Divination Drive

Seven of Cups

2011-02-11T08:43:00.000-05:00

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by Arthur Edward Waite (1911)

Strange chalices of vision, but the images are more especially those of the fantastic spirit.

Upright: Fairy favours, images of reflection, sentiment, imagination, things seen in the glass of contemplation; some attainment in these degrees, but nothing permanent or substantial is suggested.

Reversed: Desire, will, determination, project.

Leisa ReFalo says that "The cups contain strange objects. The represent among other things, the 7 planetary trumps and the 7 deadly sins"

Head: Venus - Empress
Ghost: Moon - High Priestess
Snake: Mercury - The Magician
Castle: Mars - The Tower
Jewels: Jupiter - Wheel of Fortune
Wreath: Saturn - The World
Dragon: Sun - The Sun

My question. Why is there a skull on the cup that contains the laurel wreath? There is no victory over death? Saturn, as Father Time, is the true ruler of the world?

Waite was, among other things, a Christian mystic. Is this addition to the cup his?

But whether it was Waite or PCS - what does it mean?

Wikipedia offers this idea:

"The cups seem to offer:

    * A snake - may represent animal passion and desire. Alternatively, some consider the snake to represent powerful transformative knowledge. The snake around The Magician's waist may offer insight into Waite's intention with this inclusion herein.

    * A treasure horde - probably represents wealth and abundance.

    * A human head - may represent a potential companion to the seeker (love).

    * A castle or tower - may represent power and stability, or one's native land. (contrast with The Tower)

    * A laurel wreath - most likely represents victory, honor and status. Note the skull-like shadow on the cup itself, which may point to the great dangers of vanity and pride (a deadly sin).

    * A dragon - in keeping with the Christian imagery of the deck, it is more likely a symbol of evil, anger and envy, calamity. Today, dragons are mostly associated with fantasy, the supernatural, magic.

    * A shrouded, glowing figurine - may represent the burning need for the conjurer's self-illumination."

I like the idea of the skull as a warning against vanity and pride. The Victor can become the Vanquished in a blink of the eye.

King of Swords

2011-02-07T09:37:00.000-05:00

This morning I would like to mention a few things I have noticed about the imagery in the RWS King of Swords.

He is the only King who is facing forward and looking directly at the reader. The King of Wands is facing to the left and seems to be looking at the Wand in his right hand. The King of Cups is facing to the right and looking into the distance. The King of Pentacles is sitting facing forward but his head is turned slightly to the right of the card and he is staring at his emblem. The King of Swords sits upright and is not looking at his Sword and he is not turned and he is not just staring out into space. He is looking at YOU.

The other noticeable thing is the birds in the background. There are two birds flying on the right side of the card. In the Court cards from the Suit of Swords there are varying numbers of birds:

Page - Ten small birds
Knight - Five slightly bigger birds
Queen - One bird that is almost the size of the birds in the Knight but perhaps just a bit bigger
King - Two birds that are the biggest in the Courts

I can almost understand the number of birds. The Page is just learning how to use his mind and his intellect and his ideas are small and there are many of them. The Knight is becoming more experienced and more focused so he entertains fewer ideas and they are more "important".

But what to make of the Queen and the King? She seems to have only one idea in her mind at this moment. She has focused her thoughts and intellect on the matter in hand and will take care of it before moving on. The King, with his two bigger birds, must have to juggle more than one idea at a time. He has to find a just and equitable solution that takes into consideration the needs of multiple parties.

Perhaps the King has to be more of a diplomat than the Queen. She can proclaim "Off with their heads!" The King, on the other hand, must make the situation work. He must negotiate.

Me Against Me

2011-02-04T12:46:00.000-05:00

This morning I decided to draw two cards and asked this question:

"What should I focus on today?"

Knight of Pentacles and the King of Wands

I actually laughed out loud! The Knight of Pentacles is Air of Earth. Thought manifested in the material realm. The King of Wands is Fire of Fire. Action and enthusiasm as expressed through the will and initiative.

The plodder vs the fiery man of action.

Notice that these two men are facing each other. These two cards are about a showdown!

I have the Sun in Virgo in my natal chart and the planet Saturn is my chart ruler and the strongest planetary influence by far. I am a plodder and the one to call on to perform all those tedious tasks that make life easier but that no one else wants to do. I am naturally all about discipline, attention to detail and nit-picking and I demand only the best out of myself and others. If you are going to do something, do it right! Which usually means MY WAY.

But wait! There is more! I am probably the most impatient person in my entire family. "Chop Chop! Let's move!" is my rallying cry. I not only want the work to be done, I want it done RIGHT NOW and completed as quickly as possible. I have things to do! I have no time to waste on slow pokes, procrastinators or sluggards. I want my Kingdom to run smoothly, efficiently and on time.

The answer to my question is to try my best to blend these two energies. To keep the best of both and to let go of the annoying bits.

Or perhaps it is that only ONE of these energies should be dominant at any one time.

Get my work done, pay attention to detail and keep it slow and easy.

Or bust my arse to get as much done as possible and to heck with how "perfect" the result is. The bed does not have to be made perfectly, it just has to be made. It is okay to vacuum around the middle of the room and dust the viewable surfaces. I can write an email quickly to keep in contact and I don't have to wait until I can word it just the way I want.

So. Slow and easy for today? Or quick and dirty? I have a feeling that these two parts of my personality will always be at odds. Accepting who you are is half the battle.

Weather Reading

2011-01-31T14:46:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow I have to drive to London with my son for an appointment with his doctor. There is a huge storm coming and I wanted to know:

"What will the weather be like for my trip to London and back home again?"

10 of Pentacles
2 of Wands
8 of Swords

That seems pretty straightforward.

I start from the family home, pick up one of my "heirs" and begin our weekly drive.
Visibility will be clear on the way there with no problems.
The trip back home will be challenging. I can't see and I will be restricted in my movements.

I will make sure to bring extra clothing, have my phone charged and maybe I will put a shovel in the back of the car. It will be a long, tiring drive home I think.

Listen Carefully

2011-01-31T09:06:00.000-05:00

The tarot has a way of bringing an issue to your attention. You are best to listen and learn the lesson.

Cosmic Dirt

The February Tarotscope for my astrological Sun sign is - THE EMPEROR!

Reading Styles - Linear Vs Spread

2011-01-30T11:04:00.000-05:00

I am a linear type of gal. Unless I am studying or doing a very special reading I prefer to lay the cards out in a linear fashion. It could be three cards or seven or I have even been known to keep pulling cards until the inner voice says "stop".

Today I asked the question:

"What is it about reading in a linear fashion that appeals to me?"

The Emperor

The Emperor is represented by the number 4, which is solid, logical, realistic, and concrete. That appeals to my Virgo nature!

"Who's The Boss?" also comes to mind. Perhaps I like to see the story unfolding without the restrictions of spread placements. Micro managing is second nature to me *lol*

There is a very, very small stream behind the throne of the Emperor. I don't think he relies heavily on emotion or intuition but it is there, right behind him. You would think that the structure of a spread would be more useful to a leader than relying on the world of water and emotions that is inherent in linear reading. But he has to make decisions on the fly too and should not discount that small voice that tells what is good information and what is not.

I will study this question and the answer more thoroughly to see what else the Emperor has to say about my style of reading.

Reversing Course

2011-01-29T10:34:00.004-05:00

Mr John Ballantrae is a tarot reader and a student of astrology. He teaches both of these disciplines and as one of his students I am going to participate in a recommended exercise. Posting about tarot on a regular basis.

You can find Mr. Ballantrae at the following places (among others):

The Tarot
21st Century Tarot Blogspot Radio
Analytical Astrology

I must first admit that, although I am experienced, I have never used reversed cards. My first exercise will be in shuffling and dealing using John's technique.

"How will using reversals affect my tarot reading?"

Two of Wands - Reversed of course!!

The suit of Wands represents the element of fire, the primitive life force.

Attribution for this card is Mars in Aries.

What I see:

The figure is losing one of his wands which is slipping out of his hand and in the other hand his whole world is falling down! One wand remains because it has been safely bolted to the wall.

The Rose and Cross and Lilly are now on the top right instead of the lower left.

The short wall is at the top of the card a "pushing down" on the figure in instead of supporting him.

I have always been intrigued by AE Waite's description/meaning of this card when upright:

"here is a lord overlooking his dominion and alternately contemplating a globe; it looks like the malady, the mortification, the sadness of Alexander amidst the grandeur of this world’s wealth."

As a result of Mr. Waite's influence I quite often find that this card will represent dissatisfaction and yearning – looking at what you have but wanting more.

What can this card mean when it is reversed? And how does it answer my question?

"How will using reversals affect my tarot reading?"

I like the fact that I have remembered to fasten one of my wands to the wall so that I don't lose everything! It seems as if I will have some difficulty in changing how I do things after so many years. That rampart is heavy and being on the top of the card now, it feels almost claustrophobic. The one system that I have always used is going to fall away unless I have it grasped very tightly. But that figure is staring at his world and his wand and seems to be too focused on one thing.

I need to turn around and see the other wand on the wall behind me. The other "system".

There is a feeling of ambivalence in this card. "What is in front of me or what is behind me?" "What I have in my hand or what I have turned my back on?" "The ship that might arrive at any moment or what I already possess?"

I am not sure about the Rose and the Lilly. Is that an indication that I will be rewarded in my efforts?

Final Thoughts

Do I feel that reading reversals is not necessary? That I have not been dissatisfied and looking for more? That I have misgivings?

I believe this card wants me to question my habits and preferences and take a closer look at what is behind me. Perhaps the world that I have in the palm of my hand is no longer enough.

Ahmose and the Feast of Amun

2009-01-10T21:18:00.001-05:00

The Tarot loves to tell stories. The following is the result of asking seven questions and stepping aside so the cards could speak.

Story Telling

Deck – Miss Cleo

How should the story begin?

Six of Coins – the giving of wealth and awards

Who will solve the crime?

The Chariot – Lord Ahmose, Captain of the Charioteers

Who is the guilty party?

Five of Cups – disappointed and grieving lover

Who will help Lord Ahmose to uncover the truth?

Queen of Swords – the wily Nebet Hetepet

How was it done?

Temperance

What is the result?

Three of Swords

How does Ahmose fare?

Judgement

Ahmose and the Feast of Amun

Year Five of the Reign of Pharaoh Ra-Hotep
The Living Horus, Whose Ka is Exalted
Life, Health, Prosperity!

It was the Feast of Amun and the city was celebrating. The priests of the temple had performed the rituals and the people were enjoying the festivities. Beer and bread, ducks and onions, music and dancing. The streets were filled with the merrymaking of thousands of Pharaoh’s children.

Lord Ahmose climbed into his litter for the ride to the Royal Palace. It was time for the giving of favours and promotions. Pharaoh would be waiting to distribute this years awards to the faithful, the courageous, and the wily. The litter carried him through the maze of streets and the crush of celebrants. The noise receded and the way became easier. There would be many supplicants today, men hopeful of wealth and the favour of Pharaoh. Lord Ahmose intended to receive both.

As Captain of Pharaoh’s Charioteers, Ahmose had fought many battles to protect the Two Lands. The last skirmish had driven away Asian invaders intent on capturing and killing soldiers stationed in the eastern outposts. He had personally taken the hands of 20 of the enemy and chased many more back into the desert. Today he would reap the reward of his bravery and his loyalty to Egypt. Perhaps, Ahmose mused, he would receive the Golden Flies, the highest honour awarded to a soldier for bravery.

Lost in his daydream of the riches to come, the Captain was surprised when his litter tumbled to the ground. Shouts rang out and choking dust rose up as many feet raced past where Ahmose and his servants were sprawled.

The Lord Ahmose was furious. “What in the name of Set is wrong with you! How dare you drop me! I’ll have each and every one of you impaled in the desert and left for the jackals!”. “But Master, it was not our fault! The soldiers pushed us and knocked us down as they ran past us!” replied the frightened slave.

Ahmose rose and dusted off his once brilliantly white kilt. “To the Duat with the bunch of them!” he shouted. “I can’t present myself at court looking like this!”. A soldier in the rear guard of the troops heard his complaint and recognized the Captain. He stopped long enough to explain. “There will be no court today for you my Lord Ahmose or anyone else. The daughter of Pharaoh is missing! She was attacked on her way back from the Temple. Her litter carriers are scattered and the princess is nowhere to be found. The wrath of Pharaoh is great”. The soldier ran on to join the rest of his troop, leaving Lord Ahmose in shock.

He must find out who did this! Who would dare to kidnap the Princess? How did they manage to take the Lady Sat Hathor when she was surrounded by guards? What did they plan for her? Even more troubling, was she still alive?

After making sure that neither he nor the services of his squad were wanted or needed, Lord Ahmose made his way to the banks of the Nile. He had decided that the wharf, the busiest of all places in the land, should be his first stop. Men from many countries could be found here trying to sell the wares they had brought with them. Along with Hittite traders and sailors from beyond the Great Green, fisherman, merchants, prostitutes, thieves and most importantly, assassins and kidnappers could be found there. It was eerily silent, quite unlike the usual noise and bustle. “These people are afraid”, thought Ahmose. “They must know something that would put them in danger of the wrath of Pharaoh. I must find out what they know!”

Many debens of copper and silver were wrapped tightly in a linen cloth and carried by Ahmose himself. He knew that coins always loosen the tongue. He went first to the House of the Beautiful One, the most frequented of all the brothels. Nebet Hetepet, Mistress of Offerings, ran this house and Ahmose knew her well. Many weeks spent in the dry and dusty desert under the blazing eye of Ra made a man hungry for the cool delights that Nebet Hetepet had to offer. Men came to this brothel to drink, to find a woman, to relax and gossip. If there was something to find out Ahmose was sure he would learn of it here.

A tall and sensuous woman appeared and bowed to Ahmose. “Lord Ahmose, it has been too long since we showed you our hospitality. Come with me. The mistress will be pleased to see you.” No one knew the real name of this beautiful woman. She was a gift to Nebet Hetepet from one of the brothel’s regular customers, a highly placed official in Pharaoh’s court. Names were words of power and although Bener was a slave, spoils in war from a foreign country, she held on to this at least. Bener was her name now. She would be known as “sweet little one” and no one would ever be able to use her name, her power, against her. She seemed even more beautiful than he remembered her. There was something in her face, some change that Ahmose could not quite grasp. “Thank you Bener. I am in great need of the wisdom of your Mistress”. Bener raised one eyebrow but said nothing. She turned gracefully and led Lord Ahmose to the private rooms of Nebet Hetepet.

“Ah, my Lord! How good it is to see you. You bring honour to my house. Did you come to savour the delicacies I have to offer?”. She looked deeply into his eyes and softly sighed. “No, I see that you come on another, more serious matter. Sit!”. She clapped her hands and two servants appeared. “Bring us beer and food and then leave us.”

The slaves returned with beer, roast duck, bread and honey cakes. They left quietly and closed the curtains. Ahmose could see their shadows against the fine linen. They would guard the doorway and make sure that their Mistress was not disturbed.

Nebet Hetepet was once one of the most beautiful women in Egypt. Time, good food, many servants and much wealth had taken away her tiny, delicate body. She retained her beauty but now only those men with a fond memory of the youthful Nebet sought her out. And of these, only a very special few ever made it into her bedroom and into her confidence. Lord Ahmose was one of these favoured few.

“Only you, Lord Ahmose, are wise enough to come to The House of the Beautiful One in search of answers. The Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh, the Medjay, the palace guards…all are searching the city for the evil-doer. They won’t find him.”

Nebet Hetepet picked delicately at the duck She drank a long draught of beer and looked questioningly at Ahmose. “What kind of life do you think awaits a royal Princess? Egypt does not marry her royal women to Princes of other countries. She cannot marry anyone below her station and there is no one in The Two Lands above her. She is not in line for the throne and yet she is a constant danger. Perhaps a Lord or a Noble could convince her that she could rule Egypt more wisely than her brother. She has royal blood and many would foolishly follow her. If she is called by the god she can become the Wife of Amun and submerse herself in the duties of that priestly office. What if she isn’t so inclined? What if she is passionate and headstrong but without intelligence and wisdom? What if she wants nothing more than to be a wife to a farmer and mother to many sons and daughters?” Ahmose held his glass of beer, unable to take his eyes from Nebet Hetepet “What was the woman trying to say?” he thought to himself.

“You are wise in the ways of the world Lord Ahmose. I’m sure that you will be able to think on this matter and come to a conclusion. The true conclusion.”. Nebet Hetepet arose from her cushions and called for her servants. “The Lord Ahmose is leaving now. Escort him to his litter and then return immediately. We have much work ahead of us this evening”. She looked closely at Ahmose and what she saw satisfied her. “I will say no more. Remember the words that you heard and the sights that you saw. You will find your answer. Remember also the days of your youth before you make a decision as to what to do with that knowledge.”

As he walked out of The House of the Beautiful One, Ahmose caught site of Bener. She was carrying linens toward the back of the house and her eyes were shining. “She seems very happy for a servant!” thought Lord Ahmose. “Life, health, prosperity to you my Lord” called Bener. Her slender form disappeared behind the curtains.

Arriving home Ahmose dismissed his servants and walked purposefully to his sleeping quarters. He lit the lamps and sprawled on his pallet. He must think! Nebet Hetepet knows what happened. She knows and she told me! But what do her words mean?

He closed his eyes to think but the excitement of the day overtook him and he fell into a troubled sleep. His dreams were full of beautiful women, children, and farmers. There was the princess, sad eyed and desolate. Bener appeared, smiling at him with mocking eyes and Nebet Hetepet came to whisper secrets. In the swirls of his unconscious Ahmose saw a woman standing with one foot in a pool of sacred water. The other foot was on dry land and she was pouring liquid from a golden cup to one made of electrum. Back and forth the stream of liquid flowed. Ahmose was drawn to those cups and to their contents. The faces of the women came and went, flashing between the vision of the Lady and her Cups. Bener wishing him good health, the missing Royal Princess, Nebet Hetepet with her knowing look. The Royal Princess and Bener. Gold cup, electrum cup.

Ahmose awoke with a cry. He knew the secret! He knew what Nebet Hetepet was trying to tell him! He must see Pharaoh! But first, a trip to the House of the Beautiful One.

Lord Ahmose was brave but not stupid. He knew the streets of the city were dangerous, especially at night. He took many armed men with him and no one approached or tried to interfere. If only he wasn’t too late!

As he raced through the city Ahmose thought about what he had learned. He pondered various solutions to Pharaoh’s predicament. How to allow his daughter, a woman with royal blood, to just vanish? Pharaoh must save face. He must make secure the throne and his heir. He must reassure the people that he was the Mighty One, that nothing in the land was accomplished without his approval.

Bener was waiting for him on the steps to The House of the Beautiful One. When Ahmose saw her he wondered how he could ever have been mistaken. The same build, the same colouring, the same exquisite beauty. But this beautiful woman, with tears spilling out of her darkly kohled eyes, was not the servant Bener. It was Her Royal Highness, Princess Sat Hathor.

“Life, health, prosperity to you Lady Sat Hathor”. She was not surprised by his greeting. “Old habits die hard Lord Ahmose. I realized as soon as I had given the Royal greeting that I had given myself away. Nebet Hetepet was very angry with me.” The heart of Lord Ahmose was filled with pity. How unhappy she must have been to attempt such a thing! “No one could remain angry with you for long My Lady. Besides, the Mistress told me of the plan”. He paused for a moment, unsure of his next words. She was, after all, the Princess of Egypt, daughter of Mighty Pharaoh. She had the power to end his life or, at the very least, send him into exile. She must have seen the hesitation. She lifted her head proudly and addressed him. “You have nothing to fear from me Lord Ahmose. My life is in ruins, my heart broken. I no longer care what happens to me. I have no more will, no power. I have nothing”. With these last words the Princess broke into sobs and ran into the House.

The Lord Ahmose followed her into the inner room, the sobs of the young woman leading him to where she lay, crumpled and keening. The Mistress was holding Sat Hathor and stroking her head. “There, there. It will be alright little one. Lord Ahmose will help us.” She looked up and smiled at the Captain. “You will help a love sick girl and a sentimental old woman, won’t you?” The Captain nodded. “I will do what I can for both of you”.

“She was so unhappy you see. The rigours of court and the fawning of the courtiers, the incessant demands on her time, the watchful eye of Pharaoh. All she wanted was a “normal” life. To fall in love, marry, have children. I am well known in court”, she blushed delicately, “And little Sat Hathor eluded her protectors and sought me out. We had many long talks and peaceful hours. I knew right away that Bener and the Lady could be mistaken for one another. Some days, to the delight of both of us, Sat Hathor would take the place of Bener. She greeted customers, brought food and drink, changed linens. She was so happy! And then the inevitable happened. She met a young man here and was taken with him. I tried to warn her that any man who used my establishment was not good enough for her. She wouldn’t listen. She planned to run away and marry him and she sought my help. We devised a plan. Lady Sat Hathor would attend the ceremonies but slip away before the Royal party approached their litters to return to the palace. Her personal servant, who agreed to help, would step inside and give the order to return to the Palace. We hoped that no one would notice Sat Hathor’s absence until the procession reached the Palace. It was unfortunate that her sister, Meryamun, took it into her head to talk to Sat Hathor on the ride home. When she climbed into the litter and found her sister missing she raised the alarm. The servant had the presence of mind to run off into the crowds before she could be stopped by Pharaoh’s men. She made her way here and we have sent her to the Delta to keep her safe from Pharaoh”. A sad look came over her face and she swallowed loudly, trying to keep the tears out of her voice. “That wretched boy took fright and left the little one all alone. Now she will have no husband and no home. How can she return to the Palace? Pharaoh will have her exiled or killed. He must punish her. He cannot afford any sign of weakness. The people demand strength from Pharaoh.”

The old Captain was stirred by the story. The fact that Nebet Hetepet showed no concern for herself was not lost on him. She truly loved this child. Pharaoh’s wrath would surely strike her too but she seemed worried only about the fate of the young Princess. He promised to help them. But how?

Ahmose understood that courage was necessary but tact was essential if he was to save the Princess and her friends. He would approach the Queen, mother of Sat Hathor. Surely she would understand a young girl’s foolishness? “Keep her safe Mistress. I will do my best with Pharaoh.”

The next day a litter appeared outside the House of the Beautiful One, a litter bearing the Royal standard. The Queen herself, surrounded by guards, stepped out from behind the curtains. “Take me to my daughter immediately!”. When Sat Hathor saw her mother she stood very still and very straight. The Princess might be an anxious young woman, worried about her impending fate but she was, first and foremost, a Royal young woman. “Hello Highness” she said and bowed. “Silly child,” whispered the Queen as she raised her arms to her daughter. At that sign from her mother, Sat Hathor ran across the room to be enfolded by those welcoming arms. “Your father is very angry with you” said the Queen. She looked up and into the eyes of Nebet Hetepet. “And even angrier with those who helped you in this idiotic scheme.” “Oh mother!” wailed the princess, “Don’t let father harm Nebet Hetepet! She is my friend.”

“You are both coming back to the Palace where I can keep an eye on you. You obviously need more supervision and an outlet for all that passion. And this woman needs watching. I can’t leave her. Who knows what kind of mischief the two of you will get up to next time. She can be your hand servant”.

“Certainly Your Highness. As you wish.” said Nebet Hetepet as she made obeisance to the Queen. The old woman was secretly glad. She was tired of this life and ready to settle down.

“Oh, thank you Mother!” cried Sat Hathor. “You have talked to Pharaoh? It is alright?”

“This time I have cooled his anger. I doubt that I can intervene a second time Sat Hathor. Come, we will return now to the Palace”.

Lord Ahmose accompanied the women to the House of Pharaoh. He retired as Captain of the Charioteers and settled into the life of a man of the court. He could often be found walking in the gardens with Sat Hathor and Nebet Hetepet. He had received his honours at last.

From the pen of the Scribe Em-Sesheta
"Hail to you Djehuti, Lord of Divine Words,
Homage to you who records the measures,
Who balances the scale whereon the heart is placed.
I call upon your wisdom and sound judgement,
Wise scribe, make me clean of hands and pure of heart,
I keep your heart alive,
Uttering words that the gods love.”
That which is written shall be remembered.

msesheta

Posted via email from Sesheta's Place

Every Single Bloody Thing

2009-01-10T11:42:00.001-05:00

I knew months ago that we would be in a recession and that gas, oil, food,clothing - all our modern conveniences would sky rocket. Complacency is one of the problems we will have to get over and deal with. The biggest one that I can see is our idea that we have the "right" to have what we want, when we want it - and more and more of it too! I'm afraid we have become used to using resources at our convenience. It is going to be a new world and we had better get on track for it now.
   It's not so much that we will go "backwards" and that we will have to live like they did in the 1930's - baking our own bread (if we can get grains), sewing our own clothes, carrying buckets of water from a well, no television or internet. But we will have to make hard choices. I want my books, internet, computer and to be warm in winter. If I have to use the air conditioner less in the summer so that I can have heat in the winter, I will do that. If I have to cut back on restaurants and convenience food to pay the internet bill, I will do that. I choose to walk a lot of places now to save on gas so that I can afford fuel for the car for when I truly need it. Most of my household goods are purchased used because I believe in recycling (or they are not "high end" - I see no need for a 3 thousand dollar sofa that I will sit on for an hour or two a day but I do not trust used soft furnishings, too much chance of fleas, bed bugs and other nasties in sofas, chairs and beds that come from strangers). I don't really know when it happened but we seem to believe that we have to have the "best", the "newest", the "fastest", the "biggest".
   I will take some of that blame and responsibility. I recently spent more on a new laptop than many families make in a year. But I am willing to do without other things. I no longer believe that I deserve to have everything that I see and I know I need to make compromises and choices. I want the coffee I buy to be "fair trade" and/or shade grown coffee and I have to pay extra for that. In return I will spend less on pre-packaged foods to make up that additional cost. At least I have that choice available. Some people will have to choose between coffee and cereal for breakfast. I have no idea how my son is going to be able to feed and clothe three children, let alone pay for sports, equipment, dance classes, martial arts lessons and gasoline to get them to all the places they need to be. We couldn't afford any of that when I was growing up and perhaps the next generation will find that all these extras will be denied to them too. It might be a good time to bring back hop-scotch, jump rope and marbles.
   I won't step foot in Walmart. I would rather do without or save up a bit more to purchase from a Canadian company or from local vendors. I do not want to perpetuate the outsourcing, low wages and cheap goods mentality that has gripped us. America had better wake up soon before it is too late.
   The local nursery gave away Redbud seedlings and hubby picked one up for me. Cities need to plant more trees instead of destroying our forests. The nursery has joined with Rayon to plant trees in Haiti and we donated $10 to plant 10 trees. Take a look at google earth and see what Haiti looks like. There is a clearly seen line that is the border between Haiti and the Dominican. Green, lush forests and parks on the Dominican side and arid desert on the Haitian side. Greed, bad planning and human interference has destroyed half an island.
   I am just as greedy as the next person, don't get me wrong. But I am beginning to see that I must regulate and structure my "need" for "things". If I want that new tarot deck I must be prepared to do without something else. THAT is what this generation doesn't yet understand but they will. One cannot have every single bloody thing that one wants just as soon as the idea crosses one's mind. You can't live in a home that you can't afford, you can't drive a car that is beyond your means, you can't use Mother Earth's resources without replacing them. It is an honour and a privilege to be alive and live on this beautiful planet. The Earth doesn't owe us a thing, we owe her. Life doesn't owe us either.

Posted via email from Sesheta's Place

Elemental Personalities In The Tarot

2008-10-04T10:17:00.001-04:00

Elemental Personalities In The Tarot

The Four Suits

Fire – passionate, assertive, aggressive, intuitive, energetic, risktakers, sexual, ambitious, reckless.

Water – emotional, romantic, empathic, passive, idealistic, hopeful,psychic, spiritual.

Air – intelligent, honest, logical, rational, reasonable, conflicted,thoughtful, knowledgeable, understanding, intellectual.

Earth – material, slow and plodding, fertile, studious, patient,comfort seeking, survivalist, practical, down to earth, hard working.

Kings

Wands – fire, zealot, sexually motivated, competitive, fiery temper.

Cups – water, imaginative, considerate, kind, nurturing, loving.

Swords – air, rational, truthful, analytical, intelligent,intellectual, diplomatic.

Pentacles – earth, wealthy, hard worker, patient, stable, reliable.

Queens

Wands – fire, passionate, temperamental, fondness for sex,demonstrative, ambitious.

Cups – water, emotional, sensitive, psychic, occult interests, gentle,loving.

Swords – air, sarcastic, witty, intellectual, good communicator,rational.

Pentacles – earth, wealthy, good money manager, fertile, nature lover,fondness for luxury.

Knights

Wands – fire, swiftness in actions, ambitious, haste, enthusiasm,excitable.

Cups – water, intuitive, moody, idealistic, social, sensitive,romantic.

Swords – air, analytical, communicator, decisive, adviser, honest.

Pentacles – earth, plodding, patient, practical, hard working.

Pages

Wands – competitive, excitable, optimistic, courageous, daring.

Cups – loving, psychic, kind, friendly, sensitive, warm, hopeful.

Swords – air, keen intellect, logical, a negotiator, witty,

Pentacles – earth, studious, stable, reliable, thrifty, love of nature.

Sesheta-mallorn

Posted by email from Sesheta's Place (posterous)

The Seven of Cups - What Is In Them?

2008-10-02T12:44:00.001-04:00

Rider-Waite Symbolism

Generally speaking, Waite describes these cups as strange chalices ofvision. They are all up on a cloud, which may reflect their ungrounded,impractical or transient nature and the over-imagination or confusionof the figure conjuring them. Accordingly, they have been associatedwith wishful thinking.

There is some dispute as to what the 7 symbols in the cups mean, buttarotologists have some speculation as to the meanings. It may be notedthat the exact elements of this vision may be less important than thevery act of conjuring them.

This Card represents self-delusion. Ideas that we need not worry aboutthe real world because we might win the lottery.

The cups seem to offer:

    * A snake - may represent animal passion and desire. Alternatively,some consider the snake to represent powerful transformative knowledge.The snake around The Magician's waist may offer insight into Waite'sintention with this inclusion herein.

    * A treasure horde - probably represents wealth and abundance.

    * A human head - may represent a potential companion to the seeker(love).

    * A castle or tower - may represent power and stability, or one'snative land. (contrast with The Tower)

    * A laurel wreath - most likely represents victory, honour andstatus. Note the skull like shadow on the cup itself, which may pointto the great dangers of vanity and pride (a deadly sin).

    * A dragon - in keeping with the Christian imagery of the deck, itis more likely a symbol of evil, anger and envy, calamity. Today,dragons are mostly associated with fantasy, the supernatural, magic.

    * A shrouded, glowing figurine - may represent the burning need forthe conjurer's self-illumination.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_of_Cups

Posted by email from Sesheta's Place (posterous)

Page of Swords

2008-08-20T12:08:00.001-04:00

I was doing some research last night on this Page. I have found that this card has been interpreted mostly as "spy".

Historically this Page was reputed to be Ogier, the son of Danish King Geoffrey; Renaut a paladin of Charlemagne among others.

These are the original cartomantic interpretations (according to Paul Huson):
Etteilla - a spy, a curiosity seeker, an observer, an examiner, a watcher, calculation, speculation
Reversed - unforeseen, sudden, unexpected, to compose or recite on the spot
Mathers - a spy, overlooking, authority
Reversed - that which is unforeseen, vigilance, support
Golden Dawn - wisdom, strength, acuteness, grace, dexterity
Reversed - frivolous and cunning
Waite - authority, overseeing, secret service, vigilance, spying, examination, an indiscreet person will pry into the querent's affairs
Reversed - unforeseen, an unprepared state, sickness

I find it interesting that the GD's interpretations are not even close to anyone else's. Is this where we began to get the modern interpretation?

In "Dictionary of the Tarot" by Bill Butler I found this:
Crowley - her character is stern and revengeful, her logic is destructive, she is firm and aggressive, great practical wisdom
Douglas - similar to traditional with additional negative implications of deviousness, prying, vindictiveness, or treachery
Eden Gray - a page in the diplomatic service, possible great understanding of diplomacy, impostors, cunning, possible sickness
Grimaud - defensive and agile intellect triumphing without violence , oppression by matter, powerlessness in the face of strong forces
Papus - a child, an enemy, bad news, delay

Sources:
Mystical Origins of the Tarot
Paul Huson
Pages 216 - 218

Dictionary of the Tarot
Bill Butler
Pages 99 - 102

Posted by email from Sesheta's Place (posterous)

The Moon

2008-08-17T23:15:00.001-04:00

TheMoon

Iam confused (which people who know me realize is a natural statefor
me!).I was looking through several decks for some inspiration about
TheMoon. Those of you who have read some articles about Aleister
Crowleywill remember his famous line, "Tzaddi is not the star".

Inthe RWS deck the numbering system begins with the Fool and that
cardis numbered 0. It is given the Hebrew letter Aleph, the first
numberof the Hebrew alphabet. The letters are assigned in a linear
fashionwhich brings us to the Moon card (numbered 18) and the Hebrew
letterQOPH, number 19 in the alphabet. My books say that this letter
means"ear", stands for the occult extension of sleep, thedirection
South-Below,the corporeal intelligence and the zodiacal sign Pisces.
Onthe face of it, this seems reasonable.

Now,lets go back to Tzaddi. The RWS (and the Golden Dawn) assignthe
letterTzaddi to the 17th card, the Star. Tzaddi means fish hookand
representsthought, meditation, South-above, and Aquarius. Again, this
seemsreasonable given the meaning of the card.

Nowfor the spanner in the works. I have a lovely deck calledthe
KazanlarTarot. It was designed by Emil Kazanlar. Mr. Kazanlar came
froma father of mixed Turkish and Persian background and aHungarian
mother.He lived in the countries of both parents and grew up in a
homewhere each parent followed a different religion. The deck isa
combinationof Asian and European influences. His illustrations and
cardmeanings can be quite different from what we are used to inNorth
America.

Inthis deck the numbering system begins with the number 1 card,the
Magician,which is given the first number of the Hebrew alphabet
Aleph.(This always made more sense to me but I do understand thatthe
placingof the Hebrew letters was very difficult and involved - they
don'treally belong there, it is a man-made convention that was used
totry to tie more symbolism into the cards).

Thisnumbering system brings us to the Moon card which in this deckis
assignedTzaddi! Hey! Tzaddi really isn't the Star :)

Nowwe know that Tzaddi means fish-hook. The author states that,"the
hookserves also to fix together something that is loose. It makesthe
uncertain,certain. A subtitle for the Moon is pleasant uncertainty;
moonlightsignifies uncertainty...It is reminiscent of a
will-o'-the-wispthat catches the eye and gives a vague premonition of
danger".

So,finally the questions! Do the attributions assigned to the cards
makeany difference to you? Does associating Pisces vs. Aquariuschange
themeaning of the card? Does anyone really care if the Moon is QOPH
orTzaddi? Does your interpretation of a card change when usingdecks
withdifferent symbols and associations? Just what is it in a Tarot
cardthat "speaks" to you?

Commondivinatory meanings of the Moon are voluntary change, mystery,
theoccult, dreams, the inner path, the subconscious, deception,fear,
unforeseenperils, hidden dangers, restlessness.
Ithink it also represents the dangers of the Spiritual path. These
areusually based on fear of the unknown, conditioning from society
andmainstream religion. We must take this journey; emotional
commitmentto a materialistic philosophy of life only creates an
illusionof safety and quite often manifests that which we fear the
most.It is inevitable that we make the journey to the light, we might
aswell have fun along the way!

Oh,I almost forgot. Some Moon lore for everyone. The Moon is theonly
astralbody which encircles the earth. The planets revolve around the
Sunand the sun revolves around the Galactic centre. That makes the
Moonvery special to us here on earth.

Radiant Waite Tarot and Kazanlar Tarot:
http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos

Posted by email from Sesheta's Place (posterous)

The Whispering Tarot

2008-08-11T23:02:00.000-04:00

I received a lovely new tarot deck this week - The Whispering Tarot by well known astrologer and tarot reader Liz Hazel. Liz is the author of "Tarot Decoded", a must have book in anyone's tarot library.

The cards themselves are very small but the artwork is still not too difficult to see (even for old eyes like mine!). The accompanying CD which holds colour images, card descriptions and interpretations is well done and I will be printing it out as well. The PDF format works well.

I will talk again about this deck after I have used it for a few readings. That is where the decks separate themselves into "readable" and "collectible". I think this deck will be both.
You can find this deck at Liz's site:

http://www.kozmic-kitchen.com/shop/index.html

Plurking

2008-08-03T21:18:00.000-04:00

Well, this is a lot more fun than I thought it would be! There is rather a steep learning curve but I'm going to keep at it. Networking doesn't come easy to those who are shy and socially awkward *LOL*

Here's my Plurk addy:

http://www.plurk.com/user/msesheta

Sesheta-mallorn

OpenTarot Website

2008-08-02T23:55:00.000-04:00

I've been working on the website which has been sadly neglected. It seems that my groups have taken over a disproportionate amount of my time lately. If there had been no website, there would be no groups!!

It seemed like a good idea at the time - a directory of tarot and occult sites. Guess I had ideas of grandeur or something - I would be the next google *lol*

It's still a good idea, I just need to spend more time adding links. I also want to rearrange the categories, simplify things a bit.

Sesheta-mallorn

The Deviant Moon Tarot

2008-07-18T23:12:00.000-04:00

I finally received my copy of The Deviant Moon Tarot. I had been in a
panic for weeks because all of my pre-orders kept falling through.
Jeannette at The Tarot Garden came through in spades!

I love this deck. It speaks to the melancholy, lunar images of our
dreams and bring to life some of our most closely held fears. Despite
the disturbing (to some) artwork, this deck is easily used for
readings. If you look at the image on the 3 of Swords you will see that the
figure is touching one of the blades (there is a small drop of blood
there) - she needs to know if the pain she feels is real or imagined
(this is, after all, the suit of the intellect and the mind - quite
often we think things are worse than they really are or we invent pain
for various manipulative reasons). It seems to be real.

The Ace of Cups is perhaps the most beautiful rendering of this card
that I have ever seen. From the LWB:

"An Angel lovingly cradles the golden chalice against her body. Her
warm spirit invigorates the liquid she holds, inviting the moon to sip
of its contents.

Upright - Abundant pleasure, fullness of spirit, beautiful situations
in life.
Reversed - Unfortunate and abrupt changes, loss of love, stagnation."

Here is the author's MySpace page with lots of images and info:

http://tiny.pl/27b1

And here is the official website of the deck:

http://www.deviantmoon.com/wordpress/

What's In a Number?

2007-10-12T14:47:00.001-04:00

The New Moon in Libra on October 11 occurred at 01:01.

Are these both Master Numbers? Or the number 2? Does it really matter?

According to a leading numerology site:

2 Positive Traits: Cooperation, adaptability, considerate of others, sensitive to the needs of others, partnering, an arbiter or mediator, modest, sincere, spiritually influenced, a diplomat.

2 Negative Traits: Shyness, timidity, fear, self-consciousness, drown in detail, depression.

11 See number 2. Spirituality is emphasized more, but in essence, the 2 traits, positive and negative apply.

The New Moon in Libra invites a fresh look at relationships. Putting an existing partnership back on track or opening the door to new connections is a natural expression of the Sun and Moon's union in this couple-oriented sign. An intuitive trine to the New Moon from spiritual Neptune adds imagination and forgiveness to smooth the road to more harmonious alliances, while an uplifting sextile from optimistic Jupiter expands the field of possibilities for co-operative ventures.
(http://www.stariq.com/NewMoonReport.HTM)

Perhaps the synchronicity of the 11's is an attempt by the cosmos to get us to pay attention - to REALLY pay attention.

Libra is about relationships. It is a sign seeking balance and harmony almost at any cost, and typically willing to please others. It has a dislike of confrontation and a strong need for maintaining peace and stability. But it is also motivated by justice and an egalitarian spirit. Venus, the ruler of Libra (and also Taurus), will be in Virgo for the New Moon, and it has just completed a conjunction to Saturn. A limit has been reached, but it may not be recognized. It’s like Venus is in a blind spot, unaware of where she is, and caught up in the details that would be applicable anywhere but are creating a kind of blinder to the challenges of the present.
(http://sphinx.planetwaves.net/blog/?p=68)

Here is a new twist! Libra and the number 2 are about balance, keeping the peace, partnering, being considerate of others. However Venus is keeping the blinders on. There are challenges and problems and if we take the meanings of New Moon in Libra and the number 2 without adding in other planetary placements, we could be in for a rough ride. It doesn't matter how much Libra dislikes confrontations - he had better take a look around and see what is really happening. It might not be in his best interest to forgive and seek harmony. If a limit has been reached and there is no hope of perfect harmony, love and co-operation it might just be best to pull the plug. At the very least be open to any difficulties, challenges or disharmony. You can't fix it if you don't know it's broken.

Sesheta-mallorn

Saturn Conjunct Mars

2007-10-12T11:50:00.000-04:00

Acrimonious disputes ***
Valid during many months: This is often a time of enormous frustration, when you really feel as if you are beating your head against a wall. It can also be a time when you accomplish a great deal of hard work. Which it will be depends on how you handle the energy of this influence. Its basic meaning is "inhibited energy," but it can also be "disciplined energy" if you don't try to do too many things over too broad a spectrum.

On the negative side, this influence can produce feelings of intense irritability. The least little thing seems to set you off, and unfortunately you are often confronted with considerably more than "little things." People or circumstances seem to get in the way of whatever you try to do. At work your boss or employer may oppose your ideas without giving any real reasons. Or he may saddle you with so much work that you don't have time to do anything else.

Sometimes you will get involved in the most acrimonious ego disputes with others. It may be tempting to chalk this up to some kind of plot against you, but that is probably not the case. It is more likely that - even with the best of intentions - you put out some energy that is threatening to others. They respond by trying to stop you. Even if you don't mean to be threatening, you must try very hard not to make people feel threatened.

The problem with this period is that your energies are being curbed. You should take on only projects that are limited in scope but that require great exertion and concentrated effort within that scope. If you concentrate your efforts on relatively narrow objectives, you can make constructive use of this energy. But if you proceed with grandiose and far-reaching plans, you will probably encounter the worst effects of this influence.

Saturn Conjunction Mars
activity period from 1 October 2007 until middle of July 2008.

http://www.astro.com/cgi/hk.cgi?cid=8i1fileqqs3ve-u974074589_566181719&hnx=-1&sover=-1