structure, foundation, stability,
plans, time management

In music, form refers to the underlying structure of a composition. The form of a piece is usually defined by dividing it into repeating and non-repeating parts; "A-A-B-A” is a familiar form in pop music, for example, meaning “verse-verse-chorus-verse.” Certain forms have given rise to large oeuvres of music, such as the sonata; others are closely related to style, such as 12 Bar Blues.

Form in music is different than form in architecture or painting; it occurs in time instead of in space. It is related to Rhythm in that it deals with measured durations and repetition; Rhythm is in motion, however, while Form is fixed. Form is like a broad "over-rhythm" within which music arises; it is structure built in time.

The Form Card speaks of structure, particularly as it relates to time; in addition to foundation and stability, it addresses issues of planning and time management. It might also refer to an existing blueprint that must be worked with or around.

To divine the meaning of this card in a casting, consider the Solfege Die it was drawn above or under.

Click here to learn more about the Compositional Cards as a whole.