Comparative Tarot

There are two versions of this card in the 2nd edition of this deck. The original shows Alanis Morrisette singing into a microphone. Her expression is passionate and intense. Her eyes are closed, and the moment seems personal. The lyric is "You live, you learn". The background is orange, signifying fire. The symbol for voice (an open mouth with a spiral on the tongue) is pictured on top of the card, and five more are arranged vertically along the right side of the card. The explanation card reads: "loss, conflict of fire Alanis Morissette you live you learn".

The second version pictures Axl Rose and Slash from Guns & Roses. Axl Roses' arms are extended but bent at the elbow, and crossed at the wrists. His tattoos are visible. He wears a hint of a smile. Slash is pictured below him, head cocked to one side. The expression on his face is plaintive. Both are wearing sunglasses. Again the background is orange, and the five voice symbols are pictured on the card - one on either side of Slash, two on Axl's arms, and one on his shoulder. The lyric is "Welcome to the jungle, we take it day by day". The card says: "loss, conflict of fire Guns & Roses welcome to the jungle, we take it day by day".

I like how each card illustrates a different aspect of the 5 of fire. The artist uses the keywords "loss" and "conflict". The Alanis version shows the former, and the G&R the latter. Morrisette is shouldering her loss - growing from it, learning. It is a hopeful card, a card that shows one getting back up to try again. The G&R version depicts the "conflict" aspect. The song is about life in a rough neighborhood, where conflicts are a part of everyday life. This card shows, if not hope exactly, at least a willingness to continue to struggle ("...we take it day by day" - they are going to get up again tomorrow and face the music). Neither card is pretty (philosophically speaking - aesthetically they are both attractive!) but both show strength and endurance despite the ugliness of the situation.

Arcana