Let's look into Tarot Triads as a way to deepen your tarot knowledge
Another way to learn about the Fool’s journey is by looking at the 7 tarot triads. This concept was originally introduced to me through Rachel Pollack’s Tarot Wisdom, a book I cannot recommend enough for studying tarot in depth!
Instead of only focusing on the Fool’s journey through the majors in a horizontal manor, cards 1-21 can be made into three lines of seven cards, as shown on slide 2. These three lines represent the journey of the:
Unconscious 1-7
Subconscious 8-14
Superconscious 15-21
If you look at each card vertically, these seemingly unrelated cards are actually representative of finding proficiency within their respective cards.
The first triad is the relationship to understanding and wielding one’s own power
The Magician
Strength
The Devil
Journal Prompts for working with the 1st triad:
- Take These 3 cards out of your deck and put them next to one another, first magining the conversation between The Magician and Strength, what do these two cards have in common? What might your unconscious and subconscious be trying to communicate with you?
- Next look at the relationship between Strength and The Devil, what do these two cards have in common? Inquire about your relationship with the material realm and your ability to self regulate. What messages may your subconscious and superconscious self have for you?
- Finally look to The Magician and The Devil, what is your relationship with excess and escapism?
- How can these three cards teach you how to wield your power, set clear boundaries, and maintain a healthy balance between pleasure and structure?
Take your self inquiry a step further by looking at the astrological correspondences of these cards. The Magician is Mercury, planet of communication, ideas, and the mind. Strength represents Leo, ruled by the sun and The Devil is Capricorn, the ambitious to a fault earth sign ruled by Saturn. Imagine Mercury, the sun and Saturn in conversation with one another, Mercury is keen to change perspectives while seeing all sides while the sun is larger than life, dramatic and proud, very opposite to stoic Saturn. Consider these planetary energies, including your own signs if you know them and how those energies play a role in your self concept and how you relate to your personal power and the material realm.
Take some time to record all of the messages you receive in your tarot journal and be sure to share your experience in the comments! I will be sharing in depth information on each of the 7 tarot triads in upcoming posts.