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 twos – i.e., 2 Attainment, 2 Communion, 2 Strife and 2 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 twos. When summarizing the twos in general, my book states:

Twos… demonstrate what the energy is capable of… a small yet significant display of its talents… insofar as the resultant transformations cause the true nature of the energy to become more openly communicated, one finds an invocation here of the qualities of Mercury.

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

If ones are conceived of as seeds newly sown, twos are the first sprouts to emerge from those seeds. Compared to ones, whose forms of potentiality can seem to blur together at first glance, twos are far more distinctive. They’re like tiny plants whose whole nature can be glimpsed once they have even one leaf on a stem. Accordingly, each differs according to the predominant themes of its respective kingdom.

At the same time, there are three threads unifying all of the twos:

Small but decisive moments

The first thread pertains to Mercury’s association with communication. In connection with this theme, each two can be read as a pronouncement of sorts. “In this moment, I declare…” Each thus expresses a different kind of actuality just-beginning to emerge.

Glimpses of skillful navigation

The second thread pertains to Mercury’s association with skillfulness. In connection with this theme, each two suggests some kind of natural gift. Something far from having reached its full potential, and yet still noteworthy in itself; something promising, regardless of its end-point being too far off to anticipate. In this respect, twos evoke opportunities more concrete than those that ones hint at. The difference might be compared to that between a newborn, and a toddler who’s learning to walk and talk.

Encountering “the other”

The third thread pertains to the numerological association of two with duality. In connection, each of these omens speaks to an encounter between oneself, and an alien subjectivity – i.e., two conscious beings, recognizing each other as separate entities with compatible or clashing interests. Such an encounter is an important part of what spirit (a.k.a. Darkness) has entered into the flesh to experience. Some such encounters are emotionally warm, and others cool; some are centered upon a specific “other” whom one encounters, and others upon “otherness” in a more abstract sense. Breaking down each of the twos in these terms makes the nature of their distinction from one another even clearer.

* * *

Let’s now consider each of the twos in turn. I’ll first reiterate some highlights of the brief descriptions found in Nine Keys of Abyssal Darkness. I will follow this with additional commentary to draw out further nuances. It’s assumed though that most readers of a post like this one will have my book, as some points may be hard to follow otherwise.

Some points made below about elemental associations may be a bit jarring to those accustomed to conventional tarot. Readers who find this distracting may benefit from reading my previous entry about my system’s elemental associations before continuing.

2 Attainment

In Nine Keys

Title: Ease

Representation: Under a crescent moon stands a comfortable cottage, surrounded by a walled garden. A jester-like figure in red and black, with a half-black, half-white trapezohedron balanced upon on one finger before him and a torch in his other hand, leads a troop of children away from their cozy home, toward a wasteland. A father watches from the doorway of the house, and a mother peers out between the bars of the garden gate, both uneasily observing the children’s departure. The part of this vision representing 2 Attainment is the crystal borne by the jester.

Connotations: Capturing the attention of an audience via a fortuitous combination of skill and luck. Others see promise in the talents you’re demonstrating, and you’ve a right to be proud of this. But you should not lose sight of fortune’s contribution to your performance, lest complacency derail your potential.

Tarot equivalent: 2 of Discs

Element: Fire (contra earth in traditional tarot)

Elaboration

The spark of 1 Attainment begins to catch fire in 2 Attainment. To cynical, worldly eyes (e.g., parents, as per 9 Attainment), such a pure, youthful flame can seem dangerously idealistic. To stifle it amid fear of “maybes,” however, is to refuse Adventure in a manner wholly contrary to Satanism’s ethos. Against this, 2 Attainment proclaims, “I can do it – so get out of my way, and let me!” – a familiar sentiment to any youth striking out on their own for the first time.

2 Attainment’s relevance to the theme of skillfulness is most evident of all the twos’. The accompanying vision hints at multiple related nuances re: “ease”: wonder at the ease with which one can do those things that come within the compass of one’s inborn talents; awareness of the ease with which a clever display captivates the innocent and alienates the wary; the dangerous ease with which one might underestimate the challenges of unfamiliar territory, presuming one’s familiar strengths will just take care of things as they have before; etc.

Regarding the topic of “otherness,” 2 Attainment illustrates a warm encounter with an abstract other: an appreciative audience. But if one were to fall into mere “cruising” instead of continuing to actively better oneself, one would soon bore this audience. And while a talent can be enjoyed for its own sake, a spectacle can only mean so much without spectators. Insights of this kind are why Tenebrous Satanism insists that Satanists need to cease over-romanticizing the “lone wolf”: humans are social animals, and the horizon of our own achievements inevitably involves other people. We ought, then, to appreciate those who appreciate us.

Consideration of these more-philosophical aspects of 2 Attainment fleshes out how this omen’s assurances comes with a hint of warning.

2 Communion

In Nine Keys

Title: Intimacy

Representation: From a mountain cave emerges a wild woman with unmatched eyes, carrying a skull chalice and a wooden staff. Below her, a prince and princess dressed as adventurers look up, hands clasped in promise of mutual protection. They seem especially threatened by the large, glowing orb that hovers just above the top of the madwoman’s staff. The part of this vision that represents 2 Communion is the noble couple.

Connotations: Two people whose harmony produces the mutual stimulation, appreciation, and trust that may well blossom into a good relationship. Often indicative of sexual attraction, but may also hint at other senses of “intercourse.” The fascination of compelling similarities, coupled with a healthy appreciation of differences.

Tarot equivalent: 2 of Cups

Element: Air (contra water in traditional tarot)

Elaboration

The difference in imagery between 2 Communion and 2 of Cups is in accord with the difference in elemental associations. Traditionally, tarot here depicts two figures facing each other, as if pledging, as an alchemically-productive dialectic flows between them. Vs. the Tenebrous vision, incorporating air’s divisiveness, unifies its lovers in their facing-off against a threat. To find unity amid the divisive experience of the flesh, especially when confronted with danger, is a rare relief. “How wonderful that someone else is on the same page as me!”, this moment pronounces.

Seeing much of this omen has encouraged me to reflect upon the natural gift it alludes to: rapport. On one hand, to feel an intuitive bond with someone, manifest in innumerable unexpected commonalities and mirrored experiences, yet also rich in thought-provoking differences and novel takes on familiar subjects, is a rare thing to be cherished. On the other hand, I’ve learned through bitter experience that such rapport does not automatically a good relationship make. It “just feeling right” whenever you talk to the person cannot compensate for such issues as dishonesty about underlying fundamentals of the relationship and related failure to deliver on commitments that turned out to be unshared. As with any of the twos, one must not conflate the radiant promise of early days with “a done deal”.

Regarding the topic of “otherness,” 2 Communion depicts a warm encounter with an individual “other”. A new friendship can fit this description no less than a romance. Likewise, a surge of enhanced connection in an existing relationship may fit no less than a new relationship. In all cases, 2 Communion tends to forecast fair weather at least in the immediate term. The exception, of course, is if a reading frames this omen in terms of what is lacking.

2 Strife

In Nine Keys

Title: Indecision

Representation: A cloaked, hooded man climbs a mountain amid falling snow, bearing a sun-like crystal as a lamp. The dark sky above is dense with a malevolent aura, suggesting lurking demons. At the base of the mountain, two swords are thrust into the ground, one barring a road that leads back to civilization toward the right, and the other forbidding the man from backtracking over his own footprints trailing in from the left. The part of this vision that represents 2 Strife is the two swords.

Connotations: A situation in which several options exist, but none are in good accord with the best direction for oneself. Self-consciousness about feeling alienated from those around oneself, but coupled with inward resolution. One may need to proceed further down one’s current path before one can find solutions to one’s current difficulties.

Tarot equivalent: 2 of Swords

Element: Earth (contra air in traditional tarot)

Elaboration

This omen offers a metaphor for the experience of the sinister path. Typically, our aspirants are not recent outcasts, having instead known lifelong alienation. The path compels, even though – perhaps especially when – it begins to feel insurmountably difficult. One cannot help doubting one’s destination at times. (“What if I’m just going to become food for the Dark Gods?”.) But one is already too far gone. The mundane was never an option, nor can one ever go back to one’s pre-sinister self. “My only way here is onward!”, the seeker realizes. 2 Strife acknowledges, though, that at times, especially early on, the aspirant’s uncertainties will weigh them down to earth.

The natural “gift” here alluded-to is the estrangement from the herd so many Satanists feel by default. Yes, humans are social animals, but some are more social than others. Glossed as introversion / “autism” / etc., or glossed just as an idiosyncratic personality type; either way, society often does not make things easy for such people. Much as readers of this blog may disdain “making neurodivergence your whole personality,” a silver lining of contemporary neurodiversity discourse is an opening of minds re: such traits can be reframed from disability into ability. Turning this into a Dogmagian grievance narrative smacking of superiority-seeking (“It’s a superpower, but society doesn’t accommodate me, waah!”) is counterproductive. But we might instead contextualize it as complementary to Satanic virtues if integrated into a healthy self-evolutionary trajectory.

Regarding “otherness,” 2 Communion evokes emotional coldness (turning away) against an abstract “other”. This can be “society,” but it can also be a variety of other human conglomerates that one feels estranged from. Either way, the omen encourages confidence, patience, and endurance amid temporary setbacks. It’s thus an ultimately-optimistic omen – at least by Strife (Swords) standards.

2 Innovation

In Nine Keys

Title: Resolution

Representation: A tower is shattered by lightning, throwing an aging man from its heights. At its base is ocean, into which disappears a fleeing mermaid. In the foreground is a cliff, upon which a man dressed as a sorcerer and a masked woman are shaking hands. The part of this vision representing 2 Innovation is this pair of schemers.

Connotations: Two well-matched individuals coming together in a productive way that causes immediate goals to be achieved. More likely to refer to such endeavors as business or spiritual undertakings than to romance or friendship – i.e., a partnership originating in mutual self-interest rather than emotional attachment.

Tarot equivalent: 2 of Wands

Element: Water (contra fire in traditional tarot)

Elaboration

The clasped hands in this vision may be contrasted with those in 2 Communion. There, the couple’s rapport manifests in an impromptu expression of trust. Whereas here, we see a connection between strangers with little reason to trust one another: “Thus do we agree to this covenant.” Nonetheless, through a limited alliance, they achieve a shared objective: the shattering of the tower. A consideration of other runic-tarot visions suggests the sorcerer is on a conscious quest for expanded experiences. The masked woman is similarly contextualized as an inscrutable benefactor, aiding others in spontaneous accord with unconscious criteria. They can thus be interpreted as each other’s anima/animus in Jungian terms. Such framing fits the “descent into the unconscious” angle of the water element.

The topics of natural aptitude and of “otherness” are most-effectively addressed here by first revisiting the previous omens. Consider, in connection, how both 2 Attainment and 2 Communion entail a projecting-forth of one’s energies. In 2 Attainment, these are received by a generalized “other,” and in 2 Communion, by a specific “other”. 2 Strife, in turn, entails a withholding of one’s energies from a generalized “other”. 2 Innovation, then, is the modulation of that dynamic through a specific “other”. Contra the spontaneous and mutual pouring-out-of-hearts that 2 Communion evokes, one withholds everything except what is needful to accomplish the task at hand. Drawing this line requires a kind of discipline that comes more naturally to some than to others.

This particular facet of discipline is, for example, not naturally a strong point of my own. I relatedly feel that certain obstacles placed in my path, especially in the last year, have been placed there by the Dark Gods with the intent of forcing me to correct this.

Concluding thoughts

Given the twos’ meanings being more distinct from one another than the ones’, repeating the kind of divinatory walkthrough I did with that previous entry seems unnecessary. Instead, I’ll just tease out a few additional implications of the preceding discussion:

• The “pronouncement” aspect of each of the twos tends to affirm the immediate. This is self-evident with 2 Attainment and 2 Communion: the immediate experiences both allude to are positive. 2 Innovation, though more guarded in tone, is similar: whatever its boundaries, it’s good that the alliance has come into being. Even 2 Strife, though, strikes a tone of fundamental reassurance: one’s current situation may not be great, but keep climbing nonetheless! Each kingdom thus communicates its distinctive promise through the twos.
• 2 Attainment and Communion both entail a natural pouring-forth of energies. 2 Strife and Innovation both entail an instinctual withholding. In all cases though, the omen comments upon a product of inner impulse. This does not mean that everyone does or should manifest these impulses to the same extent. These omens do all tend, however, to highlight situations that emerge spontaneously more so than those that emerge from long planning. Without premeditation, one finds oneself winning over others (2 Attainment and Communion), or setting boundaries against them (2 Strife and Innovation). Natural skill at navigating incarnate life’s challenges is thus a recurring Mercury-related theme here. And insofar as primary among incarnate life’s challenges is the self-other duality, an important numerological theme of the number two emerges also.

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 twos in that system? Let me know in the comments.