Chrysalis Tarot - 2 Sorceress

2. Sorceress
The High Priestess

The cauldron of rebirth is the theme here. Spiritual Alchemy at its strongest. Surprisingly, I don't find myself drawn to this card... it is almost a neutral thing to me.

Ravens and Merlin I feel akin to, but Morgan Le Fey is not a strong archetype for me. Possibly it is the fact that she is "fae", and I've never had a strong connection to the fair folk.

I'm surprised by how neutral this card is for me. Seriously.

Chrysalis Tarot - 1 Ravens

1. Ravens
The Magician

Unlike the more common interpretation of the Magician, the Ravens approach magic, synchronicity and transformation from a very different perspective. They are tricksters. They understand that few willingly enter into times of change unless they are forced (or tricked) into it. The average person works against their own self-interest, clinging to known pains rather than facing the unknown.

The ravens are both captivated by the new and shiny, but they collect unexpected treasures from what others overlook as trash or discards. Their pearls of wisdom embody that.

They nest in the branches of the world tree, Yggdrasil. They make their home in the space that interpenetrates and traverses all worlds. They live where the shaman and all practitioners of magic need to work: straddling the boundaries between the physical world and other worlds.

The bark of the Yggdrasil is a kaleidoscope of swirls and pentacles and all the representations of the elements for it is made up of all the forces of creation... the forces the magician must contend with, draw power from, and master.

A card of communication, inspiration, limitless potential and of the power of action. The magician is not just a sage, who collects knowledge for knowledge's sake, but who uses what he has to take action in the worlds. He is the catalyst of change... whether through force or guile is up to him.

Chrysalis Tarot - 0 Merlin

0. Merlin
The Hero

Wise man, companion, guide, caregiver, seer, and confidant, Merlin has undertaken the hero's journey again and again. He is a male archetype who embraces feminine power instead of fearing or hating it.

In the otherworldly journey of the Chrysalis we do not do battle as much as open our awareness to ourselves. His connection to Egyptian divinities are intriguing though none of his aligned divinities are ones I usually work with.

He seems to be someone who patiently waits and watches over one, taking the night watch so you can sleep in safety when facing the unknown. He isn't the magician as much as the Alchemist... though he does not strive to change lead to gold, but to transform the mundane into the miraculous. He knows how hard it is to shed one's skin and transform into someone knew... for the most important and difficult of transformations is toward one's authentic self.

the Chrysalis Tarot

In conjunction with my fellow UUFC Earth Spirit Pathfinders, over the next 3 months I am exploring the Tarot. The choice of a Tarot Deck is a very personal thing, and I have ended up connecting with the Chrysalis Tarot. I like the modern interpretations and consideration of evolving archetypes.

I will be exploring my relationship with the various cards and suits. It should be fun.