Egipcios Kier - 74 Offering

The main image on the "Offering" card depicts a kneeling figure with her hands on the floor as she raises her head. She is barefoot, wearing a long robe, and her wig is bound with a ureaus serpent. Next to her is a platform on which rests an enthroned human figure. Kaplan identifies him as the Theban god, Amen, one of ancient Egypt's eight primordial deities. He wears an unusual crown, has a pharaonic beard, holds a royal staff and an ankh with a unique tail, and is seated on a cubical throne. The title of the card suggests that she has made her offering to this god in his temple.

There are three symbols in the upper portion of the card. The magical letter may represent the power of communication, emphasizing the importance of intention in offerings. The hieroglyph of a lion symbolizes strength, courage, and royalty. Cats, both large and small, were sacred in ancient Egypt and often associated with divine protection. The Hebrew letter Lamed (ל) represents teaching and learning, akin to a shepherd's staff guiding the flock. The Lamed here signifies the need for guidance and the pursuit of knowledge.

In the bottom of the card is a seated mummy, wrapped in gold, with his bearded head facing backwards. The mummy represents the preservation of the soul and the eternal journey. The backward-facing head, like an owl, might represent reflection and insight, seeing beyond the present and learning lessons from the past.

The title field of the card includes the symbol for the moon, the Latin letter Q, and the Arabic numeral 2. These additional symbols may emphasize themes of natural cycles, hidden knowledge, and duality.

The kneeling figure's motivations for giving an offering could be multifaceted. She may be expressing gratitude for blessings received or seeking favors such as health, wealth, or success. Alternatively, she may be making her offering out of a desire for spiritual connection, personal growth, or self-improvement. She may desire to align herself with the divine, gain wisdom, or fulfill a commitment to herself.

Stuart Kaplan suggests that the card "Offering" might signify dedication and devotion, a commitment to a higher purpose or ideal, seeking one's best self. It may signify gratitude and reciprocity, showing appreciation for blessings received, fostering a reciprocal relationship with the divine or community. It may signify a request for assistance and support or receiving help from powerful or influential figures and fostering a supportive environment.

Reversed, it may warn of insincerity, flattery, or manipulation. It may indicate an unfavorable shift in power dynamics, leading to imbalance and confusion. It may suggest bribery, deception, and the potential for corruption or dishonest intentions in dealings.

Nelise Carbonare Vieira associates EK card 74 with traditional tarot's Six of Pentacles. In that card, a merchant stands between two kneeling beggars. He holds a set of scales in one hand and pours coins into the outstretched hands of one of the beggars. One beggar is waiting, and we wonder what reward or help he will receive. City walls and a tree-filled park can be seen in the background.

This card reminds us that we can attract what we need into our lives. Keywords for the upright card are prosperity, generosity, and a helping hand. For the reversed card, the keywords are an imbalance of power and resources. Consider who the true recipient is. Could it be the merchant, contributing to the society that he is a part of and dependent upon?

This card is about balance and generosity. It is important to give and receive in harmony. The card reflects the need to maintain balance while being generous and the importance of gratitude when receiving. The scales are reminiscent of the Justice card and its connection to karma. The card also reminds us that we are part of a community that supports us and which we, in turn, should support. The act of giving strengthens societal bonds.

The "Offering" card in the Egipcios Kier Tarot emphasizes dedication to higher ideals, gratitude, and the pursuit of spiritual growth. The kneeling figure symbolizes a deep commitment to these themes. The upper symbols represent strength, guidance, and the pursuit of knowledge, while the seated mummy signifies wisdom and self-preservation. In readings, this card suggests turning to higher powers for help, maintaining balance in reciprocity, and warns against insincerity and manipulation. It mirrors the broader themes of the Six of Pentacles, inviting us to cultivate a harmonious and supportive environment.