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	The MidSea Tarot
	© 2005 Jefferson Wilson and Andrew Janssen Concept & Interpretation: Jefferson Wilson\n" ?> Artwork: Andrew Janssen\n" ?>	Related Links: About the MidSea Tarot The World of Celandra Exquaestio Glyphica Arcana
	The MidSea Tarot was created for the fictional world of Celandra and is presented for entertainment purposes only.

Interpretation

Learning any Tarot is not simply a matter of memorizing given meanings for the cards. Learning the Tarot is process like learning a foreign foreign language or learning to read music. To speak or read fluently is to go "beyond" the simple meanings of words or music symbols. To interpret the Tarot fluently you should be aware of the underlying meanings of the cards, for which the given meanings are simply a label or close match. You must acquire the "grammar" of the Tarot, how the different cards relate, along with the "vocabulary" of each card's meaning. With only 81 "words" the language of the tarot is extremely flexible, and much meaning lies in their relation.

Above all, you should be aware that learning the Tarot is a process. Your interpretations are subject to your own limitations. (Which is the main reason why the rohain are not permitted to do divinations for themselves.)

In general, the cards in an upright position should be interpreted positively. Reversed cards are interpreted negatively. However, even upright cards still carry the negative meanings.

The Ephemera

Though not as exciting or attractive as the Persona or Arcana, The Ephemera outnumber the other cards and are the foundation of this Tarot. The suits move in their own cycles. From the potential of each suit in The Seeds, the suits rise and fall, eventually returning to where each began.

The Suits and The Seeds

Each Seed card represents the potentials, the root or heart of its suit. The corresponding month is the last month of winter (March) when the potential for new growth is in the air, but not begun. The Seed is the empty but fertile womb or the field before planting.

The suit of flowers is one of life and growth. It's concerns are earthy -- health and physical welfare. The Seed of Flowers is identified with Nature in all its glory and decay.

Cups is the suit of the emotion and belief. As flexible as water, as permanent as the tide, the cups also demonstrate stability, for no one can plow a furrow in the ocean. As government relies on consent and belief by the governed, cups is also the suit of government and rule. The Seed of Cups is labeled Faith; as the root of all things that can't be proven.

The concerns of the suit of ships are diffuse but show pattern. This suit is also known as birds, winds, or kites. Mainly intellectual, the suit is also concerned with commerce. Perception is the Seed of Ships, as without without perception there can be no rational agreement. (The Seed of Ships is often symbolized by an eye.)

The suit of lamps is connected to power, accomplishment, and change. "Fire is good ally and a terrible enemy." The Seed of Lamps is labeled Inspiration as the root of change and power. (The Seed of Lamps usually shows intertwined bolts or a ball of Lightning.)

The Ones

The Ones correspond to the first month of spring (April) and the child in the womb. The potential found in the Seeds has begun to germinate. The Ones are weak, with a great deal of growing still to do.

The One of Flowers is the germination of the physical world, typically representing growth or the beginnings of action. (This card is often represented by a seedling.)

In The One of Cups the potentials of the Seed of Cups begin to be realized. Thus this card represents feelings, hunches, and first impressions. (This card is often portrays a heart.)

From the essence of the Seed of Ships the first focus is found in the One of Ships. Thus, this card represents focus, thought, or concentration. (This card typically bears a pen.)

The One of Lamps kindles it's suit. It is time, duration, and change itself -- a reminder that without change there is no time. (The card display a single torch.)

The Ones may represent a call or command: flowers to action (Do!), cups to emotion (Feel!), ships to thought (Think!), lamps to existence (Be!).

The Twos

The Twos correspond to the second month of spring (May) and infancy. The easy germination of the ones is now over, and in the twos there is opposition to be overcome. The twos contain elements of aid as well as opposition and are indicative or danger or warning.

The Two of Flowers represent the opposition and assistance of the physical world, typically identified with physical Force.

In the Two of Cups we find the opposition of emotions: Hatred and its variants.

For the Two of Ships, perception and intellect are no so much opposed as unexplained. Thus, this card represents Questions or Ignorance. (The Two of Ships often displays a key.)

The inspiration of the One of Lamps meets poverty, incapacity, or incapability in The Two of Lamps. Great capacities come to nothing when met with lack of resources.

The Threes

The Threes correspond to the third month of spring (June) and the toddler or weanling period. The Threes signal the end of the simplicity of the Twos and the first quarter of their cycle. No longer a matter of strength against strength, the Threes work both and against their opposition and include aspects of decision and trial.

Dealing with the physical world, the Three of Flowers typically represents physical labor or Work. (The card usually includes a plow.)

In the realm of emotions and belief, the Three of Cups indicates reconciliation and emotional ties or Love. (A bridge is often shown on the card.)

Effort separates the Three of Ships from the previous cards. For matters of perception and thought this means Analysis.

The poverty of the Two of Lamps turns to Realization of both problem and solution in the Three.

The Fours

The Fours correspond to the first month of summer (July) and the childhood learning period. In spite of the effort embodied in the Threes, something is missing. The Fours do not represent the outside obstacles of the Twos, but internal obstacles -- a falling short of the high point or goals of the cycle involved. They represent both continuing to the ultimate and the recognition that the original goal is not possible. The Fours also imply a lack of balance and a need for other principles to supplement those of its own cycle.

The Four of Flowers, dealing with the physical, embodies physical harm: Injury and Disease. This is harm not only on the individual level but to groups and nature itself, thus this is also the card of Pollution.

In the Four of Cups we discover that emotion and faith are not enough and thus represents Doubt. (The card often depicts a labyrinth or maze.)

In the cycle of perception and intelligence the Four of Ships represents Errors and Mistakes, but also indicates that errors also teach and paths leading nowhere can be restarted. (The ships displayed on this card are often broken or damaged.)

The clarity of magic and spirit in the Three of Lamps fails in the Four of Lamps -- identified as Error. This card also indicates problems which cannot be solved simply by inspiration, more is required.

The Fives

The Fives correspond to the second month of summer (August) and adolesence. These cards are difficult to define, holding obscurities and many aspects. In one sense the Fives indicate lies, deceptions, and a turning away from their cycle. In that sense they may also represent temptation and an overreliance on their cycle (though not in the same sense as the Eights). In another sense they are the attempt to try many paths to solve the difficulties presented by the Fours.

In the Five of Flowers are deceptions a physical nature. These may be temptations that no actions are required (Stasis) or desires for as many experiances as possible.

The Five of Cups warns about attributing individual desires and emotions beyond the individual. It may represent Complacence, a personal satisfaction that others do not share, or a loss of self in the emotions and desires of others.

As shown in the Five of Ships, logic is no bar to deliberate deception or Lies. In this card perceptions are confused or unreliable and thought stymied by too many options or too little knowledge.

The common definition of the Five of Lamps is Illusion, both internal and imposed. However, that simple term probably obscures more than it reveals. The underlying definition cannot be easily stated in this language and is better approached through an understanding of the other Fives and its position in the suit of Lamps.

The Sixes

From its origin in the Seeds each suit finds culmination in the Sixes, which divide the second and third quarters of the cycle. The Sixes correspond to the third month of summer (September) and early adulthood and represent the triumph or fruiting of the suit.

The Six of Flowers is identified with the triumph of the physical world, representing Abundance and Harvest. (This card often displays a cornucopia.)

In the Six of Cups is the fruiting of faith or emotion -- representing Courage or Excitement.

Perception and thought culminate in the Six of Ships -- often interpreted as Success. (One or more kites are often seen on this card.)

Inspiration and spirit reach their zenith in the Six of Lamps. This card can represent infinite possibilities or just the ultimate Generosity of the suit.

The Sevens

In the Sevens the possibilities of the Sixes are limited. Certain paths are excluded and choices are made that cannot be unmade. The Sevens look to stability and the familiar instead of change and experience. They also deal with surfeit -- too much of their aspect. The sevens correspond to the first month of autumn (October) and parenthood.

Dealing with the physical world, the Seven of Flowers tempers the abundance of the sixes. In Temperance the useful is kept and the undesired discarded. Reversed, the card may indicate greed or a similar overreliance on physical desires.

In the Seven of Cups faith becomes dedicated. There are limits to all things and some things fall away to achieve what may be done. Reversed, the Seven of Cups indicates Disappointment and lack of focus.

Success achieved, thoughts must be shared to be meaningful. The Seven of Ships stands for the Communication and charity needed to share ideas with others. Reversed, the card may indicate distraction or miserliness.

The Seven of Lamps represents decision from all possibilities -- Choice itself. Reversed, the card indicates indecision or a refusal or an incapacity to choose.

The Eights

In the eights we find the passing of strength and abundance and the rise of skill and experience. The Eights correspond to the second month of autumn (November) and patriarchy or matriarchy over an extended family.

The Eight of Flowers is Maturity, the planning that puts away the objects of nature for later use. Reversed, it is the overuse of the objects of nature, often interpreted as Gluttony. (This card commonly diplays a feast.)

Faith and emotion may have faded, but is still strong, and both Humility and Pride are found in the Eight of Cups. (A crown is often shown on this card.)

Experience and accomplishment are indicated by the Eight of Ships, but the card may also indicate an tendency to sloth, to "rest on your laurels." (A reflection or mirror is often a part of this card.)

While the original inspiration lies far in the past, the Eight of Lamps deals with Dedication and the spirit needed to stay the charted course. In the reversed card, frustration of spirit may lead to cruelty.

The Nines

In the Nines, the essence of each suit still survives, but is sadly weakened. Things that were once ordinary become extraordinary, and things once extraordinary become impossible. These cards correspond to the third month of autumn (December) and the fading capacities of age.

Physical Loss is the focus of the Nine of Flowers. (The flowers in this card often flank a broken gate.)

With loss of capacity comes the need to look after your own needs. Often interpreted as Selfishness, the Nine of Cups is far broader than the simple negatives of that term. (The cups in this card have narrow mouths, often resembling bottles more than goblets.)

The fading of thought and perception into stasis removes energy and adds danger. Often interpreted as boredom, a better interpretation of the Nine of Ships is Caution.

Inspiration can find no purchase in the Nine of Lamps. Indifference becomes the rule.

The Tens

In the tens the essence of each suit turns against itself. The tens are not whole, but disjointed and contested. The Tens correspond to the first month of winter (January) and senility or second childhood.

Life feeds on life and hunger, Starvation, and famine lie in the Ten of Flowers.

Faith freezes into Dogma unalloyed by choice or cheer in the Ten of Cups.

Thought and perception are countered by willing Stupidity in the Ten of Ships.

In the Ten of Lamp inspiration is used against itself for ill purposes, creating ugliness and Dissonance.

The Elevens

The essence of each suit diminishes to nothing in the elevens, but this is not a final end, but an opening which will permit growth from the seeds. The Elevens correspond to the second month of winter (February) and death in its season.

Nature fades into Rest, renewal, and death in the Eleven of Flowers, and will rise again in the One of Flowers.

Unbelief and heresy result from fading faith in the Eleven of Cups.

With the Eleven of Ships thought and perception fade into darkness and Bestiality. This darkness is not just physical, but a lack of mental capacity or destruction of knowledge.

The failure of inspiration and spirit lead to Madness and contradiction in the Eleven of Lamps.

The Persona

Though like the ephemera in showing change and movement, the persona do not cycle; they have a beginning, a middle, and an end. These cards can be read as a story or journey. They deal with peoples' experience and experiences and how they choose, interact, and relate.

Though listed first, The Child (chi) truly stands outside the rest of the persona, coming before, after, and between. The second to eighth cards, The Princess (alpha) through The Minstrel (eta), are emblematic of the problems and enthusiasms of youth. The next six cards, The Gardener (theta) through The Priest (nu), are significant of the tasks of maturity. The final six cards, The Hero (omicron) through The Eerith (Omega), deal with the mystical and holy aspects of life and experience often associated with age. In truth, however, the path through the persona is not fixed. Each person encounters the stage of life represented by a card in a pattern suited to his own story.

On a deeper level the card represents the unknown -- the potential that anything may come to pass and we cannot know the future. The future may be good or bad, and there is need for change, but that need is unfulfilled, not yet directed into preparation. Unpredictable changes will come, and possibilities to deal with them should not be blocked or closed off.

In the story of life The Child is birth and childhood. It is the field before it is plowed, the lesson before it is taught.

In combination with The Shadow, The Child can indicate the goddess Demerhaze.

The child is dark of skin and bright of hair. She dances barefoot and smiling beneath a pre-dawn sky at the edge of a precipice with no roads in sight. Untamed and free, she wears or holds the key to open any lock. Toys, including a puppet, may lie discarded. She may appear with an animal -- a bird sitting on a free hand or a dog parnerting her dance.

On a deeper level The Princess represents potential. Equal parts innocence and arrogance, she turns weakness into a virtue with the first tentative, but necessary, steps to accomplishment. The Princess, unformed as she is, is also of great worth to those who wish to shape her. She is the fertile ground from which growth and wealth may come.

In the story of life The Princess represents the first decisions. Though without the unlimited possibilities of The Child and lacking the strengths of later Persona, The Princess has chosen and will choose again.

The Princess appears dressed in finery and weighted down with jewelry and tools. Though she may appear confined, a road appears on the image and there are no barriers to her departure.

On a deeper level The Rebel indicates individuality. The Rebel distinguishes himself from others. Unfortunately The Rebel cannot distinguish between necessary and unnecessary things and may deny truths or destroy what's needed.

In the story of life The Rebel is the desire for change and the realization that nothing new can come into existence unless the old makes way for it.

The Rebel and The Noble are very much opposing forces.

The Rebel stands in the dawn's light. He has broken his chains, but is not free of them. In one hand he bears an instrument of destruction, while the other bears a shield too small to stand against the trials to come.

On a deeper level The Warrior represents commitment. Though still a card of youth and idealism, The Warrior has greater clarity than The Rebel and works to build instead of simply tearing down. His relations and actions tend to be oversimplified, and he does not readily question or reassess. While concerned with others, The Warrior sees them primarily in their effects on himself and his tasks. Still, The Warrior can be highly effective within his limits. When The Warrior cannot act he may strike out in sheer anger and frustration.

In the story of life The Warrior has escaped the mindless destruction of The Rebel in dedication to an ideal. However, The Warrior remains limited in focus and lacks understanding and experience. He is capable and may understand himself, but lacks patience and an understanding of others.

The Warrior, when appearing with The Swords, signifies Halata, the Tana War God.

Under a morning sky The Warrior stands on a pinnacle overlooking a battlefied, ready to throw himself back into the fray. In his hands he holds the instruments of this conflict while at his back rises the standard of his cause. His dress is not fine or expensive, but will provide good service. At his feet lie the broken enemies of his cause or their ruined symbols.

The Peddler (also called The Gossip, The Diplomat, and The Politician) signifies a person who makes his living by talking or convincing other people of things. The card deals with tasks which need selling, or where cooperation is needed. The Peddler relates to others through gift and exchange -- whether by word, physical or mystical effort, or goods.

On a deeper level, The Peddler warns that nothing is free. The nature and significance of The Peddlar's price is to be found in other cards, however, not The Peddler by itself. The price may be mininscule or horrendous.

In the story of life The Peddler has opened himself up to the needs and attitudes of others. However, The Peddler is still mainly interested in his own goals and feels that he can bargain his way out of difficulty.

Combined with The Shadow, The Peddler can indicate treachery. A reversed Peddler and a reversed Shadow indicate a "bargain" to be avoided.

Beneath a clear sky the smiling Peddler stands on road showing neither source nor destination. In one hand he holds an object of interest who's real value cannot be estimated. His other hand is hidden, tucked into a pocket or behind his back. At his feet lies a bag, box, or pack which is slightly opened, but who's contents cannot be distinguished. On his belt are symbols of exchange (money) and speech. Some cards show a dangerous but quiescent animal ready to either attack the Peddler or defend him.

On a deeper level The Noble indicates history and stablity, the opposite extreme of The Rebel. As The Rebel may destroy things which should be preserved, so The Noble may preserve things which should be destroyed. Representing agreement and law, oppression and precedence the card does not represent status, leadership, or "nobility."

In the story of life The Noble has learned too well the ways of the world. Fully embracing things as they are The Noble may forget that change can make things better.

Reversed, this card often indicates a rule who's form has become more important than its intention. In combination with The Shadow, the Noble can represent the corruption of good-intentioned rules or rulers to evil ends.

Seated upon a dias or behind a raised platform a richly dressed person appears to ignore the symbols of authority before and beside him. Symbols of wealth and power can be seen behind him. A road may be seen through a window, but appears distant and unreachable.

The Hermit is a person who is isolated or separated from others. It indicates tasks where much thought is required or which will separate a person from the people and things he knows. The card also represents depression and dealings of separation and denial.

On a deeper level The Hermit symbolizes rejection or withdrawal in the pursuit of an ideal. A reversed Hermit may indicate a false pursuit, but may also indicate a pursuit harmful to others, or a good goal with invalid or insufficient reasons. Sacrifice can be associated with this card, but is more associated with The Hero.

In the story of life The Hermit has rejected the world mastered by The Noble, but lost purpose is so doing. No longer focused on the outside world The Hermit seeks within himself for meaning and purpose.

Seated in a natural cave without door or bar The Hermit is unkempt and shown blindfolded or with his back to the viewer. He or she has only the most basic of possessions. A path leads up to the cave, but The Hermit ignores it. If the sky is shown it will be cloudy or even raining.

On a deeper level The Minstrel represents inner meaning. True art cannot be handled or preserved, but it exists and will awaken those who heed it. The Minstrel deals with the underlying meanings of things, both pleasurable and painful, and neither embraces nor rejects the world. The Minstrel is the rest at midday. Reversed, The Minstrel can indicate manipulation for ill purposes or lies which cannot be proven.

In the story of life The Minstrel has found the internal meaning sought by The Hermit and now seeks to bring meaning to others. Though apparently frivolous, The Minstrel shows the strength and truth hidden in minor and frivolous things. Still, The Minstrel's truths may make others uncomfortable, and so the Minstrel is a wanderer who has not yet found a home.

Beneath a clear sky The Minstrel strides a road. In his hands are the instruments of his art, and above him a raptor flies free. His dress is neither rich nor poor, neither plain nor gaudy.

On a deeper level The Gardener indicates acceptance. Hers is the typically thankless work and preparation that will make things happen; work that cannot be accomplished without knowledge and understanding of herself and the world.

In the story of life The Gardener is the first mature persona. She has accepted all that has gone before, balanced her conflicting impulses, and is making a place for herself.

The often pregnant gardener is pictured kneeling on fertile soil. Gardening tools are in her hands as she tends the first sprouts of plants in front of her. Beyond the field she tends there is greenery on all sides.

On a deeper level The Craftsman indicates creativity. He doesn't just tend to things, he creates tools to make his job easier, and may represent the ability of a person or people to solve problems unaided.

In the story of life The Craftsman has make a place for himself, and now seeks to make that place better.

The Craftsman is seen indoors, bearing tools to shape what is before him. His clothing is protective in nature and symbols of measurement can be seen at his belt or upon his work area.

On a deeper level The Guardian indicates devotion. He is neither immortal nor overcome with feeling, but chooses his course in full knowledge of the possible cost. The Guardian stands at a border, and if he assures that none pass who are unready, he also assures that nothing from behind passes for which those before are not ready. He also assures that passage remains possible, however difficult.

A reversed Guardian may be offering protection from the wrong threat.

In the story of life The Gaurdian loyally protects the gains made by the Gardener and Craftsman. He begins to understand deeper mysteries and possibilities and guards against their dangers while seeking terms which will make them safe.

A man of middle age in a middle-rank officer's uniform stands on a road blocking a barred gate though which a descending sun can be seen. Immediately before the gate runs a small stream. His sword is drawn in challenge and he bears a shield. A standard is diplayed upon or beside the gate. Symbols of initiation can be seen, and the guardian often wears a key at his belt.

On a deeper level The Matron indicates partnership in all its forms: equal, superior, and lesser. The Matron's caring is internal (unlike the external care of The Gardener), an emotional investment in all involved parts. The Matron may cling to things, preventing needed escape and furher development.

In the story of life The Matron unifies that which has gone before in a manner which allows the components their own destiny. Things have begun to escape her control, however, and she may accept these separate destinies or struggle to hold things together.

The matron stands in a room with windows looking upon a castle or town. Her dress is neither rich nor poor and there is a ring of keys on her belt. In one hand she offers a symbol of femininity, while holding at her side a symbol of childhood or beginnings. In the light of sunset verdant growth and a developed water source can be seen through the windows.

On a deeper level this card indicates leadership. Unlike the dogmatic Noble, The Husbandman leads by ability. He is willing to adapt, make new rules, and break the old rules when appropriate.

In the story of life The Husbandman has released those in his care to their own destiny but not full independence. His is the attempt to make those in his care pull together while remaining individually separate.

Dressed in clothing neither rich nor poor, The Husbandman stands among hills before a horizon showing the last glimmers of day. In one hand he bears a goad while the other clasps an animal affectionately. On his belt are several well-filled pouches and symbols of rank.

On a deeper level The Priest represents freedom and independence. The priest does not exist for others, but still exists as part of a community. Independent, he also provides the knowledge for others to make their own way. Reversed, the card may indicate those who have cut too many ties.

In the story of life The Priest has shared what he can and released the entities commanded by The Husbandman to find their destiny elsewhere. He seeks his own destiny within himself, not relying upon others or the objects of the world.

In combination with Transition, The Priest indicates the deity Feroze.

Under a dark sky, the simply dressed priest stands or sits in a shelter with a tree beside or behind him. In one hand he holds a book, which he may read from. In his other hand he holds a religious icon. On the ground around him lie the discarded symbols of previous cards.

On a deeper level The Hero represents trial, travail, and transformation. In seeking to bring something completely new into being The Hero must struggle against things as they are.

"Everyone should be the hero of their story," and in the story of life The Hero represents this goal. The old ways have scattered and left the hero rootless and he must rebuild himself and in so doing rebuild the world.

The hero's face cannot be seen and all sigils, standards, and crests have been removed from his person. Beneath a cresent moon he stands on a peak with higher peaks ahead of him. Wearing armor both black and white, in one hand he bears a sword and in the other a tool such as a rope.

On a deeper level The Adept indicates contradiction and paradox. The Adept has great skill and power but is without the grounding needed to use it effectively. The Adept may confuse appearance with substance, ability with need, or question with answer.

In the story of life The Adept has changed because of the challenges faced by The Hero. Unfortunately this tranformation has left The Adept with more questions than answers, and with a division between who he was and who he is.

The Adept floats in a void surrounded by stars and symbols. His garments, decorated with mystic symbols, are those a master of magic. His hands are empty.

On a deeper level The Wisewoman expresses transformation. She is not what she once was, but what she once was is still a part of her. Herself transformed, The Wisewoman may transform others she contacts. "Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust."

In the story of life The Wisewoman has resolved the contradictions of The Adept and been transformed. She has returned to the normal world, but she and her place there are not what they were. Though comfortable with her "new" self, the changes in her are often unappreciated by others.

Under a full moon The Wisewoman tends the cauldron of wisdom. Her clothing is unrelived by symbols, and her surroundings show no outside ties.

On a deeper level the card indicates completion. The task is done, the actor fulfilled. The Patriarch has a strong dual nature. It is both success and a pinnacle from which there is no path but down. It is a path between dangers. It is continuing success and failing decadence. It is threat, both open and hidden, and accomplishments -- both hidden and open.

In the story of life the card tells that the task is done. Celebration or mourning, fulfillment or loss, the card covers them all, but there is no turning back.

In a great hall without windows, a man in rich formal regalia stands before a throne bearing symbols of power. A naked sword hang unsupported over his head. Banners hang behind him representing old triumphs or present threats.

On a deeper level the card indicates judgement. Records cannot be kept without a determination of their value, and it is The Scribe that makes the determination to save or lose, to repeat as a success or to remember as a failure.

In the story of life The Scribe records or remembers what has gone before and stores it away. He classifies the deeds of others and sets them aside or keeps them safe against later need.

The scribe stands indoors in plain clothing. Lamps burn on the walls. In one hand he holds a writing instrument, in the other a record.

On a deeper level the Eerith is transcendence -- the realization of all possibilities. It is an end which permits no repetition or turning back, but only the turning to another task: apotheosis, utter failure or both. It also informs that all acts will eventually be forgotten, but today's activities still rest upon yesterday's.

In the story of life The Eerith is the final ending with no turning back.

In combination with The Child, The Eerith defies normal understanding (particularly if one or both are reversed). A person should not attempt to interpret such a reading without strong clairvoyant or precognitive gifts and a thorough understanding of the medium.

The Eerith card is highly stylized. In central figure is overlaid with images of what could be flames, crystals, ripples of water, or lightning. The central figure is asexual and possesses animal features.

The Arcana

As a whole, the Arcana represent eternal verities -- the processes of reality that are different, yet still in balance -- anchored at the ends by the physical and nonphysical, and centered upon Balance itself. A complete understanding of the Arcana is based on first understanding the cycles of the ephemera and the journies of the persona. In many ways these cards defy description, and should not be oversimplified.

tool faith intending belief

tool questions intending measurement

In combination with The Priest, Transition indicates the deity Feroze.

tool madness intending chaos

The new student should be warned against making too much of this card. Yes, it can symbolize true evil, but that meaning almost never occurs in practice.

tool experience intending ?

tool refusal intending unknowable

tool emotion intending action

tool morality intending tension

tool acceptance intending life

tool duty intending obedience

tool manipulation intending construction

tool logic intending pattern

tool art intending revelation

tool precedence intending record

The image on the card displays the known world.

Images

The majority of the cards for the Persona and Arcana were first created using ProFantasy Software's Character Artist add-on for Campaign Cartographer Pro, then saved as 1600x1600 BMPs. Then, the BMPs were edited in Paint Shop Pro 6 to produce the final images: cropping, resizing, some pixel-editing, etc.

The images for The Dreaming, Transition, The Shadow and The Moons are original Paint Shop Pro drawings. The image of The Distaff was originally a piece of clip-art from the 'Net, slightly edited. The image for the Will card came from a photo.

The Arcana cards were originally drawn at 72 pixels per inch--most were simply resized to 144 pixels per, but Reason, Balance, and Celandra were redrawn entirely.

Images for the Ephemera were taken from a variety of sources for clip art.