TO THE LAYPERSON it seems almost magickal that anyone can actually see into the future; can divine what is going to happen. Webster’s Dictionary defines divination as “the art of foretelling future events, or discovering things secret or obscure, by the aid of superior beings (the gods?), or by certain rites, experiments, observations, etc.”According to this, then, what we see on television or read in the newspaper as the weather “forecast” should, more correctly, be referred to as the weather “prediction!” Be that as it may, divination is a useful tool and has a definite place in the Craft.
There are a great many ways of seeing into the future . . . “seeing into the future?” More correctly: being aware of the forces at work that will bring about a probable result in the future. We create our own reality. Nothing is predetermined; nothing has to be. If the individual desires a different outcome, it is within her or his power to bring that about.
Tarot
As a Witch, how are you able to see into the future? We have already dealt with channeling and with the pendulum. But one of the most common, and most popular, tools—used by Witches and non-Witches alike—is the tarot (pronounced tarrow, to rhyme with “narrow”). The tarot belongs to that form of divination known as cartomancy—divining with cards. The tarot cards are the oldest known of decks; their exact origin long lost. The most popular theory is that they were brought into Europe by the Gypsies; probably originating—as did the Gypsies themselves—in India. The earliest known deck dates from the fourteenth century.
The tarot deck itself consists of seventy-eight cards, in two parts. These parts are called the minor arcana and the major arcana. The minor arcana is made up of fifty-six of the cards divided, again, into four suits of fourteen cards each. It is from this minor arcana of the tarot that our everyday playing cards stem. The tarot suits are Swords, Pentacles (sometimes called Coins), Wands (or Staves), and Cups. Their modern counterparts are spades, diamonds, clubs, and hearts, respectively. Each suit numbers one (or ace) through ten with a Page, Knight, Queen, and King. At some stage in the tarot’s later development, the Knight dropped out and the Page became known as the Jack, or Knave.
The major arcana, otherwise known as the trumps major, has twenty-two cards; each is an allegorical figure of symbolic meaning. These figures are, by many occultists, attributed to the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet:
| 1 Magician | Aleph |
| 2 High Priestess | Beth |
| 3 Empress | Gimel |
| 4 Emperor | Daleth |
| 5 Hierophant | Heh |
| 6 Lovers | Vav |
| 7 Chariot | Zain |
| 8 Justice | Cheth |
| 9 Hermit | Teth |
| 10 Wheel of Fortune | Yod |
| 11 Strength | Kaph |
| 12 Hanged Man | Lamed |
| 13 Death | Mem |
| 14 Temperance | Nun |
| 15 Devil | Samekh |
| 16 Tower | Ayin |
| 17 Star | Peh |
| 18 Moon | Tzaddi |
| 19 Sun | Qoph |
| 20 Judgement | Resh |
| 21 World | Shin |
| 0 Fool | Tav |
The occultists, unfortunately, cannot agree on all the attributions. While MacGregor Mathers, for instance, attributes the cards as I have shown, Paul F. Case puts the Fool at the beginning, thus moving them all up one:
| 0 Fool | Aleph |
| 1 Magician | Beth |
| 2 High Priestess | Gimel |
etc.
To further complicate the issue, A. E. Waite and Paul Case give the number 8 to Strength and 11 to Justice, while virtually every other writer and deck shows 8 to be Justice and 11 Strength!
Many writers on the tarot frighten away would-be students with their needlessly veiled and lofty descriptions and interpretations. One such writer says, of the major arcana, “Their symbolism is a type of shorthand for metaphysics and mysticism. Here are truths of so subtle and divine an order that to express them badly in human language would be a sacrilege. Only esoteric symbolism can reveal them to the inner spirit of the seeker.” He does, however, go on to express them in human language—and I must confess that I intend to do the same!
How do the cards work and how are they used? As with all tools of divination—the tarot, crystal ball, tea leaves, etc.—they are simply a focal point for your own psychic powers; a placebo for channeling. A good psychic could deal out a deck of blank cards and give a reading. So could you, with a little practice. But why not start the easy way? There is no reason why you should not use these tools, these focal points, if it will make things easier.
There are many possible spreads, or layouts, for the cards. Everyone seems to have her or his favorite. In this lesson I will examine two or three so that you can try them and choose one, or more, that is most comfortable for you.
Most layouts call for a significator . . . a card to represent the person for whom you are reading (and that person for whom you are reading—or yourself, if you are reading for yourself—is known as the querant). Many books suggest specific cards, e.g., Queen of Swords, if you are reading for an older, dark-haired woman. Ignore these suggestions. Everyone is an individual. If you read for two different women, both of whom just happen to be older and dark-haired, the same card will not necessarily be right for both of them. To select your significator, study your querant. Look into her eyes; hold her hands; attune yourself to her (or him, of course). Then go through all the cards in the deck, until you find the one that you feel is right to represent her. You may go through the deck several times before settling on just the right card, or you may pick it out immediately.
Take that card and give the rest of the deck to the querant. She should handle them and shuffle them, concentrating on any specific question or problem she may have. After a few moments of this, have her cut the cards, with her left hand, to the left, into three separate piles:
You pick up the piles: the middle one first, then place the right-hand pile on top of it, then the remaining left-hand pile on top of them:
Now spread the cards across the table, facedown. Have the querant pick ten cards, one at a time, at random from these and place them in a pile, still facedown. These are the ten you will be using for your reading.
The first spread, or layout, we will consider is one of the most popular, yet is very accurate. It is the ancient Keltic spread:
Keltic spread
Lay the significator (the card you chose to represent the querant, in this case, a woman) face-up in the center of the table. This card shows, or indicates, the “front” that the subject puts up. It shows the type of impression that she likes other people to have of her. This is then covered by the first card the querant picked, laid face-downward. This is known as “what covers her.” Crosswise on these two cards is placed the second one she picked. This is “what crosses her.” The third card is placed above—“what crowns her”—and the fourth below—“what is beneath her.” To the right goes the fifth card— “what is behind her,” and to the left the sixth— “what is before her.” The remaining four cards are placed in order over on the far right, one above the other: seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth—“herself,” “her house,” “her hopes and fears,” and “the final outcome,” respectively.
The cards are then turned over one at a time as you give the individual interpretations—which I will deal with below—each being looked at in its particular position.
To elaborate on the meanings of the different positions: the first card (what covers her) shows the general atmosphere that exists around the subject, or around the particular question/problem that she has asked (not necessarily aloud; it is the question/problem she was concentrating on whilst handling the cards and shuffling them). The second card shows what forces and influences are working against her. It may even show, or indicate, an actual person who is hindering, or “crossing” her in some way. Card number three shows her ideals; what she is aiming for— though she may not get there (that will be indicated in card number ten). Card number four shows the real woman (or man); the querant’s unconscious self; her actual basis. Five shows what has already taken place. It could be either the immediate past or it could show, in general terms, her whole past life. Six, on the other hand, shows what is immediately coming into effect; the next six to twelve months at most.
Seven shows more of the subject herself; how she will fare generally in life and especially in the immediate future. Eight deals with her close friends, whether blood relatives or not. Nine is her hopes and fears and ten shows the final outcome for her.
It can be seen that some cards will confirm others. There should be similarities, for example, between cards four and seven; similarities in two and nine. The whole should give some indication of what to expect from card ten. Should the majority of the cards be from the major arcana, then you can be sure that the forces involved are powerful ones. Any changes will be fairly drastic changes; any setbacks will be severe setbacks; any advancements will be very major advancements.
Interpretation
But how do you interpret the cards? There are books written on the tarot, most of which offer possible interpretations for each card, You might purchase one of them (I would recommend one of Eden Gray’s, either The Tarot Revealed or A Complete Guide To the Tarot). Read through the book to get an idea of the traditional interpretations . . . then, put the book away. Once again let me stress that no two people are alike. If you are reading for two different people and the same card happens to come up in the same position for both of them, it is highly unlikely that it will have the same meaning (the interpretation found in the book) for both people. They are each individuals; it will mean something different for each of them.
How, then, do you interpret? Go by your instincts, your feelings, your intuition. As you turn over each card, think of the position that it occupies. For example: position number six—the immediate future. What, of the illustration on the card, strikes you most forcibly as you turn it face up? Invariably one thing—one small part of the overall design—will “hit your eye” first. Think of what that object, color, or symbol, can mean in relation to (in this example) the querant’s immediate future. For example, suppose you are using a Rider-Waite deck (I will discuss the different decks later) and you turn up the “Death” card (see figure 9.1). Does this mean death is in the near future? No! The interpretation given in one book is “transformation; change. Sometimes followed by or preceding destruction. Sometimes birth or renewal.” It could mean the death of an idea, or a job—perhaps leading to “rebirth” in a new job. (Incidentally, I should mention here that it will help immeasurably if you disregard the titles on the major arcana cards. “Death” is not necessarily death; “Justice” is not necessarily justice; the “Devil” not necessarily the Devil, and so on.)
But going by our method, there are far more possibilities. You might be struck by the small boat in the background and associate it with travel. Or
Figure 9.1
Rider-Waite “Death” Card
you might be impressed by the Sun rising (or setting?) between the two towers on the right; or the rose on the banner; or the bishop-like figure . . . there are so many things that might forcibly strike you. You will find it is a different thing each time you read the cards, giving a different—and therefore far more personal—reading for each individual. So, do not go by the book . . . use your own powers.
In interpreting, you might keep in mind that the Swords suit is usually associated with troubles and misfortunes (also with the element of air); Cups associated with love and happiness (water); Wands with enterprise and glory and sex (fire); and Pentacles with money (earth). This does not mean to say, of course, that every Sword card (for example) turned up has to reflect troubles and misfortunes! These are general associations, so just keep them in mind.
You should try the Tree of Life spread, to see how you like it. It also uses ten cards plus the significator:
1—Querant’s highest intelligence; ideals
2—Creative force
3—Life; wisdom
4—Virtues; good qualities
5—Conquest
6—Health
7—Love; lust
8—Arts, crafts; procreation
9—Imagination; creativity
10—Earthly home
A very useful layout, especially for a quick reading, is the Seax-Wica Path spread, which uses eight cards (picked by the querant) and the significator:
S—Significator
1—Inner self
2—Goals (ideals)
3—Past
4—Family
5—Health
6—Religion
7—Friends
8—Final outcome (future)
Practice as much as you can. Read for everyone— people you know well and people you do not know at all. Do not be afraid to say what you see, yet use a little discretion in phrasing it. For example, if you should see death, or some bad accident approaching, do not say, “You’re going to die!”Tell the person that, as the forces are at present, it would be wise to exercise extreme caution in the near future; there is the possibility of an accident. And that is all it is—a possibility. We can alter what lies ahead.
Do not read for the same person (or for yourself) on too frequent a basis. A good rule is to examine the cards used in the reading to see how many of the major arcana are present. If there are several (four, five or more), there are strong forces at work. Things are unlikely to change much in the next month, so there is no point in doing another reading for that long (unless it is to examine a totally different question, of course). If there are few, or none, of the major arcana, then the forces are light and changing, and it might be well to reexamine the situation in about a week.
There is a tremendous variety of tarot decks available. At last count there were close to 250 different ones on the market! The best known is the Rider-Waite deck, and it is certainly a good one for the beginner (or for the experienced reader). Its advantage lies in that it has a different full picture for every card; major and minor arcana. Many decks have no symbolism for the minor arcana . . . for the Three of Swords, for example, there are simply three swords; Four of Swords—four swords, and so on. With the Rider-Waite deck there is a whole scene, incorporating three swords, on the one card, and then a totally different scene incorporating four swords on the next, and so on. This obviously gives a reader much more to work with.
Another fine deck, based on the Rider-Waite, is the Morgan-Greer. In fact I, personally, prefer this deck to the Waite. For a change of pace—and some truly exciting symbolism—I would highly recommend the Thoth (pronounced “toe-th”) deck, which was designed by Aleister Crowley. Try many of them. Find your own favorite.
Scrying
Scrying is a fascinating practice in that it enables you to literally “see” the future (or present or past). Almost any reflective surface can be used for scrying (pronounced to rhyme with “crying”). A crystal ball and a gazing mirror are two of the best. Let us look at the crystal ball first.
The crystal should be without flaw—no scratches on its surface or bubbles within (the new acrylicplexiglass “crystals” work quite well, but scratch very easily). Rest the ball on a background of black. A black velvet cloth is ideal. This can, in turn, rest on a table in front of you or can cover your hand(s) if you wish to hold the crystal. This black background is to ensure that you see nothing around the ball to distract you as you gaze into it. Initially you should work alone, in a room that is quiet and dark. Your temple, of course, is the ideal place. Have just one small light, preferably a candle. Place the light so that you do not see it reflected directly in the crystal. Burn a pleasant-smelling incense, since it will help you concentrate. Work in a consecrated circle, at least to begin with. Later, if you should want to use the crystal elsewhere, you can simply imagine yourself surrounded by, and completely encompassed in, white light; though even then I would strongly advise casting a small circle about yourself with your athame. Start by saying some protective prayer (such as the Seax-Wica Psalm), then ask the Lord and the Lady for their guidance and their protection.
Now sit and gaze into the crystal, trying to keep your mind blank. This is not easy and will take some practice. Do not stare at the ball unblinking; this will just cause eyestrain! Gaze—blinking your eyes naturally, as necessary. Do not try to imagine anything in the ball. Just try to keep your mind blank. After a while (anywhere from two to ten minutes) it will seem that the ball is filling with white mist or smoke. It will gradually grow more and more dense until the ball seems full of it. Then, again gradually, the smoke will thin and fade, leaving behind a picture— almost like a miniature television picture. It might be in black-and-white but it is more likely to be in color. It might be still or it might be moving. It might be from the past, present, or future. Also, it is very likely to be a symbolic picture, requiring some interpretation—much like a dream.
Initially you have no great control over what you see. You must just take what comes. As you become more adept, you may meditate for a few moments before gazing on what you wish to see. Then, when you start to gaze, clear your mind and try to keep it blank. Most people seem capable of success at scrying. If you get nothing the first time you try, then try again the next night, and then the next. It may take a week or more before you get anything, but keep trying. Do not, however, try for more than about ten minutes or so at each attempt.
If you cannot obtain a crystal ball, it is possible to use a regular convex magnifying glass lens. Polished carefully and laid on the black velvet, it will work almost as well as the ball. Whichever you use, ball or lens, keep it purely for your scrying. Let no one else use it or even handle it. Keep it wrapped in a cloth (black velvet or a piece of black silk) and do not permit sunlight to strike it. It is traditional to “charge” the crystal by holding it up to be struck by the light of the Full Moon, once a month.
A black gazing mirror seems to work better for some people than a crystal. It is not difficult to make one for yourself. You need a piece of glass, free of flaws and imperfections. Make it opaque by coating one side three times with asphaltum. To make the asphaltum stick to the glass, first clean the
Black gazing mirror
Examples of black mirrors
glass well with turpentine, then lay on the asphalt with a camel-hair brush.
A much easier method is simply to spray the back side of the glass with a good black enamel paint. (It may not seem very magickal, but do not forget, the mirror is merely the focal point for your concentration. The actual “images” are projected by your powers; they do not come from within the mirror, or crystal, itself.) A concave glass is the ideal. It is sometimes possible to find a convex glass from an old clockface in an antique store, and simply reverse it so that it is concave.
Place the glass in a frame. The shape is not important: round, oval, rectangular, square. Carve, or paint on to the frame the names of the Lord and the Lady, in runes or one of the other magickal alphabets (see lesson 12). As you are doing this—indeed, throughout the whole operation of making the mirror—concentrate your thoughts on the purpose of the mirror—the projection of scenes from the past, present, and future.
Consecrate the mirror in your circle, using the consecration ritual given in lesson 5, naturally substituting the word “mirror” for “knife.”When not in use, keep the mirror wrapped in a black cloth.
To give you an easy start to scrying, before investing in a ball or making a mirror, try it with a glass of water. Just take a regular, clear water glass and fill it with water. Gaze into that in the same way as described above. It should work quite well.
Saxon Wands
The Saxon wands are very good for obtaining a direct, prompt answer to a question. In a way they are similar to the I Ching, though far less complicated.
Seven wands are needed. These are made from a wood dowel. There should be three, each nine inches in length; and four, each twelve inches in length. One of the twelve-inch wands should be marked, or decorated in some way, as the witan wand. Actually, you can decorate all of the wands with runes and symbols, if you wish, but make sure the witan wand stands out from the others.
Kneeling, lay the witan wand on the ground before you; horizontally “across” you. Take the other six wands and hold them out over the witan wand. Close your eyes, and holding them between your two hands, mix them together while concentrating on your question. Keeping the eyes closed, grip the wands in your right hand (left hand if left-handed); take hold of the tip of one wand with the fingers of the other hand; concentrate for a moment longer on your question, then open your right hand. All the wands will fall to the ground except the one held now by the fingers of your left hand. Open your eyes.
1. If there should be more long wands than short wands on the ground, then the answer to your question is in the affirmative.
2. If there are more short wands than long wands on the ground (excluding the witan wand) then the answer is in the negative.
3. If any wand(s) touch the witan wand, it means the answer will be a very definite one, with strong forces at work.
4. If any wand(s) are off the ground (resting on others), circumstances are such (forces still working) that no definite answer can yet be given—regardless of (i) or (ii).
5. If all the wands point toward the witan wand, then you (or the person for whom you are asking) will have a definite role to play in the determination of the question.
6. If none of the wands point toward the witan wand, then the matter will be determined without your (the querant’s) interference.
As with the crystal and the tarot cards, do not let anyone else use your wands. They are your personal instruments. Keep them wrapped in a black cloth.
Cheiromancy
Palmistry, or cheiromancy (pronounced “kie-ro mansy” and named after Leich de Hamong/Louis Hamon, the famous nineteenth-century palmist who also went under the name of “Cheiro”) is another popular, yet accurate, way of divining. It was common during medieval times and is known to have existed when Greece and Rome were at their height. From the scattered information we have of Keltic Europe, there is some reason to believe that there, too, the hand was considered to reflect its owner. As with other types of divination, there is a fixed set of meanings to learn—in this case, the map of the hand and the meaning of the lines. There is also the need for some carefully applied intuition.
The hand changes throughout your life. The lines you see in your palm now are not quite the same as were there a year ago, and probably very different from five years ago. Although your hand gives an outline of your life, it is only a tentative outline. You will have the final decision on the course your life will take. Whether you want the position or not, you are the captain of your soul.
Palmistry, like a doctor’s examination, is strictly a diagnostic reading. It can point out the forces that operate within yourself, or within another, and it can point out the logical results of those forces. You can accept them as they are, or begin to change them. As with the tarot, be very careful in your phrasing of what you see in a person’s palm. Some lines may show a particular area in which your subject has very serious problems. This should be presented as “an area of possible weakness and something for which you should be particularly watchful.” On a few occasions you may encounter that particular combination of lines that indicates a premature death. If this is the case, do not blurt out what you see. Rather, emphasize the need for great care in the future to avoid illness, accidents, violence, or whatever the rest of the hand may seem to imply as possible causes. Do remember: palmistry is only diagnostic; it is never a final pronouncement. As a palmist, your attitude is of great importance. Never try to “second guess” your subject by adding on-the-spot observations and facts you may know beforehand but which are not shown in the palm. If you are reading the palm; read the palm and only that. Ideally you should know nothing whatsoever of the person you are reading. Their hands and your intuition should be enough.
Anytime you are meeting someone for the first time, you can pick up a tentative and often very useful first impression of their personality by unobtrusively glancing at the lines of their hand.
First Observations
Different palmists have different ways of working, for this is a very individual art. Some will explain each step to the subject, discussing the reason for every observation. Others will merely report what they see. The following is based on the former method of operation, although any way of reading the palm is likely to follow a similar pattern.
Palm reading
The shape of the hands is useful to note at first, although you should mention it last and in the context of your other observations. Generally a person with long, articulate hands and fingers will tend toward the contemplative and the artistic, whilst one with short, broad hands and fingers will tend to enjoy doing things and enjoying life without particular concern for deeper meanings.
For a right-handed person, the left hand shows what she or he was born with and the course her or his life would have taken had things gone as they were, unchanged, from the time she or he was born. This individual’s right hand shows what she or he has done with her life so far. Someone who has constantly tried to improve his or her lot and avoided leaning on others is likely to have quite a difference between the left and right palms (for a subject who is left-handed, the roles of left and right are reversed). It is best to begin with the hand that shows what a person was born with and what is still in the unconscious mind.
If the lines of the hand are deep and clear, they indicate a person who experiences and understands much of the joy and pain her or his life will encounter. If, however, the lines of the palm are faint and very light, the owner will tend to be superficial and colorless. She or he would gain much by getting out and enjoying life.
A line that is in the form of a “chain,” indicates a weakness in that which the line symbolizes. A multitude of lines indicate a very complex person.
The Line of Life
The Life line is the major line of the hand. It indicates, in general terms, something of the course your life will take. As the illustration shows, the Life line curves about the thumb. At the very beginning it usually is joined with the line of the Head, and the point at which the Life and Head lines separate indicates the relative time at which you become emotionally independent of your parents. If the two lines are never in contact at the beginning, a very independent sort of person is indicated.
The Life line is the only one on the hand that can be divided into an approximate scale of years and, as such, can be used to foretell major events to within a year or so of their happening. Taking a soft pencil, divide your Life line into three equal sectors. The first sector (including that portion that is merged with the Head line) will count for twenty-five years and can be subdivided accordingly as you read a palm. The same will apply for the second and third sectors, though the third should be a little condensed.
A deep, clear Life line running smoothly around its full length betokens a rich, full life with good health throughout. A line that is in the form of a chain shows probable poor health. If the line is chained in its latter portions, the subject should beware of bad health in later years.
A parallel to the Life line, on the side of the Mount of Venus, shows useful luck and natural vitality working for the subject. This is always a good sign.
On most palms you will note that there are a number of tiny lines that run from the line of the Head to the Life line. Each of these indicates a goal of some kind that will be attained. If you work out the above time-scale carefully, you should be able to tell, within two years, when a major event will happen. What will they be? That, unfortunately, is beyond palmistry!
About two-thirds of the way down the Life line will, at times, be a triangle formed by two short, minor lines and a part of the Life line itself. If this triangle (which can be of varying size) is present then a talent of some sort is possessed—some kind of art from which the subject can gain considerable personal satisfaction. If the talent is not immediately apparent to the person, let him or her search around a little and examine his or her interests. It will be there.
An angle or sudden change of direction in the Life line shows that there will be a change of course in the life. Calculate and note the approximate date. Care should be taken at this time in life, for the manner of living will change radically. Similarly, a branch in the line of Life indicates that, at the point in time where the branch occurs, the subject’s life can take one of two major courses. It is a time for consideration and careful planning.
A break in the Life line will mean trouble, and if the break occurs in both hands it can be fatal unless great care is taken. If, however, a new line begins outside the break, or is parallel to the Life line and continues unbroken along the Mount of Venus, the trouble will not be too drastic.
The Head and the Heart
Note the relative lengths of the Head and Heart lines, for this will tell whether the subject tends toward things intellectual or leans on the emotions and their very useful adjunct, intuition. For many people these lines are nearly equal in length; for others there will be more or less difference. Here the palmist should use her or his own judgement as to how important this difference will be.
The Line of the Head
The line of the Head shows, by its length and depth, the intellectual capability of the subject. As I mentioned above, the lines of the Head and Heart should always be considered together, for the two can give insight into the very important relationship between the mind and the emotions. A long, deep, and clear Head line shows a clear, strong intellect that can be of great value to the person possessing it. If the Head line is very long but slants downward rather than across, you will have the case of someone who has quite a high intelligence but tends to use it for the wrong goals . . . she or he may be along the left-hand path. Such a person can be quite powerful. Guide them to better things if you can, but do not cross them!
On rare occasions you will meet someone whose Heart and Head lines join to form a single deep line that cuts directly across the palm. Such a person is always an interesting study, for here the head and heart are united and few barriers can stand before one whose intellect and intuition are so in line. Such an individual will probably be a genius, whether or not she or he knows it (he or she usually does!). However, she or he should always keep tight control and close discipline on their mind, for here there is but a slight barrier between the strong, controlled mind and the uncontrolled chaos of mental unbalance. This person is like a race car with a very powerful engine: magnificent performance is possible, but great care must be taken.
The Line of the Heart
The line of the Heart shows, by its length and depth, the strength of your emotional and intuitive capabilities. As I mentioned before, it should always be considered along with the Head line, as the relationship between these two is an important one.
Someone who has a long and deep Heart line is likely to feel deeply both the good and the bad, the joy and the sorrow, of his or her life. The emotions will be important to such a person, and judgment and hunches are likely to give variable results.
It is interesting to note that nowadays many will have a stronger Heart line on the left (or unconscious) hand than on the right (or conscious). In such a case the Head line will be better developed in the right hand. The reason is simple—modern civilization, for better or worse, emphasizes the intellect over the heart. But, for this same reason, you will invariably find that after coming into the Craft and developing more from the Craft teachings and philosophies, your right-hand Heart line will move back to that same strength of the left hand.
The Line of Fate
The line of Fate (sometimes called the line of Luck) does not occur in everyone’s hand. Its length and depth will show just how much good fortune you may have. For some this line will run strong and deep from the wrist to the middle finger. For such a person luck seems to come readily and freely, and they will seem to do well with no apparent effort. For the great majority, however, the Fate line will be weak or nonexistent . . . any “luck” will only come through hard work.
The line of Fate can give you some very valuable insights into personality flaws which are not usually apparent on the surface, For example, the line may be deep and unbroken up to the line of the Heart, then break or disappear entirely at that point. People with such lines would let emotions obstruct much of the good fortune that would normally come their way. Whether or not they realize it, worry, fear, temper and the like would be limiting them. A little advice on this point can be very valuable indeed.
Similarly, a Fate line breaking, or terminating, at the line of the Head, indicates individuals who get in their own way by being overcautious and thinking things over too much. When they have finally made up their mind, the opportunity is past and nothing is gained. Each of these problems can be overcome by watching for the lines and correcting them before they do harm.
Someone whose line of Fate starts over on the Mount of the Moon will probably have a peaceful and pleasing life. The old tradition is that he or she will be “happy without trying.” If the line starts at the wristlets, wealth will be inherited, or a rewarding career gained. If the line of Fate branches near the bottom, with one branch running over into the Mount of the Moon, good fortune will come in the form of a marriage or other attachment.
The Marriage Lines
The Marriage lines occur, appropriately enough, above the beginning of the Heart line. The subject will probably have more than one such line; possibly as many as four or five. The so-called Marriage lines do not necessarily indicate so many marriages per se. They are, rather, the markers of loves that stir the heart deeply. They will be sweet or bitter-sweet episodes remembered throughout life. Each individual line will show, by its depth and length, just how deeply someone left their mark. A very approximate time scale can be derived by noting whether the Marriage line in question is near the Heart line (indicating early in life) or near the joint of the finger (later in life).
The Wristlets
The wristlets at the base of the hand can be a very general indication of how long the life will probably last. Each complete, well-formed wristlet shows a complete and full twenty years. But the wristlets will change considerably throughout life, and choices and way of living will be the final factor in determining just how long this life will be.
The Mount of Venus
The thumb and its base are under the influence of Venus. The base, or Mount of Venus, can give an interesting picture of the warmth, kindness, and affection that are in the subject. If the mount is warm, rounded, full and firm, she or he is under Venus’ best influences: pleasing as a friend, delightful in love, and a person whose kindness to others always brings a warm response.
If, however, the Mount of Venus is thin, dry and leathery, she or he is a person who is cold and thin-lipped, tolerating little warmth toward others and receiving little or nothing in return . . . but do not tell the person this! Say, instead, that she or he should loosen up and learn to like others.
Often you will note that Venus’ Mount is crossed by many vertical and horizontal lines. Here will be a person who, for all else that her or his palm says, is not as serene as she or he appears on the surface. Underneath there are cross-currents of emotion which she or he feels deeply, but which she or he keeps hidden.
The Mount of the Moon
From most ancient times, of course, the Moon has been linked with the psychic. And thus has it been in palmistry. A triangle on this mount will indicate some natural talent in the occult. Any lines that arise here will have in them a hint of unconscious magick and of its close relation, or love between man and woman.
Lines reaching toward the Mount of the Moon from around the edge of the hand will be a prediction of journeys by sea or air.
Finally, the firmness and fullness of this mount indicates generally just how well the subject can combine practicality with imagination.
The Fingers
As shown in the diagram, each finger is associated with an astrological sign and is an indicator of the good or bad aspects of that sign. At the base of the finger is the mount associated with the sign of the finger (e.g., index finger = Mount of Jupiter). The fullness or thinness of the mount shows how strongly that particular sign affects the individual.
As the diagram shows, each finger is, in turn, divided into three sections to show the relative spiritual, intellectual, and material development under each of the astrological signs: Jupiter, Saturn, Apollo (the Sun), and Mercury. If, for example, the lowest digit of the small finger (Mercury) is noticeably larger and more developed than the finger’s other two digits, then there would be strength especially in management and salesmanship. Similar traits can be derived, using judgment and intuition with the astrological characteristics below, for each of the other signs.
Index Finger (Jupiter)
The matriarch/patriarch image; the “boss”; commander; leader; executive. Principle traits of this sign are pride, ambition, and confidence.
Middle Finger (Saturn)
The wise old wo/man, often a personification of old age and the very end of life. Principle traits of this sign are wisdom, solitude, shyness, melancholy, and solitary bleakness.
Third Finger (Apollo)
The Sun; all things bright and good. The arts; medicine. The principle trait of this sign is love of beauty.
Small Finger (Mercury)
Sharpness and quickness of mind; cleverness; shrewdness. Principle traits of this sign are buoyancy, friendliness, skill in management and commerce.
Study your own hands and see if you can form some tentative conclusions. Remember that every sign will have its own good traits and its bad ones. Spend some time reading about the above signs in one of the recommended books on astrology. But, above all, read the palms of others using knowledge backed by intuition, for this is the best way to learn.
Tea Leaf Reading
Tea leaf reading, or tasseography, is a perennial favorite of the divinatory arts. It can be fairly easily learned. For best results use China tea, brewed in a pot without a strainer, of course. The tea is poured into a cup that should have a wide top and small base. Do not use a cup with any form or pattern on the inside—it could be very confusing!
The subject should drink the tea but leave sufficient in the bottom of the cup to distribute the leaves around the sides when turned. Ask her or him
Tea Leaf Reading Interpretations
Anchor: end of a journey. Safe landing. Successful end to a business or personal affair. Problem unexpectedly solved.
Arrow: disagreement. Antagonism. Instructions for a journey. A letter.
Bell: good news. A wedding.
Bird: news, which could be good or bad. Possible journey. Companionship.
Boat: travel. End of a friendship.
Bottle: celebration. Success.
Bridge: travel abroad. Partnership. Introduction to new friends or business.
Broom: end of a problem. Change of jobs. Domesticity.
Butterfly: insincerity.
Camel: long journey. Temporary relocation.
Car: local travel. Introduction to new business associates.
Candle: innovation. Sudden new idea.
Castle: legacy. Unexpected financial luck. Good living.
Cat: female friend. Domestic problems.
Chair: entertainment, Relaxation.
Church: marriage. Serious illness (not death).
Clover: good fortune. Unexpected success.
Cross: hardship. Discomfort. Misfortune.
Crown: honors. Credit. Promotion.
Cup: love. Close friendship. Harmony.
Dagger: danger. Tragedy. Business complications.
Dog: friendship. Companionship.
Elephant: advice needed, preferably from an old friend.
Fan: indiscretion. Disloyalty. Infidelity.
Flag: defense necessary. Warning.
Flower: unhappy love affair.
Gate: opportunity. Possibility of advancement.
Gun: trouble. Argument. Adultery.
Hammer: hard work, which will be rewarded.
Hand: friendship. Help when needed. Advice.
Harp: contentment. Ease.
Heart: love or lover. Confidant.
Horse: work.
Horseshoes: good luck. Start of a new, successful enterprise.
House: security. Authority.
Key: opportunity.
Kite: exercise caution. Think before acting.
Knife: treachery. Duplicity. Misunderstanding.
Ladder: advancement. Opportunities taken.
Man: stranger. Visitor. Help from unexpected source.
Mushroom: disturbance. Complications in business.
Palm Tree: a breathing-space. A rest period. Temporary relief.
Pipe (Smoker’s): thought and concentration ahead. Investigate all possibilities.
Scissors: quarrels, usually domestic. Double-dealing.
Snake: an enemy. A personal hurt, or an affaire de coeur (love affair).
Tree: goal achieved. Comfort. Rest.
Umbrella: temporary shelter.
Wheel: advancement through effort. Money.
Windmill: big business dealings.
Tea leaf reading
to take hold of the handle and rotate the cup slowly, three times clockwise, allowing the remains of the tea to come up to the rim of the cup and so to be distributed. Then she or he is to invert the cup completely on its saucer.
Taking up the cup from there, you can begin your divination. You are going to interpret the various shapes and forms made by the tea leaves on the sides and bottom of the cup. To do this, with some sort of accuracy, there is a time scale you must remember. The rim of the cup, and close to the rim, represents the present and the coming two or three weeks. As you move down the sides, so you go further into the future. The very bottom of the cup is the very far distant future. Your starting point is the handle of the cup. This represents the subject, so that symbols close to the handle affect her or him directly, while symbols on the opposite side of the cup may only have a passing effect.
If the symbols you see are particularly well defined, then she or he is very lucky. The less well defined, the less decisive and more prone to hindrance. Stars denote success; triangles fortune; squares mean protection; circles mean frustration. Straight lines indicate definite plans; wavy lines uncertainty; dotted lines mean a journey. Any numbers you see could be indicators of years, months, weeks, days, or hours. Usually, if you see them in the upper half of the cup you can think in terms of hours or days; in the lower half, weeks, months, or years. Letters are the initials of people of importance to the subject, be they friends, relatives, or business associates.
As with most forms of divination, you should interpret what you feel about what you see, rather than going by hard and fast “meanings.” As a start, however, there are the traditional interpretations of some of the most common symbols in this chapter. You may find it interesting to compare them to the symbology used in dream interpretation (lesson 7).
A form of tasseography, known as geomancy, can be done using dirt or sand. Mark a circle, about three feet in diameter, on the ground and have the subject throw a handful of dirt into it. You then interpret the symbols made by the dirt in the same way that you would the tea leaves. Similarly, on a smaller scale, draw a circle on a sheet of paper. Blindfold your subject and let her fill the circle with random dots, with a felt-tip marker or similar item. These dots can then be interpreted in the same manner. For both of these you would need to make a mark where the subject stands/sits, to indicate the equivalent of the cup handle.
Numerology
You had a brief introduction to numerology in lesson 3. Pythagoras said, “The world is built upon the power of numbers.” It was Pythagoras who reduced the universal numbers to the nine primary ones. Any number, no matter how high, can be so reduced. For example, the number 7,548,327 would be 7 + 5 + 4 + 8 + 3 + 2 + 7 = 36, in turn further reduced to 3 + 6 = 9. In this way, all numbers can be reduced to a single one and (again as you saw in lesson 3) letters/words also can be so reduced.
The numbers then have certain occult values attached to them and are each associated with one of the nine planets. For example, 1—the letters A, J, S— (see lesson 3) is associated with the Sun. It signifies leadership, creativity, positiveness. These values and associations will be dealt with fully below.
Through numerology many things can be discovered. For instance, the type of job for which you are best suited; the geographical location likely to be the most harmonious for you; the marriage partner most suited to you.
From lesson 3, you know what your birth number is. This number should always be considered when deciding upon dates for important events. It represents the influences at the time of your birth. It is similar to, and in many ways will correspond with, your left hand (see “Cheiromancy” above). It will also tie-in, in many ways, with your natal horoscope.
Suppose your birth number is 1. Then the signing of contracts should be done on dates that also reduce to 1. Your planetary sign is the Sun, a fire sign. You would therefore be happiest married to someone whose sign is compatible, e.g., another fire sign or an air sign: Sun, Jupiter, Mars, Uranus, or Mercury—numbers 1, 3, 9, 4, 5. The numbers, their planets and signs, are as follows:
1—Sun—Fire
2—Moon—Water
3—Jupiter—Fire
4—Uranus—Air
5—Mercury—Air
6—Venus—Earth
7—Neptune—Water
8—Saturn—Earth
9—Mars—Fire
Name Number
The single primary number obtained from the numerical values of the letters of your name gives you your name number. You can see, then, that it is very much hit-and-miss as to whether your given name will agree with your birth number. This is why we take a new name in the Craft; so that we can have a name number in perfect balance with our birth number. Let us look now at the value attached to the primary numbers.
1. Sun—Letters A, J, S
Very much the driving life force. A leader. Ambitious. Tends to be impatient. The explorer. The extrovert. Automatically assumes command. Frequently a “big brother” or “big sister.”Very strong feelings either for or against. Would not knowingly hurt anyone but might not realize her or his own strength. Can stand being praised and is entitled to it. Praise can spur person to greater things.
2. Moon—Letters B, K, T
Sensitive, domestic. Tends to be emotional and easily influenced to tears. Has a fertile imagination. Very fond of the home. Patriotic. Accepts changes in surroundings. Prefers to live near the water. Often possesses musical talents and would make a very good psychic.
3. Jupiter—Letters C, L, U
The investigator; the scientist; the seeker. An interest in the material rather than the spiritual. Ideas on religion frequently change. Has a great sense of humor. Not greatly interested in money. Very trusting, yet likes to know the “why” and the “how.”
4. Uranus—Letters D,M, V
Inclined to appear strange and eccentric because she or he is usually ahead of her or his time. Very interested in the occult; in psychic research. Inclined to anything out of the ordinary. Strong intuitive tendencies. Can be bitingly sarcastic if crossed. Believes in liberty and equality. Can usually predict the probable outcome of actions and businesses.
5. Mercury—Letters E, N, W
Active, both physically and mentally. Inquiring, exploring. Fond of reading and researching. Good at languages. Would make a very good teacher, writer, secretary. Makes friends easily. Usually methodical and orderly; adept at simplifying systems.
6. Venus—Letters F, O, X
Gentle and refined; pleasant and sociable. Usually good-looking. Natural peacemaker; able to soothe ruffled feelings. Often experiences difficulties in financial fields. Excellent as a host or hostess. Friendly and agreeable.
7. Neptune—Letters G, P, Y
Frequently possesses ESP. Extremely “psychic.” Introvert. Although she or he does not say much, she or he usually knows a great deal. Mysterious. Often interested in psychology, psychiatry, chemistry, and botany. Knowledgeable in astrology and all fields of the occult. Fond of fishing. Inclined to take from the “haves” and give to the “have-nots.”
8. Saturn—Letters H, Q, Z
Inclined to be cold and pessimistic. Not much sense of humor. Often slow getting off the mark but usually ends up ahead of the game. Successful, especially where money is concerned. Frequently connected with mining, real estate, and the law; also with cemeteries and pawnshops. Believes that hard work never killed anyone. Often prepossessed with thoughts of the past.
9. Mars—Letters I, R
Very emotional. Can be extremely jealous. Active, though rules by the emotions. Tied very much to family background. Loyal. Apt to be suspicious of strangers. Impulsive. Mars tends to be afraid of the unknown. Often associated with surgery, physical, and mental illnesses.
You are all set now to study a friend from the numerological point of view. Suppose your friend is named Jane Doe (not very original, perhaps, but it serves well for an example). She was born on June 23, 1947. She is planning on moving into a new apartment in Trenton, New Jersey, sometime in February 1986. What can you tell her and advise her? Take it step by step. First of all work out her birth number:
June 23, 1947 = 6 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 9 + 4 + 7 = 32 = 5.
Then her name number:
Jane Doe = 1 + 1 + 5 + 5 + 4 + 6 + 5 = 27 = 9
Armed with these two important numbers, what can you say? First of all look at the woman herself— number 9. She can be very emotional and very jealous. She tends to be impulsive; is tied very much to her family background; is suspicious of strangers and afraid of the unknown. From these last two facts you know that it has taken her quite a lot of soul-searching to reach the decision to move into a new apartment. At the same time, being impulsive she feels that having made the decision the sooner she makes the move the better. Her new apartment will in some way reflect her family background. Perhaps in the way it is decorated, perhaps in the type of building it is in. Should she decide to have a roommate, you might suggest someone whose name number is compatible with her fire sign, e.g., someone with the name number 1, 3, 4, 5, or 9.
Now to look at where she is moving and when.
Trenton, New Jersey.
2 + 9 + 5 + 5 + 2 + 6 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 +
1 + 5 + 9 + 1 + 5 + 7 = 77 = 14 = 5
The number of the geographical location is the same as her birth number. This should be an ideal place for her. One that will truly give her the feeling of “home.”
She plans to move sometime in February 1986. February is the second month:
2 + 1 + 9 + 8 + 6 = 8
You need, then, to add a day that will bring the total to 5, to agree with her birth number. February 6, 15, or 24 are, then, the most propitious days:
2.6.1986 = 32 = 5
2.15.1986 = 32 = 5
2.24.1986 = 32 = 5
You could even go on to suggest how she might decorate the apartment so far as colors are concerned, for there is an affinity of colors and numbers:
Primary Colors
1—Red
2—Orange
3—Yellow
4—Green
5—Blue
6—Indigo
7—Violet
8—Rose
9—Gold
Secondary Colors
1—Brown, yellow, gold
2—Green, cream, white
3—Mauve, violet, lilac
4—Blue, gray
5—Light shades of any color
6—All shades of blue
7—Light shades of green and yellow
8—Dark gray, blue, purple, black
9—Red, crimson, pink
You would like to give her a record album as a housewarming gift? Her taste in music can be taken from numerology. According to Cheiro—one of the greatest of numerologists as well as the foremost palmist—number 1 people like inspiring, martial music, as do number 3 and number 9 people. Number 2 and 7 people prefer wind and string instruments: the violin, the cello, harp, guitar, clarinet, and flute. Number 4 people, together with number 8, enthuse over choral arrangements, organs, and religious music generally. Number 5 people like something a little different, be it psychedelic, hard rock, or Dixieland. Number 6 people are the romantics, preferring sweet music with lilt and rhythm.
It is possible to go on and on. You can check your health by numerology. You can pick out the most effective herbal cures, the potential winner of a horserace or baseball game, and so on and so on. Numerology is a fascinating science and one that can give you endless entertainment also.
Astrology
Astrology is perhaps one of the most popular of the occult sciences; the one most used by “the person in the street.” Although staunchly denying any serious
Astrology originally developed in Mesopotamia and was more concerned with kings and peoples than with the destinies of individuals; Far left: A tablet giving astrological forecasts in cuneiform writing, derived from observations of the moon.
From
Man, Myth & Magic
Richard Cavendish, editor
Marshall Cavendish, N.Y.
1970
belief in such matters, nine out of ten persons are unable to read a daily newspaper or monthly magazine without avidly scanning the horoscopes to see what the day/week/month holds in store for them. It is useless to point out to these people that the majority of these horoscopes are, by virtue of their generality, completely worthless. In what follows will be seen the elements that make a true horoscope a very personal thing, applicable only to the one for whom it is cast.
The individual horoscope, or natal chart—the one that interprets the motions of the heavenly bodies in terms of the person’s life—comes under the awesome-sounding heading of genethliacal astrology. The chart is actually a map of how the planets, Sun, and Moon appeared at the moment of birth.
Each planet has a particular influence on the person born and also a particular influence on the other planets, depending on proximity. To erect, or draw up, this chart for the individual, certain things must be known. Firstly, the date of birth—day, month, year. Secondly, the place of birth—geographical location. And thirdly, the time of birth—the actual hour, preferably to the nearest minute. Why are all these necessary?
From the Earth, the Sun seems to describe a great circle in its travels. This path is called the ecliptic and the angle that it makes at any moment, as it rises above the eastern horizon, is called the Ascendant. This name, Ascendant, is also given to the sign of the zodiac that is rising at a given time. Every four minutes the ascending sign is at a different angle over the horizon, It can, therefore, be seen that to obtain the correct sign and ecliptic, at the moment of birth, the time and place of birth must be accurately recorded.
As the Sun moves throughout the year, it passes through twelve different areas of sky and constellations. These are the Houses of the zodiac, and like the hand of a watch, sweep around. The dividing lines between the Houses are known as Cusps. The Sun takes roughly a month to pass through each of the Houses, which are as follows:
Aries—March 21 through April 19
Taurus—April 20 through May 19
Gemini—May 20 through June 20
Cancer—June 21 through July 22
Leo—July 23 through August 21
Virgo—August 22 through September 22
Libra—September 23 through October 22
Scorpio—October 23 through November 21
Above: An ancient Egyptian map of the sky,
the “Zodiac of Denderah”
The zodiac as we know it is a combined invention
of the Egyptians and Babylonians.
Sagittarius—November 22 through December 21
Capricorn—December 22 through January 20
Aquarius—January 21 through February 19
Pisces—February 20 through March 20
In fact, these dates do vary from year to year, so it is necessary to check the year in question when the date is on, or close to, the cusp.
In planning this map of the heavens, some help is needed in establishing the positions held by the planets at the many different hours and minutes that have passed with the years. The astrologer’s aids for this are the ephemeris and the Table of Houses. The ephemeris gives the positions of the planets at the different times, while the Table of Houses gives the corrections with regard to the place of birth; the geographical location. Measurement of time is given in what is known as sidereal time, measured by the stars rather than the Sun. The stars appear to move around the sky at a faster rate than the Sun, and this must be allowed for in the calculation of sidereal time.
Working, then, from the ephemeris, you must first calculate the sidereal time (shown as “S.T.”) at the moment of birth. If born before noon, then the necessary hours and minutes must be subtracted from the S.T. given in the ephemeris, since that S.T. is just noted for noon. Similarly, if born afternoon, the hours and minutes must be added to the noon S.T. given in the ephemeris. In addition to that, an extra ten seconds for each hour (before or after noon) must also be added or subtracted—an amount known as the acceleration on interval. Then further adjustments must be made for the place of birth. The ephemeredes use G.M.T. (Greenwich Mean Time) as standard. A person born in New York, for example, would therefore have to make a further adjustment of five hours, since that is the time difference between London (Greenwich) and New York; born at 2:45 P.M. in New York is the same as 7:45 P.M. in London.
Let us work an example for a person born in New York at 11:45 A.M. on August 31, 1934. Adding five hours gives us a time of 4:45 P.M. in Greenwich. But to discover the exact sidereal time at Greenwich, you start by looking up the birth date in the ephemeris and find it given as 10h 35m 54s. Remember, though, that is the S.T. for noon on that day. To adjust this to the actual (G.M.T.) birth time of 4:45 P.M., you need to add that 4h 45m:
Now to take into consideration the acceleration on interval, which is 4.75 hrs x 10 = 47.5 secs. Add this to the previous time:
This, then, is the sidereal time, at Greenwich, for the time of birth. Now to convert it to the sidereal time in New York itself.
Figure 9.2
New York is 74° west of Greenwich. To convert that latitude into time you must multiply by four: 74 x 4 = 296, 296 divided by 60 = 4h 56m. Since New York is west of Greenwich, you must subtract this from the previously arrived at total (if place of birth was east of Greenwich, then you would add):
This is local (New York) sidereal time at the time of birth.
From longitude the move is a natural one to latitude. From the Table of Houses can be found the Ascendants for the local S.T. just calculated. The latitude for New York is 40° 43'N (north of the equator). Looking at the Table of Houses you would find: S.T. 10h 25m 42s = Ascendent (ASC), to the closest 4 minutes, 22° 35' Scorpio.
Now, at last, you can start to fill in one of those fascinating horoscope blanks. A line may be drawn, through the center, connecting the degree of the Ascendant, on one side of the chart, with a point exactly opposite on the other side. This point opposite is called the Descendant. Also in the Table of Houses will be found the related medium coeli (M.C.)—its opposite point is the imum coeli (I.C.) —the midpoint at right angles to the connected Ascendant and Descendant. These lines/points are also marked on the chart. The chart is now divided into its four quadrants.
The next stage in drawing the “map” is the filling-in of the house boundaries. The Ascendant is the start of the first house, and from there will be found twelve houses (see figure 9.2).
The positions of the Sun, Moon, and the planets are found thus: from the ephemeris find the positions for noon, on the birth date, of Saturn, Neptune, Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto. These are the slower planets. These positions can be put straight onto the chart. They are shown, as are all planets, on the chart and in the tables, by their signs. These traditional signs are:
Figure 9.3
Sun 
Moon 
Mercury 
Venus 
Mars 
Jupiter
Saturn 
Uranus 
Neptune 
Pluto 
Earth +
The signs of the zodiac are shown thus:
Aries 
Taurus 
Gemini 
Cancer 
Leo 
Virgo 
Libra 
Scorpio 
Sagittarius 
Capricorn 
Aquarius 
Pisces 
For the faster planets—Sun, Moon, Venus and Mercury—a little more calculation must be done to allow for their movements between noon and the actual birth time. For a birth time after noon, look up the planet’s motion at noon. From the logarithmic tables in the ephemeris, find the log of the motion and to it add the log of the interval after noon (a birth time of 6:30 P.M. would give an interval of six-and-a-half hours). Then convert the total log, back to degrees. You now have the difference in position of the planet at noon on the birth date and can add this to the noon position the ephemeris shows. Had the actual birth time been before noon, then you would have looked up the planet’s motion at noon on the day before the actual birth date and proceeded as above. Should the planet in question be marked “R” in the tables—meaning that it is retrograde— then you would subtract the movement on interval from the noon position. One word of warning: do not forget to convert Greenwich S.T. to local S.T. when filling in the positions of the planets. A chart at this stage may look like figure 9.3.
Before you can attempt to interpret a horoscope, you must know what the various positions of the planets mean in relation to one another: their aspects. Two planets, one rising and the other setting, 180° apart, are said to be in opposition. This is traditionally a bad aspect. Two planets within approximately 10° of each other are in conjunction, which can either be good or bad depending on which planets they are. Planets 90° apart are said to be square, another bad aspect; while 60° apart (sextile) is a good aspect. Finally, of the main aspects, 120° apart is extremely good and goes by the name trine. Obviously, in these positions a certain amount of leeway is permissible, and this is usually in the order of 10° to 12° for conjunction or opposition, and roughly 7° for sextile. These allowances are the orbs.
Interpretation
Interpretation of a horoscope is the hardest part— as it is in any form of divination. The interpretation begins with listing the various aspects that appear; the relationship of the Sun to the zodiac; the relationship of the Moon; the Ascendant’s position; rising and setting planets; positions above and below the horizon; relationships of the planets to the houses and to the zodiac signs; the Decanates. All these aspects must be studied and explained. Examples of what might be found are: “Mars square with Saturn; Jupiter and the Sun in opposition, or Jupiter sextile with Mercury.” Mars square with Saturn would indicate a certain amount of callousness due to Mars’ ruthlessness and impulsiveness, together with Saturn’s seclusion and introversion. Jupiter and the Sun in opposition could mean a somewhat self-centered person given to extravagance, due to the forcefulness and determination of the Sun with the expansive wealth of Jupiter. Jupiter sextile with Mercury would be good, showing determination and knowledge with judgment.
The planets themselves have certain qualities: air, water, fire, and earth. Traditionally, Gemini, Aquarius, and Libra are the air signs; Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are the water signs; Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are the fire signs; and Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are the earth signs. Air signs are supposedly intellectual, enlightened, and articulate; water signs are emotional; fire signs are zealous and fervent; earth signs are cautious, basic, and practical. In more detail, the signs—again, by tradition, as is almost all interpretation of astrology—are associated with particular attributes: e.g., Aries is very much a leader or pioneer. There is a certain amount of impatience in this sign, due to ambition. Taurus is the hard worker—great strength, and proud of it, along with perseverance. Gemini is adaptable; knows a little about a lot of subjects, has a gift for languages, diplomacy, and tact, but is somewhat superficial. Cancer is extremely sensitive, a follower of tradition, a great home-lover. Leo is the extrovert, full of self-confidence, with an abundance of personality, a great sense of the dramatic, and a great capacity to love.
Virgo is the critic; tidy and conservative, yet always charming and popular. Virgo is the best of planners and organizers; intellectual and extremely analytical. Libra has intuition and foresight, is peace-loving, and has a great sense of justice. Scorpio has tenacity and determination, great self-control, but a rather too fine opinion of the self. At times seems a contradiction to herself or himself—jealous and demanding. Sagittarius knows no fear. Kind and can be gentle, is also direct and outspoken. Capricorn is ambitious and very materialistic, has a fear of inadequacy and indigence, and is either greatly depressed or incredibly happy. Aquarius is a planner, always looking ahead. Honest, kind, yet difficult to understand. Independent in the extreme, she or he has very good judgment. Pisces is sensitive, noble, kind, and gentle, yet can be vague and inclined to be too optimistic. Self-sacrificing and sympathetic, Pisces is an excellent diplomat.
Saturn is inhibited, persevering, cautious; often taciturn, reserved. Saturn is associated with the law, mining, printing, dentistry, building and real estate, secondhand books, agriculture, and death. Uranus is excitable and erratic, a little too forceful and inclined to be sarcastic. It has an affinity with nature, also technical objects. It has to do with electricians, inventors, astrologers—very much of the occult. Neptune is inclined to mysticism, and also to individuality. It knows, but does not say. Neptune can be of very doubtful character, capable of murder, rape, etc. It is sometimes vague; sometimes confused. Neptune is associated with eating places, bars, prostitution, narcotics, navigation, the ocean, nursing, and advertising. Pluto is generally associated with children and youth, leaders, wanting things their own way, disliking laws. Pluto is associated with hobbies, sports, outdoor life, actors and actresses, and politicians. Jupiter is the planet of harmony, of education, law, morals, and religion, faith, and good humor. Truth comes before anything with Jupiter. Knowledge, the ability to self-educate, learning through reading, are all part of Jupiter. Moneyed people count with this planet: bankers, judges, and ecclesiastics.
The Sun is first and foremost a masculine planet, full of vitality. It has determination, yet much kindness, a lot of heart, and is capable of great love. It is an authority figure, moving ever forward. The Moon, conversely, is a feminine figure; very sensitive, emotional, domestic. The Moon is a lover of water, patriotic, and interested in public welfare. Mercury is quick-witted; an extremely active mind, good for research, exploration, analysis, judgment; good for writers, teachers, orators. Venus is again, of course, feminine; very much of love. Venus is associated with friendship, physical attraction, feeling, peacemaking, pleasures; associated with musicians, jewelers, actors, dressmakers, artists, and nurses. Mars is for action, with great energy and courage; may be brutal and may be jealous; frequently the cause of sexual problems. Mars is impulsive, loyal, fearful of the unknown; associated with soldiers, surgeons, sports people, and craftspeople.
Each of the twelve zodiac signs is spoken of as being “ruled” by one of the planets. What this means is that there is a close affinity between the two. Where a planet is classed as being “watery” or “fiery,” so the sign or signs that it rules are of that type. The sign Aries is ruled by the planet Mars. Taurus is ruled by Venus; Gemini by Mercury; Cancer by the Moon; Leo by the Sun; Virgo by Mercury; Libra by Venus; Scorpio by Mars; Sagittarius by Jupiter; Capricorn by Saturn; Aquarius by Saturn (some astrologers prefer Uranus) and Pisces by Jupiter (again some say by Neptune). Generally, it can be said that a fiery sign would not get along well with a water sign, nor would a water sign get along with an air sign. An air sign, however, would do well with a fire sign, and so on.
Let us now look at the twelve divisions, the spheres of influence on the chart, and see what each is concerned with. They are numbered on the chart. The first one is the sphere influencing the physical appearance; the body. The second deals with money; gaining or losing, investing, etc. The third sphere is that of communications and transportation, letter writing, and transport. Also, it deals with relatives and close neighbors. The fourth sphere is the one of home and property. It deals with the birthplace, with real estate, mines, and underground places. It also deals with a man’s mother or a woman’s father. Pleasure, love, sex, amusement, and education appear in the fifth sphere. Sensual pleasures, especially, are here. In the sixth sphere you will find domestic animals, health, and conditions affecting the health. Clothing, servants, and physical comfort are also here.
The seventh sphere of influence shows, in a woman’s chart, the husband; in a man’s chart, the wife. Partners, generally, are here. In the eighth sphere are losses, including death. Loss of money and possessions is here; also details of wills and legacies. The ninth sphere covers religion, spiritual things, journeys to other lands, and relatives by marriage. The tenth sphere covers your job, your business affairs, honors, earnings. The eleventh sphere covers your friends and acquaintances, hopes and fears, and wishes. The twelfth sphere of influence shows any confinements you may encounter—prison, deportation, exile. It shows enemies and also, strangely, large animals.
From the above, then, you can really start on interpretation, for example, Pisces on the Ascendant. This First House deals with physical appearance. Pisces—sensitive, noble, kind and gentle—indicates that the person will be of short to middle stature, of pale complexion, with high cheekbones, light hair and eyes. In the Sixth House you find the Moon. The sixth sphere, you know, is the one of health and physical comfort. The Moon is sensitive, emotional. You could say, then, that these people might be prone to emotional upsets; nervous breakdowns. They might also enjoy serving others, since the House also deals with servants. In the Ninth House is Jupiter, the planet of harmony. This planet deals, as you have seen, with education and religion. The Ninth House, in which Jupiter appears, is the one covering religion and spiritual things. This must signify great success for the person in religious affairs; also in philosophical and legal affairs, since Jupiter also deals with these. The interpretation would follow around, taking the Houses one after another. Then the aspects, which you listed, would be interpreted according to the association for the various planets.
It may be seen, from the above, that although some very general characteristic might be immediately given for a person born at a particular time of year, certainly no great and accurate details can be given without having more information on both the birth time and the birth place, and constructing a natal chart—the map of the planets at the time and place of birth.
I have talked of a natal chart, a horoscope of the time of birth, showing what the life will hold in general. Similar charts can be made for practically any purpose. They can be plotted to show what might be the influences for a particular year, or other period of time. They can be plotted for countries, or towns, rather than for individuals. They can be plotted to show the most propitious time for laying the cornerstone of a new building; for marriage; money; health; business—indeed for practically any purpose. There are many thousands of business people who have a professional astrologer draw up a chart for the coming business year and follow its indications scrupulously. They return year after year and seem more than satisfied. They take their horoscopes seriously, as they should be taken if the astrologer knows her or his job.
When a daily newspaper’s horoscope says that Monday morning is going to seem long and wearing to all persons born between April 20 and May 20, then, although it may turn out to be amazingly accurate, you may rest assured that no charts were drawn, no tables consulted, no planetary positions interpreted. Yet it is this drawing, calculating, and interpreting that makes the subject so interesting.
Fire Scrying
Another form of divination, sometimes used by Witches, is scrying into a fire. Make a fire of driftwood, on the seashore, after sunset (if you are far from the seashore then you can use any old, weathered wood, such as from an old barn, or the like). When the wood has been well burned and is beginning to die down, lay on it a cedar log, a juniper log, and three good handfuls of sandalwood chips. Let these burn well. Then, as the fire again begins to die down, gaze deep into the dying embers. In these embers you will see scenes of the past, present, and future. You may see the actual scenes, but it is more likely that you will see symbolic scenes that need interpreting. This scrying fire is sometimes referred to as the Fire of Azrael, and was described by Dion Fortune in her book The Sea Priestess. There are many, many forms of divination—far too many to include here.
Lesson Nine Questions
1. After you have made a personal study of the tarot, decide how you will spread the cards. What method works the best for you?
2. What tarot cards were you initially attracted to? List them, and tell what significance each card has for you.
3. On a separate paper, make a print of each of your palms. Watch how your hands change from year to year. (To make a print, press your hand in silkscreen ink, paint, or other colored substance and press as flat as possible on a page.) Relate some of your experiences with cheiromancy. What major observations did you make when you first began studying hands, and how accurate were your impressions? What did you see in your own hands?
4. Construct your own natal horoscope. List the basic interpretations of each planet as they seem to fit your person.
Examination Questions for Lesson Nine
1. After trying at least three different spreads for the tarot, and doing at least six readings with each spread, write down which of the spreads you prefer and why.
2. Imagine that you are in the middle of doing a tarot reading for a friend, using the Rider-Waite deck. The major arcana card “The Tower,” appears in the position of the Immediate Future. What interpretation would you place on it? (It is realized that much would depend on the other cards around it. Just give your interpretation for this one card, however.)
3. In this same hypothetical reading, the final outcome for your friend is the Five of Pentacles. What is your interpretation of that card in that position?
4. If you do not own a crystal ball but want to try scrying, what could you use in its place?
5. In cheiromancy, what is the difference between the left hand and the right, for purposes of interpretation?
6. When reading tea leaves you see a bell and a horseshoe down low in the cup, but by the handle. What do they mean?
7. (a) What can you say about John F. Kennedy (going just by the name) according to numerology? (b) By numerology, were Napoleon and Josephine compatible?
8. An astrological chart shows a Pisces Ascendant. What could you say about the person?
Please Read
The Book of Changes by J. Blofeld
I-Ching by R. Wilhelm
The Seventh Sense by Kenneth Roberts
Numerology by Vincent Lopez
The New A to Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator by Llewellyn George
Palmistry, the Whole View by Judith Hipskind
Recommended Supplementary Reading
Crystal Gazing by T. Besterman
Medical Palmistry by Marten Steinbach
A Pocket Guide to the Supernatural by Raymond Buckland