I'm continuing to experiment with the Russian table of correspondences for linking the I Ching hexagrams to the cards of the tarot. By bringing the trump and court cards into the mix, this table attempts to reconcile the discrepancy that there are 64 hexagrams but only 40 pip cards to which they can be assigned. … Continue reading An I Ching/Tarot Personality Profile
Personality Spreads
The “Be All You Can Be” Archetype Alignment Spread
There was an old recruitment slogan used by the U.S. Army for over 20 years that went "Be All You Can Be." I poached this phrase to reflect aspiration to the universal human ideals captured in the first four numbered trump cards of the tarot as Fire (Emperor/Mars), Water (High Priestess/Moon), Air (Magician/Mercury) and Earth … Continue reading The “Be All You Can Be” Archetype Alignment Spread
The Tarot Gods Speak!
I've been having an interesting discussion with another tarot writer about the distinctions between the "esoteric" and "exoteric" branches of tarot practice. The former is commonly held to be the domain of serious study in occult symbolism and correspondences, while the latter is better suited to practical divination. Although I used the esoteric Thoth deck … Continue reading The Tarot Gods Speak!
An Astro-Tarot Mood Index
I'm always looking for new ways to blend the Golden Dawn's astrological correspondences with practical tarot applications. Here is my latest effort. The idea behind it is to use the "natural" (Aries-rising) zodiac and the current "sky-map" for the five "personal" planets (Sun through Mars*) to create a template on which to cast a number … Continue reading An Astro-Tarot Mood Index
“Being There” – A Personal Growth Spread
* This spread was inspired by an article (“The B's”) on the Lorian Associations's blog site (see sidebar link) by David Spangler, one of the original architects of the New Age. It describes modes of being appropriate to successfully navigating the coming year and beyond. Think of it as a model for personal growth. The … Continue reading “Being There” – A Personal Growth Spread
The Introvert-Extrovert Map
I've been running out of fresh ideas for "situational awareness and developmental insight" spreads, so I thought I would play a little game with myself. In Myers-Briggs space, I'm a card-carrying introvert (as if my natal horoscope isn't proof enough), but my challenge in this lifetime is to become more socially engaged - only in … Continue reading The Introvert-Extrovert Map
A Twist on the Romany Spread
This seven-fold personality development spread is a melding of the traditional 7x3 Romany "past/present/future" layout with the qualities of the seven traditional planets of astrology - a perfect match in my humble opinion. It can be read either as an overall personality profile within a single time-frame, or as individual traits across across all three. … Continue reading A Twist on the Romany Spread
The “Tripod of Self-Discovery” Spread
This spread is loosely based on the Celtic triquetra, showing the union of Mind, Body and Spirit in a kind of “Venn diagram” also related to the broader “Tripod of Life” concept. It uses elemental and astrological (planetary) correspondences. Tripod of Self-Discovery Spread New Astro Update
The “Personal Archetypes” Individual Profile Spread
The next time you decide to ask the cards "How does X think/feel about me?" why not ask instead "Who is X, really?" This spread is intended to explore the "building blocks" of the individuality in four modes: Instinctual, Habitual, Rational and Spiritual. Use it on anyone you want to know "stuff" about (even yourself). Testimonial: … Continue reading The “Personal Archetypes” Individual Profile Spread