When I give readings nowadays, I ask people to give me their impressions of some of the cards that I pick for them, before I offer my own interpretations. This does several things; it gives the person asking for the reading direct insight into their situation and it also and very importantly, leaves the power in their hands. These personal impressions of the cards give me a fresh look at the cards’ meaning and a new perspective on the question that I am being asked.
Sometimes I think that a reader (certainly this is true for me) can have set meanings for the cards fixed in their minds. In one way this is good, as it enables the reader to gather the information from the symbols rapidly and deliver a helpful reading. On the other hand, having fixed meanings for the cards brings a certain rigidity to the interpretation .
So I offer the following exercise: If you are not familiar with the cards you will learn something about them from doing this. If you are familiar with the cards, this will give you fresh insight and a new perspective. Sometimes gaining a new perspective doesn’t take much at all – simply a step to one side.
Look at this card for a few minutes, without preconceptions and with an open mind. Open notepad or write on a piece of paper and jot down the impressions that you receive from this card.
How do you feel when you look at the card? What do the symbols say to you? How would it feel to be the man in the card? Put yourself into the picture for a few minutes; feel the grass, the air, the tree trunk against your back. What are the cups made of and what is inside them? Are you aware of the other cup that is being offered? What does it contain?
Please feel free to leave your impressions as a comment below this post. I am going to do this right now too and I will leave mine on my Impressions Page. Don’t be tempted to look at mine till you have done the exercise yourself.
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Intuitively, this man finds himself alone in a situation where I would expect to see at least two-three others there with him, to drink together. It is a rather neutral environment, neither hopeful nor hopeless. There is cause for optimism. In fact it may show him contemplating as he awaits the others to arrive. In that case, why would a 4th cup be made available to him? I think that the value of the 4th cup, as well as the content of the other 3, are of no consequence to him in solitude.
It copuld also be that he had planned a reunion with people, but given the fresh country air, the vital green grass and the strong peaceful energy of the tree, it is a signal that contemplative time is more important tahn the social benefits he planned on. Although this does not shed light on the number 4.
I am running of coherent ideas here: I recognize the completion value of 4 (seasons, cardinal directions, the elemnets, and so on..) but I fail to piece it together in this case.
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That’s very interesting what you say, thankyou for that comment Robert. It sheds fresh light on the card for me. I hadn’t thought of either the completion value of the number 4 or the importance of the figure’s contemplation.
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I have been back here 3 times now and am absolutely loving the energy on this discussion. Thanks for a good outlet to read high quality data.
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There is I think, a feeling of indecision here. The figure considers his options, which seem to him to be limited. However he is unrushed, thoughtful and contemplative, which for now could serve him well.
The chalice seems to represent options available to him. The chalice in the sky offers another choice which at present is not visible to the man. If his attitude was more optimistic he might lift his head and therefore see the new option, a different way forward.
This new option (the chalice being offered) is actually closer to him and not only that but it is being handed to him, if he only saw it! Whereas the other three are at the bottom of the hill, and he would probably have to strain to reach them from where he’s sitting.
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Thanks for that insight Kara. The dimensions of time and space within your interpretation are very interesting indeed. This adds a whole new layer to the meaning of the card. Yes, what you point out almost makes me want to shake the man to alter his inner and outer perspectives. Probably wouldn’t work! Time maybe would….
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I have the same opinion with most of your points, but a few need to be discussed further, I will hold a small conversation with my buddies and perhaps I will look for you some advice later.
- Rob
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Every time I read a really great article I go ahead and do a few things:1.Forward it to my relevant contacts.2.save it in some of the common sharing websites.3.Make sure to return to the blog where I read the article.After reading this post I’m really thinking of doing all three!
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Thank you, much appreciated.
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Thank you very much Marlin, I love what you have said here. Its very helpful indeed, it broadens the way I see this card and also reminds me of times in my life when I have felt like this.
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I see contemplation. Choice.
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I think the picture shows a person contemplating three possible choices for the future with the forth cup being ofered from above may indicate another choice that is perhaps unexpected or gifted to the person. Perhaps a time of soul searching before making a decision but having the time to make that choice. A positive card i feel and one that is giving me positive energy.
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Thanks for your comment Steve. You see this card in a more positive light than I have done. I like the way that you feel it gives you positive energy – that makes me see it differently and I appreciate that.
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Thank you for saying this and for the link, its gratifying that you have found this information interesting.
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