Be gentle to yourself

     There stands an innocent child.  His expression is full of kindness yet he seems to be peering into your soul.  He is holding an empty cup.

     The page is telling you to be kind and gentle with all those you meet.  Interact withothers, including yourself, in a way that is respectful and innocent.  Be prepared for a response which will fill your cup full and to the brim.  He represents an expectation which may be intense and full of introspection.  Allow yourself to be open to interaction with others who can nurture kindness to yourself.  The emplty cup is ready to be filled.  Be ready to use creativity and untraditional methods of filling this cup.  It may take some pondering or thought to come to the point of knowing what the cup will be filled with.

Ace of Wands

The card shows a wand rising from the center of an active volcanoe which is burning hot in the center.  The is topped with crystals which surround it.  There are baby dragons moving around the wand as if bringing it up out of the fiery volcanoe below.

You have just gotten out of a situation which has been intense and brought you into the pits of hell.  However, you have not been destroyed, rather this experience has strengthened you and forged you into something new, different, and stronger than before,  There is new opportunity to use this new found, strengthened force which you have become.  New opportunities are going to be presented to you.  This is a time of action so be ready to move when that door opens.  You are strong and ready to forge forward.

You've seen my descent, now watch my rising
     -Rumi

The Hanging Man

The card depicts a man being suspended from a scarf in what could have been a precarious position, but, rather, is quite balanced to a perfection.  The mask that hides his identify has fallen from his face and coins are suspending in time from his hand and his hour glass is on its side so that time is stopped as well.

You are in a situation where you have restored balance in your life. The situation is over and the cycle is complete (the full moon in the background).  Despite the finality of the situation, there are many things which are opening up to you, freeing for you.  Allow yourself to be suspended in time to recoop and ready yourself for the next phase.  It may be spiritual phase with self esteem reflection.  The mask the man was wearing is now no longer necessary.  The situation has been required that you hide your true self from those around you.  You put it on at some point and are now ready to take it off and be your true authentic self again.  There is still a bit of doubt about what lies ahead, as shown by the scarf suspending from somewhere unknown. 

King of Cups

The card shows a stately king standing before a pool of water.  In his hands he holds a large cup, larger than the others in the suit.  He is surrounded by markings of the ocean on both sides and behind him.

The booklet says that the suit of cups involves emotions and feelings.  And this king is attempting to control those.  He is stern, yet loving.  Other reversersed qualities deceptive, crabby, cranky and possibly a heavy drinker with the characteristics of a drunk.

You may be in a situation or relationship with another person who is displaying harmful, toxic characteristics and has created a hostile, toxic environment.  This person may be trying to control or use you.  He/she may also be using their power for selfish purposes in a harmful way.  Make personal choices to protect yourself from this situation.  This may include placing a protective barrier around yourself or removing yourself from the situation altogether.  

2 Swords

There is a person with a mask covering his facing and hiding his true identify.  In addition a scarf covers his eyes keeping the future or what lies ahead somewhat out of vision.  He holds a sword in each hand and the symbol for libra hangs from his neck.  This would indicate justice is coming.

You have been dealing with a situation that has been difficult for you and you have been feeling as though the solution was hidden from you and there was no justice in the future.  There has been a change in that plan, perhaps by your own intervention and that justice that you are desiring is coming.  While not quite there yet, it is within your graps and resolution will be yuours.  You may be the key to this resolution as the person holding the swords.  Be fair and just in your dealing.  Let the scarf fall from your eyes in order to see the situation more clearly.  

5 Swords

The card shows a man emerging from a battle with destruction behind him.  He holds 5 swords 2 in his hands, 3 hanging from his jacket.  

You may have been engaged in a clinflict of some kind.  You have emerged from this difficult situation unscathed but have left destruction in your path, You have been victorious and defeated some kind of negative, harmful person or situation.  However, this has come with the cost of the destruction of that relationship.  A bittersweet victory.