View Full Version : ADEPT LEVEL; 21 Ways . . . Step 14
dadsnook2000
11-02-2009, 09:16
STEP 14 of 21 Ways To Read A Tarot Card: "Dignity & Theme" is the title of this step. The adept level addresses similarities and differences using the High Priestess and the Emperor cards as examples. Mary Greer also introduces the issues of an anomaly and its conflicting meaning which may "nuance" the reading of the other cards.
** Activity 14:3 really goes deep into elemental dignities, addressing how varying combinations work out----such as air and air, or air and earth or air and water, for example. These combinations tend to range from strong to weak in terms of this dignity level. Of course the spread used and the cards positioned can further modify this.
** Activity 14:4 addresses elemental triads or groups of three card sets. Again, these are the very things we deal with in many card readings.
** Activity 14:5 takes back to the spread used in step 12 and asks us to re-visit it using what we have learned here in step 14.
NOTE: I see the exercise given as part of step 13 as needing to continue into this time period in terms of watching to see how symbols continue to pop up in our life. Don't pass over that portion of step 13 lightly, I think there is a lot to discover there.
2nd NOTE: Now that we are all active again in the last phase of the Adept Level, we need to keep plowing ahead. So, no shirking in our quest. Dave
squeakmo9
12-02-2009, 08:41
Look over the deck and find repeating patterns that catches your eye. Sort the cards into groups:
The VR deck seems rather active. It seems to be heading in a certain direction. The intuition is given ease and yet I get a fixed sense from it. I am unfamiliar with the deck of its kind and what the creator’s intent was. In that I label as follows…
-Completed an action and in process of picking another direction:
These cards appear to be transient and in motion of going in one way or another. Thoughts before action I guess. Not yet at the next destination.
Knight of Pents has just slayed the dragon and being thanked by the damsel.
The Emperor sits in silence. 6 of Wands leaving a town in the form of military troops. Knight of Swords taking hold of an angel in distress. 9 of Wands standing guard in front of a house set burning. 3 of Cups posing with musical instruments and other articles of artistic expression. 7 of Wands man who is faced with a confrontation. 5 of Swords little people talking and listening. Ace of Pents presents a huge coin.
-Cards which seem to be facing me:
Intimate, intense, bringing in the reader & querent. In the way these cards look, they seem to affirm whatever the reader/querent perceives. It is certain that you know what to do and have an answer.
The Sun being guided by angels. Queen of Wands posing and revealing a mask worn. Queen of Pents poses in front of a home with coin in hand. 5 of pents with a mother and young boy in huddle. 7 of cups fishing. Page of Cups giving a cup to a pianist. 4 of pents sitting still. 10 of pents selling goods in a public market. Queen of swords surrounded by mountains. Page of wands singing. High Priestess standing still. 4 of cups looks of indifference. The Devil posing. The Moon sitting and combing hair.
-Involved with their enviroment, the situation:
The Tower shipwreck. 7 of pents pickings from a bush. 2 of pents going over a routine. 3 of swords crying. The Lovers catch. Justice being served by an angel to a man. Ace of swords fairy and sword on a hilltop. The Wheel of Fortune birdcatcher’s turning attention. 5 of wands threat in a street. Judgement glorious vision. Strength’s patience & courage. Page of Pents sits, waits in a room. Hierophant instructs students. Empress caring for angels. 4 of wands performance. Knight of wands facing woman. 4 of swords sleeping. 6 of pents giving attention. Ace of cups diving, connecting with another. 10 of cups gathering of a family & friends. Ace of Wands elevating of a flame. 3 of pents carving wood figures. 8 of pents painting a vase. 9 of cups drinking in a tavern. 2 of cups talking to each other. 6 of swords arriving to land. 3 of Wands observing swans. The Hanged Man upside down under a bridge. 5 of cups and 8 of cups seem to contain the same person walking away with head hanging down(8) and then turned up to see in the 5.
-A definite direction and moving forward known:
The World going up. 10 of swords dying in the waves. 6 of cups looking high and low. King of cups slowing going somewhere. 2 of swords surrendering back. The Lover’s vows. 9 pents lady posing. 9 of swords sleepwalking. Knight of cups surrounded by angels and looking up. 8 of wands running. The Magician sitting behind desk. The Star in water. King of Swords in the middle of ruins. The hermit sitting by the water. The Fool balancing performance. The Chariot’s flight. King of Pents sharing himself. Queen of cups looking up to the sky. Temperance in a boat. 2 of Wands looking out. King of Wands listening to music. Death floating. 8 of swords tied and waiting. 7 of swords leaving with stuff. Page of swords going into the woods. 10 of wands carrying two loads on a path.
My card is the 4 of wands and in group 3 (involved with enviroment/situation)
It’s grouped in with other cards that are very much in the mist of their personal situations, living them out. This applies well to where I'm at. I suppose this group would be considered of the mundane. I find it difficult to find an anomoly because of the depth of variation in the deck as a whole, it addresses many things in 79 cards(extra lovers card/a seemingly built in anomoly).
** Activity 14:3 really goes deep into elemental dignities, addressing how varying combinations work out----such as air and air, or air and earth or air and water, for example. These combinations tend to range from strong to weak in terms of this dignity level. Of course the spread used and the cards positioned can further modify this.
Elements of earth and water are considered friendly.
Using Victorian Romantic
5 of pents-a small boy huddles with a woman as they sit on a bench. He is covered in a brown blanket. They sit outside of a building’s doorway, to their right, on the ground, lies a basket with straw and branches. The woman holds a cross on her lap.
Ace of Cups-a man swims down to kiss a woman sitting on a giant shell, both are naked.
What I know(pents)is of a persevering nature, and grounded for better or for worse.
What I don’t know(cups)is how these two people are related, or are relating to the circumstance that brought them there.
How would I read these two cards?
That there is real devotion, regardless of hardship shared.
Elements of fire and fire are considered strong, for good or evil.
9 of wands is a roman soldier standing outside a home’s doorway that is being rained down by flames. Inside are casualties of this fire.
10 of wands is a woman carrying a huge bundle of wood on her back while simultaneously carrying a cradle with a child in it over a rocky path. Another child stands in the distance holding more wood in hand.
What I know is(9 of wands)these are trying times that tests one’s ability to stick to what they believe.
What I don’t know(10 of wands)is if the effort will prove futile.
These two cards say to me that the energy is over-extended, and will undermine one’s general well-being, or good intentions.
Elements of fire and earth are said to be somewhat friendly or neutral.
4 of wands is a lively band playing to a crowd outdoors. The band seems to be made up of 4 scantily dressed women. The crowd seems amused.
10 of pents shows a man sitting outside selling fruits and vegetables. He is just outside the entrance to a village, there is a man and a woman entering together.
What I know(4 of wands)is that there are amusements.
What I don’t know(10 of pents)if anyone will buy what is being offered.
These two cards makes me think the energies are too distracted to be productive.
Elements of air and earth are said to be enemies, contraries, and weak.
Ace of Swords shows a fairy sitting high up on a cliff, holding a wilting flower to a sheathed sword. This sword seems to be decorated in a burgundy ribbon. Below this fairy are clouds and a bird that swoops below. Behind this fairy are mountains and what looks like a blue sea.
7 of pents is a small woman collecting flower buds off a bush. She looks only to the blossom in her hands while her basket hangs lopsided at a distance.
What I know(Ace of Swords)is that there is freedom in solitude to think and feel whatever you want.
What I don’t know(7 of pents)is if the interest to accomplish anything will be there.
Since these two elements are said to be contrary…it seems that a person will be torn between wanting to be left alone with one’s thoughts and needing to be at work, and actually doing something visibly productive.
squeakmo9
13-02-2009, 08:09
** Activity 14:4 addresses elemental triads or groups of three card sets. Again, these are the very things we deal with in many card readings.
** Activity 14:5 takes back to the spread used in step 12 and asks us to re-visit it using what we have learned here in step 14.
Purpose-5 of swords, Issue-4 of wands, Feeling-2 of swords
Air-fire-air considered strong and active
The 5 of swords has three children in clown costumes. Two of the kids are ganging up on the 3rd. Two swords are on the ground.
2 of swords shows someone with their hands crossed in front of their chest. They have a laurel on their head made up of little blue flowers. This person’s gaze is on whatever is forward and above. Their back is to the rocks and sea.
With the issue being the 4 of wands, it is probably about being playful and /or childish(5 of swords).
The 4 of wands(issue)seems to exacerbate the events in the 5 of swords and then coming to a close in the 2 of swords.
I would see the issue(4 of wands) as a place where a not so friendly fight(5 of swords)took place. It’s purpose(5 of swords) may have been to realize who your real friends are, because the feeling(2 of swords)is peaceful, and solitary.
Then I picked two other elements…
6 of pents-4 of wands-2 of cups
earth-fire-water
earth and fire are somewhat friendly/neutral and fire and water are contrary.
6 of pents is a little girl and finely dressed woman meeting on a path. The woman is about to take the blossom the girl is offering.
2 of cups is a couple in a park, sitting on a bench with two wine glasses between them.
It is easier to read the cards as a story where the woman in the 6 of pents meets up with a little flower girl on her way to a fair where the 4 of wands is playing. Then afterwards meets with a suitor(2 of cups).
Purpose-to be charitable, generous, and observant
Issue-distractions
Feeling-wanting to share.
summed up: Amist the distractions, sharing of one’s self is worth the time.
I don’t see these 3 cards as being contrary to each other, and see more similarities in the images than if I were to read just the elements.
YAY new step posted! Thanks Dave. I agree, we are so close that we need to prod ahead. Feels great to see everyone back and to have some new classmates in the adept level. Squeak I will read yours after I post mine.
I will post my Step 14 on Tuesday :D
dadsnook2000
20-02-2009, 21:52
Step 14-3: I've divided my Fey Tarot cards into groups consisting of:
** Cards with LIGHT emphasized
** Cards showing apathy, fear, uncertainty
** Cards showing creativity, magic
** Cards indicating coupleness or pairings
** Cards of movement or travel
** Cards of contemplation
** Cards where one is waiting or seems "stationed" or posed
** Unclassified or unclear as to what goes where
My card, the Hermit, is in the "light" group. Unlike the RWS deck were the Hermit has traveled to a remote area and is standing there with his lantern, the Fey Hermit has entered into the interior of a tower filled with crazy stairways and ladders going in all directions and often leading to doors, with small clues laying all about. He also carries a lantern but is actively seeking not being the object of those who might be seeking.
For me, the Hermit as a "light" card, joins with the Ten/Pentacles waiting for a party to begin at a table topped with a huge candle, Five/Pentacles where a group of Fey enjoy a warm "fire" emitted from a burning Pentacle, the Sun where a Fey basks on a warm hillside meadow in the sunlight, Three/Wands were a Fey watches a glowing plant with three bulbs sprouting, the Star where a young lady Fey sits amidst a swirl of stars as if sitting under a tree in the fall with leaves floating down upon her--those stars glowing and placing a soft light upon her, and the Moon wherein a Fey-Hunter kneels watching a giant full moon that has just risen over the horizon--a moon almost within reach.
Given my focus on my book writing, and all that I learn while I write to teach others, the light symbolizes my deepening understanding about that which I am seen as being an expert at. So, the light represents "finding knowledge." Will it also symbolize finding wisdom?
More, later. Dave
dadsnook2000
23-02-2009, 22:40
I drew the Fey Tarot's 8/Pentacles and 8/Chalices for the What I Know and What I Don't Know positions.
The 8/Pentacles shows a Fey kneeling on the floor of a painters studio. She is before a larger-than-her hanging pentacle. She is totally focused on painting an image which the viewer cannot see. Pots and paints lay about her.
The 8/Chalices depicts a Fey walking away from a huge chalice atop a stairway. She is facing away but her eyes are looking up as if at something else we can't see or as if seeing a reflection of the chalice. An early-morning Moon rises in the sky.
** The 8/Pentacles depicts the process of pulling a creative concept into the physical realm, of enhancing life through endeavors, adding substance to the world. In the What I Know position, this card could be advice to put a full effort into your life's work, to be an activist in terms of getting something done.
** The 8/Chalices depicts one who is walking away from the cup of feelings and emotions and all that it promises in the coming day. Her bearing shows that this is a firm decision although she is aware of what her rejection means. In the What I Don't Know position, this card suggests that she may not have given emotionally-related situations a fair chance of being experienced but made an early choice to not be involved, but to seek something else. Will this leave a hole in her experience or later leave her unprepared for another type of experience? A decision is a decision.
*********
I have a little diagram on the cover of my Tarot Notebook which shows the suites at the four corners of the diagram with the pathways across/down/ or diagonally between the suites given attributes. I'll attempt to portray that here.
CUPS ----- satisfaction ------- PENT'S
| * * |
| * * |
| happiness * business
| * * activities
emotions * difficulties |
| * * |
| * |
| * * |
| * * |
| * * |
SWORDS ----- conflict ------ WANDS
This appears to be different from what Mary Greer suggests in her book. Now, I am not sure where I took this diagram from or if this diagram represents a school of Tarot-thought that embodies some concepts that we should be aware of as being better-or-worse in some way. PERHAPS MARY WILL OFFER A COMMENT ON THIS.
*************
Meanwhile, using the book's approach, I drew three cards----one for air, fire and water. These are the 9/Swords, 9/Wands, 6/Cups.
** 9/Swords shows a feathered winged Fey kneeling, face close to the ground with her arms crossed in front of her, a large sword hanging from a cord above and pointed at her back.
** 9/Wands shows two Fey in a cavity within a tree, looking out of the hole.
** 6/Chalices shows another feather-winged Fey sitting on the rim of a large chalice holding a large egg, with many eggs scattered on the surface below.
The two 9-cards (friendly) suggests that one has to accept one's fear for what it is and then move to face it in some way (confront, avoid).
The 9/Wands and 6/Chalices (contrary relationship) suggests that ones caution and indecision is not compatible with one's sense of the past (egg as birth vehicle) which is about to be dropped on the floor with other past memories. A decision can be made or one and sit and sit and go nowhere.
The 9/Swords and 6/Chalices are neutral. Translated, one's fears and penance has a role in contemplating and deciding what to do, while one's decision to drop old memories and forget about them is one choice but not the only choice. One has many paths to choose in life.
The book offers earth/water/air and earth/air/earth examples to work with, and then goes on to talk about the CENTRAL CARD IN A TRIAD. I have taken up Robert Place's approaches to using the central card in a triad. Here, we are seeing the center card in terms of how it relates via its triad meanings.
The MISSING SUIT strikes me as interesting although my first thought is that which card of that suit is "missing" rather than thinking of the suit in a more general sense. In the example above that I did, the missing suit was the Pentacle suit---practical choices and productive efforts were missing from the relationship considerations to some degree.
SPREADS WITHIN SPREADS is a subject that is so rich that we could develop a whole series of threads on this subject once we finish with the adept level. I note that Tarot Tells The Tale is one book that offers an amazing number of three card spread combinations and that Tarot And Psychology, as one example, includes examples of mini-spreads within the Celtic Cross spread.
**** If this sounds like an interesting topic, please respond so that we can consider it as our next group project or one of those projects.
Dave.
STEP 14: DIGNITY AND THEME
DECK: FANTASTIC MENAGERIE
CARD: THE MOON
ACTIVITY 14:3.1 – Sort the cards into groups based on visual themes. What key theme is suggested by each group formed? What do these themes say about your deck?
Themes:
1) Isolation
2) Harmony/Wonder
3) Celebration
4) Conflict
5) Sharing/Helping
6) Family/Nurturing
7) Laziness
8) Romantic/Relationships
9) Pride
10) Rejection
11) Power/Authority
These themes tell me that the deck is very focused on society and social attitudes.
ACTIVITY 14:3.2. – My chosen card (The Moon) is in the “isolation” group.
How might this theme apply to my current situation? This card could represent my feelings of isolation, distance, and withdrawal. It is not physical isolation, etc., but emotional and not directed at one person but more of a general sense. I guess I am in a hermit sort of phase with an intense interest in the spiritual such as crystals, tarot, personal development. Interests that are not really shared by anyone directly around me. That is what isolates me.
Is there anything that makes my card stand out? My card is the only one in the entire group that has something looking over the main character’s shoulder. Also the only one with a dead animal being used as jewelry. It is also the only one with clouds.
What does this suggest about my personal theme? That I feel like I am being watched and judged. That I feel like I am carrying dead weight, and that I carry an albatross around my neck. I long to be in a different place in my life than I am, but am not sure how to get there.
ACTIVITY 14:4. – Using various pairs of Earth/Water two card spreads, what can I say about these cards based solely on elemental characteristics: The earth card speaks to the physical and the now, the water touches on the emotions and unconscious knowledge and flows.
Earth and Water are friendly. Laying out 3 pairs:
Devil – Page of Cups
6 of Coins – High Priestess
9 of Coins – Hanged Man
These 3 pairs show characters in the here and now living an experience or doing something that can be described by “what I know.” They all hint towards indulgence. In the “What I don’t know” Water cards I get the feeling or premonition that can trigger during the “earth” situations. That feeling of something not being right or something missing yet not being able to put my finger on it.
ACTIVITY 14:5 – Examine the 3 card spread obtained in Step 12 in terms of elemental dignities and what these suggest:
5 of Wands – Fire
The Star – Air
9 of Cups – Water
The center card (The Star) is somewhat strong. The flanking cards are weak. The serenity of The Star is prevalent though could be influenced by the aggression or dissention of the 5 of Wands as they are “friendly.” The serenity of The Star could be short term, but would at least be there for a time.
Moving the cards around: (switching the positions of the Star and 9 of Cups): The 9 of Cups is weak and The Star and 5 of Wands are strong. Switching the original positions of The Star and 5 of Wands, the 5 of Wands is somewhat strong, the 9 of Cups and The Star are neutral. The heat of conflict of the 5 of Wands would be dominant over the peace and serenity of The Star and the fulfillment of wishes and satisfaction of the 9 of Cups.
I find the elemental dignities interesting, though still a bit confusing. I use the elemental correspondences of the cards in readings but a bit differently. I take number and other factors also into consideration along with the element. But I still find this really interesting.
Squeak and Dave, I really enjoyed reading your exercises. One of the things that stands out to me is that for all three of us we felt that we needed more than the elemental dignity associations/relationships than those offered in the exercise. We do not looke solely at the elemental dignity, though we all do consider it in our interpretations whether conscioulsy or not.
Squeak, as I read your first I was not surprised to see that you and I arrived at similar conclusions at the end as our decks are by the same designers. We aslo shared issues with the numbers exercise if I recall :D
Dave I loved the diagram! That is really helpful.
I love the decks you guys are using, they are my primary reading decks actually so seeing them so fully discussed is just fantastic. Your level of detail has really helped enhance my understanding and views in regards to both the VR and the Fey.
squeakmo9
26-02-2009, 07:52
...as I read your first I was not surprised to see that you and I arrived at similar conclusions at the end as our decks are by the same designers. We aslo shared issues with the numbers exercise if I recall...
:D-oh yes-I forgot. Thank you for that reminder!
This deck is still very new to me, Jewel, so I really appreciate your insight here! Makes me feel better:)
dadsnook2000
26-02-2009, 21:43
The diagram got messed up due to having the "open" spaces being collapsed.
Let me address this. The following layout was "displayed":
CUPS ----- satisfaction ------- PENT'S
| * * |
| * * |
| happiness * business
| * * activities
emotions * difficulties |
| * * |
| * |
| * * |
| * * |
| * * |
SWORDS ----- conflict ------ WANDS
"Happiness" defines the diagonal link between Cups and Wands.
"Business activities" defines the up/down link from Pent's to Wands.
"Emotions" defines the link between Cups and Swords.
"Difficulties" defines the diagonal link between Swords and Pent's.
Dave
:D-oh yes-I forgot. Thank you for that reminder!
This deck is still very new to me, Jewel, so I really appreciate your insight here! Makes me feel better:)
The VR is my primary reading deck and I am very comfortable with it, if I can ever be of assistance to you with this deck please PM me. I find it to be so intuitive.
Dave thanks for explaining the diagram more. I really really like it. I am going to print that out and put it in my journal for reference.
dadsnook2000
27-02-2009, 08:45
I've sent Mary a PM and asked her to look at it when she has time to see if she has comments on its origin or its structure. It looks doable, but its possible that it goes against the grain of Tarot lore in some way. We'll see. Dave
Edited/added: I'll have to expressly test it with combinations of Court, Major, Minor and Ace cards to see how comfortable it then feels. We ought to be able to draw our own conclusions with all that we have learned, don't you think? Dave
Edited/added: I'll have to expressly test it with combinations of Court, Major, Minor and Ace cards to see how comfortable it then feels. We ought to be able to draw our own conclusions with all that we have learned, don't you think? Dave
You had mentioned that we might do some "special" or "extra" excercises, this formula could actually be one for us all to explore together. With various of us testing it we would have variety in perspectives, decks, experience, etc. We could then summarize our collective conclusions. What do you think?
dadsnook2000
28-02-2009, 21:45
Yes, Jewel, we could indeed do that. Perhaps a four-card quandary spread or challenge spread could be developed or proposed. Each position in the square layout would be given a meaning, then the cards drawn -- the difference in drawing cards would be that once a suit was drawn, you couldn't draw that suit again but would have to keep drawing until another suit-card came up.
We'll have to think a bit about this, but that's a great suggestion. Dave
Yes, Jewel, we could indeed do that. Perhaps a four-card quandary spread or challenge spread could be developed or proposed. Each position in the square layout would be given a meaning, then the cards drawn -- the difference in drawing cards would be that once a suit was drawn, you couldn't draw that suit again but would have to keep drawing until another suit-card came up.
Ohhhhh yes, how about a spread which requires us to actually separate the deck in suits and each position meaning would correspond to a suit? I know there are spreads that call for separating decks in various ways, so what do you think about that idea?
dadsnook2000
05-03-2009, 21:53
I'm a bit confused about this 5th portion of Level 14. The book indicates that we should start with the three-card spread used in Adept Level Step 12. That spread was 6/cups, King/wands, and 4/pentacles.
In this step we are asked to use our chosen card to examine combinations of elemental dignities. I will be doing this step following this process.
** I will draw a series of pair-cards to use with my chosen card.
** I will then mix them in various combinations to see how the elemental dignities affect the reading.
** I will do as many of these combinations here on the list as space and time permits.
THIS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP FOR US TO DO relative to the exercise that Jewel and I have been talking about earlier. So, do have fun with this. Dave
I guess when I read Step 14:5, I understood it to refer to the 3 card spread we did at the Apprentice level where our chosen card was in the spread, and then making different arrangements to look at the dignity influences ... that is what I did, and just used the Star card as it was the card I used in the Apprentice level.
Did I goof? *LOL*
squeakmo9
06-03-2009, 07:14
It was my understanding to use the 3 cards spread from apprentice 12:3 & adept 12:6.
Purpose-Issue-Feeling(mine)
Then I switched the elements around, and did a combo between sub-steps (adept)14:4 and 14:5.
Was I wrong to assume that folks? Do I need to do a redo- please let me know guys.
~chuckles~ guess we are all confused! *LOL*.
dadsnook2000
06-03-2009, 09:55
Well, I'm still confused. Those who have another understanding of this step should stick to their guns. It might be only me who is confused. We don't want confusion to become like measles and have it spread to everyone. We should never follow the Fool unless two conditions exist; 1) he is in front of us, and 2) there is only one path. Even then, we have a choice to just sit down and wait or rest. Everyone, do your own thing and don't listen to the Fool. Dave.
I will re-read the step this weekend, review what I did, and get back to you guys on Monday on my understanding or new understanding of this step if it changes. I did this step quite some time ago, so I really don't remember off the top of my head.
DruidCraft Deck
My Chosen card: The Lady.
Here is the first part of step 14. A bit late as usual, but I am trying to keep up. I am also doing a course using the Thoth deck, which I find very challenging and giving at the moment.
Andrew :)
I ended up with ten themes, and they generally are sorted after “numerological” theme sets, though with exceptions. They seem to follow their Elemental associations. The group with most cards was under the theme of Deliberation and Thought. It seems that the themes cover all aspects of living life.
My card comes under the theme of Togetherness. Strangely enough I am having problems with my family, or to put it another way, I am choosing not to have relations with my birth family. On the other hand I have a great family on my partner’s side and good friends.
1- Action and the pursuit of will.
Prince of Swords, Six of Wands, Eight of Wands, The Magician, The Fool, Prince of Wand, Strength, Princess of Wands, The Chariot, Queen of Wands, King of Wands,
2. Deliberation and thought
King of Swords, Nine of Pentacles, King of Wands, , King of Pentacles, Three of Wands, , Four of Swords, The Star, King of Cups, The Lord, Princess of Pentacles, Queen of Pentacles, The High Priest, Seven of Swords. Princess of Swords, Justice, Queen of Swords,
3. Inner Journeys
The High Priestess, Eight of Cups, Two of Swords, The Moon, Queen of Cups The Hermit Princess of Cups, Death
4. Defence
Five of Wands, Seven of Wands, Nine of Wands
5. Apprehension and indecision
Six of Swords, Prince of Cups, Prince of Pentacles, Four of Cups, Seven of Cups
6. Being afraid
Ten of Swords, Eight of Swords, Nine of Swords
7. Money on the agenda.
Six of Pentacles, Seven of Pentacles, Four of Pentacles
8. Togetherness
Three of Cups, Two of Cups, Six of Cups, Cernunnos, The Lovers, Ten of Cups, Four of Wands, Nine of Cups, Ten of Cups, The Lady
9. Being alone
Five of Cups, Three of Swords, Five of Swords, Ten of Wands, Five of Pentacles, The Tower,
10. Change and beginnings
The Wheel, Rebirth, The Sun, The World, The Hanged Man, Two of Wands, The Four Aces
Step 14.5.
I hope I have this bit right!
I assume that the spreads definitions are not relevant here.
My three cards from step 12 were: The Hermit (Earth), The High Priestess (Water) and The Star (Air)
Earth –Water- Air. This would indicate that the sides are somewhat weak and the center card is strong.
The Golden Dawn interpretation would be to just interpret The High Priestess.
I would interpret this as the High Priestess, a need for withdrawal and inner calm is strongest. The Hermits need for active seeking is definitely tempered by The Stars optimism and hope for the future. Perhaps this means that though the card clearly suggest a time of inner peace and stillness, they will be affected by an underlying need to intellectualize the inner calmness (Hermit) and perhaps being drawn out of the calmness, by an inner feeling of being healed and confident (Star).
I leave it at that for now, until I am sure I have done it right ;)
Andrew :)
dadsnook2000
16-03-2009, 11:10
OK, I'm dealing a pair of cards to go with my Hermit card. To start this part of the exercise I have: 2 Swords, Hermit, 2 Cups. The consensus is that the Hermit is an Earth card, although I think of it as "seeking-Air" and "working within the Spirit-Water" type of compassion for others.
This translates into Air-Earth which is contrary, and Earth-Water as friendly.
Given the above line/statement, let's start with a possible interpretation of the 3 card spread as might be done based on the card meanings.
** TWO/swords: One has to be objective in seeing situations made up of opposing sides/views, make a decision towards being impartial if neither side is of a vested interest, or of deciding which side to take if it involves you or is caused (in part, at least) by you.
** HERMIT: We are always seeking for ourselves even if being available to help others. The seeker seeks, the seeker is sought. There is always a tangled web of questions, answers and situational dilemmas to consider.
** TWO/cups: One is within a zone of feelings shared although not always desired. Feelings ebb and flow so how one feels within an emotional zone is not a stable situation.
CONCLUSION: One has been presented with a confrontational situation in which one is expected to choose sides. There is confusion, many choices, many possible avenues leading to some sort of a solution or escape. A swirl of emotions keeps things stirred up, pushing one's thoughts and feeling first in one direction, then in another. Emotions can be diminished or kept within bounds but a decision can have permanent consequences.
Now, applying the dignity & theme overview. lets see what we get.
** Air/Earth, or 2/swords and Hermit/earth: One can't see clear merits on either side of the issue and therefore a resistance to make an either-or choice exists.
** Earth/Water or Hermit/earth and 2/cups-Water: There is an inclination to deal with the distraction of emotions and feelings, either by trying to sense when the moment is right to step in, or to use one's presence and stability of being to act as a calming zone.
CONCLUSION: Once emotions and feeling have been recognized and dealt with the decision of balancing or of confronting the choices others wish to place upon you will be easier to deal with or to ignore. It can be important to visualize what the spread would represent without the Hermit present. The heat of beliefs/thoughts/decisions would clash with feelings/compassion/ accommodation. In effect the situation would reflect two sides to both sides. This is an impossible situation. Clearly, the presence of the Hermit is the only likely mediation force or presence (not action oriented presence) that would or could provide a pause, a stabilization, perhaps a momentary truce --- but maybe not a solution. Is there even a solution here? It may be that all parties have to separate and go their own ways, giving up what they may have hoped was possible.
I'll think about this approach, perhaps the group will comment on this and tear it up a bit. Does this make sense? Dave
dadsnook2000
17-03-2009, 01:03
In my previous post, using my chosen focus card as the center card in a three card spread, there was a point where I "removed" the center card to see what effect its influence of being absent would have on the interaction of the other two cards. This is an interesting approach when you consider any three-card combination --- seeing what the "removal" of a card has on the other two.
Any comments from the list on this? Dave
squeakmo9
17-03-2009, 05:24
In your 3 card spread air-earth-water...air and earth(the flanking cards) would be neutral. Leaving earth rather strong, and considering that it is a major arcana(Hermit)...it would have an even more prominent interp.
In my previous post, using my chosen focus card as the center card in a three card spread, there was a point where I "removed" the center card to see what effect its influence of being absent would have on the interaction of the other two cards. This is an interesting approach when you consider any three-card combination --- seeing what the "removal" of a card has on the other two.
I never thought of doing this, and in your throw, it would be like a ship without a sail by removing the Hermit. There would be no motivating factor or direction for water(2 of cups) or air(2 of sword). Like what would the point be of digging deeper(Hermit) into those intense emotions(2 of cups) in a relationship, or examining the role of self(2 of swords) within relationships with others. Your center card is 'elevated' in a way, and more than capable of exploring and bringing together 2 cards that may not want anything to do with each other. Just my take, Dave.
DreamWalker
17-03-2009, 05:54
Ok, I'm interrupting here, but I just got this book about 2 weeks ago and I see you guys are almost through the steps... I'm bummed - as I would've liked to move through them with others... adds depth and also helps work out kinks...
You guys are doing great though! Hopefully the 21 ways study group will begin at the beginning again once you all are through!
Blessings...
dadsnook2000
17-03-2009, 12:53
DreamWalker, you've got it all wrong. This study group is perpetually ongoing. It doesn't start at some point ---- we have Tarot lovers starting with us every week. There are always others close to the same steps you would be traveling and there are always the "old" members who go back and encourage and comment of help.
And, once we get done with the dual set of 21 steps, we hope to continue on with some other work. No, you have to join. We're here, we'll be here. Dave
And, once we get done with the dual set of 21 steps, we hope to continue on with some other work. No, you have to join. We're here, we'll be here. Dave
Yes ...... what Dave said! We are always available to help you on your journey if you need us, all you need do is ask. We do pop into the other threads when we have time, but we are only a PM away if you feel like you need us. 21 Ways is an incredible journey, and we cannot help ourselves but to encourage others to take it too! Please do join the study group!
In my previous post, using my chosen focus card as the center card in a three card spread, there was a point where I "removed" the center card to see what effect its influence of being absent would have on the interaction of the other two cards. This is an interesting approach when you consider any three-card combination --- seeing what the "removal" of a card has on the other two.
Any comments from the list on this? Dave
That would then leave you with a two card spread, correct? What I like about this approach is that it really shows the interplay between cards as if something is absent it can change everything.
squeakmo9
19-03-2009, 07:03
We are always available to help you on your journey if you need us, all you need do is ask. We do pop into the other threads when we have time, but we are only a PM away if you feel like you need us.
Yes...what Jewel said!
Hope you join the 21 ways, DreamWalker:)
coyoteblack
25-12-2009, 09:29
Hello I am about to finish this step then I over confused my self. When it asked for themes I was going with color or gadgets and I was confused on exactly what we are looking for. as a general rule each of the minors has a color theme and their element in it. but I was guessing we need to look at something else?
squeakmo9
25-12-2009, 10:22
I laid my entire deck out on my bed cause I wasn't all that familiar with it at the time. This helped me to see some connecting themes like cards where the central entity was staring outward. If you find repeating objects, and this is what comes out at you, then, just go with it Coyoteblack.
I think the rest of the exercises goes with the elements, and I would find colors very helpful with that. I wouldn't over think it---the deck will guide you:)
Good to see you here!
coyoteblack
25-12-2009, 10:50
Thank you so much. I finished my adept 13 a few days ago I want to have all 21 done before school starts up again .
squeakmo9
25-12-2009, 11:09
...I want to have all 21 done before school starts up again .
Oh wow---These steps can be rather revealing at a slow and steady pace...but since you have given yourself a 'deadline' CB...the added pressure should get those creative juices goin':D
Enjoy!
coyoteblack
28-12-2009, 14:18
I decided togo slower. I would hope to have a 18 in a week and a half and do the rest at a snails pace.
coyoteblack
03-01-2010, 12:56
14.3 adept
This deck has a common theme of technical and gadgets. Each suit is very different so I kept putting suits together and that was not the reason for this exercise. I did what I do when becoming over technical and just went with stream of conscience. I laid the cards out on my floor and laid them out willy nilly and just put them together and found a common theme.
Queen of cups was by herself I think this ha a lot to do with me dealing with emotions and this is my least favorite suit. Next is five piles. My first 2 piles have to do with direction. The first was elevation I see it as north and south up and down , my second pile was inner and outer , my third had to do with confrontation, my forth has a lot to do with contemplation, my fifth had to do with surrender.
I think picking those themes to looks at direction and interaction with people has a lot to do with my way of looking at the cards. As above so below and shamans tend to believe if you can change your dream world you can change your outer world. Sometimes you make a situation more real by giving it shape and fight your challenge or contemplate it or you may just surrender to it and see what the meaning is. The tarot is very spiritual to me and is a way of me talking to my higher power.
My chosen card was in my inner/outer deck out of 13 cards there is 6 major arcane in this pile. My card has the only images that are flying in it. Bats are kind of scary and so is the moon. I think with this pile and the queen of cups being solo tells me I am nervous about looking at my inner self and dealing with those challenges. I need to find a balance between fighting and surrender and contemplate the reasons for this.
coyoteblack
03-01-2010, 13:50
Adept 14.4
Water and earth
Friendly, so more like cement then muddy water. Earth is strong and sturdy plus strong physical. So I know what s in front of me what I can see and touch. What I do not know I the emotional part of the situation. This is a stereotype male way of looking at things and especially for me. If this was a business transition I would say I understand the money and business transition but do not understand the emotional attachment to a situation.
Adept 14.5
In my moon pile from before justice was on top and the queen of cups was left alone. Moon is water queen of cups is water of water and justice is AIR. With the moon as water in center I really have to focus on my emotions as I am going through this work search and dealing with the holidays which can be emotions. If I place the queen in the middle it is a girl or woman I am thinking about or I can be going through a mush face season. If justice is in the middle it makes the air less strong still but it is a decision just a emotional one more than a thinking one.