Faletarke are, above all, a mystical reflection of the Bosnian belief in fatalism, destiny, God, and that which is already predetermined — in nafaka, or fortune. From the earliest times of his existence, the Bosnian person has viewed life as something governed by a “higher power,” while the individual, through good deeds and personal decisions, can in a particular way influence the course of their own fate, but only to the extent that is permitted. For this reason, imagination and spiritual experience were essential in a certain historical period—probably inspired by other types of cards—for faletarke to emerge. Using them, girls and women gladly foretold their destinies, discovering whether a love would be fulfilled, a wish granted, a sick person healed, or whether someone would leave on a journey or return home from one.
In the continuation of this text, with the aim of helping you become better acquainted with faletarke as a highly reliable and fascinating divination instrument, I will offer an interpretation of the cards from the two examples you see before you.
FIRST EXAMPLE
In a broader context, the Burden card is a symbol of karma and karmic load. However, in this case, where the cards touch and are interpreted through a combination of their meanings — here together with the Bed card — it represents the end of a demanding period, a well-deserved rest, the completion of an important task or job, and the possibility of finally taking a break.
However, since next to the Bed card there is a rather unfavorable card called the Beggar Woman, this indicates that although the work has been completed, it has not been without consequences. These may manifest as chronic fatigue, loss of strength or willpower, and even impaired health.
If the analysis is performed in the context of love, these three cards would indicate that someone in the relationship — you or your partner — is putting in excessive effort, which makes the relationship rather dependent and ultimately unhealthy. The partners are not functioning as they should, and it is only a matter of time before a crisis arises.
When it happens, as in this example from the image, that the Enemy card appears next to the Chair card, it serves as a serious warning that we have consciously or unconsciously allowed a person who is not our friend to come too close and encroach upon our private space.
Furthermore, this card combination reveals that among colleagues at work we have an adversary — someone whose jealousy or scheming threatens us or hinders our career progress. If the focus is on love, the cards detect a rival, a person interfering in our romantic relationship.
Furthermore, when the Chair card appears next to the Crossroads card, it changes its meaning and reveals — or confirms, in the case of a love reading — that there is infidelity between partners, whether in a relationship or a marriage. In Bosnia, this combination is literally described as “sitting on two chairs,” meaning a lack of loyalty.
However, if your focus is on work, these two cards together, side by side, predict a strong possibility of changing your workplace, and even that you might change your profession.
SECOND EXAMPLE
In the second example of divination, I intentionally placed the Crossroads card next to the Chair card, this time in the opposite position, in order to demonstrate how such a combination can also be interpreted. In short, it means that you have made a choice and taken your place, as in the following example: you were uncertain between two jobs; the first seemed better paid but offered no opportunity for advancement, while the second allowed faster career progress. The choice was an excellent one, as confirmed by the Fire card, a symbol of energy and transformation.
The second row of cards is not positive at all — in fact, it is quite disturbing. The Door card next to the Enemy card, followed by the Conflict card, clearly and directly warns of an upcoming period of difficulties, misunderstandings, struggle, and possibly even defeat, whether in love, work, or friendships. The door may not open, regardless of who stands before it or who knocks upon it. This means that you have a choice and an opportunity; you are not left at the mercy of fate. However, you must be wise and careful in order to avoid potential problems ahead.
