Hats off to Svetlana Alexandrovna Touchkoff for introducing the Western world to the Gypsy teachings of nineteenth century Russia by creating her Russian Gypsy Fortune Telling Cards. The gypsies were a freedom-loving nomadic group known for their ability to offer insights and predictions to any who asked. Fortune telling was an integral part of people’s lives in Russia; it was an opportunity to concentrate on themselves, talk about their feelings and frustrations and come up with strategies for the future. Readings were often done with others listening and offering their insights into what was being said. People believed their predictions, yet they were not controlled by them. They understood that at any moment, an individual’s free will or God’s intercession could turn any situation around. This open understanding has continued to this day.
The cards contain artwork and symbols from many areas, as would be expected from gypsies who traveled around Europe, Russia, the Middle East and parts of Asia. There are many entries for each card explaining the history, mystery and practical aspects of the messages.
Here are some short examples of Russian sayings and proverbs contained in her cards.
The card: Lady
Symbol for: support and help
Proverb: Don’t spit in the well. You might have to drink the water
Meaning: don’t do anything that could hurt or embarrass someone unnecessarily; you may need their help at some time
The card: Cat
Symbol for: hidden danger
Proverb: An uninvited guest is worse than a Tartar
(the Tartars were Mongolian invaders of Russia during the Middle Ages)
Meaning: refrain from boorish acts that irritate others, otherwise expect to be criticized
The card: Bread
Symbol for: happiness, prosperity, generosity and nourishment
Proverb: If everyone gives a thread, the naked one will have a shirt
Meaning: do your share of giving in some way
The card: Dog
Symbol for: relationships with friends
Proverb: Better to have a hundred friends than a hundred rubles
Meaning: you are not alone in this world when you have friends
The card: Heart
Symbol for: love and emotions from the heart
Proverb: First love is like first teeth; it comes with pain
Meaning: if this is your first love and the other doesn’t even know you exist, don’t despair. Try again.
The card: Moon
Symbol for: peace, beauty and mystery
Proverb: What we have we don’t treasure; having lost it, we cry
Meaning: don’t waste your time wishing for things you do not have; rather, enjoy the peaceful happiness you have now
The card: Clover
Symbol for: luck
Proverb: Without pain, there is no learning
Meaning: do not get too despondent over a situation; stay positive and a solution will be found
May the practical, freedom inspired messages from the Gypsy cards make you smile. And reflect for awhile.