It is often wondered whether spells are real; that is, whether or not words alone can be invoked to create definitive change in a person or situation. With zero intention of cheap provocation, it is our belief that the existence of spells is self evident. An illustration — by way of a stream of questions about names and naming — we think the giving of a name is the primordial spell. So, let’s think about your name in particular; where did it come from? What does your name do? Can you change it? How often can you change it? Can you eliminate it? Can you eliminate it completely? Is your name “you”? Are there names that could have made your life difficult? Ones that could have made it easier? Why? How? … A name is clearly a powerful device; suffice it to say, a name is quite a serious spell. So what kind of spell is a name? It’s binding and births connectivity — it conjures utterability, grants visibility and secures inclusion… What about not having a name? Can someone or something be nameless? If this someone or something is nameless could we see them/it? Perhaps there is a realm or dimension of constantly morphing names. Can we even conceive of such a thing? Some people think that there are things, entities that have names of which we are as yet ignorant. And that if we were to figure out their name, such things would come forth or reply… What are the names of the future? How can we influence what is to come by naming the emergent things? It is certainly worth taking seriously.

Image: Hamish Fulton

This week we drew the “World” card (also known as the “The Universe” in the Book of Thoth). This could be considered as the foremost card in the whole of the tarot deck. It is implied here that the “seeker” will find quintessential union. As well, metaphysical poise and awareness is achievable with little effort beyond being open to it.
        Our initial hexagram this week had no changes; this means that how we enter the week is how we will exit it. The single hexagram is #11, “Peace.” “Heaven and earth are in contact and combine their influences, producing a time of universal flowering and prosperity.” The aspects of Creativity and Receptivity are in concert. It brings good fortune to be open during this period; though do not think of it as work. The usual combatants are not ascending: “light has a powerful influence, while the dark is submissive”.
        Our extraction: In such loud, roiling and uncertain times it seems hard to believe a reading of such clear beneficence. But often wisdom and peace is a simple change in perspective, it’s not always hard-won victory over adversity. Perhaps unclench and allow yourself to hear the beauty, humor or neutrality of all things. As well, it will be worthwhile to open yourself to the habits of birds and the patterns of cars. There is much to hear and see in all things from the lilts of conversation to the buzzing of the refrigerator to patterns of stains on sidewalks… And most of all entertain the possibility of forgiving the tendencies of your own head.