Messages Writ by a Divine Hand
In our previous post we discussed mythology with it’s requisite symbols and correspondences, and how those work in relationship with what we understand about human brain function to inform our relationship with reality.
In this post, we are going to be review the unique problem solving abilities that are afforded us by mythology and symbolism, and explore one way we can use these innate human traits to our advantage. I understand that this doesn’t strictly relate to theater in any traditional sense, but since iconography is one of the tools we employ in theatrical performance, we are going to allow ourselves this indulgence. It also continues to address the questions I get from people outside of the esoteric community regarding what I personally believe and how I practice.
When we talk about a symbol set, there is none quite so universally recognized as the Tarot. The 78 cards of the Tarot represent an entire universe of meaning and attribution through an intricate system of correspondences related to alchemy, astrology, Qabalah, mythology, and dozens of other related systems.
That is not to say that the Tarot is a substitute for a comprehensive study and understanding any of these other systems, but it is a framework around which the study of related systems can be shaped, and ultimately better understood. But that is getting ahead of ourselves.
The aforementioned system of correspondences makes the Tarot particularly useful as a system for divination. Divination being the fancy name for “fortune telling”.
Does this mean that the Tarot can tell you the future, accurately and precisely, 100% of the time? Not exactly. Even should the cards spell out the answers to all of your problems, the symbols and layers of meaning are so dense, you would only stand a very small chance of interpreting them accurately! Yet, that is exactly the point.
Given what we were previously considering in terms of brain chemistry and crisis management, the Tarot with it’s correspondences becomes exceptionally useful in the area of complex problem solving. The Tarot can literally kick start the problem solving faculty of the human mind.
The process is relatively simple. When a seeming insurmountable problem presents itself, a Tarot spread can be done to analyze that problem. As each card comes up in a spread, it can be analyzed against this host of symbols, and each reviewed as to it’s independent meaning, it’s meaning with regard to the question at hand, and in relation to other cards in the spread.
As this process continues, the analysis of the symbols requires the amygdala to route resources out of the autonomic crisis response and into the frontal lobe, as that is where the symbols and their relationships are analyzed. It can be plainly stated that the Tarot is a problem solving tool with a set of functions that is entirely in accord with what we understand about how the human mind works. Rather than telling your future, this tool provides you with resources to analyze a possible future without becoming overwhelmed.
Please note, when I give classes on the Tarot, I make a point of reminding people that they should frame their query in terms of: “What will be the probable outcome if I take the following action?” The Tarot is not useful for yes or no questions (flip a coin!) and the final decision about whether to proceed should always be made by the queriant. The cards, for all that they are wonderful, are painted cardboard. Those cards will suffer none of the repercussions of your choices. Never let them make decisions for you!
With that in mind, the Tarot is a tool that can be employed to look at any overwhelming problem, and the implementation of the tool, itself, automatically moves the querier into the part of the brain that interprets symbols, and solves problems.
The same circumstance can be true for I Ching, Astrology, or any other self contained system of relational correspondences. The art of employing them makes them effective tools, because the implementation of symbols facilitates problem solving.
It should be obvious that the better these correspondences are understood and internalized by someone employing any of these tools, the more effective they will be.
While the relationships been the cards can be daunting at first. a rigorous course of study will allow most students to learn the rudiments in a few weeks, and obtain a passable understanding within a year.
Rather than wait for a crisis, I recommend meditating over one Tarot card a day starting with the major Arcana. Read through the key synopsis in whatever accompanying material is provided with the deck. In under 3 months you will have reviewed each of the cards in the deck, and can start again, or begin a more intensive course of study.
There is a word of caution here, for those who are just starting out. There is nothing like studying arcane symbols to kick the hornets nest of sleeping personal issues. Paying attention to the way in which your mind and emotions work is a certain way to notice those areas where thoughts are disorganized, where emotions are unbalanced, and where errors have been accepted as guiding principals. Once you start to learn this skill, you will find that it cannot be unlearned, and more than you can unlearn how to read.
Every budding occultist should see a therapist. Find a good one. Shop around. People with a Jungian background are often sympathetic to arcane symbolism, and it will save you a great deal of explaining. But I digress.
As you continue to work with the Tarot you will begin to notice something we might call the spooky factor. These are the times when a series of symbols is so spot on that it seems more divinely inspired than happenstance. They will become increasingly frequent. And why not? Perhaps there are larger forces than you can comprehend at work? Perhaps there is just a portion of you that needs to believe that in order to move forward to your next adventure. Or perhaps as you begin to truly integrate and comprehend the symbol set, everything will take on a larger meaning.
The net result is the same. The introduction of mythology into problem solving can inspire the best in you, and awaken aspects of your mind that have long slept.