Tarot Time Traveller

by Marcus Katz

  79 Washington Bureau Pamphlets in private collection.

  80 This set of meanings collated from various magazines of the time.

  81 Woman’s Own magazine, January 1934, via Claire Langhamer, The English in Love: The Intimate Story of an Emotional Revolution (Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2013), 202.

  82 Carey, 89.

  83 Minetta, 35.

  4

  The Square of Sevens

  It is safe to presume that even the most inquisitive book-hunters of the present day, and few of the fellowship during two or three generations past, have encountered the scarce and curious little volume here presented, as in a friendly literary resurrection—Robert Autobus’s “The Square of Sevens, and the Parallelogram…Its mathematical title hardly hints at the amusement that the book affords.

  —The Square of Sevens, 1896

  It seems our time travel is being interrupted or we cannot get a fix on our next acquisition. We are tracking the publication of a strange and detailed method of cartomancy, but our time-pod keeps shifting in its tracking across America and Europe through the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Yet the method is said to have come from Cornwall, in 1731. Resetting our sensors, we are whisked to Lausanne, and then back in time to Madison, New Jersey, to the home of a Presbyterian minister in 1858. At no point are we locking on the 1700s. This is very strange. We end up at one point in Naples, 1908, locked on to the publication of a book called IMRE: A MEMORANDUM, which is said to be the first overtly homosexual novel (with a positive ending) and appears under a pen name: “Xavier Mayne.” We are used to strange occurrences in our tarot time travels, but this one is very odd. We call up a time screen, and it shows that the author of this novel travels widely, writes for the Independent and Harper’s Weekly amongst other publications, and was trained as a lawyer. We should set down our time-pod here in Naples, perhaps, and survey our machine for damage to its sensors.

  When we time travel, we must be careful of false avenues, of which there are many in the cartomantic world. Equally, however, there is no such thing as an accidental oracle—everything comes from somewhere, even if we make it up.

  One such avenue is the curious case of the Square of Sevens. This was a tract on a singular-card fortune-telling method written by Edward Irenaeus Prime-Stevenson (1858–1942), one of America’s earliest gay authors, published in 1896. He wrote many different types of literature, under a bewildering range of pseudonyms, dealing with music, travel, poetry, and fiction—and children’s books and cartomancy, the latter in the Square of Sevens. 84 He used literary devices in his works, often making use of translation between languages to make subtle allusions.

  In the booklet, Prime-Stevenson alleges that a “Robert Antrobus” first published the method privately in 1735 based on an encounter of that man with a gypsy. It is the same type of story we have already seen repeated in 1955 by the author of the Yes/No method in Fate magazine.

  He goes on to remark in the editorial preface that “Fortune-telling with cards and belief in fortune-telling with cards—like a hundred greater and lesser follies of the mind—were straws floating along the current of British life, intellectual and social, during the reign of George the Second.” 85

  He calls the method “that most particular and potent method of prying into the past and present and future” and suggests that whilst it may appear complicated, it is effective:

  And, by the way, the reader will please observe in his pages here following that though the method of “building” and so of forming the “Square,” and of “reducing” it, seems at first glance bothersome and complicated, it is only a childishly easy performance in the way of making a square of seven rows of seven cards, and then of making the rows only three cards deep, at most! 86

  We present here the method of the Square of Sevens, which we have also found “not ineffective in a drawing-room” and a condensed version of the Tavola; the table of meanings Prime-Stevenson provides from the almost-certainly fictional Antrobus. It also provides a perfect cartomantic bridge between our first chapters on standard cartomancy, our following Lenormand chapter and into the use of tarot in the final chapters.

  Firstly, we will add to our suit lexicon:

  Hearts: Affections, passions, fancies, and feelings.

  Clubs: Judgment, intellect, will, mastery.

  Diamonds: Position, wealth, society.

  Spades: Doubt, risk, bad luck.

  We now provide the meanings given by “Antrobus” in his Tavola, or table of meanings. Each card is given a meaning as a “Master-Card” and then separately, influenced by each suit and sometimes particular cards. These will become clear in the instructions for the method following the Tavola.

  Hearts

  The Ace

  As Master-Card, a special Emotional Experience. Influenced by a king of like suit, there is figured an Intimate Friend, or one in whom the Querist is much bound. By a Queen of like Suit—an Emotion for a Woman of beauty and charm. By a Knave of like Suit, an Attachment to a Man younger than the Querist. Influenced by any high heart other than those above, an Amorous or Affectionate Temper of mind or body. By a low heart, an impressionable, kindly Nature. These are Five Special Interpretings. The more general are: influenced by a Diamond, Good Fortune in something, measured by the degree of the Influencing Card. By a Club, a Talent or Gift to be made much of. By a Spade, an Error, or Disappointment, in the degree of the influencing card.

  The King

  As Master-Card, is figured that the Querist deals or has had much to do with a Man of fair skin and light type, of good temperament. Influenced by an Ace of like suit, one notably unselfish. By Knave, a Lover, Husband, Friend. By a Queen, a Love-match. By a Diamond, a Man of Wealth or artistic nature. By a high club, a Man of Energy withal; by a low club, one of Prudence. By a Spade, a man of some defect of Temperament, or of a Chronic Malady or Blemish, ominous to him and others.

  The Queen

  As Master-Card, is referred to specially, an amiable, affectionate Woman, rather one sentimental than of intellect. Influenced by like suit, if an Ace, she is admired of many; if a King, she is wedded, betrothed, or beloved by one in especial. By a Knave of like suit, she is beloved by a Male Relative in especial, not of her own near family. By other cards of like suit, degrees of regard. By a Diamond, a Woman gifted, and esteemed much in Modish Life. By a Club, though not learned she appreciates knowledge in others. By a Spade, she is not of firm health; or not of wholly firm Virtue.

  The Knave

  As Master-Card—the Querist’s closest Friend; yet likely held such because of feeling rather than judgment. Influenced by an Ace of like suit, there is no Inequality in the affection. By a King of like suit, Resemblance to the Querist in physique or mind or disposition. By a Queen of like suit, one with distinctively feminine traits. By another card of like suit, a popular man with his fellows. By a diamond, of wealth or social Position; but if by a 9 of Diamonds, not enduring in such Happy Fortune. By a Club, a Friend of judgment and good at advice. By a Spade, a Friend of not too sound health: or apt of offence.

  Ten

  As Master-Card, a general reference to Matrimony, as being ever the card-matrimonial. Influenced by like suit, a High-Marriage and that auspicious: by a low heart, a Marriage not one’s first or first-wished. By a Diamond, a Marriage with money in it. By a Club, a Marriage of reason or of circumstances. By a Spade, an Interrupted or more or less Disastrous Match.

  Nine

  As Master-Card, a Card of Good Augury for what we wish for Another. Influenced by its like suit, an unexpected Meeting, with a person much affected or desired. By a Diamond, a Pleasure in store. By a Club, a Wish partly fulfilled, rather than wholly. By a Spade, a Wish fulfilled but followed by some detrimental Event.

  Eight

  As Master-Card, a Love-Interest. As influenced by like suit, an
Interest of much Romance. By a Diamond, a Lost Article recovered. By a Club, the Victory in a difference or argument as to some plan or act. By a Spade, a Caprice to warm the heart; or a new Article of dress or household stuff.

  Seven

  As Master-Card: the Card of Trust and Confidence approved of. Influenced by like suit, honest Love, or Family regard. By a Diamond, wise Trust in a commercial or social step. By a Club, in a Secret. By a Spade, Confidence misplaced in a person or event.

  Six

  As Master-Card, a strong Inclination, a Desire, or Action is well rewarded. Influenced by like suit, it concerns another even more than ourselves, or as much. By a Diamond, a step of social or artistic or pecuniary vantage; save if the diamond be the nine, which leaves the result in Doubt of full success. By a Club, a Matter of Judgment and practical bearing, seen and discussed of others; or a Remark, or a Letter of more consequence than would appear. By a Spade, an Inclination or desire, not wholly honorable: or of brief realization.

  Five

  As Master-Card, an amusing and diverting Affair heard of, or entered into. Influenced by its like suit, a Feeling not hitherto returned is met at last. By a Diamond, a Success in something particularly wished. By a Club, a keen and shrewd Chance at a remark to be well caught. By a Spade, an Ache, Pain, or Breaking.

  Four

  As Master-Card, is figured the existence of an obstinate Sentiment toward one, or an Opinion not of our own building up. Influenced by the like suit, it is troublesome, causing thought, new to one, or burdensome. By a Diamond, it is known to others, or guessed. By a Club, it is apt to lead to acts officious or of manoeuvre. By a Spade, it is a Sentiment based on error and lack of full insight; or it will be abruptly weakened.

  Three

  An Act of Charity and Generosity, by or toward the Querist, if read as Master-Card. Influenced by like suit, Action in a matter of very confidential sort. By a Diamond, it is in part a Matter of Money or Office or from a Superior—and may be associated with an investment, a society, an entertainment. By a Club, it figures a Visit, or Visitor. By a Spade, a Change of Opinion in some near matter is enjoined, or the Loss of a good will; or a Surprise not welcome wholly.

  Two

  As Master-Card, favorable News, or a Letter acceptable. If influenced by its like suit, the Person from whom it comes, or also referred to in it, is much valued, or a near Relative. By a Diamond, a Present, a Visit, a Meeting of service, a Letter, respectively. By a Club, a “yes” in a matter open. By a Spade, it concerns Another more than the Querist; or else will not be altogether correct in statement.

  Diamonds

  The Ace

  As Master-Card, a tangible and material Success in some Matter of Society, Money, Art, or Office. Influenced by a King of like suit, a Loss recovered. By any other card of like suit, Information and certainty of an Affair of purchase, bargain or sale, much to advantage. By a Heart, a wise Marriage, the settlement of a Difference, an open matter closed to satisfaction. By a Club, a prudent Choice. By a Spade, a Cost or expense, perhaps a loss, before a satisfactory and favorable Event, or in course of it.

  The King

  As Master-Card, is figured a brilliant, honorable and successful Man, of standing and perhaps of marked taste in art, belles-lettres and the like; and gifted in them. Influenced by its like suit, a Man with much original in him, shrewd in money or gift. By a Heart, a Male Character of kindly and humane traits; or one sensitive and easily moved in his mood. By a Club, a Man in professional life, and of good mental balance. By a Spade, such a life is threatened or broken, or not free from Self-seeking at others’ expense.

  The Queen

  As Master-Card, is indicated the existence of a brilliant, gifted Woman; fond of social life and modish things, of dress or expensive and rare matters; perhaps of Talent in art or literature. Influenced by like suit, one of brilliancy rather than feeling or self-sacrifice. By a Heart, if high, of affection more than is thought; if low, beautiful. By a Club, a Woman executive; of some audacity; restless or self-depending: admiring intellect of solid kind tho’ maybe lacking it. By a Spade, a Woman not devoted to benefiting others; and threatened by misfortune; or with a hidden Grievance.

  The Knave

  As Master-Card, is figured as within the Querist’s life, a Relative, likely so made by birth or marriage; and ever disposed to use the tie for personal advantage. Influenced by like suit, the Relative is not remote, and marriage or love is so utilised by him, now; especially by weakness of judgment, or by over-affection on another’s part. By a Heart, a shrewd Business Success. By a Club, a sudden Discovery as to a person. By a Spade, a Deferment of the Querist’s prosperity in a matter.

  Ten

  As Master-Card, a brilliant, entertaining, but too trifling and irresponsible Man: or a vain and amoratious man if a knave of beads influence it, often is figured.

  Nine

  As Master-Card, a valuable Possession. Influenced by like suit, is concerned one intrinsically of value, as jewels, money or plate, a house or estate. By a Heart, a Secret: a Marriage. By a Club, the aforesaid or another Possession will be (or has been) won by special exertions of the Querist’s abilities, or so to be kept. By a Spade, it is endangered.

  Eight

  This is the Unlucky Red Card if figuring as Master-Card; meaning a personal Event of importance going awry; a Subtraction that must be admitted to others. But if influenced by like suit, it is a favorable card and indicates a pleasing Journey, or Meeting. By a Heart, an Enemy or evil opinion altered in your favor. By a Club a Proposal of tempting kind. By a Spade, a Plan that in success is doubtful and partial, or troublesome to another.

  Seven

  A card of good omen if a Master-Card, in the Practical Affairs of life, business, society, or art, or one of them. Influenced by a like suit, in a Commercial thing; a Meeting wished; an influence desired. By a Heart, a wealthy and superior, or happy Marriage. By a Club, a Communication of importance or good. By a Spade, an Indiscretion that were better not committed by your fault; or a Negligence.

  Seven (alternate)

  As Master-Card, a commercial or social Step, a Purchase of importance; by the Querist. Influenced by like suit, attractive and unexpected. By a Heart, in regard to making a new Acquaintance, or bringing a Change of feeling toward someone. By a Club, a Matter of Necessity; or an affair dealing with a lawyer, doctor, clergyman, or servant: or a Step of wisdom as well as attraction. By a Spade, if high, a Loan of money: if low, a small Borrowing.87

  Six

  As Master-Card, the card of special Report, Conversation about one, or of Action by another; in a degree affecting one’s outward affairs. By a Heart, from a near Friend. By a Club, where you esteem or respect. By a high Spade, with error or even untruth in it, mayhap not intended, but a pity. By a low Spade, it is somewhat written.

  Five

  A good omen; as a Master-Card, meaning a Gift to the Querist. Influenced by like suit, is figured a personal Ornament or convenience. By a Heart, a Gift is to be made. By Club, it comes with formality and after debate, and considering for some time, or for special circumstances. By a Spade, a Disappointment to another dear to you, is figured.

  Four

  As Master-Card, an Honor or Favour or Compliment or bit of Luck. Influenced by like suit, in society, or art. By a Heart, long desired; and perhaps more pleasing than wise or useful. By a Club, due to one’s own judgment and persistency. By a high Spade, entailing trouble or cost. By a low Spade, at the cost of another’s misfortune; or not wholly our desert rather than another’s; or brief.

  Three

  As Master-Card, a sudden Surprise in an event. Influenced by like suit, agreeable, and social or pecuniary or in the arts. By a Heart, Surprise, agreeable, yet not to one’s interest or particular profit. By a Club, a social Responsibility. By a Spade, a Death or a Misfortune to another likely enters into it.

 
Two

  A gift or fortunate Purchase, if a Master-Card. Influenced by the like suit, an Engagement or Burden happily broken or dismissed; a Good Riddance, a Disgrace or Plague ended. By a Heart, an Offer—in love, friendship, trade, travel, profession, or pleasure. By a Club, a Letter or Interview of consequence. By a Spade, a Service that one is glad of, or a Gift; but bringing obligation with it, sooner or later.

  Clubs

  The Ace

  As Master-Card, is figured an Event of material weight, involving use of judgment, will, shrewdness, or decision. Influenced by the like suit, high or low, its effect is the more for our own making. By a Heart, is seen a Matter in which our Sentiments are specially enlisted, perhaps in contest with judgment or tastes or duty. By a Diamond, the affair is in society, artistic life, money, or responsibility to others as well. By a Spade, a Mischance or Disappointment is part of it; often faithfully hid, or to be hid.

  The King

  As Master-Card, our relationship to a strong mental or moral Influence of the male sex, respected and deferred to; or sure so to be. Influenced by its like suit, it is a cultivated and professional one, or involuntary. By a high Heart, it arises in a near relative or one for whom a special affection is felt. By a low Heart, it is either secret or remote; or it may be that it is religious, in part. By a Diamond, our outward life must have concern in it. By a Spade, the influence is of doubtful or worse healthfulness or profit to us.

  The Queen

  As Master-Card, a marked female Influence on the Querist, in the way of respect, judgment, advice, or authority: not necessarily as to a relative. Influenced by the like suit, a person of coldish and grave disposition. By a high Heart, of strong impulses and disinterested; by a low Heart, troublesome, often importunate and officious. By a Diamond, not married; and of wealth or social esteem; talented. By a Spade, not altogether open or disinterested; divorced or disappointed; according to the nature of the Card.