Image, if you will, that the Supreme Consciousness of the cosmos – the ultimate spiritual and cosmological reality – could take the form of a precious stone prism whose surface was cut with twenty-two uniquely-shaped facets. Because each facet is different it bends the infinite light in an entirely distinctive manner; and when we gaze into the stone we behold a complete, yet completely unique, image of the whole … twenty-two totally unique interpretations of the single, Supreme Consciousness.
Such is the profound nature of the Tarot Trumps; each a self-contained world all its own – one 1/22nd facet of the totality of the mind of God. Armed with this understanding we could make the compelling argument each that Trump can be assigned an entire set of Minor Arcana of its own – fifty-six elemental variations for each of twenty-two major themes –elegantly complex and intimately connected, drama/comedies written, directed, and acted out by each of the twenty-two trumps.
Instead of a Tarot deck of 78 cards (22 Trumps of the Major Arcana, and 56 cards of the Minor Arcana). We are working with a deck of 1,232 cards (22 x 56)! This idea is hardly new. Indeed, Aleister Crowley provided an obvious illustration in his tarot classic The Book of Thoth:
For example the Three of Disks belonging to the High Priestess or the Lovers might represent the establishment of an oracle like that of Delphi. The Three of Disks belonging to the Justice Trump might be the first formula of a Code such as Manu gave to Hindustan. The Hierophant’s Three of Disks might point to the construction of a cathedral. The Tower’s Three of Disks perhaps indicating the massing of a standing army. The great point is that all the Elemental Forces, however sublime, powerful or intelligent, are Blind Forces and no more.
The ideas that such pairings evoke can be an infinite source of meditation, and an invaluable exercise for anyone wishing to use the cards for divination.[1]
How (or if) this all could apply to you and your Tarot reading practice is entirely up to you. For example; in a simple three-card spread the presence of one or more Trumps could more clearly define the true focus of you client’s motives or concerns. A Trump paired with certain Court Cards could make a dramatically significant difference in how they are to judge the actions or behavior of other people involved in the issue or issues of concern.
If you are really adventurous you might even consider experimenting with a new, two part procedure such as something like this:
- Divide your deck into two decks; Trumps, and Minor Aracana.
- Shuffle each separately, and
- first choose one card from the Trump deck to establish the major theme of the issue;
- then choose the following cards from the Minor Arcana deck to learn the details and specifics.
Anyway …. It’s something to think about, and if you aren’t completely intimidated by the idea of reading with a 1,232 card Tarot deck, you might actually find it more natural and easy than it sounds. It might even become one the handiest tools you have in your Tarot-reading toolbox.
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[1] The Book of Thoth by The Master Therion (Aleister Crowley). A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians. (London: O.T.O., 1944. The Equinox III (5). Reprinted York Beach, ME, Samuel Weiser, 1992), p. 189.
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Lon will be speaking on “The Lesser Arcana – Keys to Specific Dates and Geographic Locations” at TarotCon Denver 2015. Visit our Speakers page for the full line-up of presentations and workshops.
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About the Author
Lon Milo DuQuette is the creator of the “Tarot of Ceremonial Magick” and author of Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot.
Singer-songwriter and recording artist, Lon Milo DuQuette is also the author of 16 critically acclaimed books (translated in 12 languages) on Magick and the Occult. Critics have called him one of the most respected and entertaining writers and lecturers in the field of the Western Mystery Traditions.
Since 1975 DuQuette been a national and international governing officer of Ordo Templi Orientis, one of the most influential magical societies of the 20th Century. He is currently the Order’s United States Deputy Grand Master. He is an internationally recognized authority on tarot and western ceremonial magick. Although he takes these subjects very seriously, he tries not to take himself too seriously. This rare combination of scholarship and humor has earned him in the last 20 years a unique and respected position in American spiritual and esoteric literature.
DuQuette appears occasionally on television and radio as a guest expert on subjects involving the occult. He is a contributor to the Magical Egypt DVD series’ and a host on the new series, The Great Work.
He is a faculty member of the Omega Institute in Reinbeck New York, and Robert Anton Wilson’s Maybe Logic Academy.
He lives in Costa Mesa, California with his wife of 45 years, Constance.
For more information, visit londuquette.com.
© 2015 by Lon Milo DuQuette. All rights reserved.
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Yes indeed! I’ll add that in my way of looking at it, each Trump has an entire deck under its auspices, including other Trumps and itself. For instance: what would The Fool of the Hierophant be as opposed to The Fool of The Empress? This complicates the matter to the point of causing sleeplessness, but it sure is fun. Hmm, what if we add the 4 realms of the tree to that? No wonder I have no real life. I could use a hug.
I am truly intrigued by this idea. I will have to do a vlog and keep you informed.
I have long thought of the family hierarchal system of the trumps in 3’s and how each one is its on BET, Lifetime or E! television series. I can understand if no one else in on my train but I think there’s truly meat there.
Great blog – see you in Denver in a month