I’m still super busy, but I did find time to at least get started on the suit of Spades. I was hoping that I might get some down-time over Thanksgiving, but I doubt that will happen, since I will be travelling out of state to visit family and it looks like I’ll probably be helping one of my sisters move too. So much for a relaxing holiday at home – at least I enjoy visiting family, so I’ll still be having a good time. I just won’t be getting any work done on my many personal projects. And if I don’t post again for awhile (I sense a New Year’s Resolution coming on) I hope your Thanksgiving Holiday is wonderful! Now, on with the translation! Oh, and as always anything in [ brackets ] is my own commentary/observation.
Ace of Spades [Group: The Zodiac]
This card represents papers concerning contracts, legal documents, or transactions. It indicates legal problems playing out poorly.
The Letter T
Represents: Confusion, Hypersensitivity, Emotional
Floral Arrangement: Sweet Peas
Interpretation: Being very nostalgic at the moment, you become very mushy and a bit romantic. Allow yourself to be guided by your emotions to reconnect with your roots.
Large Subject: Jupiter[Zeus], in the form of a bull, carries Europa [across the Black Sea].
Interpretation: This card represents night, much like the ten of spades. It encourages you, more than anything else to follow your fanciful impulses. Beware, however, the risk of slander, your image could be damaged.
Bottom Right Subject: A man alone sits at a table with a drink in hand.
Interpretation: You need to change your health habits or your way of life. Respect your body and take care not to fall into excess. Don’t look to follow the pace of others, instead stick to following your own [pace/rhythm].
Bottom Left Subject: A suspicious woman in her doorway.
Interpretation: Don’t waste neither your time nor your strength in a commitment that only risks bringing disagreements and harm to your profession. Before saying yes to any matter whatsoever, study it with great care.
Constellation: The Belltower/Steeple [No modern equivalent]
Interpretation: It announces a successful getaway.
Overall Interpretation of the Card
Like Europa, seduced by the beauty of Jupiter[Zeus], you will be seduced by encounters, or unexpected and tempting propositions. If you can correctly protect yourself against minor problems, you can hope to benefit from some opportunities.
2 of Spades [Group: The Trojan War]
This card represents opposition and separation. It announces changes after a period of pessimism. Hope still remains.
The Letter U
Represents: Obstinance, Idealism, Utopia
Floral Arrangement Gooseberry & Houseleek [ Houseleek? I don’t see anything like a houseleek in that illustration? ]
Interpretation: There’s a strong chance that your circle of friends is growing, but be careful, sort well those persons who quickly offer their friendship.
Large Subject: The Greek Princes ready to avenge Menelaus, go to consult with Calchas.
Interpretation: You cannot settle your problems without the advise or council of a competent person. Moreover, do not seek to settle your affairs all alone, it would be a disaster.
Bottom Right Subject: A coat of arms
Interpretation: Significant conflicts are looming on the horizon, you will be obliged to defend yourself to stop them in time. You will be in a period where you will suffer hostilities breaking out against you.
Bottom Left Subject: The ashes of King Laomedon burn in an urn.
Interpretation: You must be extra careful in your friendships or professional relationships. Do not allow anything to happen that threatens good relations with your immediate surroundings. In time, things will return to normal.
Constellation: Castor
Interpretation: It brings a lucky omen.
Overall Interpretation of the Card
Like the Greeks who decided to consult with a prophet before acting, you can also seek a person to ask, either to guide you or to give you simple advice. This way, actions you take will always be at some distance from difficulty.
3 of Spades [Group: The Unseen]
This card represents a danger to your financial or emotional stability. It’s important for you to be wary of an intruder or newcomer in your relationships.
The Letter U
Represents: Dedication & Comprehension
Floral Arrangement: Laurel, Boxwood, Papyrus
Interpretation: You truly need to slow down the pace, a one year sabbatical would be welcome. Therefore, give yourself a little time to rediscover sources of inspiration.
Large Subject: The three fates: Clotho, Lachesis, turn and measure the thread while Atropos prepares to cut it.
Interpretation: This card recommends caution in all areas; emotional, professional, and social. Health is also affected, and it should be closely monitored. This is a very bad time for material affairs.
Bottom Right Subject: Atropos cuts the thread.
Interpretation: You surely want to change everything now. In every way, a radical change is needed, a 180 degree about-face. This is the only way for you to find peace and quiet.
Bottom Left Subject: Lachesis measures the thread.
Interpretation: This subject symbolizes a long life. It is certain that life will be peaceful and tranquil for you. Nothing will disturb or bother you in your daily habits. Enjoy life!
Constellation: Canis Minor (The small dog)
Interpretation: It represents foresight in all forms.
Overall Interpretation of the Card
Like the three fates who quietly weave the course of time, you must learn to accept life as it is. Enjoy the good times, but also learn to face difficult times. Accept the joys, the pains, the failures & success.
4 of Spades [Group: The Unseen]
This card represents an impasse, frustration affecting family life and professed love. The situation is blocked for now.
The Letter Q
Represents: Impetuousness, Carelessness, Fearlessness
Floral Arrangement: Perennial & Annual Sunflowers [they don’t look like sunflowers to me]
Interpretation: Do not be taken advantage of through flattery. Instead look to strengthen your assets in the company of solid, sincere people.
Large Subject: Juno (Hera) disguised as an old woman, has just persuaded Semele to make Jupiter (Zeus) reveal himself to her.
Interpretation: Someone close to you will purposely lead you astray or give you bad advice. People are lying to you for their own interests or jealousy, be careful not to fall into their trap.
Bottom Right Subject: Jupiter, as lightning, falls on Semele while she sleeps.
Interpretation: You need to beware that the wickedness of some people does not descend upon yourself. As the saying goes, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Remain distant from all quarrels or disputes.
Bottom Left Subject: A child sets fire to a bale of straw.
Interpretation: You do not need to be jealous of others. Your behavior is pointless and overall it frankly lacks discretion. The way you’re acting will not bring you any good, so don’t go blaming your friends or family.
Constellation: Piscis Austrinus (The Southern Fish)
Interpretation: It announces a rival finally defeated.
Overall Interpretation of the Card
Just like the jealousy that pushes Juno to give bad advice to Semele, you must beware of those around you. Even if their reasons are entirely honorable, some people might be taking advantage of you. For your part, remember not to fall into jealousy.
Thank you Lemegeton 🙂 I have so enjoyed reading your translations and experimenting with the cards. I’ve read cards for many years, but these really fascinate me. They have proven quite accurate.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family, and safe travels!
Hello, Lemegeton. Thought you might want to see that I featured some of your Tarot music on my Tarot Card Facebook page today. http://www.facebook.com/TarotCardReaderAngelaLucy
Grand Lenormand translation is amazing. Keep on working. Many thanks for these.
Thank you for all your work on these fascinating cards.