This week’s Harrow card, The Survivor, at first appears to be a sign of ill omen. A battered warrior sits on a throne, surrounded by the ghosts of his fallen comrades. At his feet lie the treasure from his adventures as well as the tools he used to help acquire them: a sword, a shield, and a magic staff. Despite the gold and riches at his feet, the Survivor seems to be staring off into space.
While this may look bleak on the surface, in reality, this is a card of courage and perseverance in the face of tragedy. The Survivor comes from the suit of Shields, the suit associated with Constitution and endurance. It is also aligned Neutral Good, which is the alignment of pure altruism and compassion. Certainly, the Survivor has had his endurance put to the test and survived, even if his spirit may feel broken.