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Description

Judgement
Anime: Vision of Escaflowne
Characters: Folken de Fanelia, Van Fanel (in Escaflowne), Allen Schezar (in Sheherazade)

"I want to change that sad destiny..."

At the bottom of the scene, two guymelefs face each other in pitched battle amid the ruins of...somewhere. Above them the philosopher-general Folken de Fanelia rises over the landscape like an angel, with one hand presenting the scene for you to judge, the other holding a sword that signifies the will to act. Questions are posed: Which combatant will win? Does either deserve to? Or both? As a scholar Folken himself hints at even deeper questions: Is the desire to quarrel a part of mankind's nature that cannot be overcome? The lower sky blazes orange – is this sunrise, with the fighting representing the way all things begin? Is it sunset, a comment on how things will always be at the end of the day? Perhaps it is the fire and destruction that follow in the wake of such quarrels? Folken rises in a tranquil, blue sky, larger than either of the guymelefs (epic though they are). Is it possible that the will to quarrel can be transcended, and that life might be lived peacefully?

Despite his angelic trappings and his position in the sky, Folken himself is clearly not above the taint of fighting. He has been touched by it in countless ways, from the mechanical arm with which he questions the scene (or is he entreating you to rise above it?), to the sword he holds with which to enforce his judgements. Even his dark wings bear the signature of a fate marred by struggle.

Questions, questions, questions. You've lived the life, seen the way things play out, seen the pitfalls, traps and prizes. Now it's time to make the call, time to make a choice. There are no answers here but the ones you bring with you. What does your judgement tell you to do?

* * * *

When the card of Judgement appears in a spread, deep questions have been asked and already subconsciously answered. The physical situation is often a matter of consciously realizing the answers one has already given, and making changes in one's life to accommodate them. This is rarely a small thing. The energies of Judgement work on profound, powerful levels that mark our steps along a spiritual path. Essentially, the old way of life is on its way out – though we may well be afraid, and fighting against the change! But it is a necessary one. We are challenged to recognize the deep inspirations within ourselves and follow them, transcending our baser natures to answer a higher calling.

Meanings at a glance: Change, inspiration, challenge, inner calling

Reversed: fear of change, fear to answer the call, desire to submerge oneself in the familiar and mundane

* * * *

Artist's notes: This is one of those ridiculously rare times when a picture came out almost exactly the way I'd originally envisioned it in my head. There was never a question who would be featured on this card. It was always going to be Folken. This one is my card. You know, the way some people have tarot trumps that are them. This trump is mine.

Description

Judgement
Anime: Vision of Escaflowne
Characters: Folken de Fanelia, Van Fanel (in Escaflowne), Allen Schezar (in Sheherazade)

"I want to change that sad destiny..."

At the bottom of the scene, two guymelefs face each other in pitched battle amid the ruins of...somewhere. Above them the philosopher-general Folken de Fanelia rises over the landscape like an angel, with one hand presenting the scene for you to judge, the other holding a sword that signifies the will to act. Questions are posed: Which combatant will win? Does either deserve to? Or both? As a scholar Folken himself hints at even deeper questions: Is the desire to quarrel a part of mankind's nature that cannot be overcome? The lower sky blazes orange – is this sunrise, with the fighting representing the way all things begin? Is it sunset, a comment on how things will always be at the end of the day? Perhaps it is the fire and destruction that follow in the wake of such quarrels? Folken rises in a tranquil, blue sky, larger than either of the guymelefs (epic though they are). Is it possible that the will to quarrel can be transcended, and that life might be lived peacefully?

Despite his angelic trappings and his position in the sky, Folken himself is clearly not above the taint of fighting. He has been touched by it in countless ways, from the mechanical arm with which he questions the scene (or is he entreating you to rise above it?), to the sword he holds with which to enforce his judgements. Even his dark wings bear the signature of a fate marred by struggle.

Questions, questions, questions. You've lived the life, seen the way things play out, seen the pitfalls, traps and prizes. Now it's time to make the call, time to make a choice. There are no answers here but the ones you bring with you. What does your judgement tell you to do?

* * * *

When the card of Judgement appears in a spread, deep questions have been asked and already subconsciously answered. The physical situation is often a matter of consciously realizing the answers one has already given, and making changes in one's life to accommodate them. This is rarely a small thing. The energies of Judgement work on profound, powerful levels that mark our steps along a spiritual path. Essentially, the old way of life is on its way out – though we may well be afraid, and fighting against the change! But it is a necessary one. We are challenged to recognize the deep inspirations within ourselves and follow them, transcending our baser natures to answer a higher calling.

Meanings at a glance: Change, inspiration, challenge, inner calling

Reversed: fear of change, fear to answer the call, desire to submerge oneself in the familiar and mundane

* * * *

Artist's notes: This is one of those ridiculously rare times when a picture came out almost exactly the way I'd originally envisioned it in my head. There was never a question who would be featured on this card. It was always going to be Folken. This one is my card. You know, the way some people have tarot trumps that are them. This trump is mine.