Goblin Moon / Hobgoblin Night Tarot

[Teresa Edgerton]

ABOUT THE CARDS:

This is a set of cards based on the world and characters of Goblin Moon and Hobgoblin Night. Many will be familiar as originating in the book trailers. Other images will be appearing here for the first time—although I don't rule out using them in future book trailers, who knows? Though some of the backgrounds were photographed at home, some images were bought from a stock photo company, but not with the expensive commercial licenses that would have allowed me to sell the end product—so while I am going to be printing up the cards on card stock for my personal use, they cannot be offered for sale. However, I am posting them here because I thought some of you might enjoy them. If there is enough interest in the cards I’ll continue to post them here, at the rate of two approximately every week or two. (Although I am starting out here with four, to keep up with what I am doing on Facebook.) While I am beginning with the Major Arcana for the first few weeks, there will also eventually be four suits: Brass, Steel, Glass, and Wood.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

THE RIVER

This is, of course, the River Lunn, which passes through Thornburg and the country to the north and the south, running from the mountains to the sea. Due to the eccentricities of the moon’s orbit, the river has a tremendous tidal bore at the time of the full moon, and particularly in the spring. As described in Goblin Moon the Lunn was: “a capricious river . . . restlessly eroding her own banks, making sudden leaps and changes in her course, especially upriver in the country districts where there were no strong river walls to contain her. Swelled by a high tide or by the rains and snow-melt of Quickening, she swept away manors and villages, churches and farmhouses, crumbled old graveyards and flooded ancient burial vaults, dislodging the dead as ruthlessly as she evicted the living.” But in addition to the detritus carried down by the floods, the tidal bore brought with it flotsam and jetsam from ships lost at sea—from all of which river scavengers like Jedidiah Braun and his great-uncle Caleb were able to scrape a precarious and inconsistent living. “The very cradle that had rocked [Jed] as a baby was constructed of planks from the wreck of the Celestial Mary; his first little suit of clothes—in which he had amazed the other urchins, in velvet and lace—his mother cut from the cloak of a drowned nobleman. And much of the food and drink which nourished him since had been purchased with deadman's coin.”

This card reveals that the Querent—the one for whom the cards are being read—is on the cusp of receiving many unexpected opportunities and gifts—tangible or otherwise. Some of these will be of benefit, some perhaps dangerous (for those who have read the book, remember the body and the magic books in the coffin), but take none immediately at face value. Caution is recommended before snatching too quickly at what is offered, but equally recommended before rejecting what may have value not readily apparent. This is a time for looking beneath the surface and avoiding snap judgements.

The River may also signify the resurrection of abandoned hopes, particularly those dating from far in one’s past. But again, move deliberately and be sure to ask the right questions before taking action.

Reversed, the meaning of the card is much the same as when upright, but the need for caution is even more essential.

copyright 2019 Teresa Edgerton

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

TIME

The clock face pictured is from one of our hero’s exploding pocket watches. One of these was used to turn the tide of battle during an attack by pirates, another accidentally proved helpful in another dangerous situation. “The troll smirked. ‘You need not fear. Mr. Hooke has disarmed it by removing the explosive.’ He began fiddling with a tiny gold key. "I am attempting to discover how the mechanism works. It is very complex."

A gleam of suspicion appeared in Kelly's dark eyes. ‘Yes, I see. No doubt you would wish me to demonstrate for you?’

‘Thank you, no. You think this is beyond my powers of comprehension, do you? Let me tell you, I grow tired of being treated as though I had no brains at all!’ He moved toward the other end of the table, still tinkering with the watch and the key.

‘My apologies,’ murmured Kelly, going back to his book. “I should have known that even such a simple stratagem was beyond you.’

But he looked up a minute later when he heard a small click, followed by a sharp thud, as the watch landed on the table in front of him . . . and to catch the brilliant, burning flash as the watch exploded.”

The card signifies the inexorable changes which time brings, of the sort not usually apparent before they come to fruition. When it appears in a spread expect drastic, even explosive, changes coming from unexpected directions. Things long in preparation, though unknown to the Querent, will finally come to pass. Be prepared to react quickly as soon as the way forward becomes apparent—time does not wait, nor slow its pace.

Reversed, however, the card advises the Querent to bide his or her time. Someone is about to make a serious mistake and bring about their own downfall and that of his or her allies. Let those who work against you make the mistakes. Do not you be the one who brings destruction raining down on your own head or those close to you.

copyright 2019 Teresa Edgerton

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Before I post the next two, can people see the images? I can, but I know that sometimes images posted don't show up for everyone.

Edit—I've been messaged that they are visible, so, onward ...

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

THE APOTHECARY

The figure depicted here is Mistress Sancreedi, whose family has passed as human for centuries, though there are suspicions (and not unwarranted) that they have fairy ancestry through the Farisees, the gentler of the two fairy tribes. Though she projects warmth and kindness, yet there is something uncanny about her, which allows her to walk freely and fearlessly into the most dangerous parts of town. Doctor to the children of the slums, advisor to Francis Skelbrooke, rescuer of unwanted kittens (and on one occasion Sera Vorder), she symbolizes healing: mental, physical, and spiritual. When this card appears in a spread it is good omen for whatever may ail the Querent.

But she can also symbolize a female mentor about to appear (or if she is already present, about to to take a greater role). She is a trustworthy source of advice, one who will take the extra step to help those she sponsors along, but is sometimes a little too honest for comfort, and will tell the hard truths one may not wish to hear.

Reversed the card advises seeking a second opinion when it comes to medical or other advice. Not that the original diagnosis is necessarily wrong, but there will be something missing, something more to be seen, further options to be explored in addition to the most obvious. The problem requires a holistic approach to avoid a bad outcome.

copyright 2019 Teresa Edgerton

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

THE HOMUNCULUS

This is Eirena, the homunculus created from a Mandrake root and various arcane ingredients in Gottfried Jenk’s laboratory, depicted here shortly before she was decanted. This card symbolizes potential, for though she has the physical appearance of a young woman (though many, many times smaller) and once she is released from her egg physically develops apace with a young animal, mentally Eirena is still very much a baby. Yet in old texts many remarkable powers are ascribed to homunculi, among them: prophetic gifts, the ability to call rain, power over venomous snakes. It is therefore difficult to tell what she will become given time to mature, but the possibilities are breathtaking. This card heralds something amazing coming into your life. To some extent it will be what you make of it, for good or ill, but do be prepared for surprises, because the homunculus remains in many ways mysterious.

Reversed the card focusses on the vulnerability of the homunculus: tiny, easily crushed, easily abused and exploited. Something (some new project or opportunity) or someone (a young or vulnerable person) is about to be given into your hands to foster toward full potential. Approach this with sensitivity and delicacy, and do not be disappointed if progress is slow at first. The rewards for patience will be great, but you may spoil all if you expect too much too soon.

Gottfried Jenk has high expectations. “She must be perfect in every respect before I publish her existence abroad. She must know how to speak—to read and to write—she must have elegant manners. There must be no doubt in anyone's mind that she is indeed intelligent and self-aware, not a brute beast to perform a series of actions on command or to parrot certain phrases. Were she anything less than perfect, so, too, would my triumph be less than perfect.” But this is not Eirena’s—or any person’s—purpose in the world, to fulfill the ambitions of others. She must be fostered and taught to develop her own talents and abilities and not forced into someone else’s pattern.

copyright 2019 Teresa Edgerton

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

THE ALCHEMIST’S LABORATORY

The laboratory of an alchemist is a place of transformation, a place where base metals are transmutated into gold. This card indicates a time is near when the Querent can remake what is dull, flat, and valueless in their life into something far more dynamic and creative. But this cannot be done with the pass of a magic wand. It will take hard work and original thinking. (Remember that medieval alchemists would labor years over their great work.) In the background of the card there is a candleholder in the form of a green lion. The green lion was a symbol much used by alchemists. One of its primary meanings was to signify matter stripped down to its most primitive and basic form, ready to be transformed into something greater. Thus this card should be regarded as indicating immense potential, in the Querent, his or her talents, environment, and/or associations. But it will take a keen eye to see that potential, for it is hidden behind a low and mundane disguise, something apparently so commonplace the eye passes over it without thought of what it might someday become, as familiarity has rendered it all but invisible. Rewards will come to those who can look at themselves and their surroundings with fresh eyes, see their world anew, and separate what has possibilities from the dross that can (and probably should) be discarded.

Reversed the card is not so favorable. In their search for the elixir of immortality, the secret of creating life (secrets which perhaps men were not meant to know, or else society not yet sufficiently evolved to deal with the consequences) many an alchemist beggared himself and his family by poring all of his resources into the work, and leaving nothing to live on. This is what happened to Jenk the mad bookseller, when as a much younger man—long before the story in Goblin Moon commences— he threw himself recklessly into alchemical experiments and occult researches. Reversed, then, this card should be regarded as a warning not to overreach oneself. The time and circumstances are not right for highly ambitious plans. Beware of vanity, do not be blinded by overweening pride. Perhaps a better time will come for pursuing these ambitions, but the time is not now.

Copyright Teresa Edgerton 2019

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

THE SCHOLAR

The figure pictured here is the ghost of Uncle Izrael Barebones, who haunts Sera, in the course of Hobgoblin Night, with a series of what appear to be mischievous pranks. The late scholar was not only devoted to arcane researches but trained his curious and penetrating mind on learning the secrets of seemingly everyday things, to get beyond what “everyone knows” to see what is there to be seen by an unprejudiced mind and get to the truth. His pranks are meant to gain Sera’s attention, so that he can then communicate a secret which he believes only she has the necessary compassion and strength of will to see, understand, and make the best use of.

This card is a good sign for those engaged in researches. It indicates the availability of sources the researcher has been seeking, though those sources may be found in non-traditional places—or right under the researcher’s very nose, hitherto disregarded. It is also a favorable card for those looking for mentors, partners, or assistants. But again it may be necessary to see beyond the obvious.

Reversed this card indicates there is genuinely malicious mischief happening in the Querent’s vicinity. Though the perpetrators may try to pass it off as harmless pranks or good-humored jokes, do not dismiss what is clearly meant to be spiteful, demeaning, or belittling, because it all seems petty now. Do not be afraid to speak up for fear of being called a poor sport or otherwise labeled. The message for the Querent is clear: You may not be able to change minds, you may not be able to put a complete stop to what is happening, but be assured that if you remain silent things will only grow worse. Speak up for yourself, for others, for your principles. Keep records of what happens whenever you can; documentation, in whatever form, can be powerful. In the end, you may have to walk away from a toxic situation (and there is no shame in that—it can take great courage) but sometimes bullies, being basically cowardly, flourish simply because no one dares to challenge them.

Copyright Teresa Edgerton 2019

 

[The Judge]

I'm completely ignorant about Tarot, but I'm thoroughly enjoying these little snatches of foretelling and the way you've worked them around the books. Excellent stuff!

 

[Boneman]

These are brilliant!

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Thanks, TJ, Boneman!

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

THE SORCERER’S CABINET

This is inspired by the hidden cabinet that “Sir Simon Blood” discovers when investigating the suspected white slaver and evil magician, Count Azimet, in Hobgoblin Night—although the count’s cabinet is more like a closet, or concealed room, full of “diabolical artifacts,” whereas this is merely a cupboard. It does, however, portray the dolls or puppets the count used to harm or influence those in power or those who threatened him personally. To Sir Simon’s surprise, he discovered his own image and two old friends (ours, not his) among the magician’s dolls!

This card indicates that someone feels threatened by the Querent or feels they can advance their aims by damaging them. This is a stronger warning than in the reversed Scholar card, for there the mischief was general, while this is more focussed and malicious. Also, the person behind it all may be considerably more important and influential (if both cards are present in a spread, there may be a ringleader aided by a coterie of sycophants or toadies, less malign but still capable of causing trouble). The principle actor in this scheme may have been pleasant enough to the Querent outwardly, but there may have been a suspicion, or at least a suspicion of a suspicion, which the Querent has been inclined to dismiss. But forewarned is forearmed! Do not act directly as yet, but start making preparations and shoring up defenses against the day the need arises. Whatever the magnitude of the actual threat here, be it great or small, it is going to have long-lasting consequences—social, emotional, professional, etc.—unless a careful plan of defense is mapped out as soon as possible.

Reversed the card indicates that the Querent is in over their head. They cannot defend effectively without help. Do NOT act alone; powerful allies are needed. As soon as the Querent has clear evidence of what is in progress, this should be taken at once to the appropriate authority, whether that be a supervisor, campus administration, the law, or some trusted individual with the organizational or institutional power to help.

copyright Teresa Edgerton 2019

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

THE MERCHANT

The figure here represents Mr. Christopher Owlfeather, a wealthy merchant and an important individual in the dwarf community as well as in the speculative (ritual and magical) branch of the Glassmaker’s Guild. In Goblin Moon and Hobgoblin Night the dwarves have progressed from their early origins as surely as Men have done. No longer cave- or underground-dwellers, most dwarves live as part of extended families or clans inhabiting great mansions made of stone, where they pool their resources in order to acquire beautiful and rare things, which the families then hold in common. However, most are still involved in trades which involve materials directly derived from the earth: pottery and porcelain (clay), glass (sand), and jewelry and metalwork of all kinds. Dwarves, by nature, are industrious, so even those who are wealthy remain active in their businesses or crafts until a great age.

Mr. Owlfeather has grown wealthy by importing and exporting glass and porcelain (and so is shown here before a shelf of glass cups and dishes). Dwarves ALWAYS know what things are worth, and so you cannot beat them down on a price. For this reason they are sometimes portrayed by Men as greedy and avaricious. But the truth is they simply cannot be cheated, bullied, or coerced; this does not, however, preclude acts of generosity. Mr. Owlfeather in particular is always looking for bright young people worthy to be inducted into the mysteries of the Guild.

This is a favorable card to find in a spread if the Querent is contemplating—or recently involved—in a new commercial venture, particularly an enterprise involving craftsmanship or manufacture. It is also a good card for a second career begun late in life (perhaps a long-held wish or ambition that had been indefinitely put on hold for practical or professional considerations, which can now be revived in retirement). Success may not be immediate but it will come, so long as there is quality work and careful business decisions.

Just as the Apothecary card may indicate a female mentor, this card may also indicate that a wise male mentor is about to take a hand in the Querent’s career. His standards will be high, but the help he can give will be invaluable if those standards are met and adhered to.

Reversed this card means crooked or unlawful commerce in the Querent’s immediate vicinity. If someone is trying to draw them in, the Querent should refuse. If already involved, the Querent should seek to become disentangled as soon as possible. This is an enterprise that is doomed to bring only trouble and grief if continued.

Copyright Teresa Edgerton 2019

 

[Boneman]

At the risk of repeating myself: these are brilliant.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Thank you! Repeat yourself all you like—I'll keep posting these as long as there is interest, or I run out of steam, but it helps to know that people are following the thread and liking what they see.

Also, if anyone has any questions about the process (which is not the same for every card, and it's been fun and frustrating and sometimes a little silly) or any of the symbolism, I'll be happy to discuss it.

 

[The Judge]

I'm really enjoying these, both for the images and the text.


Regarding Mr Owlfeather's glass cabinet, did you deliberately choose the yellow/ochre tinge to most of them by way of giving a golden glow reflecting his wealth, or is that just a happy by-product of what you found? (I inherited -- ie no one else in the family wanted -- some glass from my mother, and I have to confess the three yellow-gold ones I've got are nowhere near my favourites; cranberry glass is much more atractive!)

It's interesting that the specimens you've used look to be moulded glass in the main. If so, shame on Mr Owlfeather! He really ought to have a lot of hand-blown glasses with twist stems, which really are worth keeping in a cabinet to show off his/his family's skill. (There is a National Trust house not too far from us which has a collection of C18th drinking glasses with engraved images and/or twist stems, and they are exquisite.)

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Moulded glass was, alas, what I had. But he's in his shop and he doesn't only sell expensive pieces (I tell myself). I do have some lovely glass goblets with incised patterns, but I knew those would never show up; also a lot of milk glass which would have presented the same problem. Couldn't find any stock photos with wooden shelves filled with old glass. (Lots of modern glass on modern glass shelves.) So we had to produce a photograph ourselves with what we have.

Some of the pieces are light green, and some are clear. The yellow color came about as I tinkered about trying to make things stand out more. But I like the thought that the golden glow reflects his wealth. I shall steal use that in explaining things for the future. Thanks for the idea. Cranberry glass sounds lovely. I have some deep green glass plates but they are very art deco, so wouldn't serve the purpose, though they have served many a holiday meal.

I envy you the 18th century National Trust houses with such collections to enjoy! Alas, there is nothing like that here on the West Coast (the only 18th century remains are of Spanish missions and most of those are restorations anyway, since they were abandoned and allowed to decay) and the only time I have been on the East Coast was a flying (in all senses of the word) visit at Thanksgiving to visit a dear friend in the hospital. Megan and I did enjoy seeing all the little old houses (from the outside only) in Watertown, and since it had snowed and many of them had wreaths on their doors it was like an early 19th century Christmas painting come to life. It made hiking from the motel to the hospital through the cold and the snow surprisingly enjoyable. No 18th century anything that I saw, though. Too bad, because Megan had her phone with her and could have taken photos.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

THE ACES


Ace of Wood

The picture here is a wooden box, tightly closed. What does it contain? It could be valued items one fears to lose, it could be the coffin of dead hopes, or the place where dreams have been set aside and locked away—it could be all of the above, and more. A box is most of all an enclosure: while you may put things inside it, it may also constrain you.

When this card appears in a spread, it indicates that it is time for the Querent to look through the contents. What are the things (fears, grudges, guilty secrets, unrequited loves, etc.) that are best discarded instead of merely hiding them away? What are the hopes and dreams it is time to revive? Is the Querent so busy brooding over the contents that they have forgotten to take an active part in their own life? Consider all of these things very carefully, and then at last take action. Chances are very good that it will, at the very least, prove liberating.

Reversed, however, this card indicates that it is time to put something away, then close the lid and lock it up. Sometimes the truths we long to confess to relieve our consciences can only hurt others. Sometimes the love we wish to speak of can destroy relationships. As for hopes and dreams, if this is the wrong time for them there may eventually be a right time—remember that a lock can later be unlocked, a closed box can be opened.


Ace of Steel

The figure here is clearly a needle. A needle is good for sewing together bits and pieces to create something completely new. This can be a favorable card for creative aspirations, particularly in the fabric or fashion arts. A needle is also, and perhaps most importantly, useful in mending. What in the Querent’s life needs sewing back together, what wounds and rifts require healing? This card indicates that the time has come or is approaching when such mending will be possible. Do not let the opportunity slip by.

Reversed this card indicates that things around the Querent are beginning to come apart. Do not let this progress too far. Consider what things, if any, may yet be repaired with the proverbial “stitch in time,” but also what would be better off made completely anew: a new pattern drafted, then cut from new fabric, and finally sewn together, more skillfully, perhaps, than was done before.

Copyright Teresa Edgerton 2019

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Ace of Glass

This is a potion bottle, offered by someone to bring relief to whatever it is that currently ails the Querent. (It need not be an actual illness, though if it is they should already be aware of the symptoms; it could also be a situation that stresses them or a problem they’ve hitherto been unable to resolve.) The contents of the bottle could be a wholesome mixture, such as Mistress Sancreedi dispenses, which at the least will help build the Querent up and make them stronger. It could be a quack medication, such as Doctor Mirabolo gives his patients, merely palliative. But whichever it is, cure or palliative or strengthening tonic, take it at first in small doses and see what effect it has. What is curative in small doses may be poisonous in large ones. Chances are good (though just how favorable the chances are the other cards in the spread should indicate) that this will benefit you greatly if taken in moderation. Also, it is a help not a cure-all, so do not rely on it to the exclusion of other methods that may, acting in concert, serve to bolster the beneficial effects.

Reversed the card is a warning against an inclination toward self-medication with addictive or dangerous substances or practices. Whatever the symptoms are—physical, mental, emotional—consult a health professional about the underlying problem.


Ace of Brass

A key is a handy thing: for locking things away, for locking things out, for opening doors that one wishes to enter. The key represented by this card is now, or will be soon, in the Querent’s hand. It symbolizes opportunity, in particular an opportunity long wished for and perhaps almost despaired of. Whether it is to step into a future dreamed of or planned for, or to step away from an unfortunate past and close the door behind them, the key gives the Querent the power of choice. Now all that is needed is the courage to take a step forward, and then another, and then….

Reversed this card means the Querent has been locked out and has been knocking at the door in frustration. It is time to turn about and take a new direction. Nothing is to be gained by lingering on the doorstep, but once the Querent starts to move away many different pathways await. One of them will be the right path, as whatever lies behind the door was not. Choose well.

Copyright Teresa Edgerton 2019

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

And because the images of the "pip" cards are not as interesting, I am including one of the trump cards this week.


VANITY

The picture on this card was inspired by a certain style of still life from the 17th and 18th centuries, collectively known as Vanitas paintings. They symbolize the emptiness of worldly things, the brevity of life, the futility of earthly achievements. The message of this card is not so harsh, but it does indicate the Querent has been too caught up in material goals to the exclusion of the intangibles that make life truly worth living.

It may be that the Querent has been burdened with responsibilities and will now be given the chance to take a break; it may be that the Querent has piled on the burdens him- or herself due to ambition and/or pride and is reluctant to relinquish them. It will probably be difficult to shut off the part of the brain that urges “do more, be better, acquire more, don’t stop” but this pause is something the Querent truly needs to strengthen mind and body. Take walks among green and growing things, visit old churches or art museums, listen to beautiful or uplifting music, meditate, study works of philosophical or religious wisdom, read a story of soaring imagination, or just take a nap in the back garden—whatever the choice, remember to breathe deeply, do not rush, and take time to appreciate the beauty that God has created and inspired our fellow beings to achieve. This should be a period for quiet contemplation and self-examination, but also for reconnecting with loved ones. Dispense hugs, go on picnics, or make arrangements for a journey to visit distant friends or family members. Our time is indeed finite, so don’t put off all such things thinking there will always be a chance later.

But not everything is to be attempted during this one break from routine—how exhausting that might be!—so after it is over, learn to manage time more wisely.

Reversed this card symbolizes exhaustion of the spirit. The message is similar to that above but the need is more urgent. Depression or anxiety, obsession or compulsion are taking a toll and will continue to do so if not addressed. Disconnect as much as possible from what is bringing these on. Seek those things which have brought mental or spiritual healing in the past but have somehow been abandoned or neglected.

Copyright Teresa Edgerton 2019