Tarot of the Saints: Keywords

 

General Introduction

Major Arcana Introduction: Balance and Development

Major Arcana: Card by Card Analysis

Minor Arcana: Introduction

The Suit of Cups: Self Presenting Love

The Suit of Swords: Love Considered 

The Suit of Staffs: Love Made Real

The Suit of Coins: Sacramental Engagement

Keyword Guide to Tarot of the Saints

Glossary

Tarot of the Saints Major Arcana Keywords

Card	Keywords	Keywords Reverse
Major Arcana  General Keywords	Systematic Theology, Cosmology, Theological-Anthropology, Soteriology, Ontology, Hagiography, Moral Theory, The Discipline of Virtue	Pastoral Theology, Applied Spirituality, Spiritual Discipline
0. The Fool: Saint Francis	Freedom, Purity, Poverty Detachment, Sacrifice	Recklessness, Naivete’, inconsiderate, duped, intellectual development
The Magician: Saint Nicholas	Skills, Grace, Sacrament, Miraculous Intercession, Striving for Perfection	Manipulation, Objectivity, Amorality, Deistic or Mechanistic view of reality
The Papess: Saint Mary Magdalene	Intuition, Emotion, the Unconscious, the Paschal Mystery	Dread, Repression, Despair at death or sin. routine, consciousness
The Empress: Saint Helena	Fecundity, Motherhood, Generation, Legacy, Intimate Community	Scheming, self centered, “Marytr complex”, Paternity, Social Litigiousness
The Emperor: Saint Constantine	Authority, Regulation, Organization, Paternal nature, Inculturation of the Gospel	Patriarchy, Rigidity -Maternity, Nurturing, Empathy
Peter the Pope	tradition, social groups, conventionality, conformity, education, knowledge, beliefs, institutional roots	Rebellion, unconventionality, non-conformity, new methods, ignorance
Saint Valentine and The Lovers	Partnership, duality, union, vocation, corporeal signification, complementarity, The Three Loves	Disharmony, self centeredness, introspection, detachment
Saint Christopher The Chariot	Relational pedagogical balance, control, external complementarity, Balance Regarding: Gender, Social Roles, or Spiritual Practice and Expression	Relational concupiscent inflammation, Extremes
Saint Michael the Archangel as Justice	Cosmic Justice, Eschaton	Temporary Injustice, Calculated Demonic Attunement
Saint Anthony the Hermit	Contemplation, Solitude, Introspection, Detachment, Disinvestment of the Material	Cynicism, Social Awkwardness, contempt for humanity, social engagement.
Saint Catherine and the Wheel	Fortune, Rhythm, Determinism, Narrative, Framework	Misfortune, Discord, Will, Trajectory, Completion
Saint Jerome as Strength	Bravery, Will against Determinism, Action, Skill, Inculturation, Variance	Doubt, Weakness, Insecurity, Following form, brutal oppression
Saint Blandina the Hanged	Sacrifice, Detachment, Living Sacrifice, Action, death to will.	Self centered action, withdrawal, comforting stuppor
Saint Stephen the Martyr	Renewal, Motivation, Gratitude, Relinquishing, Sacrifice, Blunt Truth	New Beginnings, Ingratitude, Selfishness, Ingratitude, Tact
Saint Benedict and Temperance	Balance, Finding middle roads, Identifying and Balancing Spiritual Excesses, Balancing Temporal Engagment	Extremes, Excess, Imbalance, Disproportionate use of time, Temperate Detachment
Saint Margeret and the Devil	Calculated Demonic Attunement, Temptation, Suffering, Imprisonment to Passions, Postlapsarian Environment,	The Beginning of Reform, Justification, Fortitude, Well Exercised Will, Grace, Beatitude.
Saint Barbara and the Tower	Sudden upheaval, Broken pride or protective structures, Disaster	Disaster avoided or delayed, fear of suffering, existing harmful structures, Structures in need of reform (as opposed to destruction)
Saint Therese the Star	Faith and Hope, Trust, Shedding assumptions in order to progress	Despair, hopelessness, Skill or assumptions employed
Mary as the Moon	Subconscious, Cosmic Femenine, Maturity, Intuition, Foundational Motivation or Cause	Illusion, deceit, Clandestine manipulation, dread
Christ the Sun	Mediation, Light, Mercy, Lifer Experience, interconnectedness	Self Centeredness, Apophatic approaches,
Saint Gabriel and the Judgment	Conscience and conscience formation,  personal reckoning, reflection, and awakening	Poor use of Will or Intentions, Conscience that is Uninformed, Malformed, or Insincere
Saint Sophia the World	Connections, Integration, Harmony, Compatibilities	Alienations, Incompatibility, opposition

Tarot of the Saints Suit of Cups Keywords

Eros and Self Presenting Love

Card	Keywords	Keywords Reverse
Suit of Cups  Keywords	Emotion, Intuition, Relationship, Femenine/Yin, Sacerdotal, Eros, Mystical Theology,	Lust, Wrath, Masculine/Yang, Analytical, Conscious Thought
Ace of Cups: The Lamb of God	Motivating Emotions, Gratitude, Joy, Divine Longing, Emotive Stimulus,	Despondency, Ingratitude Dread  Unnecessary Guilt, Hesitancy of Reform or Reconciliation, Action
Two of Cups: The Loving Bond	Romantic Love, Attractive Desire, Developing Emotions,  Catalysts for Emotional bonding, Gender Compatibility	Dissolution of Eros, compassionate Eros, Filia, Agape, Unrequited Love.
Three of Cups: Mary Magdalene, Mary, the Mother of James, and Salome at the Tomb	The Gambit of Emotions Communally Binding, Evolving Emotion, Reacting to Sacrificial Love.	Emotions Causing Social Discord, Emotions Working Against Communal Harmony, Emotional Manipulation, Despair in Grief, Calculating Binding, Pragmatic Alliance.
Four of Cups: The Annunciation	Choices for Good,  Dynamic Baptismal Priesthood, Developing Emotions	Missed Opportunities, Choices Played Out, Emotional Stagnation, Lack of Good Choices
Five of Cups: The Expulsion from Eden	Choices and Consequences,  Communion in Hardship,  Concupiscent Dispositions	Choices that Develop to Beauty, A Break of Communion, The Bonding of Compassion, A Well Ordered soul, Poor Choices,with no Negative Consequences.
Six of Cups: The Washing of the Feet	Christian power dynamics, Leadership,  Intimate Relationships that Pass Wisdom by Example,  Communicative Signs of Tenderness or Communion, Leadership by Example.	Tyranny, Heavy Handedness, Usurpation of Power, Alienation Between Leader and Follower, Abstract Relaying of iInformation or Instruction
Seven of Cups: The Ciborium among the Chalices	Choices, Priorities, Seek, Sanctification, Desire for Sanctity.	Poor Choices, Poor Prioritization, Emptiness of Being, Grace over Volition, Desire toward False Idols.
Eight of Cups: David the Poet	Emotive: Development / Harmony / Evocation / Investment / Attunement to Transcendence	Emotive Manipulation Discord or Stagnation, Physical or Intellectual Development
Nine of Cups: The Accompaniment of the Celestial Humans	Companionship, Eros Toward Supportive Companionship, Emotive Spiritual Development, Motivation for Change, Emotive Spiritual Fulfillment.	Isolation, The Illusion of Support, Supportive Role Reversal, A Helper Ready at Hand, Desire for Passive Solitude
Ten of Cups: Jesus Welcomes the Children	Emotive Bond of Authoritative Relationships, Innocence, Naivete Deep Past of Childhood, Foundation Relationships of Childhood.	Disordered Priority of Relationships, Abuse of Power, Objective or Detached Authority, Aloof Superior to Inferior,  Lessor Teaches the Greater
Page of Cups: Saint Eligius	New eros, Crafting emotions or intuition	Mature Eros, Unchecked Eros, Eros “as an end”
Knight of Cups: Saint John the Apostle	Tactful, Mediator, Inculturation, Discernment, Fulfillment of Loving Eros, Lucid Waking, Gift of the Spirit Awe of the Lord	Disappointment, Turmoil, Avoiding Conflict, Idealism, Debauchery, Apollinarian, Incomplete Gifts of Reason
Queen of Cups: Clare of Assisi	Compassion, Warmth, Kindness, Spiritual Healer, Counsellor, Supportive, Subconscious Intuition,	Analytical, Communicative, Organizer, Manipulation, Lust, Wrath,
King of Cups: Saint Andrew	Balance Between Conscious and Unconscious, Noble First Son, Student Leader,  Counselor	Anxiety, Repression, Prideful Assertion, Public Leadership

Tarot of the Saints Suit of Swords Keywords

Philia and Love Considered

Card	Keywords	Keywords Reverse
Suit of Swords Keywords	Analysis, Calculation, Masculine/Yang, Nobility, Philia, Systematic Theology,	Apollinarian Coldness,  Objectivity at the Expense of Compassion, Amoral Calculation, Pride
Ace of Swords: The Sword and the Cross	New Knowledge onMortalityor Doctrine, A new Intellectual Guide, New Moral Struggle	Closed Minded to New Ideas,Fails in Moral Struggle, Self Justification.  Mystical or Intuitive Approach to the situation is beneficial.  Brute Force
Two of Swords: The Guidance of the Holy Spirit	Knowledge Applied, Synthesis of Thought, Sincerity of Conscience	Breakdown ofIntellectual Relationships, Over Confident Knowledge, Over Analysis, Insincere or Erroneous Conscience.
Three of Swords: The Thrice Pierced Immaculate Heart	Destructive Intellect, Calculation over Personal Effect, Learning Compassion, Motherly Suffering	Bond of Compassion, Contradictions of Theodicy.  Applying Intellect Well
Four of Swords: The Meditating Monk	Contemplation, Awareness of Death, Rest, Deadlines, Rejuvenation	Restlessness, Taking Relationships for Granted, Dynamic Engagement, Self Preservation
Five of Swords: Little Girl Get Up	Hard Won Victory, Help that victory happen, A Wider Lens of Evidence, Filial Bonding Overcoming or Helping Through Trauma or Anxiety, Femenine Dynamism	Myopic or Selective Data (Leading to Loss of Hope or Faith), Unresolved Trauma Isolation, Irrational Fear, Femenine Paralysis
Six of Swords: Maternal Protection	Motion of Terror, Oppression, Analytical or Calculating Reaction, Moral Pedagogy,  Parental Protection	Well Ordered Protective Institutions,  Comfortable Parental Relationship ,Rash Reaction, Dissolved Bond of Protection
Seven of Swords: Cosmic Chaos	Ideological Application, Teleological Quest, Divine Mystery, Cognitive Chaos	Enfoldment, Disconnected Chaos, Intellectual Isolation, Alienation Through Agnosticism
Eight of Swords: The Martyr Waits	Forced Rest, Contemplation, Sacrifice, Inspiration, Systemic Analysis,	Anxious Stillness, Intense Engagement, Crystalized Systems, Lack of Inspiration
Nine of Swords: The Dread of “Damaclitia” at Prayer	Dread, Past the Point of Reason Regarding a Concern, Mitigating Dread, Systemic cause of Dread	Relief, Resolution, Harmful Self Reliance, Shameless Privilege Lack of Compassion
Ten of Swords: The Five Wounds of Christ	Suffering, Betrayal, Redemptive or Sacrificial Suffering, “Doors”, Ascension and Descension, Vulnerable Self Sharing,	Denial or Avoidance of Suffering, Closing Doors, Oppression
Page of Swords: Saint Martin De Tours	Communication, New Filial Relationships, Action as Communication, Discipleship	Competitiveness, Aggressive Argumentation, Talk over Action, Lack of or Miscommunication, Breakdown of Bonds, Emotiveness
Knight of Swords: Saint George	Assertive, Direct, Intellectual, Ambitious, Neutralizing Toxicity, Gift of the Spirit: Knowledge / Understanding / Wisdom	Rude, Arrogant, and Tactless.  Forceful, Aggressive, Ruthless, Valid not Sound, Minutia, Semantics, Employment of Emotive or Intuitive
Queen of Swords: Joan of Arc	Honest, Independent, Principled, Fair, Constructive Criticism, Objective, Perceptive	Vengeance, Brutality, Uncalculated Destruction.  Manipulative, Unforgiving
King of Swords: Saint Paul	Edifying words, Organizing Filial Bonds.  Intercultural Dialogue or Syncretism	Objective Systematizer Laking Personal Compassion, Divisive or Cruel Words, Interpersonal Compassion.

Tarot of the Saints Suit of Staffs Keywords

Agape and Love Made Real

Card	Keywords	Keywords Reverse
Suit of Staffs Keywords	Creativity, Will, Dynamism, Inspiration, Determination, Ambition, Volition, Masculine/Yang, Peasantry, Agape	Egotistical Behavior, Impulsiveness, Lack of direction or purpose, Feeling Meaningless, Femenine/Yin, Pride, Sloth or Envy
Ace of Staffs: The Bishop’s Crosier	New Avenues, Dynamic Engagement, Opportunities for Fulfillment, Innovative Sacrifice, New Zeal for Moral Investment	Termination of a Course of Action, Stagnation, Habituation,
Two of Staffs: The Union of Opposites in Passion	Union of Opposites, Potentiality, Agapic Process	Polarity, Opposition, Distinction, Tribalism, Jingoism,
Three of Staffs: The Fishermen	Communal Maneuvering,  Mutual Appropriation or Teach, Expanding Influence or Community, Sacramental Signification	Divisions Within or Between Communities, Misunderstanding by Lack of Creative Communication, Shrinking Influence,  Personal Creative Effort.
Four of Staffs: The Betrothal of Mary and Joseph	Parallel Signification, Nuptial Signification, Christan Power Dynamics, Somnium Spirituality, Mutual Agapic Self Emtying.	Withholding of Self, Causal Facts, Discounted Dreams and/or Signification.
Five of Staffs: The Stigmata of the Most Powerful Hand	Action, Fortitude, Sacrifice, Struggle,Vulnerability, Healing, Rectification.	Closing Off to the World, Defensiveness, Selfishness, Contemplation
Six of Staffs: The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem	Victory, Temporary Victory, Definitions of Success, Humility,	Failure, Defeat, Paradigm Shift, Lack of Trust
Seven of Staffs: Cain Slays Abel	Wrath, Justice, Struggle,	Justice and Mercy, Perfect Striving, Compassion, Praising Others
Eight of Staffs: Martin de Tours Declines his Bishopric	Humility, Hesitancy, Risk of Vulnerability, .	Passivity, Rejection of Responsibility, Time for Growth, Selfish Isolation
Nine of Staffs: The Palm and the Empty Cross	Compassion, Sacrificial Pedagogy, Sacrifice of Knowledge, Shame turned to Glory, Hidden Triumph or Glory	Arrogance, Missed Opportunity for Compassion or Empathy, Needless Suffering, Martyr Complex,  Harsh Judgment of the Afflicted
Ten of Staffs: The Phoenix	Renewal, Purgation, Trial Accomplished,
Page of Staffs: Saint Roch	Adventure Excitement, Energy, Fearlessness, Broad Agapic Application, Environmental Support	Haste, Laziness, Agoraphobic, Stagnation, Impersonal Agape
Knight of Staffs: Saint James	Activating Will or Creativity,  Goal Oriented Transition, Process of Agape	Journernies Not Taken or Without a Goal, Sloth, Envy, Passivity, A Tried and True Path.
Queen of Staffs: Saint Genevieve	Defence, Peace, communal Orientation, Maternal Legacy	Self Serving Defence at the Expense of Others, Aggressiveness
King of Staffs: Saint Patrick	Interpersonal Synchronization of Wills, Dynamics of Slavery and Liberation, Creativity, Dynamism	Slavery, Habits, Sloth, Envy Passivity

Tarot of the Saints Suite of Coins Keywords

Sacramental Engagement

Card	Keywords	Keywords Reverse
Suit of Coins Keywords	The Exterior World, Corporality, Work, Production, Use and Relationship to Material Possessions, 3-Tiered Integration, Femenine/Yin, Merchants, Sacramental Cosmology	Being possessed by possessions, Inordinate Attachment, Poor Work Ethic, Lack of production, Alienation,  Masculine/Yang, Deism, Material Determinism, Gluttony, Greed.
Ace of Coins: The Monstrance	New Engagement in the World, Auxiliary Beauty, Contemplative Recalibration, Finding Inspiration or Divinity in the Cosmos,  Sacrally Balanced Reciprocation.	Distraction of Passing Beauty Poorly Prioritized Sense of “Worth”, Poor Relationship with Sustaining Elements, Spiritual Rather than Physical Engagement.
Two of Coins: The Stole, Caesar, and God	Balance of Spiritual Life and Secular Concerns, Inspiration in Unexpected Places, or Materials,   Spheres of Influence, Communal Effort	Oppression, Mesmerization, Avarice, Confused Priorities, Creative Sloth
Three of Coins: Saint Luke Paints Mary and Christ	Creativity, Creative Confluence, Cooperating Philosophies, Cultural Inspiration, Confluence of Interpretation	Lacking creativity or inspiration,  Compartmentalization, Crystallization of  Philosophy, Alienation, Myopic interpretation,
Four of Coins: Judas Betrays Jesus	Betrayal, Greed, Avarice, Enchantment by the Abstract,	Persons over Things, Breaking Free of Enslavement to the Material, Personal Relationships, New Relationships
Five of Coins: Lazarus the Beggar	Poverty and Hardship, Detachment from Wealth Poverty as Spiritual Knowledge or Opportunities for Charity, Pity for those Trapped by Wealth	Material Comfort Causing  Distraction,  Objectifying Others, Ignorance of Poverty, Arrogance, Bitterness of Poverty
Six of Coins: The Pelican Pierces its Chest	Charitable Acts, Giving, Receiving, Sustenance, Parental Self Sacrifice or Nurturing	Stinginess, Minimal Charity, Lack of Sustenance, Self Reliance, Bodily Integrity or Autonomy
Seven of Coins: The Parable of the Sower	Abundant Return, Relationship with minimal investment, Gratitude for Gifts,  Growth Amidst Stagnation or Hostility	Stagnation. Possessiveness, Skillful Application, Toiling Labor, Suspicious Self Reliance.
Eight of Coins: Jesus Works with Joseph	Pedagogy, Foundational Work, Cooperation, Transitional skills or Work,  Private Honing of Skills	Hobbies, Solitary Endeavors, Accomplishment,  Braggadociousness, Showiness, Hasty Engagement
Nine of Coins: The Loves and Fishes	Personal Material Achievement, Appreciation, Rich and Undeserved Abundance, Multiplication of Goodness, Sharing, Sustenance	Material or Spiritual Poverty,  Lack of Needs or Comfort,  Stinginess, A Period of Dormancy or Latency, Greed, Impatience, Ingratitude,
Ten of Coins: The Ten Coins of Mannon	Slavery of Mammon, Greed, Avarice,  Exaltation of the Synthetic, Lack of true Beauty, Withering of Creative Life, Potentiality,  Mediation,  Wealth,	Free from the Enchantment of Wealth, Appreciation for trLife Giving Things, Impoverishment,  Grace Flowing Through Nature
Page of Coins: Saint Norbert	Ambitious, Diligent, and Goal Oriented, Loyalty, Faithfulness, Dependability	Disordered Attachment, Reflective Application of Sacral Cosmology.
Knight of Coins: Saint Lawrence	Relationship between Money and People.  Is the economy for people or are people for the economy?  Personal Value	Exploitation, Objectification, Alienation, Cruelty, Commodification
Queen of Coins: Elizabeth of Hungary	Generous, Nurturing, Comforting, Sensual Comfort, “Mama Mary Alchemic Signification”	Lust, Greed, Sexual or Pleasure Based Manipulation
King of Coins: Saint Jude	Healing, Medical Healing Petitionary Healing, Rest, Self Care,  Kinship Bonds	Unhealthy Engagement, Gluttony, Lust.  Spiritual Strategy, Contemplative Prayer, Discernment,