One of the things I like about the Cosmos Tarot (I'll discuss the oracle deck in another post) is that each card features a constellation and its associated mythology. One of the more difficult-to-swallow characteristics of the deck is that the elemental and astrological associations have largely been changed from the traditional, and in fact many of the card meanings are non-standard as well. For example, the 5 of Earth, a card normally associated with isolation and economic struggle, carries the keywords: "new projects, craftsmanship, hard work." Instead of the Chariot, Cancer is now connected with the Lovers, and Temperance is now governed by Air rather than Fire. The Sun and Star Trump numberings are exchanged. All of this (and there are many more changes than what I've listed here) makes the Cosmos Tarot feel more like a second oracle deck, despite its Tarot organization.
Still, I like a good challenge, and there's a special "something" about this deck that reels me in. I decided to do something I have never done before: conduct a short "deck interview" with the Cosmos:
1) What is the Cosmos Tarot's strength? Devil (Andromeda) - This is a great deck for challenging myself to move past self-imposed limitations.
2) What it can teach me? Moon (Pisces) - The Cosmos Tarot will help me to delve into my shadow landscape, to read more intuitively, to not shy away from the Great Unknown and the riches it offers.
3) How can I best approach working with it? Emperor (Leo) rx - In order to get the most out of my work with this deck, I need to be open to doing things differently, to seeing what good may come from alterations in structure. I need to relinquish the desire for control, for following known formats.
I'd say the message was quite concise and very appropriate given the aforementioned traits of the deck. And three Majors! Hmmm.... I suppose the best is yet to come.
It looks like an interesting deck but it would be too great a challenge for me at the moment. I still have a lot of "different" decks waiting for me to become more familiar with. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is quite interesting! I find myself really enjoying the diversity present in this deck. I have a stack of decks I want to work with on my night table, and it's very difficult to give each its due attention...Wild Unknown, the Fountain, even the Earthbound Oracle...and then this one (or rather, ones).... So many decks, so little time ;-) HUGS.
DeleteAck, I can't get my head around astrology at the best of times! Definitely not one for me, but it's always fascinating how someone else uses something so different :D
ReplyDeleteHa! I understand that, definitely. I am no astrology expert but I have always been fascinated by the stars, and I love seeing them so present here (and learning more about the myths behind them as well) :-)
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