In the cards this week: success and rest

A pleasing combo

What a lovely pair of cards, with a reassuring message. We’ve all been working so very hard, and sometimes it feels like we’re running fast just to stay even. But maybe now we can take a breath, at least for a little while.

Hard work can pay off, even when the Big World is in chaos and the times are a-changin’. These two cards remind us that a healthy balance between work and rest is what will keep us going for the long term. That kind of balance can be hard to maintain in our go-go-go culture, but it’s essential for mental and physical health. It’s also essential for enjoying the fruits of our labors. If we just keep working, with no break, how can we appreciate what we’ve earned? So claim your rest along with your success so you can enjoy both!

It took me a while to figure out how to express the idea of material success for the Ten of Horns artwork. Finally, I landed on the image of the ikrion, a fancy garlanded platform that appears in images of Minoan ships, with a special passenger (or perhaps the ship’s captain) riding in it. Here are two ikria from the Flotilla fresco, a Minoan wall painting found in a large private home in Akrotiri:

There wasn’t room to include a whole ship on the Ten of Horns card, so I just painted an ikrion, with some lily-garland across the top and ten pairs of sacred horns on the sides. I realize it’s a fairly obscure object; unless you’re really into All Things Minoan, you probably don’t have any idea what an ikrion is. That’s why I included an explanation of each card’s artwork in the deck’s companion book - so everyone can understand the symbolism behind the art, even if they’re not already familiar with Minoan culture.

I wish you enjoyment of the rewards and rest that you’ve earned, and a pleasing balance between the two!

This week’s cards:

Ten of Horns: This is the card of material and financial stability. You've worked hard - this isn't just about luck or random chance. You've put in the effort, and now it's paying off. Stick to the methods you've been using, and things will be good for a good long while.

Four of Labryses: Time to take a breather. You've worked so hard for so long. It's not time to quit, of course, but to have a rest and restore yourself a bit. Allow yourself some solitude to replenish your inner stores, so you can step back out later and continue to enjoy life to its fullest.

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About Laura Perry

I'm an author, artist, and creator who works magic with words, paint, ink, music, textiles, and herbs. I'm also the founder and Temple Mom of Ariadne's Tribe, a worldwide inclusive Minoan spiritual tradition. My spiritual practice includes spirit work and herbalism through the lens of lifelong animism. I write Pagan / polytheist non-fiction and fiction across several different subjects and genres. I'm currently working on an illustrated book of modern Minoan myths and a Minoan entry in the Moon Books Pantheons series (publication date available soon!). I’m also an avid gardener and living history demonstrator.