Here’s an hd four minute extension of my original animoto video from The Cartomancer Series. Try it full screen. What do these images say about cartomancers and cartomancy?
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Mary K. Greer has made tarot her life work. Check here for reports of goings-on in the world of tarot and cartomancy, articles on the history and practice of tarot, and materials on other cartomancy decks. Sorry, I no longer write reviews. Contact me HERE.
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12 comments
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August 6, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Kel
Well, the obvious thing about the images is that they seem to suggest that cartomancy was primarily a female art, women’s wisdom, from all walks of life. Perhaps a past-time: I noticed many of the women have their chins in their palms, as though they are taking a break from their work. Perhaps also a form of self-empowerment for women of the past, who were often marginalized. Brian once said something similar: that cartomancy was historically practiced by wise women, Witches, healers, and queers (and queer Witches). 🙂
August 6, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Kel
Oops, I meant pastime.
August 6, 2010 at 6:54 pm
Lorraine
First of all, Dear Mary, I have to tell you, that I am a French speaking woman. So, my English is not so good!
I would like to thank you for your work and your wisdom. Presently, I am studying your book titled « 21 ways to read a Tarot card ».
I began reading English with your « Tarot for Your Self » when I moved in Ottawa, Canada, years ago.
The video is wonderful, thanks for your generosity!
I agree with Kel!
« De nos jours, les femmes reprennent les incantations magiques là où l’histoire les a jetées au feu. »
Blessed be!
Lorraine Couture
Le Tarot au féminin
August 6, 2010 at 7:28 pm
mo
Mary!!! you have done such a wonderfully insightful compilation of tarot readers images, using charming music!…BRAVO! thanks for all you do.
August 6, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Koneta
Mary, such a lovely video 🙂 Phrases that occurred to me as I watched this;
Cartomancy through the ages. Tarot, standing the test of time. Not to mention all the different cultures that were represented. A lovely testimony to the history of Cartomancy and the Cartomancers who have paved the way.
August 7, 2010 at 4:20 am
Donnaleigh
What a beautiful, thoughtful lot! All women! I am touched by how deep some of them are with the cards. It was easy to fall in love with so many of these pictures and choose favorites.
I do have a question. The second one, at 11 or 12 seconds…at first I thought she was a nun, but her bodice was obviously too low. Is she wearing a cross? I’m trying to learn about her background by her clothes but know so little about it. Could she have been Christian?
Such a beautiful collection. I felt such a connection with so many of these women.
August 7, 2010 at 10:00 am
bev
Beautiful work Mary
question for Donnaleigh, do you feel that cartomancy is only reserved for “non christians” ? Tarot itself has deep roots in Catholicism.
August 7, 2010 at 10:09 am
Donnaleigh
That’s why it interests me, Bev. I grew up in a hardcore Catholic family, moved away from that, but continue watch the fear and shock in people’s face when I mention tarot. I continue to look for information on pictures and history like this. I know there are deeply Christian symbols in tarot, but I’m also interested in the progression of Christians going from oracles to no oracles.
August 7, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Glenda
Cartomancy seems to cut across many lines: culture, social class and age. It does seem to be primarily a female pursuit, as Kel mentioned.
I noticed that many of the readers were using ordinary playing cards rather than special Tarot cards. Perhaps it was that they were more easily available, especially to those of limited means.
The expressions on their faces struck me as a deep concentration, or possibly a deep connection with deity or a guide. It was obviously something that they took very seriously, rather than “entertainment.”
August 10, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Lena Haber
Is there a list somewhere of the names of these paintings and the artists? I am sure interested in them. Thanks.
August 11, 2010 at 11:25 am
mkg
Donnaleigh – I have an entire discussion of the 2nd image by Lucas van Leyden here.
My mother’s family was from New Orleans and my great-grandmother gave ‘advice’ using cards and other methods – so my Catholic family was never against my reading the tarot. Christianity has a long history of divination that is often ignored.
Glenda – Yes. Almost all of the 400+ pictures I have show regular playing cards being used. I imagine that the ubiquitousness of them had much to do with it, plus the genre artists were not always knowledgeable about the options. I agree that the most outstanding factor in these and other images I have is the seriousness of all the participants.
Lena – I’ll add a list of artists to this post one of these days when I get more time. Almost all of them are called “The Fortune-Teller” or some related word in the appropriate language from whence they came.
I’ll be doing other videos that focus on different cartomancer themes as I get the chance.
August 12, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Weiberkraft
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