Pipistrelle
I've returned to my Morgan Greer lately and have rediscovered how it is the Best Deck in the World Ever.
I'm doing an informal 'whole deck' study and thought I would paste some bits here as and when I've completed them to hopefully glean insight from others. At the moment I'm looking at the backgrounds. This post is about cards that are depicted inside/indoors which are surprisingly rare.
Only 8 of the 78 cards (just over 10%) are set indoors. They are:
The Hierophant
Justice
9 of Cups
4 of Swords
3 of Pentacles
5 of Pentacles
8 of Pentacles
10 of Pentacles
Perhaps this reflects real life, where most of our affairs are conducted ‘outdoors’, in public or in view of other people. We have little privacy, and much of what we do is in response to outside influence and interference. We act in the world, not in isolation of it.
Notably, half of these ‘indoor’ cards are Pentacles. This suit deals with the material realm – money, work, shelter – so it makes sense for the cards to be brought inside or into the home.
The Hierophant is in a chamber that is only accessible through invitation or permission. It is guarded by keys. Secrets and higher knowledge are discussed her. Only those who are willing to learn should be admitted.
Justice, too, must operate in private. Her judgements must not be influenced by anything unnecessary or irrelevant. Only the facts can be permitted. Judges and jury withdraw to weigh up the facts and consider their verdicts.
The 9 of Cups depicts a private celebration of personal achievement or attainment. Others are welcome to join in the celebrations but the achievements are all yours. Personal inner happiness.
The 4 of Swords shows a knight resting indoors, but the large window shows the outdoors world is waiting and must be returned to. The window also offers an opportunity to let in some air and clear one’s mind – to rest and recharge batteries before resuming the good fight.
The 5 of Pentacles could actually be indoors or outdoors – traditionally, the figures are outside walking past a church but it’s not clear from the Morgan Greer image. I debated whether to include it here. All we see is the wall and the window, which increases the sense of claustrophobia and isolation for the figures in the card.
The 8 of Pentacles shows a man absorbed in his work. This mode of complete and utter immersion in a task requires a person to remove themselves from distraction and diversions.
In the 10 of Pentacles, the viewer is outside but the figures are inside. The reader is outside looking in. It’s like an exclusive club of privilege and ‘who you know’. The crossed flagpoles bar entry - perhaps to anyone who doesn't have the 'right' credentials. The figures are shielded, protected.
I'm doing an informal 'whole deck' study and thought I would paste some bits here as and when I've completed them to hopefully glean insight from others. At the moment I'm looking at the backgrounds. This post is about cards that are depicted inside/indoors which are surprisingly rare.
Only 8 of the 78 cards (just over 10%) are set indoors. They are:
The Hierophant
Justice
9 of Cups
4 of Swords
3 of Pentacles
5 of Pentacles
8 of Pentacles
10 of Pentacles
Perhaps this reflects real life, where most of our affairs are conducted ‘outdoors’, in public or in view of other people. We have little privacy, and much of what we do is in response to outside influence and interference. We act in the world, not in isolation of it.
Notably, half of these ‘indoor’ cards are Pentacles. This suit deals with the material realm – money, work, shelter – so it makes sense for the cards to be brought inside or into the home.
The Hierophant is in a chamber that is only accessible through invitation or permission. It is guarded by keys. Secrets and higher knowledge are discussed her. Only those who are willing to learn should be admitted.
Justice, too, must operate in private. Her judgements must not be influenced by anything unnecessary or irrelevant. Only the facts can be permitted. Judges and jury withdraw to weigh up the facts and consider their verdicts.
The 9 of Cups depicts a private celebration of personal achievement or attainment. Others are welcome to join in the celebrations but the achievements are all yours. Personal inner happiness.
The 4 of Swords shows a knight resting indoors, but the large window shows the outdoors world is waiting and must be returned to. The window also offers an opportunity to let in some air and clear one’s mind – to rest and recharge batteries before resuming the good fight.
The 5 of Pentacles could actually be indoors or outdoors – traditionally, the figures are outside walking past a church but it’s not clear from the Morgan Greer image. I debated whether to include it here. All we see is the wall and the window, which increases the sense of claustrophobia and isolation for the figures in the card.
The 8 of Pentacles shows a man absorbed in his work. This mode of complete and utter immersion in a task requires a person to remove themselves from distraction and diversions.
In the 10 of Pentacles, the viewer is outside but the figures are inside. The reader is outside looking in. It’s like an exclusive club of privilege and ‘who you know’. The crossed flagpoles bar entry - perhaps to anyone who doesn't have the 'right' credentials. The figures are shielded, protected.