Meaning of Error in the Oracle of the Triad

Card no.20

This is a card to be feared when it appears, for it is extremely negative for the querent. Indeed, it only foretells a series of catastrophes or tragic events to come along their destiny, all of which are the consequences of their own mistakes. Thus, all their projects fall through or are doomed to fail. And the card clearly insists on the fact that the querent is here paying the price for their past mistakes, which they chose to bury rather than to mend. They must therefore now expect to go through a dark period in which they will have to hold the helm steady so as not to falter and let themselves slip into grim thoughts.

The card named Error is rich in symbolism linked to the Genesis of the Bible and to the reckless behaviour of Adam and Eve. Thus, it is a large apple that has begun to be gnawed which is depicted in close-up. Behind it, the face of a young man with a sombre gaze is revealed, and a rebellious lock of his hair embodies the serpent, instigator of original sin. Lower down, we glimpse two shadows; one points to a man standing, while the other reveals a lifeless body lying on the ground. We are witnessing the murder of Abel by his brother Cain, the eldest son of Adam and Eve, who carried out his deed driven by excessive jealousy toward his younger brother. This card is associated with the number 20, which in numerology symbolises duality and the opposition of contrary forces. It is also linked to the astrological signs of Aquarius and Pisces.

During a divinatory reading, it will be understood that the Error card will be negative for the querent in its predictions. Many other cards to which it is associated may reveal further details, such as the Sacrifice card, which will speak of a suicide attempt, or the Water card, which will announce a problem linked to an ongoing pregnancy.

Keywords: Affliction, Failure, Setback, Darkness, Tragedy, Sin