Zephyros
I think that the proposed new forum should be called the History of Symbolism; that should be a good umbrella term for what I believe people want to discuss.
However, the question must be asked, were such a forum to exist, or, rather, those who complain that their ideas get shot down by people asking for "facts," what is the alternative? Rather than a historical forum, would there be a forum discussing the historicity of the book of Genesis? Would this "creative history forum" have posts like "I believe Tarot was invented by aliens, and that's my opinion and I'm entitled to it"?
Were I to post a thread about the connection between Tarot and Lascaux (an interesting premise, one I basically agree with), I think that would fit nicely in the Talking forum, since, while not directly related to Tarot, is still about basic human symbolism. That kind of speculation I would welcome, but historical posts get shot down for lack of facts for a reason, since there's nowhere to go, and unsubstantiated ideas exist only in the minds of their originators and evaporate once they come under scrutiny for a reason. If you have a thesis, post it; it will either be proven right or proven wrong, but both ends add to knowledge. Not everyone has to agree, even when evidence is brought forth, but higher standards must be kept than "I think, therefore I post."
But I vehemently object to making history into the rest of "there's no right or wrong in Tarot" undercooked mush. That road includes teaching evolution as an "alternative" theory.
However, the question must be asked, were such a forum to exist, or, rather, those who complain that their ideas get shot down by people asking for "facts," what is the alternative? Rather than a historical forum, would there be a forum discussing the historicity of the book of Genesis? Would this "creative history forum" have posts like "I believe Tarot was invented by aliens, and that's my opinion and I'm entitled to it"?
Were I to post a thread about the connection between Tarot and Lascaux (an interesting premise, one I basically agree with), I think that would fit nicely in the Talking forum, since, while not directly related to Tarot, is still about basic human symbolism. That kind of speculation I would welcome, but historical posts get shot down for lack of facts for a reason, since there's nowhere to go, and unsubstantiated ideas exist only in the minds of their originators and evaporate once they come under scrutiny for a reason. If you have a thesis, post it; it will either be proven right or proven wrong, but both ends add to knowledge. Not everyone has to agree, even when evidence is brought forth, but higher standards must be kept than "I think, therefore I post."
But I vehemently object to making history into the rest of "there's no right or wrong in Tarot" undercooked mush. That road includes teaching evolution as an "alternative" theory.