P-R: Pensioner, Pleasure/Pastime, Presents, Protector, Quarrel, Reconciliation

Sibylle des Salons/Parlour Sibyl/Sibilla Indovina Card Meanings

Here are the main card meanings, including reversals, and images for all the above Sibylle des Salons cards. In terms of the images, the left is the Lo Scarabeo international Sibilla Indovina version, which appears to take the most original design and title, in the middle, the 1979 English version reproduction of that card in the JM Simon “Grimaud Parlour Sibyl”, on the right, the current French Grimaud version of the Sibylle des Salons.

The numberings on the Lo Scarabeo version correspond with the alphabetical listing of the cards in French; the others are grouped in order to according to their suits and then numbered.

Any variations between decks (and sometimes translations) are noted.

Pensioner (Rentier)

Upright: Not necessarily just “an old man” in the English sense, the Pensioner card refers more to this being an older man of means. Someone comfortable. The previous Grimaud translation has this card as “Stock holder” which is a more accurate translation. This is a wealthy older man with a lot of material possessions and assets, who has likely had more luck in money than love, and who cares more about the material than about feelings. A “Rentier” ie someone who makes money without working, from assets and so on. Economic support, creature comforts, wealth, a stash. Success in business or money, and may be generous with this side of things.

Reversed: Don’t gamble or take risks. Money wasted. Don’t rely on someone to look after you financially.

Similar to: This has elements of the Money (Denari) card in the Vera Sibilla which also appears in the suit of Hearts.

Playing Card Reference: King of Hearts

Notes: n/a Note that this character in the deck has very different qualities from most that are designated the King Of Hearts, although the modern (2022) Grimaud notes differ from all other Sibylle des Salons decks in translating him in the more emotional way, describing him in terms of kindness etc.