Cardology and Me

Published January 15, 2022 

THE HIP-HOP MAGI

My name is Nathaniel “Naafie” Jolley and I am a Cardologist and Hip-Hop Artist. As such, I like to refer to myself as “The Hip-Hop Magi”, as it not only encompasses who I am but also the culture I represent (the Hip-Hop Culture).

Cardology and the Hip-Hop Culture go hand in hand, in my opinion. They both speak to the limitless expressions we can have as human beings. They both are a part of the Collective Subconscious Mind, with elements, principles, and practices that date back to the birth of the race. They both have their roots deep in the history of humanity. To me, they blend as easily as the 4 suits themselves.

GAMES AND MOVIES

Throughout my community, and throughout my (at the time of writing) 26 years, I have always used playing cards. Games such as Spades, and other matching games like Tunk, Pitty-Pat, and more were all a part of my childhood, and even my college days. Even when not playing these cards games, sleight of hand magic and cardistry have always somehow captivated me. They always were somehow just… cool to me.

Movies such as “Now You See Me” began to give me a deeper meaning behind what I thought was real, and cards were a big part of that series. I remember the first time I saw Gambit, the card slinging hero from the X-Men. I was amazed further, marveling at the fact that they could not only be used for games and entertainment, but as a tool for self-defense as well. While gambling with the cards was never a big urge of mine, those games fascinated me in the energy they make people convey; an energy of poise, of stoicism (give or take the urge to gamble, of course.) They have mystified me, and have always been present within my life, and it wasn’t until I discovered and researched tarot (and subsequently playing cards) that I saw what my gift was.

PERCEPTION IS EVERYTHING

I started researching tarot cards in December of 2019, and while that form of science and divination appealed to me, I felt like there was another step. In my research, I found out that the playing cards actually could also be read similarly to tarot cards, minus the Major Arcana and the Knight of each suit. I started seeing readers use playing cards in their readings. The excitement I had that day was electric! The cards that everyone knew, that modern society has used for our entire lives, actually had more mystical value than I could have ever imagined. Perception is Indeed Everything.

Upon further research, I discovered more and more, and the things I found not only resonated with me on the deepest levels, but brought an excitement, as well as a, “coming to terms with myself,” if you will. Here was something where I could embrace my intuitive side, as well as my intellectual and logical side. I slowly started to transition into using playing cards, drifting away from tarot, and eventually began to use them exclusively. Through a Cardology teacher and her associates, I discovered the Cards of Your Destiny book by Robert L. Camp. I then found The Mystic Test Book by Olney H. Richmond and even more resources online about this science. I have never looked back.

A LIFELONG PATH

Although I haven’t been using the cards in this way for very long, they have helped me not only start a business and define myself, but also helped me define what my days were going to look like when I had no idea of my next move. They helped me pave a path, inspire others and give me a clear direction. I still continue to discover more about this work, myself, and those who do this work. With some trial and error, cards in hand, and coupled with the Hip-Hop Principles and Elements, I have been able to finally carve a path for myself that I’m sure will help others along their journey. This is a lifelong path for me, and I know that my ancestors are proud of what I’ve been able to do and will do.

“Naafie” Jolley

Eight of Hearts

Nathaniel “Naafie” Jolley is a Cardologist, Hip-Hop Artist and Founder of Perception Over Everything (P.O.E)

Website:  www.PerceptionOverEverything.com

[DISCLAIMER:  Any explanation, information, opinion, terminology, theory, and/or any cardological method or reference included in this article are not necessarily approved of or endorsed by the International Association of Cardology. This article's publication on the IAC website is purely for entertainment and informational purposes only.]