Tales from the Occult The occult, a term often associated with mystery and the supernatural, has been a subject of fascination for centuries. Tales from the occult have captivated the human imagination, weaving tales of dark magic, hidden secrets, and encounters with otherworldly beings. These stories often delve into the realms of the unknown, exploring the boundaries between the physical and spiritual worlds. One such tale is that of a haunted house, where restless spirits roam the halls, causing fear and despair. In this story, a group of brave individuals seeks to uncover the truth behind the house's eerie reputation. As they delve deeper into the mysteries within, they encounter strange occurrences and inexplicable phenomena.
Then she tells me somewhat defiantly that she can’t pay for a reading because her stepmother keeps her trapped at home doing all the heavy housework. She doesn’t get spending money, just leftovers from the family meals and a few miserable rags to wear. But she tells me she can probably sneak out of the house again next week while her stepmother and stepsisters are at the hairdresser and repay me by helping with my housework.
Then she tells me somewhat defiantly that she can t pay for a reading because her stepmother keeps her trapped at home doing all the heavy housework. Readers who are used to the current of Hermetic teaching set in motion by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which lies behind most occultism in the English-speaking world, may find themselves surprised by the very different approaches Mouni Sadhu presents here and elsewhere in his works.
As they delve deeper into the mysteries within, they encounter strange occurrences and inexplicable phenomena. Ghostly apparitions, poltergeist activity, and unexplained sounds become the norm, leading them to question their sanity. Another classic tale from the occult revolves around ancient artifacts said to possess incredible power.
The Quintessence Spread
Quintessence, the Quinta Essentia, the Fifth Element: to philosophers and alchemists it’s the spiritual dimension underlying the material world; the subtle fluid that binds all creation together; the spirit that shines from the heart; and the vital force that animates the four elements.
We can extract the quintessence of a situation with a spread found in nearly every European tarot book. Four cards are laid out to the left, right, top and bottom like the center of the Celtic Cross. A fifth card in the center distills the essence of the four cards.
The spread positions are organized into two sets of polarities. The cards on the horizontal axis could be pro-con, positive-negative, help-hindrance, past-future, or self-other. The two vertical cards might be advice and outcome, what is known and what is hidden, the foundation and the crown, or the advice and the result. Use your imagination to adapt spread positions to the question.
For the fifth card, add up the sum of the four cards, reduce the sum to a number below twenty-two and put the corresponding trump card in the center.
French and Italian tarot readers use just the major arcana with this spread. I’ve turned the European method on its head by using only the minor arcana except for the trump card in the center. I read this card as the underlying theme, lesson or message of the reading.
Let’s see this spread in action with a reading I did recently for a fairy tale princess.
Last month a waif in ragged clothes rushed into my booth in the market square. She looked up and down the street nervously before pulling the curtains tight and telling me that she snuck out of the house while her stepmother and stepsisters were being fitted for ball gowns.
Then she tells me somewhat defiantly that she can’t pay for a reading because her stepmother keeps her trapped at home doing all the heavy housework. She doesn’t get spending money, just leftovers from the family meals and a few miserable rags to wear. But she tells me she can probably sneak out of the house again next week while her stepmother and stepsisters are at the hairdresser and repay me by helping with my housework.
It was a slow day, and I felt sorry for the poor mite, so I motioned her to sit down. The false bravado fell away and she became the sad, vulnerable child she really was. “Is it ever going to change?” She asked in a quivering voice. “Am I ever going to wear nice clothes, have friends, maybe even a boyfriend? My stepsisters have everything and I have nothing! My stepmother hates me and treats me like a slave”.
I shuffled the minor arcana of my 200-year-old Italian deck and laid out four cards in a cross to give an overview of her situation and a possible future. Here’s what I told her.
The Two of Swords shows what is working against you. See that young, healthy laurel branch with the red berries? There’s so much youth and vitality and potential in you, but it’s held in suspension, as if floating in a bubble. But the walls of this bubble are thin and easily breached. Your situation is not crushing you. You’re just in a holding pattern until your moment comes to emerge into the sunlight.
The Queen of Cups is working for your benefit. She’s a loving, maternal figure who has your best interests at heart. Look at that large chalice festooned with a garland. It looks like the queen has a gift for you.
The Nine of Coins at the top shows a way to rise above your situation and transform it. I realize nothing in your life up to this point has given you a reason to believe this is true — but this card is asking you to have faith and believe that the universe is basically generous and supportive. If you believe your circumstances can change, and if you can envision a better future, then the universe is waiting to grant your every wish.
The Three of Cups on the bottom shows future possibilities. The heart-shaped vine supporting the top cup promises much love and happiness in your future.
The sum of the four cards is 18. (I count the court cards as 2, 3, 4 and 5). The quintessence of this spread is Trump 18, the Moon. Magic in the moonlight. Midnight – when the moon rides high in the sky. Everything in this spread – the wealth, the love, her mother’s spirit, seems like a misty illusion to her – the foolish dreams of a kitchen drudge. I encourage her to believe that it’s all possible and it all can become real. With magical assistance, her life will be transformed. She says she’ll go to her mother’s grave that night and pray that this reading comes true.
Postscript: Cinderella has become a kind and generous monarch, loved by her people. She didn’t forget the old fortune teller who encouraged her to believe in a better future. Thanks to Cinderella’s generosity, I quit that drafty booth in the marketplace. Now I read my cards in front of a cozy fireplace in my snug cottage on the edge of town.
French and Italian tarot readers use just the major arcana with this spread. I’ve turned the European method on its head by using only the minor arcana except for the trump card in the center. I read this card as the underlying theme, lesson or message of the reading.
In this story, an adventurer embarks on a quest to find a mystical relic rumored to grant immortality. Along the journey, the protagonist faces numerous trials and must decipher cryptic clues, leading them into the depths of forgotten tombs and ancient temples. Dealing with curses, traps, and treacherous guardians, the adventurer braves all odds in an attempt to obtain the artifact's untold power. In other occult tales, witches and sorcerers take center stage, wielding their dark arts to manipulate the world around them. These stories explore the dichotomy between good and evil, where characters are faced with choices that may have dire consequences. Love potions, spells of revenge, and mystical ceremonies are all part of these enthralling narratives, drawing readers into a realm where morality is blurred and twisted. Tales from the occult also touch upon the human desire to connect with the divine. From seances to summoning spirits, these stories explore the lengths people would go to bridge the gap between the mortal and the divine. Characters seek answers from beyond, tapping into their supernatural abilities or seeking guidance from wise mystics. The occult becomes a means for characters to gain insights, access forbidden knowledge, or even alter the course of their lives. From H.P. Lovecraft's eerie tales of ancient cosmic beings to the witchcraft trials of Salem, tales from the occult have always fascinated and intrigued audiences. These stories not only entertain but also provide a glimpse into the human psyche's fascination with the unknown. They explore our deepest fears, desires, and curiosities, reminding us of the mysteries that lie just beyond our grasp. In conclusion, tales from the occult offer an escape into a world where the supernatural and the mundane converge. They take readers on a journey through the shadows, where the line between reality and imagination blurs. Whether it is a haunted house, an ancient artifact, or the power of witchcraft, these stories tap into our fascination with the unknown, showing us that even in the world of fiction, there is truth to be discovered..
Reviews for "The Secret Language of Symbols: Hidden Meanings in Art and Architecture"
1. Sasha - 2/5 stars
I found "Tales from the Occult" to be quite disappointing. The stories lacked depth and were predictable. The characters were poorly developed and I didn't find myself emotionally invested in any of them. The writing style felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to enjoy the reading experience. Overall, I was not impressed with this collection and would not recommend it to others seeking occult-themed stories.
2. Max - 2/5 stars
I had high expectations for "Tales from the Occult" but unfortunately, it failed to meet them. The stories felt cliché and lacked originality. Moreover, the pacing was uneven, resulting in a disjointed reading experience. I also noticed several grammatical errors throughout the book, which further distracted me from the plot. Overall, I was left unimpressed and wouldn't suggest this collection to fellow fans of occult fiction.
3. Emily - 3/5 stars
While "Tales from the Occult" had some interesting concepts, I couldn't help but feel that they were not executed to their full potential. The stories had promising premises, but the execution fell flat. The author seemed to rely on tropes and failed to bring anything new to the table. However, the atmospheric descriptions and occasional moments of suspense were definite strengths of the collection. It was an okay read, but didn't quite live up to what I expected from occult fiction.