reprinted
from “Theosophical Siftings” Volume - 1 -
with graphic
[Page 17] THERE are three ways of placing the Taro Cards,
which may be considered the Body, Soul, and Spirit of the
Taro.
The first manner relates to the lower plane, and has reference
to questions concerning every-day life, domestic matters,
illness and simple queries, etc. For this placing the four
Aces and their relative cards are only to be used.
The second manner has relation to Science, Philosophy, Religion,
etc. For this, the Aces, with their cards, and the twenty-two
keys are to be employed.
For the third manner of placing the Taro, the twenty-two
keys only are to be used with the four aces. The cards are
to be left out entirely. This mode is to be used when the
knowledge sought for is assignable to the Divine Wisdom,
and the revelation and unfolding of the inner light, the
sacred knowledge of the Occult.
To place the cards in position, the Aces are to be separated
from the pack and shuffled by themselves, and are placed
face downwards in the centre of the twelve positions, in
the order A B C D ; the other cards are then to be placed
as they arise in the positions numbered consecutively 1 to
12. In all cases faces downwards.
The four aces in the centre form always the Astral key of
the knowledge sought for, and each card of the Astral key
is allied to the trine of cards which cover the places having
the same colour.
The colours were given to show the meaning of the twelve
places, and this meaning is intensified or weakened, elevated
or lowered, according to the kind of knowledge desired.
The twelve places or thrones are divided into four trines;
each of the places of the trine bears harmonious relationship
to the other.
The meaning of
the portions of the Aces which form the Astral key is as
follows: A, coloured red, is the throne of Motion, Action,
Will, the proper throne for the Ace of Diamonds. This part
of the Key gives action to the Red Trines numbered 1, 6,
II, and will powerfully affect it, if Diamonds fall on
the place A. [Page 18]
The red trine is the trine of life.
No. 1 is Present Existence, Action, Being, the Present State
or Time.
No. 6 is Life in the Deity, the Source, the Creator.
No. 11 is Life in Posterity, Children, the After-course.
The second Trine is coloured Yellow, and means power, influence,
might, and to it belongs that part of the Astral Key which
bears the same colour, marked B. The Ace of Clubs is the
most powerful occupier of this Throne. No. 2 of this Trine
is the place of power, attached to Honour and Majesty.
No. 7. The power given by surroundings, connections, associations,
intellect.
No. 12. The power and influence given by Worth or material
qualifications.
The third Trine is coloured Green, and has the Ace of Cups
as the bountiful and true occupier of its Key — O.
This is the trine of love, and the relative positions are
numbered 3, 8, 9.
No. 3 is the place of Love, felicity, agreement, delight.
No. 8 is Love in service, reception, bounty.
No. 9 is the
place of Favour, Help, Succour.
The fourth place of the Astral Key is marked D, and this
with its relative trine signifies afflictions, oppositions,
persecutions, punishment, according to the knowledge desired.
It has for its significator the Ace of Swords. Should this
Ace fall on this throne of the Key in a question of affliction
or opposition, and Swords also on the Violet Trine, it would
be very adverse.
The first place of this Trine is No. 4, which is the throne
of Evil, Sin, the Pit, the casting down of the Mighty Retribution.
No. 5 is the place of Malice, Hatred, Injury, Treachery.
No. 10. The place of Intellectual Death, Idiocy, Mourning.
The common or ordinary meaning of the Aces is: Diamonds=Life,
Clubs=Power, Cups=Love, Swords=Affliction.
The meaning of their relative cards is according to their
values, and the place and strength of the place where they
may fall.
Diamonds—Signify
and give Life, Satisfaction, Ability, accomplishments,
etc.
Clubs—Power, force, might, the Creative Will.
Cups—Love, beauty, pleasure, enjoyment, favour.
Swords—Affliction, illness, trial, testing, sifting
and death.
When the cards have been placed on their thrones, faces
downwards, that card of the Astral Key which will most particularly
relate to the question, is first to be turned up, and the
mind allowed to dwell on the bearings of this first page
of revelation. The trine of cards that belongs to this key
[Page 19] is then to be shown, and the strength and meaning
of the cards is to be read, with the meaning of the place
or throne.
The key next in importance with its trine is then to be
dealt with and so on with the rest.
Three different packs of cards should be employed, one kept
particularly for the Divine Wisdom. This pack, when not used,
should be placed away in a small cedar-wood box, wrapped
in a linen cloth, and no hand but that of the student to
be allowed to touch this pack.