Among writers on the Golden Dawn's version of the esoteric tarot, there is general agreement that each of the twelve so-called "zodiacal" trump cards can be assigned one of four classical elements (Fire, Water, Air and Earth) according to the quality of the sign to which they correspond. The three trump cards associated with three … Continue reading Trump Card Elemental Assignments
Month: October 2017
The Mystical Tarot Deck Interview
Few decks in recent memory have been the subject of such intense on-line debate. It is undeniably beautiful and also quirky, with ornate borders that some love and others loathe. It's a Sola-Busca-meets-RWS extravaganza that toes the interpretive line while also seeming simultaneously fresh and antique. I happen to like the blend, although I haven't … Continue reading The Mystical Tarot Deck Interview
Cheap Shots #20: Sliding Scale or Slippery Slope?
This topic has reared it's hoary old head once again on the tarot forums: why are the Lenormand cards considered to be totally literal (as opposed to more psychological) in their focus on events, and when did that start? Since it was aimed at Lenormand reading, my reply was slanted that way, but it really … Continue reading Cheap Shots #20: Sliding Scale or Slippery Slope?
An Opening of the Key First Operation Template
Those who are interested in the Golden Dawn and Thoth methods of divination have the complex and lengthy Opening of the Key (OotK) series of "operations" to entertain them. This includes a relatively straightforward initial operation that provides an overview of the querent's situation at the time of the reading. It is followed by three … Continue reading An Opening of the Key First Operation Template
An Iconoclastic View of Systems
I'm an iconoclast when it comes to cartomantic systems (except for the traditional Lenormand method because it works so well, at least as far as I choose to take it). I tend to cherry-pick what works for me and ignore what doesn't. The RWS tarot deck is a good example. When reading with it, I … Continue reading An Iconoclastic View of Systems
The Modern Spellcaster’s Tarot Deck Interview
I bought this graphically pleasing (and almost slavishly RWS-based) deck when it first came out, but I have yet to use it in a reading. I seem to always overlook it when I gather up a few RWS-style decks to take to public reading sessions. It could be that it's in an oversized box that … Continue reading The Modern Spellcaster’s Tarot Deck Interview
A Revealing Bit of “Magic”
I just tested my "Opening of the Key" alternative method for finding the focal point of a 21-card elemental panorama (see previous post). The technique produced a 13-card subset that proved to be too unwieldy to read as a line, so I rolled it up into a Celtic Cross spread with a three-card outcome series. … Continue reading A Revealing Bit of “Magic”
“A Little Magic” Prepared-Deck Spread
As a long-time user of the Golden Dawn's "Opening of the Key" method of reading (or at least the First Operation), I'm always looking for novel ways to apply the "four elemental sub-packs" model to other spreads. I've also been intrigued by the notion that the deck can be separated into four equal sub-packs with … Continue reading “A Little Magic” Prepared-Deck Spread
The “Gambler’s Option” Test Case
This spread cracks me up! Using the Gilded Tarot, I asked about the advisability of buying a new tarot deck tomorrow. The "odd" line included the 7 of Pentacles, the 7 of Swords, the 9 of Cups, and the Ace of Swords, with the Lovers as the quintessence. Sevens interest me because they represent taking … Continue reading The “Gambler’s Option” Test Case
The “Hold ‘Em or Fold ‘Em” Gambler’s Option Spread
Here's a fun spread that makes use of Joseph Maxwell's numerological approach to odd-numbered and even-numbered cards; the former actively seek change leading to equilibrium , while the latter strive to maintain the present balance. In decision-making space, the two extremes spell the difference between an aggressive approach to the solution and a more passive … Continue reading The “Hold ‘Em or Fold ‘Em” Gambler’s Option Spread
Parsifal's Wheel Tarot & Astrology 