Among other things, Tarot is a device for meditation.
To put is simply, hold a card image firmly in mind then allow your consciousness to step into the card. See and experience what is happening within the card at that moment.
By doing so we are exploring deeply within ourselves. We are following that ancient instruction: V.I.T.R.I.O.L. We are ‘visiting the interior of the earth, rectifying it, and finding thereby the hidden stone.’
Seeing the lightning strike and the tower begin to burn and fall, Perceval rushed to the scene of the disaster. He found the king on the ground, unmoving, his crown laying nearby. On trying to help the monarch, Perceval discovered that the King was dead.
Without knowing exactly why, Perceval picked up the crown and placed it atop his own head. He then walked closer to the tower, joining a disorganized group of people there who were ineffectually trying to stem the ongoing disaster.
Immediately he began giving orders to organize the efforts and started directing the people’s efforts to where they would do the most good. Despite his being an imposter, the people followed Perceval. Perhaps they did so because he was wearing the crown and in the darkness they simply assumed him to be the king, or perhaps they did so simply because they recognized Perceval’s strong gifts for leadership.
Whatever the reason for them to follow him may have been, as Perceval directed the efforts through the night, the disaster that had befallen the tower was slowly brought under control. People in the tower, and priceless relics it contained were saved. Medical attention was given. The dead were laid out honorably. The fire was contained.
As dawn approached, the king’s eldest son and heir appeared at the scene. He’d been away all night at a costume party so was dressed as a fool or court jester. He had not been aware of the disaster until he drew close and saw it with his own eyes.
Making his way closer and closer to the tower, he saw Perceval wearing the king’s crown. He witnessed Perceval’s tremendous leadership as he directed the efforts of the people.
He made his way to Perceval and the two young men looked at each other for a long time, with neither saying a word. Each recognized within the other an essential quality. As they seperated the dead king’s son took on the role of court jester. Perceval remained king. To them, those positions would remain.
The people knew of the transformations of course, but none ever spoke of it in the happy years that came.