Of Seasons ....
Since the dawn of time, early man closely observed the unique characteristics of each one of the four Seasons, as such characteristics had a direct impact on his very survival. To this end, early man not only learned to cooperate with the flow of the natural annual cycle ~ for example, planting in Spring and harvesting in Autumn ~ but, equally significantly, man also developed a profound respect for nature.
It is believed that this profound respect for nature, the natural processes occurring on Earth and interconnected to the Sun, Moon and Planets, evolved into the earliest forms of religion, whereby man saw the entirety of the Universe as divine. Recognition and reverance of this universal interconnectedness resulted in certain associations being formed in the mind of early man, which associations have been variously represented by symbols.
These ancient symbols emanated from all corners of the World and, in some respects, are strikingly similar. They have endured in the human psyche throughout the ages and are worth consideration in the study of the "science" of The Playing (Destiny) Card and Tarot divination systems.
Of Suits ...
A survey of antique and modern playing cards from around the world reveals a common thread in the theme but quite a few differences in style and symbolism. Insofar as the suits are concerned, with the notable exception of Chinese and Indian cards, four suits in a deck appears to have prevailed throughout history and in different parts of the world. Hence, the connection of the four suits to the four seasons in the Playing (Destiny) Card system has very strong support and foundation.
As to the actual symbols used to identify each of the four suits ~ here is where we see some differences in both the playing and tarot cards. The difference in the symbology, both in terms of identification of the suits as well as other aspects, can largely be attributed to cultural and regional influences. However, although the symbols may differ, the underlying meanings of the symbols are the same, or essentially the same. The following is a chart of corresponding seasons, suit symbols and general meanings:
In Love & Light,
Angelika
Related Articles:
The Playing (Destiny) Card System and the Calendar
Playing (Destiny) Card: Season and Suits: Spring and Hearts
