Animal of Soul

Description

The Animal of Soul is a rhinoceros, though an unusual one. With one horn we might assume that the animal is the Indian Rhinoceros, but its depiction more readily resembles the traditional black rhino, save that it has apparently only one horn. Whichever it is, the beast's face dominates the card, stretching from top to bottom. It is without apparent expression, and the background is inconsequential save for the small figure of a hunter, apparently in the distance, possibly pursuing the floating head of the rhino.

Interpretation

This card gives off a sense of terseness. The rhino is obviously strong, obviously tough and obviously not giving anything away. Though the animal may appear to be dumb and slow, it is neither, as evidenced by the hunter pursuing him, whose been left in the distance. This doesn't mean, however that the rhino can be complacent. On the contrary, it's likely that the animal will continue trudging onward. This card is a person who belies his or her appearance of slowness, possibly a person that the querant is pursuing with little or no success, but can't figure out why. Perhaps it's time to reexamine their assumptions about this person.

Application

Court cards are always hard to place, but since I'm meeting with my boss today to discuss the new look of our organization as well as to discuss the possibility of a raise, I think I'm going to apply it there. I often underestimate my boss, and I should remember that he's a battle-hardened individual, keenly observant, and incredibly intelligent, even if he struggles to give himself credit for the massive amounts of work he does on a regular basis.

Traditional Meanings

Aeclectic Tarot

ATA Tarot