#scapini

So, I’m taking a closer look at my Scapini deck, and I thought that Tumblr might like to share in some of my thoughts, especially since there don’t really seem to be any interpretations of the cards written down much of anywhere. Of course, any further insight is always welcome.

So, one of the biggest challenges I find myself facing is trying to figure how much I should let myself be influenced by Ryder-Waite-Smith. Some of the cards are very similar, others share themes, while still others seem to run entirely counter to what I know. In the end, I think I’ll just let what comes, come.

Now, where to start. Of course, start at the beginning. So here are my insights (aided and abetted by my boyfriend) on The Fool.

The first thing that jumps out at me every time I look at this card is the little lion(?) Jumping at his leg. At first glance, this seems to be an aggressive action, but if you look closely at the creatures expression (sorry if the picture won’t zoom enough), it looks upset. This leads me to believe it’s trying to hold him back, perhaps from the crocodile hiding in the bottom right, just over the cliff.

As for The Fool himself, his clothes are ratty and ill-fitting, and he has no shoes or hat. To be completely honest, he looks like he’s homeless, and he doesn’t seem to be happy with where he is or what he’s doing. He looks like he’s about to cry. Over his shoulder, he carries with him nothing but what looks to me like a balloon. He has nothing with him but hot air and delusions (as in “hate to burst your bubble”). Furthermore, he seems determined to keep going forward, even though he’s not happy about it. He’s leaning forward, toward the unperceived(?) danger. His head is looking down in the general direction of the danger, but he doesn’t seem to be paying any attention to it.

So, as to how I would interpret this in a spread. First, and most obviously, this Fool seems to me to be significantly more foolish than his Ryder-Waite-Smith cousin, I would check to make sure no one is being thoughtless or rash. Also, I’d check to see if anyone was missing anything important (intentionally or otherwise). I would caution against any misconceptions or illusions about the situation. Next, maybe anyone warning you should be listened to, or at least given more weight. This card also seems to call into question the querent’s preparation. Finally, I see that the querent may be being pushed into something unpleasant, maybe a new project, or a relocation, or some kind of paperwork.

On a final note, I’m not entirely sure what to make of the flower between his legs. It’s still vibrantly coloured, so the droop seems natural. The only thing that comes to mind is impotence, and writing it down like that, actually, a homeless man has very little power. So then, this adds to that sense of being forced to do something, one way or the other.

  TEN OF WANDS

OVEREXTENDING

BURDENS

STRUGGLE

  ACTIONS

overextending trying to do too much refusing to say "no" taking all the blame assuming another's debt doing the lion's share having to work overtime shouldering all the work being saddled with an extra load

feeling burdened never having time to relax feeling tied to a treadmill being taxed to the limit assuming responsibility being held accountable carrying out an unpleasant duty cleaning up a messy situation being left holding the bag

struggling fighting uphill doing everything the hard way experiencing resistance pushing against the current having to work for every gain finding that nothing comes easily laboring

OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities

Fool - carefree, living in the moment

Hanged Man - letting go

Four of Wands - free of burdens, escaping oppression

Four o Swords - relaxing, resting

Seven of Swords - avoiding responsibility

REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities

Justice - accepting responsibility, being accountable

Five of Wands - struggle, hassles, resistance

Six of Swords - getting by, struggling along

Nine of Swords - worrying

Five of Pentacles - struggling, hard times

DESCRIPTION

On the Ten of Wands, we see a bent figure trying to carry ten heavy poles. They are ranged so closely in front of him that he can't even see where he's going. Nothing exists for this man except his burdens and responsibilities. How true this is for so many today! We take on so much, trying to do all the things that need to be done. We think that if we can hang on until the weekend (or vacation, or end of the semester) then we can finally relax. The weekend comes, and the overload continues.

In readings, the Ten of Wands can be a sign that you are pushing yourself too hard. If your days are an endless round of duties and tasks, then you need to lighten up for the sake of your health and well-being. Cut back, and take on only those activities that give you pleasure. If you love your work, but it's all-consuming, you may be too narrowly focused in one area. Balance your life with other interests.

The Ten of Wands can also stand for times when you have to assume the lion's share of responsibility. You may be blamed or left holding the bag. On the other hand, you may have to step forward and take charge because you are the only one capable enough. Rightly or wrongly, the cleanup will fall to you.

The Ten of Wands indicates that your life is going to be tougher than usual for a time. You will have to fight uphill for every little gain. Each step will feel like a struggle. When you see this card, be kind to yourself. Lighten the load wherever you can, and let others help you. You don't have to handle everything yourself.

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