Episode 19: Modality in Astrology and Tarot
Archived
 This Podcast Episode has been archived. It is available for purchase at shop.tarotconnection.net in the Year One Archive mp3 DVD. |
Astrology Modality
The Zodiac can be divided into three modalities: cardinal, fixed and mutable. These represent basic styles and states of activity.
- Cardinal: beginning, independent, enthusiastic, unencumbered, pure. (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn)
- Fixed: determined, persistent, stable, solid, resistant to change. (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius)
- Mutable: flexible, resourceful, expansive, transforming. (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces)
These two concepts have an important place in Astrology and can be used in your Tarot readings. Dena DeCastro joins me to talk about these ideas relate to the Zodiac and Tarot. We apply the idea of Modality & Elements in Sample Readings.
Download a chart of how the cards fit around the wheel of the year.
Portland Astrologer Dena DeCastro was intrigued by the planets and their surrounding mythologies from an early age. Dena also participates in continuing education in the astrology field through attending conferences and lectures, and most notably is a participant in Steven Forrest’s Apprenticeship Program. Dena publishes monthly articles at denadecastro.com, and also provides individual tutoring in astrology.
The Tarot Court Series Intro by Ginny Hunt
This begins a five part series exploring the tarot court. Court Cards: Oh the Confusion
Tarot court cards, the Minor “people cards,” can be confusing to many tarot readers because they can and do represent so many different possible interpretations. Well, so can most of the cards, but court cards are unique because they can represent a certain individual; or they can imply a particular facet of a person, either someone else or the querant; or they can be recommending a certain kind of action; or they might be telling the querant they are displaying a certain type of behavior; or….well, you see? It can be difficult to know what to make of these folks when they show up in a reading. Read the Full Post or Visit the Series
Music Credits
- Opening Music: time release by the Droney Tones.
- 78 Notes Music: Steamy River by Rhonda Lorence from Winter Moon (Magnatune)
- Closing Music: Signs and a Vision by Paul Avgerinos from Muse of the Round Sky. (Magnatune)
![[Valid RSS]](http://www.tarotconnection.net/valid-rss.png "Validate my RSS feed")
November 21st, 2006 at 11:34 am
Leisa:
Quite an interesting Pod Cast here! One of the things that flew out at me was the fact that astrology is an “overlay” for the Tarot … IOW, it was applied “after the fact”. My thoughts go along the line that reading with elemental qualities alone could give an acceptable reading, and the the use of elemental dignities when reading the card primarily from the attributes of the cards themselves actually gives a great deal of depth.
Reading from the modality of the cards alone leaves a great deal to be desired. Adding the elemental quality of the cards to a reading based on modality still. IMHO, leaves a great deal to be desired.
For me, a reading starts with the qualities inherent int he cards themselves, from a Tarot POV. Then I would add the elemental qualities, and the esoteric qualities of the Qabala, and then, maybe (or maybe not) the astrological attributions and the modalities. One of the reasons that I feel this way is that there are really no “rules” for the astrological attributions. Different systems assign themmin different ways.
I think this goes back to what you said at the beginning of the Pod Cast, and which I whole heartedly concur with: different readers will see things in different ways, and that is their right. We learn by studying other systems and seeing “why” they work for someone else.
The Court Cards certainly fall into this scenario! They can represent someone in our lives, they can represent an issue, they can represent an action being taken, or they can represent a part of ourselves. And they can be more than one of these things at the same time (don’t be surprised to see mirroring popping up in a Tarot reading!).
Looking forward to more Pod Casts!
Blessings,
Bonnie
August 17th, 2007 at 10:21 am
What a wonderful podcast! Unlike the other commenter I think readings where you and Dena restricted yourselves to elements and modality demonstrated exactly what it was meant to: that it is a valuable addition to any tarot practice! I listened to this podcast once in it’s entirity during my commute and then again in front of my computer where I could take notes! Thank you for providing this wonderful information. I have recently become reinterested in the tarot and your podcast has provided much food for thought - again, thank you!