The Amazons, a tribe of warrior women, allowed no men to live with them, except for slaves. To preserve their numbers, they occasionally visited a nearby tribe, but any male children who resulted were returned to their fathers. Likewise, the Queen of Swords is about choosing intellect over emotion, and making decisions based on logic rather than sentimentality.

The great rivers of the ancient world were believed to be gods, maybe because without them, life wouldn’t have been possible. One of the greatest of these was mighty Euphrates, which along with the Tigris, made the Fertile Crescent so extraordinarily abundant. Likewise, the Nine of Cups is all about abundance in your life, in work, love, finances, and emotional well-being.

The Ace of Wands reversed is about feeling unmotivated/uninspired. The creative fire associated with the Wands suite is conspicuously missing. You need to remember what used to excite you, and reignite the spark.

The Devil card reversed warns of being too bound by a sense of propriety to experience the fun in life. Pan up there (who did know how to get a party started) is telling you that there’s an invitation somewhere with your name on it. So grab yourself a drink and a nymph (or satyr) and live a little.

Philanthropy was important to the ancient Greeks, and the more you had, the more you were expected to give. Wealthy businessmen often gave back by sponsoring plays, such as the one the actors on our card are preparing for. Likewise, the Six of Pentacles is about a time when you have an abundance. How about using some of it to help your fellow man?

Athena, Goddess of Justice, famously let Orestes off the hook for killing his mother. He was guilty as hell and everybody knew it, but punishing him was likely to cause a major feud and many more deaths. Likewise, the Justice card signifies that the outcome of a matter will be fair in the universal sense of the word (best for the most in the long run).

The Dioscuri, twin gods of horsemanship and protectors of guests and travelers, were charming, handsome and brave. But they could also be rash and impulsive, getting themselves killed in a family feud after kidnapping their cousins girlfriends. They never learned that, just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.

Jasons throne had been usurped by his uncle Pelias, who would only give it back in exchange for the Golden Fleece. In order to succeed, Jason had to find out where this fleece thing was, put together a group of heroes to help him get there, and lead them past a number of challenges. Likewise, the King of Swords allows you to use intellect and leadership to succeed today.

Hercules needed to capture the Golden Hind for one of his labors, but was afraid of the reaction of the Hinds owner, Artemis. Yet, after explaining the situation, he found her surprisingly lenient. She even helped him find a way to both complete his labor and return her pet. Likewise, you may have felt stymied recently, but are now finding a way through to action.

The pythia, the ancient oracle at Delphi, is our High Priestess. When you ask her a question, she just points to the two small words carved over her temple doors: Know Thyself. People dont have to hide from you what you refuse to see.

Karen Chance