Tarot Cards

**Tarot** is a type of playing cards often used in Divination. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards which act as trump cards, and the Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, divided into 4 suites (Swords, Pentacles, Cups, and Wands) of 14 cards each.

It must be noted that, diegetically, divination using Tarot cards plays a major role for the main characters. These divinations are used as a plot device, and serve either as foreshadowing or, given the wide range of possible card interpretations, an insight into the characters' psyches.

## List of Appearances

Zoey Bent posted two Tarot Cards on her Tumblr account, The Lovers and The Tower. Zoey commented on the Tower post:

> "[F]un fact about the tower card: those are the royals falling to their deaths the royals in my life better be prepped for some upheaval :-)"
>
>

While documenting the filming of an upcoming video, Echo Rose posted a picture of her discarded wig on her Instagram story on Friday, September 13th 2019. The Judgement card can be seen in the upper righthand corner.

On Sunday, September 15th 2019, Gracie Chamberlain uploaded a photo of the Judgement card to her Instagram story respectively, claiming that she found it lying in reverse in her mailbox.This is now widely believed to have been foreshadowing the murder of her father.

In their video Full Moon Party!, that was recorded on Friday, September 13th 2019 and uploaded to her YouTube Chanel on Sunday, September 15th 2019, Echo and Carmen Gonzalez perform two Tarot readings as part of a Full Moon Ritual. Echo's reading features, in order of appearance: Death, The Tower, The Moon, The Star, and The Fool. Carmen's reading is in regards to her past, present and future and consists of The Five Of Cups, The Six Of Swords, and Justice. Echo also states that her favorite card is The Star.

In Echo Rose's 2nd Instagram Livestream on Halloween 2019, Echo was wearing a costume which featured a blonde wig and metallic blue makeup with golden stars. Echo explicitly stated that this look was her personal interpretation of the Tarot card "The Star", which was the card that got her interested in Tarot in the first place when she saw it on a book cover as a child.

On November 20th, 2019, Echo posted a community announcement on her YouTube channel, saying that she asked her Tarot deck about her recent issues and drew the Seven of Wands (which she refers to as Seven of Rods) in upright position. A picture of the card was also featured in the post.

## Tarot Cards Referenced

*The descriptions used in this section are from "The Pictorial Key to the Tarot" written by Arthur Edward Waite, one of the creators of the Rider-Waite deck which is pictured.*

In regards to reverse cards, it must be noted that reading Tarot cards in reverse position is not universally practiced. However, it is featured at a crucial plot point and adds to the diversity of interpretations, especially since Echo Rose appears to only read her cards upright. It must be noted that reverse cards are most commonly construed thusly:

* the exact opposite of the card's original meaning
* an indication towards the meaning of the card that precedes the reversed one within the deck
* the querent's resistance towards the meaning of the card or a person it represents
* information that the querent is not consciously aware of
* a gender reversal when the card indicates a person, especially for the court cards (Page, Knight, Queen and King) of the four suits

Another important method of interpretation is the purely pictorial approach, which at this point seems highly relevant in the context of the story. Most of the cards featured so far depict recurring core motifs, concepts, and natural phenomena featured in the plot, such as rebirth, swords, roses, darkness, water, and the moon.

### Minor Arcana

#### Five of Cups

    "A dark, cloaked figure, looking sideways at three prone cups two others stand upright behind him; a bridge is in the background, leading to a small keep or holding. It is a card of loss, but something remains over; three have been taken, but two are left; it is a card of inheritance, patrimony, transmission, but not corresponding to expectations; with some interpreters it is a card of marriage, but not without bitterness or frustration."

Upright: "The implication is extremely clear; are you going to cry over 'spilt milk' or are you going to focus on the 'milk' you still have, and get on with things? The point is: watch where you put your focus and make sure that the focus is for your highest good."

Reversed:

"When you pull the reversed 5 of Cups, you may have just been through a difficult time. The good news is that your recovery seems to be moving along well. Keep moving, don't get 'stuck' in things that are already over and done with." This card reversed may also indicate denial: The querent might suppress feelings of loss or sadness, or may not be consciously aware of them. Furthermore, the reversal could indicate the Four of Cups, which often stands for contemplation and reevaluation.

#### Six of Swords

"A ferryman carrying passengers in his punt to the further shore. The course is smooth, and seeing that the freight is light, it may be noted that the work is not beyond his strength."

Upright: "Journey by water, route, way, envoy, commissionary, expedient." "Generally the 6 shows at least a slight reduction in stress and strain. Things may not be perfect, but they are going to be better than they may have been in the recent past. Take this time to get your head above water and decide where you're going from here." Furthermore, the Six of Swords may hint at an adventure or a dangerous journey lying ahead.

Reversed: "Declaration, confession, publicity; one account says that it is a proposal of love" "Generally the reversed 6 of Swords shows that you may well make some new discoveries and decisions; and you may have some important information that you wish to share. However, the way in which you communicate is at least as important as what it is that you have to say. Think carefully about what you need to 'get across.'" This card may also signify unawareness of or resistance towards risk, adventure and change. Another indication of the reversal may be the Five of Swords, which stands for conflict, defeat, or a person trying to win at all costs.

#### Seven of Wands

A young man on a craggy eminence brandishing a staff; six other staves are raised towards him from below. Divinatory Meanings: It is a card of valour, for, on the surface, six are attacking one, who has, however, the vantage position. On the intellectual plane, it signifies discussion, wordy strife; in business--negotiations, war of trade, barter, competition. It is further a card of success, for the combatant is on the top and his enemies may be unable to reach him. Reversed: Perplexity, embarrassments, anxiety. It is also a caution against indecision.

Upright:
"Don't hesitate to make where you stand clear to people. Your thinking is clear, and you are likely to help someone out by spelling things out for them. This card can indicate that a change is coming - a positive change - in your personal or business life. This card also points toward being independent and thinking for yourself."

Reversed: "When the reversed 7 of Wands appears, you may find yourself needing to guard against indecision. Yes, it's better in general not to flail around at random, if you're unsure, but at the same time, there's a reason why they say "He who hesitates is lost." If you wait for the perfect moment you will quite literally be waiting forever."

### Major Arcana

The Major Arcana are the central "trump cards" of the deck. The first to tenth cards of the Major Arcana determine the exact meaning of the first to tenth Minor Arcana of the four suits.

#### 0 - The Fool

It is frequently stated that the Fool is the central figure of the Major Arcana, which in itself can be interpreted as an allegory for his journey.

"With light step, as if earth and its trammels had little power to restrain him, a young man in gorgeous vestments pauses at the brink of a precipice among the great heights of the world; he surveys the blue distance before him-its expanse of sky rather than the prospect below. His act of eager walking is still indicated, though he is stationary at the given moment; his dog is still bounding. The edge which opens on the depth has no terror; it is as if angels were waiting to uphold him, if it came about that he leaped from the height. His countenance is full of intelligence and expectant dream. He has a rose in one hand and in the other a costly wand, from which depends over his right shoulder a wallet curiously embroidered. He is a prince of the other world on his travels through this one-all amidst the morning glory, in the keen air. The sun, which shines behind him, knows whence he came, whither he is going, and how he will return by another path after many days. He is the spirit in search of experience. Many symbols of the Instituted Mysteries are summarized in this card, which reverses, under high warrants, all the confusions that have preceded it. [...] The conventional explanations say that the Fool signifies the flesh, the sensitive life, and by a peculiar satire its subsidiary name was at one time the alchemist, as depicting folly at the most insensate stage."

Upright: "The Fool is always an indicator of newness in one form or another. In many ways it indicates the purity, the open-hearted energy, and the innocence of a child. Children are trusting and trust forms the basis of meaning for this card. This is generally considered a positive card but there is a caveat. The caveat being that it is important to take time to be sure that you are looking where you're going. Trusting yourself to take a step into the unknown is one thing, but doing so without any thought whatsoever may be a mistake."

Reversed: "Even when reversed, the Fool is an indicator of newness; as well as the purity and open-hearted energy of a child. This is generally considered a positive card, with the caveat that it's important to take time to be sure that you are "looking where you're going." In reversal, The Fool can show that there is a need for a new beginning, but that there is some hesitancy about making it happen." It must be stated that the reversal could also indicate that outside influences prevent a new beginning, or a querent's resistance towards carefreeness and risk-taking. The Fool in reverse can also advise the querent not to be overly impulsive. It may also indicate the previous card in the Major Arcana, The World, which stands for completion, achievement and enlightenment.

#### VI - The Lovers

"The sun shines in the zenith, and beneath is a great winged figure with arms extended, pouring down influences. In the foreground are two human figures, male and female, unveiled before each other, as if Adam and Eve when they first occupied the paradise of the earthly body. Behind the man is the Tree of Life, bearing twelve fruits, and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is behind the woman; the serpent is twining round it. The figures suggest youth, virginity, innocence and love before it is contaminated by gross material desire. This is in all simplicity the card of human love, here exhibited as part of the way, the truth and the life. It replaces, by recourse to first principles, the old card of marriage, which I have described previously, and the later follies which depicted man between vice and virtue. In a very high sense, the card is a mystery of the Covenant and Sabbath".

Upright: "The suggestion in respect of the woman is that she signifies that attraction towards the sensitive life which carries within it the idea of the Fall of Man, but she is rather the working of a Secret Law of Providence than a willing and conscious temptress. It is through her imputed lapse that man shall arise ultimately, and only by her can he complete himself. The card is therefore in its way another intimation concerning the great mystery of womanhood. The old meanings fall to pieces of necessity with the old pictures, but even as interpretations of the latter, some of them were of the order of commonplace and others were false in symbolism." "The Lovers is associated with the astrological sign of Gemini, "The Twins." It almost always points to partnerships with just one other person; generally, and not surprisingly, this indicates a romantic partnership, but of course this is not always the case. Less frequently, it points to the duality that all of us have inwardly - between male/female, yin/yang, approach/avoidance, and the like."

Reversed: "When this card appears in reverse, it’s very likely that you are feeling ambivalent about a relationship or situation in your life. You must pay attention to what your gut is telling you and to try to analyze and get clear about what this is and why. Your feelings and emotions are there for a reason. Don’t ignore them." I addition, the reversal might suggest the failing of a relationship the querent's resistance towards or unawareness of their own or other people's feelings of affection, as well as the previous card, the Hierophant. This card usually represents spiritual wisdom, religious beliefs, conformity, and tradition.

#### XI - Justice

"As this card follows the traditional symbolism and carries above all its obvious meanings, there is little to say regarding it outside the few considerations collected in the first part, to which the reader is referred.
It will be seen, however, that the figure is seated between pillars, like the High Priestess, and on this account it seems desirable to indicate that the moral principle which deals unto every man according to his works--while, of course, it is in strict analogy with higher things;--differs in its essence from the spiritual justice which is involved in the idea of election. The latter belongs to a mysterious order of Providence, in virtue of which it is possible for certain men to conceive the idea of dedication to the highest things. The operation of this is like the breathing of the Spirit where it wills, and we have no canon of criticism or ground of explanation concerning it. It is analogous to the possession of the fairy gifts and the high gifts and the gracious gifts of the poet: we have them or have not, and their presence is as much a mystery as their absence. The law of Justice is not however involved by either alternative. In conclusion, the pillars of Justice open into one world and the pillars of the High Priestess into another."

Upright: "This card evokes the need for fairness, balance, and harmony. Operate in as balanced and reasonable a fashion as you can. This includes in how you think about and treat yourself. If you are directly involved with a court case, it is likely to be resolved, at least in large degree, in your favor."

Reversed: "In reverse, this card can mean that you are feeling currently as though something happening in your life is particularly unjust. You may well be correct. However, there may not be a great deal that you can do about it, and if there is not, it will be important to accept reality and not chafe too much." The reversed Justice card may also mean an unwillingness to suffer the consequences of one's actions or unawareness that these actions carry such consequences. It can also indicate the previous card, which is the Wheel of Fortune, commonly associated with good luck, karma, life cycles, destiny, or a turning point.

#### XIII - Death

"The mysterious horseman moves slowly, bearing a black banner emblazoned with the Mystic Rose, which signifies life. Between two pillars on the verge of the horizon there shines the sun of immortality. The horseman carries no visible weapon, but king and child and maiden fall before him, while a prelate with clasped hands awaits his end. There should be no need to point out that the suggestion of death which I have made in connection with the previous card is, of course, to be understood mystically, but this is not the case in the present instance. The natural transit of man to the next stage of his being either is or may be one form of his progress, but the exotic and almost unknown entrance, while still in this life, into the state of mystical death is a change in the form of consciousness and the passage into a state to which ordinary death is neither the path nor gate. The existing occult explanations of the 13th card are, on the whole, better than usual, rebirth, creation, destination, renewal, and the rest."

Upright:
"The more accepting you can be of change of any description during this time the better. Simply put the less you try to control what is underway the more comfortable this time will be for you. Often what you need to let go of is some sort of self-limiting belief or attitude. Sometimes we just can't see how our attitudes are hurting us, and when that is true this time period can be a wake-up call. The energy of this time is not just change or destruction; it is change or destruction followed by renewal. Even though one door may have closed for you another is opening. The change is coming whether you want it or not so pluck up your courage and step through the door. This change is needed."

Reversed: This may indicate stagnation, the querent's resistance towards change or outside factors preventing new beginnings. It may also indicate the previous card, the Hanged Man, who is stuck in an uncomfortable situation and must use this time for contemplation. It stands for surrender, letting go, and new perspectives.

#### XVI - The Tower

"Occult explanations attached to this card are meagre and mostly disconcerting. It is idle to indicate that it depicts min in all its aspects, because it bears this evidence on the surface. It is said further that it contains the first allusion to a material building, but I do not conceive that the Tower is more or less material than the pillars which we have met with in three previous cases. I see nothing to warrant Papus in supposing that it is literally the fall of Adam, but there is more in favour of his alternative--that it signifies the materialization of the spiritual word. The bibliographer Christian imagines that it is the downfall of the mind, seeking to penetrate the mystery of God. I agree rather with Grand Orient that it is the ruin of the House of We, when evil has prevailed therein, and above all that it is the rending of a House of Doctrine. I understand that the reference is, however, to a House of Falsehood. It illustrates also in the most comprehensive way the old truth that 'except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.'"

Upright: "There is a sense in which the catastrophe is a reflection from the previous card [...] The Tower has been spoken of as the chastisement of pride and the intellect overwhelmed in the attempt to penetrate the Mystery of God; but in neither case do these explanations account for the two persons who are the living sufferers. The one is the literal word made void and the other its false interpretation. In yet a deeper sense, it may signify also the end of a dispensation, but there is no possibility here for the consideration of this involved question." "The Tower is a card about change. Just as with the Devil and Death, the Tower is not as frightening or as ominous as the pictorial representation in most decks. Trying to hold too tightly to the status quo can be disastrous now. Roll with the changes."

Reversed: "When the Tower shows in reverse, it is unfortunately still a possibility that some people/situations that you have counted on as being “there for you” may no longer be there in quite the same way. Try not to over-think this, it doesn't have to indicate a major, horrible change in life. It’s just some change. Stay mindful of the reality that you either already have – or can get - all the resources you need, to deal with life and to do what you need to do." Again, the reversal of this card may indicate the querent's resistance toward or unawareness of change or a loss of safety. It may also point to the previous card in the Major Arcana, the Devil, which indicates that introspection, mindfulness and self discipline are needed to achieve liberation. The Devil is often associated with addiction, attachment, obsession, and self-destructive behavior.

#### XVII -The Star

"A great, radiant star of eight rays, surrounded by seven lesser stars--also of eight rays. The female figure in the foreground is entirely naked. Her left knee is on the land and her right foot upon the water. She pours Water of Life from two great ewers, irrigating sea and land. Behind her is rising ground and on the right a shrub or tree, whereon a bird alights. The figure expresses eternal youth and beauty. The star is *l'étoile flamboyante*, which appears in Masonic symbolism, but has been confused therein. That which the figure communicates to the living scene is the substance of the heavens and the elements."

Upright:
"It has been said truly that the mottoes of this card are 'Waters of Life freely' and 'Gifts of the Spirit.' The summary of several tawdry explanations says that it is a card of hope. On other planes it has been certified as immortality and interior light. For the majority of prepared minds, the figure will appear as the type of Truth unveiled, glorious in undying beauty, pouring on the waters of the soul some part and measure of her priceless possession. But she is in reality the Great Mother in the Kabalistic Sephira Binah, which is supernal Understanding, who communicates to the Sephiroth that are below in the measure that they can receive her influx." "This card is definitely a good omen. Although you are probably already inclined to think positively, this is a time to do so specifically. What are the changes that you would like to make or see in your life? Make a list. You can accomplish nearly anything that you set out to do now. Think big."

Reversed: "The Star reversed is still a good omen. Look hard at what you are feeling and discern whether, if you looked a little deeper, you could find reasons to be more optimistic and helpful. When this card appears in reverse, often we are tending to look on the darker side. Lift up your eyes! If you are drawing breath, there is always something you can be thankful for." The reversed Star may indicate a lack of faith, despair, self-trust, disconnection. It may also indicate the Tower, which can mean change, loss or even crisis.

#### XVIII - The Moon

"The distinction between this card and some of the conventional types is that the moon is increasing on what is called the side of mercy, to the right of the observer. It has sixteen chief and sixteen secondary rays."

Upright: "The card represents life of the imagination apart from life of the spirit. The path between the towers is the issue into the unknown. The dog and wolf are the fears of the natural mind in the presence of that place of exit, when there is only reflected light to guide it. The last reference is a key to another form of symbolism. The intellectual light is a reflection and beyond it is the unknown mystery which it cannot shew forth. It illuminates our animal nature, types of which are represented below--the dog, the wolf and that which comes up out of the deeps, the nameless and hideous tendency which is lower than the savage beast. It strives to attain manifestation, symbolized by crawling from the abyss of water to the land, but as a rule it sinks back whence it came. The face of the mind directs a calm gaze upon the unrest below; the dew of thought falls; the message is: Peace, be still; and it may be that there shall come a calm upon the animal nature, while the abyss beneath shall cease from giving up a form." "The Moon indicates that things may seem somewhat confusing to you now. You may find it hard to understand where you are coming from, much less what others are thinking and feeling! You need to try to sit with the uncertainty, don't try to force things or people to do things before they are ready. This card is the "Pisces" of the tarot deck."

Reversed: "You are definitely in a more 'psychic and intuitive phase' than usual, so it will be important for you to trust your instincts and your impressions, even if you don’t know where they are coming from. However, when you draw the reversed Moon, the impressions you are getting may be less than clear and easily misinterpreted. Even so, don’t ignore the messages you are getting. Try to suss out their meaning. As with the upright meaning of this card, If you are waiting on an answer from someone, it may unfortunately take quite a bit longer than you would like for it to. Try to stay patient." The reversal may also point towards the Star, which is associated with hope, faith, purpose, renewal, and spirituality.

#### XX - Judgement

"The great angel is here encompassed by clouds, but he blows his bannered trumpet, and the cross as usual is displayed on the banner. The dead are rising from their tombs--a woman on the right, a man on the left hand, and between them their child, whose back is turned. But in this card there are more than three who are restored, and it has been thought worth while to make this variation as illustrating the insufficiency of current explanations. It should be noted that all the figures are as one in the wonder, adoration and ecstasy expressed by their attitudes. It is the card which registers the accomplishment of the great work of transformation in answer to the summons of the Supernal--which summons is heard and answered from within."

Upright: The Judgement card usually calls for careful contemplation of a situation, action or person. The illustration on the card also implies that there will be consequences of past actions. "Judgment can be a card about jumping to conclusions, decisions and of course, judgments, which are too hastily made. If you are prone to such things, this is a clear signal to slow down and give things more thought and to give people 'more chances.' This can also be a time of fundamental spiritual awakening."

Reversed: "In reversal, Judgment still is very often a card about jumping to conclusions, as well as decisions and judgments which are too hastily made. If you are prone to such things, this is a clear signal to slow down and give things more thought (and to give people 'more chances.')This can be a real time of spiritual awakening. This card in any configuration, (reversed OR upright) does not mean that you need to judge someone or something. Particularly when Judgment is reversed, the decision has already been made." The reversal of Judgement also indicates the querent's unawareness or unwillingness of judging or being judged, most likely for fear of the consequences. It can also point to the previous card, the Sun, which stands for vitality, freedom, joy and self-expression.

## Trivia

* On August 31st 2019, Julia Dapper posted a picture of Carmen Gonzalez as The Fool on her Instagram.

## References

1. ↑ https://bent-into-shape.tumblr.com/post/184067107560
2. ↑ https://bent-into-shape.tumblr.com/post/183780139985/mumblesandthings-the-tower-key-words-external
3. ↑ https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/618865974350708758/622270140586917898/image0.png
4. ↑ https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/618874383124922399/622964316634873856/image0.png
5. ↑ https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/618874383124922399/622973949923426324/image0.jpg
6. ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 6.15 6.16 6.17 Waite, Arthur E. "Pictorial Key to the Tarot" Carol Publishing, London 1911. In: https://www.sacred-texts.com/tarot/pkt/index.htm
7. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider-Waite\_tarot\_deck
8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WDQQZkEe4g
9. ↑ 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 9.12 9.13 9.14 9.15 9.16 https://www.psychic-revelation.com/reference/q\_t/tarot/tarot\_cards/index.html
10. ↑ https://www.psychic-revelation.com/reference/q\_t/tarot/tarot\_cards/wands\_7.html
11. ↑ https://www.psychic-revelation.com/reference/q\_t/tarot/tarot\_cards/wands\_7\_reversed.html
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 https://www.psychic-revelation.com/reference/q\_t/tarot/tarot\_cards/index.
13. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/B12B7ghHf96/