Tarot Reading
[three shuffles. something shifts.]
Card I — The Significator The Star. Upright.
Something true happened this season. The vessels are still full.
Card II — What Crosses It The Ten of Cups.
There is always a garden on this card. Always. In every deck. In every tradition.
The rainbow arches over a rear garden at 70 Scituate Street, Arlington.
Card III — The Foundation The Hierophant.
The thing done because it has always been done. May. Arlington. One o’clock. Jeannine at the grill. Not old in years but old in the way some things become ancient quickly, through repetition and love.
Keep doing this.
Card IV — What Crowns It The Empress.
Of course.
She stands at the fire without urgency, without doubt. The scepter she carries is a set of tongs. The crown she wears is smoke.
Come to her. Sunday. May 17th.
Card V — What Is Passing Away The Eight of Wands.
The season’s relentless motion. All eight wands in flight, arcing through clear air, about to land.
Let them land.
Card VI — What Is Coming The Four of Pentacles.
Keeping. The memory of this afternoon, kept. The friends, kept. The tradition, kept.
This is not miserliness. This is how you make sure the vessel is still full next May.
Card VII — The Querent The Page of Cups.
A little surprised, always, that things turn out to be as good as they are.
Bring something. Food or drink. Coordination forthcoming. The Page is comfortable with forthcoming.
Card VIII — External Influences The Three of Cups.
Three figures dancing, cups raised. The people around you were ready before you sent the invitation. They have been waiting without knowing they were waiting.
Felice said come.
The cards confirm it.
Card IX — Hopes and Fears The Two of Pentacles.
What if it isn’t as good as last time?
It will be fine. It is always better than fine. Jeannine will have the coals ready.
Card X — The Outcome The Sun.
[the reader sets the card down carefully]
You know what this means. Everybody knows what this means.
Go.
Coordination of provisions forthcoming. Bring something. The Empress expects it.