The Birds

The card

Two birds stand together, posed as if in conversation. That there are two of them carries meaning in the tradition.

Traditional meaning

Traditionally the Birds are conversation, gossip and short trips, and also restlessness. Because there are two, a pair of people or a pair of matters is often involved.

How to read it

The Birds are talk: conversation, phone calls, discussion, gossip. The volume is low but it does not stop, which is what makes it wearing. The card shows two, so it often points to two people, two matters, or a conversation that needs both sides present.

In context

Love

Frequent communication — or gossip affecting the relationship.

Work

Meetings, negotiation, work that runs on talk; or chatter within the team.

Timing

Short term, usually days.

Common combinations

• The Birds + The Letter · Communication by phone or in writing
• The Birds + The Snake · Talk behind your back, gossip being carried
• The Birds + The Ring · Negotiation moving towards an agreement
• The Birds + The Heart · Talk about the relationship, or a conversation between the two
• The Birds + The Rider · News passed on by word of mouth
• The Birds + The Garden · Public discussion; everyone is talking
• The Birds + The Clouds · The talk goes nowhere; it gets murkier
• The Birds + The Mice · Nagging and worry draining you
• The Birds + The Whip · It turns into a row
• The Birds + The Man · Involving two people, or the man doing the talking