The Prismavisions Tarot introduces a unique figure known as the Winged Boar, a card that steps outside the traditional seventy-eight-card structure to offer a distinct perspective on defiance and the breaking of perceived limitations. This card, referenced as Card 79, draws its symbolism from the mythological birth of Chrysaor, the winged boar son of Medusa. Unlike the wild boar, which is often associated with war and aggression, the Winged Boar represents a paradox: it is described as living in peace while enjoying an abstract existence. It embodies the concept of the "third option"—a resolution that exists outside of binary choices. The imagery suggests a comical and joyous release in the face of reality's strictures, offering a chance to laugh in the face of the allegedly inevitable.
The concept of the flying pig is deeply rooted in linguistic history as an adynaton—a phrase used to express the sincere belief that something can never happen. However, the Winged Boar in the Tarot flips this idiom on its head. It suggests that sometimes the "nevers" actually do happen. This energy of defiance and the refusal to accept limitations is the core spiritual lesson of this card. It encourages a mindset where the impossible becomes possible, not through sheer force, but through a shift in perspective and a willingness to embrace the absurd.
Understanding Tarot Structure and Elemental Influences
To fully grasp the significance of a card like the Winged Boar, it is essential to understand the foundational structure of the Tarot. The Tarot deck is a system of 78 cards, divided into two primary sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
The Major Arcana The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards. These cards are often viewed as the "trumps" and represent life's karmic and spiritual lessons. They depict a journey of spiritual self-awareness, highlighting the various stages an individual encounters while searching for greater meaning and understanding. Cards such as The Devil (bondage, materialism), The Tower (disruption, change), and The World (completion, achievement) fall within this category. These cards hold deeply meaningful lessons that operate on a soul level.
The Minor Arcana The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards that reflect the trials and tribulations experienced on a daily basis. These cards address the practical aspects of life and refer to current issues that may have a temporary or minor influence. The Minor Arcana is further divided into two components: * The 40 Numbered Cards: These are organized into four suits, each representing different areas of life. * The 16 Court Cards: These represent different personality characteristics that an individual may choose to express at any given time.
The Four Elements and Suits The four suits of the Minor Arcana are associated with the classical elements, providing a framework for interpreting daily experiences: * Cups (Water): This suit represents emotions, love, feelings, and relationships. It governs the realm of the heart and intuitive connection. * Pentacles (Earth): This suit relates to material matters, work, financial prosperity, and physical well-being. It represents the tangible aspects of life. * Swords (Air): This suit governs intellect, truth, conflict, and challenges. It deals with the mental plane and the power of the mind. * Wands (Fire): This suit carries the spark of fire, representing movement, ambition, energy, and passion. It speaks to the drive to create, lead, and take bold steps.
Interpreting the Energy of the Winged Boar
When the Winged Boar appears in a reading, it invites the querent to look beyond the obvious and embrace the unconventional. Its energy is distinct from the standard deck, yet it can be understood through the lens of the existing symbolism.
The Paradox of Peace and Power The Winged Boar is described as an oxymoron: heavy yet light, hot yet cold. This suggests a state of being that transcends dualities. In a reading, this may indicate a situation where the querent feels pulled between two opposing forces. The card suggests that the solution lies not in choosing one side, but in finding a synthesis—a "third option" that honors both aspects. It encourages a peaceful existence that does not require the aggression typically associated with boar energy.
Defiance and the "Pigasus" Spirit The historical reference to John Steinbeck adopting the "Pigasus" as a personal sigil highlights the card's connection to defiance against naysayers. When a professor told Steinbeck he would be a novelist "when pigs fly," he adopted the symbol as a point of pride. The Winged Boar carries this same energy of proving the impossible wrong. It represents a triumphant yet humble joke with failure baked in, acknowledging the difficulty of the path while persisting anyway. For business owners or creatives, this card may appear when facing skepticism or seemingly insurmountable odds, urging them to hold fast to their vision.
Reversed Energy and Blocked Potential In standard Tarot readings, reversed cards often indicate blocked energy, internal challenges, or the need for introspection. While the Winged Boar is a unique card, its energy can be viewed through this lens. If the Winged Boar's energy is blocked or reversed, it may manifest as a resignation to the "adynaton"—accepting that pigs cannot fly. This could represent a state of cynicism or a refusal to entertain new possibilities. It suggests that the querent is resisting the spiritual lesson of hope and defiance, perhaps due to fear of failure or a rigid adherence to "how things are."
Tarot Guidance for Holistic Well-being
The Tarot serves as a mirror to the soul and a key to inner wisdom. It reflects the journey of the querent, highlighting choices and truths. For those seeking holistic well-being, Tarot offers a way to navigate the practical and spiritual aspects of life simultaneously.
Navigating Relationships and Emotions When seeking guidance on relationship harmony, the Tarot provides specific indicators. The suit of Cups is the primary guide here. Cards such as The Lovers, Two of Cups, and Ten of Cups are primary indicators of love and emotional fulfillment. The Empress represents nurturing love and fertility, while the High Priestess indicates an intuitive connection. If a querent is struggling in a relationship, the cards may reveal whether the issue lies in emotional blocks (Cups), mental conflicts (Swords), or material stress (Pentacles).
Achieving Career Success For business owners and professionals, the Tarot offers insights into material success and career trajectory. The suit of Pentacles is the primary indicator of career achievement. Cards such as The Magician (manifestation), Three of Pentacles (teamwork and mastery), and Ten of Pentacles (long-term wealth) are strong positive indicators. The Chariot shows determination and willpower, while The World indicates completion and accomplishment. Conversely, the appearance of cards like the Ten of Wands in a reversed position may point to burnout or the need to delegate, signaling that the "flying pig" energy is being wasted on unnecessary burdens.
Personal Growth and Spiritual Lessons The Tarot is a guide for personal growth. Every spiritual lesson one meets can be found within the 78 cards. The Major Arcana cards, in particular, hold the heavy hitters of spiritual development. The Sun brings joy and success, The Moon explores intuition and illusion, and Judgement signals rebirth and awakening. The Winged Boar fits into this landscape as a lesson in radical optimism. It teaches that the boundaries of reality are often self-imposed and that spiritual liberation comes from the willingness to believe in the "third option."
The Role of Intuition in Readings
While the structure of the Tarot provides a map, the reader's intuition is the compass. The instruction to "look at the imagery and symbols, trust your intuition, and practice regularly" is paramount. The Winged Boar, with its unique imagery, requires the reader to step away from rote memorization and engage with the card's story. Does the image evoke a sense of relief? A sense of the ridiculous? Or a sense of power? These intuitive hits are what make Tarot a living practice rather than a static system.
Reversed Cards and Shadow Work The concept of reversed cards is a vital tool for deepening a reading. They often represent the "shadow aspect" of a card's meaning. For example, the upright Tower represents sudden revelation and necessary destruction, but a reversed Tower might indicate a fear of change or a delayed breakdown that is festering. Similarly, the Winged Boar's energy of "impossibility made possible" in reverse might indicate a deep-seated cynicism that prevents the querent from seeing opportunities right in front of them.
Conclusion
The Winged Boar stands as a potent symbol within the Tarot, distinct from the standard 78-card deck but deeply connected to the archetypal energies of myth and language. It represents the defiance of limitations and the joy of the impossible. By understanding the structure of the Tarot—Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, and the four elemental suits—individuals can better interpret the messages these cards offer. Whether facing challenges in relationships, career, or personal growth, the Tarot serves as a guide, reflecting the querent's inner state and illuminating the path forward. The Winged Boar reminds us that even when the world says "never," there is always a third option waiting to be discovered.