Unless otherwise stated, all photography and illustrations in this publication are created by the same authors as the text. That which is below is like that which is above and that which is above is like that which is below, to do the miracle of one only thing.
Unless otherwise stated, all photography, illustrations and other type of visualisations in this publication are created by the same authors as the text. That which is below is like that which is above and that which is above is like that which is below, to do the miracle of one only thing.
### Digital Tools
### Digital Tools
This book was created with the help of a collection of not-so-small and extremely sharp open source tools, to name a few; paged.js, pandoc, pdfimpose, pdftk, and our darling demon inkscape. So was the world created. From this are and do come admirable adaptations where of the means is here in this.
This book was created with the help of a collection of not-so-small and extremely sharp open source tools, to name a few: paged.js, pandoc, pdfimpose, pdftk, and our darling demon Inkscape. So was the world created. From this are and do come admirable adaptations where the means is here in this.
XPUB is the Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design: Experimental Publishing of the Piet Zwart Institute. XPUB focuses on the acts of making things public and creating publics in the age of post-digital networks. Find out more at xpub.nl
:::::
:::::{#title-page}
#CONSOLE
####xpub special issue xx
Console is an oracle; an emotional first aid kit that helps you help yourself.
Console invites you to open the box and discover ways of healing;
Console provides shelter for your dreams, memories and worries.
Face the past and encounter your fortune.
Console gives you a new vantage point; a set of rituals and practices that help you cope and care;
Console asks everyday questions that give magical answers.
Are you ready to play?
:::::
:::::{#acknowledgements}
##<3thispublicationmadepossiblethanksto:
Lídia Pereira (ed.)
Artemis Gryllaki (ed.)
Manetta Berends
Joseph Knierzinger
Steve Rushton
Leslie Robbins
Michael Murtaugh
Sébastien Tien and the Page Not Found team
Anna M. Szaflarski
Paul DD Smith
Shana Moulton
Bérénice Serra
The Sun is its father
The Moon its mother
The Wind hath carried it in its belly
The Earth is its nurse
### Photography and Illustration
Unless otherwise stated, all photography, illustrations and other type of visualisations in this publication are created by the same authors as the text. That which is below is like that which is above and that which is above is like that which is below, to do the miracle of one only thing.
### Digital Tools
This book was created with the help of a collection of not-so-small and extremely sharp open source tools, to name a few: paged.js, pandoc, pdfimpose, pdftk, and our darling demon Inkscape. So was the world created. From this are and do come admirable adaptations where the means is here in this.
###Printing and Binding
Just lil old us.
### Typeface
Work Sans by Wei Huang.
Consolation by us.
That which I have said of the operation of the Sun is accomplished and ended.
@ -99,11 +99,11 @@ If the Coffee appears reversed, it is a warning. The coffee will spill and it ma
.keywords: magic, manifestation, setting intentions, directing energy consciously, willpower, concentration, having all the resources you need.
.keywords: magic, manifestation, setting intentions, directing energy consciously, willpower, concentration, having all the resources you need.
Two old women stand before a table, one pointing to above and one below. Their eyes glow with mystic powers and if they have appeared in your dreams you may feel their power radiating. This is particularly powerful card. While looking at it, reject what you have been told about the emotional loneliness of spinsters and focus on their ability to spin a magical web. These women are appearing to you at an important time, at the moment when you may choose your own path. You are now fully able to manifest your desires. The Spinsters are showing you the power you hold and asking you for intense concentration. There is power in your focus and dedication, now is the time to channel all your resources to achieving what you wish.
Two old women stand before a table, one pointing above, the other below. Their eyes glow with mystic power. If they appeared in your dreams you would feel their power radiating. This is particularly powerful card. While looking at it, reject what you have been told about the emotional loneliness of spinsters and focus on their ability to spin a magical web. These women appear to you at an important time, at the moment when you may choose your own path. You are now fully able to manifest your desires. The Spinsters show you the power you hold and ask you for intense concentration. There is power in your focus and dedication, now is the time to channel all your resources to achive what you wish.
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
If the Spinsters have appeared reversed, is is a sign that you are ignoring your own powers. You no longer see two crone magicians who have chosen the path of spiritual power but instead two unmarried older women. Do not be fooled. The power is in your hands, your potential lays dormant underneath your doubts and lack of self esteem. Trust in your ability, trust the Spinsters to weave you back to an active role within your own life.\
If the Spinsters have appeared reversed, it is a sign that you are ignoring your own powers. You no longer see two crone magicians who have chosen the path of spiritual power, but two unmarried older women. Do not be fooled. The power is in your hands, your potential lays dormant beneath your doubts and lack of self esteem. Trust in your ability, trust the Spinsters to weave you back to an active role within your own life.\
**✳**tarot correspondence: 1. the magician.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 1. the magician.
@ -114,11 +114,11 @@ If the Spinsters have appeared reversed, is is a sign that you are ignoring your
. keywords: intuition, subconscious, higher wisdom, knowing something you can't explain, stillness, meditation, spell-work and ritual.
. keywords: intuition, subconscious, higher wisdom, knowing something you can't explain, stillness, meditation, spell-work and ritual.
The Bride sits in silence in an underground cistern, two eyes closed and a third one opened. Upon her head two crescent moons hold the globe. She is alone, but does not appear to be waiting. The Bride is a figure of divine wisdom, feminine mystery and intuitive knowledge. She is the guardian of the unconscious and she is meeting you. By receiving this card you are being gently led deeper, or asked to go deeper. To artists, she is the representation of creative potential. The bride has little care for the material as her powers lay in the true nature of emotion. Let your intuition lead the way, quiet the chatter of the rational and logical.
The Bride sits in silence in an underground cistern, two eyes closed and a third eye open. Upon her head two crescent moons hold the globe. She is alone, but does not appear to be waiting. The Bride is a figure of divine wisdom, feminine mystery and intuitive knowledge. She is the guardian of the unconscious and she is meeting you. By receiving this card you are being gently led deeper, invited to go deeper. To artists, she is the representation of creative potential. The bride has little care for the material because her powers lay in the true nature of emotion. Let your intuition lead the way, quieten the chatter of the rational and logical.
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
If you are facing a reversed Bride, is is an indication to examine where you are ignoring your gut. Perhaps you have let your thinking mind run loose or have not been listening to your gut. You have even be overvaluing other's opinions or acting too hastily. Whichever is it, it may be time to be still, reflect and meditate on your intuition.\
If you are facing a reversed Bride, it is an indication to examine when you ignor your gut. Perhaps you have allowed your thinking mind to run loose, you have not been listening to your gut. You overvalue the opinions of others or act too hastily. Whichever it is, it may be time to be still, reflect and meditate on your intuition.\
**✳**tarot correspondence: 2. the high priestess.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 2. the high priestess.
@ -129,11 +129,11 @@ If you are facing a reversed Bride, is is an indication to examine where you are
The Mother sits on a throne in the middle of the river of life force, a crown upon her head a sword in her hand. In this iconography she is Juno, Roman goddess of marriage and family. As such, she sits near a pregnant cow and a peacock eating a pomegranate. Around her nature thrives. She is the embodiment of femininity and the bringer or life and growth. Her energy is both nurturing and fiercely protective. She is appearing to indicate that she is looking after you and your growth. She is abundant and as such so will your expression be, both creative and sensual. Deep fulfilment awaits.
The Mother sits on a throne in the middle of the river of life force. A crown on her head, a sword in her hand. In this iconography she is Juno, Roman goddess of marriage and family. As such, she sits near a pregnant cow and a peacock eating a pomegranate. Nature thrives around her. She is the embodiment of femininity and the bringer or life and growth. Her energy is both nurturing and fiercely protective. She appears to indicate that she is looking after you and your growth. She is abundant and as such so will your expression be, both creative and sensual. Deep fulfilment awaits.
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
The Mother has appeared reversed. Juno's warlike nature is more active than her nurturing side. Your seeking of protection is keeping your from true love and joy. You were guarding yourself, and while you were in the right to do so, it is now time to let your shield down. Your emotional crops are thriving, you have put in the work. Let go of your war, lean into joy and love.
The Mother has appeared reversed. Juno's warlike nature is more active than her nurturing side. Your search for protection is keeping you from true love and joy. You were guarding yourself, and while you were right to do so, it is now time to let your shield down. Your emotional crops are thriving, you have put in the work. Let go of your war, lean into joy and love.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 3. the empress.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 3. the empress.
@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ The Mother has appeared reversed. Juno's warlike nature is more active than her
.keywords: belief systems, ancestry, study, tradition, conformity, learning about the past.
.keywords: belief systems, ancestry, study, tradition, conformity, learning about the past.
A priest stands in front of you, one hand hidden and one towards the divine. On his shoulders sits a church, with a blacked door highlighting a shining key. The Church cards beckons you inside a mysterious, sacred place. In Christian belief, a church is not only where religious community meets but seat of Divinity itself. I invite you to the Church card as such, and disconnect it from its Christian imagery. It stands in the place of any established social structure, spiritual tradition or source of ancestral knowledge. It is a teacher, a leader, a guru of past memory. If the Church has come up in your reading, its indicating a need for deeper meaning or knowledge. Will you use your key to follow the paved road and find out who paved it and who walked it before you?
A priest stands in front of you, one hand hidden and the other towards the divine. On his shoulders sits a church, with a black door highlighting a shining key. The Church cards beckons you inside a mysterious, sacred place. In the Christian belief, a church is not only where the religious community meets, it is the seat of Divinity itself. I invite you to disconnect the Church card from its Christian associations. It stands in place of any established social structure, spiritual tradition or source of ancestral knowledge. It is a teacher, a leader, a guru of past memory. If the Church has come up in your reading, it indicates a need for deeper meaning or knowledge. Will you use your key to follow the paved road and find out who paved it and who walked it before you?
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
@ -159,11 +159,11 @@ The Church is upside down. Its integrity is questioned, the status quo stumbles.
- .keywords: love (of all kinds), making heart-centred choices, compassion, partnerships and relationships, equilibrium, harmony.
- .keywords: love (of all kinds), making heart-centred choices, compassion, partnerships and relationships, equilibrium, harmony.
Two hands reach for each other, the space between them filled with light and eyes. Around their wrists roses are growing. There is an obvious story being told, of two souls meeting in companionship. However, this is a card about balance and choices too. The Upside Down is a reference to love and the two sides of a coin. When this card appears it speaks of love and strong bonds. It is asking you to choose love, to make heartfelt, loving, compassionate choices. The Upside Down is a simple card, asking you to choose. Listen to your heart and follow it.
Two hands reach for each other, the space between them filled with light and eyes. Roses grow around their wrists. There is an obvious story being told, of two souls meeting in companionship. But this is also a card about balance and choices. The Upside Down is a reference to love and the two sides of a coin. When this card appears it speaks of love and strong bonds. It asks you to choose love, to make heartfelt, loving, compassionate choices. The Upside Down is a simple card, asking you to choose. Listen to your heart and follow it.
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
Due to the nature of this card, up is down and down is up. However you pull this card, it is showing you both the Yin and the Yang. In this case, however, a sourness is prevalent. The eyes look away, giving you space to work out and identify within yourself why a committment has turned sour. Your inner voice is unbalanced. Use your heart for your choices and seek out harmony.
Due to the nature of this card, up is down and down is up. However you pull this card, it shows you both the Yin and the Yang. In this case, a sourness is prevalent. The eyes look away, giving you space to identify within yourself why a committment has turned sour. Your inner voice is unbalanced. Use your heart for your choices and seek out harmony.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 5. the lovers.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 5. the lovers.
@ -174,11 +174,11 @@ Due to the nature of this card, up is down and down is up. However you pull this
.keywords: focused*action, s*elf-belief and confidence, commitment, drive and determination, hard, passionate work, assertion.
.keywords: focused*action, s*elf-belief and confidence, commitment, drive and determination, hard, passionate work, assertion.
A chariot flies across a starry sky with two half moons. Inside it, a man dressed in Roman armour with the head of turtle dove looks straight at you.The dove is driving through the sky, lead by stars. This is the card of control and victory. The Bird has control of his own fate but it will help you with it too. It directs you to assert your will with mastery, careful practice and self-discipline. It reminds you of your own courage and your strength, an encourages you to direct your energies towards the stars.
A chariot flies across a starry sky with two half moons. Inside it, a man dressed in Roman armour with the head of turtledove looks straight at you. The dove drives through the sky, led by stars. This is the card of control and victory. The Bird has control of his own fate but it will also help you with yours. It directs you to assert your will with mastery, careful practice and self-discipline. It reminds you of your courage and strength. It encourages you to direct your energies towards the stars.
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
When reversed, the Bird is spinning further and further out of control. It may be due to an attempt to control too much, or an underdeveloped assertiveness. Loosen the reins, redirect your chariot. Some things are beyond your power to change and some others are just waiting for your confidence and hard work. Assess which is which and begin riding.
When reversed, the Bird is spinning further and further out of control. It may be due to an attempt to control too much, or an underdeveloped assertiveness. Loosen the reins. Redirect your chariot. Some things are beyond your power to change and others wait for your confidence and hard work. Assess which is which and begin riding.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 6. the chariot.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 6. the chariot.
@ -189,11 +189,11 @@ When reversed, the Bird is spinning further and further out of control. It may b
.keywords: inner strength and courage, dignified resistance, emotional labour, heart.
.keywords: inner strength and courage, dignified resistance, emotional labour, heart.
A naked woman covered in flowers looks to the side, casually taming the lion in front of her. Behind her, a natural landscape opens up. Do not be fooled by her gentle appearance, for she is not effortless. Her strength lies in her heart as this is the card for Breasts. Emotional weakness is discarded as patriarchal concept, as the Breasts are showing you a dignified taming of the wild through your heart. Emotion can steady your demeanour and your inner strength powers you. This indicates positive emotional labour of your own ferocity and expression of pure emotional strength. Go to towards your own chest, to the place of pain, anger, greed, and fear in your life. Acknowledge where these things live within you and own them, pour love all over them.
A naked woman covered in flowers looks to the side, she casually tames the lion in front of her. A natural landscape opens up behind her. Do not be fooled by her gentle appearance, she is not effortless. Her strength lies in her heart as this is the card for Breasts. Emotional weakness is discarded as a patriarchal concept, as the Breasts show you a dignified taming of the wild through your heart. Emotion can steady your demeanour and your powers of inner strength. This indicates positive emotional labour of your own ferocity and expression of pure emotional strength. Go towards your own chest, to the place of pain, anger, greed, and fear in your life. Acknowledge where these things live within you and own them, pour love over them.
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
The lion is now overpowering as the Breasts appear upside down. This is an indication of weakness, your strength feeble as your self-confidence lessens. Your emotions are no longer a power but an overwhelming force that you cannot control. Do not let anger or pain dictate your choice, find your strength once again.
The lion is now overpowering as the Breasts appear upside down. This is an indication of weakness, your strength becomes feeble as your self-confidence lessens. Your emotions are no longer a power but an overwhelming force that you cannot control. Do not let anger or pain dictate your choice, find your strength once again.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 7. strength.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 7. strength.
@ -204,11 +204,11 @@ The lion is now overpowering as the Breasts appear upside down. This is an indic
.keywords: introspection, solitude, retreat, working things through on your own, claiming space and time for you, self-guided or guided study.
.keywords: introspection, solitude, retreat, working things through on your own, claiming space and time for you, self-guided or guided study.
A figure cries in a cocoon underwater, wrapped in a cape of their hair and seaweed. They are holding themselves, as their bright tears make their way up. This figure is in deep introspection. The Crying card is not a negative card, regardless of your own view of tears. It indicates a need for comfort and solitude. It is asking for a moment of introspection, the only thing that may lead you to true self discovery. Once you have expressed your pain and truly felt it, you will gain better understanding.
A figure cries in an underwater cocoon, wrapped in a cape of hair and seaweed. They are holding themselves, as their bright tears float upwards. This figure is in deep introspection. The Crying card is not a negative card, regardless of your own view of tears. It indicates a need for comfort and solitude. It asks for a moment of introspection, the only thing that may lead you to true self discovery. Once you have expressed your pain and truly felt it, you will gain better understanding.
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
The tears fall upon you as the Crying card is reversed. You have relied on yourself too much and over-isolated. The cocoon has served its purpose, now the time for solitude is over. You may let others in or leave your safe space altogether for the time for crying is over.
The tears fall upon you as the Crying card is reversed. You have relied on yourself too much and become over-isolated. The cocoon has served its purpose. The time for solitude is over. You may let others in or leave your safe space altogether. The time for crying is over.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 8. the hermit.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 8. the hermit.
@ -219,11 +219,11 @@ The tears fall upon you as the Crying card is reversed. You have relied on yours
.keywords: positive luck, change, predictions and prophesies, feeling like something is 'destined' to happen, an interconnected bigger picture.
.keywords: positive luck, change, predictions and prophesies, feeling like something is 'destined' to happen, an interconnected bigger picture.
A table is set with plates spelling out the ancient names for tarot and wheel. In the center of the table you can see water, soil, air and fire. Around the table sit the four fixed signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. Three eyes, symbolising the three Fates oversee the table. This is an incredibly auspicious card to pick. Like the table, your destiny has been set, the tempo will crank up as your personal vision develops into reality. This card is asking you to accept your fate, but also take responsibility for it. The table is set but it is up to you to serve.
A table is set with plates spelling out the ancient names for tarot and wheel. In the center of the table you can see water, soil, air and fire. Around the table sit the four fixed signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. Three eyes, symbolising the three Fates oversee the table. This is an incredibly auspicious card to pick. Like the table, your destiny has been set, the tempo will crank up as your personal vision develops into reality. This card asks you to accept your fate, but also take responsibility for it. The table is set but it is up to you to serve.
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
The Set Table has been turned the wrong way. This indicated elements outside your control that are spinning your fate. Luck has not been on your side and you may have found yourself unhappy with your circumstances. Take a moment to analyse what could have happened, are these elements toying with your luck internal or external? Is there someone to blame, if yes, who is it? Whatever you find, trust that the Table will be set again, and out of darkness a new light will be born, informed by your discoveries.
The Set Table has been turned the wrong way. This indicated elements outside your control, spinning your fate. Luck has not been on your side and you may have been unhappy with your circumstances. Take a moment to analyse what could have happened. Are the elements toying with your luck internal or external? Is there someone to blame, if so, who? Whatever you find, trust that the Table will be set again, and out of darkness a new light will be born, informed by your discoveries.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 9. the wheel of fortune.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 9. the wheel of fortune.
@ -234,11 +234,11 @@ The Set Table has been turned the wrong way. This indicated elements outside you
A woman, justice, walks the steps out of darkness, a lament distorting her face. In the Lament, you can see justice wearing white, carrying a sword on her waist and holding scales, with a heart on one end and a brain on the other. Her eyes are closed but the piercing light around her penetrates to the truth. It is her cry for truth, her lament, that propels her forward. This card calls out to you. Every action has an equal reaction but it is often expression of injustice that brings justice forward. It is the Lament that leads to balance, believe that your expression of injustice is worth sharing.
A woman, justice, walks the steps out of darkness, a lament distorts her face. In the Lament, you see justice wearing white, carrying a sword on her waist and holding scales, with a heart on one side and a brain on the other. Her eyes are closed but the piercing light around her penetrates to the truth. It is her cry for truth, her lament, that propels her forward. This card calls out to you. Every action has an equal reaction but it is often an expression of injustice that brings justice forward. It is the Lament that leads to balance. Believe that your expression of injustice is worth sharing.
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
When the Lament appears reversed it indicates a flawed system, an hidden truth or bias. This injustice may have been committed against you or by you, but however it happened the scale are not balances and soon they will be as someone faces consequences. It also begs for a re-establishing of a balancing perspective on your side. Look at the issue from both sides, hear the Lament.
When the Lament appears reversed it indicates a flawed system, a hidden truth or bias. This injustice may have been committed against you or by you. However it happened, the scales are not balanced, but soon they will be as someone faces consequences. It also begs for you to re-balance your perspective. Look at the issue from both sides, hear the Lament.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 11. justice.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 11. justice.
@ -249,11 +249,11 @@ When the Lament appears reversed it indicates a flawed system, an hidden truth o
.keywords: passivity, cost, holding back, patience, allowing events to unfold, meditation and mindful practice, inner peace, self-acceptance, overcoming ego
.keywords: passivity, cost, holding back, patience, allowing events to unfold, meditation and mindful practice, inner peace, self-acceptance, overcoming ego
A man dangles, his foot loosely tied with rope, his wings closed by his sides, his braid falling beyond sight. Next to him other people hang, in the same situation. What we see are Purgatory's Souls, intended as the souls of people who are in a state of temporary punishment and purification as they have died in a state of grace but are not yet ready for heaven. Let the souls be of inspiration to you, in their state of acceptance, as it is not their work that will send them to heaven. They are, just like you, ready for peace and joy. What you must do now is fully succumb to your situation, release. You see, if the soul was to trust the flow of events and let go, he would realise he had wings all along. A brazen metaphor, a simple reminder that it's not time to struggle for control. Trust the universe, trust yourself and let go.
A man dangles, his foot loosely tied with rope, his wings closed by his sides, his braids falling beyond sight. Next to him others hang, in the same situation. We see Purgatory's Souls, the souls of people in a state of temporary punishment and purification, in a state of grace but not yet ready to enter heaven. Let the souls be an inspiration to you, in their state of acceptance, as it is not their work that will send them to heaven. They are, just like you, ready for peace and joy. What you must do now is fully succumb to your situation, release. If the soul trusts the flow of events and lets go, he realises he has had wings all along. A brazen metaphor, a simple reminder that it is not time to struggle for control. Trust the universe, trust yourself and let go.
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
As Purgatory's Souls appear reversed, they tell a different story. They are not hanging but anchored to the soil. You are pulling yourself further down, digging your heels in on a decision that has to be made. Your inaction now is pointless, it will just delay the inevitable. The souls already can fly, the punishment has been lifted and yet here you still are. You must face your inner turmoil to move on.
As Purgatory's Souls appear reversed, they tell a different story. They are not hanging but anchored to the soil. You are pulling yourself further down, digging your heels in on a decision that has to be made. Your inaction now is pointless, it will just delay the inevitable. The souls can already can, the punishment has been lifted and yet here you still are. You must face your inner turmoil to move on.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 11. the hanged man.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 11. the hanged man.
@ -264,11 +264,11 @@ As Purgatory's Souls appear reversed, they tell a different story. They are not
.keywords: the ending of a cycle, letting go and saying goodbye, ritual to honour change, not resisting, honouring the seasons of life.
.keywords: the ending of a cycle, letting go and saying goodbye, ritual to honour change, not resisting, honouring the seasons of life.
A deer's skeleton lays on a blooming prairie. Close by, another deer looks into the sun that is rising above the hills. The Talking Dead card is a deeply sensitive one, invites a gentle approach. It does not symbolise necessarily literal death but more so a positive harbinger of change. The death has already happened, and the deer's spirit is ready to move into the coming day. The Talking Dead tells you it is time to let go of old habits, ways of thinking and of the buried. This is the only way to allow for more rewarding patterns. Resisting change will not bring you joy at this stage, you must embrace transformation. There is no other way, a profound experience is awaiting you, let the resting lead you.
A deer's skeleton lays on a blooming prairie. Close by, another deer looks into the sun rising above the hills. The Talking Dead card is deeply sensitive and invites a gentle approach. It does not necessarily symbolise literal death but is a positive harbinger of change. The death has already happened, and the deer's spirit is ready to move into the coming day. The Talking Dead tells you it is time to let go of old habits, ways of thinking and of the buried. This is the only way to allow for more rewarding patterns. Resisting change will not bring you joy, you must embrace transformation. There is no other way, a profound experience awaits you. Let the resting lead you.
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
If the card is reversed it appears that the Talking Dead is being forced still. Changes are frightening you and you may be resisting them. Your life is now stagnant, the sunrise is eternal as the sun never reaches the sky. Trust that change will lead you wherever you need to be. It is not a matter of avoiding what has happened, but rather of learning to live with what it brought in the hope that better things lay ahead.
If the card is reversed it appears that the Talking Dead are being forced to be still. Changes frighten you and you may resist them. Your life is now stagnant, the sunrise is eternal as the sun never reaches the sky. Trust that change will lead you wherever you need to be. It is not a matter of avoiding what has happened, but rather of learning to live with what it brought in the hope that better things lay ahead.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 12. death.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 12. death.
@ -279,11 +279,11 @@ If the card is reversed it appears that the Talking Dead is being forced still.
.keywords: balance, harmony, blending of dualities, seeking the middle path, not making extreme decisions, taking a non-binary attitude, testing the waters, self-care, grace, gentleness.
.keywords: balance, harmony, blending of dualities, seeking the middle path, not making extreme decisions, taking a non-binary attitude, testing the waters, self-care, grace, gentleness.
A large, genderless, dark figure stands in the sea. On their forehead shines a triangle enclosed in a square, representing that humans are bound by the Earth and natural law. The figure is taking water from the sea but as they pour it into the bowl, it transforms into a bowl of steaming soup. This card gives insight into the nuances of balance. Wherever something is taken, something else must be given. The figure is taking from the sea to deliver you the Warm Soup. See the figure as if it was keeping a close eye on how well you handle dualities. Keep to the middle path, do not make extreme decisions. You may someone who tends to have a peaceful nature or someone who swings between extremes. Either way, now is the time to test the waters of gentleness, give back what you have been given and ask for what was taken.
A large, genderless, dark figure stands in the sea. On their forehead shines a triangle enclosed in a square, representing how humans are bound by the Earth and natural law. The figure takes water from the sea but as they pour it into the bowl, it transforms into a bowl of steaming soup. This card gives insight into the nuances of balance. Wherever something is taken, something else must be given. The figure is taking from the sea to deliver you the Warm Soup. See the figure as if it was keeping a close eye on how well you handle dualities. Keep to the middle path, do not make extreme decisions. You may someone who tends to have a peaceful nature or someone who swings between extremes. Either way, now is the time to test the waters of gentleness, give back what you have been given and ask for what was taken.
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
The Warm Soup now pours upwards from the ladle. Something has been thrown off balance in your life. The coming times require meticulous care of balance. Equilibrium has to be restored once again. The costs may be too high for what you are receiving from the universe. You must reconsider your choices, find the weak point that has thrown off the balance and adjust it.
The Warm Soup now pours upwards from the ladle. Something has been thrown off balance in your life. The coming times require meticulous care of balance. Equilibrium must be restored. The costs may be too high for what you receive from the universe. You must reconsider your choices, find the weak point that has thrown you off the balance and adjust it.
.keywords: bondage, addiction, materialism, destructive behaviours, harmful cycles, choosing to get free, or choosing not to get free, confronting fear, committing to your own freedom.
.keywords: bondage, addiction, materialism, destructive behaviours, harmful cycles, choosing to get free, or choosing not to get free, confronting fear, committing to your own freedom.
Above a reversed pentacle five little devils dance naked, holding a chain that leads to a circle of light containing a key. The Devils symbolise what keeps us bound and trapped. It is a small circle that contains you, a metaphorical jail to which you do not yet have a key. This card cautions you against finding blame, and refers instead to that which is constrained by ourself, our subconscious and direct choices. Do not let ideas, people or situations absorb you so intensely that it causes you to ignore other relationships.
Five little devils dance naked above a reversed pentacle. They hold a chain that leads to a circle of light containing a key. The Devils symbolise that which keeps us bound and trapped. It is a small circle containing you, a metaphorical jail to which you do not yet have a key. This card cautions you against finding blame, and refers instead to that which is constrained by ourself, our subconscious and direct choices. Do not let ideas, people or situations absorb you so intensely that it causes you to ignore other relationships.
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
The Devils being upside down immediately reveals the bondage, you are aware of your own chains. The unhealthy and trapping dynamics in your life are finally emerging to the light. Caution, as this does not imply freedom but may entail further temptation to crawl back into your own trap. This is a time that needs your complete attention, use your newfound awareness to open the chains, escape your metaphorical jail.
The Devils being upside down immediately reveals the bondage, you are aware of your own chains. The unhealthy dynamics in your life that keep you trapped are finally emerging into the light. Caution, this does not imply freedom but may entail further temptation which leads you to crawl back into your own trap. This is a time that needs your complete attention, use your newfound awareness to break the chains and escape your jail.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 14. the devil.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 14. the devil.
@ -309,11 +309,11 @@ The Devils being upside down immediately reveals the bondage, you are aware of y
.keywords: revolution, disaster, shock, mourning, blowing apart old structures, demolition of the status quo, toppling systems of power, potential, rebuilding after disaster, a blessing in disguise as a disaster, rehabilitation, regeneration.
.keywords: revolution, disaster, shock, mourning, blowing apart old structures, demolition of the status quo, toppling systems of power, potential, rebuilding after disaster, a blessing in disguise as a disaster, rehabilitation, regeneration.
An ancient maritime pine tree towers in the night. Above, the all-seeing Storm is unleashing lightening, cutting the tree down as birds escape. The Storm, as the name suggests, is a complicated card to receive. It indicates a profound disruption, a complete reset of the known. The situation may seem grim at times, but it is fundamental that you understand that the change that will be brought is undeniably ultimately positive. You may not believe me at first, as the event that this card indicates is a demolition and toppling of a structure that can feel quite devastating. However, new growth will come from this and the old cannot last forever lest it become decrepit. Remember well that when the Storm appears in front of you, you are not the tree but the doves escaping.
An ancient maritime pine tree towers in the night. Above, the all-seeing Storm is unleashing lightening, cutting the tree down as birds escape. The Storm, as the name suggests, is a complicated card to receive. It indicates a profound disruption, a complete reset of the known. The situation may seem grim at times, but you must understand that the change being brought is ultimately positive. You may find this hard to believe, the event that this card indicates is the demolition and toppling of a structure that can feel quite devastating. However, new growth will come from this and the old cannot last forever lest it become decrepit. Remember well that when the Storm appears in front of you, you are not the tree but the doves escaping.
*Reversed*
*Reversed*
In this situation the Storm that topples the pine tree is coming from within. The issue is within your response to the situation, your worries within your own head. Your perception is bringing you great pain. Take care not to become a vortex of negativity, you must be mindful of your own feelings and take responsibility of how your responses affect you and those around you.
In this situation the Storm that topples the pine tree is coming from within. The issue is within your response to the situation, your worries within your own head. Your perception is bringing you great pain. Take care not to become a vortex of negativity, be mindful of your own feelings and take responsibility of how your responses affect you and those around you.
## Papa Louie’s Ghosteria is a comic-like fan fiction written by Ada, Irmak and Boyana.
## Papa Louie’s Ghosteria is a comic-like fan fiction written by us.
Following the discussions we had about the texts 'Notes on Deconstructing The Popular' by Stuart Hall and 'Game Modding: Cross-Over Mutation and Unwelcome Gifts' from The Player’s Power to Change the Game by Anne-Marie Schleiner, we split into groups and started dissecting the ideology behind games some of us have played as children. To do that, we utilised several prompts to help us examine the ideology that two popular video games enforce through their narrative and gameplay.
Following a discussion about the texts 'Notes on Deconstructing The Popular' by Stuart Hall and 'Game Modding: Cross-Over Mutation and Unwelcome Gifts' from The Player’s Power to Change the Game by Anne-Marie Schleiner, we started dissecting the ideology behind the games we have played as children. To do that, we utilised several prompts to help us examine the ideology that two popular video games enforce through their narrative and gameplay.
The list of questions we needed to answer while playing the game includes:
The list of questions we needed to answer while playing the game includes:
What are the win conditions?
What are the win conditions?
If the game is quest based, what types of quests are you asked to complete?
If the game is quest based, what types of quests are you asked to complete?
What is the gameplay?
What is the gameplay?
@ -26,28 +27,46 @@ What change in status is promised?
What are you being trained for?
What are you being trained for?
What fantasies are lived out or explored?
What fantasies are lived out or explored?
Our team, Irmak, Ada and Boyana, worked on the famous Papa Louie: When Pizzas Attack. Soon after we started investigating the game, its elements and modifications, we discovered that other people already have done numerous fan fiction about it. We were bewitched by this the multitude of stories fans have written and the really good memes they have created about Papa and his businesses. Yes, plural. Freezeria. Sushiria. Donuteria. Burgeria. PanCakeria. CupCakeria. Taco Mia. You name it.
Our team, Irmak, Ada and Boyana, worked on the famous Papa Louie: When Pizzas Attack. Soon after we started investigating the game, its elements and modifications, we discovered that other players had already written heaps of fan fiction about it. We were bewitched by the multitude of stories fans have written and the really good memes they have created about Papa and his businesses. Yes, plural. Papa's Freezeria. Sushiria. Donuteria. Burgeria. PanCakeria. CupCakeria. Taco Mia. Taco Mia To Go. You name it.
After spending some time analysing the ideology behind the game, we discovered a few elements that reinforce the capitalist narrative, such as the need to fight to survive and collect coins to purchase weapons. In response, we decided to create a new version of the game with a storyline that focuses on healing and coping with grief and loss, rather than violence. Also, to link the new storyline to SI20's topic we felt like adding somehow ritualistic elements as actions during the gameplay.
After spending some time analysing the ideology behind the game, we discovered a few elements that reinforce a capitalist narrative, such as the need to fight to survive and collect coins to purchase weapons. In response, we decided to create a new version of the game with a storyline that focuses on healing and coping as a response to grief and loss, rather than violence. To link the new storyline to SI20's topic we added ritualistic elements as actions during the gameplay.
What we decided to change was the topic, purpose and outcome of the game. Papa no longer fights to save his customers, but he deals with his own loss and grief over what happened. Our version is promoting rest and rituals for healing instead of revenge-seeking, violence and toxic pizzeria culture.
What was changed was the topic, purpose and outcome of the game. Papa no longer fought to save his customers, but he dealt with his own loss and grief over what happened. Our version promoted rest and rituals for healing instead of revenge-seeking, violence and toxic pizzeria culture.
We started by putting some keywords and suggestions on a blackboard about "How To Cope With Grief" and "How to Use Rituals and Ceremonies to Overcome Grief" to define what Papa Louie lost and what rituals could help him heal.
We started by putting some keywords and suggestions on a blackboard about "How To Cope With Grief" and "How to Use Rituals and Ceremonies to Overcome Grief" to define what Papa Louie lost and what rituals could help him heal.
We also liked the idea of making a comic-like storyboard that visualises the new narrative for Papa Louie's Ghosteria. To create a few scenes depicting some of the 5 levels we outlined earlier, we used an app called Papa Louie Pals. The images turned out pretty nice! Playing around with the app was fun mainly because it allowed us to materialise our idea in just a couple of hours.
We then made a comic-like storyboard that visualised the new narrative for Papa Louie's Ghosteria. To create a few scenes depicting some of the 5 levels we outlined, we used an app called Papa Louie Pals. The images turned out pretty nice! Playing around with the app was fun mainly because it allowed us to materialise our idea in just a couple of hours.
The gameplay revolves around things Papa lost and the needs he needs to fulfil. Different types of losses are organised into five levels of the game:
The gameplay revolves around things Papa lost and the needs he needs to fulfil. Different types of losses are organised into the five levels of the game:
1. loss of safety (innocence, physical safety)
1. loss of safety (innocence, physical safety)
2. loss of community (clients, belonging)
2. loss of community (clients, belonging)
3. loss of future (hope, dreams)
3. loss of future (hope, dreams)
4. loss of identity (dignity, making things himself)
4. loss of identity (dignity, making things himself)
5. loss of labour (money, time, effort, pizza)
5. loss of labour (money, time, effort, pizza)
To cope with grief, Papa Louie performs various rituals to unlock a new stage in his grieving process and heal from that loss. Rituals are the actions players need to execute at each level.
To cope with grief Papa Louie performed various rituals, each unlocking a new stage in his grieving process and healing from that loss. Rituals thus are the actions players needed to execute at each level.
And so our story goes like this:
And so our story went like this:
The Onion ring mafia kidnapped Papà Louie's clients, and he lost his Pizzeria. However, along with this external change, he lost his identity as a pizza owner/maker. He is full of grief and seeks ways to cope with grief and ease himself. He tries different rituals throughout this process, builds his new identity and overcomes his troubles.
The Onion ring mafia kidnapped Papa Louie's clients, and he lost his Pizzeria. However, along with this external change, he lost his identity as a pizza owner/maker. He was full of grief and seeked ways to cope with grief and ease himself. He tried different rituals throughout this process, built his new identity and overcame his troubles.
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## Papa Louie’s Text-Adventure Healing
Following this comic production, a small text-adventure Pyhton game was developed following the same storyline. The game was fundamentally an explorative game, in which the player could follow four levels of healing. Playing as Papa Louie and helping him heal his shattered soul, the player would go in each room and type "take" or "carry" to pick up possibilties for healing. The possbilities for each room were:
1. empty pizzeria: [closure,catharsis, anger]
2. living room: [connection,understanding,support]
3. study room: [expression,hope,new experiences]
4. bedroom: [self-discovery,self-care]
5. kitchen: [work,nourishment,purpose].
Once one had picked up enough healing chances, the game would end and thank you for healing papa. The following picture shows the introductory illustration.
My text-adventure game was (first and foremost a struggle and) an attempt to dive a little bit into the world of python and deal peacefully with the potential trauma of coding. The first unsuccessful try started by making a map on paper with all the possible rooms, corridors, spaces and the potential inputs of the player. It was proved to be a too ambitious plan though. So this was the time when the super(de)construction game was born! My intention was to make a fan fiction text adventure game(!) of the marxist superstructure theory. There are three basic rooms where the player can navigate : the Base-ment, the Apparatus and the Megaroom. People can grab specific "objects" from each room and check their inventory (for example you can have unpaidlabour, church, mostlywhitemen from base-ment, apparatus and megaroom respectively in the same bag!). The aim of the game is to accumulate enough points in order to bring eventually the revolution and win. The fermentation and the radicalization happen only in the base-ment.
Stephen Kerr
2 years ago
