The Fool
The Magician
The High Priestess
The Empress
The Emperor
The Heirophant
The Lovers
The Chariot
2 - The Fool
The Fool represents a clean slate, the birth of something new, the feeling of being unburdened (for better or worse) by past experience. When reading the Fool, it's important to remember that many of the weights we carry are carried by choice, and that we can simply decide to shed them and be free. Alternately, we can reflect on why we choose to carry these weights, and what they truly mean to us, in order to better appreciate the things we refuse to abandon.
In my vision of the Fool, there is ambiguity - is the small figure climbing into the nest, or climbing out of it? Are they very small, or is the nest very large? The eggs are larger than the Fool is, leading the reader to wonder what might develop in the future when they hatch, and whether the Fool might be making a mistake here.
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1 - The Magician
The Magician represents mastery over our own energy, and the energy of the world. It is a card of high competence, ambition, and motivation, and invites the reader to reconsider their place in the world with a higher view of themself.
The Magician is depicted here as a raven, one of the world's tool-using creatures He dances with fire to demonstrate his control over the elements, and his flames illuminate the space around him. He's based on my experience watching fire dancers at music festivals, the sheer awe and spectacle they bring.
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2 - The High Priestess
The Priestess represents the hidden parts of the world, and a teach figure who can help us come to understand our true self. When she comes up in a reading, it's important to ask yourself: what is she trying to teach you and why is this a secret from your conscious mind?
In my vision of the High Priestess, she is a fortuneteller like myself, willing to offer spiritual guidance to people who approach her for help. The crystal ball is a classic symbol of sight beyond the normal! I made her a rabbit to evoke the idea of "falling down a rabbit hole", the idea that she can guide you down a path that leads somewhere wild and mysterious.
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3 - The Empress
The Empress represents love and the world's lovely things, the ability to love others and be loved in return, and the comfort and joy that comes from spoiling those dearest to you. She's a card of family and happiness.
The Empress is a honeybee because I feel like the gift honeybees give the world is priceless beyond measure. The sweetness of the Empress is highlighted here, as is her appreciation for beauty - who loves flowers more than the bees, after all? This Empress calls you to revel in the fruits of the world's wonders.
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4 - The Emperor
The Emperor represents worldly control and authority, a figure who can be relied on to keep things orderly and working smoothly. He may be calling on you to take charge of your life, or to pay attention to the structures of rule around you.
I made him an ox because I feel like oxen represent the slow, steady, powerful confidence of this card. He's showing you the view from the top, the sight of his domain, which you can only achieve through steady hard work and endurance.
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5 - The Heirophant
The Heirophant represents a keeper of institutional knowledge, a community leader invested in passing down wisdom to the next generation. You might be part of the new generation, or the card may be calling on you to take on a mentorship role.
Keys are a traditional symbol of the Heirophant, and I wanted to put the viewer in the point of view role (as I do often in the suit of Coins), reaching for the keys. The Heirophant gives knowledge to people with the respect to ask, which means the viewer needs to be proactive.
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6 - The Lovers
The Lovers represent peace and harmony in our relationships with others, especially in romantic relationships. They may be asking you to make an important choice, or to reflect on the joy your loved ones bring to your life.
I love pigeons, I just think they're the cutest especially when they're all snuggled up with their feathers puffed out against the cold. Adorable. The birds are safe to relax like this because the humans are gently supporting them - which do you think you are, when you look at this card?
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7 - The Chariot
The Chariot represents the power to move forward and take charge of your life, the willpower and your ability to use that willpower to make the future you want for yourself. The lesson of the Chariot is often one of using your resources wisely.
I also love horses. I was a big "horse girl" as a kid, even though it turns out I'm deathly allergic to them! This card depicts the point of view from horseback as the viewer rides "off into the sunset", emphasizing the triumphant nature of the Chariot.
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