The Tree

Tree, away from the person, it is a sign of good health, several trees together there is no doubt that their wishes will be fulfilled and they will have brilliant future.
Original Instructions

In the Grand Tableau, if the Tree card fell far away from the Significator, it was interpreted as a good health sign. For this reason, the Tree is sometimes read as a card of illness, especially if nearby.
That is a little too simplistic.

The Tree is the card of health rather than sickness as it signifies our vitality and constitution. If negative cards – especially the Clouds, the Coffin or the Mice cards – fall in the Tree’s vicinity, health is an issue. The closer to the Significator these fall does tend to increase the severity.

If the Tree alone is near the Significator card, it needs not to be a sign of an illness. Sometimes the person is focusing on their lifestyle, especially if the Tree falls directly beneath the Significator. Otherwise, it can be a change in their outlook (especially if the Tree is above them).

When I switched from a vegetarian to a vegan diet, I had the Tree + Gentleman in my tableau. I do have a chronic autoimmune disease but was not unwell at the time. The decision was made for both the health benefits and environmental concerns (all Tree related).

When the Tree appears in a reading, it is important to look at our environment. There is a need for a quiet place where we can rest, relax and restore our energies. Now is not the time to push ourselves. It enhances the environment and cards nearby can describe how to bring in the sense of harmony and calm serenity.

For this reason, the Tree is considered a slow card and a sign of steadfastness.

In the Grand Tableau, the cartomante also note whether the Tree was in the vicinity of cards that showed other trees, such as the House, the Park, the Hound, the Roads and the Sun cards. Such combinations arise rarely. However, it is considered a good omen, especially if health is a concern whenever it happens.

Of course, a tree also has roots, and numerous branches – issues of ancestry and cultural identity can appear here, too. The card below the Tree will often denote matters related to our roots, background as well as familial illnesses.

In a Craft reading, the Tree is the Significator for the anima locus and also the red-thread or inherited fate. However, in combination with other cards, it can indicate the Upper, Mid and Lower Worlds.

The Tree at a Glance:

Essence: Constitution.

Playing Card: Seven of Hearts.
Polarity: Neutral.
Category: Health Card. Personal Sphere Card.
Keywords: Physical Constituition, Lifestyle, Environment, Relaxation, Ancestry, Patience & Steadfastness.

Pace: Slow.
Timing: 5 to 12 months, Maslenitsa.
Health: The general state of the body, how strong it is and the overall constitution.