Egipcios Kier - 63 Communion

Let's explore card 63 Communion from the Egipcios Kier Tarot deck. In the central image, we see a couple seated on ornate chairs. Both individuals have their feet firmly planted on the floor. The wife lovingly embraces her husband, her right arm encircling him, reminiscent of the sheltering wings of Isis, and rests her hand on his shoulder. She is bare breasted, adorned with a sheer sarong and a beautiful necklace. Her ornate wig features a dangling lotus flower emitting a pleasant fragrance. Her husband wears a shorter wig, an elaborate necklace, and a knee-length green tunic. He holds a lotus fan in his hand, gently shooing away flies.

At first glance, the profile style of Egyptian art might make it seem like the woman is seated behind her husband, but the fact that her arm is around him signifies their equality. Both wear lotus symbols, representing luxury and abundance. They may be not only partners in their family life but also in their business endeavors. The harmonious contrast between his green clothing and her orange clothing distinguishes them as separate individuals while suggesting harmony between them.

Above the image, we encounter four intriguing symbols in the cartouche: a sigil that defies description (refer to the picture above), an owl hieroglyph, the Hebrew letter Alef (discussed in an earlier post) and a pentagram with two arrow shapes pointing inward. The large symbol at the bottom of the cartouche resembles a potted plant, but I correctly anticipated that Kaplan would ascribe it a less prosaic meaning.

In the title field, we find the astrological symbol for Mars, the Roman letter 'H,' and the number Nine, which in Pythagorean mysticism, signifies the end of one cycle in the beginning of another. Other systems of numerology connect Nine to pain or sadness, but sometimes to happiness, as in “Cloud Nine.”

Stuart Kaplan clarifies that the symbol at the bottom of the cartouche represents an incense burner releasing fragrant smoke from grains of incense. He highlights that the couple portrayed are nobles and enjoy a blissful marriage. He states that in ancient Egypt, individuals were free to marry whom they wished, and a compatible match brought about loving and pleasurable times spent together.

Kaplan ascribes a range of uplifting meanings to the card: joy, pleasure, peace, love, contentment, a harmonious family life, honor, esteem, and virtue.

On the other hand, if the card appears in reverse, Kaplan suggests that potential interpretations would be: friendship’s loss, family quarrels, pettiness, rage, and even conflict.

Through the card of Communion, we are invited to embrace the essence of joy, peace, and love. It reminds us of the contentment that comes from harmonious relationships and the virtues we uphold within our families. Whether upright or reversed, this card encourages us to explore the dynamics of connection and seek harmony in those connections.