AUTHOR'S NOTE: For the armchair scientists among my followers, my knowledge of quantum mechanics derives from nothing more academic than my reading of the rather quirky Robert Anton Wilson (who was not much of a believer in occult reasoning). Just so you know before you correct me. One of the theories about "how tarot works" … Continue reading The Science of Tarot: Fact or Fantasy?
Tarot Opinion
“Just the Right Words”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Last night I was watching a documentary by and about Scottish comedian, actor and musician Billy Connelly (there are apparently several but this two-part series on Prime was filmed in 2018-19), and he made a point that "resonated" with me (not an expression I like much but it seems to be in vogue … Continue reading “Just the Right Words”
Tarot Journaling: Why Bother? (With a Little “Blarrrrgh!” on the Side)
First a bit of personal drama. Pseudo-John Cleese intones gravely: "Tonight on 'Too Much Information,' we explore the frontiers of stomach flu." In the wee hours I woke up with a mild fever that went downhill to the point that I began to feel that glottal "Barfish" (not "Bar-fish," you're thinking of Douglas Adams' "Babel-Fish;" … Continue reading Tarot Journaling: Why Bother? (With a Little “Blarrrrgh!” on the Side)
The Power of “Past Prediction” in Tarot Reading
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The simple "past-present-future" predictive reading is such an integral part of the tarot practitioner's toolbox that we usually perform it without thinking too much about exactly what we're doing. In practical terms, examining events and circumstances that have already transpired and can no longer be affected by our active intervention would seem to … Continue reading The Power of “Past Prediction” in Tarot Reading
A Tarot Triptych: Catalysts, Linked Patterns and Sensitive Junctures
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Although I haven't considered it for quite some time because the opportunity for self-improvement is a foregone conclusion among experienced diviners, I was recently reminded by Benebell Wen in Holistic Tarot that tarot cards can serve as catalysts or motivators for seekers to act on their own behalf in ways suggested by the … Continue reading A Tarot Triptych: Catalysts, Linked Patterns and Sensitive Junctures
Anticipatory Forecasting: “Escape from New Tarot”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Despite the title, I promise I won't invoke the cinematic spirit of Kurt Russell in this essay; Carl Gustav Young will have to do. I've just begun reading Benebell Wen's Holistic Tarot, and the introductory chapter brought me back to the topic of "first principles" in my practice of divination. Some of this … Continue reading Anticipatory Forecasting: “Escape from New Tarot”
The Problem with Tarot Books
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I appreciate well-written tarot books of all kinds. They keep me sharp and constantly thinking about the state of the diviner's art. But I'm a seasoned card-reader with five decades of tarot prediction under my belt, and I've sifted through reams of BS in the published literature since 1972 so I'm not likely … Continue reading The Problem with Tarot Books
A Tarot Take on “Strictures Against Judgement”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: What follows is an odd-ball idea that applies the poker-player's caveat about "knowing when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em." There are times when it's clear that a reading is going nowhere, but we still feel obligated to make the most of it. If that realization occurs with the very first … Continue reading A Tarot Take on “Strictures Against Judgement”
Occult Tarot Fundamentals: Justice vs. Judgement
AUTHOR'S NOTE: There is endless confusion among new tarot readers about the difference between the Justice and Judgement cards because both seem to be about the same thing. Here I will attempt to sort this out since it all comes down to the intent of the esoteric symbolism. One of my forum-mates on Aeclectic Tarot … Continue reading Occult Tarot Fundamentals: Justice vs. Judgement
“Oi Flings ‘Er!” – Yet Another Critique of Jumpers
AUTHOR'S NOTE: In the Monty Python sketch Interesting People, in which Michael Palin as the master-of ceremonies interviews a stream of curious characters, Graham Chapman arrives carrying a live cat. Palin asks Chapman what the cat does that is interesting. Chapman replies "She flies across the stage and lands it that bucket" (conveniently placed at … Continue reading “Oi Flings ‘Er!” – Yet Another Critique of Jumpers
Parsifal's Wheel Tarot & Astrology 