Exercise 2
I drew: Roy de Deniers, 3 Epees, Justice.
What did I notice?
1. Crowns - the King wears a crown, so does Justice and I can see the hilt of the upright sword has a crown within it. Both King and Justice rule within their own spheres. Swords symbolise power - as do crowns.
2. The King is staring at Justice's breasts, which she has emphasised with her clothing.
3. Holding - the King holds a large coin, Justice holds her scales and a sword, the upright Sword is shown between them before being picked up by Justice and is thus waiting to be held.
4. His throne is very upright, the centre sword is upright, Justice holds her sword upright.
5. The King and Justice have a green leg and a red leg each. The sword has a red hilt but no green. His crossed legs remind me of the crossed hilts of the swords. Justice has slightly open legs.
6. The King looks through the open doorway formed by the two curved swords at Justice. The way is barred by the upright sword. Is he offering her the coin? What for? She has scales and will weigh up his offer carefully. At the moment her sword is upright, and is echoed in the 3 Swords. Will she put the sword down if he offers enough and thus he will pass through the centre card over into hers?
The curved swords look like a yoni. Is it hers? Is the sword his penis? Is the card showing what he desires? Or - does he want her, but she doesn't want him - she holds her sword up and will not permit him entry?
Are we seeing that Justice (or this woman) can be bought if the coin offered is sufficient?
What did you hear - I hear the clanging shut of the door between Justice and the King; that sword slamming into position against the other swords. The screech of metal on metal.
I heard Justice giggle! Look at her; face all sweet innocence - she's laughing and trying to keep it all inside.
Him - slightly quickened breathing. This matters to him.
What did you admire? - I admire the perfection of the three swords. The symmetry and beauty. Also, the black bits in the centres of the curved swords make them look like bat'leths to me.
I admire his composure. He knows precisely what he is offering and it matters to him but he is utterly composed about it. I can hear him say, "This is what I offer. Take it or not, your choice".
What astonished you? - That I should see these three cards as I do. Ignoring the archetypes and labels left the whole field wide open. Also I am surprised that the three swords became a gateway card, albeit one that is blocked (for the time being). And I am very surprised at her! The way she has her breasts displayed, her legs playfully opened - her offer is plain.
What would I like to see again/ - My eyes keep being drawn back to their eyes. His unashamed stare, her bland pretence that she has no idea what he is on about. It's a story and I want to know what happens next!
What was most tender? - His gesture towards his coin. Such a subtle question/offer. Dignified - according her the intelligence to understand exactly what is going on here. Also her pretence of not knowing what is going on whilst at the same time making it obvious that she knows exactly what is happeningm.
What was wonderful? The clarity of the story itself. Whether he offers his coin (representing whatever it is he has to offer) in exchange for her body (which given his stare at her breasts seems likely) or in exchange for something else the story is definitely "I offer this, do you accept? If so, put down the sword and we can talk".
What did you think was happening? - And indeed this is what I thought was happening - negotiation of a transaction prior to possible action on her part, in exchange for something he was offering. And although I see the 3 swords as a gateway card I can also see it as the negotiating table at which the King and Justice sit whilst they work out the deal. (Think of a dining table, or table in a bar, coffee table, desk.... anything). She has something he wants; he makes her an offer. She will consider the offer carefully, but the choice of accepting or not is hers to make. If she accepts, then she will lower the sword and whatever it is they have agreed upon can take place.
This was a good exercise to do! I really enjoyed it and surprised myself with what I noticed in those three cards.