anthropology of the tarot

Monthly Muses by Flavia for April 2019

by  on  in anthropology of the tarot, april 2019, flavia, il mantegna

April is slow to arrive. Dragging her feet and still pulling a winter veil over us, nothing is exactly clear or defined. Between dream, creativity and self-realisation, we’re unsure how to act. When we act, we change our minds or leave things half done as if moving through a cloud in a dream state. And yet April is here. At first shy and reluctant, but real nonetheless. April and spring are heralded by Euterpe, muse of delight in art and particularly sound. Inhabiting Olympus and closely associated with Apollo, Euterpe brings healing and knowledge by unearthing what is hidden. Through oracles and earthly substances, fantasy will turn to actualisation. Euterpe (and with her, ourselves) will arrive with a sense of completion and of letting go. Releasing what doesn’t serve a higher good, and allowing for the better and learned things. She brings with her the double-flute, the breath of life.

At some point by the middle of the month the energies of the new and vibrant season will be felt quite powerfully while gathering momentum. Projects will come alive. Relationships will develop. Our self-worth will increase. The pace will accelerate. The octaves will go higher. With lyric, poetry and music comes inspiration, and a new beginning full of determination is here. A confident, sure of itself future, and one filled with pleasure, is starting to materialise. The wheel is turning and things begin to take form.

The Cronus no less, right next to Euterpe, confirms it. They work together and it’s all change. But the kind of change that is bigger than us. The kind of change which requires us to surrender on some level. Certainly, on a subconscious level, surrender our fears and traumas and assign them to the past. On a practical level, we can now do things differently, as we let go of our conditioning and tap into a more authentic way of being in the world. Change of movement, change of material structures, change of habits and rituals. Let’s not forget we are talking about Cronus; a Titan who fathered gods and giants with great reach and massive powers. Euterpe was his daughter and of course a Goddess in her own right. We are now going under this influence of delight and shifting energies.

By the end of the month we become the king as we have cleared space for what we really want and what we are about. Perhaps Justice hasn’t arrived yet, neither have any of the higher values been actualised, or become integrated, but we are stepping into our own power with certainty
and purpose. The magic of the breath of the double flute will launch a transformative season into growth and possibility. As things develop we are more in control. Everything around us is gradually, or even at times, suddenly clearer. However it happens it’s inherent in the process and we
are starting to see solid gains. We are starting to make an impact and feel our responsibility in the world. The veil has shifted, so we can move from power to empowerment.

Flavia

Weekly Wisdom by Mirasol – 5 April 2019

by  on  in anthropology of the tarot, clearquartz, motherpeace tarot, newmoon, shaman of wands

The new moon in Aries calls us to contemplate the Shaman of Wands from the Motherpeace Tarot. This card show us a bearded man, wearing a patterned loincloth. He holds a staff which rests on the waning crescent of the Moon Goddess, symbolising matrilineal descent. His right hand is open, a gesture of invitation, gift giving and healing energy. Behind the man we see the falcon of the sun God Horus, crowned with his authoritative solar disc, symbolising strength and clarity. The falcon’s talons hold the ankh of life force, the sign of the Goddess Isis. To the left of the man, the throne of Pharaoh is situated, indicating the presence of kingly power. The round basket and the large protea flower signify the Shaman’s appreciation of the female.

The card represents positive male power and fatherhood, a philosopher or teacher. This is a strong man with verbal skills and a warm presence. He is ruled by Mars and Jupiter, representing force and healing power. With Mars in Gemini until 15 May, ideas may overflow, and we can use the Shaman’s potent fire to choose what to focus on. He also reminds us that with Jupiter in Sagittarius until 2 December 2019, we shall expand in areas which light us up, like the fire of the Shaman’s wand we can follow our dreams. The inspiration which rises as Jupiter activates ideas and possibilities is strengthened now.

Receiving this card is a confirmation that long term goals are possible and should be focused on. Anything that fills you with passion, and any accomplishments you are now ready for, are arriving with the help and support of the Shaman of Wands.

Meditation with the Shaman of Wands

Try this meditation with the Shaman of Wands card and sense what the card wants to tell you.

Sit down in a quiet space. Take a few deep breaths and relax.

Focus on the image of the Shaman of Wands and note how the man is grounded and fully present on being the centre of authority. Strong and welcoming, filled with fiery and positive energy, he welcomes you into his sphere. Behind him the presence of the Pharaoh and the falcon fortify your wishes and your creations. You are simultaneously supported by a newly found solar power emanating from the Shaman and nurtured by soft female energy represented by the woven basket and the pink protea flower.

Stay in meditation for 5 to 10 minutes.

After the meditation, journal about the below questions.

How can you best focus on your creative projects in this new season?

How can you integrate longevity and balanced creation in your body, mind and soul?

Create a space in your home which is reserved only for you. This can be a space for meditation, writing, making art or anything else that makes you focus on being fully present. Listen to your soul and hear what is most needed at this time. Spend time in your sacred space and do what truly makes you happy.

Mirasol

Monthly Muses by Flavia for March 2019

by  on  in anthropology of the tarot, flavia, il mantegna

Mercurio XXXXII (42)and Rhetorica XXIII (23) jump out of the pack before we even begin our journey into the Mantegna reading. The two Gods appear so as to remind us the domination of words and communication that are the overarching influence under which events, feelings and thinking are taking place right now.  They guide the present. Mercurio in this configuraton is in perpetual movement surrounded by symbols of his power and he is the paramount healer, while Rhetorica holding a sword and looking straight at us is the warrior of truth and authenticity par excel-lance. Do not try to deceive – though we will be confused and muddled by occurrences and feelings. And what we think we want will change. But do not attempt to misguide – it will be to the detriment of those who do.

In March the power is in sacrifice and stability. But faith and desire will play their part too, and, ultimately, being in the presence of others is where our own authenticity and what we truly value will come about. Our dreams and their realization will require us a surrender to the greater forces around us and a belief that things will come through for us. The way to achieve it and how to participate in things working out, is to take practical steps. Being in the moment and being praxis, not in analysis is the advice that comes from Mantegna. And the Imperator is in support with us. The Imperator IX (9) just like Saturn in Capricorn is restrictive. He is also a heavy and serious energy with cosmic spread. As a reward, for our discipline, however, he offers us security and makes things happen. So that ideas become reality, and the ideal becomes physical. Our inspiration and creative expression are transformed into a lived experience.

And here comes Apollo to offer further oracles and truths, and magnificent dreams. Apollo is one of the most complex Gods of the ancient Greco-Roman Pantheon. His healing influence elevates us from our everyday troubles and mundane chores and ordinary existence. He is here to makes us all extraordinary, to show how we have the creative self expression within us and that we are complete. From creative self expression comes beauty as light and as un uplifting experience. So that throughout March we will have the power struggle between the heavy and slow energy of the Iperator transforming the quick, fast moving, creative, dreamy, mystical energy of the beauty of Apollo and giving it form.

The energies come together through Terpsicore, daughter of Mnemosyne. A Muse of chorus and dance she represents delight in togetherness. A reminder of our earthly powers as we find happiness in the company of others and through others. Our higher self and earthly reincarnation merge in art and love, in a collective effort and as part of a greater story. We are here and we are not alone.

Flavia

Weekly Wisdom by Mirasol – 29 January 2019

by  on  in anthropology of the tarot, mirasol, motherpeace tarot, mythology, quartz

The Death card from the Motherpeace Tarot brings us a striking image of recovery after the Leo full moon eclipse, which may have shaken our perception and distorted our personal vision. A skeleton lies on the ground by two birches, surrounded by autumnal yellow leaves. The clean bones are exposed to the forces of nature, reminding us of our own sensitivity to external powers which we feel we may not be able control. A snake has shed its yellow and red skin, symbolising transformation and rebirth.

The black space of the card, the infinite void, points to the possibilities of total renewal. Like a Shamanic journey to the underworld, the knowledge of something greater is being revealed. You can fill this empty space with anything you wish and more. Be ready to transform and welcome the unbelievable. After the realisation that the Death card offers us full release of the burdens we perceive as obstacles, we can welcome the imagery as a quiet solace of healing.

Becoming whole again after a difficult time requires self-awareness to forgive everything and everyone. The bones of our ancestors may have called to us momentarily during the eclipse season. Now we are ready to embrace their messages as we are starting to move slowly towards the lighter season. The imagery of the card shows us how to return to our roots, the passions we once lived for, and reminds us of the potential to resurrect these.

Meditation with the Death card

Try this meditation with the Death card and take a note of what the card wants to tell you.

Sit down in a quiet space. Take a few deep breaths and relax.

Focus on the image of the Death card and observe how the peaceful image of the skeleton is lying on the ground. The black colour brings the perfect ground for transformation. The shedded snake skin was suffocating and poisonous. Now it is gone. You can step out and breathe the fresh air of transformation and renewal at both soul and bodily levels. The mind is at ease after it has conquered its troubling thoughts.

Stay in meditation for 5 to 10 minutes.

After the meditation, journal about the below questions.

How can you honour your deepest transformation after a very difficult time?

What kind of physical movement can you engage in to become grounded in your body?

Build an altar to your deepest dream life. Include photos and objects which represent the energy of total bliss. This physical imagery will help to manifest your wishes. Say thank you to everything that is and receive.

Mirasol

Monthly Muses by Flavia for January 2019

by  on  in anthropology of the tarot, flavia, marziano, monthly muses, mythology, tarot
marziano tarot cards

We start the year under the influence and the protection of Goddess Diana. After a challenging ending to 2018, we surely need her. Beautiful, dynamic and fit, she is also skilful and able in using tools. With an arrow and bow, wearing a moon crown and a deer by her side, she’s the goddess of high and physical achievements. She represents hunting, the outdoors, earthly grounding and time. The high priest in her Roman temple was once a slave and as such she’s the guardian of all humanity, not just the privileged section of society. Associated with darkness and ruling together with her brother Apollo, she’s also aloof and mysterious. Her three faces represent wisdom and healing as the goddess of the moon, protector of childbirth, and hunting. To her left and right in our reading, we have two very powerful eights: the eight of Eagles (Swords) and the eight of Turtledoves (Clubs).

Because of the configuration of the cards we are guided to read this arrangement as a whole that is complete in itself, rather than in a chronological order of events. The symbolism of infinity in the number eight refers here to our self value and everything that is associated with our self-appreciation and authority in the world. Career, business, self-expression and a balance of self-realisation, achievements and goals are the areas influenced by this card configuration.

And Diana in this conjunction of powerful eights of air and fire is urging us to go out and after the things we value in life. It is the right time to do so. She significantly represents the moon and time. The fact that we are in deep winter in the north hemisphere is not without meaning. It is the elements of the season and our sense of belonging in the environment and everything that surrounds us that are the key to our own happiness. It is cold and everything is slowing down, seemingly closing in.

What does it all mean in practice? At the start of the year we are possibly finding ourselves in a situation where we are feeling demotivated, restricted, stagnated, even trapped by our own thoughts, and where there’s a lot of negative self talk. Diana reminds us that this is not serving us. Our conditioning and past hurts are no guiding principle for being who we really are and achieving our best. We finally want things to change. We want to step into our own authority, and we should not be afraid to take action in that direction.

The eight of Eagles represents a positive situation of movement and travel, and now we are entering a time when everything is moving fast and results will arrive quickly. Keep up with what’s going on around you, because we are going to be very busy focusing on goals and achievements. We will experience abundance with a change of perception and together with others. And through engaging with others, connecting with different cultures, we can leap forward to a better and more realised future. Don’t lose the focus. Don’t get distracted. Get moving. But stay on the ground and aim high.

Flavia

Weekly Wisdom by Mirasol – 2 January 2019

by  on  in anthropology of the tarot, mirasol, motherpeace tarot, mythology, new moon, tarot, the fool, weekly wisdom
tarot card the fool

The Fool in the Motherpeace Tarot shows us a child who is walking on her hands, immersed in sacred play and unaware of the potential dangers around her. She is connected to the gift of life and the spontaneity, sense of adventure and innocence of being a child. She balances a bag with her left toe, this is the Fool’s bag which contains all the Tarot cards. Opening the bag, we remember past lives and our soul’s journey. The peacock feather on the wand symbolises ancient intelligence urging a person towards truth. Thus, the card represents reincarnation, wisdom and timeless existence imbued with joy and innocence, and not regret or remorse.

Along the river bed are symbolic animals and flowers which delineate the Fool’s journey. The Griffon-Vulture of the Egyptian Goddess Maat symbolises justice. The crocodile represents danger but at the same time poses no threat as the Fool is psychically connected to it via primordial consciousness. The cat as the witches familiar is a friend and a psychic companion of the Fool.

The magic mushrooms, amanita muscarita, represent the divinatory vision of prophecy – however these are poisonous if not used with care. The lotus flower symbolises the crown chakra and our connection to the universal spirit. The Fool child is open to cosmic messages and the channeling of information from the higher realm.

In the background the card shows us pink mountains of love which are capped with the white snow of purity, this melting into the river of life, the streaming flow of thoughts. The rising sun represents the freshness of spring. New beginnings are highly supported.

The upcoming new moon and partial solar eclipse on 5 January will de-fool us and show us a way which we have thought was impossible. A new year and a new path urges us to accept revelations and leave the uncertainty of the past behind us as we march forward, into the future. By opening up to the cosmic messages we can finally realise that our path is valid in this realm.

Meditation with the Fool

Try this meditation with the Fool and observe what the card wants to tell you.

Sit down in a quiet space. Take a few deep breaths and relax.

Focus on the image of the Fool and note how the agile child is full of life and excited for her upcoming journey. The presence of the magic mushrooms stir up imaginative aspects of our psyche which are fuelling new ideas. The blue flowing river is guiding you to move on, in the perfect direction, aligned with your heart. The cat awakens your curiosity, the crocodile stabilises your third eye and the Griffon-Vulture refines the answers aligned with your own truth.

Stay in meditation for 5 to 10 minutes.

After the meditation, journal about the below questions.

How can you restart your soul’s journey?

What fills you with peace?

Take time this week and journal about your wishes for the new year. Believe that anything is possible, no matter what the external circumstances try to show you. Listen to your inner adventurer and know there is always another way to find the balance and the purpose in your soul’s journey.

Mirasol