Tarot has been a part of Barbara Moore's personal and professional lives for nearly twenty years. Right from the start, tarot intrigued her with its marvelous blending of mythology, psychology, art, history, mystery, and magic. She has studied under...
Being in a defensive position implies two things: having something to defend and being attacked. Whether the "something to defend" is worth defending, whether the attack is really a true attack, or whether the outcome will be favorable all depends on the situation—or, in the case of a reading, on the other cards in the spread or the details of the card from the deck being used. Whatever the details, feeling defensive usually is not a pleasant or enjoyable experience. It is easy to feel judged, abused, or unjustly treated. However, there are those who do enjoy the opportunity to use their courage and determination in this manner.
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The Universal Waite card shows a figure defending himself from higher ground, usually considered a favorable position. He seems to be well prepared. Although outnumbered, it looks as though he could prevail.
Core meaning: Defensiveness.
In the Legacy card, a figure is just entering through a doorway, and a number of wands, or adversaries, are in her path. She faces the necessary challenge of defending her right to continue on her chosen way. The light at the top of her wand indicates the importance of being aligned with what she believes to be right. From this, she gains the will to face these obstacles.
The Shadowscapes card shows a mother fox defending her young against a deadly attacker. The focus is on having something worth fighting for; this sense of purpose provides the courage and will to prevail. Here, the fight evokes a more emotional reaction. It is more raw—more "life and death"— than the other two cards.
