The Rosetta Stone Method

A tarot-based approach to improved relationship communication

Workshop Overview

Communication theory basicsMechanics of the Rosetta Stone methodReadings examples

----- BREAK -----The deck selection processHands-on practice sessions

Part One: The Basics of Communication Theory

The Rosetta StoneDiscovered in 1799, this historically-significant stone contains the text of a decree from Ptolemy V (196 BC) written in three languages: hieroglyphic, Demotic, and classical Greek.

Principle #1

Communication is not simply an element -- or even a “cornerstone” -- of a relationship. Communication is the WHOLE of ALL relationships.

Principle #2

Despite any assertions to the contrary, logic and reason have almost nothing to do with the effectiveness of communication.

— Suzette Haden Elgin, “More on the Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense”

Principle #3

No two human beings share exactly the same perception of what constitutes “truth” or “reality.” Instead, we are each the authors of our own, personal “Constructed Realities.” These constructions, in turn, act to shape our behaviors — including how we communicate with others.

Principle #4

The most crucial principle for all communication strategies is this: In order to understand what another person is saying, you must assume that it is true, and try to imagine what it could be true of.”

— George Miller (1980)

Principle #5

Once you have successfully applied Miller’s Principle to understanding another’s Constructed Reality, the most effective way of communicating with that person is through the use of metaphor aligned with that reality.

Part Two: Mechanics ofthe Rosetta Stone Method

Principle #4 Revisited:

In order to understand what another person is saying, you must assume that it is true, and try to imagine what it could be true of.”

Overview

The Rosetta Stone procedure uses tarot to enhance relationships of all types (personal and professional) by helping the reader apply Miller’s Principle, in order to make communication more effective. Essentially, tarot becomes a “Rosetta Stone,” allowing for the translation of an “unknown Constructed Reality” by comparing it to a known world view.

Step 1: Choose a Spread

The Rosetta Stone method can be applied to any tarot spread. The chosen spread should reflect the nature of the subject under examination, and should be focused on subjective qualities, such as feelings and opinions. Spreads that attempt to explore more concrete dimensions, such as cause-and-effect or future outcomes, are less well-suited to use of the Rosetta Stone principles.

Step 2: Choose a Deck for the“Known World View”

Once the spread has been selected, the first part of the reading should be done with a deck best suited to expressing the querent’s own Constructed Reality. If you are reading for yourself, your best bet is probably your favorite “comfort deck” -- the deck you find gives you the most consistently useful and accurate results. In the instructions that follow, we’ll call this deck the “Querent Deck.”

Step 3: Choose a Deckto Represent the Other Person

The second portion of the reading will be conducted using a different deck -- one that best represents the World View of the other person involved in the relationship. If the second individual is directly involved in the reading, or is otherwise approachable, he/she may be able to select the best deck to represent themselves. Otherwise, be as objective as possible, and try to select a deck that seems to capture a broad representation of the individual’s general personality. In the instructions to follow, we’ll refer to this deck as the “Second Person Deck.”

Step 4: Use the Querent Deck to Perform a Basic Reading

The spread and both decks have been selected, perform a basic reading using ONLY the Querent Deck. The results should be interpreted strictly from the point-of-view of the querent. In other words, the reading should explore the feelings, opinions, and behavior of the querent only.

Step 5: Duplicate the Original Reading Using the Second Person Deck

Once part one of the reading is complete, pull the same cards from the Second Person Deck, and lay them in the same positions as those of the Querent Deck. During this second part of the reading, explore the similarities and differences in the illustrations of the two decks, noting in particular aspects where the symbolism seems “compatible,” and areas where the symbolism diverges in significant ways.

Step 6: Formulate a Communication Strategy Based on the Reading Results

Once the spread has been examined using both decks, apply Miller’s Principle to the results to construct a strategy for communicating with the second person. Focus on areas of overlap, and build “metaphorical bridges” to communicate in areas where the World Views of the two parties are divergent.

Part Three: A Rosetta StoneSample Reading

A Hypothetical Example

Dean wonders why his girlfriend Bess doesn’t wish to spend more time with him. We’ll look at three possible “Besses” to provide further examples for consideration.

Step 1: Select a Spread

In order to explore the psychological and emotional factors that affect the relationship, Dean chooses a three-card “Body / Mind / Spirit” spread for his reading.

Step 2: Choose the “Querent Deck”

Dean is a down-to-earth traditionalist. For most readings, he prefers to use the International Icon Tarot -- a Waite/Smith clone deck that pares the imagery down to the important essentials.

Step 3: Choose the“Second Person Deck”

We’ll explore three different scenarios for Bess:

Bess “A”: Strong and self-confident, Bess A is definitely a “Type A” personality. She’s a no-nonsense person who knows what she wants, and isn’t afraid to go after it. For Bess A, we’ll use the Ramses: Tarot of Eternity deck.

Bess “B”: Free-spirited and playful, Bess B can be a bit mischievous and even eccentric. This Bess is assigned to the U.S. Games Halloween Tarot.

Bess “C”: Our third Bess is moody, intense, and a tad dramatic. She has a Bohemian artistic side that is well-represented by the Londa Marks Londa Tarot.

Step 4: The Reading, Part 1

Using his International Icon tarot, Dean draws the following three cards for his Body / Mind / Spirit spread:

Step 5: The Reading, Part 2a

Dean pulls the corresponding “Body” card from the Second Person Deck. (Left to right: Dean’s original card, corresponding cards for Bess A, B, and C.)

Step 5: The Reading, Part 2b

Dean pulls the corresponding “Mind” card from the Second Person Deck.

Step 5: The Reading, Part 2c

Dean pulls the corresponding “Spirit” card from the Second Person Deck.

Step 6: Find Bridging Metaphors

Now that Dean has gained some insights into Bess' viewpoint, and had a chance to reflect on how it differs from his own, he has the information he needs to "enter her reality" and communicate with her more effectively.

Bess A: “I love ya, baby, and I know you love me, too. So where do you think we should go from here?”

Bess B: “Anything I do is a lot more fun when I do it with you.”

Bess C: “My love for you is a flame that can burn equally well together or alongside yours.”

***** Break *****

Part Four: The Deck Selection Process

What are my options?

With hundreds of decks in print at any given time, there is a “fit” for just about any personality type. The following screens provide only the smallest cross section of examples and suggestions.

Traditionalist / Conservative / Reserved

Waite-Smith deck and variations or close clones (Radiant Rider-Waite, Universal Waite, Universal Tarot by Roberto De Angelis, International Icon, Hallmark, Hanson-Roberts, Pictorial Key, many more)

Historical reproductions (1JJ Swiss, Marseille patterns, Soprafino pattern)

Humorous / Whimsical

“Child-friendly” decks (Spirit of Flowers, Fey, Vanessa, Sun and Moon, various fairy-themed decks, Ator, Gummy Bear, Halloween, Minute, Sakki Sakki, Phantasmagoric Theater, 8-Bit, anthropomorphized animal-themed decks, Inner Child Cards)

Novelty decks matching activities / interests (White Cats, Housewives, Silicon Valley, Alcohol, Pirates, Bellydancers)

Intellectual / Analytical

Crowley-Harris “Thoth” deck and clones (Liber T, Via, Deva)

Hermetic / Qabalistic influenced (Golden Dawn, Initiatory Tarot of the Golden Dawn, Hermetic, Jungian, Sephiroth)

Spiritual / Creative

Decks featuring angels, spirits, or deities (Angels [AGM], Angels [Lo Scarabeo], Winged Spirit, Spirit World, Shining Angels, Dark Angels, Witches [Llewellyn], Goddess [USG], Universal Goddess, Sol Invictus )

Decks with “softer” lines and colors, or more abstract illustrations (Margarete Petersen, Transformation [Arlenea/Cori], Trance, Osho Zen, Aquarian, New Palladini, Fenestra, Harmonious)

Outgoing / Direct / Strong

Practical, straightforward decks that reflect leadership qualities (many Egyptian-themed decks, Arthurian- and grail-themed decks, Dame Fortune’s Wheel, dragon-themed decks, Touchstone, Golden Tarot of the Tsar)

Decks with exoteric themes (Bright Idea, Management, Feng Shui, Gemstones and Crystals)

Part Five: Hands-On Practice

Give it a try!

Do a Rosetta Stone reading for yourself, or partner up with another workshop attendee. A selection of “Second Person” decks are available from your presenter.