The chapter of our book for which Natasha drew this is about the Temperance card, and when I asked for a keyword Elias unexpectedly suggested Deliverance. I had to look that up and think about it.
In traditional order of the trumps Temperance card is number 14, following Death at 13. So in card games it beats death, it is higher in order, as if escaping death by deliverance.
Poetry aside, Temperance can indicate intentionality, following our unique groove, steering clear of distractions, clear vision and focus, seeing a project to success, etc.
So I had an idea – Jonah – the ultimate delivery guy working for the Lord and Taylor himself. Plus clearly delivered from the brink of death by the lord almighty.
Nata loved the idea and the new illustration was born.
Afterthoughts: In the Jonah story, when the sailors encounter an ominous storm, they cast lots to determine the culprit, and that’s how Jonah is found out. He is briefly interrogated and thrown overboard, which leads to being swallowed by the whale. Casting lots is a form of divination akin to casting runes or pulling cards – it is a way of getting information. It’s fun that casting is recorded in one of the most irreverent stories in the book as happening under close supervision – and possibly with active participation – of the heavenly captain himself.
