Past Lives Reading with Tarot of Reincarnation

I have been wanting to do a reading with the Tarot of Reincarnation by Massimiliano Filadoro (Lo Scarabeo), and now is the time!

First of all, I want to talk about this deck a little bit. After doing a quick search on line, I see that many people feel this deck “has nothing to do with reincarnation.” I wonder if they bothered to read the little White Book that comes with this deck.

I do realize that there are MANY interpretations of reincarnation, so perhaps those who don’t see this deck as having anything to do with reincarnation are simply not seeing a connection with their own personal definition.

However, following an informative discussion of the concept of Reincarnation, the booklet goes on to state: “The Reincarnation Tarot is a mirror that we can use to look inward and communicate with our ‘inner animals,’ all of those psychic forms produced by millennia of evolution that still live inside of us. . . In a certain sense, we are all of the creatures of the past and the seed of future ones so that the single individual contains a continuously evolving universe.”

Let’s zero in on this statement from the booklet: “. . . thousands of organisms that came before us. . . still live in the profound unconscious of our soul.”

I decided to create a spread that responds to the question: Which of my “inner animals” have messages that I need to heed, and what are those messages?

I am using a 5-card circular spread design.

(1) A message from a far, far distant past life
(2) A message from a far distant past life
(3) A message from a distant past life
(4) A message from a more recent past life
(5) A message from a very recent past life

One other piece of information: The Reincarnation Tarot follows the French model for the four suits. Hearts correspond to Cups or Chalices (Water); Clubs correspond to Wands (Fire); Diamonds correspond to Pentacles or Coins (Earth); and Spades correspond to Swords (Air).

(1) A message from a far, far distant past life

FOUR OF HEARTS

This message comes to me from the marine turtle, who brings a sense of emotional stability, security, and inner harmony. To me, this card can also refer to emotional stagnation or apathy. Turtles are famous for moving very slowly and deliberately, which makes sense with the “stability” and “stagnation” traits of the card. I can see where I might have this type of energy from a far, far distant past life playing a role in who I am and how I approach life. This card also advises me not to “rest on my laurels.”

(2) A message from a far distant past life

ACE OF SPADES

The cock-of-the-rock brings a message about intense mental activity and mental clarity that may or may not be accompanied by emotional stress. This large bird, which is native to South America, is known for being wary and cautious, but the males are colorful and flashy. When I look at this image, the phrase “bright idea” comes to mind. This is energy I can use in my work in my present life, which requires creativity and being open to new ideas.

(3) A message from a distant past life

BUTTERFLY (THE LOVERS)

In a distant past life, I experienced a connection between my “inner essence” and the “collective psyche.” A profound spiritual rebirth and transformation occurred, and that experience informs my outlook and behavior in this life. The Butterfly is a powerful symbol of transformation, metamorphosis, and resurrection. It is not surprising the the effects of this distant past life carry influence even today.

(4) A message from a more recent past life

SEVEN OF HEARTS

My initial reaction to the frog is the idea of being comfortable on both water (emotions, subconscious) and land (physical, material world). Like butterflies, frogs also represent transformation and change of form. Here I sense many emotional attachments or experiences that I have had. In general, these have led to optimism and high spirits, a feeling of renewal and good fortune.

(5) A message from a very recent past life

THREE OF DIAMONDS

Earthy energy here in the form of the flying squirrel – although the “flying” part certainly implies Air, doesn’t it? The LWB for the Reincarnation Tarot says: “The secret vital spirit of our soul, the inner child that never tires of playing and exploring. Need for new things, new friendships and loves. Desire to travel.” I do feel the effects of this ‘very recent past life’ very keenly in this life. The flying squirrel is alive and well!

I like these creatures as components of my current energy and life. They all have meaning for me and I can sense their presence in the who, what, and how of me. None of them are what you would call “exciting,” dramatic or impressive creatures. They are small but powerful, emphasizing Air, Earth, and Water.

What Now? An American Election Follow-Up

Well, here we are a few weeks after the Presidential election in America, and things are in as much disarray as ever. Reactions to the President-elect and his choices of advisors range from horror and depression to jubilation and dismissal of any and all concerns on which horror and depression are based.

I find that I vacillate between the horror/depression stage and the “surely it won’t be as bad as we fear” stage. Meanwhile, the jubilant folks are crying out, “Get over it!” and “Stop being whiny snowflakes!” etc.

So I am asking a few of my decks for some straight answers that may (or may not) help me cope. As I did back in August in my reading about the two Presidential candidates (click HERE), I am using five different decks, with each one answering a question. Once again, I am doing this in a spirit of fun – because I’m tired of feeling so down.

Read on!

(1) Something I must learn to accept
from Tarot of the Gnomes by Antonio Lupatelli (Lo Scarabeo)

CAV. DI BASTONI (Knight of Wands / Career)

“Ambition can lead ahead along the chosen path.”
I need to accept that the President-elect’s ambition, determination, and force have taken him where he intended to go, and he is going to continue to push his agenda and purpose as long as he can. Time marches on. And you know what? I see a resemblance...

(2) Something I should not ignore
from Tarot of the Cat People by Karen Kuykendall (U.S. Games Systems)

SIX OF WANDS

“A man proudly shows off his wands, each of which is the symbol of a goal achieved.” This is a card of conquest, triumph, gain, victory, and advancement – the results of efforts. Although I may have to accept certain things, I also have a responsibility not to ignore how things go from here, the implications and effects of the candidate’s success.

(3) Something I need not fear
from Tarot of the Animal Lords by Angelo Giannini (Lo Scarabeo)

THE HERMIT / Trump 9

I need not fear retreating for a time, if necessary, to seek wisdom and spiritual meaning in this situation. I am not and will not be completely alone in my thoughts and concerns. The Hermit in this deck is a black bear. Now, one common symbol for the country of Russia is the bear. However, this is a black bear, from North America. Am I somehow being told not to fear the influence or involvement of the "Russian bear" here in North America?

(4) Something I need to think about
from The Fantastic Menagerie Tarot (Magic Realist Press)

SIX OF COINS / The Benefactor

This card often represents generosity or the flow of resources between people (money, help, ideas, etc.) I think perhaps I am being advised to think about how, why, and when I should be “generous,” with an eye to mutual respect, fairness, and equality. If I exchange ideas with an air of condescension, as if I am superior, I will probably not achieve the result I desire. And there are times when withholding generosity is the best course of action. I may also need to think about the purpose of someone’s generosity towards me or others. A gesture that seems benevolent may have a sinister motivation.

(5) Something that I can hold onto
from the Shapeshifter Tarot by D.J. Conway and Sirona Knight, illustrated by Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Publications)

FIVE OF PENTACLES / Loneliness

Um. Let’s see what I can do with this. In traditional RWS-style decks, this card often depicts destitute people, often outside a church or other place where they might seek help. In that case, I can see the card meaning that I can hold onto help or assistance if I need it. I just need to look around and see where it is available.

However, I have to share with you the “Prophecy” for this card written by Conway and Knight: “Be aware of your words and intent when disagreeing with others, for you may well create an unpleasant, long-term rift.” The authors also caution against being stubborn and clinging to negative thinking and action. The tiny porcupine in the image of snow and ice on this card reminds me that I may create or contribute to “prickly” situations, and it will be up to me to learn discrimination and to change what I have created, if necessary.



This is all very interesting, with the Wands (energy, force, aggressiveness) in the positions of both “what I must learn to accept” (Knight of Wands, Fire of Fire) and “what I should not ignore” (Jupiter in Leo). I glanced at the President-elect’s natal chart recently, and he has fiery Leo rising, which should surprise no one. He also has Mars (planet of war, aggression, energy) in Leo.

The other three positions are filled by Earth cards (I associate The Hermit with the Earth sign Virgo). This suggests patience, determination, and quiet persistence over a long period of time. I think this is a fairly good description of what I will need to do to get through this.

Old English Tarot: 8 of Coins

In today's blog entry, Helen Howell continues her exploration of cards from the Old English Tarot by Maggie Kneen (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

Old English Tarot

Eight of Coins

by Helen Howell

Today’s Old English Card is the 8 of Coins and I’ll be comparing this to its more traditional brother, as usual, the Rider Waite deck.

The Rider Waite 8 of Pentacles, as you probably know, depicts a young man working studiously on each pentacle. Here he strives to improve with each one he makes. The card’s fundamental meaning is commitment to a new form of skill. It’s a card that can translate into indicating that hard work will get you where you want to be and an ability to stay with the project in hand. As this is a Pentacles/Coins card, we are looking at the material world and so the other message from this card is: Take a practical approach.

Now it is easy to see and translate the meaning of the Rider Waite image but not so easy with the Old English 8 of Coins. Let’s take a look at the symbolism contained in the Old English depiction of this card.

We have have eight coins arranged in two lines of three with two in the middle - a perfectly balanced arrangement. Beneath this is what looks like a wine barrel, grapes to the back and grapes to the forefront of the card, two jugs of varying sizes, and two bowls. How do we translate this to mean similar to the Rider Waite?

At first look it’s not so obvious, but then we start to ask ourselves some questions: Why are there two jugs with different patterns carved into them and of varying sizes? Why two bowls that differ? What do the grapes stand for? Wine? Maybe, but I think they may mean something a little more deeper.

I’m going to list what I think these symbols might mean for us.

Grapes: Abundance, reaping the fruits of one’s labour. Achievement through care and attention to the plants. Hard work to gain a good crop.

Bowls & Jugs: If we look at the progress of the carving from the bowls to the large jug with the more elaborate design, then we see a progression of skill has taken place.

So it does appear that the Old English 8 of Coins does have a similar meaning to the Rider Waite 8 of Pentacles - perfecting skills, practice makes perfect, achievement through hard work.

It is the symbols that speak to us within the image of a card, and each modern deck will have its own variation of the core meanings of the Rider Waite. When you see the Old English 8 of Coins in a reading, somewhere in its meaning it’s going to suggest commitment  to gaining an end result.

LWB: Apprenticeship, craftsmanship, learning, effort, handiwork.

Reversed: Lack of ambition, vanity, disillusionment.

Ancestral Lineage Tarot Spread

Inspired by Monica over at Tarot in a Teacup, I am going to try her Ancestral Lineage spread using the Haindl Tarot. To see Monica’s blog post about the spread and her reading, click HERE.
Here is the 10 card spread below:

.….10…..
7….8….9
4….5….6
1….2….3

Cards 1, 2 and 3: What is my ancestral lineage?

PRINCESS OF SWORDS, Daughter of Swords in the South, Isis, Egypt
Unfortunately, these days, I flinch and cringe whenever I hear the word “Isis” (for reasons I probably don’t need to explain). But the Princess of Swords in this deck is the goddess Isis, mother of pharaohs. Rachel Pollack writes that she is “a powerful figure, confident and dynamic… devoted to her family…” and that she “combines sexuality with motherhood and devotion.”

PRINCE OF STONES, Son of Stones in the West, Chief Seattle, America
This card gives the sense of someone who is close to the Earth, aware of how the actions of the current generation affect people for generations to come. There is a sense of responsibility and the importance of making positive changes. The highly stylized orca painted above the chief’s head represents the spiritual relationships formed between Native Americans and animals sacred to them.

THE STAR
The woman on this card is Gaia, the Mother of Life (in German, Erda, the Earth, the Ur-Mother, origin of all things). In Greek myth, Gaia is the first divinity. As she washes her hair on The Star, she demonstrates a unity with Earth, her hair blending into the water. The ragged hem on her dress suggests age. Other symbols on the card refer to the Hebrew letter Tzaddi, fish hook; the Rune Eh, E, horse; and the western zodiac sign Aquarius, The Water Carrier. The Star radiates optimism, hope, and openness, but also a cleansing or renewal, a chance to start over in a situation. It emphasizes the importance of humility, recognizing ourselves as part of something greater.

I love the blend of cultures here – Isis, Chief Seattle, Gaia -- Egyptian, Native American, Greek. My ancestral lineage has deep and powerful roots. I can draw from key elements of masculine, feminine, and universal energy. The connection to Mother Earth is strong in all of these cards.

Cards 4, 5 and 6: What gifts do my ancestors offer?

THE UNIVERSE
No small “gift” is this, The Universe! Incorporated into this card are the Hebrew letter Tav, signature; the Rune Gebo, G, gift; the planet Saturn (limitations, restrictions). At the top we see the bottom half of the Earth, shown encircled by a dragon, “the grand serpent of the imagination” (Pollack). Pollack writes that “the serpent’s breath burns away illusion.” The gift here is that of release, a better life ahead, moving beyond previous limitations toward new ideas and opportunities.

ACE OF STONES in the West
On the card an eagle comes down to a huge rock, like God descending from air to earth. In keeping with the association of the suit of Stones with Native America, the eagle is an aspect of Wakan-Tanka, usually translated “Great Spirit.” Pollack writes that the Ace of Stones is “the gift of the Earth” and “the gift of vision.”

EIGHT OF WANDS, Swiftness
The hexagram for this card is 35, “Progress.” The spears move upward, suggesting spiritual development. Pollack notes that the spears cross a diagonal line made by the rock, forming eight X’s or gift Runes. Swiftness, progress, and spiritual development are the gifts this card represents.

What a marvelous collection of gifts this set of cards has unwrapped for me! Release, a better life ahead, moving beyond previous limitations toward new ideas and opportunities; the gift of the Earth and of vision; swiftness, progress, spiritual development. I love that the Rune for The Universe literally means “gift” and the spears form “gift Runes” on the 8 of Wands.

Cards 7, 8 and 9: What lessons do they need me to learn?

PRINCE OF WANDS, Son of Wands in the East, Krishna
The suit of Wands is linked in this deck to India, a region whose culture and spiritual paths have long fascinated me. The Sayings of Sri Ramakrishna, an Indian mystic and yogi during the 19th-century, was my introduction to the fact that Christianity did not have a monopoly on spiritual truths. The Son of Wands in the East is Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, playing his flute. Pollack describes the Son of Wands as “someone who loves life, especially its sensual sides. . . has a great interest in the arts, and may be a performer of some kind.”

TEN OF SWORDS, Ruin
On this card we see a broken city, a scene of despair and destruction. But if we look closely at the top of the card, we can see a clear, blue sky. The hexagram on this card is 29, titled “Danger” in one system and “The Abysmal” in another. Negativity, weakness, gloom and doom. Pollack comments that “the Ten of Swords draws on prophecies and apocalyptic visions. But these visions also lead to a restoration of ancient values.” Hence the blue sky in the distance.

SIX OF CUPS, Happiness
Offsetting the despair of the 10 of Swords, the lesson of the 6 of Cups is balance and peace. (Pollack comments that the balance shown by four cups on one side and two on the other is more subtle than that achieved with a rigid three plus three.) The hexagram is number 58, titled “Encouragement” in one system and “The Joyous Lake” in the other. Here there is success, joining with friends, serene moments – yet the card has a dark side as well, reminding us that “happiness needs an awareness of sadness” (Pollack).

These lessons run the gamut from Ruin to Happiness, with Krishna added into the mix. A spiritual, philosophical approach seems to be indicated when dealing with the best and worst life has to offer me.

Card 10: What do they help me to develop and become in this lifetime?

ACE OF SWORDS in the South
We return to Egypt for this last card for a glimpse at a “primordial creation scene of Egyptian myth” (Pollack). Pollack summarizes this Ace as intelligence, the ability to think clearly, to analyze and separate a problem into its parts. Swords is the suit of Air – intellect, logic -- but this card also features Water – emotion, imagination.  In the picture on the card, the sword stirs up the water into waves, creating something real out of potential. Powerful emotions and powerful ideas can combine to create a masterpiece in whatever area of life they are applied.

This last card deserves some contemplation on my part. My astrological birth chart is heavy in Earth and Fire, which suggests to me that the Ace of Swords, with its tip in the water, encourages me to make more and better use of the energy of Air and Water in my life.