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Vera Sibilla | Seven of Hearts – The Scholar (Letterato)

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Name: Scholar / Artist (Scholar is the original title, Artist a newer one)
Italian Name: Letterato / Artista
Playing Card: 7♥
Polarity when Upright: Positive
Core Meanings: Talent, Being cut for something | Ability to plan, Intellect | A man of around 45 | A notary public, Signing of contracts
Polarity when Reversed: Negative
Reversed Core Meanings: Ulterior motives, Manipulation | Impotence in all fields of life

Card Description: a learned man in his library.

Suit and Number: All sevens in the Vera Sibilla relate to planning, projects and the ability to make such projects. Thus, in the Seven of Hearts we deal with talent and the good use of the intellect. Most other meanings are derived from it.

UPRIGHT 7♥

General: A favorable card, which can also behave as a face card for a man of around 40-50 (the age may vary, though). It represents the intellect and its attributes, as well as good education, learning, and the costructive side of the mind. Because of this reason, and also because the card depicts a professional who might very well be a lawyer or notary public, it is also connected to contracts and the signing thereof, since contracts represent, legally, a “meeting of the minds”.

Love and Relationships: extremely positive. On one side it may represent a person, the querent himself at times, or a loved one or partner. More generally, on the other side, it often represent good compatibility among people (or within the couple). It is a card of positivity and proactivity, showing that a person is serious in his or her intentions and is unlikely to just be in for a one-night-stand or to have ulterior motives. if a couple has been through a rough patch, the Seven of Hearts promises reconciliation and stability, and it shows that the couple is capable of working through their problems together in harmony.

Work and Money: Often the card stands for a contract or business transaction requiring notarization, such as the buying or selling of property. In general, it is connected to professions where one uses one’s intellect, and is often connected with the law or with places of learning. More in general, it represents a professional of any kind, but of a high level, and with some kind of recognition, not one working at a mom-and-pop shop. It represent one working alone or at least with a degree of creative control over what he does. It also signifies an affinity with one’s job, regardless of the type of work. Finally, it can show the ability to make and carry out good business plans.

Other: it is heavily connected with learning, creativity and the arts. It shows great intelligence, and with negative cards it may refer to one who is a bit of an obnoxious nerd, but it is never a very negative card. Spiritually it points to good will and it can signify a saint or its equivalent in another religion.

Important Combinations:

7♥ + 2♥ = a real estate contract | a male family member
7♥ + 4♥ = positive projects in love, serious intents | can signal reconciliation
7♥ + 6♦ = genius | great talent | education | solid projects
8♥ + 7♥ = artistry
7♥ + A♠ + 7♠ = can mean termination of contract

REVERSED 7♥R

General: the negative side of the mind. It shows destructive behavior, having an axe to grind and lack of intellectual abilities.

Love and Relationships: when it comes up, this card should always act as a warning sign that someone is not sincere. It shows one (not necessarily a man) who does not deal with the querent out of love and respect but selfishness. They pursue their personal interest above all and will usually not stop at anything. If the cards are not disastrous, however, it can show that one is unwilling to pursue the relationship further and bring it to the next level.

Work and Money: When it’s upright, the card shows mind over matter. When reversed, it’s definitely the opposite. There is a sense of being overwhelmed, which in turns points to impotence, lack of ability and skill and not being cut for a certain job. If the cards around are not too bad, it can simply show having bitten off more than you can chew and feeling somewhat overwhelmed. However, if a business partner is represented by this card, walk away: best case scenario they are incapable of keeping their word, worst case scenario they are ruthless schemers.

Other: Psychologically it shows the inability to cope with life, and can point to delusions and someone who lives in their own fantasy land, but not in the cutsy quirky way. It can show a definite lack of intelligence or, at least, of cultivation of what intelligence one has. In spiritual work, it shows ineptitude, delusions or even spirits you’d better stay away from, if you engage in certain practices.

Important Combinations:

7♥R + K♦R = not good for the job, incapacity
7♥R + A♣ = pursuing a marriage or union or contract for ulterior motives
7♥R + 9♠ = impotence (if also with A♣R, sexual impotence)
7♥R + 4♥R = depravity
7♥R + 6♦ = for a child it can be a learning disability

Other Combinations: Vera Sibilla | Examples of Combinations – The Sevens

Card Meanings, Cartomancy, Divination, Divination Master Post, Everyday Oracle, Fortune-telling, Sibilla della Zingara, Vera Sibilla

Vera Sibilla | Six of Spades – Sighs (Sospiri)

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Name: Sighs
Italian Name: Sospiri
Playing Card: 6♠
Polarity when Upright: Negative
Core Meanings: Time stretching out | Waiting | Torment, Anxiety
Polarity when Reversed: Neutral
Reversed Core Meanings: Instability | The end of desire and sighs, Letting go | Resolve | the need to listen to reason

Card Description: a young woman sighing as a ship departs, possibly with her lover.

Suit and Number: Sixes have to do with time, and the suit of Spades interpret the idea as delays and spasmodic expectations.

UPRIGHT 6♠

General: Negative but not tragic. Also relatively simple. It is mainly a card of delay, of waiting before something finally happens. Usually, if a combination comes before the Six of Spades (that is, if the Woman is looking at it) then the thing depicted by the cards is the source of the querent’s worry (but it doesn’t necessarily mean it will happen). If the combination comes after the card, then the thing will happen, but after much delay. Also, if a Face card falls after the Sighs, the sighs belong to the person.

Love and Relationships: an uncertain card that tells of great apprehension and worries concerning a relationship of any kind. It can mean that the person has great, possibly unrealistic expectations. It can also mean that the person is waiting desperately for something to happen, e.g. that someone will come to them. If confirmed by other cards, it could show feelings that are not mutual, and therefore cause the person sorrow. In a couple it may show that one of the two is almost maniacal about what they expect, and therefore fail to see what they have. It can also show worry over a long distance relationship, with other cards.

Work and Money: the Six of Spades comes up when plans and speculations are taking much too long to mature. It also shows that the person does not have the mental lucidity to make decisions because they are too attached to something (for instance, a businessman failing to see that it’s time to move on from a venture). More broadly it signifies lack of initiative and pessimism in the area.

Other: like the Eight of Hearts, the card is connected to Water, but in a more negative sense. It is also connected with large means of transport. Psychologically it points to anxiety, excessive worry and attachments, the inability to see a bright future.

Important Combinations:
6♠ + 5♠ = what you are waiting for won’t happen
6♠ + 7♠ = what you are waiting for will cause trouble
6♣ + 6♠ = the desire to get everything now
8♥ + 6♠ = mood fluctuations, hope and despair
2♦ + 6♠ = anxiously waiting for a communication

REVERSED 6♠R

General: A mixed bag. It is a card of uncertainty and fluctuation. More specifically though, it is a card clarity, of understanding and of moving on from something or someone. It is best understood as “no sighs”. If the card falls between cards of opposite meanings, it signifies ups and downs between those extremes.

Love and Relationships: often this card shows the realization that a love is over, or that a person is not interested. There is a sense of acceptance of what is. With positive cards it can show that the couple is finally capable of addressing an issue that’s been weighing on the people involved. The reversed Six of Spades can also show that the partner will finally be honest with the querent (or vice versa). Explanation will be given to unburden the conscience. It signifies announcements and making things public.

Work and Money: often it shows moving on from a plan or project after toiling and sighing and worrying without much to show for it. Because of its connection with the idea of making things public, the card signifies writing, publishing and communication.  It can also imply that the person realizes a certain line of work is not for them.

Other: we said that the reversed Sighs signifies lack of sighs, not worrying anymore. With negative cards that point to evil deeds, it can show that these are committed without sighing too much, i.e. remorselessly. Both psychologically and spiritually it can point to profound inner strength in working through like, the ability to renounce and move on. It can shoe the ability to be honest with yourself. It is good for kicking addictions. The card invites to listen to reason, therefore when near cards that show professional help it signifies that the querent cannot count on his strength alone and needs someone to help him.

Important Combinations:
7♠ + 5♦ + 6♠R + positive cards = moving on from a breakup
5♠ + 3♠ + 5♦ + 6♠R = moving on from a period of bereavement
9♦ or 9♣R + 9♠ + 6♠R = realizing you have a problem
6♠R + A♥ or A♦ = unburdening yourself
6♥ + 6♠R + 8♦R = economic ups and downs

Other Combinations: Vera Sibilla | Examples of Combinations – The Sixes

Card Meanings, Cartomancy, Divination, Divination Master Post, Everyday Oracle, Fortune-telling, Sibilla della Zingara, Vera Sibilla

Vera Sibilla | Six of Diamonds – Thought (Pensiero)

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Name: Thought
Italian Name: Pensiero
Playing Card: 6♦
Polarity when Upright: Neutral
Core Meanings: Consciensce, the Inner Side, Character | Reflection, Planning, Study
Polarity when Reversed: Negative
Reversed Core Meanings: Negative thoughts or plans | Illusion | Lack of talent | Subconsciousness

Card Description: a man carefully meditating a plan before writing it down on a piece of parchment.

Suit and Number: Sixes have to do with the flow of time. In this suit, we take a look at the consciousness of the querent, which reflects on the past and plans for the future. Like the Six of Clubs, it tends to be a card of the present, but more in the sense of what’s present to the person’s mind.

UPRIGHT 6♦

General: A neutral card representing the inner side of the querent’s life. Here we find out about their character, their intentions, their attitudes, their plans, their vocations, etc. One thing to always keep in mind is that what is planned is not necessarily what is done. This is a static card. If cards showing movement or action follow, then the plan will be executed. The Ten of Hearts, being a card of concreteness and certainty, allows the plan to be carried out. Note: usually this card shows the Querent’s thoughts. However, if a Face card comes up right before it, then it’s that person’s thoughts.

Love and Relationships: This card can come up in relationship readings for a variety of reasons.  By itself the card shows that there is a meeting of the minds, that two people see eye to eye. However if there are negative cards it can show anger or a desire to break up the relationship, or to cheat. With cards of blockage it can show that one of the two is chickening out or having misgivings about their commitment. Needless to say, the card can also show a couple’s or group’s plans for the future.

Work and Money: again, the Six of Diamonds signifies the Querent’s thoughts and plans or attitudes. It can also show whether he or she has an affinity for the job, or if he has or lacks talent, though talent is more properly shown by the Seven of Hearts. Financially it can point to schemes and speculations, in a neutral sense, and it denotes that one puts a great deal of thought into a project and they are probably attached to it. Jobs signified by this card tend to be intellectual in nature, or at least not mindless.

Other: because it represents the inner side of the person, the Six of Diamonds is a card that can show little attachment to material things and possessions, and shows someone who looks for deeper meaning. It is also an important card in spiritual readings, as it can stand for the person’s inner development or their attitude toward the subject.

Important Combinations:
6♦ + 7♣ = ambition
6♦ + 10♣ = carelessness
6♦ + 7♦ = simplemindedness | wanting a child
6♦ + 9♥ = true fidelity | a person is as he or she appears
6♦ + 10♠U/R = hidden or unrevealed plans

REVERSED 6♦R

General: In the main it’s a negative card. It signifies negative plans, illusions, negative attitudes and the desire to do something bad. It can also signify subconsciousness and paranormal phenomena to do with spirits or psychological “gifts”, but this is VERY rare.

Love and Relationships: almost always negative, it points to incompatibility of character, and often to not liking someone, or growing to resent them. It can show the desire to break up a romance or that a promise is made without really meaning it. Sometimes it can show that the person harbors illusions about someone else.

Work and Money: plans born under this card are either wrong or evil, so any speculation is likely to prove disastrous. It can also represent that the querent isn’t doing anything to come out of a financially difficult situation, because, again, the Thought card is static. With cards signifying dubious moral qualities it points to swindles and scams. More often, it shows wrong plans.

Other: it points to lack of insight, delusions and lack of talent, either generally or in one area. Spiritually it is connected with sending or receiving bad vibes or, with positive cards, to the presence of psychic gifts. Psychologically it signifies subconsciousness.
It is a card of premeditation, so all that is done is done with the intent to harm.

Important Combinations:
6♦R + 4♦ = negative intentions
6♦R + 8♥ = it can signify prophetic dreams (but only in the right context)
6♦R + 7♥R = utter lack of talent | plotting and scheming
6♦R + 9♦ = traditionally ghosts, but many other interpretations are possible (unrealistic plans, morbid delusions, Baby Jane style)
6♦R + 7♠ + 10♠ + 5♠ = a plan to hurt or even worse

Other Combinations: Vera Sibilla | Examples of Combinations – The Sixes

Card Meanings, Cartomancy, Divination, Divination Master Post, Everyday Oracle, Fortune-telling, Sibilla della Zingara, Vera Sibilla

Vera Sibilla | Six of Clubs – Surprise (Consolante Sorpresa)

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Name: Surprise
Italian Name: Consolante Sorpresa (lit. Consoling Surprise)
Playing Card: 6♣
Polarity when Upright: Positive
Core Meanings: the Present, Quickly, Shortly | Money | Luck, Surprise | Receiving, Getting, Picking up, Harvesting
Polarity when Reversed: Negative
Reversed Core Meanings: Not getting, Not receiving | the need for great effort to reap small results | Downfall, Ruin of a project due to miscalculation

Card Description: a young fisherman pulls up the net he has cast, only to be pleasantly surprised by a bag full of money.

Suit and Number: all sixes have to do with time, and the Club suit interpets this by showing the present. It is a quick card. From here most other meanings derive.

UPRIGHT 6♣

General: as said, it relates to the present and tends to shorten the timeframe of the spread. From here we have meanings connected with suddenness and surprise and, because we are in a positive suit, of receiving good things. There is a general sense of flourishing to this card, and of reaping more than you have sown. The Six of Clubs represents a difference between what you expect to get and what you do get, usually in the sense that you expect less than you actually get. It therefore shows results that exceed expectations.

Love and Relationships: the concept of surprise is the one that applies more often to this topic. Often the card shows unexpected turns of events, mostly of a positive nature, such as receiving unexpected messages from the ex you’ve been waiting for or from a loved one. It also shows the flourishing of a relationship, and that not much work needs to be put into it to make it work because. This in turn tends to imply that two people see eye to eye and have common interests, which makes it easy for them to bond. It shows ease around people, and being in a good environment.

Work and Money: definitely positive in this regard. It shows receiving money, income, etc. Unless strong positive cards come up, it does not represent huge amounts, but it does show relative ease in obtaining it. More broadly it is a card of flourishing, positive outcomes, unexpectedly good turns of events, etc. When follow by cards of blockage, though, it shows difficulties receiving money, or even unemployment. The Six of Clubs can signify quick money, investments that yield dividends, etc.

Other: it shows someone with a positive mindset, possibly one who knows on a subconscious level how to be in the right place at the right time in order to thrive. Spiritually it can show reaping the rewards of your actions, mostly in a positive sense. The card is strongly connected to the concept of getting, harversting, receiving, picking up, etc. In this sense it is neutral. The Surprise card is also connected to hobbies, things done “just so”, simply because you like them, things that you do not expect to make a living at (but you may be surprised).

Important Combinations:
6♣ + 9♠ = unemployment (lack of income) or not receiving something
6♣ + 2♦ = an unexpected message
10♥ + 6♣ = reaping the rewards of your effort

REVERSED 6♣R

General: much more negative. When upright, the Surprise card shows all situations where you get more than you expected to get, where the difference between your effort and your reward goes to your advantage. When reversed, it’s the opposite: a lot of work will need to be put into something.

Love and Relationships: it shows a situation where two people need to put an excessive amount of effort to keep the relationship going, a sign that they have grown apart due to lack of common interests. Together with other negative cards it therefore shows a breakup due to it. If a person is waiting for Mr. or Mrs. Right or a message from someone, they won’t arrive, or not without considerable delay or effort. Because it shows a situation of lack of common interests, this card usually represents that two people won’t be together, or if they do, it’s not due to love.

Work and Money: it stands for unsatisfactory situations where one needs to work a lot for little to no reward. If positive cards attend, though, it just shows delays and a need for effort. Remember that a core concept of the Surprise card is that it represents a difference between what you expect and what you get, and that the reversal makes you get less than you expect. Therefore the card can show unrealistic expectations, and if negative cards follow, the downfall of a project or venture due biting off more than you can chew.

Other: psychologically it represents ambition, usually baseless. It also speaks of someone who misses opportunities or is in the wrong environment or place at the wrong time.

Important Combinations:
6♦ + 10♣ + 6♣R = recklessness leading to downfall
A♥ + 6♣R = not getting along | a disappointing talk
4♥ + 6♣R + 5♠ = the end of love due to growing apart
7♥ + 6♣R = miscalculations | lack of talent for something (with positive cards, you make up for it by working hard)
9♣ + 6♣R = it can signify growing apart with your friends, or counting your chicken before they’ve hatched

Other Combinations: Vera Sibilla | Examples of Combinations – The Sixes

Card Meanings, Cartomancy, Divination, Divination Master Post, Everyday Oracle, Fortune-telling, Sibilla della Zingara, Vera Sibilla

Vera Sibilla | Six of Hearts – The Safe (Denaro)

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Name: Money or the Safe
Italian Name: Denaro (Money)
Playing Card: 6♥
Polarity when Upright: Positive to Neutral
Core Meanings: Money, Assets | the Past
Polarity when Reversed: Neutral
Reversed Core Meanings: the Future | Money trouble | Avarice

Card Description: a large safe containing old documents and sachets full of money.

Suit and Number: Sixes are connected with the notion of time, and Hearts interpret the concept by connecting to the idea of past and future (depending on whether the card is upright or reversed).

UPRIGHT 6♥

General: A neutral to positive card, depending on the context. It is mainly advantageous in material affairs, while being neutral in love affairs. Also, because it is in the Heart suit, it can represent the mixing of love and money for good or ill.

Love and Relationships: the traditional interpretation is someone marrying for money, especially women. Keep in mind that this deck was created in the 1800s, when young women were considered inveterate old spinsters if they hadn’t married by their early twenties, and that money was considered a legitimate reason to marry–it created wealth for the family. I have found this interpretation to be relatively irrelevant nowadays, unless confirmed by other cards that go in that direction. The Safe card does indicate a wealthy union, though.
Another common meaning is that of past. Usually, all the cards before the Six of Hearts are the past, those following it are the future or present. If a face card falls next to it, it represents someone you already know.

Work and Money: the notion of wealthy union applies to money as well, as this card can represent positive business ventures. It can also be a significator card for the querent’s assets, in which case the presence of positive or negative cards around it will tell you how they will develop. Needless to say, the concept of past can also apply to material matters. For instance, it can represent work experience, in which case, finding the Six of Hearts with cards showing smallness or wrongness may signify the querent doesn’t qualify for a job. Or it may show a job you have already done. Much depend on how and where the card falls in the spread.

Other: sometimes this card represents those people whose wealth blind them to the problems of the common people, but this needs to be supported by other cards. It can also stand for good advice given by someone with experience. It is connected with age.  Psychologically it can show one who mixes love and money or someone who has a somewhat materialistic mindset.

Important Combinations:
6♥ + A♠ = a difficult past
6♥ + Any Queen = traditionally a woman who has married money, but more often it’s a woman from the past (if a male face card, a man from the past, if ♠, the person caused trouble)
6♥ + 2♦ = a check, a financial document or a message about money
6♦ + 6♥ = can be financial speculation
6♥ + 3♦ = prosperity | a rich gift | a good financial offer

REVERSED 6♥R

General: it becomes a card of the future, usually not a near one. The idea of future includes that of something not experienced before, and can therefore signify suddenness, especially if the card opens a row of cards. Because it is the reverse of a card of money it can herald money difficulties. A special function of the reversed Six of Hearts is that it strengthens the meaning of the combinations surrounding it, so that they last longer, for good or ill.

Love and Relationships: in general, the reversed Six of Hearts is not much connected with love, though it can still signify that material interests hide behind a union, or even behind a crisis in a union. It can signify, near a significator, that the person in question is not yet known by the querent (or only by sight).

Work and Money: usually not a positive card. It can signify hardships and difficulties making money. Lack of abundance is one way to put it. If surrounded by positive cards, though, it can show a long-lasting period of prosperity. It is also connected with avarice, and therefore to money not given or not received, depending on the question.

Other: a dearth mentality is shown by this card when reversed. It can also imply that something good, shown by the surrounding cards, will take longer to manifest.

Important Combinations:
6♥R + Face card = someone new, not yet known
6♥R + J♠ + K♣R = a loan shark (if Q♠, a woman)
6♥R + K♠U/R = a loan will be refused, or the querent won’t receive the government’s money
6♥R + 8♠ = financial crisis
6♥R + A♣ + 4♥ + 10♥ = a marriage will be delayed but will take place

Other Combinations: Vera Sibilla | Examples of Combinations – The Sixes

Card Meanings, Cartomancy, Divination, Divination Master Post, Everyday Oracle, Fortune-telling, Sibilla della Zingara, Vera Sibilla

Vera Sibilla | Five of Spades – Death (Morte)

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Name: Death
Italian Name: Morte
Playing Card: 5♠
Polarity when Upright: Neutral but actually negative (see explanation)
Core Meanings: Sharp change | Loss | An imbalance of some kind
Polarity when Reversed: Negative with some exceptions
Reversed Core Meanings: Deep sorrow, Inner devastation

Card Description: an ominous coffin is propped up on two chairs. A long white candle burns, spreading its dim light.

Suit and Number: All fives have to do with transition in some form or another. Spades are THE negative suit, therefore the notion of death is attached to the Five of Spades.

UPRIGHT 5♠R

General: Technically a neutral card. It merely represents change, usually sharp and, at least to some degree, painful. It is never minor change. When it is followed by positive cards, it indicates a transition toward better times, but because it’s the 5♠, it is implied that some suffering will attend the change. On the other hand, when negative cards follow, it shows that the querent is entering a dark tunnel of pain. Also, this card, similarly to the 3♠, can cut whatever the previous card shows off from our life, for better or worse.

Love and Relationships: the most immediate meaning of the Death card in this field of life is that of breakup. This is especially the case if cards of union and love come before it. It is also part of some combinations showing bereavement. However, the Five of Spades can also signify imbalance, and therefore that one partner loves more than the other, or that the relationship is irremediably broken. A partner showing up in the spread with this card next to him or her and cards representing psychological issues or violence is best kept at arm’s length.

Work and Money: a difficult card in all circumstances. In points to loss of employment, regrets over career choice, and situations that are iffy at best, total ripoffs at worse. When attended by positive cards, it shows positive changes which, however, will take a toll on the querent in some way. Rarely this card signifies jobs to do with the dead or with poisons

Other: psychologically this card points to bitterness, regret and lack of inner balance. Therefore it can hint at self-harm and practices that cause self-damage. It is also a card of atheism and of very dark beliefs. It is one of the cards signifying dark magic and especially necromancy and working with the dead (or with dead bodies).

Important Combinations:
5♠ + 7♠ = nope | radical, irremediable ending
5♠ + 7♠ + 3♠U/R (but more reversed) = death (with skull and crossbones)
8♦ + 5♠ = traditionally the end of bereavement or a difficult period
5♠ + 4♥ + 4♠ = a sick, imbalanced love life
8♥ + 2♦ + 5♠ = the communication you were hoping for won’t arrive

REVERSED 5♠R

General: in general, when reversed this card expresses its meaning on a more psychological level, indicating grief, sorrow, upset. If followed by positive cards, though, it can signify that the querent is resistant and, even though the situation may be somewhat taxing, he will get through it thanks to his inner resolve. If it’s preceded by negative cards and followed by positive cards, it can mean that the querent is going to turn their life around. The inner death, in this case, is symbolic of a deep change in one’s attitude.

Love and Relationships: in general, the reversed Death card stands for deep upset due to a relationship not going how one wants. Look around for the reason. A breakup may be indicated, or the discovery of someone’s infidelity. In general, there is a sense of inability to accept how things have become or what we have discovered, for it is too upsetting.

Work and Money: the same apply here. Something deeply upset the querent, making them die inside somehow. The card hits heavy, so look for signs of mobbing or hard situations in general. If positive cards follow the reversed Five of Spades, then the situation will turn for the better.

Other: psychologically this is a card of profoundly negative emotions. It can signify depression with other cards, implying that a light has gone out inside of the person. With positive cards, the difficulties are still present but resilience is shown. Spiritually, the light that has gone out is that of faith.

Important Combinations:
A♦R + 5♠R = upset due to an unpleasant revelation
5♠R + 8♣ + 7♠ = sorrow due to a breakup
7♦ + 7♠ + 3♠ + 5♠R = devastated by the loss of a child
8♥R + 5♠R = it can mean loss of faith
5♠R + 5♣ or 2♣ + 10♥ = personal renewal

Other Combinations: Vera Sibilla | Examples of Combinations – The Fives

Card Meanings, Cartomancy, Divination, Everyday Oracle, Fortune-telling, Sibilla della Zingara, Vera Sibilla

Vera Sibilla | Five of Diamonds – Melancholy (Malinconia)

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Name: Melancholy
Italian Name: Malinconia
Playing Card: 5♦
Polarity when Upright: Negative
Core Meanings: Sadness, but of a passing kind | A misstep, instability
Polarity when Reversed: Negative
Reversed Core Meanings: Deeper disappointment | Debts, Difficult financial situation

Card Description: A young woman sighing dejectedly by the tombs of her dead pet.

Suit and Number: Fives have to do with transition, and Diamonds are a mixed suit. The Five of Diamonds represents transitory difficulties and sadness and some instability.

UPRIGHT 5♦

General: Negative but not tragic. In general, it points to disappointments of a passing nature. Heavy or difficult periods are indicated, but also described as not anchored in the querent’s destiny. The card also has some connection with the past, because it represents happiness lost.

Love and Relationships: the situation is at the very least not satisfactory. If the querent is single, they are unlikey to find someone in the near future, but the card also says that the situation will pass. When it describes a couple’s life, it shows it to be unfulfilling and kind of meh. There is probably some unvoiced issue, or the people involved seem to have lost the glowing admiration they once had for their partner. It can represent pining for a lost love or loved one if the other cards are consistent.

Work and Money: money is probably tight and the situation is not the best. It can also represent a financial situation where the person reaps the poor results of previous negative actions, and even when upright, if surrounded by negative cards, it can point to debts. Career-wise the Five of Diamonds is a card of lack of fulfillment, possibly due to being in the wrong field, or more simply due to bad pay or lack of security.

Other: psychologically some depression is indicated, but not a heavy one. It represents those situations where you just feel like giving up on things and life doesn’t feel very exciting anymore. Spiritually the same is indicated. It can also show up in readings for those people who pick up new spiritual fads and then discover that they are not as shiny after a couple of weeks.

Important Combinations:
6♥ + 5♦ = dissatisfaction with your finances or due to something that happened in the past
7♦U/R + 9♠ + 5♠ + 5♦ = sadness due to a past miscarriage (with K♣ or K♠, abortion)
5♦ + 9♠ = some depression
A♦ + 5♦ = in a couple it can represent lack of satisfaction under the sheets
10♣ + 5♦ = regret over having behaved irresponsibly

REVERSED 5♦R

General: More negative than when upright, the card tends to show disappointments of a more lasting nature. It still has a connection to the past, often showing pigeons coming home to roost or past issues coming out of the woodwork.

Love and Relationships: again, dissatisfaction is shown. For singles, it is very likely that they are still very much suffering due to a past breakup. For couples, disagreements are foretold, and depending on the other cards even divorce, that is, the legal disagreement par excellence. Sometimes the Melancholy card reversed signifies that it is starting to be too late to fix a relationship.

Work and Money: because of its connection with the past and with deeper trouble, the reversed Five of Diamonds can signify debts. More generally, it shows a difficult situation, impoverishment and unemployment or a very badly paid job, sometimes even one where you are paid little and off the books.

Other: there is a general sense of “lateness” to this card, as though a situation were now beyond repair, at least in its current form. Usually it’s best for the querent to start over with a clean slate where possible. The card is connected with lawsuits and litigations where appropriate.

Important Combinations:
6♥U/R + 5♦R = debts, bad finances
5♦R + 8♠ + 10♦R or 7♠R = utter financial ruin
5♦R + K♦ = a bad or stressful job (if K♦R likely one where you are exploited)
5♦R + K♠R = a bad lawsuit
5♦R + A♠R + 8♦R + 10♥ = repaying a debt

Other Combinations: Vera Sibilla | Examples of Combinations – The Fives

Card Meanings, Cartomancy, Divination, Everyday Oracle, Fortune-telling, Sibilla della Zingara, Vera Sibilla

Vera Sibilla | Five of Clubs – Fortune (Fortuna)

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Name: Fortune
Italian Name: Fortuna
Playing Card: 5♣
Polarity when Upright: Positive
Core Meanings: Good Luck | Solution | Transition to a new phase of life
Polarity when Reversed: Positive
Reversed Core Meanings: Slow, progressive transformation for the better

Card Description: Dame Fortune balances herself on a wheel in the sky, pouring out her riches from a cornucopia. Her gifts will reach mortals regardless of their merit.

Suit and Number: Fives in the Sibilla speak of transition. Clubs are a positive, lucky suit especially in a material context, so the Five of Clubs is the card of good luck par excellence.

UPRIGHT 5♣

General: Extremely positive card in all contexts, being only second to the Two of Clubs upright, which represents not just luck but divine intervention. The Five of Clubs upright has the power to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in most situations.

Love and Relationships: it is important to understand that this card does not speak of feelings per se. It does not represent love. It does, however, represent favorable circumstances, lucky combinations of events, satisfaction dropping in the querent’s lap almost unreservedly. Realize that there is no such thing as a “yes card”. Suppose the querent asks if she will reconcile with her ex, and there is a slew of outrageously bad cards whose general sense is that that story is over. If the Five of Clubs pops up, it may just mean that a new, exciting chapter is about to open for her. Always read the card within the context.

Work and Money: Being a Club, Fortune speaks much more directly to mundane matters. It represents favorable chances, recognition, positive developments, strokes of luck, and quite frankly good money.

Other: there isn’t much else to say. It represents someone who doesn’t need to work much to get what he has. Spiritually it shows the answer to a prayer. It is of course a very favorable card for gamblers and risk-takers.

Important Combinations:
5♣ + 4♥ = luck in love
5♣ + 6♥ = luck in your finances
5♣ + 6♣ + 7♣ = a traditional combination of great good fortune in material things and gambling
10♣R + 9♣ + 5♣ = winning at the lottery or some such activity
5♣ + 5♠ = a decisive change in the querent’s destiny which will prove positive in the long run

REVERSED 5♣R

General: the card’s meaning remains mostly unaltered. It’s positive, but drawn out over time. The situation will improve slowly, possibly in a less obvious manner. Also, this card can more easily represent a change of phase in a neutral sense. When reversed, Fortune does not nullify the negative import of other cards.

Love and Relationships: same as the upright, but slower. The querent is on a positive path, and if the preceding cards are negative, it could represent the end of that phase over time.

Work and Money: again, much the same meaning. However, the querent may have to act in order to facilitate the manifestation of the good luck implied here.

Other: if it is surrounded by positive cards, the Five of Clubs reversed can simply represent that the querent’s destiny is flowing generally positive. If it is surrounded by negative cards, then it shows a negative phase. It still kind of implies that it will end, but it also shows that there is a pattern of negativity. There is the idea of a path to be trodden step by step to this card, as opposed to the suddenness of the upright counterpart

Important Combinations:
5♣R + 4♠ = a slow recovery
5♣R + 7♦R = the good fortune comes even more slowly
5♣R + 6♣R + Positive cards = the querent will need to put in an inordinate amount of effort to reach good results, and it will take time
6♠ + 5♣R + 8♣ = in love, a reconciliation that will happen belatedly
5♣R + 5♠ + 7♠ = a negative change of phase

Other Combinations: Vera Sibilla | Examples of Combinations – The Fives

Card Meanings, Cartomancy, Divination, Everyday Oracle, Fortune-telling, Sibilla della Zingara, Vera Sibilla

Vera Sibilla | Four of Spades – Sickness (Ammalato)

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Name: Sickness
Italian Name: Ammalato (literally “Sick Man” or “Sick One”)
Playing Card: 4♠
Polarity when Upright: Negative
Core Meanings: Illness, Sickness | Downtime, Interruption of usual routine | Broken, Noxious, Bad for you | Dejection
Polarity when Reversed: Neutral to Negative
Reversed Core Meanings: Blockage, Stop | End of a situation, for better or worse | Confinement | Economy, Avarice

Card Description: a man lies in bad, a suffering expression on his face.

Suit and Number: Fours represent the querent’s context. Spades are a decidedly bad suit. The Four of Spades, therefore, signifies a situation that is rotten, noxious or “sick” in some way.

UPRIGHT 4♠

General: A decidedly negative card, it is one of the significator cards for bad health, as it is obvious. The type of illness or the organs affected will be shown by the cards coming up next to it. I will not waste more than a line to tell you that you should forebear from diagnosing people, especially if you are not a physician. The notion of “sick”, however, carries to all situations. More broadly, the idea of sickness can also imply that the querent is forced out of his daily round and somehow stopped from acting. This is rarely to be taken in a positive sense.

Love and Relationships: Other than to signify sick relatives and loved ones, the Four of Spades is a card of sick relationships. In general, all bonds represented by this card are bad for the querent, whatever the reason may be. At best, it signifies that a relationship has run its course and is falling sick, as it were. Often this means that there are structural problems that have been accumulated and never resolved that make the situation hard to salvage (but also look at the following cards). If together with more sinister cards, it can point to morbid feelings poisoning a person’s mind with regard to the querent, such as jealousy or hatred.
Often this card can signify a person who lacks and needs support. This is true in all contexts, but it is especially true if the querent is single, a situation that this card can represent, with the added meaning that loneliness bears heavy on the person’s mind and soul.

Work and Money: The Sickness card represents all jobs to do with sickness, obviously. More typically, though, it is a card of unemployment. The general feeling is that of situations that are overwhelming for the querent, especially if he’s not working, so it rarely shows up for someone who can afford not to work.
Finances are structurally in bad shape with this card, and may need a lot of effort in order to “cure”. Investments are to be avoided, and when they aren’t, they are invariably bad. Likewise, offers made to the querent tend to be rotten on the inside, often hiding problems that will become obvious later on.

Other: Both psychologically and spiritually, the Four of Spades is a card of dejection. It is often present in constellations of cards showing depression, though not necessarily clinical depression, if the other cards are not really bad. The idea of sickness applies also to objects, so a package may arrive containing a broken item, or food may be spoiled.

Important Combinations:

4♠ + K♣ + 7♠ = surgery (if K♠ instead, by a specialist)
6♣ + 4♠ = unemployment (also if 4♠R)
4♥ + 4♠ = a “sick” love, one without healthy outlets
10♥R + 4♠ = complete dejection and lack of willpower to plough through a situation
4♠ + 10♣ = a minor illness (but if followed by negative cards, an illness that is underestimated)

REVERSED 4♠R

General: A neutral card, but with generally negative undertones. It is mainly a card of blockage, of situations that cease to evolve. This is reflected in a function this card has, which is of bringing situations to an end. This is only true when the card is preceded by good cards and followed by bad ones, or vice versa.

Love and Relationships: At best, the reversed Four of Spades shows coldness, distance and lack of intimacy. It is also the card that shows being on a break. If the cards following it are positive, the relationship will later resume. If the question is if someone will make a move, this is a bad sign, especially if the card comes up next to the face card representing the person in question. With cards showing jealousy, the meaning of avarice typical of the card turns into possessiveness. It is also a card of loneliness and seclusion.

Work and Money: on material questions, the card’s meanings vary wildly depending on the surrounding cards. Surrounded by positive cards, it points to wise management. It signifies one who can rely on his own ability to manage the situation, as opposed to the helplessness of the upright version. More often than not, it is a sign of avarice, especially in a metaphorical sense: someone will refuse to help us out economically. If surrounded by disastrous cards, it can show utter poverty. Career-wise, it can still point to unemployment, or, at least, being stuck.

Other: psychologically the card points to sterness, seriousness, a morose demeanor, sort of saturnine. Spiritually it can be connected to religion, especially organized religion, whose aim is, technically, to help those in need (as represented by the upright Four of Spades). The card also has a connection to reclusion and places where one is stuck, for one reason or another.

Important Combinations:

4♠R + 2♠ + 2♥ = a retirement home
6♥ + 4♠R + 6♣ = wise management bringing in results
8♦R + 4♠R + 8♠ = financial crisis
2♥ + 4♠R + 8♥ + K♠ = a spiritual retreat, a monastery (if 4♠R + K♠, it can be a church)
4♥ + 4♠R = coldness, a break

Other Combinations: Vera Sibilla | Examples of Combinations – The Fours

Card Meanings, Cartomancy, Divination, Everyday Oracle, Fortune-telling, Sibilla della Zingara, Vera Sibilla

Vera Sibilla | Four of Diamonds – Falsehood (Falsità)

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Name: Falsehood
Italian Name: Falsità
Playing Card: 4♦
Polarity when Upright: Negative
Core Meanings: Negativity, Being negative, Not liking | Lies, Deceit | There is a difference between how things are and how they seem | Mistakes, Errors, Wrongness
Polarity when Reversed: Positive
Reversed Core Meanings: Unmasked lies, Unmasked plots and enemies | Relief from trouble, Improvement, Solution

Card Description: a demonic-looking cat sits on a chair, preventing someone from reaching the pantry on the other side.

Suit and Number: Fours show the querent’s context. Diamonds are a mixed suit, especially from a social standpoint. The Four of Diamonds shows the context in which the querent is moving is negative, or uncertain, wrong for him, whether because of his subjective reaction or because something is amiss, it depends on the context and other cards

UPRIGHT 4♦

General: The card is so explicit in its depiction that it’s easy to jump to conclusions and say that someone is lying. As a matter of fact, unless it makes sense within the context of the question, or unless other cards strengthen the idea of actual deceit, you need to be very careful around this card. The concept that best applies is that of “wrongness”. In general, however, it is also the card of negativity.

Love and Relationships: The Four of Diamonds does not automatically represent cheating. It generally shows a lack of sincerity, and the other cards will tell you why. It can also, more broadly, show a relationship that is shaky due to incompatibility, i.e., because two people are wrong for one another. There is a general sense of a relationship not reaching a deep level of “wholeness”. Due to its connection with surfaces as opposed to reality, it can show a superficial bond. It may also show outright dislike. When it represents an environment, it qualifies it as wrong for the querent, and if confirmed by the rest of the spread, rumors and gossip and ill will.
The only time the 4♦ is neutral is when it represents “false” relatives, that is, relatives by law, such as adoptive children, step-mothers as well. In this case, the card shows up next to a face card. It is a rare meaning, however.

Work and Money: Obviously, the meaning of wrongness and negativity carries into the field of finances and career as well. It can represent wrong financial decisions, carelessness, blunders etc. It can show that the querent is working in the wrong field, not following his true passion. Whenever a contract or papers in general need to be signed, this card acts as a warning that the document is, at best, incomplete, at worst, a scam. Either way, it is best to read everything carefully. It is never a good sign, but how bad a sign it is will depend on the rest of the cards.
As this card can also represent having a bad attitude toward someone or something (being “negative” toward them) it can show being refused an offer, or, sometimes, having a bad attitude toward money or the job.

Other: The concept of appearances differing from reality can be applied broadly to most situations. Psychologically it generally points to illusions and being unable to tell what’s truly going on in one’s life. The idea of negativity also has esoteric connotations, as it can show the famous “evil eye”. It does not necessarily show a black magic ritual, more the transmition of negative thoughts toward the querent (or by the querent toward someone else). Spiritually, the Four of Diamonds can show a negative environment or illusions about reality on the part of the querent. Sometimes it can be interpreted as the querent holding on to spiritual illusions. The card is connected to the pantry and kitchen as far as places are concerned, but more the pantry.

Important Combinations:

4♦ + 2♦ = wrong information, or incomplete, or misleading
4♦ + 9♥ = lies, not all is as it seems
4♦ + 10♦ + 8♠ = a swindle
6♦ + 4♦ = a bad idea or a wrong idea (if 6♦R, a negative plan, or even the evil eye)
4♦ + 10♣ = a mistake due to carelessness (same with 7♦, though that could be also a stepson)

REVERSED 4♦R

General: A great card. Although it shows the unmasking of lies and deceits, and therefore points to their existence in our life, the underlying sense is that the discovery is made in time to save the querent a lot of grief, unless the other cards show otherwise. It is also a card of relief, solution, improvement. A function of this card is that it walls negative streaks shown by negative cards preceding it, making them end.

Love and Relationships: The obvious meaning would be the discovery of a lie from the partner, but in general it can show an honest conversation to clear misconceptions. This can have apparently negative outcomes, such as realizing you are not meant to be together, but in the long run this card is always favorable. If, however, a break-up is not shown in the card, it simply signifies improvement in the relationship.

Work and Money: the Falsehood card, when it comes up reversed, is always a good omen. If the querent has been scammed, the scam will come to light and, save with disastrous cards, the worst will be averted. In general, it is a card of economic relief, of things improving after they have been on the wrong track. It can point to being somewhat miserly, as opposed to the wastefulness of the upright card, but this is rarely a problem, and frankly it is a very feeble meaning.

Other: psychologically, the 4♦R can represent the end of a difficult spell or of a period of negativity. Esoterically, it shows either the absence of a hex or that the evil eye is being averted, or that the person responsible is unmasked. Spiritually it broadly shows relief, and piercing through the veil of illusion.

Important Combinations:

Q♠ or J♠ + 4♦R = discovery of enemies
K♣ or 4♠ + 7♠ + 4♦R = surgery providing relief
10♠R + 4♦R = unmasking of secret plots
A♥R + K♠ + 4♦R = winning a legal dispute
9♠ + 4♦R = unblocking of a situation

Other Combinations: Vera Sibilla | Examples of Combinations – The Fours