RedMaple
I found it interesting that rather than having the Pages appear as humans accepting the gift of their suit, Ferguson chose to show the gift as an animal. I actually like this a lot.
The Four animals are : Swords - The Adder; Spears - The Hare; Cups - The Salmon; and Shields - The Badger.
The one I connect with the most is the Salmon, because I know two stories in which the Salmon is the fish of wisdom. ( I mentioned this in an earlier thread.)
The Hare seems to be a shapeshifter -- there are stories in which shapeshifting happens, and the hare always seems to figure in that. I also think of the Goddess Eostre (after whom Easter is named) - and one of her forms was a rabbit. So the energy of new life (thus the easter egg with the bunny - two symbols of spring), the huge reproductive capacity of hares and rabbits seems right with the sexual energy of the fire suit as well.
The Adder, a snake or serpent, is often connected with wisdom and is often another Goddess symbol. In the book, Ferguson says the serpent was timekeeper for Arthur. His coming was foretold by a sky serpent (comet), and the adder incited the battle between Arthur and Mordred that ended the kingdom. Interesting that here she chose the Adder, the poisonous snake of the end, rather than the comet which she uses as the star card. So this card relates to the Star card as a beginning and ending. The serpent is thought to be intelligent but not good in Christian tradition. Thus, St. Patrick chasing all the snakes out of Ireland, meant getting rid of Goddess religion and evil to the Christians.
In spite of the Grail and everything else, though, it is the Adder who ends it all, a messenger of the Goddess. Interesting.
I love the Badger, who lives in the earth. In my tradition, we have Grandmother Woodchuck, who also lives in the earth. She is wise, old, and steadfast. The Badger is seen as courageous, and is a good omen.
Does anyone else have thoughts on these cards?
The Four animals are : Swords - The Adder; Spears - The Hare; Cups - The Salmon; and Shields - The Badger.
The one I connect with the most is the Salmon, because I know two stories in which the Salmon is the fish of wisdom. ( I mentioned this in an earlier thread.)
The Hare seems to be a shapeshifter -- there are stories in which shapeshifting happens, and the hare always seems to figure in that. I also think of the Goddess Eostre (after whom Easter is named) - and one of her forms was a rabbit. So the energy of new life (thus the easter egg with the bunny - two symbols of spring), the huge reproductive capacity of hares and rabbits seems right with the sexual energy of the fire suit as well.
The Adder, a snake or serpent, is often connected with wisdom and is often another Goddess symbol. In the book, Ferguson says the serpent was timekeeper for Arthur. His coming was foretold by a sky serpent (comet), and the adder incited the battle between Arthur and Mordred that ended the kingdom. Interesting that here she chose the Adder, the poisonous snake of the end, rather than the comet which she uses as the star card. So this card relates to the Star card as a beginning and ending. The serpent is thought to be intelligent but not good in Christian tradition. Thus, St. Patrick chasing all the snakes out of Ireland, meant getting rid of Goddess religion and evil to the Christians.
In spite of the Grail and everything else, though, it is the Adder who ends it all, a messenger of the Goddess. Interesting.
I love the Badger, who lives in the earth. In my tradition, we have Grandmother Woodchuck, who also lives in the earth. She is wise, old, and steadfast. The Badger is seen as courageous, and is a good omen.
Does anyone else have thoughts on these cards?