The Renaissance-inspired Medieval Scapini Tarot by Luigi Scapini is one of the first Tarot decks I ever bought, oh… nearly thirty years ago? My friend Princess Patti told me decks should be wrapped in silk, and Lynne donated that silk Oleg Cassini scarf to the cause. The wooden box is one I handpainted, and it and the scarf have always been the permanent home of this deck.
It really is a lovely deck to look at–I’m honestly not much of a Tarot card reader, though I like to have mine read, and I have often read for my friend Big Hair Lisa, though not from this deck, and have also read for Debby, Geof, Geraldine, and my Four Princes (they being James, Timothy, Timmy, and Jim). If I never read for my friend Steve C, I should have, because he likes to analyze things and Tarot certainly lends itself to that.
Of course, when I opened this today, I pulled the Fool. Not at all surprised and one of my favorite cards. From our ever helpful Internet:
To be the Fool is exhilarating, so freeing.
Although The Fool is often depicted carrying a tote over his shoulder, The Fool has barely enough room for a toothbrush and maybe a sandwich for his next meal inside his tote. He has made no plans for his journey, he is joyously anticipating whatever comes next. Preparedness is not in his vocabulary or mindset. Think about it, if you were going off on an adventure you would probably plan for it weeks ahead of time, scheduling every move in advance. In general we don’t like to be confronted with the unexpected. Whereas The Fool, begins his circular journey at the zero point, full of anticipation and without worries or expectation. Zero is a very good starting point. The Fool offers opportunity to shed your emotional baggage, heal past hurts, and begin anew.
Anyway, the scarf is red, white, and blue, a reminder for me to wish you a happy, safe, and for your animals, fireworks-free Independence Day. May you always enjoy the abundance of freedoms our founders meant for us to have and our forebears fought for more than once.
Courage, citizens!