esson 46: Talesin--Pursuit of the Soul

1. First betrayal of childhood imagination: Sword King
My father thought the best way to raise a family was by intelligence, rather than emotion, etc. The Sword King demands that we 'cut the crap' and tries to analyze the reasons behind the exercise of imagination. "She's only trying to get attention." The figure in this card bears a remarkable resemblance to St. Nikolaus, and I remember when I learned there is no Santa Claus.
2. What lesson this taught me: Stone King
Not every story is truth. Tradition and folklore have a separate place and function than literal truth.
3. First betrayal of love or friendship: Spear Maiden
I think this card represents me, and how my uninhibited nature has always made me open for betrayal and being taken advantage of. "Curiosity killed the (virgin) cat." My desire to know and experience pulls me headlong, without regard to safety or defense.
4. What lesson this taught me: Grail Hallow
How to separate giving/sharing my heart from giving/sharing my body.
5. First inspired to take a spiritual path: Grail Ten
This should be Card 6! Fulfillment! When I was nine or ten, I was saved. In this card, I am the tower and Jesus is the light inside.
6. What lesson this taught me: Spear Two
It's always my choice, but I don't have to walk alone.
7. First realization of being one of many seekers: Spear Hallow
When I met Eli V., it began a time of inspiration and creative experimentation. We sparked and prodded each other.
8. What lesson this taught me: Grail Seven
While Eli and I explored the realms of mystery, we sometimes lost our hold on reality. Our expanded view didn't help us deal with society, but drew us outside of it--into self-deception and even danger. We harbored unrealistic fantasies about sorcery and magick. As the A.T. book says: "the glamour of esoteric practices." Useless if not applied to LIVING!
9. The Transformed Self: The Star
Every man and every woman is a star. I have faith and hope that there is a shining Truth between logic and lore, love for others and love for self, community and individuality, imagination and illusion, religion and magick.

efore I wrote the interpretation for Card 9, I pulled Talesin out of the deck and placed him top and center (between Cards 1 & 2). The meaning of The Star is his clarification and his gift.

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