Artist: Joanna Nelson

Website: JoannaNelsonStudio.com

Keywords

Artist’s Interpretation & Card Meaning

“Since the card is about waking from a nightmare and mental anguish, I wanted the imagery to have a bit of a dream-like, surreal feel. Side note: The cat eats the mouse and ironically, the fish…Shark eats the cat in my mind. ha!!! A dream within a dream, or a nightmare within a nightmare. There are a lot of ways to explain this image…the mouse feels trapped! The mask is to hide. The candle shows hope. The surreal feel is to say that this anguish is all mental, not physical. Wake up!

I have added symbols to the newspaper boat – the sword fight (like in the wood-carved night stand of the original card image), some astrological signs (just as the quilt has in the original card), the number nine, the words “wake up” and thought that although it will be small in “Tarot card size”, that it will be a nice little hidden gem and fun surprise for the viewer to discover!”

A masked mouse sits in a paper boat, surrounded by swords, a black cat looming over him. Despite the mask, there is anguish on the face of the mouse as he looks up at the cat, from an eight-bladed cage, a ninth sword hanging over it like the sword of Damocles. The cat is concentrating on his intended meal, unaware of a black shark, swimming among the clouds that hang in a stormy sky, ready to feast on him.

This card is one of surreal, nightmarish visions, buth that is all they are – symptoms of mental anguish, rather than impending physical harm. If you are ready and willing to work through this pain, your peace of mind will return.

Astrological Association & Element

Air / Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Connect with 78 Tarot:

www.78tarot.cards/shop

etsy.com/shop/78tarot

As a follower of Tarot by Cecelia, 78 Tarot has extended to you an additional 25% off any item in their store at checkout.

Coupon code CECELIAHOLIDAY (Good through December 30, 2016)

Visit and like on Facebook:

https://facebook.com/78tarotproject