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Hanged Man, The - Major Arcana
The Hanged Man is an unsettling, mysterious card, because it symbolizes the reversal of our life situations, all contradictions we face in ourselves and in life in general, and paradox in action. Although the Hanged Man seems restricted and helpless, he looks calm and relaxed. In this position the card represents the rational mind being turned off, acceptance of a new situation, a unique point of view, reflection and serenity. Deeply thoughtful, he seems to have reached a higher consciousness. By letting go and giving up, as painful as it may be, this symbolism suggests that we can overcome restrictions, find what we have been looking for, and ultimately become free, self-determined beings. In a negative setting the symbolism suggests manipulation, passivity, useless sacrifice, and apathy.

Hermetic
Of or relating to a body of writings and/or teachings concerning magical, occult and metaphysical philosophy dating from 1-300 AD attributed to Egyptian philosopher Hermes Trismegistus. Some include the Tarot among those writings.

Hermit, The - Major Arcana
The Hermit card symbolizes meditation, reflection, and solitude. As one of the cards resembling old age it also represents bearing the light of wisdom, looking into the unconscious, observing dreams. There is an emphasis on peace and patience, by which maturity is reached, and a striving to connect to the higher spiritual self. The Hermit also depicts the spiritual leader, the taskmaster who leads with purpose, conscience, and wisdom. A mature person, the Hermit symbolizes deliberation about which path to follow, reassessment of achievements and goals, and taking the time to reflect and plan. In a negative environment this card can resemble excessive isolation, lack of communication, intolerance, crisis and doubt.

High Priestess, The - Major Arcana
The mysterious High Priestess closely guards her secrets and occult wisdom. This card symbolizes the unconscious, a concern with our internal worlds, spiritual forces, and the understanding of higher truths through dreams and intuition. As a wise woman the High Priestess is the goddess of fertility and is seen as a healer, possessing intuitive powers and clairvoyance, and striving to create harmony and inner balance. She emphasizes the necessity to get in contact with our inner self, to reflect and meditate, to trust our feelings, and to let dreams and intuition guide us. Observing - rather than participating or acting - the High Priestess can also represent platonic love, manipulation, a pause in a process that was progressing or even a standstill, causing doubt and confusion.

Judgement, The - Major Arcana
The Judgment card represents the judgment day or a call to awakening heralding a rite of passage. As one cycle comes to an end, we need to prepare for a new stage in our development - the future is waiting. Now is the time when past efforts yield positive results, when we can reap the rewards, when we realize that we are drawn in a new direction and recognize our true calling. In its positive meaning, the Judgment card reminds us that through honesty and true reflection we can realize where we have erred on our path. As a result, we need to forgive ourselves to regain a feeling of self-worth and accomplishment. Placed in a negative context, Judgment symbolizes indecision, a fear of letting go, remorse, regret, imbalance, and imprisonment.

Justice - Major Arcana
Based on the realization that life is ultimately fair and just, the Justice card symbolizes balance, harmony, and fairness in our lives. She represents the choices we make, reminding us to base them on planning, reflection, rationality, and a weighing of options between the sword and the scales. In love relationships, this is reflected by honesty, respect, and loyalty; in professional life, by essential values like professionalism, respect for established processes and procedures, and adherence to reporting systems. In negative situations this card can resemble imbalance, coldness, and a destructive streak impeding relationships.

Kabbalah
Esoteric Judaism, believed to have been dictated by God to Abraham and/or Moses. Most of the extant writings surrounding Kabbalah, however, date from the Middle Ages. Some Tarot scholars trace the Tarot to Kabbalistic philosophy, especially the Tree of Life.

Keyword
A single word or phrase exemplifying the value or meaning of a letter, symbol or picture.

King
One of the four court cards of the Minor Arcana, generally considered to be the most powerful. Usually interpreted as mature men (35+), or the personification of the archetypal meaning of the suit.

Knight
One of the four court cards of the Minor Arcana, generally considered to represent the younger, more impulsive types. Usually interpreted as younger men (18-35), or the personification of the youthful side of the suit. In some decks, this card becomes the Prince, in which case the age of the individual symbolized could be anywhere from 0 to 35.