Howdy friends!
Welcome back to our practice of the art of noticing.
Today I pulled our first Major Arcana card: L’AMOVREVX (The Lover)
I’ve pulled this card several times in several decks. The art of Pamela Coleman Smith in the Rider Waite Smith deck is very different from the earlier Marseille art. Alas, the goal in this practice is to take note of what’s standing out to me in that particular moment so I won’t go into all the details of those differences, but I do find this particular card to be a great example of varying interpretations over time. I’ll post the Rider Waite Smith version below so you can compare and contrast for yourself.
For me, today, the thing(s) that stand out to me immediately are the hands. Oh my Universe, the hands! There’s so much gesturing going on. It feels anxious. Words aren’t seemingly adequate. And while there’s so much going on with the characters that occupy the edges of the card, the figure in the middle of all the gesticulating seems quite calm. The character in the middle also, is the only one with a hand not visible. His arm is tucked behind the character to his left (our right). It reads sneaky. Upon first glance it might read as though there is a decision to be made, but in truth, the central figure’s mind has been made up and his posture is telling his story.
The surrounding characters have their work cut out for them. And while the cherubic Cupid / Eros adds another substantial layer of interpretation to the card, I remain focused on the story of the hands. They’re reaching out, grasping, pointing, yearning, as though each character is trying to make a point but not necessarily landing one. It’s messy. The way the hands are configured reminds me of the 5 of wands in the RWS deck. Clearly, there is a challenge at play, too many cooks in the kitchen.
Could the central figure be enjoying this? Might one of these figures be quietly orchestrating the chaos? It’s no far stretch to see why this card is associated with the astrological sign of Gemini. It’s busy and there’s much to be learned, but there’s also a calling to weigh the pro’s and con’s of continuing down this chaotic path. What would you choose?
As always, I’m far more interested in what you, reader, think. What do you see? Everyone will see something unique to themself which is what makes this practice so entertaining.
Should it tickle your fancy or your brainbox, some prompts.
Prompt 1: Is there anything in my life that’s perhaps creating more stress than it’s worth? Am I giving someone or something too much credit? How can I balance that?
Prompt 2: Am I in a position to bring more ease to a situation than I am currently providing? Why am I choosing to hold it back? Or am I choosing violence? What course of action could I execute that would prove to be mutually beneficial for any and all parties involved?
Have a beautiful week, friends!
-She Said With Love