Evolution and Extension of the Theories
presented in 'The Mystic Test Book'
This represents the original presentation on the science
of the cards as provided by Richmond. Since then, various
authors have extended the theories regarding the use of the cards.
One important matter to ponder is the fact that Olney described
the layout of the cards in their natural order (the sun
chart) as a purely mathematical formulation, devoid of individual
magnetism. This would extend to each quadration derived from
that spread. I think it is important to take this statement
into account when extending the theories regarding this science.
However as you will see, most of the literature written after Olney
Richmond regarding the cards has largely omitted it.
In Sacred Symbol of the Ancients (SSA) - Edith L. Randall and
Florence Evylinn Campbell extended the theory presented by Olney.
The description of the card
science regarding the origin, symbology, and quadration of the
deck was taken directly from the original reference, and has remained
intact since then. There is quite a bit of content provided
in this exceptional reference. I have only touched on a small
part of it.
- The placement of the 7 planets under the 7 columns of the spread
was introduced. Where the planet for each row represented
the ruler for that row, the planet under each column represented
the ruler for that card in the row.
- The direction of progress to use when reading a card was introduced
as from right to left, and from top down.
- The discovery of the Displacement card, being the card in the
sun chart
(Perfect spread in SSA) which owns the position you are reading
in the rising
chart (Mundane spread in SSA), was first described.
- A planetary sequence was applied to the 7 cards following the
birth card
being read in the rising
chart. Reading from right to left, and top down, each
card following the birth
card was associated with a planet from the original sequence
of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
Robert Camp (http://www.7thunders.com/),
who studied under Arnie Lein, has further extended the study.
Robert exposed the phenomena of the 'Circle of 45' (here called
the Karmic Wheel) which is based on an observation of how the cards
move throughout the deck while quadrating it. The movement
of each card is purely mechanical, and of great use in understanding
how the 90 quadrations fit into the framework of doing a reading
using the cards. In addition, Robert has added a significant
volume of newer information regarding the science
of the cards that is well worth studying.
Thomas Morrell (http://magicrown.tripod.com/)
has brought forth additional data in his book "Planetary Progressions
In the Mystic Quadrates", and many others. Thomas has
an innate sense of planetary cycles and integrates that into his
many varied references.
Many gifted card readers and mystics have furthered this science
through their personal readings and, in some cases, published works.
I have found 'Cards of Destiny' by Sharon Jeffers (http://www.starofthemagi.com/)
to be an outstanding reference for those seeking individual card
interpretations.
Oracle Cards extends the original theory provided by Olney Richmond
For a description of how OracleCards extends the original theory
presented by Richmond, read on, and then see the Advanced
section of this website.
When I first started studying the book of cards, I could not understand
why some of the cards were given descriptions as they were.
It did not stop me from delving deeper, but it was a sore spot in
the back of my mind that was needing to be addressed. Finally
I found Olney Richmond's book, 'The Mystic Test Book', and things
started to change for me. I realized that this simple book
of playing cards is a puzzle. It intrigued me that it was
developed in the Atlantean Age since I already had memories of that
time frame. Olney was an amazing character, and I can honestly
say that I only scratched the surface of his mathematical genius.
But as a card interpreter, I found his descriptions to be somewhat
fatalistic. Knowing that I could not match his mental genius,
I decided to ask for guidance from Spirit. I decided to forget
about all that I had read about the cards, and to focus specifically
on the Richmond reference. From a point of silence while pondering
the 'quadration to time' presentation, I first discovered how the
7 chakras mapped out over the framework.
This was the beginning of my journey towards uncovering the jewels
that are presented here at Oracle Cards. In the process I
have come to discover that my ability to perceive these oracles
does not come so much through a scientific mental approach, but
rather through an innate sense of symmetry that I see interwoven
into the fabric of this system. Thus, I have learned to trust
in my inner guidance, and in the process have come to understand
the symbolic language that operates beneath the surface of the framework.
My hope in providing this work is that it be an inspiration
and a catalyst to awaken the inner thinker, a bridge that will connect
the Above with Below.
After years of studying these archetypal characters, I have come
to know them personally in a way that I never dreamed possible.
The framework provided by Olney was a bare-bones structure to me
at first, but now I can see the way in which many mystical sciences
can interpenetrate the framework of these cards in a way that is
both elegant and profound.
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