On one hand, the Tenebrous runic-tarot has features familiar to tarot and rune readers. On the other, though, this divination system that I’ve devised also has a number of unique features. Something I therefore wanted to do in my divination series was to provide additional commentary on the system’s omens. I’m continuing this examination with a comparison between the threes – i.e., 3 Attainment, 3 Communion, 3 Strife and 3 Innovation.

Introduction

The Tenebrous runic-tarot

For those who may haven’t yet read my book, it’s useful to first summarize some basics of my divination system.

What does Tenebrous divination have in common with tarot? It entails a similar number of omens, with similar meanings, arranged in a similar structure thus:

• My equivalent of the major arcana are called archetypes. There are 28 of these. 22 are closely analogous to the traditional tarot; titles and small nuances of meaning differ, but central meanings and order are little-changed. 6 are creations of my own that I have inserted into the traditional sequence. The intent is to capture aspects of a Satanist’s journey that I find inadequately represented by default tarot trumps.
• My equivalent of the minor arcana are called tropes. These are divided into four suits, which I call kingdoms. Each consists of numbered omens 1-10, which I call phases, and four court-card equivalents, which I call incarnations. Thus in my system, pages are called muses, knights are heroes, queens are witches, and kings are sorcerers. The meanings of all of these omens are broadly-speaking similar to the traditional minor arcana. As with the archetypes, though, nuances differ.

What does the Tenebrous divination system have in common with runes? That all of the above are represented via combinations of glyphs and numbers. Any practitioner can thus make their own set by acquiring wooden tokens etc. and marking them with the appropriate symbols.

At the same time, the system maintains tarot’s rich symbolism, by grouping the omens together into groups of three and representing each grouping with a vision (see Nine Keys for detailed descriptions) whose imagery combines those three omens’ meanings. Meditating upon these visions is recommended to deepen personal engagement with the system.

The current entry

The current entry’s focus will be on a subset of the tropes of the runic-tarot: the threes. When summarizing the threes in general, my book states:

Threes… reveal an expansion of energy via interaction between individuals… personal and shorter term… This element of inclusion of others evokes the bringing-together qualities of Venus.

(Because of the way the system associates certain omens with others, Nine Keys discusses threes and tens together. The ellipses in the quote are where info about tens has been omitted to streamline things for current purposes.)

Numerologically, three introduces the concept of processes. This could mean a temporal process: past, present, future; or, beginning, middle, end. Or it could be a harmonization process: diverse elements combining to create strength through unity, as per simple threefold knots such as the triskelion, triqueta, Borromean rings, etc. A productive process is another possibility: mother, father, child; or, thesis, antithesis, synthesis. And yet another is a diversification process: a primordial beginning splits into two complementary forces who then proceed with creation proper, as Taoism describes.

All of these are concepts of growth and evolution, albeit in different senses. For a deeper understanding of each of the threes, then, one might ask: in the case of each of the four kingdoms of the Tenebrous runic-tarot, what does it mean for that kingdom’s energies to drive growth?

And how does this manifest in the specific context of interpersonal interdependence, as per Venus?

Such will be the lens that this entry uses to excavate extended implications of the threes. We thereby see how the sprouts of the twos begin to be impacted by forces outside of themselves – as is inevitable for all beings of the flesh.

3 Attainment

In Nine Keys

Title: Synergy

Representation: An interior view of a cathedral-like space, dominated by colorful stained glass and lamps that resembled celestial bodies. At the back of the scene on a balcony, a male magician in red, with his right hand raised, clasps hands with a female magician in violet, whose left hand is lowered. Below, three artisans work on a statue of a dragon – one carving, one checking progress against a plan, one polishing – while a crowd of disciples looks on. The artisans are the part of the scene representing 3 Attainment.

Connotations: A group in which all members are compatible in vision, talent, and dedication. An assurance that through cooperation, one can overcome existing difficulties and ultimately receive the compensation one deserves. A positive omen unless situated as hindered or negated by the divinatory context in which it appears.

Tarot equivalent: 3 of Discs

Element: Fire (contra earth in traditional tarot) – note: if my elemental associations are confusing, see this entry.

Elaboration

What does 3 Attainment reveal about how attainment drives growth? To succeed amid the ever-present limitations of the material world, it is not enough just to have ambition. Rather, the right elements must come together in the right order. Cooperation is only beneficial if coordination accompanies it: the instigator is not necessarily good at execution, nor the powerhouse suited for detail-work. Fiery energy must be harnessed insightfully if it is to be creative rather than destructive.

On an interpersonal level, 3 Attainment points to teamwork’s aid in achieving an immediate goal. Often it can refer to contexts like work, school, etc. in this sense. But framed internally, it evokes an aspect of the Jungian Hero’s Journey: the hero meeting and aiding allies, each possessing talents distinct from the hero’s – talents that help the hero overcome a crucial obstacle later on. This, in turn, can point to needing to better integrate disparate elements within oneself.

The above description might sound as though harmonization is the process here evoked. But it’s actually temporality more than harmony that I’d highlight with this omen. The artisans’ method of working is in this context suggestive of the three alchemical principles: the carver is sulfur; the overseer is salt; the finisher is mercury. Each has its right time and role to play in making the work fruitful. The omen thus calls for awareness regarding what stage one’s project is at, and what is needful at that stage. Does one have the kind of assistance one needs, and is that assistance being applied to its best effect? When this omen arises, the answer to such questions is usually “yes.” But if things are not going well, such are the questions that 3 Attainment recommends reflection on.

3 Communion

In Nine Keys

Title: Comfort

Representation: Beneath a darkening sky, the couple described in 2 Communion stand, hands clasped, gazing up at a waxing-gibbous moon. At the base of the hilltop where the couple stands are four plinths, each encircled by three dancing celebrants. This wedding celebration is blessed by an iridescent aura streaming down from the moon, wherein unborn souls can be glimpsed. The rejoicing wedding guests are the part of this vision that corresponds to 3 Communion.

Connotations: Refreshment gained from joyful times spent among compatriots, and a reminder of the mutual support friendship offers. Relief from sorrows, fears, and frustrations – perhaps only briefly, and without offering lasting solutions, but still welcome. Usually refers to an existing friend circle, but can also presage one new connection leading to a whole new network.

Tarot equivalent: 3 of Cups

Element: Air (contra water in traditional tarot)

Elaboration

What does 3 Communion suggest about how communion drives growth? It’s here interesting to observe how dynamics of interaction between two people are altered by the presence of additional parties. The interaction between two members of a couple on their own is one thing; to see how each acts in the presence of the others’ friend circle is another. From the experiencing of new facets can come a deepening of relationship – or the beginning of its undoing. Either way though, important revelations can emerge from witnessing the simultaneous and spontaneous interaction of more than two peoples’ energies.

Since conflict is absent from the scene of 3 Communion’s vision, it is harmonization that the omen emphasizes. On one hand, there’s the friend who feels ever-familiar because they echo one’s own soul on so many fronts. On the other, there’s the friend who’s a very different person from oneself – and yet makes one feel understood. A full experience of friendship entails at least both of these nuances. Thus does the simplest of knots bind three together into a whole greater than its parts.

Yes, in some ways 3 Communion may hint at the restless superficiality of the air element: breadth over depth friendship-wise. But one should not underestimate the extent to which such experiences are nonetheless valuable sources both of comfort and insight. This was something much on my mind while when I underwent the Venus stage of Tenebrous initiation. The most-valued lessons spiritually are not necessarily solely gained from the friend whom you think is “closest” at the time. One would then be unwise to dismiss this omen as solely indicative of meaningless social pleasures. It can mean that – but it can also call one to deeper appreciation of such so-called “shallow” experiences.

3 Strife

In Nine Keys

Title: Disappointment

Representation: A woman bearing a single mortal wound and a man covered in cuts and scars face off over a stone slab, on which sits a chess-like game. (Niners in the audience: yes, I pictured the Star Game… 😉 ) On the woman’s side, the scene is of a stormy ocean beneath a waning moon. On the man’s side, the scene is of a battlefield strewn with bodies under a clear, predawn sky. The woman’s side of the scene is the part of this vision relevant to 3 Strife.

Connotations: Heartbreak brought about by such circumstances as unexpected separation, miscommunication, lack of consideration, rejection, betrayal, etc. Acknowledgment that an interpersonal situation is bad, coupled with a warning not to make it worse by carrying grudges. More commonly indicative of ambiguous situations than ones in which innocent and guilt are completely clear-cut.

Tarot equivalent: 3 of Swords

Element: Earth (contra air in traditional tarot)

Elaboration

What does 3 Strife suggest about how strife drives growth? Within Satanic circles, “what doesn’t kill makes stronger” enjoys long popularity. Outside such circles though, “what doesn’t kill just becomes what you must live with” is increasingly preferred. As a Tenebrous Satanist, I fuse the grain of truth in each of these into my take: “what doesn’t kill you teaches endurance by forcing adaptation”. The woman in the vision is not flourishing; if anything, she is dying. Nonetheless, she persists with the game. Neither triumphal nor defeatist mottoes are sufficient to capture this dynamic. To see clearly, one must see both – and engage honestly with the grounded reality thus revealed.

3 Strife evokes a productive process, but by negating rather than affirming it. “Happily ever after” envisions a soulmate-duo whose perfect union climaxes with the arrival of a hoped-for child. But instead, the third element arrives in the form of an interloper; eyes stray and promises are broken; instead of new ties bringing different blessings, all ties are sundered and every party involved goes their lonely way. In such instances, death may feel like a welcome release. And yet, relatively few are those who abandon the game over such things; many more are those who still find a way to play on.

This kind of experience can be transformative for those involved, for a failed test can be learned from. But let us not hold all sufferers to a standard of “you must reach a point of being happy this happened, or you’re a failure as a person”. Acknowledging that irredeemable pain can exist is part of being honest about the nature of flesh’s Adventure. 3 Strife suggests it’s better to acknowledge this, and make space for adaptability, than to counsel either pathetic victimhood or toxic insensitivity.

3 Innovation

In Nine Keys

Title: Opportunity

Representation: A crescent moon hangs in predawn sky, surrounded by seven stars whose energies stream down upon a lush landscape. Leftward, the wanderer previously seen in 2 Strife stands on a barren cliff amid three pillars, his outward gaze hopeful. Rightward, a ragged woman struggles to carry stones meant for rebuilding a ruined edifice on the facing cliff. The part of this vision that evokes 3 Innovation is the optimistic-looking adventurer.

Connotations: A small but important milestone has been reached, putting one in a good position to launch new undertakings. One may also witness the value of past connections made, with good news arriving about endeavors already in motion. This not necessarily to say that everything is going well. But in areas where there is progress, it feels almost as if things have been acausally-arranged in one’s favor.

Tarot equivalent: 3 of Wands

Element: Water (contra fire in traditional tarot)

Elaboration

What does 3 Innovation suggest about how innovation drives growth? As with 3 Strife, the key figure’s isolation is not without significance. She fights a lonely battle; he has sojourned long in solitude to arrive at a beautiful destination. These waters of life are a place of wonders, and further marvels lie ahead. But he has reached a juncture where pursuing them not only estranges him from others, but adds to the burdens those others bear. The monk supported by alms of peasants who can barely afford it is a right-hand path manifestation of such dynamics. The Satanist affirming enfleshed existence in defiance of Gnostic nihilism is, I’d argue, a left-hand-path equivalent.

One can enlarge this point by tying 3 Innovation to a diversification process. In this context, “the One” is the life-giving heavens (Tao). “The Two” are the man and woman: Purusha’s reflection and Prakriti’s activity; the boundless possibility of existence, but also its burdens. “The Three” is the interdependence of all these as they Adventure together. Tenebrous Satanism recognizes the hazards of this Adventure, and yet insists it is a worthy endeavor. The Gnostic is free to say to me – as to the man in this vision – “how morally obnoxious you are, to witness how the Archons burden us in this life and yet still ally yourself with them”. To which I reply: “Yes – and that is the exact sense in which Tenebrous Satanism is sinister”.

My point is that innovation, like strife, has a cost that I see the spiritually-awake as obligated to recognize. Life itself is unjust; nonetheless, through us, Darkness is here-in-the-flesh to live. And so, be glad for whatever small ways in which it’s going well rather than arbitrarily destroying you! Such is what I take from 3 Innovation.

Concluding thoughts

Lest the reader trip on that philosophical rabbit hole at the end, let’s summarize some key points.

The recurring themes in the threes are growth/process. Beyond that, each kingdom’s unique dynamic is the distinguisher:

• Attainment entails desire seeking to make its will manifest via material ambition. Due to limitations of the flesh, that is generally not an instantaneous affair, instead having a temporal dimension. 3 Attainment thus situates timing and coordination as key ingredients of success.
• Communion’s essence lies in interpersonal synergy via connection-forging. One context for such harmonization is amid similarities; another is amid differences. 3 Communion affirms that even where such connections may be shallow, beauty and meaningfulness can emerge from both.
• Strife manifests via adversity and associated disruptions. The pain accompanying such disruption is real: miring one’s identity in it does no good, but neither does repressing it to ape faux toughness. 3 Strife accordingly declares: “what doesn’t kill you teaches endurance by forcing adaptability.”
• Innovation seeks novelty and heightened complexity at all costs. Said cost includes not only estrangement from others, but also myriad forms of gross and subtle exploitation of sentient beings. The least one can do in response is to walk the path without lying to oneself about this. 3 Innovation accordingly counsels: seize the moment – but do not forget the sacrifices which brought you to it.

Notice, in each instance, that the point being made in some way bears upon relationality with others: formal supporters; informal supporters; disruptors of support; supporters unknown or reluctant. In this social horizon is the Venus aspect of these omens evident.

Thoughts – especially from anyone who’s either i) tried the runic-tarot or ii) is familiar with traditional tarot enough to comment on how what I’ve described differs from the threes in that system? Let me know in the comments.