Minchiate

File:Minchiate card deck - Florence - Trumps - 08 - La Giustizia.jpg A. Baragioli (editor) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons For me Justice is usually about balanced scales and the notion that "Justice is blind". But in this version, Justice is not blind and the scales are not balanced. This then puts my focus on the sword even though she isn't looking at it. Maybe she has to mete out justice with her sword because the scales of justice have become upended and she has to regain control. The unbalanced scales certainly appear to have her attention, yet she hasn't lost control over the sword that she has hefted in her hand. The Williams ca…

File:Minchiate card deck - Florence - Trumps - 07 - La Forza.jpg A. Baragioli (editor) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons The 7th trump in the Minchiate is Force. She holds the column in most versions. In this one she sits next to it and almost looks exhausted, angry. At least she has an appearance that she could pick it up and throw it. Maybe she's about to. Although I have this deck, I don't think I would read with it. I prefer the Williams version: She exudes Strength. Judging by the serene expression on her masculine face, she has no problem lifting the column and shows that she is one not to be trifled with. In the face, …

(MINCHIATE "AL LEONE" 1790) I use elemental associations in my readings. Specifically, I use elemental dignities and planetary associations. I know not everyone does this, so if it's not your thing, I suppose you can just skip this bit. In this method, I look at the number of the card and associate it with number of the element card (above) to determine each cards element. The zodiac cards are not included in this. This is a simple method and it has saved me a lot of aggravation. Here's how it goes. Random selections here: Say I get Strength, Fame, and Chariot in a reading (I won't use the actual card…

Minchiate card deck - Florence - 1860-1890 - Trumps - 04 - Papa quattro A. Baragioli (editor) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons IIII. L'Imperatrice, The Little Emperor, is confident without being overconfident. He is not egotistical. He is comfortable in his own skin. Finally, the Fool has come into his own. His position faces forward, ready to face the world. His ankles are crossed, yes, but not because he is in a state of ill-preparedness. He has is ducks all in a row. The bravado of his earlier years gone, he can literally rest secure in the knowledge that the world is in his control. The RWS compliment is the IV. Emperor, o…

Minchiate card deck - Florence - 1860-1890 - Trumps - 03 - Papa tre A. Baragioli (editor) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Moving along our path, we arrive at III. L'Imperatore, "The Big Emperor". He also has his back turned to the right and he is facing to the left or to the past, as does the Grand Duchess. If the Grand Duchess can be seen in the position of offense, ready to calmly take on the world, perhaps this card is in a position of defense. As these cards allegorically reflect stages in our lives, so this papi, Papi tre, takes a defensive stance in his chair. As we continue to find our place in this world, we are often put in situations …

Minchiate card deck - Florence - 1860-1890 - Trumps - 02 - Papa due A. Baragioli (editor) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons The Grand Duchess is comparable to II. The High Priestess in the RWS system. In almost every deck I've seen, this card can be either female or male, though in my opinion leans more toward the feminine. There is an air of "Earth Mother" and certainly the divine feminine with this card. These similarities with HPS do not escape notice. As the Fool traipses along his journey, he meets up her and, as she is Papa due cannot escape her life's lesson: "Oh Beauty, find thyself in love, not in the flattery of thy mirror."…

Minchiate card deck - Florence - 1860-1890 - Trumps - Il Matto - A. Baragioli (editor) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons On the surface, this card appears to be like the RWS Fool, but I think there is more to his story. Is he playing with these children or is he fending them off? They seem to be annoying him, or are they helping him? Playing? With the RWS, the Fool is heading off, unimpeded, into the unknown, perhaps to discover more about life on his journey. This Fool apparently enjoys no such freedom of movement. Possible meanings: Il Matto is called "The Excuse" in the card game of Minchiate. Is this the same as a "reason" …