![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
silence and page of water - waking the wild spirit
Jun. 2nd, 2008 | 04:31 pm
mood: 
frustrated
Well the two cards I've been metaphorically sitting on for the last week or so are 'Silence', usually called the Hanged Man and the Page of Water, subtitle the Fortune Teller.
The latter was one of the things that convinced me to get this deck. Not simply because it's showing a fortune teller, but because the girl and the dog (or is it a wolf?) are so expressive, so alive, so charming and sweet. This image just really speaks straight to my heart, about love, empathy, emotion...
But that's not the main thing right now. Both images share something quite distinctive. Everyone is waiting. No one is moving. There is no action. And that's my problem right there.
What am I waiting for? Myself.
All the coups courts except for the Queen have shown up so far. This was mirrored in the fairy reading I did today, where the Ace of Water showed up as my main obstacle. So emotion is an issue. In fact, it is 'the issue'. Aaargh. But how to deal with it... Everything I try gets soggy and heavy and ends up in a puddle of despair or complacency.
I will appeal to the fire serpent hiding within. Hopefully there will be an answer and it will be one I can live with.
But there's more. The message, yet again, was shut up and listen. Shut down the noise inside your head, silence the thoughts and fears and musts and supposes. So I'll try that as well. Hopefully I'm not too far gone and I can come back to this world in time to finally deal with my obligations before my whole life blows up in my face.
The latter was one of the things that convinced me to get this deck. Not simply because it's showing a fortune teller, but because the girl and the dog (or is it a wolf?) are so expressive, so alive, so charming and sweet. This image just really speaks straight to my heart, about love, empathy, emotion...
But that's not the main thing right now. Both images share something quite distinctive. Everyone is waiting. No one is moving. There is no action. And that's my problem right there.
What am I waiting for? Myself.
All the coups courts except for the Queen have shown up so far. This was mirrored in the fairy reading I did today, where the Ace of Water showed up as my main obstacle. So emotion is an issue. In fact, it is 'the issue'. Aaargh. But how to deal with it... Everything I try gets soggy and heavy and ends up in a puddle of despair or complacency.
I will appeal to the fire serpent hiding within. Hopefully there will be an answer and it will be one I can live with.
But there's more. The message, yet again, was shut up and listen. Shut down the noise inside your head, silence the thoughts and fears and musts and supposes. So I'll try that as well. Hopefully I'm not too far gone and I can come back to this world in time to finally deal with my obligations before my whole life blows up in my face.
Link | Leave a comment {3} | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
fairy ring reading - fairy ring oracle
Jun. 2nd, 2008 | 01:28 pm
mood: 
thoughtful
Amazing Fire Drake by Per Sjögren
Yeah well. Most cards in my fairy ring reading came out reversed today and a lot of them had made another appearance recently: The Lughnasagh and Midsummer Festival cards again, King Finvarra, the Fire Drake, the Woodwose and of course, yet again, the Spriggan. The White Lady was ambivalent as the outcome. Jack Frost and the Mermaid were the only ones upright. Jack Frost provided an apt metaphor for my current situation since I feel frozen in time, stuck. There was talk of drowning in emotion and letting my problems blow out of proportion as usual. I've waisted a lot of time already and I need to overcome my tendency for procrastination and self indulgence. So much was very clear, but then again this is nothing new. Not that it's the reading's fault if I'm not making any progress for it to be reflected of course...
But there was also talk of mirrors and confusion regarding reflection in said mirrors. I'm not sure what that was all about. There were also hints about burying stuff, breaking enchantments and trickery. Not too sure what that was about either. Apparently it has something to do with deception, confusion and tricks. Why that should be surprising with the fae, I don't know. But I'm a bit frustrated.
Of the Froud deck Sylvanius was also there, standing on his head and smirking. Only the Oak Men provided some comfort in a no-nonsense, grounding kind of way. Finally the Lady of the Lake appeared with some reassurances as well.
The main practical point I got, apart from the usual tongue lashing, was:
'Fight water with fire'. Or at lease let the inner fire burn brightly again and pull yourself out of the murky depths that the mermaid has locked you in. Make yourself light and allow yourself to climb... Out and up and away to freedom. Find joy and laughter and the magic of pleasure and let it give you strength.
Gulp. I'm a bit unsettled. But this message is something I can work with I think.
But there was also talk of mirrors and confusion regarding reflection in said mirrors. I'm not sure what that was all about. There were also hints about burying stuff, breaking enchantments and trickery. Not too sure what that was about either. Apparently it has something to do with deception, confusion and tricks. Why that should be surprising with the fae, I don't know. But I'm a bit frustrated.
Of the Froud deck Sylvanius was also there, standing on his head and smirking. Only the Oak Men provided some comfort in a no-nonsense, grounding kind of way. Finally the Lady of the Lake appeared with some reassurances as well.
The main practical point I got, apart from the usual tongue lashing, was:
'Fight water with fire'. Or at lease let the inner fire burn brightly again and pull yourself out of the murky depths that the mermaid has locked you in. Make yourself light and allow yourself to climb... Out and up and away to freedom. Find joy and laughter and the magic of pleasure and let it give you strength.
Gulp. I'm a bit unsettled. But this message is something I can work with I think.
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
on happiness
May. 27th, 2008 | 11:49 pm
mood: 
amused
Someone else's pretty picture (Some rights reserved)
So. About happiness.
I've been wandering around the net, and I've come up with some interesting stuff. One of them is the science of happiness. Apparently one of the ways found effective by the study quoted in that blog is to find your 'signature strengths' (e.g. by taking one of the questionnaires here) and use one of them every day. The important thing is not only to be aware of what your strengths are, but to actively try to make use of them in new ways. Otherwise it won't work as well.
The other successful way to exercise the happiness muscle was to find three good things for every day , including the reason why. This is not particularly original, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The interesting thing about this was the last bit, 'the reason why'. It made me think about all the things we take for granted, be it people, situations, or parts of our own selves. I guess another way to see this is appreciation.
Well, I'll give both of these a go, at least one or the other each day and see if that makes me any happier :) More happiness never hurt anyone!
The other successful way to exercise the happiness muscle was to find three good things for every day , including the reason why. This is not particularly original, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The interesting thing about this was the last bit, 'the reason why'. It made me think about all the things we take for granted, be it people, situations, or parts of our own selves. I guess another way to see this is appreciation.
Well, I'll give both of these a go, at least one or the other each day and see if that makes me any happier :) More happiness never hurt anyone!
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
knight of water - waking the wild spirit
May. 26th, 2008 | 12:39 am
mood: 
bored
Subtitle Seeker.This card has been sitting with me for a few days. I'd love to say wonderful and profound spiritual things about it, but the truth is the past few days have passed in a dreamy daze. Heh. The only things this Knight has been seeking is pleasure and dreaming.
You win some you loose some I guess :/
I like the image though. I like the fruit, the book says they're apples, but they seemed pears to me. There's something really sensual about pears. It must be their graceful curves. Anyhoo. I like the deer too. I've always liked them. They remind me of Artemis. Although not sure she'd be that pleased with me right now...
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
king of water - waking the wild spirit
May. 21st, 2008 | 11:21 am
mood: 
hopeful
Subtitle, the Soothsayer. I look at his face and I see pain and suffering. But also compassion, love and understanding. This card speaks to me today very strongly of the need for healing.The finger is not pointing in accusation. It's merely pointing the way, whether you follow or not is your business not his, he seems to be saying. And that's the thing, right there. No matter how well they mean, no one can walk your road for you, no one can make your feet move in the right direction, or any direction really. It's something you need to do yourself. The first step is often the hardest one, but that doesn't mean the next ones are going to be easy. I can see the right direction, but I'm not moving. I need to walk.
It's a bit of a funny drawing, it seems as if the finger is disconnected from his body, does it even belong to him? Is it someone else's, or is it the Haunted Wandering Pointing Finger, destined to show the way to those who seem to have lost theirs?
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
helen of troy
May. 21st, 2008 | 10:52 am
mood: 
happy
Helen, by Evelyn de Morgan
Helen, Aphrodite's favourite. The woman who caused one of the most famous wars in history and myth, or at least provided a very good excuse for it. I'm posting this image in honour of Aphrodite and in celebration of love and beauty. Many a time has she gotten me into trouble, many more she has given me joy. Today she's here to remind me to love myself. Who am I to argue with a goddess?
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
five of earth - waking the wild spirit
May. 19th, 2008 | 01:20 pm
mood: contemplative
What is boiling in my cauldron? A tasty nurturing stew or last week's /month's/year's rotten remains? It is sometimes hard to fathom what's hiding near the bottom of the soup inside the belly. Often undesired, too. What if it's something horrible? Or conversely, what if there's wonderful things there, waiting to be noticed, brought to the surface and utilised?A lot of questions today. Ultimately, it boils down to balance again (oh look, an accidental pun!). I'm beginning to sound like a broken record with this balance thing. What to add to the mix to make the taste just right? Also, it's not just the taste that matters, but the nourishment. If the wholesome meal tastes bad, well, I'll go for the chips instead. The trick is to make the healthy stuff taste good; it needs to feel desirable and not a chore.
This card urges retreat to safety and contemplation. Also, the fire is strong and lively, but most importantly, steady. None of this up and down, just keep at it.
Another five, right after the hierophant. It's a difficult time for me indeed and the fives are reflecting this, but it's also a time that allows change. There is freedom in change. And freedom I like! Ultimately, it's a matter of perspective too. Shit happens and will continue to do so. But how to deal with, that I am free to choose for myself.
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
interpreter - waking the wild spirit
May. 18th, 2008 | 03:03 pm
mood: 
peaceful
Change of deck. I feel reluctant to continue with the Universal Fantasy for some reason. I pulled a card to see whether I should suck it up and keep going and it gave me Death. So I guess that's a no. Or does it mean that if I do, my work with the deck will enter a new phase? I'm not very confident in the interpretation of my own cards lately. Ironically, today's card is called the Interpreter, traditionally the Hierophant or Pope.I don't seem to be able to commit to one deck again until Lughnasagh, or even the Summer Solstice. Today it's Waking the Wild Spirit and see how it goes. First message the deck has for me:
Stop trying to impose your own agenda on the cards!
Instead, try to quieten all the internal noise and listen. The messages are all around. It's true I feel a bit disconnected and struggling to reconcile the spiritual with the mundane. Focus on the one and the other starts to slip away. Still a lot of work is needed there, but it's easier said than done.
Interesting how the interpreter is surrounded by the fae. I'm not alone. And an owl is coming to visit again. I guess she has a message for me, wisdom I'm not utilising.
Also, I pulled a couple more cards, the Ace, Two and Six of Earth. The message there was I shouldn't rely too much on the cards for every day things and decisions. It's true I've been somewhat guilty of that lately. Instead use them to find my balance and strengthen my connection to the world around me, resonate in harmony with the living pulse of nature. This is all well and good, but how to put it into practice...
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
review - spring equinox to beltane
May. 11th, 2008 | 10:39 pm
mood: thoughtful
Majors: High Priestess, Devil
1 swords, 1 cups, 1 wands, 1 pentacles
1 seven, 1 nine, 1 four
1 King
I noticed I spent longer with each card this time, end result less cards of course. All of them quite challenging. At least they're balanced in terms of elements, with two tricky Majors thrown in for good measure...
1 swords, 1 cups, 1 wands, 1 pentacles
1 seven, 1 nine, 1 four
1 King
I noticed I spent longer with each card this time, end result less cards of course. All of them quite challenging. At least they're balanced in terms of elements, with two tricky Majors thrown in for good measure...
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
fairy gifts reading - fairy ring oracle
May. 11th, 2008 | 08:56 pm
mood: calm
Queen Oonagh 2, In Markers by ~ninniku on deviantART
The fae gave me an earful again. Get a grip, they said and stop faffing. Why are you wasting your gifts? Learn from Oonagh, follow her example. She bested a giant with her wits. I can best mine the same way, if I manage to get my emotions under control and use the gifts I was given rather than squander them to the winds.
Cards: Queen Oonagh, Knocker reversed, Unseelie Court, Ostara and Midsummer reversed.
This was rather disheartening, so I asked what can be done. Robin Goodfellow and Béfind say not all is lost if I change my tune. Oh, and the Spriggan came again to stress the point that time is of the essence...
The West of Ireland is peculiarly sacred to ancient superstitions of the Sidhe race. [...] Finvarra the king is still believed to rule over all the fairies of the west, and Onagh is the fairy queen. Her golden hair sweeps the ground, and she is robed in silver gossamer all glittering as if with diamonds, but they are dew-drops that sparkle over it. The queen is more beautiful than any woman of earth...--from Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms, and Superstitions of Ireland by Lady Francesca Speranza Wilde (1887)
The fae gave me an earful again. Get a grip, they said and stop faffing. Why are you wasting your gifts? Learn from Oonagh, follow her example. She bested a giant with her wits. I can best mine the same way, if I manage to get my emotions under control and use the gifts I was given rather than squander them to the winds.
Cards: Queen Oonagh, Knocker reversed, Unseelie Court, Ostara and Midsummer reversed.
This was rather disheartening, so I asked what can be done. Robin Goodfellow and Béfind say not all is lost if I change my tune. Oh, and the Spriggan came again to stress the point that time is of the essence...
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
beltane
May. 6th, 2008 | 10:26 pm
mood: cheerful
Queen Guinevere A-Maying by John Collier.
Summer is here, no doubt about that. The cherry blossoms are blooming and the insects are buzzing and the birds are singing... The usual deal. Everything is beautiful and burning with life. For me it is a time of coming to terms with myself and accepting some not so shiny truths about myself and my life. And some good ones as well. Has a better balance been found? Perhaps so. Have many lessons been learned? It seems that way. Only time will tell. But I feel stronger. Even perhaps a bit wiser too.
All hail the Queen of the May...
All hail the Queen of the May...
All across the barren land
Still cold from winter's hand
It has been a time for tears
Season of the Goddess return
On this eve, the first summer night
Out of the darkness and into the light
Set the Beltaine fires alight
Season of the Goddess return
Hail! Hail! the Queen of the May
Now is the season, now is the day
A time to laugh and a time to play
Hail! Hail! the Queen of the May
Through the time when the green leaves hide
The dream of summer has kept us alive
Through the darkness we have survived
Season of the Goddess return
Let the trees be green again
Let us all be free from pain
Out of the ice and into the flame
Season of the Goddess return!
-- Queen of the May lyrics by Inkubus Sukkubus
Still cold from winter's hand
It has been a time for tears
Season of the Goddess return
On this eve, the first summer night
Out of the darkness and into the light
Set the Beltaine fires alight
Season of the Goddess return
Hail! Hail! the Queen of the May
Now is the season, now is the day
A time to laugh and a time to play
Hail! Hail! the Queen of the May
Through the time when the green leaves hide
The dream of summer has kept us alive
Through the darkness we have survived
Season of the Goddess return
Let the trees be green again
Let us all be free from pain
Out of the ice and into the flame
Season of the Goddess return!
-- Queen of the May lyrics by Inkubus Sukkubus
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
four of pentacles - universal fantasy
Apr. 26th, 2008 | 11:39 pm
mood: amused
You know sometimes when you're on a roll and you just keep going, reluctant to slow down, afraid that if you miss a step it will all come tumbling down...I see the dancer happy to be in the spotlight yet again, proud of her pentacle, but she's nervous. She's not sure she has learned all the lessons after the last performance. It's a funny thing about the lessons life throws our way. As soon as you think you have learned something, a test immediately appears and you are called to prove it.
The dancer knows all the moves, she's not worried about that. But she doesn't have the confidence, the musicians and the crowd are watching carefully her every move and while she's not uncertain of her skill, she's afraid of their thoughts.
Don't hesitate, dancer. When you're in tune with the music, all goes well. Let yourself surrender to the rhythm and don't worry about what people think. Their judgement is their own to deal with and not your problem.
All you need to do is what you know how to do best: dance. Dance your troubles away and feel your strength flowing back to you.
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
nine of wands - universal fantasy
Apr. 23rd, 2008 | 01:34 am
mood: anxious
I tend to associate the nine of wands with strength, usually in the face of adversity. I blame the Golden Dawn, who name this card 'Lord of Great Strength':...Tremendous and steady force that cannot be shaken. Herculean strength, yet sometimes scientifically applied. Great success, but with strife and energy. Victory, preceded by apprehension and fear....
(from Book T)
This is quite relevant right now, scarily so in fact. It's time to stop moping about and get my shit together. I have been feeling the flame grow stronger with some surprising bursts. As for the 'steady' bit, well that is where my problem lies...
This version of it doesn't seem to directly point to that interpretation. The handsome satyr is chilling next to a friendly tree, playing his flute. However, there is a lot more going on. First off, he just made this flute, using a branch donated by the tree itself. His skilful playing makes the leaves grow, his concentration is admirable. Skill and determination, aligned with beauty. Remembering to see the beauty in what I must (choose) to do is something I seem to forget easily. But once the energy is flowing, the beauty shines.
Now to put the words into action...
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
the owl and the devil
Apr. 22nd, 2008 | 10:25 am
mood: 
cold
Your Power Bird is an Owl |
 You are beyond wise. You are so smart, you're almost prophetic. Your inner voice always speaks the truth, and you take the time to listen to it. You are good at seeing who people are... including the darkness of others. As a result, you tend to have a rather dark - yet realistic - outlook on life. |
Beyond wise... yeah right. It is true I see the darker side of things. Coupled with my stupid naivety it makes for an interesting combination. The darkness has very much been on my mind lately. Or you could say my mind has been in darkness. My noble Equinox goal was to find a better balance between dark and light. So far I can't say I've been very successful. Unless this dive is part of the process. Perhaps some optimism is in order here. Or is it a case of fake it until you make it? If so, I'm not on the right track at all.
The owl is Athena's sacred bird. I haven't seen or heard one in a while. Am I being blind and deaf to messages I should be receiving? I have a sneaking suspicion that this is the case. Ah, the Devil again. I want to break free... the Queen would sing. But do I really? Could it be that Athena, my childhood love and role model, is calling to me through the web of serendipity? She is a hard mistress indeed. But compassionate too. However, one thing I have learned from her. She won't help you if you don't want to help yourself first.
The owl is Athena's sacred bird. I haven't seen or heard one in a while. Am I being blind and deaf to messages I should be receiving? I have a sneaking suspicion that this is the case. Ah, the Devil again. I want to break free... the Queen would sing. But do I really? Could it be that Athena, my childhood love and role model, is calling to me through the web of serendipity? She is a hard mistress indeed. But compassionate too. However, one thing I have learned from her. She won't help you if you don't want to help yourself first.
Link | Leave a comment {1} | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
devil - universal fantasy
Apr. 20th, 2008 | 02:00 pm
mood: 
guilty
My good friend the Devil. I've been staring at this card for about a week now, reluctant to write about it. How easy it is to blame our shortcomings and failures to external sources. Oh, it isn't me. It's not my fault. If only things were different... And the guilt and despair grows. The suppressed energy turns bitter and twisted, it festers and burns the insides. Oh yes. I know the Devil well.I like the purple on this demon. It's one of my favourite colours. And that's one of the demon's weapons, of course. If it didn't feel good, why stay?
I'm running out of things to say here. Is that part of the illusion? Probably yes. Self expression blocked: check. Disproportionate fear: check. Distorted view of reality: check. Feelings of helplessness mixed with guilt: check... I feel like a textbook case for the Devil entry in a tarot dictionary.
What about the cats? Always puzzled me these felines on the card. Are they even real? Sometimes they seem like robots. But why have them chained then? Yet another trick. Spending my time pondering things of little importance when the main thing is: they are chained. And so am I.
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
high priestess - universal fantasy
Apr. 9th, 2008 | 09:44 am
mood: anxious
Connected. All these tubes going up to the vulva like thing at the top, what are they? Two thick tubes connect to the helmet where her ears will be. Through them, she hears all life. Her face is shadowed, her expression hidden. Ever the mysterious one.One hand open, one balled into a fist, one mask light and one dark. Polarities. And how to integrate them? This riddle of hers is not an easy one. I often feel torn between them, pulled this way and that. But she sits calmly, both are part of her and she is perfectly balanced.
She is suspended. No movement can be seen. Yet, her airborne chariot hovers high about the land and she sees all. Detachment? It does sometimes help to get away from it all, remove myself from distractions. That way the big picture becomes clearer. But how to be detached and connected at the same time? Another paradox, another riddle.
This is a typical High Priestess in that she reveals nothing. I grasp at straws trying to analyse her messages, but logic won't do here. I strain to hear the whispers she hears, to see the patterns she can discern from her advantageous position. I'm not giving you anything, her silence seems to say. Figure it out for yourself.
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
seven of cups - universal fantasy
Apr. 6th, 2008 | 12:52 am
mood: 
embarrassed
It's been a while... Where have I been? Lost in the Seven Cup Towers of course! The problem with these towers is that they are so deceptive. So much larger inside than they look from the outside for a start. Full of corridors that loop back upon themselves, full of twists and turns and Escher style staircases.The funny thing is, for the longest of times you think you're outside looking in, observing and contemplating, cautioning yourself and thinking how best to avoid getting caught up in the towers' allure. But the truth is, you're already inside. One of the many illusions served by the towers is that image of yourself standing outside.
What good is the warrior's flag of battle now? What use the sword and shield? The mind is often ineffectual in matters of emotion. It's flailing around helplessly, like a bird drowning in water, not knowing which way is up so it can strive for freedom. Back to Escher's world again.
Trying to find something positive or encouraging to see in this image. I see nothing at this time. Then again, perhaps that's not surprising. Maybe I've used up this week's self-deception reserves and am now forced to look at boring old truth. Come back next week, please. There are always new wonders being produced in the towers.
Link | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
king of swords - universal fantasy
Mar. 26th, 2008 | 09:20 am
mood: hopeful
And we continue with our regular swords court programme... Today our guest is the King of Swords. Does that mean I'm not getting it? Or, a more positive outlook, that I am ready to? The King has mastery of his realm.What I've always liked about this King is his sword. It's strong, straight and true, but simple. The hilt looks very much like wood, roots reaching for the ground. For the Master of Air, that's a very good quality.
His crown looks a bit awkward, it means he can't relax back into his throne and seat of power. He has things on his mind that will not let him rest until they're dealt with. His gaze is intent on something, he's ready to rise. See a problem, deal with it. Simple recipe and something I need to do a lot of work on.
Clarity and focus is oozing from this image. There's nothing in the world for the King but himself, his sword and his object of attention. The air is clear and fresh, the land and sky quiet and peaceful. The King has worked hard to attain this discipline of mind and I need to do the same.
The first step is to position myself in such a way that I get the right perspective. See the big picture, not let all the details confuse things.
Link | Leave a comment {1} | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
spring equinox
Mar. 24th, 2008 | 11:22 am
mood: calm
Equinox, by Vladimir Kalinin. This year especially I felt the significance of this milestone strongly, and again thought about the need for balance in my life. While the astronomical event lasts only a moment, in my universe it was equinox for about a week.
Link | Leave a comment {1} | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend
review - imbolc to equinox
Mar. 24th, 2008 | 11:14 am
mood: 
busy
Majors: Hermit, Death, Empress (Strength)
5 Swords, 3 Pentacles, 2 Wands, 2 Cups
3 Aces, 2 sevens, 1 six, 1 four
2 Pages, 1 Knight, 1 Queen, 1 King
Other than the fact that there are a lot of swords, which makes sense given the recent challenges, there's not much to note. Three Aces and two Pages together with Death and the Empress do point to new beginnings, which is also true. Let's see if I can follow through...
5 Swords, 3 Pentacles, 2 Wands, 2 Cups
3 Aces, 2 sevens, 1 six, 1 four
2 Pages, 1 Knight, 1 Queen, 1 King
Other than the fact that there are a lot of swords, which makes sense given the recent challenges, there's not much to note. Three Aces and two Pages together with Death and the Empress do point to new beginnings, which is also true. Let's see if I can follow through...