caridwen
There is a set of scales just above the head of the old man in this card. Does anyone know what they stand for and does it relate to Justice at all?
Abrac said:Hi caridwen-
It is hard to say exactly what this is supposed to mean for sure, but a couple of things come to mind. First it was put there by design, for all to see, as a statement of who this man is and what he represents. It is carved into the supporting structure that holds up the archway. The scales are perfectly balanced. My guess is this is a just man who has prospered through honesty and fair play. Perhaps he was, or still is, a judge. In any case, I think it is probably a symbol that reflects this man's outlook on life.
My 2 cents.
I was thinking the same thing later as I was meditating on this card. If you notice just to the left of the scales there is a diagram of what looks like a mountain or tower with entrances at the top, which remind me of caves. To me this image represents basically the same idea as the rough and perfected ashlar symbolism from Freemasonry. The mountain represents humanity in the crude and natural state, while the main image represents humanity in a state of refinement, cultivated by moral and judicial law. The dogs seem to be acting as a conduit, through which the old man is passing on his wisdom to the child. They are obviously well-trained and disciplined animals.caridwen said:We also have the connection between the Pentacles and Masonry.