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Dr Spektor Eternal Order Carcanis 10781 Posts |
You got it - the hedge tarot concept really resonates with my own approaches - this is going to be wild
"They are lean and athirst!!!!"
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David Eichler Grammar Host Durham, ME 1780 Posts |
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On 2012-11-18 20:17, Christopher Gould wrote: ...to the AM forum... |
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afinemesh Inner circle Senseless gibberish that amounts to 2621 Posts |
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On 2012-11-18 22:37, David Eichler wrote: YUP!
"I've always been mental, I'm sure of it" Boris Pocus
"Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny". . .Bruce Springsteen |
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teaguejb New user 59 Posts |
Just wanted to give my $0.02 worth about the Hedge Tarote. I've been tinkering with and thinking about this piece for a week or two but no performance experience yet. The Tarote itself with companion Book of Air and outer protective folio is the typical high quality item we have all come to expect from Alchemy Moon. My set arrived having received a nice aging treatment with plenty of room for further customization. I especially appreciate this because I love to put my own "shine" on this kind of thing by further distressing in some way. Hopefully I will have time to start working on the props this weekend.
As nice as the props are, the real jewel here is the thinking behind this piece. The Hedge Tarote and Book of Air have inspired me. I've been thinking about this pretty much nonstop all week. There is so much potential here. It is very clear this is the beginning of a long journey with a magical system...not just a routine. I'm even thinking of creating my own completely individualized Hedge Tarote. The scope of this thing is virtually unlimited. The Book of Air does give several "out of the box" routines that are technically simple (though perhaps not so simple in terms of performance), so anyone can start playing with this right away. If you're like me and you enjoy the challenges of a truly open-ended system, you will love spending time with this. I wouldmake the following suggestion...Paul Voodini's _Midnight Side of th Mind_ is an indespensible companion for the Hedge Tarote as much of the thinking about performance is very much parallel between the two. I feel like I'm gushing, which was unintended. I am simply inspired by this piece and very much appreciative of the effort (mental and physical) Chris Gould has put into this. I can't imagine a thinking magician would be disappointed by this piece. It should keep one occupied for a long, long time. |
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Richard Webster New user 68 Posts |
I received my Hedge Tarote a few weeks ago, and have been experimenting with it ever since. I bought it mainly for a bizarre routine I've been working on. The Hedge Tarote is perfect for that. The routine that comes with the deck is incredibly powerful, and creates real magic in the minds of the participant. The secret is wonderful, as it's hidden in plain sight until it's needed. After performing it three times, I almost decided to incorporate it into the routine.
However, I also used the cards for divination purposes, and the response to these was amazing. I adapted Chris's story as to how and why I happen to own this beautiful old deck. After telling this story, everyone treats the cards with respect - almost reverence. The cards can be interpreted as regular playing cards. However, they lend themselves extremely well to elemental readings, and this adds considerable extra depth to the readings. The additional information printed on the cards can also be incorporated into the reading, providing a wealth of extra material to work with. I like the fact that the cards are marked on the back, but haven't needed this information for my readings. I've just spent a few days at a seaside resort, and took the Hedge Tarote with me. I gave brief readings for a few friends at a coffee shop, and word quickly spread around the little town. If I'd wanted to, I could have spent all my time doing paid readings, as everyone was fascinated with the look of the old cards. Since returning home, I've done several more quick readings and one thirty-minute reading with them. As a result of this experimentation, I've decided to use the cards for divination and magic rituals, rather than as a magickal prop. I intended aging the cards, but haven't needed to. Everyone who has seen the cards so far has commented on the fact that they must be old, and my back story explains that I have no idea how old they are. The cards, the instruction book, and the leather casting cloth are all works of art. The amount of work involved in making these decks is incredible. Chris has paid attention to every detail, and it shows. Alchemy Moon have created something extraordinary with The Hedge Tarote, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this project develops. |
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Balaram Special user 904 Posts |
Richard, I would love to hear more about your readings with this, I do think there is something very special and personal about the set-but my questions may give away a bit much here. No disrespect to the MC, but hope to meet with you at the HT forum-?
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afinemesh Inner circle Senseless gibberish that amounts to 2621 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-12-12 15:29, Richard Webster wrote: WOW! Doesn't get an better than this!!
"I've always been mental, I'm sure of it" Boris Pocus
"Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny". . .Bruce Springsteen |
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GeoffreyD Loyal user Canberra, Australia 244 Posts |
***the sound of Geoffrey's bank account dying***
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Michael_MacDonald 1964 - 2016 Washington 2034 Posts |
Geoffrey,
I laid mine to rest years ago. it reincarnates every so often to be sacrificed to yet another god for the needs of my demons. At least the vice that plagues you is one that can bring you the darkest joys in life! |
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Christopher Gould Inner circle in special pants. 1029 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-12-12 23:05, afinemesh wrote: Indeed not, it is great to get a review from anyone of course, but when you invent something where one of it's uses is cold reading, it really means something to get a review from someone who practically defines the field. So a big thanks Richard, I am so pleased that you liked it. Also, I rarely solicit reviews, so it is a nice surprise too. Anyway, I thought it would be worth clarifying the use of the hedge tarot as a reading tool, as many have asked for clarification on this matter. The first volume of the Hedge Tarote, deals predominantly at its use in mystery entertainment. Or, how it can be used in a deceptive manner to raise truely magical energy and create an numinous experience. This is the book of Air, we presents a very simple routine and methodology at the core, then both Dr Todd and I explore some other ideas for it's use. Ultimately, the hedge Tarote is a device, and one which may be used in many different ways. It application in a performance setting are explored here. The next volume will only be available to owners of the Book of Air, as it is intended to be something of a course which starts with magical deception and takes various routes from here to the performance of true magic. Volume 2 will be the book of water. Here we will explore the Hedge Tarotes use in visualisation and augury. I will be very interested to hear what Richard comes up with, as it will be underpinned with many more years of experience than I can muster! Incidentally, I have given a brief overview of the system used in the correct place for such discussion. I am gladdened that there are a few people here who tread the same path. As of this morning, I do believe they all have a Hedge Tarote, or one on it's way. I am sorry to the few that I have had to turn down as the first batch are now gone. Frankly, I need a short break to complete work on the Pro editions of DITF and the Cuss Cards. Also, two brand spanking new things that will be coming out in the new year... Assuming we survive! Good news is that I will be starting up production of the hedge Tarote mid January. You know where to contact me, should you wish to be in for the next batch.
The Moon is now to be found in the constellation of Gemini:
https://www.geminiartifacts.com |
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DrTodd Inner circle 1976 Posts |
This is all very good news and a welcome endorsement of our work. Thank you Richard! I am looking forward to more explorations with these over the coming months. I feel they are attached in some way to my little village, which is steeped in history of cunning folk and the witch finder trials. The 17th century was very busy in my neck of the woods and these just seem part of that story.
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Lucien Astor Special user Sunken R'lyeh 661 Posts |
I have my Hedge Tarot in hand, and it is an amazingly well conceived and executed object (I use the term object rather than prop, because it has completely transcended that category).
The care and quality of presentation is the first way that a person usually accesses any objet d'art, and the HT does not disappoint. The workmanship of the leather satchel, the hand-bound leather manual and the leaves of the Tarot itself exude an aura of antiquity and magic. I collect rare and unique books on 'magick', and the HT believably sits amongst these items on my shelf. I had the satisfaction of pulling it down and showing it to an associate who collects Andrew Chumbley books and ephemera relating to the tradition of cunning craft. He had no doubt that I had come into the possession of an old and authentic magic(k)ical object. I am certain that when I use it professionally, I will set a curious spectator's heart racing with the Hedge Tarot's energy and aesthetics. The practical design of the HT as performable object is first-rate. With a small personal investment of time, the markings and archetypal system will be firmly in your grasp. The writing in the manual is of exceptional quality. You will be able to begin performing the routines after a few perusals of the material, and some time playing with the pages of the Tarot. For those willing to step out of the arena of magic, and into the realm of real 'magick', Chris has laid out the markers and sign-posts for you. Discussions of guided visualization and divination with HT will tempt you to put the 'tricks' behind you, and step into the role of sage, mystic and real magician. For those willing to suspend their disbelief and allow themselves to play this role believably, the Hedge Tarot will become a true tool of mystery and the imagination. I see the possibilities of the HT, and while I intend to try the well-scripted and easily performable magic routines, I intend my first public encounters to draw on that ancient and liminal place of real magic that Chris suggestively advocates for. This will definitely be a go-to piece for sincere divinatory readings! If you perform for friends and family and don't get this, you are missing out. If you collect rare and wonderful magical creations and don't get this, you are doing yourself a disservice. If you perform publicly and don't get this, you are committing a cardinal sin against your own practice! |
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Christopher Gould Inner circle in special pants. 1029 Posts |
Wow, first Richard Webster, now this review (which poetically is the best review I must have ever had!). Also, I obviously respect every review, as it comes from someone wise enough to have bought the product! And clearly I am going to be humbled by a review from Richard. At the same time a review from a fellow fine-artist, and one whose work I genuinely rate as some of the best out there, is going to humble me further.
Strangely, I was scratching the money together to get Lucian's Codex Coemeterium. I guess this pushes me into the press the paypal button stage! (a novel way for fellow dealers to secure a sale!) ( although, bad news for Lucian, for if I post a review - I am always horribly objective!) I know that I have said this before, but I cannot help musing over how things have changed in magic - I am actually old enough to remember when all magic came from 'Supreme Magic' and was a poorly presented 4 page typewritten booklet. Later you may be lucky enough to get a cheap bit of plastic to go with it. Still later, you may be lucky enough to be presented with I whole suite of such plastic junk boxed up for Christmas. When I tell people that I sell magic, they look a little confused (as indeed they should) and then say something like. 'I must be wonderful bringing joy into the little one's lives!'. well as we perpetually 'little ones' know, things are a little more sophisticated than that now we have all (partially) grown up. While the street magician's are trying to pop bottle tops into coke bottles - they are left with a bottle. While mentalists are pretending they can read people's minds (instead of getting on and actually doing it!)- all they are left with is a crumpled billet. While WE have the likes of Prof BC, Outlaw, Lebanon Circle, Frater Tham and (I would like to think) Alchemy Moon, working as true artists and pushing both the aesthetic and conceptual base of the art. Long may we all be bringing joy to you little ones! .....now I am off to prepare for Armageddon! (The next AM routine, not the event!)
The Moon is now to be found in the constellation of Gemini:
https://www.geminiartifacts.com |
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PROF BC Inner circle 1445 Posts |
I've been tinkering with the HT now for two weeks, and I reiterate all of the good things that have already been said.
The thinking behind this masterpiece is just first rate. Mystery workers take note, this is a piece that can go anywhere from an interesting artifact with a superior story attached (atmospheric and entrancing) to a full evening's event. AM is in top form with this beauty, and the thinking is (as has been already said) extraordinary and wonderful. This is a real worker's set. This is a collector's treasure. This is a piece that deserves a 10 rating in all categories. As to the prop itself--it is to be envied. Gorgeous, painstaking attention to detail, lovely materials, and craftsmanship par excellence. It's only a shame that the first batch has already sold out (absolutely no surprise in that, though). When Christopher gets back to making the next batch, you'd be foolish to hesitate in snapping one up for your own. Thanks, Christopher & Todd, for yet another Alchemy Moon contribution to the 'best of bizarre.' HT truly is that. Prof BC
Phasmologist
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Lucien Astor Special user Sunken R'lyeh 661 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-12-16 14:47, PROF BC wrote: There is enough material in there to keep tinkering for a looong time |
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espkeith Veteran user CT, USA 354 Posts |
Going to be mugging a few people on the street here to score myself a set.
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Bedford Special user Louisville, KY 672 Posts |
By the way, if you also own DarkSpell, they go very well together!
The Alchemy Moon Collective
Find us on Gemini Artifacts |
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Lucien Astor Special user Sunken R'lyeh 661 Posts |
That is amazing Bedford, thanks for the images!
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Michael_MacDonald 1964 - 2016 Washington 2034 Posts |
That just looks sexy
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afinemesh Inner circle Senseless gibberish that amounts to 2621 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-12-31 12:40, Michael_MacDonald wrote: Hmmm. . .(as he scratches the side of his head, once again)
"I've always been mental, I'm sure of it" Boris Pocus
"Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny". . .Bruce Springsteen |
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