Egipcios Kier - 63 Communion

In this post, we explore card 63 Communion from the Egipcios Kier Tarot deck. The central depicts a couple seated on ornate chairs. Both have their feet firmly planted on the floor, symbolizing stability. The wife lovingly embraces her husband, her right arm around him like the sheltering wings of Isis, and her hand rests 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, in a shorter wig and elaborate necklace, wears a knee-length green tunic and holds a lotus fan to gently shoo away flies.

The profile style of Egyptian art might make it seem like the woman is seated behind her husband, but her arm is around him signifies their harmonious and equal partnership. Each holds or wears a lotus, symbolizing luxury and abundance. Their union makes them strong and wealthy, suggesting they might be partners not only in their family life but also in their business endeavors. The contrast between his green clothing and her orange clothing highlights their individuality while indicating mutual reliance.

Above the central image are four intriguing symbols: a sigil resembling the letter Alef, an owl hieroglyph, the Hebrew letter Alef (the breath that carries sound), and a pentagram with two inward-pointing arrows. The large symbol at the bottom of the cartouche, resembling a potted plant, is actually an incense burner, according to Stuart Kaplan. This incense burner, releasing fragrant smoke represents spirituality and physical luxury.

In the title field, we see the astrological symbol for Mars, the Roman letter 'H,' and the number Nine. In Pythagorean mysticism, Nine signifies the end of one cycle in the beginning of another. Other numerology systems link Nine to pain or sadness, but also to happiness, as in “Cloud Nine.” They support each other through individual or collective pains and difficulties; they are never alone.

Kaplan interprets the card as representing joy, pleasure, peace, love, contentment, a harmonious family life, honor, esteem, and virtue. When reversed, it can indicate the loss of friendship, family quarrels, pettiness, rage, and even conflict.

The Communion card invites us to embrace joy, peace, and love, reminding us of the contentment found in 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.

Brazilian tarot writer, Nelise Carbonare, associates this card with the traditional Nine of Swords. That card seems to contrast sharply with the image and feeling of the Communion card. The Nine of Swords signifies torment, being overwhelmed, nightmares, and an inability to make sense of life. It could represent the struggles of facing life's challenges alone. When reversed, the it means methodically addressing one problem at a time and accepting healing, just as the Communion card emphasizes the strength and support found in harmonious relationships. These cards encourages us to nurture these connections.