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FEBRUARY 2009

Reading the Waters of the Rider Waite Deck

by Peggy Firth, Certified Tarot Master

Water, in all of its forms, whether an ocean, river, pool or glass of water, conjures up a vast number of meanings and symbolisms which only the reader can ultimately decide upon. Everyone has had their own unique experiences associated with bodies of water and your feelings may color your interpretations.

In the Rider Waite deck half of the 78 cards have images of water, from oceans to cups full of running water. Historically, western religious traditions of water represent rebirth or cleansing. The rite of baptism remains much the same today as in the early church as water is anointed upon the forehead. In some churches baptism involves being totally immersed in water.

Water symbolizes the soul, inner life and the unconscious. Large bodies of water or deep pools represent deeper mysteries since their depth seems fathomless, like our unconscious minds. Water is also linked with the feminine nature which holds more mystery and intuitive abilities. In the Rider Waite cards there are many rivers and streams, whether in the background or near enough to the central figure to engage your attention. Rivers may or may not be dangerous or fathomless, but all rivers symbolize something in motion that must be either crossed or penetrated for a deeper understanding.

Since water reflects the weather, the surface of water may be turbulent or smooth. Rolling waters can be read as unstable or as changeable conditions or situations. The King of Cups, a mature and responsible personage, sits upon a stone throne set upon foaming waters representing tumultuous emotions. One meaning may suggest that the querent must remain level headed or there may be more choices than realized.

If you have had good experiences with large bodies of water such as sailing, boating, swimming or vacationing by the water, you will infuse your readings more positively. If the thought of drowning or falling into water without the ability to swim makes you uptight, then you may use those feelings in your readings.

Falling rain shown in the three of swords sets us on edge as we try to determine how we feel about rainwater. If you love the rain, it may wash away the sorrow of a broken heart, if rain makes you feel sad, then your reading may reflect that sadness.

The suite of Cups implies the emotional body and our experiences with love relationships. Readings the Cups begins with the Ace of Cups, the beginning of an emotional attachment that leads one to the more mature aspects of love in all of its forms. The Kings and Queen of Cups represent ways that love can rule over all challenges of the human condition.

Examine your decks for images of water and think of ways to interpret the variety that this life affirming liquid represents.

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Successful readings leave the querent empowered.