Opening the library▍
Opening the library▍
All 78 meanings in two traditions, the spreads that hold them, and a few small tools that draw for real. A reference to keep open beside any reading.
The modern pictorial tradition — a scene on every card.
The older woodcut tradition — trumps renumbered, pips read by count.
0 — VII · the self sets out
VIII — XIV · the inner work
XV — XXI · unmaking and renewal
Le Mat · I — VII · the stations of life
VIII — XIV · trial and measure
XV — XXI · the great forces
No scenes on the pips — every minor is read from its number and its suit.
Small pulls on a rhythm
Two to five cards, shaped to it
The library

One library · two traditions
The modern pictorial tradition — a scene on every card.
The older woodcut tradition — trumps renumbered, pips read by count.
The Fool’s journey
The three septenaries
The departure
the self sets out








The trial
the inner work







The return
unmaking and renewal







The first septenary
the stations of life








The second septenary
trial and measure







The third septenary
the great forces







Read by scene
Read by count
Wands
Fire · will and work
Cups
Water · feeling and relation
Swords
Air · thought and truth
Pentacles
Earth · matter and means
Courts: Page · Knight · Queen · King
Every minor carries a scene — read the picture first, the number second.
Batons
Bâtons · will and work
Cups
Coupes · feeling and relation
Swords
Épées · thought and conflict
Coins
Deniers · matter and means
Courts: Valet · Cavalier · Queen · King
No scenes on the pips — every minor is read from its number and its suit.