As I continued to look for subtle patterns in the multi-faceted relationship between the cards of the Minor Arcana, I began thinking about the flow of elemental energy on the qabalistic Tree of Life. In the most commonly applied model, that flow follows the top-to-bottom Path of the Lightning Flash or Flaming Sword, with the … Continue reading Involution vs. Evolution
Learning
A “Twist of Fate” Example Reading
Here is an example of how to read the "Twist of Fate" spread I posted last night. I used my favorite "take-no-prisoners," socio-psychological mudslinging deck, Brian Williams' Post-Modern, or "PoMo," Tarot. Note that, although Williams considered his suit of "TVs" to represent Fire and "Guns" to reflect Air, I believe that TVs are better as … Continue reading A “Twist of Fate” Example Reading
Keywords: Guilty As Charged
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
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
Thoth As Universal Solvent
I'm feeling a bit mystical this morning and got thinking that, with enough dedicated study and contemplation, Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot is well-positioned to be "all things to all people" in the world of tarot divination. It has one foot in the New Age (and often strides nimbly past that metaphysical sink-hole, which is why … Continue reading Thoth As Universal Solvent
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
Roll the Credits
If you have been following my spread development arc, you will have noticed that I frequently make use of two graphic wheels showing the attribution of the 78 cards of the tarot to the system of astrological correspondences formulated by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The foundation of this system is the arrangement … Continue reading Roll the Credits
Lenormand Ramblings
I realized yesterday that I've been remiss in not venturing into anything other than tarot lately, so this will bring me up to date at least on the subject of Lenormand cartomancy. I'm writing mainly for those tarot enthusiasts who have yet to explore its alternate reality but are intrigued by a new challenge. A … Continue reading Lenormand Ramblings
Parsifal's Wheel Tarot & Astrology 