From: prs@strobe.ATC.Olivetti.Com (Phil Stephens)
Newsgroups: alt.divination
Subject: Re: new Tarot person
Date: 12 Aug 92 22:51:56 GMT

From article <1992Aug8.044627.19557@kakwa.ucs.ualberta.ca>, by aaron@space.ualberta.ca (Aaron Humphrey):
> I find the list of the various Tarots interesting.  I've spent a lot of time
> with the Rider-Waite deck, but currently I own two decks--a Thoth Tarot, and
> a Voyager Tarot.  The latter I didn't find mentioned on the list, so I'll go
> into a bit more detail...

I use the Rider-Waite deck because I became familiar and comfortable
with it through its use by a good friend.  Her particular system
relates rather intuitively to the illustrations of that particular
deck, and switching to another deck would be "starting over"; which is
alright, but hasn't been a priority.  One systematic interpretation to
mention is that for her, in each of the minor archana one "progresses"
from X to I rather than vice versa, so that X would be "early on the
path" and II "close to fulfilment"; the Ace of each suite is the hand
of grace, ie a "freebie"! (in her interpretation: I don't mean to be
promoting this as the TRUE interpretation, just as one way to do it).

> The Voyager Tarot was created by James Wanless and the art was done by Ken
> Knutson.  It was released by Merrill-West publishing, copyright 1986.  To put
> it succinctly, it's a "New Age" deck.  On the back of each card is a cross-
> section, composite view of DNA.  The artwork is interesting in that all the
> cards are photographic collages.

I have used this deck in a class, and was surprised to find it usable;
haven't bought a copy of it myself.  I would like to recommend
considering it as an example, though, for persons thinking of making
their own deck:  if you have as little drawing skill as I do, a collage
of pictures clipped from magazines might be a workable substitute.  (Or
pictures you have taken yourself, if you wish to get that serious about
it; I don't expect to anytime soon).

The process of cut and paste will not allow for a very good shuffle
(!!), so one of several copying methods would be needed.  Standard
photocopying, color photocopy (several cards per sheet), scan into a
computer before or after combining images, and/or photograph each
collage and use the 3x5 or 4x6 prints directly as cards (you'll need a
"macro zoom" or "copy stand" arrangement unless you make very large
collages: ask at any photo store for info and prices).


> ...
> space-photograph representations of planets and moons.  It looks tacky, IMHO.

I thought so too, at first.  However, when I'm already practically in a
light trance for doing readings, I'm less judgemental.  However, when
I'm in a store where they are for sale, I'm more picky!

Just occurred to me, the concept of light trance for doing a *card* reading
may be unfamiliar to some here, as many think of the cards themselves doing
all the work, or as them being an oracle for an outside intelligence.  Not
to knock those approaches, but that's not how I work.  I think of it as being
very similar to doing a psychic reading w/o cards, only the cards give me
something additional to focus on and an additional aid in getting started.

(As for the cards themselves being nonrandom by virtue of synchronicity, well
that's my "working assumption" while I'm reading the cards, but they could
just as well be random and functioning as so-to-speak Rorschack inkblots:
that is plausible as well; whatever works for you).

  ***

In reply to an earlier posting: I find the Crowley-inspired or authored material
and myself to be like oil and water, not miscable.  But by all means take a look
at it and judge for yourself.  And in the same posting, the description of "The
Old Path" tarot sounds interesting, I shall make a point to look for it at a 
local store.  Thanks!



 B*B!, Phil
(that's Bright Blessings, BTW/by the way)
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