 |
Victor
Sanchez is a Mexican author, retreat organiser, psychotherapist trainer and
workshop facilitator and specialist in MesoAmerican spiritual tradition.
Original artwork of the cards is taken from 400 year old codices. The book
contains information on how to conduct a reading with this oracle, various
suggested spreads, an explanations of Toltec history, culture and spirituality
and how to understand the indigenous words used in the book.
According to
the Toltecs, two interconnected and opposing energies propel evolution.
Opposites complement each other and say, ‘You are my other self and we must
co-exist’. To be ‘impeccable’, we must use this energy wisely and in this way,
we become a ‘warrior’. We must also speak out loud to the deities (the Poderos)
and develop a rapport and make offerings as this is how warriors sustain their
path.
There are two
decks of cards, the first set is the 20 Tonalpohualli and the second set, the 13
Rulers or deities. These are laid on the chart depicting the Cross of
Ketsalkoatl which is divided into quadrants upon which the Tonal cards are
placed with a Ruler in the centre. There are two options for each quadrant, for
instance the Tonalkoatl quadrant provides a physical or work option related to
the card placed upon it.
The cards can
be used for a general life reading, for a deeper reading, to answer specific
questions or provide answers to problems, to learn Toltec knowledge of life or
to support your warrior life path. There are many exercises described in the
book to develop an understanding of the ancient concepts of Toltec life.
It is
suggested the interpreter use the oracle for their own life until they are
thoroughly familiar with it, prior to reading for others. It is not the role of
the interpreter to forecast the future or tell the enquirer what course of
action to take. The interpreter is a companion, not an authority.
The creation
of a setting for the reading is suggested; for instance, flowers, candles and
incense. Consider an open question without a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. The most
simple reading is to fan out cards and choose one of each deck. I picked the
following for the question: What shall I do today?
Tonal Card 6
Mikistli: Death, seated upon a red throne, symbolising renewal of life, provides
a sacred symbol at it watches us through an instrument called the tlachialoni
which was used to calculate the movement of celestial objects in the sky, the
passing of time and the duration of life. Life and death are partners. An ending
provides a beginning. There is to be no denial of death. The impermanence of
life needs to be at the core of our philosophy and spirituality. It is the only
thing we are certain will happen. Embrace it and it will give you a greater
appreciation of the preciousness of life, to live as fully as possible, with
purpose and caring. Death is not a time to grieve but a time to celebrate, not
an enemy but an honoured guest.
Ruler Card 5 Ketsalkoatl (translated as Feathered Serpent). It is the main symbol of Toltec culture and represents a fusion of opposites, eagle and serpent coming together in union as dark comes together with light at this time. Here, unlike other spiritual traditions where good fights and destroys evil, the tension between opposites is a creative and sacred space. Ketsalkoatl is the most important aspect of God for the Toltecs and Mayans. This deity created the world, invented corn and human beings. A great political and spiritual figure, 1000 years ago, bore this name and is considered a saint. During his time in power, the Toltec achieved the peak of their development. He is a role model of self-development. He lends his understanding to the reading. Fascinating and a huge amount to learn about the ancient people of MesoAmerica! Reviewer: Wendy Stokes www.wendystokes.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.