The word Art refers to the alchemist art of transforming matter through purification from an imperfect state into a perfect one. This was done by first analysing and transforming the different elements and then mingling opposites in the right proportions. But in fact alchemy is an inner process of refining yourself: first look at all the parts of yourself, bring them into your consciousness, accept them and then mingle your male and female side into a perfect mixture. Tantra describes this as finding the inner lover. The Art card shows this integration of male and female: here the dark man and the light woman of the Lovers card (no. 6) have become one androgyne figure. Through the inner synthesis of our opposite sides we become a higher version of ourselves.
Meaning: combination of forces, realization, action based on accurate calculation, harmony, integration, synergy, economy, management.
Reverse: lack of balance, lack of harmony, conflict of nterest, difficulty in understanding others, impatience.
