Behind Bars

8 of Swords

As you can see, The Medieval Cat Tarot turned up yesterday. I have wanted a good cat deck for a while. I was a little inspired by a friend's Tarot of the White Cats and started looking about online. I already have a first edition copy of the The Baroque Bohemian Cats Tarot but hardly ever use it. I also have The Tarot of the Cat People, but as much as I think it is beautifully painted, the illustrations are a little dingy and generally depressing. This particular one reminds me of a few other decks that I have in my collection. The black backgrounds within the centre remind me of The Tarot Nova and the small egg-shaped illustrations are reminiscent of the Tarot of St Petersburg. On the whole, the dominant colours in the borders are a little sickly, being saturated in a syrupy and dense honey-gold, but the actual small paintings within them are a treat. I may have to make a spread cloth which tunes into them instead and lifts them from their frames. I was never much of a cat lover when I was younger. I think that my interest now has everything to do with Tabatha (who I call Pussy Girl), who lives a few doors away. She comes here most days for a saucer of milk, something to eat, and a cuddle. She likes to lay on the top of the sofa in the window and sleep. She is probably the most affectionate cat I have met and has had a lovely temperament since she was a kitten. I miss her if she is not around for a few days and often go looking for her in the garden.

Today's card is the 8 of Swords, which is connected with restraint. Yes, I kind of feel that way at the moment. Coming home from my boyfriend's this morning was a struggle. I feel exhausted again, so have made an appointment with my doctor this afternoon - just to touch base really and discuss the medication I am on. Feeling this way restricts me from going out and doing the things I want to do. I had wanted to go into town and buy a cover to keep my new BlackBerry in, but I just cannot summon up the energy. I spent two days and nights with a friend before going to my boyfriend's house yesterday, so I haven't slept in my own bed since Saturday. She has been a bit under the weather, so it is likely that this card could be referring to her as well.



Illustration from The Medieval Cat Tarot by Lawrence Teng