Chapter 2

You must now Shuffle--so well as your lessened cards will allow, yet with but one Shuffle--and deal, from your Pack's Top, a downward Left-Hand Border of _Three_ Cards. (Fig.9.) Note that you now have in your Figure _three Rows of Sevens_; which you may well

---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | 40 | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | 39 | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | 38 | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | FIG. 8 | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ----

wish were Guineas for your Purse.

Again Shuffle, as best you can, and from your Bottom Cards in the Pack deal _Two_ Cards, laid at the right, upward, as in Fig. 10, nearly finishing

---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | 41 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | 42 | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | 43 | | | | | FIG. 9 | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ----

your Square, now holding _four_ rows of _Sevens_.

Again mix your cards; and deal from their Top, _Two_ Cards, leftward laid in descent, as in Fig. 11. How much, O, Friend, in Human Life is nearly

---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | 45 | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | 44 | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | FIG. 10 | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ----

perfect, yet not quite perfect!

Truly no Man shall reckon this Life a Perfect Matter with him! R.A.

Confuse now, as best and honestest you may (for you can hardly essay a shuffle), at least Once your two last Cards: and so complete your _Square_

---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | 46 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | 47 | | | | | | FIG. 11 | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----

_of Sevens_, out of which will presently rise the Parallelogram; by laying its Forty-eighth and Forty-ninth cards in Opposition Comers, as in Fig. 12.

The _Square_ is completed.

Consider this Figure attentively.

---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | 48 | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- | 49 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- FIG. 12

For now have you before you the very _Square of Sevens_: being a magicall Square Figure of Forty-nine Cards, whose Rows include ever _Seven_ Cards, taken anyways. And that same mysticall Square now must be made ready for use in Reading your Querist's Fortune (or Experiences) by making it into a Parallelogram of smaller compass, through what is called its formal _Reduction_.

_Of the Square Formally Reduced to The Parallelogram; and of The Master-Cards & The Sacrifice_.

Having thus built your Square, chuse the extreme right-hand card in its Uppermost Row. Lay it on such card of the same Suit as lieth nearest it, in the same Row, if there be such; save on the last Card on the Left of the Row.

Of the _Master-Card _and_ Master-Column_.

This Leftward Card in each Row is called the Row's _Master-Card_, and it cannot be covered by any other card, nor be moved. It must open and alone abide as it is; and the Seven Master-Cards, counted downward on the Square's left Edge, make what is called the _Master-Column_.

If you have no other card of the same Suit as your right-ward card --or none save those of the _Master-Column_--let it lie. But if you can lay it on another, not a _Master-Card_, of any degree in the Suit--for observe the degree here matters not--so do. And then mark if, leftward and toward the _Master-Card_ of the Row, lies another of the same Suit. If so, take up the two cards you laid together; and lay them on this third one. Look again and carefully; and, if another of the Suit be found, carry to it the former ones. So do until you have no more of its Suit toward its left, to join unto, and until all the cards of one Suit in the Row lie piled together; save the _Master-Card_, which even if it be of the Suit lieth alone, leftward, as it was first dealt out and down, in the last Square.

Of the _Reduction_.

Proceed then with the next Suit in the Row: and so with each Row, until you have thus sorted all the cards save the Master-Cards. This is the _Reduction_.

Close now and straiten-up together each of the Rows thus broken into Piles; pushing ever toward the _Master-Row_. Thus have you a new Figure, smaller than the last Square of Sevens, and somewhat irregular: there be in some Rows five cards, in others less; even so few, though rarely, as three or two. Note that a Pile of Cards is reckoned only as one card. Note, too, that with cards that have become hid beneath others you have no concern.

Of the _Sacrifice_.

Next, cast or lay aside in a parcel, all Cards in the Figure that are not contained in the three Columns, leftward (the _Master-Column_, and two other Columns). If, your _Reduction_ done, any Row offer to sight but two Cards--the _Master-Card_ and its neighbor--so must the Row abide. But this comes rarely. You will best not disturb the Cards hid in the Piles, for it is well to let Sleeping Dogs lie, and moreover needless Fingering and Quiddling of the Parallelogram is not commended. With the cards thus rejected have you no more to do. They are called the _Sacrifice_.

---- ---- ---- |XXXX| | | |XXXX| | | ---- ---- ---- | | |XXXX| | | |XXXX| ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | Master ---- ---- ---- FIG. 13 Column |XXXX| |XXXX| |XXXX| |XXXX| ---- ---- ---- | | | | | | | | ---- ---- ---- | |XXXX| | | |XXXX| | ---- ---- ---- |XXXX| | | |XXXX| | | ---- ---- ----

The _Parallelogram_ made.

Now have you a _Parallelogram_ of One-and-Twenty Cards in sight (Fig. 13), reduced from the Square that formerly held Nine-and-Forty. With these One-and-Twenty now under your eyes I will be your Querist's affair.

You may indeed ask why so much Labour is made of building the Square only to reduce it, to despoil it, and to force it to hide or to part with so many of its Sevens--as by a sudden Slaughter or a Panic or a Plague. But it is held that by such prior Shufflings, Dealings, and Placings are much cherished the accidentall Declarings of Fates intelligence; and that by the other Processes, embracing The _Sacrifice_, there remain for _Reading_ just the Cards decreed; free from disposition by light-fingered Craft, or from ticklish Arrangements by Skill.

A Thing of Great Mystery and Fair Harmony--as Jacobus of Utrecht calleth the _Soul_.

And the Square itself, the Parent of the Parallelogram, is of great Harmony as a Mystery. Indeed all other Methods of reading fortune in Cards are incomparable to it.

_Of Summarizing in the Parallelogram its Aspect and of the Fortune or Experience of the Querist that it will Report_.

With your Parallelogram thus built, observe it as an Whole; and remark if it hath an Agreeable or Unpleasing _Aspect_--one Auspicious or Unkind, according as it contains rather the red or the black Suits. For a Red Aspect is kindly. A Black Aspect contains many less favorable cards, especially if they be _Spades_.

Of _Hearts_ as a Portent.

And, for another Matter, and a wider Notice as to the Suits of Cards:--it has long been assured by those best knowing Card Intelligences that the Suit of _Hearts_ is the Suit of the Affections, Passions, Fancies and Feelings.

Of _Diamonds_.

And the Suit of _Diamonds_ ever refers to Condition in Life, Society, Wealth, Position and the Fine Arts; and contains many Comfortable Cards.

Of _Clubs_.

In the _Clubs_ lies the Judgment, the Intellect, the Will, and the Affairs of a Man's Brains, and what he doeth of his own Mastery and Genius.

Of the ominous _Spades_ suit.

The _Spades_ is ever the suit of doubtful or worse Prognosticks; of the Events that arbitrarily fall to Man's Lot, those things which hardly can any Prescience or Plans or Conditions of our own making amend. Thence is it that in especiall comes a serious, nay even a gloomy appearance to the _Parallelogram_. Your first Glance at it, therefore, gives you a Generall Character in it, to state first to the Querist before its details.

Of a particular _Uncertainty_ in a Prognostick.

But particularly note that Matters to be read in its Cards may often refer not to the Future, or to the Present, but to the Past. Especially is this the truth with the Old or Elderly or with those Wed. Such must expect to be told of Experiences that lie behind them, rather than before them, of Good or Evil; for Fate oft allows sparingly of Incident to those of middle years, or later; and therewith she is often pleased to make her Oracle speak coldly to a Querist, of Ancient Circumstances.

The Shot seldom goeth twice into the same hole; and a Dead Trouble or Joy rarely Reviveth. And a Blessed Thing that 'tis so!

Hence, whether a Significancy in a Card speak of what is come or is yet to come, at best is none too certain; only it is true that the greater or harder Experiences of Mortall Lives seldom be duplicated. With the Young or Unwedded, the Significancies are of the Future, with far more determination.

_Of the Reading of the Parallelogram, according to the Tavola; and of the Wish-Cards_.

Note now your Card in the Right-Hand column, and also the Card next it, of course to the Leftward; which Leftward Card is spoken of as _Influencing _the other.

Of the Influences, In which the Philosophick will find a likeness to Human Circumstances.

The Significancy of it, for good or evil, is given in the _Tavola_ that follows in this Book, by its proper Suit and Degree: and this you will tell to your Querist. Next note the card, which was just now an Influencing Card, but which, now in its turn, is to be considered according to the _Influence_ cast _on_ it by the Master-Card, beyond it, leftward. Declare this Significancy. Last, declare what may be the Significancy of the Master-Card, as such and alone. And so proceed, as to each card in the _Parallelogram_, ever naming _last_ the Significance of the Master-Card, until your _Parallelogram_ is all interpreted to the Querist. And note that the Master-Card even as an _Influence_ is not more potent than another, (as far as is known), and that its Dignity and Potency arise only in its being uninfluenced; and, so speaking, from its Significance with a certain Individuality not belonging to its two Fellows. Nor are there; any Influences cast _Upward_ or _Downward_ by the Cards, out of the Row in which each lieth.

Having read the Parallelogram from beginning to end, slowly and honestly, lay forth those three _Wish Cards_, early chosen by your Querist, but not dealt in the Square.

Of the _Querist's Wish_.

If they contain more _Red_ than _Black_ Cards, this shall come: the Querist may wish a _Wish_ for his own Profit or Pleasure, even in removal of an Evil that hath been read to him in the _Parallelogram_. If there be Black rather than Red cards in the Three, he must wish a like wish for _Another_. And in either case, if the cards deciding his Privilege be of high degree, such as _Court Cards_, Aces or above the Eight, his Wish is likely to be granted, or at least it is not in vain in some sort. But if the Cards be low in Values he has desired to Fruitlessness.

Let it be minded that by the Phrase an _high_ or a _low_ Card in a Suit is ever meant, respectively, the cards above or below the _Eight_; the Aces being reckoned as the highest in a Suit. And indeed Cards must ever be read with a Considering of their Degree, and of the Six in Court Cards. Where there be no speciall Significancies given to the Degrees, the Judgement must I shift as best it can.

It is well not to oblige, of any one evening, or on a set and single occasion, more than a Querist or so--maybe, oblige at most three Querists--by making Squares of Sevens and Reducing the same and Reading what may lie therein. Too much of any good thing makes it over-common, blunts the Appetite and dulls the Apprehensiveness of the Reader. With fatigue, too, may come Carelessness and, on good occasion, even Lying: and, besides, let us respect the Supernaturall.

THE _TAVOLA_ OF SIGNIFICANICIES AND INFLUENCES, PROPER TO THE TRUE _READING_ OF THE PARALLELOGRAM; ADJUSTED IN A SYSTEM OF ALTERNATIVES

NOTE

In transcribing this "Tavola," the Editor has somewhat modernized the spelling and capitalizing, for the convenience of the reader. With reluctance, but of necessity, he has also amended--or emended--the phrasing, where it is in the original hardly consonant with modern taste.

OF HEARTS

_The Ace_.

As a _Master-Card_, a special Emotional Experience. Influenced by a _King_ of like Suit, there is figured an Intimate Friend, or one in whom the Querist is much bound. By a _Queen_ of like Suit--an Emotion for a Woman of beauty and charm. By a Knave of like Suit, an Attachment to a Man younger than the Querist. Influenced by any _high heart_ other than those above, an Amorous or Affectionate Temper of mind or body. By a _low heart_, an impressionable, kindly Nature. These are Five Special Interpretings. The more general are: influenced by a Diamond, Good Fortune in something, measured by the degree of the Influencing Card. By a Club, a Talent or Gift to be made much of. By a Spade, an Error, or Disappointment, in the degree of the influencing card.

_The King_.

As Master-Card, is figured that the Querist deals or has had much to do with a Man of fair skin and light type, of good temperament. Influenced by an Ace of like suit, one notably unselfish. By Knave, a Lover, Husband, Friend. By a Queen, a Love-match. By a Diamond, a Man of Wealth or artistic nature. By a high club, a Man of Energy withal; by a low club, one of Prudence. By a Spade, a man of some defect of Temperament, or of a Chronic Malady or Blemish, ominous to him and others.

_The Queen_.

As Master-Card, is referred to specially, an amiable, affectionate Woman, rather one sentimental than of intellect. Influenced by like suit, if an Ace, she is admired of Many; if a King, she is wedded, betrothed, or beloved by one in especial. By a Knave of like suit, she is beloved by a Male Relative in especial, not of her own near family. By other cards of like suit, degrees of regard. By a Diamond, a Woman gifted, and esteemed much in Modish Life. By a Club, though not learned she appreciates knowledge in others. By a spade, she is not of firm health; or not of wholly firm Virtue.

_The Knave_.

As Master-Card--the Querist's closest Friend; yet likely held such because of feeling rather than judgment. Influenced by an Ace of like suit, there is no Inequality in the affection. By a King of like suit, Resemblance to the Querist in physique or mind or disposition. By a Queen of like suit, one with distinctively feminine traits. By another card of like suit, a popular man with his fellows. By a diamond, of wealth or social Position; but if by a Nine of Diamonds, not enduring in such Happy Fortune. By a Club, a Friend of judgment and good at advice. By a Spade, a Friend of not too sound health: or apt of offence.

_Ten_.

As Master-Card, a general reference to Matrimony, as being ever the card-matrimonial. Influenced by like suit, a High-Marriage and that auspicious: by a low heart, a Marriage not one's first or first-wished. By a Diamond, a Marriage with money in it. By a Club, a Marriage of reason or of circumstances. By a Spade, an Interrupted or more or less Disastrous Match.

_Nine_.

As Master-Card: a Card of Good Augury for what we wish for Another. Influenced by its like suit, an unexpected Meeting, with a person much affected or desired. By a Diamond, a Pleasure in store. By a Club, a Wish partly fulfilled, rather than wholly. By a Spade, a Wish fulfilled but followed by some detrimental Event.

_Eight_.

As Master-Card, a Love-Interest. As influenced by like suit, an Interest of much Romance. By a Diamond, a Lost Article recovered. By a Club, the Victory in a difference or argument as to some plan or act. By a Spade, a Caprice to warm the heart; or a new Article of dress or household stuff.

_Seven_.

As Master-Card: the Card of Trust and Confidence approved of. Influenced by like suit, honest Love, or Family regard. By a Diamond, wise Trust in a commercial or social step. By a Club, in a Secret. By a Confidence misplaced in a person or event.

_Six_.

As Master-Card: A strong Inclination, a Desire, or Action is well rewarded. Influenced by like suit, it concerns another even more than ourselves, or as much. By a Diamond, a step of social or artistic or pecuniary vantage; save if the diamond be the nine, which leaves the result in Doubt of full success. By a Club, a Matter of Judgment and practical bearing, seen and discussed of others; or a Remark, or a Letter of more consequence than would appear. By a Spade, an Inclination or desire, not wholly honorable: or of brief realization.

_Five_.

As Master-Card, an amusing and diverting Affair heard of, or entered into. Influenced by its like suit, a Feeling not hitherto returned is met at last. By a Diamond, a Success in some-thing particularly wished. By a Club, a keen and shrewd Chance at a remark to be well caught. By a Spade, an Ache, Pain, or Breaking.

_Four_.

As Master-Card, is figured the existence of an obstinate Sentiment toward one, or an Opinion not of our own building up. Influenced by the like suit, it is troublesome, causing thought, new to one, or burdensome. By a Diamond, it is known to others, or guessed. By a Club, it is apt to lead to acts officious or of manoeuvre. By a Spade, it is a Sentiment based on error and lack of full insight; or it will be abruptly weakened.

_Three_.

An Act of Charity and Generosity, by or toward the Querist, if read as Master-Card. Influenced by like suit, Action in a matter of very confidential sort. By a Diamond, it is in part a Matter of Money or Office or from a Superiour--and may be associated with an investment, a society, an entertainment. By a Club, it figures a Visit, or Visitor. By a Spade, a Change of Opinion in some near matter is enjoined, or the Loss of a good will; or a Surprise not welcome wholly.

_Two_.

As Master-Card, favorable News, or a Letter acceptable. If influenced by its like suit, the Person from whom it comes, or also referred to in it, is much valued, or a near Relative. By a Diamond, a Present, a Visit, a Meeting of service, a Letter, respectively. By a Club, a "yes" in a matter open. By a Spade, it concerns Another more than the Querist; or else will not be altogether correct in statement.

OF DIAMONDS

_The Ace_.

As Master-Card, a tangible and material Success in some Matter of Society, Money, Art, or Office. Influenced by a King of like suit, a Loss recovered. By any other card of like suit, Information and certainty of an Affair of purchase, bargain or sale, much to advantage. By a Heart, a wise Marriage, the settlement of a Difference, an open matter closed to satisfaction. By a Club, a prudent Choice. By a Spade, a Cost or expense, perhaps a loss, before a satisfactory and favorable Event, or in course of it.

_The King_.

As Master-Card, is figured a brilliant, honorable and successful Man, of standing and perhaps of marked taste in art, belles-lettres and the like; and gifted in them. Influenced by its like suit, a Man with much original in him, shrewd in money or gift. By a Heart, a Male Character of kindly and humane traits; or one sensitive and easily moved in his mood. By a Club, a Man in professional life, and of good mental balance. By a Spade such a life is threatened or broken, or not free from Self-seeking at others' expense.

_The Queen_.

As Master-Card is indicated the existence of a brilliant, gifted Woman; fond of social life and modish things, of dress or expensive and rare matters; perhaps of Talent in art or literature. Influenced by like suit, one of brilliancy rather than feeling or self-sacrifice. By a Heart, if high, of affection more than is thought; if low, beautiful. By a Club, a Woman executive; of some audacity; restless or self-depending: admiring intellect of solid kind tho' maybe lacking it. By a Spade, a Woman not devoted to benefiting others; and threatened by misfortune; or with a hidden Grievance.

_The Knave_.