From: mascdb@gdr.bath.ac.uk (C D Burdorf)
Newsgroups: alt.magick
Subject: Merlin Tarot Workshop with R.J. Stewart
Date: 17 Aug 92 13:57:57 GMT
Distribution: alt
Organization: University of Bath, England

Yeah, it was a really cool experience.  I got a real buzz out of it.

First, He talked about the history of the Tarot and where he got
the ideas behind the Merlin Tarot.  He said that the poems and stories
of Merlin's life cover all the symbols of the Tarot.  The stories come
from Celtic lore that has only been translated this century
so were unavailable to none Celtic speakers in the past.

He had some radical things to say, even for magickal circles:

1. Tarot cards based on the rennaisance are flawed in that they
were influenced by church belief in punishment as represented by
death, the devil, and the hierophant.  He claims that in the texts that
tarot symbols were derived from there was no such symbolism.  Also,
the texts contained references to goddesses and female symbols which
the church-influence rennaisance tarot creators eliminated.  Also, the
lack of an environmental message was not in the original texts but
had to do with the church's belief that nature is evil.

2. The Death card is not one of banishment but one of change,
Reincarnation was supported by the christian church until the 4th century when
they removed it from their cannon, so they could control people with
the fear of eternal punishment.  

3. The Devil card is replaced in Merlin tarot with the guardian which
is a character which guards the way to spiritual growth, to protect you
and make sure you are ready.  It is not the adversary of the traditional
tarot, but one that is there to warn you that you are moving to fast, also
one that you must pass on the way to spiritual growth.

4. The blasted tower represents death as we know it, it is the
breakdown of things as a result of our foolishness.  it is necessary
to pass through the blasted tower to move on to a new path through the
death card.

4.  The story of the tarot is that of the fool jumping off the
cliff and landing in the different cards which is why the Merlin tarot
has images that lead from one card to another (to answer John's question).

5. The hierophant or pope is replaced by the innocent that holds
a hand signal of father mother creation.  He says that the
card signifies a newly created innocent similiar to the fool.  He
says that the Hierophant has no basis in pre-rennaisance texts.

We did a meditation on the three levels represented by the moon (lunar -physical), sun (solar intellictual, emotional) and stars (transpersonal).  

Also, the Judgement card is not about punishment, but rather influence
on our lives by an unknown goddess that influences our fate.

We then did a mediation on the lovers, strength, Chariot (which contains
a picture of the celtic goddes of culture) cards. 

Finally, we ended with a card reading that he gave a woman.

Stewart is a pretty intense guy, but a real interesting speaker with
much more charisma (in my opinion) than Gareth Knight  and is far more
open minded and progressive than Ashcroft-Norwicki (both of whom I've
been to seminars with).  

I told him about alt.magick and he thanked me for mentioning him on the
net.  

The class is going to continue indefintely every month.  I'm signed up for
the next one already.

Chris

P.S.  This was just a brief overview.  I've got notes at home
if anyone wants more specific details.

PPS.  John, sorry, please forgive me, but  I forgot to bring your questions. 
I'll ask them at the next meeting.