Indicates the querent in relationship to the present situation.

Meaning: The message of The Hermit is one of self-knowledge. It is time for you to withdraw, contemplate what you know, and make sure your beliefs reflect the leading of your own heart. Now you must learn who you and what you believe. Then you can trust yourself without depending on the opinions of others.

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Represents the positive forces or assets in the querent's favor. If this card should happen to be a negative card, it indicates the nature of an obstacles that is hindering progress. (The card in this position is always interpreted in its upright manner.)

Meaning: Your passion is moving you ahead very quickly. Whatever you are facing, you are very excited about it. You feel no fear, although you are certainly feeling a heady adrenaline rush. You are ready for a grand adventure. If one doesn't come to you, you will go out and find it.

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Represents the preoccupation of the subconscious which filters into waking life, affecting moods and outlook. This is the underlying theme of dreams and the emotional undercurrent in the querent's life.

Meaning: You are nearly finished with an arduous task. You may be exhausted, but the light at the end of the tunnel, like a beautiful sunrise, gives you the determination to see this through. Draw on your most basic instincts for the strength to finish what you've started.

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Can be viewed as a message from the "higher self." It can also reflect the querent's potential aspirations.

Meaning: You are faced with the opportunity to partner with someone, whether it is a romantic union or a business venture. Whichever it is, the potential for creating something very special is there. Honor the gift of the moment and enjoy the moment.

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Represents past events and influences that color and give rise to the current situation.

Meaning: You are focused, determined, and driven. Something has your full attention and you are channeling all your energy and skills in that direction. You have a strong sense that you are right in all things concerning this venture. Your ambition or social needs are engaged. For now that is all that matters.

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Represents what is likely to happen next.

Meaning: Be aware of being overcome by the power of these distractions. They may be enticing and you enjoy entertaining them for a time, but you may regret that choice in the long run.

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Indicates the querent's psychological state and attitudes which can greatly affect the outcome of the matter.

Meaning: The message of The Hanging Man is knowing when and what to sacrifice. Be clear about who you are and let all your actions and decisions hang from that vision. Even if your actions feel clumsy or out of sync with the rest of the world, sacrifice their favorable opinion rather than be untrue to yourself. Do not put more stock in what other people think than in what you believe to be right.

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Represents the querent's environment and unseen forces influencing the situation.

Meaning: The message of The Tower is a difficult one. Unlike The Wheel, with its philosophical message of centeredness, and Death, with its promise of spiritual enlightenment, The Tower doesn't seem to offer much except destruction. Our belief system helps us find calm in the center of The Wheel and gives us courage to face Death. In The Tower that belief system is shattered. The good news is that it is usually shattered by a truth that we didn't recognize before. Knowing the truth is good; ignorance is not really bliss.

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Indicates the hopes and fears of the querent.

Meaning: You have used your mind, truth, and logical thinking to create order in your world. You've taken your suffering and joys and married them to a useful philosophy so that you are at ease in the world. You are a good and helpful friend, although some may say you lack emotion.

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Indicates the outcome of the matter.

Meaning: You have reached the end of a cycle. You've learned all you care to learn, you've invested all you want, you're ready to move on to something new. Just as you received a gift to start off, why not share your abundance with someone else?

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