The pages or the spine?

[Guest]

Hello, everyone.

 

When using the Book card, in your readings, are the pages or the spine of the emblem used to represent hidden, unknown information? 

 

I remember that I read about both viewpoints. This got me confused.

[katrinka]

There is logic behind both. Pick one, and just be consistent.
Follow Andy, or Malkiel - either will work. Just be picky about your sources.

[Guest]

As @katrinka stated there is good logic behind both stances.  Consequently, I can just outline one’s own preference.

 

More than just secrets, the Book (to me) is the knowledge we need.  In addition to what is known, I also see the “spine” of the book as where to look for important or key information. I see it as akin to searching a library shelf. 

The pages can be the gap in our knowledge or information. 
 

Over time I have thought that one’s primary deck might affect our perspective. Malkiel favoured the Rote Eule (closed book) but I prefer the Brepols (open).

 

In the Brepols/Carta Mundi, the left side has is just a few pages read. The last (mid-turn) shows a mirror, which I see as what is known or seen reflected back (akin to the spine). The right shows a blurry image (unknown akin to pages). 

 

 

In vertical combinations, the cards below the book are under control and understood. The cards above unknown influences. 

Edited May 4, 2021 by Guest

[Guest]

Thank you @katrinka and @timtoldrum for your answers. 

[katrinka]

3 hours ago, timtoldrum said:

Over time I have thought that one’s primary deck might affect our perspective. Malkiel favoured the Rote Eule (closed book) but I prefer the Brepols (open).

 

In the Brepols/Carta Mundi, the left side has is just a few pages read. The last (mid-turn) shows a mirror, which I see as what is known or seen reflected back (akin to the spine). The right shows a blurry image (unknown akin to pages). 

I hadn't considered that, but I think you're definitely onto something. 
For years, I considered the "pages" side of the Book to be what's known. I never questioned it, which is odd for me.
But I used the Dondorf pattern a lot. 😁

 

 

Several pages are marked, with one marker at the bottom where the book ends. There are two latches, one was left open and while the other is closed, it doesn't look like a key is required. Someone has been reading this book, they know what's in it. 

So yes - I think I was influenced by that, even though I wasn't consciously looking for visual clues. Repeated exposure can do that, lol.

Edited May 4, 2021 by katrinka

[Guest]

3 hours ago, katrinka said:

I hadn't considered that, but I think you're definitely onto something. 
For years, I considered the "pages" side of the Book to be what's known. I never questioned it, which is odd for me.
But I used the Dondorf pattern a lot. 😁

It is one of those things I noticed. Over time there is undercurrent that becomes noticeable. It is not like the English sites (which are easy to identify who’s book(s) were used but not cited). It’s more subtle.

 

I’ve certainly noticed that a lot of my views or quirks come from the Brepols. 
 

When I got Erna’s book I remember reading her description of the Clouds.
She talked about the rocks and sea. But there is no rocks or sea on the Blaue Eule. 

 

When I got Marco and saw the Brepols’ cards, I noticed the sea and rocks! I later realised that the publisher had just changed Droesbeke’s illustrations. But it made me study the Carta Mundi a lot. 

 

3 hours ago, katrinka said:

So yes - I think I was influenced by that, even though I wasn't consciously looking for visual clues. Repeated exposure can do that, lol.

3 hours ago, katrinka said:

Several pages are marked, with one marker at the bottom where the book ends. There are two latches, one was left open and while the other is closed, it doesn't look like a key is required. Someone has been reading this book, they know what's in it. 

Yes. The Dondorf is a well-thumbed tome. It makes it hard to justify the pages as unknown.