AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yesterday I was visiting a friend who has limited knowledge of tarot but considerable curiosity, and I was explaining a theory that I believe summarizes one of the fundamental ways in which tarot-reading "works." I had offered to do free readings for him and his wife, and he expressed anxiety that he might … Continue reading “A Little Magic”
Tarot Techniques
Decanic Intervals: A Unique Approach to Tarot Timing
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The Golden Dawn's system of tarot timing relies on the zodiacal position of 68 of the cards within the "Chaldean" array of twelve astrological signs. In this essay I'm going to challenge the conventions that have been established for its use. The series of 36 minor cards begins in Aries on or about … Continue reading Decanic Intervals: A Unique Approach to Tarot Timing
“It Don’t Come Easy” – The Friction of Reversal*
*With apologies to Ringo Starr for borrowing his song title. AUTHOR'S NOTE: While discussing the implications of reversal in Tarot Master-Class, Paul Fenton-Smith noted that the reversed Death card can express unwillingness to endure the metamorphosis that its upright orientation portends. He then added "You need to trust that sometimes life has a greater awareness … Continue reading “It Don’t Come Easy” – The Friction of Reversal*
A Comprehensive Wellness Assessment Spread
AUTHOR'S NOTE: It is generally accepted in professional tarot circles that the cards should not be consulted for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes related to matters of health and wellness. However, in keeping with my belief that divination can be used to address any question as long as it is phrased with sufficient care, I see … Continue reading A Comprehensive Wellness Assessment Spread
Seeing and Saying: Transparency in Tarot Reading
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I believe I'm speaking for the divination community as a whole when I say that the more experienced we become with our method of choice, the more often it seems that everything clicks and we can do no wrong in our insightful observations. Other times nothing that passes our lips comes out as … Continue reading Seeing and Saying: Transparency in Tarot Reading
Tarot Reading from Top to Bottom
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I tend to be thorough in my approach to divination, so when reading the cards "on the clock" in a professional setting I often have insufficient time to address more than the high points of the scenario and answer a few parting questions. This is the "tip of the iceberg" effect that disappears … Continue reading Tarot Reading from Top to Bottom
Reversal as “Standing Pat”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: In Tarot Master-Class, Paul Fenton-Smith suggests that reversal of a card can mean "it is wise to remain where you are, despite the tempting opportunities awaiting you." If scrambling is necessary to dodge adversity, he advises returning to the upright guidance of the previous card in the series, which offers a "comfort zone" … Continue reading Reversal as “Standing Pat”
“Playing It Safe” or “Coloring Outside the Lines:” A Tarot Reader’s Sketchbook
AUTHOR'S NOTE: When I was a kid, one of the earliest self-discipline challenges I faced was learning how to "color inside the lines" with my crayons and coloring-books. I eventually became a trained artist possessing the talent to draw my own outlines within which to paint, and I now see parallels in the narrative art … Continue reading “Playing It Safe” or “Coloring Outside the Lines:” A Tarot Reader’s Sketchbook
An “Upside/Downside” Situational Reading
"I've got a feeling, and I know I'm rightThat tomorrow will bring the darkest night.I've been around too long,I've got to get away."- from I've Been Around Too Long by Marmalade AUTHOR'S NOTE: Here is an example reading to test the spread I posted yesterday. I inquired about a situation that has been vexing me … Continue reading An “Upside/Downside” Situational Reading
The “Upside/Downside” Situational Roadmap: A Cartomantic Spread
AUTHOR'S NOTE: In the cinematic cartography of the buccaneers favored by Hollywood, treasure maps invariably displayed an "X" where the prize could be found (i.e. "X marks the spot"). On a different arc, there have been many tarot spreads that use the "best case/worst case scenario" to indicate how a situation can be expected to … Continue reading The “Upside/Downside” Situational Roadmap: A Cartomantic Spread
Parsifal's Wheel Tarot & Astrology 