The Watch: Beyond Time, Destiny.
Unearthing the Ghastly Lenormand Deck
“Time is a thief, a silent creep,
That steals our youth while we sleep.
It marches on, relentless and cold,
Leaving us aged and growing old...”
(Nursery rhyme from the Victorian Era)*
This extra card depicts a gold pocket watch, revealing the intricate and magnificent complexity of its mechanisms. At its centre, a gold skull gazes at us like a Sphinx, withholding any expression or emotion. The hands, as black as the darkest ink, move in a slow, almost imperceptible yet inexorable motion. Tempus fugit, as the ancient Romans would say—time flies. Time, in all its mysterious essence, is at the heart of this card’s meaning.
From ancient times, humans have learned to measure time: through the shadows cast by a stick, the slow burn of a candle, or the gentle fall of sand through an hourglass. Over time, we developed more sophisticated devices, such as the Ctesibius Water Clock, one of antiquity's most famous timekeeping inventions. Created by Greek engineer Ctesibius in the 3rd century BC, this intricate device was a marvel of its era.
The Ctesibius water clock kept accurate time using the flow of water. It featured a reservoir that filled at a constant rate. As the water level rose, it triggered mechanisms, including a rotating float that moved pointers on a dial, indicating the hours of the day. Not only was it an engineering feat, but it was also a work of art, adorned with sculptures, fountains, and intricate details. Some historians even suggest it featured automatons that moved or performed actions as the clock ticked.
As timekeeping devices became more advanced, they also became objects of admiration and craftsmanship, with mechanical figures, or automata, marking special moments of the day. I’m reminded of the magnificent Astronomical Clock in Prague (Oroloj), a masterpiece of engineering and beauty. I passed by it every day during an exhibition I had in a charming art gallery nearby many years ago. The Orloj left a lasting impression on me.
The Orloj, mounted on the southern wall of Old Town Hall in the Old Town Square, was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest clock still in operation. Over the centuries, parts were added—statues, automata—each layer increasing its complexity and beauty, making this clock truly magical. Today, the clock mechanism has three main components:
-The astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky while displaying various astronomical details. Statues of Catholic saints stand on either side of the clock.
-The "Walk of the Apostles," an hourly show featuring moving figures of the Apostles and other sculptures, most notably a skeleton that represents Death, striking the hour.
-A calendar dial with medallions representing the months of the year.
According to local legend, the city will suffer if the clock is neglected or its proper operation is jeopardized. A ghost mounted on the clock is said to nod its head in confirmation. The legend holds that only a boy born on New Year's night could save the clock from disaster.
Yu can watch the video on Youtube to see a very similar clock in action: An Elephant Clock Automata
The Card and its Meaning
We all know that a minute is 60 seconds, and each second is made up of imperceptibly fleeting instants—a scientific definition. But is that all there is to say about time? A minute is just a measurable unit, yet it’s experienced differently depending on the moment or the person. Some minutes seem to race by faster than light, especially when we’re having fun or are absorbed in an activity we love, while others feel eternal, dragging on painfully during moments we’d rather avoid. This is the difference between the time of science and the time of the soul.
Time is a mystery. We cannot taste it, touch it, or see it, yet we can only perceive it and witness its consequences. When we shift perspectives and consider time from the standpoint of astrophysics, it becomes even more complex. The concept that time is interconnected with space, and that it changes based on gravitational forces, is difficult to grasp. Space and time—a mysterious and incomprehensible continuum.
We are immersed in time, like fish swimming in the ocean. We cannot even imagine a time before time, or a time without it—a motionless, ever-eternal present... quite ominous. And yet, our time doesn’t last forever. Unfortunately.
The meaning of this card stems from the philosophical idea that inspired me to create this specific Tarot deck the way I did: Carpe Diem—seize the moment! It serves as a powerful Memento Mori (remember that you must die), a concept I’ve discussed extensively in many posts:
Embracing the Ephemeral: The Creative Journey Behind The Ghastly Lenormand
So, I will jump directly into the card’s meaning in practice.
When this card appears, it encourages us to pause and reflect on what we’re doing. We may be moving too fast, so focused on our destination—on reaching our goals—that we overlook the beauty and wonder that life presents to us along the way. There is something magical in the present moment, a mystery in the little things that make life an incredible adventure, and we shouldn’t miss them. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. So, we should slow down, stop, and simply breathe in the moment. Take the time to observe our surroundings and appreciate the joy of being alive, here and now.
The cards surrounding The Clock will add nuance to its meaning, guiding us on how to interpret it. They might point to specific matters or areas of our life that need more of our attention.
For instance, if we have The Clock alongside The Messenger, I would interpret this as an invitation to be more mindful in our communication with others. Perhaps it’s encouraging us to be more sensitive and empathetic, considering the impact our words may have on someone else’s life.
But there’s another aspect of The Clock that we should not underestimate: its magnificent complexity. All its parts work in harmony, each dependent on the others. They operate at different speeds and rhythms, yet together they create the marvel of perfection that is The Clock. This card, therefore, becomes a metaphor for Karma and Destiny. It reminds us that we, too, are interconnected with others and our environment. It’s a two-way relationship: we can change the world, and the world can change us. Everything is illuminated, everything happens in accordance with the law of Karma.
The card encourages us to accept what happens in our lives with an open heart, to trust in Destiny’s path, and to remain positive and proactive. It advises patience, reminding us to allow time to work its magic. As a result, the card may imply a longer period of waiting than we might prefer.
For example, if we find ourselves in a situation where the previous cards are reversed and we have The Rider and The Clock, it may suggest that while current events or news are not what we had hoped for, we must trust in Destiny. We may not receive the results we desire right away, but that doesn’t mean our dreams are unattainable. They may manifest in a different form. When one door closes, another opens.
Without hope and a smile, life becomes unbearable. Italo Calvino, an Italian writer who has deeply influenced my way of thinking, once said, “One must be light like the bird, not like the feather.” A feather merely drifts, carried by the wind. But a bird can fly—free to soar high and far into the vast blue sky.
So, my dear friend, this week I leave you with a song that always moves me—Smile from Modern Times by Charlie Chaplin, a poet of silent films.
Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through
for you
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile what’s the use of crying
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you’ll just
Smile
Until next time, stay macabrely happy.
Andrea
*Oh, well, I have to confess, the author of the nursery rhyme is me :) I hope you enjoy its Victorian flavour…
I love this as an extra card! Time does indeed fly! Thank you for sharing the history of time and timepieces with us. It is quite interesting to see the nuances that The Clock brings to other cards in a reading.