7: Court Cards

[LisaT4P]

This lesson is about the Court Cards. These are often seen as difficult to interpret in a spread, so I thought we'd take them separately from the minors to get a little more familiar with them.

First, I want you to separate them from your deck. Take a look at the courts from each suit.

Look @ them in the context of their own suit. Do you see a progression from Page / Princess to King? Or are they separate and individual? What makes them relate to each other? Are they a family? Or different aspects of the same person (you?)? Or both? Or neither?

Now, look at all the Pages: Do you see similarities between them? Differences? Is there any one them throughout all 4? Or not?

Do the same for the Knights, Queens and Kings and note any similarities or differences as you did with the Pages.

Pick one Court Card from each suit. Write down why you like or dislike this card. What drew you to choose this one? Does anything in particular jump out at you about it that you perhaps had not noticed before?

Take the card that you chose for each suit and relate it to a person in your life. For example: My best friend so-and-so is just like the Queen of Cups because....

If you have time later, you can go back and relate each Court Card to someone in your life and add that information into your journal, but for this class I'm only requiring 4 cards, one from each suit. :) It might also be an interesting task to find YOURSELF in each of the Court Cards, but again.. that is for your journal.

[SilverClaw]

Question that appeared to me just now as I work on this assignment what do you do when it is Princess Prince for the court cards and no page or knights?

[SilverClaw]

Look @ them in the context of their own suit. Do you see a progression from Page / Princess to King? Or are they separate and individual? What makes them relate to each other? Are they a family? Or different aspects of the same person (you?)? Or both? Or neither?






Now, look at all the Pages: Do you see similarities between them? Differences? Is there any one them throughout all 4? Or not?

The similarities I see is that each Page is standing in their with each of their symbols surrounded by suit element ( Water, desert, Earth and Air)
I also see similarities in the way they are dressed. Each wears a Tunic in their suit colors ( with the exception of the page of wands I cannot tell which color he is wearing)
I also see that they seem to be young indicating they may be in the same age group.

As for differences each page is holding their suit symbols a bit differently as well as some of the hats they wear are different and the page for the Suit of Swords is not wearing any.


The Knights have similar things as the page such as holding their element symbols and being in their suit element setting. They are all on horses this time; they seem to look a bit older and they are also wearing the same thing in regards of armor and their tunics, but in their various suit colors.
The differences are also how their horses and the knights are positioned, one is not moving and the other three are in various positions of movement.


Queens
The similarities with the Queens is they are like the pages in their suit setting, as well as they are sitting on a throne and hold their suit symbol. They wear the same thing for the most part the one thing being that the Queen of Pentacles has different head piece and no cloak.

Aside from the differences of the clothes they are also positioned a bit differently from one another. The Queen of cups seems to be holding her Cup with a glove or something on that is white, while the other Queens do not have such a thing. The other thing that is noticeably different is the detailed symbols in each of the thrones which are a great way to remember suits elements.


Kings
Are the same as the Queens in the aspect of being in thrones and holding their suit symbols.
Aside from the differences of the clothes they are also positioned a bit differently from one another. Also their thrones are of a different style to the Queens, and they some of the thrones have different detailed is symbols in each of the thrones and then there are some which are the same as the Queens.

[LisaT4P]

Question that appeared to me just now as I work on this assignment what do you do when it is Princess Prince for the court cards and no page or knights?You just look at the progression that your own deck has. I said Page & Knight because that seems to be the most common. But other decks have other names for their courts & that is cool. The World Spirit has different names for the Queens & Kings as well. Work within your deck's structure.

[LisaT4P]

As for differences each page is holding their suit symbols a bit differently as well as some of the hats they wear are different and the page for the Suit of Swords is not wearing any.That is pretty interesting and I can see how having no hat could be symbolic for that particular element. :)



The Knights...
The differences are also how their horses and the knights are positioned, one is not moving and the other three are in various positions of movement.Again, I like that the different positions and movement or lack of movement could be symbolic to the suits.



They wear the same thing for the most part the one thing being that the Queen of Pentacles has different head piece and no cloak.

The Queen of cups seems to be holding her Cup with a glove or something on that is white, while the other Queens do not have such a thing. Again, interesting that these 2 queens are singled out with very different clothing. What might that white glove mean for the Cups suit? And what might it mean that the Pentacles has no headdress or cloak? Hmmmm



Kings
Are the same as the Queens in the aspect of being in thrones and holding their suit symbols.
Aside from the differences of the clothes they are also positioned a bit differently from one another. Also their thrones are of a different style to the Queens, and they some of the thrones have different detailed is symbols in each of the thrones and then there are some which are the same as the Queens.I always find the positioning interesting and the way they are facing to be helpful. Are some looking to the future, to the past... or rather... in a spread they might be looking to each other or away from each other as well. Very cool.

:thumbsup:

[SilverClaw]

You just look at the progression that your own deck has. I said Page & Knight because that seems to be the most common. But other decks have other names for their courts & that is cool. The World Spirit has different names for the Queens & Kings as well. Work within your deck's structure.
I was originally asking because I was going to use my Clive B's Egyptian deck which has the Princess and prince King and Queen for their court cards, but I changed my mind and used the Rider deck to be on the safe side :D




That is pretty interesting and I can see how having no hat could be symbolic for that particular element. :)
yes I can see it to :)




Again, I like that the different positions and movement or lack of movement could be symbolic to the suits. yes for example the Swords card was in full action and is very lively just like the element of Air. While the Cups card was a slow steady and calm pace which is one aspect of a persons emotions.




Again, interesting that these 2 queens are singled out with very different clothing. What might that white glove mean for the Cups suit? And what might it mean that the Pentacles has no headdress or cloak? HmmmmWell I wondered at first if the Queen of cups just a spot on the card that was not colored right because in my other Rider deck which is a slightly different version color wise I do not recall seeing such a thing.

And as for the second part of your question I will be back later to answer have to give some more thought to it .



I always find the positioning interesting and the way they are facing to be helpful. Are some looking to the future, to the past... or rather... in a spread they might be looking to each other or away from each other as well. Very cool.
I found some neat comparisons between the Queens and Kings positions to and I also found the cards that faced forward and were looking right at me were a bit of a bother which I have no clue why they have never done that before lol :D

[Figment99]

First, I want you to separate them from your deck. Take a look at the courts from each suit.

Look @ them in the context of their own suit. Do you see a progression from Page / Princess to King? Or are they separate and individual? What makes them relate to each other? Are they a family? Or different aspects of the same person (you?)? Or both? Or neither?
I think they are both related to each other as a family and are different aspects of the same person. Whether or not that person is me, I am not sure. I can definitely see parts of myself in some of the court cards, but the ones I don’t see myself in, I see them as possibilities. We, as humans, are capable of anything.


I do see a progression through the cards. From Knave/Page being free from burden to the King who is often weighed down by burden and his plate is full.

Now, look at all the Pages: Do you see similarities between them? Differences? Is there any one them throughout all 4? Or not? Do the same for the Knights, Queens and Kings and note any similarities or differences as you did with the Pages.
Knaves - They are all smiling and happy, except for the Knave of Wands. He looks like he is almost daydreaming or trying to visualize something he wants to do or somewhere he wants to go. He is also the only male out of the Knave cards. The others are all shown as young fae girls and they seem completely content with their lives and/or situations.


Knights– The knights are put into 2 groups: one being those who have a stern look on their faces, like they are going this because it is their job, they get no joy out of it. The second group has slight smiles on their faces, that to me suggest that this job is serious and important to them, but they also enjoy what they do. Each group has one masculine and one feminine suit. In group one: Wands and Pentacles. In group two: Swords and Cups.

Queens – Each Queen has a stern or focused expression. They have much to do and think about. Not only do they have to do all that a Queen must, they also must serve the people and the King. It seems like it can be an overwhelming task with little free time to explore, experiment, or to just have fun.


Kings – All four Kings have a different expression, at least to me. The King of Swords shows strength gained from burdens and challenges. The King of Cups shows a pensive and contemplative mood. The King of Pentacles expresses contentment and peace, but perhaps a bit simple as well. The King of Wands seems to be under some strain from the burdens he has faced, whether they are mental, emotional, spiritual, or physical, I am not sure.

Pick one Court Card from each suit. Write down why you like or dislike this card. What drew you to choose this one? Does anything in particular jump out at you about it that you perhaps had not noticed before?
I chose the cards I like the best out of each suit.


Knave of Cups: She seems so happy and relaxed. She has no problems or she has no worries about those problems. I think I just wish I could be more like her. To not worry, to do what I can and let the universe take care of the rest.


Knight of Swords: She is strong, content, and happy at her work. She knows what must be done, can do it well, and is happy about it.


Queen of Swords: She seems the most strong and confident out of all the Queens. She has faced her burdens and struggles, and became a stronger and more capable woman for it.


King of Pentacles: He seems happy. That is just something I want in my life as much as possible. Although, I don’t know what I would choose if I had to make a choice between being completely happy or being an intellectual.

Take the card that you chose for each suit and relate it to a person in your life. For example: My best friend so-and-so is just like the Queen of Cups because....
The Knave of Cups reminds me of a college friend named Rachael. She had the same expression on her face all the time, like nothing in this world was going to frazzle her too much.


The Knight of Swords reminds me of me, sort of, or at least the me I want to become at the moment. That is because I tend to get restless and I wish I could just be content with the choices I have made, although, most of these choice aren’t not bad ones, I still seem to get bogged down.


Queen of Swords reminds me of a good friends mother. She got married and had children very young as was the custom back then. The person she married turned out to be a &^%$. After a very long and difficult struggle, she left him a few years ago, got remarried, and now has a complete and content life with grandchildren.


King of Pentacles reminds of Heather. She is my brother’s girlfriend. She is just so happy, nice, and chipper all the time… so much so it can sometimes make you sick. She does have a tendency to overreact sometimes, but overall she is a happy person.

[LisaT4P]

Absolutely FANTASTIC job, Figment! You touched on each question and really gave it care & thought. I appreciate that. :)

I especially liked your descriptions of the different rankings. It made me wonder which ranking you identify yourself with more: Knave, Knight, Queen or King.

I know I didn't ask that as a general question for all, but if anyone else wants to answer that'd be fine. And of course, you can expand that to the suit as well.. and you'd have your significator. ;)

[Figment99]

Absolutely FANTASTIC job, Figment! You touched on each question and really gave it care & thought. I appreciate that. :)

I especially liked your descriptions of the different rankings. It made me wonder which ranking you identify yourself with more: Knave, Knight, Queen or King.


I think, at the moment at least, I see myself as the Knight. I have things I have to do, people I have to take care of, and responsibilities... but I am not too burdened right now. I do have some free time for myself and for my own spiritual exploration. Which I don't see the Queen or King having much of and the Knave has very little burden and lots of free time, so that doesn't fit me either... LOL I have a 2 year old, I keep busy.

[LisaT4P]

How we doin' guys? Need more time? Or should I post the next lesson?

[Figment99]

I am ready to move on, but it seems like some need a little more time. This is a busy time of year for Pagans as well as everyone else, especially if they are getting ready for the upcoming holidays or finals in school.

[Miss Dana]

Yeah, I need more time. I'm going to try to get to it this Saturday after I do my homework, but I can't make any guarantees.

[Kalena]

I'm really stuck for time at the moment. Plus my internet connection hasn't been 100% reliable for some reason.
Will finish as soon as possible.

[Miss Dana]

Court Cards

In context of suit:

Swords: They all handle their swords with care. Even the king lets it rest on his own shoulder, as if to say I do not mean to threaten you, I would sooner harm myself.

Spears: The maiden and knight are holding their spears in a fighting fashion, as a sign of defensiveness in youth, but the queen and king are much more gentle with theirs, as if to illustrate wisdom with age.

Grails: Each one is different. Maiden uses two hands and is holding it up, close to herself, most likely filled with water from the stream next to her, as if to drink it. Knight's is not a material grail, it is an image he is concentrating on. Queen uses two hands, but is holding it low, spilling the contents which are flowing in different directions. King is sitting, holding a small grail in one hand and to the side is a large hanging grail, as if he is offering you a small portion or exemplifying self discipline/self control by not using all your resources.

Stones: Each one is different. Maiden's is a tall rock behind her, as if to be her moral support for the severed head in her hands, something like that. The Knight's is a shield for protection on a long, cold journey. The queen's is a game board, to show patience in her idled times. The king's exemplifies his position of authority. Perhaps the concept of discipline connects them.


In context of character:

Maidens: Ther is a sense of duty about these girls, except maybe for the grail maiden. Wait, I take it back. It is her duty to herself to make sure she has water to drink.

Knights: The are all on horseback, on some type of journey, but they all seem to have their own way of dealing with it.

Queens: Again, a sense of duty hangs about these women, but it seems to be in a more mature sense, probably like that of sacrifice that comes with motherhood.

Kings: These all look like pwerful, important men, but like the knights, they have their own ways of going about their duty.



Pick one from each suit:

Sword King: I like him because his expression is firm and sincere at the same time. He seems like a fair authority figure who gives good counsel.

Spear Queen: I've always liked her because she is a very finely dressed queen, the only one with jewels on her dress, and she is kneeling in the woods holding a bloody spear, as if as an offering of remorse. I feel her pain and struggles. She is not too proud to ask for help.

Grail Knight: He is the only one without his object physically materialized. His head is bowed in concentration on his prize. I respect his integrity. He seems patient in his search.

Stone Maiden: This girl has always kind of creeped me out. I've come to understand her, but she's still shocking. Her eyes are dead, but her lips look as though she's holding back tears, I don't know how else to explain it. She's holding a severed head, one can only assume she knows the story of how it happened, maybe even did it herself. It's a sense of growing up too fast, a loss of innocence.


Relating them to my life:

The Sword King reminds me of my dad. Although he hasn't always been present in my life, he's always given me seeds of really good advice that have helped me a lot in life. He's also been very reasonable whenever he's disciplined me and my brother.

I don't know if I'm allowed to do this, but I've always felt a strong connection between myself and the Spear Queen. No matter where my life takes me, I'm ever too afraid to admit when I've done wrong or I need help. I may sometimes be reluctant to speak up, but I'm not afraid to admit when I need help.

The closes peron to the Grail Knight I can think of is actually my mom. She's always kind of been a lost soul. Mostly she puts it on herself, but that's a different story. No matter what happens to her, what is given to her or taken away, she's always searching for something. For example, sobriety if she's using again, or some kind of fix if she's been sober too long.

The Stone Maiden reminds me of a girl I used to be friends with. Her innocence was long gone when she was still very young, too young. She's a very messed up girl and would probably chop off some guys head if she had to.

[LisaT4P]

I don't know if I'm allowed to do this, but I've always felt a strong connection between myself and the Spear Queen. If you mean relating the card to yourself, then yes, that's fine for this class. I think we all find at least one card we sincerely identify with in the courts, and it's fine to use that in this exercise. :)

I love your descriptions, these cards are very evocative, even though the pips are scenic. It is one of my fave decks. I like that you see something different in each one, and your description of how the characters in the Swords suit hold their "weapons" is very good. I had not noticed it before, but I like it. :)

Great job here!

[gregoirewitch]

Ok, due to my issues of posting my assignments in CoT, I have to post them here.

Here we go....
To me they all seem separate and individual, yet, progressing as one. Each suit seems related, due to physical similarities as well as temperment and attitudes.

I feel that each suit represents both the different aspects of one person, and a relation of family, ie, siblings.

For the pages, which are knaves in my deck, there are a few similarities. They are all close to the same age. None look 4 years old at all. The youngest looks about 7 years old. 3 of the knaves are happy and carefree. Only one, the knave of Wands, is serious-looking.

The knights are at the "coming of age" phaze. They all seem to be around the same age, give or take. Each radiates honor, pride and becoming a warrioress (all female in this deck).

The queens are lovely. Ancient knowledge and elegance shines thru. All are about the same age, but each has a different quality. Queen of swords is a little distant, but artistic; queen of wands likes to take on anything physical, to be helpful, but is not very verbally expressive; queen of cups is a very good listener and thoughtful, but tends to be a bit manipulative; queen of pentacles is very artsy/craftsy, and is very good at it, but she can become very obsessed.

The kings are all around the same age, but have very different personalities. King of wands is focused and a leader; king of pentacles is very sharing and a perfect host; king of swords is a bit cold, but very organized and rational; king of cups is very compassionate and caring but very easily distracted.

Of the suit of wands, queen of wands jumped out the most. I'm not quite sure why. I niether like or dislike this card. Maybe because I come from a long line of people who are very helpful and hardworking, and yet are very verbally quiet, where others would see them as almost snobbish. There is a quiet intelligence about this card.

For the pentacles suit I picked king of pentacles. Again, of this one, I'm not sure why. It's possible that this card reminds me of a co-worker. Lovely person. There is a strong need to impress everyone by making sure all needs are met, no matter what.

For the suit of cups, I chose knave of cups. I kind of dislike this card. A very naive card. Very little experience with pain and tragedy. Thinks things are all "hunky-dory" and nothing bad could ever happen. Huge heart, but would not know what to do if something bad were to happen. Too trusting.

For the suit of swords, I picked queen of swords. I identify with this card. I both like it and dislike it. i have been thru hell and back and here I stand. At first glance this card seemed very distant, almost shut off emotionally. But not so. She protects herself. And is very seld-expressive thru art and music. She teaches to not judge a book by its cover.

I find I'm a bit like the knight of swords. I tend to become obsessed in what-ever physical activity I get involved in. I am a die-hard in Yoga and Bellydance.

One of my sisters is very much like the knave of cups. She is very catholic and sees everything as very "hunky-dory" to the point of being too bubbly and happy-go-lucky. She has the mind-set of "oh, that'll nevery happen".

My step-mom is very much like the king pentacles. She puts everyone before herself and is the grand hostess. She's not happy unless you are.

My step-dad is very much like the king of wands. He owns his own business and has been very successful. He spends very littly time with his family due to this. We rarely get to see him except for holidays.

[LisaT4P]

Great job! And a few thoughts that I hadn't noticed about these characters before.

Obsessive is a great negative trait for the Queen of Pents. I like that very much.

And easily distracted is wonderful to describe the King of Cups, oooh! Shiny! LOL

It's great that you could easily relate many of them to members of your family or surroundings.

Thanks for a great assignment!