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Summary:

A vocabulary review? A preconceived notion? A passion for flowers? A need for elements over a certain historical period?

 

This is a collection of small details suitable for several fandom universes.

Chapter 1: Foreword & Reminder

Chapter Text

FOREWORD

Welcome to my observations that I've been able to collect by reading all sorts of works.

I invite you to first look at the overview of this series to see if you need to read another guide before starting this one.
Then I suggest you look at the index of this work to confirm whether you want to read the whole thing or go straight to certain chapters.


This work is a little different from the others, as it involves a large volume of information. I created it for the sole purpose of venting my annoyance at certain details that few people seem to have picked up on and which irritate me. Another reason I wrote this work is because I'm tired of having reference material and pages of information scattered around.
The various elements discussed here are taken from a narrative viewpoint, asking myself the following question: what do these elements contribute to a storyline, a plot? I don't sell anything, I don't convert anyone.


What you will see here are my experiences and research. I'm not telling you how to write a work; I'm just gathering information that I think is relevant and sharing it because I don't see why I should keep it to myself. Sometimes I give you an opinion, but no more.

Of course, I do have not the ultimate truth, there are probably mistakes. Yes, I am human and by dint of rereading again and again in search of clues, I don't see anything more. Don't hesitate to correct me.

Don't forget to do your own research, to choose sources that come precisely from the time and place in question and to read the comments on videos where enthusiasts and experts can appear.


I'm not imposing anything, I'm suggesting; you're free to do what you want.




REMINDER

I already mentioned this in my previous guide, but here are some reminders about the length of a work. It's always good to know what you're writing or reading. These are not immutable limits and you can always do what you like. But I think it's always interesting to make a little comparison.

  • Micro-fiction / Micro-narrative / Micro-storytelling = less than 500 words

  • Children’s picture book = between 400 and 800 words

  • Flash story = from 500 to 1 000 words

  • Short story = between 1 500 and 5 000 words, under 7 500 words

  • Classical short story = between 1 000 and 10 000 words

  • Novelette = from 7 500 to 17 500 words

  • Short novel = between 10 000 and 40 000 words

  • Novella = from 17 500 to 40 000 words

  • Potential novel = over 40 000 words

  • Average novel = over 50 000 words, less than 120 000 words, around 85 000 words

  • Young adult manuscript = from 50 000 to 80 000 words

  • Novel = between 60 000 and 100 000 words

  • Romance fiction = from 40 000 to 100 000 words

  • First novel = less than 110 000 words

  • Thrillers = from 70 000 to 90 000 words

  • Fantasy novel = from 90 000 to 110 000 words, up to 150 000 words

  • Historical work = between 100 000 and 120 000 words


  • This is what all these numbers look like when compared with well-known works from the literary world:

  • Animal Farm, George Orwell = 29 966 words

  • The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis = 38 421 words

  • Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson = 41 561 words

  • Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury = 46 118 words

  • The Diary of Anne Frank, Anne Frank = ~50 000 words

  • Murder on the Orient Express, Agatha Christie = 58 154 words

  • The War of the Worlds, H. G. Wells = ~60,000 words

  • All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque = 61 922 words

  • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, J. K. Rowling = 76 944 words

  • The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde = 78 462 words

  • Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Rick Riordan = 86 826 words

  • Nineteen Eighty-Four / 1984, George Orwell = 88 942 words

  • The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien = 95 356 words

  • The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins = 99 750 words

  • To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee = 100 388 words

  • Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman = 106 936 words

  • Gullivers Travels, Jonathan Swift = 107 349 words

  • The Silmarillion, J. R. R. Tolkien = 130 112 words

  • The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Victor Hugo = ~152 490 words

  • Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë = 183 858 words

  • Memoirs of a Geisha, Arthur Golden = 186 418 words

  • Dune, Frank Herbert = 187 240 words

  • The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, J. R. R. Tolkien = 187 790 words

  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J. K. Rowling = 198 227 words

  • Les Miserables, Victor Hugo = 530 982 words

  • War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy = 587 287 words




  • I'd also like to make it clear again that I'm not here to sell you anything; the links to shops are used to give credit to the words used by these sites or because these sites allow me to give you concrete examples. I often need images to help me visualise my ideas.
    I'm also not here to convert you to any particular belief or ideology: the concepts covered are from a narrative viewpoint and what these concepts can bring to a plot or make of a character.


    Now, let's get to the heart of the matter!

    Chapter 2: Little details

    Summary:

    This chapter talks mainly about these little details that I can't help pointing out and preconceived ideas.

    Chapter Text

    Note: I know that people write as they like, that they don't get worked up about it because it's a passion, that they do what they want. But just for one chapter, I'm pouring out what's in my heart about these little details that bother me so much. So vocabulary errors and preconceived ideas, I talk about them here with potential bitterness!



    VOCABULARY

  • Adjective adapts to noun
    It is quite common for a character to be referred to by their hair colour, to avoid repetition (and create a figure of speech called a synecdoche). I have often found that the words used are derived from French. I know that once a foreign word has been integrated into a language, it is subject to the rules of that language, but I just want to clarify the basics before leaving you.

    Blond(s) / Blonde(s)
    It refers to a colour: a mixture of yellow, gold and light brown, similar to honey or wheat.
    Blond is masculine. Blonde is feminine.
    In French grammar, a boy is blond. A girl is blonde. A man cannot be blonde. A woman cannot be blond.
    Example: une belle blonde → a beautiful blonde | le grand blond parla → the tall blond spoke

    Brun(s), Brunet(s) / Brune(s), Brunette(s)
    It comes from the word 'brun', a brown colour.
    Brunet is masculine. Brunette is feminine.
    In French grammar, a boy is a brunet. A girl is a brunette. A man cannot be a brunette. A woman cannot be a brunet.
    Note: My observation is that the French speakers prefer the terms 'brun' and 'brune', while English speakers prefer 'brunet' and 'brunette'.
    Example: Une jolie brune → a pretty brunette | Un petit brun → a little brunet

    But this mistake isn't limited to hair! It's just the most common mistake I've seen.
    For a quick French lesson: the adjective imitates the noun it's with. If the noun is feminine plural, then its adjective should be made feminine plural.
    So, we write a femme fatale because 'femme' is the feminine gender so we use 'fatale', the feminine form. But we write a homme fatal because 'homme' is the masculine gender and 'fatal' is the masculine form.


  • Earthian terms in fantasy
    The next case is a bit special, as it relates to works where the setting is fictional or unrelated to Earth and its history. Despite a completely invented world, the vocabulary was quite full of terms with a very modern connotation, with lots of antonomasia. I know that a word is a word and that its definition often takes precedence over its origin, but some words have such a strong history that it's hard to ignore it.
    Example: The elves of Middle Earth are faced with a Cornelian dilemma. The orc had Herculean strength. French kiss. Swearing 'Lord Christ'. A.M. & P.M.
    Our languages have a rich vocabulary and I think it's a shame that our creativity suffers from this lack of attention to detail and the simplicity of our sentences when we can offer so much more.


  • Unbutton your trousers
    You can not unzip your trousers if the zipper does not exist. The zipper, zip fastener or clasp locker, was invented in 1851, but wasn't used for garments until 1909 and then more generally in 1916. Before that time, the outfit was untied or unbuttoned.





  • TITLE

  • Title | Peerage | Honorific | Courtesy title
    🇫🇷 Titre | Pairie | Honorifique
    Term of respect

    Historical titles of nobility in certain European countries: Emperor (Empress - Empire) → King (Queen - Kingdom) → Prince (Princess - Principality/Princedom) → Duke (Duchess - Duchy/Dukedom) → Marquess (Marchioness - Marquisate) → Count (Countess - County) → Viscount (Viscountess - Viscounty) → Baron (Baroness - Barony)
    🇬🇧 Emperor (Empress - Empire) → King (Queen - Kingdom) → Prince (Princess - Principality) → Duke (Duchess - Duchy/Dukedom) → Marquess (Marchioness - Marquisate) → Earl (Countess - County) → Viscount (Viscountess - Viscounty) → Baron (Baroness - Barony)
    🇫🇷 Empereur (Impératrice - Empire) → Roi (Reine - Royaume) → Prince (Princesse - Principauté) → Duc (Duchesse - Duché) → Marquis (Marquise - Marquisat) → Comte (Comtesse - Comté) → Vicomte (Vicomtesse - Vicomté) → Baron (Baronne - Baronnie)

    Other titles of nobility in certain European countries: Lordship (Ladyship) | Viceroy (Vicereine) → Archduke (Archduchess - Archduchy/Archdukedom) → Grand duke (Grand duchess - Grand duchy)
    🇫🇷 Seigneurie | Vice-roi (Vice-reine) → Archiduc (Archiduchesse - Archiduché) → Grand-duc (Grande-duchesse - Grand-duché)


  • Style
    🇫🇷 Qualifications/Prédicats honorifiques
    Example n°1: Henry VIII → By the Grace of God, King of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, and of the Church of England and also of Ireland on Earth Supreme Head
    Example n°2: Queen Victoria → Her Majesty Victoria, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India
    Example n°3: Elizabeth I of England and Ireland → By the Grace of God, Queen of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith
    🇫🇷 Exemple n°1: Henri VIII → Par la grâce de Dieu, roi d'Angleterre, de France et d'Irlande, Défenseur de la foi et de l'Église d'Angleterre et aussi d'Irlande sur Terre, Chef suprême
    🇫🇷 Exemple n°2: Victoria du Royaume-Uni → Sa Majesté Victoria, par la grâce de Dieu, reine du Royaume-Uni de Grande-Bretagne et d'Irlande, impératrice des Indes, défenseur de la Foi

    Emperor (Empress - Empire) → King (Queen - Kingdom) = His/Her Imperial Majesty | His/Her Imperial and Royal Majesty | His/Her Majesty
    🇫🇷 Empereur (Impératrice - Empire) → Roi (Reine - Royaume) = Sa Majesté Impériale | Sa Majesté
    Example n°1: Queen Victoria → Her Imperial Majesty Queen Victoria
    Example n°2: Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon → Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
    🇫🇷 Exemple n°1: Victoria du Royaume-Uni → Sa Majesté Impériale la reine-impératrice
    🇫🇷 Exemple n°2: Victoria du Royaume-Uni → Sa Majesté la reine
    🇫🇷 Exemple n°3: Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon → Sa Majesté la reine Elizabeth, Reine mère

    Prince (Princess - Principality) = Her Royal Highness | Her Serene Highness
    🇫🇷 Prince (Princesse - Principauté) = Son Altesse Royale | Son Altesse Sérénissime
    Example n°1: Elizabeth II → Her Royal Highness The Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh
    Example n°2: Anne of Edinburgh → Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal
    🇫🇷 Exemple n°1: Victoria du Royaume-Uni → Son Altesse Royale la princesse Alexandrina Victoria de Kent
    🇫🇷 Exemple n°2: Anne du Royaume-Uni → Son Altesse Royale la princesse royale

    Duke (Duchess - Duchy/Dukedom) | Archbishop = His/Her Grace

    The Honourable (🇫🇷 L'honorable) = Sons and daughters of viscounts and barons | Younger sons of earls | Wives of the sons of viscounts and barons | Younger sons of earls | Married daughters of viscounts and barons, whose husbands hold no higher title or dignity | Maids of honour/Royal attendants | Ambassadors
    Example: Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon → The Honourable Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
    🇫🇷 Exemple: Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon → L'honorable Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon

    Lord (Lady) = Daughters and younger sons of dukes and marquesses | Daughters of earls

    His Honour = Judge | Magistrate in court
    His Lordship = High Court Judges
    His Worship = Magistrate | Mayor | Clergyman
    His Holiness = Pope
    His Eminence = Cardinal


  • Some rules:
    • The wives of sons of peers share the styles of their husbands
    • The eldest sons of dukes, marquesses and earls are known by one of their father's or mother's subsidiary titles





  • PRECONCEIVED IDEAS

  • Stradivarius
    There are two kinds of people: those who know what a Stradivarius is and those who don't know. And it's not the ignorant who pose a problem for the point I'm about to make. But let's start with some simplified facts.

    Antonio Stradivari, known as "Stradivarius" was a famous Italian luthier of the 17th century. Although many instruments are made, only those in the violin family have the title of Stradivarius. In addition to his exceptional work, the wood he used no longer exists. It is estimated that ~650 have remained to the present day. When one is sold, the sum is in millions. These violins are ancient and rare.

    And that's the important point: a Stradivarius is rare. It's not just an expensive instrument, it's legendary.
    The likelihood of your character being a Stradivarius is practically nil. If your character has no excellent justification for having a Stradivarius, then he doesn't have a Stradivarius.
    He may have a copy made by Antonio Stradivari's student, an excellent fake. He may lie and say that his violin is the real thing. But your character probably doesn't have a Stradivarius.
    If the presence of this rare object does not serve the plot, it should not be mentioned. Because the chances of getting a Stradivarius are so rare and make its appearance in your story completely ridiculous (almost as if you were doing namedropping to say that you know a thing or two about violins).

    I'm talking about Stradivarius here, but it applies to any field. If your character has no reason to have a rare item, then they shouldn't have it.





  • FAIRY TALES

  • Fairytale costumes should enchant us. They should remind us of that supernatural element that is magic.

    Resource, reference & idea links:
    Donkey Skin (1970 French film) - Lilac fairy's costumes & Princess' costumes
    Beauty and the Beast (2014 French film) - Belle's costumes
    JoliPoli.com | Vietnamese brand and design dress collection, by Phạm Đăng Anh Thư


  • If there is one element that is often the least flawed in an adaptation of fairy tales or a fantasy work, it is the settings (architecture and buildings).

    Resource, reference & idea links:
    → 1396 • France, Oise | Château de Pierrefonds
    → 15th • Romania, Hunedoara | Corvin Castle
    → 1468 • France, Maine-et-Loire | Château du Plessis-Bourré
    → 1519 • France, Loir-et-Cher | Château de Chambord
    → France, Oise | The whole town of Senlis





  • CREATURE

    Resource, reference & idea links:
    How would a realistic centaur function, by @criminalacttv | Cr!m!nalActTV





    TRADITIONNAL CLOTHING

    I love traditonnal clothing and discovering new thing about other cultures. My way crossed this incredible artist (Twitter: @felrija | Aleksandra) and her work. Her art is amazing and many people talk about their culture in her comments which made her post a true gold mine of informations.


    AFRICA


    north AMERICA

    Hawaiian
    Places: Hawaii
    References: 1 | 2 | 3
    Vocabulary: holokū | mu'umu'u
    Propositions: @usernamedizzy, kuki

    Tehuana
    Places: Mexico, Oaxaca
    References: 1
    Propositions: @Niza_VC, Helena con H


    south AMERICA

    Jamaican
    Places: Jamaica
    References: 1
    Vocabulary: Bandana
    Propositions: @dykk1nz

    Wayú
    Places: Venezuela | Colombia
    References: 1 | 2
    Propositions: @LucaprivR, Luca


    ASIA

    Republic of Azerbaijan
    References: 1 | 2 | 3
    Propositions: @TakesTiara_ww | TiaraTakes

    Kebaya
    Places: Brunei | Indonesia | Malaysia | Singapore | Southern Thailand
    References: 1
    Propositions: @SER0T0JIN | indigo #1312

    Uzbekistan
    Places: Republic of Uzbekistan
    References: 1 | 2
    Propositions: @kyuujuushi, 𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧


    AUSTRALIA


    EUROPE

    Catalan
    Places: France | Spain
    References: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
    Propositions: @ikusennoyume5 | queen of fruits

    Circassian
    Places: Northern Caucasus | Russia
    References: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
    Propositions: @chuushuimu

    Dirndl
    Places: Alps → Austria | Germany | Italy | Liechtenstein | Switzerland
    References:1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18
    Propositions: @mymamell, Mara

    Faroese
    Places: Denmark | Faroe Islands
    References: 1 | 2
    Propositions: @bootao_twt, kermit thee frog⁷

    Finnish
    Places: Finland
    References: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
    Propositions: @holygardn | miro

    Frisia
    Places: Germany | Netherlands
    References: 1
    Propositions: @armpitfrotter | Kutwijf

    Galician
    Places: Spain
    References: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
    Vocabulary: cofia | mantelo | faldriqueira | dengue | zoqueiro & zocos
    Propositions: @_kieran_ishere

    Kashubian
    Places: Poland
    References: 1 | 2 | 3
    Propositions: @Neokitchs

    Netherlands
    References: 1
    Propositions: @soomi_mp3 | Soomi

    Tuvan
    Places: China | Mongolia | Siberia, Russia
    References: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
    Propositions: @boshkanim, booshka

    Swedish
    Places: Sweden
    References: 1 | 2
    Propositions: @byebmeye | Maya

    Welsh
    Places: Wales
    References: 1 | 2
    Propositions: @RhiannonH79632, Rhiannon

    Chapter 3: [Floriography] Overview & Reference

    Summary:

    This chapter talks about the definition of floriography and reference sources.

    Notes:

    WARNING
    The chapters on floriography are mainly concerned with the Western European viewpoint with sources from Western European culture.

    Chapter Text

    Floriography
    Also known as Language of flowers
    Communication through the use of flowers, with different types of flowers having particular symbolic meanings.
    Note that this is not limited to flowers: the language can be extended to all types of plants and trees. It is also clear that meanings change with time and place. Also, the meaning of a flower cannot exist if the flower in question has not been imported into a culture. It is also worth remembering that different plants have different flowering times. Think about this when you make bouquets of flowers in your work.

    Hanakotoba (花言葉)
    Japanese form of floriography

    Kadō (華道) - 'Way of flowers'
    Japanese art of flower arrangement

    Hanahaki byō (花吐き病) - 'Flower | To throw up'
    Also known as Hanahaki Disease
    An East Asian fictional disease in which the victim coughs up flower petals when they suffer from one-sided love. It ends when the beloved returns their feelings or when the victim dies. It can be cured through surgical removal, but when the infection is removed, the victim's feelings also disappear. Flowers often reflect the image of the loved one or the patient's deterioration.




    USES & APPLICATIONS

    But what's the point of communicating with flowers? Apart from a character expressing their love through a bunch of flowers... eh.
    Flowers have many different meanings, and can be a detail in a setting, a piece of information in plain sight.

  • No reason, like in real life
    You can love a flower for no other reason than to love it.
    Example n°1: I find burgundy dahlias incredibly charming. Well, it mean betrayal... You know, there comes a time when you love something, and that is it, whatever its hidden message.
    Example n°2: A character may love spider lilies because they remind them of their partner's flaming hair. Nothing may happen to the character, even though the flower means death.

  • The action before the meaning
    You do not need to know the meaning of a flower to get the message across.
    Example: The protagonist loves a flower. If that flower is later shown wilted or trampled, we can deduce that something bad has happened to the character, whatever the meaning of the flower.
    It can be a twist of fate to have the presence of a flower with tragic significance and then end up with the only reason for its presence being an unreasoning affection. The reader waits for the inevitable, fearing for the fate of the character, but these fears were unfounded.
    Example: The protagonist can spend their precious time looking for the sender of the flowers because he's afraid of dying and that the flowers carry an ominous message. All this only to realise that he has spent most of his life lost in this quest, losing sight of goals such as family relationships and school results. The person sending the flowers loved him and gave him her favourite flowers, which she grew herself. For her, it was a sign that she was giving the most precious thing to her love and that she was putting effort into her love.
    The action of the arrival of spring and nature reclaiming its rights are movements that speak to the reader about hope, justice and peace.
    Example n°1: Let's imagine that the symbol of a clan is a rhododendron. After massacres and slavery, the rhododendrons that grow back on the ravaged lands mean much more to the story than the message of danger that the rhododendrons symbolise.
    Example n°2: It can be a wedding tradition to plant a tree in the garden of the new couple's home. In a romance, this is the ultimate goal. Seeing the tree is the reward for the long journey that the relationship between the two lovers has been.

  • A token
    It may be a sign of belonging to a group.
    Example: The classics being the lily for French royalty and the enchanter's nightshade for the witches. Community affiliation can be embroidered into a character's outfit.

  • A prophetic vision
    Probably the simplest case. It involves placing flowers in the background or in a detail that announces the character's fate through its meaning.
    Example n°1: The characters meet a policeman wearing a flower in his buttonhole. It can represent injustice, showing its corruption.
    Example n°2: In the bedroom of a missing child, the new squared, checkered wallpaper hides an old floral wallpaper. Perhaps the adults have tried to erase the child's dreams or have hindered his traditional development. In another version, musty wallpaper with roses reveals a geometric wallpaper underneath. Perhaps someone has intruded into the owner's life to the point of making him lose his mind, the horizon of reality. A woman called Rosa, who knows?
    Example n°3: A scene where two friends jostle each other while playing in a garden. Character A pushes Character B in a field of flowers. Character A thinks that Character B is beautiful, entangled in the flowers. But the flowers mean betrayal. Perhaps Character A will push Character B to do an irreparable thing and break their friendship.

  • As any object
    You can replace any plot tool in the story with a flower.
    Example n°1: Like the story of Theseus and Aegeus with their white or black sails, a set of flowers can become a code that is known only to a limited number of people. Or a secret meeting place can be indicated by flowers.
    Example n°2: a warning. An anonymous person sends flowers to a woman in order to warn her of rumours about her unfaithful husband.



  • EXAMPLES

  • Any work with Hanahaki Disease

  • The plant in the boot from WALL-E

  • The chrysanthemum from Curse of the Golden Flower

  • The rose in its glass cage from Beauty and the Beast

  • In Games of Throne, the wedding crown of Joffrey I Baratheon is a stag's antlers (House Baratheon's sigil) intertwined in the rose (House Tyrell's sigil), representing the alliance between the two and the political insinuation of the Tyrells

  • In Harry Potter, Severus Snape's question: "Potter! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" hides a foreshadowing meaning.




  • GENERAL SYMBOLISM

    For greater expressiveness, floriography can be combined with colorology and numerology.
    Obviously, different cultures have different meanings. Even numbers often represent couples. Large numbers show dedication, effort and excessiveness.
    Example: If you want to curse someone in Asia, four white flowers will be perfect.

    Your characters in your stories may have a number of their own, and despite its meaning, this number is more a symbol of their affection. The number of family members for the number of flowers to put on the table. In your stories, the number you choose can have its own story, just like the colours and the meaning of the plants.




    RESOURCE & REFERENCE

    WEBSITES

  • [1998] Blooming Florist
    → Malaysian English bouquet shop

  • [2003] 🇫🇷 À la Boîte à Fleurs
    → French bouquet shop

  • [2006] 🇬🇧 All Florists
    → English flowers guide

  • [2007] Flower Addict
    → Singaporean English bouquet shop

  • [2014] 🇯🇵 Hanakotoba - Yurai (花言葉 - 由来)
    (Floriography - Origin)
    → Japanese floriography website

  • [2015] 🇫🇷 Interflora
    → French flowers guide of a bouquet shop

  • [2018] Flowers and Kisses
    → Singaporean English bouquet shop

  • [2022] 🇬🇧 Petalrepublic
    → English flowers guide of a bouquet shop


  • BOOKS

  • [1760] 🇫🇷 Introduction a la conoissance des plantes..., les propriétés d'après la pratique des plus sçavans médecins
    (Introduction to the knowledge of plants..., properties according to the practice of the most learned doctors)
    → French book by Hugues Gauthier

  • [1800] 🇫🇷 La voix des fleurs : comprenant l'origine des emblèmes donnés aux plantes
    (The voice of flowers: understanding the origin of plant emblems)
    → French book by Clarisse Juranville

  • [1800] 🇫🇷 Le Langage des fleurs
    (The Language of flowers)
    → French book by Charlotte de La Tour

  • [1811] 🇫🇷 Abécédaire de flore ou Langage des fleurs
    (Alphabet primer on flora or the language of flowers)
    → French book by B. Delachénaye

  • [1816] 🇫🇷 Emblème des fleurs, ou Parterre de flore
    (Emblem of flowers, or Flowerbed)
    → French book by Charles-Joseph Chambet

  • [1821] 🇫🇷 Langage de flore, ou, Nouvelle manière de communiquer ses pensées, sans se voir, sans se parler, sans s'écrire
    (Flore language, or a new way of communicating thoughts without seeing, speaking or writing to each other)
    → French book by Jean-Pierre Troncin

  • [1830] 🇫🇷 Langage des fleurs, ou, Histoires morales
    (Language of flowers, or, Moral stories)
    → French book by H. Duru

  • [1832] 🇫🇷 Les Fleurs emblématiques, étrennes des anniversaires, contenant le langage allégorique des fleurs, l'art de choisir celles qu’il convient d’offrir à chaque sexe et à chaque âge, et la manière de les arranger en bouquets emblématiques
    (The Emblematic Flowers, birthday presents, containing the allegorical language of flowers, the art of choosing those appropriate to offer to each sex and each age, and the way of arranging them into emblematic bouquets)
    → French book by L. Leneveux

  • [1832] 🇫🇷 Le Langage des fleurs
    (The language of flowers)
    → French book by Louis-Aimé Martin

  • [1832] Nouveau langage des fleurs, ou Parterre de flore : Le symbole et le langage des fleurs, leur histoire et leur origine mythologique ainsi que les plus jolis vers composés à ce sujet
    (New language of flowers, or Flowerbed: The symbol and language of flowers, their history and their mythological origin as well as the most beautiful verses composed on this subject)
    → Belgian book by an anonymous person

  • [1840] 🇫🇷 Flore des dames, ou, Nouveau langage des fleurs (archive.org) | Flore des dames, ou, Nouveau langage des fleurs (wikimedia.org)
    (Flora of ladies, or, New language of flowers)
    → French book by Hippolyte Hostein

  • [1841] 🇫🇷 Flore des dames : nouveau langage des fleurs
    (Flora of ladies: new language of flowers)
    → French book by Albert Jacquemart

  • [1842] Le langage des fleurs
    (The Language of flowers)
    → Belgian book by Louise Cortambert & Louis-Aimé Martin

  • [1847] 🇫🇷 Les Fleurs naturelles : traité sur l'art de composer les couronnes, les parures, les bouquets, etc., de tous genres pour bals et soirées suivi du langage des fleurs
    (Natural flowers: a treatise on the art of composing crowns, ornaments, bouquets, etc., of all kinds for balls and evenings, followed by the language of flowers)
    → French book by Jules Lachaume

  • [1847] 🇫🇷 Les Fleurs animées (archive.org)
    (The animated Flowers)
    → French book by Taxile Delord, Alphonse Karr and Jean-Jacques Granville

  • [1851] 🇺🇸 The language of flowers: The floral offering; a token of affection and esteem; comprising the language and poetry of flowers (archive.org)
    → American book by Henrietta Dumont

  • [1853] 🇫🇷 Nouveau langage des fleurs : avec la nomenclature des sentiments dont chaque fleur est le symbole, et leur emploi pour l'expression des pensées : précédé d'une introduction
    (New language of flowers: with the nomenclature of feelings of which each flower is the symbol, and their use for the expression of thoughts: preceded by an introduction)
    → French book by Pierre Zaccone

  • [1855] 🇫🇷 Traité du langage symbolique, emblématique et religieux des Fleurs
    (Treatise on the symbolic, emblematic and religious language of flowers)
    → French book by Casimir Magnat

  • [1858] 🇫🇷 Nouveau langage des fleurs avec leur valeur symbolique et leur emploi pour l’expression des pensées
    (New language of flowers with their symbolic value and their use for the expression of thoughts)
    → French book by Pierre Zaccone

  • [1860] 🇫🇷 Le Langage des fleurs
    (The Language of flowers)
    → French book by Emma Faucon

  • [1865] 🇬🇧 The Miniature Language of Flowers (archive.org)
    → British book by Mrs L. Burke

  • [1870] 🇬🇧 Flowers: their language, poetry, and sentiment - with choicest extracts from poets: a dictionary of the sentiment of every flower, botanical descriptions
    → English book by Robert Porter & Henry Coates

  • [1872] 🇫🇷 Nouveau langage des fleurs et des fruits : ouvrage complet (gallica.bnf.fr)
    (New Language of Flowers and Fruits: Complete Work)
    → French book by Miss Clémentine Vatteau

  • [1875] 🇬🇧 The language of flowers: a complete alphabet of floral emblems (archive.org)
    → English book by William Brisbane Dick & Lawrence R. Fitzgerald

  • [1884] 🇬🇧 Cyclopedia of practical floriculture (archive.org)
    → English book by Cordelia Turner

  • [1884] 🇬🇧 The language of flowers, illustrated (archive.org)
    → English book by Kate Greenaway

  • [1886] 🇫🇷 Atlas manuel de botanique : illustrations des familles et des genres de plantes phanérogames et cryptogames : caractères, usages, origines, distribution géographique (archive.org)
    (Manual botany atlas: illustrations of families and genera of phanerogamous and cryptogamous plants: characteristics, uses, origins, geographical distribution)
    → French book by Joseph Deniker et Julio Mario Santo Domingo

  • [1892] 🇬🇧 Plant lore, legends, and lyrics. Embracing the myths, traditions, superstitions, and folk-lore of the plant kingdom (archive.org)
    → British book by Richard Folkard

  • [1896] 🇫🇷 Flore populaire, ou, Histoire naturelle des plantes dans leurs rapports avec la linguistique et le folklore
    (Popular flora, or, Natural history of plants in their relationships with linguistics and folklore)
    → French book by Eugène Rolland

  • [1985] 🇺🇸 Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
    → American book by Scott Cunningham

  • [1990] 🇬🇧 The Language of Flowers
    → Book by Sheila Pickles

  • [1995] 🇫🇷 Le Livre des superstitions, Mythes, croyances et légendes
    (The Book of Superstitions, Myths, Beliefs and Legends)
    → French book by Éloïse Mozzani

  • [2000] 🇫🇷 Les plantes et leurs symboles
    (The plants and theirs symbols)
    → French book by Anne Dumas

  • [2000] 🇫🇷 Des Mots et des fleurs, Secrets du langage des fleurs
    (Words and flowers, Secrets of the language of flowers)
    → French book by Zeineb Bauer

  • [2016] 🇮🇹 Lieve ed eterna come un fiore - La florigrafia: Analisi storico-sociologica di una forma di comunicazione non verbale
    (Delicate and eternal like a flower - Florography: Historical-sociological analysis of a form of non-verbal communication)
    → Italian book by Sabrina Gatti

  • [2017] 🇬🇧 Britain’s Wild Flowers
    → English book by Rosamond Richardson




  • This chapter ends here and in the next, you will see the list of plants.
    I warn you that the order of the plant list is my own creation: I've sorted the flowers mainly by Latin name (the "universal and scientific" name), because names change from one language to another and from one era to another. I decided to go by genus name rather than by family name in order to not make the chapters too heavy and so too difficult to read.
    I hope you'll understand my choice and that it won't bother you.

    Chapter 4: [Floriography] From letter A to C

    Summary:

    This chapter lists the meaning of the plants that begin with the letter A, B or C.

    Chapter Text

    A

  • Abies
    Alternative name: Fir
    Classification: Pinaceae
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Time

    ➤ Fir tree
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Elevation


  • Acacia
    Classification: Fabaceae
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Friendship
    [1892 ~ USA | "Floral Beauties and Language of Flowers"] Chaste Love

    ➤ Rose or White Acacia
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Elegance

    ➤ Yellow Acacia
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Secret love


  • Acanthus
    → Acanthaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Fine arts | Artifice

  • Acer pseudoplatanus
    Also known as Sycamore
    → Sapindaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Curiosity

  • Achillea millefolium
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] War

  • Aconitum
    Also known as Aconite
    → Ranunculaceae
    ➤ Crowfoot Aconite
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Lustre
    ➤ Monkshood helmet flower
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Knight-errantry
    ➤ Wolfsbane Aconite
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Misanthropy

  • Adonis
    → Ranunculaceae
    🕮 Mythological story of Adonis and Aphrodite
    Adonis annua
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Painful recollections

  • Aesculus hippocastanum
    Alternative name: Horse chesnut
    Classification: Sapindaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Luxury

  • Aethusa cynapium
    Also known as Fool’s parsley
    → Apiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Silliness

  • Agaricus bisporus
    Also known as Champignon
    → Agaricaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Suspicion

  • Agave amica
    Also known as Polianthes tuberosa or Tuberose
    → Asparagaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Dangerous pleasures

  • Agrimonia
    Also known as Agrimony
    → Rosaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Thankfulness | Gratitude

  • Aizoaceae
    Alternative name: Fig marigold
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Idleness

    Carpobrotus edulis
    Alternative name: Ice plant
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Your looks freeze me

  • Alcea
    Alternative name: Hollyhock
    Classification: Malvaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Ambition | Fecundity

  • Alkekengi officinarum
    Alternative name: Winter cherry
    Classification: Solanaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Deception

  • Almond
    Alternative name: Prunus amygdalus
    Classification: Rosaceae

    ➤ Common Almond
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Stupidy | Indiscretion
    ➤ Flowering Almond
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Hope
    ➤ Laurel Almond
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Perfidy

  • Aloe
    → Asphodelaceae
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Grief | Religious superstition

  • Alopecurus
    Also known as Foxtail grass
    → Poaceae
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Sporting

  • Alstroemeria
    Alternative name: Peruvian lily | Lily of the Incas
    Classification: Alstroemeriaceae
    [2004 ~ Philippines | theflowersexpress.com] Romantic gestures | Celebrations | Heartfelt messages of friendship | Symbol of Friendship and Devotion | Visual representation of the evolution of relationships | Essence of genuine friendship | Supportive friendship | Nurturing friendship | Encouragement for personal growth | Deep bond between friends | Messages of commitment and trust | Gratitude for companionship | Strong relationship | Enduring nature of friendships | Visual narrative of love, respect, and partnership | Symbol of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth | Essence of true companionship | [China] Themes of sincerity and joy
    [2013 ~ England | bloomandwild.com] Friendship | Love | Strength | Devotion | Mutual support | I’ve got your back | Thank you for being my rock | Understanding | Humor | Patience | Empathy | Commitment | Respect | Symbol of bonding | Stability | Overcoming difficulties together
    [2014 ~ USA | scentandviolet.com] Devotion and friendship | Twists, turns and growth of friendships | Symbol of wealth, fortune and prosperity
    [2018 ~ USA | rosaholics.com] Devotion | Respect | Luck | Respect and value for a friend | Good luck | Achievement | Support | Friendship
    [2018 ~ Greece | anthemionflowers.com] Understanding | Humor | Patience | Empathy | Commitment | Respect | Friendship | Devotion | Fortune | Wealth | Mutual support | Devotion | Affection
    [2021 ~ Englad | interflora.co.uk] Host of spiritual interpretations | Devotion | Friendship | Achievement of aspirations | Good luck gift | Token of companionship | Symbol of grace | Purity | Majesty | Honour | Condolence at a time of sorrow | [Victorian era] You were beloved

    ➤ Orange alstroemeria
    [2014 ~ USA | scentandviolet.com] Positive energy and passion
    [2018 ~ USA | rosaholics.com] Wish of success and happiness
    [2018 ~ Greece | anthemionflowers.com] Symbol of the goals and aspirations | Positive energy

    ➤ Pink alstroemeria
    [2018 ~ USA | rosaholics.com] Hidden meaning of romance
    [2018 ~ Greece | anthemionflowers.com] Symbol of affection and love | Symbol of romantic feelings

    ➤ Purple alstroemeria
    [2018 ~ Greece | anthemionflowers.com] Uniqueness and elegance

    ➤ Red alstroemeria
    [2004 ~ Philippines | theflowersexpress.com] Love | Admiration
    [2018 ~ USA | rosaholics.com] Secret love and passion
    [2018 ~ Greece | anthemionflowers.com] Symbol of affection and love | Symbol of romantic feelings

    ➤ Yellow alstroemeria
    [2004 ~ Philippines | theflowersexpress.com] Joy | Friendship
    [2014 ~ USA | scentandviolet.com] Symbol of energy, happiness, optimism and joy | Positive energy and optimism
    [2018 ~ Greece | anthemionflowers.com] Joy and happiness

    ➤ White alstroemeria
    [2014 ~ USA | scentandviolet.com] Symbol of pure friendship and love between two people
    [2018 ~ Greece | anthemionflowers.com] Symbol of spiritual life and purity


  • Amaranthus
    → Amaranthaceae
    ➤ (Globe amaranth) Gomphrena globosa
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Immortality | Unfading love
    ➤ (Cockscomb amaranth) Celosia argentea
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Foppery | Affectation | Singularity

  • Amaryllis
    Classification: Amaryllidaceae
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Pride | Timidity | Splendid | Beauty

  • Amberboa moschata
    Also known as Sweet sultan
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Felicity

  • Ambrosia
    Also known as Ragweed
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Love returned

  • Anemone
    Classification: Ranunculaceae
    🕮 Mythological story of Adonis and Aphrodite | Mythological story of Anemos and Zephyr | "Clotilde" by G. Apollinaire | "À la mi-carême" by A. de Musset
    Fragility

    ➤ (Zephyr flower) Anemone
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Sickness | Expectation

    ➤ Garden Anemone
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Forsaken
    [Website: Flower Meaning] (Ancient Greek culture) Duality between spring arrival and lover's death | (Victorian era) Loss | (Victorian era) Forsaken love | (Chinese culture) Illness | (Egyptian culture) Illness | (European peasant culture) Protection against disease | (Eastern cultures) Bad luck | (Western cultures) Protection against evill and ill luck | Forgotten affection | Excitement | Anticipation | Twilight | Ill omen
    [Website: Art Floral] I don't want to lose you | I'd like to be close to you | Solicitude | Passion | Sincerity | Perseverance | Fluctuations of passion
    [Website: Monceau Fleurs] Do not abandon me | Perseverance | Confidence | Intense love | Tender affection
    [Website: Carrément Fleurs] Protection from evil | Harbinger of rain | Refuge of fairies | Intense love | Pperseverance | Affection | Trust | Declaration of love | Don't leave me | I want to be close to you
    [Website: Interflora] (Middle Ages) Abandonment | (Modern era) Intense but fragile, momentary or threatened love | Refuge for fairies
    [Website: Teleflora] Good luck | Protection against evil | Harbinger of rain | Bed of fairies | Anticipation
    [Website: La joie des fleurs] I would like to be close to you | Hope | Concern | Sincerity
    [Website: Ma plante, Mon bonheur] Love | Prediction | Premonition
    ["Dictionnaire des symboles" by J. Chevalier & A. Gheerbrant] Ephemerality
    ["Dictionnaire universel" by P. Larousse] Perseverance
    [Website: Urban Flowers] Love | Fragility | Anticipation | Transformation | (Asian traditions) Luck | (Asian traditions) Protection | (Asian traditions) Longing | Fleeting beauty | Delicate nature | Transience of life | Transformation | Renewal | Ward against evil | Emotional Healing | Solace | Comfort | Awakening | Intuition | Inner wisdom
    [Website: Flora Queen] Sign of a forgotten love | Absence | Sign of death | Bereavement | Excitement | Feelings of impatience | Prediction of rain | Ward against evil spirits | Protection | Good luck | Happiness | Joy | News possibilities | Protection against illness

    ➤ Blue anemone
    ["Dictionnaire universel" by P. Larousse] I am attached to you with confidence
    [Website: Urban Flowers] Tranquility | Peace, | Inner harmony

    ➤ Red anemone
    Death | Act of being forsaken | Forsaken love | Death of a loved person | Undying love | Devotion even in death
    [1st century | Bible] Jesus Christ's blood | Demise of dear ones | Departure of dear ones
    ["Dictionnaire universel" by P. Larousse] I have faith in my love
    [Website: Urban Flowers] Passionate love Desire | Intense emotions | Deep affection | Feelings of romantic love
    [Website: Flora Queen] Carnage | Love | Romance

    ➤ Pink anemone
    [Website: Urban Flowers] Gentleness | Grace | Admiration | Joy | Gestures of appreciation | New beginnings
    [Website: Flora Queen] Femininity | Gentleness | Sign of love | Appreciation | Respect

    ➤ Purple anemone
    [Website: Urban Flowers] Dignity | Pride | Luxury | Power | Admiration
    [Website: Flora Queen] Royalty | Luxury | Beauty | Anticipation | Happiness

    ➤ White anemone
    [Website: Urban Flowers] Purity | Innocence | Spirituality | New beginnings | Pure bond of love | Start of a new chapter
    [Website: Flora Queen] Innocence | Cleanliness | Purity | Tribute

    ➤ Yellow anemone
    ["Dictionnaire universel" by P. Larousse] My constancy will be rewarded
    [Website: Flora Queen] Happiness | Positivity

    Anemonastrum canadense
    [1842 ~ Belgium | "Le langage des fleurs" by L. Cortambert & L.-A. Martin] Sickness

    Anemone hepatica
    Also known as Hepatica nobilis
    [1860 ~ France | "Le Langage des fleurs" by E. Faucon] Unwise trust

  • Angelica
    → Apiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Inspiration

  • Angraecum
    → Orchidaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Royalty

  • Anthoxanthum odoratum
    Also known as Vernal grass
    → Poaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Poor but happy

  • Anthriscus cerefolium
    Also known as Garden chervil
    → Apiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Sincerity

  • Apple
    → (Malus domestica) Rosaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Temptation
    ➤ Blossom of apple
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Preference | Fame speaks him great and good
    ➤ Thorn of apple
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Deceitful charms

  • Apocynum
    Also known as Dogbane
    → Apocynaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Deceit | Falsehood

  • Aquilegia
    Also known as Columbine
    → Ranunculaceae
    🕮 "Clotilde" by G. Apollinaire
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Folly
    ➤ Purple Columbine
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Resolved to win
    ➤ Red Columbine
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Anxious and trembling

  • Arbutus unedo
    Alternative name: Strawberry tree
    Classification: Ericaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Esteem and love

  • Arctium
    Also known as Burdock
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Importunity | Touch me not

  • Armeria
    Also known as Thrift
    → Plumbaginaceae Thrift
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Sympathy

  • Artemisia absinthium
    Also known as Wormwood
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Absence

  • Arum maculatum
    Also known as Wake-robin or Cuckoo-plant
    → Araceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Ardour

  • Asclepias tuberosa
    Also known as Butterfly weed
    → Apocynaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Let me go

  • Asphodelus
    → Asphodelaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] My regrets follow you to the grave

  • Atropa belladonna
    Also known as Belladonna
    → Solanaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Silence

  • Azalea
    Classification: Ericaceae
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Temperance
    [1892 ~ USA | "Floral Beauties and Language of Flowers"] Attraction




  • B

  • Bachelor’s buttons
    → Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Ranunculaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Celibacy

  • Bellis perennis
    Also known as Daisy
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Innocence
    ➤ Garden Daisy
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] I share your sentiments | I partake your sentiments
    ➤ Michaelmas Daisy
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Farewell
    ➤ Party-coloured Daisy
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Beauty
    ➤ Wild Daisy
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway]I will think of it

  • Berberis
    Also known as Barberry
    → Berberidaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Sourness of temper
    ➤ Barberry tree
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Sharpness

  • Betonica officinalis
    Also known as Stachys officinalis or Betony
    → Lamiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Surprise

  • Betula
    Also known as Birch
    → Betulaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Meekness

  • Bindweed
    → Convolvulaceae
    ➤ Calystegia sepium
    Also known as Great bindweed
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Insinuation
    ➤ Convolvulus arvensis
    Also known as Field bindweed or Small bindweed
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Humility

  • Bistorta officinalis
    Also known as Persicaria bistorta or Dragonwort
    → Polygonaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Horror

  • Borago officinalis
    Also known as Borage
    → Boraginaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Bluntness

  • Brassica oleracea
    Also known as Cabbage
    → Brassicaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Profit

  • Brassica rapa
    Also known as Turnip
    → Brassicaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Charity

  • Briza
    Also known as Quaking-grass
    → Poaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Agitation

  • Browallia americana
    Also known as Amethyst flower
    → Solanaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Admiration

  • Brugmansia
    Also known as Angel's trumpets or Trumpet flower
    → Solanaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Fame

  • Bugloss
    → Boraginaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Falsehood

  • Bulrush
    → Cyperaceae, Typhaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Indiscretion | Docility

  • Buxus
    Also known as Box tree
    → Buxaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Stoicism




  • C

  • Cactus
    → Cactaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Warmth

  • Callistephus chinensis
    Also known as China aster
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Variety | Afterthought
    ➤ Double China aster
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] I partake your sentiments
    ➤ Single China aster
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] I will of it

  • Caltha palustris
    Alternative names: Buttercup | Kingcup
    Classification: Ranunculaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Ingratitude | Childishness | Desire of riches

  • Calycanthus
    → Calycanthaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Benevolence

  • Camellia japonica
    → Theaceae
    ➤ Red Camellia japonica
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Unpretending excellence
    ➤ White Camellia japonica
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Perfected loveliness

  • Camomile
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Energy in adversity

  • Campanula
    → Campanulaceae
    ➤ Pyramidal bellflower
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Constancy
    ➤ Small white bellflower
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Gratitude
    Campanula medium
    Also known as Canterbury bell
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Acknowledgment
    Campanula rotundifolia
    Also known as Harebell
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Submissions | Grief
    Campanula trachelium
    Also known as Nettle-leaved bellflower or Throatwort
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Neglected beauty

  • Campsis radicans
    Also known as Ash-leaved trumpet flower
    → Bignoniaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Separation

  • Cannabis sativa
    Also known as Hemp
    → Cannabaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Fate

  • Cardamine
    Classification: Brassicaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Paternal error

  • Carduus
    Alternative name: Common thistle
    Classification: Asteraceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Austerity

  • Carpinus
    Alternative name: Hornbeam
    Classification: Betulaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Ornament

  • Castanea sativa
    Alternative name: Chesnut tree
    Classification: Fagaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Do me justice | Luxury

  • Cedrus
    Also known as Cedar
    → Pinaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Strength
    Cedrus libani
    Also known as Cedar of Lebanon
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Incorruptible
    ➤ Leaf of cedar
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] I live for thee

  • Celtis australis
    Alternative names: Lote tree | Mediterranean hackberry | Honeyberry | European nettle tree
    Classification: Cannabaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Concord

  • Centaurea cyanus
    Alternative names: Cornflower | Centaury | Bluebottle
    Classification: Asteraceae
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Delicacy
    [1892 ~ USA | "Floral Beauties and Language of Flowers"] Modesty

    Centaurium erythraea
    Alternative name:Centaury
    Classification: Gentianaceae
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Delicacy


  • Cercis siliquastrum
    Alternative name: Judas tree
    Classification: Fabaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Unbelief | Betrayal

  • Cereus
    → Cactaceae
    Aporocactus flagelliformis
    Also known as Disocactus flagelliformis or Creeping cereus
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Modest genius
    Cereus spegazzinii
    Also known as Creeping cereus
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Horror

  • Cetraria islandica
    Alternative name: Iceland moss
    Classification: Parmeliaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Health

  • Chamaenerion angustifolium
    Alternative names: Epilobium angustifolium | French willow
    Classification: Onagraceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Bravery and humanity

  • Chiranthodendron pentadactylon
    Alternative names: Cheirostemon platanoides | Hand flower tree
    Classification: Malvaceae | Sterculiaceae
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Warning

  • Chrysanthemum
    Classification: Asteraceae
    [Since 202 BC ~ China] Longevity
    [Since 960 ~ China | "Four Gentlemen", Sì Jūnzǐ, 四君子] Nobility | Uprightness | Purity | Humility | Perseverance despite harsh conditions | Autumn
    [1937 ~ Iran | "Religious Ceremonies and Customs of the Parsees" by J. J. Modi] Good blessings | Rewards
    [France • Poland] Death

    ➤ Chinese chrysanthemum
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Cheerfulness under adversity

    ➤ Red Chrysanthemum
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] I love

    ➤ White Chrysanthemum
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Truth
    [Since 1924 ~ Australia] Mother's Day | Honoring mothers
    [Asia] Goodbye | Farewell | Immortality | Happiness

    ➤ Yellow Chrysanthemum
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Slighted solve
    [Asia] Goodbye | Farewell | Immortality | Happiness


  • Cichorium intybus
    Also known as Chicory or Endive
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Frugality

  • Circaea
    Also known as Enchanter’s nightshade
    → Onagraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Spell | Witchcraft | Sorcery

  • Cistus
    Also known as Rockrose
    → Cistaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Popular favour
    Cistus ladanifer
    Also known as Gum rockrose
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] I shall die tomorrow

  • Citrullus lanatus
    Also known as Watermelon
    → Cucurbitaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Bulkiness

  • Citrus medica
    Also known as Citron or Cedrate
    → Rutaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Ill-natured beauty

  • Clematis
    Classification: Ranunculaceae
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Mental beauty
    [1892 ~ USA | "Floral Beauties and Language of Flowers"] Mental Beauty

    Clematis vitalba
    Alternative names: Traveller's joy | Clematis evergreen
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Poverty | Safety

    Clematis virginiana
    Alternative name: Virgin’s bower
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Filial love


  • Cobaea
    → Polemoniaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Gossip

  • Colchicum autumnale
    Also known as Meadow saffron
    → Colchicaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] My best days are past

  • Conium
    Also known as Hemlock
    → Apiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] You will be my death

  • Convolvulus
    → Convolvulaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Bonds
    ➤ Minor blue Convolvulus tricolor
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Repose | Night
    ➤ Major Convolvulus
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Extinguished hopes
    ➤ Pink Convolvulus
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Worth sustained by judicious and tender affection

  • Corchorus
    → Malvaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Impatient of absence

  • Coreopsis
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Always cheerful
    ➤ Coreopsis arkansa
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Love at first sight

  • Coriandrum sativum
    Also known as Coriander or Cilantro
    → Apiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Hidden worth

  • Corn
    → Poaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Riches
    ➤ Broken corn
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Quarrel
    ➤ Corn straw
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Agreement
    ➤ Corn bottle
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Delicacy
    ➤ Corn cockle
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Gentility

  • Cornus
    Also known as Dogwood
    → Cornaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Durability
    Cornus mas
    Also known as Cornel tree
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Duration

  • Coronilla
    → Fabaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Success crown your wishes

  • Corylus
    Also known as Hazel
    → Betulaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Reconciliation
    Corylus maxima
    Also known as Filbert
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Reconciliation

  • Cotinus coggygria
    Alternative names: Rhus cotinus | Venetian sumach | Venice sumach
    Classification: Anacardiaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Intellectual excellence | Splendour

  • Cranberry
    → Ericaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Cure for heartache

  • Crataegus
    Also known as Hawthorn
    → Rosaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Hope

  • Crataegus monogyna
    → Rosaceae
    ➤ Branch of thorns
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Severity | Rigour
    ➤ Evergreen thorn
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Solace in adversity

  • Crepis
    Also known as Bearded crepis
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Protection

  • Crocus
    → Iridaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Abuse not
    Crocus sativus
    Also known as Saffron crocus
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Mirth
    Crocus vernus
    Also known as Spring crocus
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Youthful gladness

  • Cupressus
    Also known as Cypress
    → Cupressaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Death | Mourning

  • Cuscuta
    → Convolvulaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Meanness
    ➤ Dodder of thyme
    Also known as Cuscuta epithymum
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Baseness

  • Cyclamen
    → Primulaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Diffidence

  • Cydonia oblonga
    Also known as Quince
    → Rosaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Temptation

  • Cyphostemma juttae
    Also known as Wild Grape
    → Vitaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Charity

  • Cypripedioideae
    Alternative name: Lady’s slipper
    Classification: Orchidaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Capricious beauty | Win me and wear me

  • Chapter 5: [Floriography] From letter D to F

    Summary:

    This chapter lists the meaning of the plants that begin with the letter D, E or F.

    Chapter Text

    D

  • Dactylorhiza viridis
    Also known as Frog Ophrys
    → Orchidaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Disgust

  • Dahlia
    Alternative name: Georgina
    Classification: Asteraceae
    🕮 (1853) "Le Dahlia bleu" by P. Dupont | (1952) "Le Camélia et le Dahlia" by R. Desnos | (1947) Unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short known as the 'Black Dahlia'
    Splendor | Grace | Fickleness
    [1840 ~ France | "Flore des dames" by H. Hostein] 🇫🇷 Faux éclat | Nouveauté
    [1847 ~ France | "Les Fleurs naturelles" by J. Lachaume] 🇫🇷 Inconstance | Nouveauté
    [1856 ~ France | "Nouveau langage des fleurs" by P. Zaccone] 🇫🇷 Abondance stérile
    [1865 ~ England | "The Miniature Language of Flowers" by L. Burke] Instability
    [1870 ~ USA | "Flowers, their language and poetry" by R. Porter & H. Coates] Dignity | Elegance
    [1872 ~ France | "Nouveau Langage des fruits et des fleurs" by C. Vatteau] 🇫🇷 Reconnaissance parfaite
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Instability
    [1884 ~ England | "Cyclopedia of practical floriculture" by C. Turner] Dignity
    [1892 ~ England | "Plant lore, legends, and lyrics" by R. Folkard] Sterile abundance | Instability
    [2000 ~ France | "Les plantes et leurs symboles" by A. Dumas] 🇫🇷 Reconnaissance
    [2000 ~ France | "Le Langage des fleurs" by N.Parrot] 🇫🇷 Exigeant | Fastueux
    [2000 ~ France | "Des Mots et des fleurs, Secrets du langage des fleurs" by Z. Bauer] 🇫🇷 Gaieté | Mon cœur déborde d'amour pour vous
    [2004 ~ Australia | flowersbytina.com.au] Dignity | Elegance | Good Taste | Instability
    [2021 ~ USA | snapblooms.com] Commitment | Elegance | Dignity | Staying kind despite challenges | Standing out from the crowd | Diversity | Self-expression

    ➤ Black dahlia
    [2021 ~ USA | snapblooms.com] Betrayal | Dishonesty


  • Daphne odora
    Also known as Winter Daphne
    → Thymelaeaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Painting the lily

  • Datura stramonium
    Also known as Thorn apple
    → Solanaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Deceitful charms

  • Dianthus
    Classification: Caryophyllaceae

    Dianthus barbatus
    Alternative name: [Before 1700] London pride | Sweet William
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Gallantry

    Dianthus caryophyllus
    Alternative name: Carnation | Carnation pink | Clove pink
    [1865 ~ England | "The Miniature Language of Flowers" by L. Burke] Woman’s love
    [1884 ~ England | "Cyclopedia of practical floriculture" by C. Turner] Contempt
    [1892 ~ USA | "Floral Beauties and Language of Flowers"] Pride
    ➤ Deep red Carnation
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Alas! for my poor heart
    ➤ Striped Carnation
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Refusal
    ➤ Yellow Carnation
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Disdain

    Dianthus chinensis
    Alternative name: China pink
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Aversion

    Dianthus plumarius
    Alternative name: Pink
    [1851 ~ USA | "The language of flowers" by H. Dumont] Emblem of woman’s love | Pure love


  • Digitalis
    Also known as Foxglove
    → Plantaginaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Insincerity

  • Dionaea muscipula
    Also known as Flytrap or Venus flytrap
    → Droseraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Deceit

  • Diospyros ebenum
    Also known as Ebony tree
    → Ebenaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Blackness

  • Dipsacus
    Also known as Teasel
    → Caprifoliaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Misanthropy
    Dipsacus fullonum
    Also known as Dipsacus sylvestris or Fuller’s teasel
    → Caprifoliaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Misanthropy

  • Dracaena draco
    Also known as Dragon plant
    → Asparagaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Snare




  • E

  • Epilobium
    Also known as Willowherb
    → Onagraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Pretension
    Epilobium angustifolium
    Also known as Chamaenerion angustifolium or French willow
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Bravery and humanity

  • Erica
    Also known as Heath or Heather
    → Ericaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Solitude

  • Erysimum
    Also known as Wall-flower
    → Brassicaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Fidelity in adversity

  • Eupatorium
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Delay

  • Everlasting
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Never-ceasing remembrance




  • F

  • Fagus
    Also known as Beech tree
    → Fagaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Prosperity

  • Foeniculum vulgare
    Also known as Fennel
    → Apiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Worthy all praise, strength

  • Ficaria verna
    Also known as Ranunculus ficaria or Lesser Celandine
    → Ranunculaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Joy to come

  • Ficus carica
    → Moraceae
    ➤ Fig Fruit
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Argument
    ➤ Fig Tree
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Prolific

  • Fumaria Papaveraceae
    Also known as Fumitory
    → Papaveraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Spleen

  • Fraxinus
    Also known as Ash tree
    → Oleaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Grandeur

  • Fritillaria imperialis
    Also known as Crown imperial
    → Liliaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Majesty, power

  • Fritillaria meleagris
    Also known as Chequered fritillary
    → Liliaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Persecution

    Fuschsia
    → Onagraceae
    ➤ Scarlet fuschsia
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Taste

  • Chapter 6: [Floriography] From letter G to I

    Summary:

    This chapter lists the meaning of the plants that begin with the letter G, H or I.

    Chapter Text

    G

  • Galega officinalis
    Alternative name: Goat’s rue
    Classification: Fabaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Reason

  • Gamochaeta americana
    Also known as Cudweed American
    → Asteraceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Unceasing remembrance

  • Gardenia
    Classification: Rubiaceae

    Gardenia jasminoides
    Alternative name: Cape jasmine
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] I’m too happy


  • Genisteae
    Alternative name: Broom
    Classification: Fabaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Humility, neatness

  • Genovese basil
    Alternative name: Sweet basil
    Classification: Lamiaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Good wishes

  • Geranium
    Alternative name: Pelargonium | Cranesbill
    Classification: Geraniaceae

    ➤ Dark Geranium
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Melancholy

    ➤ Ivy Geranium
    Alternative name: Pelargonium peltatum
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Bridal favour

    ➤ Lemon Geranium
    Alternative name: Pelargonium citronellum
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Unexpected meeting

    ➤ Nutmeg Geranium
    Alternative name: Pelargonium fragrans
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Expected meeting

    ➤ Oak-leaved Geranium
    Alternative name: Pelargonium quercifolium
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] True friendship

    ➤ Pencilled Geranium
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Ingenuity

    ➤ Rose-scented Geranium
    Alternative name: Pelargonium graveolens
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Preference

    ➤ Scarlet Geranium
    Alternative name: Pelargonium inquinans
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Conforting, stupidity

    ➤ Silver-leaved Geranium
    Alternative name: Pelargonium sidoides
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Recall

    ➤ Wild Geranium
    Alternative name: Geranium maculatum
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Steadfast piety

  • Gillyflower
    Classification: Caryophyllaceae | Brassicaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Bonds of affection




  • H

  • Hamamelis
    Also known as Witch hazel
    → Hamamelidaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] A spell

  • Hedera
    Also known as Ivy
    → Araliaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Fidelity | Marriage

  • Helenium
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Tears

  • Heliotropium
    Also known as Heliotrope
    → Boraginaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Devotion | Faithfulness

  • Helleborus
    Also known as Hellebore
    → Ranunculaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Scandal | Calumny
    Helleborus niger
    Also known as Christmas rose
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Relieve my anxiety

  • Hepatica
    → Ranunculaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Confidence

  • Hesperis matronalis
    → Brassicaceae
    Queen’s rocket
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] You are the queen of coquettes | Fashion
    Dame's-violet
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Watchfulness

  • Hibiscus
    → Malvaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Delicate beauty
    Hibiscus syriacus
    Also known as Althaea frutex or Syrian mallow
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Persuasion

  • Hibiscus trionum
    Also known as Flower-of-an-hour
    → Malvaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Delicate beauty

  • Hieracium
    Also known as Hawkweed
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Quicksightedness

  • Houstonia
    → Rubiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Content

  • Hoya
    → Apocynaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Sculpture
    Hoya carnosa
    Also known as Wax plant
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Susceptibility

  • Humulus lupulus
    Alternative name: Hop
    Classification: Cannabaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Injustice

  • Hyacinthus
    Alternative name: Hyacinth
    Classification: Asparagaceae
    🕮 Mythological story of Hyacinth, Appolo and Zephyr
    [1842 ~ Belgium | "Le langage des fleurs" by L. Cortambert & L.-A. Martin] 🇫🇷 Emblème de la bienveillance
    [1847 ~ France | "Les Fleurs naturelles", by J. Lachaume] 🇫🇷 Jeu | Bienveillance
    [1851 ~ USA | "The language of flowers" by H. Dumont] Constancy
    [1856 ~ France | "Nouveau langage des fleurs" by P. Zaccone] 🇫🇷 Aménité
    [1860 ~ France | "Le Langage des fleurs" by E. Faucon] 🇫🇷 Jeux | Divertissements
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Sport | Game | Play
    [2023 ~ Canada, Montréal | westmountflorist.com] 🇫🇷 Sport | Jeu | Sincérité | Jalousie | Regret

    ➤ Black hyacinth
    [2024 ~ England | flowwow.co.uk] Intense emotions | Perpetual cycle of life and death | Mystery | Rebirth

    ➤ Blue hyacinth
    [2016 ~ Canada, Montréal | langagedesfleurs.org] 🇫🇷 Espoir | Amélioration d'une situation
    [2021 ~ USA | bloomsybox.com] Sincerity | Genuine and heartfelt emotions
    [2023 ~ Canada, Montréal | westmountflorist.com] 🇫🇷 Constance
    [2024 ~ England | flowwow.co.uk] Devotion | Faithfulness | Sincerity | Wisdom

    ➤ Pink hyacinth
    [2021 ~ USA | bloomsybox.com] Playful joy | Sense of fun and playfulness | Sport and play
    [2024 ~ England | flowwow.co.uk] Notions of joy | Newfound adoration | Dawn of fresh beginnings | Welcome

    ➤ Purple hyacinth
    [2021 ~ USA | bloomsybox.com] Message of deep regret | Sorrow | Asking for forgiveness | Sign of longing | Sense of sorry
    [2024 ~ England | flowwow.co.uk] Sadness | Longing for reconciliation | Elegance | Devoutness

    ➤ Red hyacinth
    [2016 ~ Canada, Montréal | langagedesfleurs.org] 🇫🇷 Preuve d’amour | Déclaration d’amour
    [2023 ~ Canada, Montréal | westmountflorist.com] 🇫🇷 Douleur
    [2024 ~ England | flowwow.co.uk] Playful passion | Fleeting passion | Vitality | Bravery

    ➤ White hyacinth
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway]Unobtrusive loveliness
    [2016 ~ Canada, Montréal | langagedesfleurs.org] 🇫🇷 Joie d’aimer | Amour éternel
    [2021 ~ USA | bloomsybox.com] Purity | Loveliness | Prayers for the recipient | Stable love | Enduring affection
    [2023 ~ Canada, Montréal | westmountflorist.com] 🇫🇷 Discrétion
    [2024 ~ England | flowwow.co.uk] Deep tenderness | Sincere well-wishes | Genuine care | Serenity | Innocence

    ➤ Yellow hyacinth
    [2016 ~ Canada, Montréal | langagedesfleurs.org] 🇫🇷 Bonheur de partager son amour | Amour partagé
    [2021 ~ USA | bloomsybox.com] Jealousy
    [2024 ~ England | flowwow.co.uk] Jealousy | Optimism | Vivacity

    ➤ Wild hyacinth
    [1840 ~ France | "Flore des dame" by H. Hostein] 🇫🇷 Jeu

    Hyacinthoides hispanica
    Alternative name: Hyacinthus patulus | 🇫🇷 Jacinthe étalée
    [1840 ~ France | "Flore des dame" by H. Hostein] 🇫🇷 Bienveillance
    [1855 ~ France | "Traité du langage symbolique, emblématique et religieux des Fleurs", C. Magnat] 🇫🇷 Jeu | Délassement | Bienveillance

    Hyacinthoides non-scripta
    Alternative names: Endymion non-scriptus | Scilla non-scripta | Bluebell
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Constancy

    Hyacinthus orientalis
    Alternative names: Common hyacinth
    [1840 ~ France | "Flore des dame" by H. Hostein] 🇫🇷 Langage des fleurs
    [1985 ~ USA | "Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs" by S. Cunningham] Love | Success | Happiness | Friendship | Protection | Against pain | Social achievement


  • Hydrangea
    → Hydrangeaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] A boaster | Heartlessness
    Hortensia
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] You are cold

  • Hyoscyamus niger
    Also known as Henbane
    → Solanaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Imperfection

  • Hyssopus officinalis
    Also known as Hyssop
    → Lamiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Cleanliness





  • I

  • Iberis
    Alternative name: Candytuft
    Classification: Brassicaceae

    Iberis sempervirens
    Alternative name: Everflowering candytuft
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Indifference

  • Ilex
    Alternative name: Holly
    Classification: Aquifoliaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Foresight

    ➤ Holly herb
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Enchantment

  • Ipomoea
    Alternative name: Quamoclit
    Classification: Convolvulaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Busybody

  • Iris
    Classification: Iridaceae
    🕮 Mythological story of the Greek goddess Iris
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Message

    Iris × germanica
    Alternative name: German iris | Bearded iris | German bearded iris
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Flame

  • Iris pseudacorus
    Alternative names: Yellow flag | Fleur-de-lis | Fleur-de-Luce
    Classification: Iridaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Flame | Fire | I burn

  • Chapter 7: [Floriography] From letter J to L

    Summary:

    This chapter lists the meaning of the plants that begin with the letter J, K or L.

    Chapter Text

    J

  • Jasminum
    Alternative name: Jasmine
    Classification: Oleaceae

    ➤ White jasmine
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Amiableness

  • Juglans
    Alternative name: Walnut
    Classification: Juglandaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Intellect | Stratagem

  • Juniperus
    Alternative name: Juniper
    Classification: Cupressaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Succour | Protection

  • Justicia
    Alternative name: Water-willow | Shrimp plant
    Classification: Acanthaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] The perfection of female loveliness




  • K

  • Kennedia
    Classification: Fabaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Mental beauty




  • L

  • Laburnum
    Alternative name: Golden chain | Golden rain
    Classification: Fabaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Forsaken | Pensive beauty

  • Lactuca sativa
    Alternative name: Lettuce
    Classification: Asteraceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Cold-heartedness

  • Lagenaria siceraria
    Alternative name: Gourd
    Classification: Cucurbitaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Extent | Bulk

  • Lagerstroemia indica
    Alternative name: Indian Lagerstraemia
    Classification: Lythraceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Eloquence

  • Lamprocapnos spectabilis
    Alternative names: Dicentra spectabilis | Venus’s car
    Classification: Papaveraceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Fly with me

  • Lantana
    Classification: Verbenaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Rigour

  • Larix
    Alternative name: Larch
    Classification: Pinaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Audacity | Boldness

  • Lathyrus
    Classification: Fabaceae

    Lathyrus odoratus
    Alternative name: Sweet pea
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Delicate pleasures

    Lathyrus latifolius
    Alternative name: Everlasting pea
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Lasting pleasure

  • Laurus nobilis
    Alternative name: Bay tree | Bay laurel
    Classification: Lauraceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Glory

    ➤ Bay leaf
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] I change but in death
    ➤ Bay wreath
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Reward of merit

  • Lavandula
    Alternative name: Lavender
    Classification: Lamiaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Distrust

  • Lepidium sativum
    Alternative name: Cress
    Classification: Brassicaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Stability | Power

  • Lilium
    Alternative name: Lily
    Classification: Liliaceae

    ➤ White lily
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Purity and modesty

  • Linum usitatissimum
    Alternative name: Flax
    Classification: Linaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Domestic industry | Fate | I feel your kindness | I feel my obligation

    ➤ Flax-leaved goldy-locks
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Tardiness

    ➤ Dried flax
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Utility

  • Lobelia
    Classification: Campanulaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Malevolence

  • Lobelia cardinalis
    Alternative name: Cardinal flower
    Classification: Campanulaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Distinction

  • Lobularia maritima
    Alternative name: Alyssum maritimum | Sweet Alyssum
    Classification: Brassicaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Worth beyond beauty

  • Lolium temulentum
    Alternative name: Darnel Ryegrass | Ray grass
    Classification: Poaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Vice

  • Lonicera
    Alternative name: Honeysuckle
    Classification: Caprifoliaceae
    🕮 Tristan and Iseult | "A Midsummer Night’s Dream", by W. Shakespeare
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Generous and devoted affection
    [2000, "Les plantes et leurs symboles" by A. Dumas] 🇫🇷 Amitié & amour (Friendship & love)
    [2017, "Britain’s Wild Flowers" by R. Richardson] Undying passion
    [2020, Femmeactuelle.fr] 🇫🇷 Preuve d'un amour sincère (Proof of sincere love)
    [2021, Thehazeltree.co.uk] Affection | Fidelity

    Lonicera periclymenum
    Alternative names: Common honeysuckle | Woodbine
    [12th century, "Chevrefoil" by M. de France] Love
    [1842, "Le langage des fleurs" by L. Cortambert & L.-A. Martin] Bonds of love | Links of love
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Fraternal love
    [1985, "Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs" by S. Cunningham] Protection
    [1990, "The Language of Flowers" by S. Pickles] Eternal attachment
    [1995, "Le Livre des superstitions" by E. Mozzani] Power of protection
    [2000, "Des Mots et des fleurs" by Z. Bauer] Attachment, longevity
    [2016, Jardin-et-ecotourisme.fr] 🇫🇷 Symbole des liens amoureux jusqu'à l'étouffement (Bonds of love's symbol to the point of suffocation)
    [2017, "Britain's Wild Flowers" by R. Richardson] Demonstration of undying passion between lovers

    Lonicera sempervirens
    Alternative names: Coral honeysuckle | Trumpet honeysuckle | Scarlet honeysuckle
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] The colour of my fate

  • Lotus corniculatus
    Alternative name: Birdsfoot trefoil
    Classification: Fabaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Revenge

  • Lunaria annua
    Alternative names: Honesty | 🇫🇷 Monnaie-du-pape (Pope's money) | 🇮🇹 Medaglie di Giuda (Judas' medal) | 🇩🇰 Judaspenge (Judas' coins) | 🇳🇱 Judaspenning (Judas' coins) | 🇩🇪 Judassilberling (Jadas' silver coins), Judaspfennig (Judas' penny)
    Classification: Brassicaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Honesty | Fascination

  • Chapter 8: [Floriography] From letter M to O

    Summary:

    This chapter lists the meaning of the plants that begin with the letter M, N or O.

    Chapter Text

    M

  • Marchantiophyta
    Alternative name: Hepatica | Liverwort
    Classification: Ranunculaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Confidence

  • Matthiola
    Alternative name: Stock
    Classification: Brassicaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Lasting beauty

    Matthiola incana
    Alternative name: Ten-week stock
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Promptness


  • Melianthus comosus
    Also known as Honey flower
    → Francoaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Love sweet and secret

  • Menyanthes
    Also known as Buckbean
    → Menyanthaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Calm repose

  • Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
    Also known as Ficoides or Ice plant
    → Aizoaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Your looks freeze me

  • Mimosa pudica
    Also known as Humble plant
    → Fabaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Despondency

  • Morning glory
    Also known as Glory flower or Ipomoea
    → Convolvulaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Glorious beauty

  • Myosotis
    Also known as Forget me not
    → Boraginaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] True love | Forget me not




  • N

  • Narcissus
    Also known as Daffodil, Narcissus or Jonquil
    → Amaryllidaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Regard
    Narcissus jonquilla
    Also known as Jonquil
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway]I desire a return of affection

  • Nymphaeaceae
    Also known as Water lily
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Purity of heart




  • O

  • Ocimum basilicum
    Also known as Basil
    → Lamiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Hatred

  • Onopordum acanthium
    Also known as Thistle scotch
    → Asteraceaebr /> ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Retaliation

  • Ophrys apifera
    Also known as Bee orchis or Bee ophrys
    → Orchidaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Industry | Error

  • Ophrys insectifera
    Also known as Fly orchis
    → Orchidaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Error

  • Origanum Dictamnus
    Also known as Dittany of crete
    → Lamiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Birth
    ➤ White Dittany of crete white
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Passion

  • Ornithogalum
    Also known as Star of Bethlehem
    → Asparagaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Purity

  • Oscularia deltoides
    Also known as Dew plant
    → Aizoaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] A serenade

  • Oxalis
    Also known as Wood sorrel
    → Oxalidaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Joy | Maternal tenderness

  • Chapter 9: [Floriography] From letter P to R

    Summary:

    This chapter lists the meaning of the plants that begin with the letter P, Q or R.

    Chapter Text

    P

  • Phalaris canariensis
    Also known as Canary grass
    → Poaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Perseverance

  • Phragmites australis
    → Poaceae
    ➤ Bundle of reeds with their panicles
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Music

  • Pimenta dioica
    Also known as Allspice
    → Myrtaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Compassion

  • Platanthera chlorantha
    Also known as Butterfly orchis
    → Orchidaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Gaiety

  • Polemonium
    Also known as Jacob's-ladder
    → Polemoniaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Come down
    Polemonium caeruleum
    Also known as Jacob's-ladder, Greek valerian, Blue-flowered Greek valerian
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Rupture

  • Populus
    → Salicaceae
    Populus alba
    Also known as White poplar
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Time
    Populus nigra
    Also known as Black poplar
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Courage
    Populus tremula
    Also known as Aspen tree
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Lamentation

  • Potentilla
    Also known as Cinquefoil
    → Rosaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Maternal affection

  • Primula auricula
    Also known as Auricula
    → Primulaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Painting
    ➤ Scarlet Auricula
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Avarice

  • Primula meadia
    Also known as American cowslip
    → Primulaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Divine beauty

  • Primula veris
    Also known as Cowslip
    → Primulaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Pensiveness, winning grace
    ➤ American Cowslip
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Divine beauty, you are my divinity

  • Prunus avium
    Also known as Cherry tree
    → Rosaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Good education
    ➤ White Cherry tree
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Deception

  • Prunus spinosa
    Also known as Blackthorn
    → Rosaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Difficulty




  • Q

  • Quercus alba
    Alternative name: White oak
    Classification: Fagaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Independence




  • R

  • Ranunculus aconitifolius
    Also known as Aconite-leaf buttercup or Bachelor's buttons
    → Ranunculaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Celibacy

  • Rhododendron maximum
    Also known as Great laurel or Rosebay rhododendron
    → Ericaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Danger, beware

  • Ribes
    Also known as Currant
    → Grossulariaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Thy frown will kill me
    ➤ Branch of currants
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] You please all
    Ribes uva-crispa
    Also known as Gooseberry
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Anticipation

  • Rosa
    Alternative name: Rose
    Classification: Rosaceae
    🕮 Mythological story of Adonis and Aphrodite | "À la mi-carême" by A. de Musset
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Love

    ➤ Burgundy rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Unconscious beauty

    ➤ Deep red rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Bashful shame
    ➤ Bud of red rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Pure and lovely

    ➤ Yellow rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Decrease of love | Jealousy

    ➤ White rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] I am worthy of you
    ➤ Withered white rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Transient impressions
    ➤ Bud of white rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Heart ignorant of love | Girlhood
    ➤ Dried white rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Death preferable to loss of innocence

    ➤ White and rose roses
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Unity

    ➤ Thornless rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Early attachment

    ➤ Bridal rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Happy love

    ➤ Garland or crown of roses
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Reward of virtue

    ➤ 1 or single or unique rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Call me not beautiful | Simplicity
    [Website: À la Boîte à Fleurs] Love at first sight
    ➤ 2 roses
    [Website: À la Boîte à Fleurs] Asking for forgiveness
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Deeply in love
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] I am deeply in love with you
    ➤ Bouquet of 3 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] I love you
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] I really like you
    ➤ Bouquet of 4 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Nothing will come between us
    ➤ Bouquet of 5 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Love for a special someone, caring for a partner or friend
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] My care and my affection
    ➤ Bouquet of 6 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] I want to be yours
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] I want to date you
    ➤ Bouquet of 7 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Infatuation
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] I am infatuated with you
    ➤ Bouquet of 8 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Friendly support | Family support
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] My support through difficults times
    ➤ Bouquet of 9 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Eternal love
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] I want to spend the rest of my life with you
    ➤ Bouquet of 10 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] You are perfect
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] You are the incarnation of perfection
    ➤ Bouquet of 11 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] You are my treasured one
    ➤ Bouquet of 12 roses
    [Website: À la Boîte à Fleurs] To thank a loved one | To accompany a proposal of marriage
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Be mine
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] Please, accept to be mine
    [Website: Pro Flowers] Perfect beauty | Complete love | Complete gratitude | True love
    ➤ Bouquet of 13 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Eternal friendship | Secret admirer
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] Friends forever
    ➤ Bouquet of 14 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Proud of you
    ➤ Bouquet of 15 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Asking for forgiveness
    ➤ Bouquet of 16 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Have a nice trip, wish you a good journey
    ➤ Bouquet of 17 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Wife's birthday, wife's special occasion
    ➤ Bouquet of 18 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Stay young and beautiful, sincerity, trueness
    ➤ Bouquet of 19 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] I am waiting for you
    ➤ Bouquet of 20 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Sincerity, belief
    ➤ Bouquet of 21 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Commitment
    ➤ Bouquet of 22 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Togetherness, luck
    ➤ Bouquet of 24 roses
    [Website: À la Boîte à Fleurs] Gallantry
    [Website: Blooming Florist] My special one, you are always in my mind
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] 24/7 on my mind
    ➤ Bouquet of 25 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Wish you all the happiness in the world
    ➤ Bouquet of 27 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] My wife, I love you so much
    ➤ Bouquet of 30 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Faith
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] Faithfulness
    ➤ Bouquet of 33 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Affection
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] I love you with great affection
    ➤ Bouquet of 36 red roses
    [Website: À la Boîte à Fleurs] To profess your love
    ➤ Bouquet of 36 white or pink roses
    [Website: À la Boîte à Fleurs] Engagement bouquet
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Remember all our romantic moments
    ➤ Bouquet of 37 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] I love you from the bottom of my heart
    ➤ Bouquet of 40 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Genuine love
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] My love for you is genuine
    ➤ Bouquet of 44 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] I pledge an unchanging and constant love to you
    ➤ Bouquet of 47 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] You are my one and only
    ➤ Bouquet of 48 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Unchanging love
    ➤ Bouquet of 50 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Unconditional love
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] My unconditional love that I will never regret
    ➤ Bouquet of 51 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] You are the only person on my mind
    ➤ Bouquet of 56 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Love
    ➤ Bouquet of 66 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] My love for you will never change
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] Nothing can change my love for you
    ➤ Bouquet of 77 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Faith | Soulmate
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] You are my soulmate
    ➤ Bouquet of 88 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Here is my great apology
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] I apologise from the bottom of my heart for my mistake
    ➤ Bouquet of 99 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] I will love you until the day I die
    ➤ Bouquet of 100 roses
    [Website: Blooming Florist] Gesture of devotion
    [Website: Flowers and Kisses] I am totally devoted to you
    ➤ Bouquet of 101 roses
    [Website: À la Boîte à Fleurs] Mad love

    Rosa chinensis
    Alternative name: China rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Beauty always new

    Rosa damascene
    Alternative name: Damask rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Brilliant complexion

    Rosa × centifolia
    Alternative name: Hundred-leaved rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Dignity of mind | Pride

    Rosa rugosa
    Alternative name: Japan rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Beauty is your only attraction

    Rosa canina
    Alternative name: Dog rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Pleasure and pain

    Rosa foetida
    Alternative name: Austrian briar | Persian yellow rose | Austrian copper rose | Austrian rose
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Thou art all that is lovely

  • Rosa rubiginosa
    Alternative names: Sweetbrier | Eglantine
    Classification: Rosaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Poetry

    American sweetbrier
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Simplicity
    European sweetbrier
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] I wound to heal
    ➤ Yellow sweetbrier
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Decrease of love


  • Rubus
    Also known as Bramble
    → Rosaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Lowliness, envy, remorse

  • Rudbeckia hirta
    Alternative name: Black-eyed Susan
    Classification: Asteraceae
    Symbol of justice
    [1860 ~ France | "Le Langage des fleurs" by E. Faucon] 🇫🇷 Vous êtes inconstant | Changement
    [2018 ~ Australia | "Flowerpaedia" by C. Darcey] Encouragement | Justice | Motivation | Impartiality
    [2020 | atozflowers.com] Encouragement | Motivation

  • Rumex
    Also known as Dock
    → Polygonaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Patience

  • Chapter 10: [Floriography] From letter S to V

    Summary:

    This chapter lists the meaning of the plants that begin with the letter S, T, U or V.

    Chapter Text

    S

  • Sabulina fontinalis
    Also known as American starwort
    → Caryophyllaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Welcome to a stranger, cheerfulness in old age

  • Salix
    Also known as Willow
    → Salicaceae
    Salix babylonica
    Also known as Weeping willow
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Mourning
    Salix repens
    Also known as Creeping willow
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Love forsaken
    Willow water (twigs or branches of willow tree)
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Freedom

  • Salvia officinalis
    Also known as Garden Sage
    → Lamiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Esteem

  • Sambucus
    Also known as Elder
    → Adoxaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Zealousness

  • Saxifraga × urbium
    Alternative names: [After 1700] London pride | St. Patrick's cabbage | Look up and kiss me
    Classification: Saxifragaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Frivolity

  • Sempervivum
    Alternative names: Houseleek | Liveforever
    Classification: Crassulaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Vivacity | Domestic industry

  • Silene
    Also known as Catchfly
    → Caryophyllaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Snare
    ➤ Red Catchfly
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Youthful love
    ➤ White Catchfly
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Betrayed

  • Solanum dulcamara
    Also known as Bittersweet nightshade
    → Solanaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Truth

  • Solidago
    Also known as Golden rod
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Precaution

  • Spigelia marilandica
    Also known as China or Indian pink
    → Loganiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Aversion

  • Staphylea trifolia
    Also known as American Bladdernut tree
    → Staphyleaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Frivolity | Amusement

  • Stellaria
    Alternative name: Starwort
    Classification: Caryophyllaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Afterthought

    Stellaria media
    Alternative name: Chickweed
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Rendezvous

    Sabulina fontinalis
    Alternative name: American starwort
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Cheerfulness in old age

  • Sulla coronaria
    Alternative name: French honeysuckle
    Classification: Fabaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Rustic beauty

  • Syzygium aromaticum
    Also known as Cloves
    → Myrtaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Dignity




  • T

  • Tagetes
    Also known as Garden Marigold
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Uneasiness
    Tagetes patula
    Also known as French Marigold
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Jealousy
    Tagetes erecta
    Also known as African marigold
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Vulgar minds

  • Tamarix
    Also known as Tamarisk
    → Tamaricaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Crime

  • Tanacetum vulgare
    Also known as Wild tansy
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] I declare war against you

  • Taraxacum
    Also known as Dandelion
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Rustic oracle

  • Taxus
    Also known as Yew
    → Taxaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Sorrow

  • Thuja
    Also known as Arbor Vitae
    → Cupressaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Unchanging friendship | Live for me

  • Thymus
    Also known as Thyme
    → Lamiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Activity

  • Tigridia pavonia
    Also known as Tiger flower
    → Iridaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] For once may pride befriend me

  • Tilia americana
    Also known as American linden
    → Malvaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Matrimony

  • Tradescantia virginiana
    Also known as Virginian spiderwort
    → Commelinaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Momentary happiness

  • Trifolium
    Also known as Trefoil or Clover
    → Fabaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Revenge
    ➤ Four-leaved clover
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Be mine
    ➤ Red clover
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Industry
    ➤ White clover
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Think of me

  • Trillium undulatum
    Also known as Trillium pictum / Painted trillium or Painted lady
    → Melanthiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Modest beauty

  • Triodanis
    Also known as Venus’s looking-glass
    → Campanulaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Flattery

  • Triticum
    Also known as Wheat
    → Poaceae
    ➤ Wheat stalk
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Riches

  • Tuber
    Also known as Truffle
    → Tuberaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Surprise

  • Tulipa
    Alternative name: Tulip
    Classification: Liliaceae
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Fame
    [1892 ~ USA | "Floral Beauties and Language of Flowers"] A Declaration of Love

    ➤ Red tulip
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Declaration of love

    ➤ Variegated tulip
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Beautiful eyes

    ➤ Yellow tulip
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Hopeless love


  • Tussilago farfara
    Also known as Coltsfoot or Sweet-scented tussilage
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Justice shall be done




  • U

  • Ulex
    Also known as Whin
    → Fabaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Anger

  • Ulmus
    Also known as Elm
    → Ulmaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Dignity
    Ulmus americana
    Also known as American elm
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Patriotism




  • V

  • Vaccinium myrtillus
    Also known as Whortleberry, European blueberry or Bilberry
    → Ericaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Treachery | Treason

  • Valeriana officinalis
    Alternative name: Valerian
    Classification: Caprifoliaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] An accommodating disposition

  • Verbascum lychnitis
    Alternative name: White mullein
    Classification: Scrophulariaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Good nature

  • Verbena
    Also known as Vervain or Verveine
    → Verbenaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Enchantment

  • Veronica
    Alternative name: Speedwell | Bird's eye | Gypsyweed
    Classification: Plantaginaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Fidelity | Female fidelity

    Veronica chamaedrys
    Alternative name: Germander speedwell
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Facility

    Veronica spicata
    Alternative name: Spiked speedwell
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Semblance


  • Viburnum opulus
    Also known as Guelder rose
    → Adoxaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Winter | Age

  • Viola
    → Violaceae
    Viola adunca
    Also known as Blue violet
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Faithfulness
    Viola odorata
    Also known as Sweet violet
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Modesty
    Viola pubescens
    Also known as Downy yellow violet
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Rural happiness

  • Vitex agnus-castus
    Also known as Agnus castus
    → Lamiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Coldness | Indifference

  • Volkamenia
    → Lamiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] May you be happy

  • Chapter 11: [Floriography] From letter W to Z

    Summary:

    This chapter lists the meaning of the plants that begin with the letter W, X, Y or Z.

    Chapter Text

    X

  • Xanthium (strumarium)
    Also known as Clotbur
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Rudeness, pertinacity

  • Xeranthemum
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Cheerfulness under adversity




  • Z

  • Zantedeschia aethiopica
    Also known as Calla aethiopica
    → Araceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Magnificent beauty

  • Zephyranthes
    Also known as Zephyr Flower
    → Amaryllidaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Expectation

  • Zinnia
    → Asteraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Thoughts of absent friends

  • Chapter 12: [Floriography] Sorted by theme

    Summary:

    This chapter evokes a number of themes shared by different plants and flowery names.

    Chapter Text

    UNCLASSIFIED

    Note: Here are all the plants that are special cases.


  • Balm
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Sympathy, pleasantry

    ➤ Balm of Gilead
    → (Commiphora gileadensis) Burseraceae, (Pistacia lentiscus/Pistacia terebinthus) Anacardiaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Cure, relief

    ➤ Bee Balm
    → (Monarda) Lamiaceae
    ["Les Fleurs Naturelles" by J. Lachaume] I burn
    [Website: HowStuffWorks] Good health | Protection against evil and illness | Good luck | Prosperity
    [Website: A to Z flowers] Wealth, prosperity, health
    [Website: Florgeous] Good health | Protection from evil and illness | Fertility | Restful sleep | Good fortune | Wealth | Money | Prosperity
    ➤ Red Bee Balm
    [Website: Florgeous] Passion | Love | Vibrant energy | Strong emotions | Enthusiasm
    ➤ Pink Bee Balm
    [Website: Florgeous] Love | Sweetness | Affection | Softer & delicate sentiment
    ➤ Purple Bee Balm
    [Website: Florgeous] Mystery | Spirituality | Charm | Admiration and acknowledgment of someone’s uniqueness
    ➤ White Bee Balm
    [Website: Florgeous] Purity | Innocence | Cleanliness | New beginnings | Spiritual growth
    ➤ Lavender Bee Balm
    [Website: Florgeous] Blend of charm | Admiration | Love

    ➤ Lemon balm
    → (Melissa officinalis) Lamiaceae
    [1847, "Les Fleurs Naturelles" by J. Lachaume] Pleasantry | Joy
    [Website: Poetic Tea Company] Relaxation | Purification | Healing | Protection | Calmness | Spiritual cleansing | Love | Romance | Compassion

    ➤ Red Balsam
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Touch me not | Impatient resolves
    ➤ Yellow Balsam
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Impatience


  • Branch of Thorn
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Severity

  • Cacalia
    Note: Nomen rejiciendum!
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Adulation

  • Dead leaves
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Sadness

  • Fern
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Fascination

    ➤ Flowering fern
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Rêverie


  • Grass
    Alternative name: Gramineae | Poaceae
    Classification: Orchidaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Submission, utility

  • Locust tree
    Classification: (Gleditsia triacanthos) Fabaceae | (Robinia pseudoacacia) Fabaceae | (Gleditsia aquatica) Fabaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Elegance

    ➤ Green locust tree
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Affection beyond the grave


  • Straw

    ➤ Broken straw
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Rupture of a contract

    ➤ Whole straw
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Union


  • Swallowwort
    Classification: (Asclepias) Apocynaceae | (Cynanchum) Apocynaceae | (Vincetoxicum) Apocynaceae |(Chelidonium majus) Papaveraceae | (Euphorbia maculata) Euphorbiaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Cure for heartache

  • Tremella nestoc
    Note: Typographical error + confusion between a fungus (Tremella) and cyanobacteria (Nostoc)!
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Resistance

  • Tendrils of climbing plants
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Ties

  • Tree of life
    Note n°1: The term can refers to many things like the symbolic of life tree, the Mexican taxodium mucronatum, the Bahraini prosopis cineraria, the adansonia or the moringa oleifera.
    Note n°2: The arborvitaes are probably identified as Thuja (Cupressaceae) and more particularly Cedrus (Pinaceae) during Victorian era and in european texts.
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Old age

  • Vine
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Intoxication

  • White pink
    Note: I do not know what that suppose to be
    [1884 ~ England | "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Talent




  • RELIGION

    Reminder n°1: The seven heavenly virtues are prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude, faith, hope, charity, chastity, temperance, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility.

    Reminder n°2: The seven deadly sins are pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, sloth, acedia, vainglory, and vanity.


  • Almond
    Also known as Prunus amygdalus
    → Rosaceae
    ➤ Flowering Almond
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Hope

  • Amaryllis
    → Amaryllidaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Pride

  • Apple
    → (Malus domestica) Rosaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Temptation

  • Azalea
    → Ericaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Temperance

  • Bindweed
    → Convolvulaceae
    ➤ Convolvulus arvensis
    Also known as Field bindweed or Small bindweed
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Humility

  • Brassica oleracea
    Also known as Cabbage
    → Brassicaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Profit

  • Brassica rapa
    Also known as Turnip
    → Brassicaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Charity

  • Calycanthus
    → Calycanthaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Benevolence

  • Cercis siliquastrum
    Alternative name: Judas tree
    Classification: Fabaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Unbelief | Betrayal

  • Chamaenerion angustifolium
    Also known as Epilobium angustifolium or French willow
    → Onagraceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Bravery and humanity

  • Cyphostemma juttae
    Also known as Wild Grape
    → Vitaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Charity

  • Lunaria annua
    Alternative names: Honesty | 🇫🇷 Monnaie-du-pape (Pope's money) | 🇮🇹 Medaglie di Giuda (Judas' medal) | 🇩🇰 Judaspenge (Judas' coins) | 🇳🇱 Judaspenning (Judas' coins) | 🇩🇪 Judassilberling (Jadas' silver coins), Judaspfennig (Judas' penny)
    Classification: Brassicaceae
    [1884, "The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Honesty | Fascination




  • WHEEL OF EMOTION

    Reminder: The emotions list contains Joy (Ectasy, Serenity), Love, Trust (Admiration, Acceptance), Submission, Fear (Terror, Apprehension), Awe, Surprise (Amazement, Distraction), Disapproval, Sadness (Grief, Pensiveness), Remorse, Disgust (Loathing, Boredom), Contempt, Anger (Rage, Annoyance), Agressiveness, Anticipation (Vigilance, Interest), Optimism.


  • Betonica officinalis
    Also known as Stachys officinalis or Betony
    → Lamiaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Surprise

  • Browallia americana
    Also known as Amethyst flower
    → Solanaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Admiration

  • Cacalia
    Nomen rejiciendum!
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Adulation




  • TIME

  • Abies
    Also known as Fir
    → Pinaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Time

  • Cistus
    Also known as Rockrose
    → Cistaceae
    Cistus ladanifer
    Also known as Gum rockrose
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] I shall die tomorrow

  • Colchicum autumnale
    Also known as Meadow saffron
    → Colchicaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] My best days are past

  • Convolvulus
    → Convolvulaceae
    ➤ Minor blue Convolvulus tricolor
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Repose | Night

  • Cornus
    Also known as Dogwood
    → Cornaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Durability
    Cornus mas
    Also known as Cornel tree
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Duration

  • Cupressus
    Also known as Cypress
    → Cupressaceae
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Death | Mourning

  • Tree of life
    The term can refers to many things : the symbolic of life tree, the Mexican taxodium mucronatum, the Bahraini prosopis cineraria, the adansonia, the moringa oleifera or the arborvitaes/thuja
    ["The language of flowers" by K. Greenaway] Old age




  • GIVEN NAMES

    Here is a list of names directly inspired by plants and flowers:

  • ♂ | Adonis
    Meaning: Lord
    Link: Adonis (Ranunculaceae)

  • ⚥ | Aster
    Meaning: Star
    Link: Aster (Asteraceae)

  • ♀ | Azalea
    Meaning: Dry
    Link: Azalea (Rhododendron)

  • ♂ | Basil
    Meaning: Brave
    Link: Basil | Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae)

  • ♀ | Calla
    Meaning: Castle | Fortress | Beauty
    Link: Calla (Araceae)

  • ♀ | Camellia / Camélia
    Meaning: Helper to the priest | Kamel's flower
    Link: Camellia (Theaceae)

  • ♀ | Cassia
    Meaning: Cinnamon | Metal helmet | Empty | Vain | Hollow | Pure
    Link: Cassia (Fabaceae) | Cinnamomum cassia (Lauraceae)

  • ♀ | Clover
    Meaning: Meadow flower
    Link: Trifolium (Fabaceae)

  • ♀ | Dahlia
    Meaning: Hanging branch
    Link: Dahlia (Asteraceae)

  • ♀ | Daisy / Marguerite
    Meaning: Day's eye | Pearl
    Link: Leucanthemum vulgare (Asteraceae)

  • ♀ | Daphne
    Meaning: Laurel
    Link: Daphne (Thymelaeaceae)

  • ♀ | Erica
    Meaning: Eternal ruler | Ever powerful
    Link: Erica "Heath" (Ericaceae)

  • ♀ | Flora / Fleur
    Meaning: Flower

  • ♀ | Georgina
    Meaning: Earthworker | Farmer
    Link: Dahlia (Asteraceae)

  • ♀ | Hazel
    Link: Corylus (Betulaceae)

  • ♂ | Heath // ♀ | Heather
    Meaning: Evergreen flowering plant
    Link: Ericaceae

  • ♀ | Hortensia / Hortense
    Meaning: Gardener
    Link: Hortensia (Hydrangeaceae)

  • ♀ | Iris
    Meaning: Rainbow
    Link: Iridaceae

  • ♀ | Ivy
    Meaning: Climbing evergreen plant | Vibe
    Link: Hedera (Araliaceae)

  • ♀ | Jasmine
    Meaning: Gift from God
    Link: Jasminum (Oleaceae)

  • ⚥ | Juniper
    Meaning: Evergreen
    Link: Juniperus (Cupressaceae)

  • ♀ | Lily / Lili
    Meaning: Pure, Sweet | Noble | Oath of God | God is satisfaction | God is my promise
    Link: Lilium (Liliaceae)

  • ♀ | Marigold
    Meaning: Mary’s gold, Virgin Mary
    Link: Calendula (Asteraceae)

  • ♀ | Poppy
    Meaning: Red
    Link: Papaveroideae

  • ♀ | Primrose
    Meaning: First Rose
    Link: Primrose (Primulaceae)

  • ♀ | Rose / Rosa
    Link: Rosa (Rosaceae)

  • ♀ | Vanille
    Link: Vanilla (Orchidaceae)

  • ♀ | Veronica / Véronique
    Meaning: Victorious, raging
    Link: Veronica (Plantaginaceae)

  • ♀ | Violet / Violette
    Note: Pinkish purple
    Link: Viola (Violaceae)


  • Here is a list of names derived from plants and flowers:

  • ♀ | Alyssa
    Meaning: Rational, Noble
    Link: Alyssum montanum (Brassicaceae)

  • ♀ | Blossom
    Note: Nickname

  • ♀ | Cynthia
    Meaning: Moon, Artemis, Luna, Selene
    Link: Rhododendron | Krigia biflora

  • ♂ | Lennox
    Meaning: Place with elms | Elm grove

  • ♂ | Lorenzo
    Meaning: From the city named after a laurel tree | Laurelled
    Link: ♂ Lawrence | ♂ Laurent | ⚥ Laurence

  • ♀ | Rosaline
    Meaning: Soft horse | lovely rose

  • ♂ | William
    Meaning: Vehement protector
    Link: Sweet William | Dianthus barbatus (Caryophyllaceae)

  • Chapter 13: [Cartomancy] Overview & Reference

    Summary:

    This chapter talks about the definition of cartomancy and reference sources.

    Chapter Text

    OVERVIEW

    Cartomancy
    Form of fortune-telling or divination by using a deck of cards

    Cartomancer / Card reader
    Practitioner of cartomancy

    Numerology
    Also known as Arithmancy
    Association of a number to a trait, an occult force, etc.

    Colorology
    Association of a color to a trait, an occult force, etc.


    French-suited playing cards
    A deck composed of four suits of thirteen cards. The four suits are clubs, diamonds, hearts and spades. The thirteen cards include three court/face cards (Jack, Queen & King) and ten numeral/pip cards (1/Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5 , 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10).

    Italian-suited playing cards
    Also known as Latin-suited playing cards
    A deck composed of four suits of thirteen cards. The four suits are coins, cups, swords and wands. The thirteen cards include three court/face cards (Jack, Knight & King) and ten numeral/pip cards (1/Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5 , 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10).

    52-card deck
    → Battle, Blackjack, Bridge, Poker
    A deck composed of four suits of thirteen cards

    54-card deck
    A standard 52-card deck with the two Joker cards

    32-card deck
    → Belote
    A standard 52-card deck without the 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 cards

    78-card deck
    → Oracle practice
    A deck composed of major arcana cards and minor arcana cards


    Major Arcana
    → Oracle practice
    Set of twenty-two cards that include twenty-one numeral/pip card and one card without number which can be considered as the number 0 or 22.

    Minor Arcana
    → Oracle practice
    Set of fourteen cards' four suits. The fourteen cards include four court/face (Page, Knight, Queen & King) and ten numeral/pip cards (Ace/1, 2, 3, 4, 5 , 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10).


    Tarot
    Card game or a 78-card deck used for divination
    Note: I'm going to make a distinction between the cards used for the game and the cards used for divination. I will call the first (French) Tarot deck and the other Oracle deck.
    The reason I make this distinction is purely personal because the major arcana that my family uses to play tarot and the major arcana for occult ritual have different designs and names.
    In the Tarot game, the major arcana cards have Arabic numbers inscribed in the card's corners and do not have their title written on the card. The images do not usually illustrate the name of the card. The card without number is called "The Excuse". The major arcana cards are called Trump cards.
    In the Oracle practice, the major arcana cards have Latin numbers written in the centre of the card's top and the title is written in the centre of the card's bottom. The images illustrate the name of the card. The card without number is called "The Fool".
    It should also br mentioned that the Italian version is preferred for the minor arcana of the Oracle deck.


    Variants:
    Jack → Knave, Page
    Clubs = Wands
    Diamonds = Coins
    Hearts = Cups
    Spades = Swords
    Coins → Pentacles, Disks, Rings
    Cups → Chalices, Goblets, Vessels
    Swords → Blades
    Wands → Batons, Clubs, Staves

    Card symbols:
    ♠ - 🂡 🂢 🂣 🂤 🂥 🂦 🂧 🂨 🂩 🂪 🂫 🂬 🂭 🂮 | ♥ - 🂱 🂲 🂳 🂴 🂵 🂶 🂷 🂸 🂹 🂺 🂻 🂼 🂽 🂾 | ♦ - 🃁 🃂 🃃 🃄 🃅 🃆 🃇 🃈 🃉 🃊 🃋 🃌 🃍 🃎 | ♣ - 🃑 🃒 🃓 🃔 🃕 🃖 🃗 🃘 🃙 🃚 🃛 🃜 🃝 🃞 | 🂿 | 🃠 🃡 🃢 🃣 🃤 🃥 🃦 🃧 🃨 🃩 🃪 🃫 🃬 🃭 🃮 🃯 🃰 🃱 🃲 🃳 🃴 🃵


    Cards list:
    Major arcana → The Fool (unnumbered card), The Magician (I), The High Priestess (II), The Empress (III), The Emperor (IV), The Hierophant (V), The Lovers (VI), The Chariot (VII), Strength (VIII), The Hermit (IX), Wheel of Fortune (X), Justice (XI), The Hanged Man (XII), nameless card/Death (XIII), Temperance (XIV), The Devil (XV), The Tower (XVI), The Star (XVII), The Moon (XVIII), The Sun (XIX), Judgement (XX), The World (XXI)
    Minor arcana → Ace of Coins, Two of Coins, Three of Coins, Four of Coins, Five of Coins, Six of Coins, Seven of Coins, Eight of Coins, Nine of Coins, Ten of Coins, Page of Coins, Knight of Coins, Queen of Coins, King of Coins,
    Ace of Wands, Two of Wands, Three of Wands, Four of Wands, Five of Wands, Six of Wands, Seven of Wands, Eight of Wands, Nine of Wands, Ten of Wands, Page of Wands, Knight of Wands, Queen of Wands, King of Wands,
    Ace of Cups, Two of Cups, Three of Cups, Four of Cups, Five of Cups, Six of Cups, Seven of Cups, Eight of Cups, Nine of Cups, Ten of Cups, Page of Cups, Knight of Cups, Queen of Cups, King of Cups,
    Ace of Swords, Two of Swords, Three of Swords, Four of Swords, Five of Swords, Six of Swords, Seven of Swords, Eight of Swords, Nine of Swords, Ten of Swords, Page of Swords, Knight of Swords, Queen of Swords, King of Swords
    Other cards → Black Joker, Red Joker




    RESOURCE & REFERENCE

    WEBSITES

  • [1998] 🇬🇧 Tarot.com
    → English website

  • [2001] 🇬🇧 Biddy Tarot.com
    → English website


  • BOOKS

  • [1843] 🇫🇷 L'art de tirer les cartes : révélations complètes sur les destinées au moyen des cartes et des tarots d'après les méthodes les plus certaines, suivis d'un jeu des patiences | archive.org
    → French book by Johannes Trismégiste

  • [1897] 🇬🇧 A handbook of cartomancy : fortune-telling and occult divination | archive.org
    → English book by Grand Orient

  • [1900] 🇬🇧 The square of sevens; an authoritative system of cartomancy | archive.org
    → English book by Robert Antrobus & Edward Prime-Stevenson

  • [1909] 🇬🇧 A Manual Of Cartomancy, Fortune-Telling And Occult Divination Including Cagliostro's Mystic Alphabet Of The Magi, The Golden Wheel of Fortune, The Art of Involing Spirits in the Crystal, The Various Methods of Divination | archive.org
    → English book by Grand Orient

  • [1927] 🇫🇷 La synthèse du Tarot; cours complet de cartomancie suivi de l'horoscope par les noms | archive.org
    → French book by Georges Muchery

  • [1980] 🇬🇧 The Game of Tarot
    → British book by Michael Dummett

  • [1988] 🇬🇧 The playing card workbook : a contemporary manual of cartomancy | archive.org
    → English book by Joanne Leslie

  • [1993] 🇬🇧 The Traditional Astrologer | archive.org
    → (Edition about Mars) British book by Deborah Houlding

  • [1996] 🇬🇧 A Wicked Pack of Cards. The Origins of the Occult Tarot
    → English book by Ronald Decker, Thierry Depaulis & Michael Dummett

  • [1997] 🇬🇧Fortune-telling by playing cards : guide to the ancient art of cartomancy | archive.org
    → English book by Nerys Dee

  • [1997] 🇫🇷 Connais-toi toi-même par le tarot : les 352 messages indispensables : le grand livre du tarot qui transformera votre vie | archive.org
    → French book by Frédéric Maisonblanche

  • [2002] 🇬🇧 Tarot, An illustrated guide
    → English book by Jonathan Dee

  • [2004] 🇬🇧 Mystical Origins of the Tarot: From Ancient Roots to Modern Usage
    → British book by Paul Huson

  • [2005] 🇬🇧 The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination Paperback
    → English book by Robert M. Place

  • [2011] Le Code Sacré du Tarot: La Redécouverte de la Nature Originelle du Tarot de Marseille | archive.org
    → French book by Wilfried Houdouin

  • [2013] 🇬🇧 History of the Occult Tarot Paperback
    → English book by Ronald Decker & Michael Dummett

  • [2019] 🇬🇧 A Cultural History of Tarot: From Entertainment to Esotericism Paperback
    → English book by Helen Farley

  • [2019] 🇺🇸 Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Tarot Journey to Self-Awareness
    → American book by Rachel Pollack

  • [2020] 🇺🇸 Guided Tarot: A Beginner's Guide to Card Meanings, Spreads, and Intuitive Exercises for Seamless Readings
    → American book by Stefanie Caponi




  • This chapter ends here.
    I warn you that the occult of the Tarot is also intertwined with astrology and the magic of the elements, but I won't go into this because I don't need it for my stories. Sorry about that!

    Chapter 14: [Cartomancy] Major Arcana

    Chapter Text

    GENERALITIES

    OVERVIEW

  • The Major Arcana represent the greater secrets.

    Source: Biddy Tarot.com - Tarot Card Meanings, Major arcana
    [Description] - The Major Arcana Tarot cards represent the life lessons, karmic influences and the big archetypal themes that are influencing your life and your soul's journey to enlightenment. The Major Arcana card meanings are deep and complex – in beautiful ways! These Tarot cards truly represent the structure of human consciousness and hold the keys to life lessons passed down through the ages.
    Also known as the Trump Cards, the Major Arcana cards include 21 numbered cards and 1 unnumbered card (the Fool). The Fool is the main character of the Major Arcana and makes his journey through each of the cards, meeting new teachers and learning new life lessons along the way, and eventually reaching the completion of his journey with the World card. This is known as the Fool's Journey and is a helpful way of understanding the story line of the Major Arcana Tarot card meanings.
    When you see a Major Arcana card in a Tarot reading, you are being called to reflect on the life lessons and themes that are currently being experienced at this time. A Major Arcana card will often set the scene for the entire Tarot reading, with the other cards relating back to that core Major Arcana meaning.
    When a Tarot reading is predominantly made up of Major Arcana cards, you are experiencing life-changing events that will have long-term effects. There are important lessons that you must pay attention to in order to progress further in your spiritual and personal quest.
    If many of the Major Arcana Tarot cards are reversed, however, it may be a sign that you are not paying enough attention to these important life lessons and you need to first master the lesson before being able to move forward.

    The 22 Major Arcana cards represent life's karmic and spiritual lessons. They represent a path to spiritual self-awareness and depict the various stages we encounter as we search for greater meaning and understanding. In this way, the Major Arcana cards hold deeply meaningful lessons on a soul level.

  • The Major Arcana are composed of 22 cards.

  • The cards list includes The Fool (unnumbered card), The Magician (I), The High Priestess (II), The Empress (III), The Emperor (IV), The Hierophant (V), The Lovers (VI), The Chariot (VII), Justice (VIII), The Hermit (IX), Wheel of Fortune (X), Strength (XI), The Hanged Man (XII), nameless card/Death (XIII), Temperance (XIV), The Devil (XV), The Tower (XVI), The Star (XVII), The Moon (XVIII), The Sun (XIX), Judgement (XX), The World (XXI).




  • CARDS

  • The Fool
    Also known as the Unnumbered card or The Fool (0)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master new beginnings, adventure, to have fun and to take chances. You are here to create an atmosphere of bold bravery, “anything is possible” and fearlessness. You feel at your best when you are trying new things, meeting new people, traveling and living a carefree life.


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Beginnings, innocence, spontaneity, a free spirit
    The Fool is a card of new beginnings, opportunity and potential. Just like the young man, you are at the outset of your journey, standing at the cliff‘s edge, and about to take your first step into the unknown. Even though you don’t know exactly where you are going, you are being called to commit yourself and follow your heart, no matter how crazy this leap of faith might seem to you. Now is a time when you need to trust where the Universe is taking you.
    As you undertake this new journey, The Fool encourages you to have an open, curious mind and a sense of excitement. Throw caution to the wind and be ready to embrace the unknown, leaving behind any fear, worry or anxiety about what may or may not happen. This is about new experiences, personal growth, development, and adventure.
    The time is NOW! Take that leap of faith, even if you do not feel 100% ready or equipped for what is coming (who knows what it could be?!). Seriously, what are you waiting for? Do you think you need to have everything mapped out before you can begin? No way! Not with The Fool. He ventures out on his journey with just his essential belongings – and now he invites you to do the same. You don’t need to wait for someone to give you the green light or hold off until you have all the skills, tools and resources you think you might need. You are ready! If you’ve been watching for a sign, this is it!
    This is a time of great potential and opportunity for you right now. The world is your oyster, and anything can happen. Use your creative mind with a dash of spontaneity to make the most of this magical time and bring forth your new ideas in powerful ways.
    The Fool is your invitation to relax, play, and have fun. Treat life like one big experiment and feel yourself in the flow of whatever comes your way. This card asks you to embrace your beautiful, carefree spirit, allowing yourself to connect to the energy that surrounds you and flows through you. Tap into your fullest potential by stepping into a place of wonderment, curiosity and intrigue. Live life as though you were a child once again. Laugh more, dance, and let your heart go free.
    This is an excellent card to meditate on if you are struggling with dread, worry or self-doubt in your life. The Fool is your guide, as someone who is daring and carefree. He is the embodiment of who you really are – your free spirit, your inner child, and your playful soul. Any time you experience fear, remember the essence of The Fool as he encourages you to acknowledge that fear and do it anyway! You never know what the future holds, but like The Fool, you must step into the unknown, trusting that the Universe will catch you and escort you along the way. Take a chance and see what happens.
    [Reversed] - Holding back, recklessness, risk-taking
    The Fool Reversed suggests that you have conceived of a new project but aren’t ready to ‘birth’ it into the world just yet. You may worry that you are not fit or that you don’t have all the tools, skills and resources you need to make this project a success. Or perhaps you have a sense that the timing isn’t right. Something is holding you back, and you are preventing yourself from moving forward. You may choose to keep this new opportunity to yourself for now, or you might be ‘parking’ it until a better time.
    You may fear the unknown, wondering, ‘What am I getting myself into?’ As a result, you have come to a standstill, worried about taking any action where you don’t know the outcome. This often boils down to the need to control everything. Balance this out with knowing that the Universe has your back and you can take this step forward, even if you are unsure of exactly what will happen next.
    On the flipside, The Fool Reversed can show that you are taking too many risks and acting recklessly. In your attempt to live ‘in the moment’ and be spontaneous and adventurous, you may do so in total disregard of the consequences of your actions and engaging in activities that put both yourself and others at risk. Look at the bigger picture and consider how you can keep the free spirit of The Fool without harming others.
    In light of the playful and fun energy of The Fool Upright, the reversal suggests you are exploring this spirit on a more personal and quiet level. For example, instead of letting down your hair and dancing up on stage, you are dancing in your bedroom like no-one is watching. Look at how you can bring more play into your daily life, even if you start out by doing it in private.
    [Description] - The Fool is numbered 0 – the number of unlimited potential – and so does not have a specific place in the sequence of the Tarot cards. The Fool can be placed either at the beginning of the Major Arcana or at the end. The Major Arcana is often considered The Fool’s journey through life and as such, he is ever present and therefore needs no number.
    On The Fool Tarot card, a young man stands on the edge of a cliff, without a care in the world, as he sets out on a new adventure. He is gazing upwards toward the sky (and the Universe) and is seemingly unaware that he is about to skip off a precipice into the unknown. Over his shoulder rests a modest knapsack containing everything he needs – which isn’t much (let’s say he’s a minimalist). The white rose in his left hand represents his purity and innocence. And at his feet is a small white dog, representing loyalty and protection, that encourages him to charge forward and learn the lessons he came to learn. The mountains behind The Fool symbolize the challenges yet to come. They are forever present, but The Fool doesn’t care about them right now; he’s more focused on starting his expedition.



  • The Magician
    Also known as The Magician (I), The Magus or The Juggler

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master creativity, magic and manifestation. You are here to create something amazing and out-of-this-World and to find magic in all that you do, using the tools at your disposal. You feel at your best when you can make a ritual out of everyday tasks and when all the elements are present (air, water, earth, fire and spirit)


    Source: "Mercury in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the greater arcana of the tarot, Mercury is always associated with the first trump, the Magus or Juggler - names which sum up the extremes of the planet, sage and trickster.


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Manifestation, resourcefulness, power, inspired action
    As a master manifestor, The Magician brings you the tools, resources and energy you need to make your dreams come true. Seriously, everything you need right now is at your fingertips. You have the spiritual (fire), physical (earth), mental (air) and emotional (water) resources to manifest your desires. And when you combine them with the energy of the spiritual and earthly realms, you will become a manifestation powerhouse! The key is to bring these tools together synergistically so that the impact of what you create is greater than the separate parts. This is alchemy at its best!
    Now is the perfect time to move forward on an idea that you recently conceived. The seed of potential has sprouted, and you are being called to take action and bring your intention to fruition. The skills, knowledge and capabilities you have gathered along your life path have led you to where you are now, and whether or not you know it, you are ready to turn your ideas into reality.
    In your quest to manifest your goals, you must establish a clear vision of what you will create (and why) before you act. It is not enough to be motivated by ego (money, status, or fame) – you need to have a soul connection to your goals and intentions. You are a powerful, creative being, and this is your opportunity to bring your Higher Self in alignment with your day-to-day actions to create the future you want most.
    When you are clear about your ‘what’ and your ‘why’, The Magician calls on you to take inspired action. You will need focused attention and intense concentration to bring your goals to fruition. Focus on the ONE thing that will move you towards your goal. Commitment to the task is essential, so drop any distractions that may draw your focus away from what you want to achieve. Be methodical in your planning to make sure that you stay on track and carry out your tasks.
    [Reversed] - Manipulation, poor planning, untapped talents
    On one level, The Magician Reversed shows you are exploring what you wish to manifest, but you are not taking action yet. You are uncertain if you have everything you need and may be unsure about how to make it happen. If you take care of what you intend to manifest, the Universe will work out the how. Stay attuned to your intuition and pay attention to opportunities as they arise. These are like little breadcrumbs that will take you closer to your goal.
    If you are already acting on your goal, The Magician Reversed can be a sign that you are struggling to see progress or success. Several factors may be at play. Perhaps you have an idea but don’t know what action to take to manifest it. Perhaps you are not clear on your desired outcome so your efforts are misdirected or unfocused. Maybe you have lost touch with your ‘why’, or it wasn’t compelling enough, and now you’re lacking motivation in completing the goal. Or perhaps your end goal is out of alignment with your Highest Good and the Universe is sending you a big “Stop! Go Back!” sign.
    At its worst, The Magician Reversed signifies greed, manipulation, and trickery. You may be masterful at manifesting, but if you are out of touch with your Higher Self, you may only do it for your personal gain and at the expense of others. Sometimes you may fall into this trap unintentionally. If your goals are not coming to fruition or something feels ‘off’, tune into that and asking yourself if you are working for the highest good or solely for your own benefit.
    In a career reading, The Magician Reversed shows that you have many skills, talents, and capabilities, but your real potential is not being maximized. You may realize that you have so much more to give. Or perhaps you know you are great at something, but you have not allowed yourself the opportunity to nurture and explore this skill. What is impeding you from using these abilities? What needs to change for you to reach your fullest potential?
    [Description] - The Magician card is numbered One – the number of new beginnings and opportunities – and associates with the planet of Mercury. He stands with one arm stretched upwards towards the Universe, and the other pointing down to the earth. His positioning represents his connection between the spiritual realms and the material realms. The Magician uses this relationship to create and manifest his goals in the physical realm. He is the conduit that converts energy into matter. The Magician’s robe is white, symbolising purity, and his cloak is red, representing worldly experience and knowledge.
    On the table in front of him are the four symbols of the Tarot suits – a cup, pentacle, sword and wand – each symbolising one of the four elements – water, earth, air and fire. It is also a sign that he has all the tools (and elements) he needs to manifest his intentions into being. Above his head is the infinity symbol, and around his waist is a snake biting its own tail – both of which signal that he has access to unlimited potential. And in the foreground is an array of foliage and flowers, symbolising the blossoming and fruition of his ideas and aspirations.



  • The High Priestess
    Also known as The High Priestess (II)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master intuition and the dark and spiritual side of life. You are here to create connections to the unknown mysteries using your intuitive skills and instincts. You feel at your best when you can make decisions based on what your gut feeling tells you and when you can deep dive into occult topics.


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Intuition, sacred knowledge, divine feminine, the subconscious mind
    While The Magician is the guardian of the conscious mind and the tangible world, The High Priestess is the guardian of the subconscious mind and the teacher of sacred knowledge and hidden mysteries. Sitting at the threshold of the conscious and subconscious mind, The High Priestess has an innate ability to travel between these realms effortlessly. She teaches you that the world is not always as it seems and more profound influences are often at play. She ushers you through the thin veil of awareness, offering you a deep, intuitive understanding of the Universe and a heightened awareness of secret or hidden information.
    The High Priestess signifies spiritual enlightenment, inner illumination, divine knowledge and wisdom. She shows up in your Tarot readings when the veil between you and the underworld is thin, and you have the opportunity to access the knowledge deep within your soul. Now is the time to be still so you can tune in to your intuition. The answers you are seeking will come from within, from your deepest truth and ‘knowing’. Allow The High Priestess to become your guide as you venture deep into your subconscious mind and access this inner wisdom. Connect with your intuition and your Higher Self through meditation, visualization, shamanic journeying, and being part of spiritual communities.
    Your intuitive sense right now is providing you with useful information and is assisting you to become more in touch with your subconscious mind. Knowledge of how to fix these issues will not come through thinking and rationalizing, but by tapping into and trusting your intuition, so allow yourself the time and space to meditate and attend to your inner voice. Look for areas in your life that may be out of balance or lacking ‘flow’ and ease.
    Now is also a time of heightened intuitive ability and psychic insight. If you are developing these skills, The High Priestess offers you further encouragement to continue your journey and trust that you are on the right path. The more you listen to your intuition, the more it will flow.
    Finally, The High Priestess is a signal that you are being called to embrace the Divine Feminine – your connection to your intuition, compassion, empathy, and inner wisdom. Regardless of your gender, it is vital for you to balance and integrate your masculine and feminine energies, and the presence of The High Priestess signals that your sacred feminine needs your attention right now. Feel, rather than think. Collaborate, rather than compete. Create, rather than destroy. Trust your Divine Feminine energy, even if the masculine energy around you may appear to be stronger. Be proud of your ability to nurture, trust, sense, and empathize instead of hiding it away.
    [Reversed] - Secrets, disconnected from intuition, withdrawal and silence
    The High Priestess Reversed calls on you to be still and direct your attention inward to listen to your voice and wisdom. You may be swayed by other people’s opinions or swept up in their drama when what you really need to do is focus on what is right for you. It is time to get quiet and withdraw yourself from the external world to observe what your inner guidance is sharing with you now.
    Ask yourself: Do I struggle to trust my intuition fully? Perhaps you doubt yourself or feel silly or guilty for listening to your intuition, and as a result, you deny your ability to tune in and receive this potent information. You may also keep your intuitive capabilities hidden from others, fearful of their judgements or opinions. If this resonates, know that your intuition is your superpower, here to guide you and help you. Have faith in the Universe and allow yourself to be in flow with its energies. Surrender and let go.
    Think of The High Priestess as the calm center inside of you that is untouched by your external world and trust that she is always there when you need her. Whenever you worry that things are just getting too crazy, find a quiet space and meditate so you can hear her voice. If you stop thinking or fretting about your issue and instead clear the way for your intuition to speak to you, the answer will follow.
    Finally, the secretive nature of The High Priestess may suggest gossip and hidden agendas. Others may be keeping information from you or talking about you behind your back and sharing mistruths. Rather than making assumptions or diving into the depths of paranoia, have an open and honest conversation to surface and address these secrets.
    [Description] - The High Priestess sits in front of a thin veil decorated with pomegranates. The veil represents the separate conscious and subconscious realms, the seen and the unseen, and serves to keep casual onlookers out. Only the initiated may enter. The pomegranates on the veil are a symbol of abundance, fertility and the divine feminine, and are sacred to Persephone who ate a pomegranate seed in the underworld and was forced to return every year.
    On either side of The High Priestess stand two pillars, marking the entrance to this sacred, mystical temple (also associated with the Temple of Solomon). One pillar is black with the letter B (Boaz, meaning ‘in his strength’) and the other is white with the letter J (Jachin, meaning ‘he will establish’). The black and white colors of the pillars symbolize duality – masculine and feminine, darkness and light – stating that knowledge and acceptance of duality are required to enter this sacred space.
    The High Priestess wears a blue robe with a cross on her chest and a horned diadem (or crown), both a symbol of her divine knowledge and her status as a divine ruler. In her lap, she holds a scroll with the letter TORA, signifying the Greater Law (according to A. E. Waite). It is partly covered, signifying that this sacred knowledge is both explicit and implicit, it will only be revealed when the student is ready to look beyond the material realm. The crescent moon at her feet symbolizes her connection with the divine feminine, her intuition and subconscious mind, and the natural cycles of the moon.



  • The Empress
    Also known as The Empress (III)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master love, devotion and abundance. You are here to create community, to offer support and to spread good vibes. You feel at your best when you spend time in nature surrounded by peace, love and harmony.


    Source: "Venus in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the tarot, Taurus and Libra are exemplified in the greater arcana by the Empress and Love respectively. The Empress signifies fertility, creativity, and passion; in modern decks she is usually depicted surrounded by a fertile countryside.


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Femininity, beauty, nature, nurturing, abundance
    The Empress signifies a strong connection with our femininity. Femininity translates in many ways – elegance, sensuality, fertility, creative expression, nurturing – and is necessary for creating balance in both men and women. The Empress calls on you to connect with your feminine energy. Create beauty in your life. Connect with your senses through taste, touch, sound, smell and sight. Draw on these senses to experience pleasure and deep fulfilment. Treat yourself to a day spa, learn massage, enjoy a fine restaurant or spend more time with your partner. Discover different approaches to expressing yourself creatively, be it through painting, music, drama or other art forms. This may be the perfect chance to take up a new hobby that enables you to access this part of yourself.
    The Empress signifies abundance. You are surrounded by life’s pleasures and luxuries and have everything you need to live a comfortable lifestyle. You are in a period of growth, in which all you have dreamed of is now coming to fruition. When The Empress appears in your Tarot readings, take a moment to reflect on the bounty that surrounds you and offer gratitude for all you have created so you can continue to build on this energy and create even more abundance in your life.
    As the Mother Earth archetype, The Empress urges you to venture out into nature to ground your energy and be in flow with the earth. Take a trip to your favorite natural setting, be it a forest, beach, mountain or lake, and sit for a couple of minutes, hours or even days to breathe in the energy that surrounds you while marveling in the beauty of your surroundings. Allow yourself the time and the space to enter a different frame of mind and receive the grounding spirit of nature into your heart and consciousness. When you do this, you can reach higher planes of consciousness.
    When you are in tune with the energy of The Empress, you will naturally take on her mothering nature. You feel a strong urge to nurture and care for others, from a place of loving compassion and support. You see it as a gift and an honor to tend to others, and in doing so you, too, receive benefit. In a more literal sense, you may step into the role of ‘mother’, perhaps as the mother of a newborn, caretaker of other people’s children, or spending more quality time with your kids.
    The Empress can also suggest pregnancy or birth. This may be an actual pregnancy or childbirth, or a metaphorical ‘birth’ of a new idea or project. Bring your creative ideas into being by nurturing them and supporting their growth. Allow those designs and their manifestation to flow through you, acting with compassion and love.
    [Reversed] - Creative block, dependence on others
    Reversed, The Empress encourages you to make self-love and self-care a priority. Now is the time to bring your loving energy and focus to yourself, especially if you have been giving away your personal power by placing too much emphasis on another person’s emotional or material needs, thus neglecting your own. Book a girls’ weekend, go for a walk on your own or start a creative project that’s just for you. It is essential that you fill your cup and care for yourself so you can then take care of others without resentment.
    You may also crave a stronger connection with nature and Mother Earth. Now is the perfect occasion to spend even just a few hours in a natural setting such as a beach, park or garden. Breathe in the radiant energy as you’re surrounded by nature’s beauty and take time to notice the little things: an ant racing along on the ground, new leaves budding on the trees, or the rich purples and greens of the flowers and plants.
    The Empress Reversed can suggest that you are feeling a creative block, especially in ‘birthing’ a new idea or expressing yourself creatively. You may worry whether it will be a success or if your work is appealing to others. For now, don’t bother about what others think. The important thing is that you are allowing your creative energy to flow, even if it means keeping your newest creations private to you only (and even if they look like a three-year-old created them!).
    The Empress Reversed may call your attention to issues around body image. Are you your biggest critic when it comes to how you look and the shape of your body? Learn to love your body again and give thanks for the lovely curves, lumps and bumps. Rediscover your beauty, inside and out.
    In your relationships, you may take the ‘mothering’ role too far, becoming overprotective, co-dependent and controlling. If this resonates, it is time to shift your focus from the mother-child relationship to an adult-to-adult relationship by creating independence, trust and loving compassion.
    [Description] - The Empress is a beautiful, full-figured woman with blonde hair and a peaceful aura about her. On her head, she wears a crown of twelve stars, showing her connection with the mystical realm and the cycles of the natural world (the twelve months of the year and the twelve planets). Her robe is patterned with pomegranates, symbolic of fertility, and sits upon a luxurious array of cushions and flowing red velvet. One cushion features the symbol of Venus, the planet of love, creativity, fertility, beauty and grace – the essence of The Empress.
    A beautiful, lush forest and winding stream surround The Empress, signifying her connection with Mother Earth and life itself. She draws her sense of peace from the trees and the water and is rejuvenated by the energy of nature. In the foreground, golden wheat springs from the soil, reflecting abundance from a recent harvest.



  • The Emperor
    Also known as The Emperor (IV)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master leadership, security and structure. You are here to create balance, calm and protection. And to hold space for others. You feel at your best when all is peaceful and you are protecting those around you.


    Source: tarot.com
    The Emperor is a card of power, authority, and control. It suggests a stable presence and a strong sense of self. This card represents a protective nature, essentially guarding the perimeter so that whoever’s inside is safe to explore without fear. The Emperor is traditionally associated with fatherhood, but its energy isn’t limited by gender or parental role. Anyone who’s willing to look out for the well-being of others or themselves -- and who can be assertive about it -- is channeling The Emperor.


    Source: mysticmondays.com
    The Emperor is a ruler and natural authority figure. Embodying structure and stability is a gift that you have, often playing the role of provider for others. Because of this, you are a natural protector and people look to you for leadership. The Emperor is often known as the father of the deck, known as a secure and safe presence in its most positive light. Using long term strategy, you’re able to build a lasting legacy that will live beyond your time.


    Source: "Jupiter in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the major arcana of the tarot, the Golden Dawn associated Jupiter with the Wheel of Fortune. This card is now used to symbolise luck, though it may originally have represented prudence - either meaning would be appropriate.
    Other attributions are also possible, particularly the Emperor, the Pope and Justice.


    Source: "Saturn in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the greater arcana of the tarot cards, the magical order of the Golden Dawn assigned Saturn to the World. This was presumably because Saturn, as the most earthy planet, rules life on earth. But the card refers rather to the ideal world, or the world to come, and other suitable images can be found: the Hermit (originally called Time), symbolising wisdom and prudence; Fortune, since Saturn represents fate; the Emperor or the Pope, as secular and spiritual authorities; even Death or the Devil.


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Authority, establishment, structure, a father figure
    As the father figure of the Tarot deck, The Emperor suggests that you are adopting this fatherly role (regardless of whether you are male or female), providing for your family, and protecting and defending your loved ones. You may be the breadwinner or the ‘rock’ for those who rely on your stability and security.
    Similarly, The Emperor represents a powerful leader who demands respect and authority. Status, power, and recognition are essential to you, and you are most comfortable in a leadership role where you can command and direct others. As a leader, you rule with a firm but fair hand. You have a clear vision of what you want to create, and you organize those around you to manifest your goal. You listen to the advice of others, but you prefer to have the final say. Conflict doesn’t scare you, and you won’t hesitate to use your power to protect those you care about. And in return, those people will repay you with the loyalty and respect you deserve. Claim your authority as leader and influencer and don’t let others put you down.
    The Emperor reflects a system bound by rules and regulations. You create law and order by applying principles or guidelines to a specific situation. Create calm out of chaos by breaking down any problem into its parts and then mapping out the actions you need to take to resolve it. Be systematic, strategic and highly organized in your approach, and stick to your plan until the end.
    The Emperor card also signifies world knowledge and expertise. Through the course of your life, you have gained valuable wisdom and life experience, and now you enjoy offering guidance, advice, and direction to someone who might benefit from it. You may be a teacher, coach, boss, or just a good friend who likes to take what you have learned and pass it on so that others can be as wise and powerful as you.
    [Reversed] - Domination, excessive control, lack of discipline, inflexibility
    The Emperor Reversed calls on you to assess your relationship with power, control, authority, responsibility and discipline. Are you expressing too much or too little of these elements in your life right now? Are they working for you or against you?
    In the reversed position, The Emperor can be domineering and rigid in his thinking. The card can suggest an over-use and abuse of authoritative power surrounding you. It could originate from you or from another person, often a boss, partner or father figure. And it may be because of deep insecurities or father issues from childhood.
    Consider the role that power plays in your life. Are you asserting your power and dominance in a way that leaves others feeling powerless? Or are you giving away your personal power to please someone else, often a father-figure or a person in authority? Seek to find a solution where you lead from a place of personal power and enable others to do the same. Power can be equally and constructively distributed – you don’t need to take it from others, nor do you need to give yours away.
    The Emperor Reversed may be a sign that others look to you as their leader or as an expert in the field but you are shying away from the role. You may fear being seen as the leader, instead preferring to hide in the shadows or stay out of the spotlight. There may be other ways you can make an impact and influence the world, such as authoring a book or training others to reach a bigger audience.
    Sometimes, The Emperor Reversed asks you to stand up to authority. You may feel fed up with an overbearing boss or a hierarchical organization and feel compelled to enter a more flexible and adaptive environment. Maybe you aspire to be your own boss and work independently by starting up your own business. Or, you may seek a career where you can have greater flexibility and creativity in how you complete your work. You are sick of having to always work within the confines of a particular structure or way of doing things, and you want to break free from it.
    When The Emperor Reversed pops up in a Tarot reading, pay attention to your commitment to your goals and your self-discipline to get the job done. If you are struggling to see any real outcomes, check that you have a plan in place, a routine to support it, and the dedication to see it through. You may need to get a little tough on yourself and do the uncomfortable work you’d prefer to avoid. But if you can harness the positive, upright energy of The Emperor, your efforts will lead to success.
    In a relationship reading, The Emperor Reversed suggests that you may be in an unequal partnership and it‘s making you unhappy in the long term. Your significant other has become overbearing, possessive, dominating and authoritative. While you may have been looking for a partner to take care of you and offer a stable foundation for the future, those qualities have gone too far, and it seems as though much of your independence and freedom have been taken away. This dynamic is putting a strain on the relationship and preventing a flow of energies between you.
    [Description] - If The Empress is the Mother archetype of the Tarot deck, The Emperor is the Father. He sits upon a large stone throne, adorned with four rams’ heads (symbolic of his connection with Aries and the planet Mars). In his right hand, The Emperor holds an ankh, the Egyptian symbol of life, and in his left is an orb representing the world over which he rules.
    He wears a red robe, indicative of his power, passion, and energy for life. Underneath it, he wears a suit of armor, suggesting that he is protected from any threat (and any emotional response or vulnerability). His long white beard is symbolic of his age-old wisdom and experience, and along with his gold crown, he is an authority figure who demands to be heard.
    Behind his throne looms a tall, impenetrable mountain range, signifying that he is backed by a solid foundation but resistant to making any changes unless he deems it necessary. Beneath the peaks flows a small river, giving some hope that despite his tough exterior, he is still an emotional being – it will just take a lot of digging and trust to open him up to his softer side.



  • The Hierophant (V)
    Also known as The Hierophant (V), The Pope or The High Priest

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master spirituality (of your choice), tradition and education. You are here to create educational and structured spiritual teachings. You feel at your best when you go by the book and follow the examples of those who came before you.


    Source: "Jupiter in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the major arcana of the tarot, the Golden Dawn associated Jupiter with the Wheel of Fortune. This card is now used to symbolise luck, though it may originally have represented prudence - either meaning would be appropriate.
    Other attributions are also possible, particularly the Emperor, the Pope and Justice.


    Source: "Saturn in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the greater arcana of the tarot cards, the magical order of the Golden Dawn assigned Saturn to the World. This was presumably because Saturn, as the most earthy planet, rules life on earth. But the card refers rather to the ideal world, or the world to come, and other suitable images can be found: the Hermit (originally called Time), symbolising wisdom and prudence; Fortune, since Saturn represents fate; the Emperor or the Pope, as secular and spiritual authorities; even Death or the Devil.


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Spiritual wisdom, religious beliefs, conformity, tradition,institutions
    The Hierophant card represents an established set of spiritual values and beliefs and is often correlated with religion and other formal doctrines. Before you can discover your own belief systems and make your own choices (as associated with the next card, The Lovers), The Hierophant encourages you to learn the fundamental principles from a trusted source.
    Work with a teacher, mentor, or guide to teach you about spiritual values and beliefs in a structured way. He may be an authority or a kind and generous mentor who nurtures your spiritual awareness and helps you access the Divine by understanding the traditions and core principles. You may also undertake a period of formal study as you delve into a subject that has been widely explored and documented.
    If you have already mastered a particular field of study, you may be taking on the role of teacher and mentor to others. In this position, you honour and acknowledge your responsibility to share your knowledge in a structured way, one that respects the age-old traditions.
    The Hierophant‘s arrival suggests you are following convention and staying within the bounds of a ‘tried and tested’ model. You are not yet willing to go out on a limb or offer any new and innovative ideas. Instead, you adhere to the key principles and rules that you know will lead to a successful result.
    The Hierophant may call you to honor family traditions or sacred rituals that sit neglected. You are being asked to commit to spiritual practice in its most wholesome form – no customization, no adaptation, no bending the rules. If you have been lacking ritual and tradition, create a regular practice such as daily prayer or saying grace before a meal. Consider exploring your spiritual or religious heritage.
    The Hierophant Tarot card often speaks to group membership or being part of an institution. You may enjoy a deep sense of comfort being surrounded by people who have well-established belief systems and explicit values. Finding them may be as significant as exploring a new church or religious group, or as simple as joining a gym or online Tarot community. This card is about identifying with others and a way of thinking that will prompt further learning.
    [Reversed] - Personal beliefs, freedom, challenging the status quo
    In its most positive form, The Hierophant Reversed reminds you that you are your own teacher. All the wisdom you seek comes from within – not from some external source or power. You are being guided to follow your own path and adopt your own spiritual belief systems rather than blindly following others’. It may feel unsettling at first as you make your own way, but over time, you will learn to trust yourself and tap into your inner knowledge. Others may question your motivations to go against tradition, but you know deep within that now is the time.
    With The Hierophant Reversed, you no longer need external approval to succeed. You are ready to go it alone and do it your way, even if that means going against convention. Give yourself permission to trust your inner guidance system as you create your own path forward.
    The Hierophant Reversed is also about challenging the status quo. You see alternative ways of viewing the world and are ready to test the very ideas and concepts you were taught were the ‘truth’. You no longer accept the rigid structures, tradition and dogma surrounding you; instead, you seek out opportunities to rebel and reclaim your personal power. If you feel restricted or constrained and have lost your sense of freedom and flexibility, now is the time to make your own rules.
    The Hierophant Reversed encourages you to examine ‘the way we do things around here’ and ask yourself whether it aligns with your values. You may have been running on autopilot so far and following the crowd, but now you see that changes need to be made. Taken further, The Hierophant Reversed is like a rebellious teenager who begins to question society and take part in anti-institutional activities. There may be a run-in with authorities or conflict with a parent or authoritative figure.
    [Description] - The Hierophant is the masculine counterpart to The High Priestess. He is also known as the Pope or the Teacher in other Tarot decks and is ruled by Taurus.
    The Hierophant is a religious figure sitting between two pillars of a sacred temple – though this temple differs from the one in which the High Priestess sits. He wears three robes – red, blue and white – and a three-tiered crown, both representing the three worlds over which he rules (the conscious, sub-conscious and super-conscious). In his left hand, he holds the Papal Cross, a triple sceptre that signifies his religious status. He raises his right hand in a religious blessing, with two fingers pointing towards Heaven and two towards Earth.
    Before him kneel two followers. The Hierophant’s task is to pass down his spiritual wisdom and initiate the two into the church so they can take up their appointed roles. This imagery speaks to a shared group identity and a rite of passage to enter the next level. The crossed keys at The Hierophant’s feet represent the balance between the conscious and subconscious minds and the unlocking of mysteries, which only he can teach.



  • The Lovers
    Also known as The Lovers (VI)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master partnerships, balance, duality and looooove. You are here to create equality, cooperation and harmony through relationships of any kind. You feel at your best when you are in a dedicated partnership and surrounded by beauty and good vibes.


    Source: "Venus in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the tarot, Taurus and Libra are exemplified in the greater arcana by the Empress and Love respectively. The card Love (or the Lovers) is not often taken in this sense, due to a misinterpretation of the badly-drawn Marseilles card and its strange assignment to Gemini by the Golden Dawn, but the early cards all show a pair of lovers presided over by Cupid or Venus, One of the best modern designs is that of Aleister Crowley, who showed the couple as the King and Queen of Rosicrucian and alchemical symbolism.



  • The Chariot
    Also known as The Chariot (VII)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master the balance between dominance and submission. Focus, willpower and determination. You are here to create great things that you can be proud of and be recognized for. You feel at your best when you are on top of your game and your ambitions are being fulfilled.


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Control, willpower, success, action, determination
    The Chariot is a card of willpower, determination, and strength. You have discovered how to make decisions in alignment with your values with the Lovers card, and now you are taking action on those decisions. When The Chariot appears in a Tarot reading, take it as a sign of encouragement. You have set your objectives and are now channeling your inner power with a fierce dedication to bring them to fruition. When you apply discipline, commitment and willpower to achieve your goals, you will succeed.
    Now isn’t the time to be passive in the hope that things will work out in your favor. Take focused action and stick to the course, no matter what challenges may come your way – because, believe me, there will be challenges. You may be pulled in opposite directions and find your strength and conviction tested. Others may try to block you, distract you, or drag down the pursuit of your goal. But The Chariot is an invitation to draw upon your willpower and home in on what’s essential to you, so you can push past the obstacles in your way.
    If you are curious about whether you have what it takes to achieve your aim or complete an important project, The Chariot is a sign you will be successful so long as you keep your focus and remain confident in your abilities. You need to use your willpower and self-discipline to concentrate on the task at hand. You can’t cut corners or take the easy route, or you will fail. Instead, see this endeavor as a test of your strength and conviction, and recognize that victory is within reach, but it’s up to you to follow through.
    The Chariot calls you to assert yourself and be courageous. Be bold in expressing your desires and laying down your boundaries; otherwise, you will not get your way. You need to have faith in yourself and know fundamentally who you are and what you stand for (thus building off the personal belief systems and values established through The Lovers card).
    In a very literal sense, The Chariot can represent travel, especially driving or taking a road trip. You may even be considering selling your home and buying an RV so you can head off and roam the country!
    [Reversed] - Self-discipline, opposition, lack of direction
    Upright, The Chariot is a green light to move ahead with a key project and push past any obstacles that might impede your desired outcome. Reversed, however, The Chariot tells you to ‘back up the truck’ or, as we Aussies say, “Chuck a U-y” (AKA “do a U-turn”). You might bang your head against a brick wall, trying to push a project forward when really, you ought to back off or change direction. Or you might have lost your motivation and no longer feel as committed to the outcome as you did when you started. So, if something is not moving forward as you planned, re-evaluate the situation and check in to see if it’s a sign that you need to change course. Then ask yourself: Is there a deeper reason things have become more challenging? What lesson can I learn here?
    At times, The Chariot Reversed is a warning that you are letting obstacles and challenges get in the way, preventing you from achieving what you set out to do. It’s all getting too hard, and you don’t have the will to go on. If that resonates, stop for a moment and think about the things that matter most to you and why you want to achieve this goal. Will you allow other people’s opinions to sway you or give up as soon as the going gets tough? Or will you follow through on your commitment?
    Before taking action, The Chariot Reversed may be a hint that you are focusing your energy and attention on your internal processes, such as self-discipline, inner determination and personal commitment. You may home in on the intentions that align with your Higher Self. Or, you can use visualization and meditation to make sure your energy aligns with your goals. These internally focused actions are essential so that when the time comes to act, you will be ready.
    If you are someone who likes to have command over your destiny and know where you are heading, take this opportunity to tighten the reins and become more disciplined in what you are doing. While feeling a loss of power can be quite demoralizing, the key is to look at what you can control and what you cannot. Do not allow yourself to worry about what is out of your grasp as you cannot change it now. Instead, focus your energies on what IS in your control. Examine what you can do to improve the situation.
    Similarly, The Chariot Reversed suggests that you may be trying to manage every minute detail in your life – but in doing so, you feel even more out of control. Loosen your grip and let things run their course. Be open to offers of help and then be grateful for what you receive, even if it’s not perfectly aligned with your expectations. You do not always have to be in the driver’s seat!
    [Description] - The Chariot Tarot card shows a brave warrior standing inside a chariot. He wears armor decorated with crescent moons (representing what is coming into being), a tunic with a square (the strength of will) and other alchemical symbols (spiritual transformation). The laurel and star crown signals victory, success and spiritual evolution. Although he appears to be driving the chariot, the charioteer holds no reins – just a wand like The Magician’s – symbolizing that he controls through the strength of his will and mind.
    The charioteer stands tall – there’s no sitting down for this guy, as he’s all about taking action and moving forward. Above his head is a canopy of six-pointed stars, suggesting his connection to the celestial world and the Divine will. In front of the vehicle sit a black and a white sphinx, representing duality, positive and negative and, at times, opposing forces. Note how the sphinxes are pulling in opposite directions, but the charioteer uses his willpower and sheer resolve to steer the chariot forward in the direction he wants.
    Behind the chariot flows a wide river, symbolic of the need to be ‘in flow’ with the rhythm of life while also charging ahead toward your goals and intentions.



  • Justice
    Also known as Justice (VIII)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master law, fairness, balance and rules. You are here to create justice, equality and trust in structure. You feel at best when everything is in alignment with the common rules and structure. When everybody gets their fair share.


    Source: "Jupiter in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the major arcana of the tarot, the Golden Dawn associated Jupiter with the Wheel of Fortune. This card is now used to symbolise luck, though it may originally have represented prudence - either meaning would be appropriate.
    Other attributions are also possible, particularly the Emperor, the Pope and Justice.



  • The Hermit
    Also known as The Hermit (IX)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master solitude, wisdom and spiritual visions. You are here to create a space where you thrive in your own company and to create a private space where you find meaning and purpose. You feel at best when walking your own path, studying or are on a solo quest for wisdom.


    Source: "Saturn in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the greater arcana of the tarot cards, the magical order of the Golden Dawn assigned Saturn to the World. This was presumably because Saturn, as the most earthy planet, rules life on earth. But the card refers rather to the ideal world, or the world to come, and other suitable images can be found: the Hermit (originally called Time), symbolising wisdom and prudence; Fortune, since Saturn represents fate; the Emperor or the Pope, as secular and spiritual authorities; even Death or the Devil.



  • Wheel of Fortune
    Also known as Wheel of Fortune (X)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master a firm belief in destiny, random luck and that the Universe will always catch you if you fall. You are here to create your own luck and fortune. You feel at best when you are in sync with the Universe, following your bliss and something is at risk.


    Source: "Jupiter in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the major arcana of the tarot, the Golden Dawn associated Jupiter with the Wheel of Fortune. This card is now used to symbolise luck, though it may originally have represented prudence - either meaning would be appropriate.
    Other attributions are also possible, particularly the Emperor, the Pope and Justice.

    Source: "Saturn in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the greater arcana of the tarot cards, the magical order of the Golden Dawn assigned Saturn to the World. This was presumably because Saturn, as the most earthy planet, rules life on earth. But the card refers rather to the ideal world, or the world to come, and other suitable images can be found: the Hermit (originally called Time), symbolising wisdom and prudence; Fortune, since Saturn represents fate; the Emperor or the Pope, as secular and spiritual authorities; even Death or the Devil.



  • Strength
    Also known as Strength (XI)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master a gentle leadership of love and respect and decision making from a heart centered place. You are here to create balance between mentoring and letting go of control. You feel at your best when your leadership is no longer needed and everybody can respectfully and peacefully get along.


    Source: "Mars in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the major arcana of the tarot, the Golden Dawn assigned the Thunderbolt (or the Tower) to Mars. The card Fortitude (or Strength) is also frequently linked to this planet; in divination it represents both sides of Mars:- courage and action, or anger and pride. The image of a woman holding the head of a lion, used in many packs, probably started as a long-haired Hercules strangling the Nemean lion; the alternative, a woman with a broken column, was most likely the equally long-haired Samson demolishing the temple of the Philistines.



  • The Hanged Man
    Also known as The Hanged Man (XII)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master meditation, thoughtfulness, dilemmas and reflection. You are here to create a space of peace, rest and self discovery through mindful reflection. You are at your best when you have the time and space for letting issues or dilemmas be solved through mediation and introspection.


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Pause, surrender, letting go, new perspectives
    The Hanged Man reminds you that sometimes you have to put everything on hold before you can take the next step, or the Universe will do it on your behalf (and it may not always be at the most convenient time!). You may have heard the saying, ‘What got you here won’t get you there’, and that indeed is at play in this card. The Hanged Man calls you to release the old mental models and behavioural patterns that no longer serve you so you can see your world from a new perspective and embrace new opportunities that would have otherwise been hidden from you if you didn’t hit the brakes.
    Here’s the thing. These ‘pauses’ can be voluntary or involuntary. If you’re in tune with your intuition, you’ll start to have a sense for when it’s time to hit the brakes and put things on hold – before things get out of hand. But if you’re out of alignment and oblivious to those intuitive signs, the Universe will probably put things on hold for you, in the form of continued obstacles, ill-health, and breakdowns. When you sense the ‘pause’ coming, pay attention to it; otherwise the Universe will turn up the volume until you can’t ignore it any longer.
    When The Hanged Man appears in a Tarot reading, your projects and activities may be coming to an unexpected and abrupt halt. Don’t keep pushing forward, hoping that more force will drive you to where you want to go. Instead, surrender to the opportunity to pause and view it as your chance to reassess and re-evaluate where you are on your path. Something new is emerging, and you won’t be able to see it unless you allow the time and space for it to come through.
    The Hanged Man is your invitation to welcome these ‘pauses’ with open arms and surrender to the ‘what is’ – even if it is different from what you expected. Take time away from your routine to connect with a new way of thinking and seeing. Sure, you might have to put important projects on hold while you do this (and it might be super inconvenient) but trust me, it’ll be worth it. This is the Universe’s way of helping you see new perspectives and preparing you for the next uplevelling that is happening in your life. If you push or resist, you will meet more obstacles along the way; instead, ‘allow’ the opportunities to flow smoothly and effortlessly to you.
    The Hanged Man can sometimes reflect that you are feeling stuck or restricted in your life. What is holding you in this ‘stuck’ position? What is preventing you from moving forward? On one level, The Hanged Man is asking you to surrender and let go. Instead of investing in specific outcomes or resisting your current circumstances, accept them and allow yourself to flow with life. On another level, you are being called to change your perspective and shift your energy and may find that separating yourself from your everyday life is helpful, whether it’s going for a walk in nature, going on a retreat or moving to a new country. Change up your routine so you can start to shift your energy and flow more freely again.
    [Reversed] - Delays, resistance, stalling, indecision
    The upright Hanged Man encourages you to pause for a moment and see things from a different perspective. Reversed, this card can show that you know you need to hit the pause button, but you are resisting it. Instead, you fill your days with tasks and projects, keeping busy and distracting yourself from the actual issue that needs your attention. Your spirit and body are asking you to slow down, but your mind keeps racing. Stop and rest before it’s too late. The Universe will only dial up the volume if you ignore it, and as a result, you may end up crashing. So, as soon as you hear the call, clear your schedule and make the space so you can tune in and listen.
    You may already be in a position where everything has been put on hold, much to your frustration. The reversal of The Hanged Man can indicate a time when you’re getting blocked, stuck or restricted because other people or other circumstances have left you on hold. While you feel resistant, it’s important that you surrender to ‘what is’ and let go of your attachment to how things should be. Be in flow with life, even if it’s not as you expected it (seriously, when does it ever go exactly as you expected!?), and loosen your grip.
    If your life has already been on pause for a period, The Hanged Man Reversed may come as a positive sign that you can now move forward with a new perspective and a renewed sense of energy. You may find that events line up with more ease and flow, and you’re ready to go again. There may have been a break-through or stark realization about how you need to do things differently. You’re prepared to make those changes and move ahead with a new mindset.
    In a reading where a relationship is on hold, The Hanged Man Reversed suggests that you are content to wait around… to a point. You realize that this relationship will evolve and, due to its complexities, you cannot rush it. However, you also do not want to wait forever, and you acknowledge that there will come a time when you must decide.
    The Hanged Man Reversed can also signal that you are stalling a decision or action. You may think you’re waiting until you feel 100% ready – but guess what? You’re probably never going to be 100% ready. So, what are you waiting for? Take the leap! Make that decision! Do it before the Universe decides it can’t wait for you.
    [Description] - The Hanged Man shows a man suspended from a T-shaped cross made of living wood. He is hanging upside-down, viewing the world from a completely different perspective, and his facial expression is calm and serene, suggesting that he is in this hanging position by his own choice. He has a halo around his head, symbolizing new insight, awareness and enlightenment. His right foot is bound to the tree, but his left foot remains free, bent at the knee and tucked in behind his right leg. His arms are bent, with hands held behind his back, forming an inverted triangle. The man is wearing red pants representing human passion and the physical body, and a blue vest for knowledge. The Hanged Man is the card of ultimate surrender, of being suspended in time and of martyrdom and sacrifice to the greater good.



  • Death
    Also known as Death (XIII) or The Nameless card

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master re-birth, transformation and resurrection. You are here to create a safe space for leaving behind old worn out structure and to transform into a new and better version of yourself. You are at your best when you can see the end of something bad in your life and prepare for the next phase and level up.


    Source: tarot.com
    The Death card is even more forceful than The Emperor. It represents the changes that come for all of us, the ones we can’t outrun forever. As a Tarot archetype, Death is almost never a reference to actual physical death. Instead, it’s a gateway into valuable lessons. Death in the Tarot is what allows us to learn deep and lasting truths. Like The Emperor, it gives us space to grow.


    Source: mysticmondays.com
    Death is an ending of a life cycle and can represent rebirth, often indicating aspects of ourselves that need to die in order for new life to be born. With clearing out the old, you are making space for the new. Death is a cycle of change that you can’t avoid as death comes for everyone. Death can strike fear, but it is also about understanding the limited time and energy you have in this lifetime. There is no life without death.


    Source: "Saturn in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the greater arcana of the tarot cards, the magical order of the Golden Dawn assigned Saturn to the World. This was presumably because Saturn, as the most earthy planet, rules life on earth. But the card refers rather to the ideal world, or the world to come, and other suitable images can be found: the Hermit (originally called Time), symbolising wisdom and prudence; Fortune, since Saturn represents fate; the Emperor or the Pope, as secular and spiritual authorities; even Death or the Devil.



  • Temperance
    Also known as Temperance (XIV)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master a life of harmony, balance and spotting synchronicity. You are here to create alignment between body, mind and soul. You are at your best when you are dreaming, staring at the sky or creating beauty.


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Balance, moderation, patience, purpose
    Temperance is the card for bringing balance, patience and moderation into your life. You are being invited to stabilise your energy and to allow the life force to flow through you without force or resistance. It’s time to recover your flow and get your life back into order and balance.
    This card calls on you to remain calm, even when life feels stressful or frantic. Maintain an even temperament and manage your emotions. You have learned to keep composed in stressful situations. Little things don’t get to you, thanks to your seemingly abundant source of patience. Your respect for balance and tranquillity is what will help you achieve and experience fulfilment in your life.
    Temperance asks you to take the middle path and accommodate all perspectives. Now is not the time to be highly opinionated or controversial. Be the peacekeeper and take a balanced and moderate approach, avoiding any extremes. Include others and bring together diverse groups of people to create harmony and cooperation. By working together, you will collectively leverage the right mix of talents, experiences, abilities and skills.
    There is alchemy within Temperance. This Tarot card is about blending, mixing, and combining diverse elements in a way that creates something new and even more valuable than its separate parts. ‘Blending’ can take on many forms; for example, a blended family, an artist who blends different materials or techniques, a bartender who mixes new and exciting cocktails, or a chef who combines different cuisines and cooking styles.
    The Temperance card shows that you have a clear, long-term vision of what you want to achieve. You are not rushing things along; instead, you are taking your time to ensure that you do the best job you can. You know you need a moderate, guided approach to reach your goals.
    Finally, this card reflects higher learning. You are learning a great deal where you are now and are at peace with what you are doing – it is all coming together well. Your inner voice is guiding you to the right outcome, and you are patiently listening and following.
    [Reversed] - Imbalance, excess, self-healing, re-alignment
    If you have recently experienced a period of excess, Temperance Reversed is your invitation (or sometimes, your warning signal) to restore balance and moderation as soon as possible. You may have been over-eating, regularly drinking, buying things you can’t afford, arguing with loved ones, or engaging in negative thought patterns. These activities are taking you further away from who you are and what you are here to do. So, it is time to stop. As they say, “Everything in moderation!” Or, you may find you need 100% abstinence to break this negative cycle and bring your life back into balance again.
    Temperance Reversed can also be a sign you sense that something is ‘off’ in your life, creating stress and tension. Life is not flowing as easily as you had hoped or there’s a niggling voice from within going, “Wait a second! This doesn’t feel right!” You can ignore it and carry on with life as usual. But, heed Temperance’s warning: If you stay in this state for too long, that voice will just get louder and louder until you pay attention. Or, you can listen to it now and make the necessary adjustments to find your flow once again. Focus on your long-term vision and higher purpose and seek to align your daily activities with this vision.
    Temperance Reversed may reflect a period of self-evaluation in which you can re-examine your life priorities. Internally, you may feel called in one direction, but your daily life may not match up to what is emerging. See this as your opportunity to align your higher vibration with your outer world. You may need to change your living arrangements, relationships, career, and daily habits so you can cultivate more balance and purpose in line with your new priorities. Don’t be surprised if you run into tension or even conflict as you align your inner and outer worlds; it’s a natural part of the process of levelling up and creating positive change.
    Similarly, the Temperance Reversed can be a call for profound self-healing. By creating more balance and moderation in your life, you open the possibility for such healing to occur. Given the reversal of this card, you are doing it in a way that is personal and private to you, without the influence of others. You know you have what you need to heal yourself and create more ‘flow’ in your life.
    [Description] - The Temperance card shows a large, winged angel who is both masculine and feminine. She wears a light blue robe with a triangle enclosed in a square on the front, representing that humans (the triangle) are bound by the Earth and natural law (square). The angel balances between one foot on the rocks, expressing the need to stay grounded, and one foot in the water, showing the need to be in flow. She pours water between two cups, symbolic of the flow and alchemy of life.
    In the background, there is a winding path up to a mountain range, reflecting the journey through life. Above the mountains hovers a golden crown encased in a glowing light, a symbol of taking the Higher path and staying true to one’s life purpose and meaning.



  • The Devil
    Also known as The Devil (XV)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master a life of over indulgence, temptations and dominance without breaking your neck. You are here to create a place of pleasure, desires and brutal honesty. You are at your best when embracing sex, drugs and rock’n’roll.


    Source: "Saturn in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the greater arcana of the tarot cards, the magical order of the Golden Dawn assigned Saturn to the World. This was presumably because Saturn, as the most earthy planet, rules life on earth. But the card refers rather to the ideal world, or the world to come, and other suitable images can be found: the Hermit (originally called Time), symbolising wisdom and prudence; Fortune, since Saturn represents fate; the Emperor or the Pope, as secular and spiritual authorities; even Death or the Devil.



  • The Tower
    Also known as The Tower (XVI)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master deconstruction, failure and breakdowns. You are here to create the power to rebuild, restructure and get up again when life knocks you down. You are at your best when everything is crashing down and you can start to plan how to reconstruct everything all over again.


    Source: "Mars in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the major arcana of the tarot, the Golden Dawn assigned the Thunderbolt (or the Tower) to Mars. This shows the malefic aspect of the planet, a tower being struck down by lightning, and can indicate anything from change to ruin.



  • The Star
    Also known as The Star (XVII)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master intuition, imagination and positivity. You are here to create serenity, peace and light. You are at your best when all your planets are in the perfect position in the night sky.


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Hope, faith, purpose, renewal, spirituality
    As The Star follows The Tower card in Tarot, it comes as a welcome reprieve after a period of destruction and turmoil. You have endured many challenges and stripped yourself bare of any limiting beliefs that have previously held you back. You are realizing your core essence, who you are beneath all the layers. No matter what life throws your way, you know that you are always connected to the Divine and pure loving energy. You hold a new sense of self, a new appreciation for the core of your Being.
    The Star brings renewed hope and faith, and a sense that you are truly blessed by the Universe. You are entering a peaceful, loving phase in your life, filled with calm energy, mental stability and more in-depth understanding of both yourself and others around you. This is a time of significant personal growth and development as you are now ready to receive the many blessings of the Universe.
    With The Star card, anything is possible and the magic is flowing around you. Your heart is full of hope, and your soul is being uplifted to the highest of highs as you realize that your dreams really can come true. Allow yourself to dream, to aspire, to elevate in any way possible so you can reach the stars. They are right here waiting for you.
    You may also want to find or rediscover a sense of meaning, inspiration, or purpose in your life. You are making some significant changes in your life, transforming yourself from the old you to the new you and, in doing so, you are bringing about a fresh perspective: “Out with the old and in with the new!” You are choosing the highest version of yourself. This is a profound spiritual journey that will bring greater meaning and purpose into your life and will renew your inner energy. Strip back any limiting beliefs, facades, or deceptions, and live in your authentic nature. Be open to new ideas and growth, and listen to the still voice within.
    The Star also suggests a generous spirit. You want to give or share your wealth with others to help transform their lives. Yours is an open heart, and you now want to give back the blessings you received so that others may benefit.
    [Reversed] - Lack of faith, despair, self-trust, disconnection
    The Star Reversed can mean that you’ve lost faith and hope in the Universe. You may be feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges right now and questioning why you are being put through this. You know life throws curveballs, but really? Why this, and why now?! You may be desperately calling out to the Universe to give you some reprieve but struggling to see how the Divine is on your side. Look harder, and you will see it. The Divine is always there. Take a moment to ask yourself what the deeper life lesson is, and how this is a blessing, not a punishment.
    Often, The Star Reversed is a test of faith. When confronted with a challenging situation, you can either crumble like The Tower or stand firm in your conviction that the Divine is everywhere. You will also learn how to trust not only in the Universe but also in yourself. You are a vessel for the Divine, and when you have faith and confidence in yourself, you allow the Divine to shine through.
    The Star Reversed also shows that you are disengaged and uninspired with life or components of your life (for example, work, hobbies, relationships, personal projects, etc.). Perhaps you started out with great vision and enthusiasm, but you are now finding yourself overwhelmed by day-to-day routines that are boring and dreary. This card is particularly relevant for career readings when you feel disconnected from the work you do and wonder if it’s time to move on or make a change. Reconnect to what is truly important to you and your soul’s purpose for this lifetime. Align your daily life with this purpose, and you will find new sources of inspiration.
    The Star Reversed urges you to take time out for self-care and nourishment on a deeply personal and spiritual level. Your energy reserves may be well and truly depleted, so rather than pushing yourself even further, make time just for you. Book a massage, reconnect to your daily spiritual practices, take a warm bath – whatever it takes to nurture your spirit and reconnect with your inner essence. Being near water or engaging in a purification ritual will help to nourish you on a deeper level.
    [Description] - The Star card shows a naked woman kneeling at the edge of a small pool. She holds two containers of water: one in her left hand (the subconscious) and one in her right (the conscious). She pours the water out to nourish the earth and to continue the cycle of fertility, represented by the lush greenery around her. The other container pours the water onto dry land in five rivulets, representing the five senses.
    The woman has one foot on the ground, representing her practical abilities and good common sense, and the other foot in the water, representing her intuition and inner resources and listening to her inner voice. She is naked, representing her vulnerability and purity under the vastness of the starry night sky. Behind her shines one large star, representing her core essences, and seven smaller stars, representing the chakras.



  • The Moon
    Also known as The Moon (XVIII)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master shadow work, secrets and occultism. You are here to create alignment between your domesticated pet, your inner beast and your subconsciousness. You are at your best when the Moon is full and everything is being illuminated and exposed.


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Illusion, fear, anxiety, subconscious, intuition
    The Moon represents your fears and illusions and often comes out when you are projecting fear into your present and your future, based on your past experiences. You may have a painful memory that caused emotional distress, and rather than dealing with the emotions you pushed them down deep into your subconscious. Now, these emotions are making a reappearance, and you may find yourself under their influence on a conscious or subconscious level. For example, if you had a car accident when you were young but didn’t deal with the emotions, you may get sad or anxious every time you get into the backseat of a car. To remedy this, connect with your subconscious mind and release any fears or anxieties holding you back. Hypnosis, therapy and shamanic healing can support this process.
    The Moon can indicate a time of uncertainty and illusion, when nothing is what it seems. Be careful of making fast decisions when The Moon appears because you may later realize you only had half the information you needed. You need to listen to and trust your intuition so you can see beyond what is in front of you. Feel into situations rather than thinking what they mean. Let go of your conscious mental blocks or negative self-talk and allow your intuition to guide you. Your dreams, intuitions and inner guidance lead you forward toward higher levels of understanding if you listen and use your judgement to help interpret the messages of the subconscious.
    When The Moon card appears in your Tarot reading, pay close attention to the lunar cycles and attune to its divine power using ritual, visualization or Tarot readings. Connect with the divine feminine and uncover deep intuitive insights and visions of what lies beyond everyday life. On the New Moon, set your intentions and plant the seeds of opportunity so they can grow. And on the Full Moon, honor your achievements and look at what you need to release so that new aspects of yourself can shine.
    [Reversed] - Release of fear, repressed emotion, inner confusion
    The Moon Reversed indicates that you have been dealing with illusion, fears, and anxiety, and now the negative influences of these energies are subsiding. You are working through your fears and anxieties, understanding the impact they have on your life and how you can free yourself from such limiting beliefs. This is a truly liberating and transformational experience.
    You may try to bury these feelings even deeper within your subconscious so you can avoid your dark shadows. You may not be ready to face your emotions, pushing them to the side and pretending as if nothing is wrong. This strategy might work in the short-term, but eventually, you will need to resurface these emotions and deal with them head-on.
    The Moon Reversed can also show that you are receiving intuitive messages and psychic downloads but are struggling to understand what they mean for you. The message may be confusing, or your interpretation differs from what you read elsewhere. When The Moon is reversed, you are being called to listen to your inner voice, and not the voice of someone else. Trust that the answers you need are already within you, and tune in to your inner guidance system to hear those answers. Pay attention to your dreams and keep a dream diary because this is how many of your subconscious messages will be relayed to you. If you’re still stuck, record the messages you receive and come back to them later when you have more clarity.
    [Description] - The Moon card shows a full moon in the night’s sky, positioned between two large towers. The Moon is a symbol of intuition, dreams, and the unconscious. Its light is dim compared to the sun, and only slightly illuminates the path to higher consciousness winding between the two towers.
    In the foreground is a small pool, representing the watery, subconscious mind. A small crayfish crawls out of the pool, symbolizing the early stages of consciousness unfolding. A dog and a wolf stand in the grassy field, howling at the moon, representing both the tamed and the wild aspects of our minds.



  • The Sun
    Also known as The Sun (XIX)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master the good life of gratitude and abundance. You are here to create spiritual surplus and focus on the bright side of life. You are at your best when you are feeling warm and cozy. When everybody is happy and you can feel the love around you.


    Source: "The Sun in Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the tarot, the Sun has its own card in the major arcana. Like the Moon he is shown with a face, indicating a living being, not merely a material object. This card signifies success and renewal. Many packs also show a child, showing rebirth or renewed innocence. It is the 19th card and by numerological analysis equates to number 1 (19= 1+9 = 10 = 1+0 = 1) making it a symbol of unity restored.



  • Judgement
    Also known as Judgement (XX)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master truth, resurrection and to find your true calling. You are here to create direction for the lost souls and to create a following of seekers. You are at your best when you are the guru or the cult leader.


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Judgement, rebirth, inner calling, absolution
    The Judgement card is calling you to rise up and embrace a higher level of consciousness for the service of your Highest Good. You are experiencing a spiritual awakening and realising that you are destined for so much more. This is your cosmic up-levelling! You hear the call and are ready to act. Tune in to a higher frequency. Let go of your old self and step into this newest version of who you really are.
    The Judgement card often indicates that you need to make a life-changing decision, but unlike those associated with the logical Justice card, this decision requires a blend of intuition and intellect. You may be at a crossroads, aware that any choice you make will bring a significant change with long-lasting effects. Tune in to your Higher Self, trust your judgement and know you are on the right path. If you still need clarity on the situation, look to your past and life lessons to guide you.
    Judgement pops up in a Tarot reading when you are close to reaching a significant stage in your journey. You have reviewed and evaluated your past experiences and have learned from them. All the pieces of the puzzle of your life are finally coming together to form one, unified picture of your life story. This integration has healed deep wounds, and you are now able to put the past behind you. You have found your absolution, having cleared any wrongdoings or regrets, and releasing any guilt or sadness about the past. This purging process will leave you refreshed and ready to take on any new challenges.
    The Judgement card suggests that you may find comfort in sharing your struggles with others within a group environment. There will be others who have experienced something similar and who can show you the way to freedom from your troubles. Let them guide you and help you - rise together.
    [Reversed] - Self-doubt, inner critic, ignoring the call
    Judgement Reversed calls for a period of reflection and self-evaluation. Through meditation or quiet contemplation, you may arrive at a deep understanding of the universal themes weaving throughout your life and what you can do or change to avoid these situations. You may have kept them secret or hidden because you fear how others may judge you. To clear these past mistakes and regrets, and any associated guilt or shame, work on your self-forgiveness, self-acceptance, self-love, and release and freedom.
    The Judgement Reversed often appears when the Universe is trying to send you a message and invite you to something bigger, but you’re not listening. Maybe you’re afraid of the sacrifice you will need to make to heed the call, or you’re worried you are not ready to step into a more prominent role and just want to play it safe. You are doing your best to pretend you didn’t receive it and are carrying on with your daily life, hoping it will go away. But let’s be honest – the ‘call’ never goes away; it just gets louder and louder until you pay attention. It’s time to push past your inner fears and self-doubt, and trust that the Universe has your back. This is happening for a reason.
    Sometimes, Judgement Reversed indicates your inner critic is coming through, loud and clear. You may doubt yourself or tell yourself negative messages. This is impeding you being able to fulfil your highest potential and be your best self. To overcome your inner critic, see it as a separate part of yourself (give it a name), hear it out and acknowledge its fear, and offer assurances that everything will be just fine. With focused discipline, you can break the cycle of self-criticism and replace it with more positive messages of what is possible.
    [Description] - The Judgement card shows naked men, women, and children rising from their graves, arms outspread and looking up into the sky. Above, Archangel Gabriel – the Messenger of God – blows his trumpet. The people respond to his call, ready to be judged and to find out if they will be accepted into the heavens or not. In the background is an extensive mountain range, signifying the insurmountable obstacles and the impossibility of avoiding judgement.



  • The World
    Also known as The World (XXI)

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    You are here to master the cycles of life and death, beginnings and endings. You are here to create a constant flow and trust in the process. You are at your best when there is no blockages or stagnation in your life and everything's flows effortlessly.


    Source: "Saturn in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the greater arcana of the tarot cards, the magical order of the Golden Dawn assigned Saturn to the World. This was presumably because Saturn, as the most earthy planet, rules life on earth. But the card refers rather to the ideal world, or the world to come, and other suitable images can be found: the Hermit (originally called Time), symbolising wisdom and prudence; Fortune, since Saturn represents fate; the Emperor or the Pope, as secular and spiritual authorities; even Death or the Devil.





  • BIRTH DRAW

  • The Emperor & Death

    Source: mysticmondays.com | The Emperor and Death - Tarot Birth Card Meanings
    The Emperor and Death represent themes of claiming your power, utilizing life force, and building a legacy. If this pairing is your Tarot birth cards, these themes will be available for you to learn, grown, and expand upon throughout your entire lifetime!
    Together, The Emperor and Death Tarot birth cards invite you to step into your power, providing support for others, and being able to rely on your own authority.

    Blessings of The Emperor and Death Tarot Birth Cards | 1. Authority: With the influence of the Emperor card, you are naturally responsible and carry the weight of your obligations dutifully. You demand respect and have a powerful presence in any room you walk in. Because of this ability to carry out your responsibilities, people give you respect and trust. With this power, you are able to delegate effectively, make decisions, and enforce rules when necessary.

    Blessings of The Emperor and Death Tarot Birth Cards | 2. Determination: When you set your mind on your goals, you can approach it with laser-like focus and be an unstoppable force! With the natural authority of the Emperor and the enigmatic life force of Death, you can bring passion and zest into whatever you do. As much as you like to use your rational mind to accomplish your goals, the energy of how you feel matters too as it can affect the level of output you’re about to produce. Understanding your energy levels to match your determination is key to play the long game.

    Blessings of The Emperor and Death Tarot Birth Cards | 3. Dependability: With the influence of the Emperor, there is a fatherhood energy of protection, security, and safety. You are at your best when people are able to rely on you to help meet their needs. This means you’ll have to feel safe within yourself to provide that security for others. As independent as you tend to be, being able to provide for others can feel like part of your purpose. There is fulfillment in being able to give — just make sure you’re able to receive the fruits of your labor as well!

    Blockages of The Emperor and Death Tarot Birth Cards | 1. Dictatorial: With the Emperor, you’re granted power, however power comes with responsibility. Sometimes power can be intoxicating with the ability to give orders and have people at your command. If you become too overbearing and commanding with your demands, this can be something you can reel back in. Embrace humility that with this authority, you are also looking out for the wellbeing of those in your care, not just for your own personal gain.

    Blockages of The Emperor and Death Tarot Birth Cards | 2. Inflexibility: When you have a clear vision, you can become rigid in your beliefs that your way is the best way, dismissing anyone else’s opinions. This dampens collective contributions if only your opinion matters. You can learn to become more flexible, especially when things do not go to plan. Examine your high standards and if your expectations are reasonable. Uphold your strong beliefs in a way that inspires, not controls.

    Blockages of The Emperor and Death Tarot Birth Cards | 3. Fear of uncertainty: The influence of the Death card can bring sudden and unexpected endings in your life. The fear of the unknown can put you on edge and have you constantly trying to control your surroundings. Part of working with the unknown is to accept the concept of Death and to make the most of the moment infront of you. This could spark your desire to create a long lasting legacy that will live beyond your time.

    Guidance for The Emperor and Death Tarot Birth Cards: The Emperor and Death give you power and authority, however you must learn to use this responsibly and hold yourself accountable. In the face of change and uncertainty, know when it is the right time to let go and when to hold on. You may have a tendency to hold on to things that are no longer serving you for the sake of security. With the seriousness of this Tarot birth card pairing, it can also be easy to forget to have fun! Priotizing play can be healing and help you release the pressure of being in charge.


    Source: tarot.com | The Emperor and Death - Tarot Birth Card Meanings
    Together, The Emperor and Death Tarot birth cards inspire you to sense the support that others need and use your strength and stability to provide it.

    The gifts of The Emperor and Death | 1. Responsibility: You’re probably well-aware of your duties, and the weight of them rests heavy on your shoulders. Your commitment to stand up for what matters is admirable. This quality makes you a person that others can trust, and you won’t let their belief in you go to waste.

    The gifts of The Emperor and Death | 2. Will: The Emperor and Death are two unstoppable forces in the Tarot. When either one shows up, it means business. Your passionate, determined disposition can get you into trouble now and then, but make no mistake: it’s one of the most important weapons in your arsenal. The trick is learning to use it gracefully.

    The gifts of The Emperor and Death | 3. Security: Your ability to protect and support others depends on their ability to feel safe with you. Offering a secure environment and a steady presence is key. At times, you may feel jealous of those who live in a more varied, exciting way -- it must be nice to be that carefree! That’s not your way, though. You have an old soul, and you know the value of building something that lasts.

    The challenges of The Emperor and Death | 1. Fear of the unknown: All humans have to contend with fear, of course, but with your special connection to the Death card, you might experience this basic human emotion most often in areas where you’re uncertain or where you have no control. Additionally, The Emperor in you wants to wield power and influence. If something is mysterious to you, you probably won’t see that as exciting. Instead, you’re likely to feel overwhelmed and intimidated.

    The challenges of The Emperor and Death | 2. Rigidity: Emperor energy is famously inflexible. If you have high standards or clear expectations, you can be a little baffled when others don’t meet them or try to convince you to see things differently. Your strong sense of self is an asset -- the trick is knowing when to pick your battles.

    The challenges of The Emperor and Death | 3. Superiority: Be careful about looking down your nose at others! It’s natural to judge now and then, but if people consistently get the sense that you think you’re above them, they’ll struggle to confide in you. Remember: being available to protect others is an important part of your journey. You don’t want to make others feel sheepish about asking for your help.

    How to work with The Emperor and Death | 1. Look for the beginning in every ending: In Tarot, the Death card marks an important transition point. It signifies a conclusion, yes, but it also heralds the start of a new journey. This is a powerful lesson for you. It’s only human to have difficulty letting go at times, so there’s no shame in that. If you’re able, though, look for the ways in which every ending makes new life possible.

    How to work with The Emperor and Death | 2. Stand up for those you love: You’re a natural-born ally. When the people in your life are trying to do something brave or original, they might need a little boost. Tell them how brilliant they are! Be open with your praise! If you happen to be in a situation where others are hyper-critical, don’t be afraid to shush them. Your vote of confidence means a lot.

    How to work with The Emperor and Death | 3. Embrace simple pleasures: It’s important to give yourself a break from the serious natures of The Emperor and Death. These two cards can be a lot sometimes, and burning out isn’t going to help anyone. Make sure to enjoy the lighter side of life -- and not just every once in a while, either! Use the order and focus of The Emperor to schedule time for your favorite activities. You’re allowed to do things that make you happy, even if they have no other purpose.





  • PERSONNALITY DRAW

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    Your 1st birth card is your personality and basically gives you information about your essence, your strengths / weaknesses, your aspirations and goals. It is similar to the kind of information you get from your Sun sign in your astrology birth chart. Your personality card can help you get to know yourself better, appreciate who you are and to give you some direction on your life path… These are the lessons you are to learn in this lifetime.

    How to calculate your 1st birth card: Add all the digits in your birthday together to get your number.
    Ex: Your birthday is March 21st 1999, so you add all the numbers until you get a single digit between 1-9. So in this case… 3+2+1+1+9+9+9 = 34 (3+4) = 7. Your personality card is The Chariot.





    SOUL DRAW

    Source: lobstermoontarot.com | Birth Tarot Cards
    If you are feeling nerdy you can calculate your soul card too. It is all about your soul's purpose and the lessons you are to learn across multiple lifetimes… This information is kind of similar to the info you would get from the Moon / lunar Nodes in your birth chart…

    How to calculate your 2nd birth card: This card is calculated a bit differently. Now you take the 2 digits numbers and add them together.
    Ex: Birthday March 21st 1999, 03+21+19+99 = 142 (14+2) = 16. Your soul card is The Tower.

    Chapter 15: [Cartomancy] Minor Arcana

    Chapter Text

    GENERALITIES

    OVERVIEW

  • The Minor Arcana represent the lesser secrets, the mundane features of life. The court/face cards are for the people whom one meets, whom have an influence in one's life.

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Description] - In a Tarot reading, a Minor Arcana card will show you what's happening in your daily life and how it is affecting you. These practical cards represent the interactions, experiences, thoughts and emotions you encounter as you go about your life. While a Major Arcana card will show you the key life lesson you're learning, a Minor Arcana card will show you the key situation you're dealing with currently. This situation is temporary and has the potential to change based on the actions you choose.
    When your Tarot reading has mostly Minor Arcana Tarot cards, it is a sign that you are dealing with day-to-day issues which will not necessarily have a lasting influence on your life. These issues are passing through, presenting you with an opportunity to learn from these experiences. Look to any Major Arcana cards in the Tarot reading to identify and understand these lessons and how they mayimpact your life in the long-term.

    The 56 Minor Arcana cards reflect the trials and tribulations that we experience on a daily basis. These Tarot cards highlight the more practical aspects of life and can refer to current issues that have a temporary or minor influence.
    Within the Minor Arcana cards, there are 16 Tarot Court Cards each representing 16 different personality characteristics we may choose to express at any given time. There are also the 40 numbered cards organised into 4 Suits – Cups, Pentacles, Swords and Wands – each with 10 cards, representing various situations that we encounter day-to-day.

  • The Minor Arcana are composed of 56 cards.

  • The cards list includes the Ace of Coins, Two of Coins, Three of Coins, Four of Coins, Five of Coins, Six of Coins, Seven of Coins, Eight of Coins, Nine of Coins, Ten of Coins, Page of Coins, Knight of Coins, Queen of Coins, King of Coins,
    Ace of Wands, Two of Wands, Three of Wands, Four of Wands, Five of Wands, Six of Wands, Seven of Wands, Eight of Wands, Nine of Wands, Ten of Wands, Page of Wands, Knight of Wands, Queen of Wands, King of Wands,
    Ace of Cups, Two of Cups, Three of Cups, Four of Cups, Five of Cups, Six of Cups, Seven of Cups, Eight of Cups, Nine of Cups, Ten of Cups, Page of Cups, Knight of Cups, Queen of Cups, King of Cups,
    Ace of Swords, Two of Swords, Three of Swords, Four of Swords, Five of Swords, Six of Swords, Seven of Swords, Eight of Swords, Nine of Swords, Ten of Swords, Page of Swords, Knight of Swords, Queen of Swords, King of Swords.



  • FOUR SUITS

  • Coins
    Also known as Pentacles, Disks or Rings
    This suit correspond to Diamonds

    Source: "Tarot, an illustrated guide" by J. Dee
    [Description] - Earth | Merchants | Material matters | Possessions | Career


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Description] - The Suit of Pentacles represents your finances, work and material possessions. The Pentacles cards often appear in Tarot readings about career and financial wealth.
    The Suit of Pentacles Tarot cards deal with the physical or external level of consciousness and thus mirror the outer situations of your health, finances, work, and creativity. They have to do with what we make of our outer surroundings – how we create it, shape it, transform it and grow it. On a more esoteric level, Pentacles are associated with the ego, self-esteem and self-image.
    The Suit of Pentacles is associated with the element of Earth. Earth is tactile, earthy and tangible. It creates the foundation from which the planet can grow and develop, and it supports and nurtures the plants and trees. Earth is grounded, stable, supportive and fertile. It is a feminine element that is receptive – it takes in nutrients and sunrays and then uses this energy to sustain the life that grows out of it.
    The Suit of Pentacles Tarot card meanings cover material aspects of life including work, business, trade, property, money and other material possessions. The positive aspects of the Suit of Pentacles include manifestation, realisation, proof and prosperity. The negative aspects of the Suit of Pentacles include being possessive, greedy and overly materialistic, over-indulging and not exercising, not effectively managing one's finances, and being overly focused on career to the detriment of other life priorities. Often what is required to counteract these negative aspects is a return to nature to ground oneself and rediscover what is truly important.
    Pentacles Tarot cards often represent the astrological signs of Earth – Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. When you see a Pentacles Court Card in a Tarot reading, it often relates to a person with a Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn star sign. Generally, Pentacles people are practical, career-minded, down-to-earth and generous. They are tactile beings and like to experience the physical, tangible world. They are connected through the senses and seek pleasurable and sometimes indulgent experiences.
    Should a Tarot reading be predominantly Pentacles cards, you are seeking solutions to what are primarily material conflicts, financial matters and concerns with career and work.


  • Cups
    Also known as Chalices, Goblets or Vessels
    This suit correspond to Hearts

    Source: "Tarot, an illustrated guide" by J. Dee
    [Description] - Water | Clergy | Spiritual matters | Emotions | Love


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Description] - The Suit of Cups represents your feelings, emotions, intuition and creativity. The Cups cards often appear in Tarot readings about relationships and your emotional connection with yourself and others.
    The Suit of Cups Tarot cards deal with the emotional level of consciousness and are associated with love, feelings, relationships and connections.
    The Suit of Cups is associated with the element of water. Water is fluid, agile and ‘in flow' but it's also very powerful and formative. It can be soft and gentle, like waves lapping against the sandy shore, or it can be powerful and even forceful, like a raging river.
    The element of water is symbolic of fluidity, feelings and emotions, intuition, relationships, healing, and cleansing. It is a feminine element and reflects the subtle power that often resides within women. It is receptive, adaptable, purifying and flowing.
    Cups Tarot cards indicate that you are thinking with your heart rather than your head, and thus reflect your spontaneous responses and your habitual reactions to situations. Cups are also linked to creativity, romanticism, fantasy and imagination.
    The negative aspects of the Suit of Cups include being overly emotional or completely disengaged and dispassionate, having unrealistic expectations and fantasising about what could be. There may be repressed emotions, an inability to truly express oneself and a lack of creativity.
    Cups Tarot cards often represent the astrological signs of Water – Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio. When you see a Cups Court Card in a Tarot reading, it often relates to a person with a Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio star sign. Generally, Cups people are emotional, artistic, humane and creative. They are connected with their emotional selves and will draw energy from what they feel within.
    Should a Tarot reading be predominantly Cups cards, you are seeking solutions to what are primarily emotional conflicts, personal interactions, love matters, feelings and creativity.


  • Swords
    Also known as Blades
    This suit correspond to Spades

    Source: "Tarot, an illustrated guide" by J. Dee
    [Description] - Air | Nobility | Military | Reason | Logic | Wisdom | Intellect


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Description] - The Suit of Swords represents your thoughts, words and actions. The Swords cards often appear in Tarot readings about communicating your ideas, making decisions, and asserting your power.
    The Suit of Swords Tarot cards deal with the mental level of consciousness that is centered around the mind and the intellect. Swords mirror the quality of mind present in your thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs.
    Swords are often double-edged and in this way the Suit of Swords symbolises the fine balance between intellect and power and how these two elements can be used for good or evil. As such, the Swords must be balanced by spirit (Wands) and feeling (Cups) to have the most positive effect.
    The Suit of Swords is associated with the element of Air. Air is intangible and unseen, but also in constant movement. Air can be still and mostly unnoticed, to becoming a breeze or a fierce wind. It is powerful yet refreshing and cleansing. Symbolically, the air element relates to knowledge, action, power, and change. It is a masculine energy that can lead by force and power, even though it remains unseen.
    The Suit of Swords Tarot card meanings are associated with action, change, force, power, oppression, ambition, courage and conflict. Action can be constructive and/or destructive.
    The negative aspects of the Suit of Swords include anger, guilt, harsh judgement, a lack of compassion and verbal and mental abuse.
    Swords Tarot cards often represent the astrological signs of Air – Aquarius, Libra and Gemini. When you see a Swords Court Card in a Tarot reading, it often relates to a person with a Aquarius, Libra and Gemini star sign. Generally, Swords people are intelligent, thoughtful, rational, logical and excellent communicators. They are rational beings and like to experience the world by understanding and analysing what is occurring around them. On the flipside, Swords people can be ruthless, domineering, confrontational and rigid.
    Should a Tarot reading be predominantly Swords cards, you are seeking solutions to what are primarily mental struggles, conflict and arguments, and decisions that must be made. Also, there could be many arguments or even violence at present. While Swords can carry with them many negative or very strong, forceful messages, Swords serve also as a warning to be more cautious of what is occurring around you.


  • Wands
    Also known as Batons, Clubs or Staves
    This suit correspond to Clubs

    Source: "Tarot, an illustrated guide" by J. Dee
    [Description] - Fire | Artisans | Will | Creativity


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Description] - The Suit of Wands represents your energy, motivation and passion. The Wands cards often appear in Tarot readings about life purpose, spirituality and new ideas.
    The Suit of Wands Tarot card meanings are associated with primal energy, spirituality, inspiration, determination, strength, intuition, creativity, ambition and expansion, original thought and the seeds through which life springs forth.
    The Suit of Wands is associated with the element of Fire. Fire is hot, wild, unpredictable, and energetic. It can be creative in helping us to cook food or build tools, or it can be destructive, like a devastating bush fire or house fire.
    Fire is symbolic of passion, energy, enthusiasm, and sexuality. It is a masculine element and reflects the drive and willpower of the masculine energy.
    The meanings of the Wands Tarot cards deal with the spiritual level of consciousness and mirror what is important to you at the core of your being. They address what makes you tick – your personality, ego, enthusiasm, self-concept, and personal energy, both internal and external.
    The negative aspects of the Suit of Wands include illusion, egotistical behaviour, impulsiveness, a lack of direction or purpose, or feeling meaningless.
    Wands Tarot cards often represent the astrological signs of Fire – Leo, Sagittarius and Aries. When you see a Wands Court Card in a Tarot reading, it often relates to a person with a Leo, Sagittarius or Aries star sign. Generally, Wands people are energetic, charismatic, warm, spiritual.
    Should a Tarot reading be predominantly Wands cards, you can be sure that you are seeking solutions to issues that are based mainly in the realm of thought, or that are in the first stages of development. You may also be seeking greater purpose and meaning in your life and will want to understand more about what motivates and energises you.




  • CARDS

  • Ace of Coins

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - A new financial or career opportunity, manifestation, abundance
    The Ace of Pentacles, like the other Aces of the Tarot, represents new beginnings, opportunities, and potential – and as a Pentacles card, these new beginnings correlate to the material world: finances, wealth, career, physical health and manifestation of your goals. You may receive a new job offer, an unexpected sum of money, a new business or investment opportunity may come your way, or you’ll have the chance to bring an idea to fruition. No matter the occasion, the Ace of Pentacles heralds a sense of prosperity and abundance in the material or financial areas of your life. It undoubtedly comes as a welcome invitation – but it is not a free ride. As with all Aces in the Tarot deck, this card illustrates the possibility of a new endeavour but does not guarantee its manifestation or success. That piece is up to you.
    See the Ace of Pentacles as your ‘green light’. It marks the initial stages of manifesting your goals and assures you that you can truly achieve what you have set your mind to do. The world is your oyster and, through careful planning and determined effort, you can manifest your goals and desires. Your ideas are ready to turn into something tangible and real! This card encourages you to map out how you will achieve your ambitions, create targeted plans and get those actions underway. Keep your eyes open for chances to manifest your goals and realise your inner potential.
    The Ace of Pentacles also symbolises wealth, not just for your bank account but in a holistic sense as well. You may discover opportunities to generate a new source of income or receive a financial gift or windfall. Or you may have a chance to create wealth in a broader sense – happiness, fulfilment, potential, and love. This Ace signifies abundance in all areas of your life. Enjoy it! Feel blessed and deserving of everything that comes your way. If you wish to amplify this feeling of prosperity, live by the Law of Attraction and send your positive energy and intent into the Universe so you will receive more in return.
    [Reversed] - Lost opportunity, lack of planning and foresight
    When the reversed Ace of Pentacles appears in a Tarot reading, you may feel hesitant about moving forward with an offer, invitation or opportunity, particularly one that relates to your career, finances or business. You may catch yourself second-guessing the timing or doubting whether you have what it takes to see it through. Don't move forward until you're ready. Assess the feasibility of your idea and its potential outcomes. Perform your due diligence and figure out if this opportunity is meant for you or not.
    The Ace of Pentacles reversed may also be a warning that a financial opportunity – a pay raise, a new job, a loan, or a business offer – could fall through unexpectedly or the other party might retract it without explanation. As the saying goes, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch!” So, if you get an offer, wait until the money is in your bank account before spending it.
    Furthermore, the Ace of Pentacles reversed advises you to be very careful with your expenditures. When the card is inverted, the coin looks as though it's about to fall out of the magical hand. Now is not the time to get in over your head or take on any obligations with huge monthly repayments. Do not rely on the promise of a financial opportunity in the future (like a pay raise or a gift) either. Be pragmatic and allow a bit of ‘fat’ in your budgeting in case you are without employment or have a large and unexpected financial outlay.
    At times, the reversed Ace of Pentacles suggests that you are trying to manifest your goals but keep running into delays and other impediments. If you're having limited success, then you may need to revise your proposed approach. Do you need to realign your goals to something more realistic? Financial or other professional advice may be necessary to help you get back on track.
    If you are looking to start a new business or take up a new job offer, the reversed Ace of Pentacles warns of a significant risk due to lack of planning and foresight. Do not charge ahead without validating whether the market has a need for your services. Spend a bit more time in the planning stage and give ample consideration to the financial aspects of your new venture.
    [Description] - The Ace of Pentacles depicts a hand emerging from the clouds, much like the Aces of the other suits. A large coin sits in the cupped palm, freely available to whoever has the wherewithal to take it. It is as if a new opportunity, associated with wealth, business, and manifestation, has appeared out of nowhere and is now being extended to you in all its glory. The impetus is now on you to accept this offer and turn it into something meaningful and sustainable.
    The landscape in this card is lush and abounding: a garden brimming with green grass and white lilies. A small path leads to an archway, wrapped in beautiful foliage and flowers and, beyond the arch, mountain peaks soar in the horizon. This verdant imagery signals that the time is ripe to move forward with your career and financial ambitions. While it will require hard work and determination (scaling mountains is no easy task), the Ace of Pentacles encourages you to make the most of this opportunity while it’s in its most abundant state.



  • Two of Coins

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Multiple priorities, time management, prioritisation, adaptability.
    When the Two of Pentacles appears in a Tarot reading, it’s safe to say you are juggling your priorities, roles and responsibilities. For example, you may be a working parent, a general manager of a business, an administrative assistant in a busy office, or someone who works multiple jobs. In the upright position, this card notes you are doing an excellent job of balancing these different priorities, and you can take on whatever life throws at you; but this Two reminds you that the line between coping with these demands and losing control is thin. You need to manage your time, energy and resources carefully so you do not lose your balance.
    The Two of Pentacles often appears when you are busy, rushing from one thing to the next, with little downtime in between. You may tell yourself that you haven‘t got enough time or you’re in a rush. However, remember that you don’t have to be busy to get things done. Sometimes taking a break is the most productive thing you can do. Similarly, the Two of Pentacles can appear when you are getting caught up in the day-to-day demands and losing sight of the bigger picture. If this resonates, ask yourself: What life do I want? And how can I reorganise my schedule to create the life I desire?
    The Two of Pentacles invites you to manage your time and your priorities carefully. Your workload is high right now, and to get everything done, you need to stay focused and productive. You may benefit from a ‘to do’ list, better calendar management and a stricter schedule. You may even enlist the support of an assistant or business coach to help you make the right changes. Basic time management is crucial to your ability to juggle these various priorities and keep your head above water. This card also reminds you to pay special attention to your general administration, including paying bills managing finances, staying on top of your commitments and maintaining your diary. Be careful that you do not miss important deadlines, meetings and other obligations.
    This card calls your awareness to the concept of balance and those parts of your life where you have it (and those where you don’t). While you can strive for equilibrium, nothing ever stays in perfect harmony. For example, stabilising your work and family commitments sounds fantastic, but in reality, your family might be more high-priority one week, and work the next. So, when the Two of Pentacles appears in a Tarot reading, see it as a reminder to be patient, flexible and adaptable as you try to juggle your responsibilities with your family, friends, work, finances, health and new challenges. Be ready to swap around activities or accommodate last-minute requests. And know that if you are succeeding in one area of your life, it’s likely you’re struggling in another – that’s just a part of the balancing act!
    [Reversed] - Over-committed, disorganisation, reprioritisation.
    In an inverted position, the Two of Pentacles warns that you are overcommitted and, at times, struggling to maintain your overloaded schedule or stay on top of your bills. Others might not see it yet, but the stress is getting to you and you may even catch yourself dropping the ball. Follow this card’s lesson and get organised. You may need to bring more structure to your responsibilities through budgets, to do lists, forward planning or a diary and effective time management. Turn down opportunities that are no longer in alignment with your goals.
    The reversed Two of Pentacles can also be a sign you are over-investing in one area of your life at the expense of others. For example, you may excel in your career, but have little time for your family or your partner, leaving them feeling disconnected and alone. While you may get away with a few late nights at work, there will come a time when enough is enough. Something has to give.
    The reversed Two of Pentacles invites you to reassess your priorities and goals and decide where you want to spend your time and energy. Distractions are plenty, and it will take every ounce of your concentration to stay true to your goals. Choose the one thing you need to focus on so you can give it your undivided attention and you will reach success.
    [Description] - In the Two of Pentacles, a young man dances while juggling two coins in his hands. The infinity symbol links the coins, suggesting that this man can handle unlimited problems so long as he manages his time, energy and resources well. In the background, two ships sail the high seas, bobbing up and down on the huge waves – another sign that the ups and downs of life are manageable with focus and attention.



  • Three of Coins

    Source: "Saturn in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    Among the lesser arcana, Saturn is assigned to the threes on cabbalistic grounds. Since the restrictions of Saturn fall hardest on the element air, the three of swords is unfavourable and called Sorrow. With the other elements, Saturn consolidates their powers and so the three of coins (earth) is Material Works, the three of cups (water) is Abundance, and the three of wands (fire) is Established Strength.



  • Four of Coins

    Source: "Jupiter in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the lesser arcana, Jupiter, planet of the fourth sphere, is given to the fours. Because Jupiter is a diurnal planet, the fire and air suits are favourable: the Four of Wands is called Perfected Work and the Four of Swords, Rest from Strife. The earth and water suits, however, manifest the less agreeable side of Jupiter: the Four of Coins is called Earthly Power, and sometimes indicates greed or arrogance; the Four of Cups is Blended Pleasure, where success has led to satiety or world-weariness.



  • Five of Coins

    Source: "Mars in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the minor arcana, Mars is assigned on cabbalistic grounds to the fives. These are all unfortunate: Five of Wands, called Conflict; Five of Swords, Defeat; Five of Coins, Worry; Five of Cups, Disappointment.



  • Six of Coins

    Source: "The Sun in Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the minor arcana the Sun is associated with the sixes, all of which are favourable - the 6 of wands is victory; swords, earned success; coins, material success; and cups, joy.



  • Seven of Coins

    Source: "Venus in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the lesser arcana, Venus rules the sevens on cabbalistic grounds. None are completely favourable. The Seven of Wands is Courage, and even that is only needed in times of trouble. The others all emphasise the results of succumbing to glamour in the old sense of the word. The Seven of Swords is Unstable Effort, for the emotions produce no lasting results in the world of action. The Seven of Cups is Illusory Success, for love is blind, The Seven of Coins is Unfulfilled Success, for the emotions are not swayed by material considerations - "all for love and the world well lost" is the motto here.



  • Eight of Coins

    Source: "Mercury in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the lesser arcana, Mercury (as the eighth cabbalistic sphere) rules the eights. The domiciles Gemini and Virgo explain why the air and earth suits are favourable: the Eight of Wands is called Swiftness, the Eight of Coins, Prudence. Because intellect opposes emotion - Venus is exalted in a detriment of Mercury - the Eight of Cups is unfavourable, and called Abandoned Success. As Mercury has no affinity with fire, the Eight of Swords is also unfavourable: Shortened Force or Interference: reflection impeding action.



  • Nine of Coins

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Abundance, luxury, self-sufficiency, financial independence.
    You have worked hard to create abundance in your life, and the Nine of Pentacles says now you can finally enjoy the fruits of your labour. Thanks to your independent efforts, self-confidence and discipline, you attained a well-deserved success and created a stable foundation for your material wealth and comfort. Now, sit back, relax and enjoy the luxuries and pleasures of the good life – money, leisure time, fun, material comfort and rest. You deserve it!
    When the Nine of Pentacles appears in a Tarot reading, do not be scared to splurge, indulge or pamper yourself, especially as a reward for all of your hard work. Treat yourself to a special occasion or a personal gift to celebrate your journey here. You have already achieved so much, and while you may not be at the finish line just yet, this is your opportunity to acknowledge your achievements and re-energise yourself for the final phase.
    The Nine of Pentacles also speaks of financial independence. The woman in this card has created a luxurious lifestyle by her own actions and efforts. She encourages you to do the same – to create abundance and independence so that you can take care of yourself in the long-term. Invest wisely and seek financial advice to make the most of your wealth. Don’t rely on others to support you; this Nine is an independent woman.
    While the suit of Pentacles typically focuses on material wealth and gain, this card also suggests that you are in harmony with the environment around you. You appreciate the beauty and abundance found in nature, and you can harness this high-vibe energy to bring pleasure into your life. You may enjoy gardening or floristry, or you may just like to pass your time in the beauty of nature with picnics or walks in the park.
    [Reversed] - Self-worth, over-investment in work, hustling.
    The reversed Nine of Pentacles is all about self-worth. When you see this card in a Tarot reading, take the opportunity to reflect on your own sense of self-worth and value.
    On the one hand, you may question whether you are ‘enough’ – whether your skills are valuable, whether you can charge higher prices or ask for a pay raise, or whether you can attract the right people into your life. You may be under-charging for your services, working for free or accepting a lower salary than you should. Know that you deserve to be wealthy in all facets of the word.
    On the other hand, you may focus on increasing your sense of self-worth. Invest in yourself – get a wardrobe makeover, learn a new skill to enhance your career or take a personal development course. Practice self-love. Even if you are reluctant to spend money on yourself, know you can indulge in life’s luxuries, particularly if it makes you feel good and ‘worth it’. You ARE enough. You are more than enough. You are AMAZING!
    Sometimes, the reversed Nine of Pentacles can appear when you are so busy working and hustling that you have no time or energy to enjoy the fruits of your labour. For example, in an effort to build wealth, you may work 70-hour weeks with no time for breaks, missing out on the opportunity to enjoy the riches you’re creating. Know where the limit is with wealth creation – at some point, you need to stop and smell the luxurious bouquet of long-stemmed roses. Remember what is truly important to you. Now may be a good time to retreat to a natural setting (a forest, beach, mountain or lake) to restore your energies and rejuvenate yourself.
    Similarly, the reversed Nine of Pentacles suggests that you may need to release some of your need for a particular income or standard of living, especially if it gets in the way of other life priorities such as family or relationships. You may think you need the best of everything but, really, all you need is your family and loved ones around you. Do not be afraid to take a cut to your income for a short time or to reduce your hours at work… even if this means you have to eat rice and beans each night for a week to make up for it! It is vital that you focus on what is most important to you. Finances may need to come second, and while you need to at least put food on the table, there may be areas where you can cut back and reduce your dependence on material wealth.
    [Description] - The Nine of Pentacles shows a well-dressed woman standing in a beautiful garden. She wears a flowing, golden robe and a red beret, signs of her wealth and social status. The vines behind her are heavy with grapes and golden coins, representing the fruitful accomplishment of all her desires. Her right hand rests upon one of the many coins, and her fingers wrap around the purple grapes on the vine, symbolising her healthy relationship with money. She can enjoy the fruits of her labours without overdoing it. A hooded falcon sits calmly on her left hand, signifying the woman’s intellectual and spiritual self-control. Far in the background is a large house, presumably belonging to the woman herself, a further signal of her abounding wealth and financial plenty.



  • Ten of Coins

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Wealth, financial security, family, long-term success, contribution.
    The Ten of Pentacles is a positive sign that you have reached a point of completion and accomplishment in your journey. As a Pentacles card, this sense of accomplishment is likely to be the result of a successful career path, smart financial investments, a stable home environment and a possible committed and long-term relationship. You have accumulated wealth and abundance through your hard work and dedication and can now relish sharing this wealth with others. This is one of those cards that promise everything will eventually come together and you will be proud of everything you achieved.
    When the Ten of Pentacles appears in a Tarot reading, you are surrounded by wealth and blessed with financial abundance. There is no ‘wanting’ for any more; you have everything you need, especially within the material realm. You are financially secure and trust that, because of your personal successes and accomplishments, you will always have what you need and desire. You express sincere gratitude for fulfilling your material goals and dreams.
    This card reflects permanence and creating a lasting foundation for future success. It is a card of commitment to a sustainable future, taking into consideration not just the short-term gains of a particular venture but also the long-term benefits. A consistent approach will achieve success that will last the test of time.
    The Ten of Pentacles indicates that you feel compelled to share your success with others to make sure they are well cared for, too. You worked hard to get here, and now you can see the bigger impact your accomplishments have on others. You are the ‘provider’ or the breadwinner, bringing financial security and stability to your family, ensuring they have everything they need to live a happy and comfortable life. And it brings you deep joy and satisfaction to see your loved ones enjoying your wealth and abundance.
    The Ten of Pentacles is also a sign that family is very important to you. Being surrounded by the people you love and who share your DNA and ancestry brings you great joy and happiness. You know you can trust your family whole-heartedly and they will be there for you, no matter what. Your home life is happy, and you can provide your family with the security they need. You are also strongly connected to your family history and heritage, a part of the long lineage that goes before you. It represents tradition, being a part of something bigger and realising that the blood of your ancestors flows through your veins.
    [Reversed] - The dark side of wealth, financial failure or loss.
    Upright the Ten of Pentacles is about wealth accumulation, an established family and home life, and attainment in the material realm. Reversed, you may question whether you want to live this way. Do you really want to be chasing the next $1,000 so you can own the latest Jimmy Choo shoes? Do you really want to be pushing for marriage or a family instead of just enjoying what you have right now? Are you staying in the same job for decades only for the security? When you see the reversed Ten of Pentacles in a Tarot reading, be ready to question your need for stability, security and commitment in your life. It may sound good on paper or might be what is expected of you – but is it what YOU want?
    The reversed Ten of Pentacles comes as a reminder that sometimes, wealth can be a trap. When you surround yourself with expensive things and live a luxurious lifestyle, you may want more and more and more, never feeling satisfied with what you have. For example, you splurge and fly business class, only to realise you can never fly economy again. Or you buy a bigger house that looks like a resort, only to realise you now need to pay for added maintenance and cleaning to keep it in its pristine state. You may find you burn through your financial reserves as you desperately try to support this higher standard of living and are unwilling to ‘downgrade’ even if your cashflow diminishes. Your feelings of self-worth may be inadvertently wrapped up in your wealth; if so, it’s time to unravel that connection and see that you can still live a happy and fulfilling life, even without the Louboutins and resort-style home.
    The Ten of Pentacles reversed may show that you are experiencing challenges or setbacks with financial or job security and family stability. Your investments may have lost significant value, your marriage may be on the rocks, or your job may be at risk. It is time to re-evaluate your position and choose a course of action that will help you regain your sense of security and self-worth.
    [Description] - The Ten of Pentacles shows an old, white-haired man wearing an ornately embroidered robe, sitting with his two loyal white dogs at his feet. A younger couple stands nearby with a small child. The man is a wealthy patriarch who has achieved a great deal during his life and is immensely gratified that he can now share his wealth and abundance with his loved ones. His successes and accomplishments are now providing financial security and certainty to his family. He can already see the legacy he has created.
    The man and his family gather in the courtyard of a large castle, marking their prosperity, comfort and financial security. On the archway are family emblems and flags, a symbol of their history and ancestry. Their wealth goes way beyond material comfort; the man and his family have a deeply rooted connection to their lineage, home and community.



  • Page of Coins
    Also known as Page of Pentacles, Jack of Coins or Jack of Pentacles

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Manifestation, financial opportunity, skill development.
    The Page of Pentacles, like the Pages of all four Tarot suits, brings a welcome message of new beginnings, inspiration and the initial stages of a creative project or venture. Since Pentacles rule the material realm and correspond to the element of earth, this Page symbolises a burgeoning awareness of the value of money, wealth, possessions, career, and physical health, and how to manifest more of these material blessings. You welcome new opportunities to your material life – a new job, a new business, or a financial windfall – and wish to discover how to turn your dreams into reality.
    When the Page of Pentacles appears in a Tarot reading, you are tapping into your ability to manifest a personal goal or dream and may be in the midst of a new project such as a hobby, business venture, or the start of a new educational experience. You are excited about the possibilities and potential of what you put your mind to, knowing you can create whatever you want with focused intention and action.
    That said, this Page does not specify the fulfilment of dreams as much as the initial motivation and energy to begin the process of turning those dreams to reality. You need to put in place clear plans for achieving your dreams and goals. Stay focused on the practical and tangible elements, keeping your feet planted on the ground and not getting carried away, always looking for the next realistic and achievable step forward. Your common sense and a pragmatic approach will lead you to a solution that works.
    In the quest to materialise his dreams, the Page of Pentacles is an avid student and seeks to learn the skills that will ensure his success in the long-term. The Page of Pentacles often appears when you are ready to up-level your skills and learn something new so you can manifest your dreams. See this card as an invitation to take a class, continue your education or start an apprenticeship. Even if you are already prosperous in your current field, the Page of Pentacles encourages you to try something new and discover another aspect of yourself. The more skills you bring to your portfolio, the more goals and dreams you can achieve.
    The Page of Pentacles may show that you are considering a new business or entrepreneurial venture, or you are in the initial stages of setting up the company to be financially successful and abundant in the long-term. You might be new to this, but you have the enthusiasm, commitment, and devotedness to see the project through.
    [Reversed] - Lack of progress, procrastination, learn from failure.
    The Page of Pentacles reversed says you are exploring a new project or business idea, but you are not ready to move forward with it just yet. You may still be brainstorming ideas and would prefer to keep it a secret for now. Or, you may worry that you do not have the skills or resources for it to succeed, so you are putting the idea on hold or procrastinating. If the opportunity continues to present itself to you, and you want to move forward, trust that you have what you need now and the rest will develop as you progress.
    The reversed Page of Pentacles can suggest that you are trying to get a specific project or idea off the ground, but each time you try, it seems to amount to nothing or takes you even further away from where you want to be. Maybe you have not planned sufficiently, you’ve lost sight of your original inspiration, or you are trying too hard. Give yourself some space and step away from the project for a short period so you can re-energise and re-focus before trying again.
    You may also be too busy daydreaming about new goals, without having taken any action on your original ones. So, you need to review your goals and think again about why you were initially motivated to achieve them. Imagine what it will be like once you accomplish that goal and re-commit to the actions required to make your dreams a reality.
    Finally, the Page of Pentacles reversed invites you to learn from your past mistakes. Even if a situation has not worked out the way you expected it would, you can discover new aspects of yourself that might help in the future. If you are struggling to see where you may have gone wrong, ask yourself: “What can I learn from these experiences? And how can I avoid making the same mistakes again?” Be open-minded and curious, and trust that today’s failures will lead to tomorrow’s successes.
    [Description] - The Page of Pentacles depicts a young man standing in a grassy field of blooming flowers. In the distance behind him is a small patch of trees and a newly ploughed field, promising an abundant harvest. The mountain range in the horizon signifies the upcoming challenges and obstacles the Page must surmount along his journey. The Page holds a gold coin in his hand and examines it carefully, as if to discover how to manifest even more gold and abundance.



  • Knight of Coins
    Also known as Knight of Pentacles

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Hard work, productivity, routine, conservatism.
    The Knight of Pentacles, like the Knights of the other suits, represents work, effort, and the responsibility that follows upon the dreams and ideals of the Page. This Knight is the most hard-working, methodical and detailed-oriented character of the Tarot deck. He may not be the most inspiring or creative Knight, but he’ll do the work to get the results he seeks, even if that work is highly repetitive or routine.
    When this card appears in a Tarot reading, you are working methodically towards your goals. You have a plan in place and are sticking to your schedule to get the job done. You may not work particularly quickly, but you are consistent, dedicated and committed to your goal. Put one foot in front of the other and finish the job. This card also asks you to continue doing what you are doing, plodding along and making gradual progress. No need to change your approach. Go with the flow, stick to your usual routines, and over time, you will reach your goals.
    The Knight of Pentacles shows that you are a natural planner and implementer. You envision your goal, determine the best course of action, and then stick to your path with a methodical and relentless focus. When you are in ‘implementation mode’, the job will get done, even if it requires hard work along the way. Meticulous in your approach, you make sure that everything is planned and executed down to the tiniest detail. And you will never leave a job half done. It is essential to you that you complete all assigned tasks and projects to a certain standard and that you follow through on your promises.
    Sometimes, the Knight of Pentacles points to the more mundane or boring aspects of life – the daily grind, repetitive schedules, household chores, and other responsibilities and obligations. You may be assigned a project or given a task to do, and you will have to commit your time to see that project through to the end successfully. With the Knight of Pentacles, you will be required to accept responsibility without any complaints or grudges.
    The Knight of Pentacles suggests that you are taking a moderated and conservative approach to life right now, and while you may be feeling that change is imminent, you are sticking to your tried and tested ways of doing things. You have established that you need routine and careful planning if you are to achieve your goals. It may not necessarily be an exciting period, but at least you know you are on the right path. Even if you are growing tired and want to quit, this Knight invites you to keep at it, and you will eventually see success.
    [Reversed] - Self-discipline, boredom, feeling ‘stuck’, perfectionism.
    Do you need greater self-discipline and commitment to achieve your goals? Instead of trying new things or dreaming up more ideas, the reversed Knight of Pentacles encourages you to establish a schedule or routine for yourself and stick to it until you have completed your assigned task.
    The reversed Knight of Pentacles may also point to a journey of self-development or improvement, in which a routine will support your success. For example, you may create a healthy eating plan or exercise schedule for yourself to help you become more fit and healthy. You may also need to pay more attention to the practical matters in your life that you have ignored recently. Mundane activities such as home upkeep, money matters, business relationships and moving forward in your career have been left by the wayside as you focus on more exciting or important opportunities. Depending on what is on your plate, you may want to make more time to get your life in order, or you may continue to focus on more pressing priorities.
    On the flipside, the Knight of Pentacles might also suggest that you are feeling stuck in the daily grind and life has become boring and dull. While you may have implemented a routine and schedule to increase your productivity and efficiency, you are now finding it stifling to your creativity and innovation. It may be time to do something different. Be spontaneous. You don’t always have to stick to the rules.
    Perhaps you have become unadventurous, overly conservative and resistant to change. You may prefer just to stay at home while others are out having fun and taking risks. There’s nothing wrong with a quiet night in; however, you may be isolating yourself from others or losing the interest of your friends. Try to get out more and be open to new experiences.
    The reversed Knight of Pentacles can also warn that you are becoming a perfectionist in how you approach your work. Have you caught yourself being critical of others who do not share the same attention to detail as you, or becoming quickly frustrated when their work is not at the same standard as yours? While your hard work is appreciated, you do not want to lose the support of others along the way and may need to soften your approach.
    [Description] - The Knight of Pentacles sits on a stationary draught horse, carefully looking at the gold coin held in his hand. He is in no hurry, preferring to assess and plan his path ahead before taking action. In the background, there is a broad field that has been laboriously ploughed row by row, symbolising that this Knight is ready and willing to do the work to realise his dreams, even if it is repetitive and dull.



  • Queen of Coins
    Also known as Queen of Diamonds or Queen of Pentacles

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Nurturing, practical, providing financially, a working parent.
    The Queen of Pentacles is the nurturing mother of the material world. At home, she shows her love for others by cooking nutritious meals, maintaining a clean and inviting home, and giving warm cuddles to those who need it most. She is also able to work a full-time job and make a financial contribution to the household, often as the primary breadwinner. She is masterful at taking care of the practical needs of work, home and family, while also giving her love and support to those she cares about.
    When the Queen of Pentacles appears in a Tarot reading, you are embodying the ultimate working parent archetype. You care for your family and domestic responsibilities while also making a living for yourself and creating financial abundance. You can maintain a healthy balance between home and work by integrating the two and finding your place of ‘flow’ and alignment. You strive to create a warm and secure environment for your family and loved ones while giving your love and support freely.
    Similarly, the Queen of Pentacles suggests that it is important to you to live independently, with a stable income and with enough time and space to also nurture your loved ones. You may be trying to strike a better balance between your home and work lives, giving it your all in both domains. At the same time, you find time for yourself and prioritise ‘me’ time in between all of your other commitments.
    The Queen of Pentacles represents prosperity and security. You have worked hard to generate a level of financial or physical security, which in turn gives you the ability to be generous with others and to share your wealth and abundance with those you love. You have used your financial prosperity to build a comfortable home environment and are as focused on investing in your family as your personal wealth.
    This Queen asks you to maintain a compassionate, nurturing, practical and down-to-earth attitude when dealing with others and your present circumstances. Focus on creating a calm and balanced life for yourself. Be resourceful and practical, dealing with issues as they arise using straightforward solutions that fix the problem with minimal fuss.
    At times, the Queen of Pentacles may represent a mother figure in your life who can provide you with loving support and nurturing to help you get through the influences of your past. She may be a teacher, a counsellor, a mentor or someone who you are very close to. Alternatively, if you are investing a lot of yourself into nurturing and caring for others and creating an established and comfortable lifestyle, she may represent a part of you.
    [Reversed] - Financial independence, self-care, work-home conflict.
    When the Queen of Pentacles is upright, you are focused on nurturing and providing for others; when reversed, you are turning that caring energy to yourself. You are creating financial independence, perhaps working for yourself, starting your own business or supporting your lifestyle with your income. You may still be in a partnership or family, but you are keen to ensure that you can sustain your own lifestyle, now and in the future, by yourself. You may have a separate savings account or a long-term investment plan to ensure that you can take care of yourself if need be.
    The Queen of Pentacles reversed also suggests that you are nurturing yourself on a personal level. You may be preparing nutritious meals, going on retreat alone, and generally paying more attention to yourself and your needs. You are tending to yourself, knowing that to care for others, you need to first care for yourself. Trust that work and family can survive without you for a short period of time while you focus on you.
    At times, the reversed Queen of Pentacles can reveal that your work and home life are out of balance and you are putting too much of your attention in one area to the detriment of the other. On the one hand, you may be very consumed by your job, spending long hours at the office, travelling for business or bringing your work home. On the other hand, your home and family life may be taking over, and you are unable to give your attention to your work. This might work on a temporary basis, but the ultimate goal is to integrate your work and home lives so that they are (mostly) in balance. You may also find a release by returning to a favourite nature spot and allowing yourself to take in this fresh, natural energy.
    Similarly, an inverted Queen of Pentacles can point to an inner conflict when it comes to balancing work and personal priorities. Despite trying to make it work, you may consistently feel that you’re not giving enough of your attention to either your work or home life. Sometimes, you just cannot do everything, and you will need to make some choices about where your priorities truly lie. You may also need to make new agreements with your partner or your boss so that you do not feel over-committed to one area. Seeking out additional home help, such as a cleaner, nanny or housekeeper, may also help you feel more at ease.
    [Description] - In the Queen of Pentacles, a woman sits on a stone throne decorated with carvings of fruit trees, goats, angels and other symbols of material success and sensual pleasure. She cradles a gold coin with both hands and looks down on it with loving care, as if to nurture this symbol of wealth and material success. Luscious plants and flowers surround her, representing her connection to Mother Earth, nature, and abundance. A small rabbit jumps near to where she is seated, symbolising fertility and suggesting that her life is in flow and alignment.

    Source: "A-Z of ghosts and supernatural", by Jan Knight (1980)
    An adult woman with red or light blond hair with blue, green, or gray eyes. Usually a wealthy woman in an authority position.



  • King of Coins
    Also known as King of Diamonds or King of Pentacles

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Wealth, business, leadership, security, discipline, abundance.
    The King of Pentacles represents material wealth, financial abundance, and worldly success. This King is a faithful provider; he uses his ambition and confidence to create wealth for himself and others and generates his self-worth from what he has accumulated and can share with others. He is also a fatherly figure who provides others with advice, guidance and wisdom, especially in financial and work-related matters.
    When the King of Pentacles appears in a Tarot reading, you are confident and successful at attracting and managing wealth. Not only do you identify opportunities for growth and success, but you also draw upon your self-discipline and control to manage your wealth and invest it wisely for the long-term.
    The arrival of the King of Pentacles indicates that you can translate your vision into something tangible, practical, and often very lucrative. You are the ultimate business owner. You do not merely come up with ideas and hope for the best – you work hard to map out your plan of attack, gather your resources and manifest your goals, often with tremendous success. You are like King Midas: everything you touch turns to gold. When you apply yourself to your vision, you create huge success, particularly on a financial level. Money flows easily and abundantly to you, and as you sit at the pinnacle of your economic power and influence, you can rest assured of your continued prosperity. You no longer struggle to achieve what you desire, like the Page and the Knight, nor do you have any need to prove yourself.
    The King of Pentacles often indicates the final fulfilment of a creative task, a business venture or investment. Through diligence, responsibility and attention to detail, you have achieved great things and can finally say that you have completed your task or attained your goal. You can now enjoy all that you have accomplished and the successes you have created. You have created a rich life, not just financially but also spiritually, which will set you up well for the future.
    The King of Pentacles knows that a methodical, planned and well-thought-out approach will lead you to success. You have experimented in the past with what works best and have landed on your own methods and practices you know will continue to work for you in the future. Continue down this path rather than trying new ways of doing things. You do not need to take any more risks.
    [Reversed] - Financially inept, obsessed with wealth and status, stubborn.
    The King of Pentacles reversed asks you to look at your relationship with money and wealth. On the one hand, you may not be managing your wealth well. You may attract large sums of money through your business enterprises or a high-flying career, but as soon as the cash hits your bank account, it’s on its way out again as you splurge on expensive items or invest in high-risk opportunities. You are not treating your money with respect, and instead, need to draw upon your self-discipline and control so you can save for your future while still enjoying the fruits of your labour.
    On the other hand, you may be putting money before anything else, negatively impacting your relationships and well-being. You may be a workaholic, over-investing in wealth creation and neglecting your loved ones. You may do anything for an extra buck, even if it means selling your soul and your integrity. You may be so impressed by other people’s status and social position that you kowtow to anyone ‘above’ you while dismissing anyone ‘below’ you. You might continuously name-drop and try to prove yourself by bragging about the people you know. If this resonates, step back for a moment and look at the greater impact of your obsession with money. Is it serving you in this state, or do you need to change?
    At times, the reversed King of Pentacles represents someone who is very stubborn and rigid in his approach. When this King shows up in a reading, look at your life. Are you feeling ‘stuck in a rut’? Has life become so predictable and routine that it is completely dull and lifeless? Being grounded is a good thing, but give yourself permission every now and then to break free and do something different. You don’t have to be so serious all of the time.
    [Description] - The King of Pentacles sits on a throne embellished with carvings of bulls, representing his connection to the astrological sign of Taurus, and grapes and vines adorn his robe, symbolising wealth and abundance. In his right hand, he holds the sceptre of his power, and in his left, he holds a golden coin, symbolic of his material influence. This King has an innate ability to create material wealth and financial abundance – and better yet, he can sustain his wealth over time through self-discipline, control and leadership.
    At his feet and around his throne are more vines, flowers and plants, representing the highest attainment of material success. His castle sits behind him, a symbol of all he has built through his efforts and determination. This King is therefore very serious about financial security and has made the accumulation of wealth his focus in life. He is proud of his achievements and likes to show others his prized possessions and wealth.

    Source: "A-Z of ghosts and supernatural", by Jan Knight (1980)
    An adult man with red or light blond hair with blue, green, or gray eyes. Usually a wealthy man in an authority position.



  • Ace of Wands

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Inspiration, new opportunities, growth, potential
    As an Ace, this Wands card brings you pure potential – this time in the spiritual, energetic realm. Ideas are flowing to you, motivating and inspiring you to pursue a new path. You are open to receiving new opportunities that align with your Higher Self. A whole world of possibility is available to you.
    The Ace of Wands encourages you to follow your heart and live your passion. If you feel a strong pull towards a new project or path, but are questioning whether it will work, then this card gives you a gentle nudge to pursue your passion. You can always start out small, treating the project or idea as an experiment or trial. Then, if it feels good, keep doing it; and if it doesn’t, make adjustments and try again. Let your energy, dedication and motivation be your guides.
    If you have been looking for a sign about whether this is the right project, then the Ace of Wands is a clear YES! The sprouting wand and the fertile landscape in the background are all positive indications that this idea has the potential to turn into something fulfilling and energising. Use your creative energy and passion to take the first steps. Even if you prefer to plan out everything before you begin down a particular path, the Ace of Wands wants you to listen to your instincts and follow your gut. If it seems like a good idea, it probably is. So, start with a few fundamentals to get things rolling, and then continue to grow and develop your ideas through more complex activities later on. The important thing is that you act now rather than spending more time planning or researching.
    Keep in mind, however, that the Aces represent potential but not guaranteed results. The Ace of Wands (or any Ace) is a seed that has yet to grow into something more substantial or sustainable. The opportunity on offer shows great promise, but it will be up to you to maximise it for the long term. See this card as the spark needed to fuel a massive fire, but remember that the flash itself is not enough to keep the flames burning.
    The Ace of Wands may appear when you have an opportunity to grow on a personal or spiritual level. You may be interested in taking a class or investing in a course so you can follow your creative spirit. For example, you might enrol in a photography class, a Tarot course, or a self-improvement program. Trust that this experience will open you up to even more possibilities.
    [Reversed] - An emerging idea, lack of direction, distractions, delays
    The Ace of Wands reversed suggests that you can sense an idea emerging from within but are uncertain what form it will take or how you will manifest it in the world. You may have energy and passion in spades, but you do not yet have a clear outlet to express them. You may be waiting for something else to happen before you pursue this idea. Or, you may prefer to keep your idea private until your confidence kicks in. All of these wonderful ideas are bubbling up, but now you must find a way to harness this creative energy to set you up in the long term.
    The reversed Ace of Wands can suggest that you are finding it difficult to define your purpose in life and what you want to create. This lack of direction may sap your energy levels and leave you unmotivated and uninspired. As a result, you are often asking yourself if this is what you want in life and whether there might be something better elsewhere. However, when you think about what other opportunities might appeal, you struggle to know what you want. To remedy this stagnation, you need first to focus on where your true passions lie; there is no point in working towards a goal if it does not motivate you. So, take time to contemplate what it is you aspire to and what you wish to achieve out of this situation.
    The reversed Ace of Wands may be a sign that frustrating delays are impeding the progress of your projects and ideas. You are likely to feel very impatient, especially if you are action-oriented and have only just started to gain momentum in your activities. The key message here is: ‘Not now, but maybe later.’ Timing is essential for success, so be patient and wait for the best opportunity to move ahead.
    [Description] - In the Ace of Wands, a hand holding a sprouting wand extends out from a cloud, as if to offer a new opportunity or idea with the potential to grow. The rich, verdant landscape is further confirmation of this growth capability. In the distance on the left sits a castle, representing the promise of opportunities to come, and hills and mountains line the horizon. Their rolling peaks remind us that there will always be challenges along the way, but they are surmountable with enough effort.



  • Two of Wands

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Future planning, progress, decisions, discovery
    The Two of Wands takes the spark of inspiration from the Ace of Wands and turns it into a clear action plan. You went through the discovery phase and know what you want to manifest – now you need to figure out how. You are exploring your options and carefully plotting out the path ahead, accounting for all possibilities and potential challenges. You are open to growth and exploring new territories, so long as you maintain a level of certainty that your efforts will work out in the end.
    When the Two of Wands appears in a Tarot reading, you are not ready to make your move – it is more important that you establish a clear plan before proceeding. The Two of Wands is also about discovery, particularly as you step outside your comfort zone and explore new worlds and experiences. It may take courage to set out, but this card gives you the confidence of self-knowledge. You know what your goal is and are sure of its eventual fulfilment. Let your intuition and passion guide you as you confirm your next steps.
    The Two of Wands indicates that you are considering your longer-term goals and aspirations and are ready to plan for what you need to do to achieve them. You have already come so far, and now you feel ready for a change – this time with your long-term future in mind. You may be contemplating overseas travel, further education or a significant career switch to expand your horizons beyond your immediate environment. With careful planning and a moderated approach, you will set yourself up for success.
    The Twos in Tarot often represent decisions of some sort. With this two, you may make a choice between sticking with what you know or taking a risk. You understand the world has something bigger or more meaningful to offer you, yet you also realise that you must leave your familiar grounds to capitalise on this opportunity. Even though you already invested a lot into your current circumstances, it is imperative that you step out and explore your options.
    [Reversed] - Personal goals, inner alignment, fear of unknown, lack of planning
    The Two of Wands reversed encourages you to draw your attention inwards and focus on your personal goals. Consider what is truly important to you and what lights you up. You may have headed in one direction, only to realise it wasn’t in full alignment with your deeper values and purpose. This card invites you to go back to the drawing board and reconnect with your dreams and ambitions, then make the necessary adjustments to your path ahead.
    At times, the Two of Wands reversed may indicate that you have a fruitful idea, but lack a clear strategy to move it forward. As a result, you are working haphazardly and inefficiently and not reaching your desired destination as quickly as you would like. As French poet, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, says, “A goal without a plan is just a wish,” so make sure you have a clear plan in place to manifest your goals. Go back to your original intention, and the energy and enthusiasm you felt at the beginning. Let them guide you to the next step.
    If you are at a crossroads about which direction to take to fulfil your dreams, ask yourself: What do I really want? And what’s keeping me from getting it? You may have been opting for the easy path, when it is, in fact, the more difficult one that gives us the best opportunity for growth.
    Similarly, the reversed Two of Wands can highlight that you are reluctant to step out into unknown territories despite the enormous potential, instead preferring to stick with what you know. You may be ‘the big fish in the small pond’, enjoying the feeling of success in this safe environment. Reconnect with your vision and why you are here and know that you will need to explore new fields to reach your highest level.
    [Description] - The Two of Wands shows a man, dressed in a red robe and hat, holding a small globe. The world is literally in his hands, marking the enormous potential before him if he can expand his horizons accordingly. He stands within the confines of his castle, suggesting that while he is contemplating significant opportunities, the man has not yet left his comfort zone to pursue them; he is still very much in the planning phase. His hand rests on an upright wand, and a second wand is affixed to the castle’s wall, a further sign that he is still not ready to venture out. In the background, the land is fertile while also rocky, promising that he has a good chance for success, so long as he can overcome the challenges that will arise.




  • Three of Wands

    Source: "Saturn in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    Among the lesser arcana, Saturn is assigned to the threes on cabbalistic grounds. Since the restrictions of Saturn fall hardest on the element air, the three of swords is unfavourable and called Sorrow. With the other elements, Saturn consolidates their powers and so the three of coins (earth) is Material Works, the three of cups (water) is Abundance, and the three of wands (fire) is Established Strength.



  • Four of Wands

    Source: "Jupiter in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the lesser arcana, Jupiter, planet of the fourth sphere, is given to the fours. Because Jupiter is a diurnal planet, the fire and air suits are favourable: the Four of Wands is called Perfected Work and the Four of Swords, Rest from Strife. The earth and water suits, however, manifest the less agreeable side of Jupiter: the Four of Coins is called Earthly Power, and sometimes indicates greed or arrogance; the Four of Cups is Blended Pleasure, where success has led to satiety or world-weariness.



  • Five of Wands

    Source: "Mars in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the minor arcana, Mars is assigned on cabbalistic grounds to the fives. These are all unfortunate: Five of Wands, called Conflict; Five of Swords, Defeat; Five of Coins, Worry; Five of Cups, Disappointment.



  • Six of Wands

    Source: "The Sun in Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the minor arcana the Sun is associated with the sixes, all of which are favourable - the 6 of wands is victory; swords, earned success; coins, material success; and cups, joy.



  • Seven of Wands

    Source: "Venus in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the lesser arcana, Venus rules the sevens on cabbalistic grounds. None are completely favourable. The Seven of Wands is Courage, and even that is only needed in times of trouble. The others all emphasise the results of succumbing to glamour in the old sense of the word. The Seven of Swords is Unstable Effort, for the emotions produce no lasting results in the world of action. The Seven of Cups is Illusory Success, for love is blind, The Seven of Coins is Unfulfilled Success, for the emotions are not swayed by material considerations - "all for love and the world well lost" is the motto here.


  • Eight of Wands

    Source: "Mercury in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the lesser arcana, Mercury (as the eighth cabbalistic sphere) rules the eights. The domiciles Gemini and Virgo explain why the air and earth suits are favourable: the Eight of Wands is called Swiftness, the Eight of Coins, Prudence. Because intellect opposes emotion - Venus is exalted in a detriment of Mercury - the Eight of Cups is unfavourable, and called Abandoned Success. As Mercury has no affinity with fire, the Eight of Swords is also unfavourable: Shortened Force or Interference: reflection impeding action.



  • Nine of Wands

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Resilience, courage, persistence, test of faith, boundaries
    The Nine of Wands comes as a sign that even in the face of adversity, you stand tall and strong. You may be on the edge of exhaustion, but you are resilient, persistent, and ready to do what it takes to get to the finish line.
    This card may also come when you feel battered and bruised, having endured significant challenges and struggles along your path. Just when you think you are making progress, you suffer another setback. The Nine of Wands asks you to trust that this is merely a test of your ‘grit’ and resilience, and know that every time you overcome an obstacle, you are getting stronger. You have the inner resources necessary to overcome any difficulty you encounter, even though it may seem impossible at the time. See this Nine as an assurance that you will eventually prosper if you maintain your position. And, if you do not succeed at first, then try again.
    The Nine of Wands encourages you to keep pushing – you are so close to the finish line. Even if you want to give up, this is your final challenge before you reach your goal, so don’t let go of your hopes and dreams when you are so close to making them a reality. Stand firm in the face of your challenges, and you will achieve your goal.
    Others may try to oppose your plans, make things difficult for you, or even attack you for what you are putting out into the world. Often, they do it because they’re jealous of your success or are projecting their own insecurities and fears on you. Don’t let them get to you. You are a change-maker, and you have a vital message to share in this world. Don’t dim your light because of others’ insecurities.
    On a more positive note, you have people who support you. The Nine of Wands invites you to find your cheerleaders and personal bodyguards, those who will protect you from the ongoing challenges and cheer you on to the finish line. Even if others oppose you, you have many more people who support your cause. Let them help you.
    Finally, the advice of the Nine of Wands is to establish your boundaries and fiercely protect those lines. If you allowed others to stand in your way or deplete your energy, it is likely that you have not asserted yourself effectively with those people to protect yourself. Get clear on what you need in this situation to be successful and reach your goals, and then communicate those needs to others. On the same note, be aware that too many barriers will prevent others from getting close to you or helping you. Bring your conscious awareness to how you are proactively using boundaries to protect your energy.
    [Reversed] - Inner resources, struggle, overwhelm, defensive, paranoia
    The Nine of Wands reversed suggests that you are struggling to keep working towards your goal. The challenges on your path are relentless, pummelling you with setback after setback. You don’t know if you can cope with it anymore and may be ready to give up. Just know that you are oh-so-close to completing this challenge. Draw upon your internal resources – your resilience, inner courage, positive self-talk and mindset – to keep you going. You have it in you to turn this challenging situation into a fantastic success (and to help others facing similar hurdles). Keep fighting – you’ve got this!
    The Nine of Wands reversed can also appear when you feel overcome by your responsibilities or lack the support of those around you. It seems as if life is all work and no play. If you know this is a temporary setback, you may just need to push through it for now so you can get to the finish line. Also, make sure you do not take on any other commitments at this stage until you have more control over your circumstances. If you cannot see any end in sight, then get help – hire a personal assistant or a housecleaner, enlist the support of your loved ones, or work with a coach or therapist to help you manage.
    Sometimes, the reversed Nine of Wands can indicate paranoia, defensiveness and concern that everyone is out to get you. You may think you are always under attack by the same group of people or you are unfairly targeted. Often, this is a sign of fear from within you rather than an actual external threat. Focus on your own game and don’t worry about what other people are thinking or saying about you.
    [Description] - The Nine of Wands shows an injured man, clutching a wand. He looks over his shoulder towards the eight wands that loom over him. He seems weary and worn, as though he has already been through a battle and now must face additional challenges with the presence of these eight wands. As a Nine, though, this is his final challenge before reaching his goal; he must endure this last test of his strength and character before reaching the finish line.



  • Ten of Wands

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Burden, extra responsibility, hard work, completion
    The Ten of Wands notes that you are taking on an extra burden, a heavier workload, or greater responsibility. Even though it is weighing you down and making things tougher for you, you understand it is only temporary, so you are willing to put in the hard work now to accomplish your goal and reap the rewards later. For example, you may work extra hours to save up for a family holiday. Or you may help out a friend with moving house, knowing they will return the favour when you move later in the year. Or you may care for a sick family member, adding to your responsibilities at home but knowing your loved one deeply appreciates it.
    Sometimes, the Ten of Wands appears when you are unconsciously taking on extra responsibility and finding yourself feeling weighed down, exhausted and burnt out. You may try to do everything at once, even though you know it is adding extra pressure to your daily life. The Ten of Wands asks you to stop and examine your current lifestyle or work. Assess which activities or tasks are urgent or important, particularly concerning your broader goals. You may need to use various time management or prioritisation methods to determine where best to spend your time and which tasks you can drop. Your goal needs to be higher efficiency while also freeing yourself up for rest and relaxation when you need it.
    The good news is that the Tens in Tarot represent the completion of a cycle, and with the Ten of Wands, the end is in sight! You have been pushing yourself to your limits and working very hard towards your goal. Now, you are taking those final steps on the path to realising your dreams. Sure, you might collapse in a heap of exhaustion when you get there, but you know it will be all worth it and well earned!
    The Ten of Wands can also show that even with the achievement of your goal, some significant responsibilities and commitments come with it. When you reach a point of completion, you become starkly aware that you must now carry on with the duties you have laid out for yourself, to ensure ongoing success. The trouble is, however, that these responsibilities may become too much to bear and you are struggling to let go. It is like the business owner who creates a flourishing business but is unprepared to delegate some of his or her responsibilities to the staff and ends up working seventy to eighty hours a week. The inspiration and creativity that came with the initial goal or vision disappear and everything becomes hard work all too quickly. Thus, it is essential to let go of or delegate some of your responsibilities to free you up to still enjoy life.
    [Reversed] - Doing it all, carrying the burden, delegation, release
    When the Ten of Wands reversed appears in a Tarot reading, it is often a sign that you are trying to do too much by yourself. In your effort to be everything to everyone, you have found yourself struggling under the weight of it all. Delegate and share the work – you don’t have to do it alone. And be firm in saying no to the things you know you can’t take on. It is imperative you put your self-care and personal well-being first; otherwise you’ll burn yourself out and be of no help to anyone. It’s just like they say, 'Put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others'.
    Similarly, the Ten of Wands reversed suggests that you are carrying a heavy weight on your shoulders, but you are keeping this private and are unwilling to share your burden with others. You may be grappling with emotional trauma, carrying a dark secret, or dealing with increased responsibilities. However, you do not feel comfortable sharing this with others, by talking about it or asking for help. In effect, you are pushing away the people who can help you. It may also be a huge relief to you when you do share some of this burden with others, as they are ready and willing to support you.
    Sometimes, the reversed Ten of Wands shows that you are holding on to this burden when you do not need to do so. If you are feeling weighed down by your present circumstances, look at ways you might lighten the load. Can you delegate certain tasks and responsibilities? Are you worrying about matters that do not concern you or cannot be changed? Do not become a martyr and take on more than you can realistically handle. On the positive side, if you are going through a challenging time, then the Ten of Wands reversed assures you that this time will soon pass and you will be able to set down this weight.
    You may also be actively identifying those activities that do not bring you any value in your life, and you are releasing yourself from these additional responsibilities. Consider going through a purging process, clearing out old clothes and selling old furniture, to declutter and simplify your life. You will benefit from better organisation and prioritisation and enjoy the lightness that comes with such release.
    [Description] - The Ten of Wands shows a man carrying a large bundle of sticks towards a small town only a short distance away. His back is bent and he appears to be weighed down by the heavy load he is carrying, but he knows he is almost at his destination and will soon be able to release the heavy weight he is bearing.



  • Page of Wands
    Also known as Page of Batons, Page of Clubs, Page of Staves, Jack of Wands, Jack of Batons, Jack of Clubs or Jack of Staves

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Inspiration, ideas, discovery, limitless potential, free spirit
    With the Page of Wands, you are inclined to give anything and everything a go. You embrace the opportunity to start out on a new journey or project and see where it takes you. You do not necessarily have a solid plan in place, nor do you really know where you are headed, but you are excited about the possibilities.
    You have a gift for dreaming up new creative ideas unfettered by the burdens of everyday life. Nothing will get in the way of your dreams!
    And while the appearance of the Page of Wands indicates that you are experiencing creative restlessness, notice that the Page is standing still and his staff is firmly planted on the ground – he is not going anywhere just yet. You still need to take your creative spark and ground it down into reality so that it is ready to be implemented in the physical realm. You may need to map out your strategy, or you may need to test your ideas or create a few experiments before committing. It could be helpful to run your thoughts through a filter so that you only act on those most aligned with your broader goals.
    The Page of Wands can appear when a spiritual path or journey may be calling you. You have a curious mind and are intrigued to see where this call might lead. While you are very much the novice when it comes to this spiritual endeavour, you are open to the experience and keen to discover new levels of consciousness. You may benefit from working with a wise mentor, someone who has walked your path before and can now lead you forward
    [Reversed] - Newly-formed ideas, redirecting energy, self-limiting beliefs, a spiritual path
    The Page of Wands reversed suggests that you can feel the stirrings of something new emerging within you, but you don’t know how to turn it into action. You may have the seed of an idea or a general sense that something new is coming, but you are yet to express it in the world. You do not need to take action yet – in fact, doing so may be detrimental since this idea is very much in the early stages of formation. Just ‘play’ with the idea and let it grow, develop and blossom into what it wants to be. Do not force it; sit in the creative void and allow it to open up to you.
    On the other hand, the Page of Wands reversed can mean that you tried many new ventures or projects, but these have not turned out as you had hoped. You may have had the dream to start a new hobby or project with the view that it would lead to something bigger, but you realise that you took the wrong approach and it isn’t pointing to the growth and development you had expected. The Page of Wands reversed invites you to reconnect with your original vision or idea and look for alternative ways to express it. Just because you didn’t succeed the first time, it doesn’t mean that the concept is wrong; it may merely be the execution that is out of alignment. Instead, choose another way to express the idea, and be prepared to redefine your path to stay in alignment with your personal growth goals.
    The Page of Wands reversed can indicate that your eagerness to start something new has been hampered by complexities, obstacles and opposition, which has resulted in a lack of motivation and indecisiveness about your path forward. You may also worry about whether you can get your project or idea up and running, or if you are just going to be weighed down by more responsibility and troubles. You may be allowing limiting beliefs and inner fears and anxieties to get in the way of achieving your dreams.
    Finally, the reversed Page of Wands may also appear when you are seeking out a new path of personal and spiritual discovery. As it is likely to be an intense spiritual path, you are choosing to keep this journey private. You know, too, that inspiration and understanding comes from within, rather than looking to others for the answers
    [Description] - The Page of Wands shows a young man holding a long staff in both hands as he looks inquisitively at the green leaves sprouting from the top. His tunic is emblazoned with salamanders, a mythical creature associated with fire and transformation. The Page stands still, with his staff firmly planted on the ground, suggesting that while he is inspired by the potential growth represented by the sprouting staff, he has not yet taken action on this inspiration. In the background, the landscape is barren and mountainous, implying that this Page has the gift of being able to find growth and potential in the most unlikely places. He is so energised by his ideas that he can make anything happen and isn’t limited by his circumstances.



  • Knight of Wands
    Also known as Knight of Batons, Knight of Clubs or Knight of Staves

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Energy, passion, inspired action, adventure, impulsiveness
    While the Page of Wands marks the initial spark of a new idea, the Knight of Wands shows the actual pursuit of that idea. When this card appears in a Tarot reading, you are charged up with energy, passion, motivation, and enthusiasm, and you channel that energy through your inspired action. You have a clear vision about what you want to create and, fuelled by your passion and inspiration, you are now moving forward with leaps and bounds to turn your vision into reality. This card is your sign to go for it!
    You are bold and courageous and willing to venture into unknown territories to further your mission and your dreams. You don’t really care if danger lies ahead – in fact, if it does, then it becomes all the more exciting and thrilling for you. Adventures like this light you up because you know growth and expansion are waiting on the other side. Be a pioneer and take calculated risks to reach new heights.
    In this light, the Knight of Wands gives you the feeling you can take on the world! You are so committed to your vision and purpose that you will stop at nothing to bring it to life. As you pursue your goals, your confidence skyrockets, and you realise that your potential is limitless. You can do anything!
    Your passion, enthusiasm, courage and confidence are highly attractive to others. Others see you as highly charismatic and want to be in your presence to benefit from your energy. While you haven’t yet mastered the art of bringing others along on your journey, like the King of Wands has, you do enjoy the extra attention that your charisma and adventures bring you. The question will be whether others can keep up with you, or if they are merely here to watch and absorb your energy by osmosis.
    Be mindful that the Knight of Wands can express himself as an ‘act first, think later’ type of person. In your pursuit of action, you may be impulsive and impatient, expecting everything to be done yesterday. While you are bursting with energy, you have a tendency to rush into things with little consideration for the consequences of your actions. You may not have a clear plan of attack, hurting your chances of long-term success. If this resonates, find a way to focus your enthusiasm on the activities that will move you closer to your goal. When you have a new idea, rather than acting on it straight away, take a moment to check in and see if it truly aligns with your goals and whether it needs to happen right now. You may realise that you are better served by waiting for the opportune time to pursue this idea, especially if other ‘waiting’ cards, such as the Hanged Man or Four of Swords, come up in your reading. Or, you may realise that the time is now, and you can charge ahead with high energy and vibrancy. [Reversed] - Passion project, haste, scattered energy, delays, frustration
    The Knight of Wands reversed may appear when you are actively pursuing a personal passion project or hobby. A fire has been lit within you, and now you are doing everything to move this passion project forward. You have no intention of turning it into a raging success – it is simply for you to enjoy and channel your energy into. For example, you may learn to read Tarot purely because you have an interest in this beautiful, spiritual tool, rather than wanting to become a world-renowned Tarot reader. You are pursuing this passion project with all of your heart because it genuinely lights you up inside.
    The Knight of Wands reversed can signal that you are experiencing a considerable build-up of energy but are unsure about how to channel it into the world effectively. You may have a creative restlessness, knowing that you are destined for something ‘big’, but you are restricted from taking action right now. Perhaps there are frustrating delays, insurmountable obstacles or people standing in your way. The tension from within is palpable, and you desperately need to release this creative energy. Look at alternative ways to pursue your passion or manifest your vision. You may need to adjust your path somewhat while staying true to your original idea.
    Conversely, the reversed Knight of Wands suggests that you may be acting impulsively, trying to accomplish everything at once. You are rushing from one task to the other, without focusing on the details or ensuring sustainable success. This may appear to work in the short-term, but long-term you could end up burning yourself out or falling short of your goals. Slow down and know that you don’t need to do everything at once.
    The Knight of Wands reversed also suggests that you are at risk of acting impulsively, doing or saying things that you may later regret. You want everything to be ‘fixed’ straight away, but you do not allow yourself the time to think through what is best for you. Be careful, too, that you are not reacting instantly to everything that happens. Give your circumstances some space and time before you take action. You may also find yourself feeling frustrated that factors beyond your control are impacting your situation. Again, remind yourself that there will be things that you can control and change as you want to – you just have to find them.
    [Description] - The Knight of Wands sits on his horse in full armour, wearing a yellow robe decorated with salamanders (associated with the element of fire), and a helmet with fiery red plumes flowing behind him. He holds a sprouting wand in his right hand, which symbolises his energy and enthusiasm for his mission. His horse rises up on its hind legs, poised and ready for action. Like all the Wands Court Cards, the background is hot, dry and barren, with mountains soaring in the distance.



  • Queen of Wands
    Also known as Queen of Clubs, Queen of Batons, Queen of Clubs or Queen of Staves

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Courage, confidence, independence, social butterfly, determination
    The Queen of Wands reminds you that you are upbeat, courageous, and determined. You are here to see through your creative visions and life purpose, even in the face of adversity and challenge. Highly self-actualised and self-aware, you know how to best channel your strengths and weaknesses to achieve your goals. You are optimistic and full of ideas to share with others. You know what you want and how to get it, and are masterful at engaging with others to achieve your goals. Stay fiercely determined and focused on your goals while being friendly and optimistic with those around you.
    The Queen of Wands asks you to be bold in your undertakings and actions. Don’t be afraid to own your real power and put it out into the world. You have so much to offer – so shine your light bright! Believe in yourself and what you stand for, and don't be afraid to speak up and be heard. No one will silence you.
    Ever the social butterfly, the Queen of Wands suggests that you lead a busy life, making connections with others and putting yourself out there as you pursue your creative vision. You radiate health and vitality, and your inner vibrancy fills you with energy and inspiration – a natural-born, intelligent leader who actively inspires others. You can be quite the ‘mover and shaker,’ influencing others through your vision, courage and determination. You instil confidence in others, and you give them the power and self-assurance that they can achieve anything they set their mind to.
    The Queen of Wands also shows you are expressing yourself fully in your external world and enjoy being the centre of attention. You create a powerful first impression and can quickly win others over with your sweet, warm and charming nature. Now is the perfect time to put yourself out there and meet new people or create a community of like-minded people. They will be drawn in by your energy, passion and enthusiasm, and together you can create positive change in the world.
    Finally, the Queen of Wands encourages you to get to know your shadow self, the lesser-known and sometimes darker side of who you really are. This doesn’t necessarily need to be a negative aspect of yourself, but could be something that most people don’t know about you… yet! It may be your dark sense of humour, a secret life from your past, or a passion project you’ve kept hidden away. While you may want to protect this part of yourself, the Queen of Wands encourages you to express this side more openly with others – don’t be afraid to show your shadow now and then. It will enable you to connect with others on a deeper level.
    [Reversed] - Self-respect, self-confidence, introverted, re-establish sense of self
    The Queen of Wands reminds you that you are upbeat, courageous, and determined. You are here to see through your creative visions and life purpose, even in the face of adversity and challenge. Highly self-actualised and self-aware, you know how to best channel your strengths and weaknesses to achieve your goals. You are optimistic and full of ideas to share with others. You know what you want and how to get it, and are masterful at engaging with others to achieve your goals. Stay fiercely determined and focused on your goals while being friendly and optimistic with those around you.
    The Queen of Wands asks you to be bold in your undertakings and actions. Don’t be afraid to own your real power and put it out into the world. You have so much to offer – so shine your light bright! Believe in yourself and what you stand for, and don't be afraid to speak up and be heard. No one will silence you.
    Ever the social butterfly, the Queen of Wands suggests that you lead a busy life, making connections with others and putting yourself out there as you pursue your creative vision. You radiate health and vitality, and your inner vibrancy fills you with energy and inspiration – a natural-born, intelligent leader who actively inspires others. You can be quite the ‘mover and shaker,’ influencing others through your vision, courage and determination. You instil confidence in others, and you give them the power and self-assurance that they can achieve anything they set their mind to.
    The Queen of Wands also shows you are expressing yourself fully in your external world and enjoy being the centre of attention. You create a powerful first impression and can quickly win others over with your sweet, warm and charming nature. Now is the perfect time to put yourself out there and meet new people or create a community of like-minded people. They will be drawn in by your energy, passion and enthusiasm, and together you can create positive change in the world.
    Finally, the Queen of Wands encourages you to get to know your shadow self, the lesser-known and sometimes darker side of who you really are. This doesn’t necessarily need to be a negative aspect of yourself, but could be something that most people don’t know about you… yet! It may be your dark sense of humour, a secret life from your past, or a passion project you’ve kept hidden away. While you may want to protect this part of yourself, the Queen of Wands encourages you to express this side more openly with others – don’t be afraid to show your shadow now and then. It will enable you to connect with others on a deeper level.
    [Description] - The Queen of Wands sits upon a throne decorated with lions facing opposing directions, a symbol of fire and strength. In her left hand, on her crown and behind her are sunflowers, symbolising life, fertility, joy and satisfaction, and her right hand holds a wand with one small sprout springing to life. A black cat sits at her feet, a sign that while this Queen is bold and outgoing she is also in touch with her shadow self – the darker, lesser-known side of her being.

    Source: "A-Z of ghosts and supernatural", by Jan Knight (1980)
    An adult woman with medium or dark brown hair, with brown, blue, or hazel eyes. Usually a businesswoman or social butterfly.



  • King of Wands
    Also known as King of Clubs, King of Batons, King of Clubs or King of Staves

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Natural-born leader, vision, entrepreneur, honour
    The King of Wands represents pure fire energy in its masculine form. Unlike the other Wands court cards, the King is not so interested in creation and creativity, or in dreaming up ideas and implementing them himself. Instead, he is more inclined to take an idea and then enlist others to help him actualise it. Thus, when the King of Wands appears in a Tarot reading, it is a sign you are stepping into the role of a visionary leader, ready to direct your people towards a common goal. You have a clear vision of where you want to go, and now you are manifesting that vision with the support of those around you. Others naturally gravitate towards you because you are charismatic, focused, and determined, and they believe in you and your vision. They want to be a part of what you are manifesting and are here to support you one hundred percent of the way. You are also masterful at getting other people to do your work for you while keeping them on-side throughout the process.
    The King of Wands reminds you to lead your life with intent, vision and a long-term view. You have a grand idea of what is truly possible, and you will stop at nothing to see it through. Unlike the Knight who can be a little impulsive with his actions, you have the maturity to see your vision through right to the end and beyond. You achieve a lot because you are clear about your future direction and how you will get there – and do not waste your time on activities or relationships you believe will lead nowhere. You never just go with the flow; instead, you prefer to embark on a direct and robust course of action. And you are inspired by long-term, sustainable success, wanting to have a lasting impact. You are here to leave a legacy.
    The appearance of the King of Wands also suggests that an opportunity is presenting itself to you, and you now have the power to take on the challenge. You are the determining factor in this situation. If you want it to be successful, it will. And equally, if you do not fully commit to it, this seed will struggle to blossom and grow. You can create any outcome you wish, so be mindful about your intentions and vision. You hold the power.
    [Upright] - Impulsiveness, haste, ruthless, high expectations
    The King of Wands reversed suggests that while you are in a leadership position, you are not ready to step into that role. You may be the creative or visionary person in your work, but you have not yet developed a sense of comfort with leading others towards your vision. You may need to work on your leadership skills or enlist the support of someone who has a natural talent at steering others towards a common goal. Alternatively, you may manage others, but are not leading others; you are assigning tasks and monitoring performance, but you are not communicating the vision and engaging your team to take responsibility for bringing the concept to life. You may think you are the only person who can make this vision a reality, even when your team is here to support you.
    At times, the reversed King of Wands can be aggressive and even arrogant in the pursuit of his goals. Be mindful that as you strive towards your dream, you are not putting others off-side, dis-empowering them or taking their contributions for granted. You need their support one hundred percent of the way. Also, don’t let success get to your head, thinking you’re above everyone else just because you are the leader. Consider embracing the concept of ‘followership’ – the ability to take direction, be part of a team and deliver on what is expected of you, even as the official leader of the group.
    On a personal level, the King of Wands reversed warns you against setting unrealistic expectations for yourself and others. While you are highly ambitious, you may be setting yourself up for failure if you set goals that are significantly out of reach and then pushing hard to reach those unattainable goals. You may also be prone to get swept up in the hype of other people’s goals to ‘10x your sales!’ or ‘create the next billion-dollar business!’ You don’t have to buy into other people’s dreams and visions (and hype). Stay true to what’s important to you and keep focused on your personal vision and direction.
    [Description] - The King of Wands sits on his throne, holding a blossoming wand in his hand, a symbol of life and creativity. His throne and cape are decorated with lions and salamanders, both symbols of fire and strength. The salamanders biting their own tails represent infinity and the ongoing drive to move forward against all obstacles.

    Source: "A-Z of ghosts and supernatural", by Jan Knight (1980)
    An adult man with medium or dark brown hair, with brown, blue, or hazel eyes. Usually a married businessman (although business could have a sexual, rather than commercial, interpretation.)



  • Ace of Cups

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Love, new relationships, compassion, creativity.
    With the Ace of Cups, Divine love and compassion are pouring through you. You are a vessel for deep, spiritual love from the Universe, and you can’t help but let that love flow through you and into the world. You receive love, you give love, you ARE love. Your heart overflows.
    Now is the perfect time for you to open your heart and experience the rich flow of emotion available to you right now. You are more receptive to creative opportunities, loving connections, and deep compassion for other living beings. As with all Aces in the Tarot, this card comes as an invitation. Will you take it? Will you say “Yes!” to Divine love and compassion, and will you run with it? The Ace of Cups carries the potential for spiritual and emotional fulfilment – but only if you embrace it with an open heart.
    This card often appears in Tarot readings when you are open to creative expression, especially when you can allow your emotions to shine through your endeavours. You may be inspired to start a new project, take an art class or even engage in interpretative dance. At this point in your life, you are comfortable with who you are and happily express this part of yourself to others. You see fresh potential in allowing your creative juices to flow. Let your imagination and talent unfurl to new possibilities.
    The Ace of Cups often represents a new relationship, be it a friendship, a new family connection or blossoming romance. It is exciting – fluttery even – and you are so glad to have met someone with whom you can share a special connection. Give yourself permission to open yourself to giving and receiving unconditional love, and you will notice that affection flows effortlessly when you are in this loving state of mind. The water in the card reflects the flow of emotion, and thus, the Ace of Cups suggests that the enthusiasm you two generate will get you fired up about yourself and life.
    There is a generous, compassionate side to the Ace of Cups, too. See this as a time of giving (not taking) and make the most of any opportunity to help others. You have the power to share your inner radiance and positive energy, bringing great happiness to those around you. And you will find that the more you give, the more you receive on multiple levels.
    Finally, the Ace of Cups can signify conception, pregnancy or birth. Look to the other cards in the reading for further confirmation, such as the Empress, Page of Cups or Four of Wands. On a more metaphorical level, it may mean the birth of a new idea or a spark of inspiration – something in which you can invest a great deal of loving and creative energy.
    [Reversed] - Self-love, intuition, repressed emotions.
    Yes, this is the self-love card of the Tarot deck! In the upright position, the Ace of Cups is about love for all things. In the reversed position, it speaks to love for oneself. So, before you send your love out to the world, send love to yourself, filling up every cell in your body with Divine love and happiness. And the more you do this, the more you can exist in flow with life itself.
    The reversed Ace of Cups is a sign that you are in connection with your subconscious mind and attuned to your intuition. You are exploring this part of yourself privately right now, and discovering how you can bring more intuition and flow into your life.
    On the flipside, the Ace of Cups reversed may be a sign that you are repressing your emotions, not wanting to express yourself fully to the outside world. You have your reasons for keeping your feelings close and not wanting others to know what’s going on inside. You may feel embarrassed or afraid of what might happen if you were to express your emotions. You may worry that if you allow your feelings to flow, they might turn into an overwhelming flood that can’t be switched off. However, be careful that you do not create an internal blockage by repressing how you feel. If you are not ready to share your emotions – that's okay! You can find ways to release them privately, through journaling, creative projects, movement, or screaming your frustration and anger out in the car.
    In a relationship reading, the reversed Ace of Cups can show that you are withholding your emotions for fear of getting hurt. You know that healthy relationships need trust to grow, but, for the time being, you may need to retreat and find balance with yourself on why you are holding back.
    [Description] - The Ace of Cups shows a chalice overflowing with five streams of water. The cup represents the vessel of your subconscious mind; the five streams are your five senses and the abundant emotion and intuition flowing from within you. The hand holding the cup is sliding out of the clouds, a symbol of your awareness of spiritual energy and influence. Below the hand is a vast sea covered with lotus blossoms, signifying the awakening of the human spirit. A dove descends towards the cup – a symbol of Divine love flowing through the subconscious mind to conscious awareness.



  • Two of Cups

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Unified love, partnership, mutual attraction
    If the Ace of Cups represents the flow of love from within, the Two of Cups is the flow of love between two people. With this card, you are creating deep connections and partnerships, based on shared values, compassion, and unconditional love. While these relationships are still in the early stages, they have the potential to grow and develop into something deeply fulfilling and rewarding in the long-term. You have mutual respect and appreciation for one another, and together you reach higher planes of consciousness and understanding.
    When the Two of Cups card appears in a Tarot reading, you may enter a new partnership, perhaps with a lover, friend or business partner. You are both focused on creating a relationship that is mutually beneficial, one that will create a win-win situation for both parties. You see ‘eye to eye’ and appreciate what each other can bring to the table.
    In a romantic relationship, the Two of Cups shows a blossoming new union based on mutual attraction. There is both a physical and soul connection that leaves you giddy and weak at the knees. You bring out the best in each other and lift each other to even higher levels of potential. The exchange of emotion is heartfelt, and you are both willing to do whatever it takes to support one another. In some cases, the Two of Cups can refer to a marriage, proposal or engagement.
    In a business partnership, the Two of Cups is a sign you are both on the same wavelength and share a similar vision for the venture you are creating together. You may not have the same skills as each other, but you create a beautiful synergy when you work together. For example, one of you may be talented at sales and marketing while the other excels at managing the business's operations. A partnership like this – built on trust, harmony, and mutual respect – is likely to succeed so long as you continue to communicate with one another and focus on your shared alignment. (Though, it never hurts to have a contract or agreement in place to ensure this dreamy business partnership continues this way.)
    [Reversed] - Self-love, break-ups, disharmony, distrust.
    At its essence, the reversed Two of Cups is about self-love. Love, in any form, starts with love for yourself. When you love yourself unconditionally, you accept and appreciate who you are, and you respect and honour the most authentic version of yourself. You welcome a life of happiness because you fundamentally believe you deserve it (and you're right!). When you come from this place of self-love, self-acceptance, and self-respect, you will have more fulfilling, loving relationships with others. It all starts with self-love.
    Here’s the thing: if you don’t love yourself, you’ll end up projecting that lack onto others, becoming clingy and attached, attracting the wrong kinds of relationships to you, or worse, ending up in harmful situations. Here is the shadow side of the Two of Cups reversed. So, before you seek out your Prince Charming or tie the knot with your lifetime love, make sure you’ve filled your cup with all that beautiful love juice for yourself first. To find fulfilment in your life and relationships, find the love within you and give it to yourself. No other person, material possession, or accomplishment can do it for you.
    The Two of Cups reversed can sometimes signal a break-up or a falling out. You are out of sync with each other and don‘t share the same emotional connection you did in the past. You may notice a lack of trust and being open with one another is proving difficult. Communication may be restricted or withheld, and the energy flow between you stifled. To turn this situation around, open up, share, and hold a safe space for one another to express your feelings. Even with one conversation, you can shift the energy flow dramatically.
    [Description] - The Two of Cups shows a young man and woman, exchanging cups and pledging their love for one another. Above them floats the Caduceus of Hermes – a winged staff with two snakes wrapped around it – the ancient symbol of commerce, trade, and exchange. At the top of the caduceus is a lion’s head, signifying passion and fire energy and suggesting that there may be a lot of fiery, sexual energy between these two people.



  • Three of Cups

    Source: "Saturn in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    Among the lesser arcana, Saturn is assigned to the threes on cabbalistic grounds. Since the restrictions of Saturn fall hardest on the element air, the three of swords is unfavourable and called Sorrow. With the other elements, Saturn consolidates their powers and so the three of coins (earth) is Material Works, the three of cups (water) is Abundance, and the three of wands (fire) is Established Strength.



  • Four of Cups

    Source: "Jupiter in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the lesser arcana, Jupiter, planet of the fourth sphere, is given to the fours. Because Jupiter is a diurnal planet, the fire and air suits are favourable: the Four of Wands is called Perfected Work and the Four of Swords, Rest from Strife. The earth and water suits, however, manifest the less agreeable side of Jupiter: the Four of Coins is called Earthly Power, and sometimes indicates greed or arrogance; the Four of Cups is Blended Pleasure, where success has led to satiety or world-weariness.



  • Five of Cups

    Source: "Mars in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the minor arcana, Mars is assigned on cabbalistic grounds to the fives. These are all unfortunate: Five of Wands, called Conflict; Five of Swords, Defeat; Five of Coins, Worry; Five of Cups, Disappointment.



  • Six of Cups

    Source: "The Sun in Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the minor arcana the Sun is associated with the sixes, all of which are favourable - the 6 of wands is victory; swords, earned success; coins, material success; and cups, joy.



  • Seven of Cups

    Source: "Venus in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    [Description] - In the lesser arcana, Venus rules the sevens on cabbalistic grounds. None are completely favourable. The Seven of Wands is Courage, and even that is only needed in times of trouble. The others all emphasise the results of succumbing to glamour in the old sense of the word. The Seven of Swords is Unstable Effort, for the emotions produce no lasting results in the world of action. The Seven of Cups is Illusory Success, for love is blind, The Seven of Coins is Unfulfilled Success, for the emotions are not swayed by material considerations - "all for love and the world well lost" is the motto here.


    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Opportunities, choices, wishful thinking, illusion.
    The Seven of Cups is a card of new opportunities, choices, and at times, illusion. When the Seven of Cups appears in a Tarot reading, you have many options and opportunities from which you can choose. But be careful! You are prone to illusion and unrealistic ideals. An opportunity with promises of more money, more fame, or more power may sound appealing, but as you look deeper into what is on offer, you may realise it’s not everything it’s cracked up to be. Your ego may pull you in a specific direction, but it’s important you check in with your Higher Self first. Evaluate your options and dig below the surface to discover what’s involved with each choice.
    Often, the Seven of Cups can be a sign of wishful thinking and projecting into the future about what you would like to create, rather than taking action here in the present to make it happen. For example, you may wish for a fitter, more healthy body, until it's time to get out there and exercise. Or you might wish for a successful business fuelled by passive income, but you’re not ready and willing to put in the hard work now to enjoy the fruits of your labour later. If you spend most of your time wishing but not doing the work, then it’s time to choose just one thing and make it happen.
    You may find that your ideas are not grounded in reality. Your plans might sound fabulous in your imagination, but when it comes to implementing them, you may realise they do not work in the real world.
    The Seven of Cups may be a sign of ‘shiny object syndrome’, where you keep finding the ‘next big thing’ but fail to see any of those new opportunities through to the end. When you are constantly in the idea phase, you miss the chance to bring your designs into fruition. Again, now is a time to focus on the one thing that will move you closer to your goal; resist the temptation to get side-tracked with other ideas as they arise. If need be, note your ideas as they come up, but stay focused on the one thing you’re doing.
    This card is inviting you to move out of the ideas and options phase and choose. Each will have its pros and cons – it’s up to you to make sure that the option you select is in alignment with your purpose and your Highest Good – even if you feel somewhat paralysed by the options available to you.
    [Reversed] - Alignment, personal values, overwhelmed by choices.
    The reversed Seven of Cups often appears when you face several different choices and, instead of choosing the option that may appeal to others, you are relying on your inner wisdom and guidance to show you the best way. You may come up with your own criteria to help you make decisions in alignment with your inner being.
    If you find yourself with multiple opportunities or ideas, ground yourself first and reflect on what you want for the long-term. All these shiny new objects in front of you have a certain ‘magic’ power over you right now, and you’re at risk of losing focus if you chase after pipedreams. Take a step back and assess the options against your priorities to work out which opportunities will be a real benefit to you.
    As a card of choices and options, the reversed Seven of Cups can mean you are overwhelmed by choice and cannot move forward. Reduce your options and focus on what is important to you. You don’t need to keep searching for that big idea; you have what you need. Make your pick and move forward with it.
    [Description] - In the Seven of Cups, a man stands before seven cups filled with various gifts. Some cups bear desirable gifts such as jewels and a wreath of victory. But others hold gifts that are not gifts at all; instead, they are curses, such as the snake or dragon. The clouds and the cups symbolise the man’s wishes and dreams, and the different gifts inside suggest that you need to be careful what you wish for as not everything is as it seems. Choices need to be made, but in doing so, you must go beyond illusion and allure, and instead focus on what’s right for you.



  • Eight of Cups

    Source: "Mercury in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the lesser arcana, Mercury (as the eighth cabbalistic sphere) rules the eights. The domiciles Gemini and Virgo explain why the air and earth suits are favourable: the Eight of Wands is called Swiftness, the Eight of Coins, Prudence. Because intellect opposes emotion - Venus is exalted in a detriment of Mercury - the Eight of Cups is unfavourable, and called Abandoned Success. As Mercury has no affinity with fire, the Eight of Swords is also unfavourable: Shortened Force or Interference: reflection impeding action.



  • Nine of Cups

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Contentment, satisfaction, gratitude, wish come true.
    You know those moments when you glance around and feel your heart overflowing with love and appreciation for everything you have created in your life? That’s what the Nine of Cups is about: emotional fulfilment, happiness and contentment. When this card appears in a Tarot reading, you are content in all aspects of your life – relationships, work, lifestyle, well-being and more. You are basking in the abundance of life and experiencing your emotions with such intensity and pleasure.
    This is why the Nine of Cups is often called the wish card. It comes as a sign that the planets aligned and you have everything you wished for. You could not be happier! If you made your wish and are patiently waiting for it to come to fruition, then this card is an excellent omen that it will soon be granted.
    The Nine of Cups is an invitation to splurge, indulge and enjoy life’s pleasures. This includes enjoying good food and wine, appreciating the arts, making love, relaxing in a luxurious resort or experiencing beauty. Live in the moment and give yourself permission to indulge temporarily without any guilt about the possible negative consequences of such pleasure.
    When you see the Nine of Cups in a reading, remember to count your blessings and express gratitude for what you have. Start or end every day by creating a mental list of the three things for which you are most grateful. Over time, you will intensify your sense of contentment and your ability to attract what you wish for – it is the Law of Attraction. If you are struggling to find the positive side of life, then expressing gratitude will help you see that you have a lot to be glad about.
    One thing to keep in mind with the Nine of Cups is that he is sitting on a wooden bench that is comfortable for only a limited period. Realise that contentment and fulfilment, too, are only temporary as everything is always in a state of change. That’s why it is so important to appreciate what you have now and cherish it because it may disappear later or you may need to adjust and adapt.
    [Reversed] - Inner happiness, materialism, dissatisfaction, indulgence.
    Even when it appears that you have everything you ever dreamed of, it can still feel like something is missing deep down. Have you pursued material gain at the expense of your spiritual growth or emotional fulfilment? For example, you might own the most expensive home or car on the block, but you never see your friends and family and are pretty miserable. This is the essence of the reversed Nine of Cups, and when it emerges in a Tarot reading, it asks you to reconsider what you’re wishing for and align it with your Highest Good. You may have lost touch with what’s important to you, instead favouring the ego and chasing what will impress others.
    The reversed Nine of Cups is a sign that instead of looking outside yourself for your happiness, you should search within. Success and happiness mean different things to different people. So, instead of doing what you think will make other people happy, do what will make you happy. Ask yourself, 'What does success look like to me? And how will I know when I am successful?' If your outside world is not bringing contentment, change your definition of success.
    Sometimes, the reversed Nine of Cups suggests that you are frustrated that your wishes have not yet come true. Your expectations may be unrealistic, or you may not be actively pursuing your dreams, hoping that they will manifest with little input or action from you. You may have chosen goals that are not satisfying to you, and if so, it’s best to let them fall by the wayside. Now is the time to reconnect with your goals and dreams and recommit to bringing them to fruition. You may need to tweak your goals to keep them in full alignment with your personal values. And you may need to be more proactive in creating an action plan to see your goals come to fruition.
    The Nine of Cups reversed serves as a reminder not to over-indulge at the expense of your health and well-being. You may be prone to overdoing it on food, alcohol, drugs, partying or spending. Keep everything in moderation and focus on the long-term consequences of your actions, even if they bring short-term pleasure.
    [Description] - In the Nine of Cups, a man sits on a wooden bench. He is comfortable, but not too comfortable (you wouldn’t want to sit on that wooden bench all day!). His arms are crossed, and he has a smile on his face, expressing contentment and satisfaction. Behind him is a curved structure draped in blue material, with nine golden cups arranged in an arch. The cups represent emotional fulfilment after you carry out your deepest desires.



  • Ten of Cups

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Divine love, blissful relationships, harmony, alignment.
    The Ten of Cups embodies happiness, joy, and emotional contentment, particularly in your relationships and family. You have created an abundance of love and happiness in your life, and you now share this love with others, expanding your heart even more. This card often appears when you are surrounded by your loved ones with whom you share a powerful and deep connection. You appreciate and support one another, and together, you help each other reach your highest potential. It brings you so much joy to see your loved ones succeed and live happy lives.
    The Ten of Cups is the ‘happy family’ card, suggesting that your family relationships are harmonious and loving right now. No one is fighting or causing any tension; all family members are getting along with each other and sharing in the love and happiness that surrounds you. This card may appear in a reading when you are spending more time with family, perhaps on a holiday, reunion or event, where you can rest and relax together, creating fun and happy family memories and strong bonds.
    The Ten of Cups is a positive card for romantic relationships and may indicate either a new and blissful relationship or a long-term commitment, such as engagement, marriage or starting a family together. You share an everlasting love and may believe that you are soul mates destined to be with one another.
    When the Ten of Cups pops up in a Tarot reading, you have a sense of wholeness, completion, and alignment in your relationships with others. You are experiencing an idyllic state of peace, harmony and love where your dreams and wishes have come true. Take a moment to step back and appreciate everything you accomplished. You created a life of connection and bliss by following your heart and trusting your intuition.
    The Ten of Cups encourages you to follow your heart and trust your intuition to lead you to the opportunities aligned with your Highest Good. Your feelings and emotions will guide you. When something feels fantastic, do more of it; and when something doesn’t feel right, do less of it. Allow your inner guidance to lead the way. Seek out opportunities that fulfil you and align with your personal values instead of following the path that others expect you to take.
    [Reversed] - Disconnection, misaligned values, struggling relationships.
    When the reversed Ten of Cups card appears in a Tarot reading, you are seeking greater harmony and connection in your relationships. In your mind, you had wished for a beautiful, harmonious relationship, but in reality, you feel disconnected and disengaged from your loved one. It may seem as if something is missing, and you’re struggling to communicate honestly, empathise, and engage with one another. Each time you try to connect, something goes wrong, and you end up with even more distance between you. You may have unrealistic expectations of the relationship: that everything will be perfect and rosy every minute you are together. If this resonates, then realign your expectations and realise that every relationship has its ups and downs. Or, you may no longer be a fit for each other, in which case you may consider leaving.
    The Ten of Cups invites you to seek out common ground with your loved ones and rebuild the relationship from there. See the other person as a Divine Being worthy of your love; and equally, see yourself as a Divine Being worthy of theirs. Love and be loved. Open the lines of communication and be ready to hold space for one another so you can reconnect on a deeper, more loving level. Be compassionate, understanding, and respectful, and seek harmony with one another.
    The reversed Ten of Cups can also appear when you are contemplating what a loving relationship means for you. Rather than building relationships with others, you are focusing your attention inward so you can gain clarity around what you want from a relationship. Ask yourself what an ideal relationship looks like to you and how you want to give and receive love. Consider how you can bring more of this energy into your future relationships. You may look at your existing relationships and check in to see how these relationships align with your desires. Let go of any that no longer bring you fulfilment and happiness, and welcome in new relationships in alignment with your Highest Good.
    The Ten of Cups reversed can reveal a misalignment of personal values. You are not living by your own values, nor are you being true to yourself. Instead, you are allowing others to decide what will and will not make you happy when you know you should determine that for yourself. As a result, you are questioning whether you believe in what you are doing. Bring your focus back to what truly makes you happy even if it differs from what others expect.
    Finally, the reversed Ten of Cups may suggest that you are neglecting your family while you pursue more material goals such as progressing your career or making more money. Your work-life balance is out of whack, and you are spending less and less quality time with your family. If you continue to neglect your family, you’ll find that relationships will suffer and you may not achieve an overall sense of contentment and happiness as planned.
    Ten of Cups Tarot Card Meanings tarot card meaning
    [Description] - On the Ten of Cups, a loving couple stands together, arms outstretched, as their two children play nearby. They look towards their home on the hill and a beautiful rainbow in the sky filled with ten cups. These two have true, everlasting love and have everything they could ever wish for – the home, the kids, and most importantly, fulfilling love – and they share this bond with the people around them.
    The family home symbolises stability and comfort, while the grassy hills signify fertility and the river marks the flow of emotion. The rainbow signals the end of difficult times and is a sign from the Divine that everything will be okay. The idyllic scene is one of true emotional fulfilment and Divine love.



  • Page of Cups
    Also known as Jack of Cups

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Creative opportunities, intuitive messages, curiosity, possibility. The Page of Cups suggests a new idea or opportunity has come to you out of the blue. Your creative energy is flowing, and now the question is how you will express it. Will you snap up this new idea and turn it into something, or will you let someone else bring it to fruition? It is up to you! Spend time exploring the idea to see if you want to move forward.
    The Page of Cups invites you to have an open and curious mind. Be open to anything – including a fish popping its head out of a cup! It is with a curious mind that you will discover new aspects of life and yourself. Open your mind to all possibilities, especially those of a creative or intuitive nature, you will be pleasantly surprised. Be ready to dream the impossible dream, and explore the magic of your fullest potential, even if it seems out of reach. The Page of Cups is asking you to embrace your inner child and believe that anything is possible.
    As each Page asks you to explore a new facet of yourself, the Page of Cups is asking you to explore your creative, emotional self. You may start a new art class, read books about how to express your feelings, or learn more about developing your psychic abilities. Dreamy aspirations race through your mind, and you may find yourself moved by simple things. Don’t be afraid to let your feelings show and wear your heart on your sleeve.
    This card often appears when you are being called to trust your intuition and be open to the multitude of intuitive messages coming your way. Look for synchronicities and signs from nature that will guide you on your path. They may come from unexpected places, or they may not even make sense to your rational mind; be open to the possibility and ready to discover new aspects of yourself. It is like following ‘intuitive breadcrumbs’ – one intuitive clue leads you to the next thing, and the next, and the next. And before you know it, you have found yourself in a place of full alignment, happiness and bliss. All by trusting your intuition and going with the flow.
    In a practical sense, the Page of Cups can indicate that you will receive an unexpected and pleasant surprise. The Pages are often known as the messenger cards, and with the Page of Cups, you may receive a message related to the emotions, intuition, or creative endeavours. It might be the birth of a baby, an engagement or marriage, a new love interest, or the offer of a new project. It is not a surprise you can anticipate or force; be ready to receive when the moment comes.
    [Reversed] - New ideas, doubting intuition, creative blocks, emotional immaturity.
    The reversed Page of Cups suggests that you are keeping your creative inspirations and ideas secret. You may worry that others will steal your idea or tell you it’s destined to fail. Instead, you are choosing to keep your plans private so you can develop them further without the influence of others. You may want to wait until you’ve moved out of the conceptual stage before sharing it with others.
    With the Page of Cups reversed, you may feel called to pursue a new creative project, but you doubt whether you can really make it work. Your inner critic may be on over-drive or others are telling you that you’re dreaming – so you are stalling and holding back. Ask yourself, “What have I got to lose here?” So what if the idea fails? Isn’t it better to try something and fail than never do it and wonder for the rest of your life what might have happened? And what if you didn’t fail? What if you were to succeed? Again, listen to your intuition to understand if fear is getting in the way and whether it’s time to just give it a go regardless of the outcome.
    It is possible that you may experience a creative block when the reversed Page of Cups pops up in a reading. There is an aspect of your Self that wants to be expressed, but for whatever reason, you are holding back. You may worry whether your creativity will lead you in the direction you want, or whether it has value in this world. Or, you may feel ‘stuck’ when it comes time to express yourself creatively, and you don’t know how to bring this side of yourself out into the external environment. The ideas are there, but you are having trouble figuring out how to make them into reality.
    If you are exploring your intuition, the reversed Page of Cups can suggest that you are encountering a lot of doubt. You are trying hard to listen to your intuition, but when the messages come through, you are left wondering if it’s your inner guidance or your ego. Open yourself to your intuition and see where it takes you.
    At times, the reversed Page of Cups can show someone who is emotionally immature – perhaps someone dramatic, who over-shares and takes their vulnerability a little too far. This may be someone who is prone to emotional tantrums when they do not get their way. Or it may be someone who is overly dreamy about their future and who is not grounded in reality. Some call it the 'Peter Pan Syndrome', in which an adult does not want to grow up and instead remains a child for the rest of their lives. [Description] - The Page of Cups wears a blue tunic with a floral print and a beret on his head with a long, flowing scarf. He stands on the shore, with the wavy sea behind him, holding a cup in his right hand. Surprisingly, a fish pops its head out of the cup and looks at the young man. The fish and the sea behind him represent the element of water and all things to do with creativity, intuition, feelings and emotions. The unexpected appearance of the fish signifies that creative inspiration often comes out of the blue and only when you are open to it.



  • Knight of Cups

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Creativity, romance, charm, imagination, beauty.
    The Knight of Cups is the classic romantic of the Tarot deck. He is in touch with his intuition and emotions, and he uses them masterfully to charm and attract others. He shows compassion and understanding towards others because he has learned to understand his own feelings and emotions. The Knight is kind, caring and very in touch with his feminine side. He might be found writing a romantic poem to his lover, creating art inspired by his innermost feelings or appreciating a vibrant sunset with a glass of champagne in his hand. His heart is wide open, and he wears it on his sleeve. He shares his love freely with others, without constraint or worry; he is in love with love itself.
    When the Knight of Cups appears in a Tarot reading, you thrive on all things beautiful and are inspired by the many creative outlets available to you. While the Page of Cups was inspired by an imaginative idea, the Knight of Cups is motivated by action. You have dreamed about what it is you want to create and now are moving forward with this dream to make it a reality. It may be an art project or something you feel ‘called’ to do, based on your emotions, imagination and intuition. Be open to exploring your passions and your big ideas. You may find yourself drawn to a particular passion or hobby and now is the time to turn it into ‘something.’ While you are in no hurry to reach the finish line, keep in mind that true imagination feeds on action; if you do nothing with your dreams, they will remain just that – dreams and not reality.
    All Knights are on a mission, and this Knight’s is humanitarianism, romance, altruism, compassion, and beauty. You have a vision of harmony and are ready to bring it into reality. You are lead by your heart and want to see peace for everyone involved.
    When it comes to making decisions, the Knight of Cups is ruled by his emotions and his heart. When this card arrives in a Tarot reading, you are making decisions based on how you feel about a situation rather than what you think, even if others can’t make sense of what you are doing and why, and your intuition guides you in everything you do.
    [Reversed] - Overactive imagination, unrealistic, jealous, moody.
    When the reversed Knight of Cups appears in a Tarot reading, a creative project is emerging, but you are not ready to act on it just yet. You may spend most of your time dreaming up what is possible or how wonderful it will be when it comes to fruition. While it can be enriching to be in the dreamy, ideas phase for a while, the plan will not come into being until you take action. You may need to ground your ideas into reality. Figure out how much it will cost, how much time it will take, what resources you will need, and so on. This will give your project more weight so you can move forward with implementing your idea.
    At times, the reversed Knight of Cups can indicate that you are sulky, moody, and jealous. You may feel frustrated that you are not being given the opportunity to dream and create. You allow your emotions to get the better of you if you are not getting your way.
    The Knight of Cups reversed can describe someone who has an overly romantic approach to life and is disconnected from reality. You may experience a level of disillusionment that an offer is not quite what you expected it to be because you have found yourself caught up in the excitement or emotion of a situation. For example, you might quit your office job so you can work at home, only to realise you miss the social contact with your co-workers. Or you might sell your house to travel the country, only to find that your campervan needs a whole new engine on Day Two of your journey.
    [Description] - In the Knight of Cups, a knight rides on a white horse and holds out a golden cup as if he bears a message from the heart. Over his armour, the knight wears a cloak covered with images of fish, the symbol of water, consciousness and creativity. His helmet and boots are winged, a symbol of an active and creative imagination and an appreciation for beautiful things.
    Unlike the Knight of Wands or the Knight of Swords, the horse in the Knight of Cups is not charging forward but instead moves slowly and gracefully, giving an air of calmness and peace. The horse represents power, energy and drive and the colour white is a symbol of purity, spirituality and light.
    The background is mostly barren, except for some trees far away and the river that flows through, symbolising the power of the emotions and imagination to create a new life force, even where it may seem that there is none.



  • Queen of Cups
    Also known as Queen of Hearts

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Compassionate, caring, emotionally stable, intuitive, in flow.
    The Queen of Cups is nurturing, caring, compassionate and sensitive. When you see her in a Tarot reading, you are embodying her ‘nurturing mother’ energy. You support others by listening with your heart, being compassionate, and caring for them deeply. You are empathic and can sense the needs of others by tuning in to your intuition, and you hold the space for others to express their emotions and be the truest, most authentic versions of themselves. You have mastered this in such a way that, even though you hold space for emotional expression, you don’t take on other people’s energy or emotional issues because you are well-grounded and know where to create a healthy separation.
    The Queen of Cups says you are highly intuitive, creative, and in flow with the surrounding energies. In your interactions with others, you can easily read other people to get a sense of how to communicate effectively, enabling you both to feel heard and understood. Others may come to you to confide their personal issues regarding relationships, emotions and feelings. They trust you and know that you always have the right solution. You can instantly tune in to what others are going through and can help them make sense of it. You may be a healer, counsellor or intuitive coach; or maybe just a good friend. You recognise the Divine in everyone you meet.
    In your creative projects and endeavours, you ‘feel’ your way into them, trusting your heart and your inner guidance to lead you in the right direction. You know when something is ‘off’, and you pay attention to this, even if it doesn’t make rational sense. You may be in tune with the cycles of the moon and nature, using these cycles to manifest your goals and live your dreams.
    When the Queen of Cups appears in a Tarot reading, you are being asked to trust your intuition and pay attention to your feelings and emotions. Lead with your heart, not your head. Be open to receive the intuitive messages flowing to you, be it through your dreams, meditation or visualisation. And ‘feel the feels’, even if those feelings are tricky or challenging. You are stronger than you know.
    [Reversed] - Inner feelings, self-care, self-love, co-dependency.
    When the reversed Queen of Cups shows up in a Tarot reading, you need to draw your attention inwards and focus on your emotional well-being. You’re great at taking care of others – but now it’s time to take care of YOU. This card suggests that you are emotionally drained because you have been so busy supporting others, but not yourself. You may need to set firm boundaries with your loved ones so that they know you love them but will not take on their emotional baggage. You can hold space for them, but ultimately, they are responsible for their feelings and life experience, and they need to go on their own journey to learn how to cope.
    The reversed Queen of Cups could mean you are wrapped up in other people’s emotional responses and have created a co-dependent relationship that is not healthy for either party. You may be giving too much of yourself away, receiving little in return. Or you may be inadvertently fostering dependency so you feel needed. Examine your relationships and see where you can create a healthy detachment. Where can you still give emotional support but not to the detriment of one another?
    The Queen of Cups reversed is often a sign that your intuition is on overdrive right now, but to hear it, you need to give yourself the time and the space to listen. It doesn’t matter how busy you think you are – see this as your sign to reconnect with your intuition and tune in to your inner voice.
    At times the reversed Queen of Cups is a warning that you are letting your heart rule over your head and your emotions may overwhelm you. If this resonates, ground yourself, express your feelings privately or with a trusted therapist, and then work through why they’ve bubbled up this way. Be careful not to let your emotions overtake your life in such a way that you worry you are losing control and perspective. Take some quiet time for yourself and meditate or write in your journal. Find a peaceful space to centre and calm your soul. Listen carefully to your intuition and your inner voice.
    On the flipside, the Queen of Cups reversed suggests that you may be out of touch with your emotions or forced to restrict or hold them down deep inside. You may struggle to express yourself, instead bottling up your feelings. If you do not address these emotional issues, they will reach a boiling point. Your stress levels may increase, and your ability to cope with everyday problems could suffer.
    The reversed Queen of Cups invites you to explore your innermost feelings and emotions to understand what makes you tick. Spend some time alone with just your Tarot cards, your journal and your pen. Connect in with your feelings. How are you feeling? How are you really feeling? It doesn’t matter whether you’re experiencing positive or negative emotions. You are being called to listen to your true feelings and honour them in the process.
    [Description] - The Queen of Cups is a beautiful, introspective woman who sits on a throne at the edge of the sea. In her hands, she holds a golden, cup adorned with handles shaped like angels. Unlike most of the cups in the Suit of Cups cards, this cup is closed – showing that the Queen’s thoughts and feelings come from her subconscious mind and the depths of her soul.
    She sits upon a stone throne decorated with images of sea-nymphs, fish, and scallop shells. The sea and fish are symbols of the unconscious mind, and water represents emotion, spirit and perception. A cloudless, bright-blue sky and placid water of the sea surround her. Her feet do not touch the water; they rest on colourful pebbles on the shore. It is as if she is connected to her emotions (as represented by the water), but not overwhelmed by them.

    Source: "A-Z of ghosts and supernatural", by Jan Knight (1980)
    An adult woman with sandy, dark blond, or light brown hair, with brown, blue, or hazel eyes. Usually a family member or other loved one. Maternal and family-oriented.



  • King of Cups
    Also known as King of Hearts

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Emotionally balanced, compassionate, diplomatic.
    The King of Cups represents mastery over the realms of emotion, creativity and the unconscious. When this card turns up in a Tarot reading, you have gained control of your feelings and can accept them without allowing them to get the better of you. Even when life throws you a curve ball, you can draw on your emotional maturity and stability to help you navigate these challenges. You don’t let things get to you, and you steer clear of the drama, instead choosing an emotionally balanced and calm approach.
    If you are being challenged personally, the King of Cups suggests you need to remain emotionally mature when faced with negative energy from others. Be firm on your personal boundaries, stating what is and is not acceptable on an emotional level. This King is level-headed and in control of his emotions. He uses his intellect to make smart decisions and does not let other circumstances or whims sway him from his central beliefs and morals. Stay true to your emotions and feelings and do not allow others to steer you off course.
    The King of Cups embodies the perfect balance between the executive and the heart. Not only are you able to assess and manage a situation logically, but you can also draw upon your intuition and understanding of human interactions. As a leader, you care as much about achieving your goals and objectives as you do about making sure everyone is happy and engaged along the way. If you sense that logic and emotion are out of balance, draw on the energy of this King to realign yourself.
    As a King, he has a masculine, fatherly energy, and as a Cups card, he brings his emotional self to the forefront. He offers wise advice when it comes to feelings, emotions, creativity and relationships and can see the human dynamic in its entirety. The King of Cups is compassionate towards others, creating strong bonds and relationships based on patience and understanding. As you interact with others, you may need to navigate their strong feelings and emotional triggers so you can create a sense of peace in your interactions. He may appear in your life as a mentor, coach or spiritual guide; or you may step into this role yourself.
    [Reversed] - Self-compassion, inner feelings, moodiness, emotionally manipulative.
    The reversed King of Cups indicates that you are focusing your attention on your innermost feelings. You are discovering the emotions stored in your subconscious mind and how these emotions affect you. Through this work, you hope to gain a stronger sense of control over your emotional well-being so that your feelings don’t steer you away from living your best life. You may read more self-help books, journaling or seeking the support of a trained counsellor or hypnotherapist so you can journey deep into your subconscious mind.
    When the reversed King of Cups appears in your spread, you may be more prone to emotional upset and drama. Others may trigger you or push your buttons HARD, even to where you worry you might lose it and throw an emotional tantrum. You may feel moody, depressed, anxious and unpredictable. You may also lack in self-compassion, beating yourself up over small things that have gone wrong. If this resonates, seek to understand the root cause of your emotions and bring your conscious awareness to the impact they are having on your life. Pay attention to your emotional balance and find your place of calm and compassion. Other people may trigger these emotional responses in you, but it’s up to you to stay in control!
    The reversed King of Cups could show that you are repressing your emotions and withdrawing from the outside world because you fear what may happen if you were to confront your feelings head-on. Your feelings are bottling up inside you, and you are at risk of an emotional outburst if the pressure gets too much. If this resonates, consider finding a therapist to help you to work through your feelings in a safe environment.
    At worst, the reversed King of Cups can represent someone who is vindictive and has a talent for being able to punish others through emotional manipulation. He uses emotional blackmail to get his way and to push his personal agenda. He leaves you feeling uncertain about yourself and as if you are the problem, not him. This only leads to (undeserved) emotional instability within you. If this sounds like someone you have met in the past, you still have work to do in releasing yourself from his controlling forces.
    King of Cups Tarot Card Meanings tarot card meaning
    [Description] - The King of Cups sits on a large stone throne and wears a blue tunic and a gold cape – a symbol of his authority and status. A small fish amulet hangs around his neck symbolising his creativity. In his right hand, he holds a cup representing the emotions, and his left has a sceptre, showing power and control. Unlike the other Cups court cards, he doesn’t look at his cup and seems to be focused elsewhere; perhaps he has already mastered his emotional self and doesn’t need to concentrate as hard on this facet of himself.
    The King of Cups appears to be floating on a granite block in the middle of a turbulent sea. Behind him on his right, a fish jumps out of the ocean, while on the left, a ship sails steadily despite the waves. These images show that this King stays calm and balanced, even in turbulent conditions, and has learned how to stay open to his emotions and unconscious impulses, without being overwhelmed by them. He keeps power and control while balancing his feelings.

    Source: "A-Z of ghosts and supernatural", by Jan Knight (1980)
    An adult man with sandy, dark blond, or light brown hair, with brown, blue, or hazel eyes. Usually a family member or other loved one. Paternal and family-oriented.



  • Ace of Swords

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Breakthroughs, new ideas, mental clarity, success
    The Ace of Swords marks a wave of new energy from the intellectual realms. You may be on the verge of a significant breakthrough or a new way of thinking that allows you to view the world with clear eyes. Or, you may have a sudden realisation or conscious understanding about an issue that has been troubling you and can finally see the path ahead of you. Meditate regularly to clear away the mental chatter and make the most of this intellectual potential.
    See this card as a sign of encouragement. It says your mind is in 'expansion mode’. You are open to embracing new ideas, craving stimulation, and you’ll jump at the next opportunity to learn something new. You thrive on new ideas, inspiration, original thinking and vision, and you are excited to pursue new opportunities that draw upon your creative and intellectual abilities.
    When the Ace of Swords appears in a Tarot reading, it tells you that now is an excellent time to start a new project – one that requires your intellect, communication skills and mental power. You may feel inspired to take a writing class, practice your public speaking skills, or get involved in activities that require more brainpower than usual.
    How might you draw on this Ace's motivation and take action on your new ideas? As an Ace, you are at the beginning of the journey, but you can sense the energy building up and can’t wait to get started. If you channel this energy into the right moves, then you will succeed in your endeavours. Just remember that the road ahead may be bumpy and you can expect challenges along the way. Maintain a success mindset, and you will navigate these hurdles with ease.
    As with all Swords cards, the Ace of Swords represents power; but the sword is a double-edged blade, implying that it can create and destroy. The message is clear: with power comes responsibility. It will be up to you how you leverage the opportunity for the greater good of all rather than for selfish or aggressive power. You will need a strong heart and mind and need to see how to best use your power for the service of others and yourself.
    The Ace of Swords also encourages you to pursue the truth of the matter and to find justice. You may champion a cause or stand up for your rights or the rights of others. Or, you may have a new idea for which you are prepared to fight, or you may feel fired up about an issue you are passionate about, such as human rights. You have great clarity on the situation and can now argue your point of view with truth and conviction. In other words, you are ready for battle.
    [Reversed] - Inner clarity, re-thinking an idea, clouded judgement
    The Ace of Swords reversed indicates that a new idea or breakthrough is emerging from within you, but you are not willing to share it with others just yet. You may still be exploring what this idea means for you and how to best express and manifest it in the external world. You may also seek greater clarity about whether this is an idea you wish to pursue more fully, perhaps because you are unsure if it will bring the results you truly desire. When this card appears in a Tarot reading, it’s important to give yourself time and space to meditate and clear your mind so you can ‘birth’ this idea in the most effective way.
    Sometimes, the reversed Ace of Swords can be a signal you have an idea that’s not coming to fruition in the way you had hoped, and it’s time to go back to the drawing board. You may still be pursuing an idea that no longer has any meaning for you. Or you may have too many ideas on the go, and you cannot commit to one course of action. This card invites you to spend more time on defining in plain terms what it is you want in life. Set yourself some SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound) so you can be clear on what you are working towards. Focus on the basics and do some better planning. Get clear on your aspirations and goals.
    The Ace of Swords reversed can also suggest clouded judgement and lack of mental clarity around a specific situation. You are missing relevant information or evidence that will help you decide, so invest your time and energy into seeking out the truth rather than just taking things at face value.
    [Description] - The Ace of Swords shows a gleaming hand appearing from a white cloud, a representation of the Divine. It holds an upright sword, symbolic of the mind and the intellect, and at the tip of the sword sits a crown draped with a wreath, a sign of success and victory. While this Ace is a sign of triumph, the jagged mountains in the background suggest that the road ahead will be challenging. You will need mental resilience to navigate this path.



  • Two of Swords

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Difficult decisions, weighing up options, an impasse, avoidance
    The Two of Swords indicates that you are facing a challenging decision, but you are unclear about which option to take. Both possibilities may seem equally good – or equally bad – and you are stumped about which will lead you to the best outcome. You must be able to weigh up the pros and cons of each choice and then make a conscious judgment. Use both your head (your mind and the intellect) and your heart (your feelings and intuition) to choose the path that is most in alignment with your Higher Self.
    In a reading, it may be helpful to draw a further two cards for either side of the Two of Swords to show what it is you are trying to decide upon or balance. You may also like to draw four more cards, for the pros and cons of each choice.
    The woman in this card wears a blindfold, indicating that she cannot see the entirety of her circumstance. You may lack the information you need to make the right decisions. You may be missing something, such as the threats or potential risks, alternative solutions or critical pieces of information that would help guide you in a particular direction. Once you remove the blindfold and see the situation for what it really is, you will be in a much better position to find your best path forward. Research your options more, seek outside opinions and feedback and ask yourself what you might be missing.
    It is also possible that the woman in the Two of Swords has intentionally chosen to put on the blindfold to avoid making a choice. Are you trying to hide from a challenging situation or impending decision, hoping that if you ignore it long enough, you won’t need to worry about it? Unfortunately, the issue is unlikely to resolve itself, and the longer you delay, the longer you will prolong this present situation.
    Similarly, the Two of Swords can reflect indecision and an impasse on an important matter. Again, you can only put it off so long; at some point, you have to make a move.
    The Two of Swords comes as a reminder that many of life’s decisions are difficult ones and rarely come with clear-cut answers. The invitation is to make your choices with your best intentions, fully aware of the possible consequences. Avoidance will lead to greater conflict and stagnation.
    [Reversed] - Indecision, confusion, information overload, stalemate
    The Two of Swords reversed suggests that you are facing a difficult decision and cannot decide which direction to take. You are caught between a rock and a hard place, and it feels impossible to make the ‘right’ decision as you believe either option will lead to negative consequences. As a result, you are finding yourself feeling stuck and unable to move forward, which is just making the situation worse.
    You may also lack the information you need to make a sound decision. Just as the blindfolded woman is closed off to the external world, you may also be closed off to additional information or alternative solutions that could resolve your dilemma. Or, you might be experiencing information overload, overwhelmed by other people’s points of view and a deluge of information. Sift through the advice available to select only the most relevant and helpful.
    The reversed Two of Swords is inviting you to listen to your intuition about this difficult decision. You may need to cut off from the external world temporarily so you can hear your inner voice and allow your wisdom to come through. Trust what you know to be true and right for you. Make your decisions based on your own internal compass.
    The Two of Swords reversed often represents a stalemate. You may reach an impasse with a friend, loved one, colleague or supplier. The trouble is that all parties involved are refusing to see the situation from the other's perspective and you are butting heads. Remove the blinders and look at the situation from a different angle. Identify where you can come to a compromise. Otherwise, this issue will not move forward.
    The reversed Two of Swords may also suggest you are feeling stuck in the middle of two competing sides. You may be trying to play the peacemaker role, but in doing so, you are just confusing yourself and creating more tension. For example, you may attempt to bring two conflicting family members together in the hope of fostering a harmonious family environment, but instead, you end up being the messenger or the dumping ground for each of their concerns. Decide whether you honestly have a role to play and whether you can create peace between the two opposing parties. Otherwise, get yourself out of there!
    [Description] - The Two of Swords shows a blindfolded woman, dressed in a white robe, holding two crossed swords. The blindfold over her eyes tell us that the woman is confused about her plight and that she can see neither the problem nor the solution clearly. She may also be missing relevant information that would make her decision much clearer if she were to obtain it. The swords she holds are in perfect balance, suggesting that she is weighing her thoughts and addressing both sides of the situation to find the best resolution.
    Behind the woman is a body of water dotted with rocky islands. The water represents the emotions and, while the Suit of Swords traditionally associates with the mind and intellect, its presence shows that the woman must use both her head and her heart to weigh her options. The islands represent obstacles in her path and suggest that her decision is not as clear-cut as it seems. She will have to consider the situation as a whole. The crescent moon to her right is a sign that this woman needs to trust her intuition as she makes her choice.



  • Three of Swords

    Source: "Saturn in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    Among the lesser arcana, Saturn is assigned to the threes on cabbalistic grounds. Since the restrictions of Saturn fall hardest on the element air, the three of swords is unfavourable and called Sorrow. With the other elements, Saturn consolidates their powers and so the three of coins (earth) is Material Works, the three of cups (water) is Abundance, and the three of wands (fire) is Established Strength.


  • Four of Swords

    Source: "Jupiter in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the lesser arcana, Jupiter, planet of the fourth sphere, is given to the fours. Because Jupiter is a diurnal planet, the fire and air suits are favourable: the Four of Wands is called Perfected Work and the Four of Swords, Rest from Strife. The earth and water suits, however, manifest the less agreeable side of Jupiter: the Four of Coins is called Earthly Power, and sometimes indicates greed or arrogance; the Four of Cups is Blended Pleasure, where success has led to satiety or world-weariness.


  • Five of Swords

    Source: "Mars in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the minor arcana, Mars is assigned on cabbalistic grounds to the fives. These are all unfortunate: Five of Wands, called Conflict; Five of Swords, Defeat; Five of Coins, Worry; Five of Cups, Disappointment.


  • Six of Swords

    Source: "The Sun in Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the minor arcana the Sun is associated with the sixes, all of which are favourable - the 6 of wands is victory; swords, earned success; coins, material success; and cups, joy.


  • Seven of Swords

    Source: "Venus in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the lesser arcana, Venus rules the sevens on cabbalistic grounds. None are completely favourable. The Seven of Wands is Courage, and even that is only needed in times of trouble. The others all emphasise the results of succumbing to glamour in the old sense of the word. The Seven of Swords is Unstable Effort, for the emotions produce no lasting results in the world of action. The Seven of Cups is Illusory Success, for love is blind, The Seven of Coins is Unfulfilled Success, for the emotions are not swayed by material considerations - "all for love and the world well lost" is the motto here.


  • Eight of Swords

    Source: "Mercury in Myth & Occult Philosophy" by D. McCann
    In the lesser arcana, Mercury (as the eighth cabbalistic sphere) rules the eights. The domiciles Gemini and Virgo explain why the air and earth suits are favourable: the Eight of Wands is called Swiftness, the Eight of Coins, Prudence. Because intellect opposes emotion - Venus is exalted in a detriment of Mercury - the Eight of Cups is unfavourable, and called Abandoned Success. As Mercury has no affinity with fire, the Eight of Swords is also unfavourable: Shortened Force or Interference: reflection impeding action.



  • Nine of Swords

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Anxiety, worry, fear, depression, nightmares
    The Nine of Swords suggests that dark thoughts and disturbing feelings are weighing you down (and keeping you up at night). You are worrying excessively about a situation, and your negative thoughts are getting the better of you, leaving you stressed and anxious. The more you associate with your fears, the more they will rule your life. As you obsess over what’s not working, the more anxious you become and the more you will worry. It becomes a negative cycle where one awful thought leads to another, and another, and another until they overwhelm you. Just as the nine swords are stacked upon each other on the wall, so too are your negative thoughts.
    Be careful because the fear and worry in the Nine of Swords can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. As you obsess over what may go wrong, you are more likely to manifest your worst-case scenario because you are inadvertently acting in ways that support your negative thoughts. For example, you may worry that your partner will cheat on you, even though you’ve found no signs of infidelity. The more you stress about this potential outcome, the more your anxiety pushes away your partner, until one day, he feels so disconnected from you that he starts a new relationship with someone else. When you are repeating negative thoughts in your mind, you run the risk of manifesting them in your life. So, the Nine of Swords asks you to break the cycle. Every time a negative emotion comes up, replace it with a positive one instead.
    The Nine of Swords reminds you that much of the fear and worry you are experiencing is in your head and not necessarily an accurate reflection of what is happening around you. You may make things worse for yourself by over-thinking or obsessing over the worst-case scenarios. It is time to examine your situation from a new perspective. Instead of looking for evidence of what is going wrong, put your attention on what is going right. Take a deep breath and realise that life is not as dreadful as it seems and that the more you worry, the more harm you are doing to yourself.
    The Nine of Swords often crops up when worry, despair, and anxiety are quite literally keeping you up at night. You may not be sleeping well, or you are experiencing frequent nightmares. Your constant thoughts are preventing you from resting.
    When the Nine of Swords appears in a reading, it is time to reach out for help. You don’t need to do this alone – enlist the support of others to help you get through this dark period of your life. Others will help you to see the light at the end of the tunnel and lead you towards a solution or a sense of peace despite your troubles. You are struggling to look at your situation clearly, as you are plagued by negative thoughts, so having an objective, third-party perspective will help you find your way out.
    [Reversed] - Inner turmoil, deep-seated fears, secrets, releasing worry
    The Nine of Swords reversed shows that you are experiencing deep inner turmoil as a result of your mindset. Your negative thoughts are taking you in a downward spiral of despair and anxiety that contradicts reality; you are making things feel much worse than they really are.
    You may try to keep your worries private and personal to you, but if you are struggling to keep your head above water, it may now be time to confide in others and seek their help and support. Others will offer you a new perspective, or even just a place to vent, that will ease some of the stress and tension.
    The Nine of Swords reversed appears when you are gripped by fear. You are allowing your fears to impede your fullest potential and it is stripping you of your life force. You cannot take a step forward because you are so distressed about what might happen. Get a reality check and evaluate which fears are warranted, and which are not. Release your limiting beliefs, crippling fears, and self-doubt.
    The reversed Nine of Swords can also point out that you are incredibly hard on yourself, putting yourself down or engaging in negative self-talk. So, when the Nine of Swords reversed appears in a reading, ask yourself why you are so hard on yourself. How are you putting yourself down, and what is the source of your depression? What can you do to make yourself feel better? You may need to make a more conscious effort to quit the negative self-talk and replace it with positive reinforcement for a job well done.
    On a more positive note, the Nine of Swords reversed can show that you have already worked through this period of worry and depression and are making a recovery. You may have come to the realisation that things are not as bad as you made them out to be, and you are beginning to relax and calm yourself about what was once a terrifying situation.
    [Description] - The Nine of Swords shows a woman sitting up in her bed with her head in her hands. She appears to have been jolted awake from a terrible nightmare that has left her disturbed, scared and anxious. Nine swords hang on the dark wall behind her, representing the negative thoughts that weigh heavily on her mind. The base of the woman’s bed features a carving of one person defeating another, and roses and the outlines of astrological symbols adorn the quilt wrapped around her.



  • Ten of Swords

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Painful endings, deep wounds, betrayal, loss, crisis
    The Ten of Swords marks a painful yet inevitable ending. For example, a relationship may come to an abrupt end, your job may be cut, or a contract is broken. It is as if this ending has come out of the blue and rocked your world. You could have never expected it, but now it has happened, cutting to the core and leaving you feeling as if the world has crumbled in around you. You are grieving the pain of this shocking loss and wonder if you will ever love or find work or trust again.
    When the Ten of Swords appears in a Tarot reading, you may be the victim of another person’s betrayal or deceit. You feel as if you have been stabbed in the back and are reeling from someone else’s actions. Your partner may have cheated on you, a colleague may spread nasty rumours about you, or a family member has betrayed your trust. The pain inflicted runs deep not because what they have done is hurtful, but because you know deep down that this marks the end of your relationship as you know it with them. Along with feeling the pain, you may grieve the loss of the relationship.
    The Ten of Swords can suggest that you are taking on the role of ‘victim’ hoping others will pity you and save you from despair. You cannot change the actions of another person, but you can change how you respond. Even if you have been harmed or betrayed, you now have a choice to pick yourself up and move forward with your life, rather than falling down in a heap hoping someone will take pity on you.
    In that way, the Ten of Swords is about letting go and accepting your current circumstances. You no longer resist change but allow it to happen, even if it causes initial pain and hurt to you. You recognise that there must be a change to facilitate renewal, and you allow it to occur rather than fighting it.
    The good news is that the Ten of Swords marks the final ordeal – no more pain will come to you from that source. The hour is darkest before dawn, and you must experience the full impact of what has happened before you can move forward and start over. Is it going to be easy? No. But, will this ordeal last forever? No.
    Pick yourself up off the ground and reflect upon what happened to you and why, and what you can learn from the experience. When you do this, the hurt and pain will fade, and you will soon see why all of this needed to happen so that you can evolve into your fullest potential. The pain and hurt you have endured have not gone without purpose. Use the positive power within you to learn from your pain and draw wisdom from defeat.
    [Reversed] - Recovery, regeneration, resisting an inevitable end
    The Ten of Swords reversed indicates that you are combating an inevitable change or ending because you are not ready to face up to what is happening. However, the more you resist, the more this situation will continue to drag on, so it’s time to rip off the bandage (however painful that might be) and get this over with so you can start fresh. Trust that everything is happening for a reason and even though it may be difficult to understand what you are going through, know it is leading to your personal growth and regeneration in the long-term.
    Similarly, the Ten of Swords reversed may represent an old situation that ended badly. You are still carrying around wounds from it but have buried them so deeply that you do not realise they are still present (and hurting you). These old pains need to be dealt with once and for all. It may be difficult to delve back in, but it's the only way to release yourself of this pain and allow it to pass from your life.
    The reversed Ten of Swords encourages you to re-evaluate your circumstances and let go of any aspect of your life that is no longer serving you. Rather than dwelling on your painful past, it is essential to look ahead and realise how these events free you up to reshape your life and choose a new direction for yourself. You can free yourself of your past and create a new sense of self.
    Finally, the Ten of Swords reversed can appear as a welcome sign that the pain and sadness you have been feeling is ending. When upside-down, the swords in the man’s back look to be falling out, releasing him of the pain and hurt he has been suffering. You are releasing the memories of the past and allowing yourself the opportunity to move forward with a sense of renewal and hope for the future.
    [Description] - The Ten of Swords shows a man lying face down, apparently dead, with ten swords in his back. A red cape drapes over the lower half of his body as a sign of dignity as he leaves this world. While the dark sky is ominous, the sun is rising on the horizon, bringing a renewed sense of hope and opportunity. The calm sea in the background also brings solace, suggesting that even in times of darkness, there is a sense of peace and calm to be found.



  • Page of Swords
    Also known as Jack of Swords, Jack of Blades or Jack of Blades

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - New ideas, curiosity, thirst for knowledge, new ways of communicating
    The Page of Swords is full of energy, passion and enthusiasm. When this card shows up in a Tarot reading, you are bursting with new ideas and plans for the future. You may be excited about starting a new project, pursuing a new approach or learning something new. You have so much energy that you feel as though you could do almost anything – and you can! The challenge, however, is whether you can keep it up. As with all Pages, the beginning always looks promising, but you need something else to follow through and keep up the pace.
    The Page of Swords often emerges when you are exploring a new way of thinking – a new idea, a new perspective, new knowledge, or a new technique. You have a curious mind and a thirst for knowledge. As you explore this fresh way of thinking, you are asking lots of questions and gathering as much information as possible. You are also very much in the exploratory phase and not mastery. You may be prone to making mistakes along the way, but your curiosity means that you are eager to learn from your slip-ups.
    As the Swords relate to communication, the Page of Swords suggests that you are exploring a different way of expressing yourself with others and communicating your ideas and opinions. You may be drawn to public speaking, writing a book or a blog, starting a podcast, or being more vocal on social media. You are a natural communicator and ready to take the next step to share your message with the world. Again, this is the exploratory phase, so be open to new ways of expressing yourself and discovering where your inner talents lie.
    If you are looking for a sign to move ahead with a new project, the Page of Swords says, ‘Go for it!’ There will always be challenges with whatever way you choose, and not everyone will be thrilled with your choices, but when it comes down to it, you need to follow your passions and go where your true energy lies. This Page encourages you to move forward and to get the wheels in motion, despite any challenges or setbacks that might stand in the way.
    The Page of Swords can also represent your relationship with a person who is exploring their ability to communicate, share ideas, and gather information. You may have your moments with this Page, as the Swords often express a level of tension or conflict, and this bundle of energy may sometimes prove too much to handle. If you need to, give yourself a break from this person, and return with fresh eyes. They have a lot to share with you, and despite their inexperience, may teach you something about yourself. You need to stay open to their enthusiasm to learn more about the world.
    [Reversed] - Self-expression, all talk and no action, haphazard action, haste
    The Page of Swords reversed can appear in a Tarot reading when you are holding back from expressing your truth, especially in a public forum. You prefer to express your thoughts and opinions privately or anonymously. Perhaps you like to keep a private journal, or you’re writing a book just for yourself and nobody else. Or, you have a point of view about a public issue but have not defined your message. If you need a little nudge to go public with your ideas and opinions, the reversed Page of Swords might be it. Let go of fear and shout your message from the rooftops!
    At times, the reversed Page of Swords can mean that you are all talk and no action. Be careful about making promises you know you cannot keep or saying things you’ll later regret. Before making a specific promise or commitment, make sure that you can and will deliver on it to preserve your integrity and reputation. Also, be wary of other people’s commitments to you and put in place measures to ensure that they will deliver on what they promise. This reversed Page can be a ‘know-it-all’ and may try to impress you with big stories of his past and his achievements (which you later find out are big exaggerations of the truth).
    Reversed, the Page of Swords can also suggest you are acting hastily, without thinking things through. You have a lot of energy behind you but are not using it effectively. Tackle things one at a time rather than trying to manage everything at once. Doing so will lead to more meaningful outcomes.
    As this Page likes to ask a LOT of questions, the reversal of the card can be a sign that you are annoying others by your constant questioning and challenging of ideas. While you may just be trying to understand a situation or a concept better, there are more constructive and non-threatening ways to go about it. Use sentences such as, ‘Help me understand....’ Be conscious of how you may come across to others and only challenge or question those ideas that are important to you.
    [Description] - The Page of Swords shows a young man standing with his sword pointing upwards to the sky. His body and the sword lean in one direction, but he looks the other way as if to see what else is happening around him. A breeze blows through the young man’s hair, and the clouds behind him appear to dash through the sky, bringing dynamic energy to the card. The ground on which the Page stands is green and fertile, suggesting that the Page’s ideas are likely to bring positive change and forward movement.



  • Knight of Swords
    Also known as Knight of Blades

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Ambitious, action-oriented, driven to succeed, fast-thinking
    As with all Knights of the Tarot deck, the Knight of Swords is a man (or woman) on a mission – once he has his mind set on something, nothing is stopping him. And as a Swords card, this Knight actively uses the power of his intellect to achieve his goals.
    When the Knight of Swords appears in a Tarot reading, it is a sign that you are highly driven, ambitious and action-oriented. You are so highly motivated to succeed that you will stop at nothing to pursue your dreams. The challenges, difficulties and obstacles on the path ahead don't faze you because you know where you want to go. Move forward with sheer strength and determination to make things happen.
    The Knight of Swords suggests that you are quick to take action and tend not to plan ahead, instead preferring to dive right in. You thrive on high levels of energy that propel you forward and inspire you to take action to manifest your goals.
    The Knight of Swords reminds you to be assertive in getting what you want. He doesn’t hang back and wait for something to happen. He is always making the first move and actively pursuing his goals. You can harness this energy in your life too by being proactive and forward-thinking. See yourself as the creator of your future and be ready to take the necessary steps to make it happen.
    The downside of the fast-thinking, quick-acting Knight of Swords is that sometimes you act too quickly and haven’t thoroughly thought things through. You may be unaware of potential challenges and issues that will stand in your way, or the unintended consequences of your actions. You may be prone to rushing things or cutting corners to get a job done. Or, you may pursue a specific goal, thinking it is what you want, but later realise that it’s out of alignment or a dead-end. Sometimes a little planning and preparation can go a long way.
    The Knight of Swords also represents your need to understand the world from an intellectual point of view. You have well-developed communication skills and can easily form solid arguments and opinions on current affairs and important matters. You love to engage with others who have similar skills so that you can share your ideas and develop new points of view. You may be best suited to discussion groups with like-minded individuals where you can fire each other up and motivate one another.
    [Reversed] - Restless, unfocused, impulsive, burn-out
    The Knight of Swords reversed can appear in a Tarot reading when you are brimming with energy and motivation but cannot effectively channel and release this energy. You are growing restless and frustrated because you want to take action, but something is holding you back. Perhaps the timing isn’t right, you don’t have enough resources, or you’re relying on someone else who isn’t ready. You need to find alternative ways to release this energy. Otherwise, you are going to burst.
    Similarly, the Knight of Swords reversed suggests that you have little direction and are making rash and impulsive decisions, pulling others down with you. Your thoughts are scattered, and you are constantly changing your mind. If you are leading others, this can be very confusing and frustrating for all involved. Even if working alone, you may find that your distracting ‘monkey mind’ is getting in the way of your overall success. You may need to apply a single focus; pick an idea and then stick with it until it is complete. It will take mental discipline to see it through – are you up to the task?
    The reversed Knight of Swords can also suggest that you need to slow down; otherwise, you are at risk of severe burnout and exhaustion. You want to be involved in everything, but you are not succeeding at anything due to this roving energy. As such, you are accomplishing very little and growing more tired by the day. Take some time out so that you can first ground yourself, gather your thoughts and concentrate on only the top priorities.
    Finally, the Knight of Swords reversed indicates that you need to go it alone to build up valuable life experience and maturity. As you search for freedom and independence, it is likely you will make mistakes on your way due to your reckless and impatient nature, but this is all a part of the journey.
    [Description] - The Knight of Swords shows a knight dressed in armour, charging ahead with great energy on his powerful white horse. The knight’s sword is held high, a symbol of his dedication to his purpose and mission. The white horse symbolises the purity of the intellectual energy that motivates the knight. In the background, storm clouds are beginning to form, and the trees bend in the strong winds. The wind doesn’t stop the knight, however; he heads directly into it, eager to complete his mission.



  • Queen of Swords
    Also known as Queen of Spades or Queen of Blades

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Independent, unbiased judgement, clear boundaries, direct communication
    The Queen of Swords combines the mental clarity and intellectual power of the suit of Swords with the maturity and receptiveness of the Queen. You have the gift of being able to use your intellect and unbiased judgement while also remaining flexible and open to receive input from other sources. As you lead from the head and not the heart, you are better able to discern situations without the influence of emotion or sentimentality. You may believe that empathy or compassion towards others will distract you from the task at hand. Instead, you prefer to know the how, what, why, where, when and who of everything to help you make sense of your environment and better understand others. It is not that you do not care about others, but you connect with other people through an intellectual understanding rather than an emotional one.
    The Queen of Swords notes that you are a truth-seeker. You are open to hearing the thoughts and opinions of others, but ultimately, you filter that information to decipher what is true and what is not. When interacting with others, you will not tolerate mistruths or excessive ‘fluff’. You prefer to get to the heart of the matter without engaging in too much chit-chat or gossip.
    The Queen of Swords suggests that you have an innate ability to tell it like it is. You are a quick thinker and highly perceptive, piercing through the noise and confusion to get straight to the point. There is no ‘beating about the bush,’ or ‘softening’ of your comments, opinions and thoughts. You are upfront and honest in your views, and you expect the same from others. For this reason, many people respect your opinion and come to you for advice when they need clarity.
    As a determined, independent and resilient person, you have established clear boundaries, and you are quick to call out someone who crosses them. People do not mess with you, not because you threaten them or inflict violence, but because you set expectations up front about how you want to be treated. Some people might be intimidated by you, but once they get past your tough exterior and develop a sense of trust and respect, they see your softer side.
    [Reversed] - Overly-emotional, easily influenced, bitchy, cold-hearted
    The Queen of Swords reversed points out that you may allow your emotions to get the better of you as you put your heart before your head. You may be emotionally involved in a particular issue, and it could be distorting your perception of the situation at hand. You need to use your head a bit more to understand what is happening and read the signals more accurately. Take an objective look at what’s going on and decide what you need to do next.
    The reversed Queen of Swords suggests that your relationships are clouding your usually clear vision. You are allowing others to dominate you and negatively affect your ability to make decisions. You hesitate to pursue your plans because you don’t want to rock the boat or disrupt your relationships with others. At the end of the day, however, you need to be more hard-edged, confident and assertive to be successful. Sharp analysis, objectivity, and careful consideration of (but not necessarily choosing) the alternatives are essential right now.
    At times, the reversed Queen of Swords can come across as cold-hearted, resentful and bitchy, particularly if she is devoid of any emotion or compassion for others. This card may represent a part of yourself or someone else you are trying to deal with. You may be putting others off-side and losing your supporter base, isolating yourself from others and being seen as narrow-minded, intolerant and mean.
    [Description] - The Queen of Swords sits on a stone throne decorated with a cherub, representing the Queen’s softer side, and butterflies representing transformation. She faces towards the future, with her left hand raised as if to receive, and in her right hand, she holds a sword up high and straight, representing her desire to find the truth in all matters. As with the earlier Swords Court cards, clouds accumulate in the sky and a strong wind that passes through the trees, symbolising the ongoing nature of change.

    Source: "A-Z of ghosts and supernatural", by Jan Knight (1980)
    An adult woman with dark brown to black hair, and dark brown eyes. Usually a widow or divorced woman, or a woman from a foreign country. Ambitious and intelligent, can be cold, calculating, or spiteful.



  • King of Swords
    Also known as King of Spades or King of Blades

    Source: Biddy Tarot
    [Upright] - Mental clarity, intellectual power, authority, truth
    The King of Swords is a symbol of intellectual power and authority and has the courage and intellect to achieve all that he desires. When this card appears in a Tarot reading, you are in your power, ruling from a place of authority and respect. You stand firm in your truth and express yourself with deep conviction. As a result, others pay attention to what you have to say.
    The King of Swords indicates that you have a clarity of mind and can perceive the truth, so it is up to you to take the lead with providing an objective point of view and making decisions based on impartial judgement. You are well-positioned to judge your situation appropriately and identify any limiting behaviours getting in the way. You are also masterful at keeping your emotions in check while you draw upon your intellectual power and mental clarity to ascertain the truth. You cut straight to the point and get to the heart of the matter for maximum efficiency and impact. While you may worry that you are not being particularly caring or sympathetic with others, this detachment is what you need most right now.
    The King of Swords encourages you to use your logic and intellect to navigate the path ahead. You will need to make firm and well-researched decisions and stay fair in your dealings with others. You need to be able to take any situation, look at it with total impartiality, and then come to a balanced and insightful decision.
    Often, the King of Swords represents a professional advisor, such as a solicitor or attorney, financial adviser or taxation consultant. This advisor has a solid reputation and a vast amount of knowledge in his particular field. He is impartial and will draw upon his experience and his innate understanding of the rules, systems and structures to give you well-researched advice. He may come across as detached or disinterested in your personal circumstances unless it relates specifically to his skillset. This is so he can provide only the most relevant guidance to you. He prides himself on his expertise and qualifications and is likely to charge a high fee for his services. Nonetheless, he offers the rigour and specialist knowledge that you need right now.
    If you have not engaged the help of an expert, the arrival of the King of Swords suggests that it may be worthwhile getting legal or financial advice. If you are expecting changes or particular circumstances that will require an expert opinion, you can be on the front foot by seeking help before they happen. That way, when they do roll through, you are ready to demand your rights and find an outcome that benefits you. You may also benefit from finding an advocate or mentor who can provide you with smart advice.
    [Reversed] - Quiet power, inner truth, misuse of power, manipulation
    The King of Swords reversed represents ‘quiet power’. You may not be the loudest person in the room or the most visible on public platforms. However, you have a lot to contribute and share in your own, magical way. Your power and authority come from within, from your unwavering belief in yourself, your deep connection to your values, and your commitment to stand firm in your truth. You do not allow others to steer you off-course, instead preferring to draw your energy from your Higher Self and connect with what truly matters to you.
    That said, sometimes the King of Swords reversed can allude to a misuse of power. You may have accumulated significant power and authority, but it has gone to your head, and your ego is now running the show. You may be using your ability to manipulate or persuade others to fulfil your personal needs, withdrawing love, sex, or support as a way to punish your partner. Or you may be using your advanced intellect to make others feel inferior or disadvantaged.
    An inverted King of Swords can represent someone who is very intelligent and likes to show off to others about how smart he is by using big words or discussing lofty topics about which no one else knows much. He may be cutting in his words, critical of others, and stern in his manner. This card may represent a person in your life or even yourself; either way, you need to be wary because, although this King may be alluring and intelligent, he can do only harm. He has only his personal interests in mind and will do whatever he can to achieve these interests, even if it means taking advantage of you.
    The reversed King of Swords can also reflect a lack of decisiveness about where your best opportunities lie or in what direction you want to go. You may also lack the mental clarity to work out what you need to do in your situation. Your thoughts are scattered and may start to feel panicky and out of control. Upright, the King is typically a very rational man who uses his intelligence and a definitive understanding of a situation to make critical decisions, but reversed, this card indicates that you are feeling lost and uncertain about your options, let alone the decisions you need to make. As a result, you are delaying necessary decisions and generally not achieving anything because you are getting so worried.
    [Description] - The King of Swords sits upon his throne, facing forward as if ready to confront whatever life throws at him. He holds a sword in his right hand, the hand of the conscious, rational mind, and points it upright and to the left, the side of the subconscious, intuitive mind. This symbolises the King’s decisiveness, but also flexibility in all matters; while he makes decisions based mostly on his intellectual understanding, he stays open to his intuition. The King wears a blue tunic, symbolic of a desire for spiritual knowledge, and a purple cape, symbolic of his compassion and intellect. The back of his throne is decorated with butterflies (transformation), crescent moons and an angel just near his left ear, positioned as if to give him subtle guidance.
    The trees behind him stand still, and the clouds have settled. The wind from the previous Swords court cards has died down, giving the impression of stability and clarity rather than the confusion of sweeping change.

    Source: "A-Z of ghosts and supernatural", by Jan Knight (1980)
    An adult man with dark brown to black hair, and dark brown eyes. Usually a widower or divorced man, or a man from a foreign country. Ambitious and powerful, can be arrogant and deceptive.

  • Chapter 16: [Historical Period] Overview & Reference

    Summary:

    This chapter evokes time periods in general.

    Chapter Text

    HISTORICAL PERIOD

    ANCIENT HISTORY

  • Ancient History
    [3300/3200 B.C.E. to 476] Ancient History

  • Ancient Egypt
    [~4300 to 3000 B.C.E.] Predynastic
    [~3000 to 2675 B.C.E.] Early Dynastic
    [~2675 to 2130 B.C.E.] Old Kingdom
    [~2130 to 1980 B.C.E.] First intermediate period
    [~1980 to 1630 B.C.E.] Middle Kingdom
    [~1630 to 1539/1523 B.C.E] Second intermediate period
    [~1539 to 1075 B.C.E] New Kingdom
    [~1075 to 656 B.C.E] Third intermediate period
    [~664 to 332 B.C.E] Late period
    [~332 to 305 B.C.E] Macedonian period
    [~305 to 30 B.C.E] Ptolemaic dynasty
    [~30 B.C.E to 642 C.E.] Roman & Byzantine empire

  • Classical Antiquity
    [8th century B.C.E. to 5th century C.E.] Classical Antiquity

  • Late Antiquity
    [late 3rd century to 7th/8th century] Late Antiquity


  • MIDDLE AGES

  • Early Middle Ages
    [395/406 to 924/987/1066 | early 5th to late 10th] French Early Middle Ages

  • High Middle Ages
    [924/987/1066 to 1346 | late 10th to 14th] French High Middle Ages

  • Late Middle Ages
    [1346 to 1492 | mid 14th to late 15th] French Late Middle Ages
    [1400 to 1600 | 15th to 17th] Renaissance
    [1485 to 1620 | late 15 th to early 17th] English Renaissance
    [1485 to 1603 | late 15 th to early 17th] Tudor period
    [1558/1572 to 1603 | late 16 th to early 17th] Elizabethan era | Golden Age of English Renaissance


  • MODERN PERIOD

  • [1453/1492-1789/1792 | mid 15th to late 18th] French Early Modern Period ("Époque moderne")
    [1500-1800 | 16th to 19th] Early modern period
    [1789/1792-today | late 18th to today] French Late Modern Period ("Époque contemporaine")
    [1800-1945/today | 19th century to late 20th century] Late modern period

  • [1610-1723 | early 17th to mid 18th] French Great Century ("Grand Siècle")
    [1714-1837 | early 18th to mid 19th] Georgian era
    [1795-1837 | late 18th to mid 19th] British Regency era
    [1811-1820 | early 19th century] Official British Regency era
    [1804-1814/1815 | early 19th century] First French Empire/Napoleonic France ("Premier Empire")
    [1837 to 1901 | mid 19th century to late 19th century] Victorian era
    [1901 to 1914 | early 20th century] Edwardian era




  • COMMON MISTAKES

  • Corset
    No, the corset does not deform the body or suffocate breathing. No, it is not a tool for enslaving women and for patriarchy.

    The corset is a garment, and like every garment it has a main function and additional uses according to human desires. The primary function of a corset is to support the back and chest.

    Every era and every place has its own version of a corset (and let's not confuse stays, bodice, etc. but I'll stick with the 'corset' term for simplicity's sake), depending on the evolution of the culture. And corsets were not exclusive to women.
    Each corset is unique: despite manufacturing methods and clothing trends, each user makes it unique. There are different occasions in our lives and so there are different corsets. Some people have many corsets in a lifetime, others few, for different reasons (such as social status, a passion, etc.). And depending on social position, the materials were different to remain affordable and the less well-off classes could buy second-hand.
    Let's take the example of panties: there are menstrual shorts and beach thong. To say that panties are an object of female slavery because of bikinis is reductive and turns an extreme case into a generalisation. It's the same with corsets.
    And just as a bra needs to be adapted to your body shape, a corset needs to fit you. There also are simple ones for support, others reinforced for effort/sport and some that add colourful lace for fashion.

    I'm not denying that there have been cases where women have been forced to wear a tight corset to fit in. But wouldn't it be hypocritical to say that our ancestors were oppressed in corsets when we still apply some of these potential abuses today? It's so easy to look at a different time from our own and laugh at their mistakes and choices.
    Unfortunately, they were like us: they sought comfort within the limits of their knowledge of their era and means, and with stylistic expectations that sometimes ran counter to this pleasant and pratical need. Sometimes they sacrificed comfort for beauty. And some people had authority over corset wearers, like parents who decide for their children, like shopkeepers who lure customers, like the celebrities and media who influence the market or like abusive relatives.

    If the corset is well made with good materials and the right measurements, it won't harm the body. If the corset is worn properly and is not laced too tightly, it will not prevent the body from breathing. If women themselves choose to wear a corset, the issue of female slavery needs to be revisited.

    Although the very first corsets were created by men, very quickly the field of fashion was led by women and therefore allowed feminine expression. Criticism of corsets is often an excuse that mirrors criticism of women's freedom. The freedom of women to have an income, a job, a passion, while women have only one destiny: to have children (come on, back to the kitchen and be a pretty doll who is only good for spreading her legs at the will of men). It's worth noting that most of the sources of these criticisms and caricatures of the corset are men...

    *insert irritating voice* But there is evidence that corsets have excessively reduced waistlines! Take a look at vintage images from magazines and photographs!
    You know... changing the facts is nothing new. A photograph can be edited to look thinner (photoshop does not date from yesterday), especially if there is no background behind the person. Paintings are the whims of the artist and the client. Drawings are exaggerated to highlight the trend. Proportions can be fooled thanks to the illusion created by increasing chest and hip size. And then there are people who have the build to have a slim hourglass waist.

    *insert irritating voice* But if the corset is an undergarment used for the comfort of the back and chest, why are they decorated? It's proof that women wear corsets for a man's pleasure.
    Oh, yes, of course, if a woman wears pretty things, it's obviously for a man or for someone else's pleasure...
    One, women wear pretty things for themselves first and foremost. They have the right to wear things that they like and that give them comfort, confidence, beauty, etc. Even if that means red underwear with bows and lace.
    Second, women have the right to wear nice things to please men. If it gives a woman pleasure to dress up for her husband, then so be it. It's not a crime to make someone happy.
    And you can replace the word 'woman' by 'human', by 'people'.

    Another point about the corset is that it is not supposed to be next to the skin. There is always a piece of clothing between the skin and the corset. The first reason is comfort. The second reason is cleanliness: the corset gets dirty less quickly if it has a protective layer. Plus, a separate garment is easier to wash.

    As for the little myth that you can't tie your shoes with a corset (or pick up an object from the floor), this comes from a simple fact: most people don't know how to do this action correctly. The key is not to bend your upper back with straight legs, but to use leg bending, knee flexibility and hip rotation.

    So now, stop telling lies about the corset, because the corset has support more people than you have!

    Resource links:
    5 things you won’t know about corsets, by Wellcome Collection & Bernadette Banner
    How the Victorians Faked Tiny Waists (without fainting!), by Bernadette Banner
    I made a corset - back support like it's 1899, by Vintagebursche
    3 Years of Daily Corset Wearing: Here Are 5 Surprising Benefits, by Katherine Sewing
    100 Years of Corset History: How 8 Corsets affect the same body, by Nicole Rudolph
    Corsets, nursing corsets, and biking corsets oh my!, by Asta Darling
    Faut-il foutre le feu à nos corsets ?, by Fashion Quiche
    A Dress Historian Explains the Difference between Corsets and Stays, by Abby Cox
    Thing you can and can't do in a corset, by The Sewlo Artist
    La vérité sur les corsets, by NORA


  • So hot!
    *insert irritating voice* With so many layers, people of the past must have been hot!
    Let me remind you: people of the past, like us, seek comfort. You think the majority would let themselves die of heat. I'm not saying that no one was warm, but let's stop believing that their lives were an endless desert.
    Add to that habit. The people of the past were used to wearing the kind of clothes that seem like hell to us.
    What's more, people of the past wore more natural materials than we do today with all our synthetics and plastics. They breathed more than most of us do today. The climate, too, wasn't horribly out of whack, and cities weren't made up of nothing but treeless concrete.


  • A world without color
    Like the statues of antiquity, the people of the past wore color. Even the poorest had access to dyes made from natural elements. Times when everything is gray are more than rare.


  • Dangerous green
    A green garment is not necessarily made with arsenic and is therefore not necessarily dangerous.
    The famous period of arsenic green dye, known as Scheele's green or Paris green, only lasted approximately a century. It was invented by Swiss chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1775 and declined in popularity in the 1860s/1870s.
    It's worth noting that, even during the heyday of green arsenic, not all green dyes were made with green arsenic. And if a person doesn't have arsenic green clothing, it does not mean they are not exposed to arsenic green. The color was everywhere! Wallpaper, food dye, paper furniture linings, textiles, bookbindings, paints, wax candles, and children's toys.

    Green dyes can be made from malachite, verdigris (cupric acetate) or plant (matcha, foxglove, Queen Anne’s lace, mint, nettle, black-eyed Susan, artichoke, grass, lily of the valley). There's also the option of combining yellow and blue dyes, or modifying a yellow dye with iron or copper.




  • RESOURCE & REFERENCE

    WEBSITE

  • Interactive Earth viewer, by BioInteractive
    → English interactive map of Earth timeline (Continental drift through History timeline)

  • Ancient Egyptian Timeline, by Australian Museum
    → English timeline of Ancient Egypt

  • Passion Médiévistes, on Twitter website
    → French informations about Middle Ages

  • Actuel Moyen Âge, on Twitter website
    → French informations about Middle Ages

  • Bloshka - The place where history lives
    → English informations about history's fashion

    19th century, by Bloshka
    → English informations about the European 19th century

    Timeline of 19th century's fashion, by Bloshka
    → English informations about the fashion's timeline of European 19th century

    Women's fashion of 19th century, by Bloshka
    → English informations about the European women in the 19th century

    Fashion of 1870s, by Bloshka
    → English informations about the fashion of 1870s



  • YOUTUBE VIDEO

  • Dressing up a 12th century lady, by Priorattire
    → 1100s / 12th century | Women

  • Getting dressed in the 14th century, by CrowsEyeProductions
    → 1300s / 14th century - England | Commoner women

  • 🇬🇧 14th century clothing, by @Laurasjael
    → 14th century | Women

  • 🇫🇷 La grande peste noire du Moyen Âge, by Nota Bene
    → French informations about the Black Death pandemic | 1346 to 1353 / mid 14th century - Europe

  • Getting Dressed in the late 14th - early 15th Century, by Elin Abrahamsson
    → 1380s to 1400s / late 14th to early 15th century - Northern Europe (Germany & Scandinavia) | Commoner women

  • Dressing up a Tudor lady, by Priorattire
    → 1500s / 16th century - England (Tudor period) | Noble women

  • Get Ready with Me: Early 16th Century Tudor Common Woman’s Clothing, by Samantha Bullat
    → 1500s / early 16th century - England (Tudor period) | Commoner women

  • Dressing a Tudor Queen: Historically Accurate 1530s Clothing, by Samantha Bullat
    → 1530s / mid 16th century - England (Tudor period) | Noble women

  • Dressing up an Elizabethan lady 1570-80, by Priorattire
    → 1570s to 1580s / late 16th century - England (Elizabethan era) | Noble women

  • 🇫🇷 Bardes ou ménestrels ? Explication, by Courseval
    → French video about the various definitions of bards and minstrels

  • Getting dressed in the 18th century, by National Museums Liverpool
    → 1700s / 18th century - England | Noble women

  • Getting Dressed in the 18th Century - The Brunswick, by CrowsEyeProductions
    → 1700s / 18th century - England | Noble women

  • Getting dressed in the 18th century - working woman, by CrowsEyeProductions
    → 1700s / 18th century - England | Commoner women

  • Getting Dressed in the 1830s, by CrowsEyeProductions
    → 1830s / mid 19th century - England | Noble women

  • Edwardian Era, on Twitter website
    → 1901 to 1914 / early 20th century




  • Fashion in Ancient Egypt (Cinematic), by LookHereMars

  • Scythe techniques from Paulus Hector Mairs De Arte Athletica, by Exeldro

  • What Courting In Regency England Was Actually Like, by Weird History
    → 1795 to 1837 | late 18th to mid 19th] - England (Regency era)

  • Anastasia's dresses are surprisingly historically accurate, by Mina Le
    → 1916 & 1926 / early 20th century - Russia (Russian Empire)



  • MOTION PICTURE with ADEQUATE IMMERSION

  • Note: Complete historical accuracy is impossible. Some techniques have been lost, some materials are not accessible, and costume design is just one item on a long list of things to do, often with limited time and budget. Sometimes the costumes are good, but the set design, hairstyles, make-up, a dialogue or an action destroy what would otherwise be a rather successful historical representation.

  • Barry Lyndon
    Information: released in 1975 | English film
    Adaptation: The Luck of Barry Lyndon (1844 English novel), by William Makepeace Thackeray
    Setting: 1750s-1789 | Ireland • England

  • The Age of Innocence
    Information: released in 1993 | American film
    Adaptation: The Age of Innocence (1920 American novel), by Edith Wharton | The Age of Innocence (1928 American play), by Margaret Ayer Barnes
    Setting: 1870s | USA, New York

  • A Room with a View
    Information: released in 1985 | British film
    Adaptation: A Room with a View (1908 English novel), by Edward Morgan Forster
    Setting: 1907 | Italy, Florence • England, Surrey

  • Out of Africa
    Information: released in 1985 | American film
    Adaptation: Out of Africa (1937 Danish novel), by Isak Dinesen | Isak Dinesen: The Life of a Story Teller (1982 American story), by Judith Thurman | Silence Will Speak (1977 British novel), by Errol Trzebinski
    Setting: 1913 | Denmark • Kenya, Nairobi

  • The King's Speech
    Information: released in 2010 | English film
    Setting: 1925-1939 | England

  • The Crown
    Information: released in 2016-2023 | English television series
    Setting: 1947-2005 | England

  • Chapter 17: [Victorian Era] Overview & Reference

    Summary:

    This chapter talks about the main lines of the Victorian era and reference sources.

    Chapter Text

    Reminder: Victorian dates follow Queen Victoria's reign and are therefore 1837 to 1901.




    THE WORLD

    CHINA

    Historical periods = End of the Late Imperial China [1368 to 1912] | End of the Qing Dynasty [1644 to 1912]



    FRANCE

    Historical periods = [1830–1848] July Monarchy | [1848–1852] French Second Republic | [1852-1870] Second French Empire | [1870-1940] French Third Republic | [1873-1879/1896] Long Depression | [end of the 19th century to 1914] Belle Époque

    Rulers = Louis Philippe I | Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte → Napoléon III | [1871–1873] Adolphe Thiers | [1873–1879] Patrice de Mac Mahon | [1879–1887] Jules Grévy | [1887–1894] Sadi Carnot | [1894–1895] Jean Casimir-Perier | [1895–1899] Félix Faure | [1899–1906] Émile Loubet

     

     

    JAPAN

    Historical periods = End of the Edo/Tokugawa period [1603 to 1868] | Bakumatsu [1853 to 1867] | Meiji Restoration [1868 to 1912]

     

     

    NETHERLANDS

    Historical periods = [1815–present] Kingdom of the Netherlands

    Rulers = [1815–1840] William I | [1840-1849] William II | [1849-1890] William III | [1890-1948] Wilhelmina





    TIMELINE OF SOME EVENTS

  • [1838]
    28 June 1838 ~ England, London | Westminster Abbey = Coronation of Queen Victoria


  • [1840]
    10 February 1840 ~ England, London | St James's Palace = Wedding of Queen Victoria and her consort Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

    [1842]
    12 November 1842 ~ France = Sinking of the 'Reliance'

    [1844]
    November 1844 = Sinking of the cutter 'America'


  • [1854]
    21 January 1854 ~ Ireland, Lambay Island = Sinking of the RMS 'Tayleur'
    24 april 1854 ~ Austria, Vienna = Wedding of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and his consort Empress Elisabeth 'Sisi' of Austria
    21 September 1854 ~ Canada, Newfoundland = Sinking of the SS 'Arctic'

    [1855]
    15 February 1855 ~ Corsica = Sinking of the 'Sémillante'
    [1856]
    23 January 1856 = Disappearance of the SS 'Pacific'

    [1858]
    1 September 1858 = Sinking of the SS 'Austria'


  • [1860]
    2 September 1860 ~ Japan, Yokohama = Sinking of the SMS 'Frauenlob'

    [1861]
    16 March 1861 ~ England, Berkshire | Frogmore House = Death of the Queen Victoria's mother, Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld
    14 November 1861 ~ Netherlands = Sinking of the SMS 'Amazone'
    14 December 1861 ~ England, Berkshire | Windsor Castle = Death of the King consort Albert

    [1864]
    3 January 1864 ~ Auckland Island = Sinking of the 'Grafton'

    [1867]
    8 June 1867 ~ Hungary, Budapest = Coronation of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and his consort Empress Elisabeth 'Sisi' of Austria

    [1869]
    19 December 1869 ~ France = Sinking of 'La Gorgone'


  • [1870]
    7 September 1870 ~ Spain = Sinking of the HMS 'Captain'

    [1871]
    Wednesday 26 April 1871 ~ England, London, Eltham, Kidbrooke Lane = Beginning of the 'Eltham mystery' which is the murder of Jane Maria Clouson by, supposedly, the accused Edmund Walter Pook
    Saturday 30 April 1871 ~ England, London = Death of Jane Maria Clouson

    [1872]
    25 July 1872 ~ England, Manchester, Kendals = Ellen Edwards publicly horsewhips James Wishart in Kendals

    Source: Horsewhipping by a lady in a bazaar at Manchester, Wishart.org
    James Wishart, a Scotsman of about 31 years of age, was working as a draper's salesman in Manchester on 25 July 1872 when around noon a young lady entered the shop and publicly horsewhipped him in front of staff and customers alike. James rather unwisely took the attacker to court, but lost the case, and was advised that he might find it 'convenient' to leave Manchester. The particulars of the case were reported widely across England and Wales (though not in James's native Scotland) and the following was published on 3 August 1872 in the Bristol Mercury.

    Saturday 3 August 1872 ~ England, Bristol = 'Bristol Mercury' publishes an article about the case of Ellen Edwards and James Wishart

    Source: Bristol Mercury | England, Bristol | Saturday 3 August 1872
    At the Manchester City Police-court, On Tuesday, Ellen Edwards, a young lady of very prepossessing appearance, was charged with having assaulted with a horsewhip Mr. James Wishart, an assistant in the drapery establishment of Messrs. Kendal, Milne, and Co., Manchester. The complainant stated that the defendant had been in the same establishment with him, but had since left. There had been some feelings of affection between them, and they had corresponded together. Miss Edwards had gone to live at Oswestry, and while she was there he heard something, in consequence of which he wrote to her. On Thursday last he was in the bazaar serving some lady customers, when the defendant entered the shop in a very violent temper, and produced a horsewhip which she thrashed him with about the shoulders, neck and face.
    In cross-examination the complainant admitted that he had kept company with the defendant for about six months, and had given her a ring. He did not intend to marry her after he found out what he had about her lately. He wrote her a letter in which he said, "Since you have mentioned the gentleman's name, I might as well tell you it is the talk of the bazaar that he slept with you - told publicly by himself yesterday." He also wrote, "If you don't return the carte and ring by bearer I will write your mother and let her know the cause of all; you are only about one step above the streets at the present time." Mr. Cobbett, who appeared for Miss Edwards, said the complainant had circulated a scandalous and unfounded report about her, and she, having no male relations at hand to assist her, had horsewhipped the complainant for it. He admitted the assault. Mr. Rickards (the presiding magistrate) said as the assault had been admitted he would call upon the defendant to enter into her own recognisances of £10 to keep the peace. He would not say a word about the horsewhipping.

    10 August 1872 ~ England = 'The Illustrated Police News' publishes an illustration about the case of Ellen Edwards and James Wishart

    [1873]
    1 April 1873 ~ Canada, Nova Scotia = Sinking of the SS 'Atlantic'

    [1875]
    31 December 1875 ~ Irish Channel = Sinking of the 'Harvest Queen'

    [1878]
    3 September 1878 ~ England, River Thames = Sinking of the SS 'Princess Alice'
    14 December 1878 ~ Germany, Darmstadt = Death of Queen Victoria's third child and second daugther, Princess Alice of the United Kingdom


  • [1881]
    13 June 1881 ~ Siberia = Sinking of the USS 'Jeannette'

    [1883]
    7 January 1883 ~ England, River Mersey = Sinking of the SS 'City of Brussels'

    [1884]
    28 March 1884 ~ France, Cannes = Death of Queen Victoria's eighth child and youngest son, Prince Leopold
    9 December 1884 ~ England = The criminal case "R v Dudley and Stephens"

    [1885]
    4 March 1885 ~ Spain, Málaga = Sinking of the SS 'City of Paris'
    19 April to 15 June 1885 ~ France, Paris | Galerie Sedelmeyer = Exposition of James Joseph Tissot's works, "Quinze Tableaux sur la Femme à Paris"
    2 June 1885 ~ Gulf of Aden = Sinking of the SMS 'Augusta'

    [1888]
    22 August 1888 ~ USA, California = Sinking of the SS 'City of Chester'


  • [1890]
    13 January 1890 ~ New Zealand = Disappearance of the 'Marlborough'
    18 September 1890 ~ Japan, Kushimoto = Sinking of the 'Ertuğrul'

    [1893]
    11 February 1893 = Disappearance of the SS 'Naronic'

    [1894]
    27 September 1894 = French political scandal "Dreyfus affair"

    [1896]
    16 June 1896 ~ France = Sinking of the SS "Drummond Castle"

    [1898]
    10 September 1898 ~ Switzerland, Geneva = Death of Empress Elisabeth 'Sisi' of Austria


  • [1900]
    30 July 1900 ~ Germany, Coburg = Death of Queen Victoria's fourth child and second son, Duke Alfred of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

    [1901]
    22 January 1901 ~ England, East Cowes | Osborne House = Death of Queen Victoria
    2 February 1901 ~ England, Berkshire | St George's Chapel = State funeral of Queen Victoria
    End of the Victorian era





  • HISTORICAL COMPANY

  • List of historical figures:

    Mary Ann Todd Lincoln (1818 – 1882)
    American first lady of the United States

    Florence Nightingale (12 May 1820 – 13 August 1910 | Italy, Florence • England, London)
    Alternative names: The Lady with the Lamp
    British nurse


  • List of artists:

    Sarah Josepha Hale (1788 - 1879)
    American magazine editor and writer
    → Poem "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

    Sophie Rostopchine, Comtesse de Ségur (1799 - 1874)
    Russian & French writer
    → Novels "Les Malheurs de Sophie", "Les Petites Filles modèles" & "Les Vacances"

    Frances "Fanny" Palmer (1812 – 1876)
    English artist and lithographer

    John Leech (1817 – 1864)
    British caricaturist and illustrator

    Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley (1818 – 1907)
    American seamstress, activist, and writer
    → Biography "Behind the Scenes" (1868)

    David Henry Friston (1820 – 1906)
    British painter and illustrator

    Mathew B. Brady (1822-1896)
    American photographer

    William H. Mumler (1832–1884)
    American spirit photographer

    Berthe Morisot (1841-1895)
    French paintress
    → Impressionism paintings "Vue du petit port de Lorient", "Le Berceau", "Eugène Manet à l'île de Wight", "La Psyché"

    Catherine "Kate" Greenaway (1846–1901)
    British artist and writer

    Émile Gallé (1846-1904)
    French glass artist

    Mary Louise McLaughlin (1847–1939)
    American ceramic painter and studio potter

    Clara Chipman Newton (1848–1936)
    American artist and porcelain painter

    George Wylie Hutchinson (1852–1942)
    English painter and illustrator

    Charles Henry Malcolm Kerr (1858–1907)
    British painter and illustrator

    William John Charles Pitcher (21 March 1858 – 2 March 1925 | England, Northfleet • England, London)
    Alternative names: Wilhelm | C. Wilhelm
    Occupation: English artist | Costume designer for ballets, pantomimes, comic operas and Edwardian musical comedies | Scenery designer

    Sidney Edward Paget (1860–1908)
    British artist and illustrator


  • Salon de la Mode
    French fashion magazine

    Comtesse de Vérissey
    Occupation: French editor-in-chief of Salon de la Mode

    Henri Petit
    Occupation: French magazine director & owner of Salon de la Mode


  • Bristol Mercury (1716-1909 | England, Bristol)
    New name: [1878-1901] Bristol Mercury and Daily Post | [1901-1909] Bristol Daily Mercury
    Weekly supplement: [1878-1909] Bristol Weekly Mercury
    British newspaper


  • J. S. Fry & Sons (1761-1919/2010 | England, Bristol)
    Alternative name: J. S. Fry & Sons, Ltd. | Fry's | Fry's chocolate and cocoa
    New name: [1761–1787] Fry, Vaughan & Co | [1787–1822] Anna Fry & Son
    British confectionery & chocolate company

    Joseph Fry (1728 – 27 March 1787 | England, Bristol)
    Family: Son of John Fry & Mary Storrs | Brother of John Fry & William Storrs Fry | Husband of Anna Portsmouth | Father of Edmund Fry & Joseph Storrs Fry
    Occupation: British chocolate maker | Founder of J. S. Fry & Sons


  • Godey's Lady's Book (1830-1896 | USA, Philadelphia)
    Alternative name: Godey's Magazine and Lady's Book
    American women's magazine

    Louis Antoine Godey (1804 – 1878)
    Occupation: American publisher | Founder of Godey's Lady's Book


  • Journal des Demoiselles "Maidens' newspapers" (February 1833-1922 | France, Paris)
    Alternative names: Petit courrier des dames | Nouveau journal des modes, des théâtres, de la littérature et des arts | Journal des demoiselles et Petit courrier des dames | Petit courrier des dames et Journal des demoiselles réunis
    Work adress: France, Paris • 14 rue Drouot
    French illustrated press publication | Girls' educational magazine about fashion, geography, history, moral and sports

    Jeanne-Justine Fouqueau de Pussy (27 septembre 1786 - 25 mai 1863 | 76y/o | France, Orléans - France, Paris)
    Occupation: French author | Founder of Journal des Demoiselles | [1833-1852] First director of Journal des Demoiselles


  • Kendals (1836-2005 | England, Manchester)
    Original name: [1796-1836] Watts • The Bazaar
    New name: [1836-1919] Kendal, Milne & Faulkner | [1919-1920s] Harrods | [1930s] Kendal Milne • Kendal Milne and Company (Harrods Limited) | [2005] House of Fraser Manchester
    British drapery business & department store


  • The Illustrated London News (1842-2003 | England, London)
    British broadsheet news magazine

    Founder [1842–1860]:
    Herbert Ingram

    Chief editors:
    Frederick William Naylor Bayley (1808–1853 | ~45y/o | England, Birmingham)
    Occupation: [1842–1848] First editor of The Illustrated London News

    Charles Mackay (27 March 1814 – 24 December 1889 | 75y/o | Scotland, Perth)
    Family: Son of George Mackay & Amelia Cargill | Husband of Mary Elizabeth Mills than Rosa Henrietta Vale | Father of Mary Mackay
    Occupation: [1830] Private secretary to William Cockerill | [1848–1859] Chief editor of The Illustrated London News | [1841] Writer of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds/Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions

    William J. Stewart
    Occupation: [1860–1862] Chief editor of The Illustrated London News

    John Lash Latey
    Occupation: [1863–1890] Chief editor of The Illustrated London News

    Clement King Shorter (19 July 1857 – 19 November 1926 | 69y/o | England, London • England, Great Missenden)
    Family: Third son of Richard Shorter & Elizabeth Clemenson | Husband of Dora Sigerson Shorter
    Occupation: British journalist and literary critic | [1891–1900] Chief editor of The Illustrated London News | Founder of Sketch | Founder of The Sphere | Founder of Tatler

    Workers:
    John Timbs (17 August 1801 - 6 March 1875 | 73y/o | England, London)
    Alternative name: Horace Welby
    Occupation: British author & antiquary | [1820] Writer for The Monthly Magazine | [1821] Secretary to Sir Richard Phillips | Editor of the Mirror of Literature | Editor of the Harlequin | Editor of The Literary World | [1842–1848] Assistant of The Illustrated London News | Founder of Year-Book of Science and Art

    → Workers = Sir John Gilbert, Birket Foster, and George Cruikshank, W. J. Linton, Ebenezer Landells, George Thomas, Douglas Jerrold, Richard Garnett, Shirley Brooks, Edward Duncan, Bruce Bairnsfather, H. M. Bateman, Edmund Blampied, Mabel Lucie Attwell, E. H. Shepherd, Kate Greenaway, John Proctor, W. Heath Robinson, Charles Robinson, Rebecca Solomon, George E. Studdy, David Wright, Melton Prior, William Simpson, Frederic Villiers, H. C. Seppings-Wright, Myles Birket Foster, Frank Reynolds, Lawson Wood, C. E. Turner, R. Caton Woodville Jr, A. Forestier, Fortunino Matania, Christina Broom, Louis Wain, J. Segrelles, Frank Vizetelly, Robert Louis Stevenson, Thomas Hardy, George Augustus Sala, J. M. Barrie, Wilkie Collins, Rudyard Kipling, G. K. Chesterton, Joseph Conrad, Camilla Dufour Crosland, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle


  • The Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine (1852-1879 | England, London)
    Note: Some lithographs are shared with those of La Gazette rose
    British monthly magazine

    Isabella Mary Beeton (14 March 1836 – 6 February 1865 | England, London)
    Family: Eldest daughter of Benjamin Mayson Daughter & Elizabeth Jerrom | Stepdaughter of Henry Dorling | Wife of Samuel Orchart Beeton
    Occupation: Editor of The Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine | Editor of Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management (1861)

    Samuel Orchart Beeton (2 March 1831 – 6 June 1877)
    Family: Husband of Isabella Mary Beeton
    Occupation: Founder of The Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine


  • Elliott & Fry (1863-1962 | England, London)
    Work adress: England, London • Westminster, 55 & 56 Baker Street
    British photography studio

    Joseph John Elliott (14 October 1835 - 30 March 1903 | England, Croydon • England, London)
    Family: Son of John Elliott & Mary Elliott | Husband of Lucy Elizabeth Laughton Fry | Father of Ernest Clarence Elliott
    Occupation: British photographer | Co-founder of Elliott & Fry

    Clarence Edmund Fry (1840–1897 | England, Plymouth)
    Family: Son of Edmund Fry & Caroline Mary Clarence | Older brother of Walter Henry Fry, Hubert Oswald Fry, Lucy Elizabeth Laughton Fry, Allen Hastings Fry | Husband of Sophia Dunkin Prideaux
    Occupation: British photographer | [1863 - 31 July 1887] Co-founder of Elliott & Fry

    Ernest Clarence Elliott (1873-1910)
    Family: Son of Joseph John Elliott & Lucy Elizabeth Laughton Fry
    Occupation: British photographer & printmaker | [31 December 1892] Worker of Elliott & Fry


  • The illustrated Police News (1864-1938 | England, London)
    Alternative name: The Illustrated Police News, Law Courts and Weekly Records
    British weekly illustrated newspaper


  • W. & A. H. Fry (1867)
    Work adress: England • Brighton, 68 East Street
    British photography firm

    Walter Henry Fry (1841 | England, Plymouth)
    Family: Second eldest son of Clarence Edmund Fry & Sophia Dunkin Prideaux
    Occupation: Co-founder of W. & A. H. Fry

    Allen Hastings Fry (1847| England, Plymouth)
    Family: Youngest child of Clarence Edmund Fry & Sophia Dunkin Prideaux
    Occupation: Co-founder of W. & A. H. Fry


  • Boldoduc frères (22 August 1871 | France, Lille)
    Alternative name: Imprimerie Boldoduc frères
    Work address: France • Hauts-de-France, Nord • Lille, 202 rue Solférino

    French lithographic printing

    Édouard Boldoduc (5 March 1823 - 3 April 1902 | 79y/o | France, Abscon • France, Lille)
    Occupation: French lithographic printer, publisher, editorial cartoonist, watercolorist, journalist, illustrator, lithographer, draughtsman & engraver | Owner of Boldoduc frères





  • HISTORICAL BOOK

  • [1837] Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens

  • [1843] A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens and illustrated by John Leech

  • [1844] Les Trois Mousquetaires, by Alexandre Dumas
    Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas

  • [1845] La Reine Margot, by Alexandre Dumas

  • [1849] David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens and illustrated by Hablot Knight Browne

  • [1858] Les Malheurs de Sophie, by Sophie Rostopchine, Comtesse de Ségur
    Les Petites Filles modèles, by Sophie Rostopchine, Comtesse de Ségur

  • [1859] Les Vacances, by Sophie Rostopchine, Comtesse de Ségur

  • [1860] Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens

  • [1865] Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll and John Tenniel

  • [1868] Behind the Scenes, by Elizabeth Keckley

  • [1870] The Mystery of Edwin Drood, by Charles Dickens
    Venus im Pelz (Venus in Furs), by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch

  • [1879] Under the Window: Pictures & Rhymes for Children, by Kate Greenaway

  • [1880] China Painting: A Practical Manual for the Use of Amateurs in the Decoration of Hard Porcelain, by Mary Louise McLaughlin
    Pottery Decoration under the Glaze, by Mary Louise McLaughlin

  • [1886 ] Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson

  • [1887] A Study in Scarlet, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and illustrated by David Henry Friston & George Wylie Hutchinson

  • [1888] Painting in Oil: A Manual of Use for Students, by Mary Louise McLaughlin

  • [1890] The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde

  • [1890] The Sign of the Four, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and illustrated by Charles H. M. Kerr

  • [1891] Tess of the d'Urbervilles, by Thomas Hardy

  • [1892] The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and illustrated by Sidney Paget

  • [1894] The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and illustrated by Sidney Paget

  • [1897] Dracula, by Bram Stoker





  • RESOURCE & REFERENCE

    VIDEO

  • Various historical facts of Victorian Era, by Glanmore National Historic Site of Canada | youtube.com

  • Being Presented to the Queen | Victorian High Society Rules, by Ellie Dashwood / How to be a Debutante in Queen Victoria's Royal Court | Victorian Era Presentation Prep, Ellie Dashwood | youtube.com
    → English video about the rules of high society and more particularly noble women and each of their changes in social status

  • [1885] Get Ready with Me in the Gilded Age: 1885 the Victorian Bustle Era, by The Sewlo Artsit | youtube.com

  • [1885] Victorian Fashion | Summer Autumn Winter Spring 1885, by The Sewlo Artist | youtube.com
    → English video about middle or upper class female clothing through the four seasons

  • [1890s] I made some Victorian Cycling Clothes!, by The Sewlo Artsit | youtube.com

  • [1895] Getting Dressed in the Victorian Era: 1895 Walking Suit, by The Sewlo Artsit | youtube.com

  • [1901] Kids on the streets of England, in the year 1901 | twitter.com



  • WEBSITE

  • WikiVictorian | twitter.com
    → 1837 to 1901 (mid 19th century to late 19th century) | Victorian era

  • L'Élégant, Journal des tailleurs | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1837-1845 • France, Paris | French men fashion magazine

  • [1840s] Fashion | commons.wikimedia.org
    Clothing, Female clothing, Women's undress, Dresses, Wedding dresses, Male clothing, Children clothing
    Headwear, Shoes, Swimwear

  • [1850s] Dresses, on Wikimedia Commons website

  • [1850s] Wedding dresses, on Wikimedia Commons website

  • [1850s] Queen Victoria Makeup Tutorial | History Inspired | Feat. Amber Butchart and Rebecca Butterworth, by English Heritage
    → 1850s / mid 19th century - England (Victorian era) | Noble women

  • The Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine | archive.org
    → 1852-1879 • England, London | British fashion magazine

  • La Gazette Rose | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1857 • France, Paris | French fashion magazine

  • [1860s] Dresses, on Wikimedia Commons website

  • [1860s] Wedding dresses, on Wikimedia Commons website

  • The Young Ladies' Journal | tessa2.lapl.org
    → 1865-1867 | Fashion magazine

  • L'Élégant, Journal des tailleurs | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1865-1868 • France, Paris | French men fashion magazine

  • [1870s] Dresses, on Wikimedia Commons website

  • [1870s] Wedding dresses, on Wikimedia Commons website

  • [1880s] Dresses, on Wikimedia Commons website

  • [1880s] Wedding dresses, on Wikimedia Commons website

  • [1890s] Fashion, on Wikimedia Commons website
    Clothing, Female clothing, Women's undress, Dresses, Wedding dresses, Male clothing, Children clothing
    Accessories, Headwear, Shoes, Swimwear



  • BOOKS

  • La Mode Illustrée
    (The Fashion Illustrated)
    [1889 to 1937] La Mode Illustrée
    → on French website containing of all magazine editions sorted by year, month and weekend

    [1861] La Mode Illustrée - 1861, Archive.org | La Mode Illustrée - 1861, Books.google
    → French magazine - Edition 1861

    [1862] La Mode Illustrée - 1862, Archive.org | La Mode Illustrée - 1862, Books.google
    → French magazine - Edition 1862

    [1863] La Mode Illustrée - 1863, Archive.org | La Mode Illustrée - 1863, Books.google
    → French magazine - Edition 1863

    [1864] La Mode Illustrée - 1864, Archive.org | La Mode Illustrée - 1864, Books.google
    → French magazine - Edition 1864

    [1865] La Mode Illustrée - 1865, Archive.org | La Mode Illustrée - 1865, Books.google
    → French magazine - Edition 1865

    [1866] La Mode Illustrée - 1866, Archive.org | La Mode Illustrée - 1866, Books.google
    → French magazine - Edition 1866

    [1867] La Mode Illustrée - 1867, Archive.org | La Mode Illustrée - 1867, Books.google
    → French magazine - Edition 1867

    [1868] La Mode Illustrée - 1868, Archive.org | La Mode Illustrée - 1868, Books.google
    → French magazine - Edition 1868

    [1869] La Mode Illustrée - 1869, Archive.org | La Mode Illustrée - 1869, Books.google
    → French magazine - Edition 1869

    [1860s] La Mode Illustrée - 1860s
    → some French gravures collected by the Dutch Rijksmuseum - Edition 1860s

    [1870s] La Mode Illustrée - 1870s
    → some French gravures collected by the Dutch Rijksmuseum - Edition 1870s

    [1880s] La Mode Illustrée - 1880s
    → some French gravures collected by the Dutch Rijksmuseum - Edition 1880s

    [1890s] La Mode Illustrée - 1890s
    → some French gravures collected by the Dutch Rijksmuseum - Edition 1890s

  • The Black Cat
    (Shortstories publishing & fiction magazine)
    [1895] The Black Cat - October 1895

    [1895] The Black Cat - November 1895

    The Black Cat
    → Some American stories

  • Chapter 18: [Victorian Era] Women

    Summary:

    This chapter is about Victorian women.

    Chapter Text

    Reminder: Victorian dates follow Queen Victoria's reign and are therefore 1837 to 1901.

     

    STATUS

    Profession
    Designer, seamstress
    Housekeeper, governess, nanny
    Artist: painter, potter, sculpturer, lithographer
    Ballet dancer, opera singer
    Florist

     

     

     

    GALLERY - 1830s

  • 1839.12.07•France, Paris & England, London | tessa.lapl.org | La Mode🇫🇷 Coiffure en velours et burnous de Me Lassalle. Coiffure demi poudre de Delignou. Robes de Gagelin Opigez façon de Mlle Moismont, 14 bis. rue du Helder. Bijoux de Prader sous jupes bouffantes d'Oudinot Lutel
    🇬🇧 Left: Has coiffures and white plumes. Wearing a green dress with a white cloak covering it. Right: Green and yellow lappets. Wearing a white bodice with floral and ruffled hem. Also wearing a white cloak with blue lining over the dress.

  •  

     

     

    GALLERY - 1840s

  • 1840s•England | metmuseum.org • Dress

  • 1842•France | metmuseum.org • Dress
    1842•England | metmuseum.org • Ball gown

  • 1843•USA | metmuseum.org • Afternoon dress
    1843•USA | metmuseum.org • Dress

  • 1845-1849•England | wikimedia.org • Woman's Dress

  • 1846-1847•USA | wikimedia.org • Mary Todd Lincoln

  •  

     

     

    GALLERY - 1850s

  • 1855 | twimg.com • Day dress

  • 1857–1860•Italy | wikimedia.org • Court ensemble of silk and gold

  • 1858-1868 | pbs.twimg.com • Evening dress

  • 1858•France | pbs.twimg.com • Day dress

  • 1859-1860•Scotland | pbs.twimg.com • Evening dress

  •  

     

     

    GALLERY - 1860s

  • 1860-1864 | pbs.twimg.com • Evening dress
    1860-1865•USA | Mary Todd Lincoln

  • 1860s | pbs.twimg.com • Wedding dress
    1860s•England | pbs.twimg.com • Afternoon dress
    1860s | pbs.twimg.com • Day dress
    1860s | Summer dress

  • 1860 | pbs.twimg.com • Day dress (1860)
    1860•USA | pbs.twimg.com • Wedding dress
    1860.05 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 grey dress with green details, 1 girl's old pink dress with pink details & 1 black and dark purple dress
    1860.06 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 boy's dark blue and red outfit, 1 lilac dress & 1 black dress
    1860.07 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 white dress with bright green details & 1 stipped white and purple dress
    1860.08 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 black dress, 1 white dress with ligh purple details, 1 golden orange dress & 1 bright and light green dress
    1860.09 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 girl's white and dark blue dress, 1 dark grey dress & 1 white dress with pink flowers and green leaves
    1860.10 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 black and dark reddish purple, 1 girl's bluish grey dress & 1 green dress
    1860.11 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 black dress, 1 dark blue dress with black details & 1 dark brown dress with purple details
    1860.12 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 white dress with blue flowers, 1 black and red dress & 1 girl's white dress with pink details

  • 1861.01 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 dark blue dress with brown furs & 1 white dress with red details and black laces
    1861.02 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 girl's white dress with pink details, 1 bright green dress with brown details & 1 white dress
    1861.03 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 light brown dress, 1 white dress & 1 dark green and light green dress
    1861.04 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 light purple dress & 1 white and blue dress
    1861.05 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 black and green dress, 1 white dress with purple details, 1 grey dress with pink details, 1 girl's black dress & 1 white, green and black dress
    1861.06 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 grey and purple dress & 1 white and green dress
    1861.07 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 lilac and purple dress & 1 pinkish white dress with pink details
    1861.08 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 black and white dress & 1 brown dress
    1861.09 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 white and pale pink dress, 1 girl's dark blue dress & 1 white dress
    1861.10 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 light black dress with green details & 1 white and pink dress
    1861.11 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 dark purple and lilac dress, 1 black and greyish blue dress, 1 girl's blue and black dress, 1 brown and green dress & 1 dark grey and blue dress
    1861.12 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 red and black dress & 1 white and green dress

  • 1862.01 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 white and pink dress & 1 black and purple dress
    1862.02 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 mint dress & 1 white dress with light red details
    1862.03 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 red dress & 1 green and black dress
    1862.04 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 black and purple dress, 1 grey and brown dress, 1 white dress with green details, 1 light orange dress & 1 girl's purple and pink dress
    1862.05 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 green and pale taupe dress, 1 black dress with purple and red details & 1 girl's dark taupe and dark blue dress
    1862.06 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 girl's red and white dress, 1 white and light brown dress with dark brown details & 1 white and green dress
    1862.07 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 white and purple dress & 1 green dress with black and white details
    1862.08 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 pale yellow dress, 1 girl's blue and white dress & 1 black dress with red hood
    1862.12 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 girl's black and light blue dress, 1 brown dress & 1 white dress with red and blue details

  • 1863.03 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 red, black and white dress & 1 yellow and white dress with blue details
    1863.05 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • Spring & summer mantles • 1 black and blue dress, 1 brownish orange dress, 1 greyish taupe dress, 1 dark pink dress & 1 black and green dress
    1863.06 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 girl's white and green dress, 1 white and purple dress & 1 brown dress
    1863.07 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 white and purple dress & 1 green and black dress
    1863.08 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 pale yellow dress with black and white details & 1 grey dress with red details
    1863.09 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 dark pink & 1 bright green dress
    1863.10 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • Winter cloaks and mantles • 1 black and dark blue dress, 1 red and grey dress, 1 black and green dress, 1 dark taupe and black dress & 1 dark purple and black dress
    1863.11 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 dark cream and red dress & 1 green and purple dress
    1863.12 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 red and white dress, 1 girl's light taupe and purple dress & 1 brown dress

  • 1864.01 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 dark grey dress with red details, 1 light brown and lilac dress & 1 girl's white dress with pale red details
    1864.02 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 girl's white and blue dress, 1 white and dark pink dress & 1 black and bright green dress
    1864.03 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 bright green & 1 white dress with pink details
    1864.04 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 pale yellow dress with blue details & 1 purple dress with black details
    1864.06 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 girl's purple and white dress, 1 greyish cream and black dress & 1 green and grey dress
    1864.07 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 light golden dress, 1 purple and lilac dress, 1 grey dress & 1 girl's white and red dress
    1864.08 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 pale yellow dress with black details, 1 grey dress with dark blue details & 1 grey and black dress with red details
    1864.09 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 light green dress with black details, 1 red and white dress & 1 girl's dark blue and pale orange
    1864.11 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 dark orange dress with black details, 1 girl's beige and black dress & 1 purple and lilac dress
    1864.12 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 white and yellow dress, 1 teal, black and white dress & 1 girl's dark grey and pink dress

  • 1865.04 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 girl's red dress, 1 bright green dress & 1 light grey dress with purple details

  •  

     

     

     


    Credit: Mary Todd Lincoln's velvet dress with day and evening bodices (USA ~ 1861) | Mary Todd Lincoln (USA ~ 1861) | Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley (USA ~ 1861)

     


    Credit: Evening dress (USA ~ 1862-1864) || Promenade dress (1862-1864)


    Credit: Day dress (England ~ 1862) | Day dress (1862) | Day dress (1862)

     

     


    Credit: Day dress (1864-1865) | Seaside ensemble (1864-1867 ~ USA)

     


    Credit: Day dress (1865 ~ USA) | La Mode Illustrée, by Melles Rabouin (Sunday 11 June 1865 ~ France)

     

     


    Credit: Day dress (France ~ 1866-1869)


    Credit: Wedding dress (1866) || Evening dress (France ~1866) || Day dress (1866) || Evening dress (1866)


    Credit: Day outfit (France ~ 1866-1867)

     


    Credit: Silk afternoon dress (1867-1868 ~ USA)

     


    Credit: Silk dress (USA ~ 1868)

     


    Credit: Journal des Demoiselles (1869 ~ France, Paris)

     

     

     

     

    GALLERY - 1870s

  • 1870-1880 | pbs.twimg.com | Bed jacket
    1870-1881 | pbs.twimg.com | Riding habit

  • 1870s | pbs.twimg.com | Two unidentified women

  • 1870•USA | upload.wikimedia.org | Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley
    1870•France | upload.wikimedia.org | La Mode Illustrée, n°14 • by Mme Bréant-Castel

  • 1871 | www.davisart.com | Godey’s Lady’s Book: Wedding fashions
    1871•USA | collectionapi.metmuseum.org | Wedding dress
    1871.01 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 pink dress with grey, yellow and black mantle, 1 yellow dress & 1 girl's light grey dress with pale blue details
    1871.02 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 old blue dress, 1 black dress with grey details & 1 girl's blue and brownish orange dress
    1871.04 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 girl's blue dress with dark blue details, 1 white dress with yellow details & 1 reddish brown dress
    1871.05 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 white dress with blue ribbons, 1 white dress with light red flowers & 1 girl's red dress
    1871.06 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 dark yellow dress with brown details, 1 girl's dark blue and white dress & 1 dark brown and bluish grey dress
    1871.07 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 girl's grey and purple dress, 1 old pink dress & 1 dark cream dress
    1871.08 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 light black and red dress, 1 yellow dress with purple details & 1 girl's greyish blue dress
    1871.10 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 purple and black dress & 1 white and pink dress
    1871.11 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 green dress, 1 white dress & 1 girl's white and blue dress
    1871.12 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 dark orange dress & 1 black dress

  • 1872•France | upload.wikimedia.org | La Mode Illustrée, n°4, by Mme Bréant-Castel
    1872•France | collectionapi.metmuseum.org | Visiting dress, by Emile Pingat
    1872•England | pbs.twimg.com | Boating or seaside dress
    1872•France | collectionapi.metmuseum.org | Afternoon dress, by Charles Frederick Worth
    1872.05 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 white dress & 1 blue dress
    1872.06 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 black and purple dress & 1 dark and bright green dress
    1872.08.10•England | blogger.googleusercontent.com | The Illustrated Police NewsHorsewhipping by a lady in a bazaar at Manchester, Ellen Edwards and James Wishart
    1872.09 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 light grey dress with pink details & 1 stiped white and yellow dress
    1872.12 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 girl's white and red dress, 1 dark blue dress & 1 old pink dress

  • 1873•France | pbs.twimg.com | Visiting dress, by House of Worth
    1873.01 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 dark blue dress, 1 girl's orange and white dress & 1 purple and green dress
    1873.02 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 black and dark teal, 1 grey dress & 1 brown and grey dress
    1873.03 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 black and dark purple dress & 1 taupe and dark blue dress
    1873.04 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 girl's pale grey and dark sky blue dress, 1 boy's black outfit & 1 dark yellow with red details
    1873.04 | The queen
    1873.05 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 white dress & 1 bluish grey dress with dark sky blue details
    1873.06 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 black, grey and red dress & 1 light brown dress with dark orange details
    1873.09 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 striped white and sky blue dress & 1 grey and brownish orange dress
    1873.09.15 mon•France, Paris | sparcdigital.fitnyc.edu | La Gazette Rose • Toilettes de pécheuses à la ligne • Toilettes de Mlle Marie Bataillou, Étoffes des Magasins du Louvre, Rubans et Passementerie de La Glaneuse, Chapeaux de Mlle De Bougars, Peigne espagnol dit Girafe en écaille, Mouchoirs de Chaprou, Bijoux artistiques de Marc-Gueytou, Ceinture-régente de Mmes De Vertus sœurs, Foulards de l’Union des Judes, Chaussures de la Maison Jouvenot, Eau des Fées, Parfums et savons de toilette de la Maison Violet
    1873.10.05 sun•France, Paris | bibliotheques-specialisees.paris.fr, La Mode illustrée, n°40 • Toilettes de Mme Bréant-Castel, Jupon en faye noire, garni jusqu'à la hauteur des genoux de volants posés en ligne diagonale. Polonaise en velours noir, plus courte devant que sur les côtés, garnie d'une vieille guipure blanche. Au-dessus de cette guipure se trouve un large entre-deux pareil, doublé d'un ruban bleu pâle; cet entre-deux remonte jusqu'à la taille, sur chaque côté du tàblier, et décrit une losange sur chaque lé de côté. À cette place l'ornement se complète par deux nœuds de ruban bleu pâle; le corsage ouvert en carré avec collerette-Médicis en vieille guipure ; encolure bordée d'un entre-deux; épaulettes et manchettes en vieille guipure; manches bouillonnées.
    Robe en faye mordorée. Le tablier est orné d'un volant plissé, surmonté d'un biais en velours mordoré très-foncé; sous ce biais, une guipure blanche; à quelque distance, même biais et même guipure. Les lés de derrière sont couverts de bouillonnés en faye, séparés par des bandes dentelées en velours; une large bande de velours borde le tablier de chaque côté, et se boutonne sur le lé de derrière, à l'aide de boutons en vieil argent. Casaque de velours, avec manches de faye à poignets de velours; pouff en faye, sous la basque de la casaque sous le pouff, grand volant en velours.

    1873.10 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 purple and dark yellow dress & 1 white and pink dress
    1873.11 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 white dress, 1 mint dress with dark green details & 1 girl's dark lilac dress
    1873.12 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 golden brown dress & 1 dark purple and bluish grey dress

  • 1874 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 brown dress with pale yellow details & 1 white and blue dress
    1874.01 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 girl's white dress with old pink details, 1 grey dress with red details & 1 bright blue
    1874.03| tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 bright and light blue dress, 1 girl's white and green dress & 1 white, pink and taupe dress
    1874.06 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 orange and blue dress & 1 striped purple dress
    1874.09 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 white and brown dress & 1 white and grey dress with pink details
    1874.11 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 grey, white and purple dress, 1 white dress & 1 girl's bright and dark blue dress
    1874.12 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 black dress & 1 cream dress with blue, red and yellow stripes

  • 1875 | i.pinimg.com | Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style
    1875.01 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 girl's white and blue dress, 1 bright and light green dress & 1 pink dress
    1875.02 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 greenish blue & 1 white dress
    1875.03 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 light purple dress & 1 stiped white dress
    1875.04 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 dark brown and light brown dress & 1 purple dress
    1875.05 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 bluish grey and dark bluish grey dress & 1 pale orange dress with dark orange details
    1875.06 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 grey dress with check patterns & 1 dark orange dress
    1875.07 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 stiped white and blue dress & 1 dark taupe and dark sage dress
    1875.08 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 red and dark taupe dress & 1 greyish green dress
    1875.09 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 light brownish orange dress & 1 striped bluish grey dress
    1875.10 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 bluish grey and pink dress & 1 golden orange dress with brown details
    1875.11 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 white dress & 1 blue and pink dress
    1875.12 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 golden brown and dark blue dress & 1 black and purple dress

  • 1876–1878 | pbs.twimg.com | Mourning dress

  • 1876 | www.davisart.com | Trade invitation to the Christmas Exhibition from Richard Schwarz's Toy Emporium
    1876.01 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 light golden dress with orange details & 1 white and blue dress
    1876.02 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 black and bright blue dress & 1 greenish grey dress with black details
    1876.02.15 tue•France, Paris | La Gazette Rose • p64-65 • Toilettes de promenade • Costumes de Mlle Marie Bataillou, Étoffes des Magasins du Louvre, Chapeaux de Mlle Marie Baillet, Fleurs de la Maison Pitrat, Rubans de La Glaneuse, Lingerie de la Maison Gessat & Aubry, Ceintures-régentes de Mesdames De Vertus sœurs, Mouchoirs de Chaprou, Foulards et Cachemires de l’Union des Judes, Gants et Cravates de Madame Vachou, Chaussures de la Maison Jouvenot, Eau des Fées de Madame Sarah Félix, Parfums et Savons de toilette de la Maison Violet
    1876.03 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 pale cream dress with golden details & 1 dark red dress
    1876.04 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 cream and light brown dress & 1 greenish black dress
    1876.05 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 light brown dress with bright brown details & 1 light green dress with red details
    1876.06 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 striped yellow and green dress & 1 grey dress with red details
    1876.07 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 stripped withe and lilac dress & 1 cream and brown dress
    1876.08 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 striped white and brown & 1 striped pale yellow and light blue dress
    1876.09 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 brown and dark cream dress & 1 black and dark cream dress
    1876.10 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 blue and pink dress & 1 dark bluish grey and white dress
    1876.11 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 purple dress with golden details & 1 dark green dress
    1876.12 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 brown and green dress, 1 brigh brown with black and white details & 1 girl's blue dress

  • 1877–1883•USA | blogger.googleusercontent.com | Dinner dress

  • 1877•USA | pbs.twimg.com | Reception dress
    1877•France | upload.wikimedia.org | Berthe Morisot
    1877.01 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 dark purple and dark grey dress with red, black and white details & 1 dark green and black dress
    1877.02 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 lilac and white dress & 1 green and grey dress
    1877.03 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 dark purple and lilac dress with yellow details & 1 brown dress with greenish grey and green details
    1877.04 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 light brown and brown dress & 1 dark blue dress with pinkish orange details
    1877.05 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 light blue and blue dress & 1 light yellowish cream dress with dark brown
    1877.06 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 greenish grey and purplish brown dress & 1 lilac dress with yellow and blue details
    1877.07 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 stiped grey dress with orange details & 1 blue and white dress
    1877.09 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • Drawing by Jules David • One white and dark purple dress and one black dress with orange details
    1877.12 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 dark old green dress with leopard and blue details & 1 dark brown dress with leopard details

  • 1878-1882 | pbs.twimg.com | Afternoon dress
    1878-1879 | pbs.twimg.com | Afternoon dress
    1878-1880•Finland | pbs.twimg.com | Suit
    1878-1880•France | collectionapi.metmuseum.org | Dress, by Mme Martin Decalf

  • 1878 | i.pinimg.com | Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style
    1878•Scotland | pbs.twimg.com | Riding ensemble
    1878.05 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 dark green dress with dark yellow details & 1 dark brown dress
    1878.06 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 greenish grey dress with red details & 1 bluish grey dress
    1878.07 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 light brown dress with red details & 1 bluish grey and bluish black dress
    1878.09 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 greenish grey and green dress & 1 blue and dark khaki dress
    1878.10 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 pale cream dress and brown dress & 1 white and blue dress
    1878.11 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • 1 greenish grey dress with black details, 1 boy's brown & 1 black dress with blue and yellow details

  • 1879 | pbs.twimg.com | Unidentified woman juggling

  •  

     

     

    GALLERY - 1880s

  • 1880s•New Zealand | pbs.twimg.com | Unidentified Maori woman, by Samuel Carnell of Napier

  • 1880•France | pbs.twimg.com | Reception dress, by House of Worth

  • 1881.10.23 sun•France, Paris | bibliotheques-specialisees.paris.fr | La Mode illustrée : journal de la famille, vol.22, n°43, p.341Chemisette en surah, corselet en velours. Dos et devant. Modèle de chez Mme Coussinet | Improved picture n°1 & Improved picture n°2

  • 1882•France, Paris | gallica.bnf.fr | L'Art et la mode : journal de la vie mondaine, p.18 & 19 • Promenade à travers la mode
    1882•France | i.pinimg.com | La Mode Illustrée
    1882 | pbs.twimg.com | Tea gown
    1882•France | wikimedia.org | La Mode Illustrée, n°3 • by Mme Bréant-Castet{sic}

  • 1884•France | i.pinimg.com | La Mode Illustrée, n°32 • by Mme Delaunay

  • 1886•France | wikimedia.org | La Mode Illustrée, n°10 • by Mme Coussinet
    1886•France | i.pinimg.com | La Mode Illustrée, n°4 • by Mme Delaunay

  • 1888•France | i.pinimg.com | La Mode Illustrée
    1888•France | i.pinimg.com | La Mode Illustrée
    1888•France | i.pinimg.com | La Mode Illustrée
    1888•France | i.pinimg.com | La Mode Illustrée
    1888.02.17 fri•France, Paris | gallica.bnf.fr | L'Art et la mode : journal de la vie mondaine, vol.9, n°12Calendrier féminin, Dessin de Hy
    1888.02.17 fri•France, Paris | gallica.bnf.fr | L'Art et la mode : journal de la vie mondaine, vol.9, n°12, p.136Le Carnaval 1888, Belle de Nuit, dessin de Albert Bruneel

  • 1889-1892 | pbs.twimg.com • Designed by Sara Mayer & A. Morhanger • Probably worn by Cara Broughton (born Cara Leland Huttleston Rogers & also known Lady Fairhaven) • Collection of Victoria & Albert Museum | Formal day jacket bodice and skirt constructed from ivory coloured figured silk overlaid with chiffon encasing strips of black velvet ribbon, with bands of black machine lace, and with a panel of vertically striped black and ivory velvet at the centre back forming a bustle shape. Stitch marks suggest that there may have been an additional panel of lace or drapery applied over the back of the dress. Probably a half-mourning dress.

  •  

     

     

    GALLERY - 1890s

  • 1890s | mediastorehouse.com • Dress

  • 1890•France | i.pinimg.com • La Mode Illustrée

  • 1891•France | i.pinimg.com • La Mode Illustrée

  • 1892–1894•USA | pbs.twimg.com • Two students in a dorm room in the Normal Hall dormitory building at the State Normal School

  • 1892•France | i.pinimg.com • La Mode Illustrée
    1892•France | i.pinimg.com • La Mode Illustrée
    1892.12.26•England, New Olympic Theatre | framemark.vam.ac.uk • Costume design, by Charles William Pitcher

  • 1893-1895 | pbs.twimg.com • Reception dress, by Félix

  • 1893•France | i.pinimg.com • La Mode Illustrée

  • 1894•France | i.pinimg.com • La Mode Illustrée
    1894•USA | pbs.twimg.com • Yachting ensemble, by Haas Brothers
    1894.10.27 sat•France, Paris | gallica.bnf.fr | L'Art et la mode : journal de la vie mondaine, vol.15, n°43, p.647Robe de promenade, en drap chamois, garnie de soutache loutre. Corsage-blouse avec crevés de velours loutre. Chapeau en feutre chamois garni de ruban et de plumes. | Improved image
    1894.10.28 sun•France, Paris | bibliotheques-specialisees.paris.fr | La Mode illustrée, vol. 35, n°43Robe de promenade en satin de laine. Robe de réception. Robe en drap et velours, garnie de boutons. Modèles de chez Mmes Coussinet-Piret | Improved picture

  • 1895•England | pbs.twimg.com • Maidens with a disregard for convention

  • 1897.10.16 sat.•France, Paris | gallica.bnf.fr • L'Art et la mode : journal de la vie mondaine (1881-1954), n°27, p.826, "L'art de la mode"
    1897•Madagascar | pbs.twimg.com • Princess Ramisindrazana and her court dress

  • 1898.02.05•England | blogger.googleusercontent.com • The Illustrated Police News • A girl shoots a man dead at a ball for treading on her foot and declining to apologise
    1898.05•France | wikimedia.org • La Mode Illustrée, n°18 by Mmes Brun-Cailleux

  • 1899.03.19•Algeria | wikimedia.org | Le Petit Journal •Queen Ranavalona III
    1899.07•England | wikimedia.org • The Illustrated Police News • Trashed by a lady cyclist who is noted for her athletic powers

  • Chapter 19: [Victorian Era] Men

    Summary:

    This chapter is about Victorian men.

    Chapter Text

    GALLERY - 1840s


    Credit: Tailcoat (England ~ 1840–1850)

     

     


    Credit: Suit (USA ~ 1840) || Coat (USA ~ 1840s)

     

     

     

    GALLERY - 1860s


    Credit: Wedding suit, by James Mitchell (USA ~ 1860–1880)

     


    Credit: Military suit, by Ware, Pratt & Company (USA ~ 1862)

     


    Credit: Military uniform, A. P. Rego (Portugal ~ 1863)

     


    Credit: Court presentation ensemble, by A. Dusautoy (France ~ 1869)

     

     

     

    GALLERY - 1870s


    Credit: Suit (USA ~ 1870–1879)


    Credit: Advertisement for True Fit Shirts (USA ~ 1870)

     


    Credit: The Gazette of Fashion - Coats (1872)

     


    Credit: Man’s two-piece lounge suit (England ~ 1875-1880)

     

     

     

    GALLERY - 1880s

  • 1880•England | wikimedia.org | Man's Morning Coat & vest

  • 1881.11.05 sat•France | wikimedia.org | La Vie moderne

  • 1882•France, Paris | gallica.bnf.fr | L'Art et la mode : journal de la vie mondaine, p.11 • La quinzaine mondaine

  • 1885•England | collectionapi.metmuseum.org | Evening suit

  • Chapter 20: [Victorian Era] Children

    Summary:

    This chapter is about Victorian children.

    Chapter Text

    STATUS

    Profession
    Crossing sweeper
    Florist

     

     

     

    GALLERY

  • 1897•France, Paris | gallica.bnf.fr | L'Art et la mode : journal de la vie mondaine, n°44, p.876 • Élégances enfantines, Dessin de Nada

  •  


    Credit: Christening dress (France ~ 1840–1860)

     


    Credit: William "Willie" Wallace Lincoln (USA - 1860s) || Thomas "Tad" Lincoln, by Mathew B. Brady (USA - 1860s)

     


    Credit: Alberta Elizabeth Lewis-Savoy's christening dress', by Elizabeth Keckley (USA -1866)

     


    Credit: Girl’s dress (USA ~ 1878)

     


    Credit: Two unidentified teenagers (1880s) || Girl's dress (1880-1900)

    Chapter 21: [Victorian Era] Miscellany

    Summary:

    This chapter is about details of fashion or other information about people and society.

    Chapter Text

    ACCESSORY

  • 1839 -1881 | pbs.twimg.com | Charles Darwin's walking stick

  • 1861.05 | tessa.lapl.org | Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine • Women hats and bonnets • 1 white and pink hat, 1 white and lilac hat, 1 white hat with yellow details, 1 mint and white hat & 1 pink hat

  • 1863-1885 | pbs.twimg.com | Chatelaine

  •  

     

     

    ADVERTISEMENT


    Source: 1888.02.17 fri•France, Paris | gallica.bnf.fr | L'Art et la mode : journal de la vie mondaine, vol.9, n°12

     


    Source: 1897.07.03 sat•France, Paris | gallica.bnf.fr | L'Art et la mode : journal de la vie mondaine, vol.18, n°27

     

     

     

     

    JEWELLERY


    Credit: Ring based on the "He love me, he love me not" game (mid 19th century ~ France)

     


    Credit: Carlo Giuliano's pendant, by Pasquale Novissimo for (1880 ~ England)

     


    Credit: Bracelet (late 19th century)

     

     

     

    OBJECT


    Credit: Scent bottle (1878 ~ France)

     

     

     

     

    PEOPLE


    Credit: Willie Lincoln, Tad Lincoln and Lockwood Todd, by Mathew B. Brady (USA - 1861)

     


    Credit: Contraband Camp (USA - 1863)

     


    Credit: Lincoln family by the lithography of Currier & Ives (USA - 1867 'post')

     


    Credit: Covent garden flower women (1877 - 1878)

     


    Credit: Maori woman and her child (New Zealand - 1890s)


    Credit: President Abraham Lincoln's assassination (USA - 1900 'post')

     

     

     

     

    PAINTING


    Credit: "The Coronation of Queen Victoria", by George Hayter (1838 'post' ~ England)

     


    Credit: "The Marriage of Queen Victoria", by George Hayter (1840 'post' ~ England)

     


    Credit: "Prince Albert", by Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1842 ~ England)

     


    Credit: "Louise d'Orléans, reine des Belges", by Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1844 ~ Belgium)

     


    Credit: "Life at the Seaside", by William Powell Frith (1851-1854 ~ England)

     


    Credit: "Paca, Duchess of Alba", by Franz Xaver Winterhalter  (1852 ~ Spain)

     


    Credit: "Paca de Alba", by Franz Xaver Winterhalter  (Spain ~ 1854) || "Malcy Berthier de Wagram, Princesse Murat", by Franz Xaver Winterhalter (France ~ 1854)

     


    Credit: "The Derby Day", by William Powell Frith (England ~ 1856-1858)

     


    Credit: "The Crossing Sweeper", by William Powell Frith (England ~ 1858)

     


    Credit: "Prince Albert, The Prince Consort", by Franz Xaver Winterhalter (England ~ 1859)

     


    Credit: "The Railway Station", by William Powell Frith (England ~ 1862) || "A warm reception", by Charles-Édouard Boutibonne (France ~ 1862)

     


    Credit: "The Marriage of the Prince of Wales", by William Powell Frith (England ~ 1863 'post')

     


    Credit: "The Young Mountaineers", by Charles-Édouard Boutibonne (France ~ 1869)

     


    Credit: "Ladies playing Billiards" and "An Indecisive Moment", by Charles-Édouard Boutibonne (France ~1869)

     


    Credit: "Rendez-vous", by Arthur Georg von Ramberg (Germany ~ 1870)

     


    Credit: "The Salon d'Or", by William Powell Frith (Germany ~1871)

     


    Credit: "He love me, he love me not", by Giacomo di Chirico (France ~ 1872) || "Two Ladies Looking at Prints", by Konstantin Egorovich Makovsky (Russia ~ 1872)

     


    Credit: "Cache-cache", by Berthe Morisot (France ~ 1873)

     


    Credit: "La Chasse aux Papillons", by Berthe Morisot (France ~ 1874)

     


    Credit: "Avant le théâtre", by Berthe Morisot (France ~ 1875-1876) || "Dans la salle à manger", by Berthe Morisot (France ~ 1875)

     


    Credit: "A Garden Stroll", by Auguste Toulmouche (France ~ 1877)

     


    Credit: "Luncheon of the Boating Party", by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (France ~ 1880-1881) || "Sad News", by Edgard Farasyn (Belgium ~ 1880–1883)

     


    Credit: "A Private View at the Royal Academy", by William Powell Frith (England ~ 1883)

     


    Credit: "Les demoiselles de Province", by James Joseph Tissot (France ~ 1885)

     


    Credit: "Vanity", by Auguste Toulmouche (France ~ 1889)

     


    Credit: "The crossing sweeper", by William Powell Frith (England ~ 1893)

     


    Credit: "At the Opéra", "Le Patinage" and "At the Fountain", by Charles-Édouard Boutibonne (1897 ~ France)

     

     

     

     

    ILLUSTRATIONS


    Credit: Kendals' store (1860s ~ England)

     


    Credit: Calendrier lillois, by Édouard Boldoduc (1869 ~ France)

     


    Credit: Calendrier historique du département du Nord, by Édouard Boldoduc (1872 ~ France)

     


    Credit: Calendrier lillois, by Édouard Boldoduc (1884 ~ France)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    MAGAZINE PAGES


    Credit: Le Coquet, Journal des Modes - Reception, dinner & ball outfits (France ~ Saturday 18 May 1879)

     


    Credit: Salon de la Mode - Countryside, visit, walking & wedding outfits (France ~ Saturday 4 June 1887)

     


    Credit: Salon de la Mode (France ~ Saturday 10 March 1888)

     


    Credit: Salon de la Mode - Dinner & young girls outfits + hairtsyles (France ~ Saturday 22 November 1890)


    Credit: La Mode Illustrée - Ball & young girls outfits (France ~ Sunday 15 December 1890)

     


    Credit: Le Coquet, Journal des Modes - Visit, mourning, dinner & evening outfits + purse designs (France ~ Saturday 14 October 1893)

     


    Credit: Le Coquet, Journal des Modes - Fancy & carnival outfits (France ~ Saturday 6 January 1894)


    Credit: Le Coquet, Journal des Modes - Ball & marriage outfits (France ~ Saturday 20 January 1894)


    Credit: Le Coquet, Journal des Modes - Walking, ball & home outfits (France ~ Saturday 3 February 1894)

     


    Credit: La Mode Illustrée, Journal de la Famille - Children, young girls & private outfits (France ~ Sunday 4 August 1895)


    Credit: The Black Cat (USA ~ October 1895) | The Black Cat (USA ~ November 1895)

     


    Credit: Le Salon de la Mode - Ceremonial, wedding, city & young girls outfits (France ~ Saturday 1 February 1896)

     


    Credit: La Mode Illustrée - Visit & interior outfits (France ~ Sunday 7 November 1897)

     

     

     

     

    THE WORLD

    CHINA


    Credit: Dàoguāng Emperor || Xiánfēng Emperor || Tóngzhì Emperor || Guāngxù Emperor


    Credit: Dàoguāng Emperor || Dàoguāng Emperor and his guards (China ~ 1843)


    Credit: Yìxīn, Prince Gōng (2 November 1860 & 1872)


    Credit: Empress Xiàozhēnxiǎn || Empress Xiàozhéyì || Empress Dowager Lóngyù

    Chapter 22: [Victorian Era] Text

    Summary:

    This chapter contains texts and descriptions about outfits.

    Chapter Text

    VOCABULARY

  • Crinoline

  • Cage crinoline
    Alternative names: steel-hooped cage crinoline | steel-wire crinoline
    Timeline: [April 1856 ~ France, Paris] Patent by R.C. Milliet

  • Crinolette

  • Bustle
    🇫🇷 Tournure
    Timeline: [1869-1888] general timeline | [1863–1872] Transition from crinoline | [1869–1876] Early bustle | [1881–1889] Late bustle or Second bustle era

  • Dress
    Note n°1: This word often is synonymous with "outfit", "ensemble", "attire", "habit". That is to say "this person is dressed". So it's not a term specifically for female outfit.
    Note n°2:The term is accompanied by a clarification like "evening dress". This is not to be taken literally. It should be interpreted as advice: this outfit is appropriate for an evening out, or this outfit was designed for an evening out. This is not an absolute rule; the behavior of people wearing the dress does not always follow the strict etiquette of high society. In general, people wear their best outfit for their best moment, no matter the moment.
    Alternative names: Afternoon dress | Ball dress | Day dress | Evening dress | Mourning dress | Promenade dress | Reception dress | Tea dress | Visiting dress | Wedding dress

    Gown
    Definition: Woman's upper garment, outer dress


  • List of fabrics used in the Victorian era:

    Cotton
    🇫🇷 Coton

    Gauze
    🇫🇷 Gaze

    Leather
    🇫🇷 Cuir

    Linen
    🇫🇷 Lin

    Muslin
    🇫🇷 Mousseline

    Satin
    🇫🇷 Satin

    Silk
    🇫🇷 Soie

    Wool
    🇫🇷 Laine


  • Bodice
    Calico
    Gown
    Tartan pattern
    Feathers
    Silk taffeta
    Silk bocatelle
    Silk fringe

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    DESCRIPTIONS

    1840s

    Source: 1840–1860 | The Metropolitan Museum of Art • French christening dress
    This infant’s dress is a particularly beautiful example with fine embroidery and detail work, such as the pintucking at the bodice. It is unusual to have a non-washable fabric, such as silk, as the lining for a child's dress, which shows the wearer was a member of a prominent family.

    Source: 1842 | The Metropolitan Museum of Art • French dress
    As the torso seemed to drop low in the 1840s, its attentuation was often exacerbated by pleats radiating from the pointed waist.

    Source: 1842 | The Metropolitan Museum of Art • British ball gown
    This is a striking example of how 18th-century fabric was treasured. The textile was probably originally a 1740s dress which was taken apart and then reconfigured into this fashionable dress in the early 1840s. The elongated waist and V-shaped bodice front emphasize the bust and wide shoulders and were key features of the dresses of the period.
    The female silhouette of the middle of the 19th century consisted of a fitted corseted bodice and wide full skirts. The conical skirts developed between the 1830s, when the high waist of the Empire silhouette was lowered and the skirts became more bell shaped, to the late 1860s, when the fullness of the skirts were pulled to the back and the bustle developed. The flared skirts of the period gradually increased in size throughout and were supported by a number of methods. Originally support came from multiple layers of petticoats which, due to weight and discomfort, were supplanted by underskirts comprised of graduated hoops made from materials such as baleen, cane and metal. The fashions during this time allowed the textiles to stand out because of the vast surface areas of the skirt and a relatively minimal amount of excess trim.

    Source: 1843 | The Metropolitan Museum of Art • American dress
    This is a stunning example of the beauty of printed and dyed fabrics that were used in the 1840s. The combination of design complexity with complicated printing and ombré dying methods create this visually satisfying textile which is shown to full effect on the full skirts of the period.
    The female silhouette of the middle of the 19th century consisted of a fitted corseted bodice and wide full skirts. The conical skirts developed between the 1830s, when the high waist of the Empire silhouette was lowered and the skirts became more bell shaped, to the late 1860s, when the fullness of the skirts were pulled to the back and the bustle developed. The flared skirts of the period gradually increased in size throughout and were supported by a number of methods. Originally support came from multiple layers of petticoats which, due to weight and discomfort, were supplanted by underskirts comprised of graduated hoops made from materials such as baleen, cane and metal. The fashions during this time allowed the textiles to stand out because of the vast surface areas of the skirt and a relatively minimal amount of excess trim.

    Source: 1845-1849 | Los Angeles County Museum of Art • English woman's Dress
    Silk plain weave with warp-float patterning, printed, silk lace and silk passementerie



    1850s

    Source: 1850s | Robe d'après-midi en coton et petite cape assortie ~ coutaubegarie.com
    《🇫🇷 French text》Robe d'après-midi et petite cape assortie, coton pékiné crème imprimé d'un semis cruciforme noir et chocolat, le pourtour bordé d'un ruban imprimé d'un semis de fruits. Corsage à manches en pagode garni d'une ligne de bouton en parement sur le devant; jupe attenante sur crinoline plongeante.



    1860s

    Source: late 1860s ~ England, London | Summer dress ~ thejohnbrightcollection.co.uk
    Cotton and linen, trimmed with lace.
    Fine cotton fabrics, such as muslin, organdie and lawn were widely used for summer dresses at around this time. This four piece dress, comprising a bodice, skirt, apron style overskirt and linen underbodice has made particularly effective use of the translucent character of plain and printed muslins. The fabric of the skirt has been printed with tiny black diamonds and vertical bands of light and dark blue pattern. The overskirt, bodice and underbodice are of plain fabric bordered with patterned bands that have been cut from the skirt fabric; the borders of the short sleeves and the low round neck of the camisole style underbodice can be seen through the fabric of the over bodice to produce an attractive and subtle effect.
    This summer dress, also dated to the late 1860s, is trimmed rather unimaginatively, with frills and flounces of the same fabric; however, its particularly finely executed design of lilies of the valley lift it out of the mundane.


    Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art ~ American silk dress (1868)
    In this transitional dress with corsetted waistline still established high on the rib cage, the proportion was derived from the arms: pushed-down shoulders created a sloping line until the torso became almost diamond shaped at the back. The "coat" sleeves of 1860s, with widened elbows falling at or below the waist, were a visual contrast to the high waist.



    1870s

    Source: 1872•France, Paris | Afternoon dress, by Charles Frederick Worth of House of Worth • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
    The extraordinary color and variety of textiles in the stunning afternoon dress attest to the refinement of the French textile industry. Fine variations between the satin and bengaline illustrate how Worth built his reputation on subtlety and luxury.
    The bustle silhouette, although primarily associated with the second half of the 19th century, originated in earlier fashions as a simple bump at the back of the dress, such as with late 17th-early 18th century mantuas and late 18th- early 19th century Empire dresses. The full-blown bustle silhouette had its first Victorian appearance in the late 1860s, which started as fullness in skirts moving to the back of the dress. This fullness was drawn up in ties for walking that created a fashionable puff. This trendsetting puff expanded and was then built up with supports from a variety of different things such as horsehair, metal hoops and down. Styles of this period were often taken from historical inspiration and covered in various types of trim and lace. Accessories were petite and allowed for the focus on the large elaborate gowns. Around 1874, the style altered and the skirts began to hug the thighs in the front while the bustle at the back was reduced to a natural flow from the waist to the train. This period was marked by darker colors, asymmetrical drapery, oversize accessories and elongated forms created by full-length coats. Near the beginning of the 1880s the trends altered once again to include the bustle, this time it would reach its maximum potential with some skirts having the appearance of a full shelf at the back. The dense textiles preferred were covered in trimming, beadwork, puffs and bows to visually elevate them further. The feminine silhouette continued like this through 1889 before the skirts began to reduce and make way for the S-curve silhouette.


    Source: 1870–1879•USA | American suit • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
    This is an early form of the leisure suit, composed of a loose fitting jacket originally known in England as a "lounge jacket" and straight-legged pants. The style was introduced in the 1860s to be worn casually on a country retreat or for sporting activities. It was favored because it gave the appearance of a suit while being less constricting due to its soft material and basic construction. The style was later popularized by King Edward VII (1841-1910) before he was King.


    Source: Sunday 01st September 1872 | La Sylphiden°17, p5 • Première figurine
    《🇫🇷 French text》Robe de taffetas noir, à corsage décolleté et manches courtes, garnie dans le bas de six volants froncés hauts de 8 centimètres, et dont le dernier est monté à tête. Tunique en mousseline blanche unie ; corsage ouvert en châle et garni d'un petit volant à tête. Les manches à la Juive et ouvertes, depuis le haut du bras, sont entourées de même, ainsi que la jupe qui est relevée en pouf par une ceinture noire brochée de fleurs des champs. Chapeau bergère en paille d'Italie, entouré de velours noir et couvert de fleurs des champs. Velours et médaillon au cou ; gants longs de Suède, à neuf boutons. Ombrelle-canne en batiste écrue, doublée de soie rouge ; 12 mètres de taffetas pour la robe de soie, 8 mètres de mousseline pour la tunique.


    Source: Sunday 01st September 1872 | La Sylphiden°17, p5 • Deuxième figurine
    《🇫🇷 French text》Costume tout en toile grise ; la première jupe est entourée de bandes en velours grenat, posées en quilles de 40 centimètres. La tunique est polonaise, boutonnée devant par des boutons grenats jusqu'à mi-jupe ; elle s'écarte alors et se termine en pointes ; relevée des côtés, la jupe est longue derrière. Les manches demi-pagodes sont à revers. Tous les bords de cette tunique sont garnis de guipures de Cluny, de velours grenat et d'un entre-deux en dentelle semblable, ainsi que le postillon-habit, dans le haut duquel.il. y a deux boutons de velours grenat. Lingerie plissée et cravate bleue. Chapeau page en toile grise, bordé et garni de velours-grenat, avec une demi-guirlande de bluets posée en arrière. 18 mètres de toile pour le tout.


    Source: Tuesday 15th February 1876•France, Paris | La Gazette Rosep64 • Toilettes de promenade, première toilette
    《🇫🇷 French text》Étoffes des Magasins du Louvre, Costumes de Mlle Marie Bataillou, Chapeaux de Mlle Marie Baillet, Fleurs de la Maison Pitrat, Rubans de La Glaneuse, Lingerie de la Maison Gessat & Aubry, Ceintures-régentes de Mesdames De Vertus sœurs, Mouchoirs de Chaprou, Foulards et Cachemires de l’Union des Judes, Gants et Cravates de Madame Vachou, Chaussures de la Maison Jouvenot, Eau des Fées de Madame Sarah Félix, Parfums et Savons de toilette de la Maison Violet
    Costume cachemire de l'Inde et velours caroubier. La jupe en cachemire caroubier et garnie de plissés de cachemire est drapée sur une traîne de velours caroubier se gonflant en ondulations et en flots. Un coquillé de plissés de cachemire encadre cette traîne de velours de chaque côté. Elle est également bordée d'un plissé de cachemire. Le corsage, genre cuirasse, est en velours, avec manches de cachemire, petit parement de velours et volants plissés en cachemire. Il est orné d'un col montant en velours et d'une très riche frange grillée faisant demi-pélerine et se répétant au bas des basques de la cuirasse. Chapeau de feutre noir, garni de velours caroubier, avec plume blanche posée de côté et tombant sur la calote. Par derrière, touffe de roses de toutes couleurs. Bottines à talons Louis XV, en chevreau noir, à barettes jusqu'en haut, se détachant sur un bas de soie caroubier. Gants de Saxe, nuance naturelle.


    Source: Tuesday 15th February 1876•France, Paris | La Gazette Rosep64 • Toilettes de promenade, deuxième toilette
    《🇫🇷 French text》Étoffes des Magasins du Louvre, Costumes de Mlle Marie Bataillou, Chapeaux de Mlle Marie Baillet, Fleurs de la Maison Pitrat, Rubans de La Glaneuse, Lingerie de la Maison Gessat & Aubry, Ceintures-régentes de Mesdames De Vertus sœurs, Mouchoirs de Chaprou, Foulards et Cachemires de l’Union des Judes, Gants et Cravates de Madame Vachou, Chaussures de la Maison Jouvenot, Eau des Fées de Madame Sarah Félix, Parfums et Savons de toilette de la Maison Violet
    Costume en cachemire de l'Inde bleu marine, faille et velours noir. La jupe à traine, en faille noire, est entourée de volants de velours noir montés à plis creux, avec tête ruchée en faille. La tunique en cachemire de l'Inde bleu marine est encadrée de galons d'argent. Cette tunique est très nouvelle; elle décrit comme deux jupes derrière. La seconde, gonflée en tournure; sur les côtés, il y a une quille de galons d'argent et une poche Pompadour des plus coquettes. Le retroussis du tablier se fait très bas sur la quille. Le corsage cuirasse en cachemire, bien collant et bien modelé, est garni de galons d'argent; le col est en velours noir galonné d'argent, ainsi que les manches de velours. Ce costume serait plus élégant et plus harmonieux en faille et velours bleu marine assorti au cachemire. Chapeau en feutre blanc, genre Louis XIV, avec large passe relevée d'un côté par des roses des quatre saisons. Deux plumes d'autruche blanches forment un panache royal sur la calote, qui est entourée d'une cordelière de soie blanche, avec glands tombant sur le bord. Bottines Louis XV, en chevreau noir, avec barettes de peau bordées de faille bleu marine, se détachant sur un bas de soie bleu marine. Gants de chevreau maïs, à trois boutons d'argent.



    1880s

    Source: 1887.04.16 sat•France, Paris | gallica.bnf.fr • La Mode nationale : messager des modes nouvellesn n°51 • p.4, n°15 • Jaquette façon tailleur | improved image
    🇫🇷 Jaquette. Ce vêtement façon tailleur, très ajusté, est orné par un seul revers en moire, avec col et parements semblables. Une fourragère attachée sur la poitrine, orne le côté gauche et va se raccrocher, sur l'épaule, à une épaulette semblable.

    Source: 1888.08.19 sun•France, Paris | Le Petit écho de la mode (1888-1930) • n°33, p.266 • Explication des gravures - Costume de chasse en drap léger loutre • Mme Girardin
    🇫🇷 Jupe courte plate devant et plissée derrière. Seconde jupe froncée bordée d'un galon de soie même teinte. Corsage plat à basque, assez long, avec poche sur le dos terminé en plis avec boutons triple collet et col rabattu bordé d'un galon. Col montant, manche droite avec revers au bas bordé d'un galon. Casquette en drap pareil, bas rayés, bottines lacées. Pantalon fermé.
    Manière de faire cette toilette : Une hauteur de drap, soit 1 mètre pour le pantalon demi-collant, droit fil sur les côtés, fermé avec patte dans le haut et ceinture ronde. Première jupe fermée par un lé 1/2 sur 0m,80 de hauteur pour taille moyenne, plate devant avec petites pinces à la taille et plis derrière. Seconde jupe de la même hauteur, froncée à la taille à partir des côtés. Corsage seule pince droit fit devant et ouvert au bas. Côtés et dessous de bras droit fil à la taille. Dos droit fil biaisé à la taille, terminé en plis bien aplatis, pochettes fendues façon tailleur. Collets droits et sans coutures derrière. Manches droites, revers doubles de mousseline.
    Métrage : 1 mètre drap pour pantalon. 4m,50 pour corsage. 1m,80 pour la première jupe. 0m,90 pourla deuxième jupe. 12 mètres galons. Total : 5m,20 drap. 12 mètres galon.

    Source: 1888.08.19 sun•France, Paris | Le Petit écho de la mode (1888-1930) • n°33, p.266 • Explication des gravures - Costume de chasse velours côtelé vert, drap beige soutaché • Mme Girardin
    🇫🇷 Pantalon demi-collant. Jupe ronde froncée derrière avec quille drap brodé à droite et froncée derrière. Corsage ouvert sur un gilet plat soutaché. Col rabattu en drap, unies. Chapeau feutre mou orné de plumes couteau.
    Manière de faire ce costume : Couper le pantalon de la même façon que la première figure. Jupe formée par 4 hauteurs de 1 mètre, plate devant, avec petites pinces et plis très serrés derrière, veste droit fil avec gilet drap partant de la pince et boutonné devant par une sous-patte. Col rond en biais. Manche à coude droit fil à la couture extérieure.
    Métrage: 3 mètres velours pour pantalon, 4 mètres velours pour jupe, 8 mètres velours pour corsage, 1 mètre drap beige. Total : 10 mètres velours, 1 mètre drap beige.



    1890s

    Source: Sunday 11th January 1891•France, Paris | La Mode Illustrée (1860-1937) • n°2, p.14 • Travestissements - Paysanne roumaine • Modèles de Mlle de la Torchère
    《🇫🇷 French text》La jupe, faite en crépon de laine blanc, est ornée au bord inférieur d'une broderie ayant 8 centimètres de largeur, exécutée au passé, point de chaînette avec de la soie noire, du coton rouge et jaune et des fils d'or ; on brode sur les côtés de la jupe des motifs, que la seconde jupe et le tablier laissent voir. -La seconde jupe, posée sur la première devant et derrière, se compose d'un morceau de lainage noir, tissé de dessins de couleur ; on le plisse au bord supérieur, on le munit d'une ceinture. Le tablier, en même étoffe, disposé au bord supérieur en quelques petits plis, est fixé sur la jupe. La chemisette-blouse, en crépon de laine blanc, est ornée devant et derrière, sur les épaules et les manches avec des broderies ; on la fronce au bord supérieur. Une ceinture brodée, terminée par des glands, est posée autour de la taille ; on la croise derrière, pour la ramener devant. Sur la tête, on pose un voile en gaze de soie blanche brodée, dont les bouts, croisés devant, sont rejetés en arrière.


    Source: Sunday 11th January 1891•France, Paris | La Mode Illustrée (1860-1937) • n°2, p.14 • Travestissements - Paysanne bretonne • Modèles de Mlle de la Torchère
    《🇫🇷 French text》Ce costume se compose d'une jupe courte plissée en lainage noir, froncée sur son bord supérieur, garnie au bord inférieur de plusieurs rangs de ruban de velours vert et rouge. Le corselet, fait en drap vert, garni de rubans de velours noir, est fermé devant sur un plastron de drap rouge avec cordelière et boutons d'or. Les manches longues, froncées dans le bas, sont terminées par des manchettes en velours. L'ouverture du corsage est remplie par un fichu croisé en batiste blanche. Coiffe bretonne en toile blanche ; tablier en toile blanche, orné de bandes brodées de couleur et de rubans de velours.


    Source: Sunday 11th January 1891•France, Paris | La Mode Illustrée (1860-1937) • n°2, p.14 • Travestissements - Paysanne arménienne • Modèles de Mlle de la Torchère
    《🇫🇷 French text》Ce costume se compose d'une robe princesse unie, faite en flanelle blanche, sous le bord inférieur de laquelle on fixe une bande de soie rayée de couleur, pour simuler une double jupe. Les manches larges, ouvertes, et le petit plastron sont faits en soie rayée. Les manches sont terminées au bord inférieur par un étroit galon d'or ; on les plisse au bord supérieur, on y fixe des manches étroites en flanelle blanche. La robe, fermée devant, est complétée par une écharpe en faille cerise, terminée par une frange d'or et nouée derrière. Le manteau, ouvert devant, fait en lainage de couleur rayé, tissé d'or, est garni d'un galon d'or; la manche, large, fendue devant, doublée en soie bleu påle, est garnie d'un galon d'or; son bord extérieur est découpé en courbes. Le costume est complété par un collier de médailles, une couronne de roses, et un fez rouge orné de broderies et d'un gland.


    Source: Sunday 11th January 1891•France, Paris | La Mode Illustrée (1860-1937) • n°2, p.14 • Description de toilettes, Toilette de bal en soie brochée Louis XVI vieux-rose et gaze de soie brodée
    《🇫🇷 French text》La traîne, en soie brochée, est entourée d'un bord de plumes nuance mousse. Le devant de la jupe, en gaze brodée rose, est retenu de chaque côté vers le bord inférieur par une touffe de plumes mousse et rose. Le devant du corsage, fait en gaze brodée, est retenu par des galons d'argent et de soie mousse. Manches courtes bouffantes.


    Source: Sunday 11th January 1891•France, Paris | La Mode Illustrée (1860-1937) • n°2, p.14 • Description de toilettes, Robe de diners en bengaline vert Nil
    《🇫🇷 French text》La jupe, à demi-traine, est entourée d'une bordure en broderie rococo de nuances tranchées (œillets, pensées, roses, etc.), remontant sur le côté gauche. Cette jupe s'ouvre sur une sous-jupe en dentelle. Le corsage, à pointe, est lacé dans le dos. Col Médicis avec plis de dentelle à l'intérieur. Manches courtes en broderie rococo. Cette broderie est faite avec des rubans ayant environ un millimètre de largeur et de la chenille.


    Source: Sunday 25th January 1891•France, Paris | La Mode Illustrée (1860-1937) • n°4 • Robe en drap pour diners • Modèles de Mme Gradoz
    《🇫🇷 French text》Cette robe, faite en drap vert påle, est ornée de branches de fleurs brodées en soie noire, et de bordures en plumes d'autruche noires. On coupe la jupe de dessous en faille; on la recouvre devant avec un morceau de drap posé à plat ; orné de broderies, dont le bord inférieur est terminé par une bordure de plumes noires ; par derrière la jupe est recouverte avec du drap froncé au bord supérieur formant une petite traine. Le corsage, en drap ouvert en cœur, est recouvert devant et derrière avec un fichu plissé en tulle noir, auquel se rattache le corsage découpé en dents, orné d'une bordure de plumes. Manches courtes bouillonnées en tulle.


    Source: Sunday 25th January 1891•France, Paris | La Mode Illustrée (1860-1937) • n°4 • Robe en velours et gaze brodée • Modèles de Mme Gradoz
    《🇫🇷 French text》Cette robe, faite en velours pensée et gaze de soie lilas clair, est brodée de pensées. Le costume se compose d'une jupe courte en faille et d'une robe de dessus en velours, à traine derrière, formant jaquette devant ; la jupe est garnie au bord inférieur d'un volant en faille. On la recouvre devant avec un morceau de gaze de soie légèrement froncé, terminé par un volant en gaze brodée. Des volants semblables garnissent le bord de devant de la jaquette qui se rattache au gilet en gaze froncée; on complète celui-ci par un empiècement en applications de velours, on couvre le bas du gilet par une demi-ceinture. Manches courtes en velours, terminées par un volant brodé; col droit orné à une application en velours.


    Source: Sunday 25th January 1891•France, Paris | La Mode Illustrée (1860-1937) • n°4, p.30 • n° 1, p.28, Toilette de mariée
    《🇫🇷 French text》En peau de soie neige avec dessins de broderie perles fines et soie. Bouquets d'oranger sur le côté.


    Source: Sunday 25th January 1891•France, Paris | La Mode Illustrée (1860-1937) • n°4, p.30 • n° 2, p.29, Toilette de mariée
    《🇫🇷 French text》En faille première très mate avec ruche chicorée dans le bas.


    Source: Sunday 25th January 1891•France, Paris | La Mode Illustrée (1860-1937) • n°4, p.30 • n° 3, p.29, Toilette de mère de la mariée
    《🇫🇷 French text》En veloutine carrick et velours émeraude; devant en velours émeraude, avec applications de broderie Pompadour de tons rose, nil et beige.


    Source: Sunday 25th January 1891•France, Paris | La Mode Illustrée (1860-1937) • n°4, p.30 • n° 4, p.28, Toilette de mère du marié
    《🇫🇷 French text》En velours saphir et soie broché jonquille avec ruche frisée dans le bas en taffetas paille et rose.


    Source: Sunday 25th January 1891•France, Paris | La Mode Illustrée (1860-1937) • n°4, p.30 • n° 5, p.28, Toilette de fiancée pour matinée de contrat
    《🇫🇷 French text》Robe princesse en crépon Saïs vert nil, ornée de bandes de velours vert émeraude avec nœuds choux retenant le baldaquin.


    Source: Sunday 25th January 1891•France, Paris | La Mode Illustrée (1860-1937) • n°4, p.30 • n° 6, p.29, Demoiselle d'honneur
    《🇫🇷 French text》Robe en drap léger crème, avec corselet, plastron, poignets en velours vert émeraude, ornés de galons d'or.


    Source: Le Salon De La Mode ~ Toilette de soirée ou de grand dîner, by Mme Pelletier-Vidal (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《🇫🇷 French text》Jupe à godets en satin argent appliqué d'anneaux de velours rose ; cette jupe est garnie de deux bandes de passementerie noire brodées d'or et de paillettes et terminées par des pendeloques or et jais ; elle est doublée de soie blanche, avec balayeuse en soie découpée et faux-ourlet en tissu en crin. Corsage tendu en même étoffe, décolleté en carré et orné d'un col formant berthe en passementerie noire brodée or et paillettes, avec étoile de jais sur le devant. Manches à doubles bouffants en même étoffe que la robe. Collier en perles. Gants longs en chevreau blanc glacé. Aigrette de plumes noires et croissant en brillants dans la coiffure.
    Métrages : soie brochée, 15m50 ; doublire, 14m50


    Source: Le Salon De La Mode ~ Toilette de cérémonie, cortège, visites, etc., by Mme Pelletier-Vidal (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《French text》Jupe à godets en satin noir, garnie de panneaux plissés en dentelle noire fixés et reliés à la ceinture par des rubans et des nœuds de satin noir; cette jupe est doublée de soie, avec faux-ourlet en tissu de crin. Corsage tendu en satin noir, légèrement froncé à la taille et garni de drapperies de dentelles fixées par un nœud de satin noir. Manches bouffantes en satin noir, étroites à partir du coude et ornées de pattes sur les épaules. Chapeau de velours noir, garni de plumes noires. Gants gris perles.
    Métrages : satin, 16 mètres ; doublure, 15 mètres


    Source: Le Salon De La Mode ~ Corsage de dîner ou de matinée dansante (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《French text》En crèpe de chine maïs, orné d'un plastron et de revers aplliqués de six rangs de valenciennes ; même disposition derrière. Manches bouffantes en crèpe de chine maïs, ornés de nœuds de velours violine. Col drapé en crèpe de chine, bordé d'une petite valencienne. Ceinture nouée derrière ; nœuds du col et des épaules en velours violine. Ce corsage se porte avec une jupe noire et à godets, en crèpe de chine maïs ; on pourrait également le mettre avec une jupe de velours violine.
    Metrages : crèpe, 5 mètres


    Source: Le Salon De La Mode ~ Toilette de ville habillée (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《French text》Jupe à godets en crépon fantaisie mélangé violine et noir, garnie dans le bas de chous de dentelle fixés par des nœuds de satin violine. La jupe est doublée de soie mauve, avec faux-ourlet en tissu de crin. Corsage Restauration, en même étoffe, drapé et croisé, ouvert sur un plastron en satin violine ; des choux de dentelle, fixés par des nœuds de satin violine, sont posés de chaque côté du plastron. Col ruché et ceinture nouée de côté, en satin violine. Manches bouffantes, très étroites à partir du coude, en lainage, garnies de bandes de satin violine. Le corsage et les manches sont ornés de fourrure ou de bandes de plumes noires frisées. Gants de chevreau clairs.
    Chapeau de Mesdames Marescot sœurs, en feutre violine, garni de satin violine et de plumes couteaux noires.
    Métrages : crépon, 8 mètres ; satin , 2 mètres ; doublure, 13 mètres


    Source: Le Salon De La Mode ~ Toilette habillée (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《French text》Jupe à godets, en soie Louis XVI hortensia, brochée paille et pensée. Cette jupe est doublée de soie paille, avec faux-ourlet en tissu de crin. Corsage drapé, en satin liverty hortensia, ouvert sur un plastron en velours pensée. Grand col découpé en satin hortensia, brodé paille et pensée. Manches drapées, pareilles à la jupe, retombant sur des poignets en velours pensée. Petit bord de plumes frisées au sol droit.
    Métrages : soie brochée, 14 mètres ; liberty, 1m50 ; velours, 2 mètres ; satin, 0m60 ; doublure, 14 mètres


    Source: Le Salon De La Mode ~ Toilette de fillette pour matinée ou cérémonie (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《French text》Jupe foncée, en gros tulle noir perlé sur transparent de soie rouge. Corsage-blouse en gros tulle, découpé sur un empiècement en satin blanc, brodé rouge et noir. Manches ballons, en gros tulle noir, froncées sur un dessous de soie rouge, et hauts poignets en satin blanc, brodés rouge et noir. Cravate en velours rouge. Ceinture rouge. Chapeau en feutre rouge, garni de velours et de plumes noirs. Gants de chevreau blancs. on peut renpalcer les hauts poignets par des gants longs.
    Métrages : tulle, 4m50 ; soie rogue, 9 mètres ; satin blanc, 0m80


    Source: Le Salon De La Mode ~ Toilette de fillette (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《French text》Jupe à godets, en soie rouge brochée de fleurettes gris pâle, doublée de soie gris clair, avec faux-ourlet en Fibre Chamois. Corsage en soie rouge, orné en pli de satin gris clair, boutonné par des boutons de stras et encadré par deux coquillés de dentelle blanche retombant sur la jupe. Col et ceinture en velours noir. Manches en soie brochée, garnies de jockeys en satin gris clair. Bas noirs. Nœud de velours noir dans les cheveux.
    Métrages : soie broché, 6m50 ; soie rouge, 1 mètre ; satin gris, 0m80 ; doublure, 7 mètres


    Source: Le Salon De La Mode ~ Toilette de grande fillette (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《French text》Jupe à godets en soie gris argent à rayures bleu pâle semées de bouquets Pompadour. Cette jupe est doublée de soie gris argent, avec faux-ourlet en tissu de crin. Corsage-blouse en soie gris argent à rayures bleu pâmes, orné d’une berthe et de jockeys en velours bleu appliqués de guipure et bordés de plumes bleues. Manches bouffantes en velours bleu, étroites à partir du coude et bordées de plumes bleues frisées. Col et ceinture en velours bleu.
    Métrages : soie brochée, 7 mètres ; velours, 3 mètres ; doublure, 10 mètres


    Source: Le Salon De La Mode ~ Robe de fillette (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《French text》En soie de liberty saumon à pois noirs, froncée sur un empiècement en guipure et serrée à la taille très courte par une ceinture en soie saumon unie, nouée derrières à deux coques. Une ruche déchiquetée en satin noir garnit le bas de la jupe. Manches en soie à pois, ornées d’un poignet en guipure et d’une ruche déchiquetée en satin noir. Capote en velours noir, ornée de ruches en dentelle et de boutons de stras.
    Métrages : liberty à pois, 7 mètres ; soie unie, 1 mètre ; satin noir, 2 mètres


    Source: Le Salon De La Mode ~ Toilette habillée (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《French text》Jupe en soie Louis XVI fond vert d’eau à bouquets Pompadour. Corsage-veste à basques ondulées, en velours vert émeraude, orné de boutons de stras. Cravate et chemisette en tulle brodée ; gilet croisé en satin blanc, fermé par des boutons de stras. Manches à gigot, très étroites à partir du coude, en soie brochée, garnies de manchettes en tulle brodé. Chapeau en feutre vert émeraude, garni de gaze noire et de plumes paradis ; boucle de stras fixant le nœud de gaze. Gants de chevreau blancs.
    Métrages : soie brochée, 14 mètres ; velours, 4 mètres ; doublure, 15 mètres ; satin blanc, 0m30


    Source: Le Salon De La Mode ~ Toilette de ville (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《French text》Jupe à godets en lainage fauve à carreaux bleu foncé. Corsage en même étoffe, ajusté derrière et froncé devant sous un empiècement découpé en velours bleu, garni de boutons de nacre. Une draperie de soie fauve, fixée sur l’épaule gauche par une boucle d’argent, est serrée à la taille dans un haut corselet de velours bleu. Manches ballons en lainages, terminées par des poignets moyen âge en velours bleu, boutonnés par des boutons de nacre. Col en velours, avec petits créneaux. Chapeau en velours bleu, garni de dentelle blanche et de gros pavots en chenille bleue à cœur jaune. Gants gris perle.
    Métrages : lainage, 7 m50 ; velours, 1m50 ; soie, 0m60 ; doublure, 11 mètres


    Source: Le Salon De La Mode ~ Collerette, by Mme Capdeville (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《French text》Au point à l’aiguille blanc sur fond de tulle noir, montée sur un tour de cou en satin rose, ornée de coquilles de point à l’aiguille assortis et de coques de satin rose


    Source: em>Le Salon De La Mode ~ Collerette, by Mme Capdeville (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《French text》Ruchée en mousseline de soie blanche, montée sur un tour de cou de satin blanc, avec coques de satin et posée sur un petit volant de dentelle blanche.


    Source: Le Salon De La Mode ~ Capeline pour sortie de bal ou de théâtre (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《French text》En forme Manon, en dentelle blanche doublée de satin rose et ornée de nœuds de velours noir ; deux petits volants de dentelle retombent sur un volant de velours noir formant pélerine.


    Source: Le Salon De La Mode ~ Toilette de bal de jeune fille (France ~ 1st February 1896)
    《French text》Jupe en taffetas bien pâle, ornée de deux petites bandes de cygne. Corsage plissé en gaze de soie bien pâle sur transparent de soie bleue, décolleté en rond et bords de cygne. Manches Restauration en mousseline de soie plissés sous une bande de cygne. Ceinture en satin bleu pâle, coulissée dans le corsage et nouée de côté. Gants longs en chevreau blanc. Eventail en plumes blanches.
    Métrages : taffetas, 12 mètres ; gaze plissée, 8 mètres ; doublure, 12 mètres

    Chapter 23: [Edwardian era] Overview & Reference

    Summary:

    This chapter talks about the main lines of the Edwardian era and reference sources.

    Chapter Text

    Reminder: Edwardian dates follow the british reign of King Edward VII as well as the early british reign of King George V and are 1901 to 1914.

     

     

    THE WORLD

    FRANCE

    Historical periods = [1870-1940] French Third Republic | [1871-1914] Belle Époque

    Rulers = [1899-1906] Émile Loubet | [1906-1913] Armand Fallières | [1913-1920] Raymond Poincaré

     

     

     

     

    TIMELINE OF SOME EVENTS

  • [1900]
    14 April to 12 November 1900 ~ France, Paris = World's fair, Universal exhibition: Exposition Universelle of 1900 (1900 Paris Exposition)

    [1904]
    30 April 30 to 01 December 1904 ~ USA, Missouri = World's fair, Universal exhibition: Louisiana Purchase Exposition (St. Louis World's Fair)
    01 July to 23 November 1904 ~ USA, Missouri = Olympic Games: 1904 Summer Olympics (the Games of the III Olympiad, St. Louis 1904)

    [1905]
    27 April to 6 November 1905 ~ Belgium, Liège = World's fair, Universal exhibition: Liège International Exposition (Exposition Universelle et Internationale de Liège)

    [1906]
    28 April 1906 to 11 November 1906 ~ Italy, Milan = World's fair, Universal exhibition: Milan International (L'Esposizione Internazionale del Sempione, The Great Expo of Work)

    [1908]
    27 April to 31 October 1908 ~ England, London = Olympic Games: 1908 Summer Olympics (the Games of the IV Olympiad, London 1908)


  • [1910]
    23 April to 01 November 1910 ~ Bulgium, Brussels = World's fair, Universal exhibition: Brussels International Exposition (Exposition Universelle et Internationale de Bruxelles, Wereldtentoonstelling te Brussel)

    [1911]
    29 April 1911 to 19 November 1911 ~ Italy, Turin = World's fair, Universal exhibition: Turin International (Esposizione internazionale dell'industria e del lavoro)

    [1912]
    06 July 1912 to 22 July 1912 ~ Sweden, Stockholm = Olympic Games: 1912 Summer Olympics (Olympiska sommarspelen 1912, the Games of the V Olympiad, Stockholm 1912)

    [1913]
    26 April to 3 November 1913 ~ Belgium, Ghent = World's fair, Universal exhibition: Ghent International Exposition of 1913 (Wereldtentoonstelling van 1913 Gent, Exposition universelle et internationale de 1913 Gand)

  •  

     

     

     

    HISTORICAL COMPANY

  • List of artists:

    William John Charles Pitcher (21 March 1858 – 2 March 1925 | England, Northfleet • England, London)
    Alternative names: Wilhelm | C. Wilhelm
    Occupation: English artist | Costume designer for ballets, pantomimes, comic operas and Edwardian musical comedies | Scenery designer

  •  

     

     

     

    HISTORICAL BOOK

    ...

     

     

     

     

    RESOURCE & REFERENCE

    WEBSITE

  • Every Woman’s Encyclopaedia | archive.org
    → 1910s • England, London | English fashion magazine

  • 🇫🇷 L'Art de la mode | L'Art et la mode, revue mensuelle de l'élégance | L'Art et la mode : journal de la vie mondaine | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1881-1954 • France | French fashion magazine

  • Vogue | archive.org
    → 1892-2025 • USA, New York | American fashion magazine

    Vogue, Edition 01/01/1912
    Vogue, Edition 15/01/1912
    Vogue, Edition 01/02/1912
    Vogue, Edition 15/02/1912
    Vogue, Edition 01/03/1912
    Vogue, Edition 15/03/1912
    Vogue, Edition 01/04/1912
    Vogue, Edition 15/04/1912
    Vogue, Edition 01/05/1912
    Vogue, Edition 15/05/1912
    Vogue, Edition 01/06/1912
    Vogue, Edition 15/06/1912
    Vogue, Edition 01/07/1912
    Vogue, Edition 15/07/1912
    Vogue, Edition 01/08/1912
    Vogue, Edition 15/08/1912
    Vogue, Edition 01/09/1912
    Vogue, Edition 15/09/1912
    Vogue, Edition 01/10/1912
    Vogue, Edition 15/10/1912
    Vogue, Edition 01/11/1912
    Vogue, Edition 15/11/1912
    Vogue, Edition 01/12/1912
    Vogue, Edition 15/12/1912
    Vogue, Edition autumn 1912


  • 🇫🇷 Les Modes : revue mensuelle illustrée des arts décoratifs appliqués à la femme | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1901-1937 • France, Paris | French fashion magazine

  • 🇫🇷 Femina : publication bi-mensuelle illustrée | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1901-1954 • France, Paris | French fashion magazine

  • Les Parisiennes | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1906-1916 • USA, New York | Fashion magazine

  • 🇫🇷 L'Élan de la mode | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1907-1914 • France, Paris | French fashion magazine

  • 🇫🇷 Le Petit Écho de la mode | L'Écho de la mode | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1907-1914 • France, Paris | French fashion magazine

  • 🇫🇷 Le Cachet de Paris : journal de modes professionnel | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1908-1932 • France, Paris | French fashion magazine

  • 🇫🇷 Paris mode : journal professionnel des couturières | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1909-1935 • France, Paris | French fashion magazine

  • 🇫🇷 Paris élégant : publication exclusivement parisienne | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1909-1936 • France, Paris | French fashion magazine

  • 🇫🇷 La Coiffure de Paris | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1910-1954 • France, Paris | French fashion magazine

  • Las Argentinas. Revue des élégances féminines | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1911-1913 • Argentina, Buenos Aires | Fashion magazine

  • Élégances féminines : revue mensuelle de la grande couture parisienne | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1911-1914 • France, Paris • England, London • Switzerland, Geneva • USA, Philadelphia | Fashion magazine

  • Elegancias : revista ilustrada artística, literaria, modas y actualidades | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1911-1914 • France, Paris • Spain, San Martin • Argentina, Buenos Aires | Fashion magazine

  • 🇫🇷 La Femme chic à Paris : revue mensuelle de la mode | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1911-1926 • France, Paris | French fashion magazine

  • 🇫🇷 Jardin des modes nouvelles | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1912-1914• France, Paris | French fashion magazine

  • 🇫🇷 La Couturière parisienne : journal mensuel | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1912-1918 • France, Paris | French fashion magazine

  • 🇫🇷 La Gazette du bon ton : art, mode et frivolités | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1912-1925 • France, Paris | French fashion magazine

  • Toilettes parisiennes | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1912-1927 • France, Paris • England, London • Belgium, Brussels • USA, New York • Austria, Vienna | Fashion magazine

  • Le Grand tailleur | gallica.bnf.fr
    → 1912-1939 • France, Paris • England, London • Belgium, Brussels • USA, New York • Austria, Vienna | Fashion magazine


  • RMS TITANIC

  • reddit.com | 🇬🇧 Comparing the Titanic to a modern cruise ship, by Visual Capitalist
    → In 2025, the world's biggest cruise ship is Icon of the Seas.

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 Chilling Titanic Wreck Details, by @OceanlinerDesigns | Oceanliner Designs

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 Dining First Class on the RMS Titanic, by @TastingHistory | Tasting History with Max Miller

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 How dark the night of the Titanic's sinking actually was, by @scaryandfun | Red Queen

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 How Did They Keep Titanic's Lights On So Long?, by @OceanlinerDesigns | Oceanliner Designs

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 How the Titanic Was Found, by @neoexplains | Neo

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 Inside Titanic’s Third Class, by @OceanlinerDesigns | Oceanliner Designs

  • youtube.com | RMS Titanic Real Time Sinking Remastered, by @TitanicAnimations | Titanic Animations

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 Secrets of Titanic's Violent Sinking, by @OceanlinerDesigns | Oceanliner Designs

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 The Final Hours of TITANIC - 2023 Animation, by @TitanicHG | Titanic: Honor and Glory

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 Titanic final plunge in real lighting, from boat 7 view, by @TheRealAragorn | TheRealAragorn

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 Titanic H&G split animation but with realistic sound effects (UPDATED) + Lighting, by @brarroyo22 | brarroyo

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 Titanic: Why It Took 73 Years To Find The Wreck, by @ifyouwonder | If You Wonder

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 Titanic - Final Moments of Horror - 2024 Animation, by @DannyMolloy1912 | Danny Molloy

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 Were People Trapped Inside the Titanic When it Sank?, by @OceanlinerDesigns | Oceanliner Designs

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 What did Titanic's Break Up REALLY Look Like? (How the Movies Got it Wrong.), by @OceanlinerDesigns | Oceanliner Designs

  • youtube.com | 🇬🇧 What if Titanic Hit the Iceberg Head-On?, by @OceanlinerDesigns | Oceanliner Designs

  • youtube.com | 🇫🇷 Le Dernier Homme à quitter le Titanic : Charles Joughin - La Véritable Histoire, by @SombreHistoireYT | Sombre Histoire

  • youtube.com | 🇫🇷 Le Titanic aurait-il pu être Secouru ? SS Californian : le Navire le Plus Proche du Drame, by @SombreHistoireYT | Sombre Histoire

  • youtube.com | 🇫🇷 Titanic : La Récupération des Corps - L'Histoire Méconnue du Mackay Bennett, by @SombreHistoireYT | Sombre Histoire

  • youtube.com | 🇫🇷 Titanic : les preuves que son naufrage était inévitable, by @silentjill | Silent Jill

  • youtube.com | 🇫🇷 Titanic : 4 Erreurs Trop Courantes Réfutées par les Historiens, by @SombreHistoireYT | Sombre Histoire

  • youtube.com | 🇫🇷 10 Objets exceptionnels repêchés sur le Titanic !, by @LaListeInconnue | La Liste Inconnue

  • Chapter 24: [Edwardian era] Text

    Summary:

    This chapter contains texts and descriptions about outfits.

    Chapter Text

    Source: 1907.01.19 sat•France, Paris | L'art et la mode, journal de la vie mondaine (1880-1972) • n°3, p.66 • À travers les théâtres
    🇫🇷 Robe de théâtre, en tulle pailleté noir sur transparent argent, ornée dans le bas d'un galon de paillettes avec frange ; corselet de paillettes retenu par des liens, posé sur un corsage de dentelle. Immense chapeau noir

    Source: 1907.01.26 sat•France, Paris | L'art et la mode, journal de la vie mondaine (1880-1972) • n°4, Art & Chiffons • Création de Madame DESVAUX
    🇫🇷 Robe en tulle brodé noir, garnie de petits volants ondulés de ruban noir. Bas de jupe remontant en tablier, encadré de velours noir et pailleté de jais sur transparent de gaze d'or. Haut de corsage et ceinture-corselet en tissu noir broché d'or, avec longs pans de taffetas noir découpé sur dentelle d'or: petits revers de taffetas noir et dentelle d'or.

    Source: 1907.01.26 sat•France, Paris | L'art et la mode, journal de la vie mondaine (1880-1972) • n°4, Art & Chiffons
    🇫🇷 Robe de drap souple chamois, garnie de galons brodés et de dentelle même teinte corsage garni d'un lien de velours brun qui passe sous les manches et vient se nouer sous un plastron de drap brodé coques tombant sur la ceinture de velours brun.

    Chapter 25: [Edwardian era] Women

    Summary:

    This chapter is about Edwardian women.

    Chapter Text

    GALLERY - 1900s

  • 1908•England, London | framemark.vam.ac.uk | Costume design of Drury Lane Design Collection, by Attilio Comelli | Pale blue and pink

  •  

     

     

    GALLERY - 1910s

  • 1912.10.26 sun.•France, Paris | gallica.bnf.fr | L'Art et la mode : journal de la vie mondaine, n°43Robe de velours ourlée de skungs, garnie d’une broderie de Beauvais. Broderie de Milton Abelson, Regent House, Regent Street, London W | Dark blue and light purple hue

  • Chapter 26: [Edwardian era] Men

    Summary:

    This chapter is about Edwardian men.

    Chapter Text

    This chapter is about Edwardian men.

    Chapter 27: [Edwardian era] Children

    Summary:

    This chapter is about Edwardian children.

    Chapter Text

    This chapter is about Edwardian children.

    Chapter 28: [Edwardian era] Miscellany

    Summary:

    This chapter is about details of fashion (accessories, advertisements, cosmetics, etc.) or other information about people and society.

    Chapter Text

    ADVERTISEMENT


    Source: 1912.10.26 sun.•France, Paris | gallica.bnf.fr | L'Art et la mode : journal de la vie mondaine, n°43



    Source: 1912.10.26 sun.•France, Paris | gallica.bnf.fr | L'Art et la mode : journal de la vie mondaine, n°43

    Chapter 29: [Symbolism] Color

    Summary:

    This chapter talks about colorology.

    Chapter Text

    Colorology
    The study of color and their storytelling in art, literature, and anthropology with variations according to culture.

    Color theory
    Historical body of knowledge describing the behavior of colors: in color mixing, color contrast effects, color harmony, color schemes and color symbolism.


    Symbolism
    Never forget that the symbolism of colors never takes precedence over the immediate feelings of the public. To understand the importance of perception over message, no need to stick to color symbolism, look at failed log designs such as the Brazilian Institute for oriental Studies. Concepts, ideas, theory always bow to public reception. The context of color use is also important.

    Example n°1: A brown wall in a public toilet.

    Example n°2: A red carpet in a hotel gives the feeling of being invited and of being a celebrity, but a red carpet in a hospital gives the feeling of horror and despair. Look at the famous Color Theory of the Children Hospital's Post | tumblr.com

    Example n°3: We don't care that you're wearing a pale sandy fawn dress because beige can symbolize 'simplicity'. Here you are the maid of honor and your outfit rivals the bride's wedding white in the most important event of her life.


    History

    Resource links:
    1930s B&W Movie Makeup, Black & white film, vintage hollywood, by @samstimecapsule | youtube.com





    SYMBOLISM

    BLACK

  • Theology
    [Bible] Sin | Disease | Famine | Death | Sorrow



  • BLUE

  • Floriography
    [Website: Better] Serenity | Peace | Openness | Clarity
    [Website: Amorossa] Tranquility | Calmness | Relaxation | Harmony | Peaceful atmosphere

  • Theology
    [Bible] Heaven | Holiness


  • INDIGO

  • Vexillology
    [1978, Gilbert Baker] Harmony


  • TURQUOISE

  • Vexillology
    [1978, Gilbert Baker] Art



  • GREEN

  • Floriography
    [Website: Better] Rebirth | Renewal | Message of good health | Good fortune
    [Website: Amorossa] Renewal | Growth | Vitality | Nature | Fertility | Cycle of life | New beginnings | Hope | Good fortune | Abundance | Harmony

  • Theology
    [Bible] Plant life | Natural growth | Life | Nature | Maturity

  • Vexillology
    [1906, Suffragette] Hope
    [1978, Gilbert Baker] Nature



  • GREY

  • Theology
    [Bible] Old age | Weakness | Mourning



  • ORANGE

  • Floriography
    [2014 ~ USA | scentandviolet.com] Positive energy and passion | Freshness | Positivity
    [2018 ~ USA | rosaholics.com] Goals | Aspirations in life
    [Website: Better] Energy | Excitement | Warmth | Full of life | Good energy | Enthusiasm
    [Website: Amorossa] Sense of enthusiasm | Energy | Excitement | Creativity | Symbol of adventure | Optimism | Passion | Encouragement | New journey | Dreams

  • Vexillology
    [1978, Gilbert Baker] Healing
    [2018, Emily Gwen] Independence | Community



  • PINK

  • Floriography
    [2014 ~ USA | scentandviolet.com] Romance | Love | Gentle feelings
    [2018 ~ USA | rosaholics.com] Tender feelings | Pleasure | Light passion
    [Website: Better] Obvious sign of love | Femininity | Beauty | Happiness | Grace | Joy | Gentleness | Gesture of affection | Romance | Show of appreciation
    [Website: Amorossa] Gratitude | Grace | Gentleness | Femininity | Affection | Appreciation | Nuturing emotions | Message of admiration | Joy | Sweetness

  • Vexillology
    [1978, Gilbert Baker] Sexuality
    [2018, Emily Gwen] Serenity | Peace | Love | Sex | Feminity



  • PURPLE

  • Floriography
    [2014 ~ USA | scentandviolet.com] Unique | Dose of elegant and graceful | Symbol of nobility, beauty and royalty
    [2018 ~ USA | rosaholics.com] Admiration | Fascination with a person | Elegance
    [Website: Better] Success | Admiration | Tradition | Pride | Dignity | Accomplishment | Gift of congratulation
    [Website: Amorossa] Royalty | Luxury | Elegance | Beauty | Power | Extravagance | Sense of admiration | Respect

  • Theology
    [Bible] Fine materials | Royalty | Wealth | Corruption

  • Vexillology
    [1906, Suffragette] Loyalty | Dignity
    [2010, AVEN] Community


  • LAVENDER

  • Floriography
    [Website: Better] Grace | Elegance | Preciousness | Youth | Refinement


  • VIOLET

  • Vexillology
    [1978, Gilbert Baker] Spirit



  • RED

  • Floriography
    [2014 ~ USA | scentandviolet.com] Symbol of love, passion and romance | Faithfulness
    [2018 ~ USA | rosaholics.com] Solid and intense feelings
    [Website: Better] Passion | Desire | Respect | Declaration | Act of courage
    [Website: Amorossa] Deep love | Intense emotions | Romantic affection | Bold statement of love | Sparks of passion

  • Theology
    [Bible] Blood | War | Vengeance | Temptation of sin
    [Buddhism] Enlightenment
    [Christianity] Martyr

  • Vexillology
    [1589-1789, French "Ancien Régime"] Declaration of martial law | War | Courage
    [1791, French "Club des jacobins"] Martyr's blood | Revolution | Insurgency | Defiance | Sacrifice
    [1840s] Communism
    [1978, Gilbert Baker] Life


  • CRIMSON

  • Theology
    [Bible] Fine materials | Sin


  • SCARLET

  • Theology
    [Bible] Fine materials | Thread | Cleansing | Purification


  • VERMILION

  • Theology
    [Bible] Lust | Unrighteousness



  • WHITE

  • Floriography
    [2014 ~ USA | scentandviolet.com] Symbol of purity and spirituality
    [2018 ~ USA | rosaholics.com] Spirituality | Closeness to a person | Affection
    [Website: Better] Purity | Innocence | Sympathy | Spirituality | Honesty | Gesture of respect | Sympathy
    [Website: Amorossa] Purity | Innocence | Spirituality | Aura of serenity | New beginnings | Fresh starts | Sympathy | Remembrance

  • Theology
    [Bible] Purity | Righteousness | Nature | Body purity | Refinement | Unblemished | Righteousness | Heaven | Victory

  • Vexillology
    [1906, Suffragette] Purity
    [2010, AVEN] Ally | Support
    [2014, Cameron Whimsy] Friendship | Family
    [2018, Emily Gwen] Womanhood


  • IVORY

  • Theology
    [Bible] Fine craftsmanship | Beauty



  • YELLOW

  • Floriography
    [2014 ~ USA | scentandviolet.com]Energy | Happiness | Optimism | Joy
    [2018 ~ USA | rosaholics.com] Optimism | Cheerfulness | Activity | Happiness | Positive emotions
    [Website: Better] Friendship | Happiness | Joy | Pride | Success | Gift of celebration | Sign of appreciation | New beginning
    [Website: Amorossa] Embodiment of friendship | Happiness | Radiating warmth | Joy of companionship | Optimism | Positive energy | Loyalty | Special bond

  • Vexillology
    [1978, Gilbert Baker] Sun


  • AMBER

  • Theology
    [Bible] God's glory | God's brightness





  • RESOURCE & REFERENCE

    BIBLIOGRAPHY

  • [1810] 🇩🇪 Zur Farbenlehre
    (Theory of Colours)
    → German book by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

  • [1948] Psychologie de la couleur: effets et symboliques
    (Psychology of color: effects and symbolism)
    → by Eva Heller

  • [1969] 🇺🇸 Basic Color Terms: Their Universality and Evolution
    → American english book by Brent Berlin & Paul Kay

  • Chapter 30: [Symbolism] Number

    Summary:

    This chapter talks about numerology.

    Chapter Text

    Numerology
    Study of the purported mystical relationship between numbers

    Arithmancy
    Divination using numbers that are the equivalent of letters of a name





    SYMBOLISM

    1

  • Floriography
    [Website: Love to known] Leadership | Bold | Courage | Determination | Ambitions | Egocentrism | Weakness | Potential



  • 2

  • Floriography
    [Website: Love to known] Cooperation | Sensitivity | Balance | Responsability | Love | Patience | Support | Rudeness | Slyness | Service | Partnership | Duality



  • 3

  • Floriography
    [Website: Love to known] Optimism | Creativity | Sociability | Happiness | Superficiality | Boredom | Gossip | Expression



  • 4

  • Floriography
    [Website: Love to known] Stability | Calmness | Discipline | Impatience | Incompetence | Order | Loyalty



  • 5

  • Floriography
    [Website: Love to known] Freedom | Enthusiasm | Adventurous | Impulsivity | Exploration | Imagination | Change | Instability | Conflict



  • 6

  • Floriography
    [Website: Love to known] Responsibility | Kindness | Stability | Generosity |Intolerance | Jealousy | Harmony | Family | Understanding | Communication



  • 7

  • Floriography
    [Website: Love to known] Mysticism | Wisdom | Superficaility | Secret | Philosophy | Reflection | Knowledge



  • 8

  • Floriography
    [Website: Love to known] Prosperity | Intelligence | Dogmatism | Achievement | Abundance | Strength | Mastery | Accomplishment



  • 9

  • Floriography
    [Website: Love to known] Compassion | Humanity | Selfishness | Resentment | Completion | Ending | Fulfillment



  • 12

  • Floriography
    [Website: Clapham Flowers] Completeness | Perfection
    [Website: Pro Flowers] Cyclic, endless | Universality


  • Even numbers often represent couples. Large numbers show dedication, effort and excessiveness. Eight can represent time with its form ressembling a hourglass or the infinite symbol.





    RESOURCE & REFERENCE

    [1997] 🇺🇸 Numerology: Or, What Pythagoras Wrought
    → American english book by Underwood Dudley

    Chapter 31: [Symbolism] Flag

    Summary:

    This chapter talks about vexillology.

    Chapter Text

    Vexillology
    The study of flags and, by extension, its history, symbolism and usage.

    Vexillophilia
    Collection of flags, standards and pavilions.

    Heraldry
    Discipline relating to the design, display and study of armory.

    Armiger
    Natural or juridical person entitled to use a heraldic achievement either by hereditary right, grant, matriculation, or assumption of arms.

    Blazon
    🇫🇷 Blasonnement
    To describe, read and decipher a coat of arms

     

     

     

     

    HERALDIC VOCABULARY

    Coat of arms
    🇫🇷 Blason | Armoiries | Armes
    Heraldic visual design composed of 10 elements: slogan, crest, torse, helmet, crown, mantling, supporter, escutcheon, compartment and motto.

  • Slogan
    🇫🇷 Cri

  • Crest
    🇫🇷 Cimier

  • Torse
    🇫🇷 Timbre

  • Helmet
    🇫🇷 Casque

  • Crown
    🇫🇷 Couronne

  • Mantling
    🇫🇷 Lambrequin

  • Supporter
    🇫🇷 Tenant | Support | Soutien

  • Escutcheon
    🇫🇷 Écu

  • Compartment
    🇫🇷 Terrasse

  • Motto
    🇫🇷 Devise



  • Tincture
    🇫🇷 Couleur
    It is the elements in a heraldry field. They are 9 tinctures: 2 metals, 5 colours and 2 furs.

  • Metal
    🇫🇷 Métal
    There are two metals: or and argent

    Or - "Gold"
    Yellow
    One of the nine tinctures. One of the two metals.

    Argent - "Silver"
    White
    One of the nine tinctures. One of the two metals.


  • Colour
    🇫🇷 Émail
    There are five colours: azure, gules, purpure, sable and vert

    Azure
    🇫🇷 Azur
    Blue
    One of the nine tinctures. One of the five colours.

    Gules
    🇫🇷 Gueules | Cinabre
    Red
    One of the nine tinctures. One of the five colours.

    Purpure
    🇫🇷 Pourpre
    Purple
    One of the nine tinctures. One of the five colours.

    Sable
    Black
    One of the nine tinctures. One of the five colours.

    Vert - "Green"
    🇫🇷 Sinople | Prasine
    Green
    One of the nine tinctures. One of the five colours.

  • Fur
    🇫🇷 Fourrure
    There are two furs: ermine and vair

    Ermine
    🇫🇷 Hermine
    Note n°1: white winter coat of the stoat (a weasel)
    One of the nine tinctures. One of the two furs.

    Vair
    Note n°1: winter coat of the red squirrel
    One of the nine tinctures. One of the two furs.

  •  

    There is some non-standard tinctures:

  • Stain

    Murrey
    🇫🇷 Mûre
    Mulberry-coloured, reddish purple
    One of the three stains.

    Sanguine
    Brownish red, blood-red colour, dark red
    One of the three stains.

    Tenné
    Orange-tawny, dark yellow, light brown, natural color of tanned leather
    One of the three stains.

  •  

    In heraldry, there is also for the use of symbols:

  • Canting arms
    🇫🇷 Armes parlantes
    Heraldic bearings that represent the bearer's name. It can be litteral or pun
    Example n°1: Oxford has, on its shield, a ox over a ford of water
    Example n°2: The Rota family has, on its shield, a wheel because "rota" means "wheel" in Latin
    Example n°3: A city named after a saint has, on its shield, the figure of the eponym saint

  •  

     

     


    DESCRIPTION

  • Armorial of Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey (France, Manche):

    《🇫🇷 French text》De sable à 10 coquilles d’argent et au chef de France


  • Communal armorial of Ambrumesnil (France, Seine-Maritime):

    《🇫🇷 French text》D'azur à une croix latine et deux épis de blé passés en sautoir, le tout enfilé dans une couronne, accompagné de trois fleurs de lys, deux aux flancs et une en pointe, le tout d'or.
    《English text》Azure, a Latin cross surmounted by two stalks of wheat in saltire, all enfiled of a crown, between in base three fleurs de lys Or.


  • Communal armorial of Amfreville-la-Mi-Voie (France, Seine-Maritime):

    《🇫🇷 French text》Parti : au 1er mi-parti d'azur à l'ancre de sable cordée et bordée d'or, au 2e mi-parti de gueules à la roue dentée d'argent, à la cotice en barre de sinople bordée d'or brochant sur le tout et entravaillée dans l'ancre et la roue dentée, le tout sommé d'un chef parti : au 1er de gueules à deux léopards d'or, l'un au-dessus de l'autre, au 2e d'or à trois marteaux de gueules.
    《English text》Azure, an anchor Or voided sable, its hawser Or voided gules, and on a chief gules, in pale 2 leopards Or. impaled with Gules, a gear wheel argent, overall a bendlet sinister Or voided vert, and on a chief Or 3 hammers gules 2 & 1.


  • Communal armorial of Angerville-l'Orcher (France, Seine-Maritime):

    《🇫🇷 French text》D'or à la quintefeuille de sable surmontée d'un léopard de gueules.
    《English text》Or, a leopard gules and a cinqfoil sable.


  • Communal armorial of Anglesqueville-l'Esneval (France, Seine-Maritime):

    《🇫🇷 French text》Parti d'azur et de gueules, à un chevron d'or brochant accompagné en chef, à dextre d'une coquille, à senestre d'un lion et en pointe d'un fer de pique, le tout d'argent.
    《English text》Per pale azure and gules, a chevron Or between an escallop, a lion and a spear head argent.


  • Communal armorial of Anneville-Ambourville (France, Seine-Maritime):

    《🇫🇷 French text》De gueules à la bande ondée d'argent accompagnée de deux annelets d'or, au franc-canton cousu d'azur chargé d'une hache aussi d'argent.
    《English text》Gules, a bend wavy argent between 2 annulets Or, on a canton overall azure an axe argent.


  • Communal armorial of Annouville-Vilmesnil (France, Seine-Maritime):

    《🇫🇷 French text》D'azur aux deux épis de blé tigés et feuillés d’or accompagnés en pointe d’une fleur de gentiane tigée et feuillée du même, au chef aussi d’or chargé d’une bande de gueules surchargée de trois besants d’argent.
    《English text》Azure, 2 stalks of wheat slipped and leaved, in base a Gentian flower slipped and leaved, and on a chief Or, a bend gules charged with 3 plates (argent).


  • Communal armorial of Aumale (France, Seine-Maritime):

    《🇫🇷 French text》D'argent à la fasce d'azur chargée de trois fleurs de lis d'or.
    《English text》Argent, on a fess azure, 3 fleurs de lys Or.


  • Communal armorial of Auzebosc (France, Seine-Maritime):

    《🇫🇷 French text》Palé d'or et de gueules de six pièces.
    《English text》Paly Or and gules.


  • Communal armorial of Baillargues (France, Hérault):

    《🇫🇷 French text》De gueules à Saint Julien, revêtu d'une chasuble, le chef nimbé d'or et coiffé d'une tiare, la dextre tenant la palme du martyre, la senestre posée sur son cœur, le tout d'or.


  • Communal armorial of Barbâtre (France, Vendée):

    《🇫🇷 French text》Coupé ondé d'azur et d'or, au soleil non figuré de l'un en l'autre.
    《English text》Party per fess wavy azure and or, a sun without face counter-charged.


  • Communal armorial of Belleville-sur-Vie (France, Vendée):

    《🇫🇷 French text》Gironné de gueules et de vair de douze pièces.
    《English text》Gironny of twelve gules and vair.


  • Communal armorial of Bonifacio (France, Corse du Sud):

    《🇫🇷 French text》D'azur à la forteresse d'argent ouverte et maçonnée de sable, sommée d'une croisette patriarcale de gueules et aux quatre flammes du même, la porte de la forteresse surmontée du mot LIBERTAS en lettres capitales aussi de sable.


  • Communal armorial of Bonsecours (France, Seine-Maritime):

    《🇫🇷 French text》D'or à trois croisettes de sable enfermées dans un orle de gueules.
    《English text》Or, 3 crosses (couped) sable within a bordure gules.


  • Communal armorial of Clamecy (France, Nièvre):

    《🇫🇷 French text》D'azur semé de billettes d'or au lion du même, armé et lampassé de gueules, brochant sur le tout.


  • Communal armorial of Gouy (France, Seine-Maritime):

    《🇫🇷 French text》Coupé : au 1) d'argent aux deux clefs de sable passées en sautoir, au 2) d'azur aux trois pains d'or posés en pal et ordonnés 2 et 1.
    《English text》Per fess argent and azure, 2 keys in saltire sable and 3 baguettes palewise 2 & 1 Or.


  • Communal armorial of Grainville-Ymauville (France, Seine-Maritime):

    《🇫🇷 French text》D’azur au chevron d’argent accompagné en pointe d’une gerbe de blé de six épis d’or mis en éventail, au chef aussi d’argent chargé de trois roses de gueules tigées et feuillées de sinople.
    《English text》Azure, a chevron argent and in base 6 stalks of wheat arranged as a fan Or, and on a chief argent, 3 roses gules slipped and leaved vert.


  • Communal armorial of La Feuillie (France, Seine-Maritime):

    《🇫🇷 French text》D'azur à la silhouette de village d’argent planté d’arbre de sinople, l’église au centre avec un long clocher accosté à dextre d’une tête de cerf contournée et à senestre d’un casque à nasal, taré de profil, soutenu d’une épée basse, le tout d’argent au chef aussi de sinople soutenu d’un filet d’or.


  • Communal armorial of Monchy-sur-Eu (France, Seine-Maritime):

    《🇫🇷 French text》D’argent au carreau d’orangé chargé d’un carreau du champ surchargé d’un trèfle de sinople, à la bordure du même.
    《English text》Argent, within a square voided tenné, a trefoil, all within a bordure vert.


  • Communal armorial of Varzy (France, Nièvre):

    《🇫🇷 French text》D'azur à deux clefs passées en sautoir, l'une d'or et l'autre d'argent, à la filière aussi d'or.


  • Communal armorial of Saint-Fargeau (France, Yonne):

    Source: Armorial de France, Saint-Fargeau (Yonne), INSEE n° 89344
    《🇫🇷 French text》Écartelé: au 1er d'azur à trois fleurs de lys d'or au bâton de gueules péri en bande chargé en son chef d'un dauphin d'azur, au 2e d'azur à trois fleurs de lys d'or à la barre d'argent brochante et à la bordure cousue de gueules, au 3e de gueules au lion d'hermine couronné, armé et lampassé d'or, au 4e d'azur à la croix d'argent, les extrémités pattées, chargée en cœur d'un chevron de gueules, sur chaque traverse d'une molette de sable et en pointe d'une rose de gueules boutonnée d'argent ; sur le tout, un écusson en losange d'azur à trois fleurs de lys d'or au lambel d'argent.


  • Communal armorial of Vézelay (France, Yonne):

    《🇫🇷 French text》De gueules à trois fleurs de lys d'or, au chef cousu d'azur chargé d'une châsse d'argent accostée de dix larmes du second, cinq à dextre et cinq à senestre.

  •  

     

     

     

    RESOURCE & REFERENCE

    BIBLIOGRAPHY

  • [1910s] 🇬🇧 Every woman's encyclopaedia (archive.org) → Lady of Quality - How to read a coat-of-arms
    → Page 69 & 70 of British book

  • [2008] 🇫🇷 Une écriture en images : les armoiries parlantes (journals.openedition.org)
    (Writing in images: canting coat of arms)
    → French book by Michel PASTOUREAU

  • [2020] 🇫🇷 Société française héraldique et de sigillographique - La signification des armoiries françaises à l’Époque moderne : nouveaux axes de recherche
    (French Heraldic and Sigillographic Society - The Meaning of French Coats of Arms in the Modern Era: New Areas of Research)
    → French book by Nicolas VERNOT

  •  

     

    VIDEO

  • 🇫🇷 Point Culture : les Drapeaux, by LinksTheSun
    (Culture Time: Flags)
    → Youtube | French video about national flags

  • Vexillological Adventures, by CGP Grey
    → Youtube | English video playlist about USA flags

  • Heraldry, by Ralchire
    → Youtube | English video playlist about heraldry

  • World Heraldry
    → Youtube | English channel about flags

  • Coats of Arms Explained, by The Generalist Papers
    → Youtube | English video about heraldry, coat of arms and family crest

  • 7 ROYAL Rules of HERALDRY and How I got My Own COAT OF ARMS, by American Countess
    → Youtube | English video about heraldry and coat of arms

  • Weird Coats of Arms From Around the World, by J.J. McCullough
    → Youtube | English video about the strangest coats of arms

  • What is HERALDRY for? by Modern History TV
    → Youtube | English video about the heraldry of Middle Ages

  •  

     

    WEBSITE

  • 🇫🇷 Liste de pièces héraldiques
    → Wikipédia | French page about heraldry's charges

  • 🇬🇧 The Heraldry Society, @TheHeraldrySoc
    → Twitter | British posts about heraldry

  • The Heraldry Community, @arm_yourselves
    → Twitter | English posts about heraldry

  • 🇬🇧 HeraldryOnline, @HeraldryOnline
    → Twitter | British posts about heraldry

  • Heraldry, @HeraldicArms
    → Twitter | English posts about heraldry

  • Chapter 32: [Symbolism] Given name

    Summary:

    This chapter talks about naming your characters.

    Chapter Text

    Note n°1: Some real-world first names are listed here by theme. But only some of them, the ones that might interest me. There are no fantasy names here.

    Note n°2: Some parents give their children original names.

    Example n°1: William Edward Nightingale and Frances "Fanny" Smith named their daughters after their place of birth. Florence Nightingale = Florence in Italy. Frances Parthenope Verney = Parthenope, the greek name of Naples in Italy.

    Example n°2: The given name of Cesla Virginia Amarelle is an acronym for "Communauté des États Socialistes Latino-Américains" (meaning: community of Latin American socialist states)





    WORDPLAY: ANAGRAM

  • Aidan & Nadia

    ♂ | Aidan
    Alternative spellings: Aiden | Aydan | Haydan | Ayden
    Language: : Irish | Welsh
    Meaning: little fire | born of fire

    ♀ | Nadia
    Language: :Arabic | Slavic
    Meaning: delicate | fragile | hope





  • ANIMAL

  • ♂ | Léo
    Language: Greek → Latin
    Meaning: lion

    ♂ | Leon
    Alternative spelling: Léon
    Language: Greek → Latin | French | Irish | Spanish
    Meaning: lion

    ♂ | Leonard
    Alternative spelling: Leonardo | Léonard
    Language: Greek → Latin | German | Dutch | English | French | Italian | Spanish | Portuguese
    Meaning: lion strength | lion-strong | lion-hearted

    ♂ | Leonel
    Alternative spelling: Lionel
    Language: Latin → English | French
    Meaning: lion cub | little lion





  • COLOR

  • ♂ | Sherlock
    Language: English
    Meaning: bright-lock | fair hair





  • MINERAL & GEMSTONE

  • ♀ | Agate
    Alternative spelling: Agathe

  • ♀ | Amber
    Alternative spelling: Ambre

  • ♀ | Beryl
    Alternative spelling: Béryl

  • ♀ | Coralie
    Relative name: Coraline
    Language: Latin → Français
    Meaning: Coral reef | Coral

  • ♀ | Esmeralda
    Alternative spelling: Esméralda
    Language: Portuguese | Spanish
    Meaning: Emerald

  • ⚥ | Jade
    Meaning: Jade | Precious green stone

  • ♂ | Jasper
    Language: Persian
    Meaning: Treasurer
    Link: Gemstone "Jasper"

  • ♀ | Margaret
    Relative names: Margarete | Margaretha | Margarethe | Margarida | Margarita | Margherita | Margrethe | Margriet | Marguerite | Marge | Margie | Marit | Madge | Margit | Mairead | Maisie | Małgorzata | Marga | Marjorie | Märta | Maggie | Margo | Greta | Rita | Megan | Meg | Merete | Mette | Pegeen | Peggy | Pnina | Peninnah | Penina | Peninah
    Meaning: Pearl

  • ♀ | Metta
    Language: Germany
    Relative names: Meta

  • ♀ | Opal
    Language: Sanskrit
    Meaning: Opal | Jewel

  • ♀ | Pearl
    Meaning: Pearl





  • NUMBER

  • ♂ | Decimus
    Language: Latin → English
    Meaning: tenth

  • ♂ | Octave
    Alternative spellings: Octavius | ♀ Octavia
    Language: Latin → French
    Meaning: eighth
    Link: octave (music)

  • ♂ | Quint
    Alternative spellings: Quintus | Quinto
    Language: Latin → English | Portuguese | Spanish
    Meaning: fifth

  • ♂ | Sixte
    Alternative spellings: Sisto | Sixto | ♀ Sexta
    Language: Greek | Latin → French | Italien | Spanish
    Meaning: polished | sixth





  • PLANT & FLOWER

    Here is a list of names directly inspired by plants and flowers:

  • ♂ | Adonis
    Meaning: Lord
    Link: Adonis (Ranunculaceae)

  • ⚥ | Aster
    Meaning: Star
    Link: Aster (Asteraceae)

  • ♀ | Azalea
    Meaning: Dry
    Link: Azalea (Rhododendron)

  • ♂ | Basil
    Meaning: Brave
    Link: Basil | Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae)

  • ♀ | Calla
    Meaning: Castle | Fortress | Beauty
    Link: Calla (Araceae)

  • ♀ | Camellia / Camélia
    Meaning: Helper to the priest | Kamel's flower
    Link: Camellia (Theaceae)

  • ♀ | Cassia
    Meaning: Cinnamon | Metal helmet | Empty | Vain | Hollow | Pure
    Link: Cassia (Fabaceae) | Cinnamomum cassia (Lauraceae)

  • ♀ | Clover
    Meaning: Meadow flower
    Link: Trifolium (Fabaceae)

  • ♀ | Dahlia
    Meaning: Hanging branch
    Link: Dahlia (Asteraceae)

  • ♀ | Daisy / Marguerite
    Meaning: Day's eye | Pearl
    Link: Leucanthemum vulgare (Asteraceae)

  • ♀ | Daphne
    Meaning: Laurel
    Link: Daphne (Thymelaeaceae)

  • ♀ | Erica
    Meaning: Eternal ruler | Ever powerful
    Link: Erica "Heath" (Ericaceae)

  • ♀ | Flora / Fleur
    Meaning: Flower

  • ♀ | Georgina
    Meaning: Earthworker | Farmer
    Link: Dahlia (Asteraceae)

  • ♀ | Hazel
    Link: Corylus (Betulaceae)

  • ♂ | Heath // ♀ | Heather
    Meaning: Evergreen flowering plant
    Link: Ericaceae

  • ♀ | Hortensia / Hortense
    Meaning: Gardener
    Link: Hortensia (Hydrangeaceae)

  • ♀ | Iris
    Meaning: Rainbow
    Link: Iridaceae

  • ♀ | Ivy
    Meaning: Climbing evergreen plant | Vibe
    Link: Hedera (Araliaceae)

  • ♀ | Jasmine
    Meaning: Gift from God
    Link: Jasminum (Oleaceae)

  • ⚥ | Juniper
    Meaning: Evergreen
    Link: Juniperus (Cupressaceae)

  • ♀ | Lily / Lili
    Meaning: Pure, Sweet | Noble | Oath of God | God is satisfaction | God is my promise
    Link: Lilium (Liliaceae)

  • ♀ | Marigold
    Meaning: Mary’s gold, Virgin Mary
    Link: Calendula (Asteraceae)

  • ♀ | Marjorie
    Links: Daisy | Marjoram

  • ♀ | Poppy
    Meaning: Red
    Link: Papaveroideae

  • ♀ | Primrose
    Meaning: First Rose
    Link: Primrose (Primulaceae)

  • ♀ | Rose / Rosa
    Link: Rosa (Rosaceae)

  • ♀ | Vanille
    Link: Vanilla (Orchidaceae)

  • ♀ | Veronica / Véronique
    Meaning: Victorious, raging
    Link: Veronica (Plantaginaceae)

  • ♀ | Violet / Violette
    Note: Pinkish purple
    Link: Viola (Violaceae)


  • Here is a list of names derived from plants and flowers:

  • ♀ | Alyssa
    Meaning: Rational, Noble
    Link: Alyssum montanum (Brassicaceae)

  • ♀ | Blossom
    Note: Nickname

  • ♀ | Cynthia
    Meaning: Moon, Artemis, Luna, Selene
    Link: Rhododendron | Krigia biflora

  • ♂ | Lennox
    Meaning: Place with elms | Elm grove

  • ♂ | Lorenzo
    Meaning: From the city named after a laurel tree | Laurelled
    Link: ♂ Lawrence | ♂ Laurent | ⚥ Laurence

  • ♀ | Rosaline
    Meaning: Soft horse | lovely rose

  • ♂ | William
    Meaning: Vehement protector
    Link: Sweet William | Dianthus barbatus (Caryophyllaceae)




  • TIME & SEASON

  • ♂ | Auguste
    Alternative spellings: Augustus | Augustin | ⚥ Augustine
    Language: Latin → French
    Meaning: great | majestic | venerable
    Link: August (month)

  • ♀ | June
    Alternative spellings: Juno
    Language: Latin → English
    Meaning: fertile time | Iove | renewal | youth
    Link: June (month)

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