Page:The mystic test book.djvu/33

Rh there is a two-fold division into dark and light, finally becoming black and red. These symbolize night and day astronomically. The darkness and light of life etc., as applied to man. The 52 emblems being multiplied by the 7 planets under which they rule in succession, make the days in the year, less one. There being no ruling card for the 31st of December.

The Ancient therefore used the 365th day of the year as a holiday, or festival day, doing no work upon that day.

A very few years ago quite a radical change was made in the style of the Court Cards by the manufacturers, by making them "double headers." Before this the Kings and Knaves had legs and feet showing below their Court robes. But the mystic emblems were preserved as far as possible and yet appear as of yore.

The "winged globe" with its seven balls, emblem of mercury, is yet borne by the king of wisdom, and each of his brothers bear secret emblems that have survived the changes of centuries.

Their hair and beards yet curl as in the olden time as they hold up the sword of justice or the battle axe of power.

The Queens look from the same Egyptian eyes, wear the same garb, and hold modestly in their hand the secret lotus flower of innocence and virtue.