AUTHOR'S NOTE: As I continue to create new tarot spreads, they have become increasingly complex because I've already explored most of the simpler approaches to spread design. An online friend recently commented that one of my efforts is "complicated but interesting." I replied "Life can be a 'can of worms' and tarot is the perfect … Continue reading The “Can of Worms” and the “Can-Opener”
Month: June 2024
Randomizing and Shuffling: “Generating White Noise” and “Creating Order Out of Chaos”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: In previous posts I've mentioned in passing that the purpose of the shuffle is not to randomize the cards but rather to subconsciously arrange them in the proper order to tell the story. Judging from the responses I received (or more tellingly, didn't receive) nobody really "got" what I was trying to say. … Continue reading Randomizing and Shuffling: “Generating White Noise” and “Creating Order Out of Chaos”
Synchronizing the “Inner” and the “Outer” Self: A Tarot Mandala
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm not proposing this as a spread for divination but rather as a tool (a form of mandala) for meditation. It could, however, be used as a "birth-chart" for the moment of the pull and supplemented over time with additional cards that function like astrological transits to a natal horoscope. One possible way … Continue reading Synchronizing the “Inner” and the “Outer” Self: A Tarot Mandala
A “Near-Term Breakout” Spread
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Here is a spread that is intended for use when we feel becalmed or unmotivated and are looking for a definitive "breakout moment" sometime in the next month. You will need two decks for this spread, one for the fifteen "advice" cards in the top row and one for the "mode of action/inaction" … Continue reading A “Near-Term Breakout” Spread
Spread Shape as “Statement of Intent”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I've now created well over 300 tarot and Lenormand spreads, and I often mention spread format (or "shape") as one of the three main elements of my architecture: the other two are position meaning ("What do I want to know?") and number of positions ("How much do I want to know about it?"). … Continue reading Spread Shape as “Statement of Intent”
“Rule from Within:” A Tarot Paradigm
AUTHOR'S NOTE: While pursuing my study of the I Ching, I encountered the concept of "rule from within" that exploits the inner strength by which the Mind and the Will exercise control over one's external circumstances like a general in the midst of his army. This idea presented a perfect opportunity to discuss the significance … Continue reading “Rule from Within:” A Tarot Paradigm
Too Much “Woo” and Not Enough to “Shew” for It
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Another rant, just when you thought it was safe to come out. This has been in the queue for a while and I debated whether to post it because it could burn another bridge or two between me and those who might have had an interest in following my work. But that work … Continue reading Too Much “Woo” and Not Enough to “Shew” for It
Tarot and Physical Appearance: “The Packaging vs. the Content”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: One of the least useful questions I've encountered in online discussion groups, after the ubiquitous "What does this person think or feel about me?" is "What will my future lover look like?" Probably because most of its later development occurred in Western Europe, traditional (that is, non-inclusive) tarot is notoriously poor at identifying … Continue reading Tarot and Physical Appearance: “The Packaging vs. the Content”
Grazing the Group-Chat Channels
AUTHOR'S NOTE: In August I will have been running this blog for seven years and will soon pass 2,100 divination-related posts. I try my best to throw a new twist into each of my daily essays but I catch myself repeating topics when I'm not mining a new metaphysical book that has captured my interest … Continue reading Grazing the Group-Chat Channels
Like Water and Wind
AUTHOR'S NOTE: In my estimation, Edward Fitzgerald's vibrant and evocative translation of The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam is a masterpieces of English mystical poetry. Relative to the subject of this essay, here is one magnificent quatrain: Into this Universe, and Why not knowing,Nor Whence, like Water willy-nilly flowing:And out of it, as Wind along the … Continue reading Like Water and Wind
Parsifal's Wheel Tarot & Astrology 