Boneman
Well-Known Member
Vanity is definitely a Trump card....
Goblin Moon / Hobgoblin Night Tarot
- Thread starter Teresa Edgerton
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- teresa edgerton
Ouch. Yes.
I love the Vanities one! All your own props? (I won't ask why the skull, if so...)
Yes, all my own props. The skull, of course, was bought as a Halloween decoration.
Halloween has been useful, not only in providing props (which then allow me to make my own home into a haunted house), but also in other ways. When we photographed the coffins (bought as Halloween table decorations), John and I went from park to park trying to find a suitable body of water where the coffins would appear to be moving with the flow—but wouldn't float away so that we would lose them—and stay close enough together to fit in the shot. To keep them properly lined up, and push them back from shore or pull them toward the shore when they looked about to escape, I used a leaf rake. And they would stay the way I wanted them for about a half a second, which meant that John usually missed the opportunity and we had to try again, over and over. Finally we found a good spot near the lake where the water looked murky and bubbly, and the current was moving in our direction so the coffins wouldn't float away. To reach this place, John and I had to negotiate a rather steep bank, him with his cane and me with my bad knees and ankles. But what is the fear of an embarrassing and possibly debilitating fall when art is at stake!
Naturally, we attracted a certain amount of attention. People would stop and ask, "What are you doing?" I could tell they didn't want the real explanation, which would be too long and probably leave them more confused than they were already. But fortunately, it was October at the time. So I just mumbled something about Halloween, and they nodded and went on their way.
Pictures like Vanity and The Sorcerer's Cabinet we naturally set up at home. They were inconvenient and actually took up space in the house or yard for several days. Fortunately, our kids and grandkids are used to us and didn't ask questions.
Halloween has been useful, not only in providing props (which then allow me to make my own home into a haunted house), but also in other ways. When we photographed the coffins (bought as Halloween table decorations), John and I went from park to park trying to find a suitable body of water where the coffins would appear to be moving with the flow—but wouldn't float away so that we would lose them—and stay close enough together to fit in the shot. To keep them properly lined up, and push them back from shore or pull them toward the shore when they looked about to escape, I used a leaf rake. And they would stay the way I wanted them for about a half a second, which meant that John usually missed the opportunity and we had to try again, over and over. Finally we found a good spot near the lake where the water looked murky and bubbly, and the current was moving in our direction so the coffins wouldn't float away. To reach this place, John and I had to negotiate a rather steep bank, him with his cane and me with my bad knees and ankles. But what is the fear of an embarrassing and possibly debilitating fall when art is at stake!
Naturally, we attracted a certain amount of attention. People would stop and ask, "What are you doing?" I could tell they didn't want the real explanation, which would be too long and probably leave them more confused than they were already. But fortunately, it was October at the time. So I just mumbled something about Halloween, and they nodded and went on their way.
Pictures like Vanity and The Sorcerer's Cabinet we naturally set up at home. They were inconvenient and actually took up space in the house or yard for several days. Fortunately, our kids and grandkids are used to us and didn't ask questions.
Ah, I'd forgotten about Halloween, and how seriously you all take it over there!
I wouldn't say we take it seriously, but in recent years people have thrown themselves into enjoying it more. I, of course, was years ahead of the trend, but the surge in popularity certainly made better and more interesting decorations available. If only that was the case when we were doing the Renaissance Faire!
Or when I was cutting out hundreds of construction paper bats to hang from the walls and ceiling in my living room and dining room. That pretty much ended a few years ago when I was taping up bats one year, an elderly chair I was standing on disintegrated beneath me, and I fell to the floor and broke my arm. I do have a nice aluminum plate inside my wrist as a souvenir, though. I can say that (so far) no senior citizens were harmed in the photographing of these cards.
Or when I was cutting out hundreds of construction paper bats to hang from the walls and ceiling in my living room and dining room. That pretty much ended a few years ago when I was taping up bats one year, an elderly chair I was standing on disintegrated beneath me, and I fell to the floor and broke my arm. I do have a nice aluminum plate inside my wrist as a souvenir, though. I can say that (so far) no senior citizens were harmed in the photographing of these cards.
THE PRISON
The buildings on this card represent Motherwell Prison (or Hallowell as later editions have it) by moonlight. It is the place where Lady Ursula Bowker went to purchase a husband, “something in the felonious line,” to assume her crushing debts and carry them out of the world with him when he met his scheduled date with the hangman. The prison represented is a place of punishment, but it is also a world unto itself, with its own rules, and most of all it is a place of corruption, where just about anything or anyone can be bought or sold, so long as the authorities receive their cut on the transaction.
This card symbolizes deceit, untrustworthy associates, and persons in power who look the other way. The Querent is being drawn in, or will be drawn in, to such an atmosphere unless measures are taken soon to counter the influences involved. The prison could symbolize a company with a toxic corporate culture, a dysfunctional family situation, an abusive relationship, or anything along those lines. It is also possible that the Querent is already so deeply involved that it will be no easy matter to escape these influences, but the other cards in the spread should show a way. If their message is unclear, draw three more cards and look for an answer there.
Reversed this card suggests a prison that is within the Querent’s own mind. That does not mean that its hold over the Querent or the dangers involved are to be discounted, or that escape will be easy. If a problem is “all in the head” that does not make a problem less urgent or overwhelming, for where else do we experience grief, despair, discouragement, unhealthy emotional ties, etc. but in the mind? But it does indicate that the power to make that escape, no matter how difficult that may be, is in the Querent’s own hands. The suggestions for refreshing one’s spirit and recruiting one’s strength given as remedies for the Vanity card may also be appropriate here, but that will just be the beginning. Do not be too proud to ask for help—help may already be near, just waiting for an invitation, but you must ask— and do not give up! The walls we build around ourselves may be the strongest we may ever experience, but what we build we may also take down.
Copyright Teresa Edgerton 2019
The buildings on this card represent Motherwell Prison (or Hallowell as later editions have it) by moonlight. It is the place where Lady Ursula Bowker went to purchase a husband, “something in the felonious line,” to assume her crushing debts and carry them out of the world with him when he met his scheduled date with the hangman. The prison represented is a place of punishment, but it is also a world unto itself, with its own rules, and most of all it is a place of corruption, where just about anything or anyone can be bought or sold, so long as the authorities receive their cut on the transaction.
This card symbolizes deceit, untrustworthy associates, and persons in power who look the other way. The Querent is being drawn in, or will be drawn in, to such an atmosphere unless measures are taken soon to counter the influences involved. The prison could symbolize a company with a toxic corporate culture, a dysfunctional family situation, an abusive relationship, or anything along those lines. It is also possible that the Querent is already so deeply involved that it will be no easy matter to escape these influences, but the other cards in the spread should show a way. If their message is unclear, draw three more cards and look for an answer there.
Reversed this card suggests a prison that is within the Querent’s own mind. That does not mean that its hold over the Querent or the dangers involved are to be discounted, or that escape will be easy. If a problem is “all in the head” that does not make a problem less urgent or overwhelming, for where else do we experience grief, despair, discouragement, unhealthy emotional ties, etc. but in the mind? But it does indicate that the power to make that escape, no matter how difficult that may be, is in the Querent’s own hands. The suggestions for refreshing one’s spirit and recruiting one’s strength given as remedies for the Vanity card may also be appropriate here, but that will just be the beginning. Do not be too proud to ask for help—help may already be near, just waiting for an invitation, but you must ask— and do not give up! The walls we build around ourselves may be the strongest we may ever experience, but what we build we may also take down.
Copyright Teresa Edgerton 2019
THE GODMOTHER
This is the Duchess (Elsie’s ostensible fairy godmother) demonstrating the more benevolent and public part of her nature: a philanthropist, a sponsor to artists, scientists, and poets. The card represents a benefactor—not necessarily of the female gender, but likely so—whose gifts to the Querent go beyond the mentorship signified in the apothecary and merchant cards, a showering of gifts and/or benefits that may, at first, appear like something out of a fairy tale, they appear in such profusion and in such a timely fashion. Be aware, though, that these must be earned. Perhaps they have already been earned, and are long overdue, but do not take them for granted even if that is the case. Fairy godmothers can be capricious, especially toward those who allow such gifts to go to their heads.
This is a very favorable card for the deserving but hitherto unrecognized, the person denied promotions in favor of less qualified candidates, the quiet and diligent person of any sort who does not seek notice but would like to be appreciated and rewarded nonetheless. This card indicates that someone has noticed and does appreciate, and the results of that will soon manifest in the Querent’s life. It is also a favorable card for anyone working in a profession such as writing or other solitary arts (painters, illustrators, sculptors, and the like), also inventors and researchers. And as she is a fairy godmother she may be a particular friend to fantasy writers and artists.
Reversed we see the Duchess’s less favorable side. The fairies (even those like the Duchess who are of mixed blood) are quick to take offense and slow to forgive, whether the offense was intentional or not. In this position the card indicates that there is a powerful person who may do the Querent much good but special care MUST be taken to stay always on that person’s good side or else all the benefits will turn to ashes … or worse. (Consider what the Duchess was plotting against poor Elsie, who was not even the original offender!) It is up to the Querent to decide whether the benefits will be worth the trouble of always stepping carefully and guarding one's tongue. Of course, if the choice is to refuse this person’s patronage extreme tact will be called for.
Alternatively, this card turning up reversed in a spread may be a warning or reminder that a situation is developing where general tact and diplomacy are absolutely necessary, and failure to exercise them to the top of one’s abilities could end very badly.
Copyright Teresa Edgerton 2019
This is the Duchess (Elsie’s ostensible fairy godmother) demonstrating the more benevolent and public part of her nature: a philanthropist, a sponsor to artists, scientists, and poets. The card represents a benefactor—not necessarily of the female gender, but likely so—whose gifts to the Querent go beyond the mentorship signified in the apothecary and merchant cards, a showering of gifts and/or benefits that may, at first, appear like something out of a fairy tale, they appear in such profusion and in such a timely fashion. Be aware, though, that these must be earned. Perhaps they have already been earned, and are long overdue, but do not take them for granted even if that is the case. Fairy godmothers can be capricious, especially toward those who allow such gifts to go to their heads.
This is a very favorable card for the deserving but hitherto unrecognized, the person denied promotions in favor of less qualified candidates, the quiet and diligent person of any sort who does not seek notice but would like to be appreciated and rewarded nonetheless. This card indicates that someone has noticed and does appreciate, and the results of that will soon manifest in the Querent’s life. It is also a favorable card for anyone working in a profession such as writing or other solitary arts (painters, illustrators, sculptors, and the like), also inventors and researchers. And as she is a fairy godmother she may be a particular friend to fantasy writers and artists.
Reversed we see the Duchess’s less favorable side. The fairies (even those like the Duchess who are of mixed blood) are quick to take offense and slow to forgive, whether the offense was intentional or not. In this position the card indicates that there is a powerful person who may do the Querent much good but special care MUST be taken to stay always on that person’s good side or else all the benefits will turn to ashes … or worse. (Consider what the Duchess was plotting against poor Elsie, who was not even the original offender!) It is up to the Querent to decide whether the benefits will be worth the trouble of always stepping carefully and guarding one's tongue. Of course, if the choice is to refuse this person’s patronage extreme tact will be called for.
Alternatively, this card turning up reversed in a spread may be a warning or reminder that a situation is developing where general tact and diplomacy are absolutely necessary, and failure to exercise them to the top of one’s abilities could end very badly.
Copyright Teresa Edgerton 2019
Vaz
We're in the pipe, five by five.
This is really wonderful!
V
V
Thanks!
Excellent again!
By the way when you mention cards being reversed, does this mean upside-down?
By the way when you mention cards being reversed, does this mean upside-down?
Yes, with the picture upside-down and the name at the bottom instead of the top. For some popular spreads and the way some of us learned to shuffle the cards, the possibility of reversed cards showing up in any one spread would not appear to be very great. For instance, the way I learned to shuffle, I only reversed three cards (in a pack of 78) and generally used the Celtic Cross spread of ten cards. So when they did show up, I paid attention. On the other hand, some readers that I have known shuffle the cards in such a way that potentially about half of them are reversed.
I'm not sure how many cards there are going to be in this deck, or whether I will be inspired to invent a new spread that suits this particular deck, but I imagine I'll still shuffle them in the same way.
I'm not sure how many cards there are going to be in this deck, or whether I will be inspired to invent a new spread that suits this particular deck, but I imagine I'll still shuffle them in the same way.
Ah, I was wondering how they came to be upside down. The way I learned to shuffle would keep them all the same way up that they went into the deck, so would allow for some element of manipulation.
Not only a new deck, but a possibility of a new spread -- that sounds very interesting!
Not only a new deck, but a possibility of a new spread -- that sounds very interesting!
When I wrote that about perhaps inventing a new spread I had absolutely no idea what it might be like, or even if there would be one.
But it just needed a nudge, apparently, for an idea to start forming. I'll let you know if that idea develops into anything worth sharing.
But it just needed a nudge, apparently, for an idea to start forming. I'll let you know if that idea develops into anything worth sharing.
The way I've always shuffled the cards was hand-over-hand (no riffling). First the whole deck, then divided into three piles and shuffle each separately, then reassemble the deck, shuffle, pull out three cards and reverse them, then shuffle the deck until it feels right, then lay out the cards.
Of course then when I picked up the cards afterwards I had to make sure everything was right-side-up before I started shuffling for the next reading.
How did you learn to shuffle?
Of course then when I picked up the cards afterwards I had to make sure everything was right-side-up before I started shuffling for the next reading.
How did you learn to shuffle?
I've just checked Wikipedia, and apparently the two I used were the overhand shuffle (which my mother used so was the first one I learned) and the dovetail/riffle of one corner, which one of my brothers used when he was teaching me (ie cheating me**) at poker and which I copied from him though without the same success in giving myself the right cards.
** Though the Wikipedia entry suggests it's the overhand shuffle which is easiest for cheating, so perhaps that's a misremembered memory! And to be absolutely fair, he might not have been cheating all the time, but then I was only 8 or so and he was around 17.
** Though the Wikipedia entry suggests it's the overhand shuffle which is easiest for cheating, so perhaps that's a misremembered memory! And to be absolutely fair, he might not have been cheating all the time, but then I was only 8 or so and he was around 17.
Riffling is fine if you're playing cards. I alternate it with the overhand shuffle when I'm playing solitaire (not with a Tarot deck, of course), but when using the cards for divination riffling supposedly breaks up the energies. Also, I was well into adulthood when I finally acquired the ability to riffle the cards (long after I started reading the cards at the age of twenty) though I had tried and tried over the years*, so riffling the cards when shuffling them for a reading wasn't ... er ... in the cards for me anyway.
Using the overhand shuffle does make it easier to manipulate the cards if you are into magic tricks, so I think it must be easiest for cheating, too. Or being twice the age of the child you are playing against ... that would work, too.
___
*Yes, I was that uncoordinated.
Using the overhand shuffle does make it easier to manipulate the cards if you are into magic tricks, so I think it must be easiest for cheating, too. Or being twice the age of the child you are playing against ... that would work, too.
___
*Yes, I was that uncoordinated.
SCAVENGERS
The figures here represent the river scavengers of Thornburg. These are people at the very lowest level of society who recover floating debris from the river in order to sell it. Sometimes this may be old wood or damaged household goods which someone has carelessly tossed into the river (alas, the Lunn is notoriously polluted); flotsam and jetsam from ships lost at sea, which a tidal bore at the full of the moon brings far inland: coffins containing grave goods, from flooded cemeteries: and sometimes just floating bodies of unfortunates who have either slipped and drowned, or been murdered and disposed of by this common expedient of the criminal classes. These bodies the scavengers turn in to the authorities for a meager bounty.
It is a dirty and sometimes discouraging business, for the river is not always generous in what it is willing to provide, and more dangerous than what the mudlarks who work the mudflats do because the most profitable times to ply this trade occur when the river is in full flood. Scavengers are also regarded by many as nothing better than grave robbers and common thieves—because it is a curious fact that drowned men turned in for the bounty almost never have anything in their pockets. It is work which attracts the most impoverished, the most desperate, and yet occasionally it produces rich rewards. Also, the scavengers do not sell everything they find, for they are experts at adapting, refurbishing, and repurposing what they find and then using it themselves.
This card in a spread indicates that the Querent is about to experience a reduction in circumstances, due to poor investments, a demotion at work, or a lost job. Alternatively, it may mean that academic studies have come to an end but there will be a space where it will be very difficult to find a job in one’s chosen field. It will be necessary to make ends meet for a time by taking on work that is of a lower status than the Querent has been accustomed to or had expected to be offered.
However, by following the example of the river scavengers this need not be a period of great hardship: become adaptable, learn to make a little go a long way, repair or refurbish what is broken or looking worn, learn how to make from scratch instead of buying ready-made, and so forth. There can be more satisfaction in owning something that is the work of one’s own hands than in always buying goods that are already made up. In that way, what would otherwise be an unhappy and humiliating time, may be a period when valuable lessons are learned and unexpected skills discovered. The lack of a mentally demanding job may also provide space to think and reevaluate one’s goals. In short, make the best of the experience and it may yield unexpected rewards.
Reversed the card indicates danger in or by a body of water. Like all such cards, the danger may be avoided or ameliorated if special care is taken at the time or safety precautions taken in advance. Remember that the danger might not be the most obvious one, but the result of slippery surfaces, contamination, or injury due to collisions, handling broken objects, etc.
Copyright 2019 Teresa Edgerton
The figures here represent the river scavengers of Thornburg. These are people at the very lowest level of society who recover floating debris from the river in order to sell it. Sometimes this may be old wood or damaged household goods which someone has carelessly tossed into the river (alas, the Lunn is notoriously polluted); flotsam and jetsam from ships lost at sea, which a tidal bore at the full of the moon brings far inland: coffins containing grave goods, from flooded cemeteries: and sometimes just floating bodies of unfortunates who have either slipped and drowned, or been murdered and disposed of by this common expedient of the criminal classes. These bodies the scavengers turn in to the authorities for a meager bounty.
It is a dirty and sometimes discouraging business, for the river is not always generous in what it is willing to provide, and more dangerous than what the mudlarks who work the mudflats do because the most profitable times to ply this trade occur when the river is in full flood. Scavengers are also regarded by many as nothing better than grave robbers and common thieves—because it is a curious fact that drowned men turned in for the bounty almost never have anything in their pockets. It is work which attracts the most impoverished, the most desperate, and yet occasionally it produces rich rewards. Also, the scavengers do not sell everything they find, for they are experts at adapting, refurbishing, and repurposing what they find and then using it themselves.
This card in a spread indicates that the Querent is about to experience a reduction in circumstances, due to poor investments, a demotion at work, or a lost job. Alternatively, it may mean that academic studies have come to an end but there will be a space where it will be very difficult to find a job in one’s chosen field. It will be necessary to make ends meet for a time by taking on work that is of a lower status than the Querent has been accustomed to or had expected to be offered.
However, by following the example of the river scavengers this need not be a period of great hardship: become adaptable, learn to make a little go a long way, repair or refurbish what is broken or looking worn, learn how to make from scratch instead of buying ready-made, and so forth. There can be more satisfaction in owning something that is the work of one’s own hands than in always buying goods that are already made up. In that way, what would otherwise be an unhappy and humiliating time, may be a period when valuable lessons are learned and unexpected skills discovered. The lack of a mentally demanding job may also provide space to think and reevaluate one’s goals. In short, make the best of the experience and it may yield unexpected rewards.
Reversed the card indicates danger in or by a body of water. Like all such cards, the danger may be avoided or ameliorated if special care is taken at the time or safety precautions taken in advance. Remember that the danger might not be the most obvious one, but the result of slippery surfaces, contamination, or injury due to collisions, handling broken objects, etc.
Copyright 2019 Teresa Edgerton
DEUCE OF WOOD
In the Ace the box is closed up tight. Here are chests that are beginning to open, and the things they contain are beginning to slip out into the world: dreams, hopes, secrets, etc. It is not too late to close the boxes, as they are not yet completely open, but if the Querent wishes to do so (to protect things that are secret or at least private) they need to act at once. But something has already escaped into the world, and whether it is a good thing—a wish or a hope put aside at some time in the past—or a bad one—a secret that inspires some discomfort or guilt—the hour is about to arrive when the Querent will need to deal with it in a forthright manner.
If it is a wish or a hope, this would be a good time to revive it. If something of the sort has already been in contemplation, this would be a fortunate card for putting that wish into action. If it is a guilty or uncomfortable secret, this would be the time to face up to it. If there is damage control to be done that is best done before the story becomes more widespread and a false and unfavorable version becomes cemented in other people’s mind as the truth. Sometimes owning up to the facts, telling our own side of the story, proves to not be as disastrous as we fear—sometimes not disastrous at all—and in this case it will, at the very least, be a relief. By guarding this secret or refusing this hope the Querent is placing limits on him- or herself. It is likely that it was the Querent who began opening these boxes (deliberately or unconsciously) and then lost their nerve. In that case, they already know what they really want to do, so what is principally needed now is the courage to do it.
Reversed this card shows the Querent looking into secrets or mysteries. An opportunity to learn a bit more—to peek inside the chests—is approaching. Since the card is reversed, and therefore not in its best aspect, there is a strong chance that gaining the answers the Querent seeks would not lead to a good outcome, however, as always, other cards in the spread may modify this interpretation.
THREE OF WOOD
Three chests are shown opened wide. Hopes and dreams are no longer suppressed, secrets (whether those the Querent has been hiding, or those they have been seeking the answers to) have emerged into the light of day.
This card symbolizes liberation and abundance. Use the opportunities they provide well and the rewards will be great; deny them or use them carelessly and the results will be disappointing. Now is a time for the Querent to express his or her talents to their highest potential, for the path is open to great personal rewards in doing so, and perhaps worldly rewards as well.
Reversed this card symbolizes liberty abused, abundance squandered. It may not be too late to salvage something and begin anew, but there are things that have been lost—the trust and confidence of others for instance—that will probably never be regained. If the Querent changes direction, sets a new course, and makes better use of his or her natural resources, things may yet be well, but not if he or she continues on as before.
Copyright 2019 Teresa Edgerton
In the Ace the box is closed up tight. Here are chests that are beginning to open, and the things they contain are beginning to slip out into the world: dreams, hopes, secrets, etc. It is not too late to close the boxes, as they are not yet completely open, but if the Querent wishes to do so (to protect things that are secret or at least private) they need to act at once. But something has already escaped into the world, and whether it is a good thing—a wish or a hope put aside at some time in the past—or a bad one—a secret that inspires some discomfort or guilt—the hour is about to arrive when the Querent will need to deal with it in a forthright manner.
If it is a wish or a hope, this would be a good time to revive it. If something of the sort has already been in contemplation, this would be a fortunate card for putting that wish into action. If it is a guilty or uncomfortable secret, this would be the time to face up to it. If there is damage control to be done that is best done before the story becomes more widespread and a false and unfavorable version becomes cemented in other people’s mind as the truth. Sometimes owning up to the facts, telling our own side of the story, proves to not be as disastrous as we fear—sometimes not disastrous at all—and in this case it will, at the very least, be a relief. By guarding this secret or refusing this hope the Querent is placing limits on him- or herself. It is likely that it was the Querent who began opening these boxes (deliberately or unconsciously) and then lost their nerve. In that case, they already know what they really want to do, so what is principally needed now is the courage to do it.
Reversed this card shows the Querent looking into secrets or mysteries. An opportunity to learn a bit more—to peek inside the chests—is approaching. Since the card is reversed, and therefore not in its best aspect, there is a strong chance that gaining the answers the Querent seeks would not lead to a good outcome, however, as always, other cards in the spread may modify this interpretation.
THREE OF WOOD
Three chests are shown opened wide. Hopes and dreams are no longer suppressed, secrets (whether those the Querent has been hiding, or those they have been seeking the answers to) have emerged into the light of day.
This card symbolizes liberation and abundance. Use the opportunities they provide well and the rewards will be great; deny them or use them carelessly and the results will be disappointing. Now is a time for the Querent to express his or her talents to their highest potential, for the path is open to great personal rewards in doing so, and perhaps worldly rewards as well.
Reversed this card symbolizes liberty abused, abundance squandered. It may not be too late to salvage something and begin anew, but there are things that have been lost—the trust and confidence of others for instance—that will probably never be regained. If the Querent changes direction, sets a new course, and makes better use of his or her natural resources, things may yet be well, but not if he or she continues on as before.
Copyright 2019 Teresa Edgerton
Boneman
Well-Known Member
Just amazing...
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