The Loom: Start Here
A Summary of The Daily Tarot Series
This post presents an introduction to The Loom and Quick Reference Guide for the 22 prime archetypes of The Tarot.
While some may dismiss the Tarot as mystical hokum—the domain of psychic kooks and grifters—The Loom reveals it as a powerful and persistent symbolic language, spoken at the intersection of Reason and Imagination, offering a unique lens of the psyche through which to appreciate the universe and our own journey arc, in meaningful relation.
Welcome to The LOOM
The LOOM is a framework and practice of inquiry that engages the rich and complex language of Archetypes through the focal lens of Tarot.
If the language of real magic is imagination, then the vocabulary of that language is Archetype, Symbol and Myth. The Syntax of that language is one that has been allowed to wither and has fallen out of use. Tarot is now something we associate with parlour tricks and psychic grifters.
What a shame. What a mockery they make of such a profound technology.
Nothing can be more important to the human project, collectively and individually, than to restore this quintessential and vital language of the psyche. Why? Because our psyche is the part of us that is tormented by the overwhelm and insanity of the present moment. All our journeys of growth, healing, self-discovery and meaning-making are mythic in nature—they are archetypal.
When Carl Jung said “The mystic swims in the same waters the psychotic drowns in,” this is what he meant.
Tarot Decodes Esoteric Wisdom
“The Daily Tarot” series is a work of devotion I invested 6 months of my life into focusing on each the 22 cards of the Major Arcana, and then holistsically as well, to provide an overdue reiteration of Tarot through the lenses of Archetypal Pyschology, Semiotics, Sacred geometry, Ancient and Modern Mythos, Hermetics, and Kabbalah and the fascinating allegorical framework of Alchemy, which collectively form the bedrock of all my work.
I initially began this “Daily Tarot project” to deepen my own understanding and appreciation of the cards as a corpus, and to uncover for a reading audience, the profoundly rich and elaborate constellation of wisdom and understanding it contains.
The result so profoundly expanded my own appreciation, and I am excited to share it.
What emerged, beautifully, is the incredibly helpful window each card opens onto the realms of Hermetic principles, Kabbalah, and Alchemy. These subjects are typically esoteric and notoriously complex, and challenging to study. Without an informed and initiated teacher to guide the process, due to their obscure and metaphorical language, it can be nigh impossible to discern what is meant to be taken literally or figuratively, and then to understand what those metaphors and allegories actually signify in a meaningful, applicable sense.
Encountering these topics in the integrated context of the card and the other related concepts provides not only a powerful bridge into these domains but also the context and visual cues that provide a form of guidance and explanation that cannot be easily achieved any other way.
The project has vastly exceeded my initial intentions and is an invaluable and unmatched resource for the student of esoteric wisdom and more importantly, renders this wisdom accessible and relatable.
Tarot Translates our Subconscious
In addition, it completely challenges the notion of oracles and divination we commonly associate with Tarot. While some may dismiss the Tarot as mystical hokum or a hacky parlour trick, this work reveals it as a powerful and persistent symbolic language, spoken at the intersection of Reason and Imagination, offering a unique lens through which to view the universe and our place in it.
What we have in Tarot, via the Daily Tarot Series, is a deeply fascinating exploration of the human psyche through the window of ancient philosophy and how potently that speaks to our quest to make sense of our existence.
It is a dialogue between the conscious and the unconscious, a mirror held up to the mind’s attempts to grasp the infinite. Ultimately, this is a testament to the human capacity for wonder, for weaving complex narratives from the raw material of our aspirations and intuitions.
You can book a reading or a personal teaching session with me.
Quick Reference Guide
The summaries below have been provided to serve as a quick reference, arranged in order, to bring to mind what is discussed in greater subtlety by the detailed analysis of each card.
These summaries should not be considered a substitute for the detailed analysis of each card.
This repository is subject to emergence, to be refined and revised over time.
For context on how these analyses were conducted, the following post explains this in summary.
0. THE FOOL.
Pure Possibility and Infinite Potential.
THE FOOL embodies the paradox of beginnings: a pristine openness to all potential paths yet untouched by the weight of experience. It stands on the precipice of the unknown, symbolizing the raw essence of choice before form. This archetype mirrors the infinite creative energy at the dawn of every journey, unbound by limitations, yet carrying the inherent challenge of committing to a singular path.
The Fool’s Journey is the quintessence of all actualization, for it is only through the crucible of life—initiated by THE FOOL’s own naivety and ignorance—that we are propelled into true discovery and growth. The innocence and boundless optimism of the Fool is precisely what allows us to deeply embrace journeys that would otherwise take courage we do not yet possess and insights we only earn along the way. On the Fool’s Journey, each step is both a venture into the unknown and a return to the most authentic self—the essence of becoming through which experience is the inevitable and most prized consequence.
I. THE MAGICIAN.
Mastery of Duality and the Law of Correspondence.
THE MAGICIAN embodies the convergence of divine and worldly, wielding the power to align the universal and the mundane. Standing at the intersection of will and reality, THE MAGICIAN exemplifies mastery over both inner and outer realms, commanding the forces of creation through knowledge and intent. Each tool on the table symbolizes mastery over elements that correspond to various aspects of existence, demonstrating that through the principle of ‘As Above, So Below,’ one can transform thought into form and potential into manifestation.
THE MAGICIAN’s essence is one of deliberate action and conscious creation, bridging the divine and the material with the precision of intention. It reflects the inherent potential within each of us to engage with the world not as passive observers but as active participants in shaping reality. This is the mastery of self and the natural laws, where understanding becomes the key to wielding power with grace and efficacy, revealing the profound interconnectedness of all things through the will to become.
II. THE HIGH PRIESTESS
The Passive Feminine principle: the Embodiment of Duality, which is Flow.
THE HIGH PRIESTESS stands as the custodian of hidden knowledge and the mysteries beyond the veil. She represents the passive, intuitive aspect of the feminine, embodying the Flow of Duality—where form meets formlessness and light meets shadow. Seated between the two pillars of duality, she sits at the sacred threshold between the seen and unseen, inviting us to transcend ordinary perception and embrace the deeper, often veiled, wisdom of existence.
In her serene stillness, the High Priestess reflects the dualistic and cyclical nature of life and the subtle dance of opposites, where true understanding is found not in the starkness of dichotomy but in the nuanced space between. She embodies the principle of flow, the ever-present current of life’s unfolding, guiding us to honour both the mysteries that lie hidden and the wisdom that comes through patient reflection. It is through her that we recognise the transformative power of the feminine: not forceful or direct, but quietly profound, weaving the fabric of existence with grace and silent command.
III. THE EMPRESS.
The Feminine Matrilineal Principle of Nature and Generative Capacity.
THE EMPRESS symbolizes the matriarchal force of creation, nurturing, and abundance. She embodies the fertile power of nature and the generative capacity to bring forth life, mirroring the cyclical patterns of growth, harvest, and renewal. The essence of her rule is not only to generate but to nurture, to protect, and to bring forth abundance. Her realm is the meeting point of cosmic order and natural law, where the divine feminine harmonizes with the masculine to cultivate and sustain existence. She reflects the inherent balance between creation and the conditions necessary for it, emphasizing the need for harmony and effort to maintain the cycles of life.
Representing the trinity of life—birth, growth, and death—she is the keeper of the sacred mirror through which all life reflects its divine origin and purpose. Her presence invites us to acknowledge the generative power of Life and within ourselves, to honour the interconnectedness of all things, and to celebrate the beauty and abundance inherent in the world around us. The profound wisdom of nurturing and the essential grace that sustains life itself.
IV. THE EMPEROR.
The Law Maker. Coherence of Will and The Paradox of Masculine Drive.
THE EMPEROR represents the archetype of structure, order, and authority, embodying the dynamic tension between creation and control, coherence and stagnation. He is the builder and the lawmaker, the guardian of stability, and the force that transforms chaos into order. His number, IV(4), signifies the foundational principles of stability and manifestation, essential for creating enduring frameworks within which life can flourish.
Exalted Expression: At his exalted expression, THE EMPEROR is the archetype of sovereign leadership and generative masculinity. He establishes systems that honour legacy, protect what is precious, and align with the cycles of creation and renewal. He is the architect of coherence, whose rule allows emergence and vitality to thrive.
Shadow Expression: In his shadow, THE EMPEROR becomes rigid, unyielding, and oppressive. The same force that creates stability can stifle growth, turning his throne of order into a prison of control. Severed from the balancing influence of THE EMPRESS, his masculine drive risks becoming the Spirit of Empire: relentless ambition, unchecked expansion, and the insatiable pursuit of permanence at the expense of renewal.
THE EMPEROR invites a reckoning with the paradox of power and legacy. His presence challenges us to assess the structures in our lives—both external and internal—and ask: Do they foster growth or constrain it? Do they reflect true sovereignty, or do they imprison us within their boundaries?
Ultimately, THE EMPEROR represents the necessity of duality and then of balance. His rule must be tempered by wisdom, humility, and the principles of service to life. Only through the harmonious interplay of masculine and feminine, form and flow, can the structures he builds endure and sustain the cycles of renewal that define existence.
V. THE HIEROPHANT.
The embodiment of The Ordering Principle of Coherence and Mind.
THE HIEROPHANT serves as a multifaceted lens through which the intricate interplay of cosmic and human order is revealed. As a bridge between the divine and the mundane, he embodies the quintessence of sacred knowledge and spiritual authority, guiding seekers through the mysteries of existence with the keys to profound understanding. This archetype reflects a figure whose authority is derived not from dogma but from authentic alignment and embodiment, facilitating the transformative process of aligning the self with higher principles.
Exalted Expression: In its exalted form, the Hierophant archetype manifests as the wise guide, mentor, and spiritual teacher who bridges profound truths with accessible wisdom. It represents ethical leadership, intellectual illumination, and a deep alignment with universal principles, fostering both personal and collective enlightenment.
Shadow Expression: In its shadow form, the Hierophant archetype can devolve into dogmatism, rigid orthodoxy, or the misuse of spiritual authority for control and manipulation. It may manifest as predatory priesthoods or cults that prioritize power and preservation of structure over genuine spiritual growth and ethical stewardship.
The Hierophant not only preserves sacred traditions but also nurtures the inner growth of seekers, ensuring that the path to transcendence remains accessible yet protected. His role as custodian implies the profound interconnection of all things, where knowledge and mystery coalesce in the silent language of the cosmos. True Knowledge (Gnosis) is lived and embodied.
VI. THE LOVERS.
Union, Beauty & The Pathway of Desire.
THE LOVERS card embodies the dynamic interplay of union and beauty, facilitated by desire. It reflects the sacred merging of masculine and feminine energies, revealing how opposites attract to create an emergent third. True union is not merely about fulfilment but a deeper journey toward completeness and purpose. The impelling and transformative power of Desire harmonizes and integrates disparate aspects of existence, leading to a more profound understanding of unity and the inherent beauty within creation.
The Lovers represent the ongoing alchemical process that emerges from the joining of opposites, and the central role of Beauty as a guiding principle that illuminates the path toward Union. The card signifies the divine agenda of connection and the pathway of actualisation and fulfilment of potential through the interconnectedness of all things.
VII. THE CHARIOT.
Will. Stillness within Movement and Movement within Stillness.
THE CHARIOT symbolizes the harmonization of opposing forces, where mastery over the self and external realities coalesce into purposeful action. It speaks to the balance required to direct one's willpower amidst the dualities of existence—light and dark, conscious and unconscious. The charioteer embodies this integration, holding the reins of destiny with clarity and determination, guiding the chariot with a calm presence within the dynamic flow of life.
Through the union of spirit and matter, THE CHARIOT emphasizes the path of self-mastery, where personal victories are achieved not by force alone but through the disciplined alignment of inner and outer realities. It invites us to harness the willpower necessary to move forward with confidence, transcending challenges and embodying the wisdom of stillness in motion, ultimately leading to the actualization of our higher purpose. Stance is what determines Destiny.
VIII. STRENGTH.
Steering or Determination. Grace and stillness—The Prime Virtue.
The STRENGTH card represents the principle of sublimation—harnessing primal energy through grace, composure, and intentionality. It is not about dominance or suppression but about the quiet mastery of aligning with and transforming raw forces. The archetype here is the Alchemist, sublimating the Red Lion of instinct and vitality into refined, purposeful energy, and the Beast Tamer, whose strength lies in resonance and grace rather than force. The infinity symbol above the figure’s head encapsulates this continuous process of alignment, reflecting cycles of renewal, unity, and transcendence.
As the number VIII (8) and the ninth card in the Major Arcana, Strength symbolizes balance, rhythm, and the transcendence of duality through coherence. Its numerical and symbolic connections align it with themes of harmony, infinity, and transformation. Positioned between THE CHARIOT and THE HERMIT, STRENGTH bridges the discipline of external willpower and the introspection of inner mastery, offering the virtue of composure that anchors both movement and stillness. It belongs to the triad of cardinal virtues, representing willpower tempered by grace, which ultimately supports alignment with higher principles.
STRENGTH invites the individual to refine their inner forces, integrating instinct and higher will into a unified expression of power and grace. It challenges us to subdue doubt and resistance not through confrontation but through trust, composure, and alignment. In doing so, we harness the paradoxical power of yielding and defiance, finding profound agency in the rhythm of resonance and the infinite potential for growth. STRENGTH reminds us that true mastery is the quiet power of grace, allowing transformation through intentionality and surrender to the cycles of becoming.
IX. THE HERMIT.
Devotion, Actualisation & Transcendence.
THE HERMIT card reminds us that if true actualisation and transcendence are what is sought, existing convention and wisdom have to be transcended first. The structures of convention and tradition we subscribe to provide safety and forms of permission, but also impose and define limits.
The card symbolizes the culmination of a cycle and the integration of complex, multi-dimensional truths into a singular expression of wisdom. If we seek the Philosopher’s stone, there must first be a smelting away of the human narrative we impose on the materials we are working to transmute and the forces we are attempting to harness.
X. WHEEL of FORTUNE.
The Rota, the Wheel of Allotment, the Helm of Determination.
The WHEEL of FORTUNE symbolizes the cycles of existence, where Fate, representing the fixed consequences of past actions, intersects with Destiny, the unfolding horizon of potential. This card reflects life's rhythms of ascent and descent, governed by the interplay of universal laws and individual choices. It invites reflection on how we navigate the tension between the inevitable and the emergent.
The card’s core imagery represents the wheel of Dharma, the Rota of allotment (Fate) and also the Helm of Determination (Destiny). Archetypes like Lady Luck, The Sphinx, and Anubis guide us through thresholds of transition and transcendence, asking of us discernment, alignment, and surrender to life’s flux.
As a turning point in the Major Arcana, The WHEEL of FORTUNE calls us to engage consciously with life’s unfolding cycles. It embodies the balance between Logos (universal order) and Cosmos (emergent creation), reminding us that while we cannot control every turn of the wheel, we can determine how we align with its motion and the choices that shape our destiny.
You can book a reading or a personal teaching session with me.
XI. JUSTICE.
Instantiation of The Divine Logos.
The card JUSTICE represents the unwavering principle that underlies all existence: every cause has an effect, every action a consequence, and every choice made in relationship with Fate opens and closes doors through which Destiny may arrive. It is the embodiment of balance that transcends human notions of right and wrong, reflecting an order that is both cosmic and personal. Worldly laws are transient and fallible, not so the inner law of integrity and truth.
In essence, Justice is a mirror of the divine equilibrium, an invitation to recognise the inherent order that governs all things. What we sow, we reap; what we give, we receive. Justice is not a passive observation of fairness but an active engagement with life which is always guided by the unseen but ever-present hand of divine law. Precisely.
XII. THE HANGED MAN.
Finding the Inner Fulcrum, on which turns the Outer Awakening.
THE HANGED MAN embodies the ever-present nature of Reluctance and Tension as inevitable consequences of duality. The Hanged Man is suspended in a pivotal moment of surrender, to observe the fulcrum on which he sways. It requires a suspension of ordinary perception. Profound insights emerge from embracing stillness and allowing the ego’s preoccupation to loosen and the truth of our human duality to become evident. This card speaks to the transformative power of pausing, of looking inward to realign with the core truths, the axis on which the wheel of our existence turns.
This archetype invites a reevaluation of perspective, suggesting that enlightenment of often requires us to ‘turn the world upside down’, to find wisdom in the spaces between movements. The Hanged Man is not a passive victim of fate but an active seeker of truth, willingly embracing the ‘still point’ where time and transformation meet. The secret aim of all Tension is Transformation.
XIII. DEATH.
Ending & Transition.
The card DEATH speaks to the profound cycle of transformation inherent in all existence. It represents the necessary ending of old forms to make way for new beginnings, emphasizing that every transition, however daunting, is a passage towards renewal. To fully embrace the future, one must release the past to endure the dissolution of what no longer serves, let go with grace and honour the natural rhythm of growth and decay.
Death is the doorway to rebirth, a necessary transition. To transform, the existing form has to be released. All of life continues on through iteration and regeneration, a process which by definition has to encompass decay and regression. New life springs from the compost of the old.
XIV. TEMPERANCE.
The Harmony in Duality: Form & Flow, Giving & Receiving.
TEMPERANCE symbolizes the dynamic equilibrium found in the interplay of opposites. It embodies the principle that true harmony arises not from rigid control but from the fluid and conscious integration of dualities such as form and flow, giving and receiving. Embracing the inherent balance within all things is the art of temperance and lies in allowing the natural flow of energy between opposing forces while maintaining a steady centre.
True temperance is the mastery of balance, not through suppression or denial but through a harmonious blending of all aspects of existence. It is the wisdom to know when to give and when to receive, when to act and when to be still, understanding that all things have their time and place. Balance is not static but a continuous dance, a process of attuning ourselves to the rhythms of the universe, aligning our actions with the cycles of life. Balance is Cadence and Flow.
XV. THE DEVIL.
The Primal Truth of Nature and The Demiurge.
THE DEVIL symbolizes duality, shadow, and the primal truths of existence. Representing the Demiurge and the darker, unacknowledged forces of nature, the card explores themes of bondage, material desire, and the tension between instinct and transcendence. It confronts us with the illusion of constraints—chains that appear binding but can be removed through awareness and integration. THE DEVIL invites regarding the shadow as a vital counterpart to light, challenging us to acknowledge and transform these forces within ourselves.
The card’s imagery highlights the interplay of spiritual distortion and primal vitality. The archetypal references illustrate the tension between freedom and limitation, while mythic narratives reveal that the shadow is not evil but a gateway to understanding. The symbols of flame, fruit, and chains emphasize the dual nature of desire and instinct as both constraints and catalysts for liberation.
THE DEVIL is not a figure of pure malice but a mirror to our unexamined shames, fears, desires, limiting beliefs and suppressed truths. It compels us to confront the shadow within, recognizing that liberation lies in mastery, not denial. By integrating primal forces and transcending illusions, we reclaim our power, transforming the chains of ignorance into tools of self-awareness and freedom. THE DEVIL's ultimate lesson is profound: to know the shadow is to embrace the light, and through this confrontation, we achieve wholeness.
XVI. THE TOWER
Sudden Correction.
THE TOWER represents the necessary and often sudden upheaval that corrects unsustainable conditions. It symbolizes the collapse of structures built on falsehoods or outdated paradigms, making way for a deeper truth to emerge. This card embodies the principle that what is out of harmony with the natural order must eventually fall, not as punishment but as an inevitable consequence of its dissonance. Just as a tree that grows too rigid is vulnerable to breaking, so too must we remain adaptable and rooted in integrity to withstand life's storms.
Destruction here is not an end but a catalyst for renewal. It is the universe’s reliable and inevitable way of clearing away what no longer serves, creating space for new growth and alignment with a more authentic state of being. Potential for transformation is born from every collapse.
XVII. THE STAR.
Orientation, Direction, Flow and Renewal.
THE STAR card represents the totality of what is meant by ‘Dharma’, a notion related to Fate and Destiny, specifically how Determination is achieved via the harmonious balance between the authenticity of what is and integration with what emerges. True harmony and fulfilment come from the integration of all aspects of being.
The card symbolizes our connection to a higher order, the alignment of our will and actions with the divine principles governing the universe. Therefore, the card also symbolizes the concepts of Orientation, Navigation, and Direction. Change is not something that happens to us but rather something that we are inextricably and intimately part of.
XVIII. THE MOON.
The Reflection and Emergence.
THE MOON card represents the inherent duality of existence, where reflection and emergence are inextricably linked via the fundamental interplay between light and shadow, conscious and subconscious, reality and illusion. What we perceive as reflection is not merely a static image but a dynamic process. Perception is the bridge between the seen and unseen, influenced by the rhythmic cycles of nature and life, and the evolving conversation between what is known and what is yet to be discovered. There is a marriage always between the yin and the yang, between the light and the darkness, and between these, nothing lies fully at rest.
Our true nature is that we are both the observer and the observed, the source and the reflection. The path of life is illuminated by this understanding, urging us to embrace the dance between light and shadow and to navigate our journey with awareness and acceptance. What we are is Reflection—the ability of consciousness to perceive itself, the miracle of matter waking up to its own divine reflection.
XIX. THE SUN.
Originality or Genesis: The Eternal Heart of Initiation and Renewal.
THE SUN represents the essence of vitality, renewal, and the eternal cycle of life. It symbolizes the moment of pure clarity and joy, where the soul is illuminated by the light of truth and authenticity. This card embodies the original, undiluted nature of our being, the inner child that remains untouched by the trials of life. It speaks to the heart of self-expression, the source of creative energy, and the drive for authentic living. The Sun is the radiant force that brings warmth, growth, and illumination, encouraging us to embrace life with openness and a sense of wonder.
This card is an image that connects to the state of originality, sometimes archetypally called ‘innocence’, which is the eternal and limitless wellspring of existence and potential. The tone of this card is ‘triumphant celebration’ of the light that we are, which shines brightest when we share our unique gifts with the world from a state of pure original authenticity. We are both the source and the expression of life’s ever-renewing energy. Our true power lies in our capacity to be fully, radiantly ourselves.
XX. JUDGEMENT.
Reckoning. Pronouncement of Doom.
THE JUDGEMENT card represents the moment of reckoning, a gateway of transformation that marks the culmination of a cycle and the passage into a new phase. It embodies the transition between what was and what is to come, the liminal moment of assessment between one ‘World’ of experience or existence and the next. The soul stands before the ultimate pronouncement of its deeds and choices. This is the interstitial moment between life and renewal, where the sum of actions, experiences, and intentions are weighed and evaluated. It is not merely an end but the threshold of transcendence, where the soul is called to account and given the opportunity to rise to its next level of being.
Judgement is the realization of cause and effect in its purest form, a reckoning that acknowledges both the karmic weight of the past and the potential for renewal. It is the trumpet call that awakens the soul to the truth of its journey, urging it to shed what no longer serves and embrace the path forward with clarity and acceptance. It is the cosmic pronouncement that closes one chapter and opens another, guiding the soul towards its ultimate fulfilment and destiny. Expansion and continuation are reserved for that which can face the consequences of its actions and align with the higher order of existence, we call ‘Covenant’.
XXI. THE WORLD.
Emergence—the interplay of Culmination and Renewal.
THE WORLD card represents the packet of existence we call Life, bound by time, in which the duality of the divine and material reality co-exists as unity. It symbolizes both the culmination and the container of a cycle—discrete quanta of ‘Being’ that holds within it the paradox of experience, knowledge, growth, potential and fulfilment.
This card captures the essence of a world as a stage in the ongoing journey of Being, a space and a moment where fulfilment can be realized before giving way to its next invitation of Becoming. Like the egg that signifies both potential and emergence, The World is equally the culmination of a cycle that incubates life and then gives form to what is yet to be. Consider the paradox of Being—where every ending is also a new beginning, and every wholeness is both infinite in its own context and finite as a prelude to further evolution. Wholeness in the worldly sense is Finite, it expands and transforms in an eternal dance between fulfilment and potential.
I think the tarot is a very sophisticated Rorschach test and archetypal map of the phyche.
It's also really interesting when tarot is included into a system like the Kabbalah tree of life. ❤️ 🔥
Add sections for The Imagineer and The Torch Bearer.