XI - Karma

Description:

Karma is called "Justice" in traditional Tarot decks.  

This is one busy card!  At the bottom center of the card is a yellow downward pointing sword, apparently spinning at great speeds.  A green and yellow bell-shaped vortex wraps around most of the sword except for the tip, which rests at the very bottom of the card on a black and white diamond checkerboard floor.  To the left of the sword is the Hebrew letter Lamed, and to the right is the astrological symbol for Libra. 

Above the sword at the center of the card are several multicolored lemniscates (figure eights).  Green blades cross in the shape of a large X above and below the lemniscates. 

In a vertical column above the sword are several shapes one above the other:  the bottom half of a green rounded leaf(?), 2 green and 1 violet diamond shapes, a violet and white heart shape, and a white egg shape with a violet flame at its center.  Radiating out above the egg is a diamond checkerboard grid, first in blue and white and then purple and white at the top of the card.  Radiating around the egg/heart shapes are yellow and white intersecting bands, surrounded by an orange outer circle. 

Symbology:

The spinning sword at the bottom center is like a spinning top, symbolizing the continuous cause and effect aspect of Karma.  The lemniscates rotating at the center show the results of actions feeding back into one’s relationship with the universe. 

To the left of the sword is the Hebrew letter Lamed, which means “ox goad”.  This goad symbolizes the karmic push or urge to face and know your true self.  The astrological symbol of Libra to the right of the sword indicates balance; in order for new growth to take place, the old ways must be destroyed. 

The egg, flame and heart at the center of the card symbolizes regeneration, when the individual unites with the Light and Love within, and initiates a karmic breakthrough.  This marks a transition from being directed by karma to being a creator of positive karma. 

The diamond pattern checkerboard floor and ceiling represent the floor of the inner temple, as also seen in the cards of the High Priestess and the Hierophant.  The change from the black and white diamonds on the floor to the blue and violet diamonds on the ceiling indicates that through personal refinement and work comes a reflection of the Light within into the full spectrum of its many splendors.

Divinatory Meaning:
(from "Tarot of the Spirit" companion book, by Pamela Eakins) 

•  Do not deny the consequences of your actions

•  Own the results of your thoughts, words and deeds, for even thought constitutes action in the energy cycles of the universe

•  Adjust your actions and embrace love

• Remember these words: “Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Personal Reflections:

Karma is the balance key of the Tarot, at the mid-point between keys I – X and XII – XX1. On the Tree of Life, Karma is 22^nd path between Geburah (severity, destruction) and Tiphareth (truth, the manifestation of Light in the world), the balance between conflict and creation.

The lesson of Karma is to recognize and learn from the challenges and opportunities that Life brings us.  Karma is not fate.  We create our own Karma, through our chosen reactions to Life.  By turning to the Light Within, we become agents for positive Karma, not only for ourselves but also for all of Creation.