About The Tarot

THE TAROT

The TAROT is made up of 78 cards. The Major Arcana, or trumps, comprises 21 of
the cards. They bear allegorical images and titles. They symbolize "the big
picture". They are in numerical order as a journey through life starting with
the fool and ending with the world. The rest of the deck is made up of the MINOR
ARCANA. They comprise four suits: the swords, wands (staves or batons), cups,
and pentacles (coins). They are made up basically like a regular card deck. Each
suit has four court cards: princess (traditionally page), prince (traditionally
knight), queen, and king. The numbered cards are ACE (1) through 10. The minor
arcana focuses on ourselves as we exist from day to day. They deal with our
personal lives, our ambitions, hopes, fears, and relations to each other. The
major arcana has implications of the individual and the minor focuses more on
the world at large. The major and minor arcana both work together to form a
whole, or a continuum. Below is a list of the traditional cards---both the major
and minor arcana.

Major Arcana:

0 The fool, I The magician, II The priestess, III The Empress, IV The Emperor, V
The hierophant, VI The lovers, VII The chariot, VIII Justice, IX The Hermit, X
Wheel of Fortune, XI Strength, XII The Hanged Man, XIII Death, XIV Temperance,
XV The Devil, XVI The Tower, XVII The Star, XVIII The Moon, XIX The Sun, XX
Judgement, XXI The World.

Minor Arcana:

Suit of wands:

Ace of wands, two of wands, three of wands, four of wands, five of wands, six of
wands, seven of wands, eight of wands, nine of wands, ten of wands, princess,
prince, queen, king.

Suit of cups:

Ace of cups, two of cups, three of cups, four of cups, five of cups, six of
cups, seven of cups, eight of cups, nine of cups, ten of cups, princess, prince,
queen, king.

Suit of Swords:

Ace of swords, two of swords, three of swords, four of swords, five of swords,
six of swords, seven of swords, eight of swords, nine of swords, ten of swords,
princess, prince, queen, king.

Suit of Pentacles (coins):

Ace of pentacles, two of pentacles, three of pentacles, four of pentacles, five
of pentacles, six of pentacles, seven of pentacles, eight of pentacles, nine of
pentacles, ten of pentacles, princess, prince, queen, king.

SPREADS

The way to do readings is through spreads. Spreads can be very easy, with one
card, or can be very hard and complicated. I will go over some of the basic,
easier spreads you can use. To prepare for the reading, make sure you are in a
calm, relaxed state. Do not do a reading if you are depressed or hysterical.
Pick a calm, quiet spot where you will not be disturbed. You may shuffle the
cards anyway you want, and after a while, may find that you pick up a certain
style in doing so. On all the spreads below, start by taking the first card off
the deck and place it face up in order that you see the spreads laid out. In
other words, do not take the first card and place it in the fourth card spot. To
read the cards, either do it one at a time as the cards are turned over, or wait
till all cards have been laid out and read the cards like a story.

The Time spread:

This spread is good for beginners because it only involves four cards. Before
you start this spread, have a clear question in mind. It does not have to be a
yes or no question, but it should be specific.

Card 1: The Past

This card will tell what has happened to lead up to the question being asked. It
can refer to events in your childhood but will more likely refer to things
directly related to the question.

Card 2: The Present

This card tells how your situation stands at the moment. It might refer to some
feelings or Something you have that you did not want to admit or show something
that might have caused your particular question.

Card 3: The Future

This card will show how it expects things to work out in the near future.

Card 4: Action

This card will show what you may do to either encourage the outcome or change
it.

Books in PDF format to read:

Dom Antoine Joseph Pernety - A Treatis On The Great Art
Michael Smith - Ways Of The Asatru
Aleister Crowley - The Zodiac And The Tarot
Pyotr Demianovich Ouspenskii - The Symbolism Of The Tarot
Samuel Liddell Macgregor Mathers - The Tarot

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 Tarot As A Guide For Insight And Life Changes

Utilizing the wisdom of the Tarot for any kind of change offers many opportunities for growth and understanding, for the many levels of life, that we are now being called to live.

I have been reading the Tarot professionally and teaching for 25 years now. When I utilize the Tarot, for its wisdom and guidance, it is not with the idea, as the Tarot as the final judgement or outcome, but one as a guide, to see and sense how the inner energies of life are moving.

Prior to my metaphysical journey beginning, I was already very empathic and highly intuitive. And I have to say, I had a hell of a time verbalizing anything. There were times, I was so beside myself, with everything that I was feeling, that I could not, for the life of me, figure out how to put it to words, any of it. I spent a lot of time being and feeling very frustrated. It wasn't until I started traditional counseling, to heal and bring understanding and clarity to my own childhood traumas, that I was finally able to learn about psychic and intuitive awareness and begin my studies with the Tarot.

Whether the Tarot is read professionally or for ourselves, on a personal level, the Tarot teaches us how to get connected to clearer feeling and focus on what needs to be put to words. At 25, if anyone could have promised, that I would eventually experience relief with my abilities, I would have thought they were messing with me, however, relief has become my permanent sense of awareness. Not to be forgotten, the Tarot is not to be taken lightly. Whether we are studying the Tarot or metaphysics or spirituality, these modalites do change us. We begin a journey of growth and development, on an inner level.

When I began my journey with metaphysical studies and the Tarot, I began with the Rider Waite Tarot set; book and deck. It was a wonderful set of cards to start with. And it was a wonderful introduction to developing my already very intuitive side. I never had any preconceived ideas, that the Tarot was the outcome, for any decision that I needed to make, however, I would soon discover, that the Tarot, had the ability, to offer greater insight and teach and guide me, into focusing my logical mind, to be open, receptive and aware, to the inner promptings of my own inner knowing.

As this has been a 25 year journey for learning and discovery for me, 18 years with my husband and daughter, this evolution, came to us naturally. For everytime we worked with the Tarot for clarity and understanding, to the deeper patterning for a move, change in relationship or career change, the Tarot became a guide for the patterns of energy around the change and what was necessary for our learning experience.

How to plan career changes or life changes utilizing a Tarot reading. Whether you pull 3 cards or do a specific layout. Allow yourself to go deeper under the surface, for the understanding of the cards. Do you have reversed positions or negative cards in the layout? Reversed positions and negative cards are cards that represent a shift in our inner patterns of energy and emotions. How are you feeling about the change that is coming? When utilizing the wisdom of the Tarot for any kind of change, this is the time to ask the real questions. The tough questions, the questions that need asking. For any kind of change, this is the time to learn the most important of what you need to know. Any kind of change is about aligning to a deeper part of yourself.

Yes, by all means, utilize the Tarot for its insight, wisdom and guidance, however, you are the most important part of your decision making process and in the end, it is what is in your heart.

The Tarot, no matter the kind of change, will always offer another way, to connect with what is in your heart and your own inner knowing.

The Tarot is there as a guide, walking side by side on your journey, but it is not the answer to your question. In the end, it is your heart that speaks to you.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Thomas Potts - Discovery Of Witches
Richard Weiss - Recipes For Immortality
William Lilly - Anima Astrologiae Or A Guide For Astrologers
Paracelsus - The Treasure Of Treasures For Alchemists
Walter Scott - Letters On Demonology And Witchcraft

The Suit Of Swords Tarot Card Meanings

ACE OF SWORDS

Meaning: Clarity of mind, great determination. Conquest. Victory without doubt.

Reversed: Tyranny, embarrassment, hindrance, obstacle, self-destruction.
2 OF SWORDS - Peace

Meaning: Balanced force. Concord. Solving differences of opinion. Sacrifice and trouble give birth to strength. Pleasure after pain.

Reversed: Indecision. Disloyalty, falsehood, false friends, lies.
3 OF SWORDS - Sorrow

Meaning: Unhappiness, disruption, separation, absence, tears, melancholy.

Reversed: Loss, alienation, distraction.
4 OF SWORDS - Truce

Meaning: Settlement but no real peace yet, compromise. Repose, retreat. Recovery from sickness. Change for the better.

Reversed: Guarded advancement, desire to recover what is lost.
5 OF SWORDS - Defeat

Meaning: Weakness, slander, failure, loss, dishonor, malice, degradation.

Reversed: Change of loss or defeat.
6 OF SWORDS - Science

Meaning: Objective, logical and rational thinking. Clear communication. Trip or journey. Success after anxiety.

Reversed: Intellectual pride. Unwanted proposal. No immediate solution to present difficulties.
7 OF SWORDS - Futility

Meaning: Striving against opposition too powerful, overwhelming forces. Unstable effort. Attempt.

Reversed: Arguments, slander, intrigue. Uncertain counsel or advice.
8 OF SWORDS - Interference

Meaning: Lack of persistence. Unforeseen bad luck. Wasting energy in details while neglecting major issues. Restlessness and doubt block clear thinking.

Reversed: Accident, opposition, fatality.
9 OF SWORDS - Cruelty

Meaning: Powerlessness, despair, hopelessness, pain, suffering, misery, anxiety over a loved one.

Reversed: Breakthrough from powerlessness. Reasonable fear, suspicion, doubt.
10 OF SWORDS - Ruin

Meaning: (Undesirable) ending, disruption, pain, misfortune, ruin, catastrophe, mental anguish, desolation.

Reversed: Temporary gain, momentary advantage, passing success.
PRINCESS OF SWORDS

Meaning: Aggressive and impatient pursuing one's ideas. Sharp and cunning arguing. Solving a conflict with clear logic.

Reversed: Endless, sharp discussions. Illogical fights with words. Having things one's way.
PRINCE OF SWORDS

Meaning: Original mind, innovative thinking. Rush into the unknown without fear. Bravery.

Reversed: A fanatic with great ability to convince. Conceited fool. Impulsive mistakes.
QUEEN OF SWORDS

Meaning: Quick-witted and keen person. Intensely perceptive. A subtle person, confident and just. Independent and individualist person, who is no longer playing roles.

Reversed: Narrow-mindedness. Deceitful, vengeful, malicious, artificial. A treacherous enemy.
KNIGHT OF SWORDS

Meaning: An active and determined person. Commanding personality. A professional. Highly analytical person. Cleverness. Purposeful action.

Reversed: A person who may pursue a matter to ruin. Indecision, aimlessness. Cruelty, sadism, perversity.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Trieu Phuoc - The Quintessence Of Secret Esoteric Buddhism
Israel Regardie - The Art Of True Healing
Hermes Trismegistus - Book Xiv Of Operation And Sense
John Dee - Testament Of John Dee To John Gwynn
Don Karr - The Study Of Solomonic Magic In English

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 Power Of Tarot

You need not be a mystic to appreciate the Tarot. It truly is available to everyone. Tarot reading offers a new way of seeing, and it can be a powerful tool for all who wish to explore their own life directions. The Tarot is like a mirror. It reflects our journeys, ambitions and life challenges back to us. It enables the hidden self to rise to the surface. It is, in essence, a doorway to deeper levels of understanding.

The Tarot is an instrument for stimulating one’s intuition. It is an incredibly effective method for enabling one to get in touch with their inner world. This is the world of the unconscious, the world of dreams, and the world of one’s personal truths. One of its primary purposes is to encourage the process of self-examination. The Tarot reveals our spiritual paths and can lead one to self-discovery. Most importantly, the Tarot can provide us with answers. They are there to guide us in our everyday lives.

The tarot is metaphorical and its imagery is rich with symbolism and archetypal significance. Their Tarot card meanings are universal in nature. Regardless of one’s cultural, religious or educational background, the Tarot experience is collective. Their interpretations are recognizable by everyone. They are the stories shared throughout time and represent the mythical journey we all participate in.

The Tarot is a method for meditation, contemplation, clarification, spiritual development and problem solving. It enables us to tap into the collective unconscious and universal energy that often can not be accessed through our everyday experiences. They always offer a new outlook or perspective on the issues we face day to day.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Aleister Crowley - Control Of The Astral Body
Edna Kenton - The Book Of Earths
Phil Hine - Aspects Of Tantra
Aleister Crowley - The World Of Tarot

The Hermit Tarot Card Meanings In Love Tarot Readings

Traditionally, the Hermit is the seeker of truth and wisdom. He often represents the seeker’s journey into the unknown. The Hermit’s path is a shadowy one. The lantern he carries is symbolic of the mirror to our own selves. This is wisdom that is within in all of us. It is the power to see ourselves as we truly are.

Another common interpretation of the Hermit is the wise old man or advisor. In this respect, he is the messenger of truth, revealing the importance of forethought and circumspection. Since the Hermit can be a carrier of light, he is there to share his knowledge and light the path for others. He guides the seeker towards self-knowledge and self-acceptance.

When The Hermit is drawn in a love Tarot reading, he typically represents a need to pause. This is a time for evaluation. In terms of a relationship that has come to a crossroad, the Hermit encourages you to go within and find your truth. The Hermit may indicate that your focus on your relationship will need to shift. This is not the time to make your relationship a priority. You would be better served by allowing yourself the freedom to do some soul searching. Although there may be some loneliness, the ultimate goal would be a transformative experience. After a period of introspection, you may be willing to work things out with your partner. A new perspective and sense of purpose can add valuable information for both you and your partner.

Books You Might Enjoy:

John Dee - General And Rare Memorials Pertaining To Perfecte Arte Of Navigation
Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love
Marcus Bottomley - Nine Proven Magical Rites
George Robert Stowe Mead - Apollonius Of Tyana.pdf
Nathan Johnston - The Devil And Demonism In Early Modern England

Tarot And Politics

Lately, I’ve been thrown off balance by the number of tarot readers who venture into politics online. Today, someone I admire greatly for her kindness and generosity promoted a Deepak Chopra essay on Sarah Palin that was so vitriolic and mean-spirited that it literally took my breath away.

You can go read Chopra’s work for yourself, if you like. It’s a pretty straightforward attack on conservatives. Chopra writes that Republicans represent the shadow side of life, and he says that Republicans base their opinions on fear, rejection, hostility to change, and narrow-mindedness.

Here’s what the tarot community needs to remember, though: Half of this country is conservative. Half of this country regularly votes Republican. Half of the people you meet in everyday life lean toward the right, and half of the people who might be interested in learning or reading about tarot could very well disagree with you politically.

What’s more, no conservative would ever agree with Chopra’s assessment of their beliefs — and no conservative could ever feel comfortable confiding in a tarot reader who publicly suggests, as Chopra does, that Republicans are a demoralizing force who exhort others to obey their worst impulses.

On a practical level, I’m always shocked when tarot readers attack conservatives. As a professional tarot reader and an author, I don’t think I can afford to antagonize half of my prospective clients and readers.

I also think that political attacks cross an ethical boundary we need to recognize. Most of us would never demean a client based on religious beliefs or cultural differences. We go out of our way to be non-judgmental when it comes to other characteristics that define us as individuals, like race and sexuality.

For some reason, however, political opinions don’t fall under the same umbrella of compassion and protection. In fact, politics seem to be the only arena in which tarot readers regularly feel free to make insulting remarks about other people; you can hardly go to a tarot conference or symposium in which most of the speakers don’t make disparaging jokes about conservatives and Republicans.

I don’t think we should keep going down this road. It’s not healthy on a personal level, to feel either on the defensive or on the attack.

It doesn’t suit us professionally, either. As tarot readers, we’re already marginalized enough. A lot of us even know what it feels like to be demonized for our beliefs. We face an uphill battle when it comes to gaining respect from the general public — and we don’t need to go looking for people to hurt or offend.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Zoroaster - The Chaldean Oracles
Marcus Bottomley - Nine Proven Magical Rites
Anonymous - Wicca Beliefs And Practices
Sepharial - A Manual Of Occultism
Archmage Bob Andrews - Old Witchcraft Secrets

Tarot Wisdom For Healing And Understanding

Understanding and Awareness are the greatest stepping stones to the discovery of our soul's inner truth...this has become an ongoing theme, for understanding and transforming the patterns of imprinting within our psychological and emotional behavior. Back in the 80's, when I first began using the Tarot, I found that I was fascinated and intrigued by the symbols, colors and the feelings of the cards. As this has been a soul guided journey for me since the beginning...I found myself learning the meanings of the cards and the various layouts. I found that the more I tried to connect the meanings to the layouts, the more baffled and frustrated I became. And then, one day, something clicked. That something was my intuition. What I discovered was that it was ok to learn the meanings for each card, however...for traveling the Tarot journey, it would be more to my benefit, to sense and feel what each card wanted me to know.

I started getting the hang of it. Loved it! Loved that you could feel better after a reading. Loved that you could feel clearer. Began reading for others. The more I read for others, the clearer I became, the more I learned. Soon, I found myself teaching. Altho' it would be a few years before it felt right to do so, I followed my inner sense and as always; the more I learned, the more I shared what I learned, the better a teacher I was for my student and the students I begin working with.

As this has been a soul guided journey from the beginning, I found that once I opened the "Magic of Pandora's Box", my life, my perceptions and my relationships began to change. There were many friends walking the path with me, however, being an empath, was accelerating my emotions at a much faster pace. I found that communication had changed within these friendships. I was becoming extremely upset by this...and yet, this was just the beginning for learning and understanding from a soul perspective. As communication was not happening within the connections, I was guided to get a drawing pad, markers and to work specifically with the Alleister Crowley's "Mirror of the Soul". This was the next level for discovery and healing. I found that all that couldn't be said out loud, was written in this journal. When I was finished writing, I was guided to pull a card and ask for the truth and understanding the purpose to the changes in my friendships. Well, humanly speaking, I was not happy...but, I did it anyway. And I discovered something quite important. Altho' I could not clear what was happening within my connections, I discovered that by stepping out of my ego and my expectations, for being right or having it my way, I gained a better and deeper understanding for what was happening in life, just in general.

It took many years to become comfortable with this kind of clearing and always searching for the truth...not my way...but through my soul's knowing. This practice for clearing, healing and understanding, would be the guide on this journey, for each level of understanding, that was soul requested, for my true work, life and path to begin.

After many years and life experiences for practicing this approach, I have found that most of what I sense, see and discover is always about approaching all experiences of life from a deeper understanding and what imprinting can do. When we begin the process, of stepping out of imprinting and discover a better way to heal, practicing this approach, regularly, allows it to become integrated into everyday life, in a very natural way. I found that with the 20 some odd Tarot Decks that I have worked with, working with Alleister Crowleys' Thoth has been most helpful. It brings us to a better understanding about the shadow aspect of our emotions and as I have been guided and have discovered, our emotions are the key to evolving our humanity and bridging the gap to our soul's knowing.

Healing our emotional pain, requires love and understanding. It requires tracing the emotional timeline, to how the imprinting began in the first place. Each and everytime we access the "peace" to our own puzzle, we heal. We integrate our soul's wisdom into our everyday life. Integrating our soul's wisdom into our everyday life then becomes about bringing "Heaven back to earth", and we do this together, for we need each other, for re-weaving love, back into the Tapestry of Life. We are ready and the time is NOW.

As always...keep it simple, take a breath, slow down. It is ok to feel and search for a deeper meaning to life.

Have a Peace-Filled Holiday!

Books You Might Enjoy:

Ro Winstedt - Shaman Saiva And Sufi
Rodolfo Amadeo Lanciani - Pagan And Christian Rome
Alan Wallace - Lucid Dreaming And Meditation
Hermes Trismegistus - Book Xiii Of Sense And Understanding

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 Twos

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 High Priestess

Major characteristics: Duality, Balance, the need to make a choice.

Also: The relationship between two objects, ideas or persons, formation, a fork in the road, competing of combined forces, the need to reconcile opposites, conflict, see-saw, partnership, nuturing, reflection, creativity not fulfilled.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Thomas Potts - Discovery Of Witches
Marcus Bottomley - Nine Proven Magical Rites
Christopher Siren - Sumerian Mythology Faq
Thomas Muldoon - Numerology For The 21st Century

Creation Of An Elemental

CREATION OF AN ELEMENTAL




To create an elemental, cast a circle, purify yourself, get into a comfortable
position for 10 to 15 minutes and relax entirely. Rid you mind entirely, lying
there like an inanimate object, a nothing. Then from your feet, start to
generate your power, gradually bring each part of your body into accord with
your brain, work up the power in your brain in the form of a positive thought
wave. Think of the whole of the power of your body as a silver ball about three
feet in diameter. Now begin to dictate in your mind to the silver ball to do
your will…to float, to go a long way from you and to come back again. Visualize
the ball getting so small you can't see it. Then bring it back to its original
size. Each night from then on, work with the silver ball until your mind can
instantly conjure up the silver ball.

During the second week, concentrate on altering the size of the silver ball till
its size is of a pea or even smaller. Then in the third week, think of a name
for it, a name which is personal to this silver ball and to you. Then during the
forth week, clothe the silver ball with a shape that is familiar to you and name
it, this may be a cat, dog, etc.

Now that you have created an Elemental life, it must know its life span. You
must be very precise in what you tell it. For instance, if you say "Go to New
York. You're in Herman's shop. Tell me what you see." And perhaps its life span
is fine years, it may not come back for five years. You must say "Go—and come
back tomorrow night at 8:00 PM and tell me what you see". Be very precise in
giving instructions.

If you want it to fetch a person, tell it to be back at a certain time, or if
you want to tell someone something, tell it to be back within two hours. You
must have a place to keep your Elemental when it is not being used. Choose any
place as long as you keep it in the same place. When it returns from wherever
its been, remember to speak to it by name, dismiss it to wherever it is kept,
saying "_____, go and store Yourself in that figure and await my further
instructions." When you want it the next time, say "_____, here I come to call
you forth, then give it instructions.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Peter De Abano - Heptameron Or Magical Elements
John Opsopaus - Interpretationes Of Ancient Herbs
Anonymous - The Prayers Of The Elementals
Eliphas Levi - The Conjuration Of The Four Elements

Tarot Numerology Aces Ones

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 Magician

Major characteristics: beginnings, potential, upsurge of energy.

Also: The start of something, seeds, creative principle, new projects, fresh ideas, new challenges, initiation, excitement, inspiration, vitality, leadership, independence, early stages of action, raw energy, creative power.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Aleister Crowley - The Necronomicon
Christopher Siren - Sumerian Mythology Faq
Thomas Muldoon - Numerology For The 21st Century
Arlo Bates - The Pagans

Tarot Devil Death And The Tower For Transformation

I am writing on these cards, to once again, share with others, what these Tarot cards mean, during these very new and changing times. Recently, someone that had read my article on "The Devil" shared with me what had happened in a phone reading. In this reading, they were told that they had a dark cloud over them and was surrounded by evil.

Well, to say I felt outraged by this, was putting it mildly. First, this is truly a false representation for what these cards mean, now...during 2010 and how humanity is awakening to the inner calling of their life; soul blueprinted awareness. Back in the day, when readings were done for another, Tarot cards in reversed positions, or the Devil, Death and the Tower were seen as true evil and negativity. However, based on what my journey has been and based on how I was guided to understand; truly understand, from a deeper level of perception and awareness, this is ABSOLUTELY NO LONGER TRUE.

Back in September of 1984, a friend of mine grew up in metaphysical and psychic awareness. She would be the very first person to do my first reading and soon become a guide on my own awakening journey. In this reading, she had done the Celtic Cross for me. My ending card in this layout was the Death card. Well, even tho I had no idea of the meaning of these cards...I knew deep down, that this card did not mean death in the physical sense, but Death of change to relationships or a known way of life.

In this moment, prior to my awakening journey, I knew that there was something on the horizon for me. Once my journey began, Death, Devil, Tower and reversed positions became the theme in the readings that I would do for myself. The more change I was experiencing, the more these cards would appear in my readings.

As an empath, with high intuition, shifting through a lot of changing emotional highs and lows, I knew that I needed to learn how to clear myself. I knew that I needed to go deep within for the answers to my questions and the true meaning for these cards. This became quite the journey.

It is now 27 years later, and the insight and wisdom that were gained, through deep inner awareness, became my godsend and the light through the many changes, challenges and obstacles that required and requested understanding and awareness.

When choosing a reader; be very, very clear about the purpose of your reading. Predictions take away your right to choose or be in true inner alignment with soul knowing. Ask questions or read up on the type of readings available. Readers; whether they are psychically reading or tuning in to another level, do not have the right to tamper with anyone else's personal space in this way. Whether we are tuning in psychically, energetically or consciously, being in tune, as our way of life, means that we are here to uplift the energy, not scare the crap out of another with this way of reading.

Each one of us, whether we choose to learn how to tap into our heart knowing, wisdom or soul awareness, have our own blueprint to our life journey and a good reader will guide their perspective client to tuning into their inner journey.

Be picky; be choosy about how and where to put your energy for a reading. Because these days, when a reading like this is done to another, not only are you feeling your own fear about the lack of information that was projected, but the reader just projected their own unclear energy into your personal space and if your skills are undeveloped at this level, this very energy can send you off into a tailspin.

We are living in very different times now. We are being called to clear our imprinting, by bringing understanding and awareness to our experiences, not to get rid of them or forget that they are there, but to bring them into balance, alignment and healing.

We all have a voice of wisdom. Some of us are naturally tuned to this way of life and some are just waking up to this way of life. And trust me, what I have shared here is not sugarcoated or watered down, but has been a 27 year experience to truly learn how to keep searching and digging for absolute clarity to the purpose of the experiences we are having now.

This is your journey...choose wisely...ask questions and listen to your gut.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Marcus Cordey - Magical Theory And Tradition
Tereza Burns - The Little Book Of Black Venus And The Three Fold Transformation Of Hermetic Astrology
Max Heindel - Ancient And Modern Initiation

Tarot Cards Judgment Or Aeon

In the Alleister Crowley Thoth Deck, this card is called The Aeon. This card represents the essence of good judgment or discernment. As I have been utilizing the wisdom and gifts of the Tarot since 1984, and have had many different styles and types of Tarot decks, as I was so awed by their beauty and wisdom, I would soon discover how the Tarot could evolve into deeper awareness and understanding for the many life changes, that I faced and that we face in our lives.

Aeon, through the definition in a dictionary, represents a long period of time. In the Alleister Crowley Deck, the card Judgment/Aeon represents and offers us the opportunity to look at the whole picture. If considering the picture of this card, the inner woman, has the ability to touch the earth and reach for the stars. In essence, she offers us the right use of our inner creativity, that brings positive aspects to other areas of our life. This card and its energy also offers a balance of our inner and outer life, our male and female, our action and feeling, our personal and professional. This card also teaches and offers opportunity for growth when judging ourselves or each other.

When this card is present in your reading, if this card comes in a reversed position, this reversed position is showing where we are placing judgment on ourselves, or with another. If this card comes into your reading in a upright position, either you are working toward balance and integration or you have succeeded in learning about balance and integration for all aspects of your life.

As always, whether with this card, or other cards in the Tarot, when looking deeper into each individual card, the Tarot has this amazing ability to share and guide us toward greater insight in the changes, that we do experience in our lives.

As I have been utilizing the wisdom of the Tarot since 1984, I have undergone many life changes and experiences. Prior to my understanding that I was walking the path of ascension, I was walking an awakening journey.

In the beginning of my journey, although I could understand concepts and situations in my mind, I was very unskilled in successfully verbalizing what was in my head.

Once I began my journey for learning the Tarot, doing consultations and teaching the Tarot, I was on my way to accessing deep intuitive awareness. 27 years later, I am very thankful, that although some of my learning was at times challenging, I cannot imagine not having the wisdom, guidance and insight of the Tarot.

Judgment/Aeon ~ this card is an excellent card to work with when we are looking to bring balance and integration into our lives.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Robert Bruce - Treatise On Astral Projection
Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love
Anthony Griffin - An Astrological Judgement Touching Theft
Ea Wallis Budge - The Book Of Gates Vol Ii
Zoroaster - The Chaldean Oracles

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

Tarot Card Readings The Spread

When a tarot reading is done, the cards are laid out as a pattern in what is
called a spread.

There are many different types of spreads, ranging from those that comprise
of a single card to spreads that include all 78 cards of the deck. Some
spreads are only done with the Major Arcana Cards.

Which spread is applied is up to the reader and the particular type of
question or reading. Some spreads focus more on a specific type of
information.

An example of this is that a spread may be focused on a singular question,
while others are broader in terms, such as in ones outlooks and prospects in
regards to relationships, financial maters, etc...

One of the most common tarot spreads is the Celtic cross, it is used more for
those specific questions. This is the one I am going to cover in this
article.

It depends on the person giving the reading, but usually, prior to the
reading, the cards are shuffled by the person receiving it, also known as the
querent. The reason for this is that some say this carry-overs the person's
energy to the deck. The person, while shuffling, should also concentrate on
the answers they are after.

Some readers do it differently, asking the querent to cut the cards for them
after they have shuffled. Or in more traditional circles, a more complicated
sorting and separation of the cards is executed .

Card 1: Represents the Present.

Card 2: The immediate challenge confronting the querent. You will frequently
pull a hard card here, which will suggest an obstacle that must be overcome.
If you pull a "good" card here, analyse it carefully because it will still
represent a challenge.

Card 3: Distant past, foundation. This card should indicate the root of the
subject matter of the question

Card 4: More recent past, including events. This will indicate events taking
place, not necessarily directly associated to the question. For instance, if
a love affair going wrong Card 3 would show the root of why it is going wrong,
whereas Card 4 will show something that recently happened to reflect this.
You could see this as a "check comment" card - a way of seeing that the
reading is valid.

Card 5: The best that can be accomplished. This is directly associated to the
question. Note that this may not necessarily gel against Card 10 - it depends
whether you are able to get the best. However, a negative card here in all
probability signifies that it is worthwhile cutting your losses rather than
putting any more effort into the situation.

Card 6: Immediate Future. This indicates events in the next few days or week(
s). This reading does not cover months.

Card 7: Factors or internal feelings impacting the situation. Compare this
against Card 1 in order to understand underlying forces/trends. If there is
conflict between them this tends to indicate that the querent is going in the
wrong direction.

Card 8: Outside influences. People, energies or events which will affect the
outcome of the question and are beyond the querent's control.

Card 9: Hopes or fears around the situation. This may bring forth a card that
confuses us badly. Always bear in mind that hopes and fears are closely
entwined, therefore that which we hope for may also be that which we fear,
and so may fail to happen. Occasionally it is useful to draw a second card
for clarification after the reading has been laid, and to read the two
together.

Card 10: Final outcome. This is a fairly self explanatory card. However it is
worth saying that if the card comes up fairly ambiguous, once more it may be
worth drawing three extra cards to clarify. These should be interpreted
through the lens of Card 10.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Anonymous - Divination Spreads
Yacki Raizizun - The Secret Of Dreams
Tarostar - The Witchs Spellcraft Revised

Tarot Card Fool Meanings

The Fool is one of the Major Arcana cards, and the tarot deck is based on the journey of the Fool, also the Major Arcana begins with this card and ends with the World. The Major Arcana represents the circle of life in all its complicated stages such as spirituality, mortality, love, and change. When a Major Arcana card shows up in a spread it often indicates that there are major changes and lessons to be learned. The circle or cycle of life is also a circle that happens many times in one lifetime, and is not just a chronological cycle, and it seems that most everything that happens to us in our lives as a beginning, a middle, and an end.

The journey of the Fool who is the first of the 22 Arcana cards starts with our birth. We emerge from the womb into the world of the unknown, the beginning of our journey from childhood to adulthood. It is worth stating at this stage that this card is a rite of passage card just like all the other Arcana cards. With the Fool as we reach the end of a journey we begin a new cycle, however, this new cycle will be either higher or deeper than the last one.

So when this card appears in a tarot spread it puts us on notice that a new chapter of life is about to begin. There is a call for us to step out into the unknown, take a risk, and trust that we will be supported. Even though we will not know whether the outcome will make us look foolish or give us the awareness we are looking for two allow us to go on to the next cycle.

The image on most tarot decks is usually depicted by a young and carefree person who is embarking on life's journey, and can represent an irrational need for change and freedom for the individual. This card is often associated with Uranus, the unpredictably powerful planet of change.

In the upright position the card indicates a need for change and a willingness to leap into the unknown in order to achieve this goal.

In the reversed position the Fool can indicate an individual's energy is low, and because of this they are unable to move forward in their challenging cycle, thus slowing them down on the circle of life.

In this article, I have tried to give some basic practical knowledge about the Fool, however, it is my belief that we should always allow our intuition and psychic ability to guide us in a tarot reading.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Marcus Cordey - Magical Theory And Tradition
John White - Toward Homo Noeticus
Aj Drew - Wicca For Couples Making Magick Together
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - The Cave Of The Ancients
Aristotle - Metaphysics

Something About Tarot Card Meanings

Profound symbolism and unique tarot card meanings represent the elements for which tarot is one of the most well know arts of the occult. If in the old times people believed them to be very accurate in predicting death, political changes, love affairs, incredible wealth and personal ruin, things prove quite different nowadays, although the symbols are taken a lot more lightly. Tarot card meanings have become epitomes, but when investigated in context they simply give birth to a combination of elements that could or could not refer to your life or influence it. Although prediction was the initial purpose, entertainment has definitely become the main role of this future-telling art.

The most impressive tarot card meanings and symbols can be uncovered and investigated in the cards of the Major Arcana, they also carry the name of trumps. The magician, the fool, the hermit, the emperor, the queen, the hanged man, the devil or the hierophant represent the main figures in the spiritual and real realms. In the Minor Arcana the tarot card meanings substitute in fact the instances or the elements that refer to common daily life events, and these actually represent the ancestors of modern playing cards.

The four elements of the alchemy support the Minor Arcana suits, and they prove just as relevant as the complex figures designed in the Major Arcana. The cups are designated under the influence of the water element, the wands reflect the passion and courage of fire, the swords get represented by air and the pentacles stay firmly on the ground, tributary to the earth element. Thus, if some tarot card meanings relate to emotional affairs as it is the case with the fire element, the air keeps the interpretation in the realm of logic thinking while the earth brings material reality closer.

Tarot card meanings will often appear stirring and surprising in the very evocative essence of the symbols and pictures. Images have always been able to convey feelings, emotions and ideas, and we all have a huge visual repository in the deep mind layers. This represents one possible explanation for the effect tarot card readings trigger in people; a person who has never seen a tarot deck will show admiration for the symbols, designs, prints and figures combined in a very complex structure. In alternations, the graphic representations gain a striking dimension which is why the tarot card meanings charge with more significance layers.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - The Cave Of The Ancients
Ophiel - The Art Practice Of Caballa Magic
Peter De Abano - Heptameron Or Magical Elements
Swetha Lodha - Your Love Life And The Tarot Cards

Read Tarot Without Being Psychic

You don't have to be psychic to read Tarot and get accurate answers to questions! You can do this just as you are. Well, there are some things to learn...

In 1981 or so I listened to a professor's lectures on 'Consistent Violators of the Laws of Random Distribution.' 'The Laws of Random Distribution' is a lifetime interest of mine. In these lectures, he mentioned Tarot as one of five known consistent violators. It was the only violator one could experiment with at home. So I went out and bought me a deck, luckily the Rider Waite one. I did his experiment, and of course got the same result. It was a question about the life history of the cards themselves, and seven cards would be more likely to appear than their random chances called for.

Obviously, there is something unique about these cards. I had never heard of them before these lectures, but decided to take them up as a hobby because, as a court reporter, all the time I had for anything fun was a few minutes here and there.

I ended up buying a dozen books on the meanings of Tarot before I decided the books are f.o.s. Then I begged my way into attending other people's readings with some psychics (whom I had never met before). I discovered that these professionals did not read the cards per se: They used the colors, or got an idea from just one of the cards. They mostly ignored them. (One psychic used the Gypsy witch deck, which has the meanings printed on them.) These were people who had clients whom they pleased. When I asked them how they read the cards, they each answered 'I listen to the spirits. You do cards. Don't you hear the spirits?' Uh, no...

This is how I ended up teaching myself to read Tarot. Fortuitously, the deck I purchased when I finally found where to buy Tarot was the Rider Waite one. Also fortunately, one of the books I randomly purchased was Eden Gray's The Tarot. It had accurate detailed information on the 22 Major Arcanae, one of the suits of Tarot. It had fairly accurate beginning meanings for the remainder of the suits, meanings which reflected the illustrations on the cards. (I learned to ignore the reversed meanings as needlessly redundant.) Her book was somewhere to start.

Using no psychic talent that I knew of, I asked questions I knew the answers to, employing the entire deck for each answer, 13 cards at a time—because 13 is equally divisible by 78 cards. The reason I wanted to use the entire deck each time was, of course, to get meanings equally for each of the cards. The reason I asked questions I knew the answers to was to be able to gauge how accurate my reading of the cards was; and also because 'you can't solve an unknown with an unknown,' a concept we learn in algebra even if we learn no algebra. I kept notebooks on each of these spreads for more than ten years. Gradually, I learned not only the cards' meanings, but, more importantly, meanings for combinations of cards. My court reporting background led me to adopt verbatim phrases for these combinations. I learned some other practical things,too, like what inquiries were more compatible with the Tarot process, and what questions not to ask...like 'when?'

Expanding the 11-card layout of the traditional Celtic Cross was fortuitous too: It created three divisions of the spread, the third one being the last card turning into three cards. I discovered the three divisions read as three sentences that repeat and support one another to the degree the information in them is correct! (The first division is the first cross, the 'Celtic Cross,' of seven cards; the second is three cards, one above the other, referred to traditionally as 'the tower,' not to be confused with the Tarot card of that name.) I NOW HAVE A DIVINATION TOOL THAT REFLECTS ITS OWN ACCURACY!

A tool that answers questions (a divination tool) that indicates how accurate the information in the answer is, that is based on logical thinking: This is monumental.

You can do the same thing. You can buy a Rider Waite Tarot deck, study each illustration that you relate to (temporarily disregarding the ones that you don't connect with) and apply two or three of those cards to a subject or question you have in mind. You will eventually get your personal individual meanings for combinations of cards well enough to have Tarot adventures with your own mind. Another article, 'Read Tarot and Develop Insight, Intuition and Creative Abilities—Yes, YOU Can, Here's How' is a sister article to this one: It gives specifics on the process of applying two cards to a given question, the process that I speak of here.

Reading cards for other people is another set of skills you can acquire: That is another article, too, later.

You don't have to be a psychic to read Tarot. Tarot is, or can be, a logic based system any person can learn who can think in terms of themes and patterns.

But of course you don't have to reinvent the wheel, you can consult a genius like me to learn the meanings I discovered.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Aleister Crowley - Clouds Without Water
Ida Craddock - The Wedding Night
Tarostar - The Witchs Spellcraft Revised
Anonymous - Wicca Beliefs And Practices
Israel Regardie - The Art Of True Healing