Old English Tarot — Старое Английское Таро

МБК значения: Old English Tarot — Старое Английское Таро

A STUDY ON

The Old English Tarot. Minor Arcana By Maggie Kneen
This by Me

Minor Arcana

The Minor Arcana represent everyday, common events. They are also free will cards, meaning that you can change the outcome they speak of in your reading, whether that outcome is good or bad, it can be changed. So if the outcome is good, make sure you stay on your current path, if the outcome is bad, perhaps you should change your plan. 
The suits of the Minor Arcana are related to elements, which ties the cards to astrology. Here you’ll see Fire, Air, Earth and Water. They are also related to the Four Stations of Medieval Life: the peasant class, the ruling class, the merchant class and the clerical (or religious) class. 
The Old English Minor Arcana follows traditional divinatory meanings of the Rider-Waite-Smith school, although they have a «pipped» appearance and have avoided the occult symbolism.

Batons

The suit of batons represents fire, and are related to the Medieval peasant class. They relate well to your job or career.

·Ace of Batons: A well-rooted tree with a little bird perched on its leaves. The other batons are freshly cut wood, this baton is flowering into a tree. 
oUpright: Creation, new beginning, invention, fortune, birth, at the threshold of an exciting experience. Renewed energy and enthusiasm, beginning a new project, ambition, new direction. 
oReversed: Flowering tree top aimed down. False start, cloudy outlook, emptiness. Needing more motivation. Must start over. 

·Two of Batons: A farmer and his two yoked horses are plowing his field. Now all he has to do is wait for crops to grow. He is putting in his work at the beginning of the season, so that he will reap the rewards at harvest. The horses can represent help that can come at the beginning of a project. 
oUpright: New project in its early phases, waiting to see the results of your work. 
oReversed: The farmer looses his horses and the seeds fall out of the ground. He must replant the seeds and get new horses. Sadness, trouble, loss of faith. Back to the beginning, starting over. 

·Three of Batons: Three rabbits are emerging from their rabbit holes. In Medieval art, rabbits often represented fecundity, fertility, pregnancy. They were often depicted as being chased by a predator, but here, they look around and see that they are safe. They can move about freely. Did they build the windmill? It’s certainly their size. Working together, who knows what they could accomplish? 
oUpright: Business acumen, enterprise, undertaking. Security, free forward movement. Help and partnerships, support and cooperation.
oReversed: The rabbits are still together and free, but they are falling away from their holes, and loosing their windmill. They wasted their energy on building the windmill. Ulterior motives, treachery, diminishing adversity. Adverse conditions are too strong. Must once again start back at the beginning. 

·Four of Batons: Four different trees in full bloom, a beautiful peacock and four peachicks gather in a peaceful garden. The planting from the Two of Batons has come into fruition, and the proud peacock raises his little family. 
oUpright: Romance, harmony, peace, prosperity, fruits of labor. Fulfillment of ideals.
oReversed: The peacock is still beautiful, but not so proud upside down. The trees are still blossoming, and rooted well enough to not fall from the ground, but they may loose some leaves. Tarnished beauty, loss of tranquility. Small joys, smaller celebrations. 

·Five of Batons: The same trees that were blooming in the Four of Batons are now being stripped by crows. The lush green grass is gone, leaving barren soil. The peacock and peachicks are gone. The farmer who planted these tress will now face hardship.
oUpright: Struggle, labor, setbacks, unsatisfied desire. Stress, confusion, needing advice. 
oReversed: The crows fall away from the trees, allowing the trees to bloom once again, and grass can grow back. The problem of the crows is solved. Harmony and peace through diplomacy and negotiation rather than violence. Compromise.

·Six of Batons: A woman feeds her chickens amidst a backdrop of growing green crops. Success in growing crops and family life, as seen in the family of chickens. 
oUpright: Triumph, gain, provision, advancement, results of efforts. Good news, happy travels, problems being working out. 
oReversed: the feed and the chickens fall away. The crops are still there, but they’re upside down. Now the woman must take the time to consider her next step. Indefinite delays, fear, apprehension. Lack of opportunities. Weariness, need for rest. 

·Seven of Batons: A man goes through a walk in an orchard, where trees are in full blossom and ripe with fruit – however, a storm is brewing, and a powerful gust of wind shakes leaves and fruit from the trees and the man’s cape swirls around him. But he remains standing and the trees loose only a few leaves and pieces of fruit. 
oUpright: Gain, overcoming challenges and obstacles, success. Strength through adversity, competing interest. Needing courage. Stand your ground. 
oReversed: The fruit and leaves fall back onto their trees. Competition not as strong as originally perceived. Security has returned, storm has passed. Slow progress made. 

·Eight of Batons: Three farmers are reaping a large, healthy harvest. Their work is nearly complete. All elements have come together, bringing them a wonderful bounty, the rest is up to them. 
oUpright: Swift activity, progress, advancement. Successful travels and relationships. Goals within reach. 
oReversed: The crops fall away from the farmers. Dispute, stagnation. Delays. Needing to control anger. Time to slow down before overreacting.

·Nine of Batons: After much backbreaking work, the crops are harvested and secured. The farmers are prepared to face the long, cold winter ahead. They can feed themselves and their animals. Having learned to secure their crops, they’re ready to face whatever the winter has in store for them.
oUpright: Difficulties expected, anticipation, hidden enemies, a temporary break in a struggle. Perserverance, stamina, strength of character.
oReversed: The crops have been harvested and secured, but they are falling away anyway. Delays, barriers to overcome. Mental and/or physical exhaustion. Weakness. Need to rest and recuperate. The desire to take of oneself and others exists, butit is hindered by inability. 

·Ten of Batons:  Two workers struggle bearing an enormous load to market as a family looks on. The two workers are shouldering an enormous burden, but can they handle it? They want to help their friends or family, but may be taking on too much of a burden.
oUpright: Many burdens, excessive pressures, striving, problems to be resolved. Taking on too much. Needing rest and take a break. 
oReversed: The burden is falling away from the farmers. They can let go of the stress and guilt. Release of burdens, relief. Possibly someone trying to unload their burdens on you. 

·Knave of Batons: This young knave stands in a blossoming, green orchard. A large bird is perched in a tree. There are white puffy things growing in the ground. Are these dandelions? Manna? Stars? Napkins? The Knave studies his baton, as if reading a message. Knaves are the messengers in Tarot, and the Knave of Batons, brings good news. 
oUpright: A faithful, loyal young person who may act as an envoy. A trusted friend, or one who bears important news. A child or young person who is a good communicator. A dynamic and enthusiastic youth.
oReversed: Indecision, reluctance, bearer of bad news. Delays in receiving messages. 

·Knight of Batons: The Knight of Batons is young and brave. The baton he carries gives him the power to manifest his goals, and his horse is strong to carry him on his journey. Horses always represent movement in (anything based on the RWS) Tarot. He is enthusiastic and a risk-taker. We again see the napkins growing amongst the green grass. 
oUpright: A young person departing on a journey or advancing into unknown territory. Enthusiasm. Can seem impatient. Generous, adventurous. 
oReversed: The Knight falls from his horse, looses his baton, his horse is lame. Discord, unexpected change, breakup of a relationship. Chaos, jealousy, insecurity. Journey postponed or cancelled. Narrow-mindedness 

·Queen of Batons: A young looking Queen sits on her throne with her crown atop her head and regal, fire-red robes around her. She holds her flowering baton, her symbol of power. Batons are etched into her throne and regal jewels are carved into the pillars behind her.
oUpright: A sympathetic, understanding, loving woman full of charm and grace, and capable of sincerely expressing love. Great strength, action, ambition, honor. A good leader. Enthusiasm and motivation. Good with animals and children.
oReversed: The Queen still clings to her baton of power, but it’s upside down and skewed. Jealousy, infidelity, resistance. Aggression, arrogance, anger. Pushy, bossy. 

·King of Batons: A proud, youthful King sit on his throne, decorated with images of batons and jewels. He wears his gold crown and red robes and hold his flowering baton, which gives him his power. 
oUpright: An honest, educated, conscientious man. A friendly, sympathetic father figure. Enthusiastic, passionate, athletic. A positive outlook. A good leader. “The Country Gentleman.”
oReversed: With his baton upside down, the King lacks confidence. He can seem austere and dogmatic, but he may really only be afraid. Bad temper. Detached, hasty.

Swords

The suit of Swords is associated with the element of Air, and the Medieval ruling class. They related well to the intellect; they also represent struggles and challenges. 

·Ace of Swords: An upright sword pierces through the air and is encircled by a crown of victory. This is a double-edged sword that can cut both ways. The bejeweled sky represents royalty. 
oUpright: Strength, determination, initiative, triumph, power. New beginnings, birth. Courage. 
oReversed: Upside down, this sword is aimed to cut. Tyranny, self-destruction, obstacles. Opposition, arguments. Overly forceful. A warning to be diplomatic. 

·Two of Swords: Two empty encampments are empty of their soldiers. Both are equal. Did they slaughter each other on the battlefield? Run away? Abandon the fight? Maybe they’ve turned their backs on their lieges, or cause they were fighting for. They could both be in their opposing tents, aware of their stalemate, which is causing tension.  
oUpright: Balanced forces, stalemate. Indecision, confusion, delays. 
oReversed: The tents of the encampment fall away, indicating that the armies have moved on. They may have had their fight or finally decided to pack up and move on for good. Forward motion returns. A decision has been made. Freedom to take action may have been regained, but caution is still called for. 

·Three of Swords: A castle on a hill sits in ruin. One can almost picture the three swords jumping down from their positions and stabbing at the castle. It’s been abandoned. 
oUpright: Disappointment, strife, abandonment, dispersion. Heartache, grief, sorrow, loss. Upheaval and stress.
oReversed: The castle falls away, leaving an empty hill. Dissatisfaction, upsets, but of a passing nature. The heartaches are less intense when this card is reversed. 

·Four of Swords: Three knights from opposing armies have put down their weapons to share in a cup of refreshing water or wine. The tents from the Two of Swords are still there – they may have to fight another day, but they are taking a break from the action to get rejuvenated. 
oUpright: Replenishment, rest, rejuvenation, recuperation, seclusion. Convalescence, repose. Contemplation. 
oReversed: The Knights fall away from their table, ready for the next battle or ready to go home. Activity, precautions, attempt to recover losses. Good opportunities that call for care. Upheaval, good or bad, in work or politics; labor problems.

·Five of Swords: Five armed and armored knights attack five unarmed, unarmored people from across a furrow in the land. The unarmed people cower in fear.
oUpright: Conquest, defeat, degradation, facing adversaries. Selfishness, unfair application of power. Slyness, cunning, coercion. 
oReversed: The swords fall away from the knights, putting them on more equal footing with the civilians. But they are still trying to attack civilians. Sneaky behavior, attempts to create conflict. Uncertain outcome causing stress or anxiety. Gossip. 

·Six of Swords: A woman on her fast horse with two dogs speed through an orchard as she prepares to blow her hunting horn. In the Middle Ages, the wealthy were encouraged to hunt with, and to learn to use hounds, hawks and falcons. This was to keep them from idleness and other sins. The woman is rushing off, away from sin.
oUpright: Journey, travel, exploration, overcoming difficulties, success after anxiety. Movement towards goal. Sorrows disappearing. Difficult cycle coming to an end. Healing. 
oReversed:  The woman looses her dogs and horn, her horse is lame – there will be no hunting, no replenishing of the pantry, today. Stagnation, suspension. No movement from a bad situation to a good one. It may be advisable to rethink your plans. 

·Seven of Swords: A knight raises his sword, ready to slay the dragon. But the dragon breathes his fire at the last minute. The knight may have to back up and come up with a cunning new plan.
oUpright: Change of plans, deception, sneakiness. Unreliability.
oReversed: The dragon will be able to fly away and the knight can continue on his way. Dishonesty revealed, what was stolen will be returned, an apology may be forthcoming. 

·Eight of Swords: A man is imprisoned in the middle of his village, but somebody left the keys in the door. He may be too weak or scared to reach through the bars on the window and let himself out. 
oUpright: Imprisonment, crisis, domination, conflict. Helplessness. Fear may be holding you back. 
oReversed: The keys fall out of the door and the prisoner can return to his village. New beginnings, letting go of fear or guilt. Peace can now return. 

·Nine of Swords: The “Nightmare Card.” A man stands bound with fresh kindling beneath him – he is to be burned at the stake! He has been removed from his village to face his torment alone, and his anxiety can be seen. 
oUpright: Misery, suffering, unhappy situation, quarrel. Depression, loss of hope, anxieties. Abandonment, loneliness.
oReversed: The man can fall away from his stake. The nightmare is passing. Traumatic events are passing, healing can begin. Help could come. 

·Ten of Swords: A ship has run into a storm and has been battered and is sinking. There’s no salvation for it. 
oUpright: Ruin, desolation, trouble, sorrow. End of a cycle, loss, war, strife, major trauma. Final conclusion. Hopelessness. 
oReversed: The ship is able to right itself in the water and the storm passes. The cycle of change is complete, and hope is on the horizon. You’ve made it through the storm and healing can begin. Hope can return. 

· Knave of Swords: The Knave stands in a green pasture, studying his sword. A rabbit is bouncing in the background, and a chick looks on. 
· Upright: A perceptive, thoughtful person with tremendous insight. A spy. An active youth. A messenger urges caution, maybe disappointing news. Grace, dexterity, inquisitiveness, communication. 
· Reversed: A messenger bearing truth. Unpredictable behavior or events that usher in a sudden change, but that change will lead to the best results. Inability to keep silent about a truth. 

· Knight of Swords: A knight sits upon his horse, who is raring to go! Passing in front of the King’s outdoor throne, he and his horse are dressed for battle, and impatient to get going. 
· Upright: A brave, forthright young person who rushes ahead with plans and pursues goals ardently. Informs us to stay alert and prepare for coming events. Brings to light a truth, even if it’s painful to hear. Focused, quick-witted. Can seem pushy and impatient.
· Reversed: An upside-down horse means delays, seemingly non-stop. Argumentative, a troublemaker. Difficulty maintaining stamina, strength or mental attitude. A young man who lacks concern for others, someone to avoid as there may be serious problems that he is not willing to discuss. Dishonesty, deception. Caution is advised. 

· Queen of Swords: The Queen sits on a high-backed throne in a room with open windows, showing a cloudy sky outside. She has a simple crown with a gauzy veil and a lily and rosebud gown. She holds her sword upright, representing spirit penetrating matter and informing us with knowledge. 
· Upright: A sharp, quick-witted, perceptive woman. Keen observation skills, good listener. Logical, analytical. Has been through hardships and is stronger for it. Good teacher and communicator.
· Reversed: The Queen will loose her sword when she is upside down. She is perhaps going through a loss and cannot keep her emotions in check any longer. Narrow-mindedness, deceitfulness. An ill-tempered woman. She still had her powers of observation, but in this position she will be judgmental and dogmatic, even bossy.

· King of Swords: The King of the suit of Swords, representing air, is seated outdoors on an elaborate throne that looks like a small castle. We can see the wind blowing as the banners on the throne and the tents flap in the breeze. The King holds his sword upright, like the Queen, meaning spirit penetrating matter. He is ready to inform us with his knowledge. His shoulder pads are the faces of the Urim and Thummim. His red velvet robes symbolize royalty, but he also wears the mail and armor of a knight, indicating that he is ready to go off and fight with his men.
· Upright: A professional, authoritative, controlled man. One who is One who is proficient in his field, highly analytical, and brewing with ideas, plans, and thoughts. He is well-educated and understands the human mind. He deals in logic and reason. He could be a lawyer or judge. He has an excellent memory and is good at recalling statistics and analysis. A good debater. He can appear stern and serious.
· Reversed: The King looses his sword, and the gray skies are the focal point. A cruel man who causes unnecessary upset. Bad attitude, mental exhaustion, stress. Insensitive, severe, opinionated.

Cups

The suit of Cups is associated with the element of water and the Medieval clerical, or religious, class.They primarily represent emotions and relationships.

· Ace of Cups: Aces represent beginnings. Here we have a large cup overflowing with grapes on grape patterned background, which we will see on each card in this suit. The grapes have not yet been turned into wine, representing the beginning of the suit. 
· Upright: Abundance, perfection, joy, fullness, beauty, favorable outlook. The beginning of opening up of the heart. New relationship, new feelings, new spiritual insight and understanding.
· Reversed: The grapes are spilling out, and you could be experiencing a rush of emotions. Heart not as open as it could be towards love or a new relationship. Selfishness, stagnation, moodiness. Unrequited love. 

· Two of Cups: A young man plays a lute. The lute was considered the perfect instrument to accompany any other instrument – its tone was compatible with everything, including voice. The single lute player is awaiting the rest of his band, or is serenading an unseen lover. The lute was associated with romance, and used by serenading minstrels. A stringed instrument represents the ability of music to banish evil. The lute was a «softer» instrument, whose sound was used in Medieval Plays to express celebration, dances and happiness.
· Upright: Love, friendship, partnership, marriage, passion. Understanding, balance, cooperation, sharing. Good partnerships. Letter, gift, happy event on the horizon.
· Reversed: The musician holds onto his lute, but it’s out of tune and losses its compatibility with other instruments. If he’s serenading someone, he won’t be very impressive! False friendships, separation, crossed desires, misunderstanding. Lack of balance, disagreements, stubbornness. Unwillingness to give or compromise. Possessiveness, jealousy. About ready to break-up. Too much passion that must be kept in check. 

· Three of Cups: A young woman plays a tambourine, which was pictured in Medieval art at joyous processions and feasts. She’s inviting us to go celebrate with her!
· Upright: Success, recognition, bounty. Friends, family, food. Talent in the arts, music, design, beauty, or the hospitality industry. Happiness and enjoyment of the good life. 
· Reversed: The maiden struggles to hold onto her tambourine. Excessive pleasure, overabundance, Arguments, poor decisions, sorrow, pain, gossip. Time to get control of oneself, perhaps an apology is in order. 

· Four of Cups: After doing an enormous amount of research on pipes in Medieval art, specifically the Luttrell Psalter, I can find no mention of anybody playing two separate pipes at once and what it may mean. There was a “pipe and tabor,” which involved a single person playing a pipe that was made for one hand, and a tabor, or small drum. This is the closest imagery to this musician. So one must look closely at this picture: the man’s pipes are both made for two hands, yet he insists on playing them both himself. His facial expression appears perhaps leery of help, or an inability to accept help. Perhaps he is ungrateful for his two pipes, when other boys would be happy to have even one.
· Upright: Feeling of being detached from the world and misunderstood. Discontent, lack of concern. Introversion. A bitter experience. Unappreciative, ungratefulness.
· Reversed: The piper will have to loose at least one of his pipes, and give into help, or playing his remaining pipe correctly. Fresh possibilities, new relationships. New motivation, goals, ambitions. Movement in the right direction is beginning, start of a good cycle.

· Five of Cups: Two of the cups are falling out of place, and a man beats the drums of a child, who appears to be trying to get away, or at least stand his ground. The man’s face is expressionless. This may be his only way of expressing himself.
· Upright: Regret, empty relationships, imperfection, incomplete partnership. Emotional loss, difficulty in expressing emotions. Grief, heartache. Disillusionment, regrets, broken dreams. Need to express these emotions.
· Reversed: The man can’t beat the child’s drums so hard. Outlook is improving, hope can return. New alliances, reunion. Increasing energy. Good memories, renewed confidence. New job. Change in plans that will lead to a good outcome. 

· Six of Cups: A young woman with handbells beckons us to her feast. In Medieval times, bells would be baptized and used to ward off evil spirits. They were also used to dispel thunder and lighting and calm storms at sea. They were also used by Christians as the spread the news of the Risen Christ and called people to congregate. The image of this woman is in the Luttrell Psalter, only there she is working a large spinning
wheel. She is wearing the same dress, headscarf, and her arms are in the same position. 
· Upright: Memories, nostalgia, longing, past influences. Someone or something from the past returning. New offer that would come from past connections. Any gift or inheritance will be greater than expected. Family values or family ties.
· Reversed: The ringer can’t keep hold of her bells. Bad memories, disruptive news associated with your past. Delays. Wishing to live in the past. Disappointment relating to family. Needing to let go of outworn ideas.

· Seven of Cups: One young minstrel plays his lute, the other a drum. Which instrument and musician will you choose for your feast? The soft, serenading lute, or a rhythmic, banging drum? Note that this is the only cup card showing two separate musicians complete with their own instruments.
· Upright: Fantasy, imagination, foolish whims. Indecision, too many choices. Stress, confusion. 
· Reversed: One of the musicians will have to loose his instrument, so a choice will be made. Desire, willpower, a well-considered choice. Determination. The right decision is made and you will stay on this course. Commitment to your plan. Things are starting to work out. 

· Eight of Cups: A musician turns his back on his more primeval drums in favor of his more spiritual pipe. The drumsticks are laid neatly across the head, indicating that he cares for his drum and treated it gently, but now he’s piping to his heart’s content. 
· Upright: Abandonment of previous plans, discontinuing a project. Leaving an attachment. Dissatisfied with current conditions and readiness to move on. This card speaks primarily to a spiritual quest, and the leaving behind the material world in search of higher awareness. 
· Reversed: Now the musician is ready to put down the pipe and return to the drum. A desire to live in the physical world. New love interest or condition. Enjoying life, whether that is in love, adventures, travels. Festivity, happiness. Reentering the world after a period of retreat.

· Nine of Cups: A young drummer has tossed aside his sticks and is so happy, he is standing on his head. His wishes have been fulfilled. Drums are used in some cultures to bring blessings, rain or other heavenly favors.
· Upright: Success, abundance, victory, celebration. The “wish” card: according to European Gypsies, if this card appears in your reading, your wish will come true. Material success and security. Happiness. 
·  Reversed: Delay in wish coming true, or coming true in a way other than desired. Lack of money or resources. Overindulgence. 

· Ten of Cups: A crowned harpist sits playing a tune. In Norse mythology, the harp represented a link between Heaven and Earth, and its sound symbolized a quest for happiness.
· Upright: Happy home and family life, pleasure, contentment, love. Happily ever after. Realization of hopes, dreams and desires. New home, new baby, celebration.
· Reversed: The harpist looses his harp. Delays in achieving desired success. Loss of friendship, unhappiness, quarrel. Damage done to reputation, home or family. Physical damage to home. Thoughtless or painful actions from those close to you. Needing patience – time will bring healing. 

· Knave of Cups: A young messenger is in a garden, feeding his ibis and carrier pigeon. White napkins are sprouting up in the green grass. 
· Upright: A studious, reflective person. One who offers help and makes a genuine effort towards a goal. A message concerning romance, help from friends or family. Gentleness, sweetness, kindness, desire to make you happy. Romantic or encouraging letter. Music, poetry, and the arts. News of birth; happy family life. Always a bearer of good news.
· Reversed: The carrier pigeon falls out of the tree. The ibis is lost. No messages arriving, or delays. Plans postponed. Overemotional, moody, brooding, detached, feeling sorry for oneself. Need to communicate with a withdrawn child. 

· Knight of Cups: A handsome young knight sits on his white horse holding his cup, which resembles a trophy. 
· Upright: An attractive young person who puts forth an appeal or an invitation. An opportunity, proposal or advancement arises. Beginning of a romance or falling in love. Skilled in the arts and music. Good understanding of human needs. Heart-centered issue or condition or relationship. A romantic dreamer. 
Needing to look at your deepest feelings.
· Reversed: The knight falls off his horse and the horse is lame. A postponement in an offer or proposal. Turbulence in romance. Not relating well with others. Fear of involvement or commitment. Tired or weary of relationships. Not telling the whole truth. 

· Queen of Cups: The Queen sits on a wide, cushioned throne. She has a more matronly dress than the other Queens, underscoring her nurturing nature. The green leafy patterns on her robes represents nature and fertility.
· Upright: A warm-hearted, fair, visionary, poetic woman who is a good mother, wife and friend. Devoted to matters of the heart. Helpful and concerned. Could be a caretaker, nurse, home-care worker, artist or writer. Talented and imaginative. Sensitive and intuitive. 
· Reversed: The Queen loses her cup. Overworked imagination. Worry and concern about things over which you have no control. Exaggerated emotions and outburst. Still well-meaning, but emotionally unbalanced and turbulent. Overreacting. Needing to meditate before reacting. Secretive and self-deceptive. Needing to harness emotions.

· King of Cups: The King sits on his wide throne, holding his cup and scepter. His robes have leafy patterns representing nature. 
· Upright: A responsible, creative, professional man. An artist; a liberal-minded thinker. Devoted, introspected, kind. Quiet power. Could be a religious leader or counselor; humanitarian work. Interested in art, music, or careers related to the ocean, fishing, nature and the home or environment. Compassionate. He covers his emotional nature with a calm exterior and enjoys working behind the scenes.
· Reversed: The King looses his cup and scepter, which are his emotional powers. His feelings become turbulent. Upheaval and unsteady conditions. No control over home and family. Emotionally volatile environment, lost perspective. Suffering a loss. Moodiness and detachment. Needing to be wise and mature, though you don’t feel up to it. There’s still deep emotions and sensitivity, but inability to handle it. Tendency to become reclusive. Secrecy or shyness.   

Coins

The suit of Coins is related to the element of earth, and the Merchant Class. It has to do with money and the material world. 

· Ace of Coins: A quaint cottage sits in an abundantly growing wheat field. Birds fly around the green trees.  
·  Upright: Beginning of prosperity. Seeking new direction in career or work. Awards, gifts, inheritance. Making slow progress. Can also represent spiritual growth. 
· Reversed: A new beginning that won’t be prosperous; the wrong path. False sense of security. Plans may not materialize. Preoccupation with money. 

· Two of Coins: A small sailing vessel sails over calm waters, carrying two people and twp bundles. (I suspect these bundles are grape seeds as most of this suit revolves around winemaking.) They are enroute to a quaint port town. A gentle wind puffs out the sail just enough to propel the boat. 
· Upright: Maintaining balance between projects. Getting new projects started despite possible difficulties. Don’t let disturbing news throw you or you new start out of balance.
· Reversed: The little boat can’t float upside down, and the people and bundles fall out. It can’t make it to its safe harbor. Finances out of balance, overspending. Spreading yourself too thin. Need to prioritize and get organized. 

· Three of Coins: A farmer inspects his growing vines. He’s happy with the progress as he will be able to reap the rewards of his work once they come in. His harvest promises to be a good one. 
· Upright: Great skill, mastery, artistic ability, perfection. Rewards from work, possibly pay raise or promotion or award. Recognition. Material gain.
· Reversed: The fruit on the vines can’t grow upside down. Trouble in the workplace, lack of equipment to do a good job. Disgruntled workers, mediocre work. Unsafe workplace. Money problems. 

· Four of Coins: Two oxen stand ready to pull a cart full of fruit crops. Behind them is a luxurious palace and a well-tended, lush garden. The Lord of this Manor holds tightly to his possessions. 
· Upright: Security, solid foundation, hard work for financial gain. Good financial judgment, conservative spending. Can indicate an ungenerous nature. 
· Reversed: The cart, goods and oxen fall away. The garden will grow out of control, untended. Setbacks in material holdings. Opposition to security, unforeseen expenses. Overextending finances.

· Five of Coins: Fruit vines dry up and wither in the barren soil. Dead leaves fall to the ground. Nobody is coming to tend the garden. 
· Upright: Material trouble, destitution, loss, error. Unemployment, abandonment. Could also reflect spiritual impoverishment. 
· Reversed: The leaves fall back up to their branches, they can grow again. Reversal of bad trend, new interests. Higher understanding and compassion. Courage and hope return.

· Six of Coins: Gold coins and fruit sit balanced in a scale. Perhaps the fruit is being sold and the farmer is making a profit. Perhaps they are both going to charity. 
· Upright: Generosity, charity, kindness, gifts. Happiness at work, a bonus, raise or promotion. 
· Reversed: The fruit and coins fall away, the scales are no longer balanced. Gifts may still be present, but they aren’t as much as is needed or expected, or there are strings attached. Unfairness, unethical business practices. Bad investments.

· Seven of Coins: A farmer rests on the ground counting berries he’s produced in his fertile garden. A lovely manor house sits in the background. There’s a couple of crows trying to make off with some berries, but probably can’t do much damaged to the overflowing bushel baskets. 
· Upright: Ingenuity, growth, progress, monetary gain, good results from work. Good investments, accomplishments. Yet there are still some finishing touches you’ll need to finish the project completely – to keep those crows away! Could also indicate some frustration that there’s yet more to complete, but overall the project is going well.
· Reversed: The crows make off with the baskets and the few berries the farmer has out on the ground fall away, too. Loss of money, bad investment. Failure due to circumstances beyond your control. 

· Eight of Coins: Two wine pitchers sit before a barrel, in which wine is being produced. Two bowls have some samples, and two bunches of grapes decorate the floor, showing the stages of wine production. 
· Upright: Apprenticeship, craftsmanship, learning, effort, handiwork. Talent, productivity. Profit, recognition.
· Reversed: The barrel is leaking and the pitchers loose their contents. The grapes fall away. Slow down at work, labor disputes. Mediocre work and/or workplace. Maybe its time to look for a new job or go back to school.

· Nine of Coins: A Lord and Lady sit in their banquet hall beneath wreaths of celebration, drinking the wine that they’ve been working on through most of this suit. They are certainly please with the final product and profit that’s come from it. 
· Upright: Accomplishment, foresight, prudence, material well-being, love of nature. Security, stability, independence, self-mastery. Connection to nature in that they are enjoying the literal fruits of their labor.
· Reversed: The wreaths fall off the walls and the wine pours from the glasses. Insecurity, restrictions, fear of loss. Financial dependence. Caution advised in investments and spending. Upset with home environment or financial state.

· Ten of Coins: This card shows a Lord and Lady at a full table, with wine, grapes, food, candles and utensils, which were only available to the wealthy in Medieval times. There are crested shields on the wall, a symbol of victory. The Lord and Lady are congratulating each other in a toast. The hunting hounds even get a rest!
· Upright: Prosperity, riches, security, safety, family matters, inheritance. Achievement, accomplishment, success. Happy retirement and home life. Comfort. 
· Reversed: All the bounty falls off the table. The dogs can’t hunt! Poor risk, robbery, loss of inheritance, gambling. Misfortune. Squandering finances, poor management. Can lead to legal issues.

· Knave of Coins: A young messenger studies the coin in his hand. 
· Upright: A young scholar who is dedicated to learning and developing new ideas. Deep concentration and reflection. Learning practical things. Careful and cautious. Bears good news about a job or material rewards. 
· Reversed: Delays in receiving news. Rebellious and unreliable youth. Procrastination, lack of motivation. Moodiness and withdrawal. Love of luxury but refusal to work for it. 

· Knight of Coins: A young knight carries a staff and a shield with a coin engraved in the center. 
· Upright: A responsible, reliable, methodical person. An organized person with the ability to see a project through to the end. A solid and stable person, good with children and animals. Heralds good news about material gain.
· Reversed: Upside-down horses mean impeded progress. Stagnation, carelessness, lack of determination or direction. Loner of the Tarot. Moodiness and withdrawal. A malcontent. From the school of hard knocks. 

· Queen of Coins: The Queen sits on her comfortable throne, beneath an archway decorated with a leafy design. She has simple robes and a simple crown.
· Upright: A gracious, prosperous and generous soul. A woman who can juggle career and raising children. Responsible, reliable, productive. Quiet, responsive to others, easy-going. An “Earth Mother” type.
· Reversed: With her coin and staff falling away, she is insecure about her finances. Suspicion, false prosperity, responsibilities neglected. Moody, needy, manipulative. Had hard financial time, and probably more to come. 

· King of Coins: The King sit son his comfortable throne, casually holding a coin, his symbol of power, in his lap. He wears a purple velvet cape, meaning royalty. Over his throne is an arch decorated with a leafy design engraving.
· Upright: An experienced, successful leader who is respected for his business acumen, loyalty and wisdom. Friendly, kind, generous, thoughtful, and industrious. A kindly father, prosperous businessman, devoted family man.
· Reversed: The King is loosing his coin! He still wants security and luxury but isn’t willing or able to work for it. Stubborn, materialistic, a “spender.” Can be bought. Corruption, avarice, peril, ruthlessness.