KEYWORDS

• Betrayal
• Lies
• Deception
• Hypocrisy
• Jealousy
• Rivalry
• Threat
• Twists
• Turns
• Diplomacy
• Wisdom

OVERVIEW

The Snake is a tricky card, perhaps the trickiest of the deck. It’s often negative suggesting deceit and malice, but it can also indicate wisdom. It frequently refers to matters of secrecy, tact, diplomacy, charm, and taking the indirect route to achieve goals. On the down side, the complications it brings are often twists and turns that need to be maneuvered. It’s often a trap or a bite that’s waiting to strike.

As with the Mouse, the earlier we deal with the issue, the easier it will be to manage it. It’s good to note that whereas the negative Fox wants to defraud us from tangible things like money, the Snake is more about emotional manipulation. In love, it’s the card of cheating and illicit affairs.

IN THE PORTRAIT & GRAND TABLEAU

On the first or central card of the nine-card portrait, the Snake asks us to be silent and not share our thoughts with others. Diplomacy and tact are also key to achieving our goals. On the central position in particular, it answers a query negatively or indicates that someone could prove a threat though this might not be obvious. Alternatively, we must wait for the right time to strike or make our move, and be alert to the signals around us.

Near or far, the Snake in a Tableau calls for caution and advises us not to be trusting of others. It typically refers to someone dishonest, partial, or hypocritical, and whom we’re better off avoiding. When near, we’re more vulnerable to the Snake’s venom. Jealous people and hidden enemies try to compromise us. When far, troubles may not affect us, or their severity could be lessened.

ADVICE

The Snake raises suspicion and asks us to be careful and alert. It advises us to move away from something or someone harmful, and make sure they don’t compromise our position. We should take flattery and compliments at face value, and realize that they’re not necessarily sincere.

CARD COMBINATIONS

WITH THE...

THE COMBINATION MEANS...

ANCHOR

Temptation to give up, best to give it another chance.

BIRD

Jealousy, selfishness, gossip, plotting.

CHILD

Easily manipulated due to immaturity.

CLOUDS

Ill-will, lies, deceit.

DOG

A 'frenemy', someone manipulative, need to be roundabout.

GARDEN

Cunning characters, an infected environment.

KEY

Disarming threat, clever management of a tricky situation, trying a different approach.

MAN OR WOMAN

Someone two-faced, a charmer, a rival in love.

RIDER

Roundabout approach, patience to achieve a goal.

SCYTHE

Radical transformation, cannot delay changes anymore.