World Servers Spread -- May 2006 issue

A 3-Card Reading for the Now
By Christine Payne-Towler
For an introduction to the World Servers' Spread, see Arkletter 5

"We need a change and we need it now!"
This is the gist of my question this month: Assuming we each possess an open mind towards making mid-course, mid-season corrections, how shall we trim our sails and adjust our courses to truly make a difference in this world?

What can any of us do from our present point of power that will benefit the global organism?

This question is posed extremely sparely, because I realize that the querant's bias cannot help but color the question, yet the answer has to be applicable to every person who ever reads this article, now or in the future. Participants in this forum come from all nations, ages and stages, and therefore can't be expected to share those concerns that alarm me, or be encountering the particular challenges that my immediate circles are facing. 

This situation parallels the way a Tarot reading on a specific issue will often simultaneously explain a number of other issues in a person's current life that were not originally included in the question.  However, in this case we are going wide -- demographically and geographically -- instead of deep.  Therefore, as the question arises "what can any of us do to make it better?" the parallel question rises, "how in the world can these cards be interpreted once they are thrown?"

When reading cards in a climate of multiple topics, or for multiple querants or an indeterminate time-period, the best technique is to base all responses on the principle of the card rather than on specific prescriptions that are tailored to a limited situation.  All Tarot readers are invisibly pressured, by both clients and by Tarot manuals, to envision themselves analyzing the details of the case and then giving advice and instructions. Yet many situations are simply too complicated to be solvable with a simple "do this, don't do that" treatment. There are so many layers, so many others to consider, such a wide field of possible consequences to deal with.  The reader's only recourse is to take refuge in the core principle of each card. By this is meant the basic equations that locate the card on the grid of the deck as a whole. A thoroughgoing examination of the elements that make a card itself and no other is the reader's best bet in such a case.

There is always an element of performance anxiety that rides alongside the skill of interpreting cards.  This is a feature of the divinatory arts that is seldom talked about.  It is one thing to have an intuitive feeling for what a spread of cards (or runes, or geomantic sigils, etc.) might be indicating, but it is an entirely ~other~ thing to have to perform it out loud to an audience, whether it's a supportive friend or a crowd of strangers. The juggling act behind a choice or words or the direction a sentence is developing can be intense despite being invisible.  How does one find the exact metaphor, the perfect phrase, while the reader is under the intense and needy gaze of the client whose issue is running the session?

Again the suggestion is to fall back to the principals that underlie the given image of a given pack.  There is no reader who is so gifted that they can think of the very best thing to say every time. There is no psychic who can pick up all the nuances, except at risk of obliterating their own platform of consciousness by taking on another's.  It is not even desirable to be so clever, or so open.  What is desirable, and helpful, and truly enlightening for both reader and querant, is for the reader to have a firm grasp of the underlying logic that governs the shape and structure of the deck, which gives each card its logic for existing and its own unique place in the matrix.  When the reader has a firm grasp of the architecture of the cards, their formulas, and what differentiates them each from the other, then the issue of framing the question, and the technique of fitting the answer to the question, becomes very simple.  In every case, the principle ruling the interior structure of the card is the key to meaning.  There is no other.

I know this flies in the face of every Tarot artist's not-so-secret belief -- that it is only via the image that the inner identity of the card is conveyed, is expressed. Therefore the pictures that are made to illustrate the cards get loaded with inference, with emotion and subliminal details that might give the reader's imagination something to spark from.  This trend fits with the image-magic strain that is one main foundation-post upholding the content of Tarot. However, over-attention to the visual element breeds contempt for the cognitive, symbolic, astro-alpha-numeric canon upon which those images are hung. Present styles of use have brought the common conception of Tarot to the point that many, many "readers" believe that the meaning they see in the cards comes from whatever impulse strikes them in the moment! This attitude distresses me, because if there's anything that Tarot is, it is organized and fully rational.  It has a perfectly discernible and quite clever grid structure that allows each card to have a discreet formula without impinging on any other card, yet keeping them all related in a harmonious whole.

TABLE OF AAN CORRESPONDENCES - CLICK ON LINK TO ENLARGE

New readers can give a glance at the early ArkLetter articles, where we have collected some basic material on all three orders of the cards -- the 1-10 elemental cards, the Royal Court, and the Trumps. For all readers, I would also recommend some investigation into Pythagorean philosophy, based on mystical contemplation of the whole numbers; attention to the Hebrew doctrine of the Kabala Tree (another 10-based model, which has the additional benefit of linking in astrological signs, planets, and elements to the Tree); a beginner's exposure to the meaning-units of Astrology (those same signs, planets, elements, combined with the houses and aspects -- yet more number-mysticism); and perhaps some browsing through the alchemical and esoteric art of the 15-1600's, and/or the works of the named Renaissance magi under consideration, just for context.  I am hopeful that by following these ArkLetters and materials in the Tarot University Library, students are being slowly introduced to enough of the various threads in the tapestry that each one of you will find the discipline or art that resonates most strongly, allowing each one to build those correspondences into your use of your deck, even if the author didn't originally make those things explicit.

Meanwhile, let's look at the cards that were drawn for this NewMoon, with an eye to the fundamentals upon which the cards rest.  After all of this time spent the last two months with the writings of the Renaissance magi, I picked up my old and well-used Neuzeit Tarot, a Swiss-Gypsy pack that's deeply influenced by Paracelsian elemental magic and the psychedelic aura of its era (this deck was first published in 1982).  I did not know it at my first exposure to this deck, but 'neuzeit' is a term used in Europe to indicate the beginning of the so-called modern age, variously placed at either the discovery of America in 1492, or alternately Luther's reformation of 1517.  Walter Wegmüller, the artist and author of this pack, took advantage of the double-entendre in the term New Age, drawing a parallel which academics have since put a lot of time and attention into. (See for example, the excellent New Age Religion and Western Culture; Esotericism in the Mirror of Secular Thought, by Wouter J. Hanegraaff.) 

World Position:  Three of Wands

Wegmüller uses the suit of Wands to represent the living and intelligent forces of Nature. The hands and eyes forming the ground from which the three wands rise show the Earth teeming with elemental energies. The faces on the three upright wands show the Father/Sun, the Mother/Moon, and the crowned Sophia standing between them, wearing the elemental triangle of Fire around her neck. The triune association the author makes for this card is that of past/present/future, the three levels of consciousness. The letters and numbers floating in the air represent humanity's tools for recording our experiences. Main indications with this card are those of fortunate growth in both association and activity, as well as increased access to the multiplication-power of Nature. 

Standing these hints next to the core meaning of the number 3, synthesis, and the element of Fire, it is not hard to understand why the focus is on harmonious growth at all levels.  Fire is will power and drive, passion and excitement, the very stuff of combustion and activation. The stage of synthesis mediates between thesis and antithesis, allowing for a flux and flow that balances opposites into creative cycles of interaction. When the yin/yang finds its balance, Sun and Moon cross-pollinate, giving birth to the Christ/Sophia as the intelligence of the solar system, thereby unleashing every potential for growth in both consciousness and form. 

To bring in the number 3 from a Kabalistic perspective, this is the Mother Eye in the Supernal Triangle, looking out into the world to scope out the utility and application of every thing that is observed. Practicality and inventiveness are some of the qualities this correspondence brings -- the canny mind that turns every available resource into some kind of increase or benefit.  Adding in my own take on the astrological connection, this card belongs to the third decan of Aries, the segment covering the 20th to the 30th degree of the sign, which in the system I prefer is ruled by Jupiter. Finally, the traditional and standard concept from several centuries of Tarot tradition titles this card "endeavors, enterprises".

Wegmüller does not make these last correspondences explicit, but they all seem to affirm what the basics have already asserted -- find a fertile and optimistic part of your psyche, evoke the spring powers of original Nature, and then let the results expand and show their stuff. This is the perfect season to call forth fresh green sprouts from the seeds you were planting in the depths of last winter. Nature herself is enthusiastically contributing to the growth surge.  This is a very strong sign than there are still plenty of opportunities available to make a positive difference, where the current dynamics are favorable for an increase of the good. Because this card has come up in the World position, be reminded that the efforts being put forth here need to be attuned to bringing the greatest good to the greatest number of lives, human or otherwise.

Fool Position:  Knight of Cups reversed

The most interesting thing Wegmuller says about the suit of cups is "The cup is the cachement area of the mind and all religious sciences. In it all the forces and saps of nature unite". This points to the esoteric teaching of the cup as the Holy Grail, parallel also to the Tibetan skull cup. Both symbols refer to the precious substances generated in the pineal and pituitary glands at the center of the brain, representing the 6th and 7th chakras (third eye and crown). This Knight is portrayed as the nomadic culture-bringer who serves as messenger between the tribes, transmitting old traditions. Interestingly enough, Wegmüller mentions among those old traditions "the forgotten games of childhood... the pleasures of life... the teachings of the occult... the theater... the circus, etc."  Perhaps those who have read our articles on Magic will spot the Mercurial thread connecting all these themes, especially when the details of the image come into focus. At the doorsteps of the Gypsy wagons parked at the edge of the field, musicians are motivating a pair of dancers to whir and prance in the age-old steps.  The rabbit at the foot of the card, as well as the handsome horses on display, suggest that fertility will be one result of this Knight's benevolent influence.

Traditionally this Knight has the association of "homecoming, arrival", including the significance of the long-weary traveler finally reaching his destination and coming in off the road for good. Some sources compare this Knight to the prodigal son, who had to learn the long, hard way (from the hand of strangers) about the beauty and pleasure of home, hearth, and family. As a mutable sign in the suit of Water, he's a Pisces and therefore the bringer of those sacred, liminal states of mind that erase the boundaries between Self and Spirit. Through story and song he spins a myth that sweeps the individual into the lives of the Gods, thus casting a divine light on the daily challenges of the people.  The Sun and Moon that stand behind him inform his narrative, allowing him to bring heart-healing spiritual sustenance as well as simple joy to the settlements along his route.

There is no traditional Kabalistic position for the Royals, so we will leave out that category in the case of this and the subsequent card.

Because this card has fallen reversed into the Fool position, the inference is that we might be losing touch with the Knight of Cups' cultural role and function in the hurry-up, 21st century. Think of how much cultural inspiration the returning Crusaders brought back with them into Middle Ages Europe, and then recall events in your own life that have illustrated the value a person can impart when they are generous enough to share their insights and exposures with their loved ones. How many of us can manage to arrange a celebratory meal or casual gathering with close friends and family even once a month, much less once a week or around the dinner table of an evening? This is a terrible loss of bonding, stimulation, and creature comfort for both the individual and the collective life.

As is said about many different human functions, use it or lose it! The reversal of this card suggests that we need to go within, remember the good times and the kind of attitudes that make them possible, then create some new habits that will support a renewal of similar activities in our lives now.  This Fool position represents the transitional zone between the personal and the collective, hence the flow and exchange of mind-materials that takes place when people are gathered and allowed to touch auras in a friendly and non-threatening manner. We each have both talents and appreciations that deserve to be shared and multiplied with others.  Hopeful symbols associated with this chalice -- the cosmic egg, the four-directions cross, the horseshoe and the butterfly -- remind us of the regenerative and awakening effects of time spent recreating with our chosen community.

Magus Position: King of Coins reversed

The introduction Wegmüller writes for the suit of coins is instructive. He says, "Every coin has two faces. The female side stands for subconsciousness and for memory, the male side for consciousness and for energy.... The coin is also the sign of the wheel. It rolls or rotates from one hand to another, from one purse to another. The coin is like lubricating oil and the medium representing 'commerce'; it is felt that the more the coin 'rolls', the better off the people will be."

This King is obviously quite taken with everything his money can buy and produce. In the pictures behind him is one scene of unspoiled Nature and one of a dark and grubby factory scene. He possesses all the latest in information technology. His crown, his necktie and his purple jacket announce him as an Important Person.  He appears confident that the world is at his fingertips, and indeed, the golden disc of prosperity is in his hand.  Tradition associates this fellow with King Midas, who could turn anything he touched into gold.  Wegmüller's text is written along the same lines -- " commercial success in realizing material expectations" is one quote, also "Benefits from new media". However, the reversal brings up the theme of a "Tendency to overestimate oneself", and I think this has to do particularly with the current strains in the financial markets. Many people are strung out with too much debt to be comfortably stable, and I think this is one of the warnings that this card is sounding by showing up reversed in the Magus position.

Meanwhile, the King of Coins will be the cardinal Earth sign of Capricorn; therefore empire-building considerations are highlighted as well as hopes/fears about productivity and financial security. To the extent that the pictures on the wall behind him represent the 'before' and 'after' scenario of our resource-intensive smokestack industries, this King is indebting future generations even as he manufactures their goods. His enthusiasm for what's new and modern is crowding out the priceless and timeless beauties found in Nature and in the simple things.  On the other hand, if he had the clarity to apply his considerable materialization abilities to restoration, preservation, and appropriate renewal, he is the very Royal who has the wherewithal to make a difference in issues like global poverty, the ecological crisis, and intercultural harmony.

Since this King appears in the Magus position let's bring this card into focus for the individual. Each one of should examine our conscience and try to answer the following questions:  If I was a small nation, and all my thoughts were my population, what is this nation dedicated to? What use are we making of our natural resources?  How well is the leadership doing in educating and organizing its citizens about sustainability and right livelihood?  How is my sovereign nation handling the limited resources of time, energy, and attention at its disposal?   The answers you find to these and similar questions become your instructions for making the changes that can change the world.

To summarize:
There are plenty of good directions for our energy to expand towards, so we don't have to get caught up in fighting off the bad stuff. Emphasize the positive, what's exciting and empowering, and expand in those directions. Done determinedly enough, that alone will belay the distractions that plague us all. Look towards family-style and small-community pleasures to help you re-establish rhythms of free play and spontaneity between the inevitable bouts of work and willpower. This allows the aura to open and become available to inspiration. Besides, times of fun and no money will get you by better than times of money and no fun, to paraphrase an old counterculture rule of thumb. Some things are priceless, and when you are clear on what those things are, it becomes easier to check out of the rat race for a bit of refreshment and re-grooving.

Finally, our recurring theme -- that of confronting and heading back the vast amount of consumption that every first-worlder feels entitled to -- is making a bid for our attention again. We must strive to get a more refined handle on what it is that we value, what matters, what is worth staking our individual and collective future on. Only then we can evolve beyond this devouring culture of acquisition, into a culture that appreciates the intrinsic, true worth of What Is -- of Nature, of human nature, of the world as we have made it, of the world as it hungers to be.

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*Christine Payne-Towler*
Research: Esoteric Tarot, Literature and Practice; Tarot.com
Publisher, The Tarot Arkletters
Bishop, Gnostic Church of St. Mary Magdalene
Founder: Tarot University;
Author: The Underground Stream;

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Comments

[dr laura andersson]

in reading this, it struck me that another meaning for 3 of wands could be "synchronicity".