Wednesday, September 12, 2012

6) Tarot Symbolism: Trees


 Types of Trees found in Tarot:

Two varieties of Trees are commonly found across Tarot Decks – The Tree which is known as the “Tree of knowledge” and “The Tree of Life”.

Variations of the Tree of Knowledge are the “Bodhisattva Tree” (under which Buddha had attained enlightenment, just as Mahavira, the last Teerthankar, of Jain Philosophy had meditated under a Tree in the forest to attain enlightenment). In Hindu folklore, all the teachers and sages of antiquity are shown as sitting under a tree or in a forest area while giving discourses to their disciples/students/followers.  

The “Tree of knowledge” contains fruits (mostly five in number – representing the five senses – and also representing the understanding and choice between good and evil), depending on which fruit the Querent is most inclined to pick.

 On the other hand, “the Tree of Life” bears 12 fruits which represent the twelve signs of the Zodiac. This Tree represents all the possible choices/decisions which a querent can make/take in his or her journey through life. This Tree also is an extension to the  philosophical or religious leanings (Way of Life or manner in which the person conducts himself/herself according to these beliefs) that the querent subscribes to and helps the Querent to understand his/her interactions in society in general or his/her place in Nature’s broader scheme of things on a higher level.

The Kabala Tree of Life symbolically represents the entire philosophy of the creation of the Universe and, through 22 different pathways, the levels of achievement/ enlightenment  of the human soul.

Norse Mythology recognizes the Tree of Life as “Yggdrasil”. Native Americans believed that trees have much power and energy, because of their size and age.  They believed that when one sits under a Tree, it would transmit energy, peace and tranquility to the person, which destresses him and reenergizes him to begin anew, with more vitality.

In Celtic folklore, are mentioned the stories of Oak and Yew trees : “Mag Mugna” which could give three choice fruits – the acorn, the nut and the apple, its girth was of 30 cubits, “Eo Mugna” a very tall tree again with a height of about 300 cubits and  a girth of about 30 cubits so large that about 1000 persons could take shelter under its shade and “Eo Rossa” a Yew tree of similar virtue.

Even the Celtic ancient language “Ogham” consisted of representations from various trees : three groups consisting of 8 chieftain trees (alder, oak , hazel, vine, ivy, sloe, furze, heath), 8 Peasant trees ( birch, quicken, willow, ash, whitethorn, whin , apple) and eight shrub trees.  Thus, trees represented the vowels and consonants  of the Ogham and were held sacred by the Celts as reservoirs of ancient memory and harbingers of prosperity.


Archetypal characteristics of Trees:

Trees have their roots firmly planted deep in the Earth and their branches extend upwards towards the sky, symbolizing our link/connection to the Universe. They, thus depict our inner selves which are constantly striving through the humdrum of daily life to find its place in/connect with the Universe.

It is also well known that trees breathe carbon dioxide and expel oxygen into the atmosphere, while human and animal life is dependent on breathing oxygen. Thus, Trees and Humans and animals have a symbiotic relationship with one other.

Shelter, regeneration and strength are all traits of a Tree. Certain interpretations can be drawn in Tarot from the type of Tree. For example, an evergreen tree can be seen as representing something which is everlasting or permanent say, a job, marriage or relationship etc.

Trees also symbolize new growth and/or stages of life and death.

In Tarot:

The following are a few examples of cards in Tarot which have Tree symbolisms.  In addition, trees may be found on random other cards depending on how the Tarot Card designer intends to convey the meaning of trees. After a brief description of some of these cards, I have placed illustrations with the specific meaning of individual cards, to enable easy understanding of various interpretations:

Two of Wands:

On several Decks the two of Wands represented by two trees standing on a Hilltop. The trees represent potential growth – both material and spiritual. 

The road upto the hill interspersed by bushes, foliage, does not present a clear path for the Querent, because beyond those trees there are infinite possibilities. As the querent cannot see what lies beyond the trees in the short term, he/she has to choose the path very carefully and rely upon past experience, gut feeling/instincts and judicious advice. 

There is an urgent need to proceed forward with a clear focus/vision as twos, as a trait, present duality or two choices or two directions, one of which the querent must choose. He has to decide whether to continue on the same path or choose the other one.

Twos also suggest originality of decision making and the power to make a choice upon which others are looking upon for the querent to make, say which of two jobs to opt for, which of two persons to marry or choose as a life partner, whether to stay in one’s domestic country or to go abroad etc. The decision taken now may therefore, indicate a changed life-style, changed relationship, changed working environment etc.


 In the Elemental Tarot, this card is the “Two of Fire” (Wands). It is titled “Flame” and at the bottom is mentioned “Ishtar”, the Mesopotamian Goddess of Love.

 In the background, two figures are racing towards a young tree with two leaves, indicating the potential for growth. The striped trunk is in the shape of a ladder representing aspirations and ambitions of the two men as they race for climbing the ladder towards their goals and success and be a part of the Tree’s perceived growth. A young woman watches them in the foreground as if waiting to see which of the two men would succeed in climbing the tree before making her choice on which one to join in the business venture or marriage.

On the other hand, a reversal of the two of Wands indicates postponement of taking the choice which prolongs the period of uncertainty and stagnation both for the Querent as well as the affected persons.
 
The Hanged Man:

The Hanged Man is normally shown as hanging by one foot on a cross or a Tree. His other leg is free and he rests it by bending it and placing it on the leg which is thus strung up in an inverted “4”. His demeanour is one of a person in a state of immobility rather than one who is in a state of discomfort. His hands may be depicted as bound or free.

 It is said that the Major Arcana (the 22 paths which the Fool “or the Seeker” must tread in a lifetime), which is the journey of the “Fool’s” life experiences, the Fool intent on finding a spiritual meaning to his life’s mission, climbs a tree during his spiritual path, falls down from a branch, entangles one foot in one of the branches and hangs upside down unable to free himself loose.

In some decks, coins fall out of his pocket while he is hanging upside down, indicating that several expenses are devolving on him in his spiritual search, yet he does not appear to attain his goals/desires, and can do nothing but to wait and reflect/meditate on his present situation, gain from his experience and come out of it a better and more experienced person. He is now able to find a connection between the humdrum of daily life and his spiritual path and handle his affairs more stoically and calmly, with an inner strength which he has discovered within himself during this period.



 In the Rider Waite Tarot, we see an archetypal representation of the Hanged Man as described above, hanging upside down from a cross made out of trees. He has a peaceful look on his face, content with his present predicament as he has resigned himself to his present condition, nevertheless looking forward to what the future holds for him with hope and expectations. 

He seems to have chosen the path of sacrifice so as to attain a higher goal through meditation and positive planning and thinking. In other words, he has sacrificed instant gratification for achieving a higher goal. It is also a time for introspection for him whether he is leading a balanced life.

 From the Tree he learns on how to keep his equanimity and ever strive to attain higher goals, just as the tree grows upwards.


 In the Elemental Tarot, the Hanged Man is suspended by one foot tied to a cord between two trees. It is bright and sunny above the cord and dark below it – the two shades representing the negative and positive sides on which the Hanged man is required to ponder. He learns from the two trees that no matter how dark and difficult the circumstances may seem, there is a silver lining and ultimately, he will achieve his aspirations, provided he is willing to replan and whole-heartedly pursue his goals.The key word that guides him in his contemplation is "Sacrifice" .

The Four of Cups:


Fours represent the first solids as we move up the suit of the minor Arcana and represent structure. The querent is bound by the structure presented by the solid and can mean stability and dullness for him. 

Trees are symbolically deep-rooted, ( bound by structure and immobility (which the Querent is experiencing), yet reaching out to the highest levels/elevations, literally the sky, suggesting that for the querent “the sky is the limit” provided he taps his inner resources carefully and systematically. 




The Four of Cups Card in the Waite Tarot shows a man sitting under the “Tree of Knowledge” contemplating his destiny away from the humdrum of social life. Four choices appear before him – three cups lying before him represent the attractions of the World and the one appearing from behind a cloud represents the attraction of the spirit and the inner self.  Riddled with a time of uncertainty, he must choose his future direction under the Tree .


 The Lovers:


The Lovers card usually may have an angel , a man and a woman or even a man standing between two women.



In the Rider Waite Tarot, “Adam and Eve” are symbolized with one apple tree with fruits in the picture along with a snake. The five apples on the tree behind the woman represent the five senses. The snake is also a symbol of the senses and here represents a tempter. 

The Hindu concepts of “Maya” which indicates the illusory nature of the material World (represented by the tree behind the woman) and “Moh”, (represented by the tree behind the man) the desires and temptation to nevertheless acquire possessions or wealth in the material World.

On the other hand the “flaming tree” behind the man, represents the fires of passion that burn within each of us and can cause spiritual imbalance in our lives if we allow them to lead us astray. Both trees give the querent a vital lesson of life, that of choosing between the “Good” or “Evil”. 

The Card also indicates  that if a man is contemplating marriage or planning to settle down, a woman will meet him shortly or has already met him and their relationship will prosper and bear positive results (just as the tree behind the woman is bearing fruits).
 

In the Elemental Tarot, "The Lovers' card is called “Choice/Passion”. Here a young couple stands with a tree between them having 12 branches with several fruits, indicating the multiplicity of choices available to both of them as well as the potential results. The tree trunk is in the shape of a striped ladder symbolizing acent or descent or success or failure of their relationship.  A red figure of a man standing behind the tree represents a tempter. The right path has to be chosen by the couple, to achieve their aspirations and make their venture a success.

Some variations of this symbolism can include a flowering tree ( indicating the path the querent wants/plans to follow but it is still in the initial stages of planning to get out of the stability and dullness which dogs him).

The High Priestess:



The above is an image of the High Priestess in the  Rider Waite Tarot.


Although we see no trees on this Card generally, the High Priestess is herself symbolically the “Tree of Life” (or the Principle of Life). She is considered to be the central pillar of the three pillars in the Kaballah “Tree of Life”. She holds the “Law” in her lap and presents herself as a Guardian of the portal of life. 

She provides the balance between the dark forces (night) and the light (day) represented by the two pillars behind her on either side. 

Everyone has to cross the portals of life/knowledge only through her permission which is only accorded when you are ready for assimilating the secrets of your life’s journeys by balancing the inherent opposites in human nature.


 The High Priestess in the Elemental Tarot is transformed into the “Virgin” (a young inexperienced woman herself). 

She seems to have got lost in the Woods (representing the trials and tribulations of life), has pricked a finger on a thorny rosebud held in her hand (due to her inexperience), her hair is hanging loose (release of unconscious emotions), in her desperation, she has forgotten to read the book lying with its pages upturned in the wind, which may have perhaps got her out of her predicament (learning from life’s experiences).

Yet she has the protection of ten great trees which have sheltered her as she sleeps (the guardians, trusted friends, colleagues, family and Nature itself). Below her is mentioned the word “Receptivity” which she has in abundance and is willing to learn from the environment and the great trees of "Knowledge" and "Life"  to guide her for she trusts them to protect her while she sleeps.

The Fool:



This card is called “Potential” in the Elemental Tarot. The Fool stands beneath a “Tree of Knowledge” on an isolated island (symbolizing individuality, isolation and safety) and looks up at the fruits borne by the tree (representing the symbols of the five elements) . The branches indicate multiple choices available before him in whichever field he chooses, but there is a condition, the Tree of Knowledge sets before him , he must choose wisely and with careful knowledge, so as to be successful in his goals.

Eight of Pentacles or Coins:



The Eight of Pentacles or Coins is called “Mountain” in the Elemental Tarot. It shows a figure in the foreground and two young palm trees growing on the distant hard rock solid foundation on cubes on either side of him representing the rewards of his hard labours. 

Four gold coins each on either side of him represent the manifestation of his material success and achievement.  Below him is mentioned “Tai-yueh-Ta-Ti” (an ancient Chinese Emperor). 


 The Knight of Pentacles:


 The Knight of Pentacles or Coins in the Elemental Tarot has been replaced by the “Daughter of Earth”. She is shown here with a male partner, holding the sun in her hands (capability to do anything under the Sun). A strong upright palm grows between them, indicating the result of their hard work.  Below them is mentioned  “Affaterim” (The moon in Winter).


Five of Coins or Pentacles:


In the Elemental Tarot, the Five of Pentacles or Coins has been replaced by the “ Quake”. A lonely woman sits brooding over the loss of a dead plant in her hands, oblivious to the fact that a full grown palm tree behind her is providing her shelter. 

She sits on a cube enclosing a five-pointed star (indicating change). Beneath her is the World which lies before her with all its opportunities. 

She only needs to look up instead of downwards, and embrace the opportunities provided by the “Tree of Life”under which she sits. Below her is mentioned “Ushas” (which is the name of the Hindu Goddess of Dawn).

 Queen of Wands:



The Queen of Pentacles in the Elemental Tarot is called the “Mother of Fire”. She sits calmly and wears the solar collar of authority and power. Behind her is a giant pyramid forming a triangle of Fire. Nevertheless around the fiery pyramids, four palm trees two on either side are growing. The palm trees represent the fruits of germination of an idea which has been cautiously and carefully implemented to fruition. Below her is mentioned the word “Festativi” (The earth in Summer).


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

5) Tarot Symbolism: “ANKH”



Origins of the symbol “Ankh”:


 The Ankh symbol is the most commonly found Egyptian iconography from ancient times, but its origins have still not being conclusively determined. 


Meanings attributed to the Ankh symbol:

i)              The symbol only represents a major role played by the Nile in sustaining life and bringing about prosperity in the land along its Banks with the oval head representing the Nile Delta and the vertical mark representing the path of the River or the two sides of the Land through which the Nile flows. As such the Ankh is also called the “Key of the Nile” or the ‘Key of Life”. As such, the Ankh may have also symbolized the purifying power of water or its life sustaining qualities. As a corollary to the above interpretation, the Ankh may represent the life-giving elements of air and water. It was often shown as being offered to the King’s lips as a symbol of the “breath of Life” or even “eternal life”. Depictions of the Ankh sometimes show it holding an ostrich – like feather fan behind the pharaoh.

ii)           The first pharaoh that we know of who has an “ankh” in his name was “Tut –ankh – amun”, the boy king. A gilded mirror case in the shape of the Ankh was found in his tomb. It is said that his father “Amun” was a God symbolized by the rising sun (the loop representing the Sun rising above the horizon represented by the cross-bar and the vertical rod representing the Sun’s transit path during the day). Why the Sun: The sun is vital to sustenance of life on Earth – the abundant crops on the banks of the Nile which was vital to the Egyptians existence.
 The sun disc, the “Aten” was often depicted with small ankhs at the end of its rays which extended down to the royal family.


iii)          Another interpretation is that the symbol is a kind of totem pole representing the male and female reproductive parts, in a manifestation of sexual symbolism. The loop of the Ankh is held by the Gods. It is associated with Isis and Osiris in the Early Dynastic Period. The loop of the Ankh represents the female principle or the Womb, while, the elongated section represents the masculine principle which together create life. It was also believed that it symbolized the mystical union of Osiris and Isis which is said to have caused the flooding of the Nile, which has provided the people of Egypt with all their basic needs ever since. The union of Osiris and Isis is said to be the start of the creation of life which is symbolized by the Ankh.

iv)         Another interpretation is that the “ankh”, “djed” and “was” symbols are derived from ancient cattle culture with “ankh” being the “symbol of Life” (thoracic vertebra of a bull), the “djed” being a symbol of stability (base on sacrum of a bull’s spine) and the “was” (symbol of power and dominion or Strength).

v)           Some Egyptologists call the symbol a “belt – buckle” of the mother Goddess Isis, a sandal strap with a loop going around the ankle (as the word for sandal strap is also spelt almost similarly although with a different pronunciation).


vi)         Since the origin of the symbol Ankh has not been conclusively determined, let me also add to the confusion with my own “profound” theory on the subject (J).  In Sanskrit, an Indian language, the word “Ankh” simply means an “Eye”.  Therefore, the “Ankh” symbol looks very much like a “monocle”, i.e. if you treat the circle portion of the Ankh symbol as a lens or a “seeing eye”. The monocle, put into use by the Europeans and Westerners many centuries later, enhances the vision of a person suffering from poor eyesight, therefore as it supplements the vision and helps gain a clear focus on the object being seen or read, it is given the name of “Ankh” or “seeing eye” or “clear or focused” vision or a “fresh lease of vision” (life?) to the person with poor eyesight. I wonder if my theory has enough backers to start a serious enquiry on the subject (:-).

Depictons/Uses of the Ankh over the centuries:

i)                    The Ankh is one of the symbols that represent the immortality and the equilibrium of life, thus, it is also associated with life after death. The dead are referred to as “ankhu” and the sarcophagi were called the “neb-ankh” (possessor of life).

ii)           It is a symbol for the power to give and sustain physical life as well as eternal life; the Ankh is associated with material things such as water, air, and sun as well as with the Gods. The Ankh appears in Egyptian tomb paintings and other art, often at the fingertips of a God or Goddess in images that represent these deities conferring the gift of life on a dead person’s mummy and symbolizing the act of conception or “initiating life”. The Ankh symbolizes eternal life and bestows immortality on anyone who possessed it. It is believed that life energy emitted from the Ankh can be absorbed by anyone within certain proximity. An Ankh serves as an antenna or conduit for the divine power of life that permeates the universe. The amulet is a powerful talisman that provides the wearer with protection from the evil forces of decay and degeneration.

iii)          Several Gods/Goddesses – Anqet, Anubis, Hathor, Isis, Osiris, Ra, Sekmet, Sobek, Thoth etc. are often depicted as holding the Ankh symbol along with a scepter and in various tomb and temple reliefs, placing it in front of the King’s face symbolizing the breath of eternal life. The Ankh of the God Anubis is related to the protection of the dead, that of Sekmet related to war and that of Hapi related to the living waters of the Nile and that of Amun – the breath of life.

iv)         The Egyptian King is often depicted with the Ankh, either in possession of an Ankh (providing life to his people) or being given an Ankh (or stream of Ankhs) by the Gods. It is usually worn as an amulet to extend the life of the living and placed on the mummy to energize the resurrected spirit. The Gods and Kings are often shown carrying the Ankh to distinguish them from mere mortals. In the movie “Kull the Conqueror”, Kull upon his coronation is shown as holding an Ankh symbol in his right hand and a staff or “Lath” (The symbol of power in his left hand).


v)           Since the Ankh also represents water, in several frescos/wall depictions in Egyptian temples, the Pharaoh/King is depicted as being flanked by two Gods – one of whom is often Thoth who showers a stream of libations (regenerating power of water) in the form of Ankhs over the Pharaoh’s head. Further, in some tombs in the Valley of the Kings, there are life-size frescoes of the goddesses Isis and Nepthys bending gently with water flowing from their hands symbolizing the Kings eternal life in the World beyond.

vi)         The symbol as an extension of the above concept is also found on two figurines of the snake goddess found in the palace of Knossos. Both figurines have a knot with a projecting loop cord between their breasts.

vii)        In astrology the Ankh is the symbol o the planet Venus or the goddess Aphrodite both of whom are associated with generous, unbounded physical love. The Ankh is therefore also called the mirror of Venus”.

viii)       In alchemy, this symbol is associated with copper (the heavy mining of which gave Cyprus its name).

ix)         The Ankh symbol is said to have been found in Minoan and Mycenaean sites. In Mycenaean Greek script, the Ankh is also a phonetic sign “za” or “sa” (the hieroglyphic symbol representing magical protection.

x)             The Ankh has also appeared in coins from ancient Cyprus and Asia Minor.

xi)         The symbol has also been associated with the Tjet emblem (knot of Isis) described as a ceremonial girdle. Another theory connects the Ankh with the royal cartouche in which the King’s name was written.


xii)        Another representation of the symbol shows it in the form of chains wherein several Ankh symbols are consecutively linked to each other. Such patterns are depicted on water vessels through which water is being poured, thus symbolizing the power of water.

xiii)       In some places, the word “nkh” (ankh) means a mirror and many mirrors were shaped like the Ankh.

xiv)      It is interesting to note that the Copts in Egypt have adopted the ancient Egyptian “Ankh” in their representation of the Cross (familiarly known as the Coptic Cross or “Crux Ansata” – Cross with a handle).

xv)       Numerous examples of the Ankh are found in metal, clay and wood. This symbol pervaded usage in many ways, from Royal and religious and cultural ceremonies (Libation vessels which held the water in religious ceremonies were themselves sometimes produced in the shape of the Ankh hieroglyph). Also, the symbol is represented in several household items and pictures including in mirrors, sistrums, spoons, crockery items etc as a talisman.

 Ankh Symbolism in Tarot:

-      The appearance of an Ankh in a Tarot card/reading urges the querent to focus his/her thought processes to accept the magical power of living in the Now and his connection to the Universe. The Ankh is a constant reminder to him/her that he/she should constantly adopt a holistic approach to  life and live life to the full, because the querent is protected by energies of the Universal natural forces, much like the Ancient Egyptian Kings, whose connection with the Gods and afterlife was symbolized by the Ankh.

-      As a corollary, the Ankh finds a place in Tarot card images where it represents Isis’ knot, Seth’s ladder, etc. indicating the querent’s eternal connection with the Gods and the Universal Forces, as well as his special qualities both manifest as well as inherent in him which place him much above others in tackling the issues at hand and is a symbol of positive energies that bring life and beneficial outcomes with them for the querent.

-      The Ankh symbol is looked upon as a portal to other dimensions. The Ankh is therefore said to be a key/keyhole that “unlocks the realms of the dead”. The Egyptians used this symbol to represent a portal to the dead. This viewpoint led to an abundance of Ankh related paintings/symbols/sculptures in Egyptian tomb Art. Thus, the presence of the symbol in a Reading indicates that the querent should look at life through a key hole to find new “dimensions” or perspectives to the issues confronting him/her.


-      The Ankh symbol in the Rider Waite Deck is found in the Emperor Card and can also appear in other cards to portray other meanings of the Ankh.



-      The Ankh symbol in the Emperor card may symbolize the desire to rule over one’s surroundings and its appearance in a reading often suggests that the subject needs to accept some things may not be controllable, and that those with whom he interacts may not like being controlled.

-      The Ankh in the Emperor Card also indicates that the querent has to overcome rigidity in his character. Some rigidity of thinking, some inflexibility of approach, some external forces are keeping him from achieving his goals/objectives.  If at all the querent’s “Royal” (overbearing) traits should manifest themselves, these should be more in the nature of a “benevolent” Royal who is aware of the feelings and interpretations of his “subjects” and always works to the mutual benefit of all, rather than being of a “dictatorial disposition”. The querent needs to be in a position of benevolent authority in his area of interaction. He should allow more freedom to his subordinates and members of his family and persons he interacts with, yet protect them from outside harmful influences.-       

-      Sometimes, the Emperor may represent similar exterior forces or pressures which the querent must stand up to and either accommodate or confront.


-      Again, in the Rider-Waite Tarot (Arthur Edward Waite), the Empress, representing the Earth Mother, shows a heart shaped cushion on which is emblazoned a prominent Ankh.

-      In the Elemental Tarot, the following cards show depictions of the Ankh:

          

i)      Death: This card is called “Transformation” in this deck. A black shrouded figure holds an ankh, a symbol of life and the key to the wisdom of the portal of the afterlife, also indicating the universal process of renewal, death and rebirth.

            

ii)           Sun: This card is called “Awareness” in this deck and shows a glowing orange sun with an Ankh contained in the middle of the Sun’s orb. This is a depiction of the life sustaining effects of the Sun’s energies without which our planet could have been reduced to a lifeless cold “Rock” in the Universe. Also, this Card indicates, that through wisdom and knowledge, and proper utilization of one’s resources, the querent can achieve perpetual/eternal happiness and contentment not only for himself, but also, for those he seeks to protect and nurture. It is also a symbol of divine protection and freedom to the querent.



iii)          Judgement:  This card is called “Forgiveness” in this deck. In the necklace on the male figure depicted on this card, is shown a circle and a cross, both separated. This symbolism has been described as the glyph of Pluto, the planet of transformation. The imagery also, seems to represent an “Ankh”, with the circle separated from the cross (Remember that in early depictions of the Ankh, the Circle was shown as a separate unit from the cross section.) Thus, in my interpretation, the adornment around the man’s neck is also a representation of the Ankh.

In the Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot, the Ankh symbol is seen in the Tarot Trumps Moon and the Hanged Man.


The Moon (Tarot Trump XVIII), shows an Anubis figure on each side holding an Ankh. Anubis is the God of death and his Ankh is related to the protection of the Dead. The message of this Card is that although back-stabbing and deception may surround the Querent, there is no need to despair, as he is connected with the Protective forces of the Universe, and though all may seem lost, his connection with the Universal Life forces and the immense strength within him will help him to overcome the odds.



The Hanged Man (Tarot Trump XII) shows the figure of Osiris and indicates that although the querent may have been rendered immobile/ stagnant temporarily, his foot is bound to the Ankh of Immortality (indicating his connection with Universal Life Forces), as such this is a time to meditate on his predicament and his life's goals, meanings and spirituality. This time shall pass and he will emerge a stronger person from this experience.

In the Haindl Tarot, created by Hermann Haindl, the Ankh symbol is seen in the Tarot Trump the Emperor as seen in the image below:



The Emperor holds a stylised cross symbol in his right hand and an orb in his left hand, symbolising an Ankh where the circle and the cross portions are separated as in the earliest depictions of the Ankh, showing his Royal status and connection with the Gods.




In this Haindl portrayal of the King of Swords (Father of the Swords in the North), Ra the sun God (symbolic Father of Tut - Ankh - Amun and the force that makes the Nile give prosperity to the lands that it passes through among other interpretations) uses his power and Energy to play its role in maintaining  the Universal Laws of Nature in the World as well as bring life and prosperity. Ra holds an Ankh in his right hand (connection with the Gods and other worlds) and a staff in his left hand symbolising benevolent power. 


Here in this Card symbolising the Wheel of Fortune in the Haindl Tarot, we see the figure of Anubis holding an Ankh in his right hand. Anubis appears on the lower half of the turning Wheel of Fortune, symbolising that in the turning wheel of fortune and with the passage of time, nothing is permanent and whatever is born must be destroyed, only to be born anew. Thus, the querent should not view his achievements as permanent, but should constantly draw upon his inner resources to handle any eventuality.