The Lilies

Lilies, announces a happy life unless surrounded by clouds where it indicates sorrows in the family. If this card is found above the person it indicates virtue, below, it cast doubts on their principles.
Original Instructions

Topically, the Lilies refers to our family; although the focus is more on our relationship with them than events. The Lilies is seldom if ever read as an event. It is primarily a descriptive card and, if read alone, a person card.

For example, the Tree and the Coffin falling with the Lilies can indeed indicate a significant illness or bereavement within the family. However, it is far likelier that the cards will be referring more to a sense of separation or rejection within the family dynamics. Good cards around the Lilies describe closeness, support and a sense of belonging.

Owing to the original instructions reference to the “virtue” the Lilies card has been associated with moral standards. Sadly, this is often exclusively in terms of human sexuality. During the medieval and early modern period virtue covered far more the matters of sexual activity. It offered a path to true happiness. It is that sense of fulfilment that the Lilies’ offer. These is a sense of contentment and serenity that brings an abundant feeling of happiness. With supporting cards there can be sense of ecstasy, in the classical sense (think wajad or samādhi).

Traditionally, attention is given to whether the Lilies fell above or below the Significator or Person Card. The intimation is that should it fall beneath its values are trampled on. In contrast, if it falls above, the virtues are held high and provide a moral compass. Again this should not be seen solely in the context of sexual relations. Very often it refers to someone’s temperament and outlook to life.

Paired with a Person Card it adds a soft tenderness and mutual respect. If it describes a person they will be elegant but also have a sharpness to their features. Think of Marlene Dietrich. Due to their whiteness, some readers associate the Lilies with old-age. However the lily flower on the cards are never shown wilting and are not always white (yellow and even red are seen old decks).

Some readers, citing the lily flower, associate the card with sadness and death. For me, chrysanthemums are the flowers I associate with death. As such, I do not associate the card with such matters in general readings.

The Lilies is the King of Spades (roi de pique), who is associated with David, King of Israel and Judah. The card is, therefore, read as man.

The King of Spades can be read two ways. He can be an official or key worker who provides some form of essential care or assistance. If read this way, the King may refer to the organisation more so than a specific person. Otherwise he is a close male friend and confidant. As a Spades court card, he can indicate a brother or other maternal relative.

The Lilies at a Glance:

Essence: Serenity.

Playing Card: King of Spades.
Polarity: Neutral.
Category: Personal Sphere Card. Time Card. Person Card.
Keywords: Euphoria, Fulfillment, Tenderness, Mutual Respect, Familiy, Protection.

Pace: Slow.
Timing: Winter.
Health: Endocrine system. Sexual health and related disorders and infections.