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Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Treasure of the Stones Reading

Today I am using a fascinating reading method developed by _Jordan Hoggard_, creator of Tarot in the Land of Mystereum (Schiffer Publishing). Inspired by a simple and familiar scene on a daily walk, The Treasure of the Stones Reading Method uses cards from stacks of cards called Stones.

The Treasure of the Stones Reading Method is available for $3.99 USD at _The Divination Studio_. It includes a pdf instructional file and an editable Word doc you can copy to take notes on for each of your readings, plus a spread diagram with card stack Height Reading tips. If you are interested in this reading method, I encourage you to purchase the document to receive the full benefit.

To use this method, first hold your cards just above your altar cloth, deck wrap, or table. Next, close your eyes and meditate on your question. Then with your eyes still closed, drop your deck into three “Stones” or stacks.  The top card of each Stone (stack of cards) is called your Stone Card.  The bottom card of each Stone (stack of cards) is called your Treasure Card.  Your current situation as it stands will be represented by your Stone Cards.  Your Treasure Cards show you something new, and allow the Stones of your situation (familiar things) to be seen and made workable in a new light. 

Jordan tells us: “The intent of your Treasure of the Stones Tarot Reading is to inform you and ease your stresses so you are better able to make informed decisions for yourself in your life. Stress is simply a force applied, and this method can help you direct and resolve your stresses so they all work together in harmony much like the stresses resolving forces in a building or structure . . . . Your magical house of cards!”

The Wild Wood Tarot* jumped at the chance to participate in this reading, so I followed Jordan’s instructions and created three “Stones” with the deck.



Stone 1: The Hooded Man (Trump 9)
Treasure: Page of Stones (Lynx)

Current situation: The Hooded Man (aka The Hermit) stands before an ancient oak in Midwinter. By the light of his lantern we see a wooden doorway in the trunk of the tree. Linked in the Golden Dawn system with Virgo, an Earth sign, The Hooded Man seems to integrate the outer, physical world with inner knowledge and communion with the self. I identify with this card in many ways.

Something new: The Page of Stones (Earth element) appears in the form of a lynx. According to Jack Tresidder (Dictionary of Symbols / Chronicle Books), the lynx is a symbol of vigilance and the sense of sight. Unlike The Hooded Man, the Page of Stones gazes directly at us. On the Wheel of the Year, which underlies the Wild Wood tarot, this card represents departing Midwinter, moving towards Imbolc. With The Hooded Man linked to midwinter on the Wheel, the Page of Stones seems to call my attention to the idea of emerging from a “midwinter” state of mind and moving toward a spring-like rebirth. Seen in a new light, reflection and meditation still hold value for me, but I am aware that there are also new things to be explored and learned.

Stone 2: Seven of Arrows (Insecurity)
Treasure: King of Stones (Wolf)

Current situation: The woman on the Seven of Arrows (Air / the mind) is immobilized and speechless. The card reveals ungrounded fears and confusion that can lead to instability and panic. I do have a tendency to revisit past mistakes and worry about future ones, and I do not forgive myself easily.

Something new: The King of Stones (Earth) appears in the form of one of my totem animals, the wolf. This card conveys strength, power, confidence, security, and achievement. These are the qualities I need to embrace and manifest whenever I am feeling insecure or worried. That is how I can move beyond the past and my fears, and forge ahead.

Stone 3: Queen of Arrows (Swan)
Treasure: The Woodward (Trump 11)

Current situation: Although the swan is known for grace and power, the Queen of Arrows can also represent being bound to past losses and strife. Old bonds may be holding me down, restricting my ability to be what I want to be.

Something new: The Woodward (aka Strength) symbolizes “the inner power that comes from facing fear and understanding the nature of darkness.” The message this hunter demonstrates is “I am not a victim. Treat me with respect. Do not mistake my passivity for weakness.” I need to adopt this attitude when I am tempted to dwell on past losses or sorrows. Calm, resolute strength will serve me well. I find it interesting that a lynx is featured on this card (as in the Page of Stones, above). The message of vigilance and keen sight is reinforced here.

In general, I see the current situation (Stone) cards as depicting withdrawal, introspection, timidity, and insecurity. In contrast, the Treasure cards, as a group, give me an impression of strength, confidence, courage, and action. The key is to find the Treasures under the Stones and bring them into the light.



* The Wild Wood Tarot by Mark Ryan and John Matthews, with card illustrations by Will Worthington, published by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.

21 comments:

  1. A beautiful new way for me to read my cards. I've never heard of this before. I wonder, do you read the treasure cards always positive? I mean what if your treasures are for instance the nine of swords or the tower?

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    1. Hi Ellen. I think if I were using this method and pulled a negative-seeming card for a Treasure, I would look at the card from every angle. I don't think any card is 100% negative, and I would think about what I might learn from that card that would lead me in a positive direction.

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    2. Thanks, Ellen, and great comment, Zanna! Rather than negative or positive cards, I suggest to look at the essence of the card first and then look to the consequences. For example rather than The Tower being good or bad, it is simply world-altering. Then place it in context and read it. Further, though, with the Treasure of the Stones Method I suggest to ask your self the question, "How does the Treasure card (bottom card) pulse as the heartbeat in the Stone card (top card)?" With this question, even whether cards are good or bad to you, they begin to pulse with a life and personality working together...and one card can inform and guide how to read the other card like the wise counsel of a great friend.

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    3. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting, Jordan! I love the idea of the Treasure card as the heartbeat in the Stone card.

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    4. This makes a lot of sense Thanks to both of you for taking the time to explain. Reality is just a way of perception.:)

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    5. You're both very welcome! Zanna, it's really great seeing the TotS in action with another reader. Thanks for giving it a spin. Enjoy the bmp bmp...bmp bmp of the live in the cards. If you ever see me on a corner with a stethoscope to the cards...

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  2. You do well with the animal cards. I've learned to just leave those decks on the shelves, they might as well be blank pieces of paper.

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    1. I understand what you mean, Sharyn. Not every type of deck works for everyone. I know readers who love animals (as you probably do) but simply don't relate to them on cards. Any time I see an animal on a card, it attracts my complete attention and draws me in.

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  3. "In general, I see the current situation (Stone) cards as depicting withdrawal, introspection, timidity, and insecurity. In contrast, the Treasure cards, as a group, give me an impression of strength, confidence, courage, and action. The key is to find the Treasures under the Stones and bring them into the light."
    I love the way you worked your Stone and Treasure cards into teams rather than taking the Treasures so much directly into the Stones in the reading, and then finished up with, "The key is to find the Treasures under the Stones and bring them into the light." which then plays the teams to work together.

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    1. I am experimenting with this method, Jordan, so I do appreciate your observations and comments. I want to try, as you put it, "taking the Treasures directly into the Stones" to see where that leads.

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    2. I'll look forward to seeing where it leads for you, Zanna.

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  4. I really appreciate you featuring the Treasure of the Stones Reading Method, Zanna. Thank You. Great to see it in action with the Wild Wood Tarot.

    The Treasure of the Stones Reading Method is available for $3.99 USD at The Divination Studio. http://divinationstudio.com/ It includes a pdf instructional file and an editable Word doc you can copy to take notes on for each of your readings + a spread diagram with card stack Height Reading tips.

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    1. I added the purchase info to the blog post, Jordan. I meant to do that in the first place, but somehow forgot.

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    2. Oh cool. I didn't notice the revision. Thanks much.

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  5. Interesting spread and reading Zanna.

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  6. Thank you for sharing this. I did mine and I enjoyed it. :) Greetings from Indonesia.

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed this reading method. Be sure to check out Jordan Hoggard's other spreads and methods on his web site!

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  7. Really enjoyed this reading method, and your insights into the cards you drew, Zanna. The King of Stones always makes me think of group support, given he's howling for his pack, drawing them in to join him :)
    Best, Chloë

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    1. Very nice observation about the wolf (King of Stones), Chloë! As a wolf admirer I should have picked up on that! :)

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    2. This is one of the things I love about people commenting on cards - there are always new ideas and perspectives :) I've never focused much on the "timings" attributed to these cards, but really loved how you wove that into your reading at a more metaphorical level!

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Thank you for leaving a comment. I love hearing from my readers!
~ Zanna