I don’t know how much I’ll use the playing cards, but . . . heart-shaped! In yesterday’s tarot society meeting, we discussed the possibilities of reading with playing cards, so I figure I can give it a try!
The Sibyl is created from circular alchemical illustrations from 1617 that almost all feature a red, puffy heart in various situations of peril and prosperity. Numbers and keywords have been added. There are 40 cards. I’ve investigated and tried to logically arrange its cards in the past, but I haven’t really read with it very much.
I’m not sure about spreads and such for my daily reads, but today it’s all about the interviews!
Deck’s most important characteristic: 10 Wands
The deck has a lot of its own energy, and that can be a bit difficult to handle, like the storks trying but failing so far to pick up all those sticks.
Deck’s strength: 9 Pentacles
Even though it is unusual, and has a very specific theme, it is a practical deck. It can give helpful readings. The illustration looks more like a miser card at first (4 Coins), but not really. He’s laying them out, not holding onto them. Perhaps he’s just being prudent, figuring out how much he should pay for something. I wonder how much he paid for that amazingly long feather in his hat!
Deck’s weakness: 8 Swords
Here’s a pierced heart, literally a pincushion, which seems more 3 than 8. But the woman is getting on with her work, whether she’s happy or not. Maybe she’s trapped in her duties. The weakness is it’s trapped in its own theme.
What the deck can teach me: Knight of Chalices
I don’t know what kind of critter he is, but I love the heart-shaped hat! The deck can indeed teach me about romance and emotions, and how to act on them.
How I can learn it: 7 Chalices
I need to let my emotions flow, and realize that there are lots of options for me to express them. The leaves are falling, but the fairies have found flowers for courting.
Outcome of our work together: Knight of Swords
I will appreciate the deck most as an intellectual exercise in reading the unique illustrations. The dragonfly is small but powerful enough to carry the fairy knight.
Deck’s most important characteristic: Conflict
Very much like a lenormand whips card plus a heart. And hands. I’m going to say that it’s important that sometimes my interpretations of the cards conflict with the keywords. Not this one, though!
Deck’s strength: Union
Similar to a lenormand ring. But grander and more symbolic, with the crown and altar and bones and hands. As a strength, the deck has a lot of symbolism, so you can basically choose which you want to use, but it all hangs together.
Deck’s weakness: Coffin
It is confusing exactly what the heart stands for. Here it is the opposite of death. On other cards, it seems to represent the soul or person or seeker. Or maybe the weakness is that the deck is limited. We come to the end of its usefulness quickly?
What it can teach me: Clarification
It can teach me to see (eye) the light (lantern) and to understand it (book). This seems much more spiritual than a lenormand book.
How I can learn it: Balance
I shouldn’t be too critical or too slavishly following the deck concepts. Take what works and leave the rest. I like this illustration. If the heart tips either way, warning bells will ring!
Outcome of our work together: Jealousy
This keyword seems a little random. I’m going to go with something less specific. The heart is fruitful and growing but also surrounded by thorns. The outcome is that I will constantly trying to clear away the arbitrary and get to the more true flowering meaning.
Deck’s most important characteristic: Ace of Hearts!
Well, that’s appropriate! It’s whole purpose is hearts, hearts, hearts! And valentines.
Deck’s strength: King Diamonds
It fulfills its mission of manifesting valentines and conversation heart candies.
Deck’s weakness: 8 Diamonds
It imitates valentines and candy. It’s an intellectual product, not the real thing.
What can it teach me: 5 Spades
Everyone is always confused about love and romance. That’s just the way things are.
How can I learn it: Queen of Clubs
By being strong but feminine.
Outcome of our work together: Queen of Hearts!
It will help me embrace my emotional and feminine side.
Well, that was fun! I hope you enjoyed the decks! Have a super Sunday! See you tomorrow!