Cards 30-39: Cyrus - Francis of Paola - Voices of the Saints
Cards 30-39: Cyrus - Francis of Paola - Voices of the Saints
Cards 20-29: Bonaventura - Cosmas & Damian
Cards 30-39: Cyrus - Francis of Paola
Cards 40-49: Francis Xavier - Joachim
Cards 50-59: Joan of Arc - Mark
Cards 60-69: Margaret Alaoque - Peter
Cards 70-78 : Philip Benizi - Zita
30. Saint Cyrus M. (4th-cent. Egypt)
Hagiography
Feast: January 31
Saint Cyrus of Alexandria: Physician in Alexandria, Egypt. His ministry to the sick and the Christian example he set brought many others to the faith. He, Saint John, Saint Athanasia, and her three daughters were tortured and martyred for their faith. Beheaded.
Archetypology
Saint Cyrus represents the archetypical healer. He brings a power of rejuvenation of body, mind, and soul. He can also symbolize the Christian who works day to day at good work which heals the community but is met with thanklessness.
Visual Symbology
The card shows Saint Cyrus standing outside Alexandria, with a high mountain in the background. The city is known for its intense intellectual creativity, due to housing Alexander’s Library. The card indicates that intelligence on an earthly level, but stretching to the heavens with the receding mountain. Thus is the healing ability of Saint Cyrus. He holds a palm and a crucifix aloft in his left hand and touches his heart with his right, reminding the observer that one must live one’s life, whatever their profession, for a higher cause beyond simple work.
Application
This card draws the querent to all things healing even healing beyond hope. It could also signify just labor unrewarded in the terrestrial sphere. In reverse, this card could call to mind infirmity or healing that is bodily but lacks spiritual impact. Or temporal rewards for a job well done.
31. Saint Dominica V. M. (3rd-cent Italy)
Hagiography
Feast: July 6
Saint Dominica of Campania: Daughter of Doroteo and Arsenia. Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian for destroying pagan idols. She was thrown to wild animals, but they would not harm her. Beheaded.
Archetypology
Though she is a martyr, Saint Dominica represents the powerlessness of one’s enemies when one demonstrates a life of truth. Her story is the feminine Christian version of Daniel and the Lion’s Den. The wild beasts in each story represent a society that is warped by its leaders (the way these animals are warped by the humans meant to care for them). In each story, the beasts are rendered impotent against those who represent God’s way. There are two differences between Saint Dominica and Daniel. First, she does not simply refuse to worship an idol, she destroyed idols. This makes her represent more than passive resistance, but an active one. Second, she is not ultimately reconciled to the powers that be but is martyred by them. This represents an uncompromising stance to the corruption of the world. Thus, above all Saint Dominica represents an uncompromising assertion of one’s position.
Visual Symbology
In this image has Saint Dominica standing serenely in the center of the card. She holds a lily in her left hand for purity and a sword in her right hand representing her active assertion of her beliefs. She is surrounded by wild animals at rest, which represent God’s protection of her purity of from the influences of her environment. Behind her is the coliseum where she was taken to satiate the public need for cruelty and to serve as a lesson, but the lesson she taught was not the lesson intended. There is also a giant bonfire with flames burning high to signify wild and natural zeal and creativity of her faith. This bonfire is balanced by a small censer that is also burning but has been toppled. This recollects her vandalism of pagan ritual objects. The contrast between the bonfire and the censer show the contrast between man’s imagination of divinity and God’s true power.
Application
When Saint Dominica appears it may be time to consider making one’s opinions known. Tact is never to be disregarded, but this card implies a certain level of candor may be necessary. It could also be indicative of a need to be counter cultural and not succumb to what is corrupt in society. In reverse, this card can be an indication of the need for more subtlety and tact in a situation. It could also be indicative of a person who uses truth as a brutal weapon to cause harm. Lastly, the card in opposition may be advising a cooperation with culture.
32. Saint Dominicus Conf. (13th-cent. Spain)
Hagiography
Feast: August 8
Saint Dominic: While pregnant, Dominic’s mother Blessed Joan had a vision that her unborn child was a dog who would set the world on fire with a torch it carried in its mouth; a dog with a torch in its mouth became a symbol for the Order which he founded, the Dominicans. At Dominic’s baptism, Blessed Joan saw a star shining from his chest, which became another of his symbols in art, and led to his patronage of astronomy.
Studied philosophy and theology at the University of Palencia. Had a lifelong apostolate among heretics, especially Albigensians, and especially in France. Founded the Order of Friars Preachers (Dominicans), a group who live a simple, austere life, and an order of nuns dedicated to the care of young girls.
At one point Dominic became discouraged at the progress of his mission; no matter how much he worked, the heresies remained. But he received a vision from Our Lady who showed him a wreath of roses, representing the rosary. She told him to say the rosary daily, teach it to all who would listen, and eventually, the true faith would win out.
Legend says that Dominic received a vision of a beggar who, like Dominic, would do great things for the Faith. Dominic met the beggar the next day. He embraced him and said, “You are my companion and must walk with me. If we hold together, no earthly power can withstand us.” The beggar was Saint Francis of Assisi.
Patronage
astronomers
astronomy
falsely accused people
scientists
Archetypology
Saint Dominic is the masculine balance of Saint Dominica and represents the abstract application of truth. His life of struggle against the Albigensians (an anticlerical, and theologically unsystematic movement) is the struggle of organization against disorder. Dominic’s entire life was centered on Truth as it is proclaimed to bring stability out of chaos. He founded an order that is hyperfocused on discerning the truth and proclaiming it.
Visual Symbology
On the card one sees Saint Dominic holding a lily in his left hand, much like Saint Dominica, but in his right instead of a sword, he holds a book, closed with ornate clasps and held close to his heart. His search and application of truth is abstract and verbal as opposed to active and “messy”. Under his left arm, one sees a rosary dangling from his belt. Dominicans wear a rosary here because this is where a knight wears their sword, thus, when one is threatened one reaches to contemplative prayer instead of violence. On his halo is a single star positioned at the top. It is a sign of his miraculous birth, as well as the guidance he and his order provided by illumination of the truth.
Application
To meet Saint Dominic in a reading is to be presented with abstract truth. The querent may need to seek it, or to offer it. The card implies an initial discouragement, but when coupled with compassion a relationship with truth will yield inspiring goodness. In reverse, this card can represent a Dominic who never met Francis, or truth absent humility and therefore a truth that is ineffective at making a better world. It could also represent a person who is more inclined to debate for the sake of debate than a person who seeks truth through discourse.
33. Saint Elizabeth Reg. (13th-cent. Hungry)
Hagiography
Feast: November 17
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary: Princess, the daughter of King Andrew of Hungary. Great-aunt of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal. She married Prince Louis of Thuringa at age 13. Built a hospital at the foot of the mountain on which her castle stood; tended to the sick herself. Her family and courtiers opposed this, but she insisted she could only follow Christ’s teachings, not theirs. Once when she was taking food to the poor and sick, Prince Louis stopped her and looked under her mantle to see what she was carrying; the food had been miraculously changed to roses. Upon the death of Louis, Elizabeth sold all that she had and worked to support her four children. Her gifts of bread to the poor, and of a large gift of grain to a famine stricken Germany, led to her patronage of bakers and related fields.
Patronage
against in-law problems
against the death of children
against toothache
bakers
beggars
brides
charitable societies
charitable workers
charities
Countesses
exiles
falsely accused people
hoboes
homeless people
hospitals
lacemakers
lace workers
nursing homes
nursing services
people in exile
people ridiculed for their piety
tertiaries
tramps
widows
Archetypology
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary represents the best application of matriarchal motherhood. Her castle resides high on the mountain, but she builds a hospital low to meet her people. She is not one to put herself above her subjects and understands her role according to Christian power dynamic (that the greatest serves the least). The service takes on the maternal image of food.
Visual Symbology
This card shows Saint Elizabeth in her land cradling a basket of bread, the symbol of her ministry. She wears a crown and a royal robe but abides in nature, not a high court. This image demonstrates a person who is royal by position, but servant by action.
Application
When one meets Saint Elizabeth of Hungary in a reading one is struck by the need to use one’s position to serve. The querent should take stock of the authority they have in life and find a way to use it in the service of subordinates. This service can be best applied using a maternal approach. In reverse Saint Elizabeth of Hungary seeks a more abstract, transcendent, or masculine service. Or she could indicate a lack of abundance and generosity.
34. Saint Expiditus M. (3rd-century. Spain)
Hagiography
Feast: April 19
Saint Expedite of Melitene: Roman centurion in Armenia who was martyred in what is now Turkey, for converting to Christianity. Considered the patron saint of speedy cases.when he decided to get baptized, the devil appeared to him as a crow. The crow said “Cras!”, meaning “tomorrow.” But he stomped on the bird and said, “Hodie!”, meaning “today.” Due to him not postponing his action and due to his name (to expedite), he is considered as the patron against cramming. Expedite is the patron of people who had to deliver things on time.
Patronage
against procrastination
for expeditious solutions
merchants
navigators
prompt solutions
Archetypology
Saint Expedite means speed in answers to requests. His is famous for the rapid success of his intercession. He is the loyal soldier or messenger who gets the job done efficiently and neatly.
Visual Symbology
The picture shows Saint Expedite on a pillar or platform dressed in the garb of an imperial soldier ready for battle. He holds the palm of martyrdom in his left hand and lifts a cross with the word HODIE in his right hand. Hodie means “today” and signifies his ability to get things done immediately. His right foot is stepping on a bird with a banner in its mouth. Saint Expedite looks downward at the bird disdainfully. The banner has the word CRAS written on it, which means “tomorrow”. A messenger bird is a speedy form of communication in the ancient world, but Saint Expedite promises an even more rapid response. By his left foot is his helmet at the ready to be put into action.
Application
Saint Expedite Reminds us that prayers do not go unanswered. “What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish?” But it is important to remember that sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes the answer is “no”. And often the answer is “yes” but in ways taht we do not expect. This card reminds us to be on the lookout fo answers to our prayers. In reverse, Expedite demonstrates patience as a virtue. This card could also specifically draw the querent to an acceptance that sometimes the answer to a request is “no”.
35. Saint Felix Conf. (16th-cent. Italy)
Hagiography
Feast: May 18
Saint Felix of Cantalice: Born to pious peasants, he was a shepherd in his youth. At age nine he was hired out as a shepherd and farmhand at Cotta Ducale; he worked there over twenty years. A pious youth and man, Felix spent his free time in prayer.
Having little education, Felix had a friend read him the lives of the early Desert Fathers; they left him torn – he wanted to live as a hermit but feared he would give in to temptation if he had no superior. He sought entrance to the Capuchins; they were hesitant, but finally accepted him as a lay brother. Sent to Rome in as questor for the community; he stayed there the rest of his life.
Felix’s reputation for holiness spread quickly. He could not even read, yet theologians consulted him on spirituality and Scripture. Sinners on the street would hide from him when it became obvious he could see their sins and knew their hearts. Felix preached in the street, rebuked corrupt politicians and officials, and exhorted young men to stop leading dissolute lives.
Felix worked with the children of Rome; his inherent simplicity and lack of education made him rather childlike, and children trusted him. He composed simple teaching canticles and had the children gather in groups to sing them as a way to teach them catechism. The canticles became well-known and popular, and while Felix was begging for his house, Roman citizens would invite him in to sing for them; he saw these invitations as opportunities to teach.
Archetypology
Saint Felix represents deep intuitive knowledge well used. Having received no formal education his understanding springs from a source outside of the standard institutional transmission. It springs from his life experience coupled with a deeper innocence and his personal spiritual connection to the cosmos. This knowledge is used to guide all people to a better life.
Visual Symbology
The card shows Saint Felix standing outside dressed in his Capuchin habit. He holds a sprig of lilies in his right hand and draped over his left arm is a giant maniple, which drapes all the way to the ground. A maniple is a piece of liturgical dress that was probably originally, used to wipe the priest’s face and hands. Symbolically it is an emblem of the tears of penance, the burden of sin, and the fatigue of the priestly office. Saint Felix was not an ordained priest, but lived the priesthood of his baptism (a priesthood of worldly/secular sacrifice) to the fullest, hence the maniple imaged is absurdly long, reaching all the way to the ground. The length seems to indicate his tenacity toward his vocation. The maniple appears to merge into a water jar, one of two sitting at his feet. A small angel stands pouring water into the jar closest to Felix. This gesture is symbolic of his intuitive knowledge, a knowledge that comes from elsewhere, whether the subconscious (water) or for personal revelations (Angel). The angel looks up a Felix while Felix offers a Blessing with his hand, signifying his acceptance and use of what is offered.
Application
Saint Felix represents deep intuitive knowledge applied or relayed in an accessible, humble and simple form. To meet him in a reading the querent should pay attention to the intuitive as opposed to the analytical, especially when pondering moral issues. In reverse, Saint Felix turns the querent’s attention to information passed on via traditional education. He could also present a situation where lack of analysis wreaks havoc and disorder.
36. Saint Fidelis a Sigmaringa M. (17th-cent. Germany)
Hagiography
Feast: April 24
Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen: Lawyer and philosophy teacher. Disgusted by the greed, corruption, and lack of interest in justice by his fellow lawyers, abandoned the law, became a priest, became a Franciscan friar, changed his name to Fidelis, and gave away his worldly wealth to poor people in general and poor seminarians in particular. He was served his friary as guardian, and worked in epidemics, especially healing soldiers. He led a group of Capuchins to preach to Calvinists and Zwinglians in Switzerland. The success of this work and lack of violence suffered by mission was attributed to Fidelis spending his nights in prayer. He was, however, eventually martyred for his preaching.
Archetypology
Saint Fidelis a Sigmaringen can be understood as an applicable balance to Saint Alphonsus Liguori. In both, we have lawyers who leave a life of law, but Saint Alphonsus Liguori’s path was internal institutional, whereas Saint Fidelis’ path led out to an evangelizing ministry. As opposed to fulfillment and appropriation, Saint Fidelis shows abandonment and outward effect.
Visual Symbology
One sees Saint Fidelis standing outside. Behind him, one sees scenes from his life played out. To his left one sees his giving alms to a beggar. To his right one sees him being bludgeoned to death. Together these give the impression of two ways that kindness is accepted outside of one’s community. Saint Fidelis stands in the middle. He is dressed in a Capuchin habit holding a palm in one hand and a sword (the instrument of his martyrdom) in the other. There is also a studded club at his feet. All this seems to indicate his willful self extension, even to his death.
Application
When one encounters Saint Fidelis one is urged to assess one’s comfort zone and push the limit. Like Saint Fidelis the querent may need to strike out into unfamiliar territory and make one’s mark there. In reverse, Saint Fidelis implies provincialism or even jingoism. The querent is invited to assess the negative effects of a narrow world view.
37. Saint Francisca Romana Vid. (15th-cent. Italy)
Hagiography
Feast: March 9
Saint Frances of Rome: Born to the aristocracy, she is said to have been able to see her guardian angel throughout her entire life. She was married at age twelve to Lorenzo de’ Ponziani. Her and her sister in Law were both very devoted to Christ through service to the poor. Her marriage lasted 40 years. Her family life was often disrupted by political strife between Pope Alexander V and various anti-popes of the time. During this time, Lorenzo was stabbed, one of her son’s was taken hostage, and another died of plague. Frances busied herself by founding a hospital and becoming skilled at healing, herself catching the plague, but recovering.
After her husband had died and her children were Gon, she founded the Oblates of the Tor de’ Specchi (Collatines). Spent her life and fortune, both as laywoman and religious, in the service of the sick and the poor, including the founding of the first home in Rome for abandoned children. Dictated 97 Visions, in which she saw many of the pains of Hell. When she died, her last words were, “The angel has finished his work, he beckons me to follow.”
Patronage
against plague
automobile drivers
aviators
cab drivers
death of children
lay people
motorcyclists
people ridiculed for their piety
pilots
widows
women
Archetypology
Saint Frances of Rome: is another archetype of maternal guidance and care. Her maternity is both physical and spiritual. She has the intuitive and visionary ability to offer caring advice to those who need it. Her abilities allow her to guide one to understand the consequences of one’s actions.
Visual Symbology
On the card one sees Saint Frances standing next to her angelic companion. She holds a monstrance that beams celestial light into her heart. The angel is attentive to her, but she is attentive to the host. This dynamic portrays Saint Frances as one possessed of unique graces, but not attached to the glory of the graces for her. She only focuses on God, who does all things. It symbolizes the ability to utilize the most extraordinary gifts in a humble and detached way.
Application
Saint Frances of Rome in a reading presents a mother figure who is not afraid to show someone in her care the nature of justice and consequences. At her appearance it would be wise to assess one’s misdeeds and look down the road at the consequences. The card reminds one to consider the advice of trusted loved ones offering warnings. In reverse, Saint Frances could indicate a reward for a good action done. She could also herald a maternal figure who is over strict in her punishment.
38. Saint Franciscus Assisii Conf. (13th-cent. Italy)
Hagiography
Feast: October 4
Saint Francis of Assisi: Son of Pietro Bernadone, a rich cloth merchant. Though he had a good education and became part of his father‘s business, he also had a somewhat misspent youth. Street brawler and some-time soldier. Captured during a conflict between Assisi and Perugia, Italy, he spent over a year as a prisoner of war. During this time he had a conversion experience, including a reported message from Christ calling him to leave this worldly life. Upon release, Francis began taking his faith seriously.
He took the Gospels as the rule of his life, Jesus Christ as his literal example. He dressed in rough clothes, begged for his sustenance, and preached purity and peace. His family disapproved, and his father disinherited him; Francis formally renounced his wealth and inheritance. He visited hospitals, served the sick, preached in the streets, and took all men and women as siblings. He founded the Franciscans based on a simple statement by Jesus: “Leave all and follow me.” Clare of Assisi became his spiritual student, which led to the founding of the Poor Clares. Visited and preached to the Saracens. Composed songs and hymns to God and nature. Lived with animals, worked with his hands, cared for lepers, cleaned churches, and sent food to thieves. In 1221 he resigned direction of the Franciscans.
While in meditation on Mount Alvernia in the Apennines in September 1224, Francis received the stigmata, which periodically bled during the remaining two years of his life.
Patronage
against dying alone
against fire
animal welfare societies
animals
birds
ecologists
ecology
environment
Environmentalism
environmentalists
families
lacemakers
lace workers
merchants
needleworkers
peace
tapestry workers
zoos
Archetypology
Saint Francis of Assisi represents a reform by means of simplicity, humility, and innocence. In every way he returns to an edenic state, from his shedding of overburdensome worldly goods to his resynchronization with nature. His naive attempt to convert the Sultan was a dangerous gamble that paid off because of his humility and bare bones charisma. When one meets Saint Francis, one meets the heart pure of reform of a good institution as opposed to the combat of corruption of heresy one sees in Saint Dominic of Guzman.
Visual Symbology
The card shows Saint Francis of Assisi dressed in his habit with three lilies at the bottom of the card. He gazes lovingly at the crucifix. This signifies his identification with the suffering of Christ as shown by his stigmata and his poem perfect love.
Application
Upon seeing Saint Francis of Assisi the querent is invited to seek the best inclinations of childish purity and simplicity. If reform is needed in their life, that reform may not need not be over thought or over analyzed. Rather one may approach it with purity of intention, sensitivity to nature and simplicity of life. In reverse Saint Francis offers an investment in the status quo. The card may recommend that as an option or point to it as a detriment.
39. Saint Franciscus de Paula Conf. (15th-cent. Italy)
Hagiography
Feast: April 2
Saint Francis of Paola: Francis’s parents were childless for many years, but following prayers for the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi, they had three children; Francis was the oldest. Following a pilgrimage in his teens to Rome and Assisi in Italy, he became a hermit in a cave near Paola. Before he was 20 years old he began to attract followers. His followers had become so numerous that he established a Rule for them and sought Church approval. This was the founding of the Franciscan Order of Minim Fiars, which means they count themselves the least of the family of God.
Prophet. Miracle worker. Reputed to read minds. In 1464 Francis wanted to cross the Straits of Messina to reach Sicily, but a boatman refused to take him. Francis laid his cloak on the water, tied one end to his staff to make a sail, and sailed across with his companions. Defender of the poor and oppressed.
Patronage
against fire
against plague
against sterility
mariners
travelers
Archetypology
Saint Francis of Paola represents the best one can hope for a legacy. In his name, in the life he led, and in the order that he established, he continued and fulfilled the work of Saint Francis of Assissi. Saint Francis of Paola also represents a hermit of probing power and insight.
Visual Symbology
The card shows Saint Francis of Paola dressed in his Franciscan habit. He holds a staff and touches his heart as he gazes to the heavens in prayer. From the sky, a radiation of celestial light shines upon his face and forehead. All of this signifies his holiness of character. Behind him is a small wall over which one can see a large plateau in the distance, representing the tradition that Saint Francis of Paola stands upon.
Application
Meeting Saint Francis of Paola in a reading brings one to a contemplation of those who came before and how the querent invests in narratives of his forebears. It also draws one to consider how one has advanced the agenda of one’s predecessors. To meet Saint Francis of Paola in reverse warns of an abandonment of a project or initiative that one should consider worth finishing. It could also indicate the need to strike out in a completely new direction.
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