#garrison graphics

The Wheel of Fortune — The wheel of fortune is destiny, it is chaos, it is overcoming the problem holding you back. We must have chaos in our lives if we are ever to grow, and there are none who can escape destiny. Change is constant, and how you navigate that change will affect whether you maintain power, or lose it all. Reversed, the card tells of a reversal of fortune, interruption, and failure due to the inability to learn from experience. Lucifer, for all of his thousands of years of planning and his endless rage, could not learn fast enough and was thus forced back into the cage he so hated.

Justice — Justice is impartial, it is exacting, and it is always coming when it is due. Actions breed consequences that we all must face. Learn to read between the lines to make sure you don’t sign a check you can’t cash. Reversed, this card speaks of bigotry false intention, shirking responsibility, abuse, and intolerance. As Crowley would say, “this isn’t Wall Street, this is Hell!

The Hanged Man — The hanged man is also known as il traditore in certain Italian decks. The traitor. He suffers shame and loss, both of ego and material wealth. He is perpetually stuck and incapable of freeing himself of his own power. All he can do is wait until hold steady and do his best to live and fight on another day. Reversed, the card warns against useless sacrifice, against egotistical ideas and behavior, or speaks of a failure to give what is needed. Benny fought for decades, but in the end he could never truly escape Purgatory.

Death — Death is not a permanent end, but a transition and a change. The old way is not working, it has failed, and a new system must now take its place. This is not to say that the change will be painless or happen smoothly. Transitions are not always peaceful or pleasant, but they are necessary for the renewal that follows. Reversed, the card warns against digging in your heels, and can speak of a crippling fear of change. Do not allow this feeling to overtake you and rule you, change is constant, you have changed just by reading this. Billie succeeded when Death fell, and she is here to make sure the natural order is no longer subverted. 

Temperance — Temperance speaks of balance and self-control. We do not benefit from giving in to every temptation, or by following every single urge that crosses our minds. Nurture willpower without starving yourself, find a state of calm where your head is clear and work from there. Reversed, this card speaks of disharmony both with ourselves and with others, erratic and selfish behavior, and an inability to manage impulses. Ellen pushed for Jo to find fulfillment outside of hunting, to make a life away from the violence; all she wanted was for her daughter to know peace.

The Emperor — The emperor is the face of authority. He is paternal power and the strict love of a ruler. Traditions fuel the energy of the emperor, he is one to impose guidelines and rules to be followed. Orders from the emperor should be obeyed, because he sees a much wider plane than we do. Reversed, this card indicates ego and control turned toxic. It may also be telling you to question question or buck authority. John loved his sons dearly, and it was this love that actually caused the most harm.

The Hierophant — The hierophant, also called the priest or pope (almost named the prophet in this deck), is a spiritual leader. He is the calm and warmth of a compassionate teacher. He guides his students and helps them find the power and strength they already possess. Reversed, he represents the rejection of orthodoxy and tradition, as well as disbelief. He can also warn against dangerous beliefs and gullibility. Chuck actively helped Team Free Will sabotage a plan thousands of years in the making. 

The Lovers — This is definitely an unorthodox, and even demented image for this card, but bear with me. The lovers is a card of partnership and trust, and choosing not to walk alone on your path. It’s a card of harmony and teamwork. This card can also be a call to take a closer look at your current partner or path to see if it really is what’s right for you. Reversed, the card is filled with distrust, pettiness, and fickleness. Ruby was Lilith’s most trusted confidant and partner, but for Sam she became one of his life’s biggest regrets.

The Chariot — The chariot is a card of journey, both physically and metaphorically. This card is about staying the course and exercising control. Whether in a search for truth and harmony, or making sure you don’t get lost in a strange town while on the road, it is important to face your obstacles and conflicts head-on if you want to get on to smoother driving. Reversed, this card warns of defeat and failure, of finding yourself perilously lost. The Impala is a beautiful car, but we have seen her crushed as often as we’ve seen her gleam.

Strength — Strength is a card of courage and self-discipline. Mind over matter, and mind over fear are sometimes the only way we can survive. Swallow the crushing fear and tragedy that plagues you, and carry on. Reversed, strength turns to cowardice, impotence, or can go in the other direction and become an abuse of one’s power. Kevin Tran stared certain death in the face with a cocky smile, ready to make his last act a show of fearlessness.

The Fool — The fool starts his journey full of potential. He doesn’t know where he’s going, or how long the journey will last, and that’s the best part for him. This card indicates a new beginning, a child-like wisdom, and optimism. Reversed, this card could mean naivety bordering on recklessness. You must always be aware of the path you’re on and the risks that lie ahead, and think about the decisions you make. Sam was fed Azazel’s blood as an infant, and his ignorance and blatant disregard cost him dearly. 

The Magician — The magician has all the power. He has control. He is taking the optimism and potential of the fool and beginning to focus it into true intent and refine it into skill. The magician is the card of power and knowledge, of intention and action. Reversed, he could mean that inaction has begun to have negative consequences, you cannot often seek the easy way out. Gabriel could not remain the trickster forever.

The High Priestess — The high priestess is full of mystery. She has seen much and done much, and we can’t even begin to guess at all of her motives and planning. This card signals spiritual evolution and sound wisdom paired with keen intuition. Be aware of wise women in your life, or ones who may show up soon. Reversed, she indicates an inability to harness spirituality, selfishness, and an inability to see where one’s actions may lead them. Rowena sought too much for herself, and as reward she was shackled.