Fante di Denari — Il Tarocco Bizarro

Artist: Franco Bruna

"It is practically impossible to use Tarots in order to know what the future holds before-hand. If this was not so, this crazy, mad world would be even more insane and frightening than it already is. Maybe this is the reason why the journey into the Tarots begins with The Fool... At the end of this journey it will be easy to use Tarots to better understand the reality that surrounds us and to see what could have been clear, but, clearly, [was] not..."
[In other words, it is easier to read the past than to read the future. Still, we refuse to learn.]

*   *   *

A student with new and brilliant ideas needs guidance.

Act on those grand ideas, but keep your feet firmly planted on the ground.

The page of coins asks us to grow in a way that generates wealth for the future. It indicates the energy to begin the process of bringing dreams into reality. This card encourages us to begin actions that will ultimately lead to the achievement of goals. Be clear on what skills and resources are required in order to get closer to the goal. Putting theory into practice will lead to finding a solution that actually works.

The page of coins has the desire to learn all things. Instead of getting carried away with more ideas, remain focused on the practical elements of what is realistic and achievable: remain focused on tangible outcomes and results.

Der Worte sind genug gewechselt,
lasst mich auch endlich Taten sehn!
Enough words have been exchanged;
now at last let me see some deeds!

(Goethe, Faust I)

Shall I ever pass the page of coins

and move beyond the prologue in the theater?

My kings! My kings! I need to draw my kings! 

www.barefootfool.com 

Page of Pentacles — The Lover's Tarot

[NOTE: Not that I'm doing deck reviews here, but I dislike it when some "artist" does a lot of (often poor) cutting and pasting from classical images and then doesn't tell us where the images are sourced. All 'ye artists out there: see Karen Mahoney & Alex Ukolov's excellent book for the Tarot of Prague for an example of beautifully sourced artwork.]

Artist: Oliver Burston
Book: Jane Lyle

Interpretation: upright: It is a joyful, happy card wherever it falls. Listen to your voice. Pay attention to your dreams. inverted: Something is not what it seems. Take time to assess the reality of a situation.


Generally, I look at every card upright. As Brian sang, while hanging on the cross, "Always look at the bright side of life— (ba-bum, ba-bum ba-bum ba-bum)—"  When I flipped the card over, my first thought was, "It's upside down."  Either way, it does makes sense to look at both sides at once. Thus: listen to your voice and take time to assess the reality of a situation.

Jane Lyle's book that comes with the deck is, as implied, skewed toward affairs of the heart. Her emphasis is on self-reflection and introspection, not divination. She asks us to ponder —does this card represent an individual? —yourself? —a situation or a relationship phase? —and says: "When describing an aspect of personality, it heralds an intuitive, creative phase, and has close links with the first stirrings of romantic love and desire."

If I am a romantic at heart, which I say I am when defining my heart, than all my love is romantic. As for desire— who is free from desire?

In this intuitive, creative phase heralded by pregnancy (intuitive because I haven't a clue what I am doing; creative because I'll be making everything up as I go along) there are many things that will need to change. The page of coins tells me to pay attention to what I need to do to manifest my dreams in the material world.
 
One simple change: Martin suggested we move to Quebec. (The more complex changes that come after having a child are currently incomprehensible to me, and thus outside the scope of my dreams.) After a long period of refusal, (too far from my family, I don't know the language, I'm sick of making new friends, too isolating, etc.) I am now in love (or perhaps it is lust) with the idea of moving: I have had a change of heart. This material change (relocation) will help me manifest my desire to learn French.

I am especially in love with the idea of Quebec City. What ecstasy to fall in love with an old city— with its arches and staircases— stone walls and churches— steeples— statues— parks and windows— doorways— curves and corners— O! deliciously sensual. I dream of wandering alone. Today I am off to initiate my love affair with Quebec City...

Have you seen the Tarot of the Absurd?