When Is It Actual Magic?

The postman was kind today. I’m in love with my new Joan Dodal by Sullivan Hismans at Tarot Sheet Revival.

First question, a propos of nothing at all: How do I know when magic is actual magic?

When a bright idea unites into a single will (The Sun), you must get a little crazy and step outside into the liminal. Instinct compels you to call out to the mysterious shining beyond. A higher power? A driving force? It’s beyond your control. (La Lune) And yet, you are still united in your howl. Finally, you kneel and observe the power that is and how it manifests before you. As we’re dealing with Le Pape, I can assume the power has clear ideas of protocol and ritual and, of course, the power comes from above.

There are two lines in these cards. The upper line of Sun, Moon, Pope shows the path of the intent. The Intent initiates as a bright idea, hope or goal, is transported to the the space between worlds in the moon and eventually lands, sitting in its power back in the mundane as Le Pape.

However, the lower line of children, dogs, supplicants shows the path of the magical operator. She must be united in her focus and will in order to send the intent. (the children) She must surrender to her instinct and allow herself to be moved. (the dogs howling). And finally she gets out of the way and observes, settled and still, kneeling before the thing she has manifested.