This will be a split analysis because of the swapping of Strength and Justice that was performed by Arthur Edward Waite for reasons of astrological continuity. The Tarot de Marseille (TdM) that formed the model for later esoteric decks had no occult correspondences, so there was never an issue with the fact that Justice (Trump VIII) … Continue reading Tarot 101, My Way – Major Arcana: Strength (or Justice) and The Hermit
Esoteric Tarot
Tarot 101, My Way – Major Arcana: The Lovers and The Chariot
The Lovers and the Chariot together signal a departure or a new phase, an opportunity leading to decisive movement that brings optimistic tidings. The Lovers is one of the most misrepresented trump cards in modern tarot art, with many artists seeing only "ecstatic love" in it, a kind of "soul-mate connection" (or is that "twin flame" these days?). But the … Continue reading Tarot 101, My Way – Major Arcana: The Lovers and The Chariot
Kubla Khan and the Major Arcana
I've been having a lot of fun lately trying to marry popular song titles and lyrics to the images of the tarot by creating metaphorical links between them. I realized this morning that something similar should be do-able with the mystical poetry that forms part of the "Great Works" of traditional literature. I already used the "bloody but … Continue reading Kubla Khan and the Major Arcana
Tarot 101, My Way – Major Arcana: The Emperor and The Hierophant
These cards depict the twin pillars of patriarchal authority, one secular and the other spiritual: the State and the Church. Taken as a pair, there is an undeniable aura of "Father knows best" about them. In less flattering terms, we might say they've "got you coming and going." I once created a simple allegory about … Continue reading Tarot 101, My Way – Major Arcana: The Emperor and The Hierophant
Tarot 101, My Way – Major Acana: The Priestess and The Empress
Stacking these up a bit, but I'm afraid if I sleep on this I'll lose the inspiration. Here we have two dramatically different expressions of the feminine archetype. The Priestess has her head to the sky while the feet of the Empress are firmly rooted in the earth. The Priestess is virginal - even crystalline - … Continue reading Tarot 101, My Way – Major Acana: The Priestess and The Empress
Tarot 101, My Way – Major Arcana: The Fool and The Magician
Now we dive into a card-by-card examination of the Major Arcana, which I'm taking two at a time since they are brief "thumbnail sketches" (supported by links to my previous posts). Since my approach to the tarot is esoteric in the main but with a practical slant, I've decided to begin each sub-section with commentary on the … Continue reading Tarot 101, My Way – Major Arcana: The Fool and The Magician
Who Killed Eric? – A “Whodunit” Reading
On September 19, 2009, the body of 33-year-old Eric Fitting of Fall River, MA was found in the woods off Route 124 in Sharon. NH. His death was ruled a homicide but no charges have ever been filed. https://www.wmur.com/article/new-hampshire-unsolved-case-file-eric-fitting/22617614 Two critical pieces of information are missing from media reports that make it difficult to assess … Continue reading Who Killed Eric? – A “Whodunit” Reading
“Head ‘Em Off At The Pass” – A Decision-Making Spread
Here is a complex. multi-input spread that is intended to be used at the "brainstorming" stage of any important initiative, either personal or professional. It takes its inspiration from the "fishbone" (or "Ishikawa") diagram used in root-cause analysis but instead focuses on developmental insights rather than forensic ones; my working title for the spread was "The Dancing Flounder," but then I … Continue reading “Head ‘Em Off At The Pass” – A Decision-Making Spread
A “Hidden Agenda” Example Reading
This is a test reading for the developmental insight spread I just posted this morning. The scenario addresses our ongoing initiative to sell our current residence; if you've been following this blog you will have seen previous posts on the subject. I used the Tabula Mundi Colores Arcus deck, with reversals. All images © 2015 M.M. Meleen The "index" card … Continue reading A “Hidden Agenda” Example Reading
The “Light and Shadow” RWS Storyboard
This is the third of my "storyboard" examinations of the Minor Arcana cards of the Waite-Smith (aka RWS) tarot. The suit of Swords is unquestionably the least encouraging of the set since any light it emits is muted and often fades into gloom, so the title of this post may be somewhat optimistic. Swords encompass the realm … Continue reading The “Light and Shadow” RWS Storyboard
Parsifal's Wheel Tarot & Astrology 