Description
(2016), pencil on paper, 5.5"x10.5" backed with digital frame.
Last card. This deck is DONE!
The court cards are leaving space for a number of interpretations in a spread. Often they are read as actual people having an impact on the querent's life, who share characteristics of the element they are associated with and hold a certain social or familial "rank". However, they can also be aspects of the querent's personality that either define him or her or that are currently suppressed. The Rider Waite deck shows us a crowned man in multi-colored robes adorned with grapes and vines that merges into the rich, fertile landscape around him. He sits on a throne adorned with two bull-heads and holds a large pentacle coin and a scepter. He faces the viewer but looks down seemingly in contemplation of his coin. Behind him we see a castle before a low golden sky. In the Crowley-Harris deck the seated kings are transmuted into much more dynamic knights riding horses and the Knight of Pentacles is enclosed in dense, black armor as he sits atop his dark brown horse. The horse is not rearing up or galloping ahead but stands still and seems more interested in grazing on the blades of grass around him. The knight has pushed back a heavy helmet adorned with antlers and looks away from the viewer at a huge golden sun raising behind him. He holds a black shield on his left arm and a red flail in his right hand.
For my own card I chose a man in simple street clothes. He wears a leather cap as his “crown” and looks at the viewer with a kind smile. He is unpretentious and approachable, and even though he has seen much in his life it has not made him bitter or cynical.
In a spread the Father of Earth represents a practical, careful and circumspect man. He has a clear understanding of his talents and abilities and how to apply them successfully. This has allowed him to find his place in life. He is successful and comfortably off, but he does not hoard his wealth. He enjoys the good things in life and likes to take care of the people close to him. He is generous rather than avaricious, but he also considers what is beneficial to him and will increase his wealth.
For a relationship-related question the card may indicate that you are consolidating an existing friendship or partnership. You want to enjoy the good things in life together and take care of your loved ones. You are comfortable with your and your partner’s needs and desires and love spoiling each other. You also know that you can rely on one another through thick and thin and may also pool your abilities and resources to be successful together and to achieve a common goal.
If the card comes up for a business-related question it means that you are going to achieve your goals as you rely on your abilities and resources. If you are ready to invest in a venture this card would point to an auspicious result. If you are leading a team your people will come through for you. Make a practical assessment of what you have going for you and then use it wisely. The Father of Earth is not prone to flights of fancy or erratic behavior, so make sure you have made a careful assessment of risks and opportunities before you commit. For a career the Father of Earth may point to dealing with material goods such as logistics or manufacturing or with investments, finance and banking.
If the card stands for yourself it means you are looking back with satisfaction on what you have achieved. You have a pragmatic outlook on life and value stability and being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Family and the roots you have put down in your community are very important to you. You know that if you apply yourself diligently and calmly assess a situation you will continue to be successful in reaching the goals you have set for yourself.
If the card is uncovered in an adverse or blockage position it could mean that there are difficulties to understand or relate to others. There is a tendency to be self-centered and sullen, intolerant and unable to put any interest in anything outside your own plans and direction. You dismiss the viewpoint of others if it does not coincide with your own and cannot understand that there are other ways of living, believing or behaving than your own. You could be jealous of other people’s success and angered by anyone who questions your way of life. Alternatively the card could point to an individual who is unable to hold on to material possessions. Everything you have achieved tends to slip through your fingers and you find yourself unable to persist through adversity. Others think you are unreliable and erratic and easily distracted.