Sherlock Holmes Card of the Day: The Final Problem (Trump 20)

The Sherlock Holmes Card of the Day is:

Trump 20 / THE FINAL PROBLEM

(The Last Judgement)

"The Adventure of the Final Problem" is the last of the short stories of Sherlock Holmes from The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The story ends with the apparent death of Sherlock Holmes on May 4, 1891, during a fight with his arch-nemesis Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls. The card depicts a bereft Dr. Watson standing by his friend’s gravestone.

The Holmesian Wisdom for this card is a quote from “The Second Stain”: “Come, friend Watson, the curtain rings up for the last act.”

The association of this event with Judgement (Trump 20 in the Tarot) makes sense when we consider the traditional interpretations of this card, including “renewal, resurrection, ending or beginning” – for, as Holmes readers know, Sherlock is not killed at Reichenbach Falls.

Conan Doyle may have wanted to stop writing about the detective, but his fans expressed such grief, anger, and dismay that the author brought Holmes back to life. The creators of this deck write: “The rapturous reaction experienced by Watson and Mrs. Hudson at the restoration of the great detective perfectly mirrors the sense of renewal at the heart of the Last Judgement card in classic tarot symbolism.”

The guidebook for this deck lists additional Keys for this card, upright: “recapitulation of events or ideas, prophetic vision, forgiveness, adjustment, recovery of that which has been lost sight of, impulse to change your life.” Keys for the reversed card are “simplicity, weakness, stagnation, delay.”

The book that accompanies this deck also provides interpretations for each card under the headings “The Game” and “The Fog.” The former elaborates on the upright keys, while the latter expands on reversed meanings.

Examples from “The Game” for The Final Problem: “changes of direction impinge from all sides. . . New discoveries bring renewal and transformation to your theories. . . The impulse to change or reform your life gets nearer.”

Examples from “The Fog”: “ Forgiveness or adjustments are difficult when you are grudging with your response. . . You reap what you sow. . . Accept what needs to be laid down and make your way without it.”

Review: Fairy Tale Lenormand

Fairy Tale Lenormand 

by _Arwen Lynch_  (Author)

_Lisa Hunt_  (Author, Illustrator)

_U.S. Games Systems Inc._

38 cards / 2.8 x 1.2 x 4.1 inches

120 page guidebook

TOP LINE (formerly Bottom Line)

Fairy Tales + Lisa Hunt + Arwen Lynch . . . I’m already reaching for this deck. . . And then U.S. Games puts it in a wonderful little metal tin box. I’m almost speechless, but not quite. Let me continue.

From “_The Enchanted Horse_”  to “_East o’ the Sun, West o’ the Moon_”  to “_Rose Red and Snow White_”  to “_The Red Shoes_,” the Fairy Tale Lenormand carries us through many cultures, countries, and concepts, while connecting us neatly to the thirty-six cards of the Lenormand oracle.

Even if you completely ignore the Little White Book (LWB) and the fairy tale descriptions, you can still use this as a Lenormand deck, thanks to Lisa Hunt’s highly successful effort to modify her approach to the art. Her signature love of detail is still evident but has been geared toward simplicity and ease of access, in keeping with the Lenormand’s purpose.

Familiarity with the tales (as told by Arwen Lynch) simply serves to enrich and enhance the reader’s experience with these cards. For example, when I see the Garden card from the Fairy Tale Lenormand, I not only pick up the traditional meaning of “friends, festivities, acquaintances, gatherings,” I remember Oscar Wilde’s story of “_The Selfish Giant_,” whose garden remained in a wintry state until one brave child dared to enter, causing everything in the garden to bloom. The Snake warns of “cheating, betrayal, manipulation.” The image on the card reminds me of how Rudyard Kipling’s mongoose, _Rikki Tikki Tavi_, deals with evil cobras, protecting his humans from the threat.

I love the spreads in the LWB, especially the Tower Spread (based on Rapunzel) and Happily Ever Afters, a 12-card spread laid out in three fans of four cards each.

I am looking forward to using this deck alone and perhaps in combination with one of my Fairy Tale Tarot decks.

THE PUBLISHER'S PRODUCT SUMMARY

"Fairy Tales have been teaching us timeless life lessons for centuries. Lisa Hunt’s enchanting artwork draws us into the magical world of peasants and princesses, dragons and daring deeds. By weaving imaginative myths into the Lenormand structure, Fairy Tale Lenormand helps readers connect with the cards in meaningful and memorable ways. The 38-card multicultural deck, presented in a treasure chest tin, includes extra Gentleman and Lady cards for personalized readings.

Arwen Lynch’s delightful 120-page booklet, with foreword by Lenormand expert Donnaleigh de LaRose, cleverly relates familiar fairy tales to the Lenormand meanings. Booklet includes illustrated instructions for reading with Crossroads Spreads, Tower Spreads, and Happily Ever Afters."

BASIC INFORMATION

The Fairy Tale Lenormand is based on the Lenormand system but includes 38 cards instead of 36. This is because the Fairy Tale deck contains two “Gentleman” cards and two “Lady” cards. In each case, there is a “peasant” version and a “prince” or “princess” version. Many fairy tales have a peasant becoming a prince (or vice versa), and female characters are often either a peasant or princess.

The deck of 38 cards and accompanying 120-page guidebook are packaged inside a metal tin. The guidebook contains a Foreword by Donnaleigh de LaRose and an Introduction by Arwen Lynch, who also provides the commentary for each card.

A section at the end of the booklet contains information on Fan Spreads (spreads that use the shape of a fan), a Crossroads Spread, a Tower Spread, and a spread called Happily Ever Afters consisting of three fans with four cards each.

APPEARANCE, SIZE, QUALITY

The art from one of the cards (#30 – Lilies) is on the front of the tin and the guidebook. The tin measures about 4 by 2-3/4 inches. The booklet is 2-1/4 inches wide by 3-1/2 inches tall and 1/4 inch thick. The card measure 2-1/4 by 3-1/2 inches.

The fronts of the cards have tan borders surrounding a full color image. Card numbers are in the upper left corner. Card titles are centered below the image, along with the name of the playing card that corresponds to that Lenormand card. Reversible card backs feature a tan background with an intricate design, a border of vines, leaves, and flowers in green and brown. An intricate green and brown design featuring mirror-image old-fashioned keyholes is centered on the card backs.

The glossy guidebook cover is made of sturdy stock. The inside is printed black on white with a couple of black and white illustrations and spread layouts (individual cards are not illustrated ion the booklet). Card descriptions include the number and name of the card, the playing card association, keywords for that card, and two pages describing the fairy tale association and how it relates to the traditional meaning of the Lenormand card.

AUTHOR

As stated on her _web site_,  Arwen Lynch “began reading the Tarot in 1980 when a friend handed her the Thoth deck. She didn’t really like the Thoth deck then (her opinion has changed since) so moved on to the Herbal Tarot which she still has in her collection of over 150 Tarot and Oracle decks.” A past president of the American Tarot Association, Lynch is also the author of several books under the pen name Marilu Mann.

ART

Lisa Hunt’s art is well known in the cartomancy community thanks to her work on beautiful tarot and oracle decks such as the Animals Divine Tarot (Llewellyn Publications), The Winged Enchantment Oracle by Lesley Morrison (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.), Ghosts and Spirits Tarot (U.S. Games), Fantastical Creatures Tarot by D.J. Conway (U.S. Games), Shapeshifter Tarot by D.J. Conway and Sirona Knight (Llewellyn Publications), The Fairy Tale Tarot (Llewellyn Publications), and The Celtic Dragon Tarot by D.J. Conway (Llewellyn Publications).

Lisa writes: “My artwork is about letting go and allowing a confluence of emotion to help paint the picture.” She is inspired by “almost anything: nature, reading (especially mythology and folklore), traveling and visiting parks and zoos, etc.”

You can read about Lisa’s technique and creative process HERE.

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.

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