On another note, this card may also tell of reconciliation between people. In this case, remembering their original common interests and goals may help them set aside their petty grievances and mend the relationship.

What I notice in the Hermit card:

lots of RED

lantern-like hanging lamp

fountain statuary (man) in wall niche

If you were to collect all the major arcana cards in this deck and fan them out, this one would stand out immediately because it is infused with the color red. Usually I associate red with passion, energy and the life force, but this doesn't seem to fit. In my former employment, I was a bookkeeper, so it wasn't surprising that the phrase "in the red or in the black" passed through my head. Being in the black means you are making enough money to pay bills and have some left over. Being in the red means you are operating with a deficit. So this card indicates the need for some spiritual accounting - not to find what is creating a hole in your wallet, but in your soul.

The lantern-type lamp obviously represents illumination. The man seeks clarity, and there are some dark places that he's going to have to shine the light on. Like the accountant, he's hoping to discover why he is spiritually overdrawn. Hopefully he'll find some answers, and one day he can hold out the lantern for others on the same quest.

The man and the stone piece he stands on appear to be a fountain statuary in a garden wall niche. He looks upward, almost as if he is seeing the stars for the first time. Now that he is alone and far from the hustle and bustle, there are less distractions and he glimpses things he hasn't noticed before. If this is a fountain, there is no water flowing, indicating the ability to detach and look at what is with objectivity rather than emotion. He is nearly naked (baring his soul), except for some sort of wrap around his waist. I am reminded of the phrase "girding your loins" that originated from a biblical expression that meant to tie up loose clothes so that you could work or travel more efficiently. In his case, it means he must prepare himself mentally for some difficult work ahead.

What I notice in the Sun card:

A statue of Surya

Two large vases full of sunflowers

Sun design on the wall and rug

Surya is a sun god and the chief of the classical planets in Hindu astrology. He is often depicted riding a chariot harnessed by seven horses (or one horse with seven heads) which represent the seven colors of the rainbow or the seven chakras. He is associated with healing: in one Hindu legend, a man with leprosy was inspired to write verses in honor of Surya, and by the time he finished the last verse, he was cured. Surya represents the wholeness and balance that comes after the Fool has gained wisdom (through the previous majors) and been made aware of his assets and flaws. Like a prism that shows the colors inside light, he sees and understands on a new level. He realizes he not separate, but a part of something much greater than his egoic self.

It is a myth that the sunflower turns its head to follow the sun across the sky each day. Once you've seen a truth, you can't "unsee" it, no matter which way you look. The flower head is actually not one flower but numerous small flowers crowded together (just inside the outer petals). Again this reinforces being a part of something greater. Sunflowers can remove some toxic substances from soil and water; they were used at the Chernobyl site and are being considered for use at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The filtering and cleaning properties of the sunflower remind me that just because I've cleaned out my spiritual pantry once, doesn't mean I don't need to continue to keep an eye on things. I need to continue to monitor what goes in.

The sun designs on the wall and the floor symbolize the sun's illumination and energy that provides life for all. It's illumination represents clarity and understanding, and such an understanding creates an energetic passion for life.

What I notice in the card:

Mirror/looking glass

Mardi Gras-like jester mask looking out of mirror

6 different butterflies around mirror

Greyhound balanced on edge of black and white marble mantel

Metronome or pyramid-shaped paperweight

Featureless artist mannequin

The mirror reminds me of "Through the Looking-Glass," the tale of Alice who climbed through the mirror to an alternate reality. Things are not what they seem!

The jester mask is on the inside of the mirror, about to come into our reality. Again the mask underscores the fact that what is on the outside is not necessarily a true reflection of what is. The jester's wisdom may not come across as politically correct, but he has a child's ability to see (and say) the truth.

The butterflies around the mirror represent the transformations the Fool will go through as soon as he steps through the mirror. So many things to learn...

Greyhounds were historically bred for coursing game and later for racing. I suppose the game he will be chasing will be the Fool.  It also makes me think of a bus line here in the U.S. that travels throughout the states, Canada and Mexico. A journey is definitely about to begin here.

There is a slender, pyramid-shaped object that reminds me of a metronome. It keeps time in a totally different way than a clock. It provides rhythm instead of "time ticking away." The Fool at this point is in the present moment and unconcerned with the passing of time.

The artist mannequin is featureless and can be moved in different positions. It indicates that the Fool has a fresh start - he can literally become whomever and whatever he would like at this point.

"the sacred hoop of my people was one of the many hoops that made one circle, wide as daylight and as starlight, and in the center grew one mighty flowering tree to shelter all..." ~ Black Elk

The coin on this card resembles a hoop, which brought to mind the quote by Black Elk. Circles are found throughout many cultures, from the medicine wheels of native people to the sand mandalas of Tibetan Buddhists. For Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung, they represented wholeness. As humans, we seek the blessings of health and wealth - the kind of wholeness that will allow us to live life more fully. Most wheels and mandalas begin with a dot in the center that radiates outward into a larger circle. Like the saying "a penny saved is a penny earned," this card suggests that we have the opportunity to expand to "wholeness" if we will do our part. So will we settle for one slice or make an effort to win the whole pie?

Although you can't see it in his portrait, I am almost positive this young man wears a t-shirt that says "runs with scissors." This Page is elementally Earth of Air; the air is symbolized by the peacocks and the flute player, while the earth is symbolized by the statue of Pan (information and knowledge is orgasmic pleasure to this young man). What do you get when you mix lots of air with earth? Sand and dust storms as well as tornadoes that pick up and fling objects at 100 mph. This boy is quite a prodigy as far as intellect goes; the problem is that he hasn't developed tact, respect or sensitivity to the feelings of others when it comes to using that sharp sword. Everything is looked at from a scientific standpoint. Ask him if you should bomb a village hiding terrorists that would also kill many innocents, and he would look at birth statistics and decide they could easily repopulate in a few years. There is no empathetic filter on what comes out of his mouth; his brain is way ahead of his emotional development. The obelisks symbolize petrified rays of the sun (intellect) and form a gateway leading out into the world. It may take some work, but hopefully this Page will learn how to walk with his scissors and soften his sharp edges when appropriate.

A rake leans against a garden wall from which a Bacchus water spout flows. All around are fall colors, and weeds seem to have gotten the upper hand as the season progressed. Yet the frame containing seven gold coins (in the shape of the alchemical symbol for the sun) suggest there has been a return on my investment. The Bacchus head that decorates the fountain is a callback to a Liber, an ancient Italian god of fertility and growth who later became equated with Bacchus. The rake reminds me of the autumn clean-up I generally do this time of year in my own garden. While sprucing up, I can assess what I did right, what I did wrong, and how I might improve next year. For instance, in one flower bed I planted seeds, but I learned I planted them too late in the year. They sprouted but never bloomed. My other flower bed is filled with wildflowers, and while they grew like weeds, they only produced a few blooms. We had massive amounts of rain (very unusual for us) which probably affected the flower production. And while I can't control the weather, I can prune back some shrubs to let in more light next year. Sevens allow us a chance to analyze and evaluate. They give us a chance to make different choices that could bring change. What obstacles or challenges did I run across, and how did I handle them? What areas show positive growth? Was I able to keep up with this expansion? How was my timing? Do I want to continue what I'm doing, or is it time for a complete overhaul? Before I become more deeply involved and invest more time, energy and money, I need to "pause for the cause."

The numbers in this matrix are: (the first row) 8, 9, 6, 4, (the second row) blank, 9, blank, 2, (the third row )8, 9, 5, 9, (the fourth row) 9, 3, 13, 0. It is clear that the numbers in each row, column, and in the forward and backward main diagonals, add up to different numbers, so the matrix is not a Jupiter Square.

I also found that the colors of each cell in the matrix squares correspond in order to the cells in the circle. The first cell of the matrix (8) corresponds to Jupiter in the circle, and the second cell (9) corresponds to Cancer in the circle, so on, with the last cell (0) corresponding to the blank cell at the top of the circle. According to this correspondence, the numbers in the matrix correspond to the planetary and alchemical symbols in the circle as follows:

8-Jupiter, 9-Cancer, 6-Capricorn, 4-Virgo, blank-Libra, 9-Progress, blank-Aquarius, 2-Air, 8-Water, 9-Gemini, 5-Fire, 9-Sagittarius, 9-Mars, 3-Capricorn, 13-Moon, 0-blank.

The author mentioned in an interview that he took inspiration from kaleidoscopes, geometry, architectural patterns, codes, and the languages of flowers and color.

What does “codes” mean? In the whole Tyldwick, it seems that only the Four of Coins is related to “codes”.

But what does this correspondence mean? Is it some kind of encryption? Why does the number 9 appear five times in the matrix? Does it represent a frequently occurring letter in a natural language? Why are there two blanks in the matrix?

Some people use locks and safes to guard their possessions, and others use magic. In this card, there is a circle made of planetary and alchemical signs. Above it is a stone head of Jupiter and within it is a square filled with numbers. The circle represents the wheel of change - the impermanence of physical life. The Roman god Jupiter (king of gods, sky and thunder) watches over to protect and preserve what is good (I'm sure he's hiding a thunderbolt somewhere). The 4 x 4 square is Jupiter's "magic square" (kamea in Hebrew); these squares were an arrangement of numbers (usually integers) in a square grid, where the numbers in each row, and in each column, and the numbers in the forward and backward main diagonals, all add up to the same number. Dating back to Chinese literature in 650 BCE, philosophers thought these squares were magical and used them as talismans (both to attract good luck and ward off bad luck). Around the 15th century, manuscripts began to pop up in Europe that described how these squares (assigned to the seven classical planets) could be used to attract the influence of a planet and its assigned angel (or demon). Jupiter's magic square was used for success, abundance, money, and growth. While some RWS interpretations see the Four of Coins as a card for misers, I personally don't see anything wrong with being a good steward of what you have, including using good judgment when it comes to our "stuff." But sometimes we forget that it's not just our material possessions and finances we need to take care of, but our bodies too.

It's really helpful to have found your additional commentaries here and the new perspectives on this wonderful deck.  👍

Whenever I see trunks and chests like these, I think of two things: treasure and travel. The Nine of Coins shows a person who has finally learned to manage their resources wisely. Hard work, discipline and perseverance has paid off handsomely. Not only is there a nice little "nest egg" to show for all that effort, there is leisure time for trips, artistic exploration, intellectual pursuits or just enjoying life in general. And something else has happened as well - the follower has become a leader, confident and independent with plenty of experience under his or her belt. On each of the door panels are stencils of nine pentacles arranged in the 3 x 3 shape of a square, denoting stability and security. The lock on the door suggests that this person has become of good steward, a person very aware of what resources go in and out that door. But I sense of a bit of loneliness in this room; there are no family, pet or group pictures anywhere. It feels quite impersonal. Although this person may be cultured and well-traveled, with an attic full of souvenirs and goodies, they lack a close friend or like-minded group with whom to share this success.

Anyone who has ever done any gardening knows that keeping one in good shape requires some knowledge and effort. The three "star" coins on the wall above the rose bush suggest the gardener who resides here is a master. Stars have been used to decorate a student's exceptional paper, to designate the rank of a military officer, and to honor the states of a country on its flag. Generally in all its uses, the star represents excellence and attainment. The four-pointed star is often called a "cross star" and indicates sacrifice and perseverance in order to earn recognition. The number three may imply a requirement of knowledge, passion and practical skill to reach this level of achievement. It may also suggest a union of people with different resources: one with the financial backing, one with the ideas or plans, and one with the skill to make the conception a reality. Either way, this kind of impressive mastery is going to require much more than a quickie online class with a print-it-yourself certificate.

The King of Coins is elementally "Air of Earth." What do you get when you add air (think space) to something solid? I imagine digging a hole in the soil that allows a tree to be planted, or shaping a bowl from clay that can be used to hold food. Likewise, this King likes for things to be useful and have a purpose. But he's not a practical prude - check out that salt shaker and pepper grinder on the desk. He loves what is beautiful, comfortable and sensual. Like the spices, these things have a purpose for him in that they bring pleasure and enjoyment to life. He's a generous soul, but he believes in the saying: "Give a man a fish and feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime." He'd much rather help you start a business instead of just handing you the money. The two large pots of bamboo are full of symbolism, the most immediate being their lush growth and the material/financial success of this man. Yet bamboo is hollow inside, indicating the airy nature of the King of Coins. He is very resourceful, and he likes to stay open to developing new resources and using the others in new, innovative ways. He is a thinker as much as a builder, which explains how he has accomplished so much. The black and white tiles on the floor show him to be as much a strategist as a chess master. On the floor are three balls or spheres; perhaps they represent dominion over the earth or are like cells that split and reproduce. But what about the chimp on the chest? These primates have way more strength than humans, but we have finer motor skills and a more advanced brain. Researchers at Cornell believe we evolved in these areas because of a change in eating (probably due to climate change). So it is possible man's appetite set him on the road to dominance of this planet. Let's just hope the King of Coins' appetite doesn't turn out to be as destructive as we humans have been.

Being "Water of Earth," it is not surprising to find this queen's portrait in a water garden. The two toads that sit beside the pool are suitable symbols, beginning life as tadpoles then continuing as adults on land. When I think of the combination of these two elements, I think of wet clay on a potter's wheel. The Queen of Coins is a very tactile, sensuous woman, and she knows how to use these talents to shape and form what she wants to create. She is well aware of how smell, taste, sound, touch and sight can influence a person's thoughts, energy and emotions. Feeling dull with no "get up and go?" She'll be glad to give you some of the rosemary essential oil distilled from the plants in her garden. Feeling overwhelmed and stressed? She'll suggest you sit and listen to the sound of water trickling into the pool while appreciating the beauty of the water lilies. Confused about a decision? She'll make sure you're well fed and give you some chamomile tea to help you sleep. She believes the answers will come when the belly is full and the mind is rested. This woman is the epitome of hospitality; her home always feels comfortable to all who enter. In her presence, you will feel pampered and cared for. But because she is a such a talented potter, you may not realize at times she can be manipulative. The Queen of Coins is a proponent of "quid pro quo." If she gives you something, you better be aware that she expects some sort of goods or service in return. She is after all, a resourceful and successful business woman.

In this card is a representation of the Knight of Coins, elementally "fire of earth." I am reminded of a seed that sprouts because the soil begins to warm. The Fire element can be seen in the fireplace and the salamanders (Paracelsus - 1493 to 1541- suggested that the salamander was the elemental of fire). The Earth element is expressed in the landscape painting behind the portrait and the tortoises on the base of the vases. Two other animals are evident in this card: dragons and horses. Dragons symbolize a primordial power and are known for guarding treasures. These traits are seen in the knight as he guards and takes care of his resources. This is a guy who would never miss an oil change or postpone a checkup at the doctor. The horses also symbolize power, but because they have been domesticated, they represent the ability to harness and use such strength. This Knight knows how to have staying power because he keeps himself in check and focuses on the task at hand. Like the other knights, the Knight of Coins has a clock on the mantel too, but unlike the others, his clock shows day/night phases. Here is where he takes a sharp turn away from his fellow knights. He isn't impulsive because he moves with the seasons and cycles instead of minutes and hours. He knows there is a proper procedure and order of doing things, and these can't be rushed. He is infinitely more patient and precise than the other knights, and he measures progress not by time but by steps taken toward the goal. You can bet this guy will finish the job (slow but steady like the tortoise), but don't expect any spontaneity out of him.

This is the first court card I've found without any animals in it, though this "earth of earth" Page has plenty of plants in his garden. The design on the coin symbol above his portrait reminds me of the model of an atom - something he would be most curious about. He is often called a student, not because he loves knowledge for knowledge's sake, but because it can be used to create, build and do things with a purpose. This Page would agree with the Zen saying, "Before Enlightenment, chop wood, carry water; after Enlightenment, chop wood, carry water." Except he would explain that his new knowledge enables him to chop and carry much more efficiently. Such a mindset shows his practical nature; he doesn't have much patience for information that can't be applied in the real world. This Page is good with details - if you send him to the store for milk, he's going to want to know what size, what brand, and if you want skim, whole or low-fat. But beware if you tell him something is true without the facts to back it up. Any statement made to him will be met with, "Where's the evidence?" And even if you can't prove it, he might build a model or do some research to discover the truth for himself. The Page of Coins is the most diligent and reliable of all the Pages, but his scientific way of looking at everything can make him a bit odd. Like the checkerboard pattern on the garden wall, things can be black or white, useful or useless to him based on whether they are true, effective and have a valid reason for existing. He would not want to waste much time hearing about your emotional troubles, your religious philosophy, or looking at a new painting. He prefers to be a "fixer." Instead, he would probably suggest an herb for your depression, allow you to borrow his book "The Burden of Proof" and offer to hang that painting so it would be level.

Ten gold coins are arranged on latticework with a Bacchus mask in the middle. The design imprinted on the coins mimics the design on the Ace of Coins card. The arrangement is in the shape of the Tree of Life found in Kabbalah. In Judaism, the Tree of Life was a symbol of the life-giving source that sustains and nourishes all. The grape vines and mask indicate not just sustenance, but an abundance of resources. The wooden kegs have had their bungs (cork-like plugs) removed and are obviously empty. I am reminded of the phrase "tapped out," meaning something has been depleted or used up. This expression also refers to wrestlers who "tap out" when they want to quit the match. The Ten of Coins is an end that leads to a new beginning (Ace). The person who has accumulated and created so much is now ready to move on to other things. It doesn't mean they have lost their drive and are ready to sit in a rocking chair, but they are ready to explore new avenues. As an example, a recently retired person might go back to school to learn how to write or paint. This is also a legacy card; there has been a trail blazed up to this point, but now the torch is being passed. Will those who receive the torch keep it burning, or being self-centered, not worry about it burning out?

“I need solitude for my writing; not 'like a hermit' - that wouldn't be enough - but like a dead man.”

― Franz Kafka

When I first had a look at this card, I felt like I was inside a room looking out a peephole. The eight faceted jewels suggest we are perfecting a craft or in the process of some sort of development. And as Kafka states, we need the solitude to do so. The distractions of other people, social dramas or happenings, and the "shoulds" can keep us from concentrating on what is at hand. We must manage our resources carefully, which includes our time. The painting in the peephole is from "The Très Riches Heures," a medieval book of hours commissioned by the Duke of Berry. A book of hours is a prayer book containing appropriate prayers for specific hours of the day, days of the week, months, and seasons. It seems harsh to strictly set aside portions of the day for certain undertakings, but it is such discipline that can help us complete a course of study or achieve a level of mastery. We learn the value of consistency and perseverance rather than just making sporadic efforts. The only downside to this card is that we may come to enjoy our isolation so much, we don't want to be around others at all. But then, what would be the purpose of our developing our skills?

In the Six of Coins, the disturbances of the Five have settled back into balance once again. Lessons have been learned though, as seen by the fenced area with two griffin statues guarding the gates. Griffins were mythical animals who were part lion and part eagle. The lion was seen as king of the beasts and the eagle king of the birds, so this beast was considered especially powerful and used to guard what was considered priceless and dear. The disks that make up the gate show four that look alike and two others that look the same. So what was had at the beginning (in the Four of Coins) has been replaced along with a bit extra (shown by the two disks). We can handle the things that bring us security and stability in three ways:

1) bury it to keep it safe (think of china that is never used or a doll collection never touched)

2) risk it all for unrestrained pleasure or get-rich-quick schemes (effects seen in the Five of Coins)

3) or use it wisely by saving some and investing some

Hopefully by the time the Six rolls around, we've learned how quickly circumstances can change, but hopefully we also learn of the natural flow of the world (we lose some things but will gain others). And though we do need to use our health, wealth, time and energy wisely, we don't need to be anal about it. The monster-like face in the middle of the disks suggests a small lingering fear that might take us back to the mindset of the Four. While we should be discerning in the use of our resources, we don't want to dam the flow. If we do, we'll wind up right back where we were when all this craziness started...