What Tarot Cards Can And Cannot Do For You

Tarot can help with the following:

Tap into your own intuition and inner wisdom, so you can “know” with laser sharp accuracy when something is right for you. It can help confirm your own feelings as to what the correct next steps are for you.

You can consider an “alternate future” to the one which is currently unfolding and make better, more informed choices for yourself. You can explore various options to create the future you desire, and look at ways of enabling you to get to where you really want to go.

See some light at the end of the tunnel, when all looks dark, bleak and hopeless around you. It can bring some hope, optimism and encouragement to your life. Often that will be enough to open up your own inner resources such as creativity, problem solving, intuition and the ability to notice a different way forward.

If you have a difficult choice to make, the tarot can help you to safely explore different options, before you rush in and commit yourself to something, so you can choose the path that is best for you.

It can indicate challenging situations and difficult people ahead of you, where “forewarned is forearmed” and you can then make different choices, so you can either head off a potential problem or lessen its effects or maybe have a “Plan B” in place.

Show you the energies around you and indicate what maybe blocking you from having the success you deserve or from moving forward.

Very often it will also show the ways to overcome the blocks. The biggest blocks can be in allowing success, money, happiness and love to flow into your life.

It is a fantastic opportunity to take control of your life and to make changes that need making, ahead of life making them for you.

What Tarot can’t do for you

Tarot does not tell you categorically what is going to happen in your life, as you have ultimate control over the direction of our life.

It cannot give you specific advice and it cannot make decisions for you. It cannot “make” you do anything.

It does not offer you fixed or unchangeable things and it is very unlikely to predict death, doom and destruction and other things you can’t do anything about, apart from worry about their arrival.

There is nothing to be scared of, as it is purely a deck of picture cards. As with anything the power lies in the interpretation and the lofty status that is often given to the person doing the interpretation.

It is totally subjective and everyone will see the cards in a different way.

Tarot has nothing to do with any religion, strange cult, devil worshipping, witchcraft, voodoo or any other weird and wacky thing.

You do not have to have any special skills and you do not need to be a natural clairvoyant, medium or psychic to be able to work with the cards.

It is an amazing tool for fun and personal growth. Like anything it can be used for positive, wonderful things and empowerment or it can be used for negative, destructive dis-empowerment.

That choice lies with the person who is reading the cards.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Michael Ford - Luciferian Sorcery And Set Typhon
Edward Carpenter - Pagan And Christian Creeds Their Origin And Meaning
Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love
Rw Rogers - Adapa And The Food Of Life

Two Of Swords Tarot Card Meanings In Love Tarot Readings

The Two of Swords is often associated with denial. It often indicates an impasse or stalemate. Its traditional imagery depicts a women holding up two swords while blindfolded. In this context, the blind fold is self-imposed. She has clearly chosen to remain oblivious to the environment that surrounds her. The Two of Swords is also associated to indecision or an inability to make an important choice. It is clear that she is avoiding an important truth. She has created a false sense of reality and is choosing to live in a state of oblivion. This reality offers her a moment of peace. However, this does not negate the existence of the necessity of choosing a new path. At some point, the weight of the Swords will become too much to bear and she will be forced to face the reality of the situation.

In terms of relationships, the Two of swords often reveals the barriers you have placed between you and your partner. This is the nature of the stalemate. You have emotionally shut down or the relationship has become resistant to compromise. In this case, there are often issues of inner conflict or confusion about the relationship.

The issues your relationship is struggling with will not be found through outside influences. The Two of Swords urges you to once again go inward. It is time to face your inner conflicts. To move beyond your current stalemate, balance must be restored. This is often achieved by exploring the past experiences that are influencing your current situation. The Two of Swords encourages you to get honest with yourself and with your partner. The ultimate goal is to communicate and speak your truth.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Israel Regardie - The Art And Meaning Of Magic
Cypress Knee - Delving Into The Faery Kindreds
Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love

Timing With The Tarot

Establishing correct timing using the Tarot is subjective approach, some claim it can be declared accurately others insist that Astrology serves as a better reference. Keep in mind that when you are reading for someone that when you propose certain time constraints you may be limiting this person to develop solely within the alotted time frame. Some people want to know exactly what day they will meet their new lover or when they will find a new job.

In all actuality most of these people are shedding their personal responsibilities unto the reader to introduce elements into their own life. As a reader I do not create your future you do, I relate the projected outcome by factoring in the speed & trajectory of your current course. I tell my clients, "If you want a new job, then start filling out applications today, if you want a new man, leave your current one and seek another... you have my permission to create your own reality. Do not wait for my cues instead listen to your inner self. My readings will reveal whether or not this transformation is possible and the influences surrounding it, but ultimately you will have to be the one to take action. The future is not slated in stone in fact you make it what it is, so take the responsibility yourself to create the life you want."

I always encourage independence versus dependence. Some querents view a magic date (one that is provided by the reader) as a day when what they want just falls into their lap. This is the very reason that they do not have what they want...they have waited their entire life for others to lead their development instead of relying on self-motivation. Seize the day! On the other hand timing can be very productive when used with discretion. I've always felt that in my readings that I reveal the essentials & it is then up to my client to act in their best interests. A good reading does not require specific dates but guides the querent towards achieving their desires when "They" are ready. Everything else just falls into place.I recommend using the following Tarot spread to establish general time frames.

PPF

1 2 3 4

1 Past
2 Present
3 Future
4 Final Outcome


Books You Might Enjoy:

Benjamin Rowe - Xxxi Hymns To The Star Goddess
Benjamin Rowe - A Ritual Of The Heptagram
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - Living With The Lama
Robert Wang - The Qabalistic Tarot

The Psychology Of Tarot

I want to start by telling you what I am not. I am not a new age guru, I hate those guys. I think they are phony, pompous, and banal. Nor do I believe in religion, astrology, fortune telling, or crystals. For the most part I look to science for answers to my deep questions not religion. The point I’m making is I am not your typical tarot enthusiast.

I am not ashamed to admit that tarot has become an important tool of self exploration. Tarot has given me a deeper understanding of myself. Since I started reading tarot I’ve discovered meditation, became a vegetarian, and I understand more of what I want out of life. I have searched my emotions further than I ever have before and because of this I see my world differently.

Having said that, I do not feel tarot cards need to be in any way mystical. Because tarot communicates through images, it helps you think in terms of symbols while forcing the analytic part of your brain to form explanations for those symbols. It is probably more like how the mind works in a dream state.
For me this has resulted in an awaking of sorts. When I pull a tarot card its image compels me to form meaning. I think about the card and what advice I can glean from it or how it could apply to my life. To accomplish this I must examine my emotions, thoughts, and experiences deeply; in essence become my own therapist.
It is my opinion that the deeper you explore yourself the more self reliant you become. You find that you have the solutions to your own problems. You realize that you have a higher tolerance for the drama of life. Tarot for me has been a catalyst for this sort of self discovery.

The key is to have a clear, analytical, but open mind. Don’t fret about a negative card or constantly ask about what is going to transpire in the future. The future, what ever that is, will happen in its own time. Use the tarot cards for the present. Focus on questions about how to overcome obstacles and setbacks now.
To get started you need to find the right tarot card deck. I like the Thoth deck because it is full of beautiful imagery and esoteric symbolism. Follow your instincts when choosing. Make sure you purchase accompanying books about tarot as a guide for interpretation. Also there are plenty of online sites that will make understanding tarot easier. I Personally like http://www.angelpaths.com because it provides self affirming interpretations.

After you gain a solid foundation in reading tarot, try coming up with your own meaning for the cards. You might find that your truest personal thoughts and feelings will bubble to the surface. This might be painful at first, but it will also be cathartic. For me exploring my own pain helped me see myself and others in a more accepting light.

It is important to remember that making greater sense of your life can be approached in many ways. Don’t be quick to judge the merits of anything on face value. A mind that is open but discerning has the possibility for great insight. Tarot for me is another tool for my own search of meaning. Maybe it could be one for you as well.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Arthur Edward Waite - The Pictorial Key To The Tarot
Phil Hine - Aspects Of Tantra
Edna Kenton - The Book Of Earths
Aleister Crowley - The World Of Tarot
Aleister Crowley - Psychology Of Hashish

The Emperor Tarot Card

I'd like to offer the following interpretation of The Emperor card. It is important to bear in mind that when it comes to symbols and archetypal images that our perception of these representations may vary from person to person. My interpretation is my own and is by no means the only way of reading this card, so use my words as a way to see the Emperor in a different light. I could literally write a book for each card but I've tried to highlight the major aspects.

The fundamental impression this card leaves me with is that of masculine strength and the willpower to succeed. The Emperor calls upon you to develop your own sense of right and wrong, act when necessary and to reassess your moral codes. You may be placed in a situation where you must be bold and courageously defend your beliefs in the face of strong opposition. This is not the time to flee or back down but a time to take a stand and do what's right for you. Aries is heavily associated with this card as seen in the rams to either side if the Emperor's throne. Aries governs individuality and is of the element fire, ruled by Mars and the first house we can begin to see what the Emperor is all about.

The father image is also strongly inherent. In nature self-preservation is essential for survival and the Emperor represents this energy. It signals a time when you must reevaluate your positions on important issues...are you merely going along with others, or do you truly feel this way in your heart? These questios the Emperor boldly poses. Behind him is a tower representing material accomplishments and the determination to persevere. Before him lies the scepter and a wand, the tools of his dominance, this indicates the skills required for material manifestation.

When the Emperor appears in a reading he is delivering the message that the situation will require to you to put your money where your mouth is and utilize your training for to achieve the intended goal. You must be ambitious, self-motivated, and fully determined towards victory. The Aries energy does not sit well with defeat so you must continue to put for the effort if you want the reward. The Emperor is asking you to assimilate your life, to weed out the dead parts then cultivate that which motivates you. The lesson here is that you must do things to please yourself, to set short and long term goals so that one day the tower will be constructed in ways that support your lifestyle. Before you continue to lay these bricks in accordance with society you should consider if this is the pttern that pleases you.

The golden bust of Charlemagne was the appropriate inspiration for The Cosmic Tarot Deck's Emperor card. The Emperor is calling on you to take full responsibility for your future. Do you know where the road you are now paving leads to? Plan accordingly and with great concentration and you will find that it leads towards satisfaction. On a negative note the Emperor can be in reference to a person who is self-centered and egotistical. They may place their goals and desires before anyone else's and ultimately isolated themselves from those close to them. The goal therefore is to strike a balance between your personal desires and their correlation with those who are affected by your actions. An it harm none do what thou wilt. That is how I interpret the Emperor.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Montague Summers - Malleus Maleficarum
Matthew Ikonen - Warlocks Handbook
Phil Hine - Aspects Of Tantra
Anonymous - The Emerald Tablet Of Hermes

Telling The Future

The popular view of Tarot cards is that they "tell the future". That is the meaning of the popular synonym for divination, "fortune-telling". Any sort of question may be asked of the Tarot cards, which does not exclude telling the future. But that is not the only end to which the cards may be put.

When telling the future, the questions of predestination and psychic powers inevitably arise. If we can accurately read the future, then the future must already exist in some sense, and we must have some way of viewing it.

On the question of predestination, science and philosophy are inconclusive. Modern physics is clear that the world is not deterministic; there are many experiments with physics on a small scale that show nature to be probabilistic. Many things happen on the sub-atomic scale without any real reason, simply because it was more or less likely that they would happen and they wound up happening or not. This would seem to fly in the face of predestination; the future state of the universe depends on truly random and unpredictable events.

But these events may be truly random yet, in a sense, already have happened. Time may be viewed as a fourth dimension like our usual three spatial dimensions. If so, then one may take a static view of the universe's history, in which the whole of time is a static construct when viewed from without, that is, from a five-dimensional perspective. The exact nature of the "arrow of time" has yet to be clearly determined, and it is impossible to say now whether a higher-dimensional traveller would see the past as still with us and the future as already laid out.

The question of psychic powers is even more difficult. No such powers have ever been shown to exist in any replicable experiment; at best, such experiments barely squeak in under the margin of significance, and then only after averaging thousands of trials which are not individually significant.

Yet many people believe in them regardless, and these people erect theories to explain them. One of the more popular theoretical ideas of psychic powers is that the psyche somehow exists in a higher dimension. From a higher-dimensional viewpoint it might be possible to look out over the four-dimensional history of the world and see what is to come.

This is written in 1990 in San Francisco, and it seems rather telling to this writer that of the great events which have taken place recently -- the destruction of the Berlin Wall, the independence of Eastern Europe, the San Francisco earthquake -- none were foretold by psychics. One would think such momentous happenings would fairly blaze forth before a psychic eye, yet they didn't.

It is probably best to use a weaker form of the precognition idea, which does not involve a predestined future or psychic powers. Instead, the unconscious mind is viewed as having the power to perceive more or less where some events are heading, and to present its views on the subject -- which may be right or wrong -- through a Tarot reading. Of course, the conscious mind can also make some predictions based on its knowledge. The idea is that the unconscious mind is attentive to different factors and will make predictions the conscious mind could not.

Another "weak" form of precognition involves synchronicity. Events and Tarot readings are "riding the same waves", so one can cast light on the other.

Finally, it is best to take all answers about the future with a grain of salt. It is also wise to phrase questions in such a way that they ask for perspectives on what is happening and what has happened, and for guidance, rather than for outright predictions of the future.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - The Saffron Robe
Eliphas Levi - The Key Of The Mysteries
Ea Wallis Budge - Egyptian Ideas Of The Future Life
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - The Third Eye
Melita Denning - The Aurum Solis

Tarot As A Guide For Emotional Understanding

I began using the tarot back in September of 1984. I remember being fascinated by the tarot, when it was part of a movie theme and a psychic was doing a reading for a client. At that point, fascination was all there was...until, one day, while talking to a friend...we got onto the subject of things unseen...and then, pandora's box was opened. That story, in that moment, became my inspiration for learning the tarot. Little did I know, that my journey was about to begin. I spent a year learning the meanings and the layouts and in the meantime, between taking psychic development classes and doing readings for people here and there...I found my abilities of intuition and insight, developing and strengthening.

The cards were alive with color and life and meaning...well, ok...at least for me. It was a good time...I loved doing readings...I loved learning about other people, and being able to share something magical. And...then it changed. It seemed that the more that I used my newfound abilities and insights, I found I was activating a soul energy. The more I used my abilities, the more things began changing around me. It is only now, through my travels and many experiences, that I have discovered that it was all for a reason...healing and clearing the emotional timelines. I admit, when the experiences first began happening, I was completely unnerved. Could not find my way out of a paperbag...emotionally, logically, or with any sense of known intelligence. However, even during times of exteme emotional shifts, I still had a strong sense of intuition and knowing.

It was during the extreme emotional shifts, I found myself looking toward the tarot for a better insight, a better understanding, for what was happening on the inner levels, called emotions. It was a gut instinct, a hunch to use the tarot for understanding. At my point of awakening, there wasn't a whole lot of information, suggesting how to do this...and yet, it is amazing, what happens when intuition, becomes a guiding light, in your life. It seemed, at this point, the more I learned, the more intense my emotional experiences and awakenings became. It would be a few years, before I finally found some confirmation of what I was doing with the tarot. I gave up and surrendered using the tarot for psychic potentials and possiblities and began using the tarot, as a way to bring clarity, insight, healing and understanding, as to what was happening to relationships with my family and friends. It was a cutting edge approach...and yet again, I was being guided by my soul's wisdom.

The tarot is an amazing tool for deeper understanding. It teaches how to let go of the perceived patterns that we are taught, and consider, for a moment, the possibility that there is something more, to be learned through emotional pushes, which in reality are opportunities for growth. I found that working with Alliester Crowleys' thoth, was most helpful, as he spent lots of time, in the shadow part of human existence. As I developed a better understanding for using the tarot for healing, I found myself looking for other tarot teachings to assist in this very guided journey, I was waking up to. It was soon discovered, that if you knew how to see...depending on how far you wanted to dig for understanding and how comfortable you were to dig beyond the fear...there were many levels of cards to choose from. Using the tarot as a part of guided insight and wisdom, for a better understanding, is like diving into the deepest part of the ocean. In order not to drown in the fear of feeling, consciously feeling the shifting emotions, you must take a deep breath for your ego, your human self...allow the ego to float in the breath of awareness and dive.

So, the next time you are having an emotional experience, that is making no logical sense to you, ask the question for understanding, check the ego into the breath and take a chance and learn what is happening, on the inner realms of your emotions. For our emotions, once healed, are the very key to activating the key, to our soul's guiding light.

As always, it is by taking a step together, that we can do this, one breath, one step at a time.

Humanity is waking up and it is our time, to bring our Peace of Heaven back to Earth. For this to work, we must be present to do this.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Moses Maimonides - The Guide For The Perplexed
Richard Weiss - Recipes For Immortality
Scott Cunningham - Wicca A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner

Tarot The Five Of Pentacles

Understanding the meaning of the Five of Pentacles ~ In its most basic meaning, the Five of Pentacles is about worry and concern. Worry and concern for the outer aspect of our lives. It could be about finances, relationships, our well being.

Worry and concern can also affect our communication. Worry and concern can also affect our focus and connection to our present moment. Experiencing life challenges, can keep you focused in the past or future and then you are prevented from handling life's challenges as they come up in each moment.

Now, this may appear to be the downside of the Five of Pentacles. However, as we begin to evolve in our journey to inner knowing, the Five of Pentacles, in its shadow side, can also teach and guide us into feeling, understanding and bringing much needed awareness to the challenges at hand. It seems that this is pretty true for all cards in a Tarot deck.

I have been using the Tarot since September of 1984. When I was first introduced to the Tarot, I had no clue, knowledge or understanding for how the Tarot worked, much less how to read their insights and teachings. I began with the Rider Waite Tarot. It was pretty simple. There were upright positions and reversed positions. Now, I admit, it took me almost a year to learn the Tarot. Although I am empathic, with high intuition, I found an interesting thing happening as I was learning the Tarot. I was utilizing my logical thinking, in trying to understand an energy that was highly intuitive.

Trust me when I say, I was having my mini meltdowns about why I wasn't grasping onto learning the Tarot positions and their meanings. After a few months of doing it this way, I put the book away and began using my intuition to learn the Tarot. During this time, life was simple and changes hadn't made their presence known to me. By putting the book away, I finally began to feel intuitively how to follow the cards and utilize their insights as a guide.

But something began to happen, after 6 years of doing readings for myself and reading for others and teaching psychic and intuitive development, my energy and awareness began to change and life changes and challenges began knocking at my door. I found myself living in the energy of the Five of Pentacles; worry and concern. My finances, living environment and relationship began going through major changes;

I found myself living in the past and the future, because I had no clue about how to deal with these major changes in my present moment.

Emotionally, I was in despair. And then one day, while just shuffling the Tarot, I found myself asking questions about the changes that were taking place in my life and the cards really began speaking to me on another level; a more deeper and internal level. At first, I didn't grasp on to the logic of this, but kept going anyway. It was at this point that I was introduced to the Alleister Crowley Tarot, for it specifically journeyed into my shadow side; the part of me that had no answers or understanding.

25 years have gone by since my worries and concerns. I learned a lot. I learned how to utilize the Tarot for lifes inner journey and I learned how to access insight and soul wisdom when the going got tough. It wasn't an easy transition from logic to intuitive knowing, but the rewards were great in terms of inner learning and awareness.

So, if you find yourself having a reading and the Five of Pentacles comes up in your reading, or any card that pushes at your shadow side, have no fear, for this just represents a journey to the inner realms of your knowing, to guide you on your awakening journey.

Life changes are calling to many of us now. These life changes are pushing at our emotional boundaries and forcing us to feel what we may have pushed out of our sight or feeling space. It doesn't always feel good to feel these kinds of changes, but feeling is the key to healing, and the Tarot, for life changes and challenges can become a wonderful guide and teacher, in offering insight and wise counsel to these changes.

Yes, and all this from experiencing life changes and the Five of Pentacles.
Life definitely is interesting!

Books You Might Enjoy:

Tarostar - The Witchs Spellcraft Revised
Anonymous - The Prayers Of The Elementals
Zoroaster - The Chaldean Oracles

Tarot Reader Prediction Comes True After 50 Years

"A prediction made more than 50 years ago by a tarot card reader finally came true for a Wingham pensioner on Wednesday night when his six winning numbers, worth $2 million, fell from the Lotto ball drawing machine right before his eyes. Over 50 years ago, the then 21 year-old man visited a tarot card reader, well known in the area for her accuracy, and was told that he will come into a lot of money later in life.

"The tarot card reader told me about this, and it has actually happened. Every single thing she told me that day has come true, this was the final thing left to happen," the winner said. "I have been playing Lotto since way back when it first began, and the line I won on are the original numbers I started playing with, they’ve brought me luck after all of these years."

The NSW Lotteries Players Club member watched the televised Lotto $2 million draw and afterwards checked off his numbers.

"I missed the 12, so I went to bed thinking I had five numbers, but for some reason I was positive that I had a 12, so I had to get out of bed and check them. My wife says you would have heard her screams in Sydney," the pensioner laughed. "I feel fantastic; there has been a lot of excitement in this house. I knew I had the six numbers but I didn’t know until I called the Lotteries office (yesterday) morning that I had won the whole $2 million, it’s unbelievable …"

Retroactive props to that reader, bless her heart.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Paul Foster Case - An Introduction To The Study Of The Tarot
Sepharial - Primary Directions Made Easy
Athena Gardner - Witchcraft Dictionary Of Craft Terms
Anonymous - Meditation Of The Four Magickal Weapons

Tarot Reader And Querent

In traditional Tarot divination, there is a reader and a querent. The reader acts as a consultant on the Tarot, using it to illuminate an issue for the querent. The reader typically charges a small fee for this service. Some sources insist that a reader is necessary; otherwise, the prejudices of the querent will dominate the reading. Cynics might point out that this insistence is of financial value to people who derive income from reading Tarot cards.

The way to structure a two-person reading depends on the theory. In all cases, the querent asks the question and the reader interprets the fall of the cards. The fall of the cards is determined by shuffling, which may be a joint process, or it may be done entirely by the reader or by the querent.

If the theory of unconscious determination is used, then the reader should shuffle the cards, though the querent may cut them to feel more involved with the process. The reader should watch the cut carefully so the necessary information may be transmitted to the unconscious mind. The reader is skilled in determining the fall of the cards; the querent is not.

If the synchronicity theory is used, then the querent or the reader may shuffle the cards. It makes no difference, since the synchronistic meaning comes through purely random factors.

If the theory of spirits is used, then again the reader should shuffle, since ordinary people do not particularly want to channel spirits to get a Tarot reading. If they wanted to get their hands that wet, they would probably do the divination themselves. Again, having the querent cut the deck is a meaningless symbol of involvement, but the spirits arrange the deck after the querent cuts it.

If the theory of order from chaos is used, it makes no difference who or what shuffles, just as with synchronicity.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Walter Scott - Letters On Demonology And Witchcraft
Max Heindel - Ancient And Modern Initiation
Israel Regardie - The Art And Meaning Of Magic
Starhwak - The Spiral Dance
John Moore - A Modern Master Extract

Tarot Numerology Threes

The tarot can be understood better if the underlying numerology is understood. Cards of the same number in different suits and in the Major Arcana have similar meanings derived from the following qualities...

Corresponding - Major Arcana - The Empress

Major characteristics: Creation, Fretilization, a first stage of growth is achieved.

Also: Growth, development, increase, flowering, expansion, regeneration, exploration, moving out into the world, initial completion, enthusiasm, preparation, perspective.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - Three Lives
Aristotle - On Dreams
Aristotle - On The Soul
Thomas Muldoon - Numerology For The 21st Century

Tarot Numerology Sevens

The tarot can be understood better if the underlying numerology is understood. Cards of the same number in different suits and in the Major Arcana have similar meanings derived from the following qualities...

Corresponding - Major Arcana - The Chariot

Major characteristics: Fate, Divine order, Dispassionate awareness, Mysticism

Also: Choice, wisdom, the need to make decisions, harmony dispelled, spiritual development, morality, divine justice, Magick, change, a turning point, rebellion, eccentricity, intuition, the completion of a phase or cycle.

This is the number of the spirit.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Aristotle - On The Soul
John Dee - Table From Liber Loagaeth French Version
Christopher Siren - Sumerian Mythology Faq
Thomas Muldoon - Numerology For The 21st Century

Tarot Numerology Fours

The tarot can be understood better if the underlying numerology is understood. Cards of the same number in different suits and in the Major Arcana have similar meanings derived from the following qualities...

Corresponding - Major Arcana - The Emperor

Major characteristics: Structure, Foundation, The Physical Universe

Also: Stability, order, predictability, solidity, tenacity, entrenchment, work, reality, manifestation, practical attainment, stagnation, logic, reason, power and control, the material world.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Austin Osman Spare - The Logomachy Of Zos
Aristotle - On The Soul
Christopher Siren - Sumerian Mythology Faq
Thomas Muldoon - Numerology For The 21st Century

Tarot Numerology Fives

The tarot can be understood better if the underlying numerology is understood. Cards of the same number in different suits and in the Major Arcana have similar meanings derived from the following qualities...

Corresponding - Major Arcana - The Hierophant

Major characteristics: Upsetting the balance, Struggle, a New Cycle, Challenge, Difficulties, Problems

Also: Disrupted stability, uncertainty, upset, change, disruption, shifts, adjustments, adversity, conflict, strife, disappointment, loss, missing out on something, competition.

Books You Might Enjoy:

John Dee - Table From Liber Loagaeth French Version
Sepharial - Astrology And Marriage
Thomas Potts - Discovery Of Witches
Christopher Siren - Sumerian Mythology Faq
Thomas Muldoon - Numerology For The 21st Century

Tarot Meditation On Wands And Swords

These two suits are confusing to some people because different designers attach different meanings to the symbols. Here is a way to think about the difference. Who wields a sword? Who carries a staff? The sword is about the use of intellect and will power. Warriors charge into battle, hacking away at the opposition. Now sometimes we do have to fight for self defense or to stand up for our rights. The person with the sword can be decisive when their mind is clear, but too much mental activity can cloud judgment, leading to jeaousy, anger, heartbreak, and fighting that is not necessary.

Wands, staffs, rods, scepters are all symbols of wisdom and authority. These are all variables of the suit according to different designers as well. Who is usually seen with these? Wise elders, bishops, kings, queens, martial arts masters. Passion, wisdom and creativity are indicated. It takes time, effort, creativity and the wisdom gained through life experience to achieve a position of genuine authority and trust. Authority won through force alone is never as well loved, enduring, or desirable.

So ask yourself what causes are at the root of issues when you see a lot of swords or a lot of wands in the cards you draw. Is it time to pick up your sword and spring into action, clearing away the clutter, obstacles and opposition, putting an end to events or relationships or situations that need to be brought to an end? Is it time to reawaken more passion, creativity, and inspiration in your life? Time to rouse your spirit with quests, adventures, passionate expressions and creative endeavors that spark the imagination and expand your vision?

What is it time for wands or swords? Swords or wands?

Books You Might Enjoy:

Al Selden Leif - 6 Questions On Wicca And Paganism
Michael Jordan - Dictionary Of Gods And Goddesses
Richard Roy - 13 Questions On Paganism And Wicca
Alice Bailey - Initiation Human And Solar

Tarot Meditation On Cups

The suit of cups (also chalices, cauldrons, grails, hearts) is the suit of emotions. This includes love, friendship, trust, happiness, faith, and intuition, our gut instinct. How many times do we make decisions based on gut instinct?

How many times do we choose our friends, lovers and business partners based on this gut instinct? The down sides of this suit are fear, indecision, sadness over past losses, laziness, all of which arise when there is too little love, too little happiness, too little trust.

This suit is often illustrated with lots of water. Just like the Earth, our bodies are mostly water, and we feel the magnetic pull of the moon. We express all of our emotions with water. Tears, blood, sweat, orgasms, saliva when we kiss, and the water in our mouths communicate the way we sense taste. It is good to pay attention to emotions when making decisions. The decisions that are right for you feel good and the decisions that are not, feel bad.

Flow with your feelings. Let your self be moved. Follow the currents and they will lead you to where you want to be. When cups are the cards you draw, how do you feel? What do the pictures suggest you do?

Books You Might Enjoy:

Anonymous - Protection Of Space
Anonymous - Divination Spreads
Aristotle - Metaphysics

Tarot Journey With The High Priestess

The High Priestess represents the principle of intuition, self trust, self resourcefulness. She represents balance. This archetype reminds us not to hand our power away and to have equal balance in our strength and our vulnerability.

Many years ago, almost a lifetime ago, as I write about The High Priestess, because my husband and I were generating so much empathic and intuitive energy between us, we began experiencing a complete dismantling of outdated and old ways to approach our life.

It is safe to say, that the veils, that had kept us so protected and innocent to these life changes, were now being torn apart, for truth, from deeper under the surface to everyday life, would ground and anchor itself, in the path that we were walking.

The Tarot Cards, would become a much needed guide for these changes. It was at this point, that I began working with the energies and insights of the Alleister Crowley Tarot. Yes, I am aware of what has been written on Alleister, however, as an awakening full blown empath, I needed to work with a specific energy, that would teach and guide me, to the wild emotional surf, that had become our life.

We had been living in a place, where the energies were very scatterd and very dense. We had not figured out or discovered that we were stepping into the ascension process and being in dense and scattered energies, was a process for clearing and connecting our energy to soul blueprint and bringing much needed energy to the area and place that we were living.

It seemed that the longer we were in different environments, because I was learning how to read patterns of energy and learning how not to take it personally, any negatives that were coming to the surface, I felt a tremendous amount of fear and panic setting in. Fear that we had screwed up our lives by listening to our intuition. Fear that we would never learn or come out of this path, that was not well traveled or even discovered yet.

I felt panicked and lost enough, that even though I am a Tarot reader, with empathic abilities and high intuition, I was no good to myself or the awakening process, that had become our lives. I did it!. I went for a psychic reading.

Well, of course, the reader picked up on my energy and asked me why on earth I was talking to her for a reading, with the energy that I was floating in and still trying to figure out how to generate. Not to be forgotten, I was still pretty new to this journey and had not yet figured out, that the many life experiences heading my way, would eventually teach me and to utilized Tarot insight, intuition, breath and awareness, constantly and consistently, until this new way of thinking would root and anchor into my life.

As I was not looking for predictions or outcomes, but a way to figure how to tap into my awareness, I explained a little bit about what was going on and she proceeded with a Celtic cross layout. To this day, I don't remember what the other cards were in the layout. However, when she got to the position of fear, The High Priestess was there in all her glory. The focus became about the High Priestess in the fear position.

She could not get over seeing the High Priestess in the fear position.

She had never seen something like this, in the years that she had been doing readings.

All she could do was ask; "woman, what on earth are you doing with your energy, why aren't you listening to your intuition and why on earth are you handing your power away? Well, OK, I was still young and new to the unchartered territory that had become our life and the journey that we didn't want to take, but had to take it anyway.

Well, after those words, I felt myself come back into my body and felt myself snap into appropriate awareness.

From that day forward, whenever a negative, a challenge and an obstacle was on the horizon and getting ready to be transformed and transmuted into a state of awareness, I would breathe deeply and connect to the energy of the High Priestess, to guide me along the way.

Each Tarot card, in a deck represents and generates its own energy. When we begin a journey, that has never been traveled before, the road less taken or not taken at all, the only thing we have as our guide is our intuition and all things that teach us how to focus and connect to our intuition.

It has taken 18 years to complete the many levels and paths of this journey, the High Priestess, certainly did become my guide and teacher on this ascension process and journey of awakening. At the beginning of this journey, having never come across anything empathic, or how to connect emotions to our intuition, I was and we were scared beyond our imaginings.

As with everything, with constant and consistent practice, the tools for intuition and the Tarot, taught us how to go within and stay connected to our breath and our awareness. No, it didn't happen overnight, it was a learned practice, that needed constant application to our life experiences.

To this day, whenever my energy gets stuck and confusion sets in, one of the many things that I remember now, is that the stuckness represents new information and new energy setting into my life and that staying connected to my breath and remembering to connect to the higher energies of the High Priestess and allow for the natural connection and integration process to unfold, in due time, everything begins to make sense.

This was my journey with the High Priestess, one that will continue to be a guide on my path.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Margaret Alice Murray - The Witch Cult In Western Europe
Aleister Crowley - The Winged Beetle
Arthur Edward Waite - The Hermetic Museum

Tarot Cards Do They Work

Do Tarot cards work? Yes, they do. I was introduced to the Tarot, back in the early 80's. The first time I saw them, I immediately felt drawn to them. The energy of the cards, felt as tho' they had been with me in like forever. I was 27, when the cards were introduced to me a second time. Prior to seeing the cards in the 80's, my first husband had had a deck, wrapped with some other neat stuff from the 60's and prior to that, I had had many dreams about a caravan of gypsies, traveling through Europe, with their colorful tents and their unusual and unique way of life, stopping off to different villages.

Now, how on earth would this little sharing signify that the Tarot cards work? It turns out that the dream of the traveling gypsy caravan was actually my grandfathers' adopted parents and family doing the traveling. They were a psychic band of gypsies that did fortune telling and palmistry, for each town they visited. I had been having this dream, on and off for a few years, until one day, while recuperating from knee surgery, I was telling my mom about my dream and she informed me of my grandfathers' life, when he was a kid. Imagine my surprise!

My grandfather’s adoptive mom was the one that did card readings and palmistry. My grandfathers life, was very hush, hush back in those days, those days being the early 1900's. For me, back in the 70's, the timing of talking about the Tarot was just not right. Obviously, I was in awe, but would soon forget about the dreams, until 7 years later, when I got married and my husband and I were unpacking and out came the deck of cards: the Rider Waite Tarot. Again, the cards made their appearance and were put away and forgotten. Finally, in 1984, the cards made another appearance in my life. I was 27 and it seemed like the timing was right.

The Tarot is a journey of consciousness and of wisdom, that shows us visually and energetically, the creative ideas and levels of consciousness that appear to us in our life experiences.

The Tarot, and the energy and essence of these cards were determined to be a part of my life. I was born into an Italian/Catholic family in this life and so logically and humanly, the Tarot was not a topic of conversation that would take place in my home life and yet, as an empath, with a high level of intuition, the Tarot was going to become a part of my life, no matter what.

The Tarot cards work, however, not in the way that I logically thought they would. In my teens, 20's and very early 30's, I always felt very overwhelmed by everything I was feeling. I would sense and feel life around me, and had to play catch up, with myself in learning how to put it to words. I began to notice, that once I learned the meanings of the cards and began doing readings for others, I was able to tap into my intuition and find the words to the feelings that needed expression. Now, as I look back on this 25-year journey, it all makes perfect sense

The Tarot worked for me in the way, that it opened my logical mind and expanded and evolved my perceptions. It taught me and guided me in how to step out of logic, yes, I continue to be very logical and practical, however, my intuitive sense is my guide on my journey.

The Tarot works in teaching us how to go deeper under the surface to the visual of life. It teaches and guides us into discovering the purpose and nature of life changes.
Yes, there are times where the energy of a reading will present the potential of something coming to pass, however, for me; my journey was more of a discovery for understanding the subtle happenings under the surface to everyday life.

It is safe to say, that the Tarot works in connecting our emotions, feelings, the metaphysical and the spiritual; bringing our life and the deeper meaning, into balance and a better understanding; to live a more heart centered and soul-guided life.

When we are ready to step out of the everyday norm and follow the promptings of our heart, the Tarot works in bringing amazing new discoveries and insights to our life, that we may not have had the chance to discover.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Tarostar - The Witchs Spellcraft Revised
Paul Foster Case - The Life Power
Aristotle - On The Soul

Major Arcana Road Jokes

How did the Fool cross the road?
Walking softly and carrying a big stick.

Why did the Fool cross the road?
To get that yappy little dog off his heels.

Why did the Magician cross the road?
To manifest his desires into reality.

How did the Magician cross the road?
Backwards, to deliberately obscure his crossing.

How did the High Priestess cross the road?
She didn't, she knew it wasn't her time to cross the road.

How did the Empress cross the road?
With her heart in her hands.

Why did the Empress cross the road?
Well, someone had to do it!

How did the Emperor cross the road?
He's too uptight to cross the road and besides this is
HIS side of the road.(see "The Testrophobical Thing")

Why did the Emperor cross the road?
They have cable.

Why did the Emperor cross the road to Canada?
They have cable, beer and Hockey Night in Canada.

Why did the Emperor cross the road?
The Empress took the converter.

Why did the Emperor and the Hierophant cross the road?
To avoid treatment for advanced testosterone poisoning (aka
Male Bonding).

How did the Heirophant cross the road?
At the crosswalk.

Why did the Heirophant cross the road?
He saw a sign.

How did the Lovers cross the road?
It was their choice.

Why did the Lovers cross the road?
They had to come out to forage for food sometime.

How did the Chariot cross the road?
0-90 in .5

Why did the Chariot cross the road?
He was looking for Resolution.



Books You Might Enjoy:

Frater Achad - Liber 31
Jester Raiin - Major Arcana 2nd Update And 1st Typohunt
Michael Majerus - Atalanta Fugiens
John Yarker - Arcane Schools

Five Traits You Will Want In A Tarot Reader

I am a professional tarot reader who has been working with the tarot cards for almost twenty years. I’ve found that there are all kinds of readers out there, running the gamut from mediocre to excellent. What is the difference between a “just average” reader and an outstanding one? I believe it comes down to five essential traits. Here’s what to look for:

1. Practicality. Although tarot cards use an old and esoteric system to divine the future—and so much more—many of the questions clients ask have a basis in their everyday lives. A practical reader listens to what the client wants to learn and provides clear, down-to-earth answers. Being practical also means knowing that it is difficult to take notes and pay attention to a reading at the same time. So, a reader might provide a recording of the session to the client, for example.

2. Flexibility. In my opinion, no reading—and the advice that comes from it—is set in stone. I personally am a big fan of free will. My own philosophy is that the cards show the influences and most likely outcome if the client continues to carry on in the same way without changing his or her behavior. If the influences or outcome are not desired, the client can make a concerted effort to change and this may go a long way to shift “fate.”

3. A sense of humor. No one wants a doom-and-gloom reading. Even the most traditionally so-called negative cards have positive lessons incorporated in their themes. It certainly helps to focus on the positive while still remaining realistic. Ultimately, an outstanding tarot reader becomes an ally for the client, often opening up new realms of possibility that haven’t been considered before. One excellent way to deliver new information can be with a gentle sense of humor. While readings are not a place for stand-up comedy, laughter can help calm down an anxious situation.

4. Straightforwardness. Wishy-washy or vague answers have no place in a reading where time may be limited while questions might be plentiful. Friends and family might beat around the bush when asked for advice, but clarity is precisely what the client wants from a reader. More can be gained from a tarot reader who takes a firm stand and conveys strong messages than one who speaks in maybes.

5. Nonjudgmental thinking. Most folks get enough flack from the people around them, pressure from popular culture and even their own critical selves. The last thing they need in a reading is to be given the message that the client is somehow a faulty or “bad” person. An understanding tarot reader knows from his or her own experience—not just proficiency in the cards—that life is full of difficult choices and most people make the best decision they can under their own unique circumstances.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Naomi Janowitz - Magic In The Roman World
Hermes Trismegistus - Book Xiv Of Operation And Sense
Max Heindel - Teachings Of An Initiate
Hermes Trismegistus - Book X The Mind To Hermes
Swetha Lodha - Your Love Life And The Tarot Cards