In 1967, Donovan Leitch recorded a song titled "There Is A Mountain" that reflects at least obliquely on the philosophical detours (and occasional dead-ends) we encounter when attempting to abstract the objective nature of reality to suit our personal belief system. It features the refrain "First there is a mountain, then there is no mountain, … Continue reading The Mountain
Tarot
Who Killed Stacey? – A “Whodunit” Rogue’s Gallery Reading
On Mother's Day in 2009, 41-year-old Stacey Burns of Wolfboro, NH was found stabbed to death in her bed; nobody has ever been charged with the crime, although the investigation is still active. I have a special tarot spread for these circumstances, the "Whodunit Rogue's Gallery Spread," and decided to put this case through it … Continue reading Who Killed Stacey? – A “Whodunit” Rogue’s Gallery Reading
Straight, No Chaser: A Project-Management Reading
The old-time whisky drinkers in the crowd will get the hint in my title: taking things "straight" in this situation could be a harsh dram to swallow. We have a landscaping project pending at our new home that was stalled last year because of the early onset of winter. Although our grounds are now dry … Continue reading Straight, No Chaser: A Project-Management Reading
What Happened to Adam? – A Missing Person Reading
UPDATE: Adam Camarato was found deceased on the shore of Great Bay in Newington, NH after a three-week search. There was no further information about the cause of death, other than he seemed to be "slightly intoxicated" in surveillance videos the night of his disappearance. No toxicology results had been published as of October 3, … Continue reading What Happened to Adam? – A Missing Person Reading
Elementary, Really
I recently did a Celtic Cross reading that strongly emphasized the importance of elemental qualities in tarot interpretation. I realize that many people don't appreciate or apply esoteric correspondences in their readings, but if there is a single method that should be in every diviner's toolbox, that would be a good grasp of the four … Continue reading Elementary, Really
The Double Jeopardy Rite-of-Passage Spread
Just when it looked like I wasn't going to post today, I've come up with another new spread. We're all familiar with the phrase "you're your own worst enemy," but in this "Age of Empowerment" we don't see it trotted out very often in tarot practice. My impression is that in this particular paradigm it's … Continue reading The Double Jeopardy Rite-of-Passage Spread
“When Your Gravity Fails”
For this post I'm putting a slight twist on the words of Bob Dylan from the song Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues: "When your gravity fails and positivity don't pull you through." Although it seldom happens to me after a long lifetime spent with the tarot, I frequently encounter the lament of novice (and even … Continue reading “When Your Gravity Fails”
Pretzel Logic
I see so many tarot spreads invoking the "What do I need to know/What should I do/What should I avoid doing?" dynamic that I'm beginning to think that, in the eyes of the typical reader, no other paths are worthy of exploration. Certainly such an approach is effective in a utilitarian way, since it's undeniable … Continue reading Pretzel Logic
“Unto the Breach” Problem-Solving Spread
Most personal-problem scenarios reach a point where things "come to a boil;" we have gained some momentum toward resolution but the opposition is entrenched, so a pitched battle ensues (even if the conflict is only within our own psyche). Some kind of "breach" has to be found (or made) in the wall of resistance that … Continue reading “Unto the Breach” Problem-Solving Spread
2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate Roll-up
I've completed all of the readings for the 2020 Democratic Presidential nomination that I intend to do (the rest of the contenders seem too unlikely to bother with), and will now compare the "Grand Quintessence" cards to see who stands out from the pack. Bernie Sanders Grand Quintessence: The Lovers Verdict: He may represent the … Continue reading 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate Roll-up
Parsifal's Wheel Tarot & Astrology 