God is in the Cards
Rev. James Bulls, RMT
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God God is in the Cards copyright © James Oliver Buhls, 2011. All rights reserved. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 171 Second Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA. Under fair-use laws you may reprint smal excerpts and quotes from the text of this book – in those cases, you must credit the excerpt or quote as follows: Bulls, James Oliver. (2011). God is in the Cards. Sault Ste. Marie: The Hermetic Fellowship of Friends. http://www.thehighwayhermit.com
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LEGAL It is the reader's responsibility to review local laws and ordinances regarding divination and pastoral counseling through cartomancy. If you choose not to investigate these laws and how they may affect your use of cartomancy – that's your problem. Be honest with others: unless you're a licensed professional in these respective fields, you have no business assuming the responsibilities of psychologists, mental health counselors, financial advisors, or estate planners. If you choose to assume such responsibilities, be aware that you may suffer severe legal penalties (not to mention the pain of your conscience.) Be honest in your work: if you wouldn't peep in somebody's window, dig through their closets, or secretly listen in on their conversations, don't do those things with your cards either. It's rude to snoop around where you're not invited, so don't do it. Be honest with yourself: card reading is best used only to gain spiritual insight and perspective into difficult matters and to aid one's spiritual growth and development. If you really have psychic abilities, then you should have no trouble catching dangerous criminals, preventing terrorist attacks, preparing for deadly disasters, finding missing children, playing the stock market, winning the lottery, or claiming the $1,000,000 prize offered by the James Randi Educational Foundation.
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God GREETINGS FROM THE AUTHOR I am an ordained minister of the International Metaphysical Ministry and registered Reiki master practitioner and teacher affiliated with the International Association of Reiki Professionals. I have practiced cartomancy since 1996 and Reiki since 2008, am the founder of Hermetic Reiki, author of 54 Names of God, master instructor of the Path, and pastor of the Hermetic Fellowship of Friends. My primary goals are the unification of mind, body, and spirit; development of the 12 Noble Virtues of the Zodiac; application of the 7 Hermetic Laws; and observance of the 3 Essential Things: truth, beauty, and love. Come study with me at www.HermeticFellowship.com! I love to meet new people, learn new things, and work on exciting projects – contact me today at www.theHighwayHermit.com and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. This book is for you, dear reader: make the most of it.
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Table of Contents • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Introduction Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5 Lesson 6 Lesson 7 Lesson 8 Lesson 9 Lesson 10 Lesson 11 Lesson 12 Lesson 13 Lesson 14 Lesson 15 Conclusion
pg. 5 pg. 6 pg. 8 pg. 10 pg. 12 pg. 14 pg. 16 pg. 18 pg. 22 pg. 26 pg. 30 pg. 34 pg. 37 pg. 40 pg. 43 pg. 46 pg. 48
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Introduction Hello, dear reader – I hope this book finds you well. What you hold in your hands is only half of an instructional manual: the first half, the 54 Names of God, is the foundation book for divination through playing cards and presents the theory and guiding principles you will need to decode the Book of Life. The second half – which you hold in your hands – is a student workbook written to aid the beginning student in his or her quest for personal and spiritual development. To use this student handbook you'll need a copy of the 54 Names of God – you can purchase a copy or download the free digital edition at www.thehighwayhermit.com. If you're a good student and really apply yourself to learning the lessons presented in this workbook and the principles presented in the 54 Names of God, you can probably learn this system of divination without any help... ... however, if you're like the rest of us and need a little help sometimes, you can join the community forum of the Hermetic Fellowship of Friends where you can both give and receive card readings, have your lessons personally reviewed by myself, and also apply for certification and official recognition as an initiated reader in this system of divination. Like the 54 Names of God, you can access the community forum at www.thehighwayhermit.com. While studying the lessons in this workbook you should record your answers not just because you will become more eloquent or take greater notice of your thoughts and words, but also because several lessons ask you to return to previous lessons' homework. Above all, the greatest determining factor to your success will be found in three things: practice, practice, practice. Read for yourself. Read for your friends. Read for your family. Read for your pets, your garden, historical and mythological figures, deceased relatives, or celebrities in the news. Practice won't make you perfect, but it will make you proficient, confident, and competent (which are about as close as any of us can really hope for!) 5 of 49
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 1 Reading assignment • •
Legal, pg. 3 Introduction, pg. 6-7
In addition to page 3 of the 54 Names of God, please read the following Wikipedia entries: • • • • • •
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_reading http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_reading http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forer_effect http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subjective_validation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shut_eye
(It's possible that since I last accessed these topics their locations have changed; in that case, please use a search engine to research the following terms: cold reading; warm reading; hot reading; Forer effect; confirmation bias; subjective validation; and shut eye.) Homework • • •
• •
In your own words, please describe the technique called cold reading and how it is used by performers. In your own words, please describe the technique called hot reading and how it is used by performers. In your own words, please describe the Forer effect, also called the Barnum effect, and how it applies to the recipients of card readings. In your own words, please describe confirmation bias and how it applies to the recipients of card readings. In your own words, please describe subjective validation and 6 of 49
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God
• • • •
• • • •
how it applies to the recipients of card readings. Please provide the definition of a shut-eye as it applies to card readers. Knowing what you know now, what reason can you provide for why you want to practice cartomancy? Knowing what you know now, what reason can you provide for why anybody else should get a card reading? Can you think of any ways the Forer effect, confirmation bias, and subjective validation are helpful with respect to spiritual progress? How would you respond to somebody who accuses you of being a fraud, or of deliberately deceiving people? Do you agree to be a responsible reader and observe the guidelines on page 3 of the 54 Names of God? Do you promise not to misrepresent your skills as a cartomancer? Do you promise to refer your clients to licensed professionals when it's obvious they need professional help?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 2 Reading assignment • • •
Introduction, pg. 6-7 Chapter 1 – the Hermetic Law of Mentalism, pg. 8 Chapter 14 – Inquiry, on pg. 46 Homework
• •
• •
• • • • •
• •
If you have free agency and are always free to choose your actions, what does this say about your future? What are the Ten Commandments? Why were they written? (you may need to do some research to answer this question.) What is the Code of Hammurabi? Why was it written? (you may need to do some research to answer this question.) If there was no law against thievery, would you choose to steal? If no, why? If yes, why? Whether you answered yes or no, how would your answer affect yourself and others? How do you know what is right and wrong? What is there in the world that tells you what is good and bad? What repeating cycles do you witness in your own life? What repeating cycles do you witness in nature? What repeating cycles do you witness in the solar system? Why do you think people day-dream and imagine things they've never seen? Why do you think people dream at night? How do your daytime imaginings and nighttime dreaming affect your life? Why do you think a clear mind is helpful to the reading process?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Inquiry John Doe is nervous about his future and wants you to read his cards for him. You draw the following cards: • • •
[Lots of Money] [Overtime Hours at Work] [Busy Children]
Using the cards above, what answer would you give John? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you'd give John?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 3 Reading assignment •
Chapter 3 – The Hermetic Law of Correspondence, pg. 9-11 Homework
For the following questions, please elaborate and speak openly – the quality of your responses here will determine the quality of your responses in a future lesson. • • • • • • • • • • •
Reflect on the 1st House of the Divine and the noble Initiative; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 2nd House of the Divine and the noble Patience; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 3rd House of the Divine and the noble Honesty; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 4th House of the Divine and the noble Kindness; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 5th House of the Divine and the noble Integrity; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 6th House of the Divine and the noble Modesty; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 7th House of the Divine and the noble Compromise; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 8th House of the Divine and the noble Discipline; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 9th House of the Divine and the noble Faith; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 10th House of the Divine and the noble Effort; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 11th House of the Divine and the noble Equity; what comes to mind? 10 of 49
virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God •
Reflect on the 12th House of the Divine and the noble virtue Empathy; what comes to mind? Inquiry
Jane Doe has just just broken up with her boyfriend and wants to know if she'll ever be with him again. You draw the following cards: • • •
[Non-committed discussion] [You make me feel good] [Aren't we a great pair?]
Using the cards above, what answer would you give Jane Doe? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you'd give Jane?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 4 Reading Assignment • •
Chapter 4 – The Hermetic Law of Vibration, pg. 12 Chapter 5 – The Hermetic Law of Polarity, pg. 13-15 Homework
•
• • • •
Based on the Hermetic Law of Vibration, what is the true nature of all matter? And how does matter relate to nonmatter? In your own words, describe the Cardinal rate of vibration. In your own words, describe the Fixed rate of vibration. In your own words, describe the Mutable rate of vibration. In your own words, describe the Hermetic Law of Polarity and what function it serves.
Considering how the elements of creation interact with one another, use your imagination to answer the following questions. The answers you're looking for are not explicitly stated in the textbook, but can be determined if you think how one element responds to the other. For example: fire consumes air, evaporates but also extinguishes water, and requires earth to sustain itself. In that light, please review the following questions: • • • •
How does the element of Air affect the element of Fire? The element of Water? The element of Earth? How does the element of Fire affect the element of Air? The element of Earth? The element of Water? How does the element of Water affect the element of Earth? The element of Air? The element of Fire? How does the element of Earth affect the element of Water? The element of Fire? The element of Air?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Reviewing your homework from Lesson 3, please: • • • • • • •
•
Reflect on the union of the 1st and 12th Houses of the Divine and how they conflict with one another. Reflect on the union of the 2nd and 11th Houses of the Divine and how they conflict with one another. Reflect on the union of the 3rd and 10th Houses of the Divine and how they conflict with one another. Reflect on the union of the 4th and 9th Houses of the Divine and how they conflict with one another. Reflect on the union of the 5th and 8th Houses of the Divine and how they conflict with one another. Reflect on the union of the 6th and 7th Houses of the Divine and how they conflict with one another. Conflict between opposing forces is constant. Does this mean conflict is negative? Does this mean that unfavorable outcomes are certain? Can you think of any situations where stress is pleasant? Why would people desire to experience stress? What benefits might come from stressful situations? Inquiry
John Doe has just opened a new business and wants some guidance on his future. You draw the following cards: • • •
[The worst case scenario is so terrible] [Fake it until you make it!] [Tight purses]
Based on the cards above, what answer would you give John? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you'd give John?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 5 Reading Assignment •
Chapter 6 – The Hermetic Law of Rhythm, pg. 16-18 Homework
For the following questions, please elaborate and speak openly – quality responses here will aid your comprehension of future lessons. • • • • • • • • • • •
Reflect on the first count of Rhythm; what comes to mind? Reflect on the second count of Rhythm; what comes to mind? Reflect on the third count of Rhythm; what comes to mind? Reflect on the fourth count of Rhythm; what comes to mind? Reflect on the fifth count of Rhythm; what comes to mind? Reflect on the sixth count of Rhythm; what comes to mind? Reflect on the seventh count of Rhythm; what comes to mind? Reflect on the eighth count of Rhythm; what comes to mind? Reflect on the ninth count of Rhythm; what comes to mind? Reflect on the tenth count of Rhythm; what comes to mind? Describe in your own words the Law of Rhythm.
Enneagrammaton is Greek for “the name of God written nine ways.” Combining what you've learned in previous lessons about Unity, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, and Rhythm, what does the Enneagrammaton mean to you? What lessons or insights can you take from the Enneagrammaton? Meditate on this question and record your response.
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Inquiry Jane Doe doesn't get along with her mother and is hoping you can provide some insight why they're always fighting. You draw the following cards: • • •
Distant past: [Family traditions] Recent past: [Ignorance is bliss] Present: [Why should I listen to you?]
Based on these cards, what answer would you give Jane? Based on your answer, is there any other advice you would give Jane?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 6 Reading Assignment • • •
Chapter 7 – The Hermetic Law of Cause and Effect, pg. 19-20 Chapter 8 – The Hermetic Law of Gender, pg. 21-23 Chapter 9 – The Master Key, pg. 24-26 Homework
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Describe in your own words the Law of Cause and Effect Reflect on the definition of Truth provided in the textbook; what comes to mind? Reflect on the definition of Beauty provided in the textbook; what comes to mind? Reflect on the definition of Love provided in the textbook; what comes to mind? Reflect on the element of Air: how does it manifest in your life? Reflect on the element of Earth; how does it manifest in your life? Reflect on the element of Fire: how does it manifest in your life? Reflect on the element of Water: how does it manifest in your life? In your own words, please describe the Hero aspect. In your own words, please describe the Shadow aspect. Which is better, the Hero or Shadow aspect? Explain your answer. When paired with a harmonious or friendly element, what aspect will a Jack, Queen, or King express? When paired with a neutral or hostile element, what aspect will a Jack, Queen, or King express? Which three of the ten counts of Rhythm are ruled by the 16 of 49
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God
• •
Jack? Which three of the ten counts of Rhythm are ruled by the Queen? Which three of the ten counts of Rhythm are ruled by the King?
Reviewing what you learned in the previous lessons, reflect on the balance of the full Enneagrammaton on page 25. What comes to mind? What insights do you gain that you didn't notice before? Inquiry John Doe is frustrated because he doesn't have any friends and feels lonely – he thinks you can tell him why. You draw the following cards: • • • •
Self: [Here today, gone tomorrow.] Past: [So many fascinating ways this can end badly!] Present: [Why are you so mean to me?] Future: [This is just the way things are!]
Based on the cards above, what answer would you give John? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you'd give John?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 7 Reading Assignment •
Chapter 10 – The Book of Love, pg. 27-30 Homework
Apply each of the 10 counts of the Book of Love to your own life; what times and places in your life match the theme and significance described in each count? • • • • • • • • • •
Reflect on the 1st count of the Book of Love; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 2nd count of the Book of Love; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 3rd count of the Book of Love; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 4th count of the Book of Love; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 5th count of the Book of Love; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 6th count of the Book of Love; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 7th count of the Book of Love; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 8th count of the Book of Love; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 9th count of the Book of Love; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 10th count of the Book of Love; what comes to mind?
In your own words, describe the character of the Jack of Spades. What is his essential character? What is he like in his Hero 18 of 49
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God aspect? What is he like in his Shadow aspect? If you lived with him for a year, what would you learn from him? In your own words, describe the character of the Queen of Spades. What is his essential character? What is he like in his Hero aspect? What is he like in his Shadow aspect? If you lived with him for a year, what would you learn from him? In your own words, describe the character of the King of Spades. What is his essential character? What is he like in his Hero aspect? What is he like in his Shadow aspect? If you lived with him for a year, what would you learn from him? Inquiry This is your first lesson reading actual cards; while completing the following questions it will help you open your deck and lay out the cards in front of you from left to right. The important thing to remember is that the previous lessons have all taught you to not see cards (suits and numbers) but to see a story. There is room for interpretation and to let your intuition guide you. Some of these questions are very serious, and some of them are very funny – take your time, relax, and don't tell me what you see but show me what you see! Part of being a great reader is to tell a story and use your words to show people an alternate reality they can't see for themselves. Using the cards as a starting point read the story presented and show me what you see – you may be surprised what happens. Jane Doe is getting ready to graduate from college and start her career but wants some advice. She can teach English at a public school in Texas, or she can travel to Korea and teach ESL classes (English as a Second Language.) What should she do? For this exercise, you must include the Jack of Spades in the position of Self; you may shuffle and draw the remaining cards on your own choosing only from the suit of Spades. 19 of 49
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Interpret the following arrangement: • • • •
Self: [Jack of Spades] Present: [shuffle] Teaching in Texas: [shuffle] Teaching in Korea: [shuffle]
Based on these cards, what answer would you give Jane? Based on your answer, is there any other advice you would give her? How would Jane's reading be different if you replaced the Present card with another card chosen at random? John Doe is an aspiring actor having an affair with two of his co-stars – what should he do? For this exercise, you must include the Queen of Spades in the position of Self; you may shuffle and draw the remaining cards on your own choosing only from the suit of Spades. Interpret the following arrangement: • • • •
Self: [Queen of Spades] Obstacles: [shuffle] Present: [shuffle] Future: [shuffle]
Based on these cards, what answer would you give John? Based on you answer, is there any other guidance you would give him? How would John's reading be different if you replaced the Obstacles card with another card chosen at random? Jane Doe is a lonely widow who needs some company. Should she adopt 15 cats, or spend her days feeding the birds in the park? It's up to you to help her pick between becoming a crazy cat-lady or a crazy bird-lady! For this exercise, you must include the King of Spades in the position of Self; you may shuffle and draw the remaining cards on your own choosing only from the suit of Spades. Interpret the following arrangement: 20 of 49
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God • • • • •
Self: [King of Spades] Past: [shuffle] Present: [shuffle] Cat-lady Future: [shuffle] Bird-lady Future: [shuffle]
Based on these cards, what answer would you give Jane? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you would give her? How would Jane's reading be different if you replaced the Present card with another card chosen at random?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 8 Reading Assignment •
Chapter 11 – The Book of Self, pg. 31-35 Homework
Apply each of the 10 counts of the Book of Self to your own life; what times and places in your life match the theme and significance described in each count? • • • • • • • • • •
Reflect mind? Reflect mind? Reflect mind? Reflect mind? Reflect mind? Reflect mind? Reflect mind? Reflect mind? Reflect mind? Reflect mind?
on the 1st count of the Book of Self; what comes to on the 2nd count of the Book of Self; what comes to on the 3rd count of the Book of Self; what comes to on the 4th count of the Book of Self; what comes to on the 5th count of the Book of Self; what comes to on the 6th count of the Book of Self; what comes to on the 7th count of the Book of Self; what comes to on the 8th count of the Book of Self; what comes to on the 9th count of the Book of Self; what comes to on the 10th count of the Book of Self; what comes to
In your own words, describe the character of the Jack of Clubs. What is his essential character? What is he like in his Hero 22 of 49
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God aspect? What is he like in his Shadow aspect? If you lived with him for a year, what would you learn from him? In your own words, describe the character of the Queen of Clubs. What is his essential character? What is he like in his Hero aspect? What is he like in his Shadow aspect? If you lived with him for a year, what would you learn from him? In your own words, describe the character of the King of Clubs. What is his essential character? What is he like in his Hero aspect? What is he like in his Shadow aspect? If you lived with him for a year, what would you learn from him? Inquiry As with your previous lesson, remember to think less about the details of each card and more about the story they tell. There is room for interpretation and to let your intuition guide you. Don't tell, show: use the cards as a starting point show the story they tell you. Remember to take out your deck and lay out the cards like pages from a book – they will help you tell the story. John Doe thinks his girlfriend is cheating on him. Is it true? Either way, what should he do about it? For this exercise, you must include the King of Clubs in the position of Self; you may shuffle and draw the remaining cards on your own choosing only from the suits of Spades and Clubs. Interpret the following arrangement: • • • •
Self: [King of Clubs] Girlfriend: [shuffle] His and her relationship: [shuffle] Future: [shuffle]
Based on these cards, what answer would you give John? Based on your answer, is there any other advice you would give him? How would John's reading be different if you replaced the 23 of 49
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Girlfriend card with another card chosen at random? Jane Doe is an athlete and has just learned that she may have a debilitating illness that could get progressively worse as she ages. She's frightened about her future and is looking for answers. What do you tell her? For this exercise, you must include the Queen of Clubs in the position of Self; you may shuffle and draw the remaining cards on your own choosing only from the suits of Spades and Clubs. Interpret the following arrangement: • • • • •
Self: [Queen of Clubs] Past: [shuffle] Present: [shuffle] Near Future: [shuffle] Distant Future: [shuffle]
Based on these cards, what answer would you give Jane? Based on you answer, is there any other guidance you would give her? How would Jane's reading be different if you replaced the Distant future card with another card chosen at random? John Doe is a gay man and is preparing for his first year of college away from home. He's scared to come out of the closet but is would like to start dating other men and doesn't know what to do. For this exercise, you must include the Jack of Clubs in the position of Self; you may shuffle and draw the remaining cards on your own choosing only from the suits of Spades and Clubs. Interpret the following arrangement: • • • •
Self: [Jack of Clubs] Needs: [shuffle] Habits: [shuffle] Desires: [shuffle]
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Based on these cards, what answer would you give John? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you would give him? How would John's reading be different if you replaced the Desires card with another card chosen at random?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 9 Reading Assignment •
Chapter 12 – The Book of Change, pg. 36-40 Homework
Apply each of the 10 counts of the Book of Change to your own life; what times and places in your life match the theme and significance described in each count? • • • • • • • • • •
Reflect on the 1st count of the Book of Change; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 2nd count of the Book of Change; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 3rd count of the Book of Change; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 4th count of the Book of Change; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 5th count of the Book of Change; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 6th count of the Book of Change; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 7th count of the Book of Change; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 8th count of the Book of Change; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 9th count of the Book of Change; what comes to mind? Reflect on the 10th count of the Book of Change; what comes to mind?
In your own words, describe the character of the Jack of Hearts. What is her essential character? What is she like in her 26 of 49
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Hero aspect? What is she like in her Shadow aspect? If you lived with her for a year, what would you learn from her? In your own words, describe the character of the Queen of Hearts. What is her essential character? What is she like in her Hero aspect? What is she like in her Shadow aspect? If you lived with her for a year, what would you learn from her? In your own words, describe the character of the King of Hearts. What is her essential character? What is she like in her Hero aspect? What is she like in her Shadow aspect? If you lived with her for a year, what would you learn from her? Inquiry As with your previous lesson, remember to think less about the details of each card and more about the story they tell. There is room for interpretation and to let your intuition guide you. Don't tell, show: use the cards as a starting point show the story they tell you. Remember to take out your deck and lay out the cards like pages from a book – they will help you tell the story. Jane Doe is unemployed and isn't sure what to do with herself. She doesn't have any particular question for you – she just wants to know what you see in her future. What's in the cards? For this exercise, you must include the Queen of Hearts in the position of Self; you may shuffle and draw the remaining cards on your own choosing only from the suits of Spades, Clubs, and Hearts. Interpret the following arrangement: • • • •
Self: [Queen of Hearts] Present: [shuffle] Near Future: [shuffle] Distant Future: [shuffle]
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Based on these cards, what answer would you give Jane? Based on your answer, is there any other advice you would give her? How would Jane's reading be different if you replaced the Distant future card with another card chosen at random? John Doe is a high-stakes gambler and is preparing for his twice-a-year trip to Vegas. He's excited to bet on the MMA fights but also laughs and mentions something about betting on unsanctioned (aka “illegal”) fights. He wants to know if he's going to win big on his trip to Sin City – what do you tell him? For this exercise, you must include the King of Hearts in the position of Self; you may shuffle and draw the remaining cards on your own choosing only from the suits of Spades, Clubs, and Hearts. Interpret the following arrangement: Self: [King of Hearts] Beginning: [shuffle] Middle: [shuffle] End: [shuffle] Based on these cards, what answer would you give John? Based on you answer, is there any other guidance you would give him? How would John's reading be different if you replaced the End card with another card chosen at random? Jane Doe is usually very good at handling her money, but recently her kids have been asking her to use the money she has in savings to underwrite the production of mudscented dish soap. Her kids are stressing her out and she's looking for another opinion. Consult the oracle! For this exercise, you must include the Jack of Hearts in the position of Self; you may shuffle and draw the remaining cards on your own choosing only from the suits of Spades, Clubs, and Hearts. Interpret the following arrangement:
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God • • • •
Self: [Jack of Hearts] Mud-scented dish soap: [shuffle] Near future: [shuffle] Distant future: [shuffle]
Based on these cards, what answer would you give Jane? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you would give her? How would Jane's reading be different if you replaced the Mud-scented soap card with another card chosen at random?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 10 Reading Assignment •
Chapter 13 – The Book of Plenty, pg. 41-45 Homework
Apply each of the 10 counts of the Book of Plenty to your own life: • • • • • • • • • •
Reflect on the 1st count of the Book of Plenty; what to mind? Reflect on the 2nd count of the Book of Plenty; what to mind? Reflect on the 3rd count of the Book of Plenty; what to mind? Reflect on the 4th count of the Book of Plenty; what to mind? Reflect on the 5th count of the Book of Plenty; what to mind? Reflect on the 6th count of the Book of Plenty; what to mind? Reflect on the 7th count of the Book of Plenty; what to mind? Reflect on the 8th count of the Book of Plenty; what to mind? Reflect on the 9th count of the Book of Plenty; what to mind? Reflect on the 10th count of the Book of Plenty; what to mind?
comes comes comes comes comes comes comes comes comes comes
In your own words, describe the character of the Jack of Diamonds. What is her essential character? What is she like in her Hero aspect? What is she like in her Shadow aspect? If you lived 30 of 49
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God with her for a year, what would you learn from her? In your own words, describe the character of the Queen of Diamonds. What is her essential character? What is she like in her Hero aspect? What is she like in her Shadow aspect? If you lived with her for a year, what would you learn from her? In your own words, describe the character of the King of Diamonds. What is her essential character? What is she like in her Hero aspect? What is she like in her Shadow aspect? If you lived with her for a year, what would you learn from her? Inquiry As with your previous lesson, remember to think less about the details of each card and more about the story they tell. There is room for interpretation and to let your intuition guide you. Don't tell, show: use the cards as a starting point show the story they tell you. Remember to take out your deck and lay out the cards like pages from a book – they will help you tell the story. John Doe is an entrepreneur who likes to invent new things. He thinks his latest invention, mud-scented soap, is awesome and is sure households across America will love it. He believe the product will sell itself once the armies of stayat-home moms try it out, but wants some advice how to proceed. For this exercise, you must include the Jack of Diamonds in the position of Self; you may shuffle and draw the remaining cards on your own. Interpret the following arrangement: • • • • • •
Self: [Jack of Diamonds] Present: [shuffle] Future: [shuffle] No: [shuffle] Maybe: [shuffle] Yes: [shuffle] 31 of 49
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Based on the cards, what answer would you give John? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you would give John? How would John's reading be different if you replaced the card in the Yes position with another card chosen at random? Jane Doe operates a bakery where she makes cup-cakes and other confections. Business is very slow and she can't make ends meet. She wants to know if she should work fewer hours at the bakery and start a part-time job somewhere else?, or should she focus on the bakery and hope things improve? For this exercise, you must include the Queen of Diamonds in the position of Self; you may shuffle and draw the remaining cards on your own. Interpret the following arrangement: • • • • •
Part-time job: [shuffle] Self: [Queen of Diamonds] More bakery hours: [shuffle] Present: [shuffle] Future: [shuffle]
Based on the cards, what answer would you give Jane? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you would give Jane? How would Jane's reading be different if you replaced the "More bakery hours" card with another card chosen at random? John Doe just bought a lottery ticket. He wants you to tell him his lucky numbers, if he'll win, and what his future will be like. You stifle the hilarious urge to make up a story about a dramatic and deadly car crash and begin to clear your mind. For this exercise, you must include the King of Diamonds in the position of Self; you may shuffle and draw the remaining cards on your own. Interpret the following arrangement:
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God • • • •
Self: [King of Diamonds] Present: [shuffle] Near future: [shuffle] Distant future: [shuffle]
The unfortunate reality of reading cards for paying clients is that they rarely want to know deep spiritual insights but would rather you used your abilities to spy on their neighbours, give them an easy recipe for fame and fortune, and quite often simply tell them what to do. Obviously this question raises some ethical concerns – how do you handle this situation? Do you explain to John that if you could pick winning lotto numbers you'd have already done that?, or do you use the cards on the table (or still in the deck) to give him his numbers? Based on the cards, what answer would you give John? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you would give John? How would John's reading be different if you replaced the Distant future card with another card chosen at random?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 11 The past four lessons have been written to help you gain confidence not just with reading cards as a series and also in pairs, but also to help you see how the Court members (Jack, Queen, and King) change their behavior in the company of positive and negative stimuli. As I'm sure you've noticed, the Court members are among the most difficult elements to interpret because of how they shift and adjust. Before we begin the four most significant lessons in this course it's important that you take time to review the Court and learn another way to interpret their participation. Your homework assignment for lesson 11 is to perform two inquiries. The first inquiry will be conducted the same as before and you will interpret Court members as individual people with particular characters, behaviors, habits, and personalities. The second inquiry will be performed differently, but to prevent confusion you must not read ahead. Conduct the following inquiry, record your response, and only after you've completely finished may you read ahead for the second half of the assignment. Jane Doe has come to you for a reading. She doesn't know what to ask, so you've decided to give her a generalpurpose reading. For this exercise you must place the Queen of Spades in the Past and the Jack of Diamonds in Habits; for the other positions, shuffle the deck and draw the remaining cards at random. Interpret your cards through the following arrangement: • • • • • •
Past: [Queen of Spades] Present: [shuffle] Future: [shuffle] Needs: [shuffle] Habits: [Jack of Diamonds] Desires: [shuffle]
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God To perform this inquiry, lay out the Past, Present, and Future in one row from left to right, and lay out the Needs, Habits, and Desires in a second row beneath the first from left to right. Based on the cards above, what answer would you give Jane? Based on your answer, is there any other advice you would give her? (Try not to look at the text below this point while you're working on these questions.) The second way you're going to perform this inquiry is by reading the Court members in it as if they were not individual people but instead combinations of other cards. For example, when you read the Jack of Diamonds as if she were a person you see a girl who's generous with her possessions, likes to enjoy good food, good drink, and good company, and values sensual experiences. When things are going her way she likes to not only stay busy but also to stay busy by herself. It's not that other people can't help her, it's just that she's got a lot of work to do and is moving very quickly. She forgets things once in a while, but her goals are really important to her and she pushes hard to see them finished. When things are going against her, she gives up on her goals and spends more time with her friends. She let's other people tell her what to do, spends her time supporting other people's goals, and generally goes along to get along... ... however, when you read the Jack of Diamonds in this second method – as a combination of cards – you get a different story. In the company of the 2 of Clubs, the Jack of Diamonds is read as two cards (the 6 and 7 of Diamonds) which means that the answer you seek is the synthesis of the 6 and 7 of Diamonds and the 2 of Clubs. Such a combination would give you a story about Jane's generosity, the pleasure she takes from material possessions as well as how she shares those possessions with her friends, and how those activities neither help nor hinder her own personal ambitions. She's still busy and still doing quite a lot but her longterm goals aren't as important as her immediate personal interests and activities. 35 of 49
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Or, consider the pair of the Jack of Diamonds and the Queen of Spades: this is a combination of four cards! Because the two Court members are incompatible with one another, they each express their Shadow aspect: Jack expresses the 6 and 7 of Diamonds, and Queen expresses the Ace and 5 of Spades, and the combination of these four incompatible cards produce a very tense message! What do you think that message is? I want to know and in the following assignment you're going to tell me. To perform this inquiry, lay out the same cards exactly as before and give Jane her reading while focusing on how the three elements of the Jack of Diamonds (the 2, 6, and 7 of Diamonds) express themselves depending on which other card they're paired with. This is a dynamic reading with a lot of moving pieces, so take your time and really meditate on the message you think you're receiving. You can use either the first or the second method presented in this lesson in later lessons – actually, you can and should use both as the need presents itself – but it's important that you learn this technique because it will be necessary for both the Hand of God and the Millennium Clock inquiries presented in later lessons. Using the technique described and based on the cards above, what answer would you give Jane? Based on your answer, is there any other advice you would give her? Your final homework assignment in this lesson is optional and for your personal edification. Now that you've received instruction in the meaning of each card and have the entire deck at your disposal, you should review the homework assignments from lessons 7 through 10 and do those inquiries over again, this time shuffling the entire deck and drawing new cards for the stated positions. This is for your own experience and I strongly encourage you to do so - your ability to interpret cards in combination and discern the harmony and opposition between them will define your ability to become a strong reader.
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 12 Reading Assignment •
The Sacred Union, pg. 47-48 Homework
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• • •
Reflect on all that you've learned about the element of Air and the 7th, 11th, and 3rd houses of the Divine; what comes to mind? In the Sacred Union inquiry, what does the top plane represent? In what ways can you modify it? In the Sacred Union inquiry, what does the middle plane represent? In the Sacred Union inquiry, what does the bottom plane represent? Inquiry
Your assignment for each of the following questions is to shuffle your deck, draw nine cards, and use the Sacred Contract inquiry to provide an answer. Seeing as how there are more than 3.6 billion possible nine-card combinations from 52 cards, you can be sure your inquiry will be unique. Use the three following scenarios as opportunities to highlight your reading style and develop your unique voice – nobody will ever draw the same nine cards you draw for this assignment and nobody will ever tell the story you're about to tell here! Jane Doe comes to you for a relationship reading. She's snooped on her husband's cell phone and found some x-rated text messages between John and another woman. Jane wants to know what went wrong with her relationship, what to do about it, and where it's going. For this reading interpret the positions of the Sacred Contract as follows: 37 of 49
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God
• • • • • • • • •
Past: Present: Future: Jane Doe: Union: John Doe: Jane's desire: Union's direction: John's desire:
Based on the cards you draw, what answer would you give Jane? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you would give her? John Doe recently put in an application to work at two companies, and after interviewing with both, they both want to hire him. He's attracted to both companies and is having a hard time deciding which one he wants to choose. What should he do? For this reading interpret the positions of the Sacred Contract as follows: • • • • • • • • •
Present: Near future: Distant future: Company A: John: Company B: Company A's desire: John's direction: Company B's desire:
Based on the cards you draw, what answer would you give John? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you would give him?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Jane and John Doe have been dating for a year. They would like to get married, but they frequently argue over little things. They love each other (and being with each other) very much, but they're not sure how to resolve their differences and stop bickering for no reason. For this reading interpret the positions of the Sacred Contract as follows: • • • • • • • • •
Distant past: Recent past: Present: Jane Doe: Union: John Doe: Jane's desire: Union's direction: John's desire:
Based on the cards you draw, what answer would you give Jane and John Doe? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you would give them?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 13 Reading Assignment •
The Open Road, pg. 49-50 Homework
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• • • •
Reflect on all that you've learned about the element of Fire and the 1st, 5th, and 9th houses of the Divine; what comes to mind? In the Open Road inquiry, what does the top plane represent? In what ways can you modify it? In the Open Road inquiry, what does the middle plane represent? In your own words, describe the relationship between Needs, Habits, and Desires In the Open Road inquiry, what does the bottom plane represent? Even if the cards which appear in No, Maybe, and Yes are discouraging, does that mean the seeker must follow their advice? Inquiry
Your assignment for each of the following questions is to shuffle your deck, draw nine cards, and use the Open Road inquiry to provide an answer. Seeing as how there are more than 3.6 billion possible nine-card combinations from 52 cards, you can be sure your inquiry will be unique. Use the three following scenarios as opportunities to highlight your reading style and develop your unique voice – nobody will ever draw the same nine cards you draw for this assignment and nobody will ever tell the story you're about to tell here!
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God John Doe has a lot of friends and travels in many social circles. The trouble is that some of his friends don't get along and now he's getting caught in the cross-fire. How did it come to this? What went wrong? For this reading interpret the positions of the Open Road as follows: • • • • • • • • •
Distant past: Recent past: Present: Needs: Habits: Desires: No: Maybe: Yes:
Based on the cards you draw, what answer would you give John? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you would give him? Jane Doe practices Wicca, a polytheistic religion which reveres nature and uses ritual sorcery to create change at will in order to benefit oneself and also the world at large. Jane practices Wicca privately and her family is not aware of her beliefs. Jane wants to “come out of the broom closet,” but is unsure both how to do it and what might happen as a result. For this reading interpret the positions of the Open Road as follows: • • • • • • •
Present: Near future: Distant future: Needs: Habits: Desires No: 41 of 49
Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God • •
Maybe: Yes:
Based on the cards you draw, what answer would you give Jane? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you would give her? John Doe is going on vacation soon and wants you to give him something to think about while he sun-bathing in Florida. For this reading interpret the positions of the Open Road as follows: • • • • • • • • •
Near future: Distant future: Very distant future: Needs: Habits: Desires: No: Maybe: Yes:
Based on the cards you draw, what answer would you give John? Based on your answer, is there any other guidance you would give him?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 14 Reading Assignment: •
The Hand of God, pg. 51-52 Homework
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• • • • • • • • •
Reflect on all that you've learned about the element of Water and the 4th, 8th, and 12th houses of the Divine; what comes to mind? In the Hand of God inquiry, what does the left column represent? In what ways can you modify it? In the Hand of God inquiry, what does the middle column represent? In what ways can you modify it? In the Hand of God inquiry, what does the right column represent? In what ways can you modify it? In the Hand of God inquiry, which cards appear in the first plane? In the Hand of God inquiry, which cards appear in the second plane? In the Hand of God inquiry, which cards appear in the third plane? In your own words, describe where the Jacks, Queens, and Kings of Spades and Clubs are placed. In your own words, describe where the Jacks, Queens, and Kings of Hearts and Diamonds are placed. In your own words, describe how and where the 10's of Spades, Clubs, Hearts, and Diamonds are placed when they appear.
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Inquiry Your assignment for each of the following questions is to shuffle your deck, draw nine cards, and use the Hand of God inquiry to provide an answer. Seeing as how there are more than 3.6 billion possible nine-card combinations from 52 cards, you can be sure your inquiry will be unique. Use the three following scenarios as opportunities to highlight your reading style and develop your unique voice – nobody will ever draw the same nine cards you draw for this assignment and nobody will ever tell the story you're about to tell here! Remember that when completing the following homework inquiries you must read the Court members (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) not as individual people but as two-card combinations which change dynamically in context to whichever other cards they're compared. Visit a news media outlet such as http://news.yahoo.com/ or http://news.google.com and pick an interesting article from the headlines. You can pick anything except "Dear Abby" letters, celebrity gossip, and similar entertainment news. •
Once you've settled on an article, take a moment to reflect on the statements, questions, or messages in it before you shuffle, draw nine cards, and lay them out in their designated spaces.
Conduct your inquiry and record the message; you may select any time frame your like to match your article (past, present, future; beginning, middle, end; and so on.) Based on the cards you draw, what was given to you? Based on what was given to you, is there anything else you can say about the article in question?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Visit an advice column like http://news.yahoo.com/dearabby/, a celebrity gossip website like http://perezhilton.com/, or any entertainment news media outlet and pick an interesting article from the headlines. Have some fun with this inquiry and find something really juicy! •
Once you've settled on an article, take a moment to reflect on the statements, questions, and messages in it before you shuffle, draw nine cards, and lay them out in their designated spaces.
Conduct your inquiry and record the message; you may select any time frame your like to match your article (past, present, future; beginning, middle, end; and so on.) Based on the cards you draw, what was given to you? Based on what was given to you, is there anything else you can say about the article in question? Visit the website www.godchecker.com/ or www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/ and choose a deity, spirit, creature, monster, or any other mythological or legendary entity that you like. For this assignment, you're going to conduct an inquiry and give a reading to whom- or what-ever you selected! •
Once you've settled on a spirit, deity, or other supernatural entity, take a moment to reflect on him, her, or it, and the message, lesson, or knowledge he, she, or it represents before you shuffle, draw nine cards, and lay them out in the designated spaces.
Conduct your inquiry and record the message; you may select any time frame your like to match your article (past, present, future; beginning, middle, end; and so on.) Based on the cards you draw, what was given to you? Based on what was given to you, is there anything else you can say to the mythological or legendary subject in question?
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God LESSON 15 Reading Assignment •
The Millennium Clock, pg. 53-58 Homework
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•
Reflect on all that you've learned about the element of Earth and the 2nd, 6th, and 10th houses of the Divine; what comes to mind? Reflecting on what you learned in the book's introduction and also in other lessons presented in the 54 Names of God, please describe in your own words the highest purpose of the millennium clock.
Please provide the Zodiac sign, modality, element, and calendar dates for all 12 members of the Court: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Jack of Spades: Queen of Spades: King of Spades: Jack of Clubs: Queen of Clubs: King of Clubs: Jack of Hearts: Queen of Hearts: King of Hearts: Jack of Diamonds: Queen of Diamonds: King of Diamonds:
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Inquiry Using the Millennium Clock formula, cast a 30-day period beginning on the first day of the aspect in which your birthday appears. (For example, if Jane Doe was born June 6 th 1983 she would cast a 30-day period beginning on the first day of the fixed aspect of Gemini, the Jack of Spades.) •
To complete this assignment you should spend an entire 30 days reflecting on the 30 lessons given to you starting from the first day of the aspect in which your birthday appears. For Jane Doe, this means she would spend 30 days reflecting on the 30 lessons from 1 June 1983 through 1 July 1983.)
I recommend that you keep a daily journal where you record your reflections and observations; this journal may be a notebook or it may be a text file on your computer, but for the greatest benefit you should record and meditate on your observations each day. You may be surprised after 30 days what you've discovered. If you need help starting the Millennium Clock formula or aren't sure that you've done it correctly, you can visit www.thehighwayhermit.com to see examples of completed Millennium Clock formulae and what my own daily reflections look like.
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Student Workbook to the 54 Names of God Conclusion This is the end of the book, dear reader, but for you it's only the beginning. This instructional workbook gives you the outer comprehension of the 54 Names of God, but there are still more subtle, nuanced, and advanced applications and interpretations to be learned; can you discover the inner comprehension for yourself? If not, follow my blog at www.thehighwayhermit.com and look closely – you may be surprised what you find. Rev. James Bulls, RMT
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