by timothy lantzPublished by

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Copyright © 2005 U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

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D e d i c a t i o nFor Brenda, my Queen of Cups...

and my mother and father...

I n t r o d u c t i o nSymbolism1. The practice of representing things by means of

symbols or of attributing symbolic meanings orsignificance to objects, events, or relationships.

2. A system of symbols or representations.3. A symbolic meaning or representation.4. Revelation or suggestion of intangible conditions

or truths by artistic invention.5 . Sym bo l i s m : The movem en t , t h eory, or practi ce of

the late 19th-cen tu ry Sym bo l i s t s .(from Dictionary.com)

Symbolism—Late 19th CenturySymbolism is a 19th-century movement in which

art became infused with a spooky mysticism. It was aco n ti nu a tion of the Ro m a n tic tra d i ti o n , wh i chincluded such artists as Caspar David Friedrich andJohn Henry Fuseli.

An ti ci pa ting Freud and Ju n g , the Sym b ol i s t smined mythology and dream imagery for a visuallanguage of the soul. The leading Symbolists includedGustave Moreau, Odilon Redon, and Pierre Puvis deChavannes.

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More a philosophy than an actual style of art, theyinfluenced the contemporary Art Nouveau movementand Les Nabis. The movement was also a major influ-ence on some of the Expressionists, especially throughthe work of Edvard Munch and Franz von Stuck.

(from Artcyclopedia.com)

Had I lived in the late 19th Century, I’d like tobelieve I would have been a Symbolist. I’ll neveractually know, but I think I would have felt at homeamong those artists and innovators. Much of whatI do in the way of artistic endeavor has a Symbolistquality to it and perhaps nothing more so than this,The Archeon Tarot.

Begun in the late stages of October 2003, thisproject was not only my first endeavor with creat-ing a Tarot deck, but it was also something of a per-sonal journey. Each of the 78 images in the ArcheonTarot relies heavily on the collection of symbolsthat inhabit my mind. It is a curious mixture of tra-ditional and non-traditional imagery from variedsources thrown into the blender of my subcon-scious. There will be things that you recognize, cul-tural and social conventions, but their interpreta-tions may not always be what you would expect.

The name “Archeon Tarot” springs from severalsources. “Archons” were regents of ancient Athens,whose jurisdiction covered civil affairs. The word“anarchy” dates from a time when strife and chaosprevented archons from being appointed by the

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Athenians. “Archeon” also relates to archeology. Anarcheologist sifts through layers of the past to dis-cover meaning. Those who consult the ArcheonTarot sift through the layers of imagery in the cards,thus finding a way to harvest order and meaningfrom chaotic or seemingly unrelated events of life.Finally, “Eons” were considered to be emanationssent forth by God, or embodiments of divine attrib-utes.

Consider The Archeon Tarot a window into themythology of one man’s world, or at least how heimagines his world to be.

–Timothy Lantz

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The Structure of the Archeon Tarot

The first 22 cards of the Archeon Tarot are col-lectively called the major arcana, while the remain-ing 56 are called the minor arcana.

The major arcana represent the characters andthemes which form the basis of the Tarot, while theminor arcana offers a perspective or focal point thatmay add to or help clarify the meaning of an indi-vidual card.

Ma ny re aders rely exclu s ively on the majora rcana wh en seeking the advi ce of the Ta ro t . For thisre a s on , I have placed a gre a ter em phasis on thesec a rds in this tex t . I fully en co u ra ge yo u , h owever, toex p l ore the po s s i bi l i ties of i n cluding the minora rcana in your re ad i n gs . Doing so can of ten provi dea mu ch deeper and more sati s f ying ex peri en ce .

3The Major Arcana

The major arcana show us the outside forces influ-encing events beyond the control of the individual.They may be people, events, or even things in theindividual’s environment which demand attentionor affect the outcome of a given situation.

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0 THE FOOLBy their own follies they perished, the fools.

– Homer

The Fool marches forth confident and secure inthe knowledge that should she step off the edge ofthe world, she would not fall but instead soarthrough the clouds. She represents an almost child-like sense of wonder, combined with a certaindegree of naiveté, that can act as a shield against theharshness of the world around her. It is not somuch a lack of intelligence, but rather a blissfulignorance which surrounds the Fool.

The Fool can also be the victim of her own fool-ishness. By walking the path with blinders, she risksthe possibility of the occasional misstep. Althoughshe often overlooks this risk in favor of the rewardsof a blissful existence, she would do well to remem-ber that it takes only one such misstep at anuntimely moment to bring about the end of allthings.

The Fool represents: beginnings, boldness, blindfaith, feeling carefree, excitement, fresh starts, jour-neys, wonderment.The Fool inverted represents: carelessness, cow-ardice, fear, indulgence, stagnation, recklessness,wastefulness.

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I THE MAGICIANMake no little plans; they have no magic

to stir men’s blood...Make big plans,aim high in hope and work.

– Daniel H. Burnham

The Magician is cunning and a crafty master oftime and space. His sovereignty is born of blood,fire and spirit. He walks the forgotten pathwaysbetween worlds and uses his specialized skills toalter reality to his vision. No person, place, or thingcan withstand the power of his manipulati on sshould he deign to focus his attentions.

While the Magician can be a powerful ally, onemust take great care to see the truth behind his con-jurings. The Magician’s plans are often convoluted,and his goals far from aligned with your own. Manyare the unfortunates who discover too late hisdeception and must suffer the consequences of hisbetrayal.

The Ma gician rep re s en t s : ad a pt a ti on , c u n n i n g,craft, mastery, skill, wisdom.The Magician inverted represents: deceit, domina-tion, false expertise, indecision, trickery.

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II THE HIGH PRIESTESSWe don’t receive wisdom; we must discover

it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.

– Marcel Proust

The High Priestess is a teacher and a guide. Shehas closed her eyes and seen the mysteries of theuniverse revealed before her. She will tell you thatthe key to understanding the world may only befound along the path that leads toward inner illu-mination. Yet she is wise enough to know that youmay not listen to her.

The High Priestess speaks only in truth, and formany, that truth is much more unbearable than theignorance in which they dwell. To heed her advice isto see things for what they truly are, but often thatclarity of vision exacts a heavy toll.

The High Priestess represents: spiritual enlighten-ment, divine knowledge, the subconscious, wis-dom.The High Priestess inverted represents: repressionof awareness, reliance on others’ opinions, a needfor validation or approval.

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III THE EMPRESSWhat a strange illusion it is to suppose

that beauty is goodness.– Leo Tolstoy

The Empress is the overseer of the heart, andthe boon of her companionship often yields richrewards. She inspires creativity with her beauty andnurtures accomplishment with her insight. Thosein her favor are secure in her love and often able toachieve greatness.

Hi d den behind the smile of the Empre s s ,though, there also lies a quiet sadness, for sheknows that beauty may sometimes be a curse. Forsome, beauty is not something to be appreciated,but is instead the object of possession.

The Empress represents: beauty, creativity, pleas-ure, success, luxury.The Empress inverted rep re s en t s : s t a gn a ti on ,poverty, selfishness, powerlessness, ignorance.

IV THE EMPERORHe who blinded by ambition, raises himself to

a position whence he cannot mount higher,must thereafter fall with the greatest loss.

– Niccolo Machiavelli

The Emperor casts his gaze across the land andwonders, “Will I be remembered when I’m gone?”

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Logic, sovereignty and self-control are the subjectsof his re a l m , and those who come before theEmperor would be wise to arm themselves withthese virtues.

To oppose the Emperor is to do so at great ri s k .While his relu ct a n ce to pick up the sword may beperceived as we a k n e s s , his en emies soon learn thathis acti on is alw ays dec i s ive and his vi ctory absolute .

The Emperor rep re s en t s : a m bi ti on , con qu e s t ,courage, motivation, rational thought, legacy.The Emperor inverted rep re s en t s : con f u s i on ,dependency, failure, lack of self-control, irresponsi-bility.

V THE HIEROPHANTThere is surely a piece of divinity in us,something that was before the elements,

and owes no homage unto the sun.– Sir Thomas Browne

Seeking the release of the spiritual entity within,the Hierophant is forever shackled by the traditionsand rituals of the past. He knows his beliefs to betrue and he will share with you the teachings ofdivinity. Though often he speaks in parable, thetruth of his words is unshakable if you have faith.

Those unwilling or unable to see the Hiero-phant’s truth may sometimes be caught up in thetrappings of his faith. They do not see these trap-pings as tools of the divine, but as the very essence

of divinity. This is a mistake that can lead to painfulinquisitions.

The Hierophant represents: divine wisdom, spiri-tuality, convention, orthodoxy, tradition.The Hierophant inverted represents: fanaticism,servitude, rejection of conventional means, blinddevotion.

VI THE LOVERSTo fear love is to fear life, and those

who fear life are already three parts dead.– Bertrand Russell

Two souls shining brightly of their own accordconverge in a moment of destiny. In that instant,time and space seem frozen and the universe is setablaze. The Lovers embrace this juncture, and eachother, with powerful abandon. Pushed from theirmind is the fear of letting go, as is the knowledgethat such complete surrendering of inhibitions willresult in choices to be made.

O ut s i de of this mom en t , n ei t h er standsunchanged, for the price of an instant of perfectionis sacrifice and transformation. Whether this alter-ation is one of triumph or doom cannot be deter-mined until one has felt the fire, and once con-sumed by the flames, it is too late to turn back.

The Lovers rep re s en t s : ch oi ce , com m i tm en t ,friendship, inspiration, new relationships, true orromantic love.

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The Lovers inverted represents: conflict, disap-pointment, unhappiness, poor decisions, the end ofa relationship.

VII THE CHARIOTObstacles cannot crush me. Every obstacle

yields to stern resolve. He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind.

– Leonardo DaVinci

The Chariot harnesses the power of opposition,and it takes a skillful driver to command that ener-gy along a course of her own choosing. By settingher sights on the road ahead, she may find it diffi-cult to keep focused on the task at hand. Only bykeeping tight control of the reins will she overcomethe obstacles in her path.

While there might exist great temptation tochoose the easy road, she must be aware that to fol-low a path without obstacles is to take the road tonowhere.

The Chariot represents: determination, triumphover obstacles, willpower, self-control, controllingone’s own destiny.The Chariot inverted represents: pressure, lack ofself-discipline, no clear focus, scattered energies,loss of direction.

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VIII STRENGTHWe gain stren g t h , and cou ra ge , and co n f i d en ce by

e a ch experi en ce in wh i ch we re a lly stop to look fear inthe face ...we must do that wh i ch we think we cannot .

– Eleanor Roosevelt

Steel is nothing without the power to wield it,and physical strength is nothing wi t h o ut thecourage to employ it. When facing the beast, youmust act with confidence. Strength of the body isfueled by the strength of the mind. In times of cri-sis, perseverance will more likely determine victorythan muscle.

Cowardice and fear are the enemies of resolve;rage, the enemy of honor. Triumph may sometimesrequire the sword, but it will always require convic-tion. To face obstacles without determination is towelcome failure.

Strength rep re s en t s : co u ra ge , s tren g t h , power,health, conviction, determination, willpower.Strength inverted represents: weakness, insecurity,fear, doubt, illness, loss of control.

IX THE HERMITPray that your loneliness may spur you into finding

something to live for, great enough to die for.– Dag Hammarskjold

The Hermit’s quest takes him far from the com-pany of others, for only in the comfort of solitude

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can he discover the truth he seeks. Too often theinfluence of others can overwhelm the wisdom ofthe inner voice. By removing himself from society,he regains the ability to listen objectively to his ownthoughts.

The Hermit must be careful to revisit societyonce he has found the answers he seeks. To remainforever apart from contact is to lose one’s sense ofplace in the world.

The Hermit represents: contemplation, delibera-tion, insight, sense of self, reevaluation of one’sgoals.The Hermit inverted represents: paranoia, fear,isolation, deception, loneliness, withdrawal, feelingsof rejection.

X WHEEL OF FORTUNEThe only sure thing about luck is that it will change.

– Bret Harte

If t h ere is a constant in the univers e , it is that theWh eel of Fortune is ever tu rn i n g.No one can pred i ctwh en he wi ll be the ben ef i c i a ry of fortu n e , be it goodor ill . The best one can do is to accept opportu n i tywith grace , and calamity with com po su re . The wh eelm ay tu rn a little or inste ad make a great revo luti on .O n ly prep a ra ti on can maximize the po ten ti a lrew a rds and minimize the unex pected loss.

To deny the inevitability of change is to findyourself unprepared for the turning of the wheel.

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Those who dwell on the misfortunes of life oftenbecome blind to the small instances of good for-tune one receives each day.

The Wheel of Fortune represents: good fortune,unexpected rewards, success, destiny, karma.The Wheel of Fortune inverted represents: misfor-tune, failure, bad timing, ill-luck, unexpected prob-lems.

XI JUSTICEThe sword of justice has no scabbard.

– Antione De Riveral

Though there may be times when the nights eems never- en d i n g, we know that Ju s ti ce wi llalways bring about the dawn. She tends the scaleswhich balance the universe. Her sword stands everat the ready to slash away that which causes disrup-tions in equilibrium. In this task, she is impartial,swift and unyielding.

Justice knows that there can be no good withoutthe bad. In balancing the scales she is likely to tem-per both success and failure. It would be wise toremember this when you find yourself the posses-sor of too much of a good thing.

Justice represents: equilibrium, balance, fairness,impartiality, rationality, legal matters.

Justice inverted represents: inequality, being takenadvantage of, prejudice, severity.

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XII THE HANGED MAN If you limit your choices only

to what seems possible or reasonable,you disconnect yourself from

what you truly want,and all that is left is a compromise.

– Robert Fritz

At the crossroads stands a warning: a HangedMan dangling from the gallows. His sacrifice servesas a reminder that if you continue to advance alongyour chosen course, you run the risk of endanger-ment. Now is the time to stop and review theoptions presented by the crossroads. You may findthe path to either side offers a better route to yourdestination.

By ignoring this warning you run the risk ofsuffering the same fate as the Hanged Man. Whileoften the best course might very well be to contin-ue straight ahead, the wise will always look bothways before crossing the street.

The Hanged Man represents: conviction, decision,looking at different alternatives, reevaluation ofgoals, sacrifice.The Hanged Man inverted represents: selfishness,tunnel vision, punishment, futility, blind allegiance,depression.

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XIII DEATHTo the well-organized mind, death is

but the next great adventure.– J. K. Rowling

All things must end, and when they do, Deathwill be there. When your time has come, he willarrive on his pale horse, consult his hourglass andfinally take your hand. His duty is to guide you towhat’s next. In this task he will offer neither malicenor mercy. While there will always be those whofear Death as a harbinger of the end, they would dowell to remember that without an end, there cannotbe a new beginning.

Accept that endings are inevitable and changewhen you must. To do otherwise is to suffer need-lessly. Those who would see endings as nothingmore than great tragedy only prolong their ownmisery.

D eath rep re s en t s : u n ex pected or invo lu n t a rychange, transformation, sudden endings, death ofthe ego.D eath inverted rep re s en t s : refusal to ch a n ge ,immaturity, clinging to the past, long drawn outendings.

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XIV TEMPERANCESmall communities grow great through harmony,

great ones fall to pieces through discord.– Sallust

Temperance walks through this world, blessingthose in her wake with the promise of harmoniousexistence. Those who follow in her footsteps oftenfind their place in the world and come to a greaterunderstanding of their own nature. This knowledgecan lead to a rich and fulfilling life.

However, i f you fo ll ow Tem pera n ce , do not makethe mistake of equ a ting passivi ty with harm ony.True union is a produ ct of give and take . Those wh osit idle in the name of pe ace of ten find them s elve sthe first to have their backs against the wall .

Temperance represents: union, compromise, mod-eration, cooperation, harmony.Tem pera n ce inverted rep re s en t s : com peti ti on ,clashing interests, impatience, frustration, discord.

XV THE DEVILThe only way to get rid of a temptation

is to yield to it.– Oscar Wilde

The Devil trades in desire, with temptation ashis tool. He can show you the things that will setyour soul aflame and give you a taste of what makes

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life worth living. In his hand lies the key to unbri-dled passion and a freeing of your inner self. Todeny him is to miss out on the opportunity to expe-rience all of the best things of life.

When dealing with the Devil, one must be care-ful to remember that his service is never without aprice. There is a fine line between yielding to temp-tation and allowing yourself to be controlled byyour desires. The wise always know where this lineabides.

The Devil represents: a lust for life, wild behavior,unbridled desires, temptation, addiction, obsession.The Devil inverted represents: overcoming temp-tation, freedom from addictions, facing your fears,living in a more balanced state.

XVI THE TOWERIt’s a dangerous business going out your front door.

– J. R. R. Tolkien

The Tower, once a proud and enduring testa-ment to strength and fortitude, is bathed in theflames of its own destruction. Amidst that embergl ow, we are rem i n ded that nothing rem a i n suntouchable forever. Even the most prepared facetimes when the unexpected presents a challenge. Itis how that challenge is met that determines thetrue character of the individual.

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When cataclysm befalls, the temptation to givein to one’s fears is often great. Those who succumbmay never recover and spend the rest of their daysin a hollow existence. While grief is unpleasant, it isalso a necessary part of life. Grieve when you must,and then learn from it. To do otherwise is to denylife.

The Tower represents: trauma, destruction, ruin,loss, danger, crisis.The Tower inverted represents: suffering, refusal tolet go, despair, depression.

XVII THE STARRemember that happiness is a way of travel –

not a destination.– Roy M. Goodman

Glowing brightly in the night sky, the Star servesas a reminder that we must always reach for thethings we want, even if they seem too far beyondour grasp. Her light acts as a guide to many, andthose who set their sights on her often find theirdestination was easier to reach than anticipated.

Do not be dismayed if your star should fall fromthe sky. The heavens are vast and there will alwaysbe a light to guide you. Make your wish and choosea new course.

The Star represents: hope, optimism, help, faith,harmony, happiness.

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The Star Inverted represents: missed opportuni-ties, negative thoughts, unfulfilled hopes, disap-pointment.

XVIII THE MOONEven a man who is pure in heart

and says his prayers by night,may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms

and the autumn moon is bright...– Curt Siodmak

Trust not the Moon, for she gives birth to shad-ows and it is in these dark places whe re realitybecomes distorted. Illusions cannot survive in thelight of truth, and those who seek to deceive knowthis lesson well.

The light of the Moon also has the po wer toreveal secrets. Her cold illumination seeks out thosewho would operate under cover of darkness, andshe would like nothing more than to expose theirconspiracies and reveal their lies. Exercise cautionin what you allow the Moon to see, lest you findyour own mysteries laid bare.

The Moon represents: illusion, fantasy, deception,trickery, secrets, betrayal.The Moon inverted rep re s en t s : s ec rets reve a l ed , aw a rning of decepti on , aw a ren e s s .

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XIX THE SUNLive in the sunshine, swim the sea,

drink the wild air...– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Only the coldest of hearts can find fault with theworld when the Sun shines brightly in the sky. Thewarmth of her embrace reminds us that there is joyin life, and that even the smallest accomplishmentsare worthy of celebration. To revel in her glow is toacknowledge that sometimes even a single momentof happiness can be the greatest reward.

There will be times when storm clouds seize thesky and hide the Sun from view. It is during thesetimes that we must be patient. Trust that when thetempest has passed, the Sun will indeed return.

The Sun rep re s en t s : gl ory, h a pp i n e s s , su cce s s ,rewards, fulfillment, prosperity.The Sun Inverted rep re s en t s : m i n or vi ctory,delayed success, achievement after struggle.

XX JUDGEMENTThe end always passes judgement

on what has gone before.– Publilius Syrus

There can be no choice without consequence.After a lifetime of choices we often find ourselvesburdened by the memories of past decisions. It is

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the province of Judgement to examine these conse-quences and lay them to rest. With a quick flash ofthe sword, she slashes away the past, not to make usforget, but rather to allow us to accept what hasgone before so that we may look to what lies ahead.

There are many who refuse to accept the conse-quences of their actions, and so they cannot let goof the past. They carry their decisions around likean albatross hung about the neck. You must learn tomake peace with your past or you will lose anychance to live in the present.

Judgement represents: summation, finality, sen-tencing, results, renewal.Judgement Inverted represents: indecision, delay,procrastination, remorse, regrets.

XXI THE WORLDDon’t go around saying the world owes you a living.

The world owes you nothing. It was here first.– Mark Twain

To understand one’s place in the world, it isessential to know thyself. Only through consciousrealization are we free to detach ourselves from theshackles of day-to-day living and observe the uni-verse for the grand design it truly is. How we usethis knowledge is equally important. When at lastyou understand your role in the universe, you willfind the world is ready to r eward you for yourefforts.

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Mastery of one’s self cannot be accomplishedwithout great effort, Because of this, there are manywho would rather try to reshape the world thanchange themselves. What they fail to understand isthat the key to changing the world lies within.

The World represents: the circle, nature, peace,perfection, attainment, self-realization.

The World Inverted represents: ill reward, recom-pense, lack of closure, stagnation, unfinished busi-ness.

3The Minor Arcana

The minor arcana is divided into four suits,similar to traditional playing cards. Each suit isnumbered ace through ten and includes four courtcards. In the Archeon Tarot, the court cards areHerald, Knight, Queen, and King.

The numbered cards are typically seen as eventsor forces which are within the control of the indi-vidual, while the court cards often represent peopleor outside factors that may be exerting an influenceon the situation.

The four suits are Cups, Swords, Pentacles, andWands.

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The Suit of CupsThe suit of Cups is con s i dered to be the

province of the heart and emotions. It is also asso-c i a ted with the el em ent of w a ter, and in theArcheon Tarot, often indicates a more feminineperspective.

ACE OF CUPSAffairs of the heart lead to intrigue

at the masquerade...

Ace of Cups represents: love, pleasure, happiness,tryst, affair, liaison, romance.Ace of Cups inverted re presents: sadness, bore-dom, deceit, the need for change, broken heart,novelty.

TWO OF CUPSHa rm o ny spri n gs from the union of b ody and spiri t . . .

Two of Cups represents: partnership, marriage,friendship, harmonious relationship, engagement.Two of Cups inverted represents: end of relation-ship, divorce, conflict, disagreement, infidelity, mis-trust.

THREE OF CUPSA crow whispers secrets in the shadow of the moon...

Three of Cups represents: pregnancy, merriment,joy, success, victory, good fortune.

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T h ree of Cups inverted rep re s en t s : overi n du l-gence, addiction, infidelity, promiscuity, illness.

FOUR OF CUPSApathy looks on as the world falls away...

Four of Cups represents: dissatisfaction, boredom,withdrawal, empty feelings, resentment.Four of Cups inverted represents: socializing, pos-itive changes, renewal, end of discontent.

FIVE OF CUPSThe cup of sorrows spills its tears upon the ground...

Five of Cups represents: loss, disappointment, cry-ing, feeling unappreciated, lack of trust, unrealisticexpectations, worry.Five of Cups inverted represents: arrival, return,good news, surprise, things looking up.

SIX OF CUPSThe secrets of the Magus become lost in time...

Six of Cups represents: the past, looking back,f aded mem ori e s , d i s a ppe a ra n ce , i n h eri t a n ce ,departed friends.Six of Cups inverted represents: the future, newfriends, a change in attitude, the need to let go ofthe past.

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SEVEN OF CUPSA flight of fantasy carries her over rainbows...

Seven of Cups represents: fantasy, wishful think-i n g, rom a n ti c i s m , i de a s , s en ti m en t , ref l ecti on ,escapism, daydreaming.Seven of Cups inverted represents: realism, deci-s iven e s s , cl a ri ty of t h o u gh t , p l a n s , ded i c a ti on ,resolve.

EIGHT OF CUPSTempest looks back at the destruction in her wake...

Ei ght of Cups rep re s en t s : m oving on , l e avi n g,breaking up, disappointment, confusion, disorien-tation.Eight of Cups inverted represents: trouble withcommitments, boredom with lifestyle, feeling stuckin rut.

NINE OF CUPSIn the hall of the Mountain King,

all that glitters really is gold...

Nine of Cups represents: wealth, material success,riches, financial well-being, desires fulfilled.Nine of Cups inverted represents: greed, superfi-c i a l i ty, s h a ll own e s s , f a u l t s , m i s t a ke s , glut tony,excess.

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TEN OF CUPSEven the mighty hawk paid his respects

during the tea ceremony...

Ten of Cups rep re s en t s : h on or, con s i dera ti on ,e s teem , vi rtu e , true love , h a rm ony, l a s ting happ i n e s s .Ten of Cups inverted represents: lack of respect,sorrow, strife, disputes, combat, opposition, differ-ences.

HERALD OF CUPSIn cel eb ra tion of the news , the Herald of fers her cup. . .

Herald of Cups represents: social invitation, goodideas, good new s, imagination, intuition, youth,confidence.Herald of Cups inverted represents: immaturity,i n s ec u ri ty, i rre s pon s i bi l i ty, l a z i n e s s , cl oi s teri n g,shunning others, inapproachability.

KNIGHT OF CUPSAfraid to look upon such beauty,

the Knight lowered his gaze...

Knight of Cups represents: sensitivity, kindness,bliss, new love, advancement, grace, a poetic nature,seduction.Knight of Cups inverted represents: a conman,fraud, flattery, illusions, deception, lies.

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QUEEN OF CUPSWith a quiet grace, the Queen looked upon

the mysteries of the universe...

Queen of Cups represents: imaginative thinking,kindness, flirtation, intellectuality, culture, refine-ment, wisdom, virtue.Q u een of Cups inverted rep re s en t s : f i ck l en e s s ,gullibility, dependency, indecisiveness, meddlesomeactions, an untrustworthy person.

KING OF CUPSUpon a throne of iron the King of Cups takes counsel with his inner demons...

King of Cups represents: stability, respect, intelli-gence, wisdom, compassion, generosity, reservedcomportment, a deep thinker, liberal attitudes.King of Cups inverted represents: manipulation,narcissism, depression, apathy, dishonesty, sleazi-ness.

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The Suit of SwordsThe suit of Swords is indicative of the mind and

of change or transformation. It is also associatedwith the element of air, and in the Archeon Tarot,often indicates a more masculine perspective.

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ACE OF SWORDSThe power of the crystal skull

remains shrouded in mystery...

Ace of Swords represents: mental energy, focus,courage, fecundity, discipline, clairvoyance.Ace of Swords inverted rep re s en t s : em b a rra s s-ment, folly, illusion, threats, cruelty, emotional con-flicts, undesired results.

TWO OF SWORDSIn her vigilance, the guardian remains steadfast and alone...

Two of Swords rep re s en t s : s t a l em a te , i m p a s s e ,uncertainty, valour, restriction, delay, a guardeddemeanor.Two of Swords inverted represents: false friends,treachery, lies, a coerced decision, avoiding respon-sibility.

THREE OF SWORDSDaggers of deception pierce the heart of faith...

Three of Swords represents: heartache, infidelity,loss, sorrow, rupture, quarrel, separation.Three of Swords inverted represents: an ending tothe pain, the worst is over, recovery, release.

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FOUR OF SWORDSOnly in the aftermath of victory,

could she finally lay down the sword...

Four of Swords represents: rest, relaxation, recov-ery, relief, recuperation, solitude, abandonment.Four of Swords inverted rep resents: healing, arefreshed spirit, revitalization, a recovery.

FIVE OF SWORDSThey attacked by the light of the blood red moon...

Five of Swords represents: defeat, misfortune, hol-low victory, betrayal, sabotage, a sneak attack.Five of Swords inverted represents: vindication,the traitor exposed, the end of an attack.

SIX OF SWORDSIn twilight’s wake, the Naiad drifted along...

Six of Swords represents: an envoy, a messenger,travel, calm waters, smooth sailing, relaxation.Six of Swords inverted rep re s en t s : revel a ti on , su r-pri s e , c a n cell ed travel , a warning of d i f f i c u l ties ahead .

SEVEN OF SWORDSRaven steals the sun and the moon...

Seven of Swords rep re s en t s : c u n n i n g, tri ckery,theft, cheating, cleverness, covetous desire, wishes.Seven of Swords inverted rep re s en t s : a po l ogy,

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constructive criticism, appreciation, prudence, cir-cumspection.

EIGHT OF SWORDSBound to her past by ropes of memory...

Eight of Swords represents: restriction, fear, blame,being trapped, bondage, forced restraint.Eight of Swords inverted represents: release, free-dom, escape, empowerment, overcoming obstacles.

NINE OF SWORDSWithout hope, they watched the dawn in silence...

Nine of Swords represents: despair, worry, pres-sure, guilt, depression, hopelessness, melancholy.Nine of Swords inverted represents: faith, trust,promise, an end to suffering, unfounded fears.

TEN OF SWORDSIn the shadow of the moon, tragedy befalls...

Ten of Swords represents: grief, sorrow, death,tears, failure, defeat, pain, distress.Ten of Swords inverted represents: momentaryadvantage, passing success, perseverance, success atgreat cost.

HERALD OF SWORDSThe Herald appeared before them,

a harbinger of doom...

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Herald of Swords represents: a spy, upsetting news,penetrating insight, quick changes, decisiveness.Herald of Swords inverted rep re s en t s : go s s i p,attack, blackmail, cynicism, suspicion, unexpectedproblems, conspiracy.

KNIGHT OF SWORDSWith cold detachment, she looked upon the

opposition. There would be no challenge here...

Knight of Swords represents: skillfulness, ambi-tion, assertiveness, confidence, coordinated change,control.Kn i ght of Swords inverted rep re s en t s : con cei t ,harsh words, unfair advantage, confrontation, dis-agreement.

QUEEN OF SWORDSShe was as beautiful and as cold

as a sculpture of ice...

Queen of Swords represents: sarcasm, ambition,widowhood, loss, keen insight, determination.Queen of Swords inverted represents: intolerance,misery, resentment, ill-temper, pettiness, bitchiness,cruelty.

KING OF SWORDSThe intensity of his gaze forced

lesser men to turn away...

King of Swords represents: authority, command,

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power, l aw, order, b a l a n ced ju d gem en t , s o u n dadvice.King of Swords inverted represents: intimidation,deviousness, cynicism, injustice, an unfair decision.

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The Suit of PentaclesThe suit of Pentacles represents the body, the

physical world. It is also associated with the elementof earth. In the Archeon Tarot, the suit often indi-cates a more masculine perspective than in the tra-ditional tarot.

ACE OF PENTACLESIn time, Fortune smiles on each of us,

if only for a moment...

Ace of Pentacles represents: good fortune, content-ment, prosperity, comfort, successful ventures.Ace of Pentacles inverted represents: greed, miser-liness, poor planning, bad investments, loss.

TWO OF PENTACLESThe juggler of worlds keeps

the universe in motion...

Two of Pentacles represents: ups and downs, tur-moil, loss of balance, being pulled apart, jugglingfinances.

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Two of Pentacles inverted represents: debt, beingoverwhelmed, mishandling funds, impulsiveness.

THREE OF PENTACLESBefore the grandeur of the gods, time stands still...

Three of Pentacles represents: accomplishment,nobility, high standards, dignity, rank, power.Th ree of Pen t acles inverted repre s en t s : l ack ofambition, half-hearted effort, negative assessmentof performance.

FOUR OF PENTACLESHer passion sets the world ablaze...

Four of Pentacles represents: pleasure, enjoyment,satisfaction, guarding one’s possessions, security.Four of Pentacles inverted represents: a miser,worry, money troubles, disinterest in possessions.

FIVE OF PENTACLESAt the edge of time and space she waits...

Five of Pen t a cles rep re s en t s : re s t , rel a x a ti on , m ed i-t a ti on , rel i ef , vac a ti on , s weetn e s s , s i n ceri ty, s eren i ty.Five of Pentacles inverted represents: weariness,exhaustion, illness, withdrawal, rejection.

SIX OF PENTACLESLike gold at the bottom of the wishing well...

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Six of Pentacles represents: presents, gifts, a bonus,an inheritance, treasure, investments.Six of Pen t a cles inverted rep re s en t s : wi s h f u lthinking, desires, need, wasteful spending, stingi-ness, debt.

SEVEN OF PENTACLESAt peace in the garden of golden delight...

Seven of Pentacles represents: period of growth,patience, waiting, planning, nurturing.Seven of Pentacles inverted represents: anxiety,melancholy, hopelessness, an expectant outlook.

EIGHT OF PENTACLESWrought in the fires of industry...

Eight of Pentacles represents: craftsmanship, skill,training, apprenticeship, labor, fulfilling work.Ei ght of Pen t a cles inverted rep re s en t s : a falseexpert, cheating, misuse of skills, unemployment.

NINE OF PENTACLESThe Titan awakens...

Nine of Pentacles represents: eye of the tiger, self-confidence, self-sufficiency, well-deserved success,pride.Nine of Pentacles inverted represents: poor deci-sions, financial setbacks, foolish actions, loss, show-ing off.

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TEN OF PENTACLESIt was a marvel of engineering,

that castle in the clouds...

Ten of Pentacles represents: castle in the clouds,comfort, wealth, security, home, domicile.Ten of Pen t a cles inverted rep re s en t s : robbery,family disputes, money problems, violation.

HERALD OF PENTACLESWith his horn, he signaled the

beginning of an age of prosperity...

Herald of Pentacles represents: new enterprise orbusiness venture, good financial news, beginning ofeducation.Herald of Pentacles inverted represents: unexpect-ed ex pen s e , rebell i o u s n e s s , m ood i n e s s , l a z i n e s s ,profusion, waste.

KNIGHT OF PENTACLESFor generations, his family has served the king...

Kn i ght of Pen t a cles rep re s en t s : depen d a bi l i ty,practicality, trustworthiness, convention, persever-ance.Knight of Pentacles inverted represents: compla-cency, tedium, lack of progress, idleness, apathy,depression.

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QUEEN OF PENTACLESAll were invited to the Queen’s jubilee,

it was the most lavish affair yet...

Queen of Pentacles represents: generosity, liberali-ty, sensuality, abundance, resourcefulness, wealth.Q u een of Pen t acles inverted repre s en t s : greed ,dependency, sense of entitlement, irresponsibility,consumption.

KING OF PENTACLESHe was a fair King and a just man,

and that is how he will be remembered...

King of Pentacles represents: commitment, organ-ization, stability, success, gentleness, kindness.King of Pentacles inverted represents: lack of goodbusiness sense, fraud, dishonesty, greed.

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The Suit of WandsThe suit of Wands is connected with passion

and spiri tu a l i ty. It is also assoc i a ted with the el em en tof fire. In the Archeon Tarot, the suit often indicatesa more feminine perspective than in traditionaltarot.

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ACE OF WANDSThe scepter was only a symbol of their power...

Ace of Wands represents: origin, source, begin-nings, optimism, inventiveness, enthusiasm, drive, anew venture.Ace of Wands inverted represents: powerlessness,impotence, vexation, pessimism, delays, difficulties.

TWO OF WANDSBy their light, she made her way

through the forest of deceit...

Two of Wands represents: good start, on the rightpath, staying the course, determination, focus.Two of Wands inverted represents: loss of interest,misgivings, straying from the path, disillusionment.

THREE OF WANDSFavored of Epona, his was a sacred duty...

Three of Wands represents: enterprise, nobility,great purpose, dignity, aspirations.Three of Wands inverted represents: overconfi-dence, pride, arrogance, creative block, impossibleexpectations.

FOUR OF WANDST h o se who saw the Ph oenix rem em ber well that day. . .

Four of Wands represents: rebirth, escape, renew-al, joy, evolution, transfiguration, vivification.

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Four of Wands inverted rep re s en t s : c a ptivi ty,decay, imprisonment, abandonment, feeling usedup, exhausted resources, ruin.

FIVE OF WANDSThough we could not see him,

we sensed our enemy’s presence...

Five of Wands represents: rivalry, conflict, chal-lenge, struggle, opposition.Five of Wands inverted represents: triumph, relief,achievement, ascendancy.

SIX OF WANDSThey raised their spears in tribute to the fallen...

Six of Wands represents: triumph, success, con-quest, achievement, reward, victory.Six of Wands inverted represents: failure, loss,defeat, subjugation, submission.

SEVEN OF WANDSIn that sacred grove, strange rituals werecarried out under the gaze of the moon...

Seven of Wands rep re s en t s : s tren g t h , s o l i d i ty,undaunted courage, determination, a formidableperson.Seven of Wands inverted represents: lost cause,doubt, indecision, passivity, vulnerability.

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EIGHT OF WANDSEcstasy unbridled...

Ei ght of Wands rep re s en t s : exc i tem en t , bl i s s ,euphoria, rapture, ecstasy, nirvana, pleasure.Eight of Wands inverted rep resents: dysphoria,melancholy, depression, apathy, diminishment.

NINE OF WANDSOne by one, they aligned themselves with the stars...

Nine of Wands rep re s en t s : order, d i s c i p l i n e , adefensive attitude, guarding oneself.Nine of Wands inverted represents: defenseless,being caught off guard, refusal to compromise,unrealistic plans.

TEN OF WANDSThere can be no mistaking it; this was left as a warning...

Ten of Wands rep re s en t s : w a rn i n g, d i s su a s i on ,advice, declaration, guidance, caution.Ten of Wands inverted represents: treachery, sub-terfuge, duplicity, deceit, chicanery.

HERALD OF WANDSShe embraced the flame as a sign for all to see...

Herald of Wands represents: good news, pleasure,satisfaction, optimism, vigor, excitement.

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Herald of Wands inverted represents: ill news, dis-pleasure, broken heart, worry, chagrin.

KNIGHT OF WANDSAs he looked to the adventures ahead,

a smile crossed his lips...

Knight of Wands represents: change, departure,separation, new ideas and experiences, new direc-tions.Kn i ght of Wands inverted rep re s en t s : foo l i s hhaste, indecision, disruption, rapid change.

QUEEN OF WANDSHer faith in us shined like a beacon

in the dark of night...

Queen of Wands represents: courage, enterprise,confidence, success, independence.Queen of Wands inverted represents: cowardice,j e a l o u s y, a demanding pers on , env y, bi t tern e s s , p a ra-n oi a , i rri t a bi l i ty.

KING OF WANDSWhen at last he rested,

he knew the action had been justified...

King of Wands rep re s en t s : m a tu ri ty, a m bi ti on ,passion, loyalty, professionalism, education.King of Wands inverted represents: severity, con-troversy, arrogance, insensitivity, ruthlessness.

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How to Read theArcheon Tarot

There are many styles and variations of the Tarot,and a seemingly equal number of variant ways toread the cards. Most beginners learn by using the“Celtic Cross” spread outlined below. When a cardappears in a reading, any number of the meaningsrepresented by that card may apply to the situation.

THE CELTIC CROSS SPREAD

The querent who is consulting the cards shouldhave a question in mind. Once the cards have beenshuffled, and the querent is satisfied, the reader willspread the top ten cards of the deck out as shown onthe opposite page.

These ten po s i ti ons have trad i ti onal namesreferring to a sphere of life on both outer and innerlevels as follows:

1 . Covering Ca rd su ggests the basic issue of the re ad-ing and the su rrounding influ en ces at pre s en t .

2. Crossing Card symbolizes what may lay across thequerent’s path which needs to be acknowledgedand integrated.

3 . The Root su ggests the fo u n d a ti on of the qu e s ti on ,h owever the underlying base may be uncon s c i o u s .

4. The Recent Past are influences from the past thatare affecting the present.

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5. Possible Outcomes crowns the small cross madeby cards 1 & 2 and symbolizes the goals andi deals of the qu eren t , h owever, it may alsodescribe the inspiration of the higher self.

6. Future Influence describes what lies ahead orwhat could unfold, as well as the ability to takethe action needed.

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1

2

5

3

64

7

8

9

10

7. Self amplifies card 1 by describing the attitudes,ideals, strengths, and weaknesses of the querentat this time.

8. Environment indicates the attitudes and opin-ions friends and relatives have about the presentc i rc u m s t a n ce s ; mutual proj ecti ons and theinfluence of others.

9. Hopes and Fears constellate the hopes, fears,anxieties, and overall emotional outlook.

10. Ou tcome is the re s o luti on and the culminati on ofthe ch oi ces and acti ons taken .

Take your time to amplify each card, paying atten-tion to your innermost feelings, reactions, andthoughts. The many symbols of Celestial Tarot willcontinue to help to awaken the imagination and theunconscious process.

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About the authorTi m o t hy Lantz is a full time web devel oper / gra ph i ca rtist with degrees in Art Edu c a ti on and Com-mu n i c a ti on s . Du ring his career he has worked on ava ri ety of proj ect s , i n cluding we a t h er maps, tel evi-s i on com m erc i a l s , book covers and Ta rot card s . TheArcheon Tarot is his first major publication.

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More information about the artist, Timothy Lantz,can be found on his website at:

http://www.stygiandarkness.com

Further information about the Archeon Tarot can befound on the web at:

http://www.archeontarot.com

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A c k n o w l e d g e m e n t sSpecial Thanks to Eden Miller and Katrina Lehto,without whom this deck probably wouldn’t havebecome a reality.

Thanks to the following models who went aboveand beyond in dedicating their time and talents tothis project: Azcra, Carolyne Malone, ChelleFire,Coronal Rain, Eden Miller.

Some of the tex tu res used on this proj ect wereprovi ded by Jeremy A . E n gl em a n , u s ed with perm i s-s i on .

Thanks to Bill for pointing out the ChristopherShy book cover.

Also thanks to the cult of archeon: alienari,ardentfemale, arikara, azcra, bajema, blosmtx, dark-song, erisian_fields, fylgjastennu, grocible, gypsysp,hu rric a n e _ a my, ken s a n _ on i , l i l tu rt l e , l i t h era ,m ad _ el a n or, m a m o u l i a n , m i h ri m a h , m oon s wi rl ,p a perhu rt s , ra bbi tch i l d , robo t a n gel , s el f i s h mu s e ,s i n i s terk i s s , su prs ym m etry, t a x , t h e _ myt h _ eve ,thistlelurid, tommx, vivnsect

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