Hi Gem, I thought by starting with the classification or assignment of directions and elements.

I'm including this caption to describe the elements as done by the Early Greeks, maybe still today???

In the Haindle concept we see that Swords is South, Stones West and Wands East.

Many ancient philosophies used a set of archetypal classical elements to explain patterns in nature. The Greek version of these ideas dates from pre-Socratic times and persisted throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, deeply influencing European thought and culture; but the concept is far older in Asia[citation needed], and was widely disseminated in India and China, where it forms the basis of both Buddhism and Hinduism, particularly in an esoteric context.
The modern scientific periodic table of the elements and the understanding of combustion (fire) can be considered successors to such early models.
Western
Air

                           
  Fire        Aether         Water


Earth

If we now consider the above diagram, in the following fashion:

              Swords

Stones      centre           Cups

                Wands

but with Haindle it seems totally opposite?

Your notes on this.

Blessed be

I think perhaps you are putting too much emphasis on the meanings and not enough on the individual decks author? Perhaps the directions are just to show where that nation is situated nothing more?

The Haindl has the following significants...

East, India, Wands, Fire
South, Egypt, Swords, Air
West, North America, Stones, Earth
North, Celtic, Cups, Water

Hi Gem,
I understand what you mean, and also think of the groupings being the people, I didn't have my deck earlier but have it now.

The question is, I use the certain directions qualities to bring a little more body although not neccesary.

I classified the Swords as North, and ascribe the icy air as a good example!! Also to give them a more "peoply" feel, as perhaps the Aristocracy, the fact that they conquer by sword, links them for me to them being the warring empires?

Cups being the clergy, with everything pertaining to heart matters, as psiciatrist and church leaders?

Pentacles the trading nations.

Wands the serfs.

On which subject should we start?

Blessed be