There are deep messages in game of cards
Playing cards is a most popular pastime all over the world. Most people see playing cards as games of gambling. However, due to its universal use and timeless symbolism, people can also feel an affinity with the cards on a subconscious level. Going deep down the history, it can be seen that in every culture the game of cards crept into the language and have been used as metaphors. Like, we see many people using the phrases that ‘this guy is an Ace’ or ‘the whole thing could fall down like a pack of cards’ or ‘he’s a Joker’. Even though people regularly try to change the basic designs of the cards or put famous faces on them, the mystical power of the cards and their symbolism ensures that their original depictions retain their longevity and popularity.
There are a variety of card games — from those played by a single player to others that involve several players. Enthusiasts vouch for the enjoyable experience that card games provide, pointing out that such games are a harmless way to kill time, especially when one is on a train journey or waiting at the airport. However, one can learn a few lessons from cards if one looks at them from a spiritual point of view.
Most of us know that half the cards in the pack are in red and the rest in black. These may be taken to represent the bright and dark stages of this world, where righteousness prevails in the Golden and Silver Ages and increasing darkness gathers in the Copper and Iron Ages. The aces in the pack represent quality over quantity. The aces have more value than cards with higher numbers. In the real world also those who live by God's teachings are few but they are not only looked up to by their fellow humans but also valued by God. Such souls are a source of strength for those around them and serve as the pillars that uphold morality and ethics in society.
That righteousness prevails over the numerical superiority of the unrighteous is also shown in Mahabharata, where the five Pandavas attain victory over the larger Kaurava army. Then there are the court cards — the king, queen and jack or servant. It is notable that it is a servant and not a subject who is represented along with the royals. That is because although a servant may be lower in status than a wealthy citizen, he is closer to the royal family than the subjects. The servants of a royal household live in the premises of the royal palace, where a commoner, however high his status, cannot enter unless he is invited.
In the Golden and Silver Ages, when divine beings lived on earth, their servants had the fortune of living close to them, whereas the subjects got a glimpse of these deities only on special occasions. Similarly, the joker in the pack is used as a substitute for any other card. This is a representation of an all- rounder who can play any role in the time of a crisis situation. God also tells his children to be full of all virtues and powers so that they can perform any task when the need arises. Such an ever ready all- rounder is an asset to any group or organisation. So next time when you play cards with your friends and family, keep in mind the deep and mystical side of this system. It may definitely enhance your knowledge as well as increase your insight into your life lessons and personal relationships.
(The author is a spiritual educator)