Pick a Card...
11/3/13 01:55![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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commonplaceNotes: Now here's something a little... okay, maybe a lot experimental? It was loosely inspired by this card draw: A saturation in the form of a card reading using a divination deck that exists in-universe. (It also exists here, in that I got a bunch of cards printed off and am teaching myself meanings for them. If you're into that kind of thing, let me know, I'm happy to try reading for other people with it.) Each section starts with the the name and meaning of the position, then the name of the card drawn, the prompt associated with it, the reader's statement of interpretation to Robin, and then a brief scene illustrating what's being discussed. Probably overcomplicated. I'm posting anyway!
"What can the cards tell you, boy?" Today she'd set up along the promenade, across from the university. She dressed the part of the fortune teller, in colorful robes designed in old-fashioned styles, and though she was young, many people thought she looked wise.
She hoped looks weren't too deceiving. She might not make a lot of money at this, but she wasn't aiming to defraud anyone, either.
Her first customer of the day was a man who crossed the street from the university to find her. He was Anglo, and nervous, and slipped the fee into her hand before she even spoke.
"A classmate of mine said you're good."
She pocketed the money and nodded.
"My... my lover just made a huge decision, and I need to know how it will turn out."
Sticks, coins and cards all sat on the stone bench beside her, and she asked him to choose which he would use.
"Um. I've never seen someone read with cards. Can I? I want to see how they work."
1. The Bloodline - the ancient past, the building blocks of the current situation
The Dragon (10. role)
In this position, the Dragon could indicate multiple things. It could be a statement about your actual bloodline, or it could indicate someone you know who's done a great deal to shape who you are.
Robin looked sideways to see if Jian was paying attention.
If he was, though, Robin couldn't see it. Not that that meant he wasn't. Robin was pretty sure that the less attention he seemed to be paying, the more he was actually using.
He'd been trying for weeks now to get Jian's to notice when they ran into each other. No matter what he did, though, Jian was always following Tai, and Tai was getting in Robin's way.
Robin knew he would just have to try harder to get his attention.
2. The Unguarded Smile - the positive energy impacting this situation
The Soldier (3. lesson)
You've followed orders diligently. You've earned your reward.
"Do the form again."
Robin nodded. His leg muscles burned from maintaining the low, solid stances that the form required, but he knew he couldn't disappoint Jian.
3. The Broken Promise - the negative influence impacting the situation
The Artificer (7. skill)
This isn't a card I see often for negative influences. I wonder if you're working too hard? Don't let machines take the place of people.
"Robin, stop ignoring me."
"I'm not ignoring you! I'm just working."
"You've been working for hours. Come out and play, Robin."
"I'm almost done, Jian, I promise."
"Come out now or I destroy all of it. Being my apprentice means doing as you're told."
4. The Budding Flower - the present moment, captured for inspection
The Lion (2. friend)
Oh, you must be quite happy right now! This is good luck, blessings, happiness and a long life.
"I still can't believe it, sometimes."
"Believe what?"
"That I'm lucky enough to have you."
5. The Messenger - a positive influence or good news that's coming soon
The Doppelganger (4. resource)
This card usually means that you have to worry about undermining yourself, but it looks like even your subconscious is rooting for you.
"Norton, I don't want to play this game anymore."
"Oh, this isn't a game. I've been deadly serious the whole time. Still..." he hesitated. "I decided you were right about Jian. I haven't given you a fair chance."
6. The Inspector - a negative influence or event that is coming soon
The Chaoskampf (5. education)
This is the balance between forces in the universe. Everything has to stay in balance. When you've been having a lot of good luck, balance means, well...
"Mortals break so easily, Jian. Or had you forgotten?" Chenek gave a predatory smile. "I'll be happy to remind you."
7. The Open Door - what change can you make
The Ratha (6. tool)
The Ratha is the mount, one who is the host for a higher power. In this position, I think she means that your best bet is to learn to ride, not to simply be ridden.
"I am the last of my line. I rejected immortality. I gave up my inheritance. I've spent my whole life walking away from responsibility, and I guess this is my line in the sand."
"Robin, this isn't necessary."
"Yes it is, Jian. I'm not going to lose you for a third time."
8. The Fox Wedding - hopes, dreams, what you're seeking
The Higher Self (1. ally)
You're looking for your own best self. You need to make a partner out of that piece of yourself. Remember, you both have the same goals.
"I am my father's son, and also my mother's. They both gave me... gifts. They may not look like it to other people, but they can be gifts. Even madness has a time and place."
9. The Orphan's Tears - fears, temptations, what keeps you from your goals
The Mouse (9. method)
You fear being powerless, overlooked. But stealth can be a great asset, and one persistent mouse can destroy an entire library or cause a famine.
"Blaser? How did you- But- That's not possible!"
10. The End of the World - the ultimate outcome if no great effort is taken
The Order (8. component)
Order means systems, rules, patterns. It's neither good nor bad, except that you make it so. In this case, I think it would mean letting those negative influences cast you in a role you don't want to play. This is your life. Make your own choices, don't wait until they're made for you.
"Play the game, Robin. You'll be good at it. And when we get to go, the world will be yours for the picking."
It was tempting. There was a time... but Robin shook his head.
"I'm not interested in being a lapdog, Chenek, no matter how comfy the lap."
Did that help?
Robin looked up at the card reader, so shaken that the illusion on his face blurred and shifted like an old movie. She didn't let her surprise show; Shengao had many talented people, and very few of them liked to draw attention.
He stumbled over some thank yous and good byes as he dropped several coins on her table. Did he forget he'd already paid her?
She smiled and pocketed it anyway, considering it a tip. He didn't look like the kind of customer who'd be back, but he did look like the type that would recommend her along. That, and the coins in her pocket, were good enough for her.
"What can the cards tell you, boy?" Today she'd set up along the promenade, across from the university. She dressed the part of the fortune teller, in colorful robes designed in old-fashioned styles, and though she was young, many people thought she looked wise.
She hoped looks weren't too deceiving. She might not make a lot of money at this, but she wasn't aiming to defraud anyone, either.
Her first customer of the day was a man who crossed the street from the university to find her. He was Anglo, and nervous, and slipped the fee into her hand before she even spoke.
"A classmate of mine said you're good."
She pocketed the money and nodded.
"My... my lover just made a huge decision, and I need to know how it will turn out."
Sticks, coins and cards all sat on the stone bench beside her, and she asked him to choose which he would use.
"Um. I've never seen someone read with cards. Can I? I want to see how they work."
1. The Bloodline - the ancient past, the building blocks of the current situation
The Dragon (10. role)
In this position, the Dragon could indicate multiple things. It could be a statement about your actual bloodline, or it could indicate someone you know who's done a great deal to shape who you are.
Robin looked sideways to see if Jian was paying attention.
If he was, though, Robin couldn't see it. Not that that meant he wasn't. Robin was pretty sure that the less attention he seemed to be paying, the more he was actually using.
He'd been trying for weeks now to get Jian's to notice when they ran into each other. No matter what he did, though, Jian was always following Tai, and Tai was getting in Robin's way.
Robin knew he would just have to try harder to get his attention.
2. The Unguarded Smile - the positive energy impacting this situation
The Soldier (3. lesson)
You've followed orders diligently. You've earned your reward.
"Do the form again."
Robin nodded. His leg muscles burned from maintaining the low, solid stances that the form required, but he knew he couldn't disappoint Jian.
3. The Broken Promise - the negative influence impacting the situation
The Artificer (7. skill)
This isn't a card I see often for negative influences. I wonder if you're working too hard? Don't let machines take the place of people.
"Robin, stop ignoring me."
"I'm not ignoring you! I'm just working."
"You've been working for hours. Come out and play, Robin."
"I'm almost done, Jian, I promise."
"Come out now or I destroy all of it. Being my apprentice means doing as you're told."
4. The Budding Flower - the present moment, captured for inspection
The Lion (2. friend)
Oh, you must be quite happy right now! This is good luck, blessings, happiness and a long life.
"I still can't believe it, sometimes."
"Believe what?"
"That I'm lucky enough to have you."
5. The Messenger - a positive influence or good news that's coming soon
The Doppelganger (4. resource)
This card usually means that you have to worry about undermining yourself, but it looks like even your subconscious is rooting for you.
"Norton, I don't want to play this game anymore."
"Oh, this isn't a game. I've been deadly serious the whole time. Still..." he hesitated. "I decided you were right about Jian. I haven't given you a fair chance."
6. The Inspector - a negative influence or event that is coming soon
The Chaoskampf (5. education)
This is the balance between forces in the universe. Everything has to stay in balance. When you've been having a lot of good luck, balance means, well...
"Mortals break so easily, Jian. Or had you forgotten?" Chenek gave a predatory smile. "I'll be happy to remind you."
7. The Open Door - what change can you make
The Ratha (6. tool)
The Ratha is the mount, one who is the host for a higher power. In this position, I think she means that your best bet is to learn to ride, not to simply be ridden.
"I am the last of my line. I rejected immortality. I gave up my inheritance. I've spent my whole life walking away from responsibility, and I guess this is my line in the sand."
"Robin, this isn't necessary."
"Yes it is, Jian. I'm not going to lose you for a third time."
8. The Fox Wedding - hopes, dreams, what you're seeking
The Higher Self (1. ally)
You're looking for your own best self. You need to make a partner out of that piece of yourself. Remember, you both have the same goals.
"I am my father's son, and also my mother's. They both gave me... gifts. They may not look like it to other people, but they can be gifts. Even madness has a time and place."
9. The Orphan's Tears - fears, temptations, what keeps you from your goals
The Mouse (9. method)
You fear being powerless, overlooked. But stealth can be a great asset, and one persistent mouse can destroy an entire library or cause a famine.
"Blaser? How did you- But- That's not possible!"
10. The End of the World - the ultimate outcome if no great effort is taken
The Order (8. component)
Order means systems, rules, patterns. It's neither good nor bad, except that you make it so. In this case, I think it would mean letting those negative influences cast you in a role you don't want to play. This is your life. Make your own choices, don't wait until they're made for you.
"Play the game, Robin. You'll be good at it. And when we get to go, the world will be yours for the picking."
It was tempting. There was a time... but Robin shook his head.
"I'm not interested in being a lapdog, Chenek, no matter how comfy the lap."
Did that help?
Robin looked up at the card reader, so shaken that the illusion on his face blurred and shifted like an old movie. She didn't let her surprise show; Shengao had many talented people, and very few of them liked to draw attention.
He stumbled over some thank yous and good byes as he dropped several coins on her table. Did he forget he'd already paid her?
She smiled and pocketed it anyway, considering it a tip. He didn't look like the kind of customer who'd be back, but he did look like the type that would recommend her along. That, and the coins in her pocket, were good enough for her.
(no subject)
11/3/13 20:34 (UTC)(Incidentally, I've been thinking of making my own deck based on the post you did on your blog, but it's mostly in the gestation thinking stage.)
(no subject)
12/3/13 18:10 (UTC)(no subject)
12/3/13 19:40 (UTC)(no subject)
12/3/13 13:27 (UTC)I'm ALWAYS interested in a card draw, you know that.
(no subject)
12/3/13 14:11 (UTC)(no subject)
12/3/13 19:42 (UTC)(no subject)
14/3/13 01:18 (UTC)