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girl4music · 5 years ago

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Tarot representation in 'The Bitter Suite' with the Major Arcana: 22 Archetypes

The Rider-Waite tarot deck is really cleverly used in the episode 'The Bitter Suite'. It's mostly Major Arcana representation but there are also a few Minor Arcana cards represented in it too. That being of The King of Swords, The Queen of Pentacles and The Two of Cups. My reason for doing this post is to show people how creative and intelligent and artistic this episode actually is, AND WHY IT’S MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE!!!

The Tarot can teach us many things, but most of all that... just like the cards themselves... there are always two sides to every story. Enjoy!

0 – The Fool (Callisto’s first card in Illusia; Aleph.) - The Fool is the happy wanderer who sees the world through the eyes of a child. Most tarot experts agree that The Fool represents each of us—naive travelers through life, off on a grand adventure, out to learn whatever experience the tarot can teach us.

I – The Magician (Joxer’s second card in Illusia.) - The Magician is the skilled and cunning master of all he surveys. He represents an individual in control of life's tools and techniques, like those on the table in front of him. Typically, they include a cup, sword, pentacle, and wand—the four symbols of the Minor Arcana.

II – The High Priestess (Xena’s first card in Illusia.) - The High Priestess is the enigmatic keeper of spiritual secrets. Secretive and guarded, she knows the secrets life holds—but she shares them only with the wise.

III – The Empress (Gabrielle’s first card in Illusia.) - The Empress is the archetypal mother who nurtures and protects all of her creation, including humankind.

IV – The Emperor (Ares’ first card in Illusia. His second card is of The King of Swords but that is not part of the Major Arcana.) - The Emperor is the authoritative protector and provider who rules the known world. A father figure, he brings order out of chaos so that civilization can prosper.

V – The Hierophant (it’s possible Lila could represent this card.) - The Hierophant is a symbol of traditional authority and influence. He's the head of a hierarchy, determined to maintain his religious and cultural traditions.

VI – The Lovers (Xena and Gabrielle having a lover’s spat.) - The Lovers embody the twin principles of opposition and attraction. While an appearance by this couple could encourage any hopeless romantic, the card also signifies a choice to be made between two equally strong desires.

VII – The Chariot (the mode of transportation Xena and Ares ride on.) - The Chariot is a vehicle for forward motion and change. The young charioteer is in command of his physical and emotional drives, even when they seem to oppose each other.

VIII – Strength (Gabrielle’s third card in Illusia.) - Strength is the lovely lady with the heart of a lion. She gently holds the jaws of a powerful wild cat, patiently controlling a force that could otherwise eat her alive.

IX – The Hermit (Joxer’s third card in Illusia.) - The Hermit is a recluse, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. He reflects on spiritual concerns, and carries the light of wisdom as a beacon for others to follow.

X – The Wheel of Fortune (drawn by Callisto with the four animal figures: (the Lion, the Ox, the Snake, the Eagle.), as well as Anubis and The Sphinx.) - The Wheel of Fortune is the spinning wheel of destiny and fate. Because nothing is certain but change itself, the Wheel of Fortune reminds us all that what goes up must also come down.

XI – Justice (Callisto’s second card in Illusia.) - Justice is both the giver and enforcer of laws. As the ultimate arbiter, she holds a two-edged sword—a reminder that fairness cuts both ways.

XII – The Hanged Man (Joxer’s first card in Illusia.) - The Hanged Man sacrifices his comfort and passions for a time, knowing that better things will occur as a result. He is the visionary who sacrifices one life to be rewarded with another.

XIII – Death (represented twice throughout the episode. When Xena kills Gabrielle and when Xena dons a purple shift and is tied to the cross.) - Death is the card of transition. Like the Grim Reaper, who clears away all that cannot survive, the card depicts the turning of a page, the completion of one chapter of life, and the exciting start of a new story.

XIV – Temperance (Gabrielle’s second card in Illusia.) - Temperance is the archangel of balance. With dexterity and grace, Temperance demonstrates that moderation can serve as a bridge to wholeness.

XV – The Devil (Dahak’s evil flame represents this card.) - The Devil is the dark and shadowy side of our existence. With tongue firmly in cheek, he demonstrates how a selfish devotion to material possessions and ill-conceived passions can tie us down and keep us from true happiness.

XVI – The Tower (the Halls of Echoes being struck by lightning.) - The Tower is a forceful clearing of pent-up energy that strikes like lightning. It's a bolt from the blue, and it can shake any overbuilt structure to its foundation.

XVII – The Star (this card is probably represented each time Xena and Gabrielle are naked, which happens 4 times in this episode.) - The Star is a shining light in the darkness. Like the goddess of the night, she's the blithe spirit who offers hope, inspiration, and guidance.

XVIII – The Moon (this is the card Ming Tien represents.) - The Moon is the ever-changing mirror of the sun, and a symbol of the unconscious mind. From its perch in the night sky, the moon represents secrets and mysteries that may not be understood—or even recognized.

XIX – The Sun (this is the card Solan represents.) - The Sun is a symbol of consciousness and action. It's the center of the universe, and the source of heat, illumination, and life on earth.

XX – Judgement (the is the dark figure with the trumpet.) - Judgment reveals all, heralds the dawn of a new world, and stands as a reminder of the power of forgiveness.

XXI – The World (this is what they return to to start all over again.) - The World depicts the never-ending, spiral dance of life. It's a card of completion and success—as well as the chance to start another round.

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