Sibilla Indovina/Parlour Sybil: Checking Back For Early 2023 Predictions
Monday 30th January 2023
Since we’re nearly at the end of January already, it’s time to take a check back on what the cards were indicating back in December would apparently be happening in 2023, to see what, if anything, has been showing up so far — and what hasn’t been!
So today, I want to take a look back at what the general Sibilla Indovina (aka the French Parlour Sybil) reading had to say for 2023. Certainly, there was one section looking back so far that’s caught my eye…
As a reminder, this was the layout, a “traditional” layout for this mid-19th century French deck.
The cards on the top left are said to refer to the areas of Enterprise, Action and Thought, and this referred to a “blonde woman” (who may not literally be blonde, according to the Sibilla descriptions) being seen as self-serving by a successful male enemy and the sense of escape and getting away from it all.
Maybe I’m being distracted by the supposed blondeness, but I’m not really seeing this one quite yet.
The section that really caught my eye looking back, though, is the one on the bottom left. It was as follows:
Survival, Challenges, Problems (Clubs)
Difficulties, struggles, obstacles to face
Thief—Letter—Hope—Infantilism—Contrariety, Displeasure
Hope is a Club card, and the extra card I pulled above it was Weakness (which is like the Sickness/Malady card in other oracle decks), so this can be read as extra info.
In the area of difficulties, struggles and problems, there’ll be either news of or writing about a theft, or a document will be stolen, which someone hopes will bring sorrow, sadness, and rile people up into displeasure, complaints and opposition. The “Hope” however, is deeply unhealthy and a sign of weakness in whoever is expressing it. To mirror the cards, the displeasure of a thief or that caused by a loss brings someone sorrow, tears and sadness over a document or news—but their hopes and wishes are pretty unhealthy. “Cry harder!” as some might say.
Missing and possibly stolen documents have already been a feature in a couple of big “conflict” stories already in 2023 Not only has there been Joe Biden and the discovery of several classified documents from his era as VP left in various places, there was also the “early leaking” of Prince Harry’s book, both of which have caused big drama. But this stirring up of drama (deliberately?) may well have backfired on its protagonists—the Biden situation in terms of the number of documents still being very few compared to Trump’s thousands, and Harry’s in terms of the general amusement provided for general public with the early leaks of his book (first to the Guardian, and then other, even more unedifying snippets from the book in Spanish) and the revelations contained therein. Yes, they have caused upset, disruption and embarrassment to their intended targets, but certainly in Harry’s case, they’ve said way more I think about the unhealthy approach behind the desire for this great ‘reveal’.
Just wanted to make a note on the cards on the bottom right-hand side, however.
Structure, Practicality (Spades)
Routines, organisation, day to day, getting things done practically
Trap—A Lot Of Money—Visit—Anger—Inconstancy
Both Trap and Inconstancy are Spades in the this deck, and the additional cards I drew for them are Fright (the Death card) and Waiting.
In terms of structure and practical issues in life, many may find themselves trapped with regard to money. Meetings or face to face communication are likely to involve sniping and anger in the face of inconstancy or unreliability. The “trap” or sense of entrapment may end—or it may prove the final straw for some, and the having to wait too long increases the sense of inconstancy and inconsistency. To mirror the cards, being stuck in a cycle of unreliability is a trap that may be the nail in the coffin for some, creating anger, resentment and animosity towards those with a lot of money when met face to face. The wealthy and powerful may want to be a little careful at assuming the support and compliance of those less privileged than themselves when out and about in public.
Essentially, these cards mainly indicated an underlying sense of conflict and animosity rumbling this on this year, particularly with regard to the haves and the have-nots, and possible issues and clashes in face-to-face situations. There have of course been constant strikes and much disgruntlement in the UK over money and the cost of living (the return of the 1970s, anyone?), and now there are huge demos all over the States with regard to the death of Tyre Nichols, so the year has indeed begun with situations of conflicts between the public and the powers-that-be that look set to continue. The specific cards here seemed to be more focused on wealth over power, however, and contain a warning in the form of the Fright (Death) card, that appears later in the reading also. I don’t think this has yet played out, but wealthy public figures out meeting the people may find the situation febrile, to say the least.
This is reiterated by the reading given by all the ‘extra’ cards read together, which was somewhat worrying, particularly with a coronation coming up. I hope security will be as tight as it can possibly be. As a reminder:
Overall—Additional Cards
Weakness—Fright—Waiting—City House—Wedding
Bit of an alarming one this, if on the world stage, suggesting security might want to be stepped up at any ceremonies or signings. Dysfunction, weakness or an unhealthy situation may bring a fright, a shock or an ending that’s been waiting at or for a building, structure or family at a “commitment” ceremony or where a deal is signed. There’s a weakness or malady at work with regard to a deal or commitment that brings a fright or shock (or ending) for a family or building in a situation where people are waiting.
As I put it at the time, a literal or metaphorical shock event which may happen at a ceremony (definitely not great for official swearings-in or coronations). Let’s hope not, eh, and that it IS just metaphorical, even if we may have our own views on everyone involved.
So that is where we are so far. If you remember the original reading, the cards on the top right also spoke of a “military person” and flatterer trying to ingratiate himself into a return, and although my recent cards have indicated very similar, I’m not quite sure who that would be yet, although Andrew might be a good bet in this context. As we also said though, there are quite a number of smarmy ex-senior people about who’d fit that profile right now! So we’ll see.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Sibilla and other decks, don’t forget that I’ll soon be creating area here where you can explore in more detail the meanings of all of them, as well as suggested layouts, and ‘quirks’ of each of the decks. I’ll let you know when that’s available; it should probably be in the next month or so, and will be for paid subscribers only, so do keep an eye out if you want to know more!
Until tomorrow, then. Do have a lovely day.