Today I drew the Deuce of Cups, which is not a great surprise. I've done a couple readings this week with the focus on relationships, so relationships and their growth has been on my mind.

We've been talking about symbolism, and the two artists we will be looking at today have taken rather different approaches to this card. In the Gendron Mel has understated her symbolism on this card. Oh its still there, but her focus is very much on the couple. While Robins symbolism is more pronounced, although not so much so as to be a distraction.

First off, Mel's Deuce of Cups is basically a monochrome in violets. Which is in keeping with her theme through the entire suit, I feel she is using it as a symbol to tie the whole suit to the passionate, the instinctive, the subconscious. the Scene is also set at night reinforcing these themes. So the card is clearly not about what is seen in the cold light of day, but what is felt. The couple themselves look each other steadfastly in the eye, neither has anything to hide from the other, and their vision of their future together is reflected in the upper part of the card. Here hand in hand they are reflected in a semi ethereal image, the great peak in the background, they feel they have found a love as steady Gibraltar.

The Cups themselves are somewhat larger than Mel normally depicts them, and centered as they are on the card we cannot miss them. Bright and Golden, they are clearly precious, like the contents of the couples hearts.

The violets that fill the bottom of the card, and grace the woman's hair clearly tie the card to the world renewing itself. Love as the means by which nature leads us to bring the next wave of creation into the world. I can't help however but feel I am missing something and that the violet has a particular meaning Im not picking up on just now.

Now with Robins card I would like to start with the Male figure, he is wearing a Red tunic. Clearly tying him to the Wands Element and the male principle. If we needed reassurance on that point, the head of the lion we see in the 8 of trumps, is the Icon on his Tunic. As the woman in the 8 of trumps, is clearly in control of the Lion, so the man is clearly in control of himself here. The Couple hold their cups together and caress each others hands. She is wearing predominately blue garb tying her to the Water Element and the Feminine principle, but the white of her sleeves and trim is a symbol of purity, and the little touch of purple peaking out of her inner sleeve is no error and bridges to the unseen.

From just were they touch, just where the male and female principle meet we see an image in light rising up. The Paired serpents rising up the tree of light, [tree of life?][Kundalini?] to the Lion's head again this time with wings. The animal has transcended its baser nature, and become its divine expression of self. Again it is no accident that the color of the lion, matches so closely the color of the mans hair. Robin would seem to be telling us that by truly loving a woman, can a man touch his divine self, and transcend his animal nature. My only small disappointment with the card, Is I dont see how the woman transcends to the higher realm myself. If its written into the card symbolically Im missing that point. Then again perhaps the wings, are hers. The lighter blue of her tunic and the blue of the sky are a close match. Any insights would be welcome on this point.

Oh well lets not be too critical, this is a wonderfully executed card, and truly beautiful image and well worth a little time contemplating.

Divination: Beginning of a new relationship, romance, Partnership, Love, New Ideas Shared, Differences Resolved.

Reversed:Dissolution of a relationship. Infidelity, misunderstanding, Opposition, Quarrels. Unrequited love.