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Tarot and Astrology as Divination

The Astrology Podcast・115 minutes read

Key points: Discussion on tarot and astrology as divination forms, T. Susan Chang's background and work in tarot, exploration of tarot decks and practices, connections between tarot and astrology, role of symbolism and interpretation in divination. Main purpose: To explore the intersection of tarot and astrology as divination tools, highlighting the significance of symbolism, interpretation, and personal agency in readings. TLDR: The text delves into tarot and astrology as forms of divination, focusing on symbolism, interpretation, and personal agency in readings, showcasing T. Susan Chang's expertise and the connections between these practices.

Insights

  • T. Susan Chang, co-host of the Fortune’s Wheelhouse Esoteric Tarot Podcast, discusses tarot and astrology as forms of divination, exploring their connections and distinctions.
  • The Fortune’s Wheelhouse podcast systematically explores symbols and correspondences between Rider Waite and Thoth tarot decks, offering over a hundred episodes on Patreon and Libsyn.
  • T. Susan Chang's journey with tarot began in 1987, evolving into professional practice in 2015, following a career in editing and food writing.
  • Tarot and astrology share a random element in divination, with tarot decks comprising 78 cards, each holding specific meanings reflecting present situations or answering questions.
  • Interpreters in astrology and tarot extract relevant information from segmented systems based on numbers, attributing qualitative meanings to universal numbers.
  • Divination, including tarot and astrology, allows access to foreknowledge about the future, emphasizing the importance of interpretation, agency, and ethical considerations in practice.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of tarot and astrology in divination?

    Tarot and astrology serve as forms of divination, offering insights into present situations and answering questions. Tarot decks consist of 78 cards with specific meanings reflecting various aspects of life. Astrology, on the other hand, involves observing celestial movements and planetary alignments to interpret their influence on individuals based on birth charts. Both systems share connections through symbolic thinking, numerology, and segmented systems based on numbers. Interpreters extract relevant information from these systems to provide insights and guidance. The randomness in tarot and the predetermined planetary movements in astrology contribute to their roles in divination, allowing for oracular insights and predictive understandings.

  • How do tarot spreads aid in decision-making processes?

    Tarot spreads are layouts of cards used in readings to provide information for personal choices and decision-making. By shuffling and pulling out cards in specific patterns, interpreters can gain insights into different aspects of a situation or question. For example, two-card spreads can be insightful for relationship readings, symbolizing self and other, strengths and weaknesses, decisions and outcomes. The arrangement of cards in a spread offers a structured way to analyze the complexities of a situation, guiding individuals towards clarity and understanding. Tailoring readings to clients' needs and situations is essential for effective interpretations, ensuring that the information provided is relevant and applicable to the decision-making process at hand.

  • How do tarot and astrology connect through symbolic thinking?

    Tarot and astrology are interconnected through symbolic thinking, attributing meaning to sets of numbers and archetypes. Both systems divide the world into segments based on numbers, such as 78 cards in tarot and various numbers in astrology like seven planets or 12 houses. Interpreters in both practices extract relevant information from these segmented systems to provide insights and guidance. Numbers are considered universal and convey not just quantity but also qualitative components and meanings, influencing the interpretations in divination. By delving into symbolism, numerology, and archetypes, practitioners can uncover deeper meanings and connections within the realms of tarot and astrology, enhancing the understanding of the messages conveyed through these divinatory practices.

  • What role do archetypes play in tarot and astrology interpretations?

    Archetypes play a significant role in tarot and astrology interpretations, serving as overarching concepts that cover multiple variations of ideas. In divination, archetypes represent universal symbols and themes that resonate with individuals on a subconscious level. These symbols can vary based on individual contexts and experiences, influencing the interpretations of tarot cards and astrological alignments. By understanding the quality of the moment rather than specific meanings, interpreters can tap into the collective unconscious and extract insights that transcend personal biases. Archetypes provide a framework for interpreting the symbolic representations in tarot and astrology, offering a deeper understanding of the messages conveyed through these divinatory practices.

  • How does divination offer insights into past and future events?

    Divination serves as a technology for gaining foreknowledge about the future and potentially altering it, offering insights into past and future events beyond normal time boundaries. Various forms of divination, such as tarot and astrology, provide predictive insights while leaving room for interpretation and choice. By observing celestial movements, planetary alignments, and symbolic representations, practitioners can access information about past experiences and future possibilities. The concept of synchronicity and meaningful connections in divination, as explained by Jung, highlights the interconnectedness of events and the potential for uncovering hidden truths through divinatory practices. Through divination, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the patterns and influences shaping their lives, allowing for informed decision-making and preparation for both good and challenging events.

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Summary

00:00

Exploring Tarot and Astrology Divination Forms

  • Chris Brennan hosts The Astrology Podcast, with the 291st episode featuring T. Susan Chang discussing tarot and astrology as divination forms.
  • T. Susan Chang is the co-host of the Fortune’s Wheelhouse Esoteric Tarot Podcast and author of "Tarot Correspondences: Ancient Secrets for Everyday Readers" in 2018 and "36 Secrets: A Decanic Journey Through the Minor Arcana of the Tarot."
  • The Fortune’s Wheelhouse podcast aims to bridge the esoteric connections between Rider Waite and Thoth tarot readers, exploring symbols and correspondences systematically.
  • The podcast has covered all 78 cards and delves into numbers, signs, and planets, with over a hundred episodes available on Patreon and Libsyn.
  • T. Susan Chang first encountered tarot in 1987, eventually acquiring her own deck in 1995 or 1996, reading for friends and family before going professional in 2015.
  • Prior to tarot, Chang worked as an editor for Oxford and Cambridge University Press and as a food writer, publishing a memoir titled "A Spoonful of Promises" in 2011.
  • Chang's interest in tarot deepened after discovering the online tarot community in 2015, leading her to explore correspondences and underlying systems of the tarot.
  • Chang's birth chart reveals a Pisces Rising, with significant placements in Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius, Scorpio, Taurus, Cancer, and Aquarius.
  • The episode with Chang was inspired by her email following a discussion on astrology and divination, exploring the parallels and differences between tarot and astrology as forms of divination.
  • Chang distinguishes between sortilege forms of divination, based on random drawing like tarot, and fixed methods like astrology and palmistry, highlighting the meaningfulness attributed to chance in ancient divination practices.

14:16

"Tarot and Astrology: Divination and Insights"

  • Tarot and horary astrology share a random element in divination.
  • A tarot deck consists of 78 cards.
  • Basic tarot draws involve shuffling and pulling out three cards.
  • Daily practices like drawing a 'card of the day' are common.
  • Tarot cards hold specific meanings reflecting present situations or answering questions.
  • Tarot's randomness breaks linear causal thinking, allowing for oracular insights.
  • Jung's concept of synchronicity explains the meaningful connections in divination.
  • Two-card spreads in tarot are insightful for relationship readings.
  • Two cards symbolize self and other, strengths and weaknesses, decisions and outcomes.
  • Tarot spreads can aid in decision-making by providing information for personal choices.

28:16

"Symbolic Numerology in Astrology and Tarot"

  • Astrology and tarot are connected through symbolic thinking and numerology, attributing meaning to sets of numbers.
  • Both systems divide the world into segments based on numbers, such as 78 in tarot and various numbers in astrology like seven planets or 12 houses.
  • Interpreters in astrology and tarot extract relevant information from these segmented systems.
  • Numbers are considered universal and convey not just quantity but also qualitative components and meanings.
  • Interpretation in divination relies heavily on the interpreter's knowledge and language available to them.
  • Archetypes play a significant role in divination, with interpretations varying based on individual contexts and experiences.
  • The art of interpretation in divination involves understanding the quality of the moment rather than specific meanings.
  • Archetypes are overarching concepts that cover multiple variations of an idea, like the archetype of a tree representing all tree variations.
  • Interpreting tarot cards involves multiple levels of interpretation, from literal meanings like snow to deeper symbolic representations.
  • The Five of Pentacles tarot card, for example, can symbolize loss, being locked out, car problems, or family separation, among other interpretations.

43:05

Unveiling Ceremonial Magic Through Tarot Insights

  • Tracking results obsessively led to the discovery of ceremonial magic and ritual significance.
  • Planning is a crucial aspect of ceremonial magic, involving groundwork and relationship with doubt.
  • The cards associated with Mercury and Taurus, the Magician and the Hierophant, reflect ceremonial magic.
  • Tarot symbolism conveys messages economically, guiding towards understanding over time.
  • Interpreting tarot involves delving into symbolism, numerology, and minor details for deeper meanings.
  • Tailoring readings to clients' needs and situations is essential for effective tarot interpretations.
  • Specific questions yield specific answers in tarot readings, enhancing clarity and relevance.
  • Every tarot card, even seemingly negative ones like the Ten of Swords, offers insights and empowerment.
  • Death card symbolizes transformation rather than negativity, reflecting various interpretations.
  • Decans and planetary rulers play a significant role in assigning correspondences to tarot cards, rooted in historical systems like the Golden Dawn.

57:10

Evolution of Tarot: Ancient Origins to Modern

  • Pamela Coleman Smith created the Rider Waite Smith deck at the end of 1909, informing Arthur Edward Waite's work.
  • The tarot's origins trace back to the 15th century, a relatively recent form of divination compared to ancient methods like bird watching or entrail reading.
  • The modern tarot, as used today, dates back to the mid-18th century when correspondences were established by Jean Baptiste Alliette.
  • The English-speaking tarot tradition is primarily based on Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks, rooted in the 20th century.
  • The Visconti-Sforza deck from the 15th century was originally used for gaming, showcasing a noble family's wealth and resources.
  • Divination, akin to a game, requires a playful yet earnest approach, emphasizing the importance of not being afraid.
  • Tarot and standard playing cards share origins, with tarot featuring 22 major arcana and different court card names.
  • The concept of allotment in games ties back to ancient beliefs in fate, chance, and intention, reflecting broader cosmic concepts.
  • The Thoth deck, created by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris, is known for its unique, sometimes menacing imagery, influenced by Crowley's reputation.
  • The Rider Waite Smith deck, reissued in 1971, along with the Thoth deck, marked the beginning of the modern era of tarot, coinciding with the rise of the New Age movement in the 1970s.

01:11:22

"Tarot, Mythology, and Sympathetic Magic Integration"

  • The Mythic Tarot by Liz Greene and Juliet Sharman-Burke was discussed, with a focus on integrating mythology into the symbolism of the cards.
  • The deck includes representations of Greek mythology, such as the three fates from Greek mythology - the Moirae.
  • The conversation delves into the overlap between tarot and astrology enthusiasts, with many individuals dabbling in both.
  • Different forms of divination are explored, with a discussion on whether they have distinct characters or are embedded in specific philosophical outlooks.
  • The importance of not imposing personal morals on divination readings is highlighted, emphasizing the need to answer questions objectively.
  • The primary focus of divination is seen as answering questions, with different systems potentially having varying temperaments or characters.
  • The significance of the reader's interpretation in tarot readings is discussed, with different decks potentially emphasizing different messages through their symbolism.
  • Personal experiences and memories can influence how certain cards are interpreted in future readings, leading to the practice of sympathetic magic to align with the symbolism of the cards.
  • Sympathetic magic is described as a way to actively fulfill the requirements or symbolism of specific tarot cards, such as fixing locks for the Five of Pentacles or buying sewing needles for the Ten of Swords.
  • The integration of tarot readings with magic, particularly sympathetic magic, is emphasized as a way to actively engage with the symbolism of the cards and bring about desired outcomes.

01:25:36

"Divination: Manifesting Intentions and Altering Futures"

  • Tarot cards are used in magical rituals to manifest intentions and change conditions.
  • Tarot decks can be used to symbolize desired outcomes and create a path from one situation to another.
  • In ancient Mesopotamia, negative omens were countered with rituals like the substitute King ritual.
  • In India, negative marriage indications were sometimes addressed by marrying a tree first.
  • Divination is a technology for gaining foreknowledge about the future and potentially altering it.
  • Divination allows access to information beyond normal time boundaries, offering insights into past and future events.
  • Various forms of divination include celestial omens, entrails reading, and bibliomancy.
  • Divination can be performed using any natural phenomenon with random characteristics.
  • Celestial divination in Mesopotamia involved recording celestial omens and their correlations with events on Earth.
  • Astrology, with its predetermined planetary movements, evolved into natal astrology based on a person's birth alignment.

01:39:48

"Exploring Astrology: Stars, Symbols, and Fate"

  • Astrology is based on observing the sky and constellations, which are projections of meaning onto stars.
  • Early astrologers distinguished benefic planets like Venus and Jupiter from malefic planets like Mars and Saturn based on visual distinctions.
  • Modern astrologers use software like Solar Fire, but the practice still involves imposing patterns to find meaning.
  • The first house and Ascendant represent the self, while the seventh house symbolizes others or partnerships.
  • The tenth house and midheaven signify visibility and career, while the fourth house and IC represent privacy and home life.
  • Astrologers derive rules from visual symbolism, similar to tarot practices.
  • Natal astrology originated in Mesopotamia around 410 BCE, with birth charts noting the random moment of birth.
  • Natal astrology aims to answer the question of a person's life purpose through the birth chart.
  • Divination rules include asking a question only once to maintain the exchange of doubts for meaning.
  • The concept of agency in astrology questions how much control individuals have over their fate and choices.

01:53:27

"Agency in Tarot and Cosmic Consciousness"

  • Being in the driver's seat versus the passenger seat can affect how you experience the same situation.
  • The Saturn return experience allows for some agency and control over one's circumstances.
  • Decanic dignity, as described by Bonatti, emphasizes relying on one's own resources rather than external factors.
  • Decans and minor arcana represent elements within one's control, offering agency in small acts and mysteries.
  • Some individuals may have more agency in certain areas of life, making some situations more negotiable than others.
  • Tarot scopes, a new trend, involve interpreting tarot cards for horoscope predictions.
  • Tarot is powerful at an individual level but extending its influence to the larger world is uncertain.
  • The Tower card in tarot symbolizes sudden, violent disruptions outside of one's control.
  • The concept of the Anima Mundi in Platonism and Stoicism suggests the cosmos as a living being with consciousness.
  • The cosmos is viewed as a conscious entity constantly aware of what is happening within itself, including human experiences.

02:07:37

Astrology: Conscious Universe, Ethical Divination, Synchronicity

  • The universe is believed to be conscious, alive, and responsive, contrary to the common perception of it as inert.
  • Astrological alignments in March 2020 are seen as reflections of a collective consciousness or thought process.
  • Jung's dreams before World War I are compared to astrological symbolism, suggesting a universal inevitability.
  • Astrology is linked to synchronicity and a potential causal component, unlike other forms of divination.
  • Electional astrology involves choosing auspicious times for actions, considering planetary alignments.
  • Combining electional astrology with divination can enhance decision-making processes.
  • Birth charts can manifest differently for individuals born at the same time, impacting the interpretation of astrological symbolism.
  • The importance of checking electional charts against one's birth chart to ensure compatibility.
  • Ethics in divination are discussed, emphasizing the need for harm reduction and ethical considerations in practice.
  • Divination is viewed as a neutral tool that can be used positively or negatively, reflecting human agency in shaping destinies.

02:21:34

"Exploring Astrology, Tarot, and Esoteric Symbolism"

  • Birth chart is used to understand the future and prepare for both good and bad events to maintain balance.
  • The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes the constant change in life and the importance of responding appropriately.
  • Astrology and divination provide predictive insights but leave room for interpretation and choice.
  • The Kabbalistic Tree of Life model emphasizes humility in interpreting signs and prophecies.
  • The book "36 Secrets: A Decanic Journey through the Minor Arcana of the Tarot" explores the connection between traditional decans and tarot cards.
  • The author pulled two tarot cards daily over a year to delve into the meanings of decanic minors.
  • The book aims to reconcile astrology and tarot, providing personal narratives and magical guidance.
  • "Tarot Correspondences" serves as a reference book for Golden Dawn correspondences underlying modern tarot decks.
  • The author's upcoming book, "Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot," is a comprehensive guide to esoteric tarot.
  • The author offers online tarot classes, designs tarot-related products on Etsy, and hosts the "Fortune's Wheelhouse Esoteric Tarot Podcast."

02:35:31

New book announcement by Susan Chang

  • The guest, Susan Chang, can be found on Twitter @tsusanchang and has a new book announcement. She was interviewed on The Astrology Podcast by Chris Brennan, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and enjoyment of the experience.
  • The episode of The Astrology Podcast was supported by Patreons, with special thanks to those on the producers tier, including Nate Craddock, Thomas Miller, Catherine Conroy, Michelle Merillat, Kristi Moe, Ariana Amour, Mandi Rae, Angelic Nambo, Sumo Coppock, Nadia Habhab, and Issa Sabah. Information on becoming a Patreon for bonus content like early episode access can be found at Patreon.com/AstrologyPodcast. Special thanks were also extended to sponsors like the Northwest Astrological Conference, The Mountain Astrologer Magazine, The Honeycomb Collective Personal Astrological Almanacs, the Portland School of Astrology, the Astro Gold Astrology App, and Solar Fire Astrology Software available at Alabe.com with a 15% discount using the promo code AP15.
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