I use tarot and oracle cards as tools for reflection and contemplation. Rather than divining the future, they are a way for me to look more deeply at the "now."
"The goal isn't to arrive, but to meander, to saunter, to make your life a holy wandering." ~ Rami Shapiro

Monday, April 16, 2018

Defensive Stance

From Hadar's Le Veritable Tarot de Marseille, the Nine of Swords; from the Greek Alphabet Runes, 'Phi:'
          According to Bursten's interpretation of the Marseille Tarot, the Sword suit represents 'defending' and the Nine is the result of one's efforts. Looking at the boundary created by the curved swords, there is a sense of being walled inside of a fortress. But is this worry without an evident cause? The flower buds at the four corners point outward as if they too are an attempt to be a part of the boundary. But they have been cut off from the plant and therefore have no chance to blossom. The fortress created may end up becoming more of a prison for the person inside. Phi is the Greek letter in mathematics associated with the golden mean, a special ratio found in nature and intentionally produced in art and architecture. It was thought this ratio made creations more pleasing to the eye, and thus this letter symbolizes an appreciation of beauty. Together with the Nine of Swords, these draws suggest not letting anxiety become so much of a focus that it completely blocks out all else, including the beauty and joy of life.

6 comments:

  1. When we are in such a prison, our thoughts could start to lead a life of their own and that's always a scary thing. Time to open the door and realize it wasn't locked in the first place :)

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    1. Sometimes we need to open the windows and doors of the mind and let in a little fresh air! :)

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  2. I see the swords as consideration, and wands as the actions. I'll have to look up that book

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    1. Lee Bursten's booklet came with a set that included Claude Burdel's Universal Tarot of Marseille. I got rid of the deck but kept the booklet, which concisely explains the history behind the trump cards and gives three ways to simply interpret the pip cards. I wish they would allow Lee to sell it as an ebook. I think many people who are intimidated by Marseille decks would find out how easy they are to read with his guidance. :)

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