Fairy Tarot - Ten of Acorns
Artwork: Antonio Lupatelli (Major Arcana, Aces & Courts), Richard Doyle (pip cards)
Book: Helene and Doris Saltarini
Publisher: Lo Scarabeo

In the Fairy Tarot, Wands have been replaced by Acorns, and are associated with the Element of Air. Ten acorns are arranged pip-style on the upper half of the card. A blonde pixie with a blue hooded cape faces off with a ladybug as big as he is. He’s smiling at his discovery, but his eyes hold a hint of mischief.

Excerpts from the book:
“The trials of winter are over, that period of worry and discomfort. The Fairies can begin laughing and joking again, carefree with their friends in the enchanted forest. … They know that they have left hard times behind and can begin to hope positively again for the future.”

Card upright: success assured; hope that is realized; ideas that bear fruit; sure recovery from a serious illness.

Reversed: do not be impatient! Wait a few more beats and then you can sing with joy.

My take on it:
The boy’s tossed off his winter hood, and perhaps sees his new bug friend as a sign that warmer weather is here to stay. The message is far more cheerful here than in many other decks, focusing on the ten’s role as the end of one cycle and beginning of the next. (Most decks seem to stop short, at the peak of activity, neglecting to move beyond it.)

Tracy Hite