This is the edge between innocence and knowledge, the shivering moment before plunging ahead. The Schoolgirl is no longer at a point of having things done to her; instead, she will choose.

In a reading, it suggests that the Querant, like the Schoolgirl, is poised on the edge of an instant that may change everything. The easiest choice will be to do nothing and let the moment slip by. This card reminds us that when we reach such a moment, action may not bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action. It warns of the need to make decisions even when we may not know what will come of them, if we are to be able to control our fates.

Keywords: Action Change Choice Courage

Chaos is a card of plunging headlong into what awaits us, accepting that the outcome, whatever it may be, is the result of the choices we have made.

In a reading, Chaos is a challenge to embrace the chaos that accompanies change, for change is the essence of growth. Inaction leads to stagnation; argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they're yours. All things begin in Chaos; this card challenges us to use the Chaos to create our own beginnings.

Keywords: Chaos Beginning Action Courage

This card indicates a new spark of inspiration, the seed that will grow into a new goal, a new dream, or a new philosophy. The inspiration, still unrealized, carries with it a surge of energy.

In a reading, it symbolizes a new direction, and suggests it's time to start the journey toward making it a reality.

Keywords: Inspiration Action

The Two of Ribbons represents a need to choose, or a choice to be made. This card indicates a decision between competing goals, dreams, or ideals.

In a reading, it may stand for a situation or event where two competing things ask for our attention, only one of which can be choisen. It symbolizes a crossroads, either literal or metaphorical. It signals the need to choose the places in which to invest energy; we require focus, and must make a decision about which dream to follow or which passion to invest in.

Keywords: Choice Action Focus

This is a card of unconventional choices. It encourages us to think outside conventional bounds, and to notice others who have achieved a mastery and a balance in relationships and who still have their eyes open to the possibility of more. It suggests that we can reach for the things that you want while still maintaining balance, if we have the courage.

In a reading, it may represent an unconventional choice we have made, or (more metaphorically) it may represent a situation that calls for outside-the-box thinking.

Keywords: Unorthodoxy Choice Courage Action

The Scholar of Chains is a card of change and the journey away from bondage (literal or figurative) toward freedom. This card indicates a situation in which we are either just becoming aware of or we have just begun to free ourselves from some form of bondage--perhaps a habit, or a failed relationship, or something else in life which has been holding us back.

In a reading, it tells us to look for a place in our lives where we are not free, and reminds us that we can learn to free ourselves.

Keywords: Freedom Choice Action

The Mentor of Chains has freed herself, and by doing so has learned a great deal about the chains that bind others. This is a powerful card, which symbolizes both freedom and ability to help and guide others. It indicates that we have gained some degree of control over our own personal chains, and that other people are beginning to recognize and look up to us.

In a reading, it is a symbol of control (particularly self-control). It may represent a situation in which we have learned a measure of control over the things that bind us, or a person who has gained that control and can help to guide us.

Keywords: Freedom Leadership Choice Action Success

The Headmaster is a card of directed action. He is in charge of the university; his rulings must be obeyed. He tells us to become proactive; to make a decision and follow through on it, not to be passive, idle, or dreamy.

In a reading, the Headmaster may be a call to action. He tells us that our lives belong to us; it is up to us to make what we want of them. The Headmaster may warn us that many thing, even unpleasant or traumatic things, may serve as a call to action.

Keywords: Action Ambition

This card is a symbol of mastery of the force of change. The Adept of Change has gained total mastery over everything that holds her back, from within and without; now, no chain can touch her.

In a reading, it can be interpreted as a sign that nothing can stand in our way; whatever change we may wish to make is possible. No chain can hold us unless we allow it to. It may also represent a person in our lives who has gained this mastery, and who we can look to to free us from our own chains.

Keywords: Change Action Leadership Freedom Independence Success

This is a card of both chaos and opportunity. Just as the schoolgirl is completely overwhelmed, but throught it all she also feels pleasure, the Eight of Tentacles symbolizes a circumstance in which we are overwhelmed, bombarded from all directions, but also promises that we can find a way to turn the tumult into something positive, even if the alchemy of that transformation is not understood.

In a reading, it is both a statement and a promise: a statement that some situation exists or may exist in which we are inundated by a tide that threatens to sweep us out to sea, but also a promise that we can find a way to turn it to our advantage, or at least experience something positive from it.

Keywords: Action Chaos Choice Transformation Learning Opportunity

Sometimes, fate places us in a situation where we have the ability to act, but it's not clear what choice we should make. The Disciple of Tentacles is surprised by the difference she sees in the way people respond to the Tentacle Monsters. She is free to act, but she is not sure what to do.

In a reading, this card indicates that we are in such a place. We have the ability to decide what to do, especially in a situation where our decision may affect the lives of others, but we lack the experience that helps guide the choice. Even though it may seem that the choice is perplexing, there is nothing to do now but to choose.

Keywords: Choice Action Inexperience Indecision