


Pages refer to children and young teenagers of either sex. They represent tentative ambitions, youthful dreams and other undeveloped aspects of the querant’s personality. Each page shows a happy child holding the token of his suit and he is fascinated by his plaything. The Pages inspire us to enjoy their interests with them.



Pages also encourage you to "Go for it!" Small children do not hesitate when they want something, they just reach out and grab. If you want what the Page is offering, don't be afraid. Seize the day!



Reversed, Pages may indicate childlessness in any person, regardless of age.





*

Joanne Walmsley
Sacred Scribes