New directions - Margarete Petersen’s Son of Feathers

Is it me, or are Margaret Petersen’s court card images crammed with more detail than in the Minors?! 

Son of Feathers (trimmed):©Margarete Petersen Tarot

The sphere that’s been a constant feature in the background of the Feathers’ pips holds a feather, a carved mask that’s not unlike the one in the Eight, and perhaps the Nine, of Feathers), another figure sitting in a yoga position, as well as flowers (and possibly birds?) against the backdrop of the sky. 

Can I see any of the ‘traditional’ meanings of the Page of Swords here? Well, the way that the seated figure is looking at his hands does suggest he’s looking at something he hasn’t encountered before, so perhaps inexperienced and curious. In terms of Swords/Feathers, this could be the impulse to learn, taking on new ideas and seeing how they grow.

In the accompanying LWB, Margarete Petersen refers to the Son receiving gifts from Mother (sword to cut through entanglements, which reminds me of the Thoth’s Swords court cards), Father (compass for direction), and sister/Daughter (courage to jump into the unknown). The Son uses these to slow down and look back to learn the lessons of the past, the knowledge of which allows him to be in the present.

In the Feathers’ court cards, the ever-present sphere is now surrounded by a square frame – as if whatever’s been shown in the image is being held or contained...

Sharp sword and compass

New directions, clarity,

Knowledge to be gained.

Margarete Petersen Tarot, AGM-URANIA, 2004.