Review: The Magic Moon Lenormand Oracle

The Magic Moon Lenormand Oracle

Author: Heather Mendel
Artist: Heather Mendel
A Word of Art
2018
ISBN #0-9710976-2-3

“The Magic Moon Lenormand Oracle” is presented as two decks (2 ¾” by 4 ¾”, and 2 ¼” by 3 ½”), a beautiful lavender mesh bag to store them in, and a 191 page workbook. Where to start! A good place to start is with Heather herself. I met Heather a few years ago at a Tarot conference. She is a joyous, lovely lady – a South African born mystic and intuitive counselor. Her previous work includes “The Sacred Mandala Tarot”, “The Sacred Mandala Lenormand Oracle”, and “The Syzygy Oracle”. I fully admire the manner in which Heather brings together Kabbalah, Tarot, women’s spirituality, sacred geometry and mythology into her interpretations as a tool for self-awareness and self-empowerment.

Why two decks? Does one just go in our purses with us for on the run readings? It is a bit more complicated than that (yet not really complicated at all). It gives the reader a choice of sizes for regular readings, and an easier layout for the Grand Tableau. In a full reading the larger deck is laid down for the Houses, then the smaller deck is shuffled and set out over the larger cards, leaving the relevant House card information visible.

Note: There are four bonus cards giving added choices for Man and Woman: a male and a female figure, and the iconic male and female symbols that can be read for masculine and feminine energy.

The color black is used as background for both the front and the back of the cards, representing unknown mystery, from which intuition springs. The backs show two quarter moons in white, with female figures sitting on each of them, facing each other. The backs are not reversible. The card faces show the card number and title across the top of the card, and the card number across the bottom. At the top of the card, under the card title/number, there is a white quarter moon and female figure, with the emblem of the associated suit and playing card to the right. The card image is under this – strong, clear images in a bright color palette. The border designs are color coded – yellow, blue, green, and pink: yellow for Diamonds (associated with Wands/intuition), blue for Spades (associated with Swords/thought/being), green for Clubs (associated with Coins/physicality), and pink for Hearts (Cups/emotions).

The workbook is something that I am really impressed with. It functions both as a workbook, and as a companion book. In her introduction, Heather talks about oracles as being a portal to the intuitive surrounding us. She also talks about her time in South Africa, and her move to the United States. She talks about us being a global family, and the increasing need for intuitive awareness and skill.

There is a Keyword Chart, including the Lenormand card number and name, the associated playing card and suit, along with keywords. Each card is then presented with a black and white scan on the left hand page (with space for the reader/student to makes notes), and card information on the left hand page, including Name and Number, Keywords, Theme, Tone, Time Frame, Significator, Mindfulness, Added Meaning, Grand Tableau, Meanings (Literal, Symbolic, Metaphoric, Spiritual, Noun, Verb, Descriptive (adjective and adverbs), People, Spectrum, and Advice.

This is followed by a section that addresses the cards as a story, including the Lenormand, Kabbalah, and the Hero’s Journey. Techniques are given for reading single cards, two card combos, three/five/seven card combos, a nine card spread, and the Grand Tableau. The final section of the book is magic – a compendium of two card combinations, and how to read them.

I am fairly new to reading the Lenormand, but I highly recommend this deck (large and small version), and the workbook. Through this work we can open ourselves to our intuition, and begin to grasp things that we may have never thought of before!

Review – The Sacred Mandala Oracle

Oct18

The Sacred Mandala Lenormand Oracle

Author: Heather Mendel
Artist: Heather Mendel
Independently Published
2014

For someone that does not really read the Lenormand, I seem to be collecting a lot of them! Lovely things end up in my mail box, including the Sacred Mandala Lenormand Oracle! I loved Heather’s earlier work (the Sygyzy Oracle), and fell in love with the Sacred Mandala Lenormand Oracle as soon as I had it in my hands. I also want to thank Heather for including me in here dedication to this deck – I find myself in awesome company!

This is a 36 card deck based on the Lenormand tradition. It allows the reader to look beneath the obvious, and see the concealed in the synchronous patterns of possibility surrounding them. Here we see how interconnected our reality really is! The deck comes with a 15 page companion book (a more extensive, color illustrated version can be downloaded from her website).

The cards are 2 ¾” by 4 ¾”. The backs show a black background, with narrow colored lines inset ½”, and a second set of inset colored lines surrounding a central mandala, which is also in color. The card faces show a black background, with a fine white lined border inset ½”. The card number is in white at the top, with a playing card suit icon on the bottom, with the corresponding card. There is a beautiful mandala on the top half of the card, with a line drawing of the object representing the card on the bottom half.

One of the reasons that I am so drawn to the Sygyzy Oracle, and to the Sacred Mandala Lenormand Oracle, is Heather’s work with the sacred feminine. She encourages us to use our intuition as a reliable source of information. Too often I find that individuals are aware of their intuitive thoughts, but then choose to second guess them. In her introduction, Heather talks about the Lenormand as offering an “instant, panoramic snapshot of the rippling circumstances in which we are enmeshed, constantly unfurling as we create our own futures”.

We are encouraged to become familiar with each card number, its assigned symbol, and its playing card association. Charts are included in the companion book for the card number and symbol, and for the playing card suit and number association.

Heather is a very gracious lady, and includes references to videos and other material done by others that will help individuals to learn how to read the Lenormand style with ease. She also encourages us to “practice, practice, practice”!

Under “vocabulary”, Heather lists the card numbers, symbol, playing card association, and keywords. For example, card number one has a rider as a symbol, is associated with the 9 of Hearts, and has the keywords arrival/news.

Card number 3 shows the symbol of a ship. It is associated with the 10 of Spades, and carries the keywords travel/foreign connection. The mandala is done in a beautiful pink and green.

Card number 6 shows the symbol of clouds, with the sun peeking out from behind them. It is associated with the King of Clubs, and carries the keywords uncertainty/confusion/ambiguity. The mandala shows a pink center, surrounded by green.

Card number 26 shows the symbol of a closed book. It is associated with the 10 of Diamonds, and carries the keywords mystery/secret/learning/study/education. The mandala is a beautiful pink pattern.

Card number 30 shows he symbol of a lily. It is associated with the King of Spades, and carries the keywords wisdom/maturity/support/elder/healing.

I truly enjoy working with this simple, yet profound deck, and I think that you will too!

Review – Starwarrior: A Spiritual Thriller

Jun18

Starwarrior –
A Spiritual Thriller

Author: Tim Ray
Edited By: Barbara Berger
Findhorn Press
2002, 2004
ISBN #1-978-18440-9036-5

“Starwarrior” is the second book in the “Starbrow” series from Danish-American author Tim Ray. It is exactly what it says that it is … a spiritual thriller. In this series, Ray is seeking to connect the reader with his personal understanding of ancient spiritual wisdom and principles. I would like to note here that the foundation of this series is on spirituality in general, and that it does not reflect a specific religion or belief.

I appreciate Dan Brown’s work, and find that Ray’s work shows the same care and research. The overall story is about an ancient prophecy concerning the movement of earth, and earth’s inhabitants, into the fifth dimension. We left off in book one (Starbrow), with the feeling that the three compatriots were going to have some down time. Not going to happen!

There is a CIA agent on a global manhunt, with the mission of stopping whatever is supposed to happen with the earth’s power spots. How did he know about this? A message was sent from the higher dimension through … a television channel! There are golden pyramids floating above all of the major cities of the world … until the power grid that has been activated is literally blown up!

The world is in chaos, the golden pyramids can no longer be seen, and there is a very short time in which Starbrow and his compatriots must raise the consciousness of the world. The three compatriots are coming into their own power, and their own understanding of the ancient prophecy.

Two of them appear to have been killed in the demolition of Glastonbury Tor, and Starbrow is taken into custody by the CIA agent and his men. Each of these individuals is struggling to become a Spiritual Warrior, and to apply the spiritual teachings of the Masters under their current circumstances.

This is an exciting, intense book on many levels. It is a delightful mystery, with in-depth characters and story-line. It presents spiritual concepts in a manner in which the reader can understand them, and apply them to their own life. It makes use of existing theories/concepts/physical places to create a plausible scenario for the reader. It is fast paced, and both serious and funny (or perhaps seriously funny!).

My wish is that the series will continue. I had a tremendously good time reading this book, and would like to see more of the same!

Review – The Last Observer

Aug1

The Last Observer

A Magical Battle For Reality

Author: Dr. G. Michael Vasey
Roundfire Books
2013
ISBN #978-1-78279-182-9

To the seekers of hidden knowledge everywhere, the way

is long and hard. Don’t cut corners!

from the book

The foreword, by Anthony Peake, begins with the statement that for centuries there has been a secret, occult tradition that developed in a parallel fashion with science. Identical in form in the beginning, their approach to reality included both the outer, physical world, and the inner world of thoughts and ideas. Mind and matter were both aspects of a deeper reality, to be investigated through experimentation and observation.

Gradually the investigation of our inner and outer worlds began to take the form of two separate paths. Natural philosophy split into two conflicting world views – the Physical and the Magical. Vasey takes this perspective into the “real” world, in the form of a story of alternate realities, magic, and murder. Straight out of Alfred Hitchcock! Black and white magicians out to manipulate the power of an ordinary man with extraordinary powers of visualization and observation. (If you can picture it in your mind, you can manifest it!)

The story begins with the death of a psychic – a psychic that had been helping the police solve crimes. We meet Edward – an individual who reads about this crime, and realizes that it resembles many others that he had stumbled across, and they were all psychics!

We meet Stan … an individual who lives through books, lives through the images he creates in his mind. Here is where we meet the quantum world. Then we find Edward and Stan together, in a pub, awkwardly discussing the nature of reality. Edward brings up the thought that there are two realities … and that they are not compatible. Stan is getting a little nervous! It turns out the Edward is there to tell Stan that he is in danger. When Edward shows Stan why he thinks Stan is in danger, the story deepens. Hundreds of deaths, and the one connection between them all … they were keen observers! Through these deaths someone is trying to change reality. And, by the way, Edward is a magician! A White Magician. And the reality is … there are also Black Magicians!

Other character are brought in, and through them, we see the magical world, the world of elemental power. We see how personal will can be used to manifest a new reality. From the book:

“Reality is a set of observed symbols to contemplate and learn from, and if we miss an important symbol, then it keeps arising in our consciousness until we finally notice “

We enter magical worlds, which are presented in a very realistic fashion. The rituals and thoughts as they are presented here are presented in a manner consistent with doing ritual/magical work. We are also grounded it the real world of a “safe house”, with a large library. And in that house, we start to see the importance of imagination. We also find a ritual temple, with a black and white tiled floor. It is also a safe haven from psychic attack. Or is it?

I found this to be an incredible book, with a strong plot, well defined characters, and a very in-depth understanding of the material discussed (quantum physics, reality, the power of observation and more). It so reminded me of a Sherlock Holmes era story, with its twists and turns. I am sure that I will find the need to read this story again and again!

Reproduction in any venue prohibited without the written permission of the author.

12/12/12

Dec12

12-12-12_01

I like the look of the numbers … 12/12/12. I could stare at them forever! I know that I am not alone in that the sequence of like number has been appearing to me with greater and greater frequency, especially when I look at a clock: 3:33. 1:11, 10:10 etc. I looked into this a bit,and read that there is a belief that during such occurrences the person having the experience is undergoing a spiritual download … that they are receiving spiritual information, whether they realize it or not.

When I started looking at the date … December 12th, 2012 … on the Internet, that it isn’t just an interesting sequence of numbers. This date is part of the quickening going on around us, it is part of the ascension that will supposedly take place on December 21st, 2012. In some places I read that this date IS the ascension, and that what happens on December 21st, 2012 is the solstice marking the birthing of the new earth. It is on 12/12/12 that the mechanics, if you will, of the ascension takes place.

All I can tell you is that over the past month, and especially the past two weeks, I have been hit with some heavy energy shifts … shifts that were not pleasant, and that rocked me to my core. For my Tarot friends, these were definitely Tower moments! All is well, as I am obviously still here to tell about them. 😉 My feeling is that what needed to fall into place for me as an individual did fall into place. The fact that there were physical reactions to this shift simply indicates the depth of the shift. I was lucky … I scrambled and made it through.

According to the Mayan calender, 12/12/12 marks the beginning of a new cycle of evolution for our planet. Many religions do predict a “Golden Age” around this time period. What we are experiencing is a shift in the collective conscious of our planet. Changes will come into our lives that we do not understand. There is a need to assimilate them into our being, rather than to fight them. If we embrace them, we can work with them.

We are being given the opportunity to heal ourselves, and to heal Mother Earth. We need to do this in whatever manner comes to us. May we all grow as individuals, and take our proper place in supporting ourselves, each other, and Mother Earth. We can right the wrongs that have been done before it is too late!

Tetractys and the Suit of Swords

Jul28

In a previous post (https://bonniecehovet.wordpress.com/2011/06/23/the-tetractys-and-the-four-suits/) I introduced the Pythagorean concept of the Tetractys – a triangle consisting of the numbers one through ten (ten being the most significant number). In this post I am going to look at the concept of the Tetractys as applied to the Pips (numbered cards) in the Tarot. We are going to look at each suit separately, starting with Wands.

Following is a schematic of the Tetractys. A good visual aid would be to take out your deck of choice, and place the cards from the suit of Swords in this format:

1
3 2
6 5 4
10 9 8 7

Following the pattern of the numbers will create a facsimile of the lightning bolt path that we see on the Tree of Life. Something else that we need to remember is that the number ten (1+2+3+4) is considered by Pythagoreans to be a pure number. The Tetractys triangle itself represents creation … form coming into being. Each of the four suits represents another world coming into creation.

With the suit of Swords, we are looking at the Qabalisticworld of Yetzirah, the formative world. The first row, number One, represents the Monad. The second row, numbers Two and Three, represent the Dyad, or essential principles. The third row, numbers Four, Five and Six, represent the Triad, or spiritual forces. The bottom row, the Tetrad, represents the material world.

The suit of Swords represents the world of Yetzirah (formation), and the element of Air. Through Air, and its connection with intellect, the mental realm, and logical thinking, we enter the world of formation. Here the formation is specifically that of beliefs and values, expressed in our personal lives, and through our actions in the larger realm of society. Number One, the pure energy of Swords, and of formation, also represents the Seeker’s mental/intellectual life, and their ability to see things clearly and express themselves well.

Numbers Two and Three represent the Dyad, or opposing forces. For the suit of Swords, we are looking at the number Two as representing conflicting ideas that need to be brought into harmony. This duality needs to be seen before any action can be taken. The number Three in the suit of Swords indicates a breakup, or dissolution of some type of relationship. Looking at the point of conflict that precipitated the break-up will ease the process.

In the suit of Swords, the number Four represents the need for a time out away from worldly concerns. This is a time of contemplation, with a focus on roots, values and goals.

The Five’s are always a little chaotic. The Five of Swords is associated with the process of cleaning up after a battle. Modern battles are fought with words and actions, but seldom with active elements such as guns or knives. The process of cleaning up t he largely mental/emotional damage left after this type of battle has to do with looking back and determining where things went wrong. What could have been done differently, and how can a battle of this type be avoided in the future.

The Six’s are all about your own personal truth, and your own personal version (and vision) of success. Six’s are celebration and victory, with the Six of Swords carries a sense of objectivity and insight to it.

The final row – numbers Seven through Ten – represents the material world, and the four elements (from right to left – Fire, Air, Water and Earth). The Seven of Swords shares it’s place with the element of Fire. The nature of this Seven is that of mental preparedness, of being able to visualise success and goals reached. This is a stime of studying, of working smarter, not harder.

The number Nine shares its place with the element of Water. One cycle is coming to an end – in the case of Swords, we are looking at the consequences of our actions. It is a time of grief and sorrow, and facing our worst nightmares.

The number Ten shares its place with the element of Earth. Ten’s talk about endings and new beginnings, but they also talk about putting all of the energy, focus and will power that you have into your project. The Ten of Swords represents an ending, where there is no turning back. We come to this time when we have exhausted all of our alternatives. It is time to find another path, as this one has brought us to burnout.

Summary:

This is not meant to be the final word on the Tetractys and the Pips. It is actually a mere whisper, as seen through my eyes. Place your cards in the pyramid shape of the Tetractys. Move your hand over the lightning path, and see what feelings/knowing come to you. Treat the numbers as rows, instead of a straight line. See how they work together, instead of focusing on individual meanings.

It’s all good!

Here are a couple of links that will allow you to use the Tetractys as an actual Tarot spread: Aeclectic Tarot Forum,http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Tetractys/id/578326.

Next week we are on to the final suit in this series – Pentacles! See you all there!

Tetractys and the Suit of Cups

Jul16

Following is a schematic of the Tetractys. A good visual aid would be to take out your deck of choice, and place the cards from the suit of Wands in this format:

1
3 2
6 5 4
10 9 8 7

Following the pattern of the numbers will create a facsimile of the lightening bolt path that we see on the Tree of Life. Something else that we need to remember is that the number ten (1+2+3+4) is considered by Pythagoreans to be a pure number. The Tetractys triangle itself represents creation … form coming into being. Each of the four suits represents another world coming into creation.

With the suit of Cups, we are looking at the Qabalistic world of Briah, the creative world. The first row, number One, represents the Monad. The second row, numbers Two and Three, represent the Dyad, or essential principles. The third row, numbers Four, Five and Six, represent the Triad, or spiritual forces. The bottom row, the Tetrad, represents the material world.

The suit of Cups represents the world of Briah (creation), and the element of Water. Through Water, and its connection with the unconscious and intuition, we enter the world of creation. Number One, the pure energy of Cups, and creation, also represents the Seeker’s emotional life, connection with the mysteries and dreamtime. It is here that we create our emotional “safety net”.

Numbers Two and Three represent the Dyad, or opposing forces. For the suit of Cups, we are looking at the number Two as representing a union or partnership, especially a romantic union (or a union of opposites). This can also represent a karmic tie. The number Three relates to working with others, giving and receiving support and encouragement. In the suit of Cups, the number Four represents a time of restlessness, where the Seeker feels dissatisfied with life in general, and emotional entanglements in particular. Life feels stagnant, and everything is being questioned.

The Five’s are always a little chaotic. The Five of Cups can be associated with the emotional quagmire left after a tantrum, argument or literal fit of rage. There are consequences … and this is it! To restore balance, focus needs to be placed on the Cups that remain upright.

The Six’s are all about your own personal truth, and your own personal version (and vision) of success. Six’s are celebration and victory, and the Six of Cups carries a gentle sense of optimism with it. Remember that we do not ever succeed on our own – our victory celebration needs to include those that helped us get there. In this the suit of emotions, we need to be able to trust, and to allow life to flow freely.

The final row – numbers Seven through Ten – represents the material world, and the four elements (from right to left – Fire, Air, Water and Earth). The Seven of Cups shares it’s place with the element of Fire. The nature of this Seven is that of our dreams and desires – the world of our imagination. There is real magic in awakening the imagination, and the passion of Fire is an absolute plus! We need to release our fears and dream (and act on) the big dreams!

The number Eight share’s its place with the element of Air. The nature of the number Eight is all about change, and keeping up with change. In respect to the Tetractys, this change is evidenced in the world of Air (the mental realm). The Eight of Cups can be seen as walking away from emotional disappointment. The manner in which the Seeker is dealing with this is through stepping into the realm of logic. In very simple terms, the Seeker is being told to watch out for themselves, to not automatically trust all that they see,

The number Nine shares its place with the element of Water. One cycle is coming to an end – in the case of Cups, the Seeker is being advised to accept the fruits of their labors, to appreciate all that life has to offer and to find happiness within it. Emotional satisfaction and personal recognition are inherent in this card.

The number Ten shares its place with the element of Earth. Ten’s talk about endings and new beginnings, but they also talk about putting all of the energy, focus and will power that you have into your project. The Ten of Cups takes the personal sense of happiness found in the Nine of Cups and expands it to a more global level.

Summary:

This is not meant to be the final word on the Tetractys and the Pips. It is actually a mere whisper, as seen through my eyes. Place your cards in the pyramid shape of the Tetractys. Move your hand over the lightening path, and see what feelings/knowing come to you. Treat the numbers as rows, instead of a straight line. See how they work together, instead of focusing on individual meanings.

It’s all good!

Here are a couple of links that will allow you to use the Tetractys as an actual Tarot spread: Aeclectic Tarot Forum, http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Tetractys/id/578326.

Next week we are on to the suit of Swords! See you all there!

The Tetractys and the Four Suits

Jun23

In this article I’m going to be looking at the concept of the Tetractys, a mathematical pyramid conceptualized by Pythagorus that consists of four rows of 1, 2, 3, and four numbers respectively. Not being a mathematician, I am not going to go too deeply into this, but I want to present a basis for looking at the numbered cards in the Minor Arcana of the Tarot, and how they relate to each other.

Some interesting background on the Tetracty (from Wikipedia):

The Tetractys symbolize the four elements – earth, air, fire and water.
The first four numbers also symbolized the harmony of the spheres and the Cosmos.
The four rows add up to ten (1+2+3+4=10), which is a unity of higher order mathematically,
The Tetractys represents an organization of space: (1) the first row represents zero-dimensions (a point), (2) the second row represent a one-dimension (a line with two points), (3) the third row represents two-dimensions (a plane defined by a triangle of three points), and (4) the fourth row represents three-dimensions (a tetrahedron defined by four points).

There is an actual spread entitled the Tetractys (Tetraktys) spread. It is in the form of the ten position Tetractys triangle, and is defined as follows:

3 2

6 5 4

10 9 8 7

The bottom row, the Tetrad, represents the material world. From right to left, the positions represent the elements of Fire, Air, Water, and Earth. This row represents the opportunities and conflicts between the different areas of the Seeker’s life.

The second row from the bottom, the Triad, represents spiritual forces. This line presents the back story, or the explanation for what ha happened in the bottom line. The three positions are, from right to left, the Creator, the Sustainer, and the Destroyer.

The third row up from the bottom represents the Dyad, or the essential principles. The right hand card represents light, and yang, while the left hand card represents dark, and yin. Here we see the heart of the issue of the reading.

The fourth row up, from the bottom, represents the Monad, or the whole, the unity of the principles in he Dyad. It represents the theme of the issue being addressed.

Over the next four weeks, we will take a look at the four suits of the Minor Arcana, and see how they fit into the principle of the Tetractys. Some of the things that we will be looking at are masculine/feminine polarity, which cards are operating “behind the scenes”, and fate versus free will. Wish me luck on this!

In the meantime, take a look at the Tetractys – as a unified triangle, and as a triangle made up of many smaller triangles. Lots of inter-relationships here!

Here are a couple of links that will allow you to use the Tetractys as an actual Tarot spread: Aeclectic Tarot Forum, http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Tetractys/id/578326.

To end this on a high note – a little video that I found on You Tube. It is a reflection on the Kabbalistic Tetragrammaton and the Tetractys, so not directly related to the Tarot, but well done and interesting, none the less.

Bibliography

Kabbalistic Tetragrammaton and Tetractys. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAukInaCgas.

Tetractys. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetractys

Tetrakyts. http://www.telp.com/tarot/tetraktys.htm

A Few Notes On The Minor Arcana

Jun17

When we think of the Minor Arcana, we think of the 40 pips (numbered cards) and the sixteen Court cards. We might think along the lines of Marseilles (icons only, no imagery) versus non-Marseilles (those decks that show imagery in the Minor Arcana). Our minds might, momentarily, wander over to the four suits, their differing names from deck to deck, and the elemental association of Fire with Wands and Air with Swords, and how in some decks this association is reversed. Our minds just don’t stay for too long with the Minor Arcana.

There are many different decks out there, representing many different schools of thought. What they have in common are: (1) they have four suits, with Elemental associations, (2) each suit has ten numbered cards (Ace through Ten), and (3) each suit has (traditionally) four Court cards, titled Page, Knight, Queen and King (or some similar titles), or a variation with Princess, Prince, Queen and Knight (the “Thoth Tarot”). Additional cards have been added to some decks, but this is the foundation for the traditional Minor Arcana.

Something that we often only pay passing attention to is the importance of the numbers themselves. The play an important part in bringing “order” to the foundation and geometry of the Minor Arcana, and its ability to drive the “story” of a reading or meditation. In her “Essay On The Minor Arcana”, Christine Payne-Towler talks about Pythagoras, a sixth century BC teacher and prophet. There are some very interesting concepts here, about each number having a specific vibration, and specific properties. From here Pythagoras developed the harmonic theory, which is expressed through music, but which he also applied to the relationship amongst the stars, and at the atomic level.

Pythagoras used numbers to drive his philosophy. Whole numbers, in his world-view, embraced and illustrated the Great Laws of Nature. In both the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana, we are dealing with numbers, numbers which act as the foundation for the card being examined, not to be viewed as a system (numerology) that was super-imposed on the Tarot. The geometric figure that Pythagoras used to express his philosophy was the Tetractys, a pyramid a ten discs, with each disc bearing the geometric figure of a whole number.

Every numbered card in the Tarot takes on the sacred geometry of the number that rules it. Aces represent a whole, and opportunity. Two’s represent duality, while Three’s act to balance and bring together the the properties of each element. Four’s form a foundation, while Five’s act to challenge each individual. Six’s can be seen as two three’s working together, and move the individual forward. Seven’s represent the spiritual triangle in the physical square. Eight’s can be seen as two connected squares, while Nine’s become the “perfect number”, in the form of three triangles. Ten’s act to continue the cycle, as they move into the Ace of the next element.

In future blogs I am going to be taking a look at the sequence of numbers as they play out in each of the suits – how the structure of the number blends with the essence of the Element to make the Tarot what it is. What are your thoughts on numbers as related to Tarot? Do you consider them significant to your readings? Do you see them in an individual format, or as part of a process, with each number holding its own position and responsibility?

Bibliography

Christine Payne-Towler: Essay On The Minor Arcana

72 Names Oracle

Apr6

72 Names Cards

Author: Orna Ben-Shoshan
Artist: Orna Ben-Shoshan
Self-Published
2011

“72 Names” is a kabbalistic oracle based on the 72 names of God, and the metaphysical artwork of Orna Ben-Shoshan. The Kabbalistic 72 names of God act as the basis for this deck, which is meant to be used for both divination and personal guidance. Any question that the Seeker may have can be addressed through this deck. The Interpretation booklet (companion book) that comes with the deck presents each of the 72 sacred cards in three levels, or steps: (1) perspective over the situation, (2) spiritual guidance, and (3) the foreseeable outcome.

Only the Hebrew letters for the name of God are placed on each card. The reason for this is that the name of God is sacred – it is never spoken. A direct connection to spirit is activated through each card, bringing the Seeker wisdom, but also protecting them from danger and negative energies. Ben-Shoshan also states that this connection to spirit helps remove any barriers that exist between the Seeker and their complete fulfillment of happiness. By utilizing the sacred letter combinations in their daily life the Seeker opens the door to spiritual transformation. Ben-Shoshan emphasizes that each of us already have all of the answers that we need within us.

In consulting the cards, Ben-Shoshan asks the Seeker to remember to approach the cards with respect – these are the sacred names for God that are being worked with. She also advises that only one card be drawn for each question, and that the responding card gives the Seeker the knowledge that they need for that moment, whether it seems to apply or not. As they phrase their question, the Seeker is asked to say the verse; “Let the eternal wisdom guide me.” If the answer received is vague, or more wisdom is needed, the Seeker is advised to rephrase their question and draw one more card. Ben-Shoshan does not recommend asking more than two questions per session, or to repeat the same question within 14 days (or until circumstances change).

Ben-Shoshan sees this deck as being the Secret Carrier of Benediction, in that it works as a “mega-generator” for good fortune in all areas of life. In part, simply having the cards around them will attract positive energies to the Seeker, and fill their spirit with joy. Over time, they will act as an essential catalyst for spiritual growth for the Seeker.

From the Interpretation booklet:

‘67

Perspective: You doubt your good luck, fear disappointment and worry that you will never find love, or that you are going to lose an existing relationship. You do not understand why you deserve the harsh fate, and feel unable to choose your own path. If you are asking about business matters – you find it difficult to decide if you should force a solution or let things resolve themselves.

Direction: This is a test of your faith in the natural rhythm and order of the universe. You will have to make changes and adapt to new conditions before you can go on. Don’t be afraid to take chances, because basically, you are a fortunate person.

Bottom line: The past is on its way out, and new elements are going to enter your life and stir everything up. Success will come, but for the time being, you will have to be content with what you have.

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The cards themselves are 2 5/8″ by 4 1/4″ – of good quality, glossy card stock. The box that the cards and Interpretation booklet come in opens from the top, with an inset for the cards and booklet. The inside of the top flap shows a chart of the 72 Names of God in Hebrew letters. The backs show a spiral pattern in peach, with a light peach circle int he center. Across the top of the circle is printed “the Seventy Two Names Cards in English, with the same across the bottom in Hebrew letters. Across the middle of the card we see the Hebrew letters for “Names”, then the number “72”, followed by “Names” in English. The cards are not reversible.

The card faces show a solid background, different for each card, with no apparent pattern. The top of the card is given over to the Hebrew letters for the name of God, with the scene for the card below that. There is a gold border 1/4″ in from the cards outer edge. The card number in is in the lower right and left hand corners.

The imagery is quite interesting – channeled as complete images before being transferred onto canvas. The style is whimsical/fantasy, and the coloring primary and soft/subdued. Figures fly through the air in some scenes, with their arm outstretched. We see flowers, vases, and sometimes ghost-like apparitions. I also noted the use of light-bulbs in various forms, and windows/window treatments.

While serious in nature, and definitely living up to its promise, the imagery is presented in great style with an whimsical sense of humor. This deck would work for anyone, from any background. For further information, or to purchase it, please go to : kabbalah.ben-shoshan.com.

Bonnie Cehovet

BonnieCehovet.com

Category Archives: esotericism