Bright as a Button

The little girl in this illustration looks out at us from within the frame of her card. She has only recently turned four years old, but don't let this small matter of her young age lead you into making assumptions about her. This little one is as bright as a button and will most definitely keep you on your feet.

The Page of Swords is curious. She is interested in finding things out and will always ask questions. She communicates well and enjoys to talk and use her imagination. Even though she likes spending time alone working things out, she loves to hold a crowd. This little lady can keep us well entertained with her stories and observational wit.

With all tarot cards, there must be balance. Without dark, there can not be light. For all of the pages in this deck, their enthusiasm is balanced by naivety and inexperience, due to their age. The Page of Swords may be inquisitive and eager to learn, but when ill-dignified in a reading, her curiosity can indicate gossiping, underhandedness, or as noted in tarot tradition, a spy. Because this little girl is knowledgeable beyond her years, it makes it that bit easier for her to wind us into her intricate web, should she choose to.

My subject for this card is my friend's daughter, Eva. Even though I have not used any other children for pages in these illustrations, it was difficult to dismiss this one. When I was considering which youth might possess the right sharpness of mind and an ability to hold people's attention, I thought of Eva instantly. Even though so young, she happily soaks up conversation and debate, and anyone meeting her would be foolish to underestimate her level of understanding and social appreciation. But this gift can create problems, as much as being her greatest skill. Even though these airy pages make great students, public speakers and the life-and-soul of any dinner party, they can become bored easily, over-thinkers, and require a great deal of mental stimulation.

One of the satisfying things about getting this card finished today is that it completes a family. All of the 'people' from the suit of Swords are now finished and sit well together. The Knight of Swords sits protectively behind his younger but astute sister. Their strong parents, the king and queen, are here too. A coolness breathes through the four characters as they sit together as one. Knowing each of these people personally, they feel just right as a group, which is satisfying.

As a sideline, I was also thinking about how the cards bear more relationships with one another than what is based in tarot tradition. As an example, the lady who I used as a subject for The Empress also happens to be Eva's mother in real life. This may never have any bearing on a reading, but generally, it will be interesting to see how these real-life characters and their social connections and history plays out amongst one another in spreads.