Amulets by Merlin's Blog

The Tarot may be used in a variety of ways.
The most popular one is an oracle,
however it is also used to better understand how our minds work
and the way we use them.
Meditation on random spreads allow us to make intuitive leaps,
using them in set patterns create vibrations and resonance,
providing us with a moment of introspection.
As we observe these combinations we strengthen our perception,
focus, clarity of mind and ignite inspiration.

The Grand Spread
When viewed together
they teach us valuable lessons about how to live
the Foundation of Ethics

Often refereed to as the Fool’s Journey
or the Hero’s Journey
the Major Arcana is a set of 22 Keys,
or images representing ideas, experiences and perspectives.
Sometimes referred to as the Grand Spread
one may view them as four sets:
The Magician through the Chariot,
Strength through Temperance,
the Devil through the Universe,
and the Fool stands alone,
placed on top.

The first seven are:

The Magician: Realization of the Present and how it works
The High Priestess: The Depth of the Past, Memory: personal and ancestral – even to the beginning of time.
The Empress: the ability to visualize possibilities by combining the magician (Single pointed consciousness) and the High Priestess (Experience).
The Emperor: The ability to perceive how to manifest the Vision
The Heirophant: The connection to one’s “Higher Self”
The Lovers: the merging of all of these things in a dynamic Balance
The Chariot: The Sacred Space generated by this culmination, it’s strengths and it’s fragility.

Taken in sequence,
we see an evolution from Magician through the Chariot:
from the central core of single pointed Consciousness
to the Sacred Space in which he/she inhabits.

The Magi

The Magi
~Mercury~

One pointed Focus and concentration.
Here the Fool becomes aware of him/herself
and begins to apply Knowledge
through Focused Will.
In the classical image the Magician stands before a table
on the table are the tools of his “trade”
representations of the “elements”
Each one an aspect of his Consciousness.

The first grouping of seven cards lines up with the second one,
placing Strength under the Magician:

Strength

Strength
~Leo~

alludes to the chakras:
a very involved study focusing on energy centers within the body.
From the base of the spine to the top of the head
(it is noted in Yoga studies)
seven centers:
each themselves are of a particular nature.
One may devote one’s life to years of study of this subject,
but it is important to note the discipline of Yoga
is potent in mastering one’s self.
Classically,
this card is illustrated by an angel opening the mouth of a lion:
giving the beast speech.
In both cases one is harnessing what is at first perceived:
animal, untamed,
and comes to a better understanding;
“lending credence” to what on the first impression as unfathomable
or adversarial;
making an ally of an enemy.

The Third grouping starts with the Devil, placed under Strength.

The Devil

The Devil
~Capricorn~

is an often misunderstood card,
to say the vary least.
There is a distinct difference between the Devil of the Tarot
and the Devil found in Hollywood or in your neighborhood Church.
The Devil associated with the Tarot is better thought of as
Coyote of the Native American Traditions:
A Trickster, one who tests and teases.
The challenge of this card is harnessing the opportunity of learning from experience
or being trapped by One’s own devices and misconception.
“The Devil” will twist things out of shape
or take it apart something to see how it works,
but one must keep track of where all the screws are
and make sure you don’t have any parts left over.
The Devil’s most powerful tool is humor:
by making a joke of something,
one can better deal with a tragedy,
but if one goes over the edge…
well, some things simply aren’t funny.
The Devil teaches us self discipline,
when to say “no”
turn away from obsession and self absorption;
how to laugh and resist stagnation.

The First Resonance of the Fool’s Journey is:

Magician, Strength, Devil.

First Resonance
The Tarot Casters
of
Amulets by Merlin

The First Resonance begins with the
The Magician:

The Fool grasps the present and learns the meaning of the elements;
begins Self Mastery through self control,
inner discipline and a solid sense of humor.

The First Resonance in it’s ideal
provides a powerful foundation:
it is being constantly tested and checked for flaws.
It maintains awareness
but not simply focused on one thing:
rather it is focused on the Now.
Calmly ready and able to respond appropriately.
Place these three cards together
and observe the delicate balance produced.
Set these cards on your alter,
use them as meditations,
place them in your pocket
or wear the combination as amulets.