The Tarot of Pips

 

Somewhere in your dice collection is a die like this one, the humblest of dice. Although you don't know it, this small white die carries with it a secret symbolism, the tarot of pips.

If you hold the die under the light of the last full moon before you die, the black dots change and you can see the symbols yourself. But, since you have a full life ahead of you, I will now explain.

Six of Pips - The Dancers

There are six dancers, arranged in two ranks. They represent fullness, completeness. There is room for no more, and no need. The dance is flawless, not merely an act but a performance. Orderly, nothing out of place.

Five of Pips - The Seeds

The sower has cast their seeds. One has landed in the furrow—but only one. The effort is sufficient, since once has found its place, but many more were thrown that missed their mark. There is disorder, inaccuracy, or excessive effort.

Four of Pips - The Table

The table is solid, but empty. There is an opening, a proper place for what comes next, but it is incomplete. A solid foundation, a beginning, stability, but also emptiness.

Three of Pips - The Path

Three footsteps upon the path represent a long journey. Perhaps you will succeed, but you will be spent. Favors must be called in, the last reserves used, the opportunity is gone.

Two of Pips - The Bells

Two tiny bells ring, your efforts are anticipated. Attention comes to you. Your plans are exposed before they are complete. Your oafish foundation is taken from you and used by another.

One of Pips - The Skull

As the truths at the core of the world are laid bare, the skull stares, thoughtless and irrevocable. Action is interrupted, movement becomes stillness, formless hope turns to graven finality.