The Tens in this deck all have a very consistent theme of unity in diversity, celebration, sharing, and community.  These are by far the most joyful cards in the deck, and there is little of the traditional theme of endings or transitions in them.  Instead it is more of a coming home to a perfect place, an ideal vision of how the world should be – but no men in these ideal communities, take that however you will.  Part of the concept of community was safety, and to the women creating this deck, perhaps the all-female communities represented that to them.

Ten of Pentacles – The Harvest.  In this card, ten women (and one child) celebrate around a table laden with the bounty of the harvest.  With their arms around each other, they raise golden cups inscribed with pentacles in a toast.  On the table we can see corn, soup, and home-made rolls, and in bushels behind the table are apples, potatoes, yams, corn, and pumpkins.  Green fields roll in the background.  Included among the ten women are ones of every age and color.

This card seems to give us the message that we should all live peacefully together, and share our wealth with everyone that needs it.  The women of different races around the table could represent different countries and regions of the world, and the idea that the world has enough food if only we could find a way to share it.  There is a communal ideal expressed here, about working for the community and the greater good, that is nearly absent from our real lives in the West (the creators of this deck often express a socialist viewpoint, with a maternalistic slant).  I am reminded of communes of the ‘70s, and getting together after everyone’s chores are done to enjoy the evening meal.  These women have chosen to be together, and everyone has their place.  Their community is based on love and support, rather than stifling “oppressive and patriarchal” models (the author’s words).

Ten of Blades – The Rattle.  This card shows ten women sitting inside a teepee at night, all of varying shapes, colors, and sizes.  They are naked, sitting around a campfire.  The teepee is open to the night, and its entrance is marked by seven short blades, stuck into the ground, creating a protective circle around the women.  The moon lights the mountains and forest below.  The teepee is decorated with symbols of the sun and moon, animals, a hunter, and ceremonial objects.  One woman holds up a staff and a rattle.

The meaning of this card is about participation in group decision-making.  The rattle and staff honor the woman who is speaking, and all the other women listen carefully.  Each speaker is given an opportunity to take part and be listened to.  After each woman has spoken, a decision is reached communally.  Again, there is an emphasis on community and sharing, and non-confrontative ways of living and solving problems.  If you receive this card tilted, it may indicate alienation from the group, or unwillingness to be part of the group process.

Ten of Cups – Ecstasy – Innana’s House of Heaven.  Here, five women of five different races or cultures stand in a pool of water underneath a waterfall, naked and joining hands.  Ten small, golden cups within their circle overflow with water.  Ferns and tropical plants surround the waterfall in a scene reminiscent of the Nine of Cups.  Innana’s House of Heaven was a temple built for the Sumerian goddess Inanna, the goddess of love, war, sexuality, fertility, and many other attributes.  This card is about overwhelming love and ecstasy, passion, joy, and coming together.  It represents a state of grace, exultation, and peace.

Ten of Flames – The Horah.  This card shows ten women dancing in a circle, arms around each other and each carrying a flaming torch.  They all appear in varied clothing, but have dark hair.  This depiction is of a Jewish dance performed at festivals and celebrations, called the Horah.  The women all have a look of pleasure and joy on their faces.  This dance is a celebration of one-ness, and in the suite of fire, represents a synchronization of energies within the community.  All are connected with one another and working toward a common goal, although at the moment they are simply celebrating.  They celebrate overcoming the obstacles of the past, being together, enjoying life, and being part of a community.

Thrysse