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

Seventy Eight Degrees Of Wisdom A Book Of Tarot

Book: Seventy Eight Degrees Of Wisdom A Book Of Tarot by Rachel Pollack

This revised and slightly expanded version of two long sadly out-of-print books ("78 Degrees of Wisdom: Major Arcana" and "78 Degrees of Wisdom: Minor Arcana") is a welcome addition to any serious Tarot reader's library.
Although I wouldn't normally recommend this book for the Tarot beginner, I'd recommend it highly to serious students of Tarot wanting to know more about the many different meanings of Tarot cards. Some beginners might find Pollack's usages of the definitions of cards to be more than the superficial ones.

The two volumes of Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom have inspired a whole generation of tarot students. It has often been described by readers, booksellers, and teachers as the "Bible of tarot readers." It is also often cited as one of the landmark books in modern tarot, and it helped to launch the "Tarot Renaissance" of the 1980s. The two texts-one for The Major Arcana and one for The Minor Arcana--appear together in this volume, which is a reissue of the 1998 edition first published by Thorsons.

Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom draws on mythology and esoteric traditions and delves deeply into the symbolism and ideas of each card. It also gives the cards a modern psychological slant based on the pictures rather than a system of occult symbolism. This endlessly useful reference tool provides a concise history of tarot, introduces common spreads, and is a clear and readable book for both the beginning and advanced tarot student.

* Author is one of the most highly regarded tarotists in the world.
* The Major Arcana and The Minor Arcana brought together in one volume.

Going far beyond the "This one covers you" school, Pollack gives many different ways to interpret the meanings of Tarot cards, both from a spiritual viewpoint ("What does this card mean to you?") and a metaphysical viewpoint ("What does this card mean to the person you're reading for?"). It also allows for meditation and self-study of Tarot cards.

Although set up like a standard Tarot book, with chapters covering the Major Arcana, the Minor Arcana, and some readings, (including a sample reading or two) Pollack's definitions of the cards goes far beyond the ordinary superficial "Death means something in your life is going through a major change - you are about to stop one thing and start doing another." Each card has a picture - many from the Rider-Waite deck that most Tarot card readers start with, but some from other decks that you may not have seen. Each card has numerous definitions - and even some examples of what that card might mean when in certain placements in a Tarot card reading, both regular and reversed.

Unlike many contemporary authors on Tarot, Pollack subscribes to the notion that one can use the Tarot not only for Interpretation of current circumstances but for seeking advice. She describes how to cast the Celtic cross a descriptive tool which can be used to gain insight into a present situation. She also shares a layout she created that the reader can use to gain insight into possible courses of action regarding work situations.

I've no other books in my Tarot library that are more heavily thumbed than my old copies of the two "78 Degrees" books, and I was very glad that Pollack has found a publisher willing to not only reprint them, but allow her to revise them and include both books in one volume. Highly Recommended for serious students of Tarot. Of the many books I've read on Tarot so far this one is the best.

Buy Rachel Pollack's book: Seventy Eight Degrees Of Wisdom A Book Of Tarot

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Andrea Haugen - The Ancient Fires Of Midgard
Emmanuel Swedenborg - The Delights Of Wisdom Pertaining To Conjugal Love
Michael Ford - Midnight Circle A Commentary Of Azothoz A Book Of The Adversary
John Sebastian Marlowe Ward - The Higher Degrees Handbook

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 Math Spreads

How clever is this idea from the Tarot Dame?

Tarot Dame’s Blog: Tarot Math Spreads

Here are a few spreads I put together a couple years ago, using mathematical equations.
1. A + B = C
Combining Card A and Card B will bring you the results of Card C.
2. A – B = C
When you remove the energy of Card B from the situation of Card A, you will get Card C.
3. A + B – C = D
When you remove the energy of Card C from the combination of Cards A and B, you will get Card D.
4. A – B + C = D
Remove the energy of Card B from Card A, then add Card C and you’ll end up with Card D.


Books You Might Enjoy:

Harold Macgrath - The Pagan Madonna
Tarostar - The Witchs Spellcraft Revised
Aristotle - On Dreams
Anonymous - Divination Spreads

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

Reversed Tarot Cards

Personally I generally try to avoid using reversed cards if at all possible. Before each reading I make sure that the cards are all upright, if a card appears reversed during the course of my reading as sometimes they inevitably it will I may interpret it as an energy blockage but I usually disregard it. This as with anything concerning the Tarot is a matter of personal preference. Just remember that reversed cards are not simply the opposite meaning of its upright interpretation as some references seem to indicate.

It is better compared to the retrograde motion of a Planet in Astrology, the influences of this Planet (card) are often turned inwards thus the outward expression tends to be somewhat awkward. A reversed card is not fully expressing itself to its greatest potential.

A method that you can employ to interpret reversed cards is to lay another card over the reversed card to reveal how the energy can be allowed to flow freely. This will determine what characteristics need to be developed to overcome the blockage or perhaps the blockage itself. If the reversed card is The Tower for instance it could indicate that you are suffering from a powerfully internal transformation. Your inner foundations are crumbling and your values are being challenged slain and overcome. This is in contrast to its upright position where it could indicate external transformation. You could then do another reading to see how this inner conflict could best be resolved and what qualities are required to overcome the adversity.

Remember that reversed cards often represent that we are unable to deal with the energies of the card and thus it is manifests internally. Spiritual readers may also see this to be representative of karmic challenges resulting from previous reincarnations. Reversed cards can also be viewed as a stalemate point of soul growth that must be worked through in order to evolve to your next challenges.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Steve Roberts - Zhine Tibetan Dream Yoga
Aleister Crowley - Thoth Tarot Deck
Swetha Lodha - Your Love Life And The Tarot Cards

Love Tarot Readings The Crossroads Of Our Relationships

One of the most common inquiries during a Tarot reading typically concerns matters of romance and partnerships. Naturally, people consult the Tarot for answers about love. One would expect that most people would want knowledge about their future love life: who and when that special somebody would be entering their life. Yet, many come to the Tarot for guidance about a current relationship. Typically, these are the relationships that have reached a stalemate. In these cases, the relationships have lost their sense of direction or purpose.

The Tarot has an exceptional ability to uncover the areas in a relationship that are struggling. More importantly, the Tarot can identify the key issues that are going on within each partner. This often refers to each individual’s emotional development, expectations, and past experiences that are being projected into the relationship. One would hope that the Tarot would tell us exactly what we need to do in order to bring harmony back into a relationship. In truth, this is not always the case. More often than not, the Tarot only opens the door to our own inner knowledge. Each individual holds the answers that they need. The Tarot is a conduit, a divinatory tool that enables you to access your unconscious and higher self. In the end, you are always your own best guide.

When utilizing the Tarot for answers on a relationship, it is important to recognize that there are some significant cards that often question your intentions and motivations. These cards often reflect important crossroads that require you to look within yourself to make important decisions. They encourage you to take a good hard look at your relationship and ask yourself if this relationship is something that is in your best interest. It’s important to remember what the Tarot teaches us. They are there to guide us on our path. They are always a reflection of our level of personal growth and emotional development. In some cases, the Tarot is there to redirect us, to remind us that we have made the wrong choice or have become blinded to our own truths.

Although the Suit of Cups often plays an important role in Love Tarot, they are not the only cards that depict relationship issues. As I mentioned before, there are other significant cards that require you to ask yourself some important questions. Some of them our rather obvious like the Three of Swords, the Devil or the Lover. However, there are some that are unobvious. These are the cards of the Hermit, Death, and the Two of Swords.

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:

Yacki Raizizun - The Secret Of Dreams
Aleister Crowley - The Confessions Of Aleister Crowley An Autohagiography
Solomonic Grimoires - The Book Of Secrets
Talismagick - Love Spells And Rituals For Love And Relationships
Robert Ellwood - The Encyclopedia Of World Religions

Choosing A First Tarot Deck

When you first decide to learn Tarot, beginners ask what kind of deck should they choose?There are hundreds and hundreds of tarot decks available for purchase. There are people whose only interest in Tarot is collect and study the decks from history and from current artists.

There are two different perspectives as to how to go about acquiring your first tarot deck (pronounced tar'?oh or ta?row'). The first idea is that you are best served by selecting a deck that appeals to you or speaks to you in some way. This way of selecting a deck underlines the theory that every reader will respond to various styles and symbols in a different way and that it is important to respect this aspect of reading the tarot. It also is beneficial because it suggests that obtaining a deck that you respond to and like will encourage you to learn the deck.

The second theory is to obtain a widely used deck like the Waite, and Waite derivatives, or the Crowley/Thoth, or derivatives. These deck types represent the vast majority of decks that are purchased and used. The Waite deck is the most popular deck ever sold and is the one most often reconized.

I have come to the opinion that the second method, selecting a Waite-based or Crowley-based deck, is the best one for beginners. I have noticed that beginners who have acquired an offbeat deck struggle when they go to read a beginning tarot book or take a class.

So, your first assignment to find a deck to learn on. Choose a Waite based deck (including the Universal Waite, Robin Wood, Morgan Greer, Tarot of the Old Path, and some more whose names escape me right now!) or a Crowley/Thoth based deck (the smaller deck will have more lively coloration ? so notice which size you are selecting). If you will stick to these, it will be a bit easier to learn Tarot at first. Then, later, you can branch off and pick a Marseilles style, or Motherpiece, or Wheel of Change, or Osho Zen, or another offbeat tarot deck. This is all, however, just my observation. I have plenty of students simply pick the deck they like and they do fine (some however do not and break down and purchase a Waite deck so they can more readily compare what the instructor or book is saying to the deck images).

Books You Might Enjoy:

Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - The Saffron Robe
Swetha Lodha - Your Love Life And The Tarot Cards
Marian Green - A Witch Alone
Robert Wang - The Qabalistic Tarot
Aleister Crowley - Thoth Tarot Deck

A Tarot Journey

There is plenty of very good information about the Tarot, its symbolism and its origin. What I would like to do is share about the journey of the Tarot and all that it could and can teach.

As a kid and well into my 20s and 30s, I could always feel when something was going to change, sometimes it appeared not for the good, at least on the surface.

I could feel my mood swings and everyone else's mood swings around me. Pretty much not knowing where my personal space began or ended and where another's space began or ended. There were times, many times, where communication was almost impossible. It was bizarre to feel my words organized in my thoughts, but to speak them out loud, somehow the translation was lost.

It would be the Tarot that would assist, guide and teach me how to connect all the pieces for clear communication. Prior to my journey, learning about each card, I did read a bit on its origin and its symbolism. It was at this point, that I had not yet discovered that I was an empath, with high intuition. So, as I took a journey through each card, I found myself becoming clearer and more connected in my communication.

The Tarot is an excellent source of teaching, when wanting to have a deeper understanding about life changes. The Tarot teaches us how to open our minds and approach these changes from another angle, another perspective. Because we are living in very new and different times, consulting the Tarot, is no longer about predictions and outcomes, but a means to resolution, from another level of thinking.

On our journey with the Tarot, take your time and work with each card individually. Be patient with your learning experience. When working with the Tarot, this is the part of our life, where we slow down a bit and allow our intuition to develop and guide us on this journey.

And yes, our intuition does open and in the process of opening, we learn how to blend logic and intuition, to troubleshoot and guide us to our life changes. As human beings, when life changes come to us, they at first will appear as negatives happening in our lives. When we begin working with the Tarot, we begin to discover that the so called negatives of our lives, are actually new opportunities to better align with our life, at a deeper intuitive level.

We are all entering a time in our life, where common sense and intuition can act as a guide to our life changes.

So, for all who feel drawn to the Tarot, yes, by all means, read about its history and then consider how you feel drawn to the Tarot and allow your intuition, your inner knowing to guide you on your journey. The more that we learn how to be grounded in the now and present moment; in our bodies, our breath and our knowing, the better our experiences of change, that we can master with our intuition.

The Tarot is a wonderful teacher and guide, to the journey of your own inner discoveries.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Michael Prescott - Darklore
Lyall Watson - Supernature
Nick Farrell - Notes On Geomancy
Aristotle - On Dreams

4 Simple Methods For Learning To Read Tarot Cards

Learning to read Tarot cards can often seem quite difficult, especially when one is learning how to read Tarot cards one one’s own. However, if one follows some simple methods, the process of learning how to read Tarot cards can be a really interesting journey.

The things you need before you begin to learn are a deck of Tarot cards and a notebook and a pen / pencil. Another thing one should consider investing in is a book of Tarot card meanings.
The confusion arises at both these junctures. A beginner student always has these questions: “Which deck to buy?” and “Which book to buy?” Let me help you with those decisions first.

Ideally buy a deck whose imagery resonates with your belief system and your knowledge base. There are several thousands of Tarot decks available in the market today that are based on a number of different themes. Go for a deck which you will find easy to understand. See the images of the cards before you buy. If the deck’s images don’t stir anything within you, keep looking for more. For example, don’t buy a deck based on Celtic Mythology if you don’t know what Celtic myth is all about. Because you will then have to spend time learning about the basics and then be able to pick up the deck and study it.

The next thing is the book. Buy a book which covers the basics – there should be meanings of the cards explained in a simple and straightforward manner. Often, themed decks come with their own books. But if you are interested in the finer aspects of the cards (like mythology or symbolism) then you need to look for specialized books on the subject. Search for something that suits you.

Now that we have the deck and the book figured out, let’s begin the process of learning to read Tarot cards. Here are a few steps which will guide you along the way:

1. Take the card in your hand and see the images. Don’t read the book just yet. Just see the images and write down what comes to you when you see the picture. What you write down can be as descriptive or as short-and-sweet as you like.

2. Once you have done this, open the book and go through what the book says about each card and compare that text with what you have written down. Mark the common passages / ideas by underlining or highlighting them.

3. Think about the meaning of each card – and write down the name of a song which reminds you of this meaning. This will help you really get into the mood of the card and understand the meaning of the card effectively.

4. A card will often have several meanings. So which one is right for you? Choose any 3 interpretations from the ones which are common between your own interpretations and what is given in the book, and shorten them into one word or one short phrase. This makes it easier to recall the meanings when you are doing a reading.

Once you have gained a mastery over the meanings of the Tarot cards, doing a reading can often become a comparatively simple procedure. If you want to learn to read Tarot cards, go ahead and visit http://www.ReadingTarotCardsRevealed.com and download your copy of the e-Book today!

Books You Might Enjoy:

Paul Foster Case - An Introduction To The Study Of The Tarot
Hugh Mynne - The Faerie Way A Healing Journey To Other Worlds
Swetha Lodha - Your Love Life And The Tarot Cards

A Quick Guide To Reading Ordinary Playing Cards

Divining from regular playing cards is an old practice and I am sure many of us know at least one fortune-telling game done with this tool. Reading regular cards is called cartomancy or metasymbology. Playing cards have been called "The Devil's Picture Book" and have a few superstitions associated with them. Miners and fishermen viewed it as bad luck to have a deck with them while working or on a voyage. Thieves will rarely steal a deck as they have a belief that this will turn luck against them . Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history: Spades - King David; Clubs - Alexander the Great; Hearts -Charlemagne; and Diamonds - Julius Caesar.

Other omens and superstitions about playing cards involve their use in gambling. It is generally believed that you will never get a good hand if you are dealt the four of clubs. "The Dead Man's Hand", Aces over eights, that Wild Bill Hickock was holding when he was killed, is considered very unlucky. The nine of diamonds is sometimes referred to as "The Curse of Scotland" as it was used to give instructions for the beginning of the Glencoe Massacre in 1692. On a cheerier note, we have to remember the old saying "unlucky at cards, lucky in love."

Gong Hee Fot Choy, "Greeting of Riches," is a divination system utilizing regular playing cards which Margarete Ward, a mystic and world traveler, introduced in her 1935 book. It draws heavily on Chinese and Eastern mysticism for its wisdom. This system uses a board, a book and 32 cards. Jokers, 2's, 3's, 4's, 5's and 6's were discarded and only 7's through to the Ace were utilized. The board and book are divided into 32 houses. Each card has a different meaning depending upon which house it lands, and are detailed in the book. There are 1,024 combinations. The Houses are Compasses, Marriage, Happiness, Enjoyment, Messages, Relatives, Health, Money, Seasons, Friends, Gifts, Moons, Sun, Luck, Wishes, Success, Surprises, Popularity, Abode, Journey, Papers, Vocation, Letters, Trouble, Disappointments, Death, Undertaking, Achievement, Inheritance, Callers, Gratitude and Inquiries. The hearts represent love and friendship; anything of a personal nature. The diamonds represent fortune and riches; papers of any kind. The clubs represent luck wisdom and business. The spades represent the unpleasant things of life.

Tarot reading layouts readily adapt over to regular card reading as do divinatory meanings. Hearts equate to Cups, Diamonds to Coins, Spades to Swords and Clubs to Wands. To proceed with a reading, shuffle and cut in your usual method, and deal out the layout of your choice or try the following reading.
Relationship Potential Reading
A fun reading to ascertain the future of potential suitors involves separating the Kings or the Queens from the deck. You then proceed to lay these Trump cards out side by side in this order: Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds and Spades. Assign a name of someone you are involved with or interested in to each card, you can choose Unknown for one of them. Shuffle the cards and ask a question. ie: Who do I have the best chance of having a successful relationship?; Who will I marry?; Who will I date next?; Who will call me first?.

Deal out the remaining cards face up, laying them out one at a time on or below one of the Trumps, proceeding across all four and returning to the beginning if required. Your question is answered when you deal a matching suit on one of the Kings or Queens. Ask another question and start laying down cards from the beginning of the row again, stopping again when a suit matches a trump. After all of the cards have been dealt, pick up each stack and count the number of cards of each suit. Hearts denote love, clubs indicate level of happiness, diamonds predict money and spades augur sex. The more you have of one suit indicates the predominant influence or potential asset of that relationship. Look up the meanings of the cards on the reference chart for a deeper enhancement.

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Tarot Plain And Simple

Book: Tarot Plain And Simple by Anthony Louis

Tarot Plain and Simple by Anthony Louis is the book you've been waiting for! As the title indicates, this book presents the Tarot in clear language that anyone can understand. If you've had trouble learning the Tarot, this book gives the meaning of each and every one of the 78 Tarot Cards -- both in simple terms and in-depth ones, both upright Interpretations and those for when a card is drawn reversed. Illustrations are from the elegant and mystic Robin Wood Tarot.

This book leaves nothing out! It includes an overview of the history of the Tarot and suggests why this divinatory method works from a scientific point of view. It even includes several spreads and example readings. That way you can see exactly how the Tarot works, how the cards play off of each other and how to give a reading.

This book explores the art of tarot. You would think a book that is entitled Plain and Simple would be much smaller. But this book of 322 pages covers much ground in the art of tarot. The opening of the book explains Mr. Louis' idea on writing the book as well as his approach to reading tarot.

Turn to any page and see how you can learn meanings and interpretations. The Five of Cups shows a cloaked person with head down and three of five cups knocked over, spilling their contents. Upright the card means "mourning." But the key words and phrases give you so much more. It can also mean regret, sadness, loss of trust, an emotional letdown, betrayal in love, and much more. How can you tell which expression best fits the card? It depends upon where it falls in the spread and the cards that surround or lead up to it. This is explained in the clear but comprehensive section on Tarot card spreads, and is Illustrated in the sample readings.

If you have been waiting for an ideal book to help you learn the Tarot, this is it. The longer you wait, the longer it will be before you can give effective Tarot readings. Anthony Louis' background is in psychiatry which augments his study of various systems of divination. He has authored the book Horary Astrology which he also lectures on as well as teaches.

This book is incredible. I have bought a ton of books on tarot that claimed to be for beginers and plain and simple. They ALWAYS left me confused. But not this one. It is really plain, I mean really easy to understand. I love the section on the use of numerology and astrology in the book as well. Truely opened my eyes, and a lot of the time I could be heard stting in the corner reading it going,"Oh, okkkk now I understand." I must say a million praises to the author for the clarity and ease in which in this book reads. If you a beginer- GET THIS BOOK AND SAVE YOURSELF A WHOLE LOT OF MONEY AND TIME.

Buy Anthony Louis's book: Tarot Plain And Simple

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Shadowscapes Tarot

Book: Shadowscapes Tarot by Stephanie Pui Mun Law

This tarot set is absolutely beautiful, and includes the major and minor arcana. The art was lovingly crafted over a period of Many Years and I've been waiting since I saw the first couple pieces for this set to be complete. I love her use of themes of her own for each suit in the cards.

My only minor complaint would be echoed the same as other reviewers- while the cards are a standard size, 2.75 x 4.5 inches, I wish they'd chosen a larger one. The art is still beautiful, but you have to look very closely to see some of the detail. There is also nothing included to store the cards in so you will have to come up with your own solution. It comes packaged in a large beautiful box but its not of a size to be good storage.

This is a worthy purchase for anyone with an interest in tarot or simply beautiful art. There is also a book available focusing on the art from the Shadowscapes website- "The Art of Shadowscapes Tarot - Major Arcana". The book goes into further detail about the creation of and inspiration for each card, as well as has additional sketches, making it a good companion purchase. I also recommend it if you'd like a Collection of the art images at a larger size. All the images for the cards are on the site as well if you would like to browse them first.

Stephanie Pui-Mun Law (Oakland, California) is a professional artist whose fantasy illustrations have been commissioned by various game and book publishers. Author and illustrator for the book Dreamscapes, her work also regularly appears in the magazines Realms of Fantasy, Cricket, and Cicada. Visit her online at www.shadowscapes.com.

The tarot has been a part of Barbara Moore’s personal and professional lives for over two decades. In college, the tarot intrigued her with its marvelous blending of mythology, psychology, art, and history. Later, she served as the tarot specialist for Llewellyn Publications. Over the years, she has been active in the American Tarot Association and has spoken at tarot conferences around the United States. Barbara’s articles on the tarot have appeared in several tarot publications and in Llewellyn Publications New Worlds of Mind and Spirit magazine. She has also sat on the Tarot Journal editorial board. Barbara’s own education in the tarot has been and continues to be broad and enlightening. She has studied under renowned tarot scholars Mary K. Greer and Rachel Pollack, and she has taught the tarot to all manner of would-be tarot readers.

Barbara enjoys the challenge of giving a voice to Tarot Cards and oracle decks. She has had the good fortune to write books for several decks, including A Guide to Mystic Faerie Tarot, The Gilded Tarot Companion, The Hip Witch Tarot, Enchanted Oracle and The Mystic Dreamer Tarot.

Buy Stephanie Pui Mun Law's book: Shadowscapes Tarot

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Four Methods Of Astral Projection

FOUR METHODS OF ASTRAL PROJECTION



Method One:
Start off by placing some markers around your room or home. These markers could
include such things as a rose, a bowl of cold water, a shoe, etc.. Now lie down
on your bed. Next, get up and make a circle, going from one marker to the next
and back to your bed. Involve yourself with each of the markers. Smell the rose.
Feel the cool wetness of the water. Feel the texture of the rubber sole of the
shoe. When you return to the bed, lie down in your original position.

The next step is to visualize above you a cloud of the purest white. It may
remain as a cloud or you can form it into the shape of your own body (idealized
if desires). You may notice a connection between your physical body and your
double in the form of an umbilical-like cord at your navel, solar plexus, third
eye area, or at the top of your head. People experience this cord in different
places.

Now, will the cloud or double to circle around the markers following the same
path that you had taken earlier. If you noticed the cord, you can see that it
will stretch indefinitely. Have the double or cloud smell the rose, feel the
water and feel the shoe, just as you did earlier. Eventually, this imaginary
tour will change to bi-locationality and finally to astral projection. Once you
have attained these states, there's no need to limit yourself as to where you
can go. Feel free to visit a friend's home. Remember that you are learning a
new skill, so don't try to go too far until you are very comfortable with the
experience.

Even if you are only using imagination, always reabsorb the double or cloud back
into your physical body when you have completed your journey. Also, always end
with a banishing ritual.

Method Two:
This is similar to method one. Either lie down or sit in a chair. Begin by
visualizing a cloud in front of you (or over you if you are lying down). If you
wish, you may form it into a double of yourself.

Now, firmly desire to transfer your consciousness to the double. If you feel a
sudden change in your body, described by some as a lightening or vibrating
feeling, will yourself to open your eyes. Do not try to physically open your
eyes by using your muscles. Just will yourself to see. Do not be surprised when
you see your physical body in front of you.

Spend no more then three minutes concentrating or trying to cause your
consciousness to leave your body and join your Astral self. If it works, fine.
If it doesn't work in about three minutes, that is fine too. Relax, take some
deep breaths, and try again tomorrow.

The key to succeeding with this system (and with all of the methods, really) is
the URGENT DESIRE TO LEAVE your physical body. When you succeed, be sure to
reabsorb the double into your physical body at the end of the projection. Of
course, do banishings before and after.

Method Three:
Lie naked on a bed. Have a friend or relative put a folded heavy bedspread on
your feet. Now have your aide slowly drag the folded spread up your body until
it reaches the top of your head. Then the person helping you should quickly lift
the spread up and away from you and quietly leave the room.

Now duplicate the process in your mind's eye. Only instead of a bedspread, feel
your Astral body rising up. First your feet rise, then your ankles, calves,
knees and so forth to the top of your head. At the point where the bedspread was
lifted from your physical body, imagine your consciousness going with the Astral
body. When finished, reabsorb the double or cloud back into your physical body.

Method Four:
Hear the musical note D natural above middle C in your mind. A little practice
with a piano, pitch pipe, or a friend with a musical instrument will make this
pitch familiar to you. Now double the frequency of the pitch in your mind so
that you hear a pitch an octave higher then the first note. If you are not a
musician, a friend with musical knowledge can help you with this.

Again hear the tune, only an additional octave higher, then hear it an octave
above that. Continue this process until you are far above a piano's range.

You will notice that you are feeling lighter as the notes get higher in pitch.
You may sense a vibration in your head. Let the sound rise higher and higher as
you feel THE SOUND rise towards the ceiling of your room. When you sense that
the sound is as high as you can go, both as a pitch and within the confines of
the room, will your eyes to open. Again, don't be surprised if you see your
physical body below. When finished, allow the double to be reabsorbed into the
physical body. This method is particularly good for musicians.

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Titles Of The Tarot Trumps

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE TITLES OF THE TAROT TRUMPS
******
EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK
"THE Complete Golden Dawn SYSTEM OF MAGIC"
BY
ISRAEL REGARDIE



NAME TITLES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fool The Spirit of the Ether.

Magician The Magus of Power.

High Priestess Priestess of the Silver Star.

Empress Daughter of the Mighty Ones.

Emperor Son of the Morning,
Chief among the Mighty.

Hierophant Magus of the Eternal Gods.

Lovers Children of the Voice Divine,
The Oracles of the Mighty Gods.

Chariot Child of the Power of the Waters,
Lord of the Triumph of Light.

Fortitude Daughter of the Flaming Sword,
Leader of the Lion.

Hermit The Magus of the Voice of Light,
The Prophet of the Gods.

Wheel of The Lord of the Forces of Life.
Fortune

Justice Daughter of the Lord of Truth,
The Holder of the Balances.

Hanged Man The Spirit of the Mighty Waters.

Death The Child of the Great Transformers,
Lord of the Gates of Death.

Temperance Daughter of the Reconcilers,
The Bringer Forth of Life.

Devil Lord of the Gates of Matter,
Child of the Forces of Time.

Blasted Tower Lord of the Hosts of the Mighty.

The Star Daughter of the Firmament,
Dweller between the Waters.

The Moon Ruler of Flux and Reflux,
Child of the Sons of the Mighty.

The Sun Lord of the Fire of the World.

Judgement The Spirit of the Primal Fire.

Universe The Great One of the Night of Time.


This document is to be used in cojunction with the other document
titled 'Tarot1.Doc', for the Complete Attributions of the Trumps.

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The Pictorial Key To The Tarot

Book: The Pictorial Key To The Tarot by Arthur Edward Waite

"The Pictorial Key to the Tarot" is A. E. Waite's influential guide to Tarot symbolism, published in England in conjunction with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. While Waite was an occultist, he was very concerned with the accuracy of the symbols he used for his deck, and he did much research into the traditions, interpretations, and history behind the cards.

The best known and best selling Introductory work on the use of the occult Tarot Cards for Divination and fortune telling, with pointers toward their further use in spiritual training. A real help to those who want to learn how to read tarot in questons of love, money, and luck.

Originally published in 1910.

Download Arthur Edward Waite's eBook: The Pictorial Key To The Tarot

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Third Eye Ritual

THIRD EYE RITUAL


Perform this neo-Pagan ritual to improve psychic powers three days before the
moon is full and preferably when it is in either the astrological sign of
Cancer, Pisces or Scorpio.

Begin by brewing a strong magickal tea made from yarrow or mugwort (herbs that
stimulate the psychic senses) and then light thirteen purple colored votive
candles to help attract psychic influences.

Drink the tea, then gaze fixedly into a magick mirror, crystal ball, or crystal
pyramid as you chant three times the following incantation:

I INVOKE THEE, O ASARIEL
ARCHANGEL OF NEPTUNE
AND RULER OF CLAIRVOYANT POWERS.
I ASK THEE NOW TO OPEN MY THIRD EYE
AND SHOW ME THE HIDDEN LIGHT.
LET ME SEE THE FUTURE.
LET ME SEE THE PAST.
LET ME PERCEIVE THE DIVINE KINGDOMS OF THE UNKNOWN.
LET ME UNDERSTAND THE wisdom OF THE MIGHTY UNIVERSE.
SO MOTE IT BE.


After chanting, relax, breathe slowly and concentrate on opening your "Third
Eye". Do not permit any negative thoughts to contaminate your mind.

The Third Eye, an invisible chakra located in the middle of the forehead above
the space between the eyebrows, is the human body's highest source of power,
supernatural sight and clairvoyant vision.

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The Tarot History Symbolism And Divination

Book: The Tarot History Symbolism And Divination by Robert Place

The Tarot is one of the few books that cuts through conventional misperceptions to explore the Tarot deck as it really developed in the Middle Ages and Renaissance Europe-not, as some would suggest, in the far reaches of Egyp-tian antiquity. Mining the Hermetic, alchemical, and Neoplatonic influences behind the evolution of the deck, author Robert M. Place provides a historically grounded and compelling portrait of the Tarot's true origins, without overlooking the deck's mystical dimensions.

This may be the best book ever written on that deck of cards decorated with mysterious images called the tarot. Dozens of books provide sketchy information on the cards' history and evolution before turning more discursive on how to interpret them. Place inverts that formula. Well-researched, entertainingly written chapters begin the book with information on where the tarot comes from and how it gained so much prominence as a tool for divination. Far from developing from deeply magical sources, as many have claimed, the tarot was originally just a deck of cards used for playing games. Even at the start, however, those games included some fortune-telling. Over the course of centuries, the cards' lore was enriched by thoughtful practitioners who added cards, elaborated their meanings, and connected their imagery to mythology and dreams. At the beginning of the Twentieth Century, an inspired young artist, Pamela Smith, drew upon her occult training and her own visions to create the now classic Rider-Waite deck. In a comprehensively researched and passionately argued chapter, Place restores Smith to her rightful position as the genius behind the deck. That Place also offers excellent guidance to actually reading the cards makes the book that much more appealing, as a how-to as well as a why-bother.

The real cream of this book comes not from the debunking (after all, Place is not the first author to set the record straight), but in his analysis of what Tarot truly is. This book is the only book available today that explores Tarot as it was intended by its creators, based on the influences and symbolism prevalent at the time of its creation. As someone long steeped in (and quite fond of) occult/Golden Dawn style Tarot practices, these insights are new and exciting approaches to Tarot. I get to be a beginner all over again! For devoted Tarot nerds like me, this is very good news.

Some folks might be put off by Place's style -- he doesn't allow much room for disagreements. Indeed, ordinarily such confidence would get up my nose, too. But his arguments are so convincing, and presented with none of the customary arrogance of many with strong opinions on magical topics, that I'm inclined to overlook that. His sincerity and love of his subject shine through every step of the way.

Place rounds out the book with solid sections on meanings and divination. He examines the Waite-Smith deck for his meanings section, drawing strong Interpretations from the artwork (you might learn an interesting fact or two about the symbolism employed by Waite & Pixie here). His approach to divination is his alone, and is quite liberating in its use of symbols, intuition and card placement rather than strict interpretations of memorized meanings. He provides plenty of examples to make sure that you get the gist of his techniques.

Indeed, Place uncommonly weds reliable historiography with a practical understanding of the intuitive help and divinatory guidance that the cards can bring. He presents techniques that offer new and valuable ways to read and interpret the cards. Based on a simple three-card spread, Place's approach can be used by either the seasoned practitioner or the new inquirer.

All in all, this is a sane, thoughtful, and (most importantly) useful approach to Tarot. It is now firmly on my short list of most recommended Tarot books, for beginners and advanced alike. Not to be missed.

I suppose I sound like I'm gushing, here, but the book really is that good!

Buy Robert Place's book: The Tarot History Symbolism And Divination

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