EG ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ Divination by Tarot Cards ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ The Method of the Skyrian Double Crescents By Vere Chappell, 26 August 1988CE, Skyros, Greece ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ 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: ÚÄ¿ ÚÄ¿ ³2³ ³1³ ÚÄÅÄÙ ÚÄ¿ ÀÄÅÄ¿ ³4³ ³8³ ³3³ ÀÄÅÄ¿ ÀÄÙ ÚÄÅÄÙ ³6³ ÚÄ¿ ³5³ ÀÄÙ ³7³ ÀÄÙ ÀÄÙ 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: ÚÄ¿ ÚÄ¿ ³6³ ³7³ ÚÄÅÄÙ ÚÄ¿ ÀÄÅÄ¿ ³4³ ³8³ ³5³ ÀÄÅÄ¿ ÀÄÙ ÚÄÅÄÙ ³2³ ÚÄ¿ ³3³ ÀÄÙ ³1³ ÀÄÙ ÀÄÙ 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.