In this series of posts, I plan to discuss all of the Tarot cards in order, using a different deck for each card. Today I'm exploring the TEN OF CUPS from the Fenestra Tarot by Chatriya Hemharnvibul (published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)
The LWB for this deck tells us that the suit of Cups relates to emotions and creativity. In my Tarot system, the number Ten typically represents transformation, transition, or a threshold between places. It can also suggest overabundance or excess.
On the Ten of Cups in the Fenestra Tarot, we see a young couple standing under ten cups in a rainbow shape. In the background we see a nice-looking house. The woman's expression seems to be one of unreserved joy; the man's expression seems more reflective or thoughtful (to me anyway). The woman is waving her arm, as if calling attention to herself or acknowledging another person we cannot see. It reminds me of a gesture a celebrity would make when surrounded by adoring fans.
DMs from the LWB: "Contentment, happiness, family, home, hopes and dreams."
Reversed: "Betrayal, loss, forced appearances."
The last DM for the reversed card is quite interesting. I find myself wondering if the joyful looking woman is merely putting on a show for friends and family, pretending that everything is perfect, literally "putting a good face" on things. How often have we heard people comment on a family in crisis with the phrase: "They seemed liked the perfect family" or "the perfect couple" or something similar?
As I have mentioned in write-ups on the Ten of Cups from other decks, Book T* associates the card with the energy of Mars in Pisces. Being aware of this astrological association gives me pause whenever I am tempted to interpret the Ten of Cups as all "lightness and joy." Mars brings a restlessness that challenges the notion of "contentment." Not only that, but Book T titles the card "Satiety" which the dictionary defines as "The condition of being full or gratified beyond the point of satisfaction." (emphasis mine) There can be a sense that one has reached a plateau or is in a rut, particularly where family or relationships are involved.
* Book T - The Tarot, Comprising Manuscripts N, O, P, Q, R, and an Unlettered Theoricus Adeptus Minor Instruction. A Description of the Cards of the Tarot with their Attributions; Including a Method of Divination by Their Use. A public domain manuscript.
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About the Deck: The Fenestra Tarot is very much an RWS-style deck. As stated on the US Games web page, Thai artist Chatriya Hemharnvibul, the deck's creator, combines elements of Art Deco, Egypt, mythology and Japanese Manga. Fenestra is Latin for “window” and all cards have window-like frames.
I think you raise some very good points about the 10 cups not being all light, joy and love!
ReplyDeleteI often associate 10 as being the point where you look back and recognise this is as far as you can go like you are, and a change in direction may now be needed. So in relationship to this card especially being cups, I think your insights into the woman very revealing. Perhaps the 10 does signify having reached that ultimate happiness but raises the question of "how does one keep it?"