View Full Version : RWS Group: Favorite Card
To officially open this group, I would like to know about your favorite card in the deck.
What is your favorite card?
Why is it your favorite?
Is there anything about the card yuo dislike?
Is there anything about this card that you like the most, or is the most eye-catching?
Anything else you would like to ad.
Thanks!
I presume that, given your questions, you have a favourite card, Phoenix.
For myself, I find it very difficult to answer the thread...
I suppose that a number of cards have stood out for their careful 'subliminal' designs. Of these, the High Priestess certainly deserves special mention (again - I know I mentioned it before in the thread Using Tarot Cards: Rider Waite card(s) secret...... (http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1440)). The pomegranates on the curtain/veil reveals the pattern of the Tree of Life.
Well for me it's the 6 Of Cups.
Just recently I have come to learn that there is 2 faces on the smaller image (child)..( I can't believe I haven't seen this before..I have had this deck forever..lol)......one face is looking up at the jester (larger figure, or whatever you want to call it;)) and the other face is looking away!
This card now, to me the interpretation changes, depending on which face I see when I first look at the card. the face looking up ....excepting, embracing ..the face looking away.....unexcepting, reservations.
So I love this card, and it (IMHO) is one tricky card to look out for in readings, I like the idea of "what face I instantly see" that can be of importance in a reading.
Cheers
Kazz
:TQC
Silverlotus
08-01-2003, 10:46
In nearly every deck the three of Swords is my favourite card. However, I would say that the High Priestess is my favourite card in the RWS deck.
Why is it my favourite? I'm not really sure. Maybe because I'd like to be more like. Maybe because I like the symbolism of the veil.
Is there anything I don't like? Yes, the RWS colouring! It's much prettier in the Universal Waite deck I think.
I think my favourite part of this card is the moon sitting at her feet. She is so in touch with the mysteries that even the moon bows to her.
Originally posted by Kazz
Well for me it's the 6 Of Cups.
Just recently I have come to learn that there is 2 faces on the smaller image (child)..( I can't believe I haven't seen this before..I have had this deck forever..lol)......one face is looking up at the jester (larger figure, or whatever you want to call it;)) and the other face is looking away!
Hi Kazz,
Watched my 6 of Cups but still can't get it ... Can you be more precise ?? Do you have to turn the card somehow to see the 2nd face ?
Thanx !! How did you find out BTW ??
Kissa
Originally posted by Kissa
Hi Kazz,
Watched my 6 of Cups but still can't get it ... Can you be more precise ?? Do you have to turn the card somehow to see the 2nd face ?
Thanx !! How did you find out BTW ??
Kissa
Hi Kissa,
The smaller figure's 2nd face is in the hair (the yellow hair) if you look only at the yellow hair, the eyes seem some what closed , the nose, and a small pouted mouth.
I think I found it out in a book I was reading and I also vaguely remember something about this card was written up in here ages ago. .with this 2 face thing mentioned. (I think)
I hope this helps you...you know, now that I can see the 2nd face, I can't seem to focus on the other...lol:D
Kissa, let me know if you can see it!
Cheers
Kazz
:TQC
I thought long about that - it is the 8 of wands. The card is nearly abstract and quite clear at the same time. It leaves room for possible interpretations and was sometimes a messenger of falling in love to me. The landscape in the background reminds me on upper Italy. It is fire moving through air. It is darts. It is Sagittarius. It is me.
Mine would have to be Strength. It is my soul card and it is so much of what I would like myself to be. The woman in the strength card is calm and gentle in the face of a very dangerous creature. She isn't trying to use brute strength to control the lion but confidence. She knows that she can handle it. The firey redness of the lion is soothed by the purity in the white dress that the woman wears. To me the card is so serene and inspiring. When I feel like I don't know if I can handle a situation I think about the strength card and know that the strength lies within me, I only need to summon it.
sagitarian
11-02-2003, 17:44
Never thought of it before, but thought that I would go through my deck as an excercise and see which card was most appealing to me. I have the universal waite deck. This is just based on design and art, not necessarily meaning. My favorite is king of pentacles. He looks so handsome, and gentle. I love the design of his robe and the overall flow of all the earth and greenery growing, surrounding all around him.
My favourite has to be The Sun from the Universal Waite.
I like this card , the happy child on the white horse, the sunflowers - you can almost feel the warmth of it. Its a very positive card.
That's my favourite card - I love her - i either come up in readings as her or the Queen of Cups depending on my mood
Its my favourite because she is confident, self assured but most of all - she has her naughty black cat at her feet :D
My favourite cards from the RWS deck are. . . .
The 3 of Swords. Simple, neat, heraldic design. I've always interpreted the three swords as Power, Love, and Freedom, the three wishes that will break your heart.
The Queen of Swords. She looks like Garbo, and I have always imagined Greta Garbo in the role of the Queen of Swords.
Knight of Wands. The knightliest of the Knights, IMO.
The Moon, and the World, for their purity of design.
Originally posted by Kitty
That's my favourite card - I love her - i either come up in readings as her or the Queen of Cups depending on my mood
Its my favourite because she is confident, self assured but most of all - she has her naughty black cat at her feet :D
I have a few favorites depending on my mood....
knight of cups.. hes beautiful & always makes me think of my hubby.. my knight in shining armor
strength.. i want to be her
high priestess.... I want to learn her secrets .. well some of them .. some i have no desire to learn
moon... i feel it touches my mooony ..loony feminine nature
the star... well thats one of my ultimate goals in life & sometimes see my self as a *star*
i love most all of them in one way or another.. but there are a few that i really dislike.. my impuls one day after pulling the 3 of pentacles was to actually rip it up!!!
another thing i always get very pleased when a reading has a large amount of cups ... maybe its due to the fact that im the major water sign & highly emotional...
ahhhhhhhhhh also how could i ever forget about the EXTREMELY comforting hermit he gives me a safe secure feeling almost when i see him
for me it has to be the high priestess. She seems so mysterious.
The moon.. I don't know what it is about the card... but I have a connection to it.
Oh and I really dislike the three of swords, 3 swords through a heart, I always have to look away for a moment when I see that card. It's probably just me being to personal with my interpretations though.
Chronata
05-06-2003, 17:53
Wow...there are just so many cards I love in this deck for so many different reasons!
Some, for the wonderful symbolism that is "just right" in explaining the meaning...like you know right away what they are all about (like the 5 cups)
...and some for the perfect symbols that define personality (like the Knights)
and others because they allow your subconcious mind to move beyond the symbols and into a more abstract pyschic connection (the Wheel of Fortune, High Priestess, 7 Cups)...
But I would like to share a story, that has made the 9 Swords one of my favorites:
For a while I was teaching seminars and private classes to students wanting to know how to read cards. And most of these classes were for young people, since I started reading before my teens, I always think kids have a wonderful natural ability with Tarot and divination in general.
I always use the Rider-Waite as a teaching tool to start,(because of the huge amount of symbols and visual info) and then allow the students to move on to another deck they respond to.(often a variant of RW, like Hanson Roberts)
I was teaching my first lesson to a young and very serious girl (11 going on 30!) by having her choose cards at random and then telling me a story about what she saw.
Right away, she clued into the 9 of swords, and proceeded to tell me a story about the figure in the bed.
The figure, she said, was the Mother of a man who was injured in a swordfight. (the picture of the fight was on the bed itself,) and the Mother didn't see it for herself, but she was having psychic dreams and nightmares about it.
This was causing her way too much worry.
"Why is it *too* much worry?" I asked her
"Because she doesn't see that God has her covered, that's why the blanket is there.She doesn't need to worry, because worry just makes you sick."
"What about all the swords?"
"Oh those", she smirked, "That's the ladder so she can climb out of being depressed. It will hurt her hands and feet, because she doesn't like to change. But she has to. Otherwise she will be sick, and never leave the bed."
I was amazed at this 11 years olds incredible insight into the human condition, and thanked her for the story. It might not have been the intention of the artist, but it was a great way to describe the meaning of the card!
About that time was when I discovered that I was just as much a student of the tarot as I was a teacher!
And I have always liked the sybolism on this card since that time.
Baby Owl
05-06-2003, 18:10
Chronata, what an awesome story!
I would have to say I like The Fool and his cute little dog as well as the Queen of Wands and her little black cat (I have a little black cat, too). Being a Sagittarius, I do love those wands!
The Fool is so nonchalent, gazing upward while about to walk off the cliff. I think I like the card because I would just once like to be that blissfully unaware of danger. All my life I have been super-conscious of potential pitfalls. In any given situation, I automatically see where problems might arise.
I'll go with the Queen of Pentacles and her bunny, and also the 9 of Pentacles and her snail. Maybe I like girls with pets... I dunno.
Ruby Red Slippers
06-06-2003, 19:18
She is so mysterious and serious as she looks at a replica of the Ark of theCovenent......To me she "knows" the power and emotion of it all.
Water all around and yet she is seated so solidly on her thrown. She truly has embraced the goddess and knows how to use her emotion for strength, knowledge and intuition.
She is surrounded by cherubs on the throne, angels watching over her, she, watching the angels on the cup she holds, and reminding us of the nuturer in all of us.
I can hardley take my eyes off the ark when this card appears.
I am intrigued with her!
Thanks Kazz...Now I see both faces :)
Thanks Chronata for the great story.....:cool:
I love this board!
Ruby Red Slippers
Little Baron
17-06-2003, 14:45
Just read your post about the 6 of cups and the two faces. It took me a while to see it but then I did! It is like the skull in the 7 of cups. I totally missed that as well. I will be scanning these cards for the smaller details from now on. It puts a whole new perspective on what we see and can change the entire view point. Its like finding the secret drawer in an old desk. I think that I always underestimated these cards but now, as I read though everybodys threads I can see that the most lavish photoshoped deck is not necessarily the best.
As for a favourite ... the aces always stand out for me. Also the High Priestess and the Queen of Wands. Whenever I see my Rider Priestess I always feel like she is the 'original'.
Thanks Kaz for the 'two face' pointer!
Yaboot
oceanpoetry
14-07-2003, 00:34
in the 7 of cups? I have the card out and I am trying to see where it is hidden...I am still trying to see the second face on the 6 of cups. very frustrating!
Little Baron
14-07-2003, 06:16
Hi Oceanpoetry
The skull - look at the third cup from the right on the bottom row. It is in the top part of the cup.
The seconf face on the 6 of cups - look at her white hair. The line that curves around her ear becomes her right closed eye. See?
If you are using the Universal Waite, you will see a faint skull but the colouring has obscured the second face on the 6 of cups and it is not there.
Best wishes
Yaboot
oceanpoetry
14-07-2003, 11:34
I will look for the skull. I have the Diamond Tarot and clearly saw the second face on 6 of cups! wow! It is hard to see on URW because isn't clearly illustrated. But on Diamond (a different RW clone) it is plain as day!
Little Baron
16-07-2003, 07:50
I have already mentioned the 6 of Cups as a fave. However, I don't know how I forgot my favourite page. The Page of Cups is the one (from the Universal Waite) that I always look to if I need 'a pick up'. He is such a charmer and has such a kind face. You could let him guide you through the tarot deck and he would explain all the characters and situations.
I find this card very calming. Hopefully, we can discuss it in more detail if anyone is up for it.
Yaboot
Artemis Sans
09-09-2003, 22:22
Odd for me, the first card that came to mind was Death, and my fav. card is usually The Tower. Don't know why it's Death in RW... The symbolism of the dying people... no one is capable of escaping death, not kings, women, children, or even the clergy... (I thought of that before any one pointed it out to me, I was proud of myself.) I also like the pillars of the Moon and the Sun in the background. Oo! Just noticed something! The river flowing from the pillars of the Moon flow into the river below, which I presume to be the river Styx, with the boat and all... dont'cha love those "aha" moments? (I'm really proud of myself.) The only thing about the card I don't like is the sky... too dark and depressing. it should be glowing red to symbolize both dawn and dusk.
-Artemis
PS- is that The Tower coming out of the bottom-left corner on the 7 of cups?
TemperanceAngel
04-11-2003, 00:37
With a name like mine I would have to say the Temperance card, but I go in and out of phases and cards are significant at some times and not others.
I love The High Priestess and The Hermit always is on my journey with me.
The Page of Cups always intrigues me with his mysterious grin.
This week Judgement is coming through and I can feel some new insights will be revealed to me by this card.
The Six of Cups is such a beautiful, intricate card. Such detail. Pamela was an amazing illustrator.
In all my dealings with this card it always reveals to me a change of residence, in personal readings and professional as well. Not meaning cities or countries, I would look for the Eight of Wands for added insight. Perhaps moving just around the corner.....
But moving house indeedy.
Now that is only when I am reading and I don't believe that the cards have the same meaning for everyone.
XTAX
miss_apples
04-11-2003, 20:46
my favorite card is the three of swords. Mostly because its eye catching. also the meaning of the card is quite obvious....but i guess the thing I dont like about it is that is usually symbolizes heartbreak.
i like The Lovers. Itīs a wonderful design and the angel's colours are lovely.
Why this card? because reminds me we are always choosing and making decisions . That's good and and rather risky too.
Another one i like is Nine of Pentacles. Full of meaning and beauty.
She is calm and wise.
The one i dislike is three of Swords. It worries me in readings.
Love for all
Silvie
Jewel-ry
09-11-2003, 08:32
I have only just received my RWS deck (Radiant) and I really like the hermit. A key meaning for the hermit is that of withdrawing from the outside world and I see that very much in this card. The snowy landscape looks distant. Like the figure has got taller in stature and is looking down on the world almost.
Mystic Zyl
11-11-2003, 16:58
Queen of Wands gets my vote, of course I am a Leo and sucker for any card that has a cat on it!
firestorm
15-11-2003, 09:12
Believe it or not, my fav is the 10 of swords. Everytime I see it, I'm amused. Of course, I see it as a "woe is me" card......tongue in cheek. I take it as a sign of being too dramatic and serious.
The 78th Fool
03-08-2004, 12:18
The Sun is my favourite card in this deck and has been for nearly twenty five years.
I was twelve or thirteen when I first got this deck. I can remember lifting the lid on the blue box (it has the world dancer on the front) and leafing through the cards.
The colours had a fresh, beautiful feel to them and the style of drawing had an almost mythic quality to me ( I don't know if anyone understands me here). Whatever the case, the cards really stirred my heart.
When I reached the Sun card, it just leapt out at me and to this day it still does. I love the face - It's so tranquil amidst the blazing heat. I also think that the disc surrounded by the pattern of straight and wavy rays is just so satisfying as a shape and pattern in its own right.
All these years down the line, I often just look at and handle my Rider Waite for comfort and relaxation. Before long I'm staring at the Sun card again.
I think it's effect was so profound that whenever I buy a deck now, I always look to this card first.
Interestingly, when I was working on my own deck I was more critical of the Sun card than any other. I don't think there was much wrong with the finished result - I just had a much higher ideal in my head to live up to than with a lot of the other cards.
Chris. xx
I have always liked the 8 of Cups. the idea of leaving money and security behind to go for personal control and spiritual growth is something i have always wanted. And always avoided! :| I wonder if Astra's interp in the WorldTree may not have it right: walking away toward something you THINK is better, but maybe just trying to get away from what you don't want to face!
Anyway, it is a bit of a love/hate relationship, but I still like that card in almost any deck I have worked with.
Chronata: thank you for sharing that story. What an amazing kid!
I have always been drawn to the Ace of Cups. There is, for me, something tranquil about the dove, the streams of water and the falling dew. Overtly Christian in some respects, there is also an esoteric symbolism that intrigues me. Is the letter on the chalice a W or M? (This has been discussed in another thread.) Is there a significance to the three bells? Why five streams instead of the four specified by Waite?
Bob
I like introvert cards like High Priestess and The Hermit, but other than that I must say 10 of pentacles. I like the people, the tower and the dogs. Looks so friendly and safe.
northsea
11-08-2004, 23:52
the Hermit
I immediately thought of Temerance, but I like that card in almost every deck. It's so quiet and calm.
My real favorite in the RWS is the Eight of Pentacles. I want to be that kid carving stars into discs. It reminds me of arts and crafts at summer camp. He looks like he enjoys his work which is what I'm always looking for.
Originally posted by April
My real favorite in the RWS is the Eight of Pentacles. I love the way Pam illustrated the 'finished' Pentacles, to show
how the workman is still learning his craft ~ they're all a little
bit off still, since he's just getting the hang of things...
Even how he's simply set to work on a little bench, not with
a big worktable and a full shop of tools and raw materials.
I think of him working there, and in his mind he's thinking,
"I'll make a sign, something to bring in the customers..."
pentacles for sale or trade
Originally posted by Kazz
The smaller figure's 2nd face is in the hair (the yellow hair) if you look only at the yellow hair, the eyes seem some what closed , the nose, and a small pouted mouth.
:TQC
I can't see it!
Originally posted by Rain
I can't see it!
I know what you mean, I had to look for ages before I could work out what everyone was going on about. My only advice is: it's not about how hard you look at it, it's how you look at it. It's like one of those funny pictures, with two pictures in one. :)
My favourite card in the majors is the high priestess and in the minors, the 5 of cups. Then again...I change my mind sometimes...
Raeven
RedMaple
10-09-2004, 12:14
The Strength card, the Lady and the Lion is just wonderful.
The Hermit because I am a writer and a bit of an introvert, I suppose, but also because as an artist, that sense of searching in silence and solitude is important.
I also love the 9 of Pentacles and the Empress, which seem very related to me, the woman in the garden, so at home with herself and the earth.
The Page of Pentacles is another I love -- that fish coming out of the cup! Yes -- it is so magical to me.
Blackcat
02-10-2004, 12:35
My favourite card is the High Priestess; I like the crescent moon at her feet, the triple godess crown on her head, the veil with the pomegranates and its correlation with the Persefone myth
The Lovers is my favourite card.
What does it mean for you?