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

Vera Sibilla | Eight of Diamonds – The Handmaid (Donna di Servizio)

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Name: The Handmaid
Italian Name: Donna di Servizio
Playing Card: 8♦*
Polarity when Upright: Positive
Core Meanings: Money coming in | Offer, Gift | Evolution | Work, Career | Elevation, Nobility, Politeness | A woman from work | Trip
Polarity when Reversed: Negative
Reversed Core Meanings: Money going out | Things not received or taken away | Low value, cheapness, not trustworthy | Altercations, Gossips

Card Description: a well-dressed young woman is about to climb a flight of stairs after having been to the market for some errands.

Suit and Number: The eights in the Sibilla are cards of balance and the reaching of it. In the Eight of Diamonds we have the idea of balance of money, money coming (upright followed by positive cards) and going (reversed, or upright followed by negative cards). It also represents progess toward a better station in life, one that conforms better to the querent’s idea of success.

UPRIGHT 8♦

General: this card has a plethora a meanings and can be overwhelming. In the main it is connected to money, things that are offered or given, and to work. It is also a card of important psychological import, and it can be a face card representing a woman (traditionally with dark hair and/or from another city).

Love and Relationships: when it represents a woman, it does not represent a partner or someone the querent is involved with romantically. Relationships represented by this card tend to be peaceful and solid. They evolve toward a better state or equilibrium. Where there might be strife, this card brings peace. It signifies people who are trustworthy and dependable. It shows people who help the querent, or, more materialistically, who make the querent a gift (or to whom the querent makes a gift).

Work and Money: the Eight of Diamonds can be a secondary significator for the querent’s work life (the primary being the King of Diamonds). It is also the card that tells us where money comes from and where it’s headed. Mostly it shows money coming, but it is connected to the flow of cash in general, so pay attention, because, as the image shows, it is also the card of shopping and expenses. It represents employment, usually under someone else. The career of the querent, in career readings, usually evolves for the better and promotions are possible. It can represent a woman wearing a uniform.

Other: the Handmaid is a card that can signify a visit. It also shows a transition from one phase to another, usually for the better. Psychologically and in character readings, it shows nobility and high-mindedness, but with less favorable cards it can signify being dependent from other people and having inferiority complexes. The card is connected to cities other than the querent’s.

Important Combinations:
8♦ + K♠ = money from the authority
8♦ + 5♠ = end of a difficult phase in life
8♦ + 10♣ + 7♠ = it can be money down the drain due to carelessness
8♦ + 3♦ = a gift, a precious offer
8♦ + A♠R = money coming in repeatedly | it can show two jobs, especially if another job card is present such as the K♦ | working hard but to good effect

REVERSED 8♦R

General: a negative card that shows money going out, things taken from or not granted to the querent, and disagreements.

Love and Relationships: relationships are usually trashy and with people of no real worth. This card represents the bum or the slut your parents warned you not to date. It is the card of squabbles, often useless and just due to being stupid. Often it heralds difficulties with neighbors or family members. There is the definite possibility of being cheated on (or, as not every querent is a saint, of cheating) usually for no serious reason (the person doesn’t suddenly fall deeply in love with another).

Work and Money: money tends to slip through the querent’s hands for whatever reason, either because he is not good at managing it or because he is forced to spend it. Career-wise it shows very low positions at best, not being paid at all at worst, and it is usually not the querent’s dream job.

Other: gossip and slander are other meanings of the card. Psychologically, the reversed Eight of Diamonds is a card of pettiness, silliness in the worst sense, and of being a lowlife individual.

Important Combinations:
8♦R + K♠ = loans or help not granted by the authority | tax season rolls by
8♦R + Q♥U/R or J♥U/R = cheap slutty character (the same is true to an extent of all face cards)
8♥R + 3♦ = a cheap trinket
2♥ + 8♦R = litigiousness at home
J♦R + 8♦R = gossip, slander (also with the Q♠)

Other combinations: Vera Sibilla | Examples of Combinations – The Eights

* in some recent versions, the card is swapped with the 3♦, the Gift card. This is a recent innovation which, I believe, was probably due to a printing error. The change does not hamper readings, but I have chosen to follow the traditional order

Card Combinations, Cartomancy, Divination Master Post, Everyday Oracle, Sibilla della Zingara, Vera Sibilla

Vera Sibilla | Examples of Combinations – The Eights

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In this article you will find some examples of combinations using the Vera Sibilla. Most of these combinations are handed down by tradition. Studying and decoding combinations is a very good way to improve your cartomantic vocabulary, but bear in mind that the exact meaning of a combination depends on many other factors, such as the context of the question and the other cards in the spread, so I would encourage you to keep an open mind. As a rule, you will find that if you do not pose a question and these combinations come up, they will mean what the tradition says they mean 3 times out of 5. Also, keep in mind that it’s useless to try to combine every card with every other card beforehand so that no surprises will ever come up in a spread, just as it is useless to try to combine every word in a dictionary with every other to study a language. That time is best spent actually practicing.

NOTE:
R = Reversed
U/R = Upright or Reversed (doesn’t matter)
* = This combination has to come up in this specific order
3♦ = The Gift (Omaggio)
8♦ = The Handmaid (Donna di Servizio)
C = Cuori (Hearts)
F = Fiori (Clubs)
Q = Quadri (Diamonds)
P = Picche (Spades)

Eight of Hearts (8♥) – Hope (Speranza)

8♥ + A♥ or 9♣ = a meeting by the water (with the A♥, among many other possibilities, it would represent prayers, that is, words -A♥- of faith -8♥- or simply a meeting or talk going well)
8♥ + 3♥ = a long distance, possibly abroad | the arrival of something you hope for
8♥ + 4♥ = realization of romantic hopes, but often a love that was born as a flirt (if it were 9♥ instead, it would be better, showing success in love)
8♥ + 6♥ = an investment (because the 8♥ rules liquids and therefore liquid assets, and because investments are something that you hope will bear fruit, something your hopes hinge on; if also 6♣, the investment flourishes, if it’s reversed, then it is lost, but if it is reversed and followed by positive cards it may show that it won’t be great but you’ll not lose everything)
10♣ or 9♦ + 8♥ + 6♥ + 5♣ = a risky investment that pays off


8♥ + 6♥ + 7♦R + 6♣ = an investment that grows slowly
8♥ + 3♣ = can be a boat, among many other interpretations
8♥ + 3♣ + 9♣ = a trip to the beach
8♥ + 6♣ = if you loaned money, you’ll get it back
8♥ + 10♣ = a flirt, a dalliance


A♦ + 8♥ + 10♠R = a private hope you don’t talk about and keep secret
8♥ + 2♦ = a hoped for message | a sacred text
8♥ + 7♦ = it’s a symbol of maternity and breastfeeding | can be a childhood dream or wishing for a baby, among many possible interpretations
8♥ + 9♦ = a foolish hope or unforeseen setbacks marring the realization of the hope
8♥ + 5♠ = hope that will not be realized


2♠ + 8♥ = an old hope
8♥ + K♠ = among other meanings, this combination represents religion | also a priest
Negative cards + 8♥* = things clearing up or starting to look up. It’s a symbol of protection. However much may be taken from you, you’ll come out of it with a glimmer of hope
Positive cards + 8♥* = realization
8♥ + negative cards = the hope or wish is denied
Person + 8♥* = the hope belongs to the person
8♥ + Person* = the hope centers around that person

A♥ or 8♣ + 8♥R = a meeting, talk, reconciliation going up in smoke
8♥R + 6♥ + A♠ or 5♦ = an old disappointment that has left us scarred
7♥ + 8♥R = traditionally, the possibility of a contract going up in smoke
2♦ + 8♥R = a message that won’t arrive or whose content will leave you without hope | in the appropriate context, a book with anti-spiritual or dark contents


5♦ + 8♥R = disappointment bordering on depression
6♦R + 8♥R = depression | atheism (also with 6♦U)
8♥R + K♠R + 9♦ = a cult (3♠R may be present to show rituals but also negative groups)
10♣ + 8♥R = things going up in smoke due to carelessness | can mean promiscuity

Eight of Clubs (8♣) – Reunion (Riunione)

3♥ + 4♥ + 8♣ = the most classical combination of reconciliation
6♥ + 8♣ = positive financial evolution or meetings | getting back your money if you loaned it
10♥ + 8♣ * = a reconciliation that will require persistence
A♣ + 8♣ = can be a partnership (4♣ may be present, K♠ too)
6♣ + 8♣ = unexpected reconciliation or meeting or appointment


8♣ + 10♣ = traditionally, a reconciliation that is only momentary, not lasting (usually, the same old problems will resurface) | this is valid for other topics as well
A♦ + 8♣ + 10♠R = meeting in secret, a secret meeting place
2♦ + 8♣ = invitation to a meeting
K♦ + 8♣ = working two jobs | getting along with your colleagues
4♠ + 8♣ = healing


7♠ + 6♠R + 8♣ = constantly fighting and then getting back together | can also mean that a clarification will bring improvement or reconciliation
A♥ + K♠ + 8♣ = winning a trial. In general, it’s positive for any official situation

3♥U/R + 8♣R = you won’t get back together
5♥U/R + 8♣R = not getting along with your relatives
10♥ + 8♣R = trying hard to get back together but not succeeding
A♣U/R + 8♣R + 2♥U/R = an ill-assorted couple
8♣R + 8♥R or 4♠ or 5♦ or Q♣R= depression, feeling very down
K♦ + 8♣R = interpersonal problems at work
8♣R + 2♠R = inability to get along, to find common ground

Eight of Diamonds (8♦) – Handmaid (Donna di Servizio)

A♣ + 8♦ = traditionally, the dowry, but unless you’re reading for the royal family it will usually mean something else, like a job offer or a contract with good prospects
8♦ + K♦ = can be a (female) colleague from work | evolution of your career or a job offer | it can also mean an expansion of an activity | for a business person, it would be the money coming from the clients
8♦ + 2♠ = traditionally, a visit
8♦ + 5♠ = traditionally, getting out of a difficult period or a period of mourning
8♦ + Person = someone with high morals or values or standards (or money)

8♦ + J♣ = colleagues (if K♣ instead, a man and a woman occupying different positions, he might be the boss)
8♦ + 10♠ = can be a woman in uniform
8♦ + K♠ = usually a loan or money given by the authority
8♦ + 7♦ = baby sitter | a new job or evolution toward new things
8♦ + 10♣ = little value or unexpected expenses

8♦R + K♠ = taxes, money owed to the government or other institution, money not received from the government
8♦R + 4♥ = one who is unreliable in love (could be cheating as well)
8♦R + 10♠ = could be a fine, among other things
8♦R + Q♣ = frivolous young woman (in general, beware of people with the 8♦R next to them)


8♦R + 6♥R = money going out (+8♠, lots of it)
8♦R + 2♥ = petty arguments in the family or among neighbors
8♦R + J♦R = gossip
8♦R + Q♠ = petty, vindictive woman, usually with a sharp tongue (with Q♣ she would be a rather cheap girl)
10♥R + 8♦R = can be one whose anger is easily roused by silly things (basically every court show defendant or plaintiff)

Eight of Spades (8♠) – Desperation and Jealousy (Disperato per Gelosia)

A♥ + 8♠ = critical moment in your close relationships | expressing criticism, disapproval, group of people that is negative for the querent
6♥ + 8♠ = critical moment in the finances
6♥R + 8♠ = heavy losses | can mean possessiveness
8♠ + 4♥ = jealousy or envy in love | crisis in love
8♥R + 8♠ = tears, depression, hopes falling through


K♥U/R + 3♥R + 8♠ = jealous and dangerous husband or man (with Q♦, dangerous wife)
A♣ + 8♠ = marriage crisis | can be a jealous partner (even a business partner)
2♣R + 4♦ + 8♠ = among other interpretations, evil eye
7♣R + 8♠ = loss of status or certainties in life
8♠ + A♠ + 10♠ = jealousy and violence


8♠ + 10♠R = ill will you don’t know about
6♦ + 8♠ = projects falling through | one who is jealous or envious, ill will in general
K♦ + 8♠ = critical moment at work
K♦ + 8♠ + Q♠ and or J♠ = mobbing
8♠ + 5♠R = great inner pain, with other cards it might show certain types of mental illness
6♠ + 8♠ = tormented hopes falling through | one who just can’t let go and is in a crisis as a result

8♠R + 4♦ = traditionally, leg paralysis (but two cards are not enough. Here the 4♦ is the wheelchair while the 8♠ is the legs) | a skewed sense of reality and of self
2♣R + 8♠R = extreme arrogance, feeling like you are owed the world
8♠R + 7♠ = picking fights | an accident | a volatile temperament, a loose cannon
8♠R + 9♦ = also someone to stay well away from


8♠R + 5♦ = the woe is me type
8♠R + 7♦ = being infantile and capricious | a small accident
10♣ + 8♠R = utter carelessness in your behavior, usually motivated by an inflated ego | carelessness causing an accident
8♠R + 8♥ + 10♣ = getting into flirtatious situations to prove something to yourself

Card Reading, Cartomancy, Everyday Oracle, Numerology, Sibilla della Zingara, Vera Sibilla

Vera Sibilla and Numerology – The Eights

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The Eights in the Vera Sibilla are a natural continuation of the sevens. They represent the concept of balance and evolution toward balance. If you look at the number 8, you’ll see that it’s made up of two loops, which represent the inside or inner world and the outside or outer world. One of the two loops is represented by the “intention” set forth by the number seven, while the other loop represents whether or not that intention finds actual expression in reality.

The Eights in the Vera Sibilla: The Eight of Hearts (Hope), The Eight of Clubs (Reunion), The Eight of Diamonds (Handmaid) and the Eight of Spades (Jealousy)

The Eight of Hearts, Hope, is connected with the realization of one’s expectations and dreams. At its best, this card shows things going as hoped, at its worst, when it ends a negative sequence, the Eight of Hearts promises us that all will be well anyway and things will evolve in a positive direction.

The two “loops” that make up the number eight are, in this case, in perfect balance: inner and outer are as one. As such, aside from showing the realization of hopes, this is the card that represents clairvoyant abilities, dreams and faith as a whole, as these are manifestations of the concrete reality of our inner world.

The Eight of Spades, Consumed with Jealousy, is by far the most interesting card in the deck. In the Italian title, the word “Disperato” actually means “desperate”, not consumed. Desperation is the opposite of Hope. And, indeed, the two images convey opposite ideas.

Let’s look at the two cards. On one hand, a young woman is gazing confidently in the distance. She is poised and dignified, and there is a sense of peace, of perspective, of having a future in front of us that is clear and peaceful. Her titties out to the wind don’t exactly scream insecurity, if I may add. The connection of this card with the element of water can also be interpreted as things flowing smoothly and calmly, which is itself an extension of the eight-ish idea of balance, understood as our inner wishes flowing out and permeating reality.

On the other hand we have one of the most disturbing images in the history of cartomancy: a guy who has lost all sense of perspective and all hope for the future, whose life has stopped flowing smoothly and who finds himself at a desperate turning point, and he’s about to possibly end his own life. Not someone you’d ask to look after the kids while you are out shopping.

This is the card of crisis, of the world closing in on you, of oppression and lack of positive ways out of this impasse (at least, unless other cards show otherwise). This card behaves as a landmine that our hopes and desires step onto while on the way toward realization. Here, the two loops of the number eight are imbalanced with one another. This imbalance can also be understood not just as unfulfilled hope or crisis, but also as negative hope, hence the card’s connection with envy, slander etc.

In between Spades and Hearts we have the Eight of Clubs, the Reunion and the Eight of Diamonds, the Handmaid, which represent evolution toward balance in two opposite senses. The Eight of Clubs is the card of the positive evolution toward a good conclusion, but it implies either a previous upset or a previous distance.

This is the card that can show winning a court case, which implies the upset of having gone through a trial, it’s the card of the date or meeting, which implies being apart (otherwise we wouldn’t be able to meet), it’s the card of reconciliation, which implies break-up, it’s the card of healing, which implies illness, it’s the card of getting back the money you’ve lent, which implies a previous parting with your money. In general, this card represents an evolution leading us back to a previous balance that has been interrupted, and a positive offsetting of the situation as a whole.

The Eight of Diamonds, The Handmaid, is also a card of evolution, but one that doesn’t necessarily lead us back: it’s an evolution that leads us forward toward a new equilibrium (or lack thereof). It is said that this card, when it falls in the spread without any specific reason, heralds new phases in life, and we must always look where the young woman is going.

The staircase she’s climbing is a symbol for improvement, expansion, growth. As such, this is one of the cards representing nobility, refinement, good manners and climbing up the social ladder. The evolution here is therefore not intended as a re-establishment of a former positive situation as the Reunion (Re-union) often implies, but rather as a building on what is already there to reach a new equilibrium. Note that the handmaid is also the card of offers and money, things and situations being given to us: the new equilibrium or balance may be coming toward us from the outside.