Decans of Cancer and Their Tarot Card Allocations

Decans of Cancer, Two, Three and Four of Water traditionaly titled Cups

Tarot Two Water, Two Cups, Love

Tarot Two Water, Two Cups, and each of the other minor arcana cards, numbered Two, exhibit qualities ascribed to Chokmah, the second sephirah of the QBL Tree of Life. Tarot card images for the Minor Arcana in Tarot of the Morning Star are depicted as binary code figures.

The planetary quality of Chokmah is Uranus and each of the minor arcana cards numbered “Two” express a quality of this planet colored by the cards elemental suit: fire, water, air and earth and the planetary decan that rules it

In astrology, the energies of Uranus are explosive, electric, and focused on the unusual, resulting in dramatic and original change thus bypassing the ordinary. Uranus is forward–looking; it resists tradition and celebrates originality and individuality. Uranus is associated with technology, innovation, discovery, and all that is progressive, all of which are attributes of Chokmah.

Water is a fluid element, and Uranus is a planet of change and transformation. This combination could be seen as a representation of the unpredictable and unconventional nature of Uranus. People who are more traditional or conservative may view this as eccentric or strange behavior, as it does not fit within their expectations of what is normal or accepted. Uranus‘ influence on Water can also be seen as a reminder to be open to new ideas and perspectives, a willingness to embrace change and transformation as opposed to nostalgia for the past.

Astrological Decan Allocation

The astrological allocation of the decan ruled by Two Water is Venus in Cancer explaining the cards title Love. These influences introduce qualities of benevolence and harmony that counterbalance Uranian explosive coloration. Uranian violent explosive qualities will here be experienced as finding oneself swept away by enthusiasm. This is especially true when recognizing desire for another, romantic lightening bolt syndrome, or discovery of one’s life purpose. Love at first sight, soul mates, two halves of a whole discovering harmony.   

Considerations

As a process Love signals growth and quest. It is a function, not a static state, but a process of becoming. The card represents the desire of two conscious entities to become one synchronized and vital pulse. It is recognizing ones daemon in the physical body of another outside of one’s self.  It is not just balance that is being represented but empathy, a refreshing current of bliss.

Love can also be experienced as an urge and drive to consume and absorb. Keep in mind that the Archetypal influence behind this card is Chariot.

Decan Signature

Failure to understand what any minor arcana card is saying, we should allow ourselves to be driven back to our specific inner voice of the decan for resolution.

In this example of Two of Water, the conjunction of major arcana cards Chariot and Empress, corresponding to Cancer and Venus is the specific signature of this decan and will be projected through the personality type represented by the Queen of Water. The elemental quality of Queen of Water corresponds to Water of Water. Her tendency is to temper any expressive idiosyncrasies the qualities of this card might encourage.

Each of the elemental Queen court cards correspond to the Water aspect of their respective elemental suite.

Tarot Three Water, Three Cups, Abundance

Tarot card Three of Water Three of Cups

Tarot Three Water, Cups,  and each of the Minor Arcana cards numbered Three, express attributes of Binah, the third sphere on the QBL Tree of life whose title is Understanding.

Sephirothic Planetary Correspondence

The planetary correspondence of Binah is Saturn and each of the minor arcana cards numbered “Three”, exhibits this planet’s quality. These qualities will be colored by their corresponding elemental suit of fire, water, air, or earth. These four suits correspond to the four worlds of the QBL: Fire: Atziluth, Water: Briah, Air: Yetzirah, and Earth: Assiah.

Three of Cups is a card of celebration and joy signaling unity and friendship, of coming together to share in moments of joy and appreciation. However, the presence of Saturn adds a sober note to the card, encouraging us to think about the responsibilities and commitments that come with friendship and relationships. It is a reminder that relationships require effort and dedication if they are to remain strong and lasting. With Saturn’s influence, we are warned to take care in how we express our needs and wants. This is an indication to prioritize the needs of others just as much as our own.

Three of Water Astrological Decan Allocation

The Three of Cups is ruled by Mercury in the sign of Cancer, which adds to its associations of connection and emotional closeness. It is a card that speaks of the power of friendship and the emotional ties that bind us together. We are encouraged to remember and to appreciate the people in our lives and to take the time to treasure the moments we share.  The card encourages us to express our feelings of love and joy to those around us and to make sure that those we care about know how much they mean to us.

Considerations

In the right circumstances, Three of Water can lead to an intense connection with our environment and with the people around us. We may find ourselves losing inhibitions and connecting on an emotional level, allowing us to experience joy, pleasure, and insight. All of these experiences can bring deeper understanding and growth if managed correctly. The danger is that we can be swept away with overindulgence in these experiences of rapture so that we let down our guard and fall victim to excess. 

When used wisely, this card can be a powerful tool of insight and connection.  Alternatively, its influence has the potential to make it one of the more dangerous cards in the oracle when Saturn’s positive qualities are pushed aside because of our loss of focus. 

In conclusion, the Three of Water can be a double-edged sword, capable of great pleasure and joy, but also danger and destruction when abused or taken too far. It is here that the decan planetary ruler, Mercury, comes into play.  Mercury, as the Magus, points us to use the Three of Water with balanced caution, trusting our inner voice and instincts as a guide. When we do, we are able to access the positive potential of this card and the inspiration, creativity, and healing that can come from it.

Personality Type

The character qualities of the court card Queen of Water are those best suited to receive and translate the specific ancestral voice of this decan.

Queen of Water expresses personality qualities that exhibit patience and direction in material undertakings in contrast to the decan Mars in Capricorn combination that signals a juggernaut drive to achieve wealth, social standing, and accumulation. This Queen’s qualities temper and harness powerful desire so that it’s directed towards constructive ends.

Decan Signature

In our failure to understand what any minor arcana card is saying, we should allow ourselves to be driven back to our specific inner voice of the decan for resolution.

In this example of Three Water, the conjunction of major arcana cards Chariot and Magus, corresponding to Cancer and Mercury, are the specific signature of this decan and will be projected through the personality type represented by the Queen of Water whose elemental quality is Water of Water.

Tarot Four Water, Four Cups, Blended Pleasure

Tarot Four Water, Four Cups, and each of the Minor Planetary Correspondence

The planetary correspondence of Chesed is Jupiter, and each of the Minor Arcana cards numbered “Four” expresses this planet’s character. This is further individualized by their specific elemental qualities represented by Fire/Wands, Water/Cups, Air/Swords, or EarthPentacles, respectively.

Jupiter is known for its beneficial influence and expansive nature in astrology. However, in the case of this card, the normally expansive qualities associated with Jupiter are restricted through the supine influences of the Moon. The effects of this can give rise to a lack of energy and the possibility of depression.

Astrological Decan Allocation

Tarot card Four of Water, also known as the Four of Cups, is allocated to the third decan of the astrological sign of  Cancer.

Cancer is ruled by the Moon and corresponds to the tarot major arcana card Chariot. The planetary ruler of this third decan is also the Moon which corresponds to the tarot major arcana card High Priestess.

In standard interpretations, the Chariot card signifies achievements, triumph, and overall well-being albeit of a transient nature. However, in this specific context, the Moon’s influence dampens the expansive qualities associated with Jupiter. Through this combination of the Chariot, Jupiter, and the Moon, the card takes on a more passive nature, thus earning its title of Blended Pleasure.

On a positive note, however, the Four of Cups also represents an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. It urges us to take a step back from our emotional state and reassess our priorities and desires. This card suggests that by examining our internal landscape, we can gain a fresh perspective to discover new opportunities for emotional fulfillment and personal satisfaction.

Personality Type

The character qualities of the Prince of Fire are those best suited to receive and translate the specific ancestral voice of this decan. Meditate on this personality to resolve the conundrum presented by Four of  Water’s appearance.

Enthusiasm and boldness are qualities this Prince exudes and is therefore the ideal vehicle for throwing off the morose effect this card radiates. The result is a reinvigoration of the qualities of Jupiter.

Prince of Fire has the instinctive ability to confront antagonistic influences and inject a sense of purpose into situations thus redirecting our attention to positive pursuits. Being a hero type of personality his appearance can reintroduce us to our sense of destiny and purpose.

Decan Signature

When facing difficulty comprehending the meaning of a card, it is beneficial to seek guidance from our inner intuition.  In this situation, we focus on the Four of Water and major arcana cards Chariot and High Priestess. These specific cards are indicative of this particular decan and will manifest through the personality traits represented by the Prince of Fire. By tapping into this inner energy, we can ignite a sense of enthusiasm that will assist in overcoming the negative effects of this card’s appearance.