Category: Tarot Talk by Katrina Rasbold

By Katrina Rasbold

---

The Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith under the direction of Arthur Edward Waite, is a cornerstone of modern tarot practice. Among its 78 cards, The Hanged Man stands out as one of the most enigmatic and paradoxical. Its unsettling image—a man suspended upside down by one foot—invites a pause. But in that pause lies the card’s true power: the invitation to surrender, shift perspective, and embrace transformation. Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Hanged Man

By Katrina Rasbold

Among the most visually celebratory cards in the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, the Four of Wands radiates joy, accomplishment, and stability. Designed by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite, this card belongs to the Suit of Wands, which governs creativity, passion, and action. Its imagery suggests festivity and harmony, making it one of the most positive cards in the deck. But beneath its bright and cheerful surface lies a deeper symbolism that connects to numerology, esotericism, and human experience. Continue reading Tarot Talk: Four of Wands

By Katrina Rasbold

In the world of Tarot, few decks are as iconic as the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite. Among its striking imagery, the Seven of Wands stands out as a card of resilience, challenge, and personal fortitude. But beyond its surface meaning, the artwork carries deep symbolic layers that speak to themes of conflict, personal power, and perseverance. Continue reading Tarot Talk: Seven of Wands

By Katrina Rasbold

For many people, the Five of Swords is one of the more visually striking and unsettling cards in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. It depicts a smug-looking figure in the foreground, holding three swords, while two defeated individuals walk away in the background. The sky is cloudy and gray, adding to the tension of the scene. This card often signals conflict, betrayal, hollow victories, and the consequences of dishonorable actions. What does the symbolism in Pamela Colman Smith’s depiction of the Five of Swords tell us and what are the subtle implications of the card in a reading? That’s our topic for this week’s “Tarot Talk” post. Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Five of Swords

By Katrina Rasbold

In the realm of tarot, few images are as evocative as those found in the Rider-Waite deck, and the Page of Wands stands out as a vibrant emblem of youthful energy and creative possibility. Created by Pamela Colman Smith, whose artistry and intuitive symbolism have defined tarot for over a century, this card invites us to explore themes of inspiration, adventure, and the boundless potential inherent in new beginnings. Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Page of Wands

By Katrina Rasbold

The 10 of Swords is one of the most visually dramatic and emotionally charged cards in Pamela Colman Smith’s iconic Smith-Waite Tarot deck. It evokes a sense of finality, defeat, and deep transformation. The card’s stark imagery, featuring a figure lying face-down with ten swords piercing their back, has made it one of the most recognizable and, for some, unsettling images in tarot. However, beyond its ominous first impression, the 10 of Swords holds profound symbolic meaning that speaks to themes of endings, resilience, and rebirth. Continue reading Tarot Talk: 10 of Swords

By Katrina Rasbold

The 2 of Pentacles is a fascinating and dynamic card in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite. This card belongs to the suit of Pentacles, which is associated with material wealth, practical matters, and earthly concerns. However, the 2 of Pentacles introduces a theme of duality, balance, and adaptability, making it one of the most fluid and energetic cards in the suit.

In this post, we’ll explore the symbolism and interpretation of the 2 of Pentacles, examining its deeper meanings and how it applies to different areas of life

Continue reading Tarot Talk: The 2 of Pentacles

By Katrina Rasbold

The Star card, numbered XVII in the Major Arcana, is one of the most optimistic and inspiring cards in the Tarot deck. Illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite, the Star radiates themes of hope, renewal, and spiritual enlightenment. Its deep symbolism and artistic nuances make it a profound card to interpret in readings, offering insights into healing, guidance, and inner harmony.

Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Star

By Katrina Rasbold

Pamela Colman Smith’s depiction of The Hermit in the Rider-Waite tarot deck is one of the most iconic images in tarot history. Designed in collaboration with A. E. Waite and first published in 1909, the card encapsulates profound themes of introspection, guidance, and spiritual enlightenment. To fully appreciate its layers of meaning, it’s essential to explore both its visual elements and the underlying symbolism.

Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Hermit

By Katrina Rasbold

The Five of Wands, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith for the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, is a card rich with dynamic imagery and layered symbolism. Its chaotic yet vibrant scene invites diverse interpretations, making it a fascinating subject for study in tarot readings. Let’s delve into its visual elements, symbolic meanings, and potential interpretations. Continue reading Tarot Talk: 5 of Wands

By Katrina Rasbold

Pamela Colman Smith’s interpretation of the Empress card in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a visual masterpiece rich in symbolism, embodying themes of nurturing, creativity, and abundance. As the quintessential archetype of the divine feminine, the Empress evokes a sense of fertility, beauty, and connection to nature. Let’s delve into the intricate layers of this card and uncover its meanings.

Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Empress

By Katrina Rasbold

The 7 of Swords from Pamela Colman Smith’s iconic Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a card that captures intrigue, strategy, and ethical ambiguity. Its vivid imagery and layered symbolism invite rich interpretation. In this blog post, we will delve into the meaning, symbolism, and potential messages of this enigmatic card.

Continue reading Tarot Talk: Seven of Swords

By Katrina Rasbold

Pamela Colman Smith’s rendition of the King of Pentacles in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a visual feast of symbolism that embodies themes of material success, authority, and grounded leadership. By delving into the details of the imagery and its esoteric meanings, we can uncover profound insights into this card’s essence and its implications in readings.

Continue reading Tarot Talk: King of Pentacles

By Katrina Rasbold

The Knight of Cups is one of the most evocative and romantic cards in the Tarot deck, often capturing the imagination of those who encounter it. Associated with emotion, intuition, and idealism, the Knight of Cups is a messenger of the heart, riding towards new horizons in search of meaning, love, and spiritual fulfillment. Pamela Colman Smith’s design for this card, as part of the famous Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, has become a symbol in its own right—imbued with layers of symbolism and rich with meaning.

In this post, we’ll explore the symbolism of the Knight of Cups card in the context of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, its visual elements, and how it is interpreted in both upright and reversed positions. Continue reading Tarot Talk: Knight of Cups

Pamela Colman Smith’s Nine of Wands  is a compelling visual representation of resilience, persistence, and guarded strength. The card depicts a wounded man gripping a staff, standing amidst eight other wands planted firmly in the ground. His wary yet determined gaze encapsulates a wealth of symbolic meaning, making this card a potent source of reflection for tarot readers. More personally, this card aptly reflects how I feel rolling into the last breaths of 2024. Continue reading Tarot Talk: Nine of Wands

By Katrina Rasbold

The 9 of Pentacles depicts a woman dressed in a luxurious golden robe adorned with floral motifs, standing in a lush garden. She is surrounded by nine pentacles embedded in the foliage, symbolizing material wealth and prosperity. Her hand rests lightly on a falcon, a creature associated with discipline, refinement, and control. In the background, a grand estate or vineyard reflects the fruits of her labor. Continue reading Tarot Talk: 9 of Pentacles

By Katrina Rasbold

Each week, “Tarot Talk” explores a card randomly drawn from the Rider-Smith-Waite deck to guide us in our energetic focus for the week. This week’s shuffle leads us to the court of the Queen of Cups. The Queen of Cups, one of the most evocative cards in Pamela Colman Smith’s classic Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, is a luminous symbol of emotional depth, intuition, and compassion. Rooted in the watery realm of feelings and creativity, this card holds a profound message for those who encounter it in a reading. Let’s delve into its rich symbolism and explore its interpretations. Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Queen of Cups

By Katrina Rasbold

Each week, “Tarot Talk” explores a card randomly drawn from the Rider-Smith-Waite deck to guide us in our energetic focus for the week. This week’s shuffle leads us to the 9 of Wands card. The 9 of Wands is a card that resonates deeply with themes of resilience, persistence, and the battle-worn wisdom that comes from overcoming life’s challenges. Truly, after the past few months, aren’t many of us feeling this way? The 9 of Wands conveys a rich tapestry of symbolism and insight that can offer guidance in moments of struggle and reflection. Continue reading Tarot Talk: 9 of Wands

By Katrina Rasbold

Each week, “Tarot Talk” explores a card randomly drawn from the Rider-Smith-Waite deck to guide us in our energetic focus for the week. This week’s shuffle leads us to The Emperor card. As illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith for the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, this card is one of the most iconic representations of authority, structure, and stability in tarot symbolism. Its rich imagery provides a layered exploration of power, leadership, and the establishment of order, making it a cornerstone of the Major Arcana. Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Emperor