Old English Tarot: 2 of Coins

In today's blog entry, Helen Howell continues her exploration of cards from the Old English Tarot by Maggie Kneen (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

Old English Tarot

Two of Coins

by Helen Howell

Rider-Waite Tarot

The Old English depiction of the 2 of Coins does not speak as clearly to me as its more traditional brother the Rider Waite.  In the Rider Waite we see a figure balancing two coins which appear to run around a never-ending loop shaped in a figure eight. Behind him we see choppy seas upon which a sail boat rides. We are left in no doubt with this image that the message it is delivering is one of movement, and shifting energy as seen in the choppy sea. This image speaks to us of the need to handle various factors in life, remember it’s Pentacles and that relates to the tangible, in order to make a success of them.

However, in the Old English we see a ship on a calm river, sailing away, at least it looks like that to me, from a village/town. The water has hardly a ripple in it and the boat is making very little headway. This can suggest a lack of movement, some difficulty in getting something off the ground. Even though this image is very different from the Rider Waite, it does reflect the idea of the need to handle various factors in life in order to get them running smoothly. For example, the people who set sail should have first checked the wind factor. After all it is a sail boat! Maybe they needed to make sure there were some oars aboard. But I do get the feeling with this card that it speaks more of difficulties rather than of movement.

LWB: Difficulties in launching new projects, difficult situations arise, worry.
Reversed: Able to handle matters, a letter

House Closing Update

Yes, friends, it’s time for our bi-weekly (or whatever) peek into the (apparently remote) possibility that we will actually close on Mom’s house sale in the foreseeable (ha!) future.

Last time I checked (click HERE to read that installment), the cards were still hedging their bets, giving me two No’s and one Yes on the possibility of closing by the end of February. It would have been a nice gift for Mom, as she turned 94 on February 28, but it was simply not to be.

Let’s see what the Celtic Lenormand by Chloë McCracken, with artwork by Will Worthington (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) has to say in answer to the question: Will the closing on Mom’s house take place by the end of March 2016?

Birds (Owls) / 12: 7 of Diamonds, Red = Yes
Conversation, verbal communication, perspective, negotiations, phone call… All of these are taking place constantly with regard to this situation. Of course there is also the “wisdom” aspect of owls, and I suppose some of the delay is caused by the lender’s determination to be “wise” about this loan request. The acquisition of wisdom takes time.

Woman / 29: Ace of Spades, Black = No
There are quite a few women involved in this situation – my mother, the buyer, the realtor, the loan officer. One or more of these women could be at the “center” of the situation, as this card sits between the other two in the reading. This woman is viewed as hardworking, practical, womanly, and caring.

Female Rider / 1: 9 of Hearts, Red = Yes
The female rider conveys news, messages, and information. She travels far and wide, never staying very long in one place – hence we get an indication of “soon, quickly”. If only.

So we have the gathering of wisdom and communication back and forth involving a hardworking, practical, caring woman, all directed toward a destination we may reach "soon."

Once again the cards are not inclined to give a definitive, 100% “yes” or “no” answer. I get a sense of people taking their time to come to the “best” decision about this loan, along with a sense of urgency from the Female Rider. Will one type of energy take over, or will they come to a “draw” yet again?

The Energy of the Day: A Reading

For today’s blog entry I am doing a reading with a spread I saw in action over at Ellen’s blog, _Greylady’s Hearth_. Ellen has given permission for me to use the spread, which she came across years ago on line. If anyone knows where it originated, please feel free to let us know!

Let’s see what the Celestial Tarot by Brian Clark (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) can tell me about today. I am placing the cards in this layout:

………….1…………..

2……………………..3

1 The energy of the day – QUEEN OF CUPS

Linked with the zodiac sign Scorpio (fixed water), the Queen of Cups leads me into “the paradoxical realm of feelings, the unfathomable regions of the soul, and a deep engagement with the unconscious” (Clark). Wow. With the influence of this Queen on the day, I have an opportunity to experience a transformation, “exorcizing the ghosts of the past and the haunting memories from unsatisfying relationships.” Again, wow. Emotional healing and increased stability are “in the cards” for me today, as Queens in general offer “The Stability of the Fixed Spirit.”

2 The challenge of the day – EIGHT OF CUPS

Fittingly, the Eight of Cups as a challenge represents the idea that “sacrifice needs to involve past feelings, expectations, or ideals, which no longer support our contemporary life” (Clark). I may feel a need to withdraw or I may experience feelings of depression as I try to process these feelings. This may involve self-examination in an effort to honestly reevaluate a past relationship that haunts me.

3 Gift of today – THE LOVERS

I love this as my Gift of today. For one thing, Gemini is my husband’s Sun sign, and I feel I am being encouraged to appreciate and acknowledge the “Gift” that he is. Clark writes: “The appearance of the card focuses on our balanced relationships, whether with a twin, soul mate, sibling, partner, or friend.” Yet it also “reveals the need to be mindful of separateness and differing agendas within relationships.” Today I have an opportunity to reflect on my relationship patterns and their complexities. This Gift can help me begin to find a balance between separateness and togetherness, not only in terms of a relationship with someone else, but within myself. It is intriguing to me to think of my “inner Self” as consisting of twins – identical in many ways yet very different in temperament, yet bonded to each other as One Self.

I really liked this spread when I read Ellen’s reading on her blog, and now that I’ve used it, I LOVE it! Look for more readings like this at Tarot Notes in the future.

Lenormand Horoscopes for March 2016

As I mentioned before, I know I’m not alone in doing Lenormand “Horoscopes,” but I do hope these will be fun and perhaps even useful for you!

This time, I am using Ciro Marchetti’s Gilded Reverie Lenormand (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

I realize that the Lenormand cards are meant to be read in “sets” rather than single cards. However, I am going to proceed, just to see what comes of it. The “Significant Numbers” listed at the end of each Horoscope are based on the numbers on the cards. These could refer to dates within the month or something entirely different.

I shuffled the deck and then drew cards 1-12 off the top.

Aries: TOWER (19)
The Lenormand TOWER represents a structure that offers protection and security. The question you Aries Rams need to ask yourself this month is whether this protective, secure structure (organization, institution, government) is helping you or hindering you. It is possible that you are “hiding” in your “ivory tower,” avoiding something you really need to become involved in. On the other hand, you may actually need to retreat to a fortress -- physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually -- in order to fortify yourself. Significant numbers: 19, 10, 1.

Taurus: CLOUDS (6)
Taurus Bulls, you may be faced with a confusing situation this month, one that creates uncertainty in your life. You can’t quite see the whole picture clearly enough to make a decision. Your perception may be blocked. This will not last forever, but it might be prudent to wait until things clear up before you take action or make a final decision in a matter. Significant number: 6

Gemini: MAN (28)
The obvious clue here, Gemini, is that a male figure is likely to have an impact on your life during March. There is also a sense of waiting in this card, the need for patience or quiet endurance. The single red rose in the Man’s hand suggests a romantic element. Significant numbers: 28, 10, 1

Cancer: SUN (31)
This card augurs success, glory, and good luck for Cancerians this month. You may find yourself revitalized and energized in general or with regard to a specific situation or matter. Embrace newfound confidence and self-assurance, but be careful not to become cocky or arrogant. Significant numbers: 31, 4

Leo: FLOWERS (9)
Leo Lions, you can expect to receive positive energy that warms your heart and lets you know that you are appreciated. If you have been ailing or injured, the Flowers card predicts recovery and a sense of well-being. Significant number: 9

Virgo: KEY (33)
Dear Virgo, if something has been puzzling you or evading your understanding, March is the month for discovery, solutions, and answers. On the other hand, you may feel the need to secure something or “lock it away” for the time being, and the Key can help with this as well. Significant numbers: 33, 6

Libra: FOX (14)
March seems to be a month of possible deception or manipulation for Libra. Someone may be plotting to sneak up on you – or is it you who is planning trickery, disguised by that famous Libra charm? Either way, the game is afoot! Significant number: 14, 5

Scorpio: MOON (32)
Passionate Scorpios are well acquainted with the power of the Moon, which influences love, romance, intuition, psychic ability, imagination, and creativity. Your emotional need for recognition and appreciation may be especially keen this month. You hope to shine “by the light of the Moon.” Significant numbers: 32, 5

Sagittarius: CLOVER (2)
Luck and happiness are familiar to Sagittarians, ruled by Jupiter, planet of luck and expansion. This month you have a chance to turn difficulties to opportunities. Nice surprises are coming your way! Significant number: 2

Capricorn: ANCHOR (35)
Earth-steady Capricorns appreciate the value of an Anchor, representing stability and security. With this card, you sturdy, ambitious Goats get a lot of support as you persevere towards a goal. You know your hard work will pay off in the long term, so carry on! Significant numbers: 35, 8

Aquarius: LADY (29)
A feminine influence is felt in your life this month, Aquarians. The woman on this card seems to be deep in thought. She holds a rose, which could suggest a romantic element or, at the very least, a gift or token of someone’s esteem for you. Significant numbers: 29, 11, 2

Pisces: BOOK (26)
Pisces Fishes, your focus this month is likely to be on a special project, studies, or research you are doing. The goal is to uncover something you didn’t know about before. Use your imagination to discover the mystery within the “pages” of the Book of March. What is it you need to learn? Significant numbers: 26, 8