"... an extension of our senses "

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 20 Dec 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

jmd	20 Dec 2004
On post 12 of the thread permission or not?, jumptothemoonyea mentions that Tarot can be seen as an extension of our senses. This is precisely what I have at times described, without the use of the term 'extension', in describing the usage of Tarot as developing the faculty of Imagination. Personally, I agree with views that hold that we have far more than the commonly described five senses - and rather consider that the more basic senses number twelve, including the senses of touch, health, kinesthetic (movement), balance, smell, taste, sight, warmth, hearing, and three further 'basic' human senses many may of course legitimately question: the sense of language, of concept or thought, and of the ability to recognise the other as individual (sometimes referred to as Ego-sense, where 'ego' is used in its more etymologically correct form and can be replaced by the English 'I-being'). Further, however, there are three senses that I personally consider one has in potential - but senses they are nonetheless: the Spiritual senses of Imagination, of Inspiration, and of Intuition. It is, in the first instance, the first of these higher senses that I consider is opened and developed with the usage of Tarot.

Fulgour	20 Dec 2004
Unknown and perhaps unknowable senses (for lack of a better word) are what I often think of as: not possible, but probable. We see a similar error by scientists measuring human brain use, and are told we only use 10% of our capacity. How can that be? That would be like studying footprints on a sandy beach and so determining that the person walking only required the soles of their feet to manage such a simple task. The entire body walks, just as the complete mind is fully involved for all of its functions. The senses are physical, as are all known manifestations, but they connect us to the wider, complete realm of experience and being.

Fulgour	21 Dec 2004
jmd wrote: ...Imagination, of Inspiration, and of Intuition. It is...the first of these higher senses that I consider is opened and developed with the usage of Tarot. How does Tarot open and develop the Spiritual sense of Imagination?

Major Tom	21 Dec 2004
jmd wrote: Further, however, there are three senses that I personally consider one has in potential - but senses they are nonetheless: the Spiritual senses of Imagination, of Inspiration, and of Intuition. It is, in the first instance, the first of these higher senses that I consider is opened and developed with the usage of Tarot. Ah, the sense of imagination that playful sense. :) Are we physical beings with a spiritual potential or spiritual beings having a physical manifestation? The way I see it, the Tarot shows us the true nature of our being and thus awakens these higher senses. Imagine what you want and it is here. ;)

Fulgour	21 Dec 2004
I have what I call my stupid brain, and it works wonders. When I first get up, I like to just follow my nose around, no big ideas, no concern about if I'm even awake or not. Just floating, letting thoughts tumble out every which way. Why confuse perfectly simple moments by concentrating? It may be as easily done as forgetting to imagine anything.

jmd	21 Dec 2004
There is a distinction between the also wonderful dreamy quality allowing semi-clear imagery to meander and occasionally settle impermanently upon a conceptual flower, and Imagination as an organ of Perception. Doing a quick search to see what I could find for ease of reference, I found this interview with Bortoft (clicking on the link will download a pdf file).

The "... an extension of our senses " thread was originally posted on 20 Dec 2004 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.