Comparative Tarot

BASIC RW DESCRIPTION: Four garlanded wands form a portal to an inviting scene. Against the background of an imposing castle, a party is taking place. Between the wands, two women beckon to the viewer and wave bouquets.

FIRST THING THAT STRUCK ME: The figures resemble brides tossing bouquets over their shoulders, although there are three bouquets between the two of them.

NUMBER: Four=stability, the four points on the ever-turning wheel.

UPRIGHT MEANINGS: Waite: "country life, haven of refuge, a species of domestic harvest-home, repose, concord, harmony, prosperity, peace, and the perfected work of these."

Pre-planned and/or sanctioned joy celebrated before God and Man. Celebration, festival, ceremony, rite, or other opportunity for dancing and romancing. Rejoicing, excitement, delight, anticipation, jubilance, exuberance, possible romance, fiery love, exhilaration in physical activity. Enjoyment made possible through stability and security. Prosperity, well-deserved success, good things for deserving people, enjoyment of the fruits of one's labours, basking in the glow of accomplishment, relaxation after effort, completion of an enterprise, harmonious conclusion, peace. Celebrating victories, partnerships, marriages, alliances. The union of desires, bonds and relationships, a successful marriage or partnership, the family as representative of society or civilization, a mingling of family and community. The rewards of a bountiful home in a beautiful setting, a stay in the country, real estate, one's home is one's castle, personal environment, boundaries of one's world.

ALSO: The spark (1) has all the elements (4) needed and is made manifest. Spring cleaning.

REVERSED MEANINGS: Waite: "The meaning remains unaltered; it is prosperity, increase, felicity, beauty, embellishment."

Cancelled gathering, events go other than as planned, nothing to celebrate. Decadence, dissatisfaction with one's life, not counting one's blessings, a desire for more, taking or being taken for granted. Tension, uncertainty, insecurity, need to ground oneself. A tentative success, less dramatic and without the feeling of self-reliance. Stressful working conditions, overwork, job pressures that negatively impact the family. Marital problems, family divisions, breakup of the home or partnership, separation from the community (incarceration?), adversaries on the horizon.

ALSO: Snapping one's Achilles tendon while dancing at one's own wedding.

BIBLICAL: And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14

MYTHOLOGICAL: Cadaceus? Chuppah?

HISTORICAL: St. Vitus was a 4th century Sicilian martyr, whose feast day is June 15.

ANIMAL: Birds, especially those that dance; i.e. peacocks, cranes, etc.

HERBS: This card reminds me of the mint plant, which grows new plants each year from the same root.

PLANTS: Climbing plants such as ivy.

FLOWERS: Tall-stemmed flowers which need to be tied with their neighbors or to a stick for support. RW shows roses for life and love; grapes for enjoyment.

LOCATION: Any castle in Europe! But it especially reminds me of Schloss Hallwyl. On the U.S. (FL) side: Kapok Tree (we had our wedding in their garden), Gulfport Casino (where they danced in the film "Cocoon"), Safety Harbor Health Spa, Chipley. Alternately, Vegas, Ibiza, Panama City, Cancun, and that place where Sammy Hagar has his bar.

TIME/SEASON: summer (June)

MUSIC: "Chapel of Love" by ???

FILM: While I know there are apt films, I can't vouch for any of them. I prefer other genres. One scene that comes to mind, though, is the ending of "Billy Elliott" (?), when his father comes to see him dance.

BOOK: Our wedding album!

PUBLIC PEOPLE OR EVENTS: Munich's Oktoberfest, which started as a royal wedding reception, and became the world's largest (hops) harvest festival.

OCCUPATIONS: special events coordinator, florist, caterer

QUOTES FROM OTHER SOURCES: "It's all good, pop the bubbly, life is lovely. All sun, no rain, no strain . . . can't complain. <Will Smith>
The mystery of life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.--Meditations from Bifrost Eyrie, Buddislamic Text <Frank Herbert>

SITUATIONS IN MY LIFE: Weddings and festivals (esp. our wedding, the Renaissance Festival, the Tschou Tube 2000 party, and dancing in the woods in Italy.)

PERSONAL FEELINGS: I'm anxious to join the party.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS: The main thing is the dancing. Dancing signifies not only joy, ritual and bonding, but also requires a feeling of freedom, a sense of security, and stable ground.

PERSON IN MY LIFE: My best friend Nanette; my husband This. Others shall remain nameless. =P

FAVORITE REPRESENTATION: Outdoor versions. Rider Waite.

One Love All Love
Moonchild