“Cast on Deck”
~This is a rundown of the Major Arcana as if they were
participants in a theater production. If you think about it, the cards DO
tell a story :-) ~
The Fool wanders on to the scene, is sent to
wardrobe still unsure of his part, ready to
improvise.
The Magnus calls all to attention, raps his baton on
proscenium, draws the lemniscates in the air.
The Popess turns inward, sits in silence, waits for
footlights, takes the moment to meditate.
The Empress prima donna of doorways, in magnanimity,
brings forth all things.
The Hierophant sets prompter’s stool just behind
the curtain, exercises whisper, intimates the script.
The Lovers caper in the dressing room, argue yes,
no, yes, no, yes and come to see that both are right.
The Chariot is wheeled onto center stage; Lovers are
gentled into sphinx suits, harness, yoke.
They shy as Strength gentles her lion into position,
murmurs encouragement, teamwork.
The Hermit robes up, stops at “props” to claim
his staff, lantern, climbs the snow-capped mount to take his stand.
Stagehands spin Fortune’s Wheel on the sly,
setting it in place, speculate, make bets, kiss its base.
Justice can be seen balancing in the corridors,
forgiving all and sundry as they dash.
The Hanged One dangles in rehearsal, practices
suspense above a mirror, comes nearer than ever to oblivion.
Death whistles in the stage door, late and
unconcerned; Make-up hurries her to throne, mirror, a face.
Temperance practices pouring with a flourish,
doesn’t spill a drop though managers scurry.
The Devil gambols up and down the aisles, terrifying
the A-types who arrive early to get the best seats.
Stage-right, The Tower totters just behind heavy
tapestry, its crown set precariously, to topple on cue.
In the light booth, technicians manipulate panels, remind
each of signals. The Star
flashes.
Piece de resistance, enormous gilt embroidery, wired
to blaze, The Sun is raised on monstrous booms; looms.
Archangels polish Judgment’s trumpets on sleeves,
sneeze in musty boxes, overlook the theater.
The Audience, assembled, is in for a treat.
En masse, they are to play The Universe from seats.
~Excerpted from The Tarot Gypsy Tales hand stitched and velvet
bound by Carol Jean Rose
|