The Chrysalis Tarot is an unconventional deck that fascinates me, although I truly can't say why. I've had it for a couple of years, take it out once in a while to admire it . . . and then put it away. Certainly its quiet luminosity strikes a strong sympathetic chord in my artist's heart … Continue reading The Chrysalis Tarot: A Deck Interview
Tarot
Where Is Patrick? – A Missing-Person Spread
This is the kind of "cold-case" situation I've decided to concentrate on. This young New Hampshire college student went missing in 1987, possibly in connection with a drug deal. http://www.wmur.com/article/new-hampshire-unsolved-case-file-disappearance-of-patrick-merrill/19673486. I used my "Train To Nowhere" missing-person spread and the Tarot of Dreams, with reversals. I chose the Page of Swords as the Significator, https://parsifalswheeldivination.wordpress.com/2017/07/31/the-train-to-nowhere-missing-persons-spread/ … Continue reading Where Is Patrick? – A Missing-Person Spread
A Miscellany of Cards
I have quite a few divination decks that I never use for any purpose other than admiring them as works of art. In order to become more familiar with them over time, I decided to perform an exercise here. On a periodic basis, I will randomly choose one of my decks and draw a card … Continue reading A Miscellany of Cards
A “Chaldean Mirror” Example Reading
I decided to test my "Chaldean Mirror" spread with a weekly rather than a daily focus. I found out Monday that I did in fact break a rib last week, so I wanted to explore what the upcoming week looks like for my physical condition. I used the Liber T, Tarot of Stars Eternal for … Continue reading A “Chaldean Mirror” Example Reading
The “Chaldean Mirror” Daily Meditation Spread
Having given up on single-card daily draws years ago as relatively meaningless for most "real-world" purposes, I'm constantly tinkering with more advanced ways to increase the mileage I get from daily, weekly and monthly self-readings. Here is my latest effort. It uses the Golden Dawn's Chaldean wheels of astrological correspondences (developed by and offered free … Continue reading The “Chaldean Mirror” Daily Meditation Spread
The Pangloss Syndrome
Because I try to post something new almost every day, I'm delighted by how often random forum conversations serve up grist for my philosophical mill. Today I was talking to katrinka/fennario (Stella Waldvogel) on one of the cartomancy forums about the book Tarot on Earth by Tom Benjamin, who apparently subscribes to the belief that, … Continue reading The Pangloss Syndrome
The Gold Standard
It's a rare tarot deck that doesn't have a single fan of its charms, even if appreciation is limited to the deck's creator or reserved for a particular purpose (such as esoteric study, self-reflection or divination). Generally, it's the skill of the artist that garners the most interest followed by the accessibility of the symbolism … Continue reading The Gold Standard
Signs, Signs . . .
"Everything is a sign." (Yoav Ben-Dov, The Open Reading) As a life-long student of all things occult (even though I've gained no more than a nodding acquaintance with some of them), I've formed definite opinions about the "inner workings" of divination. In a shamanistic sense, what we're looking for are "signs" that point toward intimations … Continue reading Signs, Signs . . .
A “Tarot and Trauma” Vignette
Early last week while working on a construction project at home, I fell off a 4-foot step-stool while dismounting with tools in my hand when it tipped on the carpet. I landed on my feet and was immediately thrown off-balance (hold that thought, it's significant here), briskly back-pedaling my way into the corner of a … Continue reading A “Tarot and Trauma” Vignette
“What’s Up, Doc?” – A Whole-Health Profile Spread
I knew I'd get around to using Bugs Bunny's signature greeting sooner or later! The accepted wisdom among diviners is that, unless one is properly trained and licensed (not to mention insured) to do so, it is prudent to stay far away from attempting to answer questions about medical diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Sound advice … Continue reading “What’s Up, Doc?” – A Whole-Health Profile Spread