Twoflower
The first thing that struck me was that they physically mirror each other - identical posture so right away I am thinking about balance - about opposite aspects of something that comes together.
The 'apples and serpent' behind the woman, rightly or wrongly for me, conjures the biblical references. I suppose the trees of knowledge and life each represent the different inherent aspects of the 2. But the roots are already joined - maybe the external appearance of this being a joining is really a re-joining : these 2 things were not meant to be apart. Maybe they never truly were, but choose to come together because they realise or learn that this is the right way.
The figure above : I can't decide if it is directing the union or merely approving of it.
I was reading earlier today someone's Reading thread and they were concerned that they may be projecting too much of themselves on to the cards : but for me that feels absolutely the right thing to do, in fact that seems to BE the point. Based on that when I currently see this card I am immediately reminded of being a better and more fulfilled person when forced to be part of a partnership. It says to me that letting go of ones natural or default setting and choosing to integrate fully the thoughts, attitudes and way of being of a partner is the proper way to be. Knowledge without Living? Living without Knowledge? Union : of man and woman (traditionally), of lovers, of intellect and emotion.
One lingering question though: Why are they depicted apart? Is it to make the act of union feel as though it is about to happen - to put us in media res ?
So come on - set me straight
Or share your own interpretation if you would be so kind
T
The 'apples and serpent' behind the woman, rightly or wrongly for me, conjures the biblical references. I suppose the trees of knowledge and life each represent the different inherent aspects of the 2. But the roots are already joined - maybe the external appearance of this being a joining is really a re-joining : these 2 things were not meant to be apart. Maybe they never truly were, but choose to come together because they realise or learn that this is the right way.
The figure above : I can't decide if it is directing the union or merely approving of it.
I was reading earlier today someone's Reading thread and they were concerned that they may be projecting too much of themselves on to the cards : but for me that feels absolutely the right thing to do, in fact that seems to BE the point. Based on that when I currently see this card I am immediately reminded of being a better and more fulfilled person when forced to be part of a partnership. It says to me that letting go of ones natural or default setting and choosing to integrate fully the thoughts, attitudes and way of being of a partner is the proper way to be. Knowledge without Living? Living without Knowledge? Union : of man and woman (traditionally), of lovers, of intellect and emotion.
One lingering question though: Why are they depicted apart? Is it to make the act of union feel as though it is about to happen - to put us in media res ?
So come on - set me straight
Or share your own interpretation if you would be so kind
T