A User Guide to the Voices of Saints Deck: Meditations for Pulp Spiritual Direction Through Applied Contemplative Prediction
A User Guide to the Voices of Saints Deck
Meditations for Pulp Spiritual Direction Through Applied Contemplative Prediction
[Book I of the The Compendium of Contemplative Temporal Engagement]
Cards 20-29: Bonaventura - Cosmas & Damian
Cards 30-39: Cyrus - Francis of Paola
Cards 40-49: Francis Xavier - Joachim
Cards 50-59: Joan of Arc - Mark
Cards 60-69: Margaret Alaoque - Peter
Cards 70-78 : Philip Benizi - Zita
Voices of the Saints: Keyword Guide
Transversal Theology: Technical Glossary
Introduction:
In the former treatise Mythic History and Contemplative Prediction, we briefly discussed the use of Tarot cards as a possible means of licit contemplation for Catholics. This would make many Christians uneasy because, even though the cards themselves utilize much Catholic imagery, they are seen as instruments of the occult and it is better not to dabble with unfamiliar powers. If the imagery of Tarot cards is off putting there are other ways to achieve the same ends through decks that are much more amiable to the Catholic eye and worldview.
The purpose of this work is to comment on skills and applications of contemplative prediction when using the oracle deck Voices of Saints. The meditations and observations here recorded should serve the practitioner of pulp spiritual direction well.
There are 78 cards in the Voices of Saints Deck. Each card presents a saint in a classic early 19th century style of iconography. The commentary on each card will have three sections that will seek to help the reader grow inability to use the card. The first section will offer a hagiography, which will tell the story of the saint. After that will be an archetypology, which will offer insight into “meaning” of the card. Following the archetypology will be an analysis of visual symbology, where the image itself will be analyzed for meaning. Lastly, there will be a section that will speculate on some application skills during spiritual direction. For our introduction, we will take a moment to explore what each section has to offer and make some general observations before embarking on a card by card analysis.
Hagiography
Each hagiography section starts with the most generally recognized feast day of the saint (these things are not as “nailed down” as one may suspect). After that is the basic life narrative of the saint, starting with the saint's name in English. Following that is a narrative of the life of the saint. Almost all of the information for the life narrative is taken from Catholic Saints Info. Doubtless, there is another hagiography for some saints that could be included, but this site is one of the most exhaustive sources for individual saints. Each narrative is little edited from the source site. I have removed most dates and “name drops” that sometimes clutter the narrative in order to give historical bearing (the century the saint lived is in each title line). At times I edited out information that was repetitive, but I erred on the side of inclusion because what seems useless to me may yield connections for another. A few rare times I added supplemental information just for clarification.
After each narrative section, there is a list of the saint’s patronages gleaned from the Catholic Saints Info site. I edited out geographic patronages and repetitions patronage. For example, many saints who are patrons of sailors are also patrons of mariners, seamen, boatmen, and people who work on water. It was tempting to edit out what seemed like superfluous or random patronages, but again, what seems insignificant to me may not be to others.
When comparing these sections it will be obvious that some saints have far more details documentation of their lives than others. But the historical narrative is only one piece of the puzzle on how each card can be used in a situation of contemplative prediction.
Archetypology
The Archtypology seeks to give the general, existential, or mythic meaning of the Saint given their life narrative or hagiography. This meaning relates to and works with the other cards and their meaning as together all these facets paint a contemplative landscape for the querent. It may help first to make a few distinctions between these cards and the standard Tarot deck. First, archtetypologically there is a major difference between these cards and the standard Tarot deck. In a Tarot deck, the 78 cards have images that speak to the eternal and ever present archetypes in symbolic form. Each major arcana card may sync with a host of myths that present the various aspects of the human condition, whereas the minor arcana present those concepts or archetypes as they constantly apply in day to day life.
The 78 cards of Voices of Saints are not divided into obvious suites and Archana. Rather each card presents a person who did live (or at least was at one time was thought to have lived) on this planet. These cards are personal stories, not abstract or repetitive principles. Each of them died and experienced the transitus. This adds a deeper existential element to these cards. Each card has a connection to our ultimate end in this life. At the same time, each card by definition contains an inspiring hope of everlasting life.
As personal as the stories of the saints are, their stories are mythic and archetypal. Therefore they are able to be used in similar ways to the standard Tarot decks using the skills of narrative appropriation illuminated in Mythic History and Contemplative Prediction. The reader here does not need to have read Mythic History and Contemplative Prediction to utilize this work. It is a far more theoretical comment on the nature of time and our association with it. It does distinguish between contemplative prediction and predictive analytics, a distinction that could be helpful for one reading this work. But it is to be hoped that our comments in this introduction will suffice to allow the reader a working knowledge of the difference. The three sections here should offer a decent enough introduction to utilize the cards and begin to develop a personal style of interaction.
The Archetypology section will cue into various archetypal themes in each card for use. As stated, these cards do not have Archana or suites, but they do have more subtle thematic structures that can be used in similar ways. The first and most obvious of these are the title indicators located at the bottom of each card. For example Card 1 reads “Saint Adalgisius Nocariae Ep. Conf.” the abbreviations after the name signify that Saint Adalgis was a Bishop and a confessor (as opposed to a martyr). Instead of repetitious explaining each title for each card, we will give an analysis here at the beginning for future reference.
Abb.__Abbot or Abbess: An Abbot or Abbess leads a monastic community. They are a symbol of order and organization. Each community lives by a rule, in a time before “utopian literature” these people sought to sculpt a utopian society by lived experience.
Ap.__Apostle: In the New, Testament Jesus has followers, disciples, and apostles. Each of these represents a different relationship to Jesus, especially concerning what they are taught and the authority in the community. However, being an apostle also comes with a narrative of humiliating ineptitude and unworthiness.
Arch.__Archangel: There are two angel cards in the deck. The present a very different “personhood” because these beings are not human. These two cards represent two differing ways that the spiritual realm aids and assists us in our lives.
B.M.V.__Blessed Virgin Mary: There is not a “Mary” card in the Voices of Saints deck. B.M.V. shows up in 3 cards. They are Joseph and Mary’s grandparents. Given that Mary is the vessel who, by her will, brought the incarnation, Joseph and her grandparents present God’s patient plan for the coming of the savior.
Conf.__Confessor: A “confessor” is a saint who is not a martyr.
Doct.__Doctor of the Church: A doctor of the church is a saint who is particularly known for a profound depth of theological. Their writings and preachings are useful to Christians in any age of the Church and they contributed significantly to the formulation of Christian teaching in at least one area.
Ep.__Bishop: The bishops are the successor of the apostles. Such a card could present a situation of solidification or healthy institutionalization of original raw zeal. The present the archetypal masculine organization as applied to society.
Ev.__Evangelist: An evangelist is a saint who wrote one of the four gospels. Of the four evangelists, three synoptic authors (Matthew Mark and Luke) appear in the Voices of Saints deck. They each represent a different view of one event: spiritual actualization.
Imp.__Emporer or Empress: The abbreviation key to the original Voices of Saints guide book neglected to define Imp. The abbreviation appears on only one card, Saint Helena mother of Constantine, and doubtless means Empress.
M.__Martyr: A martyr is someone who gives their life for the faith or out of love for one's neighbor. A martyr card most definitely signifies sacrifice.
Poenit.__Penitent: This abbreviation only appears on the card for Saint Mary Magdalene. A full description can be read at her particular article.
Praec.__Precursor: This abbreviation only appears on the card for Saint John the Baptist. A full description can be read at his particular article.
Reg.__King or Queen: The abbreviation key to the original Voices of Saints guide book neglected to define Reg. It appears on the cards for A Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and Saint Matilde of Ringelheim, two queens.
V.__Virgin: Virgin cards indicate a type of which resists societal roles or what is expected and seeks something greater in life than the standard narrative. Such a card present potential for higher pursuits and the ability to put off what is immediate altering for long term goals.
Vid.__Widow: A widow card indicates the passage from one sphere of life to another, usually one that is more spiritually focused as opposed to earthly.
Again, instead of suites, these descriptive titles can be used to get a sense of an underlying or general focal message of the card. Another thematic generalization that can be used to get an immediate sense of general application apart from titles could be orders and vocations that appear more than once. With general knowledge of the charism of major orders and vocations, a card can quickly reveal a focal message. Below are a few to consider.
Vocations:
Hermit: In Christianity hermits rarely live a solitary life. ( a rare exception to this is a card in this deck, Saint Rosalia, which makes her a very interesting pull). The hermit retreats in order to gain some mastery (spiritual or discipline) in order to better humanity.
Cleric: A cleric is a priest or bishop. The priest’s job is to facilitate the ritual system in the Church. Connected to that is the fact that their body itself becomes a ritual object able to stand in persona Christi in the ritual system.
Married: There is much meaning invested in marriage but, with the exception of Saint Homobonus, the marriages in this deck seem to represent duty to society (civil or familial) and it’s propagation. This is typical of the spirituality implied by the artistic style of the deck.
Consecrated: A consecrated is a brother, sister, monk, or nun. A male consecrated may or may not be a cleric just as a cleric may or may not be in an order. Being in an order implies the sacrifice of deep interpersonal love on an individual level in order to foster a communal love or love of a mission or way of life.
Of the orders four appear often enough in the deck to warrant special attention:
Orders:
Carmelites: The Carmelites are a contemplative order. They master the via negative, the way of non-knowledge, relying on aporia. Their devotion operates on desire to be one with God guided by passion and zeal.
Dominicans: The Dominican order is known for its dedication to the truth. As the Order of Preachers, they are also known for zeal for spreading the truth and fighting error.
Franciscans: Franciscans or Capuchins indicate a deep simplicity and connection to nature, a love for the poor and, as the premiere mendicant order, a disavowal of attraction to wealth.
Jesuits: This Jesuits are known for being an intellectual order, but it also an order that applies theory to the most nitty gritty of life. Therefore the cerebral facet of the Jesuits is not abstract or static but a dynamic application to life.
One last archetype to notice is religious engagement. There is a definite divide between those who “early felt the call to religious life” and those who lead a dissolute life and then had a conversion experience. It may be worth paying attention to whether the card presents a spiritual evolution or stasis.
Visual Symbology
The visual symbology section is meant to point out aspects of the card that could be focal points during a meditation. This section resembles the archetypology section in that symbols are “decoded”, but differs in that the symbols are images as opposed to narrative. Depending on the querent, the meditation may predominantly take one tact or another, or represent an even balance. But each system is available to be used along with the overall layout in order to address the querent’s meditation.
As with the standard Tarot deck, it is helpful to notice the general environment, is the figure inside or out? Are there other living beings in the image? How does the saint relate to each of these factors? Are their buildings etc. what is the saint holding?
There are a host of standard symbols present in the iconography of ancient Christianity. It may be helpful to note some repetitive appearances here at the beginning so that each individual entry can focus more specifically.
Angels and Cherubs: The presence of an angel or a cherub indicates the saint’s relationship to the celestial.
Books and Quills: If a saint is holding a book then the saint is most likely known for being intelligent. The book indicates the knowledge and intelligence the saint possesses and uses.
Cross or Crucifix: It may seem standard to have a cross or crucifix in a piece of saintly iconography, but not every card has one. If a cross or crucifix is present it definitely brings the saint into relationship with the suffering and death of Christ. A cross without the body on it also could go on to imply that suffering in the greater context of the entire Paschal mystery, including the resurrection.
Halos: Halos are symbols of virtue, holiness, or divine favor. Each saint in the deck has a halo, but there are subtle differences in the qualities that may be helpful to note. For example, a halo could be around the head, symbolizing the saints use of their virtue or will, or elevated focusing on divine favor, relationship, or grace. A halo may be full, or empty relating self actualization or self sacrifice. A halo could be a well defined circle or a “radiating” halo, symbolizing either compartmentalizing of (or from) the world or integration with and sacralization of the world. A halo may be plain or ornate, symbolizing simplicity or the virtue of beauty.
Holding a Building: A saint holding a building is symbolic of the saint’s legacy, usually either an evangelized population, a specific church or consecrated community.
Miters and Crosiers: These symbolize episcopal office. Sometimes the figure is adorned with them, in such a case the focus is on the life of the saint as a bishop. At times these items are laid aside, meaning some sort of rejection of that office, either outright, or a rejection of the pride and pomp of the office. A simple staff could also be a symbol of authority or transience.
Lilies: Lilies are a symbol of purity. Purity is best interpreted as focus on a cosmological truth as opposed to a “worldly appearance”. OR it could be a focus on teleological goal or direction as opposed to worldly distractors.
Palms: Traditionally palms are a symbol of victory, but in Christian iconography they have become particularly associated with martyrdom. A palm is a symbol of victory in the ability to make the ultimate sacrifice and give up one’s most precious possession, one’s life. In this deck, a palm tree in the background can signify the nascent sacrifice looming on the horizon of the scene depicted.
Application
The application section of each card is meant to be a general guide as to how to use the card during meditation or contemplative prediction, especially through pulp spiritual direction. Probably the most important advice from the beginning is not to treat this process as mechanical. This is not predictive analytics where we approach the future in order to predict future events. The concept of predictive analytics is a poor application of the scientific method which recognizes the process as a process of “fortune telling” in order to bring the process back into the moral sphere of human life.
Nor is this work an instruction manual with rules on exactly how to use the cards. It is a window into some insights the author has had and a series of examples of maneuverability with the cards. Any given application will take the querent into account personally, their life circumstances, their thoughts, and feelings, their focuses and interest regarding the card. This will guide the contemplation as much as any inherent meaning in the card. It will focus on some inherent meanings as opposed to the almost infinite amount of others present in each card.
Given that the narratives of these cards are so personal in nature it is suggested that the queries and contemplations mainly revolve around things to do with “personhood” as opposed to inquiries about “future events” as some may do with other types of decks. Examples would be topics that are existential, dealing with interpersonal relationships, vocations, relationship to life events, coping skills etc. Thus the choice of layout will be important.
To use the cards is neither simply reading an inherent meaning nor exclusively the querent’s disposition that affects the application. It is each of these working in relation with the layout. In the treatise Pulp Spiritual Direction, we develop a technique and layout that can be generally used but each person must carefully research and choose one considering the situation, the deck, and its best use. That being said, how the cards relate in the layout tend to a meta narrative which changes and refocuses meanings of cards as the meditation develops. This fluidity is not only to be expected but to be embraced. A querent and/or guide should revisit previously drawn cards as part of the process. The implication of that fluidity for this work is a disavowal of overly static definitions and applications. The entire work is as the title suggests, a “guide” to this process.
We will be investing in these cards as tools of contemplative prediction, a process we explored in painful detail in the former treatise Mythic History and Contemplative Prediction. Here is the briefest synopsis of the methodology,
The methodology of prediction for contemplative prediction is observation of the rhythms of mythic history. Purpose of this prediction is to facilitate narrative appropriation of the flow of salvation history by exercise of the will. Contemplative prediction relies on each variety of phenomenological time and mythic time as it toggles between the two. It uses the conscious awareness of the present and the symbology of the dream world to invest in myth, and see mythic history in the waking world. And then by use of will the practitioner is summoned to the present to encounter God in the only time God has given them, the present time.
The application section will seek to make use of all three previous elements, hagiography, the archetypology, and the visual symbology so that the querent or guide can use them along with the layout to draw meaning. Each “application section” will seek at least a basic application of the card and the card in reverse, which could be a complementary virtue and/or an opposing vice. By way of example in this introduction, we will begin by offering an application for the previous exemplary archetypology and visual symbology
Archetypology
Abb.__Abbot or Abbess: An Abbot or Abbess card can represent an ordered life or a vision for perfect community. A reverse abbot or abbess could symbolize lack of such organization or vision. It could also represent an over isolated vision to the expense of the greater community.
Ap.__Apostle: An apostle card presents authority, spiritual achievement or effect of a high order the ability to spread one's message effectively. A reverse apostle could relate to that particular apostle's weakness of character, the need for humility when faced with a higher authority (despite being an authority one’s self), the need for silence and inaction.
Arch.__Archangel: And Archangel card represents the unseen, and often taken for granted, powers of God that help one in life. A reverse Archangel could present that the querent takes things for granted, or that there are malevolent unseen powers to the opposite purpose of the angle present in one’s life.
B.M.V.__Blessed Virgin Mary: A B.M.V. card brings to mind the need to have long term plans and structures of support. Or that one is in the midst of an “unfolding” story of life that is far beyond their singular existence and awareness. A reverse B.M.V. card could indicate the taking of one’s forebears or support structures for granted or the prideful belief that one has accomplished one’s successes in isolation without help.
Conf.__Confessor: A card that is a confessor reminds the querent that life is worth investing in, and circumstances or talents are not to be cast off by needless or ill aimed sacrifice. A reverse confessor could indicate the need for sacrifice or cutting off of what seems like a fruitful strategy.
Doct.__Doctor of the Church: A Doctor card presents well applied and universally applicable knowledge. A reverse doctor card could be technical or even overly technical knowledge. It could also present ignorance or improper disregard of knowledge available.
Ep.__Bishop: A bishop card definitely presents institutional authority that is compassionate and well applied. A reverse bishop presents a hardened or pharisaical authority. It could also indicate an authority which is too distant from those in its care or one that is prideful of its power.
Ev.__Evangelist: Such a card could also indicate how that message is delivered out of a point of view, as each gospel tells the same story but with differing emphasis. A reverse evangelist could indicate an inauthentic human narrative. It could also indicate a message, narrative or teaching intended for a specific audience as opposed to a universal one.
Imp.__Emporer or Empress: This carries all the matriarchal implications of the empress card in a standard Tarot deck. For more details see the description for Saint Helena’s card.
M.__Martyr: Such a card indicates an ultimate commitment to or sacrifice for an ideal. A reverse martyr card indicates an unhealthy possessiveness of one’s own life. It could also indicate a lack of commitment to an ideal. Lastly, such a card in opposition could indicate a needless sacrifice or even a dangerous disregard for something valuable.
Poenit.__Penitent: Again, abbreviation only appears on the card for Saint Mary Magdalene. A full description can be read at her particular article.
Praec.__Precursor: Again, abbreviation only appears on the card for Saint John the Baptist. A full description can be read at his particular article.
Reg.__King or Queen: Such a card presents maternal authority and a sense of familial nurturing, similar to any queen card in the standard Tarot deck. A reverse queen could indicate all the standard negative implications of femininity gone awry.
V.__Virgin: Such a card present potential for higher pursuits and the ability to put off what is immediate alluring for long term goals. Such a card also represents a path that is invested in the abstract or spiritual rather than the earthly or material. A reverse virgin card indicates investment in the earthly or material, not necessarily a bad thing in itself. Or it could indicate distraction by the material from higher pursuits that would be good for the querent. It could also indicate one who is out of touch with their maternal side.
Vid.__Widow: A widow card could also indicate the loss of things held close or dear, but ultimately to the querent’s advantage. A reverse widow card could indicate grasping after things that need to be let go of. It could also indicate a vibrant or healthy nuptial life.
Vocations:
Hermits: Any hermit could easily evoke the same sentiments as the hermit card of the standard Tarot deck.
Cleric: Such a vocation indicates a deep and formal connection to the sacramental nature of the church (as something that makes invisible realities visible through tangible objects). Such a vocation brings attention to the ability to connect to the invisible by means of the visible, even by one’s life. Such a vocation is a bridge between the visible and invisible. This vocation is also heavily connected to sacrifice ritually and sacrifice of what one could have had for something greater. In reverse, a priest card could indicate an over investment in either the physical or the spiritual to the detriment of one’s relationship with the other. It could also generally indicate naive hedonism (lack of self sacrifice) or poor use of sacrifice.
Married: Again, there is much meaning invested in marriage but, with the exception of Saint Homobonus, the marriages in this deck seem to represent duty to society (civil or familial) and it’s propagation. A card of a married person could indicate the need to engage in of focus on such duty. In reverse, this interpretation would indicate a lack of appropriate participation in civil or familial maintenance.
Consecrated: The presence of consecrated cards could indicate “wider application or consideration” concerning the query. They could also indicate the need for organization or rules to be applied to the query. A reverse consecrated may indicate the need for a deeper personal connection to a single person as opposed to a community. It could also indicate a lack of organization in a situation.
Orders:
Carmelites: The appearance of a Carmelite could indicate mystical, intuitive, or emotive connection or concern. A reverse Carmelite could indicate an analytical or cerebral focus.
Dominicans: The appearance of a Dominican could indicate either the quest, the conveyance or the fight for truth in a situation. A reverse could indicate ignorance or disregard for truth.
Franciscans: A Franciscan card could indicate the need for or presence of simplicity in every good way. A reverse Franciscan could indicate the presence of inordinate attachment to things that are unhealthy for the querent or alienation from the natural world.
Jesuits: The presence of a Jesuit may indicate the application of the knowledge or cognitive ability one has in the most dynamic and creative way possible. A reverse Jesuit could indicate an unhealthy “ivory toweresque” stagnation of intellect or rote action without creativity.
Visual symbology
The application of visual symbology is available for a different type of querent. Some people are more stimulated by visuals than by concepts or narratives. If when giving consultation one suspects this is the case of the querent, it is not a bad idea as one pulls each card to offer it to the querent and simply ask, “What do you see? What stands out to you in this picture? What do you think it means?” Often information garnered here can greatly aid in the formulation of helpful consultations.
Regarding imagery, there are obvious general things to notice and draw from in any given card. One thing that can always be noticed is the environment the saint stands in. Are they inside or outside? What objects or artifacts are around them or do they hold? If they are outside are they in a city, the country, are their buildings in sight or is it totally bucolic? Another thing to notice is any other living beings in the image, humans or celestial. How they relate to any artifact or being can offer great insight into the meaning and application of the card in a given consultation. Again, we can give examples from the introduction to visual symbology above.
Angels and Cherubs: The presence of an angel or a cherub in a picture is a good opportunity to ponder one’s relation to the unseen, does one regard unseen aid in the way the saint in the picture does? In reverse, it is important to remember that there are malevolent unseen powers in the cosmos as well.
Books and Quills: If a book or quill becomes a focal point this is a call to use of knowledge or for a quill creative use of intellect. Focus on how the saint is known for utilizing knowledge and begin to make connections. If a book and/or quill come up in reverse it may be that the time for reflection is over and action is needed. It may also be time to reflect on how knowledge can be a dangerous thing.
Cross or Crucifix: If a cross or crucifix becomes a focal point, meditation on death, redemptive suffering, or even resurrection through the lens of suffering in the even of a cross can be employed. In reverse, a cross may indicate the need to comfort others in their suffering or enjoy the good of a life well lived.
Halos: If the querent focuses on a particular halo notice what drew the querent to it. Contemplation of holiness, or how one knows a person is holy is a good use of a halo. In reverse, one could discuss false holiness or appearance versus reality when it comes to holiness.
Holding a Building: If the querent focuses on any object being held by the saint this is a good point of unpacking. The building, being a sign of legacy, is an indicator of discussion concerning the person’s feelings about their own legacy, or what that legacy meant for that saint. A building in reverse could be a time to discuss how one’s perceptions of one’s legacy has changed through life or obstacles one faces to implementation of their legacy.
Miters and Crosiers: If the querent focuses on a miter or crosier it is a good time to discuss power and authority. A reverse miter or crosier presents a good time to discuss rebelliousness or over rigidity of authority figures.
Lilies: A querent’s focus on lilies could be an opportunity to focus on the querent’s primary goals and priorities, whether they are well set and attainable. Lilies in reverse present an opportunity to discuss barriers to a goal or priority.
Palms: A querent’s focus on a palm presents an opportunity to ponder sacrifice in the querent’s life, either one they have made or may need to make. A reverse palm could indicate inordinate attachments or things that the querent not disregard, but attain or utilize.
Comments
Post a Comment