Random Reading - #95

A recent conversation in the Cult of Tarot forum had me pulling out my German reprint of an old Russian pasyans, or patience/solitaire fortune telling deck*. Variations on the theme have been around since the early 19th century, but this design is from the Soviet era. You can see an original set in my friend Dmitry’s Instagram post, as well as a bit more history. 

On the first pass there were three matching symbols – Lightning, Candle and Comb. 

But there was a 4th symbol – Horseshoe – that could be formed by turning the two cards that had previously made Lightning and Comb, thereby "breaking" those symbols. 

⁛ Something unexpected will happen that will disrupt your sense of calm and balance, and cause you to lose hope. But a successful solution will be found, and happiness will be restored. ⁛

One can go even deeper by looking for half-symbols that would match were they not separated by another card, and interpret them based on the "brokenness" of the symbol, with details provided by the symbols on the separating card. 

*Das russische Patience-Orakel, “The Russian Patience Oracle”, published by Ayfaar-Buchverlag. The company has a website with a “Buy Now” button which takes you to eBay, but no product is found. 😕 My copy was purchased from a private seller three years ago.