Today's Tarot for Harry Houdini
| The Cross and Triangle spread is a powerful means of understanding complex situations, developed by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This spread is rich in occult and mystical symbolism, and one of our favorites here at Facade. The William Blake Tarot explores the mystical vision and artistry of the renowned English painter and poet. Through rich interpretations focused on creative undertakings, it has long been the deck of choice for artists, writers, musicians, and thinkers. For more information about this deck, or to buy your own personal copy, go to www.blaketarot.com.
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 | The first card, the significator, is placed in the center of the cross. This card represents the prime energy manifest in your life. Angel of Science: "Quis basin demonstret? (Who would demonstrate the foundation?)". Floating in the realm of pure or abstract thought. Objective, unemotional, and unbiased thinking. Mental speculation, exploration, meditation. A brilliant insight bursting through. Stimulus to organize or systematize. Precision and clarity of vision. In the creative process: An intellectual vision or perfect insight inspires you to rise above yourself. |
 | The second card, placed above the significator, represents Air. It describes your spirit, process of thought, and the influence of reason. Man of Science, when reversed: Perfectionism. Personal detachment. Being oblivious to your surroundings and to unforeseen possibilities. Tendency to be opinionated and aloof. Delusions of grandeur. Inability to perceive human or spiritual values. In the creative process: Scrutinize and test every aspect of your work so as to refine and perfect it. |
 | The third card, placed to the right of the significator, represents Fire. It describes your motivations, creative energies, and the influence of passion. Nine of Poetry (Powers), when reversed: Intoxication with expressive and imaginative powers. Feelings of invulnerability brought on by a vision of spiritual truth and love. Being unreasonably secure in your ability to achieve anything you can imagine. Tasks completed so swiftly that there is no time to change direction. In the creative process: At the peak of your creative powers, this is the time to drive for completion and fulfillment in your work. |
 | The fourth card, placed below the significator, represents Water. It describes your emotions, meditations, and the influence of love. Seven of Poetry (Boldness): "The times require that every one should speak out boldly: ...every man should do his duty, in Arts, as well as in Arms, or in the Senate". Standing up for yourself and your beliefs. Telling the truth despite everything. Tests of integrity, firmness, and commitment. Doing the right thing even though it hurts. Facing the envy or enmity of others. Proving yourself against rivals and competitors. Finding the courage to resist organized, institutional, or governmental oppression. In the creative process: Maintain your artistic tenacity and courage despite any criticism, disapproval, or influence of societal prejudices or market pressures. |
 | The fifth card, placed to the left of the significator represents Earth. It describes your physical presence, position in life, and the influence of the material world. Forgiveness: A trial-and-error blend of creative solutions to a problem or complex issue. Keeping things in proportion and proper balance by making needed adjustments. Managing your time and resources carefully. Listening for inner guidance and tuning in to spiritual advice. Promoting forgiveness and healing, being compassionate toward those around you. |
 | At this point the cross is complete and the triangle is formed. The sixth card, placed on the bottom left of the triangle represents one of two opposing forces. Five of Painting (Hardship), when reversed: Transcending difficulties, insecurity, and financial worries. Taking responsibility for ones own actions or mistakes. Stripping down for action. Facing up to your fears and critics. Issues of support, loyalty, or companionship in hard times. In the creative process: Realize that the problems you are trying to solve may put you at odds with others who do not recognize your value. Be ready to grapple with personal blocks and fears, and to hear more from your inner voice than reasons why things won't work. |
 | The seventh card, placed on the bottom right of the triangle represents the force that opposes the bottom left card. These forces may be external, but they are frequently one's own inner archetypes in conflict. Error, when reversed: Rising above the temptation of manipulation or duplicity. Maintaining a sense of humor about oneself. Keeping your lower nature or personal shadow in check. Seeing beyond your fears and ignorance. Resisting the pressure of materialistic, institutional, or corporate agents. Freedom from sexual or material bondage. Not giving in to temptation, guilt, or panic. |
 | The eighth card, the reconciler, is placed below the cross in the third vertex of the triangle. This is the force that will resolve the conflict between the bottom left and bottom right cards. By meditating on this force and bringing more of it into your life, you can bring the matter at hand to a swifter conclusion than would naturally occur. Reversal, when reversed: Inability to look at the situation in a new way or from a different perspective. Flailing about and getting lost in the search for solutions. Undue reliance on the unconventional. Inability to accept losses or reversals. Unwillingness to withstand a difficult or uncomfortable position. |
 | The ninth and final card, placed in the center bottom of the triangle, represents the final outcome unless you change course. Ace of Music (Passion), when reversed: Emotions repressed or violently out of control. A lack of passion or connection to your highest potential. Being led astray from meaning and fulfillment. Inhibition. In the creative process: A passionate desire to rise above the norm, to soar to personal new heights of creative vision. |
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