Chariot

The traditional version of this card usually depicts a man driving two horses of opposite colors, one black and one white.  In my deck, one horses has a rider and the other is wild.  The meaning of the Chariot card deals with force, control, and "horsepower" -- the horses represent two kinds of power; disciplined power and uncontrollable force. 

Page(s) of Cups

I couldn't resist portraying my nephews, Nick and Josh, as the Pages of Cups.  The Page of Cups in the Tarot is a youthful admirer who brings news about a birth or a new relationship.  He is an affectionate dreamer associated with the arts and entertainment as well.  My nephews are very loving boys and are always quick to express their emotions.  Whenever they come to visit they are both constantly vying for attention.  Nick is at the top part of the image about to pour the water in his cup on his older brother Josh's head.  Whereas Josh has already spilled his cup and unable to stop laughing.  This is how I see my nephews and how I have interpreted the Page of Cups; a lovely jolly couple of boys.

Four of Pentacles

As money pours in, it is guarded.  The fairy in this image does not look friendly; he is jealously guarding the four flowers and will attack anyone who dares to cut them.  Generally this card means that an individual is being overly miserly or possessive.  The card urges the querent (person who is using the cards to answer a question) to let go.

Nine of Pentacles

This is a card of security and the culmination of material growth.  The woman and the hawk are confident, outfitted for a good hunt.  Usually when you draw this card in a reading it says that things are looking good and comfortable.

King of Swords

I must admit I was more than slightly influenced by actor Clive Owen after watching King Arthur.  Clive has got a rugged, down-to-earth sexiness reminescent of Michael Madsen (at least in my eyes). However, when I was painting this image I was not watching King Arthur or any other film with Clive Own or Michael Madsen in it, yet the image of a hard-nosed, seasoned, sexy Roman general came through as my King of Swords.  The Swords King is a natural leader, assertive, bold, authoritarian, and disciplined.  He plans things carefully and acts with pin point precision.  Even though is slow to start one, he rarely loses a fight.

Six of Pentacles

A hummingbird hungrily harvests nector from six flowers in full bloom.  This card represents the fair distribution of wealth and other comforts to those who need it most. 

Eight of Wands

This card means things are moving swiftly in one particular direction or travel is indicated.  The wands are in flight.  There is a raven in the distance flying over Lake Michigan.  Both the wands and raven are rapidly flying into different directions; the raven is heading home, the wands are blown over the water with an incoming storm.

King of Cups

Out of all the Kings I've so far illustrated, this King is jolly and fat.  His smiling face is tanned by sunny weather and swirls of wine hug his rosy, heart-shaped cheeks.  This King clearly enjoys life and doesn't mind showing everyone how good he feels.  Reflected in his little cup filled with rose wine is an unhappy mask of a woman's face; this indicates that sometimes the King of Cups is so busy impressing friends and chasing women that he forgets to be truly compassionate to those who really love him.  When asked to be anything more than superficial, he can become more stingy with his emotions.  While looking at his face, this King reminds me of Diego Rivera...

Four of Cups



 

The woman on this card is bored, contemplating what she should do with the rest of her life.  Several options, in the shape of empty cups, hover above her head.  One cup sits before her half full yet she remains disinterested.  This generally represents dissatisfaction with the status quo; the woman clearly wants something more in life, but doesn't quite know yet what more there is to life.

The Emperor

This Emperor is crowned by ram's horns, holds a golden globe and a scepter in his hands.  He is warmed by the sun and wears robes of the finest red velvet.  He represents government, male authority, control, and power.  Contrasting with the Empress, he stands in full light, warm and determined.  Sometimes when I look at this card I see him offering power instead of holding it.  The look in his eyes is gentle, yet piercing.

Ace of Swords

This card represents victory, a new idea, or an action that produced strong results.  The sword pierces the clouds and light shines from above.  This card also suggests courage, being able to act without hesitation towards a definite goal.