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Tarot cards have, for centuries, been objects of myth and fantasy, suspicion and fear, superstition and whispers of heresy. Their history is largely unknown, but has been speculated on with a small sprinkling of fact and unsustantiated belief. Originally, they were basically playing cards with the fringe benefit of appearing to tell the future. Naturally, anything which can paint a picture with broad enough strokes can appear to be telling one something that one has already suspected, or known but not yet realised. This girl got into tarot a few years ago, using it as a tool for introspection and self-therapy and the like. Tarot cards were documented in Europe as early as the fourteenth century, the purchase information of a deck being found in the ledger of King Charles the VI of France. They were described as being illustrated in "gold and diverse colours ornamented with many devices", having been painted by one Jacquemin Gringonneur. The subject matter of the illustrations and meanings of almost every deck, and there are several, dates back to old religions and beliefs, many mismatched together within a single deck. Of course, this makes it even harder to pinpoint any origin. The deck this girl uses, the Rider-Waite Tarot, was commissioned by a wealthy man who apparrently had alot of time and money on his hands, and a deep seated interest in the occult. Why the occult, one might ask? Well, in early times, all playing cards, even the deck which eventually evolved into our modern 52 card deck, were used as tools for divination. Naturally, anything one used to see the future was going to be regarded suspiciously by pious folk who were not given the knowledge necessary to understand that the patterns seen in the cards are fairly all-encompassing. Thus, when the cards appeared to speak to one person so clearly that they saw a crystal clear message meant just for them, rather than stopping and saying, "Hey, I knew this all along, I just didn't think it through until now," they tended to see some sort of supernatural event taking place. Now, as this girl was "playing" with her cards one day, a particular card caught her attention, for it speaks, among other things, of dominance and submission. She started examining each card, and found that though they applied perfectly to her life before finding Gor, they also applied just as perfectly, perhaps moreso, to the Gorean lifestyle. In a mind exercise, she decided to try to adapt Gorean terms and images to each of the major arcana (these are the 22 *biggies* of the deck, when they show up, it is kind of like being whacked over the head with the blunt end of a battle-axe, the 56 others are more like nudges and tweaks) and she found that for the most part, it was so simple a child could have done it! Well, right then and there, synne was intrigued and started fiddling, and lo and behold, it was entirely possible, enlightening, and even fun to view her cards in a Gorean light. So, here goes, a reading for one and all, in the spirit of fun. This one was done in the celtic cross layout, a picture of which is shown below.
Hup (Fool)
Wands = Staffs There are reasons why the Initiates have found no place among these cards. Firstly, this girl could not find a single card that accurately represented them, and secondly, she thinks that the very nature of the Initiates likely precludes them from being part of a tarot deck. Three of the other high castes have been included in the major arcana, and the lower castes can still find their guidance and trademarkes within the minor arcana.
This months reading for Mistress Opal:
Haruspex - In the first position of a simple three card spread, a card represents either recent past, or underlying influences. This is a card from the major arcana, the 22 "trump" cards of a tarot deck. It's message is meant to come through louder, and clearer, than that of a minor arcana card. When you see a card from the major arcana, you would do well to pay attention to it, for its meanings have a tendency to radiate outwards rather strongly. This card finds its meanings in destiny, cycles, twists of fate, and the fact that though you can affect your path in life, you can never completely control it. Destiny is a strange thing. Chance encounters, and even actions solely your own, can lead you in directions you never dreamed. For instance, Tarl Cabot made actions completely his own, in heading out to go camping. It was unusual for him, untried even, but solely his idea, as were his attempts to escape the "inevitable." Still, his destiny drew him to that steel ship, and strangely enough, instinct prepared him. When the force of this card makes itself felt in your life, you will know it. Things will seem to spin out of control, a vital energy will underlie each and every situation in your life... things will get interesting, to say the least. Accept what the fates hand you, for even the most innocent or annoying happenstance might lead to something wondrous. Six of Staffs, Reversed - In the second position in this simple spread, a card represents either the present, or the situation at hand. This card is reversed, or upside down, but that does not make its meaning opposite. Rather, its power in your life is weakened or blocked, or is being denied or lessened either through your oversight, or stifling circumstances. The six of staffs is a happy card, a triumphant one. It speaks of working hard toward a goal and finally being within reach of it, or of beating the odds and coming out the winner. To win does not necessarily leave someone else as the loser, and that is important to remember. Living is not a competition sport, it just *is*. Be sure you are not being egotistical, or feeling superior just because things are turning out well for you. Glory and such may be yours, and are your due for all the efforts you have poured forth, but remember, a short while ago you were the same as those you might be feeling better than. Be careful not to allow ego to cost you the very victory you have fought so hard for. You deserve to feel pride, a sense of accomplishment, and you have earned the right to a very healthy sense of self-esteem. Do not deny yourself this, especially not by spoiling the things that bring it to you. Nine of Goblets, Reversed - A card in the third position may show the future, or outcome, or it might give you an idea on what you can do to help things along in the direction you wish your life to go. The nine of goblets is particularly interesting this time around, though it is just minor arcana, because it has a special relationship with the six of staffs. They hold similar meanings, and when these two cards appear together, it could mean wonderful news ahead. The nine of goblets holds the wonders of having dreams come true, goals achieved, having your needs and wants satisfied, and enjoying the sensual pleasures of life. Now, when "sensual pleasures" are referred to here, it is important to remember that there are *five* senses, and that they all hold merit, and that satisfying them may or may not have anything to do with sexual relations. A sensual pleasure can be anything from a long hot bath, to a glass of fine wine, to the sound of a song you love, to gazing at a lovely bit of scenery, or even the scent of rain on the air. This card also bears a warning. While you are getting what you think you want, it might not be what you truly desired after all. Also, it is important to remember not to hold it over another's head when you finally see how much you truly do have in your life. Not everyone is gifted with seeing what they want land within their grasp. A bit of tact can carry one a long, long way. All in all, the cards speak of attainment, achievement, satisfaction, and victory. You *can* get what you want, and you *will* get what you want. Just be sure you truly appreciate it, and do not let it take away from you, rather let it enhance you. |
