Divine Gypsy Mother
by Balthazar Blacke
artwork by Alexander Daniloff
Balthazar Blacke’s Divine Gypsy Mother is a reimagining of the nineteenth century fortune telling system popularly known as gypsy cards, which invoke the divining legacy of the Romani people. Both the book and cards showcase original artwork by renowned tarot artist Alexander Daniloff. These enchanting cards and book are sold as a set, and provide a highly practical and nuanced method of divination.
The symbolism of the cards has been updated to clarify meanings, drawing on the examples of hand-painted decks from the 1800s and the plethora of mass market versions, whilst staying true to the spirit of the original Gypsy cards.
Gypsy cards were originally sold without instructions, diviners relied on the titles of the cards and their images alone. Balthazar Blacke provides us with the key to understanding each individual card, their timing elements, astrological attribution and lessons. We are then provided with methods and spreads, from the quick and dirty, through Cross and Grand Cross variants to the full thirty-six card Grand Tableau.
Blacke has researched the traditions, ideas and techniques of card readers in Germany and the Netherlands, combining them with his own unique innovations. The most striking of these is the Astrological Tableau, which gives the advanced diviner a method of incorporating the houses and thirty-six decans, making this a compelling deck for those with an astrological practice.
Drawing on over ten years of client work, Blacke gives many clear examples and case studies that will transform your divinatory skills. Rather than the more esoteric decks, such as Aleister Crowley’s Book of Thoth, the Divine Gypsy Mother cards are ideally suited to providing answers, guidance and advice. The methods given pin-point issues and provide elegant accurate oracles.
About the Ex-Series Reissue
Originally issued in a limited edition, comprising deluxe fortune-telling cards and hardcover book, the Divine Gypsy Mother is now available in a paperback edition with deck, and a limited ex-series reissue of the hardcover edition.
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Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
A brief history
The structure of the deck
Significators
CARD MEANINGS
Overview Constancy Visit Message Letter Thief Jealousy Little Money Falseness Enemy Merriment Thought Cleric Money Lover&Beloved Gift Fortune House Marriage Hope Child Malady Love Officer Journey Judge Desire Death Sadness Fidelity Misfortune Unexpected Joy Anger Risk Widow&Widower
FOUNDATIONAL METHODS
Interpreting the cards Polarity Order and influence The two-card cut Three-card yes or no readings Reading a line of cards Choosing a theme significator The nuance card Timing nuance card Result nuance card Advice nuance card Investigative spreads Reading without a theme card Magnification level
THE CROSS SPREAD
Cross overview The fate cross The mental-emotional cross The time cross Expanding any line of cards into a clarification cross The gypsy answer method The relational crosses method Large cross The grand cross
THE GYPSY GRAND TABLEAU
Overview The four corners Past, present and future Fate and control Describing the querent or another person Reading thematic crosses Reading on relationships Reading on career matters Reading on health Reading on psychic attacks and black magic Timing events in the Grand Tableau Finding confirmations Proximity and directionality
THE ASTROLOGICAL TABLEAU
The core method The extended method Aspects and perfections Aspects that deny perfection Using mundane houses The twelve houses Houses, cards, anatomy, signs Assigning zodiacal signs Assigning the decan Putting it all together Reading on relationships Reading on contested events Finding lost objects Timing outcomes
Appendices
The eye of providence
The nine gypsy fans
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Illustrated by Alexander Daniloff
Hardcover Edition & Cards - Limited to 525 copies
272 pages. Bound in fine orchid purple cloth with Eye of Providence onlay, and gold & black blocking on front and spine. Book contains colour images, multiple diagrams.
39 cards (96 × 69 mm) on premium 350gsm stock. Includes variant designs for Lover and Beloved, and colophon card. Custom box.
Paperback Edition & Cards
176 pages. Sewn paperback, printed on 120 gsm paper.
39 cards (96 × 69 mm) on premium 350gsm stock. Includes variant designs for Lover and Beloved, and colophon card. Custom box.
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Press, reviews, endorsements
Book and deck review by Foolish Fish - watch on YouTube here
Introduction and overview of the cards by Balthazar Blacke - watch on YouTube here
Polarity and the two-card cut by Balthazar Blacke - watch on YouTube here
Order, influence, and the Death card by Balthazar Blacke - watch on YouTube here
Interview with Balthazar Blacke on the Tarot Map channel - watch on YouTube here
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About the Author
Balthazar Blacke is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where he has worked as a professional reader, medium and folk magician for over a decade. His magical work explores the intersection between the traditions of the African Diaspora and Solomonic magic. It is his conviction that divination and magic are not only a valid source of spiritual nourishment for modern people but a crucial antidote for the poisons of our time. When he isn't reading cards for clients, he teaches ‘Solomonic Hoodoo’ on his YouTube channel (BLTHZR) and writes; and has contributed to publications such as At The Crossroads (Scarlet Imprint 2012) and Conjure Codex (Hadean Press). His work and services can be found here.
