The Threes

One of the things I like about focusing on just one card deck for a bit, is the things you learn along the way. For example, in this set of 'three's', there is some pretty distinctive headgear and the guys in the 3 of Spades and the 3 of Clubs do look pretty similar. On a little search around the internet, I found out that they both wear a La Bauta, which is apparently one of the most noticeable masks in Venice carnivals. Recognised by it's boxy chin-line, the mask is usually worn plain and was known as the protector - a device for hiding behind, worn by both men and women. The mask is usually worn with a cape and a hat known as a Tricorn. This three-pointed military-styled hat could be worn to protect from the rain, since it was angled on the head to drain water over both shoulders and keep the face dry.

Two of the cards from this set of four have already turned up in my daily draws this week. Domestic dispute is considered in the 3 of Diamonds and the unexpected is encountered through our everyday routine business via the 3 of Spades. As I found out a few days ago, even small information can be slighty jolting when this card is in play. Despite drawing the card in the morning, I hadn't prepared myself.

The 3 of Clubs features a man in the traditional La Bauta and Tricorn hat. He appears to be sitting and waiting. Is it the woman that he is waiting for, or maybe the Gondolier behind her? Whichever it is, this card reminds us that something is on the way. It may be as near as the woman in pink or as far away as the gondola, but it is definitely heading right at us. What it is that is on it's way can be found in the surrounding cards. The advice for this cloaked fellow is that he turns around and prepares himself, rather than be caught off guard.

There is something quite sad about the 3 of Hearts. In her book, Deborah Leigh advises that we try to feel the meanings of the cards. She also suggests that we do not use illustrated playing cards such as these. I like to use both, since the odd one like this really helps me to feel it's meaning. The man in the foreground looks close to tears and clutches his chest. The woman in rose looks at him with pity. This is a card of sorrow and regret. Something has happened to make this man feel guilt and unhappiness. I can think of times when I have said the wrong thing at the wrong time. I think we have all done that once or twice, and once the words have been released, we can feel the finality of not being able to take them back. This card holds that sinking feeling for me perfectly.


Illustrations from The Carnival Cards by Sevarino Baraldi