ISSUE No.7
In Loving Memory of Merlin
May 28 2005 to June 17 2016
May 28 2005 to June 17 2016
Issue Number 7
Volume II - ii
June 19 03 NLE
Copyright © 03 NLE H☿D
Editor in Chief Etu Malku
Assistant Editor Phillip Torrey
Contents
- Thoths from the Editor
- An Interview with Adept Devora Zada Moon and Mercuræn Tarot
- The Michael W Ford Luciferian Tarot Discontinuation Tarot Article/Interview
Thoths from the Editor in Chief
by Etu Malku
by Etu Malku
We are saddened to hear the passing of Hierophant Price's beloved dog and companion Merlin. Throughout the years I've known MagaLynne (my nickname for Ms. Price) she has shared photos and stories of Merlin, he was truly a beautiful animal and led a wonderful and comfortable life, of which he was deserved. We will miss him greatly!
This time of year H☿D elects its Council members who make the decisions and govern the Order so that its blood thirsting tyrant founder can never have the final say in matters. This is a good thing.
An experiment in communication was begun with our dear friends and WLHP allies the Sect of the Horned God. Within H☿D there are what we call Cells (Facebook groups) that are either setup for members only or they invite the public inside. Each Cell is designed to guide a person to Mercurius Consciousness through a certain majiqal discipline. We decided to invite founders of the SOTHG Lisa Corrine and Thomas LeRoy into one of the members only Cells to get a feel and talk. If everything goes well invitations will be sent to other SOTHG members to hang with us in certain Cells. The Sect remains itself and H☿D remains itself and two LHP forces get to merge and throw ideas around. This is also a good thing.
Mercuræn Tarot: an interview with Adept Devora Zada Moon by Phillip Torrey
Adept Devora Zada Moon is the head of the Herald of the Dawns Tarot & Cartomancy Cell. She is also an avid explorer of Inner Space seeking communication and communion between the self and the Self via exploration of dreams and related states, meditation, journalism, and Tarot. It was a pleasure interviewing her!
PT: Could you explain what the tarot is exactly?
DZM: Tarot originated in Europe several hundred years ago. There’s still much speculation concerning where and when the first packs appeared. Traditional Tarot decks of today usually contain 78 cards: 22 trumps/Major Arcana (major secrets or mysteries), 56 Minor Arcana (lesser secrets/mysteries). The Minor Arcana is divided into 4 suits, similar to the suits of regular playing cards, except that each suit contains 4 court cards (example: King, Queen, Knight, and Page) as opposed to the King, Queen and Jack of standard playing card packs. Tarot has changed through the generations and is now utilized for brainstorming ideas, mindscaping, meditation, divination, majiq and manifesting, as well as for simple enjoyment of the artwork. And it’s still possible to play card games with the Tarot.
PT: How is it that you got into the tarot?
DZM: I was naturally intuitive as a child; most often the intuitive input coming through in dreams. As a youngster I assumed everyone experienced intuitive dreams, though quickly learned that, if so, most others seemed not to recognize them for what they were, dismissed them as unimportant and not useful, or just kept quiet about it. As a young adult I had an opportunity to take a summer course offered by a professor of psychology and philosophy - “Exploring Inner Space.” The course was excellent, and while we barely touched on tarot in that short summer class, I discovered and connected with adults of all ages who “spoke my language,” regarding experiences and perceived potential for further exploration. Soon after, I happened onto my first tarot deck. The first two decks I purchased simply did not work for me. I could not extract anything from study of the cards or attempting spreads. The third deck worked for me well, straight out of the box.
PT: When it comes to the tarot what inspires you, and how is that inspiration captured in your workings/readings?
DZM: It seems that any life situation, relationship, feeling, or experience can be depicted via one card or a grouping of cards. This amazes me! As for utilization of this in workings, I enjoy tarot themed jewelry. If I’m pushing for a victory in some matter, I may wear a 6 of Rods pin or pendant. If heading out on vacation with a friend, I might opt to wear The Sun and 2 of Cups, or tuck those cards into my travel journal. With regard to readings, I simply toss the spread and read the story that unfolds within the cards.
PT: What has been your biggest mistake as a Tarot Reader? What did you learn from that experience?
DZM: Tossing a spread for myself and then discounting what the cards revealed simply because it seemed too far fetched. I almost died as the result of one such experience, and thus learned to at least consider the message even if/when that message would seem implausible.
PT: Could you explain Tarot Philosophy?
DZM: If you are asking how and why Tarot works, the short answer is we don’t know. Modern day practitioners tend to speak in terms of synchronicity. Another premise is that of the unconscious projecting onto and via the cards, in similar fashion as working with Rorschach inkblots. Today’s tarot enthusiasts don’t tend to view material suggested by a spread as depicting a destined future, but rather bringing to mind choices and options, awareness of current energies and where those energies might lead if left unchecked and unchanged. If you don’t like what the cards seem to be showing, it’s time to shake up the energy and manifest something more to your liking. I have some additional thought relevant to the ideology of Herald of the Dawn.
PT: Now that you have explained what Tarot Philosophy is, could you please tell me about your philosophy in regards to the Tarot?
DZM: It is my premise that our Higher Self attempts to communicate with our everyday waking world conscious self regularly; but that these messages can often be overlooked and pass unrecognized, or unappreciated and under utilized by the lower self. It has been demonstrated through practice, that the symbols encountered in tarot and similar cartomancy systems, function as do dream symbols, speaking a language unique to the individual. This is a language utilized by the Higher Self in communicating with the self. And thus, it is important and useful for each of us to take time to learn the unique language of our Higher Self. Further, I believe that we may consciously initiate conversation and communion with our Higher Self via use of the tarot and similar systems.
PT: Is there a known code of ethics?
DZM: As far as I know there isn’t a universally agreed upon code of ethics. There are some groups and organizations that insist their members abide by certain rules. I’ve discovered that, in practice, such dictates are often ignored. That said, client confidentiality, I think, is crucial, as is the case in any professional relationship. Treating clients with respect and honesty. Stating fees, if any, up front. Empowering individuals to take control of their own lives, choices and decisions to the fullest extent possible. These, are the ethics most readers and instructors I have known honor, and which I adhere to myself.
PT: Is there any nonfactual knowledge out there about the tarot that you like to see go away forever, and if so, why?
DZM: Oh, that would have to be the old “The Tarot is the Devil’s Picture Book” line. It just plain isn’t. Also the spiel that utilizing tarot opens one to possession, depravity, and worse. This type of misinformation generally comes from individuals of certain religions. They believe this without investigating for themselves. On the flip side there are a few radical dogmatic atheists who will claim tarot has no use at all; is meaningless, and only for the weak minded, gullible or flim-flam artists. Again, that simply is not the case. And while there seems to be no cure for willful ignorance, these mindsets do seem to be gradually fading. I am pleased that such beliefs are fading, because they are limiting and can function as obstacles toward expansion of knowledge in certain areas of human potential.
PT: It is now known that there are 13 zodiac signs, the tarot corresponds to the 12 zodiac signs, how do you think this affects tarot readings/workings? If it even affects them at all?
DZM: In my experience, and in speaking with tarot students, instructors, and readers, it seems not to affect tarot readings and workings at all. In part, this may be due to the fact that individual taroists often create their own correspondences, different from the older set correspondences. I would not be surprised, however, if in the future, we may see some new packs that fit Ophiuchus into the mix somewhere!
PT: Can you please explain what your Mercurean Tarot & Cartomancy Cell is? What can one expect when they join the Mercurean Tarot & Cartomancy Cell? What are your expectations of them?
DZM: For starters, I probably should have named the Cell, “Mercurean Tarot, Cartomancy, & Oracles;” and I may change the name to that, as this will be a place where participants are encouraged to work with any cartomancy pack or oracle of choice toward the purpose of becoming able to more readily facilitate communication between the self and The Self. The objective being that of achieving a more ongoing state of Mercurius Consciousness. Those entering the Cell will have access to a space in which all participants may share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences, and hopefully achieve progress through such sharings. Oracles of choice may include, but certainly are not limited to: Tarot, Lenormand, Gypsy, Kpper, Runes, and more. Already we have at least one participant fluent in the Elder Futhark, another working with Medicine Cards, several with various Tarot packs such as Thoth, Rider Waite, Enochian, Marseille, etc. Oh, and also we have a participant who actually prefers and is proficient in scrying with a crystal ball. I am very excited in considering the potential for such a diverse and interesting group of individuals.
As for expectations of members - just bring a healthy desire to learn, along with some of your own thoughts, ideas, experiences, and questions, to share. That, and do honor confidentiality of those within the Cell.
PT: Do you have any final words that you would like to share about your Mercurean Tarot & Cartomancy Cell, and or Tarot in general? What advice do you have for someone just beginning Tarot?
DZM: This is a Cell of the Herald of the Dawn; however select individuals who are not members of H☿D may be considered for admission. PM for further info on that if you are not a H☿D member.
As for advice for someone just beginning with Tarot or any other oracle - do take time to find a deck or oracle that is right for you...... something you resonate with right from the start.
PT: Thank you for doing this interview, it has been a pleasure.
DZM: Thanks for inviting me, Phillip. I’ve enjoyed this very much.
The Michael W Ford Luciferian Tarot Discontinuation Tarot Article/Interview
by Phillip Torrey
Michael W. Ford is an Author of 23 books, as well as a composer of dark ambient and ritualistic music. Michael Ford is also Archon and High Priest of the Greater Church of Lucifer, the founder and Magus of The Order of Phosphorus, as well as Yatus of The Black Order of the Dragon.
The Luciferian Tarot by Michael W. Ford, over the years become a favored deck among tarot enthusiasts world wide since its introduction in 2007. The Luciferian Tarot is symbolic of the Daemonic feminine and the shadow side. You will come to realize that the Luciferian Tarot fully presents and explores all the faces of the Adversary all throughout history. This deck is designed as an initiation tool, and is full of gnosis to power your mind, and to find your deepest and darkest desires. You can use anyone of the Tarot Spreads presented in the Luciferian Tarots companion book, The First Book of Luciferian Tarot, however, try not to limit yourself to only thinking that the Luciferian Tarot is just a divining tool! You can use the cards in ritual, they can be used to invoke, and can be consecrated to use as a talisman! (see Michael Fords Adversarial Light: Magick of the Nephilim)
The Luciferian Tarot has been a powerful initiatory tool for many Luciferians, and LHP Practitioners, and maybe some RHP Practitioners as well. As wonderful as these cards are they are being discontinued! I felt that it was my responsibility to address this to not only recognize the cards themselves, but to recognize the Luciferians/LHP Practitioners that became upon their initiatory path with the assistance of this pictorial grimoire. These past couple of days I have had the privilege of talking with a few Practitioners of the Luciferian Tarot, and this is what they had to say…
The Luciferian says: (as she recites with her eyes closed) " I invoke thee, Samael, Angel of Lawlessness, bring forth the Black Flame, that it may illuminate the Great Angel within. I invoke thy Bride Lilith, Mother of Demons, rise up and stir the imagination. Ignite me with the knowledge of all hidden things and send a serpent for my sight. In my name it shall be done"….. I have recited this Introduction Ritual Invocation many times and each time I get chills up my spine, It just puts you in the right state of mind for any tarot working. I do not know what Mr. Ford has planned, however, If there is going to be a future Luciferian Tarot I hope he keeps this invocation for future generations!
Francois Remi Roy says: I have worked with the deck and I found that the style and color of it gives it a eerie feeling. I've meditated on the cards, using them as point of focus. They tap into dark parts of your soul the longer the meditation, the greater the gnosis. I also had strange dream of being in the sea in a storm , and flying over a active volcano... I think its a shame that it will now be out of print because it is a deck especially suited for the LHP.
Mary Truheart says: The Luciferian Tarot has GREATLY Impacted me on my spiritual path!! For one year I decided to use nothing but these cards for my ritual workings as well as my meditations. These cards are so much more than just a divining tool, they are a grimoire unto themselves, and a powerful initiatory tool! I always wondered what Michael would say if I shared my experience with him?
I ( Phillip Torrey) say: Soon after I decided to write this article I had a very detailed memory about the first time I used the Luciferian Tarot. I waited until my wife and my boys went to bed to have some privacy. I laid out the trumps from 0 to 21. I brought myself into a light trance and visualized myself as the fool and walked the path to the world, marking down my experience after I pierced into each one of the trumps. The Journey was amazing! After I put all the trumps away and I spread out the minor arcana around a nine foot black table cloth (Grand Luciferian Circle) I performed the Lesser Encircling Rite of the Luciferian, and Cast the Circle of the Dragon! I faced each directional point, I wont go into detail, but I became very aware of its energy! It was a great experience. The goal was to feel the energy between myself and the cards. It was only after, that I realized that I performed a rite of initiation!!
I reached out to Michael Ford and told him how much his Tarot meant to me as well as many other Luciferians, and if I could have his permission to write an article about the discontinuation of his Luciferian Tarot? His answer was obviously yes, and that if I had any questions he would be happy to answer them!
Here they are:
I'd like to thank you for taking the time out to do answer my questions, it is truly an honor…
Phillip Torrey: How is it that you came across the idea for making the First Luciferian Tarot Deck?
Michael W. Ford: The Adversary as manifest in different cultures and mythologies, was a very close archetype for me. Luciferianism as it was developed in our particular tradition recognized the creative and empowering energies which were crowned by the symbol of Lucifer. I explored and recognized the balance between the creative and destructive cycles in nature and predatory instinct. I understood these as my Daemon and True Will became clear to me. I had wanted to utilize a Satanic tarot based around my basic research and initiatory current, yet only had at that time the Major Arcana of the Sinister Tarot (which is very good) and that was about it. The Nightside Tarot of Linda Falorio was highly useful for my Nightside work with the Tunnels of Set when I operated the Characith Lunar Lodge. I had slowly worked on a deeply intuitive tarot structure which presented the Adversary in many basic “Deific Masks”; that is both the masculine and feminine. Tarot decks can be very expensive to produce, I never actually planned to issue it unless a publisher would get behind it. You must remember, during the early to mid 2000’s, the occult genre avoid my “too dark” publications like the plague. This publication, while not perfect, was the first professionally published “Luciferian” and “Left hand path” tarot. It was the path of my Daemon to see it published.
Phillip Torrey: What was it that inspired you to create the Luciferian Tarot Deck?
Michael W Ford: Manifesting the Adversary as my initiatory insight allowed. I wanted a creative and darkly consuming tarot which could be a gateway to those Deific Masks and demonic energies. I was fortunate that Nico Claux was perfectly in tune with my gnosis and really made those images from my detailed descriptions, come to “life”.
Phillip Torrey: Why was Nico Claux chosen to do the art work for the Luciferian Tarot Deck?
Michael W Ford: I had contact with him before and liked his work. He sent me a painting of myself when he did a series of Anton LaVey, Aleister Crowley and others. I was impressed. I asked him and presented him with the publications and details of each design, which he totally embraced and manifested according to my desire.
Phillip Torrey: Other than your Luciferian Tarot do you have a favorite tarot deck, and why?
Michael W. Ford: I have a few I like well enough; the Babylonian Tarot is good, Thoth Deck was my first and still is good, Nightside Tarot by Linda Falorio, I like the Daemonic Tarot but I would have done it different. My personal favorite is a full deck of the Sinister Tarot of the ONA.
Phillip Torrey: Why do you feel that this is the right time to discontinue the Luciferian Tarot?
Michael W. Ford: It was published in a run of 1,000 and after the cost we decided to not re-print in that form. In the future, if it is possible, it will be improved but the Major Arcana will remain.
Phillip Torrey: Is there anything that you would have changed about the Luciferian Tarot Deck when you first saw the finished product? If so why?
Michael W Ford: The type setter for the printed called me and told me he had to re-write for formatting the description on the back. He misspelled Samael which I did not catch until after we received the decks. Small issue, the cards have a few minor numbering errors but it is STILL a very useful deck which I use consistently still!
Phillip Torrey: As a person who has gone through the process, and successfully produced a successful Tarot Deck, what advice would you give to someone who's goal is to produce their own tarot deck?
Michael W Ford: It is expensive, if you have a tarot publisher then much better. I must say having the right artist for what you wish to present is imperative. Don’t settle and every detail – from the smallest symbol to the color should be described along with even something such as the way a scene is positioned. These have the potential to being gateways to specific types of energy, not to mention a bridge to the inherent desire and Daemon.
Phillip Torrey: Finally, fans want to know what the future holds, and with this deck being discontinued will there be another Luciferian Tarot, or something like it in the future?
Michael W Ford: I would like to work on an updated Luciferian Tarot, the book will remain in print once the decks sell out. I do have a lot of plans for the future!
Phillip Torrey: Thank You for taking the time to answer these questions!
Michael W. Ford: Thank you for the questions!
