24 - ReductionOriginal Title = Theft. (Diebstahl.)
Imagery = In the quiet of night, a boy wearing slippers has used the keys [insider] to unlock the liquor cabinet containing the household funds, and has stealthily pilfered a small amount of cash [bleeding].
This card represents a state of slow decline.
This card is the opposite of card 27; and exudes a Negative tone.
This card describes EASE, and can be judged as a lesser form of card 32. It is a notification flag, as reduction at this minor level is a slow leak that can often be overlooked. Alternatively this card could also be advice to you to cease a self-imposed deprivation.
In a Spread this card often means that you are being exploited by the associated party, and even though you may be deriving pleasure from being used, it is still tapping your resources. Sometimes though it can instead be a notice that it is your progress which is being eroded.
Note that the decrease is usually to something other than just personal wealth. Fortunately the effect of the decrease may ultimately be minor if the leak is plugged soon enough.
This card is not describing blatant burglary, or even necessarily a pecuniary matter. The new label of Reduction is thus a good title for contemporary understanding, as it makes no reference to jurisprudence and instead emphasises the underlying concept of decrease.
|| In the past this card was often titled Theft", and indicated a small unexpected loss. Alternatively it could also have indicated a clandestine exploitation. It could also have been interpreted as advice to: Avoid self-imposed deprivation. ||