Part II...
5:3
Choose at least one keyword for each of the ten numbers and 4 court cards. See how it applies to each card.
See if you can find an image or symbol that will serve as a reminder of your number keyword.
Using the Victorian Romantic and Mary Greer’s keywords…
1’s
Keyword: Wholeness, emergence
Symbols/Images:
-The Magician’s left hand is on his open book under the light. Wisdom.
-The young prince’s right hand on a birdcage as a servant approaches, extending his father’s crown to him in the Wheel of Fortune. The emergence of a new king, and new responsibilities.
-In The Sun, she holds flowers in both hand as she is led on horse back by a cherub. Trust.
-Ace of Wands has two figures, but only one hold high a fiery torch…illumination.
-Ace of Cups, a male figure dives deep to meet the female figure. His right hand extends down, while her left, up. Balance & meeting halfway.
-Ace of Swords, a fairy holds a flower over a sword while sitting on a cliff. Emergence of reflection.
-Ace of Pentacles, a female floats in mid-air, her hands extended holding a single pent in the left hand. Emergence of confidence.
2’s
Keyword: Inner truth, reception
Symbols/Images:
-The High Priestess…the smoke that does not cloud her but veers to her left. Clarity.
-Justice’s scales, do you dare fight it? She knows, what she knows, what she knows.
-Judgement’s illuminated couple. They also know Truth.
-2 of Cup’s failure of eye (eyes the window to the Soul) contact on her part. A truth is known, but how will she ever find the words?
-2 of Sword’s submission to a greater knowledge or being. A student of the Truth?
-2 of Pentacles is good at practice to garner a fine reception from their audience.
-2 of Wands is expecting something/someone, her fine clothes (dressed to the 9’s) and jewelry. All for a great reception.
3’s
Keyword: Creativity, blending, expression, sorrow
Symbols/Images:
-The Empress expression of tenderness and love for her cherubs.
-The Hanged Man’s hand on his forehead. How creative can he be to set himself free?
-The World has a toss up, how will she land in this celebration? Blending of many details to make the whole.
-3 of Wand’s quiet observation, becoming one with nature to become inspired (the harp). Blending in with the scenery to create something altogether new.
-3 of Cup’s ladies…one holds something in their hands…paints, writes, and plays a musical instrument. Expression is obvious where the spoken word is silenced.
-3 of Swords has sorrow, her hand to her face, crying. A way will be shown, she is beginning on a path, and her faithful dog at her knee.
-3 of Pentacles has smiles from children as a man whittles a piece of wood. Creative expression.
4’s
Keyword: Establishment, structure, retreat, complacency.
Symbols/Images:
-The Emperor’s weary look on his face. He keeps to protocol, but has other concerns on his mind. He defines “establishment” even though it appears he would rather be some place else.
-Death, a man hold’s a skull in his left hand, he grimaces to the sight of it. Structure will be broken.
-4 of Cups a dandy surrounded by a bevy of beauties. Which will he choose? If any. The glazed look in his eyes of an internal numbness.
-4 of Swords deep slumber. His golden garb is still on him as he sleeps. Retreat where ever you can find it.
-4 of Pentacles, again, a stagnation and glazed look. Is anybody home? The hands engaged in the tedious…holding a string of pearls in one hand and a fan in another. Complacency at having everything and nothing all at the same time.
-4 of Wands has all girl band. The hand holding the stick to batter the drum. There is structure in this motley crew, enough to make something out of nothing.
5’s
Keyword: Humanity
Symbols/Images:
-The Hierophant has a rabbi and his young pupils, his right hand holding his glasses. He can “see” better without them then with them. Imparting truth from one generation to another.
-Temperance sails along, alone, on a boat. Her hand extended over earth’s sea. She knows well the human heart and its misery.
-5 of Pentacles has a cross made out of straw, that sits delicately on mother’s lap. She holds tight to her boy in a warm embrace. They huddle together. They know they are in dire straits, but what of it? Their world’s harshness has not yet dimmed a deep held faith.
-5 of Sword’s little people with a big plan. Another day, another dollar, but first to coordinate the groups intentions to make the hard look easy.
-5 of Cups has a lady admiring flowers that she came upon as she walked along her path. There is a true expression of gratitude to her eyes. The path has been long, but what a payoff!
-5 of Wands has looks of fear, a possible threat as one man dares another (shirt ripped open). Here is humanity as it plays the “king-of-the heap” games, but to what end?
6’s
Keyword: Union, trials to overcome
Symbols/Images:
-The Lovers coming together in marriage. Union.
-The Lovers (2 Lover cards in VR)in the mermaid and fisherman, one coming to the assistance of the other. Assistance.
-The Devil is a portrait of a woman wearing bat wings and making an offering of flowers and jewelry. There is a bag of gold in the background. Her stance is not natural, more like that of a showgirl. Materialistic union, nothing of endurance.
-6 of Pents a lady offers payment to a little flower girl who holds a single flower to her. Paths cross for a moment in time, one’s humble standing brings out compassion in the other.
-6 of Swords shows 4 ladies coming towards the shore, to, what I guess, is their home. Dawn is breaking. The younger ladies are in festive gear, all but one. Perhaps a servant. Tenacity shown by these women to get from one point to another, cooperation/strength in numbers-union.
-6 of Cups shows simply two little girls on an outside balcony. It is winter. One looks above to the heavens, the other to the street below. Again, these two compliment each other(sisters?), and now share the same memories. Safety.
-6 of Wands a regiment of soldiers are moving forward, leaving a town. It almost seems like a parade as the neighboring folk stand and look. The locals give significance to this band of brothers. Respect.
7’s
Keywords: Challenges, loss of stability, skill, courage.
Symbols/Images:
-The Chariot 4 women in a chariot pulled by purple demon-like creatures float high in the sky. High enough to be side by side with the moon. These ladies look like the Fates, who seem determined to arrive to their destination. Whatever imbalance there is in the world, they will right it. Correction.
-The Tower has 2 men, barely alive after a shipwreck. They both hang to what was the ship’s mast in a raging sea. The mast looks like a cross. Something that was well planned takes a life of it’s own. Was it the Fates at work with a better plan? Blessings in what can be salvaged.
-7 of Pentacles has a flower girl picking her bunches in the forest, from a bush. Skill and creativity in making do with what nature gives forth.
-7 of Swords shows a soldier leaving a location. He is loaded down with a chest, a bag, his sword, gun, and gun powder. It gives a single look back, taking in the scenery. There is some worry in the eyes, he leaves behind all that he knows into the unknown. Courage.
-7 of Cups A man fishes at the edge of a pond. He looks like a fool with a pointy hat and shoes. He has been fishing for a while and has accumulated a number of different items all from this one fishing hole. He is losing balance as his stool stands on 2 of it’s 4 legs. Too much enthusiasm can be as bad as too much sadness. Loss of balance.
-7 of Wands a man is taken by surprise as he faces 5 spears blocking his path. He, in turn, holds valiantly to his own. The red scarf tied around his neck reminds me that even with the adrenaline flowing, he still keeps his head. A real challenge.
8’s
Keywords: Adjustment, regulate, process.
Symbols/Images:
-Strength a lady surrounded by lions in a lion’s den. She gently has her arms outstretched, and these ferocious animals both welcome her and protect her.
The acceptance of nature, and of one’s own humanity in all its different shades. Process.
-The Star a naked lady, thigh high in water takes both her hands to her heart. Her eyes remain closed as she stands still under a starry night. She feels as one with nature and the Universe.
-8 of Pentacles a young man intently paints a picture on a vase. He appears to be fully engaged in what he is doing. Concentration.
-8 of Swords It is a foggy night, a ship is anchored to a dock, there is a full moon. Before this ship is a woman who sits with hands tied. Her look is not of desperation, rather, longing. She is young and beautiful, willing to sacrifice this for what? The adventure she seeks may change her way of thinking. Possibly, an unpleasant process.
-8 of Cups a woman walks in a courtyard, her dog behind her. She has a handkerchief to her face. Seems like she’s crying. All seems lost on such a beautiful day, she must feel it deeply before being able to appreciate what is around her. Process.
-8 of Wands a race is on between a naked man and an antelope. It is all down hill on this rocky and rugged terrain. Who will win? A man can endure far better and longer than an animal. In the short term, the animal is sure to win. Either way if there is no change, the energy will surely burn out. Regulate.
9’s
Keywords: Limit, isolation, realization.
Symbols/Images:
-The Hermit an old man sits on a rock overlooking the sea. In his left hand, an hourglass, and in his right, a sickle. His only clothing is a deep burgundy robe. In quiet reflection, one senses the timeless.
-The Moon a woman sits alone in the moonlight, combing her long, luxurious hair. She is a certain distance away from her home, but still within sight. In any case her back is toward it and all she knows. There is an amulet
of a crescent moon, which she holds up to her forehead.
She is receptive to her duty, knows what is expected of her. Yet, she steals some time away for herself and the mysteries that entice her. Secretive.
-9 of Pentacles a woman of some social stature stands in front of her property. One hand on her hip, and the other holding a basket of freshly picked flowers. Attainment and privilege whether she earned it herself or married into it. She knows its value and guards it.
-9 of Swords a woman sleepwalks on top of a roof, she is lit by moonlight. Her hands are clasped, like in prayer, with a single gold thread encircling her left wrist. Whatever plays on her mind has brought her to such heights. This is a good view, one that may not be understood when awake. Solace.
-9 of Cups a man in a pub, looks fishy-eyed down the bottom of a flask of some drink, wondering where it has all gone. Limits have their benefits, though it may not be readily apparent.
-9 of Wands the doorway of a home stands agape. Flashes of fire within. Whatever occupants there are, they are dead or unconscious, still within the house. Outside this doorway stands a Roman soldier. He wearily stands guard with spear. Detached from this event, he knows the horrors committed, but says nothing. Fear and alienation.
10’s
Keywords: Heritage, responsibility, reality.
Symbol/Image:
-10 of Pentacles a man in casual, but neat attire sits and sells his produce. A couple stands under the arch of a bridge. In the distance a clock tower stands, and a village is visible. Another day in the market for this man who seems very comfortable with his way of life. His joy is palpable and spreads become this couple’s joy.
-10 of Swords death nears in the guise of a wave in the sea. Her watery form lies next to a man nearing death. She gives comfort in her embrace. The reality of one’s mortality and that death is nothing to fear.
-10 of Cups a family reunion as it’s youngest member gets, perhaps, christened. Whatever the reason, there is a great celebration in being in the company of one’s own kin.
-10 of Wands wood is gathered and carried in a makeshift basket strapped onto a woman’s back. In her arms she carries a baby in a cradle. There is another woman in the distance carrying an armful of sticks. Life seems rough and plain, but it is the only life known to this woman. She does her best and has good reason to. Responsibility.
Pages
Keyword: Immature, receptive, preparation.
Symbols/Images:
Page of Pentacles
A young man sits on a chair (throne?) the lining of his cloak covers it complete. The time is marked, although I can’t make it out. He sits quietly, hands gripped together. A door remains closed under where the clock sits. A transitional point, where nothing appears to be happening. A monarch will emerge from this young man, and he knows it. Preparation.
Page of Swords
An older boy stands in the open field, in front of a castle, perhaps his home. He holds a sword still in its sheath. He listens and waits. He is not as far along as the Page of Pents. He has not been given a real call to duty. If anything he plays, as a young child does, dreaming of slaying paper dragons in his head. Immature.
Page of Cups
A young maiden plays the organ as a page waits to be addressed. Seems He/she has a message contained in a closed silver cup for the young girl.
Patience is learned in meeting with proper protocol.
Page of Wands
Front and center, a tiny figure of a boy sings with a choir backing him up. The remnants of broken reeds around his feet, and a laurel of flowers on his head. He is a seasoned pro, an entertainer, even at this young age. He has found his calling and purpose early. He has a direction to follow.
Knights
Keyword: Seeking, action.
Symbols/Images:
Knight of Pentacles In a dark forest, a knight has his hand kissed by a damsel. His fighting spear/pole chopped off. A dying dragon in the distance. Mission accomplished, whatever was set out has been done. Accomplishment.
Knight of Swords As if in mid-air, atop his horse, this knight struggles to hold on to an unconscious angel. Simultaneously, he looks to do battle with whatever force that has harmed this angel. This knight is in pure action, without a moment’s rest to think. All action.
Knight of Cups is surrounded by fairies who adore this fellow. He basks in their attention. A warrior at rest and play, although his eyes are set on something higher. He is dreamer, lover, seeker.
Knight of Wands a couple gather in a beautiful garden. Their eyes meet, no words spoken. She longs for him to stay, but he is geared up for battle. His horse stands between them. Time is running out on their visit, he cannot stay and perhaps longs for battle. Duty.
Queens
Keyword: Magnetic, maintaining
Symbols/Images:
Queen of Pentacles has a woman sitting and holding a huge platter. She is fully dressed in evening attire. She sits in front of a stately home.
Confidence in what she has to offer, and offers it willingly.
Queen of Swords this queen stands with sword in hands, surrounded by mountains. Her dress is plain, but appropriate to the terrain. Her confidence flows from what she knows and how she’s lived. She protects and maintains.
Queen of Cups sits on her throne gazing away from a sleeping cherub to the heavens. She is here only in body, her mind travels freely away from duty. A golden cup with a top sits in front of her, but she does not pay any heed. Too much of a good thing, boredom sets in. Magnetic, yes, but totally distracted.
Queen of Wands another lady in her garden, there is pride in her posture as if someone were ready to snap her picture. She values the moments, and lives in the now. The present is always a present (gift) to her. Gratitude.
Kings
Keyword: Public mastery, fixed, decay.
Symbols/Images:
King of Pentacles dressed in full royal garb, crown and all, this old king has seen better days. He rides his horse with a servant who walks on foot. They are walking beside a lake, a castle in the distance. This king hangs on to all that is asked of him, even now. Fixed on a certain way of life and a way of being.
King of Swords balances his stance between his sword and a rock. Where he stands is a darken place that no longer is. An edifice, which once was rich in splendor, now stands in ruins. The sun beats down in the distance, but he cannot see. His is a sadness of what was. Sometimes you have to see where you’ve been, failures and all, to know where you’re going or wish to go. Perception.
King of Cups is in the company of servants. He is confident and calls forth at someone to come to him. He sits at a golden table with a few morsels to start. He is approachable and knows who he serves. Public mastery.
King of Wands is enjoying a musical performance. He is in the company of his court. Appreciation.