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The Flight of Feathered Serpent — Tarot Divination

The Flight of Feathered Serpent — photo 1

The Flight of Feathered Serpent — photo 2

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The Flight of Feathered Serpent

Name: The Flight of Feathered Serpent
Price: 19.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780910261012

✍️ Balin, Peter

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Peter Balin guides readers through the Maya-influenced Xultun Tarot deck using American knowledge.

This volume serves as a companion to the Xultun Tarot deck, created by painter Peter Balin. The text bridges the gap between tarot divination and native american studies by examining the maya indians' worldview. Balin utilizes his position as the deck's creator to explain the visual elements. He integrates concepts from mind, body, spirit and crystals into the interpretation process. The book offers a distinct alternative to standard tarot guides by focusing on american knowledge rather than european traditions. It is suitable for those studying the specific symbolism of the Xultun deck or exploring the intersection of social science and mystical titles. It does not cover other major tarot systems or provide general history.

Key Themes

Xultun Tarot deck Maya Indians worldview American knowledge integration

Literary Context

Published by Lotus Press in Wisconsin on January 01, 1978, this paperback sits within the late twentieth century occult revival. It reflects a period where american publishers began exploring native american studies alongside traditional mystical titles like tarot and crystals.

Balin, Peter

📚 all books by this author (2) →

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Gareth Knight · Dion Fortune · The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn

🃏

Tarot & Divination

🏛 Lotus Press (WI) 📅 1978 📖 184 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780910261012

Fun Fact

Peter Balin's guide is a revelation for anyone looking to deepen their Tarot practice with an authentic, non-Western perspective. Its strength lies in its meticulous weaving of Mayan cosmology into every card, offering insights far beyond generic interpretations. While traditionalists might find its departure from Rider-Waite symbolism challenging, those open to new spiritual frontiers will find it profoundly enriching. This book firmly establishes the Xultun Tarot as a unique and powerful divination tool within the esoteric landscape.

📝 Description: The Flight of Feathered Serpent

Peter Balin, who painted the Xultun Tarot deck, offers a guide to these specific cards in this volume. The text connects tarot practice with the Maya Indians' view of the world. Balin draws on American knowledge to present an approach that differs from traditional European interpretations. This method aims to serve all tarot readers seeking a fresh perspective on divination. The book covers subjects including mind, body, spirit, and crystals alongside native american studies. It sits at the intersection of social science and mystical practice. The work is organized to help readers understand the symbolic language of the Xultun deck. Balin uses his experience as the deck's painter to explain the imagery. The text does not rely on standard Waite-Smith meanings but instead looks at the cultural context of the Maya. This approach provides a new framework for interpreting the cards. Readers interested in the connection between ancient american traditions and modern spiritual practice will find this relevant. Those expecting a conventional history of tarot may need to adjust their expectations. The physical book contains 184 pages and weighs half a kilogram. It is published by Lotus Press in Wisconsin. The paperback format makes it portable for study or field work. Balin’s dual role as artist and author provides unique insight into the visual symbolism. The text addresses the specific needs of those studying the Xultun deck. It remains a specialized resource for collectors and practitioners of this particular system.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This companion guide successfully recontextualizes the Xultun Tarot through Mayan cosmology, offering a refreshing alternative to conventional esoteric texts. However, it may not suit readers seeking strict adherence to traditional Western occult systems or those uninterested in indigenous cultural frameworks. The depth of its specific focus on Mayan symbolism means that individuals looking for general, universally accepted Tarot meanings might find the material too specialized. It is best suited for those already open to non-Western spiritual influences and willing to engage with a worldview where spirit, nature, and fate are deeply intertwined.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who seek a deeper, more organic connection to Tarot will find this guide profoundly rewarding. It is ideal for those weary of standard Rider-Waite-Smith interpretations and eager to explore divination through the lens of Mayan wisdom. Seasoned practitioners will appreciate the fresh perspective on spirit and fate, while newcomers gain an accessible entry point into indigenous American knowledge. The book offers universal applicability, making it a valuable resource for anyone wishing to understand how nature and destiny coalesce in this unique cultural framework.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're seeking a Tarot experience beyond the conventional, or are fascinated by Mayan culture and its spiritual depth, this book is for you. It's an invitation to explore divination through an original, culturally rich perspective.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This companion guide successfully recontextualizes the Xultun Tarot through Mayan cosmology, offering a refreshing alternative to conventional esoteric texts. However, it may not suit readers seeking strict adherence to traditional Western occult systems or those uninterested in indigenous cultural frameworks. The depth of its specific focus on Mayan symbolism means that individuals looking for general, universally accepted Tarot meanings might find the material too specialized. It is best suited for those already open to non-Western spiritual influences and willing to engage with a worldview where spirit, nature, and fate are deeply intertwined.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While it's the definitive guide for the Xultun deck, Balin's insights into Mayan cosmology and Tarot principles offer valuable lessons that can enrich the understanding of any Tarot practitioner, regardless of their preferred deck.

Unlike most Tarot guides, this book grounds its interpretations in the profound worldview of the ancient Maya, offering a deeply spiritual and culturally specific lens that provides fresh meaning and context to the archetypal journey of the Tarot.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Mayan Cosmic Vision

This volume illuminates the intricate Mayan understanding of the universe, integrating its cycles, deities, and spiritual philosophies directly into the Tarot framework. It's not just about symbols, but about perceiving the world through the lens of an ancient, sophisticated culture, enriching your divination practice with profound, ancestral wisdom.

Tarot Reimagined

Balin challenges traditional European Tarot interpretations by presenting a system deeply informed by indigenous American knowledge. The book offers a fresh, innovative approach to reading the cards, demonstrating how the Xultun deck provides a unique pathway to self-discovery and understanding through its distinct cultural narratives and imagery.

Bridging Ancient & Modern

The author masterfully connects the timeless insights of the Maya with contemporary spiritual exploration. This work shows how ancient wisdom traditions can offer potent tools for navigating modern life, making the often-esoteric concepts of Mayan cosmology accessible and relevant for personal growth and divination in the present day.

📜 Historical context

Emerging in a period of renewed interest in non-Western spiritual traditions, Balin's work stands out by integrating the intricate symbolism of the Xultun deck directly with Mayan cosmological principles. It contributes significantly to the broader field of divination studies by offering an authentic indigenous American perspective, moving beyond Eurocentric interpretations prevalent in most Tarot literature.

📚 Glossary

Xultun
Tarot
Mayan Cosmology

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might a worldview centered on cyclical time, as in Mayan cosmology, alter your interpretation of major life events?
Consider a challenging situation in your life. How might viewing it through the lens of a Mayan archetype or deity offer new understanding or a path forward?
Reflect on the concept of 'destiny' versus 'free will' as presented through the Xultun Tarot's Mayan influences. How do these ideas interact in your own spiritual journey?