In my recent studies* I came across some useful "key concepts" for the Fool that go beyond the usual meanings of immaturity or lack of mental clarity ("a period of confusion and disorder"). It was described in part as "a card of impulse and instinct" as well as representing an "inability to commit," perhaps running … Continue reading “Sometimes Crazy Works”
Month: October 2022
Living in “The Now”
I recently came across an interesting interpretation for the 6 of Pentacles (Coins, Disks, Diamonds, etc): it can reflect the querent's current physical surroundings, the "now" of mundane existence. Although there were no Qabalistic inferences, this suggests the structure of the Tree of Life, in which the sixth sephira holds a central position with more … Continue reading Living in “The Now”
Ten as the “Hub of Insights”
"The number 10, which is complete, is the central meeting point for insights of all types." This observation by M.M. d'Odoucet in The Grand Etteilla touches obliquely on my own view of the tarot Tens: they represent awareness of the "disengagement" that must follow any closure which, in its fullness, brings either utter satisfaction or … Continue reading Ten as the “Hub of Insights”
The Ace of Cups as “Affirmation”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The following observations by Mme. Le Marchand in The Grand Etteilla regarding the Ace of Cups are unique in my experience of tarot literature (although they do bear a resemblance to the cartomancy I've studied). It's interesting stuff for speculation and perhaps for use. This Ace is described as "confirming the prediction of … Continue reading The Ace of Cups as “Affirmation”
The “Box of Chocolates” Life-Reading Spread
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Those who have seen the Tom Hanks/Gary Sinise movie Forrest Gump will appreciate the reference in the title. This spread uses all 78 cards to create a six-card reading in one of thirteen situational and temporal settings as determined by the location of a pre-selected "Significator" card. The four general topic areas are … Continue reading The “Box of Chocolates” Life-Reading Spread
The “Wages of War” Conflict-Resolution Spread
This conflict-resolution spread links tarot divination back to its Italian game-playing roots. The card-selection method presented here uses two decks to determine which card of a pair is to be read in each of five "conflict engagement" areas. It is based on the simple "trick-taking" game "War," in which one card bests another in a … Continue reading The “Wages of War” Conflict-Resolution Spread
A Matter of Succession
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm leaping right over other European contributors to the esoteric tarot like Papus, de Guaita, Peladan, Pitois (Paul Christian) and Wirth, mainly because I haven't explored them to any depth yet; I'm still getting my feet wet with Etteilla. In The Book of Thoth, Aleister Crowley (apparently echoing the now-disputed sentiments of Eliphas … Continue reading A Matter of Succession
Lunar Month Look-Ahead for World Events (November, 2022)
Not long ago I was asked whether my New-Moon-based "Lunar Month Look-Ahead" spread (link below) can be used to predict world events in addition to personal circumstances. I responded that I didn't see why not, and then decided to attempt it myself. This reading has no regional or national focus, and is simply a high-level, … Continue reading Lunar Month Look-Ahead for World Events (November, 2022)
“Turn the Page:” A Personal/Professional Development Spread
I'm always looking for new ways to use the facing of the human figures and other directional elements on the tarot cards. Here I've created a spread that takes on different forms depending on whether or not the salient features are focused "off-page" and which way they're looking or pointing (left, right or straight out). … Continue reading “Turn the Page:” A Personal/Professional Development Spread
The Magician and “Imposter Syndrome”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sometimes the Magician gets a well-deserved "rap on the knuckles." In all his sly cleverness, the Magician can come across as insincere; there may be disarming assurances of proficiency or protestations of virtue where no such qualities exist. I'm reminded of the "Imposter Syndrome" in which we find ourselves in an uncomfortable position … Continue reading The Magician and “Imposter Syndrome”
Parsifal's Wheel Tarot & Astrology 