Playing with Signs, Symbols, & Synchronicity in Everyday Life by Robert Moss
This is a book of practical kairomancy— the author’s word for the practice of navigating by synchronicity. I had a little giggle reflecting on the fact that I grew up in a place called “Cairo” and the topic of Jung’s meaningful coincidences has fascinated me for years. Greek in origin, Kairos is all about openings and this book is all about getting the reader to seize these precious opportunities to expand life experience. Kairos moments can seem weird and wacky, but they hint at a connectedness or a “hidden-hand” playfully nudging—calling us to engage. How do we begin this process?
The book outlines twelve basic principles underlying the mindset required to maximize your experience while practicing kairomancy. The most important elements of the practice are summed up in the OATH:
O= Open to new experience
A= Available to set aside plans and the confines of boxes.
T= Thankful for everything that happens on the journey
H= Honor special moments by taking action
YOU as Kairomancer: Let’s Play!
The book contains descriptions of seventeen games. Below are three that caught my eye.
SIDEWALK TAROT: This game can be played in several ways. Probably the easiest version, and the one I’ve tried, requires you to pose a question. The author suggests the form of the question be “I would like guidance on …” Any issue large or small is fine. Ask your question, set your time period, and believe you will be answered. (As an example, I’ve asked my question, chosen my time period to be my walk around the block with my dog, and usually I’ll impose the first three unusual things I notice in the neighborhood to be my “answers.”) I’ve done this several times and it can be a very profound practice requiring you sit with the answers and ponder deep connections. Give it a try.
LISTEN FOR YOUR DAILY KLEDON: A kledon refers to the first sound heard after a silent period. This game requires being alert to bits of conversation, singing, animal or bird calls. How do these tidbits answer questions you’ve been thinking about? What themes are they alerting you to? What’s the first thing you heard when you woke today?
DIVINATION BY THE BOOK: (also called “bibliomancy”) Choose a book (one that has special meaning for you, maybe a spiritual book, a journal, etc.) or you can just reach for whatever is handy on the shelf. Ask your question (or remain open for whatever the book brings). Randomly, open the book. Close your eyes and let your fingers wander over the page. When you’re ready, open your eyes, and read the passage. How does this relate to your question? To your life?
If you’re ready to play, the universe is ready to meet you half- way. This is a book filled with weird, wonderful tales of unexpected coincidence. There are countless ways to dance with the trickster energy of synchronicity. This is a great starting point. Let me know how you get on.
Find my books by clicking the link below.
ellisnelson 