For example, Pamela Colman Smith, who designed the Rider Waite tarot, worked as a theatre set designer. This is manifest in her deck in the somewhat unreal world she creates; additionally, there is a whole series of cards sometimes called the Stage Cards. These are marked by a straight line near the back of the scene (pictured) that makes it look exactly as if the character is standing on a stage. If you accept the existence of these cards, they could be interpreted as meaning that there's something not quite real about the scene or situation.
Additionally, Pam's own favoured method of interpretation was straight out of an acting manual rather than an occult manual. She advocated getting into the position of the character depicted and seeing how it feels. This is a method which doesn't get mentioned that much these days but is really useful.
Convinced of the theatrical element in the modern tarot's makeup I have been casting round to find an acting method that would click with the tarot as a means of interpretation.
Possibly Pam's reading technique is closest to Michael Chekhov's psycho-physical approach (think Jack Nicholson swoon), which aims to create a conscious awareness of the senses through a focus on mind and body.
Currently I have a manual on Meisner on the go by the loo and hope to see how his organic authenticity can illuminate the tarot. I love his focus on motivation, because I feel a focus on motivation explains so much human behaviour.
Sources:
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/acting-techniques-stars-swear-11321/
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/meisner-much-repetition-1456/
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/the-definitive-guide-to-the-meisner-technique-67712/
The very idea of someone acting out tarot cards sounds like a circus act to me! ;) I don't think tarot cards like me very much, it's always on the doom and gloom side. I can't say I've ever had a positive reading but then I could count the number of readings I've had using my fingers and toes. Maybe it's because half of me already resides on the other side and the tarot cards get confused. Cats might have nine lives, but I'm on lucky number 13 and a half.
ReplyDeleteDo you get worried when you get a doom and gloom reading or what do you do?
You've unerringly gone straight to the heart of this post because you're talking about communicating with the deck and how it makes you feel, which is so Meisner it's uncanny!
DeletePersonally I don't see any reading as completely doom and gloom because I don't see the future as set in stone and would see tarot as a tool to help us see the way things are going and take action if necessary. On the other hand people have told me that I tend to see some cards unnecessarily negatively, so make of that what you will!
I don't know who or what Meisner is. I like your interpretation of the cards though; it goes back to the old saying that things are what you make of them. I can't stand to be around people too long that only see the negative in everything around them! I could have a rough day and still find something to be grateful for even if it the sentiment is, "Well, I didn't die." Hahaha
ReplyDeleteCrowley said the cards should be taken to have a more positive meaning if someone was actually asking for a reading because it meant they were likely to be in trouble and more likely to be open to solutions.
DeleteI feel like I know the people you mean and honestly their problems are self inflicted! 😁
So, who do you focus on while sitting on the loo practising the Meisner technique? If you don't mind me asking...
ReplyDeleteP.S. I watched "The Shining" for the first time in years the other day, and Yes!
LOL I would like to say I focus on my partner sitting opposite for our dialogue but I won't.
DeleteDamnit now I have to watch The Shining again. I currently have a thing about films set in hotels anyway.