AUTHOR'S NOTE: I recently read a fascinating passage at the end of Sallie Nichols' discussion of the World card in Tarot and the Archtypal Journey that compares and contrasts the views of reality held by physicist Erwin Schrodinger and psychologist Carl Gustav Jung. Nichols begins by examining the nature of subatomic particles (circa 1980), noting … Continue reading A “Tendency to Exist”
Tarot Techniques
Scattered Elements
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I just came across a radical departure from the typical "Fool's Journey" motif for the Major Arcana that I find intriguing since it relies on the hierarchy of elements shown in the four "magical implements" of the Magician. This led me to a related topic: whether the cards pulled for a spread can … Continue reading Scattered Elements
“Who’s Got the Button?” – Abusing the Privilege
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I was away from the public tarot scene for an extended period near the end of the last century, and when I returned in the middle of the online reading frenzy I was amazed at how many people won't take "No" for an answer even when the Universe is telling them point-blank "I … Continue reading “Who’s Got the Button?” – Abusing the Privilege
Percolating Insights: Reversed Cards in the Celtic Cross Reading
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I recently had occasion to present my view that any reversed card in a spread could be inferred as having a "Hanged-Man moment" in that it requires bringing an inverted perspective to bear on our assessment of the energy involved. Its mode of arrival is redirected along occluded channels that may be subconscious … Continue reading Percolating Insights: Reversed Cards in the Celtic Cross Reading
“Teach It To Talk”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: These four words jumped out at me from Sallie Nichols' text in Tarot and the Archetypal Journey as a perfect summary of how we must engage with the tarot if we're going to get the most out of its metaphysical abstractions. Tarot is a language but it isn't necessarily one with which we're … Continue reading “Teach It To Talk”
The “Roll Your Own” Tarot Scenario
AUTHOR'S NOTE: It is a bone of contention among tarot practitioners whether the "past" positions in timeline spreads add any value to a reading. We already know where we've been, do we really need the cards to legitimize our experience or try to dissuade us of its validity? (However, I do recognize that they can … Continue reading The “Roll Your Own” Tarot Scenario
The Predictive “Coddiwomple”*
*To travel purposely toward an as-yet unknown destination. AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm indebted to my online friend Dianne DeMarco for this bit of whimsy. I can't think of a more accurate (or more peculiar) way to describe the act of diligently pursuing the advice of a tarot reading for the purpose of unlocking its uncertain promise. … Continue reading The Predictive “Coddiwomple”*
The True Power of Prediction (or “How’s the Weather?”)
AUTHOR'S NOTE: (tl;dr*) Tarot prediction is like "metaphysical weather forecasting." It can hint at the trending environment or atmosphere of future circumstances but not tell you the hour-by-hour conditions at the time of arrival. It's up to you to bring the metaphorical sunscreen or umbrella. In a certain segment of the tarot community there is … Continue reading The True Power of Prediction (or “How’s the Weather?”)
“Alternate Outcome” Developmental Timeline Spread
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Here is another mixed-media spread that uses cards and dice. It is intended as a longer-range alternative to the Celtic Cross that offers a similar event timeline and "advice" mode while providing for two alternate "end of the matter" cards. I've been having an online conversation regarding the premise that "now" is the … Continue reading “Alternate Outcome” Developmental Timeline Spread
Keyword Reliance and “Projectile Spin”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: A question was recently asked online about whether it is appropriate to place keywords on the tarot cards as an aid to interpretation. While most of the responses were kind enough to advise "Do what you must to make it work," at least one person felt that this action stifles creative thought by … Continue reading Keyword Reliance and “Projectile Spin”
