Santa Muerte enters the field – 01

Santa Muerte enters the field – 01


First new moon 2021 january, confronting the difficult beginning of this year:
still in lockdown, facing the siege of the capitol, a world going mad!
I have committed myself to working with the Grim Reaper for a month, proceeding carefully…her presence has been haunting me since my childhood when my grandfather died.
After reading the Masque of the Red Death, I became confinced that Death was a Lady wearing a red dress.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered Santa Muerte in Red!
Where to begin? There are several groups and documents online and offline, but for now I will start with the visual meditations.

  • Wellcome the Santa Muerte Oracle deck from Fabio Listrani!
  • Light a candle
  • Offer tobacco

Unboxing: Opening the booklet, looking at the cards…

I will start with the last card: Santa Muerte
the oracle says:
“…this card invite us to accept any change, transformation or drastic severing of perspective with a smile”…”make a firm decision on what to cut and what to change in your life”

My response: OUCH! this is a real challenge, to cope wtih the current pandemic and political upheaval in the world!

ping: 2020: Santa Muerte enters the field – Dreamquest

Brief 01: stam – Mijn levensboom

Brief 01: stam – Mijn levensboom


Aan de stam van een boom kun je zien hoe oud die boom is.
De breedte van de jaarringen geven aan hoe snel de boom is gegroeid en dus hoe vruchtbaar de omstandigheden van dat jaar waren.

illustratie van Mathilde de Vriese

Als ik mijn levensloop als een boom bekijk, dan ben ik geen rechttoe-rechtaan boom zoals de recht groeiende bamboe…dan ben ik eerder een wilg met veel kronkels en holtes waar de vogels in schuilen.

Omdat ik in veel verschillende streken heb gewoond, kan ik me ook wel vinden in het beeld van de wandelende boom!|

Ping: Vriendschap in twaalf brieven

Grand Tableau yule 2020 part 5

Grand Tableau yule 2020 part 5


It seems to me this Grand Tableau shows us much more than just a individual fate, it looks like a global warning of the Dark Times to come.!

Significator 00 is nearby the middle of the bottom row where A♠ stands at the center.
The significator is surrounded by challenging black cards!
The oracle is overall summarised by the last card 2♠, crossing swords, a duel!
A♣-Q♠-9♣: Beginning to work with the Dark Lady will change my way of Working.
Q♣-00-A♠:  The Reaping Wife gives the querent the blade to work with.

Looking at the vertical influences on the Significator:

8♠-4♠-1♠-00-2♠: Challenging meditations during lockdown will connect the Dark Lady with the Querent, who will have to confront the Guardian on the threshold.

Past (left side of the significator): 2♦-6♣-6♥-10♠-Q♣:
A new situation develops at work and in private, Santa Muerte enters the field.
Future (right side of the significator): A♠-K♣-5♣-2♣-A♦-7♠-6♠
The scythe signals the time of harvesting, much work for small profit, many worries, a path of thorns.

2♠ is a fitting summary of this reading: a duel, a rift, a breaking with the past.

From the very beginning this Grand Tableau heralded strong visions…

Santa Muerte 
enters the field
to harvest
our souls

Yule 2020 showed us the Star of Bethlehem again, Epiphany 2021 heralded a state of chaos…

Ping: Grand Tableau yule 2020 – Dreamquest

Cartomancy with playing cards as a memory palace

Cartomancy with playing cards as a memory palace


Down the rabbit hole: confusing traditions of cartomancy
When I started my study of cartomancy, I became confused by the many divergent ‘traditions’ of reading the cards: the mainstream English, French, German, Italian… Golden Dawn (and offshoots Crowley, Waite), Eteilla…’hereditary’ (‘passed on by unnamed ancestors’) systems…idiosyncratic (‘channeled’) systems…etc.

Detour: Short history of fortune telling with playing cards
Beginning with chinese playing cards: dominoes with two suits => money suited cards with four suits => the fourth suits added water margin pictures => four colour suits with seven chessmen ‘court’ each.
From china via the Arabs came the Mamluk cards in Europe:
52 cards comprising four suits: polo-sticks, coins, swords, and cups.
Each suit contained ten pip cards and three court cards.
The Trumps as we now in Tarot are a later addition…let’s not go in that rabbit hole for now!
Cartomancy with playing cards have their roots in domino fortune telling, gaming and Fortunetelling have been going together since ancient times!
While some people believe that the ancient put secret message in the system of cards/dominoes, I am not so convinced…maybe it is a matter of faith.

Back on track:
One of the spiritual teachers I met, once said: ‘you have to make your own (spiritual) framework’
After working with cartomancy since 1980, I am still learning how to create my own way of cartomancy, making my own framework.
Memorising lists of card meanings does not work for me, there are so many conflicting lists of meanings, and even if some lists do agree on a meaning, these often still feel as just a meaning for that specific tradition, not for me.
Qabbalistic cartomancy (as being done since Eliphas Levi) is a good framework, but I feel not comfortable enough with the Judeo-Christian framework and worldview to work with this.

Using memory palace as framework for cartomancy:
‘Who cares for you? You’re nothing but a pack of cards!’ (Lewis Caroll)
In my opinion, there are no secret codes hidden in the cards.
Obviously there is the structure of four suits, ten pips and three courtiers each, so this is the existing framework.
But considering the divergent ‘traditions’ what a specific card might mean, I have to make my own decisions how to work with this framework.
So now I use the structure of a pack of cards as if it were a memory palace:
‘In this technique the subject memorizes the layout of some building, or the arrangement of shops on a street, or any geographical entity which is composed of a number of discrete loci. When desiring to remember a set of items the subject ‘walks’ through these loci in their imagination and commits an item to each one by forming an image between the item and any feature of that locus. Retrieval of items is achieved by ‘walking’ through the loci, allowing the latter to activate the desired items’
In other words: the structure of a pack of cards is based on the structure of a map.
Each card is a location on the map.
The map is organised logically:
On the vertical axis the suits club-heart-spade-diamond
On the horizontal axis the numbers: 1-10 (the pips) 11-12-13 (the court: jack-queen-king)
I memorize a ‘meaning’ (concept, symbol, whatever) with a specific card, using the hedge witchery system.
Other systems like the Magi Method , New World Hedgewitchery cartomancy, Ana Cortez Picturebook might also work with this framework.

Now comes the interesting part: everybody can use the same map to fill a location with a different ‘meaning’!
This is my explanation for the diverging ‘traditions’ on cartomancy: different regions/clans/families use the same map to fill a location with their own variation of meanings (there is some heated debate how to connect the four classic ‘elements’ with the four suits : swords/spades might be air or fire depending on ‘tradition’).
The imagery of a certain location might influence the imagination in a certain direction, therefore some consensus of ‘meaning’ might occur (cups/heart-love, coin/diamond-money).

Considering each card is a part of the map, after assigned meaning(s) to a card will still be connected with the card after I pull the map apart in 52 parts and start shuffling the deck!

 

 

 

Grand Tableau yule 2020 part 4

Grand Tableau yule 2020 part 4


In the aforementioned grand tableau, we still have to look at matters of the heart.
A♥ is quite far from the significator in the past!
Let’s look at the influences surrounding A♥
4♣-A♥: internal, the material foundation was good
A♥-2♦: external, the good energy resulted in a balanced exchange

Already mentioned…the position of Q♥:
3♣-Q♥-6♦: to harvest financial results, the Lady has to travel a lot.

 

ping: Grand Tableau yule 2020 – Dreamquest

Grand Tableau yule 2020 part 3

Grand Tableau yule 2020 part 3


As shown in previous article, the querent will face challenges: much work for small profit.
Let’s look at these immediate influences around money:
Q ♥ is directly above A♦ interesting…
Looking at the box around Q ♥….
10♥-8♥-7♥: energy is diminishing
3♣-Q♥-6♦: to harvest financial results, the Lady has to travel a lot.
2♣-A♦-7♠: some financial help to be expected but also many expenses.

ping: Grand Tableau yule 2020 – Dreamquest

Grand Tableau yule 2020 – part 2

Grand Tableau yule 2020 – part 2


As visible in previous article, on the vertical axis external-internal influences, the querent is subject to external influences (the cards above the significator), and has no internal influence at all (no cards below the significator): it seems that the querent experiences forces that are out of his control.

Let’s look more into the horizontal axis past-present
Past (left side of the significator): 2♦-6♣-6♥-10♠-Q♣:
A new situation develops at work and in private, Santa Muerte enters the field.
Future (right side of the significator): A♠-K♣-5♣-2♣-A♦-7♠-6♠
The scythe signals the time of harvesting, much work for small profit, many worries, a path of thorns.

2♠ is a fitting summary of this reading: a duel, a rift, a breaking with the past.

Ping: Grand Tableau yule 2020 – Dreamquest

Grand Tableau yule 2020 – part 1

Grand Tableau yule 2020 – part 1


For this grand tableau I use the card meanings of hedgewitchery cartomancy and the Coven of Cards combined with  some methods of the new world witchery guide to cartomancy

I put the Joker as my significator in the complete deck and played the tableau in 4×13, leaving the last card out as a overall oracle for this spread.

To keep the first reading simple, I will focus on the significator and the nearest cards, later on I will expand on other significant cards.

First impression, Significator 00 is nearby the middle of the bottom row where A♠ stands at the center.
The significator is surrounded by challenging black cards!
The oracle is overall summarised by the last card 2♠, crossing swords, a duel!

A♣-Q♠-9♣: Beginning to work with the Dark Lady will change my way of Working.
Q♣-00-A♠:  The Reaping Wife gives the querent the blade to work with.

Looking at the vertical influences on the Significator:
8♠-4♠-1♠-00-2♠: Challenging meditations during lockdown will connect the Dark Lady with the Querent, who will have to confront the Guardian on the threshold.

 

 

Another cartomancy method

Another cartomancy method


Source: Carolina Playing cards

Meaning in the Cards

To begin, the cards are divided into three groups they are: 1) The Four Areas of Life 2) The States of Being and 3) The Players in the Game of Life.

The Four Areas of Life

The four suits in a deck of Playing Cards represent four areas into which life can be divided. These four areas cover the totality of human experience. They are:

  1. Hearts represent love, friendship, and close relationships.
  2. Diamonds represent business and money matters.
  3. Clubs represent creativity, energy, hard work, and rewards.
  4. Spades represent change, the unexpected, and warning.

The four suits have other association as well such as the four seasons, the four elements, etc…
It is also interesting to note that the four suits also correspond to four classes in society during the time in which playing cards came about.
That is, Hearts relate to the clergy; Diamonds to merchants and bankers; Clubs to Royalty; and Spades to military personnel. 

Such associations help to flesh out your readings and bring an added depth to your divinations. For example, when the Queen of Diamonds appears in a reading, it may indicate a woman of business. 

The States of Being 

The ten numbered, or Pip, cards represent various states of being or dimensions of human existence. Each card is associated astrologically with the planets in our solar system which, in turn,  also carry their own associations.  For this reason, playing cards lend themselves well to any astrologically based card spreads such as the Clock of Horoscope. 

  • Ace (Sun)- Ego, sense of self, conscious will.
  • Two (Moon)- Emotions, creativity, instincts. 
  • Three (Mercury)- Communication, commerce, travel
  • Four (Venus)- Affection, love, the arts
  • Five (Mars)- Aggression, force, sexual desire.
  • Six (Jupiter)- Expansion, good luck,  abundance, wisdom.
  • Seven (Saturn)- Discipline, restriction, limitation
  • Eight (Uranus)- Freedom, change, upheaval.
  • Nine (Neptune)- Perception, illusions, imagination
  • Ten (Pluto)- Destruction, Transformation, Rebirth

Players in the Game of Life 

The Court, or Trump, Cards represent twelve archetype into which human beings can be divided. These archetypes are based on the twelve signs of the zodiac, and again, they carry their own associations. 

  • King of Clubs (Aries- The Leader) outward appearance, ego, self identity.
  • King of Diamonds (Taurus- The Provider) money and material matters.
  • King of Spades (Gemini- The Judge) communication, siblings, short journeys.
  • King of Hearts (Cancer- The Adviser) home and family.
  • Queen of Clubs (Leo- The Achiever) love, children, and creativity.
  • Queen of Diamonds (Virgo- The Supporter) health, work, and pets.
  • Queen of Spades (Libra-The Worrier) marriage, agreements, and partnerships.
  • Queen of Hearts (Scorpio- The Healer) sex and death.
  • Jack of Clubs (Sagittarius-The Adventurer) spiritual growth, dreams, and long journeys.
  • Jack of Diamonds (Capricorn- The Gambler) career, ambition, profession.
  • Jack of Spades (Aquarius- The Trouble-Maker) friends, associations, and open enemies.
  • Jack of Hearts (Pisces- The Lover) karma, transformation, and self-undoing.

Jacks 
represent a person of either gender, whose connection to the seeker is indicated by the suit. Jacks are read as potential, influences not yet fully formed. Hence the Jack of Hearts may represent a potential lover.

Queens 
represent a female connected to the seeker, or the seeker herself. The suit will indicate how she is connected to the seeker, or to the question asked. Queens are read as emotional, fluid, and wavering.

Kings 
represent a male connected to the seeker, or the seeker himself. Again, the suit will indicate how he is connected to the seeker, or to the question asked. Kings are read as logical, fixed, and possibly stagnant.

…..

Hearts 

The suit of Hearts relates to the emotions. They often represent issues of love, friendship, and close relationships.

  • Ace- Good tiding! The beginning of a relationship, the arrival of a lover, or a new friend. Good news. A love letter. Love and romance.  
  • Two- An enjoyable encounter with another person.  Flirtation. Warmth.  
  • Three- A lack of or an inability to commit to a person, place of thing.
  • Four- Real love. A stable, committed and secure relationship. 
  • Five- Significant change in a relationship. Divorce, separation, or the the loss of a lover.
  • Six- Healing, peace, and harmony.  
  • Seven- The return of an old flame or friend, usually an unreliable person. 
  • Eight- Strength and intensity in a relationship which may be business or personal. 
  • Nine- Waning more out of a relationship that what there is. 
  • Ten- Romance, love, and prosperity.  Possible Marriage.
  • Jack- A sweet young man who likes to please but who can sometimes be distant. 
  • Queen-  An attractive woman who’s fun loving facade belies intense passions. 
  • King- A goal-oriented man with a clear vision.  


Diamonds 

The suit of Diamonds relate to money and finances. It often represents those things that you value. 

  • Ace- Windfall, receiving something of value. Success and achievement. 
  • Two- Good news regarding money. Improvement in your financial outlook. 
  • Three- Confusion or Indecision regarding money or things of value. 
  • Four- Financial stability and security. 
  • Five-  A change in finances for good or bad. 
  • Six- Need to exert control and assume responsibility for your finances. 
  • Seven- A warning of financial trouble. Be careful with your investments. 
  • Eight- An unexpected opportunity that promises to bring gain. 
  • Nine- A financial expense. 
  • Ten- The benefits of money. Enjoyment, health, and abundance. 
  • Jack- A motivated young man who lacks the financial means to bring about his vision. 
  • Queen- A practical and sensible woman.  She is resourceful and fun to be around. 
  • King- A successful and easy going man with a talent for making money. 


Clubs​

The suit of Clubs is associated with represent creativity, energy, hard work, and rewards.

Ace- The birth of an idea or project.  Inspiration. Transformation and growth. 
​Two- Minor setbacks starting or finishing a project. 
Three- Big responsibility with little reward.  Stress.
Four- Safety, security, and stability. 
Five- Reaping the benefits of hard work. Success and renown. 
Six- Putting off work that needs to be completed. 
Seven- Goal not working out as planned. Trial and error. Reevaluation. 
Eight- Delays and disappointment. Forging ahead despite discouragement. 
Nine- Completion of a project or life phase.  Rite of passage. 
Ten- Change on the horizon.  Good fortune awaits. 
Jack- An honest, hardworking young man. 
Queen- An energetic, driven woman with an eye for detail. She knows what she wants and how to get it.   
King- A serious, determined, and level-headed man.  He is fair and decisive but gives a lot of consideration before making decisions. 


Spades

The suit of spades represents struggles and the difficulties of life; often associated with secrets, enemies and obstacles.  
​Ace- Change. Endings.  The old gives way for something new. 
Two- A decision preceded or followed by separation between two people. 
Three- Inability to make good choices. Lacking proper information. Stress.
Four- The return of stability to any area it is lacking.  
Five- Depression and sadness.  Fear of change and the unknown. 
Six- A situation needs to be dealt with; courage and action are called for. 
Seven- Loss of fear. Ready to do what is needed to make a desire change. 
Eight- Crossroads. Controlling circumstances of change rather than being controlled by them. 
Nine-  Impending loss of a person, place, or thing brings the motivation for change. 
Ten- Worry or grief brought on by bad news, ill health, or some kind of loss. 
Jack- An quiet, brooding young man. An antisocial troublemaker. 
Queen- A clever, self-assured woman. She speaks the truth but lacks the ability to soften her words so that they are not hurtful.  
King- A reserved, calculating man.  He often holds you accountable for your mistakes but has a desire to teach you responsibility.