News/Views

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New Pod Cast with Peter Micheal Dedes

Hi Friends, I really enjoyed this pod cast from last week with Peter Micheal Dede where we talk about all things related to the Tarot, focusing on those types of mystic transformation that happen to us and act as glimpses into the infinite, treasures of hope and faith, and moments of truth, wonder, and beauty.

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Tarot Card Meanings: The Eight of Cups

The Millennium Thoth Tarot by Renata Lechner

When you draw the Eight of Cups, you have temporal (or worldly) problems and because of these problems, your emotional state is grim, sad, and despairing.

Okay, so you have problems such as a wayward child who is falling behind in school or a spouse who is unemployed or you have a job/career that is going nowhere. These problems are real and not just made up…well, welcome to the club!

Who doesn’t have problems? Problems are a factual, necessary, and vital part of the human condition. Accept it.

But in this emotional state that the Eight of Cups illustrates, you are more likely to look at others and contrast their lives to yours thinking that those people are so lucky! And then you start to feel sorry for yourself. You may even be spiralling into a full‑blown depression and the resulting inaction that is a precursor to total darkness and suffering.

This card is a warning for you to stop this dangerous slide into darkness that you are on.

The first thing to remember (and I know that this is hard to do) is that you are responsible for your own happiness—no one else is. And truly, you do not want it any other way.

Next, as mentioned previously, is to understand that problems, heart‑ache, and troubles are part of the human condition. They are not going to go away. And truly, you do not want life to be perfect. Perfection is not what we humans are made for. When we seek perfection, we will never be happy. As Michael J. Fox has said, “I try for excellence, not perfection. Perfection belongs to God.”

Finally, you need to see that although you have every right to feel sorry for yourself, you also have an obligation to seek happiness because “the purpose of life,” as the Dalai Lama says, “is to be happy.” But happiness as he also says, “Is not ready-made.” In other words, we need to be the principal actor or mover in our own happiness.

Typically, when we are in this emotional state that the Eight of Cups represents, we forget these three lessons and thus, we need to be reminded that we are still fundamentally okay. Our life is still ours to live and experience. The future still can be bright for us and others.

All this realization is the fundamental workings of faith. Is our faith strong enough to kick in and see us through? Yes, it is. As Jesus said, ““Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20-21.

So carry on, friends. Through thick and thin there are few things as important as faith.

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The Two of Cups

Millennium Thoth Tarot: Renata Lechner

The Two of Cups is wonderland of intimacy. We are not meant to live alone.
Even when we are by ourselves, we are—or should be—intimately connected
spiritually with the Universe (the One, the Creator, God, etc.) But this card
refers more to physical intimacy with the parts of Universe’s creations, rather
than the metaphysical and spiritual connection that we have with The Universe.

One of the harshest punishments that we can deal to other humans (and
indeed, all the Universe’s creations such as plants and animals) is to separate
them in isolation from others. And the harshest spiritual punishment is
isolation from God. That is Hell.

We need intimacy; we crave intimacy; we whither away without it. This is
part of the reason why we feel so badly when an intimate partner leaves us for
whatever reason. That is why we feel so good when in love. That is why we are
so elated when a new intimacy comes into our lives.

When we draw the Two of Cups, it joyfully heralds this new intimacy coming
into our lives. It may be the classic boy/girl romance of cuddles, kisses, and
joining together of mind, body, and spirit, but it also could also herald any
number of other types of intimacy and intimate relationships such as we may
form with people, places, animals, etc. 

We are not meant to wonder lonely, alone, and bitter. We need these deep,
intimate, emotional connections. We feel, in these kinds of infinite loving
moments, a reflection of the deeper mystical, metaphysical loving connection
that we have with the Universe that created us and provides us with our forever
home.

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January 25, 2024

The Ace of Pentacles is an encouraging blessing from the Universe to do what you love and what defines you: the benefits will be there with you as well. It’s not necessarily to make your life easier, but easier does not always mean better. We thrive on challenges and are built for them as soon as we enter this life. Conflicts that face us when we are doing what we love to do and enriching, enlightening, and encouraging. And remember, we are not in competition with each other. Do not compare or contrast yourself with anyone. Just do you own thing. As Charles M. Schultz says, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

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The Power of Praise

In the Ukrainian Catholic Church in which I was raised, during the mass, the congregation frequently would say in worship, “Blessed be the Lord God of all Creation, forever and ever, amen.”

There is a kind of power in this type of praise that can turn us out of a bad mood when the world looks dark and gloomy, prospects seem limited, and the light of hope burns low. After all, we do not see the world the way it is: we see the world the way we are.

This simple phrase can spark a Hallelujah moment that turns us around to see the wonder and beauty of the world again, fill our hearts with hope, and help us forward on the path as Children of the Universe.

We sometime just need to look deeply at anything around us to see the amazing detail and beauty that is present in all creation (from a floating spec of white fluff to a full grown evergreen) while engaging with this phrase of praise and thanks to get back on track with energy, hope, light, and strength.

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MysticaFair in Kelowna, September 16

Hi Friends,

I will be doing Tarot readings at this wonderful event next Saturday. You can book ahead of time with me, if desired. Cheers!

There will be 10 other amazing metaphysical practitioners here as well. Please see online for more information.

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On Magic, Miracle, Pride, and Prayer

On Magic, Miracle, Pride, and Prayer – Marv Machura

When my grandfather first showed me how to find water with a willow stick, I thought that it was magic. And it was and still is.

The first time I heard someone play guitar and sing, I also thought it was magic. And it also was and still is.

My first steps forward in becoming both a magician and musician were holding that willow stick and reverencing that guitar.  Many other metaphysical and physical steps followed these initiations, bringing me to where I am today. I cannot take more than 50% of the credit or 50% of the blame or fame for my current destination!

The transformations manifested by these steps are both magical and miraculous; they are predicated on both fate and flaw; they (through conflict and resolution) tell a story as real as our lives.

Magic is, thus, the bringing together of the certain vibrations of the universe creating harmony and synergy, and then, amplifying this harmony to produce an effect. In this definition, things like baking bread, growing a plant, fixing a car are examples of people practicing magic.

Typically, people think that magic is something otherworldly and metaphysical because it goes beyond the physical effect and explanation. For example, baking a perfect loaf of bread produces a physical effect with a clear explanation whereas telling the future with Tarot cards or finding underground water with a willow stick is less so. Nevertheless, they are similar processes, and both are examples of magic.

We learn magic; we practice it, and our lives become magical—as our lives are. Whether we are baking bread, blessing the bread and wine at communion, or mesmerizing an audience with a song, it is the same process and conclusion.

Miracles are also examples of magic, but miracles are not like those magical things that we typically practice and do, like baking bread or reading cards, where we often lose the miraculous underpinning of these effects we bring about.

Miracles typically happen without our volition and more‑direct involvement. For example, it is miraculous when we pray for a sick relative who then makes an inexplicable recovery. Or when we miss an airplane crash by being delayed on the way to the airport by traffic and thus missing the doomed flight.

Miracles are thus not only mostly immune from our human pride or hubris, but also are antithetical to hubris. They are events that can make us get down on our knees thanking the Universe (God) in complete humility and gratefulness.

All magic is predicated by miracles, and it is best to keep this in mind. Our birth and life are a miracle. And all outcomes of our lives, whether this be loaves of fresh bread or records with hit songs, are underpinned by miraculous metaphysical energy. This is to say, as already mentioned, we cannot take all the credit or the blame for the outcomes for which we strive. Whenever we do, troubles, tragedy, and loss result.

The problem with magic, then, is that it leads too easily to excessive, damnable pride. This happens when we forget that miracle (not our doing) and magic (our doing) both need to be qualified with an overriding faith and love in the greater power through which we live our best lives.

Many books and experts on magic (or any kind of self-help advice and teachings) will have the querant believe that magic is not underpinned by this first principle. They make it seem like the rituals, practices, and techniques of magic are in the full control of the magician—and this can never be. This is to say, that they tell us that the practices or rituals of magic, for example, concentrating on or chanting a specific goal or spell while lighting a blessed candle, are the actions that will make the goal or spell manifest itself in our lives. Yes, this kind of magical practice will help the effect come into being, but the operative word is “help.” We must remain humble and never believe or think that it is our doing alone that has the power to make it happen.

As a musician, for example, I know that my best performances occur when I entirely lose my ego and become a channel or a medium for the music of the Universe. For me, there are few things that are more humbling and instructive in this regard as when I experience this feeling of being a clear channel having the highest power (The Universe) operating through me. But I could go on with many other examples that are less dramatic, such as giving Tarot advice to someone, making a perfect pizza, or climbing a hillside. The best times in all these activities are when I know and feel that I am not creating or living alone: the higher power is not only with me, but also is helping me, blessing my path forward toward some greater good.

In my book, The Five-Card Pentagram Tarot, I use the term “The Universe” to represent and name the greater, higher, and ultimate power. This greater power, of course, goes by many names that I also use in my life. I am equally comfortable using terms such as the “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,” “Allah,” “Jehovah,” “The Force,” “God,” “The One,” and “The Great Spirit.” I chose to use “The Universe” because this term has, perhaps, the least baggage and connotations that have accumulated over time, and I hope that it can thus put us closer to loving, reverencing, and living with the Heavenly higher power, rather than living in the Hell (wrongful, prideful, and sinful) that results when we live without this higher power.


Pride rises when people performing any kind of magic start thinking and practicing that, somehow, they are able to do what they do without the loving and merciful blessing of the Universe or God—the supreme force and energy that is the foundation of all creation and life.

When this happens, it is very, very dangerous because this is when souls are lost as expressed best in the words “How shall it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul?” (Mark 8:36)

Nothing creative or magical is possible without the higher power—whatever we conceive it/him/her to be.

“Thy will be done” is crux and cross of it all. The best magic that we can do as humans is to choose to qualify all our desired outcomes beneath this higher law. When we do not do this, trouble, destruction, chaos, etc. results.

All of this is bad stuff is predicated on our pride.

Another way to look at this is that we are not God. We are children of God. And as attributed to Jesus (Matthew 18:3), “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Too many magicians, musicians, and people in general, who scale the heights of fame and fortune in particular, go down the wrong path with sinful pride when they think that it is only through their practices, volition, and rituals that these wonderful outcomes have come to be.

This is why in my book, The Five-Card Pentagram Tarot, I qualify all fortunes of the Tarot with a type of mediation or prayer in the introduction to each section of the book that acknowledges that all metaphysical creative, helpful energy comes from the higher power that is deserving of acknowledgement, reverence, awe, and love.

As I say many times in my book and life, “We are not meant to live alone.” And this applies mostly to our relationship with this higher, supreme power as children of the Universe (or God), in a manner that extinguishes our pride and belief that anything is possible—on our own, without the involvement, acknowledgement, and love of the “One” or whatever we conceive this force to be.

With excessive pride, as described above, we separate ourselves from the One or The Universe. Separation from the Universe is Hell itself. It is also evil and cultivates more evil. Evil can never be creative—only destructive. It is not a coincidence that the word “evil” is “live” spelled backwards.

In Kabbalistic traditions, Keter, is the topmost Sephirah of the Tree of Life. Keter is described as being beyond our power to comprehend. It is also described as the most compassionate, most powerful, etc. Keter, in the Tree of Life, is one important way that we, as humans, have conceptualized our place as Children of the Universe to illustrate and apprehend what is essentially and necessarily beyond and above us.

Personally, I have always found prayer to be the most powerful type of spell, meditation, and joy. Prayer is the antidote for pride. Prayer starts and ends with humility.

“Thy will be done” is the opposite of “my will be done.” And this is where, I believe, that many of us go wrong. There is nothing wrong with doing things such as casting spells, writing affirmations, burning candles, waving wands, chanting, collecting crystals, burning incense, reading Tarot Cards, etc. There is nothing wrong with these practices unless they lose “Keter” or “God” or whatever it is that we use to help us conceive, know, and practice that we are “Children of the Universe.”

I believe this is why magic is such a dangerous practice. It is full of temptation to perform evil. For example, placing a hex or curse on someone can become a temptation that we are too weak to resist. In this way, magic is somewhat like money and political/business power. When we have the power of money or position, it also presents us with temptations that we are too weak to resist.

Just because we can curse someone with magic, or we can bully/destroy someone at work does not mean that should do so. When we do fall for these temptations, we are also going down that path of pride and related loss of soul for our personal, selfish gain, ripping ourselves away from that loving connection with Keter, the Universe, God, etc.

Our lives should be a magical working that brings us ever closer to the Universe—not away from it. The prayer, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from Evil.” (Matthew 6; 11-13) is as succinct as it is important in ensuring that we stay connected and never travel on our journey alone.

As I say in my book when writing about the final card in the series of major mysteries, The Universe, “Does it get any better than to feel intimately connected with the Universe? Is there anything higher than helping the Universe move and turn in harmony, grace, and love?”

Marv Machura

July 2023

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Summer Readings!

I know that mid-summer is generally at time for rest and reflection, but it can also be a good time to have a reading to prepare for the upcoming fall season when actions such as career and love start to pick up again. Cheers friends!

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St Patrick’s Day! March 17

The Christian/Catholic Saint, Patrick, is famous for converting people of Ireland from their older religion to the newer Catholic one. This day, March 17, is supposedly the day of his death, but as with most new religious days of celebration, it follows from the older religion that it replaced.

March 17 is right in the middle of that range of busy dates from March 15-21. The Ides of March to the Spring Equinox.

These dates are ripe with similar celebrations that have been passed down through the millennia, and as such, there is a lot going on here.

The Green Man by Dellamorteco

Without going into too much detail here, suffice it to say, that this week’s celebrations all have to do with joy, intoxication, fertility, sexuality, re-birth, luck, and blessings for the upcoming new year (spring) and the end of the winter.

It is deeply rooted in our human DNA to be thus engaged this time of year. To deny these feelings, celebrations, and blessings is just plain wrong! We are, after all, children of the Universe and as such, we are deeply connected to the turning of our Earth in its orbit around the sun that causes the seasons change from winter to spring!

So get out there and celebrate, let loose, have fun, enjoy yourself. Connect with the green—the colour of material wellness, wealth, fertility, life, growth, luck, joy, etc.!

Vesna (Slavic Goddess of Spring) by Arsdeis
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Soon to be Released

Hi Friends,

This episode of Closer to Venus will soon be released. I will let you know when. Cheers!

I sat down with John Burke, the host, for over an hour as we talked about the Tarot and its wonders.

Closer to Venus Podcast
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Nine of Swords

We do not see the world the way the world is–we see the world the way we are.

The Nine of Swords

Renata Lechner: the Millennium Thoth Tarot

The 9 of Swords Poem by Marv Machura (click for PDF Version)

Let the rain come down

From this cloud-filled sky

And storm-filled mind

To wash away those dark, cloudy

Thoughts resident, painful,

And blocking.

Let the curtains of clouds

And daggers of pain

Melt and dissolve

As if these wet drops

Were a shower of uric acid  

Removed from blood

Ready to cycle back

Pure, clean, and ruddy.

Let this rain cleanse the dark

And thick clouds of their weighty load

Lightening the sky

And heavy heart.

Marv Machura

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MysticaFair

Hi Friends,

Here’s an article that the Morningstar graciously published in their newspaper! The news worthy aspect is the upcoming MysticaFair in Vernon this coming Saturday.

It is true that many musician’s like myself have higher than average rates of psychic abilities. This is because as musicians (and especially songwriters like myself) we are tuning into the metaphysical vibrations of the Universe the in art and practice of music in a more direct way than other professions. Nicolas Tesla said that to understand the Universe, we need to think in terms of vibration, frequency, and energy. This is music: vibration (tone), frequency (notes), energy (dynamics/amplitude).

Vernon Morningstar Article

PDF of Article on Me and the MysticAfair

Marv Machura can read more than just music. The local musician can also read minds and tarot cards.

“Many musicians are also psychics,” said Machura, who is also an author. “It’s just that I decided to go professional with it during the COVID crisis due to the lack of live music.”

Machura will be among a small collective of psychics at the Centre for Spiritual Living in Vernon for Saturday’s Psychic Fair.

This psychic and healing arts fair (MysticAfair) is part of an original project started by one of the Okanagan’s premier practicing psychics, Alara Serait.

“In 2020 and the COVID crisis, MysticAfair reinvented itself into the Little Psychic Fair that is more intimate and friendly than some of the bigger psychic fairs that I was running before 2020,” she said.

The MysicAfair events have steadily grown in popularity, especially over the past year, said Serait.

MysticAfair is a collective of psychic and metaphysical practitioners with Seriat featuring various psychics and crafters for each event, so each is unique.

The Psychic Fair starts at 12 p.m. and goes until 6 p.m. at 2913 29th Ave. Admission is $5. For more information, visit mysticafair.com.

The fairs take place monthly, alternating between Vernon and Kelowna.

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Tuesday!

Tuesday is named after the Norse God, Tyr.  Tyr’s Day.

Tyr

French, Japanese, Roman, and many other cultures associate this day with action, battle, and engagement. Tyr is a warrior god who leashed the great wolf. So, this association of Tuesday with action, career, and successful engagement is natural and firmly entrenched.

Also, Tuesday is ruled by the planet of action and energy, Mars. As such, Tuesday is a great day for getting things done. In French and Spanish, Tuesday is still called Mars’s day: Marde and Martes, respectively.

Monday (Moon’s Day) is partly about setting an emotional and mystical tone for the week, and Tuesday is about putting that tone into action.

Tuesday is thus, a good day to launch and go forward with projects, make decisions, and get ahead, especially when it comes to our career.

The energy of Tuesday can help us make progress in all areas of our life.

The Universe blesses those actions that align with our passions, identity, and purpose. So, if nothing more, Tuesday is a good day to indulge in those things about which we are passionate and those things that define us. And it also is a good day to assess our life’s alignment with our passions and identity if feeling somewhat lost or aimless.

We can use the energy of Tuesday to get a clearer picture about what we want to accomplish. We can also use this energy to do something to make progress toward that goal.  

This day is blessed with positive energy! We can access this metaphysical power to give us the energy and drive that we need to travel on toward our destiny.

Marv Machura www.universe-psychic.com

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Eclipse

This poem is from my book: Wonder. You can purchase this book as a ebook on all online book-selling platforms or directly from me at [email protected]

The Wonder of an Eclipse

Credit: Sebastian Voltmer

Eclipse

Click above for the poem

Science often considers it quite remarkable that the disk of the moon and sun are positioned such that when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, its disk perfectly covers the disk of the sun.  The fit is perfect—not out by a fraction of a fraction.  When this “eclipse” happens, we call the dark shadow on earth the “umbra.”  In the umbra, people experience the darkness of early evening or morning.  The brighter stars become visible, and due to the cooling effect of the shadow, a wind begins to blow.  Also during this strange darkness, animals such as dogs and cats behave in erratic ways, usually expressing strange, unusual noises.

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MysticAFair Upcoming!

Mark this one down in your Calendars, friends! A magical Fair in a magical place with magical practitioners! I hope to see you there. Cheers!

Mark this one down in your Calendars, friends! A magical Fair in a magical place with magical practitioners! I hope to see you there. Cheers!

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A Magical Market in Lake Country This Thursday!

Hi Friends, I will be at this Magical Market in Lake Country this Thursday (February 9). It promises to be a wonderful, enchanted, and mystical evening for all. I will be there reading cards, talking about the Tarot, and selling my books: Wonder and the The Five-Card Pentagram Tarot. Get in touch with me or the market for other information. It’s best to reserve your tickets prior to Thursday. Cheers!

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The Prince of Pentacles

A deep dive into The Prince of Pentacles Tarot Card

Card and deck created by Renata Lechner: The Millennium Thoth Tarot

Lo Scarabeo Publishing

by Marv Machura

The Prince of Pentacles

     The first thing that gets our attention, aside from the stunningly beautiful Prince of Pentacles himself, is the gentle green colours of the background, figure (shield), and foreground in this card. Green is an ambiguous colour in this presentation. Yes, it is good and green, but it is also shadowy and dark. There are great things here in abundance, but they are not given to us for free or without temptation for us to go astray with all these blessings.

     As we look at this card, as if we are standing in front of the prince and his ox‑pulled wagon, we feel a personal trial or challenge upon us. Our first meeting with the Prince of Pentacles is somewhat confrontational, but not in an unnatural or bad way.

      The same is true if we put ourselves in the position of the prince, himself. We feel the same misgivings fixed against the overall goodness of the situation. This is like when entering a new land or situation as a stranger with our immense potential by our side. We can see this great potential illustrated by the full cart that travels with the prince and in other aspects of the card. We hear the undercurrents say, “Go on, prove yourself. You are welcome here, but…”

     The glowing green background sets us in a place of newness and plenty. The welcoming green circular carpet in the foreground is replete with impressions of safety, home, and comfort. The pentagram‑inscribed green shield of the chariot wagon gives us pause as well as restrained peace. At times like this during a planned transformation of entering a new land literally or metaphorically with all our accoutrements, skills, material wealth (and potential), we are compelled to feel excitement mixed with measured anxiety as illustrated in this card.

      The Prince of Pentacles sits in a chariot full of fruits and seeds. These fruits and seeds are symbolic of growth and opportunity. Nevertheless, over‑indulgence and temptation lurk in this abundance. Thus, we need to be especially careful to avoid these temptations as we travel onward.

      As a tree is known by its fruit, so are we known by our works. This principle fills this card with provocative meanings. It is time to embrace engagement and productivity but also time to be careful that our works are good and not evil. Noxious fruits will grow out of excessive pride, greed, and arrogance. Wholesome fruits will grow out of self‑control, kindness, gentleness, love, and joy.

      The posture of the prince is firm and strong, yet he is looking downward in a show of humility and thankfulness. This modesty and gratitude assure us of goodness of spirit. This promise of goodness is also reflected in the golden colours of the fruits, seeds, and background glow that emanates from the cart.

     The seeds, specifically, in the chariot represent potential, embryonic power, and life to be. These seeds combine with other visual elements in the card such as the wheels on the chariot and the moving-forward aspect of figure and ground to create a strong sense of both conceivable and achievable objectives that can and will blossom with time, consistent effort, and continued determination.

     The fact that the prince is seated in a chariot represents his power to overcome obstacles with resolve, courage, focus, and willpower. It also reinforces important aspects of forward material progress such as ambition, motivation, control with a desirable balance between our heart and our mind.

     The prince’s strong, nude body represents fertility and fecundity. This nude representation helps to show us that this prince is in the youthful prime of his manhood with its glory and potential on display; yet importantly, the prince’s body language is modest showing us that the Prince of Pentacles is only dimly aware of his own condition and potential greatness. This unawareness and innocence are strong bulwarks against all the negative effects that can flow from pomposity, arrogance, and conceit. These negative tendencies springing from self‑aggrandizement can be particularly tragic when manifested in the mind and body of a young person.

     Bull and ox imagery in this card is readily apparent and can be seen in the ox pulling the chariot, two bull tattoos on the prince (chest and left leg), and the winged bull on the helm of the prince’s helmet. The bull represents wealth and abundance. It also represents strength, power, ferocity, stubbornness, and tyranny. The ox represents slow and steady progress. Thus, this card reminds us of the potent mixture formed by combining sheer epic strength (the bull) with resolute determination (the ox). Little can stand in the way of the forward progress of those who possess and practice these characteristics.

     The bull imagery in the Prince of Pentacles also connects this card to the zodiac constellation of Taurus. Taurus makes the connection with things of a material nature and of the earth which is appropriate for the suit of Pentacles. The Taurus traits of love, friendship, luxury, and money all flow from this card’s imagery, as do traits of dependability, loyalty, and pride in one’s home and family. These aspects of comfort, beauty, and homelife are represented well by the circular pattern on the Persian carpet on which the prince appears to travel and is grounded.

     The prince holds a scepter with a sphere surmounted by an iron cross in his right hand. This globus crucifer (cross-bearing orb) is a symbol of authority in the Christ-like sense of authority to serve and sacrifice for the benefit of others. Not all globus crucifers feature an iron cross. The iron cross is a symbol of the highest bravery and courage, especially in defence of home and country which adds to the Prince of Pentacles many fine and extraordinary qualities.

     In his left hand the prince holds a large golden sphere with a smaller square in its center as well as finely‑drawn longitudinal and equatorial lines. This represents the steady passage of time. This sphere reflects how the earth turns and we experience days that eventually turn into seasons which in turn slowly and steadily become years. However, the inevitable passage of time and change is balanced with the cube inscribed in the center of this sphere showing how stability and permanence are maintained despite this spinning earth on which we live.

     The ornate carvings on the chariot and large Celtic floral design on the disk separating the ox from the chariot all confirm and reflect the love of things natural and beautiful such as flowers and art. Again, with the relationship to Taurus and its idiosyncrasies, these things are especially valued when used to enhance any home or means of travel as suggested in this card’s imagery.

     So in conclusion, this card encourages us to move forward with strength, humility, gratitude, and energy. Be assured that we will be fortified by all those forces and elements described herein.

     The Universe has filled our present with an auspicious and blessed beginning. Take it easy; go forward; enjoy.  All should be well. Stay humble. Focus on the big picture and be grateful. Life is going to be not only better, but also much more interesting. Roll on.

Marv Machura

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A Green Comet Comes Our Way

Hi Friends,

All things else being equal, comets are harbingers of big changes coming to our planet and our lives. And these comet-announced changes are not the gradual evolutionary changes that are always ongoing. Comets announce dramatic and sudden changes that bring a dramatic period of upheaval, death, and rebirth in a relatively short span of time.

Typically, comets predict big changes in governorship, politics, etc. So this new comet will likely follow this same pattern.

This is not a bad thing unless you are the one currently in power and you are about to disposed. Also bad is if you are a part of the old, entrenched order and are about to be replaced with something new.

The colour green is strongly associated with Muslim/Arab ruled countries and governments. As such, I predict that this comet is sign for significant upheaval in Muslim/Arab ruled states. I see significant changes ahead for this part of the world starting with revolutionary and violent upheavals that will not only disrupt the entrenched order but also replace it with a new, younger, and more vital system of government.

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The Fool (From my book The Five Card Pentagram Tarot)

“Just keep taking chances and having fun.” – Garth Brooks

     When you draw the Fool, your spirit will soon be adventurous, energized, and cheerful. Your spirit will want to step out of its ordinary routine and comfort zone, and you should listen to and follow this desire. These steps that you will take have good energy and the potential to dramatically alter the direction of your life in wholesome and exciting ways. So be confident that whatever you do will work out well for your spirit. As the first card in the Trump suit, the Fool can be seen as representing the primary step in the journey of your spirit toward enlightenment. In order to learn and grow, you need to take risks, get out there, and be ready for the transformations that are bound to happen.

     Do something that your spirit has longed to do, but you have put it off due to mundane concerns and everyday excuses. Be more playful, carefree, and happy. Be daring and brave! In particular, do not be afraid of others calling you a fool or foolish. Embrace the foolishness in you. See the seriousness, intensity, and solemnity around you as ironically foolish. Let go of anything that has held you back from living a happier more engaging life; for example, you may have been holding a grudge or vendetta that has made your spirit the opposite of what this card represents.

     Your spirit will dance, sing, and be happy. It is a beautiful world in spite of all its pretence, toil, and seeming imperfections. Do not sit around in a depressive, angry, or listless mood. As trite as this sounds, life is largely what you make of it. Realize and celebrate the fun and excitement of your life. You will not need to worry beyond basic safety and security where you are going and what you are doing. Do not hesitate to get started; take those first risky steps. Get out there! No excuses. Do things you love and love your life! Have fun! Carpe Diem!

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New Service! What does your future hold? Spirit? Health? Love? Mind? Money?

You may now select, from products and services, a five-card pentagram reading in printed form!

  1. Contact Me here at Universe-Psychic and we will exchange enough information to get the process started.
  2. Once I am satisfied that I can channel your future, I will then draw your 5 cards from the Tarot and respond back to you with a picture of your layout and a comprehensive reading of your near future in terms of your spirit, health, emotions, mind, and possessions.
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A New Interpretation of the 8 of Cups

8 of cups
8 of Cups by Renata Lechner: The Millennium Thoth Tarot

The 8 of Cups

In The Millennium Thoth Tarot Created by Renata Lechner

Interpreted by Marv Machura

The Five-Card Pentagram Tarot

     On this card, there are eight bronze cups arranged against a cloudy, somewhat dark, and watery background. The bronze cups are gleaming with various degrees of light, and each one is damaged in some minor way that can be seen when closely examining each one.

     Bronze is a metal allow of copper and tin. Bronze is perhaps the oldest alloy in our known, recent human history. After its invention, bronze became such a widely used and durable commodity that this metal alloy became a way to define a long and storied period that we know as The Bronze Age: approximately 4000‑1500 BCE. This age predicates The Iron Age, a time period known for the widespread use of this newer and stronger alloy: iron.

     Bronze is a metal of forgiveness and health. It is an unassuming metal: useful, relatively inexpensive, and durable. It is a metal alloy that gives healing vibrations and humility to us when we wear or possess it. Bronze is good metal to have in our kitchens; it is full of the simple and good vibrations that support our fundamental, straightforward needs. For example, in our kitchens, bronze directly enhances the emotional comforts of home and hearth.

     The bronze cups pictured on this card represent these unsophisticated and basic aspects of our emotional life that are needing attention. It is time to stop feeling sorry for ourself, forgive others whom we are blaming for our situation, and see that our life, while not filled with golden cups overflowing with the best wine, is essentially okay.

     Eight is also the number of transitions; this reinforces the direction provided by this card. As we take responsibility for our happiness, many blessing will be coming our way. There is a reason for our emotional bleakness, and that is, if properly interpreted, to make us more aware of our responsibility for our own emotional wellness. Wehave to forgive. We have to give thanks. We have to smile. And we do not want this any other way. We do not want our happiness to depend on anyone but ourselves.

     Each of the eight bronze cups is unique with its own flaws, representing and reminding us of own uniqueness and imperfections. It is our imperfections, after all, that make us humble, kind, and accepting rather than vain, mean, and unyielding. In this way, we can also see how acceptance of our imperfections makes us truly beautiful—and real beauty always comes from within.

     Bronze alters and chalices are often used by people to help bring forgiveness, grace, and humility to worship services and communion with the Universe. The cups on this card could all be used as a chalice in such humble and ordinary, yet ironically deeply powerful, experiences. It will assist with the ceremony’s intentional veneration of our life and our spirit. The fact that these cups have heart-shaped handles reinforces this meaning and direct connection to our inner emotional, spiritual, and mental life.

       Seven of these cup handles are broken, missing one or two segments, but are still functional. This shows how our hearts get broken, but can still carry on in spite of those missing segments.

     We have to accept that life is like this. As we journey forward, pieces of our heart will be taken away, but our hearts will still be capable of loving as well as keeping us alive, pumping both blood and life force. Thus, we can see our human hearts reflected in these bronze handles which, although broken, are still useable and still beautiful in spite of the damages and missing, broken bits.

     One bronze cup in the center of the bottom row is complete, with no missing segments. From behind this perfect cup, five bronze pipes rise upward. Two of these pipes appear to be pumping water into a couple of white lotus flowers above the two cups in the middle row. These lily blossoms are showering life‑giving water into these two cups, and the two cups are overflowing with sparkling water.

     Notice how abundant water is filling the two cups on the outer sides of the bottom row? This reaffirms the imperative message of this card that all is not lost. Hope and happiness can be found even in times of trouble and emotional vacancy. We can move forward being more mature, more stable, more humble, and more resilient, just like bronze itself, once we stop feeling sorry for ourselves, count our blessings, and take personal control of our emotional lives.

     The two white lotus blossoms gleam and glow with light. The white lotus flower has extensive symbolic meanings and associations. The most common of these symbolic associations are mental and spiritual purity, grace, and perfection. The white lotus is also representative of control over and pacification of the meaner or angrier parts of our nature. The white lotus has the power to restore us to a more whole and happy state when our emotional lives are being clouded by the darkness of self-pity, resentment, emptiness, and negativity.

     We can also see this theme of resetting our emotional view of life to being kinder, less dark, and wholesome in the background imagery in this card. At first glance, this background appears dark, stormy, and cloudy. But on second glace, we see that light is breaking through the clouds and golden sun is glowing on the horizon. When our new, and sunnier, view looks again at the bronze cups, we see that they are shining rather than being dull and grey. This reminds us of the old adage that we do not see the world the way the world is; we see the world the way we are.

     Three bronze pipes also rise from this bottom central cup as if to directly feed/water the green lily pads on which the empty, cups sit in the top row of cups. Lily pads are able to grow in the most foul and muddy water and as such, lily pads represent resilience, rebirth, and resurrection.

     In nature, these plants act as water purifiers to the ecosystem and build, maintain habitat for many species, providing food, shelter, and beauty in otherwise bleak and lifeless environments. These humble lily pads pictured on this card, while somewhat damaged and dry, are still green and alive, ready to continue to grow and reproduce when the dark times pass, and the sun returns to amplify their metabolism.

     Four of the bronze cups have the engraved symbol of Pisces and the other four are imprinted with Saturn. Pisces is the symbol of inner and individual spirituality; this reinforces the message in the 8 of Cups: go inward into our own heart to search for meaning and happiness. Pisces people are not the type to blindly worship or follow anything or anyone. They are independent seekers of truth. They are rightly skeptical of anyone claiming to have the answers. Although they may seem arrogant and unyielding, they are really just deep‑divers into the bottomless waters of our humanity.

     It is appropriate that the Pisces symbols are on the outside cups, seeming to contain or frame the cups with Saturn’s symbol since Saturn is associated with stubbornness and obstinacy. This arrangement suggests a balance between Saturn’s strength of conviction and Pisces deeply‑seated mystery. Together these two forces are able to look inward, solve problems, and carry on with the necessary certainty, strength, and will power to keep our inner self and emotional life in our own firm control—and not in the control of anything or anyone else.

     The number 8 is also representative of inner stability and equilibrium. This number is saying that we need to clear our minds and hearts of unnecessary and harmful elements before we can advance as the spiritual beings that we are.

     We also need to take direct, personal responsibly for our feelings and emotions that can and will bog down our spiritual journey toward Heaven. This number 8 reminds us that this type of personal awareness and responsibly is one of the first required steps in discovering and enhancing our dynamic spiritual growth. Finally, this number may remind us that our spiritual growth and increasing maturity is a major part of and reason for our lives on this planet.

     The 8 of Cups is here to assure us that our lives will soon be full of confidence, strength, and spiritual enlightenment. This card reminds us that there is no possible growth without struggle. And this struggle to be master of our own inner life is one of the most fundamental and vital struggles we face on our way to higher and happier ground.

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Nature Speaks

“Nature speaks to all of us who can set aside our pride and arrogance to commune with our fellow, noble, elegant, and intelligent cousins.” – Marv Machura

Photo by Marv Machura
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First Year of its Publication!

Get timely advice and help with this guide to divination, the Tarot, and the Five-Card Pentagram layout.

This book shows you how to use the Tarot and the Five-Card Pentagram layout in a way that is easy to understand, yet detailed enough to provide useful and practical advice, knowledge, and wisdom.

The Five-Card Pentagram layout gives you a comprehensive view of your life in the present and near-future time-frame. Find advice for your spirit, health, love, mind, and money.

This book is available on my website (below) and all online booksellers such as Amazon, etc. e-books are also available.

“It is a beautiful text: well written, full of useful and practical information but at the same time poetic and intimate.” – Elena Delmastro (Lo Scarabeo, publishing)

“Marv’s book on the Tarot is quite a unique piece of esoteric works, each chapter is easy to understand and right to the point. His knowledge of his craft is exquisite; readers will love the addition of famous quotes with each definition.” – Michelle Riegner

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A In-Depth Interpretation of the 8 of Swords

The 8 of Swords: The Millennium Thoth Tarot

An In-Depth Interpretation of the 8 of Swords

The Millennium Thoth Tarot

Art by Renata Lechner

Interpretation by Marv Machura

The 8 of Swords

     There are two large steel swords pointing downward that have ornate golden hilts. Behind these two beautiful swords are six smaller swords also with fine-looking golden hilts that point horizontally in alternating opposite directions.

     These six swords are all different, yet similar. Each sword represents a different culture or nation.

     The initial effect of our looking at this arrangement and composition is blockage, difficulty, and fear. There appears to be no possible way through this dangerous arrangement of sharp steel weaponry.

     This first response of impasse, trouble, and distress begins to be moderated when we see that none of the swords are directly threatening us. We also see that none of them are in conflict or pointing at each other. In fact, on this second and more‑considered view, we see that this card presents us with an armoury of sharp, deadly, and fantastic swords, ready for our use, rather than for our demise or failure.

     As an arsenal of fine, battle‑ready swords, the card still represents a difficult and daunting problem. And this problem is fear.

     This card is saying that there is a real adversary out there whom we must defeat and overcome. But this card is also saying that our inner antagonist of fear must first be slain in order for us to go forward and slay that other malicious enemy currently blocking our path and journey.

     Thus, the 8 of Swords is not representing an impossible battle ahead from which we need to retreat. Rather, this card is telling us—and encouraging us—to take one or two of these fine steel blades, as a representation of our courage and strength, and use these swords to not only face but also defeat our enemy.

     Getting ready for any battle is scary, and it is okay to tremble as we look at this collection of weapons. As such, it is good to recall what Joan of Arc said, “All battles are first won or lost in the mind.”

     Yes, it will be frightening to hold one or two of these swords in our hands and be ready to use it. As such, we need to recall (in times such as these) the correct definition of courage: courage is not an absence of fear, but going forward in spite of fear.

     There are times when it is best to walk away from conflict, but this is not one of those times. The 8 of Swords is saying to us that we must face and defeat whatever or whoever isthreatening us. This is the only way forward.

     The darkness of the background adds to our feelings of unease. But the fiery orange breaking out from the center of this card’s otherwise dark background, represents our intense passion and burning energy that is always there under the surface of our blockage, inaction, and fear.

     When we go forward in spite of fear and trepidation, we will release the fury and intensity that is boiling inside of us. And on further deliberation and as part of this release, we will see that this card is assuring us that victory is nearly 100% assured. Recall that fortune nearly always favours the bold.

     When we have started seeing this card from this perspective, we apprehend that these eight swords are beautiful, elegant, and expertly crafted. As such, these swords can help us find the mettle, resolve, and valour inside of us rather having these swords contribute to (or cause) our alarm and fright.

     The golden hilts are comforting and encouraging. Gold is the colour and substance that most represents durability, attainment, victory, and spiritual wellness and completion.

     The symbols for Jupiter and Gemini seen of the golden hilts of the two large vertical swords also work to reinforce the meanings that gold transmits.

     The symbol for Jupiter is both the hieroglyph of an eagle and an abbreviation for Zeus. Thus, this symbol is full of the power, strength, and authority associated with the king of birds and the king of the Gods. Jupiter thus represents might, power, and the indominable force of will.

     Gemini also represents these attributes but in a different way. In the historic story, the twins, Castor and Pollux, went into a battle in which Castor was killed. Pollux pleaded to Jupiter to restore Castor to life or make them immortal. As a reward for their bravery in battle, Jupiter agreed to the latter. Thus, Castor and Pollux became the constellation of Gemini.

     The ancients prayed to these twins for help and courage in battles, and it was a good omen when both stars were shining brightly in the night sky.

     The repetition of Jupiter (top center) and Gemini (bottom center), doubles‑down on these aspects incorporated into the 8 of Swords. The placement represents the over‑reaching rule of Jupiter and underlying might of Gemini.

     The representation of the two pillars of Solomon’s Temple (Jachin and Boaz) in the symbol for Gemini underlines these meanings as well. Jachin means “He will establish.” Boaz meaning “In Him is strength.” We can imagine that we are passing through these pillars to further bolster our courage and our assurance of victory.

     These two pillars (and the meanings associated with them) can also be seen in the two, formidable, double‑edged swords in the forefront of the card. These swords and their symbolic placement are there to give us courage rather than to cause fear.

     So in all regards, we can see mighty encouragement coming to us from this card—in direct proportion to our need of this encouragement.

     Swords represent our mind, and as such, we understand that this situation is first and foremost in our mind. To wit, we must win the mental battle of overcoming our fear. Then we must move into the fight with the mighty, courageous strength of conviction, power, and confidence.

     The number 8 is the number of becoming. It is a reassuring number full of auspicious honours. This should also help to give us the courage we need to become better, move on from inaction, and carry on bravely with our Universal quest.

     We are not meant to cower in fear at any time in our journey forward. We must grab hold of the sword that is offered here and step into a much brighter, successful, and happy future.

     It is time to remember that our adversary wants to keep us in fear. It is only fear that keeps his bully-like power intact.

     Trust the Universe—and even if you are scared to death, as an old saying goes and that can aptly describe our situation—take that deep breath and move forward into the fray. Light and life await in glory on the other side.

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An Interpretation of the 8 of Pentacles

The 8 of Pentacles by Renata Lechner, The Millennium Thoth Tarot

The 8 of Pentacles: Interpretation by Marv Machura

     The imagery on the 8 of Pentacles is dominated by a tough, well-rooted, green plant growing by itself in a flat, arid, desert-like landscape. There are eight, vibrant, red blossoms on this plant arranged in near-perfect symmetry, four on each side of the intriguing, twisting main stock of the plant.

     Green is the colour of life, renewal, and peace. Green is often described as a favorite colour due to its association with feelings of wellness, satisfaction, and contentment. This happiness is reinforced by the symmetry of the plant since symmetry also gives us these same feelings. Thus, a central meaning of this card is harmony, rest, and gratification.

     The best kind of rest and contentment come after periods of activity and exertion. And as a rule, the harder or the more robust the exertion, the sweeter the respite and fulfilment. These feelings are doubly amplified when we can clearly see the fruits or results of our work and activity. This is what we see in this card. The blossoming plant symbolically represents the goodness, repose, and gladness coming to our life after a time of sustained and strenuous effort and labour.

     Importantly, this coming virtuousness is largely the result of our well-directed, stubborn determination. We can see that it was not easy for this strong, healthy, blossoming plant to grow by examining the environment and ground of the card’s imagery. This arid and seemingly lifeless landscape represents the difficulties that we have overcome. The figure in the image (the plant) represents a contrast to this aridity that is as bold as it is beautiful. The size and positioning of the plant all help to create these pronounced feelings of triumph, strength, and certitude.

      The thick base and expansive roots of the plant represent the long, vital period of persistent growth that has been necessary to bring this plant to its current, wonderful blossoming state. The roots are firmly in place, and we can feel the strength that results from this well‑founded connection with the earth.

      This imagery also reminds us to stay humble and grateful. Our efforts are never guaranteed to succeed. There are always elements of metaphysics, magic, and chance at play in all of our achievements and victories (as is the case with our tragedies and failures).

     Although we have participated meaningfully as may be seen and felt in the roots of this plant, the beautiful blossoms remain as wonders of the force of creation that we can barely comprehend. They are as lucky as lining up 8 stars in a slot machine. With this requisite, humble, and abundant gratitude (as opposed to pride, arrogance, and self‑entitlement), we gain so much more, as always, than is possible without this central aspect of thankfulness in our lives.

     The above principle can be, in part, recalled in the wise, old saying: stay grounded. The artist has composed this image so that our gaze will always fall toward this wondrous contact point between the plant and the ground, thus reinforcing these sagacious words.

     The golden-orange background warms the scene with gentleness and kindness. Orange is the colour of independence and pride in oneself. With the supplementary golden hues, the colour of worth and value, the scene painted is a panorama of nearly boundless potential. And this bounty is there for us, in spite of the dangers.

     The dangers are represented by the tough, unhospitable landscape. But they are also represented by the 8 red blossoms. Although this is not very likely, the blossoms have a potential to charm us into the immobility of intemperance as in an extended and too‑long holiday. We avoid this negative stasis by seeking the horizon. It goes to infinity with a rising or setting sun. Therefore, the message for us is to stay grounded, stay humble, stay thankful—and carry on with our good habits, attitudes, and hope.

     There is nothing wrong with celebration as long as it does not lead to what the American Football League (NFL) calls “excessive celebration.”  Since 2017, excessive celebration can give your team a 15‑yard penalty in the game. So, enjoy your success, but stay grounded, and stay committed to the contest. There is, after all, plenty of time still on the game clock.

     Each red flower blossom has five pedals, thus creating the pentagram shape. With these red flowers as pentacles, they carry all the goodness and blessings of the five‑pointed star. This is the protective and magical power that protects us from curses and hard‑luck. Be assured that the Universe is pleased with our effort and achievement and is handing out charms to protect and encourage us forward.

     The symbol for the Sun appears on the top center of the card. This is appropriate since all biological life is sustained with the power of the Sun. Appropriately, we revere the Sun. Its positioning on the card shows how we all look up to the Sun, both literally and metaphorically. This symbol carries meanings of not only life, energy, and growth but also of confidence, clarity, and purpose.

     On the bottom center of the card is the symbol for Virgo. Virgo is an earth sign, and thus, it fits with this card’s earthly meanings of material wellness, reward, and harvest. Virgo is linked to both the goddess of justice and the goddess of agriculture (Dike and Persephone, respectively, in Greek mythology). Both of these meanings can be given to this card in the sense that hard work is justly rewarded with a plentiful yield.

     The number 8 is the number of abundance as well as reassurance. It is an uplifting number, supporting us to continue forward with confidence and strength. With effort and sustained hope, our dreams can come true. But even more importantly, with effort and sustained hope, work and employment become more of their own reward, as indeed they should be.

     The number 8 is not a number of drudgery or slavery. It is a freeing and powerful number that says we are in control, on the right path, and just rewards, continued growth, and elemental goodness are on the way. Contrary to popular belief that the highest goal of life is to reach a stage of ease and contentment as endless vacation days in the sun, this is not true. Rather, we need to be engaged with life and not disengaged from it. We can see this paradox with some famous musicians, like Paul McCartney, who although fabulously rich and at an advanced age, continues to tour, promote, record, and involve himself in his career.

     To be disengaged from life in an endless holiday would not be the fairly‑tale perfect life for any of us. Rather, it would be a type of hedonistic hell from which we would likely want to escape after a period of time. Indeed, we often see this in the lives of the privileged classes, or the idle rich, with their falls into the destructive hands of addiction whether that be to drugs, alcohol, sex, or anything else that is accessed as a means of escape from this Hotel California paradise.

     In the end, this card is primarily an affirmation of good habits, strong spirit, and a solid connection with the earth. Sure, there are many blessings to be enjoyed and celebrated, but these are of the best kinds of rewards: the kind of rewards that we, ourselves, have had a hand in creating.

     Ultimately, our lives are on a step not to that endless hell of holiday, but rather our lives are on a step to the joy of achievement, wisdom, and reflection. Soon enough, the enduring rhythm of struggle, growth, rest, and reward will restart. And if we continue as we are, this course of cycles will keep getting not only easier but also better!

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The Six of Swords

The Six of Swords

In The Millennium Thoth Tarot Created by Renata Lechner

Interpreted by Marv Machura

The Five-Card Pentagram Tarot

     We see six swords coming together in a dramatic pinpoint exactly in the center of this card. The pinpoint where these swords meet and where their sharp points touch is covered by a small red gemstone. This arrangement makes the sword tips appear to be flat or blunted at their ends. The red gem glowing at the center of arrangement is representative of the general meaning of this card: happiness, peace, protection and passion are all on the horizon.

     These wonderful things are not only on the horizon, they are also here with force and purpose. This additional meaning comes from the arrangement of the swords that compellingly draws our attention to this red gem. This is an image of how the Universe has collected its energies on these aforenoted aspects of our life. As a result, our mind should feel robust confidence and certitude in our decisions and direction. It is not a time for indecision or deep contemplation of the elemental dichotomy and mystery of life.

     This is a time to make a choice and go forward with it; it will change our life for the better. We are ready for it. Not all changes and decisions that we make work out for us. Often this is because we are not ready for the changes or decisions; for example, if we are not ready to change our job or go back to school, the move to a new career or school will likely end in failure. However, the 6 of Swords is a card providing the assurance that we are ready. Success, achievement, and contentment are near and favourable.

     Although all six swords are similar, each of their hilts has a slightly different hue. This is symbolic of how there are various shades of meaning and purpose in everything that we do, think, or say. It reminds us that regardless of our certitude, the Universe is never singular or even plural. The Universe, and our fate within it, is always multifaceted and complex and far beyond our puny efforts to understand and know anything with absolute certainty. As Socrates says, “The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing.”

     Under the aim and direction of the six sword points and under the red gem is a pink rose blossom. This is the wild pink rose blossom that is associated with Aphrodite and everlasting love. It is also the rose that Romans used to symbolize secrets that will never be shared. The expression “sub rosa” literally means under the rose. In those times the wild pink rose was placed in meeting areas to ensure secrecy and honesty.

     These two meanings are not so far apart, especially with this card. This pink rose represents the eternal and pure intentions that reach into our passions and our intellect in a kind of glorious marriage. This is reminiscent of the marriage between Psyche and Eros (later changed to Cupid in more recent retellings) which is symbolic of the union of heart and mind or passion and reason. This is a time when good and long‑lasting things happen, just like a real marriage when both our heads and hearts are equally combined rather than just one of these two, often opposing elements, are dominate.

     In the Greek marriage of Eros and Psyche, the Three Graces spread wild rose petals everywhere and it is said that the Earth was aglow with pink for days in celebration of this union. This rose is also associated with springtime since early spring is when these roses bloom often turning the landscape various shades of this delicate pink reminiscent of this ancient story. This single rose blossom that we see in the center of this card is thus an appropriate symbol of auspicious beginnings as well as balance between our hearts and our heads as we go forward with a fresh and favourable direction.

     Surrounding the central point in this card, and in perfect symmetry, are a circle, square, and unicursal hexagram. It is a beautiful rendering of sacred geometry that fits in flawlessly with the six swords presented and positioned where they are.

     This symmetry and geometry have long been associated with the perfection and holiness of creation. We humans strive to create and build mimicking the Universe’s divine geometry. As such and as presented on this card, it reinforces the general meaning that our own plans and intentions are in harmony with higher powers of formation and purpose. And this a good thing. When our lives, creations, and buildings stray from the orderly, pleasing, and natural geometry of the Universe, problems result.

     The unicursal hexagram is an ancient symbol of humankind’s union with the Universe. It can be drawn without taking our pen off the paper, hence its classification of being unicursal. As such, the action of drawing this shape is spiritual and auspicious. This is like drawing the more common and easier‑to‑draw unicursal five‑pointed pentagram which all children love to draw.

     This enjoyment of drawing a unicursal pentagram is not accidental. There is something good and magical in the action of drawing such shapes. Underlying this nearly subconscious pleasure is the creative energy and continuum of time and space. It connects us in a small way to the mostly incomprehensible, incredible, and ever‑lasting continuum in which we live and which has no beginning point and no end point like a unicursal drawing.

     Within the large circle are a multitude of spiral patterns showing more complex sacred geometry faintly in the background. This sacred background reinforces the meaning of the foreground and assures us that our most simple actions and words are in fact underpinned by a kind of beautiful complexity that has no beginning or end yet is purposeful and driven towards ever higher order, beauty, and perfection.

     Perhaps the modern Muslim faith manifests this aspect of the Universe most completely in their sacred decoration of mosques, but all spiritual leaning and longing indulges in this, as seen also in the Celtic tradition.

     The symbol of Mercury appears on the top of this card in eye-catching yellow. Mercury represents communication. Yellow represents honesty, directness, and goodness. Thus, the yellow Mercury is there on top to assure that clear, persuasive thinking and communication will be the order of the day. This reinforces the auspicious spiritual and intellectual changes are forthcoming. And with the addition of the winged messenger Mercury, we can also be assured that these forthcoming changes will be here soon!

     At the bottom of this card, and in a gentle blue colour, is the symbol for Pisces. This symbol represents the deep, intuitive subconscious level of vibration that is supporting and underpinning the surface changes. We should be trusting the deep diver of Pisces and attempting to feel its influence on the surface of our lives. When we move with these deep vibrations of truth and certitude, we know that we are doing things that are good and noble even in the smallest of things, but at times like these, this vibration is much more noticeable in the bigger moves and new directions and new projects in which this card is encouraging us forward.

     The number 6, itself, is an overall positive number. Sometimes it is there to encourage positive change that is needed, and indeed, this is part of its meaning in this card. But more so, is the number 6’s characteristic meaning of half-way to fulfilment. It is a number that is saying, here you go; you are on the right path; hold your course; good things will come soon, and even better things as you travel onward. Trust your intuition and your selfless service to the greater good.

      It is about you, but it is about you and your talents, energies, and work that are chosen for you and their use in a much bigger divine purpose. Do not get selfish; stay humble, stay active, be grateful. Stay in the sacred geometry of your path forward. Embrace your role, your supports, your spiritual sense as the divine child of the Universe that you are!

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The 8 of Cups

The 8 of Cups; The Millennium Thoth Tarot by Renata Lechner

The 8 of Cups

In The Millennium Thoth Tarot Created by Renata Lechner

Interpreted by Marv Machura

The Five-Card Pentagram Tarot

     On this card, there are eight bronze cups arranged against a cloudy, somewhat dark, and watery background. The bronze cups are gleaming with various degrees of light, and each one is damaged in some minor way that can be seen when closely examining each one. Bronze is a metal allow of copper and tin. Bronze is perhaps the oldest alloy in our known, recent human history. After its invention, bronze became such a widely used and durable commodity that this metal alloy became a way to define a long and storied time period that we know as The Bronze Age: approximately 4000‑1500 BCE. This age predicates The Iron Age, a time period known for the widespread use of this newer and stronger alloy: iron.

     Bronze is a metal of forgiveness and health. It is an unassuming metal: useful, relatively inexpensive, and durable. It is a metal alloy that gives healing vibrations and humility to us when we wear or possess it. Brass is good metal to have in our kitchens; it is full of the simple and good vibrations that support our fundamental, straightforward needs. For example, in our kitchens, brass directly enhances the emotional comforts of home and hearth.

     The bronze cups pictured on this card represent these unsophisticated and basic aspects of our emotional life that are needing attention. It is time to stop feeling sorry for ourself, forgive others whom we are blaming for our situation, and see that our life, while not filled with golden cups overflowing with the best wine, is essentially okay.

     Eight is also the number of transitions; this reinforces the direction provided by this card. As we take responsibility for our happiness, many blessing will be coming our way. There is a reason for our emotional bleakness, and that is, if properly interpretated, to make us more aware of our responsibility for our own emotional wellness. Wehave to forgive. We have to give thanks. We have to smile. And we do not want this any other way. We do not want our happiness to depend on anyone but ourselves.

     Each of the eight bronze cups is unique with its own flaws, representing and reminding us of own uniqueness and imperfections. It is our imperfections, after all, that make us humble, kind, and accepting rather than vain, mean, and unyielding. In this way, we can also see how acceptance of our imperfections makes us truly beautiful—and real beauty always comes from within.

     Bronze alters and chalices are often used by people to help bring forgiveness, grace, and humility to worship services and metaphoric communion with the Universe. The cups on this card could all be used as a chalice in such humble and ordinary, yet ironically deeply powerful, experiences in ceremony and veneration of our life and our spirit. The fact that these cups have heart-shaped handles reinforces this meaning and direct connection to our inner emotional, spiritual, and mental life.

       The fact that seven of these cup handles are missing one or two segments shows how our hearts get broken, but can still carry on in spite of those missing segments. We have to accept that life is like this. As we journey forward, pieces of our heart will be taken away, and as long as we accept this, our hearts will still be hearts capable of loving and keeping us alive; our hearts are these brass handles which, although broken, are still useable and still beautiful in spite of these damages.

     One brass cup in the center of the bottom row is complete, with no missing segments. From behind this perfect cup five bronze pipes rise upward. Two of these pipes appear to be pumping water into a couple of white lotus flowers above the two cups in the middle row. These lily blossoms are showering life‑giving water into these two brass cups, and the two cups are overflowing with sparkling water.

     This somewhat abundant water is partially filling the two cups on the outer sides of the bottom row. This reaffirms the imperative message of this card that all is not lost. Hope and happiness can be found even in times of trouble and emotional vacancy. We can move forward being more mature, more stable, more humble, and more resilient, just like bronze itself, once we stop feeling sorry for ourselves, count our blessings, and take personal control of our emotional lives.

     The two white lotus blossoms gleam and glow with light. The white lotus flower has extensive symbolic meanings and associations. The most common of these symbolic associations are mental and spiritual purity, grace, and perfection. The white lotus is also representative of control over and pacification of the meaner or angrier parts of our nature. The white lotus has the power to restore us to a more whole and happy state when our emotional lives are being clouded by the darkness of self-pity, resentment, emptiness, and negativity.

     We can also see this theme of resetting our emotional view of life to being kinder, less dark, and wholesome in the background imagery in this card. At first glance, this background appears dark, stormy, and cloudy. But on second glace, we see that light is breaking through the clouds and golden sun is glowing on the horizon. When our new, and sunnier, view looks again at the bronze cups, we see that they are shining rather than being dull and grey. This reminds us of the old adage that we do not see the world the way the world is; we see the world the way we are.

     Three bronze pipes also rise from this bottom central cup as if to directly feed/water the green lily pads on which the empty, brass cups sit in the top row of cups. Lily pads are able to grow in the most foul and muddy water and as such, lily pads represent resilience, rebirth, and resurrection. In nature, these plants act as water purifiers to the ecosystem and build, maintain habitat for many species, providing food, shelter, and beauty in otherwise bleak and lifeless environments. These humble lily pads pictured on this card, while somewhat damaged and dry, are still green and alive, ready to continue to grow and reproduce when the dark times pass, and the sun returns to amplify their metabolism.

     Four of the bronze cups have the engraved symbol of Pisces and the other four are imprinted with Saturn. Pisces is the symbol of inner and individual spirituality; this reinforces the message in the 8 of Cups to go inward into your own heart to search for meaning and happiness. Pisces people are not the type to blindly worship or follow anything or anyone. They are independent seekers of truth. They are rightly skeptical of anyone claiming to have the answers. Although they may seem arrogant and unyielding, they are really just deep‑divers into the bottomless waters of our humanity.

     It is appropriate that the Pisces symbols are on the outside cups, seeming to contain or frame the cups with Saturn’s symbol since Saturn is associated with stubbornness and obstinacy. This arrangement suggests a balance between Saturn’s strength of conviction and Pisces deeply‑seated mystery. Together these two forces are able to look inward, solve problems, and carry on with the necessary certainty, strength, and will power to keep our inner self and emotional life in our own firm control—and not in the control of anything or anyone else.

     The number 8 is also representative of inner stability and equilibrium. This number is saying that we need to clear our minds and hearts of unnecessary and harmful elements before we can advance as the spiritual beings that we are. We also need to take direct, personal responsibly for our feelings and emotions that can and will bog down our spiritual journey toward Heaven. This number 8 reminds us that this type of personal awareness and responsibly is one of the first required steps in discovering and enhancing our dynamic spiritual growth. Finally, this number may remind us that our spiritual growth and increasing maturity is a major part of and reason for our lives on this planet.

     The 8 of Cups is here to assure us that our lives will soon be full of confidence, strength, and spiritual enlightenment. This card reminds us that there is no possible growth without struggle. And this struggle to be master of our own inner life is one of the most fundamental and vital struggles we face on our way to higher and happier ground.

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The Tower Card in the Millennium Thoth Tarot

XVI The Tower

In The Millennium Thoth Tarot Created by Renata Lechner

Interpreted by Marv Machura

The Five-Card Pentagram Tarot

The Tower by Renata Lechner, The Millennium Thoth Tarot

     Dominating this card is the all‑seeing eye: large, luminous, and inscrutable. It is firmly placed at the top of the card in a dark sky. The all‑seeing eye dwarfs and overshadows the demolished tower and humans in the scene of devastation below. As a representation of the supreme power of the Universe, the message is clear. There is nothing we can do in times such as these. Our freedom and power have limits; the Universe is always in firm control of everything.

     If our pride or hubris is such that we think otherwise, this card is here to remind us of how puny and pathetic we really are. It is always better to be humble, accepting, and cognizant in all of our actions, creations, and deeds that the Universe has infinitely more power than we can ever—and should never—assume for ourselves.

     We have to trust the Universe even in times of complete and total destruction that the all‑seeing eye is watching and knows what is best, even when we are metaphorically or literally thrown from our towers of security, home, career, and even our temporal life. The over‑riding lesson of humility in the story of the Tower of Babel and as is visually referenced and represented in this card must be heeded. We are not gods, and we should never act as if we were.

      This card is, as well, representative of the ancient wisdom contained in many sacred books and as written in the Biblical Proverbs, “Pride comes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (16:8). The Universe reserves the most intense transformation through sudden and complete burning, destruction, consumption for those times when we, as individuals, and we, as cultures or nations, not only forget our place in the divine and physical world but also seek to replace the supreme entity with our short, mortal lives, our machines, our technology, etc. When we do this replacement, it is not only a great mistake but also a great affront to the Universe that gave us life, freewill, and those gifts which we should be grateful for rather than prideful of.

     The eye represents a part of the divine force of Shiva, the Indian supreme being of transformation, creation, destruction. Lord Shiva is the deity of both death and time. Shiva comprises those aspects of Yahweh (Hebrew) of the Old Testament: fearsome, protective, and all‑powerful. We can see how this representation of the all‑seeing eye on this card has this primal force of both benevolence and fear. It is painted such that the all‑seeing eye looks directly into our spirit. If our spirit is full of pride and sin, we want to run and hide, but if our spirit is pure and humble, we want to bow down in veneration and reverence.

       The eye is blue. This blue iris surrounding the dark pupil suggests wisdom, faith, and trust. These are aspects of the all‑seeing eye that balance its more fearsome qualities and reinforce the over‑riding assurance that accompanies The Tower in the Tarot. There are times when we must trust what we may not understand, especially in the dark times of death and destruction where our faith can metaphorically fall, just like real tower pictured in the image.

     Orange and yellow fiery light shines from the all‑seeing eye’s grandeur. This glorious light is the fire of divinity as in the ever‑burning alter, the burning bush of Moses, and the fiery finger that carved the Ten Commandments on the stone tablets as well as many other representations of the creative, destructive, and divine power of the Universe. In all these examples, as in this card’s imagery, we are right to be fearful, but we should also be in amazement, reverence, and awe. It is in times of tremendous transformations, such as these, that we have to leave behind the old and welcome in the new and better world that is promised and inherent in this spiritual and physical fire. As in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), we must not look back on the destruction of the old. Let it crumble and burn. Trust the Universe. Do not even turn around; this will assure that you will carry on and not go down with the tower.

     Dominating the bottom right of this card is a fearsome, fire‑breathing beast blasting the tower from below. Its fire is as intense as an incinerator, and this contrasts with the holy fire coming from the Heavens above. This reminds us of the earthly nature of change and transformation. Just because our Earthly towers burn, break, and tumble, does not mean that same is true in the Heavens. This earthly destruction is temporal and necessary.

      The grim visual imagery of this sharp‑toothed, wide‑gaping, and fiery‑mouthed beast reminds us of our powerlessness in times such as these. The destruction is rapid, complete, and painful. It is futile, vain, and pointless to stand in its way.

     This fearsome mouth also represents the Hebrew letter Pe`. This letter is a reminder of the importance and holy nature of speech. Words have the power to cast spells of great goodness as well as great evil. The childhood notion of “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me” is only a victim’s somewhat effective healing spell. As we know, words and names used by the aggressor, bully, or anyone using them to destroy, hurt, and obliterate another are as powerful as the flames of Hell itself—and as represented in this card coming from the mouth of this beast.

     A lone dove with an olive branch in its mouth hoovers, hanging in the sky above the falling tower. This dove alludes directly to the story of Noah and the Ark. Noah’s dove left the ark while it was still adrift with no land in sight; it returned later with an olive branch in its mouth. This was a sign that the great flood was receding and soon to be over. This dove also represents the peace and life to follow after the unreserved and widespread destruction of the present.

     The olive branch represents forgiveness, peace, and general goodness. It is just a small speck of green in an otherwise completely apoplectic scene, but this green stands out beautifully on this card reminding us of that life will be reborn and carry on. It will be purified, peaceful, and cleansed of whatever needed to be destroyed in order to let this new life grow.

     A large snake with a lion’s head swirls and floats above the beast’s head on the right side of this card. This is the ancient Chnoubis. The Chnoubis is the Egyptian and Gnostic solar icon found most often on gems and amulets used for protection against poison and disease. This Chnoubis on this card has a halo of 12 points representing the 12 signs of the Zodiac and the sacred circle of life in which we all live. This symbol is here to protect us through the destruction that must occur. It also is representative and a reminder to us of the eternal progression of life, death, and rebirth.

     The Chnoubis is also associated with wisdom and rule. With its snake’s body and lion’s head it represents the connection between Heaven and Earth in fertility and order out of chaos. It stands up proud, fierce, and strong giving us the exact amount of courage and wisdom that we need to get through this time of dramatic, catastrophic, and far-reaching transformation.

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