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 Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 2:38 pm
This thread I brought over from my post in another guildLilaMalvae Since there's no magic topic, I have to post this in the general forum... Feel free to expand on this topic as you see fit. I am by no means an expert in this field, at most I am a novice, but I know a lot of the principals behind it. Divining is the craft of predicting the future as some might put it, but that really isn't very accurate. Divination is, more accurately, looking at all of the possibilities of a situation. In other words, you can divine in order to see the aspects of a situation to which you may or may not be aware. Divination exists outside of time, because any result can relate to an event in the past, present, or future. Divining is the art of getting an answer to your questions, in other words. Often times, when divining, you get more questions than answers, yet still, it shows you the things you aren't aware of. If you find yourself confused while divining, then it is possible that you aren't looking at something at the right angle. The best thing to do is to record (write down) all of your results, leave them alone, and come back to them at a later time if you are really stumped. This is what Edgar Cayce did (google it, I don't have time to explain). There are varied crafts of divining, as you might imagine. The most commonly known type of divination is with tarot cards. Divining by use of cards is known as cartomancy. Since this guild uses Wikipedia as an accurate source (in most cases, is very true), I will follow by that example: Wikipedia The Tarot is a set of 78 cards with allegorical (metaphorical, symbolic) representations today used for divination, that first appeared in Medieval times. A typical Tarot deck consists of: * The major arcana, consisting of 21 trump cards and the Fool card; * The minor arcana consisting of 56 cards: o Ten cards numbered from Ace to 10 in four different suits; traditionally batons (wands, staves), cups, swords and coins (pentacles) (40 cards in total); and o Four court cards, page, knight, queen and king in the same four suits (4 per suit, thus 16 court cards in total). I have seen decks that substitute page for princess and knight for prince. Wikipedia The four court cards (or face cards) of the tarot deck traditionally consist of the King, the Queen, the Knight and the Page (or Knave). In bridge/poker decks, the court cards typically consist of the King, the Queen and the Jack. The Jack corresponds to the tarot deck's Page. Wikipedia Esoteric views on the history of tarot Since 1781, when Antoine Court de Gebelin published his "Le Monde Primatif", in which he claimed Tarot cards held the "secrets of the Egyptians", without producing any evidence to sustain his claims, Tarot cards have been written about by many esoterians who have advanced alternative views on the history of Tarot cards. From this mystical vantage-point, the origin and history of the Tarot is unclear and often idealized. Many Hermetic traditions, such as the Order of the Golden Dawn, which have made claims that the Tarot system was derived from ancient mystery religions as a visually encoded framework of the archetypal concepts seminal to the journey of enlightenment, have blossomed after the freemasonic writer (Court de Gebelin) published his text about the Tarot, in which he incorporated some writing of the Comte de Mellet, in the year 1781. Naturally the playing card research conditions of the year 1781 were by far not comparable to the much better research situation of today, Gebelin's errors and partly wild speculations, which proved nonetheless as of some importance for the development of Western Esotericism, had been natural in his time cause of missing information. A good and informative timeline of the development short before and after Gebelin is given by the book author Mary Greer. The Hermetics were quick to point out that in a qabalistic analysis, Tarot is equivalent to Rota (Wheel) or Tora (Law) indicating they were a representation of the 'Wheel of the Law'. (Note that this theory, which tries to explain the name "Tarot" loses its value, when one considers that "Tarot" is only the French variant on the original Italian name "tarocchi") In less obtuse terms, the Tarot would then be a series of metaphysical 'facts' after the manner of the Zen Ox Paintings. From the first to the last of the Major Arcana ( "Big Secrets" ) they are arranged as a series of lessons, or a parable of the passage of the soul. From the "Fool" 0, the tabula rasa, naive and artless child-mind, a quest is laid out which is meant for the spiritual edification of the student. A number of scholars of the western Hermetic or Magical traditions have made such claims of the Tarot having ancient roots and lessons. Look to the works of Robert Fludd or Albertus Magnus for deeper inspections. Another school of thought believes that the Roma people, travelling through many cultures, picked up this pictorial wisdom, and being inventive by nature, created a form of divination (and perhaps of card games) from it. The idea is that they understood and kept the knowledge of the mystery-lessons of the picture-cards in private, while in public they used the cards for profit through divination and card games. That's a lot to take in, even for me... okay, so moving on to the application of tarot. Beginner's guide to use: The idea is that you ask the deck a question, and in return, the cards you pull from the deck will show you the answer. Keep a notebook handy, because your observations will help you "attune" yourself to your tarot deck. Tarot is supposed to be very private and personal, so decks given to you by a special person are better than purchased ones, but this is impractical so if you buy one, make sure it is a deck that is pleasing to you. A commercial deck is ideal for the beginner, but once you become aware of how it works, you can make your own deck with blank cards or purchase antique decks. A deck that is very special to you is better than a commercial one simply because it increases it's efficiancy (it is dear to you, rather than just a worthless object). Many practitioners do not allow others to touch their tarot cards nor lend them out. Some claim that it "contaminates" the deck's aura and must be reattuned. This doesn't seem all that inaccurate. Most commercial decks will have a tarot guide that comes with them. But if yours doesn't, there are many books on tarot available at any Barnes & Noble or Borders. If you don't have a guide with your deck, then find a guide that explains a commonly used or generally-accepted deck, such as the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, Tarot of Marseille deck, or the Thothian Tarot deck. These guides will explain what the cards mean, what the numbers correllate to (all of the cards have numbers), and what the symbolism on the card means (each card is different, each deck is different, so the symbolism is bound to differ from deck to deck, and no two cards are the same). In the Thoth deck there are three Magicians, I believe, but this is simply for prefference, there is no use for having three of them in the same deck. The guides will also have different layouts or spreads towards the back of the book, usually. When divining, you will always use a spread, even if you are only doing the one-card draw style. The most commonly used layouts are the Celtic Cross spread, the Five Card spread, and the Romany Draw also known as the Three Card spread or the past/present/future layout. I appologize for the image below but I looked everywhere for a picture and couldn't find one so I did it myself. Horrible job but it gets the idea across. They are numbered according to the order in which they are traditionally drawn. There are variations, but for sanity's sake I included the ones I'm familiar with.  I'm pretty much done for now. I will post later, and you all are welcome to add to any of this. sweatdrop Wow, it took me an hour and a half to get all of this stuff done. Anyway, here are some links. Sorry if the url is broken. I tried. Wikipedia's Tarot article.Aeclectic Tarot
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Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:59 am
When I learned basic tarrot cards I first learned the 10-card spread. It's like the Celtic Cross spread, except the card#4 and 6 switch. Each card is also supposed to mean something in where it's placed.
Place1-The Diviner's present postion
Place2-What lies ahead
Place3-Ultimate goal or destiny
Place4-Distant past
Place5-Recent past
Place6-Near future
Place7-The questioner's present mood or position
Place8-What's around you
Place9-Inner Emotions
Place10-Final result(summary of all the previous cards in the reading)
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Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 11:32 am
I was just wondering. Has anyone here ever tried creating your own spreads instead of searching through some book or website? I find it to be really helpful when you know what the spread is designed for and/or what it's meant to say.
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Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:29 pm
Kariston I was just wondering. Has anyone here ever tried creating your own spreads instead of searching through some book or website? I find it to be really helpful when you know what the spread is designed for and/or what it's meant to say.
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Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 2:09 pm
I mean, when you design your own spread, you created it for a specific purpose. And even though "so and so" book may say this is what ____ spread is for it may have originally been for something and been warped through over use and misuse.
That is why I find that creating my own spreads is the best way to go, although it makes it rather hard to share results honestly. sweatdrop
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Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 3:00 pm
I have no idea what you're talking about. The examples I gave don't rely solely upon one source. They're the most commonly used spreads, so it's pretty easy to tell if some source is saying that it is something it isn't.
You can make your own spreads up, too, but I wouldn't do it just because I don't want to rely upon one shady source. If I were to do it I would invent new spreads because I would need a spread designed for a specific purpose, and I haven't been able to find the right one in a book, etc.
Besides, Aeclectic Tarot is a great source. It contains almost everything to be known about tarot, from when it first started showing up in the history books to recent applications. It's a great forum for tarot users of all ages and levels of mastery.
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Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 4:54 pm
LilMalvae If I were to do it I would invent new spreads because I would need a spread designed for a specific purpose This is what I meant. I'm sorry if I wasn't very clear, and I agree that Aeclectic is an excellent source of information for just about anything on tarot. Just out of curiousity, how long have you been practicing? Edit: If I remember right they even have some tarot games.
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Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 3:17 pm
Let me see... I bought my first book in the sixth grade, I think, so... 7 years almost?
Edit: first book= first metaphysics book, not the very first book I bought. I thought that was a little odd after I posted. heh
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Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 6:24 pm
3nodding That's a pretty early age to get into metaphysics... cool
As far as Tarot goes it's a long time to practice. ^_^
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Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 10:47 am
Yes, yes it does.
I'm a little mature for my age. Its the only real reason my boyfriend can justify dating me since I am 8 years younger than he is.
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Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 4:28 am
well, im not good at tarot at all. i cant shuffle so i just spread all the cards on the flor and scrable them up a bit. then i close my eyes and pick the ones that feel right. its probably not the best thing to do but it works for a non-shuffler like me
and to lilamalvae
wow, 8 years eek and my dad is making a fuss that im 2 years older than my boyfriend
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Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 11:25 am
hahaha. It's not a problem, really. I got addicted to the internet when I was 13 and all my online friends were either seniors in high school, really mature for their ages, or in college... so I'm more mature than an average 19 year old. It's kinda hard though because that means they think I'm a know-it-all and can't have fun so I don't get invited to stuff...
Back on topic....
I have an idea.
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Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 11:51 am
0-card, The Fool in the Major Arcana. Description: Usually a young boy with a pack slung over his shoulder, looking out at the vast expanse. A dog nips at his ankles, warning him that he's about to fall off the ledge, but the Fool doesn't seem to notice. It's almost as if in his dream-like state of mind that he is overconfidant that angels are waiting to uplift him from the dangerous precipice. Conversely, is "The Fool" after all a fool at all? Is he marching off the cliff unawares or is he making a leap of faith? Symbolism: The over-eager student. The Hero or Heroine. The candor of a young "man" out on a high adventure, unknowing and uncaring of what dangers might await him. The spirit of adventure, mysteries, and the confusions that accompany it. It may also symbolize a fresh beginning, untainted by past experience. It may also represent a warning that a new burst of confidence should not dispel one's reason and logical-thinking. Or it could mean that you shouldn't doubt yourself, to have faith in yourself in spite of reason. (You could do the latter as the reverse-card interpretation) History: The Fool is always either unnumbered, or otherwise noted as the 0-card, or reversely, the 22nd card. In the game, it is almost always completely apart from the other trumps, sometimes giving the one who played it momentary exemption from the rules of the game. Alternate Symbolism: One would find the fool as being the following characters in their appropriate stories: Cinderella, Psyche, Cordelia (from King Lear), Hamlet before he decides to embrace his destiny, Wendy (from Peter Pan), David (as in David and Goliath), Loki, Odin, young Arthur before he pulls the sword from the stone, and Taliesin. The Fool can also be seen as Joan of Arc, Pocahantus (sp?), Columbus, Ghandi, Napoleon, some aspects of Adolf Hitler, Mihail Gorbachev, and Siddarta Gautama (sp?). And not to offend anybody but Jesus could also be interpreted as an individual represented by this card... One can see that The Fool is the individual who tries to succeed when others have come to the test and have failed. He may be warning you that a change is coming, and asks if your image of yourself or situation are obscured by your own thoughts. He signifies that in order to obtain your goal, you must lose all unnecessary chains that bind you, that you must come to an understanding about yourself. If you have anything to add about The Fool card, please do so, your interpretations are very welcome and encouraged. Thanks to Wikipedia once again: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fool_(Zero)
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Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 12:22 pm
The 1-card in the Major Arcana, The Magician. Description: Usually a young man clad in robes, having bright eyes and a confidant visage. He has the infinity symbol above his head (whether it be a floating, horizontal 8 symbol or a hat-brim made to look like it. He usually holds a wand, baton, spear, or "club" in his up-raised hand. His other hand is either at his side or pointing to the ground. Before him is a table that holds the symbols of the natural world and also the symbols of the minor arcana suits: (Earth) coins, couldron, discs, or pentacles; (Air) knives or swords; (Water) and the cup or chalice. The wand, of course, represents fire. There are usually plants growing up at his feet, whether it be grass or roses and lilies. He usually also has a rope-belt or the ouroborous (serpent eating its own tail) around his waist. Symbolism: The young mage represents an edict from "heaven" to be recieved by the earth below. He represents communication and the powers of spirit. He obviously represents the magic-user, the practitioner, the Adept. He represents Eternity, the act of creation, the infinite. He transcends duality, having learned the secrets of the universe. The Magician goes out to explore the world and learn its secrets in order to master it, mold it, or control it. He is dynamic curiosity and wisdom. He is represented by Hermes (especially Hermes Trismagratis, Hermes Thrice-Great). He guides The Fool out of darkness and confusion and into the light of conciousness and awareness, just like Hermes guides Persephone out of the Underworld every year. The Magician is also represented by Thoth, the Egyptian god of writing, knowledge, magic, and so on. Buddha, the ressurrected Jesus, Apollo, Dagda, Ariel (from the actual fairy tale when she transcends into an air-spirit), Aleister Crowley (icky), Rasputin, St. Thomas of Aquitaine & Elenor of Aquitaine, King Solomon, Gabriel (representing divine edicts), Lucifer (before the fall and after the fall if you use the decent from grace interpretation, but he does not represent the creation part), Isis, Ra, Odin. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Magician_(Tarot_card)
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Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 12:29 pm
Space reserved for 3-card, The High Priestess Description: According to the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, The High Priestess appears to be sitting between two pillars, donning silvery-blue robes with a diadem crowning her head. She holds the Tara in her hand, partially concealed by her robes. In the background, there is a tapestry containing palms and pomegranates. She has a large silver cross on her chest and the crescent moon at her feet. The pillars beside her are black and white and contain the letters B and J, respectively. Symbolism: The Popess, or High Priestess is much like the Magician, but whereas the Magician represents the dynamism and masculinity of the sun, this card represents the fluidity of the lunar cycle, spiritual truth, and the neutrality of religion (because she stands between the black and the white). This card represents borrowed light. How the moon borrows light from the sun, so does the Priestess borrow spiritual light. It also seems as if her robes transform into a flowing rivulet, perhaps signifying that she passes on her spiritual wisdom, but not like the blazing light on the mountaintops. When she speeks, it is more discreet and stoic... she is more strict than The Magician. She is tied to the cards Justice (11) and Judgement (20) through the sums of their digits. In this case, she informs that judgment must be levied with mercy in order to be called Justice. This card makes you question the messages hidden in your subconcious. If this card appears, think upon how you view the world and the dualities you place upon them. This card is tied also to the Empress, because in the Rider-Waite deck, the motif displayed behind the Priestess is the same one that is on the Empress' dress. She is linked to Persephone in myth because of the pomegranates located on this motif. She is represented by primarily Artemis, King Arthur, Athena, Margaret Thatcher, Mother Theresa, Freya, Isis and Hathor, Pope John Paul II. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_High_Priestess
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