I started to study this deck back in 2007, then got distracted, but this is one of the cards I journaled about. The approach I was using at the time was that which is presented in the Froud Faeries Oracle book exercises, as I wanted to get my own feel for the messages of the cards. Now that I am getting back to studying the deck I will continue with this approach. To make a long story short, I had selected the Water Lily as my favorite card in the deck and this is what I had to say:
I like this card because it seems very peaceful and contemplative. The Water Lily herself seems pius, and the way she was drawn makes me think of a nun. Due to this I find a spiritual association to this card - not religious but spiritual. I also love the butterfly which is giving her something (a strawberry or radish perhaps?)
As for the physical manifestation of this card, I see solitude. A time of contemplation, meditation, or prayer. As noted earlier there is a spirituality about this card. Peace and quiet. Comunning with and being a part of nature.
This card seems pretty straight forward but the butterfly making the offering to the Water Lily really interests me. Is he an admirer? a worshiper? is she actually a saint of sorts? The butterfly making the offering adds complexity to the meaning of this card for me. I cannot make out what his relationship to her is.
What I find the most appealing about this card is the peacefulness of the Water Lily, plus I love her outfit! And I also love the givingness of the butterfly, it seems so honest and pure. (I actually went on to do a pencil drawing of the butterful in my journal, and ended up drawing his offering as a strawberry.)
Several months later I drew this card at random so had second journal entry for it. At this time I went and actually looked up the meaning of the card in the companion book, and made a note that I really though the religious piety stuff did not strike a cord, that the actual definition of piety used did. Here is what the companion book sais about piety: "It implies, at least to the modern Western mind, a sort of religiosity which is sentimental, escapist, and other-worldly." I also really liked what the companion book said about the Water Lily, being in water, was not grounded and could float away. The whole indulgence, and wearing blinders to the point that you cannot see what is right beside or infront of you (the butterfly making the offering) and call it introspection or whatever you want was a good eye opener for me. One I need to revisit from time to time.