The Kabbalah Angel Tarot - Earthdancer Books

The Kabbalah
Angel Tarot
A Heavenly Book and 32-Card Deck
Rebecca Bachstein
EARTHDANCER
A FINDHORN PRESS IMPRINT

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The Kabbalah Angel Tarot
Cover Artwork by Melanie and Andreas v. Mendel, LEO 58
Munich, Germany
Published in the UK by Earthdancer GmbH
an Imprint of Findhorn Press, 305a The Park,
Forres IV36 3TE, Scotland
www.earthdancer.co.uk www.findhornpress.com
This English edition © 2007 Earthdancer GmbH
English translation © 2005 Carola Splettstößer
Editing of the translated text by Roselle Angwin and Stuart Booth
and Claudine Bloomfield
Originally published in German as Engel-Licht-Tarot
All rights reserved.
World Copyright © 2003 Neue Erde GmbH, Germany
Original German text copyright
© 2003 Rebecca Bachstein
Typesetting: Dragon Design UK
Typeset in Palatino
Printed in China
ISBN 978-1-84409-102-7
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1 What is the Tarot? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2 All About Angels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3 The Origin of Angel Names . . . . . . . . . . 18
4 The Card Deck and the Angels . . . . . . . . . 21
5 Contacting the Angels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6 Working with the Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
7 Systems of Spreads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
8 Interpreting the Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Introduction
Angels exist to help us – but for this help to be effective,
we need to establish a conscious relationship
with them.
Fortunately, the use of cards is a relatively easy
medium through which we can make contact with
the various levels of angelic existence. Thus, the
cards and book, which make up the Kabbalah Angel
Tarot, offer a new way to perceive our true-life situation,
to glimpse the future, and to learn from it. It
provides a means of achieving increased self-awareness
and of gaining knowledge that, put quite simply,
cannot be gleaned in any other way.
It is something of a truism that our desire to know
what lies ahead is greatest when the going gets
rough. For example, if we find ourselves in some sort
of emotional conflict, we want to know when it is
going to end; and we long for any form of reassurance
that such an ending is imminent.
In normal circumstances, it is very rare to obtain
or recognize such clear-cut confirmation. Most of the
time, other feelings seem to crowd out any clear perception
of a resolution, with everything progressing
and changing far more slowly than we might have
hoped. Because of the resulting mental turmoil and
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emotional confusion, it remains hard for us to assess
our situation objectively and accurately. Indeed, it
can take a long time for us to sense how crucial this
difficult period was for us.
So very often, it is only in retrospect that we might
see that, in fact, it really was a ‘great’ time; a period in
which we made our most important decisions and
when we were able to correct or prevent a wrong
move. Sometimes, we can also look back and reflect
upon how we might have let ourselves down at the
time. It is then that we often realize just how attached
we are to wanting much more information and
awareness – as well as more relaxation, greater happiness,
more money and a fuller sense of our own
spirituality.
It is at just such a time that we can find ourselves
ready for a new direction in life. Maybe all the associated
fears and worries have shaken us up so much
that we feel the need to ask for help. It is often at just
such a moment that we can discover a medium for
seeking such help and reassurance. This is when one
might well find that cards such as the Kabbalah
Angel Tarot are a true comfort – and this is precisely
what they are for.
In the following pages you will find the meaning
of the cards, and the various methods of using them
– the ‘spreads’. Each card has both a positive and a
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more negative meaning, depending on how, after
shuffling, they are turned up; right way up (positive)
or upside down (negative).
Each card carries the image of an angel. These do
not represent a ‘true’ angel, but rather a symbol for
this angel’s particular vibrations, or qualities. The
images were created intuitively, with a strong bond
being formed between the artist and the angels.
The names and meanings of the cards are truly
ancient and come from the age-old systems and
traditions of the Kabbalah and Tarot.
The overall object and purpose of using the cards
in this way is to enable anyone to get in touch with
himself or herself more intimately and to have an
increased self-awareness.
The angels can help with this process. Further,
once this enhancing connection has been made, it
becomes possible to stay in touch with them throughout
what should then evolve into one’s easier and
more rewarding phases of life.
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3 The Origin of Angel Names
We’ve already mentioned that angels appear in very
early Judaic–Hebrew texts. At first they were not
described individually, but simply as a group of
higher beings. In the Torah a great number of angels
were presented, but they were described uniquely by
their characteristics and deeds. After the sixth century
BCE, the first three angels were identified by
name: Michael, Raphael and Gabriel. They remain
amongst the most important and most widely known
of angelic names – and are placed within the order of
archangels.
Later, in the fifth century, an angelic hierarchy
was developed within the Christian church – an
order still used to this day. Further, Kabbalah
experts, able to research, interpret and translate the
Torah, identified the names of 72 angels from its
texts.
One was translated as a name consisting of two
syllables: YAH-WEH. Yahweh is the principle,
sacred name of God. A further ten names where
shown to complement it – in effect, expressing different
aspects of the one God. So, to the angel names
from the Torah, two of the ten great names for ‘the
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Divine’ were added, with the universal counterparts
IAH and EL being chosen.
In adding this third syllable, the full range of
angelic names came into being, all of which contain
the name of God, e.g. YEI-AI-EL and HA-HEU-IAH
(‘IAH’ being regarded as one single syllable).
The suffixes of the angel names also signify two
different and separate aspects. The suffix ‘EL’ stands
for the day, or male, side; the suffix ‘IAH’ indicating
the night, or female side.
It is these angel names from the kabbalistic tradition
that are used in the Kabbalah Angel Tarot. In
addition they are in overall balance within the deck –
one half of them ends with the syllable ‘EL’, the other
with ‘IAH’. Although we tend to regard or refer to
these in terms of polarity, i.e. as positive and negative,
this should not be seen as meaning ‘good’ or
‘bad’. Instead, the positive and the negative are
meant to be in equilibrium – comparable to the yin
and yang of the Chinese Tao – creating a balanced
whole.
According to kabbalistic tradition, simply uttering
the name of an angel is, in itself, highly effective
when seeking help and calling upon an angel for
assistance. You may find that your personal angel
has his or her own name, revealed and shared only
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with you. There is no list of such names; each one of
us keeps the name of their angel to themselves.
You will notice that the end parts of the names
Metatron and Sandalphon break this ‘rule’ of balance.
This is to highlight the special and individual
qualities of these particular angels, as they have a
particularly strong influence on us.
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4 The Card Deck and the Angels
There are 32 cards in the Kabbalah Angel Tarot deck,
of which the first 22 angelic images are equivalent to
the Major Arcana of the traditional Tarot. The other
10 cards relate directly to the power centres of the
kabbalistic ‘Tree of Life’. The latter relate to the ace
and the two to nine cards of the standard or classic
Tarot number cards (in which they occur as
pentacles, swords, cups and wands).
The first 22 angel names represent angels of the
ninth order in the hierarchy. The angels 22 to 31
relate to the Tree of Life and belong to the
Archangels (eighth in the hierarchy).
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No. Title Angel Name Standard Tarot title
22
0 Life Nith-Haiah The Fool
1 Magic Lehahel The Magician
2 Wisdom Hakamiah The High Priestess
3 Unfolding Yeiaiel The Empress
4 Systematic Approaches Reyiel The Emperor
5 Insight Yehuiah The Hierophant
6 Love Ariel The Lovers
7 Rising Imamiah The Chariot
8 Strength Yezalel Strength
9 Reflection Ayael The Hermit
10 The Wheel of Fortune Sitael The Wheel of Fortune
11 Justice Havahel Justice
12 Change Haheuiah The Hanged Man
13 Ending Seheiah Death
14 Balance Lehahiah Temperance
15 Shadow Asaliah The Devil
16 Radical Change Mebahiah The Tower
17 The Stars Mehiel The Star
18 Moon Mumiah The Moon
19 Sun Cahetel The Sun
20 Liberation Hahaiah The Judgement
21 Crowning Yeiaiel The World
Angels of the Tree of Life
(Wands, cups, swords and pentacles combined)
22 Beginning Metatron Ace of
23 Creative Power Raziel 2 of
24 Experience Zafkiel 3 of
25 Growth Zadkiel 4 of
26 Purification Kamael 5 of
27 Self-awareness Michael 6 of
28 Emotions Haniel 7 of
29 Clarity Raphael 8 of
30 Natural Forces Gabriel 9 of
31 Perfection Sandalphon 10 of
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E Probable outcome
Now you can accept higher ideals and aim for greater
goals. You feel an awakening of powers that will
strengthen your whole life.
F Card for the day
Joy and enthusiasm accompany all of your undertakings.
Be courageous and proud; and transform the
present situation into something really great.
G Partnership card
A strong sexual power is influencing you. Social
taboos are unimportant to you.
70
Personal affirmation
I am aware of new, greater energies and can
feel the power that resides within them.
9 AYAEL
Leads us to true simplicity and inner calm
Reflection
A General interpretation
The need for quietness and meditation is an indication
of the way in which we can get in touch with our
inner being. This retreat into quietness has great
value.
The angel does not speak to us directly. This is
why we have to look at him and allow his appearance
and influence to take effect within us. In so
doing, we become aware of a being with a lively,
almost radiant energy. Through this image, we gain
profound new insights and self-awareness.
Sometimes, however, we do not want to see this,
or we are actually afraid of it.
Modest reflection allows a greater equilibrium to
flourish within us when life-changing questions
come up. In truth, whatever is most essential cannot
be found outside our own being.
The retreat into quietness enables us to find solutions
and arrive at answers in an independent way.
Previous mistakes can be recognized and corrected.
Now, we can forgive ourselves and, by the same
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token, are able to forgive others. In cases of depression,
an intimate knowing of one’s own psyche can
bring light into the darkness of despair.
B Present situation
• I have looked inside.
• I will concentrate on this task.
• I have retreated.
• I want to become more modest.
C Courses of action
First, become very clear about what really matters in
your life. Then remain faithful to yourself and pursue
your goals with dedication and determination.
A willingness to accept limitations is a test we all
have to pass. At the same time, the process gives us a
chance to eliminate any bad habits.
You now stand alone before your chosen endeavour.
Embrace it and try to get to know yourself better.
D Inverted card
Your withdrawn personality makes you seem mysterious
in others’ eyes. They assume that you have
capacities that, in truth, you cannot fulfil.
The world is not as negative as you see it at
present.
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E Probable outcome
You need a break. You want to make a move, but
must consider carefully. Any separation cannot be
reversed.
F Card for the day
To be economical is especially important at the
moment, no matter whether it is in connection with
money, feelings, or an ability to succeed.
G Partnership card
You need retreat and reflection. Distance yourself
from life’s immediate pressures.
Personal affirmation
I accept life’s limitations and am now happy
to work within them.
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There are two types of angels: those with wings, and those
with leaves. For thousands of years, those seeking advice
or wanting to give thanks to Mother Nature have walked
the ancient paths into the sacred grove. Because today
sacred groves have become scarcer, and venerable old
trees in tranquil spots are hard to
find when we need them, Earthdancer
is pleased to present this tree
oracle to bring the tree angels closer
to us all once more.
Fred Hageneder, Anne Heng
The Tree Angel Oracle
36 colour cards (95 x 133 mm)
plus book, 112 pages
ISBN: 978-1-84409-078-5
For further information and book catalogue contact:
Findhorn Press, 305a The Park, Forres IV36 3TE, Scottland
Earthdancer Books is an Imprint of Findhorn Press.
tel +44 (0)1309-690582 fax +44 (0)1309-690036
info@findhornpress.com www.earthdancer.co.uk
www.findhornpress.com
EARTHDANCER
A FINDHORN PRESS IMPRINT