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? Divination by Tarot Cards ?
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The Method of the Skyrian Double Crescents
By Vere Chappell, 26 August 1988CE, Skyros, Greece
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The ancient art of divination using Tarot cards has come
down to us from Europe in the Middle Ages. Today there are
hundreds of different types of decks available, and "reading the
cards" has become a widespread leisure pursuit for some and a
lucrative business for many others. Despite its increasing
proliferation as a useful and very powerful tool for creative
insight, self-realization and even psychiatric therapy, several
popular misconceptions about the nature of Tarot divination must
be dispelled before its true benefits can be understood.
First of all, there is nothing supernatural about the cards.
They do not "magically" arrange themselves into meaningful
patterns. The mystical practices and rituals associated with
their use are well-recognized as psychological techniques to
induce creativity and intuitive mental states. All that is
required to read the cards is a knowledge of their symbolism and
the ability to apply it to events in the world.
The most common decks consist of 22 Major Arcana and 56
Minor Arcana divided into 4 suits, from which the modern pack of
playing cards is derived. Each card has a particular meaning
associated with it, based upon principles of mystical tradition
and the allegorical symbolism of its artwork. Designs vary
immensely from deck to deck, but the meanings of the various
cards are remarkably consistent across decks.
The power of the Tarot lies in the nature of its symbolic
imagery. Each card represents a basic human archetype which has
been identified and refined through the ages. Many principles
fundamental to the religious consciousness of mankind are
embodied in its system of correspondences, such as the duality of
female and male (yin and yang) and the four classical elements of
earth, air, fire and water. Its roots extend back to include
influences from astrology, alchemy, magick, numerology, kabbalah
and mythology. Together they form a complete, complex and highly
detailed composite picture of the universal spiritual experience
which is our heritage.
If symbolism is the language of the thinking mind, the Tarot
provides a catalyst for understanding the fundamental means by
which we operate. The way it works is simple: a set of basic
symbols with standard meanings is applied to an individual's
experience. In looking for correlations with the cards, one's
attention is drawn to the ways in which one is in agreement with
them. Thus the Tarot provides a direct line of conscious access
to the unconscious mind by allowing the explicit expression of
feelings and intuition.
This "tapping in" to the unconscious can be beneficial for
determining one's true feelings regarding any matter and acting
upon this knowledge. With its firm foundation in psychological
principle, the Tarot serves as an important resource for
consultation and a valid means of spiritual exploration.
[ 2 ]
Origin of the "Skyrian Double Crescents"
This method was devised on the Aegean island of Skyros, the
childhood home of Achilles and the site of Theseus' death
according to Greek mythology. It draws upon the principles of
astrology, mystical symbolism and folk tradition as well as
modern psychology to provide a comprehensive and flexible system
of divination for today. The "Double Crescents" refer to the
shape of the spread in addition to its allegorical relationship
with the cult of the Moon Goddess. The template is based on the
original crimson Tarot cloth emblazoned in gold with four
serpents entwined around a large cup, which is taken from a
traditional Skyrian embroidery design signifying "self knowledge"
graciously provided by the Faltaits Museum in Skyros Town.
For readings I prefer the "Renaissance" Tarot deck, with its
astrological and mythological correspondences, designed by Brian
Williams and manufactured by A.G.Muller in Switzerland.
General Procedure
Atmosphere is very important. A reading may be done
anywhere, but must be quiet and undisturbed. The only
participants should be the Seeker who is making an inquiry of the
cards and the Reader who assists in their interpretation,
accompanied by none other than most trusted friends. The Tarot
can reveal one's deepest thoughts and feelings to provide
valuable insights, but this process may be inhibited if social
concerns are foremost in the Seeker's mind. In particular, third
parties involved in the subject of an inquiry should not be
present, especially the opposite partner of a potential or actual
love affair.
The Reader of the cards has a great responsibility. The
value of the reading depends upon his or her intuition to
interpret the meanings of individual cards as applicable to the
particular aspects of the inquiry. This requires a calm and
detatched attitude and an open and receptive mind. The Reader
should be unbiased with regard to the subject of the inquiry, and
conscientious enough to decline the reading if he or she is not.
The reading is completely confidential and must never be used in
any way against the Seeker or for the Reader's selfish motives.
Above all, the Reader must always divulge the message of the
cards, however unpleasant or inconceivable it may be. The truth
cannot be sacrificed for its consequences. Allow some time of
meditation before the reading to enter a state of mind conducive
to the divination.
Likewise, the Seeker should be mentally prepared. Take a few
moments before the reading to clear your mind, forget all outside
concerns, and focus on the subject of the inquiry. Maintain
concentration throughout the reading and give adequate thought to
each revelation. At first, the reading may be unclear, but with
patience and persistence the meaning will unfold as the picture
becomes more complete. Cooperate with the Reader and honestly
answer his or her questions. The value of your reading depends a
great deal on how much you put into it.
[ 3 ]
The Skyrian Double Crescents - Method
Two readings may be employed in this method. The first
reading is used to construct a general picture, consulting the
meanings of individual cards relating to different aspects of the
Seeker's life. The second reading focuses the inquiry on a
specific issue of interest or concern in the Seeker's life, such
as "schoolwork" or "love life". If the Seeker has no particular
subject in mind, he or she may select one from prominent
indications in the first reading. Alternately, the first reading
may be skipped altogether if a specific matter is to be
investigated.
The Seeker and Reader should sit facing each other with the
card cloth and Tarot deck between them. After a few moments of
collection, the Reader shuffles the deck a number of times to
"purify" it and then conducts the reading, perhaps with the aid
of various references but preferably directly from memory. The
cards are placed to face the Reader. Silence should be maintained
except to discuss the reading.
First Reading: The Eight Spheres
The Seeker shuffles the deck face-down and chooses eight
cards, which are then placed and read in the following order:
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?2? ?1?
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?4? ?8? ?3?
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?6? ??? ?5?
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Each position represents a context for the meaning of each
particular card, as follows:
1. Sphere of Saturn: Affairs of Work
2. Sphere of Jupiter: Affairs of Home
3. Sphere of Mars: Affairs of Conflict
4. Sphere of Venus: Affairs of Love
5. Sphere of Mercury: Affairs of Others
6. Sphere of Luna: Affairs of Self
7. Sphere of Terra: Affairs of Body
8. Sphere of Sol: Affairs of Mind
After this reading has been given, the Seeker may select one
of the aspects revealed for further elaboration. The card
chosen is then retained in position number 1 (below) as the
"Issue" card in the second reading.
[ 4 ]
Second Reading: The Serpents' Blood
The Seeker must now concentrate on the particular issue of
inquiry. The Seeker then shuffles the deck and selects eight
cards (seven if one has been carried over from the first
reading) to be placed and read in the following order:
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?6? ?7?
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?4? ?8? ?5?
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?2? ??? ?3?
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1. The Issue
2. Where You Are Coming From: Influences from the past
3. Where You Are Going: Influences in the future
4. Influence: External factor possibly hidden or unaware
5. Impact: Effects and consequences on others involved
6. Emotion: Emotional approach to issue (Right Brain)
7. Intellect: Rational approach to issue (Left Brain)
8. The Outcome
It is strongly advised to do only one or two readings during
a given period of inquiry so that full and proper consideration
may be given to the issue at hand. Overindulgence carries the
danger of losing meaning amidst the interference of many
conflicting divinations. For at least several days after the
reading, analyze and recognize its relevance in your everyday
life. Often valuable new insights can be gained in this manner.