The emperor card stands for strength, assertiveness and all around macho-like-behavior. Like Zeus, king of the gods, who was accused of a lot of things, but being a shrinking violet was never one of them. But, you know what? Sometimes, macho isnt so bad. If you don’t take charge of your own life, someone else will do it for you -- and you may not like where you end up.

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?

Hercules had a hell of a battle with the Lernaean Hydra. Multiple heads, poisoned blood, and a vicious temper do not make for a fun fight. But he finally managed it, and discovered afterwards that its poisoned blood was perfect for dipping his arrows in! Thanks, Hera! You, too, may soon see the silver lining in a recent cloudy prospect.

Clio, muse of history, knows a lot of facts but one great truth: theres always another battle, another war, another upheaval. You can focus on those, on the struggle, and see nothing else. Or you can look for the beauty and grace and kindliness that are there, too. Take a break, soldier!

Hercules had a hell of a battle with the Lernaean Hydra. Multiple heads, poisoned blood, and a vicious temper do not make for a fun fight. But he finally managed it, and discovered afterwards that its poisoned blood was perfect for dipping his arrows in! Thanks, Hera! You, too, may soon see the silver lining in a recent cloudy prospect.

Hecate, goddess of witchcraft, was also goddess of the crossroads, areas where many paths intersect before going in different directions. Drawing the three of cups reversed indicates that you are on a path that is no longer working for you. But a crossroad is coming up, and you can choose another way.

This card represents your imaginative, visionary, childishly optimistic side. Some part of you is yearning, like Icarus, to fly toward the sun, or like Captain Kirk, to boldly go where no man has gone before. You want to see new things, experience adventures, wear bad velour costumes and still get the girl! This is the card that asks, if crazy schemes work, are they still crazy?

Gaia, Mother Earth, gave birth to all that is, only to watch in frustration as half of it tried to kill the other half. This card represents the weariness you feel when all your hard work on a project hasn’t been quite enough. As unfair as it may seem, more time and energy are needed to bring about a desired result.

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).

This wild ride of a card heralds a new life heading your way at top speed. You may feel inclined to step off the tracks before this oncoming train crashes into you, but don’t worry, it probably wont be an Athenian tragedy. The Tower upright usually precedes a change that can remake your life in a positive way. And if not, you’ll finally get to collect on all that insurance.

Karen Chance