This is the last of my "Invoking Pentagram" spreads. It begins with an emotional urge to clarify one's thinking on a subject of interest (Water); crystallizes that impulse into workable ideas (Air); acts creatively on those thought-forms (Fire); addresses the ethical and moral implications of such actions (Spirit); and experiences the practical outfall of the … Continue reading The Pentagram of Air Spread
Experimental Methods
The Pentagram of Water Spread
The third iteration in my series of "Invoking Pentagram" spreads is focused on interpersonal relationships of all kinds: building, maintaining and repairing them. It begins with the "ideal" of harmonious communion (the Air position), moves toward emotional fulfillment (Water), and plays out in pragmatic (Earth), moral (Spirit) and self-actualizing ways (Fire). It is intended to … Continue reading The Pentagram of Water Spread
The Pentagram of Fire Spread
Here is the second product of my exploration of the Golden Dawn's Invoking Pentagrams as a source of insight from an elemental perspective. The goal of this one is to examine the developmental potential arising from one's enterprise and initiative, whether in starting a business, finding a new job or embarking on any creative endeavor. … Continue reading The Pentagram of Fire Spread
Elemental Pentagram Spreads
The 5-card Pentagram Spread is a time-honored layout that is almost as prevalent as the line spread. But I have always felt that something is lacking in its construction, principally in the sequencing of the cards as commonly practiced. Many readers start with Card #1 at the upper point of the diagram, others work from … Continue reading Elemental Pentagram Spreads
More Thoth Musings
Since there is some interest in my view of the Thoth as an alkahest, or "universal solvent" in the world of tarot divination, I thought I would strike while the iron is hot. The best place to chase down this notion is with Frieda Harris's wonderfully evocative Minor Arcana (aka "pip") cards, and one of … Continue reading More Thoth Musings
Thoth As Universal Solvent
I'm feeling a bit mystical this morning and got thinking that, with enough dedicated study and contemplation, Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot is well-positioned to be "all things to all people" in the world of tarot divination. It has one foot in the New Age (and often strides nimbly past that metaphysical sink-hole, which is why … Continue reading Thoth As Universal Solvent
Another Missing Tyler
Sixteen-year-old Tyler Christensen went missing from the Edmonds, Washington area on April 19, 2016 and hasn't been heard from in over two years. I decided to subject this cold case to my "Train to Nowhere" missing-person spread. I used the Thoth deck and chose the Princess/Page/ Knave of Wands as Significator based on his youth … Continue reading Another Missing Tyler
The Funnel, the Hourglass and the Megaphone
As a visual artist of the graphic persuasion, I'm constantly looking for patterns in card layouts. The Lenormand Grand Tableau is particularly ripe for this pursuit. I've already posted about "ripples on the pond" (concentric circles of cards surrounding the various topic cards that overlap, either reinforcing or cancelling one another); "knighting arrays" (block patterns … Continue reading The Funnel, the Hourglass and the Megaphone
An Astro-Tarot Mood Index
I'm always looking for new ways to blend the Golden Dawn's astrological correspondences with practical tarot applications. Here is my latest effort. The idea behind it is to use the "natural" (Aries-rising) zodiac and the current "sky-map" for the five "personal" planets (Sun through Mars*) to create a template on which to cast a number … Continue reading An Astro-Tarot Mood Index
Where Is Tyler? – A Missing Person Reading
UPDATE: The missing sailor was found unharmed in another State. As I expected, this comes from the news agencies: "No other details about Tyler's circumstances were released." A young sailor has gone missing from Groton, CT after having left home on his Honda motorcycle last Tuesday. http://www.wmur.com/article/silver-alert-issued-for-missing-new-england-navy-sailor/19860623 Although I haven't been getting much satisfaction out … Continue reading Where Is Tyler? – A Missing Person Reading
