There is no way around it, keyword memorization is one of the cornerstones of the tarot student's curriculum. It is a convenient and familiar way to acquire at least a modest vocabulary without having to think too hard about it. Keywords are "training wheels" for the wobbly novice. Most tarot writers are able to fill … Continue reading Keywords: Guilty As Charged
Tarot Opinion
Multiculturalism or Cultural Appropriation?
Yesterday I came across a news article about a young woman who chose a traditional Chinese dress to wear to her high school prom because she appreciated its modesty. She posted a picture on social media and was deluged with howls of protest over such an egregious expression of "cultural appropriation." From where I sit, … Continue reading Multiculturalism or Cultural Appropriation?
Psychoactive Tarot
Every once in a while on the tarot forums, someone asks whether it's helpful (or even wise) to attempt reading the cards while under the influence of psychoactive "substances," whether drugs or alcohol. The thrust of the question usually revolves around the perceived loosening of cognitive strictures that may create a more fluid intuitive climate … Continue reading Psychoactive Tarot
Journals, Good Intentions and the Road to Hell
The aphorism I'm referring to in the title is "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions," to which, in the present context, I would append ". . . and littered with musty old tarot journals." It's a given that modern writers on "how to learn the tarot" will unanimously recommend that new students … Continue reading Journals, Good Intentions and the Road to Hell
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
Gilding the Weed
I'm often amused by the earnest claims of professional diviners who trumpet how "accurate" they are, as if being "right" surpasses being "helpful" in their interaction with their clientele. Since I have yet to see a workable empirical model that everyone can agree on for measuring the accuracy of our readings, much less practice in … Continue reading Gilding the Weed
Symbolic Inclusiveness vs. Singularity of Purpose
Symbolic inclusiveness: The idea that all symbols are interchangeable and can mean anything one wants them to mean; personal perception "in the moment" trumps the accumulated wisdom of the ages, so there is no need to learn the symbolic language of any particular system of thought in order to practice it. Throw enough symbols at … Continue reading Symbolic Inclusiveness vs. Singularity of Purpose
The Twos and the Sword of Damocles
The analogy I'm attempting here may be too much of a stretch even for me, but let's see where it takes us. Damocles was a courtier to King Dionysius II, 4th Century BC ruler of Syracuse. He was the classic "Man Who Would Be King," envious of the tyrant's power and glory. His thinking would … Continue reading The Twos and the Sword of Damocles
Bad Stuff
Shortly after I returned to professional practice a couple of years ago, I had a client who sat down at the table and said briskly "Don't tell me any bad stuff!" I assured her that even the less agreeable insights that may arise in a tarot reading can be worked with creatively and constructively to … Continue reading Bad Stuff
The “Bounce”
I'm delving into a subject here that may be difficult to grasp, so bear with me. Some of you - but not many, I'd wager, given the demographic of the tarot community - know what a "dead-blow" hammer (or mallet) is. It's a striking tool used in applications like metal-working, sculpting, wood-carving, cobbling, jewelry-making and … Continue reading The “Bounce”
Parsifal's Wheel Tarot & Astrology 