Ace of Scepters [TOP]

concept: the mere touch of pain stimulates; it does not hurt

---example: tickling

reversed: even a little punishment is harmful

Two of Scepters [TOP]

concept: a little pain is pleasing because it arouses without harming

---example: sexual use as an object using objects for penetration

reversed: any punishment is uncomfortable

Three of Scepters [TOP]

concept: pain can bring pleasure to mind and body

---example: spanking

reversed: a negative attitude can turn pleasure into pain

Four of Scepters [TOP]

concept: pain can bring pleasure we would not otherwise seek

---example: being forced sexually; being raped

reversed: pain which is forced is not pleasurable

Five of Scepters [TOP]

concept: pleasure and pain can be the same thing

---example: nipple stimulation and torture

reversed: pain and pleasure do not mix

Six of Scepters [TOP]

concept: pain should be concentrated where the pleasure is greatest

---example: genital stimulation and torture

reversed: nothing and no place is exempt from pain

Seven of Scepters [TOP]

concept: sometimes there is an asethetic purpose to pain

---example: piercing or needle torture

reversed: pain sometimes has another purpose

Eight of Scepters [TOP]

concept: the instruments of pain can take unusual forms, as experimentation can show

---example: electrical, fire, or hot wax torture

reversed: even the commonest things can bring pain

Nine of Scepters [TOP]

concept: to triumph over pain it is necessary to face it

---example: flogging, or caning torture

reversed: pain can be overwhelming

Ten of Scepters [TOP]

concept: offering yourself to accept others' pain can truly be enriching

---example: being the "entertainment" at a torture party

reversed: being forced to accept pain for another denigrates you

Page of Scepters [TOP]

concept: something new, unexperienced, or novel in the area of rulership, pain, torture, or use

reversed: something unexpectedly difficult in the area of rulership, pain, torture, or use

Knight of Scepters [TOP]

concept: slave's greatest strength in the area of rulership, pain, torture, or use

reversed: slave's greatest fear in the area of rulership, pain, torture, or use

Queen of Scepters [TOP]

concept: slave's choice or greatest desire in the area of rulership, pain, torture, or use

reversed: slave's weakness or choice denied in the area of rulership, pain, torture, or use

King of Scepters [TOP]

concept: Master's choice or greatest desire in the area of rulership, pain, torture, or use

reversed: Master's weakness or choice denied in the area of rulership, pain, torture, or use

The suit of Cups is symbolized by the element of water. Cups is the domain of pleasure, sensation, and acquiescence. The cup is the symbol of nurturing and satisfying needs. The suit of the cup is necessary for holding and drinking life-giving water as well as the intoxicating brews which we use to enrich life.

In the examples are five "sexual" activities, and two "public" activities.

Ace of Cups [TOP]

concept: just a sip of pleasure is relaxing

---example: sensual massage given by a nude masseuse

reversed: some pleasure is too strong to be sipped

Two of Cups [TOP]

concept: taking a good drink of pleasure can be fulfilling

---example: vaginal sex

reversed: what is pleasurable to one is not to another

Three of Cups [TOP]

concept: try the different tastes of pleasure

---example: cock-sucking

reversed: the meat of pleasure is the same for most everyone

Four of Cups [TOP]

concept: regulating your access to pleasure builds character

---example: controlling your sexual useage

reversed: denial of your sexual nature weakens you

Five of Cups [TOP]

concept: pleasure can extend throughout your life

---example: IN PUBLIC: worship of touching, kissing, licking, etc.

reversed: your pleasure is strictly regulated

Six of Cups [TOP]

concept: no pleasure should be excluded from your service

---example: full domestic slavish servitude; a true seduction

reversed: your ability to serve is limited

Seven of Cups [TOP]

concept: every part of yourself can bring pleasure

---example: anal sex

reversed: nothing you do seems to bring the results you want

Eight of Cups [TOP]

concept: sometimes it is better to give more than you receive

---example: deep throat fucking

reversed: you want more than you can get

Nine of Cups [TOP]

concept: you must seek out new places to practice your pleasure to perfect it

---example: IN PUBLIC: fully openly submissive deportment

reversed: your opportunities are very limited

Ten of Cups [TOP]

concept: you must wholly give yourself for others' pleasure to be consumed by it yourself

---example: party sex games having multiple penetrations by both cocks and toys

reversed: you are unable to free yourself of your fears or limitations

Page of Cups [TOP]

concept: something unexpected, unexperienced, or novel in the area of sex and dominance

reversed: something unexpectedly difficult in the area of sex and dominance

Knight of Cups [TOP]

concept: slave's greatest strength in the area of sex and dominance

reversed: slave's greatest fear in the area of sex and dominance

Queen of Cups [TOP]

concept: slave's choice or greatest desire in the area of sex and dominance

reversed: slave's weakness or choice denied in the area of sex and dominance

King of Cups [TOP]

concept: Master's choice or greatest desire in the area of sex and dominance

reversed: Master's weakness or choice denied in the area of sex and dominance

The suit of Swords is symbolized by the element of earth. Swords is the domain of tools, their use, and the creation of objects of utility and beauty using them. The sword is one example of such an implement, and although the sword typically is seen as an instrument of war, it might be better to see it here as the knife by which a craftsman carves out his desired tool or model. Thus, the suit of swords represents the use of tools, the art of transforming objects, and the creation of beauty.

In the examples are three "sexual" activities, and four "public" activities.

Ace of Swords [TOP]

concept: the first step, although it doesn't accomplish much, is satisfying

---example: partial bondage (wrists, arms, feet, legs, or gag)

reversed: you are unable to get started

Two of Swords [TOP]

concept: gaining skill in something is deeply satisfying

---example: making her helpless in bondage then using her for sex

reversed: a problem which is not being overcome brings unhappiness

Three of Swords [TOP]

concept: there are many different routes, and all can have beautiful results

---example: IN PUBLIC: requiring restrictive clothing (corset or waist cincher, pushup bra, ultrahigh heels, garter belt and stockings, collar, cuffs, etc.)

reversed: there are no good alternatives

Four of Swords [TOP]

concept: truly mastering something can have spectacular results

---example: immobilizing body bondage (legs and arms); suspension bondage

reversed: failure is terrible to experience

Five of Swords [TOP]

concept: there are always secrets which can be learned and mastered

---example: IN PUBLIC: wearing hidden sexual appliances or chains/locks

reversed: there are always secrets which cannot be learned and mastered

Six of Swords [TOP]

concept: mastery can alter reality

---example: head mask or torso skirt (pull a long skirt up and tie it closed above the head)

reversed: reality always must be taken into account

Seven of Swords [TOP]

concept: an initial showing of the results of your efforts is necessary for its perfection

---example: IN PUBLIC: some bondage devices should be visible

reversed: mastery must first be applied within before it can be applied outside

Eight of Swords [TOP]

concept: truly effective mastery can lead to a full transformation

---example: mummification (full body restriction); restrictive full-body suits

reversed: this mastery is not very effective

Nine of Swords [TOP]

concept: to be transformed is to transcend negative influences

---example: IN PUBLIC: abduction and rape; being transported while in bondage for later sexual use

reversed: negative influences within inhibit true transformation

Ten of Swords [TOP]

concept: true transformation extends beyond the individual

---example: being a bondage party toy, including sexual usage

reversed: some transformations are only possible within a limited extent

Page of Swords [TOP]

concept: something unexpected, unexperienced, or novel in the area of bondage, control, and transformation

reversed: something unexpectedly difficult in the area of bondage, control, and transformation

Knight of Swords [TOP]

concept: slave's greatest strength in the area of bondage, control, and transformation

reversed: slave's greatest fear in the area of bondage, control, and transformation

Queen of Swords [TOP]

concept: slave's choice or greatest desire in the area of bondage, control, and transformation

reversed: slave's weakness or choice denied in the area of bondage, control, and transformation

King of Swords [TOP]

concept: Master's choice or greatest desire in the area of bondage, control, and transformation

reversed: Master's weakness or choice denied in the area of bondage, control, and transformation

The suit of Coins is symbolized by the element of air. Coins is the domain of commerce and society. The coin is a symbol of the means by which commerce and society function. The coin itself is an implement, but it is only a means to the expression and sharing of items of beauty and value within society. The coin also is a very tangible indication of the right of ownership. The suit of coins thus represents several continua in society: sharing & possessing, ownership & sale, displaying & hoarding, and valueble & valueless.

In the examples are four "sexual" activities, and six "public" activities.

Ace of Coins [TOP]

concept: even the simplest commonplace things can be valuable

---example: IN PUBLIC: eating/drinking eroticism (being fed by hand, food games, etc.); kissing games with friends and strangers; etc.

reversed: something which is of little value or worthless

Two of Coins [TOP]

concept: displaying your property shows your wealth

---example: IN PUBLIC: wearing exotic, sexy, or scandalous attire

reversed: your wealth is concealed

Three of Coins [TOP]

concept: usually your property has multiple values

---example: IN PUBLIC: erotic-dancing, or stripping, or flashing

reversed: don't diversify in too many directions as this will reduce your wealth

Four of Coins [TOP]

concept: handling your property well displays your skill and confidence with it

---example: IN PUBLIC: humiliation while clothes shopping, visit to doctor, etc.

reversed: your lack of skill is visible

Five of Coins [TOP]

concept: stripping your property down to its bare essentials reveals its inner workings

---example: IN PUBLIC: having clothing taken away (car travel, at the beach, in movies, etc.)

reversed: stripping your property also reveals your values and needs

Six of Coins [TOP]

concept: demonstrate your property's key features to those who can appreciate them

---example: IN PUBLIC: having sex where it can be seen

reversed: being frustrated by others lack of interest

Seven of Coins [TOP]

concept: beautiful property should be appreciated by others and not kept in storage

---example: masturbating in front of others

reversed: jealousy

Eight of Coins [TOP]

concept: being generous with your wealth brings other rewards

---example: being lent to others for service and sexplay

reversed: being selfish

Nine of Coins [TOP]

concept: everything can have a price put on it

---example: being the prize in a wager, or being prostituted or sold in some way

reversed: some things are too valuable to be priced

Ten of Coins [TOP]

concept: everything should be evaluated and used appropriately

---example: group sex, or marathon sex (i.e., counting how many orgasms or lovers), or contest sex (for whatever is desired)

reversed: not everything of value is being used

Page of Coins [TOP]

concept: something unexpected, unexperienced, or novel in the area of exhibition, humiliation, and slave ownership

reversed: something unexpectedly difficult in the area of exhibition, humiliation, and slave ownership

Knight of Coins [TOP]

concept: slave's greatest strength in the area of exhibition, humiliation, and proving slave ownership

reversed: slave's greatest fear in the area of exhibition, humiliation, and proving slave ownership

Queen of Coins [TOP]

concept: slave's choice or greatest desire in the area of exhibition, humiliation, and proving slave ownership

reversed: slave's weakness or choice denied in the area of exhibition, humiliation, and proving slave ownership

King of Coins [TOP]

concept: Master's choice or greatest desire in the area of exhibition, humiliation, and proving slave ownership

reversed: Master's weakness or choice denied in the area of exhibition, humiliation, and proving slave ownership

6. The Major Arcana and Its Symbols

1 -- Magician [TOP]

astrological ruler: Mercury

objects: tools, analyses, interesting sights & sounds & smells, being tricked, pornographic literature/artwork

location: stages, high places, laboratories

body part: the intelligent senses (eyes, ears, and nose)

principles: special knowledge helps deal with matters

---example: using will power and being clever will succeed

reversed: being too clever or manipulative opens dangerous paths

2 -- Virgin [TOP]

astrological ruler: Virgo

objects: secrets, virgins, hidden cameras, dildoes

location: closets, children's rooms

body part: immature sexual organs, hidden genital area generally

principles: innocence, submission to authority

---example: it is time to explore in new directions; learn to please yourself

reversed: your illusion of innocence hides secrets

3 -- Wife [TOP]

astrological ruler: Libra

objects: sexual women, marriage bed, hand/leg cuffs, marital photos and videos, nourishment

location: bedroom, kitchen, gardens and farms

body part: abdomen, revealed genital area generally

principles: commitment, equality in marriage, shared rituals

---example: successful slavery is always a true commitment

reversed: a true slave to her mate

4 -- Master [TOP]

astrological ruler: Scorpio

objects: the Master, rules, BDSM equipment, obeisance

location: study, His Area

body part: shoulders and back

principles: domination, greatness

---example: believe in yourself and you can gain your aims

reversed: lack of perception coupled with power can harm everyone around you

5 -- Cleric [TOP]

astrological ruler: Jupiter

objects: laws and agreements, conventional beliefs, canes and rods

location: church, government offices, court

body part: lower legs

principles: support comes from guidelines and forms

---example: the use of written agreements

reversed: forms and formulas are no substitute for a sound reality

6 -- Lovers Intertwined [TOP]

astrological ruler: Venus

objects: lovers, jewelry, perfume and makeup, prostitutes, sexual attraction

location: trysting place, dances

body part: thighs, arms, tongues

principles: passion and temptation, jealousy

---example: believe in your passion, but excess leads to destruction

reversed: separation increases your longing for each other

7 -- Victory [TOP]

astrological ruler: Sagittarius

objects: whips, chains, locks, BDSM accoutrements, handsome males

location: dungeon, prison

body part: arms

principles: victory, conquest

---example: using force can achieve your aim

reversed: true submission cannot be attained by force but rather by winning over the spirit of your target

8 -- Natural Balance (The Scale) [TOP]

astrological ruler: Capricorn

objects: shared thoughts and feelings, equal partnerships, telephones and recordings, therapists

location: drawing room, living room, parlor

body part: neck and throat (and voice)

principles: justice is what equals strive for between them

---example: moderation brings equilibrium, respect brings justice

reversed: injustice is the goal of the strong over the weak

9 -- Thinker [TOP]

astrological ruler: Aquarius

objects: books, computers, special knowledge

location: library, quiet places

body part: mind

principles: strength through study and experimentation

---example: understand, then respond properly to the situation

reversed: excessive study inhibits the testing of your ideas in reality

10 -- Natural Cycle (The Wheel) [TOP]

astrological ruler: Uranus

objects: chance, dice, games, sex toys, contraceptives

location: gaming rooms, parties, births and funerals

body part: stomach (also the womb for females)

principles: things can't be controlled; change always comes

---example: be courageous, patient, and try to have fun come what may

reversed: the chaotic cycles around you make life scary as well as exciting

11 -- Seduction (Enchantress) [TOP]

astrological ruler: Neptune

objects: symbols of power, rings, piercings, talismans, earrings, seductive women, candles and soft light

location: art galleries, theaters, dances

body part: breasts and nipples (females), chest (males), heart

principles: intuition, spirituality, and secret motivations

---example: what is within you will lead the way to both "good" and "bad"

reversed: greed sways you to ensnare others

12 -- Sacrifice (Martyr) [TOP]

astrological ruler: Pisces

objects: sacrifices, denial, blood, pain, gifts, high heels, corsets, torture

location: woman's dressing room, the wedding bed, dungeon

body part: feet

principles: give yourself and forgive others

---example: follow your pain; do not run from it

reversed: you believe your sacrifice proves you are superior to others

13 -- Ending (Reaper) [TOP]

astrological ruler: Aries

objects: the end, death, fear, dark or drab clothing, twilight

location: bathroom, funeral, desert

body part: ass, anus

principles: the old must end before the new can begin

---example: accept the end gracefully; you cannot stop the night

reversed: you are hastening decay and not preparing for the future

14 -- Transforming (Alchemist) [TOP]

astrological ruler: Taurus

objects: unusual objects, transforming power, surgery, hypnosis

location: classroom, dressing room, medical offices, changing land sites

body part: skin and hair

principles: cleverly applied knowledge can create wonderous things

---example: experiment and create unusual partnerships/objects; remake yourself

reversed: some creations are abominations and their inevitable deaths may be tragic

15 -- Selfishness (Black Magician) [TOP]

astrological ruler: Saturn

objects: wickedness, black magic, instruments of fear, masks, makeup, traps, night

location: bachelor apartment, secret ceremonies, lush locations

body part: face

principles: danger comes from selfishness, cruelty, and excess pride

---example: some greed is good, but be careful for it can destroy your achievements

reversed: your ill-will is now unleashed against others and none are safe, not even you

16 -- Sudden Change (Lightening) [TOP]

astrological ruler: Mars

objects: accidents, problems, disasters, electricity, knives, speech, lightening

location: amusement parks, automobiles, disaster sites

body part: mouth and tongue

principles: actions have unintended consequences

---example: impulse leads to trouble, so think things through

reversed: even a sudden disaster opens a new path

17 -- High Ideals (Star) [TOP]

astrological ruler: Gemini

objects: hope, faith, goals, the idealized lover, gifts, idealized pictures

location: mountain tops, religious retreats, charity centers

body part: heart

principles: the search for attainment and self-realization is inherently fulfilling

---example: go for your dream but do not forsake your priniciples

reversed: you are lost and finding your truth will not be easy

18 -- Strong Feelings (Moon) [TOP]

astrological ruler: Cancer

objects: deception, secret enemies, silence, women friends, nighttime, missed menstrual periods

location: ocean, pools of water, rivers, forests, moonlit countryside

body part: aroused sexual organs, conjoined sexual organs

principles: strong feelings make it hard to tell truth from falsehood

---example: be careful for strong emotions can mislead you

reversed: anchoring yourself in your feelings makes it hard for you to affect others as you wish

19 -- Truth (Sun) [TOP]

astrological ruler: Leo

objects: joy, innocence, children, flowers, mid-day, bright light, realistic pictures

location: countryside, beaches

body part: eyes

principles: truth and fidelity bring happiness

---example: set your goals to the best that you can do

reversed: an excessive focus on revealing the truth can harm others

20 -- Birthing [TOP]

astrological ruler: Moon

objects: awakening, rebirth, pregnant women & childbirth, morning

location: hideouts, caves, cellars, mines, birthing rooms

body part: vagina (females), knees and lips (males)

principles: rising above the past brings new life

---example: after resting it is time to reach out and make a new beginning

reversed: the inability to enter the world leaves you and your ideas stillborn

21 -- Craftsman [TOP]

astrological ruler: Sun

objects: man-made objects, imagination, male friends

location: workshops, office buildings

body part: penis and balls (males), knees and lips (females)

principles: creative power brings ideas to reality

---example: application and enthusiasm improves chances for achieving your aims

reversed: you must be careful not to make those errors which will cause your ideas to fail to achieve your aims

22 -- Owner [TOP]

astrological ruler: Pluto

objects: assets, burdens, money and debts, addiction, greed, materialism

location: houses, banks, pawnshops, storage areas

body part: hands

principles: your possessions are important to you

---example: obsessions bring unhappiness, so moderate your needs

reversed: caring too much for your possessions will lead them to assume too great a role in your life

[Copyright © 1998 by Robert G. Benson]