quote:
Originally posted by echoman
For me I have always found Tarot cards give a lot of meaning.
I find meaning in many things. Over the years I have been consistently amazed at how my human brain can find patterns in the simplest shapes and imbue them with meaning I might otherwise never have considered.
I have worked with Astrology, I-Ching, Palmistry, Rune casting, dream analysis and more, and they all have several things in common. There is a complex system of randomization, the selections are linked to Archetypes of human experience, the analysis is at least three levels deep, with the system providing at least one, the reader providing another, and the receipient appending their own.
At that level of complexity, if a meaning that is both relevant and revelatory cannot be found, nothing means anything.
Lastly, a sense of ritual can be seen to heighten the effect. I believe this removes a part of our standard world view - a sense of responsibility - allowing sections of our brain to activate in ways not normally accessible. Connections between random data, unperceived motivations and even genetic predelictions of behavior can be made that might normally be avoided.
Good fun for all involved.
I just wish there was an easy way for regular folk to tap into that higher mental functioning without all the appeal to magical thinking. Rune-casting and other forms of Augury often circumvent the years of meditation and self-discipline required to achieve synthesistic levels, and few are willing or able to take the more difficult path. Without the money and time to pursue Contemplation as a career, many are left at the mercy of Charlatans who misuse such systems for their own gain. Shameful.
Hmm... Rune casting... It's a simpler system and interpretation could be dialog driven. I might be able to do that.