“The word Cartouche is of french origin which represents an oval or oblong figure, especially as it relates to the Egyptian Monuments or Papyri, which contained the name of a sovereign or person of rank or note.”
Cartouche is based on Ancient Egyptian Magick forms and is very similar to that of Tarot. It consists of 25 cards which are separated into three different aspects, these are: Major Archtypes; Elements of Fire, Air, Water, Earth; while the third aspect of the cards refer to the more mundane energies.
The Major Archtype cards range from 1-9 with each of them representing one of the major gods/goddesses of Egyptian Mythology. The elemental cards are just four cards which represent each element while the ten cards for the more mundane energies are represented by certain insects (eg. scarabs) or symbols (eg. sphinx or the winged disc)
The last important thing to know about the cards is the Card no.10. This card is represented by Set, the anti-ray or negative card and can represent ones objection to an idea, delays, hinderances, all forms of opposition and some unforseen problems.
What does it do?
The use of Cartouche has not only been focussed on oracluar divination, but rather has many purposes. For example, within;
Meditation
Healing
Talismans
Past Lives
Dream Interpretation
Self-discovery
Protection
What are the meanings of the cards?
The meanings of the cards are associated with the levels of consciousness.
The Superconscious Level (Spiritual, Transpersonal) are those aspects which take into consideration thoughts and concepts that regard to religion, faith, spiritual seeking, past lives…and similar mystic approaches.
The Subconscious Level (Psychological, Mental) are those aspects which involve the state of mind, as ideas, attitudes, personalities and the interaction and interplay between relationships
The Conscious Level (Material, Mundane) are related to those of the everyday, more mundane aspects of life.
What do the Major Archtype Cards represent?
Firstly, before reading the descriptions for each of the major archtype cards, you must know that there can be more equally important but unmentioned god/goddess forms which can be formulated into the Nine. For example, Sekhmet is represented in her more placid and benevolent counterpart of Hathor, while Maat has her energies covered by that of Thoth.
Osiris
Egyptian Symbol: Djed/Tet (a stylised tree)
Egytian Identity: God-King; Lord of Light
Hieroglyph: Khu or the spirit
Upright Meanings: Wisdom, Justice, Integrity, Stability, Respect for those who are older and wiser, Responsibility
Reversed Meanings: Unreliability, Religious Mania, Delusions of Granduer.
Isis
Egyptian Symbol: Throne
Egyptian Identity: Wife of Osiris; Mother of Horus and Bast; Patroness of Magick
Hieroglyph: Ab or the heart
Upright Meanings: Magickal Arts, Compassion, Caring, Material love, Perseverance
Reversed Meanings: Superstition, Lack of concern, Over-possessiveness, Insularity.
Horus
Egyptian Symbol: All-seeing eye
Egytian Identity: Sun of Isis and Osiris; Brother of Bast; The Redeemer; Patron of homes and families
Hieroglyph: Sahu or the spiritual body
Upright Meanings: Physical healing, Courage, Heroism, Harmony, Artistry, Beauty, Creativity, The family
Reversed Meanings: Vengeance, Timidity, Eccentricity, Discord, Insecurity, Narcissism.
Bast
Egyptian Symbol: A sistrum
Egytian Identity: Twin sister of Horus; Goddess of Joy; Patroness of cats
Hieroglyph: Ba or the soul
Upright Meanings: Intuition, Caution, Protection, Devotion, Mental healing, Generosity, Gracefulness, Joy, Happiness
Reversed Meanings: Insensitivity, Remoteness, Recklessness, Sadness, Lack of co-ordination.
Thoth
Egyptian Symbol: Caduceus
Egytian Identity: Lord of Time; Keeper of the Akashic records; Scribe to the Gods; Patron of healers
Hieroglyph: Ibis
Upright Meanings: Fate/Karma, Healing/Health, Law, Scholarship, Education
Reversed Meanings: Misfortune, Ill-health, Conceit, Quackery, Pseudo-Intellectuality.
Hathor
Egyptian Symbol: Mirror
Egytian Identity: Goddess of beauty, love and strength; Patroness of Women
Hieroglyph: Sekhem or power
Upright Meanings: Fortitude, Nourishment, Femininity, Astrology, Organisation, Confidence
Reversed Meanings: Vacillation, Intimidation, Deprivation, Vanity, Bad eating habits.
Nepthys
Egyptian Symbol: Chalice
Egytian Identity: Hidden One; Revealer; Sister of Isis; Wife of Set; Mother of Anubis
Hieroglyph: Ka or double
Upright Meanings: Mysticism, Receptivity, Psychic gifts, Tranquility, Reservedness
Reversed Meanings: Diffusion, Psychosis, Tension, Deviousness, Illusion.
Ptah
Egyptian Symbol: Masons Tool
Egytian Identity: Architect of the Universe; Patron of Men
Hieroglyph: Ren or name
Upright Meanings: Ingenuity, Masculinity, Craftsmenship, Inventiveness, Dexterity
Reversed Meanings: Benality, Chauvinism, Destructiveness, Misogynym.
Anubis
Egyptian Symbol: Jackal/Hunting Dog
Egytian Identity: Protector/Guardian; Divine Jester; Opener of the Ways
Hieroglyph: Khaibit or shadow
Upright Meanings: Diplomacy, Navigation, Humour, Protection at all levels
Reversed Meanings: Vulnerability, Tacklessness, Misguidance, Foolhardiness.