AUTHOR'S NOTE: When I joined Aeclectic Tarot in 2011 I met two traditional "seven-planet" astrologers whose opinions greatly affected my thinking on psychological profiling with the natal horoscope (and, by extension, with the tarot cards). I had been a "New-Age" psychological astrologer since 1972 but quickly realized that the "complexions" (aka qualitative humours or temperaments) … Continue reading Complexion vs. Character Mapping in Tarot and Astrology
Tarot Reading and the “Inner Wits”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: My study of Medieval metaphysics has brought me into contact with the concept of the "ten wits" of the sentient but non-rational "Sensitive Soul." Five of them - Shakespeare's "Senses" - are outwardly focused and the other five - his "Wits" - are entirely inward in orientation. The "outer wits" are the familiar … Continue reading Tarot Reading and the “Inner Wits”
The “Pendulum of Progress” Situational Development Spread
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The directional orientation of the figures on the cards is an underutilized factor in tarot reading that is most often taught in traditional courses of study. I've made a few attempts in the past to bring this technique into my own practice, and now I'm at it again. This orientation can be depicted … Continue reading The “Pendulum of Progress” Situational Development Spread
Crunch Time for Source Material
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Any writer who attempts to post a blog essay every day (which I've now done for 290 consecutive days) has to walk a fine line between imparting useful knowledge and entertaining readers enough to keep them coming back. It's more important for those who are trying to earn money from their online publishing … Continue reading Crunch Time for Source Material
Bringing Home the Bacon!
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I just discovered a quote by an unnamed "Bacon" (it's unclear whether the writer meant Roger or Francis, but my money would be on the latter, who was a consummate linguist) that speaks loudly to my long-held opinion that the scenic (and often "folkloric") minor cards of the Waite-Smith tarot do no justice … Continue reading Bringing Home the Bacon!
Waking Hours: A Daily Draw in Three Acts
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I like working with "prepared" decks that let me create discrete layers of significance in a single reading. This typically involves splitting the deck into trump, court and minor-card sub-packs and dealing them separately. I'm also not a fan of the vague, single-card daily draw: "Today it's going to be wall-to-wall 10 of … Continue reading Waking Hours: A Daily Draw in Three Acts
“Spirits of Another Sort”
"But we are spirits of another sort." - Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream AUTHOR'S NOTE: The modern fascination with "noble spirits" willing to ally with humans in our quest for self-awareness seems to owe a good deal to Shakespeare's fanciful treatment of the subject, disregarding the uncharitable attitude often attributed to "faery-folk" who have … Continue reading “Spirits of Another Sort”
Full-Moon Finale: The “Cold” Moon
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Although I prefer to do a New Moon reading each month, the Full Moon on December 15th of this year is special. Not only is it the last Full Moon of the year, it is reaching its northernmost declination (distance from the equator), achieving a "major lunar standstill" in the sky after which … Continue reading Full-Moon Finale: The “Cold” Moon
“You Have No Power Over Me” – Benefic and Malefic Tarot Cards
AUTHOR'S NOTE: My title comes from the final exchange between Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) and the Goblin King (David Bowie) in the fantasy movie The Labyrinth, in which she informs him that she is no longer susceptible to his wiles. But the inspiration for what follows comes from The Discarded Image by C.S. Lewis (who knew … Continue reading “You Have No Power Over Me” – Benefic and Malefic Tarot Cards
Under the Moon
AUTHOR'S NOTE: As a "lunar" person born on a Full Moon I've always felt its pull, and this month is no exception. Although I was inspired in beginning this essay by my reading of Medieval cultural history, as I was writing it I was at least subconsciously aware that the Moon will be full tomorrow. … Continue reading Under the Moon
Parsifal's Wheel Tarot & Astrology 