One (new to me) way of approaching numerology with the Tarot de Marseille

In his latest blog post, "Returning to the Tarot de Marseille", Jack Chanek mentioned an approach he's tried for assigning a general theme to each of the numbers in the pip cards. A kind of “implicit numerology” based on the trumps. He didn't mention an original source for this method, if such a source could actually be identified, but noted that Caitlín Matthews and Alejandro Jodorowsky both discussed it.

If you set aside the Fool and the World cards, you're left with two sets of ten cards: 1 to 10, and 11 to 20. You can pair these cards up, 1 with 11, 2 with 12..., and the resulting pairs can provide a thematic framework with which to consider the pip cards – 1 + 11 are reflected in the Aces, 2 + 12 are reflected in the Twos, and so on.

1 Magician + 11 Strength

2 Popess + 12 Hanged Man

3 Empress + 13 Death

4 Emperor + 14 Temperance

5 Pope + 15 Devil  (lol)

6 Lovers + 16 House of God

7 Chariot + 17 Star  (“Hitch your wagon to a star”)

8 Justice + 18 Moon

9 Hermit + 19 Sun

10 Wheel of Fortune + 20 Judgement

As you can see, these pairings seem to make some logical sense. I have my own ideas about their relationships and how those could be applied to the numbers, but I won’t state them here. I'd like to leave you clear to make your own connections. Jack did list a few ways these could be perceived – see his post if you're curious.

Have fun.

Random Reading - #91

Kept seeing references to the Deck of 1000 Spreads this week, so you know what that means.

(I picked the "spread" cards today rather than going for a random selection; maybe I'll go random next time)

Situation – You're seeking answers in order to be able to proceed effectively with something you're involved in or concerned about.

Underlying Influences – The information you have so far is either incomplete or incorrect. Don't act on it yet.

What to Know – Go to a trusted and/or authoritative source to get the facts before coming to any conclusions or decisions.

Bottom card of the deck – Your understanding of the situation will change as a result.

Deck of 1000 Spreads (OOP, sorry!), by Tierney Sadler, published by Llewellyn (2013)
Tarot de Jacques Vieville “Double Trumps” edition, published by LeTarot (2012)

Random Reading - #89

I used this same deck for my last RR and mentioned that the deck includes 10 "question" cards which I don't usually use. But it got me thinking that it could be interesting to see how they might add structure to a reading... And here we are. 

Question cards:
0 - How to accomplish yourself; 4 - On what you establish yourself; 8 - What you'll reap

(each card has two different phrases, one at each end)

⁛ Watch where you’re going. You’re heading straight into something that could rock your foundations and leave you disillusioned and confused.
Apply some common sense, rein in your impulsiveness, and take a balanced approach.
It’s still out of your direct control, but less damage will be done. ⁛


Tarot Numérologique, by Richard Bennett, published by France Cartes, 1986. 

Random Reading - #88

I don't have anything to say again this week. I think being sequestered all this time has left me with nothing to talk about.

On to the cards –

Ace of Swords

Ace of Cups - Star - Sun

Lovers

I'll be honest, I'm struggling with this one. I'm not able to distil what I'm seeing into a specific scenario or situation.

I know it has to do with or affects several, possibly many, people. And that it involves making a well-informed choice from the available options. 

Whatever it's about (and doesn't this sound a bit like another COVID-19 message?), use your head, open your heart, accept guidance, remain positive, and think of others. 

You're being asked to make a clear-sighted and altruistic choice.

Overall, this reading is positive and balanced – All will be well.

Tarot Numérologique, by Richard Bennett, published by France Cartes, 1986. 

Although I generally only use the trumps and aces, the deck consists of a full 78 cards, as well as 10 "question" cards.

Random Reading - #87

No particular preamble again this week, apart from I hope you're all keeping well. 🙂 

On to the reading –

5 of Swords - Justice - Moon
8 of Cups

The cards were selected by flipping to the first trump, pulling it, the card before and after it, and the bottom card of the deck.

⁛ A situation has arisen that is causing you anger and resentment. You may be reading more into it than is actually true. You're not seeing the whole picture. Try to maintain a sense of perspective. Things can be amicably resolved if you remain calm and open to dialogue. ⁛

Der Lombardische Tarot - a Lombardy-type Tarot reproduction by Peter Ortmann, published by Falken Taschenbuch

Random Reading - #86

Lots to do today, so let's get straight to it. 🙂

6 of Wands - King of Wands - Ace of Swords - 10 of Cups

⁛ Keeping a project running smoothly requires that you take charge and speak your mind. You have the best understanding of the process - lead by example. ⁛

Pierre Madenié Tarot 1709, published by Yves Reynaud, http://www.tarot-de-marseille-heritage.com/