Kipper Reading for the Week Ahead

For today’s post I am going to revisit a spread I used back in 2015. Commonly used with Lenormand decks, it’s called 3+1.

The far left card gives background, the center card reveals the current situation, and the far right card is the probable future/outcome. The 4th card drawn is the Clarification card.

Instead of a Lenormand deck, I am using the Fin de Siecle Kipper Fortune Telling Deck by Ciro Marchetti (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

My question: What area(s) do I need to be especially mindful of this coming week?

(1) BACKGROUND: Imprisonment / 29
Clearly, this card suggests feelings of being trapped, lonely, and isolated. Limitations, restrictions, and barriers can all be part of the scenario.

(2) CURRENT SITUATION: Concern / 33
Anxiety and fear, pessimism, or lost hope all come to mind when looking at this card. There is a sense of being stymied, unable to focus or determine what to do.

(3) OUTCOME: Change / 9
With Imprisonment and Concern as the other two cards, I can certainly see the need for Change! The message seems to be “Get out, and get out now.”

(4) CLARIFICATION: Occupation / 34
As the Clarification card, Occupation suggests to me that this may be the area of life referenced by the preceding three cards. I am self-employed, so if I am feeling trapped or filled with anxiety, needing a change, it’s probably my own fault – and only I can fix the problem.

This does give me food for thought. Certainly, at various times in my life, I have felt trapped or "imprisoned" in my occupation/job but it's been a long time since I felt that way. I honestly don’t think I am feeling worried about any of several “occupations” I currently work at. I have chosen to do them and I enjoy all of them. These cards tell me that it would be worth my time to consider how some aspect or aspects of these occupations could be limiting or worrying, and perhaps try to find out a way to change that.

Tarot and Oracle Combination Reading

For this 3-card reading, I am placing a Tarot card in the center with one Oracle cards on either side. I forget where I read about this idea. Probably a lot of people have done it, but here we go.

I decided the “Tarot card in the center” will represent “An issue I need to address.” The two oracle cards will represent what might help me and what might hinder me.

Let’s do a “Totally Ciro Marchetti Reading.” The decks I am using  -- all with art by Ciro Marchetti -- are:

• Issue: The Gilded Tarot (Llewellyn Publications)
• What might help me: Fin de Siècle Kipper (U.S. Games Systems)
• What might hinder me: Gilded Reverie Lenormand (U.S. Games Systems)

And here are the cards I pulled from each deck:

Issue I need to address: THE MAGICIAN
In general, The Magician typically refers to the male principal – the active, outgoing energy we channel into the outer world, the tools (skills, knowledge) we use and how we use those tools. The message I always see in this card is one of empowerment, an assurance that I already have the power to accomplish what I desire. I need to recognize and utilize those tools – whether they are Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles, or a combination of all four!

What might help me: OCCUPATION (34)
Hmmm… fascinating, really. The booklet that comes with the Fin de Siècle Kipper tells us that this card typically represents self-employment, handcrafting, freelancing, doing work you enjoy … all of which have occupied most of my time for almost 20 years now. It is these pursuits, apparently, that might help me develop and expand the full use of all the tools at my disposal.

What might hinder me: MOON (32)
The booklet that comes with the Gilded Reverie Lenormand states that the Moon “does not quite live up to the brilliance of the Sun, she is more watery in nature and she really wants to be a ‘Star’ – to have recognition.” Is a desire for recognition or “fame” something that might hinder me or prevent me from making the best use of all of the tools available to me? Is this a case where my imagination is a liability – because I “imagine” receiving a level of recognition and acknowledgment that I simply am not going to receive? And then, when I notice this lack of recognition, I become discouraged, which can lead to being less creative and less energetic. The Moon is also about cycles. Perhaps my energy and confidence waxes and wanes like the Moon from month to month.

Very interesting! And lots to keep in mind.

Oracle Horoscopes for October

This month’s Oracle Horoscopes are brought to you by the Fin de Siècle Kipper by Ciro Marchetti (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) To read my review of this deck, click HERE.  I derived the significant number by reducing the number on each card to a single digit.

Aries (Mar. 21 – Apr. 19)

COMMUNITY (39) – It’s all about connections to other people this month, Aries. This means family, relatives, friends, and any like-minded folks. It could refer to organized groups or casual get-togethers. At work, the emphasis is on teamwork and creating a positive working atmosphere. Whether you’re being helpful or receiving help, hosting or being a guest, celebrate having good people around you and appreciate the qualities of loyalty and cooperation. Significant number: 3

Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20)

WEALTHY MAN (13) – Taurus, this month you are likely to experience your native “bullishness” in the form of money, possessions and/or career success. Perhaps you are in close contact with someone who exhibits these qualities (an employer, a company or business?) or maybe the card refers to you personally. Either way, be on the lookout for opportunities and chances. Significant number: 4

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

LOVERS (15) – I have to point out that The Lovers card in the Tarot is linked with the sign Gemini AND this card is #15, a number that reduces to 6 (1+5), which happens to be the number on The Lovers tarot card. Gemini, this could be about love or a romantic relationship between two people, or it might point to any type of loving relationship or friendship, even a chance to create harmony between your own heart and mind. Significant number: 6

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

IMPRISONMENT (29) – Not a pretty picture here, Cancer, but let’s look into it. You may experience a sense of being confined, isolated, or “stuck in one place” this month, either because of someone else’s actions or beliefs or your own. You may feel trapped in a relationship, job, or situation. So often, we are prisoners of our own thoughts, perceptions or feelings, and this month seems like a good time for you to consider what that might mean. Significant number: 2

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

FALSE PERSON (8) – For Leos, the month of October brings a warning to look out for a person or people who are being dishonest or deceptive. At the very least, a mistake or mistakes require correction. Be wary of trusting everybody or everything you see (or think you see). At the same time, you are encouraged to examine your own motivations and ask whether you are “being yourself” or wearing a disguise in a situation. Is it time to throw off your mask and be what you really are? Significant number: 8

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)

CONCERN (33) – It’s not unusual for a Virgo to have “Concerns.” After all, Virgo is one of the most anxious, worrying signs out there. During this month you may experience or encounter a more deep-seated form of angst, inability to focus, even depression, especially if it is unclear what can or should be done in a particular situation. The elderly man on this card could be someone you know or might represent an inner quality of your own that wants to dominate and “catastrophize” things this month. Try to understand the root of the problem and how that might be overcome or offset. Significant number: 6

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

TOIL & LABOUR (38) – Your daily work – perhaps very hard work – takes center stage this month, Libra. This could refer to your job or your home life, perhaps a sense of being burdened, unappreciated, or put upon. Somehow this has become part of your daily routine as you go round and round as if on a hamster wheel. The monotony and lack of inspiration or challenge are taking their toll. Time to double-check the things you see as your “obligations.” How many of them actually are obligatory? What can you let go or reduce in order to gain some free time in which to enjoy yourself? Significant number: 2

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)

HIGH HONOR (25) – Hold your head high, Scorpio. This month brings trophies, medals, honor, success, promotion or something equally edifying to your ego. You may not receive an actual 21-gun salute (as shown on the card), but your skills, knowledge, and achievements will be recognized. Interestingly, this card might even represent someone’s declaration of love for you, as well as the resolution of difficulties that have plagued you in the past. Significant number: 7

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)

HOUSE (20) – As a Sagittarius, you may enjoy travel, but this month the focus is on house and home, family, your neighborhood – or possibly real estate in general. Like many cards, there could also be a very personal meaning such as a reference to a solid, strong, steady relationship. Pay attention to the people and places in your life that make you feel at home, with a sense of security, coziness, and safety. If you haven’t been home in a while, this is the month to go there. Significant number: 2

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)

GREAT FORTUNE (26) – Well done, Capricorn! You’ve drawn the most enabling, powerful and positive card in the deck. This month may very well bring you outstanding good luck, triumph, wealth, happiness, fruitfulness – or a combination of those. A wish unexpectedly comes true. Opportunities abound. A winning streak – or at least an improvement in current conditions – is in the cards. This is also a great time to explore new perspectives and improvements in a relationship. Significant number: 8

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)

MESSAGE (7) – Typically this card represents good news, Aquarius, but it certainly represents an important message of some kind. News may come to you in any form, including phone call, text message, email, letter, documents, notes, papers, etc. Important information may also appear in a newspaper or magazine, so be alert while paging through those publications. Significant number: 7

Pisces (Feb. 19 – Mar. 20)

MESSAGE OF CONCERN (14) – As you can tell from the body language of the woman on this card, you may receive disappointing and/or unpleasantly surprising news in October. This news could refer to any area of life, but it may help if you can view it as a “setback” rather than “the end.” A small quarrel or small crisis might appear overwhelming at first, especially to sensitive Pisces, but since you are being forewarned, perhaps you can avoid overreacting. Significant number: 5

Review: Fin de Siècle Kipper

Fin de Siècle Kipper

by _Ciro Marchetti_

Guidebook: 83 pages

_U.S. Games Systems Inc._

Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 1 x 4.6 inches

TOP LINE (formerly Bottom Line)

I dipped my toe in the Kipper pond awhile back with the Mystical Kipper deck by Regula Elizabeth Fiechter, with images painted by Urban Trösch (AGM Urania). Since I love Ciro Marchetti’s art, I was delighted when I heard that he was doing a Kipper. I enjoyed following along on Facebook as he shared the process, and I have no problem testifying that the end result is stunning!

I love how the image on 5-Mature Man immediately reminded me of “The Most Interesting Man in the World” (Dos Equis commercials), and how, as I looked more closely, I saw that the man’s gaze is directed at the globe, his eyes seeming to express many different things at once.

How intriguing that the man on 22-Official Person immediately reminded me of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia (1868-1918), even though he does not have the Tsar’s distinctive hair line. Number 37-Poverty makes me think of Oliver Twist, the main character in the novel of the same name by Charles Dickens (1812-1870), while 24-Thief brings to mind the Artful Dodger from that same book.

Marchetti tells us that he wanted to provide a “more realistic perspective” of the era instead of an idealization or “social propaganda.” The cards do indeed offer that realism, but they also evoke the charm of that more romantic perspective we have developed over time.

My favorite cards include 36-Distant Horizons, with that glorious wooden ship sailing over the clouds, its multi-colored sails billowing; 35-Pathway, with a setting that draws me in to the point where I can feel the ground beneath my feet; and 10-Journey (in my mind, I hurry to join the man standing by the train – surely one of those bags belongs to me!)

Guidebook / "Little White Book"

And it’s not just a bunch of beautiful cards. The guidebook is a true treasure, containing an impressive amount of information and insight -- historical, personal, and divinatory.

I completely agree with Fortune Buchholtz, who writes, “Overall, I see Ciro’s Kipper as a fun, complex 19th century novel. Like a Dickens work, it’s replete with adventure, travel and personalities, a work touched with nostalgia, romance, social life and a sense of drama.” With all that gorgeous art. Win!

THE PUBLISHER'S PRODUCT SUMMARY

“Ciro Marchetti has situated the traditional German fortune telling deck at the turn of the 19th century in Victorian England. In this expanded gilt deck with three additional cards, rich images tell the stories of the workers as well as the wealthy during the Industrial Revolution. Using augmented reality, via the Aurasma application, Ciro has brought the Fin de Siècle cards to life in stunning, new ways. Guidebook with interpretations by three expert contributors. Includes 39 cards.”

BASIC INFORMATION

The Kipper cards (Kipperkarten) may seem like a “new idea” to many of us, but they have been known and loved in Germany for generations. It is believed they came into being around 1900, but their precise origin remains obscure. One hypothesis involves a woman named Susanne Kipper from Berlin. The second theory connects the cards with the Kipper (Wipper) people, who traveled across the country much like the gypsies.

The title of this particular Kipper deck is “Fin de Siècle,” which in French means “end of century.” The term can be used to refer to the end of any century, but is most commonly used in reference to the 19th century, also referred to as a Victorian/Edwardian setting.

Like the Lenormand, the Kipper deck has 36 numbered cards depicting scenes from 19th century daily life. Points of difference between the Lenormand and Kipper include the Kipper having what Fortune Buchholtz calls “profound human and interior cards not found in Lenormand.” The Kipper cards do not contain references to playing cards.

Here are the standard titles on Kipper cards, with the titles from the Fin de Siècle Kipper in parentheses where different. Also, notice that the Fin de Siècle deck has 39 cards rather than 36:
1) Main Person/Male
2) Main Person/Female
3) Marriage
4) Meeting (Courtship)
5) Good Lord / Gentleman (Mature Man)
6) Good Lady (Mature Woman)
7) Good/Welcome/Pleasant Letter (Message)
8) False Person
9) A Change
10) A Journey
11) Winning/Gaining a Lot of Money (Sudden Wealth)
12) Rich Maiden/Girl (Privileged Lady)
13) Good Rich Lord/Gentleman (Wealthy Man)
14) Sad News (Message of Concern)
15) Good Results/Success in Love (Lovers)
16) His Thoughts (Thoughts)
17) Receiving a Present/Gift (Gift)
18) A Small/Little Child (Child)
19) Death/Bereavement (Coffin)
20) House

21) Living Room (Family Room)
22) Soldier/Military Man/Person (Official Person)
23) Courthouse/Court
24) Theft
25) Reaching Great Honor/High Honors
26) Great Luck/Happiness (Great Fortune)
27) Unexpected Money (Unexpected Income)
28) Wait/Expectation
29) Prison (Imprisonment)
30) Man of the Courthouse/Court Person (Judication)
31) Short Illness (Bad Health)
32) Sorrow/Grief and Adversities (Despair)
33) Nagging or Sad/Gloomy Thoughts (Concern)
34) Work/Occupation
35) A Long Way/Road (Pathway)
36) Hope or Great/Big Water (Distant Horizons)




Fin de Siècle Kipper Only:
37) Poverty
38) Toil & Labour
39) Community

Marchetti added 37, 38, and 39 to flesh out the deck.

Following a lengthy and detailed Introduction by Marchetti, the Fin de Siècle Kipper guidebook offers commentary by Fortune Buchholtz and Stella Waldvogel. Descriptions of the cards are written by Buchholtz, Waldvogel, Susanne Zitzi, and Ciro Marchetti (the writer’s initials are indicated at the end of each interpretation, so readers know who is providing the information).

Each card description has several paragraphs of information, explanation of symbols, and possible interactions with other cards. A black-and-white thumbnail version of the card appears next to its entry.

APPEARANCE, SIZE, QUALITY

The cards are printed on high quality stock with a glossy laminate finish and silver-gilt edges. At 4-1/8 inches by 2-3/4 inches (my measurements), they fit nicely in my hands. I am able to poker-shuffle them, but I don’t recommend it with this deck. I want to keep these cards in their current, beautiful condition.

Card fronts feature a black background with a silver frame enclosing an image. The card numbers are silver and centered in a circle at the top. The titles, also silver, are centered at the bottom in capital letters. The nonreversible card backs have an ornate frame within a frame against a black background. Centered against a purple diamond-pattern is a jester’s mask (I have seen this diamond-pattern referred to as black and gray, but in my deck, it is most certainly a dark and light purple).

The sturdy, attractive box measures 4-1/2 inches by 3 inches and fastens with a magnetic closure on one side – top-notch quality. The cards and guidebook fit perfectly.

The 83-page guidebook (2-3/4 x 4 inches) is a high-quality version of the standard “little white book” often available with Tarot and Oracle cards, bound in a stiff cover that features the 4 - Courtship card in color.

Printing inside the booklet is black and white, with tiny greyscale images representing the cards. In addition to the card descriptions, the guidebook includes a Triple Pyramid Spread by Stella Waldvogel and Susanne’s SOS Spread by Susanne Zitzi.

An added bonus with this deck is the interactive system developed by Marchetti – a set of augmented reality videos referred to as “Auras,” created to work with a free application called Aurasma. Using this app, you can point your device’s camera at any card. The app will recognize the card and play the associated video, providing information about the meaning of the card.

ART

The Fin de Siècle Kipper presents Ciro Marchetti’s scenes from the Victorian/Edwardian time period in rich, glossy color. His goal was to incorporate “the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of human social interaction” in contrast to the original Kipper style, which depicted “cozy, domestic scenes” – “an idealization also projected in much of the art of that period.” The images are realistic and detailed, with that special glow we have come to expect from a Marchetti deck. People’s faces and eyes are expressive, and the colors and lighting speak volumes.








In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, I hereby disclose that this product was provided by the publisher for free. Other than the occasional review copy, I receive no monetary or in-kind compensation for my reviews.  The substance of my reviews is not influenced by whether I do or do not receive a review copy.