Part I, Chapter One: Cicilia and the Beggar
In 1437 a young woman named Cicilia left Milan under the cover of darkness, disguised as a young man. In her pack were supplies and trade goods, but also a small and very ancient scroll that had been handed down to her by her unmarried aunt Maria, who many accused of being a witch.
Cici had been educated at home alongside her younger brothers, and the father that doted on her made sure she knew how to read and write, but also how to think. She had been steeped in history, science, and languages. Her family had a little money, and access to books, mainly because of the fact that her father knew prominent people and her uncle was a member of the clergy. Many of the books were hand-lettered and some were printed with woodcuts. Most of the books were copies of others. She loved them all.
Now, somebody was after one of the books owned by her father. He had threatened her family's life and even burned some of her father's papers and belongings. It was then that her aunt gave her the scroll and put her on the road to Venice, to visit a friend. It would be a dangerous journey, especially for a young woman, but Cici was more excited than afraid.
From the Future to the Past
Where do we go from here?
While there are dangerous forces at work it is always tempting to try to stop them. But frankly, that would be like trying to stop a tsunami with an umbrella. So, rather than trying to protect the present and change the future, we must first venture into the past. Deep into the past...
There is an old saying that those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it. That is true, but it is only one of the reasons we will first visit the past. The other reason is that, as you will come to understand, we have the ability to change the past.
Therefore, we begin with a story that is over 500 years old. It is one of the earliest stories we know about the origins of Tarot's mysterious power and the people who discovered and then covered up that power.
While there are dangerous forces at work it is always tempting to try to stop them. But frankly, that would be like trying to stop a tsunami with an umbrella. So, rather than trying to protect the present and change the future, we must first venture into the past. Deep into the past...
There is an old saying that those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it. That is true, but it is only one of the reasons we will first visit the past. The other reason is that, as you will come to understand, we have the ability to change the past.
Therefore, we begin with a story that is over 500 years old. It is one of the earliest stories we know about the origins of Tarot's mysterious power and the people who discovered and then covered up that power.
In the Boardroom
What you may not know is that Tarot is practiced by some of the most powerful CEOs at some of the largest and richest companies in the world. And not in the way you might think. Certainly many people use the cards for divination. This is the only use people talk about, the only use for Tarot you will find if you begin to do research into Tarot. I know, because for years this is the only facet of tarot I was able to turn up, along with several well-known card games played with standard decks and Tarot decks.
Then, quite by accident, I stumbled upon some information that drew me deeper, and that's when I realized that Tarot is also used not only for divination, not only to read the past and present and future, but when you unlock it's deepest secrets and its darkest power, it can be used to change and manipulate events.
There are two groups of people who try to keep this information hidden, and who will do anything to protect the secrets of Tarot. Those who work for the forces of good and those who work for the forces of evil. Even within those warring groups and different factions. Some people believe that the past, present, and future should remain untouched and that human beings should have pure free will. Others, on the sides of both good and evil, believe that events can and should be manipulated and changed to suit their purpose and their needs. All of these groups will do whatever it takes to protect this knowledge and power.
Then, quite by accident, I stumbled upon some information that drew me deeper, and that's when I realized that Tarot is also used not only for divination, not only to read the past and present and future, but when you unlock it's deepest secrets and its darkest power, it can be used to change and manipulate events.
There are two groups of people who try to keep this information hidden, and who will do anything to protect the secrets of Tarot. Those who work for the forces of good and those who work for the forces of evil. Even within those warring groups and different factions. Some people believe that the past, present, and future should remain untouched and that human beings should have pure free will. Others, on the sides of both good and evil, believe that events can and should be manipulated and changed to suit their purpose and their needs. All of these groups will do whatever it takes to protect this knowledge and power.
Countries and Continents
The use of Tarot spans centuries, countries, and continents. It goes farther and deeper than scholars and historians know or will acknowledge, primarily because much of its history, along with the larger and more general history of divination and magic, has been hidden, obfuscated, and even destroyed.
For years I didn't care. I came across a pack of Tarot cards and played with them, intrigued by their pretty pictures, strange symbols, and the limited and romantic history I thought I knew. I equated Tarot with women and gypsies and incense and crystal balls. I thought of carnivals and church fairs and Renaissance festivals.
It never occurred to me that Tarot also meant men in suits, men who had trillions of dollars, men who wrote and manipulated history, and even men who controlled the world.
Oh, there are women, too. Gypsies and witches of course, but also powerful women, those who remain hidden and those who are prominent in society.
I have traveled the world and spoken to hundreds of people. I've read thousands of documents. I've made a few friends and several dozen enemies.
I will not stop until the truth is known.
For years I didn't care. I came across a pack of Tarot cards and played with them, intrigued by their pretty pictures, strange symbols, and the limited and romantic history I thought I knew. I equated Tarot with women and gypsies and incense and crystal balls. I thought of carnivals and church fairs and Renaissance festivals.
It never occurred to me that Tarot also meant men in suits, men who had trillions of dollars, men who wrote and manipulated history, and even men who controlled the world.
Oh, there are women, too. Gypsies and witches of course, but also powerful women, those who remain hidden and those who are prominent in society.
I have traveled the world and spoken to hundreds of people. I've read thousands of documents. I've made a few friends and several dozen enemies.
I will not stop until the truth is known.
I will begin...
I have begun this blog to chronicle everything I know about Tarot and the impact it has had on my life, as well as on world history. Recent events have led me to believe that there is more to its history and practice than meets the eye, and this is only the beginning of my investigation.
J.E.
J.E.
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