Everything Has A Reason For Being There
Everything we do in tai chi has a purpose. To the untrained eye, the forms simply appear peaceful and graceful; the drills look like some type of calisthenics. A while ago I read about the representations hidden in a simple deck of playing cards. Like just about everything else I read or hear it got me thinking about tai chi, and this time what most people miss. Let me tell you what I mean about tai chi and I’ll come back to the playing cards in a bit.
Every drill we do in class while warming up has two purposes. While kicking we’re holding our bodies upright in alignment as the leg and foot move somewhat independently, then as we step into the next kick we’re practicing shifting our alignment smoothly from one foot to the other. There are several exercises done on our toes that are intended to build up the calf muscles while working on balance.
Each form has multiple applications. While performing one form you can easily demonstrate, with the help of a partner, how you are pulling your opponent off balance while striking them on the forehead, or how you are striking one opponent under the chin with the back of your wrist before connecting with another opponent’s collar bone. These are just two simple applications for the single whip posture.
I’m talking about this here, not so much to educate you on about specific applications, but to get you looking at how every single thing you do in class, or on a video, has a purpose. Whether you’re warming up or practicing a set of forms, everything is there for a reason. Look at what you’re doing and see if you can figure out what the purpose is. This will help you get your energy moving better and your forms will begin to take on a greater sense of purpose and gracefulness.
So then, back to the playing cards. There are two very specific meanings, or representations designed into every deck of playing cards. The fifty-two playing cards in each deck represent the 52 weeks in the calendar year, and the four suits, they represent the four seasons. Bet you didn’t know that. If you already did please just play along, it will make me feel ever so much better. 
Your thoughts?
John
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Dec 18, 2009 - 03:12:03There is a song about that subject - a soldier who is reprimanded for playing cards in church - he explains that the deck of cards is his prayer book and almanac and further details what each card means. http://www.cowboylyrics.com/tabs/anderson-bill/deck-of-cards-8317.html
Mary,
Very interesting. For those who are interested and because it applies directly to what I wrote here, I’m including this from the story you linked to.
When I look at a deck of card I see:
I find 365 - the number of days in a year;
There;s 52 cards - the number of weeks in a year;
There’s 4 suits - the number of weeks in a month;
There’s 12 picture cards - the number of months in a year;
There’s 13 tricks - the number of weeks in a quarter
Thanks,
John