The Mad Scientist is a representation of unexpected knowledge gained in a traumatic situation. The Mad Scientist performs experiments on the Schoolgirl, but through this experience, the Schoolgirl learns something new about herself.

In a reading, this card indicates a time when you may be faced with what seems a frightening catastrophe--but in the middle of a terrible event may discover something of great value about yourself. It tells us that even when we are faced with something traumatic, we may carry away some new knowledge that enriches our lives.

Keywords: Trauma Conflict Discovery Self-Knowledge

Into everyone's life, a little rain must fall. The arrival of this card tells us to prepare for rough weather. We must figure out whether this storm is simply a bad day, or is heralding the onset of the monsoon season, bringing the threat of still more turbulence to come. It might indicate that it is perhaps time to try a different approach entirely.

In a reading, it may symbolize rough weather ahead: a time when things become turbulent, a situation we will struggle to navigate. Our dreams lie in sodden tatters around us; during this time, we must try to figure out whether to weather this storm or to pick up the scraps of our dreams and head somewhere more hospitable.

Keywords: Conflict Trouble

This card indicates a situation in which we are so focused on some goal or on escaping from some situation with such determination that we may be unaware that we are working in opposition to someone close to us. Together, the women in the Four of Chains could easily escape, but each of them is so determined to try to save herself that she is unaware that she is making her partner's situation, and her own, worse. This opposition cannot last, else both will surely perish.

In a reading, it presents a warning: beware focusing on our own situation with such single-mindedness that we ignore how we are hurting others, and ourselves!

Keywords: Conflict Chaos Deadlock Strife

This card signals a time of tension in a relationship, either from within or from without. The chains pulling on the women represent forces such as jealousies, insecurities, squabbles, or gossip, trying to separate the people; these may be forces from inside the relationship (such as jealousy or insecurity) or from other people (such as envy or rumormongering). This card reminds us that it is time to take charge of the forces that are pulling you in all these different directions.

In a reading, it may represent some part of the Querant's life where the Querant is being pulled in contradictory directions, and must find a way to assert control over those contradictory forces.

Keywords: Strife Conflict Tension Jealousy Spite

This card portends a situation in which someone is deliberately and intentionally keeping us away from the resources that we need. The seven books the Schoolgirl requires are locked up, unavailable to her; similarly, the people who have direct access to those resources have chosen not to provide them to us, so some other strategy is necessary.

In a reading, it tells us of a situation where we are being thwarted because we can not get access to what we need. Someone else holds the keys. We must think of another way.

Keywords: Conflict Frustration Opposition Setback

This card symbolizes an internal conflict, an indecision between simultaneously reaching for and shrinking away from something. The schoolgirl in the Two of Tentacles is both reaching for and fearful of the tentacle approaching her; similarly, we are in a position where we both want and try to avoid something.

In a reading, this card may indicate a situation that we are of two minds about, especially a situation dealing with practical matters. This tension can not last, but must be resolved if we are to move on.

Keywords: Conflict Deadlock Physical Choice

This is a card of violation. The schoolgirl's earlier pleasure has gone as the Tentacle Monster makes her into its plaything. It signals a situation in which things may not go our way, or in which you will not reach the desired end.

In a reading, it indicates something--a situation, a person, an event--that makes us feel out of control, violated, or helpless. This card does promise some small hope: day follows night, and even though we may not win all of your battles, it is still possible to regroup, recover, and ultimately persevere.

Keywords: Violation Loss Conflict Failure

On one level, this is a card about quick thinking and lightning reflexes that save one from a bad situation. On a deeper level, it may also symbolize unexpected agility and reserves of strength.

In a reading, Escape may represent some adversity in your life, which nimbleness, quick thinking, and strength can fight off. It almost always represents an external, rather than an internal, threat.

Keywords: Quickness Agility Conflict