This is the root power of earth and is ruled by the Earth signs Virgo, Taurus, and Capricorn. Virgo brings method and attention to details, Taurus has the determination and strength of a bull, and Capricorn rules with a tenacity and patience. These combine to provide a power of physical and material well being. Great productivity. Represents a time when things begin to materialize and manifest.
Shown on this card is the dissection of a tree. The main oblong brown mass running up and down the card is a cross view of the tree itself, surrounded by bark, and marked with concentric rings of age. They represent physical longevity, -the time required for things to mature- and speak of a wisdom that knows of time passing. Around this bark twice on top and twice on bottom are great protective wings of foliage and bunches of seeds (acorns?) or fruit -which are the reproductive parts of plants. They symbolize the regenerative qualities of the earth and how life must be protected and nurtured for it to grow strong.
Crossing the bark horizontally is the same image of a tree and foliage but it is much fainter and translucent. This is the soul-image of the physical life of the tree. It is the aura. Physical existence is a mirror of the soul and visa versa. Though they are of opposite natures (the soul being immaterial while matter is physical) they share a likeness -both are made of energy and atoms. All life stems from the atom which is a form of energy which cannot be destroyed. The circle in the middle of the card is a biological cell, within which exists an atom. More specifically, this is a plant cell (turgid cell wall) inside which are more cells (dividing?) and in the middle of it all buzzes the atom. The three coins and the numbers 1,6,6 perhaps refer to atomical structure. This is the nucleus of existence in the form of energy and is the ‘root’ from which all is formed.
On the circle of the plant cell wall are the Ancient Greek words, ‘To Meta Ohpion’ -this means something like, ‘after the nature of the snake’ and is again a reference to the regenerative qualities of the snake which sheds its skin just like trees shed their foliage to make way for new growth. This is the process of cyclic change and it is no surprise that the snake arises again in the next card, 2 of Disks in the form of the Ouroburos, creating the symbol ‘Ad Infinitum’.
An important thing about this card is balance. It is a
balance of the body and soul and reminds me of the
axiom, ‘the body is the temple of your soul’. If drawn
in a reading it can indicate a need for balance and
well being in both the physical AND spiritual areas of
your life. In a reading about health, it is very
auspicious and shows a healthy constitution. Its a card
of solidification and reflects the importance of the
material. Can symbolize great wealth or poverty.
Perhaps there is the imbalance of having no material
wealth, but great spiritual wealth as a result or the
other way around. Maybe a middle-sized financial
windfall like an inheritance or some gain which is not
in the form of money, e.g stocks, land, investment. As
regards environments, this is the earth, but
particularly Woodlands, -the Forestry profession. There
is a spiritual tie to the land in regards to the query.
It is a really secure environment, a homely place (like
a bird nest, snug). Reaping the benefits of a pension.
Can show a move of house in a local area. If describing
a person, it is someone who is very comfortable and at
home with themselves or someone who feels ‘at one with
nature’.
Jera (eimearh@hotmail.com)
Security issues are at hand.
Financial & physical protection.
Stability for one year.
Alison (alisond@anv.net)