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An oracle of Ancient Egypt
The Way of Cartouche is an oracle deck by Murry Hope. The deck consists of 25 cards based on the deities and symbols of Ancient Egypt. It was this deck which was one of the forces behind my desire to create my own oracle deck.
The main reason that The Way of Cartouche inspired me was that it was the first oracle deck I ever saw that was not a Tarot deck. It had obviously sprung forth from a modern individual's mind, from a unique fully formed concept. This was very different from Tarot decks, which likely were modified by many people over the hundreds of years that Tarot has existed. It is true that there are hundreds of modern Tarot decks which use a single unifying theme and are created by an individual with a vision. However, The Way of Cartouche showed me that oracle decks can be truly unique.
Calyxa's review of The Way of Cartouche
My personal impressions of The Way of Cartouche Oracle Deck
I have a first edition copy of the Way of Cartouche, printed in 1985 by St. Martin's Press.The cards are relatively tall when compared to most other oracle decks. The cards measure 3.5 inches wide and 5.75 inches tall. My hands are small, so I've found working with the cards to be a bit awkward. Despite the awkward size, I've always been quite happy with the results of my readings.
The deck consists of 25 cards. The first ten cards are all different Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses. Cards 11 through 14 correspond to the four elements; Fire, Air, Water, and Earth. The remaining cards are all symbolic of Ancient Egypt in some way.
Included in the handbook are two different reading layouts. The first is a horoscope spread. This spread lays out 12 cards in a wheel, one card in each house of the horoscope. Twelve cards is nearly half of the Cartouche oracle deck, however, so I rarely use this layout.
The layout I prefer is the five card star spread. The first card is placed in the lower left and represents the question. The second card is placed in the upper right and represents the reason for asking the question. The third card is placed in the upper left and represents the factors to consider. The fourth card is placed at the lower right and is the advice which the cards are suggesting. The last and fifth card is centered at the top. It represents the outcome.
In addition to their use as an oracle, each card in the Way of Cartouche can be used as a focus for a meditation, or it can be used as a talisman.
Purchase The Way of Cartouche
The Way of Cartouche is a deck of cards and a handbook which includes two different reading layouts as well as detailed information on each of the cards.
The Way of Cartouche: An Oracle of Ancient Egyptian Magic
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THE WAY TO CARTOUCHE AN ORACLE OF ANCIENT EGYTIAN MAGIC
Amazon Price: (as of 08/21/2008)
The Way of Cartouche: An Oracle of Ancient Egyptian Magic
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Cartouche is the Key
The key to decrypting the Rosetta Stone was the cartouche symbol
When the Rosetta Stone was found, Egyptologists knew they had something which might help to decypher hieroglyphs. The Rosetta Stone has on it the same inscription in three different languages.The bottom third was written in classical Greek, a language that scholars knew well. The central third was written in a script and language known as demotic, which was not known, but presented an easier puzzle than the hieroglyphs, which made up the top third of the text on the Rosetta Stone.
It was a bit of a guess that the long oval shapes which enclosed other glyphs might denote the names of the Pharaohs mentioned in the classical Greek text. With this inspired guess, however, Jean-François Champollion was then able to finally decypher the hieroglyphic text.
The concept of the Cartouche symbol as a key for decoding meanings is the reasoning behind the name of the Way of Cartouche system. Each card in the Cartouche system is a key which can unlock the answers to the questions you seek.
The Way of Cartouche on Squidoo
Another good lens which has information on the Way of Cartouche
Steven Wagenheim has a wonderful lens on The Way of Cartouche in which he goes through many different sample readings.-
The World Of Cartouche
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Hi: This lens will focus on Cartouche, Cartouche Readings, and Cartouche Instruction. I hope you will visit often as I plan to update this lens on a weekly basis. Sincerely, Steven Wagenheim
Osiris
Osiris is the father and creator of the universe
The image on the Osiris card is of the djed pillar. The djed is symbolic of the tree trunk in which Isis hid the dismembered body of Osiris as she sought to reassemble the pieces of Osiris after he had been dismembered by his evil twin brother, Set.The Osiris card represents safety and security. It is the father symbol to which one can turn for guidance and support, in things spiritual as well as in day to day life.
The inverted Osiris card suggests an injustice, or an attitude of 'holier than thou.' When facing a judgement, the inverted Osiris card suggests things will not go your way.
As a focus for meditation, the Osiris card is a marvelous tool for one who is on a spiritual quest.
Isis
Isis is the sister-wife of Osiris, the divine mother
The symbol on the Isis card is of a throne. This throne is also used as a headdress when depicting Isis in tomb paintings.Isis is not only the divine mother, but she is also the Patron of magic. All magical powers fall under the purvue of Isis. The Isis card indicates that help from above and beyond is availble to the seeker.
When the Isis card falls reversed, there is a risk of being taken in by a false prophet. It is also a warning to mothers not to leave their children unattended.
Meditating on the Isis card can be beneficial for those who feel they are alone in the world and need a supportive shoulder on which to cry.
Horus
Horus is the child of Osiris and Isis
The symbol on the Horus card is of the all-seeing eye. The Horus card symbolizes healing and family, creativity and procreation. It is an upbeat card, and can represent a person of great charisma. There are parallels between the stories of Horus and Jesus.When the Horus card falls reversed, it can warn of illness or injury, or of family discord.
As a meditation guide, the Horus card can help with healing, and can allow one to see all around the various aspects of any situation that may be troubling. Meditating on the Horus card can be a fine start to any artistic or creative project.
The Eye of Horus
The all-seeing eye, the eye of Ra, the wedjat
When the left eye, it is the eye of Ra, when the right eye, it is the eye of Horus. Sometimes called the wedjat, this Egyptian eye is a powerful symbol.
18k Gold Udjat Eye Pendant with enamel
This pendant looks the most similar to the one I got when I saw the King Tutankhamun exhibit in Los Angeles in 1978.
Amazon Price: $165.00 (as of 08/21/2008)
Sterling Silver Eye of Horus Magical Amulet
Clean and simple, this eye of Horus pendant is available with a choice of different gemstones for the iris of the eye.
Amazon Price: $75.95 (as of 08/21/2008)
Boxed Egyptian Eye of HORUS Silver-Tone Pewter Pendant Necklace
This richly textured pendant is quite economical.
Amazon Price: $22.91 (as of 08/21/2008)
18K Egyptian Jewelry Pendants - Eye of Horus with Lapis and Mother of Pearl
Gold and lapis and mother of pearl make this pendant quite rich.
Amazon Price: $190.00 (as of 08/21/2008)
18K Egyptian Jewelry Pendants - Eye of Horus inside a Rosetta Stone
This pendant combines the symbol of the Eye of Horus and the shape of the Rosetta Stone.
Amazon Price: $220.00 (as of 08/21/2008)
Bast
Bast is the sister of Horus
The image on the Bast card is a musical instrument known as a sistrum. The sistrum is similar in sound to a tambourine, but without the drumhead.The Bast card speaks of mental attitudes of happiness and devotion. Bast is the patron of cats, so the grace and caution of the feline also is suggested by the Bast card.
When the Bast card falls reversed, there is a suggestion of anxiety, or of cattiness.
When meditating on the Bast card, one can prepare for psychic work, as the Bast card can bring balance to an uneasy mind.
Thoth
Thoth is the scribe of the Gods and the Lord of Time
The image on the Thoth card is of a caduceus. The caduceus is the symbol associated with doctors and medicine. The staff of the caduceus represents the spine, and the two snakes are the kundalini energies of life.The Thoth card represents fate, karma, and education. Karmic debts are repaid, good luck comes around.
Inverted, the Thoth card is a sign of bad luck, or of some bad karma.
The Thoth card as a meditation focus heals not only the spirit, but also the karma. Meditating on the Thoth card can help you determine if you are on the correct path.
Hathor
Hathor is a goddess of beauty and power
The image on the Hathor card is of a mirror. Hathor is the goddess of beauty, though she often takes the form of a cow.The Hathor card signifies spiritual strength. Fortitude and power of one's self-assurance are embodied by the Hathor card. Comfort and beauty, organization and good grooming are all associated with Hathor.
The inverted Hathor card can signify a pushy person. Strength and self-assurance inverted is the traditional image of a bull-headed person who does not recognize their ill use of power.
The Hathor card as a focus of meditation can focus a woman's domestic needs. What to make for dinner, how to dress, how to cut her hair, these are all simple questions for meditation on the Hathor card.
Egyptian Mirrors to Buy
A variety of Egyptian styled mirrors that you can own
The mirror is a powerful symbol from ancient times. When humans first had the power to create an object that would display their own image was a significant turning point in the evolution from animal to homo sapiens, the animal that knows itself.
Egyptian Floral Motif Gold Leafed Hand Mirror
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Egyptian Maat Hand Mirror Goddess Egypt
Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 08/21/2008)
Cobra Egyptian Hand Mirror
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Egyptian Aegis Hand Mirror Ancient Egypt
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Nephthys
Nephthys is the goddess of the secret home
The image on the Nephthys card is of a chalice.Nephthys is the lady of the house. She keeps her domain under control and rules from behind the scenes.
The Nephthys card represents one who is secretive in their spirituality. It signifies a change about to happen, where the pupil emerges from the hidden study onto the academic scene. The person represented by the Nephthys card is shy, but on the verge of a revelation.
When the Nephthys card falls reversed, one may be deluding oneself with psychic convictions that are not true, that one believes to know more than is actually known. It may also signify a dependance on some sort of drug, or the effects of nightmares.
Meditating on the Nephthys card can be useful for seeking peace and relaxation, raising ones consciousness above the worldly chaos and finding spiritual tranquility.
Ptah
Ptah is the ancient Egyptian version of the freemason
The image on the Ptah card is of the tools of a mason. The compass, the square, and the cord, which is the basis of the Cartouche symbol.The Ptah card signifies lessons learned, another brick laid in the foundation of knowledge. Ptah represents the hard work of a man who proves things only to himself. Skills and new technical knowledge fall under the scope of the Ptah card.
The Ptah card inverted suggests one is facing a technical problem that is insoluble, or that one is taking an approach to the problem that will not result in a solution.
Meditating on the Ptah card is useful when facing a new problem of technical magnitude. If you are an inventor or seeking to create a new physical arrangement in the world, meditating on the Ptah card is advised.
Anubis
Anubis is the hunting dog, a jackal, the guardian of the dead
The image on the Anubis card is of a reclining jackal hunting dog. The jackal dog rests upon a sarcophogus, guarding the dead.The Anubis card suggests protection, navigation, and diplomacy. When one encounters a snarling dog, a diplomatic and careful stance goes a long way.
When inverted, the Anubis card can signify being lost, or an upsetting vision. It can also represent tactlessness.
As a meditation guide, the Anubis card can help you choose which of the other cards would be most appropriate upon which to meditate. The Anubis card will find what is needed.
Anubis, guardian of the dead
Anubis doesn't just guard the dead, but he can also guard your precious things.
Treasure boxes, guardian amulets, and more! Anubis protects all!
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Set
Sometimes called Sutekh, this evil deity dismembered his brother Osiris
The image on the Set card is of a Typhonian beast. Because of the dramatic red background, it is obvious that this card portends troubles.The Set card represents obstacles. It can mean specific physical obstacles, or perhaps obstacles that are found within our own minds.
When the Set card falls reversed, the most likely interpretation is of a person who is acting as an opposing force.
It is not recommended to meditate upon the Set card. Doing so will bring only further opposition.
Sutekh Symbolism
Powerful symbols can be very attractive
Fire
Fire is one of the four basic elemental forces
The image on the Fire card is of course a representation of flames. It is the control of fire that sets humanity apart from the animals.The Fire card suggests energy and creativity. It is the application and motion of energy to move ourselves forward on our paths. The Fire card can suggest a purification, or trial by Fire.
When the Fire card falls inverted, it suggests a denial of self, in that one may be ignoring the calls that one's spirit is making. It can also indicate a loss of temper.
Meditating on the Fire card is useful for times when courage is needed, or when seeking a spark of inspiration.
Fire Designs to Wear
Take Fire with you during your day
What better way to meditate on fire than to wear a stunning flame-based design? If you don't see something you like here, check out my best friend's lens devoted to all things flame!
Air
Air is the second of the four elemental forces
The Air card shows clouds in a blue sky. There's nothing quite like a breath of fresh air to relieve stress.The Air card is about communication, memory, and travel. There is motion in the air card, of words, of facts and figures, or of one's body.
When the Air card falls reversed, miscommunications abound. It can portend troubles on a planned journey.
Meditating on the Air card can help to clear one's mind and can be an aid to memory.
Wind Power
Air in motion could save the world
Communicate the power of the wind and show your support for clean energy with one of these wind power tee-shirts.
Water
Water is the third of the four elemental forces
The Water card shows a waterfall, a river, and a date palm. The date palm is a reminder that water is a bringer of life.The Water card is all about emotions. It also is about spiritual matters and being in touch with the spirit that flows through us.
When the Water card falls reversed, it suggests an emotional or spiritual drain. One might end up crying, or emotional distance.
Meditating on the Water card can relieve stagnation and bring flow back to one's spirit.
Water Fountains for the home
Bring the element of water into your living space
The sounds of gently flowing water is very relaxing. The sights of flowing water make a great focus for meditation.
Steps Tabletop Fountain
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Tealight Pillar Tabletop Water Fountain
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Adventurine Cascade with Sphere
Wow! When I win the lottery, I'm going to get myself one of these!
Amazon Price: $339.00 (as of 08/21/2008)
Waterfall Pool Fountain
Amazon Price: $25.63 (as of 08/21/2008)
Earth
Earth is the fourth of the four elemental forces
The Earth card shows colorful crystals resting on the sand, with a stand of grains growing nearby. The earth is our mother and she teaches us many lessons.The Earth card is a sign of thriftness and practicality. It suggests conservation and of treating our surroundings with love and care.
When the Earth card falls reversed, the implication is of one who does not care well for their surroundings, or who values money above all else.
Meditating on the Earth card is a wonderful way to ground scattered energies.
Stone Sculptures
Bring the element of Earth into your home
Although some of these items are not made of true stone, they represent classic stone objects.
Hand carved Stone Buddha Head Statue
Amazon Price: $59.95 (as of 08/21/2008)
Carruth 5102 St. Francis Birdfeeder
Amazon Price: $44.95 (as of 08/21/2008)
Sun Stone
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 08/21/2008)
Sirius
Sirius, the dog star, companion to Orion
The symbols on the Sirius card include an obelisk and a star, representing Sirius, the dog star. Sirius is the brightest star in the sky in in the neighborhood of the constellation of Orion. It is actually a binary star.The Sirius card indicates a pioneering spirit. Travel through space and time, strength and stamina, and a high level of awareness are all indicated by the Sirius card.
When the Sirius card falls reversed, a physical weakness or a mental stubbornness can be indicated. It can also suggest false psychic contacts.
As a meditation tool, the Sirius card can prepare one for any physical challenge. It can also be useful for anyone who is facing a journey which may be physically demanding.
Lotus
The lotus symbolizes, "as above, so below"
The lotus blossom symbolizes peace of mind in not just the Way of Cartouche, but also in many spiritual traditions. The symbol on the lotus card is of a single, placid lotus blossom.The lotus card symbolizes peace of mind. It can also suggest someone who is gentle and placid. The lotus card indicates contentment on all levels.
When the lotus card falls reversed, it suggests a fragmented and agitated mind. Introspection can be useful, but the reversed lotus card says that too much introspection is not productive. Watch for psychic time wasters when the reversed lotus appears.
Meditating upon the lotus card brings on the alpha brain wave state. Let the outer world fall away and find the jewel in the lotus meditating upon this card.
Crook and Flail
Symbols of leadership, the Crook and Flail represent discipline and authority
The symbols on the Crook and Flail card are the two implements held by pharaohs. The crook is the tool of the shepherd, used to catch stray sheep. The flail has incorrectly been interpreted as a whip. It is not. Notice how the three flagella are attached to the handle on an angle. Having built a flail, I can tell you that it it not useful as a whip!The crook and flail card indicates someone in control, not only of themselves and their life, but also of the surrounding people. Here is an authority figure, following and enforcing rules.
When the crook and flail card falls reversed, the indication is of a lack of discipline, or of discipline gone awry, as in the case of being too bossy.
Meditating upon the crook and flail is useful for bringing on self-confidence.
Ancient Egyptian Links
The mythology of Ancient Egypt is extensive and complex
Gods and Goddess, hieroglyphs, the Pyramids, the Sphinx, and more!
- Gods and Mythology of Ancient Egypt
- A very thorough discussion of many Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt.
- Guardian's Egypt - Pyramid links
- The fine folks at guardians.net have more pyramid links than you can shake a flail at.
- Hieroglyph lessons
- This site has some very basic tutorials on reading hieroglyphs.
- NOVA Online/The Sphinx
- This site by the public television science series NOVA has several interactive features which allow you to explore the Sphinx complex at Giza via your web browser.
- 114 Gods of Ancient Egypt
- Each God and Goddess has a full text description and most are illustrated with not only a drawing, but also a photograph of either a statue or a temple carving.
Cartouche Jewelry
Whether it is your name or the name of a famous Pharaoh, cartouches are beautiful!
Sterling Silver w/18k Gold Symbols Personalized Cartouche Pendant Up to 5 hieroglyphic symbols - Solid Style Hand-made in Egypt by special order.
Choose any name or word to fill your own custom cartouche pendant.
Amazon Price: $75.00 (as of 08/21/2008)
Egyptian Silver Cartouche Pendant with "I LOVE YOU" in Hieroglyphics- Solid Style
The glyphs on this pendant phonetically spell out the English phrase "I love you."
Amazon Price: $40.00 (as of 08/21/2008)
Egyptian Silver "FaTHER" Cartouche - Open Style Large
The glyphs on this pendant phonetically spell out the English word "father."
Amazon Price: $40.00 (as of 08/21/2008)
One sided Solid Cartouche - Regular - Small up to 4 letters
Customize this cartouche pendant to phonetically spell your name or the short word of your preference using hieroglyphs.
Amazon Price: $140.00 (as of 08/21/2008)
18k Gold Egyptian Cartouche with Greek symbols
This cartouche contains three Greek letters; delta, sigma, and theta.
Amazon Price: $150.00 (as of 08/21/2008)
Oracles on eBay
There are many different types of oracles, not just decks of cards, but also rune stones, pendulums, and coins.
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