Using Age
The figures in the Arcana can reflect the age of the people in our lives, as well as characteristics associated with the different generations.
In Gender and Tarot we took a look at issues relating to using gender in Tarot. This time we are focusing on age. That fact is, you can read the age of any character who is illustrated in the cards just as you read gender. For example, when we observe young figures, such as the child in AE Waite's version of the Sun card, we may reach the logical conclusion. That is, youthful figures represent modern attitudes, optimism and enthusiasm. However, these qualities can belong to anyone, regardless of age. For instance, the Sun card in a reading answering a question about love may refer to the attitude and feelings of the Querent after reuniting with a long-lost childhood sweetheart. This brings a sense of optimism, hope and feeling of growth to their life. Conversely, older figures represent rich experience and a mature world view.
It is also helpful to play around with your own ideas about age and gender when reflecting upon the cards.
Strength is typically depicted as a woman holding a lion. What would happen if it were an old man holding the lion? What if a child controlled the lion? How would that change the meaning of the card?
What if the Knight of Pentacles became a woman wearing a flimsy dress on a horse instead of a man dressed up in full armour? How would this change your feelings about the card and what it means?
Who the Card Represents
At first, you can simply assume all cards refer to the Querent or to your own state of mind. Do not become caught up attempting to decipher if the characters are the people in their life. As you gain experience, you will slowly find yourself being drawn to certain cards as they stick out in readings as representing other people. Trust your instincts when it involves working out who the cards are referring to.
Age In A Reading
Scan the Spread for human figures and the ages represented. This instantly tells us something about the reading. Does the situation look balanced or is only one generation represented? Are there many children or young people in the spread? Perhaps that indicates that the people involved are behaving childishly and need to 'grow up' in order to come to agreement. A good interpretation depends on paying attention to the qualities symbolised and not just the literal images you see before you.
Young and Old
A useful exercise is to flick through the Radiant Wise Spirit Tarot and look for cards that feature the different generations. COnsider your intuitive responses to the people depicted and them compare themwith the traditional meanings. Do the images of old people evoke a different feeling in you than those of children?
Take, for example, the Six of Cups which shows a nostalgic image of childhood, a small boy giving flowers to a girl. This card asks us to remember that we are the living expression of our own past, that our bodies may change but our souls remain ageless.
The Hermit is depicted as an old man with a white beard. His wisdom and lack of vanity urge us to look inside the person rather than at outward appearances.
The theme for the Ten of Pentacles is another good card to consider when thinking about age. In the Radiant Wise Spirit, three generations of a family are represented, an old man, two adults and a child. The card can be viewed as showing continuity and that every generation has a role to play.
It is important to bear in mind that age is not just about outward appearance and physical fitness. Instead, it is a natural evolution of the character of every human being.
Updated
20 January 2025 at 22:46:37
