0. The Soul (traditionally "The Fool")
"My ecstasy lifted me into the air" ~Michael
Filled with curiosity, adventure, spontaneity and joy, The Soul steps out in complete abandon to the wondrous Journey of Life. With arms flung wide, He free falls into all that lies before Him. To some, this approach to the world may appear reckless, but the wise ones recognize the beauty of His passion and the value of His courageous heart. They understand the ecstasy of Surrender, and the profound magnificence of the Unknown. He has not wandered over the edge of oblivion, but has willingly and passionately jumped, consumed by Bliss and His Oneness with everything. This leap of faith not only inspires others, but holds within it, the deep wisdom of the Universe; Innocence that is wise enough to take that leap and discover we are meant to fly!
* watercolour on paper
1. The Magician
"As far away as a star, as near as a grain of sand, the Presence rises shimmering with Light" ~Michael
The Magician stands between the heavens and the earth, a conduit of Creation uniting the worlds. He is a master of the elements (Water, Earth, Air, Fire) which He dances into form through the sacred infinite spiral that all life is patterned upon. When in His presence, all things are realized. What once seemed impossible, unfolds before our eyes. But not as audience members mesmerized by a show - the Magician calls us to action. Reminding us that we already possess everything we need to manifest our dreams, He awaits our participation. Saying yes to our hearts is the first step toward changing our reality. An electric energy begins to flow, and we are filled with the power of possibility. With each step forward, we become more alive, led by this incredible Force from within. No more are we fooled by the illusions around us, but begin to weave a spell all our own. We know who we are and are ready to reveal it. The Magic has begun.
* watercolour on paper
2. The High Mystic (traditionally "The High Priestess")
“Sweet Bird, my soul, your silence is so precious” ~Michael
The High Mystic is an indwelling presence of the Divine that calls us to remember our Oneness and reunites us with the voice of our soul. Truth, wisdom, wonder, knowing and trust are the gifts offered by this sacred Companion, who stands as the Gateway to the true Paradise waiting to be recognized inside our own hearts. His golden wings of Unity and Love open to embrace us as we enter into this realm of Stillness. Here, the UnKnown becomes our Guide. Our search for answers to the outside world shifts, and we find ourselves instead, on an unexpected quest. An Adventure that spans across the entire Universe, yet miraculously unfolds completely from within.
The voice of the High Mystic is soft, and we must lean in close to hear. Learning to calibrate our awareness by being present in the Now helps us to stay connected to His whispers. The more mindful we are of His constant companionship, the clearer His words become. Soon, we are inseparable… exquisitely entwined by the most intimate kind of Love we have ever known. Now this Miracle Love expands into everything we encounter. The inner and outer worlds combine in a deep Wholeness of Joy. We are ONE.
* watercolour on paper
3. The Empath (traditionally "The Empress")
"Hold me like the River Jordan and I will then say to thee, you are my friend. Carry me like you are my brother, love me like a mother. Will you be there?" ~Michael
The Empath comes to us with tender eyes and the most gentle embrace. His arms surround us like the Universe, cradling us with deepest compassion, reminding us of our preciousness and the fragility of Life. We are astonished to realize how protected and tended to we have been, observing the way the Earth provides for even the tiniest of beings. Suddenly, wonder blurs our edges and we marvel at our cherished place in the vastness of Creation. Abundance overwhelms us and we begin to overflow. Creativity, energy and inspiration pour from us like offerings. We are permeated by His Love and our spirit soars.
The Empath’s elegant and sensual nature delights the heart, and we are rejuvenated and healed by His presence. A softness settles into our cells as we exhale, breathing out all our most vulnerable truths. The air becomes filled with the bounty of our wisdom, and we are stunned by the profoundness of our offering. A quiet strength rises up from within and we are made whole again, as we witness for the first time, the beauty of our own soul.
* watercolour on paper
4. The Emperor
“In spite of the risks, the courage to be honest and intimate opens the way to self-discovery. It offers what we all want, the promise of love" ~Michael
The Emperor is the embodiment of Righteousness. In His Presence, all chaos falls into Perfect Order. Ignorance and darkness dissolve with a single glimpse of His Truth, and opens the door to the wisdom within our own hearts. This revelation is available to those who hold themselves in integrity, and brings with it the inner peace of an educated mind. The Emperor is the Great Protector, creating safe and sacred space. In His embrace, we are courageous, and have the strength to follow our dreams. His Power envelopes us and calls us into action, as we follow His lead toward discovering our true Selves and living our highest Purpose. The One who slays fear through ferocious tenderness and wild fragility. Love's Warrior… our Infinite Companion on this soul’s journey Home.
*watercolour on paper
5. The Hierophant
"I am the thinker, the thinking, the thought
I am the seeker, the seeking, the sought
I am the dewdrop, the sunshine, the storm
I am the phenomenon, the field, the form
I am the desert, the ocean, the sky
I am the Primeval Self
In you and I"
~Michael
The Hierophant is the great Spiritual Teacher we have been waiting for. Although we have endlessly longed for Him with all our emotional being, He arrives only when our soul is ready. Our deep devotion to Him brings insight on all levels of consciousness, as He awakens a desire in us to see through different eyes. His extraordinary form of Love bears profound respect for us, and so He refuses to indoctrinate, nor will He allow for blind followers. Rather, we are required to commit ourselves to recovering the wisdom that lies hidden inside our hearts. It is here that we begin to experience those mysteries that lead us toward Spiritual Truth and the integrity of our Inner Knowing. Teaching us to connect with who we are innately, we uncover what is personally meaningful to us, and develop our own rituals and practices that nourish us from within. This exploration opens us to a new self-awareness, bringing out pure and unique expressions of our spirit. We encounter the Divine in a way that has been previously unknown to us… direct interaction that brings intimacy to every moment of our lives. With our BeLoved Teacher forever at our side, we step into the world with new perspective, ready to accept and honour our precious and crucial place in the Universe. Our part in the Sacred Story has begun.
*watercolour on paper
6. The Lovers
“As long as Love is in my heart, it’s everywhere” ~ Michael
Divine Love. Proof of God. This is a Love that reaches beyond relationships and personal desire. A Love that falls in Love with all things. Through the eyes of the Lover, the Earth is a poem, a breath is a prayer, a child is a song. He understands that Love is not an emotion but a way, and so He lives it so the world will know. He does not shift when harmed. The Lover lives to forgive. He seeks out places to give Himself recklessly. A Love that sees the beauty in mankind, even in its ugliest moments. To Love when there is no reason to Love. To believe when there is no reason to believe. The Lover exists solely to Love. Ecstasy follows Him. Tragedy motivates Him. He brings meaning to every suffering. He is a protector of others through perpetual self-sacrifice. To be touched by Him is to become His Lover, and so this is how He saves.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres”
Love Lives Forever
*watercolour on paper
7. The Chariot
"We'll ride a rainbow, a cloud, a storm
Flying in the wind, we'll change our form
We'll touch the stars, embrace the moon
We'll break the barrier and be there soon"
~ Michael
The Chariot is the otherworldly vessel that carries us toward our transcendent self. A carriage of dreams, built by our own hands and steered by the wisdom of our heart. We have travelled many miles, and gained much experience along the way. No longer fooled by the illusion of being tossed about at the mercy of the fates, we recognize that we are at the helm, and have been all along.
Steadfast in faith, we begin plotting our charts and directing our path, moving toward our goals with skill and calm determination. With our eye on the horizon and our compass set to true north, we navigate the celestial worlds with confidence, knowing that, in this Divine Flow, we can never be lost.
Even as we encounter obstacles along the way, we are not troubled by rough seas. In fact, we have fallen in love with the waves, because it is in their mercilessness that we are most changed. Their turbulence gifts us with the opportunity to develop our skills, and learn more about the beauty of our ultimate Destination. Infinity becomes familiar territory, and we are set free to explore beyond our wildest dreams. Where will the adventure take you next?…
Your Chariot awaits!
* watercolour on paper
8. Strength
“The deeper I go into myself, the stronger I become, because I realize that my real self is much bigger than any fear” ~Michael
Real strength comes, not from overpowering others, but from realizing our place in the Universe. To know ourself is to know that we are an infinite expression of Love. Spirit Incarnate. Life Eternal. One with the All.
This understanding of our true identity fills us with an inner peace that responds to life with confidence and emotional maturity. We know what is important to us, and express ourselves with wisdom and patience. We no longer feel the need to control others or persuade them to think like us, but are filled with appreciation for the artful view of the world that diversity inspires. We are open to the multitude of learning opportunities that surround us, and welcome new experiences with curiosity and trust.
When harmed, our strength draws us toward forgiveness, and challenges us to deepen our compassion and willingness to treat others with respect. Loyalty, determination, resilience and purity of spirit lead all our endeavours, as we step into the unknown with a passionate and courageous heart.
Yet above all, the fullest and most beautiful example of strength is the heart that is brave enough to Love, for it is Love that calls us to the ultimate sacrifice… to lay down our life for our friend.
“Hold me like the River Jordan, and I will then say to thee, you are my friend”
*watercolour on paper
9. The Hermit
“Inside your heart sits a Seer. Between His thoughts He can hear, a melody simple yet wondrously clear. The music of life, so precious, so dear” ~Michael
The Hermit is a seeker on a quest for the Soul. He thrives in stillness, where He sits silently, listening intently for the whispers within. This voice He seeks is softer than a breath of wind, but its words are more powerful than any other sound. The Hermit is patient, and waits with reverence, ever-present in the moment of Now. Integrity, peace and gentleness guide Him, as He contemplates ways His new found insights might be used to benefit others in His endless service of Love. His humility and purity of heart open Him to the abundance of Spirit, and He expresses His deep gratitude by emerging from His inner journey, filled with energy, creativity and hope; ready to share all He has learned… more sure than ever before that the world will be “saved by beauty.”
*watercolour on paper
10. The Wheel Of Fortune
"When you join the Flow, the music is inside and outside, and both are the same" ~Michael
The Wheel Of Fortune reminds us that the Universe is constantly changing. Every situation is but a passing moment. Whatever circumstance we find ourselves in, however endless it may seem or however much we may long to hold on to it, is nothing more than an instant in the cycle of the ever-turning Wheel. The changing seasons, night and day, the circle of life and death are all a part of the pulsating pattern in the miracle of Creation. To struggle against this constant change not only creates suffering, but causes us to miss the beauty and the magic of the moment.
Step back and observe your microscopic place in the Cosmos. Allow yourself to marvel at the magnificence of the Universe. Notice how She has nurtured you into being with her foundation-force Love, protecting you from harm through the corridors of time and the infinity of space. Realize how this incredible Power surrounds you always, inviting you to let go and trust in the Flow. You have everything you need to manifest that dream rising up within you. Just like a spiral galaxy of a billion stars, the possibilities that surround you are infinite.
"Dream it. See it. Believe it. Make it happen."
* watercolour on paper
11. Justice
"Will you show to me you'll be there for me, and care enough to bear me?" ~Michael
The call for Justice draws from within us, our primal need for Truth. We are pulled from our comfortable nest of complacency and shaken to the core. Compelled by fierce desire and soulful urgency to stand up for what is right, we abandon our own self-interest and rush to the scene of the crime. Driven by integrity and ethical responsibility, we dare to remember the wisdom and power of our own voice. Degradation of Purity, destruction of Innocence, corruption of the Sacred… these things that threaten the very foundation of holiness, incite in us a radical response toward the restoration and resurrection of Love.
Although these circumstances evoke deep emotion, we remain grounded, allowing our intuition to guide us and keep us in balance. Fairness, understanding and compassion are the key components that will lead us forward. It is not our own desired outcome we seek, but the preservation of the great Universal Law that stabilizes all of Creation. Step out in faith and know in your heart that righteousness prevails whenever we dare to stand up for Truth in the ultimate name of Justice.
* watercolour on paper
12. The Hanged One
"If you are locked into a pattern of thinking and responding, your creativity gets blocked. You miss the freshness and magic of the moment. Learn to be innocent again, and that freshness never fades" ~Michael
The Hanged One reminds us that a change of perspective is sometimes all it takes to begin again. We are suddenly aware of an ever-present miracle that has been right in front of our eyes all along. Our world is turned upside-down and we are struck by revelation, without any change in circumstance or new information. This unfamiliar view places us inside the wonderful sphere of Possibility, releasing us from expectations and the illusion of control. Perfection doesn’t look quite the way we imagined, as we learn to surrender to the potential of the Great UnKnown. Who knew how beautiful things could be when seen from this vantage point?! And all this time you thought you were right-side-up!
Our willingness to let go and see things in a new light changes who we are. Just like the butterfly is not a caterpillar with wings, we too are not another version of our past selves. A metamorphosis is taking place and we are becoming brand new. But first we must take pause and allow things to incubate, as we sacrifice ourselves to the transformation inside this mysterious slumber. Soon we will begin to emerge from the veil of what-was, unfold the wings of our new-found soul, and finally take flight.
* watercolour on paper
13. Death
“Don’t be afraid to know who you are. You are much more than you ever imagined” ~Michael
Death is a powerful entity who holds a deep intimacy with all living things. His presence surrounds us constantly… from falling leaves to the setting sun, an endless reminder of our own brevity and the preciousness of life. He walks toward us with confidence, carrying aloft the torch of Mortality, ablaze with the flame of dissolution, elimination, and release. These gifts seek to unburden us from limiting beliefs and past regrets, burning away obstacles and lighting the path to endless possibilities. Through Him, we are set free in ways we never imagined, provided we are willing to loosen our grip and let go of what no longer serves us. Often sudden and unpredictable, His ways strike fear in the hearts of many. Gatekeeper of darkness, Embodiment of the Unknown; we tread carefully to avoid Him, oblivious that our most soul-shifting experiences of Love come only through His merciless touch. Ultimately, through the immensity of this great Gift, we realize our sacred obligation to Him and fall into His final embrace… at peace in the wisdom that Death is only a mask, waiting to reveal the true beauty behind all we are about to become.
*watercolour on paper
14. Temperance
“You and I were never separate
It’s just an illusion
Wrought by the magical lens of Perception
There is only one Wholeness
Only one Mind
We are like ripples
In the vast Ocean of Consciousness”
~Michael
Temperance is a Wisdom Seeker, and connects us to the phenomenon of Life. He calls us to observe the world with mindfulness, and respect the perfection in everything that surrounds us. Natural Law cannot be reduced by judgements of ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but exists as a sacred balance that unites all things. We are asked to pause and reflect on this deeper vision, and allow it to guide us toward the path of higher understanding.
With Temperance, we learn to step into the Flow and discover the vital nature of our part in Creation. While it is true that we exist in the everyday reality of the physical world, we are also reminded that we are spiritual beings with the boundless power of Love eternally in our hands. This insight sparks a deep tranquility and harmony in the centre of our being, and rises up from within in the form of peace. Now our voice is a gentle Force that offers clarity and calming. Love becomes our way and reaches deep into the hearts of others. Our ability to stay grounded creates an atmosphere of stillness that provides even the highest emotions a safe place to heal.
We are in alignment with the Earth and the beauty of her movements, and allow our inner Light to wax and wane with the cycles of the Moon. To be One with the Universe is to be both in and of Her. And so this is the Miracle Alchemy of becoming what we already are.
* watercolour on paper
15. The Devil
“It was only when I broke all ties
after the stillness of the shrieking cries
in the depths of those heaving sighs
the imagined sorrow of a thousand lies
I suddenly stared in your fiery eyes"
~Michael
The ‘Devil’ dares to stand between us and the BeLoved. No longer satisfied with lurking in the shadows of our life, he now steps boldly into our path. This interference challenges us to reach deep inside ourselves… to rise up (however reluctantly) and confront our demons. Whether or not these monsters are real is irrelevant, as even illusion causes very real suffering and can hold us back from all we were divinely created to be. Within or without, these adversarial things lead us to experience ourselves in a new way, moving us toward our ultimate potential. As we are confronted by our fears and asked, not only to face them, but to engage in battle with them, we discover our strengths and acquire new skills that carry us toward freedom and into a deepening understanding of the nature of our oneness with the BeLoved.
The ‘Devil’ is a master illusionist, however, and tries to convince us that we have no control over our world… and while it is true that we cannot always alter circumstances, we always have the power to choose our response. Again and again we choose Love. Again and again, we are victorious. Not only have we become a skilled competitor, but a radical hero on the pilgrimage of life. Now, we eagerly await the dare, knowing that all challenges are in reality, the voice of the BeLoved calling us relentlessly toward Him. We know of our worthiness. We know of our Light. Glory follows us everywhere, for we are warriors of Love.
* watercolour on paper
16. The Tower
“Why have you come?” I whispered. “To wipe away your last tear,” you replied. “It was the one you saved for me.” ~Michael
To be soul struck is to know that all devastation is actually a Love call directly from the mouth of God. When we are shaken so hard that there is nothing left to cling to, we realize how volatile our investments are. Everything in life is temporary, regardless of how endless we would like them to be. To create a foundation on these things can ultimately leave us in ruins. In these darkest of moments, through the dust of annihilation, we are offered the most profound insight. A Treasure that not only survives the storm, but transforms the ashes into sacred ground. The one thing left standing. LOVE.
This is not the needle-in-the-haystack-look-for-the-silver-lining kind of love. This is not even the kind of love that binds us to our family, children or partner. This is the Love that literally resurrects. The Divine Love that longs for you so deeply that it will sacrifice anything to bring you Home. This reckless Love is not looking to destroy, but seeks to lay Itself at your feet, that you may begin again with a Foundation that makes everything Everlasting.
“Just say the word, I’ll lay me down for you” ~Michael
*watercolour on paper
17. The Star
“I close my eyes, look within, and enter a deep soft silence. The infinity of God’s creation embraces me. We are One” ~ Michael
Direct experience with the Divine alters us. We are no longer comfortable with mediocrity and dreamless days. The Star reaches down inside us and pulls out our truth, unfolding a journey of personal growth that reveals a new perspective and profound way of Being. His Light is soft and illuminating, shining into our minds and inviting us to look with new eyes. We enter this strange world in humility and awe, our hearts overflowing with wonder. His celestial beauty and cosmic motion intoxicate us, drawing us into His orbit. Innocence is His favourite word, and He repeats it endlessly like a metronome. His movements, though gentle, can be unpredictable and sometimes seem meandering, but do not waver, for He is the Universal Anchor, our True North Star, leading us with precision and immaculate timing toward His home of perfection through Radical Love.
* watercolour on paper
18. The Moon
“If you could for one moment know, this spark of creation, this exquisite glow, you would come and dance with me” ~Michael
The Moon is our guiding light in the darkness, illuminating our path and helping us to find our way. He speaks to us through intuition, connecting us with our inner voice and moving us toward our higher consciousness. His light is soft and magical, and draws us gently into unknown worlds. Our hearts are brave when He is shining upon us.
But the Moon is not always full. His light waxes and wanes - even leaving us completely in the dark at times. Yet, this does not mean that the Moon has disappeared, it is only our ability to see that has changed. His mysterious nature ebbs and flows, revealing and concealing Himself endlessly like the subconscious mind. This is a place where fears can hide and cast illusions based on trauma and past experiences. The Moon calls us to connect deeply with these emotions, allowing them to teach and transform us, and move us toward healing so that we may receive new insight and better understanding.
Although the Moon appears to be a gentle presence, He has the power to pull entire oceans and cause wild creatures to cry out in the night. His influence draws out our innermost passions, inspiring us to release our inhibitions and join in the Dance of Life. We begin to encounter a fuller sense of self and a deeper experience of joy, as we move with newfound freedom and boundless creativity. There is an elegance to this wild dance, however, and so we pay close attention to the beauty of each step, allowing Him to lead us into His wondrous world of dreams. Soon, we begin to trust the Music, and the melody starts to carry us. All at once, we are among the stars... The Dance has become our Way.
* watercolour on paper
19. The Sun
“Live, be, move, rejoice - you are alive!” ~Michael
The Sun is our Ever-Presence. Nurturer of life. His Light reaches into us, and sets our heart aflame, filling us with inspiration, energy and great joy. He is not just a provider, but The Great Lavisher, bringing an overflowing of abundance to our world. His playful voice calls upon our inner child, inviting us to delight in the sweetness and radiance of His Love. His touch restores, lifts, rejuvenates, and heals. His strength sustains all. When near Him we are pulled into His irresistible orbit, creating a constant evolution which forms the cycles and seasons of our life. Under the warmth of His glow, our soul-seed breaks free, reaching skyward toward our highest potential, filling us with a deep spirit of giving and reverence for all life. Even in our desolate winter moments, He is there, tenderly shining His promise of comfort and hope. He adores new beginnings, and reminds us with every sunrise, it’s never too late to start again. And again and again and again…
“In the promise of another tomorrow, I’ll never let you part, for you’re always in my heart” ~Michael
*watercolour on paper
20. Judgement
“Pure unbounded Consciousness, Truth, Existence, Bliss am I” ~Michael
This Judgement speaks, not of shallow evaluation, but profoundly acquired wisdom. Intuition. Awareness. Awakening. A Calling that returns us to our higher purpose. His voice overwhelms us with passion and a thirst for revelation, pulling us ever closer toward our ultimate goal. With Him comes the ability to discern through pure objective and clarity of heart, and a spiritual intelligence gained through commitment to personal growth.
His Perfection leads us into transcendence through His example of the unshakeable consciousness of Love. Our trust in the Universe is born. With joyful abandon, we free-fall into His beloved arms, spellbound in devotion to the elegance of His will.
*watercolour on paper
21. The World
“I do not have to cling to my personal survival as long as I realize, day by day, that all of life is in me. This sense of the World in me is how I always want to feel” ~Michael
Destination… the World.
When one is struck by the power of Universal Love, the Soul is snatched up in an instant, and placed at the top of the mountain - the ultimate Destination. Our perspective is completely and immediately changed. Everything suddenly has a reason and purpose. We no longer have to wonder about the meaning of life. We see the profound beauty in all of Creation, and we experience the miracle of our Oneness with everything that exists. The preciousness of life extends exponentially into our consciousness, far beyond our own personal needs or concerns.
In that exact same instant however, we also find ourself simultaneously at the very bottom of the mountain, knowing absolutely nothing and with a seemingly impossible climb ahead. We are overwhelmed, yet this glimpse of the Destination through Divine eyes fills us with an irresistible need to begin. There is nothing easy about the journey, and often we are not the fastest climber, but we are grateful for every single blissful challenge we are gifted.
The World reminds us of our achievements as we travel along the way, and of our role in the Wholeness all around us. This reflection fills us with a humble sense of accomplishment, and a reverence for the amazing things we have learned so far. We may even notice that we have reached mastery in particular areas, especially those that caused us the greatest struggle. But our deepest wisdom gained is the understanding that at the end of every triumph is the beginning of a new inquiry. The World turns again, and we find ourselves embarking on our next adventure, still enraptured by the desire to become all we were Divinely created to be. We are endlessly enveloped in the arms of Love, and that is absolute proof of our Perfection.
*watercolour on paper