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Tarot Hermeneutics

Exploring How We Create Meaning with Tarot

Index to Promethea Audio Conferences and Tarot Spread Records

These mp3 and wma are rough recordings of the reading and discussion of Promethea chapters and Thoth tarot readings. The best way to listen to these recordings is to download the file into your computer and then play it. Blue underlining are hyperlinks

Chapter 1: The Radiant Heavenly City

In Alexandria in 411 AD Promethea's father, a hermetic scholar and magician, is killed by a mob of Christians just after he sends her off into the desert to save her. There she meets 2 of her father's gods Thoth-Hermes who rescue her by taking her off into the Immateria where she will no longer be just a little girl but a story living eternally.

In New York in 1999 AD Sophie Bangs is working on her term paper about Promethea a fictional character who has appeared in 18th century poems, newspaper strips, pulp magazines and comic books. Her friend Stacia goes to a rock concert while she tries to interview Barbara Shelley, the widow of the last person to write Promothea comic books, but is promptly ushered out.

New York's resident science heroes the Five Swell Guys find her and ask if she is being menaced by anybody but at the time she feels safe. Shortly after a Smee (or Semi-Mindless Elemental Entity) tries to kill her but she is rescued by Barbara who has turned into Promethea. Hiding from the Smee Barbara explains about Promethea and how Sophie can become her just by writing about her.

When the Smee returns to attack again Sophie has managed to turn into Promethea and just about kills it but Margaret has been wounded and Promethea flies off with her, taking her to a hospital.

Thoth cards drawn:

Aeon, Universe, Inverted 3 Swords

We are initiating a new age and coming to discover the universe through imagination the inverted 3 of Swords means we have learned how to be more detached from our personal “soap opera” can see things in a more creative and magical way!

Chapter 2: The Judgement of Solomon: The Temple wants her dead. They've put out the hit from hell!

Promethea takes the wounded Barbara to the South Tower Hospital. Meanwhile Benny Solomon hires two demons to try and kill Promethea. They attempt to do so at a rock concert but Promethea proves to be too strong for them and they open up a portal into the Immateria to escape accidentally dragging Sophie's friend Stacia along too.

Thoth cards drawn:

top: 3 wands, virtue,

bottom left: Ace Swords, bottom right: 10 Swords

Think at root and through extremes of transformation Ace---10 Sword spread. Finding balance through 3 wands synthesis or conjunctions virtue has possibility of hold to the true and not pushing the untrue beyond creative transformation.

Chapter 3: Misty Magic Land

At the hospital Promethea checks out how Barbara is doing and Barbara helps her to follow Stacia into the Immateria using the power of her imagination. She encounters Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf before finding Stacia overcome by the sadness of The Weeping Gorilla. Almost succumbing to the effects of the Weeping Gorilla they manage to escape but are nearly caught by the Big Bad Wolf before managing to return to New York where Promethea changes back into Sophie.

Thoth cards drawn: Imagination

[6] card (above: future outcome) 2 cups

 Elemental Spread: [4] he earth: 5 Hierophant [3] vau air: 10 Wands;  [2] he water: princess Swords,  [1] yod fire: knight of cups

[5] card (below: hidden motivation) 7 of disc failure

Chapter 4: A Faerie Romance

In hospital Barbara's condition is worsening so her soul goes to talk to the other previous Prometheas in the Immateria. Sophie and Stacia go to the library to do some research on Promethea where Sophie reads the life story of Charlton Sennet, author of A Faerie Romance. Sennet's inspiration for Promethea was his servant girl Anna which ruined his marriage when his wife discovered they were having an affair. Anna has a child but it turns out to be only half real and she dies in childbirth leaving Sennet alone. At the library Jack Faust makes contact with Sophie/Promethea but is interrupted by Stacia.

Thoth Tarot Drawn [Click for Picture of Spread]:

What is the immateria [1-6] and our relationship to it [7-9].?

[8] (b: [6] & [8] paired): moon

[7] (arch of influence path of card place 6, a): wheel                                        [9] (c): princess of discs

[6] (above: future outcome): Magus

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): 6 of wands victory [3] (vau air):7 wands valor;  [2] (he water):7 Swords utility,  [1] (yod fire): knight wands,

[5] (below: hidden motivation): Fool

Missing elements: water, earth (except for [9])

Chapter 5: No Man's Land

At Ypres in 1915 Promethea leads a lost soldier back to safety. Meanwhile back in New York 1999 Barbara's conditioning is worsening. Barbara helps Sophie return to the Immateria where Margaret explains about the end of the world. Left alone Sophie finds herself in Hy Brasil.

Thoth Cards Drawn: [now pictured]

6 Swords Science Card falls to floor as we discus Mars as Judgment vs. Strength during the planetary preview of the Tree.

[click for picture of spread]

No particular question. Where is Sophie now?

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 7 Disc Failure

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): Emperor                        

[9] c): 10 Disc Wealth

[6] (above: future outcome): 5 Cups Disappointment

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): 5 of Wands Strife [3] (vau air): 6 Cups Pleasure;  [2] (he water): Art (Temperance)  [1] (yod fire): 10 Wands Oppression

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 5 Swords Defeat

Note: Art: Slogan: “Visit the interior parts of the earth, by rectification you shall find the hidden stone.”

Rectification:  Four levels of meaning:  [1] to put something right, [2] chemistry to purify a substance, especially by distillation [3] mathematics to find the length of a curve [4] electronics to convert alternating current to direct current 

Essay on Multiuniverses from Fox News

Chapter 6: A Warrior Princess of Hy Brasil

Whilst Sophie lies asleep in hospital in the kingdom of Hy Brasil Grace Brannagh's version of Promethea saves Sophie from some manigators or man lizards. Using reductionism Sophie manages to help Grace to get rid of Marto Neptura who had usurped Promethea's Kingdom. Meanwhile Benny Solomon arrives in New York and summons a host of demons to get rid or Sophie/Promethea.

Q: What do we need to know about Swords?

Thoth cards drawn:

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): Lust

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a):                 Magus                  [9] c): Ace of Disc                 

[6] (above: future outcome): 5 Swords, defeat

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth):Art (temperance); [3] (vau air):6 cups pleasure;  [2] (he water):Fortune; [1] (yod fire): Adjustment

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 10 wands oppression

 

Chapter 7: Rocks and Hard Places

William Woolcott's version of Promethea shows Sophie how our life looks when viewed from the perspective of the Immateria. As her explanation progresses it all becomes hyperreal and photographic images take over from comic book sketches for a while. At the hospital Sophie wakes up just before all the demons arrive to attack her.

Question: How to achieve balance amongst the four elements?

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 5 of Discs

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): 6 of Discs                                     [9] c): Queen of Cups                    

[6] (above: future outcome): Princess of Wands

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread:
[4] (he earth):10 Cups; [3] (vau air): Knight of Discs;  [2] (he water): Knight of Swords; [1] (yod fire): Ace of Cups

[5] (below: hidden motivation): Queen of Wands

 

Chapter 8: Guys and Dolls

Sophie manages to sum up previous versions of Promethea as well as her own using her mother, Stacia and a nurse as hosts. The Prometheas manage to defeat all the demons but the Painted Doll blows up himself and Benny Solomon which leaves the demons in our world where they hide inside Mayor Baskerville.

We began drawing cards at beginning of session.

Thoth cards drawn:

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 5 of Wands, Strife

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a):                 Lovers                                       [9] c):    Hermit

[6] (above: future outcome): Universe

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth):9 of Discs, Gain; [3] (vau air): Ace of Wands;  [2] (he water):7 Cups, Debauch; [1] (yod fire): 3 of Wands, Virtue

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 7 of Discs, Failure

 

Chapter 9: Bringing Down the Temple

Sophie/Promethea seeks revenge on the Temple for causing the death of Barbara but her revenge is short lived when she finds that the Temple is holding a birthday party for one of the members' children.. Jack Faust offers to teach her magic in exchange for sex and at the end of the issue she accepts.

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 3 of Cups abundance

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a):7 of Wands, Valor                                                          [9] c): 2 of Cups love

[6] (above: future outcome): Moon

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): 2 of Swords, peace; [3] (vau air): Princess Discs;  [2] (he water): 4 of Wands Completion [1] (yod fire): 6 of Wands victory

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 8 Discs Prudence

Chapter 10: Sex, Stars and Serpents

Basically this is just a prolonged sex scene between Promethea and Jack Faust in which he also teaches her a lot about magick.

Thoth cards drawn:

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): Lust

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6],                             a)4 Cups Luxury                                [9] c): Fool                         

[6] (above: future outcome): Prince of Swords

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth):2 Wands Dominion; [3] (vau air):8 Swords, Interference;  [2] (he water):8 Wands Swiftness; [1] (yod fire): Hierophant

[5] (below: hidden motivation): Queen of Discs

 

Chapter 11: Promethea Under Attack!

On New Years Eve 1999/2000 all the elastagel joins together to form one giant slime that threatens to drown the city until Promethea manages to make communication with it. Her two snakes from her caduceus introduce themselves as Mack (Macrocosm) and Mike (Microcosm) and decide to take her on a tour of the magic circus of the mind.

NOTE: This whole episode bears more than a little resemblance to Tom Strong Issue #3 Aztec Nights

Thoth cards drawn:

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 6 Swords Science

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): Priestess

[9] c): 3 of Discs Works

[6] (above: future outcome): princess of Cups

 Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): 6 cups Pleasure; [3] (vau air): Magus;[2] (he water): Ace Discs; [1] (yod fire): Empress

[5] (below: hidden motivation): Fortune

Chapter 12: Metaphore

A tour through the 21 major arcana cards of the tarot with Mack and Mike the 2 snakes from Promethea's caduceus explaining things to her Variations on P R O M E T H E A (major introduction to Thoth Tarot trumps) each page corresponds to a card and makes a circle.

Link to anagram genitor

Extra Image: Back Cover from Absolute Promethea

  • I. PA THEOREM
  • II. MATER HOPE
  • III. A PERT HOME
  • IV. ROPE THEMA
  • V. APE MOTHER
  • VI. ME ATOP HER
  • VII. O MERE PATH
  • VIII. A PRO THEME
  • IX. HEAR TEMPO
  • X. EH TEMPORA
  • XI. O HAREM PET
  • XII. HM! OPERATE!
  • XIII. O REAP THEM
  • XIV. EMOTE HARP
  • XV. THE MOP ERA
  • XVI. METRO HEAP
  • XVII. MAP O ETHER
  • XVIII. EARTH MOPE
  • XIX. METH OPERA
  • XX. MEET HARPO
  • XXI. HEART POEM
Week One: Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 6 Cups Pleasure

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): Magus

[9] c): Fortune

[6] (above: future outcome): 10 Discs Wealth

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth):6 Swords Science; [3] (vau air):5 Discs Worry;  [2] (he water):3 Discs Works; [1] (yod fire): Priestess

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 9 Wands Strength

Attachment: H.G. Wells 'The Apple' compare with story below and in chapter, the Crowley thread.

TL wrote in with the source for the Crowley joke appearing at the bottom of the pages

It is from Aleister Crowley, Magick in Theory and Practice, chapter 18:

There is the story of the American in the train who saw another American carrying a basket of unusual shape. His curiosity mastered him, and he leant across and said: "Say, stranger, what you got in that bag?" The other, lantern-jawed and taciturn, replied: "Mongoose". The first man was rather baffled, as he had never heard of a mongoose.

After a pause he pursued, at the risk of a rebuff: "But say, what is a Mongoose?"

"Mongoose eats snakes", replied the other. This was another poser, but he pursued: "What in hell do you want a Mongoose for?" "Well, you see", said the second man (in a confidential whisper) "my brother sees snakes".

The first man was more puzzled than ever; but after a long think, he continued rather pathetically: "But say, them ain't real snakes". "Sure", said the man with the basket, "but this Mongoose ain't real either".

This is a perfect parable of Magick. There is no such thing as truth in the perceptible universe; every idea when analysed is found to contain a contradiction. It is quite useless (except as a temporary expedient) to set up one class of ideas against another as being "more real". The advance of man towards God is not necessarily an advance towards truth. All philosophical systems have crumbled. But each class of ideas possesses true relations within itself.

Week Two: Chapter 12 Metaphore 

Thoth cards drawn:

 [8] b): [6] & [8] paired): Aion 20

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): 3 Swords, Sorrow                             

[9] c):    4 Swords, truce

[6] (above: future outcome): Knight Wands

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth):4 Cups Luxury; [3] (vau air): Death;  [2] (he water):3 Cups, Abundance; [1] (yod fire): The Fool

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 8 Cups, Indolence

 

Chapter 13: The Fields We Know

Summer 2000: Sophie is determined to go off in search of Barbara. She sets up Stacia to take over the role of Promethea in her absence as she expects to be gone for quite a while. Transforming into Promethea she explains to Stacia a bit about the Kabbalah and manages to convince the other 4 previous Prometheas to let Stacia take over the role while she's gone. Stacia will be merging with Grace Brannagh as the substitute Promethea. Promethea(6) talks to the Universe and an allegorical figure from the 16th century before stepping onto a boat steered by an old man who turns out to be Charon and tells her she's dead.

Thoth Cards Drawn 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 10 Cups Satiety

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a):  Ace Cups

[9] c): Queen Cups  

[6] (above: future outcome): Knight Swords

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth):7 of Cups Debauch; [3] (vau air):9 Discs gain;  [2] (he water):Ace Wands; [1] (yod fire): 5 Wands Strife

[5] (below: hidden motivation): Knight of Discs

 

Chapter 14: Moon River

Stacia buys a copy of the Fantastic Art of Grace Brannagh. Charon takes Promethea to a Houseboat on the Styx which comes from a book of the same name by John Kendrick Bangs, who is Sophie's great great grand uncle. Mr. Bangs takes Promethea up to a moonscape where she finds Barbara/Promethea(5) talking to her late husband. It turns out that he isn't really her husband but just her memory of him. Baron Munchausen and Lucian show the 2 Prometheas through Yesod to the lunar realm. At a train station they board a train which will take them on to to the solar realm.
Back in Malkuth Stacia manages to turn into Promethea after painting a picture of her.

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 2 of Cups Love

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): Chariot

[9] c):    2 of Swords Peace

[6] (above: future outcome): 8 of Swords interference

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth):9 Cups Happiness; [3] (vau air): Queen of Coins;  [2] (he water):Hierphant; [1] (yod fire): Universe

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 8 of Wands Swiftness

 

Chapter 15: Mercury Rising

The Stacia/Grace Brannagh version of Promethea manages to destroy Jellyhead a new villain whilst in Hod Prometheas (5) and (6) get trapped on a Moebius strip and meet up with a giant Hermes who explains about chess, mathematics and language. He takes them to meet Aleister Crowley, Austin Osman Spare and John Dee. Spare accompanies them for a short distance.

Back in our world Promethea has overcome the entire Evil 8 and threatens to kill the possessed mayor.

Thoth cards drawn:

 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): Lovers

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): 10 Wands Oppression                  

[9] c): Emperor   

[6] (above: future outcome): 8 Cups Indolence

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth):3 Cups Abundance; [3] (vau air): Fool;  [2] (he water):Death; [1] (yod fire): Aeon

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 6 Cups Pleasure

Chapter 16: Love and the Law

In the Mayors mind all the trapped legions of demons are in Hell. Promethea overpowers the 5 Swell Guys. Promethea(5) and (6) enter Netzach which is an underwater realm or an ocean of emotion. In this sea of green Promethea(6)/Sophie has memories of her mother and her own birth and Promethea (5)/Barbara remembers the death of her husband.

Both are overcome by their strong emotions and surrender to love. They surface on a shore to encounter Death who dismembers them but it is only a metaphorical death.

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 3 of Swords Sorrow

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): Prince of Disks

[9] c):4 swords Truce 

[6] (above: future outcome): 4 of Cups Luxury

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): Ace Swords; [3] (vau air): knight Cups;  [2] (he water): XX Aion; [1] (yod fire): Death

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 10 Swords, Ruin

Chapter 17: Gold

In Malkuth Promethea (2b) meets up with the mayor and has a vision of Prometheas (5) and (6) trapped in Geburah.

At the moment Promethea's (5) & (6) are actually in Tiphereth a location representing beauty, harmony and the Sun. They meet up with Boo boo who is Barbara's Holy Guardian Angel and also herself at age 15.

Boo boo shows them Apollo and the Risen gods including Christ on the Cross. All three of them move on to Geburah.

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 8 Swords Interference

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): Queen Disks

[9] c): 2 Swords, Peace  

[6] (above: future outcome): Emperor

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): Princess Disks; [3] (vau air): 4 Swords, Truce;  [2] (he water):Universe; [1] (yod fire): Hierophant

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 3 Cups Abundance

 

Chapter 18: Red Glare: Life on Mars: Universal Qualities Will Love

In Malkuth FBI agents Ball and Drucker are in pursuit of the new militant Promethea whilst Prometheas (5) & (6) plus Boo boo arrive at Geburah, a Mars like location which is totally red. Prometheas (5) & (6) are trapped in the world of shells where Asmodeus reigns in the form of a giant spider. Back in Malkuth Promethea (2b) manages to overcome the mayors' demons by eating them and in Geburah Promethea (6) manages to calm down and by treating Asmodeus with respects lets him show his true aspect which is actually human.

In our world Promethea(2b) escapes from the 2 FBI agents. Back in Geburah Boo boo and Prometheas (5) & (6) leave to go off into Mercy.

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 3 wands, virtue

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a):7 wands, valor

[9] c): 5 swords, defeat  

[6] (above: future outcome): 2 wands, dominion

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): 9 swords, cruelty; [3] (au air): Emperor;  [2] (he water): Moon; [1] (yod fire): 4 Wands, completion

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 7 disks, failure

Chapter 19: Fatherland

In Chesed Promethea meets her father for the first time since his death. He takes her away from Sophie who also finds her father Juan Philippe Estrada. Boo boo must abandon Barbara as she and Sophie step off into the Abyss.

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): Ace Cups

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): 7 Cups, debauch

                   [9] c): princess of Disks

[6] (above: future outcome): Prince Wands

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): Knight Disks; [3] (vau air): 9 Disks gain; [2] (he water):8 Swords, Interference; [1] (yod fire): Ace Wands

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 5 Cups, disappointment

 

Chapter 20: The Stars are But Thistles

Barbara and Sophie arrive at Daath where they are right off the map finding The Beggar and the Fountain. They encounter Crowley twice once in female form riding a camel ("When I'm like this you can call me Alice") and then performing the Chornozon working with Victor Neuberg. They also find another version of Austin Osman Spare but he does not remember their last encounter. They disintegrate and wind up at Binah.

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): Ace Disks

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a):Aeon

[9] c): Knight Wands 

[6] (above: future outcome): 4 DisKs Power

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): Star; [3] (vau air): 2 Swords Peace;  [2] (he water):Lovers; [1] (yod fire): 8 Cups Indolence

[5] (below: hidden motivation): Fool

 

Chapter 21: The Wine of Her Fornications

At Binah Sophie changes back into Promethea and she and Barbara discover Dr. John Dee who is one of the powerhouse of benevolent adepts or Illuminati. He shows them Babalon who becomes Marie. Afterwards they...

Thoth cards drawn:

 [8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 8 Wands, Swift

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): Hierophant

[9] c): 2 cups Love

[6] (above: future outcome): Universe

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): 6 cups, pleasure; [3] (vau air): Lust; [2] (he water): High priestess; [1] (yod fire): 6 Swords, science

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 4 swords, truce

Chapter 22: Et In Arcadia Ego ...

FBI Agents Breughel and Ball learn that Henry Royce sent a Smee to try and kill Promethea. Stacia shows up at Jack Faust's shop wanting to know where Sophie is and when she will return from the Immateria.

In Chokmah Promethea (6) and Promethea(5) enter an Arcadian landscape where the sacred and profane meet in a taboo tableau of Pan raping Selene. They experience the primordial moment of the Big Bang and realize that spacetime is eternally occurring always. Promethea (5) worries about whether the end of the world has already started and they find Crowley dressed as a fool sitting at the bottom of a staircase too frightened to go further up as looking up into the face of God for too long means that you can never look away. Promothea (5) and Promethea (6) continue up the staircase in pursuit of Steven Shelley.

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 10 Cups, Satiety

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): Knight Swords

[9] c): 7 Wands Valor

[6] (above: future outcome): Queen Cups

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): 4 Disks Power; [3] (vau air): 8 Disks, Prudence;  [2] (he water):Princess Swords; [1] (yod fire): Queen Swords

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 5 Wands, Strife

Chapter 23: The Serpent and the Dove

Promethea and Barbara finally reach Kether. They experience what it is like to become God.

All born/all fed/all grown/all led/all helped/all harmed/all cursed/all charmed/all brutal/all holy/all wisdom/all folly//all knowing/all seeing/all suffering/all being/all doing/all done//all one.

Eventually they find Steve Shelley and having ascended like serpents up the Tree of Life they now descend like doves back to Malkuth. Barbara and Steve are reborn as boy & girl twins while Sophie reconciles with her mother.

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 7 Swords Futility

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): 7 Chariot

[9] c): 19 Sun   

[6] (above: future outcome):  5 Swords Defeat

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): Prince of Disks; [3] (vau air): 21 Universe;  [2] (he water):6 Cups Pleasure; [1] (yod fire): 12 Hanged Man

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 9 Cups Happiness

Chapter 24: Cross, Moon, Star, Shapes in the Sand (Everything Goes Wrong)

For the first time we learn about two other incarnations of Promethea who existed in our world (one Christian and the other Muslim) flourishing before the 11th Century, leaving to spend time in their respective heavens and returning to our world still unaware of each others‘ existence eventually fighting each other to death on opposite sides at the battle of Antioch in 1097 AD.

Juxtaposed with their story is that of Sophie and her former best friend Stacia who fight one another in their guises as Promethea and knock each other out.

From the Immateria the previous Prometheas Margaret, Bill and Anna open up a doorway and take them out of our world.

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): Queen Disks

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): Fortune 10

[9] c): 10 Wands Oppression  

[6] (above: future outcome): 8 Disks Gain

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): 9 Wands Strength; [3] (vau air): Universe; [2] (he water): 5 Disks Worry; [1] (yod fire): Prince Swords

[5] (below: hidden motivation): Knight of Disks

Chapter 25: A Higher Court

In the Immateria in a courtroom presided by King Solomon the final decision is that Sophie will remain as the one true Promethea on earth.

Here in Malkuth Henry Royce helps FBI agents Breughel and Ball in their search for Promethea and as a result the Pied Piper steals all of the Temple‘s children. Jack Faust is captured and taken into custody by the FBI, Stacia is shot by a trigger happy agent Breughel and Sophie‘s mother warns her to escape before the FBI agents also come for her. This is the end of the Fourth Book.

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired):  princess of cups

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): 9 cups happiness

[9] c): Empress

[6] (above: future outcome): Art

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): 3 swords, sorrow; [3] (vau air): ace of swords;  [2] (he water): 8 swords interference; [1] (yod fire): 6 cups pleasure

[5] (below: hidden motivation): Prince Wands

Chapter 26: later ...

In the drab almost monochromatic world of Millenium City Sophie Bangs is working in a video store but the world here seems to closely parallel our own present political situation. Agents Ball and Breughel are pressuring Tom Strong to find Promethea for the FBI but he is unsure of how to handle the situation. Using his daughter Tesla and Solomon the talking ape Tom finally manages to corner Sophie on a rooftop.

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 7 swords futility

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): 4 Wands Completion

[9] c): Emperor

[6] (above: future outcome): Moon

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): Hermit; [3] (vau air):7 disk failure;  [2] (he water):8 cups indolence; [1] (yod fire): 6 wands victory

[5] (below: hidden motivation): princess wands

Chapter 27: When It Blows Its Stacks

Sophie turns into Promethea and evades both Tom Strong and the FBI. After saying farewell to her boyfriend she heads off for New York City. Tom Strong decided to reconvene America's Best to deal with the situation. In New York everyone gathers outside as Promethea approaches.

The original advertising blurb for this issue ran as follows: An ABC crossover, as Tom Strong makes a guest appearance! Sophie Bangs, still in Millennium City, lives a quiet but happy life. She's left the guise of science-heroine behind and now revels in routine daily pleasures. But all things must pass, and that time has come for Sophie! The subject of an intensive manhunt for the last three years, she's been traced to Millennium — where a confrontation with Tom Strong forces her to once again take on the form of Promethea...no matter what the cost!

Paul’s Thoth cards drawn:

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 9 Disks, gain

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): prince of discs

[9] c): 20 Aeon

[6] (above: future outcome): 2 high priestess

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): 9 Swords, cruelty; [3] (vau air): 10 Wands, Oppression; [2] (he water): 3 disks, works; [1] (yod fire): 6 Swords, Science

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 5 Cups, disappointment 

Johanna’s Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): prince of swords

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): 10 wheel fortune

[9] c): knight cups

[6] (above: future outcome): 9 swords cruelty

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): 10 wands oppression; [3] (vau air): 2 cups;  [2] (he water): 10 Swords; [1] (yod fire): Chariot

[5] (below: hidden motivation): devil

Chapter 28: Don't they know it's the end of the world? (It ended when you said goodbye)

The original ad for this issue ran as follows: Don't they know it's the end of the world (it ended when you said goodbye)? After three years on the run in Millennium City, Promethea returns to New York to commence the apocalypse and is reunited with her mother, Jack Faust, Stacia, and others from her past.

Thoth cards drawn:

 [8] b): [6] & [8] paired): 8 Cups Indolence

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): 7 Cups Debauch                                               

[9] c): Princess Disks

[6] (above: future outcome): 9 Cups Happiness

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): Princess of Swords; [3] (vau air):10 Swords Ruin;  [2] (he water):Knight of Discs; [1] (yod fire): Aeon 20

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 4 wands Completion

Chapter 29: Valley of the Dolls

Multiple Painted Dolls end up killing one another until there are only two left. One is mobbed by fans who want to be killed before the world ends leaving the last one to locate the 4 Swell Guys and kill his creator. FBI agents Ball and Hansard are ordered to terminate Promethea. The group of people gathered in Trish's apartment start to separate.

Stacia is reunited with Grace Brannagh's Promethea and Dennis Drucker with Bill Woollcott's Promethea. Uvula Cascade meets up with Sonny Baskerville and America's Best gather around Jack B. Quick who is putting together a Doomsday Device. The last Painted Doll approaches Trish's apartment building.

Chapter 30: Everything Must Go!

The original ad for this issue was: Everything must go as the landmark series nears its conclusion! As the apocalypse continues to extend its reach from Sophie's mom's apartment to encompass the city and the world, various persons converge on their home to put a stop to it — including America's Best, and perhaps more significantly, the last Painted Doll.

Thoth cards drawn for chapters 29-30:

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): The Sun

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): 10 Discs Wealth                                               

[9] c): Ace Wands

[6] (above: future outcome): Lovers

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): Hanged Man; [3] (vau air): 11 Lust;  [2] (he water):Fool; [1] (yod fire): ace disks

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 4 Swords, Truce

Chapter 31: The Radiant Heavenly City

Still to be done properly.

What do you do the day after the world ends? This is it, the end of the story — the one that answers all the questions! And whatever you do, do not miss issue #32!

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): Ace Wands

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): Sun

[9] c): Hanged Man

[6] (above: future outcome): Lovers

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): Star; [3] (vau air): knight Wands;  [2] (he water):2 swords; [1] (yod fire): Death

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 6 Discs Success

 

Chapter 32: Wrap Party

Still to be done

Thoth cards drawn: 

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): Fool

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): Star

[9] c): 4 Swords, Truce

[6] (above: future outcome): 7 Cups, Debauch

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): Art; [3] (vau air): Magician; [2] (he water): 5 Wands, Strife; [1] (yod fire): Queen Wands

[5] (below: hidden motivation): Universe

 

Download enhanced edited version:  Dec. 4, 2010 Promethea Recap Blogtalk radio

Elemental Spread for Dec. 4, 2010 logtalk

Thoth cards drawn for Dec 4th 2010 Blogtalk Radio:  

Elemental Spread for Dec. 4, 2010 Blogtalk

[8] b): [6] & [8] paired): XI Lust

[7] (arch of influence path of card place [6], a): 10 Discs, Wealth                                              

[9] c): Ace Discs

[6] (above: future outcome): The Hanged Man

Thoth cards drawn: Elemental Spread: [4] (he earth): Ace Cups; [3] (vau air):9 Wands, Strength; [2] (he water):10 Wands, Oppression; [1] (yod fire): Universe

[5] (below: hidden motivation): 7 cups, Debauch

 

 

 

Related Pages

PROMETHEA: Main Page Teleconference Info

PROMETHEA: Notes and Annotations by Eroom Nala

Paul's Early Review of the Series

Synopsis of Promethea Chapters

Promethea List of Main Characters

Sample of Promethea Reviews From Internet

Index to Promethea Recorded Audio Conferences and Thoth Tarot Readings from Past Sessions

Chapter Recordings:

The best way to listen to these recordings is to download them into your computer and then listen to them.

Chapter 1: The Radiant Heavenly City

Chapter 2: The Judgement of Solomon: The Temple wants her dead. They've put out the hit from hell!

Chapter 3: Misty Magic Land

Chapter 4: A Faerie Romance

Chapter 5: No Man's Land

Chapter 6: A Warrior Princess of Hy Brasil

Chapter 7: Rocks and Hard Places

Chapter 8: Guys and Dolls

Chapter 9: Bringing Down the Temple

Chapter 10: Sex, Stars and Serpents

Chapter 11: Promethea Under Attack!

Week One: Chapter 12: Metaphore

Week Two: Chapter 12 Metaphore 

Chapter 13: The Fields We Know

Chapter 14: Moon River

Chapter 15: Mercury Rising

Chapter 16: Love and the Law

Chapter 17: Gold

Chapter 18: Red Glare: Life on Mars: Universal Qualities Will Love

Chapter 19: Fatherland

Chapter 20: The Stars are But Thistles

Chapter 21: The Wine of Her Fornications

Chapter 22: Et In Arcadia Ego ...

Chapter 23: The Serpent and the Dove

Chapter 24: Cross, Moon, Star, Shapes in the Sand (Everything Goes Wrong)

Chapter 25: A Higher Court

Chapter 26: later ...

Chapter 27: When It Blows Its Stacks

Chapter 28: Don't they know it's the end of the world? (It ended when you said goodbye)

Chapter 29: Valley of the Dolls

Chapter 30: Everything Must Go!

Chapter 31: The Radiant Heavenly City

Chapter 32: Wrap Party

Download enhanced edited version:  Dec. 4, 2010 Promethea Recap