Poison and Power Pick-a-Pile Tarot Readings

Happy Friday, soul family! Not all angels are about love and light! I found inspiration for this week’s ‘Poison and Power’ pick-a-pile readings when studying the differences between the angels Samael and Camael, both seen in different traditions as the ruling angel of Mars. Samael’s name means ‘Venom of God’ and Camael’s name means ‘He Who Sees God.’ Choose a number between 1 and 3 and then scroll down for your reading.

• Jump to Poison and Passion Pick-a-Pile Reading 1
• Jump to Poison and Passion Pick-a-Pile Reading 2
• Jump to Poison and Passion Pick-a-Pile Reading 3

Today’s Poison and Power pick-a-pile readings are particularly useful when you feel torn between two forces—whether to let go (Samael’s Poison, Card 1) or to fight (Camael’s Power, Card 2) for something. It helps provide clarity where you need to focus your energy. The final card bridges Samael’s more destructive energy and Camael’s courageous strength, giving you guidance on how to harmonise these opposing forces in a productive way.

For all three readings, we are working with the Waite Smith Tarot. As always with general readings, take what resonates and leave the rest.

Samael and Camael – Poison and Power

Kabbalistic and esoteric traditions identify Samael and Kamael as two distinct angelic beings associated with the planet Mars. Although they both link to Mars, they represent very different aspects of angelology, and people often confuse them due to the similarities in their names and roles.

Etymology and Origins

The name Samael is typically interpreted as ‘Venom of God’ or ‘Poison of God’ (from the Hebrew ‘sam’ meaning ‘poison’ and ‘el’ meaning ‘God’). Samael is often portrayed as an angel of death or a fallen angel within various traditions, including Gnosticism, Talmudic literature, and Kabbalistic writings. He is a complex figure who embodies both the destructive and punitive aspects of divine will, often linked to sin, death, and judgment. Some texts associate Samael with the left-hand path of severity and judgment in the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, corresponding to the sephirah of Geburah (severity or strength). In some narratives, he is also the husband of Lilith with who he has many demon children. However, it is important to understand that he enforces the will of God and it was God who gave him the order to marry Lilith.

The name Camael (or Kamael) means ‘He who sees God’ (from the Hebrew ‘ka’ meaning ‘like’ and ‘el’ meaning ‘God’). Camael is an angel of strength, courage, and divine justice. He is more often aligned with the positive martial attributes of Mars—such as valour, courage, and righteous warfare—rather than the darker connotations of Samael. In the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, Camael is associated with Geburah, just like Samael.

Associations with Mars

As stated above, both angels correspond with the planet Mars, the planet of war, conflict, and strength. However, they embody different aspects of these martial qualities:

Samael’s connection to Mars is through his role as an angel of destruction, vengeance, and severity. Mars, as a symbol of war and aggression, aligns with Samael’s nature as an enforcer of divine punishment and an agent of death. His rulership over Mars emphasises the darker, more violent side of conflict and justice. However, in the Pauline Arts, Samael is the Archangelic ruler of Mars and Tuesdays and not seen as ‘fallen’ or demonic in any way but as one of the Archangels who upholds divine justice.

Camael, according to most narratives, represents the more balanced and positive aspect of Mars. As the angel of strength and courage, he governs the constructive use of martial power—protecting the righteous, defending against evil, and dispensing divine justice in a way that upholds cosmic order. His association with Mars is more about heroic action. An example of this is how Camael strengthened Yeshua in the Garden of Gethsemane before the crucifixion.

Confusion and Distinctions

The confusion between Samael and Camael arises partly from the similarity of their names and their shared rulership over Mars, as well as their connection to the sephirah of Geburah on the Tree of Life, which represents severity, power, and judgment. Both are warriors in the celestial sense, but their purposes are distinct.

In some traditions, especially within esoteric Christianity and Gnosticism, Samael’s darker qualities make him more akin to a fallen angel or demonic figure, while Camael retains his place as an archangel. This distinction underscores their fundamentally different roles: Samael as an agent of destruction (whether we believe he is enacting the will of God or not) and Camael as a figure of divine justice and strength.

Pile 1

1. Samael’s Poison – 10 of Pentacles

The 10 of Pentacles suggests that you need to let go of old family patterns. This card could indicate that clinging to these constellations patterns of interaction prevents necessary growth and transformation. It could be time to go ‘no contact’ with one or more members of your family. Samael guides you to free yourself from the projections and labels that your family have attached to you.

2. Camael’s Power – The Magician

The Magician urges you to summon your inner strength and use all your resources and skills to create positive change. This card highlights your ability to manifest your desires and encourages you to take decisive and courageous action in your life. Camael encourages you to develop willpower that your birth family could have been instrumental in destroying. You are not who your family say you are.

3. Integration – Knight of Swords

The Knight of Swords emphasises quick-thinking and assertive action. This card advises you to harness Samael’s influence by decisively cutting away what no longer serves you while channeling Camael’s energy to move forward with determination and clarity. Balancing these forces will help you navigate life’s challenges with focused enthusiasm and resolve.

Pile 2

1. Samael’s Poison – 4 of Pentacles

The 4 of Pentacles indicates holding onto security, control, and material possessions too tightly. This card advises you to let go of your fear of loss and your need to cling to the familiar. Your attachment to control and the illusion of stability prevent you from experiencing growth and transformation. Consider releasing some of these constraints to allow new opportunities and experiences to enter your life. Samael advices that letting go of control means learning when to take your wall down. Having sound boundaries is not the same as isolating yourself out of fear.

2. Camael’s Power – King of Swords

The King of Swords represents intellectual power, authority, and clear judgment. This card urges you to harness your mental strength and use your logical and analytical skills to lead with integrity and fairness. Camael encourages you to be decisive, objective, and assertive in your actions. Use your wisdom and clarity to overcome challenges and make informed decisions that align with your higher purpose and values.

3. Integration – The Star

The Star symbolises hope, inspiration, and renewal. This card advises you to blend Samael’s influence with Camael’s by maintaining faith and optimism while applying your intellect and strength. The Star serves as a guiding light, reminding you that through letting go and exercising clear judgment, you can achieve a sense of harmony and balance. Embrace this hopeful energy to inspire and illuminate your path, leading to a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Pile 3

1. Samael’s Poison – 8 of Pentacles

The 8 of Pentacles suggests that you need to release your focus on perfectionism or hard work to the detriment of other aspects of your life. An overemphasis on the details and constant striving for mastery could be hindering your overall growth and satisfaction. It’s time to let go of the obsessive need to perfect every aspect and instead allow yourself room for creativity and relaxation. You could be flogging a dead horse when it comes to a work project. Samael advices you to let go of perfectionism and any projects that lead to dead ends.

2. Camael’s Power – 2 of Wands

The 2 of Wands highlights the need for vision and planning. Camael advises you to harness your inner strength to boldly explore new possibilities and take decisive action towards your goals. This card suggests that now is the time to expand your horisons, set long-term plans, and summon the courage to embark on new ventures. Embrace your ambitions and be willing to step out of your comfort zone to achieve the progress you desire.

3. Integration – Page of Pentacles

The Page of Pentacles represents new beginnings and practical opportunities. To integrate Samael’s and Camael’s influences, blend meticulous planning with a willingness to learn and grow. This card embodies a curious and diligent spirit, urging you to approach new ventures with enthusiasm and a sense of youthful curiosity. Balance your detailed focus with a broader vision to cultivate new skills and achieve your goals. This harmonious approach will lead you to practical success and personal development.

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