rubrics (I like that word), wrecking crews and hugfests

[malignd at aol.com]

<<I've often wondered how seriously Pynchon takes that sort of thing. 
Tarot in GR, ferrinstance. But writing occult-informed/inflected works, 
and satirising occultism, well, it's that sort of duality that makes 
Pynchon Pynchon.>>

I don't know if this is a rhetorical question or not but isn't it a 
given that Pynchon doesn't--couldn't possibly--take this stuff 
seriously?  That Pynchon's belief system includes card reading and 
Madame Blavatsky and the Rosecrusians, et al?  Does anyone--leave alone 
Pynchon--in his right mind, with a proper education, with no emotional 
issues, believe in this stuff?

I think it suits his novelistic purposes.  It adds a color.

Hemingway said he liked Catholicism because the pageantry it reminded 
him of bullfights.