Tarot and the Medici Patience. Grimoire

Chapter 1 Introduction to Stalking.

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But what, pray tell, is Stalking?

Life is a cascade of millions of choices and thousands of roads paved with experience.

Yet it’s also riddled with mountain ranges of rules and limitations. Rules and Laws weave the labyrinthine closed circle of life, from which it is nearly impossible to break free into the World of your dreams.

Millions of bipedal predators are ready to tear to shreds the life of any novice who dares to step into this World. And they chase him in circles through the panopticon of their own making, like a squirrel on a wheel, for his entire Life.2

The author admits there is a kernel of sense in the antisocial view held by the 'Thieves in Law,' who regard society as nothing more than a pen for sheep. Yet he denies that their Path is the only true and righteous one.

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Rice Who gazes at whom—is it the years that look into a person, or the person who gazes into the years?3

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Since time immemorial in the mountain regions, the silvered hair and wisdom of the elders were more prized than gold.

They knew the scarcely trodden paths and secret passes over the mountain ridges. Inaccessible and lethally inhospitable to all living things almost year-round, as sharp as the razor's edge of hatred, with bottomless chasms and gorges.

The experience and skill of the elders, their knowledge of the land in hard times—when disaster or foe descended upon peaceful folk—were the very guarantors of their people's survival.

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Rice The old Tree beneath the sky—still creaking, still creaking.4

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And they were reverently called 'aksakals.'

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Rice. Do you see the stalker? No?! Yet he is there! … and he is always there (author’s note).56

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In those forested realms where, more often than not, the sun’s rays never reached the earth. Instead, they merely ricocheted from the myriad living souls stretching toward them.

The Chaos of life’s exuberance is apt to bewilder any uninitiated soul in its thickets. Drawing the traveler down into its depths, with little hope of return, until he is utterly exhausted.

Yet even there, there have always been those who, guided by signs visible only to them, confidently discover The Path amid life’s tangled confusion.

Fearlessly they would plunge into the heart of the taiga or jungle, as if into their own pockets. And back they would come to their loved ones, and those waiting for them—with spoils in hand.

They were known, with pride, as Hunters. With a capital ‘H’.

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Rice Now we’ll really gorge ourselves on fresh meat! Isn’t that right, master?7

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Rice Did anyone put in an order for a well-roasted traveler? For a false Order, the forfeit is a three-day mirage—complete with a traveler!8

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In the blazing shimmer of the desert, like a mirage, appears the silhouette of a figure striding along as though wound up.

And after a while, just long enough for the mind to barely register it as real, there stands beside you a traveler from the other side—radiating heat.

In the place he came from, even the lizards—if they hadn’t met their own untimely ends within two or three years—would die of astonishment just trying to calculate the odds of it all.

How did he survive, out there where, for hundreds of versts, there’s neither water nor shade?

How did he keep from losing his mind to the whisper of infinity brushing against eternity? Where did he come from and where is he headed—what is he searching for?

Whom has he saved, whom will he yet save—and whom might he punish?

They spoke of him, half in reverence and half in the frightened bewilderment of those who cannot understand, and later told their children his tale as legend—the Ranger.

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Rice Harken to the whisper of endless Eternity.9

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Rice It is not always possible to find The Path at once.10

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And behold—a bolt of lightning descends from the heavens, darting down in fits and starts of 100 or 150 meters each time, branching like The Tree of possible destinies.

Out of billions of possible descents, it finds the most faithful and the easiest. The ones that demand the least expenditure of energy, while offering the greatest number of ways forward.

And should anyone doubt that the lightning’s path was indeed optimal—let them stand beneath its stroke. And in the final instant of his life, he will feel that the lightning's power was not spent in vain along its journey. From its very inception to its very Death. Its force was preserved, and oftentimes even grew.

The lightning conducted its surplus of power from the heavens into the earth, and balance, once more, was restored.

All of this reveals that Stalking is by no means the exclusive domain of stalkers, but rather the most ancient art of survival and orientation—the understanding of The World, one's place within it, and the restoration of balance to The World.

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Rice Choice determines result.11

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Rice Do you possess a talent for mutually beneficial cooperation? And what if I find one?12

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A Stalker is both the lightning of choice, the hunter of intent, the ranger of Spirit, and the elder of experience.

It is the universe itself attempting to gaze into the eyes of the universe and see therein its own reflection and understanding of itself.

If we were to briefly sketch the distinctive features of Stalking, the following points come to mind:

1. Stalking is a Magic whose history numbers in the thousands of years (over fifty, if you believe the legends), and stands among the oldest of techniques.

2. Unlike many celebrated varieties of Magic—such as hypnosis, telekinesis, pyrokinesis, and so forth—Stalking is less an active, outward practice and more a passively inward technique.

The sense of Stalking often resides in an inner attunement with the World, or with certain of its elements.

This may occur on various levels of consciousness—from the physical to the causal—by all manner of means and methods.

With techniques drawn from the most diverse Schools and Paths.

3. Stalking is wondrously multifaceted and, in essence, comprises nothing less than the very foundations of Magic itself.

That is why it has never been especially advertised on its own as Science and Practice.

For, in the author’s deepest conviction, there exists no magic save for Stalking, in its myriad kinds and forms.

All modern varieties of magic known today are nothing more than assorted Schools that have merely slapped their own labels onto Stalking.

4. Stalking is, above all, the art of understanding the world, discerning its purposes and pursuits—and the talent for establishing a long and fruitful dialogue with the world.

As a unified part of him, one that directly enters him and consciously and willingly fulfills his goals and purposes.

Likewise, a cell in the body learns the art of establishing a dialogue with the entire organism. And that cell which has mastered this art becomes the nerve cell of The World—a Stalker.

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Rice Knowledge offers the chance for Understanding. Understanding grants the Power to rise above Ignorance.13

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ATTENTION!

This book is written as a self-instruction manual in Stalking.

Specifically, it delves into the programming of events using the Minor Arcana of the Tarot.

To absorb and master the material—down to the very marrow of your spinal cord—it’s essential to complete the ‘homework’ after reading each chapter.

For greater effect, it is advised to record all your answers in a learning journal.

To transmute mere quantity of understanding into true quality, it is wise to periodically reread your own notes.

You are also encouraged to write your answers with generous margins, leaving ample room for future commentary.

It is also recommended to apply information structuring techniques in your answer journal. Such as: colored pens, bookmarks, stickers, and the like…

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ATTENTION!

Written answers to questions are approximately three times more effective than answers given only in thought.

Composing written answers in a single journal is about three times more effective than scattering them in various places.

Rereading your answer journal increases your understanding by about three times.

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It’s up to you to decide exactly how to do your homework…

…just as before.

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Homework Section No. 1.

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Rice There is an artist who paints with light. You probably know about him. He holds a camera in his hands. The click of the shutter—and time stands still…14

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0. Begin a journal, a thick notebook, or a file-folder for keeping your homework records.

Graph paper is recommended.

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ATTENTION!

All answers to the questions in this and subsequent homework assignments are to be written. And only in writing.

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1. What does the author consider to be the 'three pillars' of Stalking? List them. Explain in your own words.15

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2. Identify professions in society that correspond to the first 'whale' of Stalking. What character traits are common among people in this profession?

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3. Imagine, if you will, mentally erasing from society all those who belong to the profession of the first 'whale.' What would happen?

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4. Identify professions in society that correspond to the second 'whale' of Stalking. What character traits are common among people in this profession?

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5. Imagine, once again, mentally removing from society those belonging to the profession of the second 'whale.' What would happen?

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6. Identify professions in society that correspond to the third 'whale' of Stalking. What character traits are common among people in this profession?

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7. Imagine, if you will, erasing from society all those devoted to the profession of the third 'whale.' What transpires then?

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8. Seek out, among society's trades, professions akin to the fourth 'whale' of Stalking. What character traits are common among people in this profession?

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9. Picture a world where those of the fourth 'whale's' profession vanish from the social tapestry. What unfolds?

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10. What emerges when a single individual combines within themselves all three essential qualities of the three 'whales' of Stalking? What distinguishing traits or behaviors might one observe in a person of such unified character?

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11. What key character traits set a Stalker apart from the average person?

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12. Give examples of well-known historical figures who fit the criteria of a Stalker.

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Fig. 'My photographs are burning.' Words and inaccuracies perish. This is our biography—yours and mine. Our serene past…'1617

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Chapter 2. How a Mage becomes a Stalker.

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Rice The mage’s evolution in fast-forward.18

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As an example, the actual journey of the mage’s evolution into a Stalker is described in a playfully earnest manner.19

Naturally, such evolution is not accomplished in a single year…

And, as a Rule, not in just one Life…

…and few ever traverse it, for not all of Magic’s jests go down well in the tender Organism of a young and overly self-assured Mage…

…but let us not brood over gloomy things…

Thus—the Magician's evolution—on fast-forward, of course.

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As someone who’s occasionally cast Spells—in other words, a minor practitioner—I can offer you information of absolutely indisputable veracity.

For example, let us consider a classic case:

You are a Mage; she is a Princess. But she mustn’t be just a Princess—she has to be head over heels in love with you.

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Rice. Charge, my cuirassiers!20

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1. Right then, quick and dirty, let’s whip up some magic in a way that’s anything but childish…

Spells are cast however you fancy! Or is it ‘are being cast’? Who cares—let’s dance!

Everything those wizened elders of Magic say is absolute drivel! They don’t understand a thing themselves, and—blast it—won’t let anyone else in on the secret either…

Nooooow… a cavalry charge liiike—

RRRRRRАААААААZZZZZZzzzсссссссссссссс

…tfffaffa…

…tffffiiififi…

…ММММММММmmmmm…

Damn. ннннннннннOh, the agony!!!

What on earth was that?!

How many teeth did that send flying!..

I wonder, in general—how do princesses feel about the gap-toothed and ever-so-slightly, entirely toothless?

I clearly need to cast a Spell of dazzling, all-bewitching attraction to charm every princess, of all races, ages, and nations…

Well, all right, perhaps not quite everyone… and never mind, not everywhere—let's say, that particular princess…

Maybe not dazzling, but, damn it—enchantiiiiingеееееее!!!

Honestly, at least some of my teeth are still more or less in place…

Maybe before I lose every last tooth, guys, it'd be wiser to visit a dentist, hmm?

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Rice Swings are not just for the kindergarten playground.21

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2. According to the first point, for those who survived by following point 1, it may be delicately hinted that, perhaps, it’s wise to rhyme your Spells.

So that it all rolls over the target in waves, you see—rather like the sea itself.

Incidentally, this is precisely what the Law of Rhythm, as set forth in the Tablets, proclaims.

This does nothing to diminish the magical backlash, but it does render it altogether more pleasant and familiar.

In other words, the backlash no longer splits you in half like a hapless smelt, but instead pleasantly flattens and rolls you out across the pentacle. And honestly, the pattern of blood spatter on the walls is far more elegant than after those who followed the first step…

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Blast, that’s RIGHT—I should’ve done it all in rhyme…

Now, that's poetry; now, that's what I call love…

Even the shameless cat is getting affectionate now…

Though, for some reason, she's affectionate with everyone indiscriminately…

The Princess smiles… she smiles…

She's definitely smiling at the wrong thing, that fool…

She needs a stronger enchantment—like this…

Hit her with five-foot iambs, then she won't escape…

Absolutely…

Ooooo—how marvelous that feels…

So, what's at the end, anyway?

The Princess?

Nope—'Princess' doesn't rhyme!

Blast, how did I not notice at once that ‘princess’ just doesn’t rhyme?

If I don’t urgently say something in rhyme, the magical backlash wiааааааааааррррррррll split me right in two, aаааааааnd throw me to the sprats!!!!!…

Just look at all the magic swirling around here…

I must urgently say something in rhyme…

What did I just say????…

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Upppsss… that wasn’t me!

Nooooo—truly, nobly, it wasn’t meee…

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Too late… (Mozart’s ‘Requiem’ now swells, grand and haunting—standard Mage marker spell has officially triggered)22

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Rice Egregores are not chosen! It is the Egregores who do the choosing! Which is primary? Which is secondary? These debates have lasted for eternity…2324

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3. For those who, in the spirit of true theory, have dared to try not only the first point but the second as well—staggering and cursing all the while—have been heard to say, 'Honestly, a little warning would have been nice; they don't make pants like this anymore, so what am I supposed to wear now…'

It may be delicately noted that casting Spells solely on personal power is rather tiring.

Besides, nobody really does it that way anymore.

Well, unless it’s in battle, when all the Wands and magic wands have already been spent, and enemies keep stubbornly crawling into the crosshairs of the Sight.

And in general, that’s usually called profanity.

However, in the shadowy corridors of the Academy of Magic, it’s said that all the good stuff is done not by the one uttering the Spell, but on behalf of their Astral ‘roof’ (or basement, depending on your taste in interior design).

So, after scratching your still-smoldering (thanks to points 1 and 2) head, you hastily flip through the catalogue of Astral roofs, basements, and quaint little mezzanines.

A proper shed is selected in Magonia.25

And next time, having practiced in advance shouting the name of the Astral ‘roof’ and already sensing an ill omen…

…having chosen their most unnecessary trousers, and, after some deliberation, the slippers as well, those still able to stand and amount to anything – proceed to the next stage… proceed…

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Rice Make way for the Padishah’s Elephants! An ancient fresco, speckled with the DNA splatters of an unknown hero.26

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4. Well, damn, they don’t proceed anymore—those were the old days! Bli—нннннннNNNNNNN, what a dazzling roll across the pentacle! Right through all five dimensions!!!

Whoever said in the third point that magical backlash can flatten you down to your very boots – KIDS, ALL OF THEM!!!!!

But when the Astral roof falls on you, it really flattens you—instantly and forever,

You immediately realize that not only have you understood, but you’ve truly felt, just how terribly wrong you were in the first, second, and *especially* the first point!

Did I already mention that?

So then, what was that item again?

You’ll have to do the counting yourselves now, yes…

I’m perfectly happy as I am—a meaty, steaming pancake, sprawled on a freshly printed, wall-mounted, bloodied rug…

Casually boxing with the floor, the ceiling, and—wait for it—the asphalt…

…hold on, where did asphalt even come from? …they haven’t even invented asphalt yet!

…ah well, never mind, to hell with the asphalt!

…so, after about two or three liters of smeared blood and snot, you start to suspect, however faintly, that, well, something might have been overlooked!

It seems as though something vital is missing! What on earth could it be?

But there’s nothing to be done, and so you proceed to the next point— …

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Rice Just like that! And tie it tighter! Tighter! With a blowtorch! And don’t forget the paid insurance, as always—three copies!27

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5. …ммммммммMMMMM…

…aaaaАААААААА…

… (indecipherable mutterings, moans, sobs, hysterical mad laughter, and the rapid footsteps fading into the distance) …

But the Organism gets its way; that scoundrel just wants to live, and you understand, damn it—never!

NEVER, for the love of all that’s absurd, will you ever find yourself behind the wheel of this vacuum cleaner…

…

Well, or almost never.

And you definitely won't be getting up—turns out that Earth hits back rather painfully when you fall flat on your face…

Well, maybe you’ll just lie down… for example, in Kremer’s bathtub…28

And really—why am I always the one stuck taking the fall for everyone?!