Zodiac Tarot Horoscope

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Seven of Pentacles: Good news arrives. You are creating your own sense of success or failure. If you want more than you have received - prove it and create a new path for yourself. Help is on the way. Financial good news nears. Hard work. Clever process. Material Progress. Growth, Money. Rewards are due, make your last minute adjustments to ensure profit. The tools for transformation are in your hands. You are responsible for your life, and your determination and stamina will keep your life and business fruitful. Ingenuity. Slow progress, but profitable. You've sown your seeds, now you can rest and see what begins to sprout from all of your effort. You shall reap what you have sown.

LEO (July 23-August 22) Five of Cups: All is not lost. Worry. Regret. Crying over spilled milk. Disillusionment. A relationship or partnership doesn't fulfill it's potential. Don't make the situation or your feelings bigger than they are. Turn to self for the love and sympathy that you are searching for. Look for the positive in what you are experiencing now. Let go of what is not real. Bitterness during a struggle to release. making a mountain out of a molehill. Only the weak spots are gone, you still have much to be grateful for. Love the one you are with. Grieving memories. A great strength is found as you let go of that which you hold on most to. Release the negativity, so that new trust may be found. Holding on to what isn't working anymore. Detach from the unsolved issues and look for new inspiration.

VIRGO (August 23-September 22) Ten of Cups: Joy. Looking for a reason to celebrate with loved one. Trust is restored. Triumph. Love. Tears of triumph. Motivated by the love of others. True friendship. Contentment. Tender moments enjoyed. Money doesn't buy love. Home is where the heart is. Spirituality. Finding faith. True wisdom is ours. Reflections of kindness. Dancing beneath a waterfall. Dreams are fulfilled. Positive feelings. Filled with great peace and comfort. Love from they neighbor. Good surroundings. An end to a long cycle. Showered in affection. Emotional bliss. Your wish has been granted. Cleansing the pain. Seeing rainbows after the storms. Togetherness. Swelling with goodness. Enjoyment from the simple things in life. Sweet endearments. A spiritual river flows through us.

LIBRA (September 23-October 22) Three of Wands: Enterprise. Figuring out a plan. A new direction. Follow new clues. Adventure that becomes our inner calling. Negotiations. Expansion. Ideas present new foresight. We figure it all out now, and there's no turning back. Getting the assistance we've been asking for. Possible partnership or relationship. Practical journey. Successful business adventure. Professional communications. Collecting our thoughts as we grasp our future. A spiritual direction. Travel. Knowing what we want to do now and we're going for it. Mapping out a new location. Creating a business from a hobby or talent. Opportunities arrive. Becoming open-minded and seeing a new perspective. Foresee potential issues. Mental strategy. 'I just know, and I'm trusting it'. Our ship finally comes in. Giving back to the world. Let go of inhibitions and see where it takes you.

SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) Four of Pentacles: Holding on too tightly. Hoarder. Inability to let go. Stale, but safe. Protected. Holding onto great strength and power that we have created. Mold grows as nothing is shifted. Creating our own prison. Growth in finances, that keep you locked into yourself. Look for a way out, or a for a small window of opportunity. Knowing you have the ability to open and close doors. Miserly. Scrooge. Refusal to stray beyond our own four walls. We reflect the world we have built. Choosing to be cheap. Unable to see what is ahead. Dependent on experience and spirituality. You are not alone. the key to happiness exists within your heart. Tough cookie. Security matters. Lacking vision by our own walls. Lacking flexibility. Can't think outside the box. Won't think outside the box. Desperate, but not serious enough to create change. Locked in our own world. Attachment to material things. It's all about what I have, and not what I share. Barriers are from our own doing. Obstacles and walls exist only in our minds.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) King of Pentacles: Man of great wisdom. Reliable. Savvy business skills. Being rich with spiritual and material gifts. Helpful individual. Steady progression. Owning up to responsibility. Doing the right thing. Sensual savoring of appreciation. Take the no-nonsense approach. Dependability. Trust is developed. Receiving an endowment. Friendly handshake. Help comes in. Generous assistance and support arrives. Honorable and unshakable individual. Financial advisor. Being accountable brings strength and honor. Decisions made from integrity. What is touched, turn to gold. A competent individual. Mature behavior enhances our power. Knowing what is best for others, as well as for ourselves. Taking care of family and friends. Sharing of our wealth. Enjoying a successful period in one's life. Accomplishment and success arrives. We get what we worked hard for. Achievement, good reputation, and substantial earnings. Favorable benefactor. Play it smart now. Successful projects. We're someone that everyone counts on. Good news financially.

CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) Nine of Swords: Choosing solitude. Paranoia. Darkness falls upon us. Afraid of the night. Nightmare. You are making your own misery. Living a nightmare that exists in your mind. Feeling threatened. A cycle is about to end. Endless suffering creates a feeling of being trapped. Threats and fears become overbearing, forcing us to react. Worries over tomorrow overwhelm us. Fear that we may be revealed in some way. Sleep deteriorates. Agitation. Unable to separate the nightmares from reality. Afraid of being judged, criticized. Secrets do not become you now. Fear to anger, to fear, to anger. Hiding in our own darkness. Negativity is feeding from our fears. We're worried about what others will think. Trouble always finds me. We think that people care too much about our private affairs. Our past still haunts us. We seclude ourselves. Waiting for the worst to happen. Be careful of what you believe now. The boogie man is under your bed.

AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) Queen of Swords: Perception and quick-wit is delivered. Pay attention to all that is around you. Commanding. Listen to what is being said, but also tune-in to what is not being said. Have your 'thinking cap' and 'listening ears' on in order for your vision to become crystal clear. Unprocessed information or interesting news comes your way that helps steer your direction. Communicating keeps you mentally active and quick, allowing you to become clever, confident and brave in your presentation. Assumption and avoidance confuse you from reaching your goal. Dominance. To separate the nonsense from the facts... you must ask the right questions, to get the right answers.

PISCES (February 19-March 20) Ten of Wands: You are choosing the harder path all on your own. Integrity and honor is a lonely road. Too much success. Overloaded. Burdened by choice. Holding the torch. Creating a strong backbone. I'm right and everyone else is wrong. Responsibility and stamina is strengthening self-respect. Fires burning strong. Feeling a heavy weight when doing the right thing. Martyr complex. Assuming that the world depends on us. Courage and righteousness. Coming to an end of a cycle. Holding great strength. Showing others what we are truly made of. Great spirit. Overworked. Holding the weight of the world on our shoulders. Willing to take on the whole crowd. Bearing great pain is building character. The journey is almost finished. Nothings is going to stop you. When all bets are against you, you are the one who pulls through and has the last laugh. Proving yourself to others. Dependent on winning for self-esteem.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Four of Wands: The wheel is turning again. Celebration. Good structure. Fruits of labor. Enjoying the good life. Possible romance. Rest. Hard work pays off. Loyalty. Home is where the heart is. Trying and succeeding. Defending and protecting what's right. Super hero. A happy workplace. What to do with all this energy? Coming to the rescue. Good intentions come from a strong heart. Harmony. Possible promotion. A fire still burns. Satisfaction. Harvest. Powerful love. A happy home. Liking who you are becoming. Contained within your own positive world. Passion is contained. Settling an old score. Pride and honor. A wedding. Secluded and happy. Strong barriers. Display of commitment. Looking for a new home. Receiving an invitation. Walls of love. Building a new resting stop. Being a good neighbor. Cycle completed and moving on to next project. Prosperity. Happy organization. Blessings. Great heart. relying on your own light.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Eight of Swords: Avoiding the painful truth. Censorship. Strained. Unable to make a move. Restriction causes self-doubts. Crisis. Seeking perfection. Social paranoia. Frightened of getting hurt. Flaws imperil our growth. Paralyzed with fear. Mentally challenged. Physically challenged. Seeking approval from others to determine success. Seeing obstacles and problems that don't exist. Foreseeing issues. Critical care. Creative block. In constant conflict with ourselves. Bondage. Indecision. Feelings of being trapped. Creating our own prison. Internal empowerment available if you seek within. Writers cramp. Disliking crowds and craving solitude. Afraid to face fears. Can not make a decision. Stage fright. Wrongdoings. No matter which way you turn, you see another hurdle to cross. Criticism and judgment hurt now. Loss of confidence. Feeling incompetent. Self esteem damaged.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) The Hermit: Searching for the truth. Choosing solitude to escape the noise. Divine light. Spiritual grounding. Prayers. Finding our true inner light. Dependence on higher knowledge. Home with nature. Meditation. Be still now and listen to your surroundings. What everyone thinks of me is none of my business. Sign of help ahead. Silence is golden. Wisdom. Getting therapeutic counseling. Professional therapy. A book filled with powerful knowledge. Stars speak to you. Metaphysical practice. New age. Great wisdom. Centering within ourselves to find answers. Self-knowledge. Tree hugger. The night sky tells us a story. Grounding. Lone wolf. Happily secluded at home. Blending in with he scenery. Ain't nobody else's business but our own. Illumination. Fascination with mountains. Candle in the wind. The key is good listening. Living the simple life. Studying the past to understand our present and tomorrow. Inner guidance.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Richard Johnson - The Zodiac Stellar Stories
Aleister Crowley - Rosa Coeli
Yogi Ramacharaka - Yogi Philosophy

Wisdom And Knowledge Of The Tarot

My journey with the Tarot began in September of 1984. At this point in my life, I was already aware of the fact that I was sensitive and I had intuition. I was also aware of the fact that I was having intense emotional life experiences. With this little bit of awareness and understanding, working with a counselor, to assist me in better understanding some of my earlier life experiences, would be the very thing that would open the doors to my path: the New Age.

Prior to these doors opening, I had just started a job, as a receptionist and had met and made friends with a very like minded and gentle soul. As my new friend, was already aware of energy and being psychic, because she had noticed energy around me, she would begin sharing stories of a psychic and magical nature. To say I was intrigued and wanted to hear more, is putting it mildly: the stories continued. Because she had been sharing psychic stories, I had asked if learning about psychic abilities could be learned and her answer was yes. Soon "L" would become my mentor on this psychic New Age journey.

This is when I stepped into the "New Age" and was introduced to the Tarot. Well now "L" truly had my attention. I felt strongly pulled to the Tarot and wanted to learn about each card and learn how to do readings and read for others. The urge was very strong, considering that I was a newbie on this path...so, I followed the path.

It would be during my journey on this new found path, that I would notice my life changing and my emotions amping up quite a bit more. As there was no information about meditating with the Tarot for these changes, I found myself drawn and guided to do this anyway. As my experiences continued to amplify, the Tarot became a guide and a teacher, for the deeper insight and understanding for these life changes. I also began to notice that the more I taught psychic/intuitive development, along with the Tarot, the stronger my connection to my awareness became.

It would be during this time that I began utilizing each card during breathing meditation, to bring deeper wisdom for the changes taking place in my life and changes taking place in my relationships with family and friends.

I began learning, that after meditating with each card, to bring peace, awareness and understanding to my life, I found myself feeling better and although I couldn't change the experiences happening in my life, or couldn't control others, I began learning how to reframe and communicate in a clearer and healthier manner.

For me, the Tarot, as a tool for mediation, in this new time of awareness, was the greatest of teachers and the greatest of gifts. For at the beginning of my journey, I had great difficulty in verbalizing and sorting through my feelings and emotions, especially before I understood that I had the ability to feel and sense emotions and feelings from others.

This has been a truly wild, inspiring and sometimes very exhausting journey and yet, when I look back how my awareness evolved and grew in understanding, just by learning and meditating with the Tarot: the gifts of awareness were priceless. The Tarot, as a tool for meditation is the best gift we can give to ourselves, in learning how to feel below the surface, from a place, where our soul knowing and heart wisdom can better guide us.

The Tarot as a tool for mediation is worth the journey of new discoveries, evolved awareness and deeper growth, in the changes that we are beginning to experience. From all that I learned, and although feeling a wee bit tired from this journey, I am thankful that I had this opportunity to learn about the deeper meaning of life, through my experience with the Tarot.

So, if you have an open heart and a flexible mind to consider something new, the Tarot, as a tool for meditation, growth and better understanding for life, can become a great teacher and a guide on your life journey.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Max Heindel - The Message Of The Stars
Aleister Crowley - The World Of Tarot
Christine Payne Towler - The Continental Tarots

What The Tarot Can Tell Us About Our Realtionships

Relationships aren’t easy. They require a tremendous amount of effort and commitment. There are, of course, those times where one feels lost and hopeless within their relationship. Misunderstandings and lack of communication seem to permeate everyday matters. Love feels as though it has been replaced with distrust and confusion. Obviously, there can be a number of issues that cause strife within one’s relationship. The difficulty often lies in an inability to uncover the causes and issues surrounding the discord within the nature of a relationship. So what can the Tarot really tell us about our relationships? Just about everything.

When we lack the faith and understanding, our behaviors tend to get rigid, pessimistic, and hostile. Letting ourselves be vulnerable proves to be quite difficult. We hide our feelings and become resentful. The Tarot offers a new perspective. It reveals hidden motivation, feelings and needs. The Tarot can offer a struggling relationship new hope.

The Tarot enables us to tap into our intuitive natures. Thus, it provides us with a new sense of awareness and perception. When applied to one’s relationship, awareness can often reveal the key challenges a relationship must overcome. The Tarot has the unique ability to identify not only your own needs, but the needs of your partner. It offers insight into one’s behavior patterns and projections that are influencing a relationship. It also reveals where both partners expectations may be unrealistic. Most importantly, it can redirect the energy of a relationship. It always offers a new way of seeing. Both partners may come to learn that their relationship is there to teach something.

Utilizing the Tarot can inspire a couple as it often can set a new course for a relationship. On some level, it is there to map out a new path for action. The Tarot reveals what needs to be accepted by each partner and what may need to be changed. It can also identify important challenges that may come up in the future.

When inquiring about love relationship, it is always important to get specific. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that get right to the point. Here is a list of some questions that can be very valuable when utilizing the Tarot:

1. What are the key issues that my partner and I are struggling with?
2. Where do my partner and I need to grow?
3. How might we overcome our difficulties?
4. What are the lessons we need to learn from each other?
5. What can I expect from my partner? What can they expect from me?
6. Where am I not willing to give of myself?
7. What do I need from my partner? What do they need from me?
8. What are the issues of my past that are affecting my current relationship?
9. What direction should my partner and I take?
10. How might we make our relationship more loving?

The list can go on and you are free to get as creative as you want. Using the Tarot with your partner can have tremendous results. It certainly helps a couple to feel a deeper level of commitment and intimacy. In truth, the tarot can help build a joyful relationship. It is there to ease a couples fears and get them back on track.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Paracelsus - The Coelum Philosophorum Or Book Of Vexations
Talismagick - Love Spells And Rituals For Love And Relationships
Jean Despagnet - The Hermetic Arcanum The Secret Work Of The Hermetic Philosophy

Top Learn Tarot Card Readings Secrets

Where to find tarot lessons? Online courses, independent teachers, books and web sites make choice options for anyone who wants to learn tarot. Debates do exist about these learning methods; a learner can understand the card meaning in context, identify symbols and even memorize representations. The choice of the deck is very important for those who want to learn tarot easily and without too many challenges along the way. Pick only those cards with suggestive illustrations so as to process the complex combinations and understand the steps.

The card design is incredibly relevant in relation to the learner's ability to grasp something from the card context. Vivid colors, clear representations and anything logical in the realm of the visual facilitate the learning process; the subject often becomes apparent only by a close look at the picture or the graphics. This is actually the great trick behind the various ways to learn tarot; there is not one single method, but dozens, and each can be particularized according to the person interested in the study. Thus, the Rider Waite Tarot deserves in many users' opinion the title of the best illustrated decks for beginner and advanced purposes.

Some people start to learn tarot by taking a simple basic tarot course. Some such materials are free of charge and actually aim at giving you the tools and meanings to understand cards and layouts. Some things are being the reach of an uninitiate, and if you don't have the ounce of talent necessary you may never learn tarot well. The events, the characters and symbols thus alternate greatly from one reader to another. Hence, counseling and competence in further tarot reading remain accessible only to some very skilled people.

Every teacher will tell you his/her tricks during the classes, but in time you'll see how many secrets remain untold. Thus, you can come to identify and remember the meanings of only thirty-nine of the fifty-six possible interpretations. In fact, remembering the meaning of every card is the very tarot learning basis, and you may have the chance to refer to books, guides and Internet informative pages to study just as you did in the school days. Shortcuts are waiting for you to discover them, and sometimes you don't know how well the tarot skills are getting built. Good luck!

Books You Might Enjoy:

Benjamin Rowe - Chymical Wedding Of Christian Rosenkreutz
John Dee - The Rosie Crucian Secrets
Aleister Crowley - His Secret Sin

The Tarot For Life Changes

I was introduced to the Tarot back in September of 1984. At first glance, I was fascinated by the pictures and the colors. Each card had its own energy and its own story to tell. Shortly after my first introduction to the Tarot and prior to the development of my already intuitive abilities, I began my own journey with the Tarot.

My journey with the Tarot began almost immediately. When I first began my Tarot journey, I did not feel pulled in learning the symbolism or their origin. I was pulled toward learning the story for each individual card. As I had had no prior knowledge of the Tarot, I did not know that at times the Tarot was viewed as "evil". As an empath, a super sensitive one, with high intuition, detecting things of a dark nature, and a dark nature being an unkind behavior, I never felt anything evil about the Tarot. In fact, it felt as if there was a deeper story to tell, for each one of us, on our own personal journey.

I spent a year learning the meanings of the cards and reading for small groups. As I had no prior knowledge of new age groups or how others were doing readings for groups or individuals, I found myself, just following my own intuition and allowed the essence of the cards, to share their story and insight in these readings. With much practice and a tremendous and healthy amount of respect, I became quite proficient with the cards.

When I began reading professionally and teaching, again, following my own level of intuition, and again, prior to receiving any other knowledge about what was happening in general with the Tarot, I found that my readings were based more on a personal and internal level; how we were feeling on an emotional level. This type of reading was done for 7 years and then, because I had been working with the Tarot for a while, found that my own level of awareness began to evolve, grow and change.

It is now, in 2009, that I understand that there are changes taking place on this planet. It is now, that I have learned, through many of my own experiences with reading and teaching others, that the Tarot, when used with a very healthy dose of respect and awareness, can be used to bring greater insight into how our emotions shift and change. How our emotions, are indeed the key to a deeper level of awareness, that exist in the voice and wisdom of our soul; if for nothing else, a huge level of common sense and conscience, just in our daily life.

Being on this 25 year journey, in the beginning, when having another do a reading for me, yes, there were predictions, and after having this happen a couple of times, I realized that predictions did not serve me, in anyway, on any level at all. In my young life, I believed, once a prediction was made, that I couldn't change my mind if I wanted to. Yes, predictions are fun, but when life is demanding way more than you understand, deeper insight is the key, that will shift the change of your life experience.

Tarot, when looking at the deeper meaning, can bring insight and wisdom for working through emotional highs and lows. The Tarot teaches your logical mind, how to focus on the deeper meaning for change. A prediction won't help, assist or guide you through your life change, however, allowing our ego to connect to the wisdom of our soul, will bring better results for life changes.

I am a conscious empath, with 25 years experience, with the Tarot, as a guide to deeper wisdom and insight, for life changes and bring balance, understanding and awareness to the shifts and changes in our emotions.

If you are ready to really understand your emotions and feelings and want to bring deeper meaning and insight to your life changes, the Tarot can offer new insight, to the changes we are all beginning to experience in our lives.

Once again, with a very healthy dose of respect and awareness, the Tarot can be a wonderful tool, into offering greater insight, to the changes in our life.

We are all being called to life changes and we can do this, one breath, one step at a time.

Books You Might Enjoy:

John Dee - The Rosie Crucian Secrets
Franz Cumont - After Life In Roman Paganism
Paracelsus - The Treasure Of Treasures For Alchemists
Nathaniel Harris - Liber Satangelica

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 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 Reading Misunderstandings And Faq

Six Questions I Get Asked Most

Fate or Free Will

The question of whether a card in the future position is absolutely 'gospel' is a matter which often baffles until experience is gelled with feeling. Because a card denotes a certain influence or event does not always mean that influence cannot be altered. Even as we talk about the future we begin to conceptualise it in a freer way and thus it may be modified or changed or even overthrown by the stronger ideas and thoughts of individual mind. In short the future is not carved in tablets of stone.

'Death' and 'Devil' Cards

The bogeys of the pack often put the fear of God into the person having the reading. These arcanum should be treated with the utmost care, opened up for discussion and never just taken at face value. Death gives the greatest opportunity for change, demands it in fact, and all life is change. 'The Devil' concerns the immediate negatives that the enquirer is unwilling to face or that someone closely connected is unwilling to face. Often death may appear after a demise, or the Devil may appear when there is ill-health or chicanery, but in terms of the future they are the darker side of life with which we constantly have to deal and not simply the villains of the piece.

Reversed Cards

A lot of people are perplexed by the fact that some cards when selected appear upside down, or reversed, and whether this should be taken into account.
In actual fact, it is down to the individual understanding of the reader. Some tarot readers will 'read' a lot into reversed meanings and some will not. I personally do not. The tarot cards themselves are very much a focal point for the clairvoyant skills or the perceptions of whoever is reading them.

Block Definitions

Defining tarot card meanings is again at the discretion of the reader. A card falling in one spread in one position does not necessarily mean the same in another spread. The card meanings have to be integrated in an overall sense. Hence, the king of cups on one query will not always convey the same meaning to the reader in the next spread. The reader's ability to take in information over and above that of the main wisdom of the card is not only prerequisite but fundamental to the correct use of tarot. Otherwise, a stereotyped and contrived version of life and events will ensue and be more hindrance than help.

Less is More!

People often wonder whether the more tarot cards are actually spread the more information is forthcoming. Some readers may spread a lot of cards in order to fill in blanks if it's a complex or difficult subject, but mostly this is not the case. If you are learning the tarot try to avoid spreading too many cards, you will confuse yourself, certainly until more experienced. The brunt of the information on a good tarot reader is 'impactful' within the opening minutes and the added information tends to layer itself on what is already on the table. Unless the person being read for is blocked or afraid, in which case the reader may make the fight for access easier for themself by adding more cards

Card Layout or Design

There are many sorts of spreads and layouts and again its down to the individual likes and dislikes of whoever is reading. Some people don't need tarot at all and use ordinary playing cards. (Its a test of how your psychic abilities are developing if you can use an ordinary deck, but don't worry if you can't.) But if you are too busy worrying about your layout or spread design it may actually impede your right hand brain (intuitive faculty) so use the layout you are comfortable with. Simple layouts are best if you're learning: three cards laid horizontally and then perhaps three cards on top when the reading is unfolding. If you're receiving a reading, don't even give it consideration. Leave it to the reader - you don't go to the dentist and watch every single instrument he uses


Books You Might Enjoy:

Walter Scott - Letters On Demonology And Witchcraft
Max Heindel - Teachings Of An Initiate
Anonymous - Healing Gemstones And Crystals

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

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

The Zodiac Forms

THE ZODIAC FORMS


ZODIAC AS ENERGY

The division of the zodiac by its crucial points results in the definition of
the four basic types of cosmic substance, substance being the primary necessity
for manifestation. As Rudhyar states in THE ASTROLOGY OF PERSONALITY,(1) "Energy
is not very different from substance. It is substance activated and released…as
modern physics has shown most definitely. Thus we can expect the principle of
"energy differentiation" to be similar to that of "substance differentiation"
Both are based on the principle of polar dualism, of action and reaction…The
energy-zodiac will thus be eight-fold, while the substance-zodiac if four-fold."
This division by eight is simply the bisection of the areas defined by the four
crucial points, giving us four additional factors, the mid-points between the
equinoxes and the solstices. These points refer to the area of maximum dynamic
intensity within the span or quadrant of the zodiac defined by two angles.

These points of maximum intensity are the four portals through which cosmic
energy flows, the "Four Gates of Avataric Descent." They represent the creative
powers of the universe, which are often symbolized by the Bull, the Lion, the
Eagle, and the Angel, which are said to guard the four corners of the universe.
In basic Astrological terms they are: 15 degrees Taurus, 15 degrees Leo, 15
degrees Scorpio and 15 degrees Aquarius.

ZODIAC AS FORM

The substance and energy that have been released by the zodiac must be
controlled and given 'form' in order to be manifest. All 'forms of energy' are
bound by the Pythagorean axiom "Everything is the universe is divisible by
three". All forms of energy involve an action, a reaction, and the interaction
between action and reaction. Thus it is only logical for the 'form zodiac' to be
based on the threefold division of the zodiac. This threefold division gives
rise to the 'modes' or 'qualities of Relationship between energy and form'. Each
sign carries the meaning of one mode.

CARDINAL, OR INITIATORY MODE
The cardinal mode is the form of energy expressed at the equinoxes and
solstices. It refers to the principle of change and momentum. It represents
active and intense life experiences. This mode 'generates power'.

FIXED, OR FOCAL MODE
The fixed mode concentrates and focalizes energy, thus symbolizing the principle
of definition and structure. It projects the cardinal experience, giving to it
depth and meaning. The fifteenth degree of the fixed signs is the point of
maximum intensity, where power if found in its most 'concentrated form'.

MUTABLE, OR COMMON MODE
The mutable mode 'distributes' the energy that has been concentrated and
released by the fixed mode. It symbolizes the principle of flexibility and
adaptation. This mode combines and integrates the cardinal and fixed modes
within itself. It distributes the power generated by the cardinal signs and
concentrated by the fixed signs.

ZODIAC AS A RELEASE OF POWER

We now return to examine the function of the four points or portals through
which power is released.
The nature of the power released through these portals depends upon the nature
of the energy used. The fixed signs, through which power is concentrated and
released, follow the cardinal signs, where power is generated. There are two
types of cardinal signs: those which generate equinoctial power (Aries and
Libra) and those which generate solstitial power (Cancer and Capricorn).
The points of release may then be divided into two basic categories: those
dealing with equinoctial power and those dealing with solstitial power.

15 Degrees Tuarus and 15 Degrees Scorpio
The fifteenth degrees of the signs of Taurus and Scorpio deal with equinoctial
power. Equinoctial power is generated by the intense dynamism of the equinctial
signs (Aries and Libra), signs of the maximum speed of solar declination. The
fixed signs that follow the equinoctial cardinal signs must arrest the dynamic
activity generated by them, limiting it and brining it into focus, in terms of
focus, in terms of purpose (Taurus) and identification (Scorpio).

15 Degrees Leo and 15 Degrees Aquarius
The fifteenth degrees of Leo and Aquarius deal with the solstitial power, which
must produce some kind of manifested activity, either personal (Leo) or
collective (Aquarius). The release of this type of power will be manifested as a
strong outburst of energy toward the focalization of the personality (Leo) or in
the form of a society (Aquarius).

The four points of release may also be examined in relation to the hemisphere of
the Zodiac in which they are found. The fifteenth degrees of Taurus and Leo are
part of the day hemisphere. They are involved in the release of "individualizing
power". The fifteenth degrees of Scorpio and Aquarius are involved in the
release of collectivizing power (night hemisphere), of the expansion of the
individual into the collective or universal realms.

CYCLIC FORMULAS OF THE FOUR PORTALS

15 Degrees Taurus (the Bull) represents the power released toward the formation
of an individual being.

15 Degrees Leo (the Lion) symbolizes the power released by the individual being.

15 Degrees Scorpio (the Eagle) represents the power released toward the
formation of the universal being.

15 Degrees Aquarius (the Angel) symbolizes the power released by universal
being.

CYCLIC FORMULA OF THE ELEMENTS AND MODES

At spring equinox:
Fire power is generated by Aries
Then concentrated through earth – Taurus
And distributed by air – Gemini

At summer solstice:
Water power is generated by Cancer
Then concentrated through fire – Leo
And distributed by earth – Virgo

At autumnal equinox:
Air power is generated by Libra
Then concentrated through water – Scorpio
And distributed by fire – Sagittarius

At winter solstice:
Earth power is generated by Capricorn
Then concentrated through air – Aquarius
And distributed by water

From "A Handbook for the Humanistic Astrologer", by Michael R. Meyer, Anchor
Press/Doubleday pages 50-53.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Aleister Crowley - The Zodiac And The Tarot
Richard Johnson - The Zodiac Stellar Stories
Ona - The Dark Forces

Tarot Numerology Fours

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

Corresponding - Major Arcana - The Emperor

Major characteristics: Structure, Foundation, The Physical Universe

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

Books You Might Enjoy:

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

Tarot Numerology Fives

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

Corresponding - Major Arcana - The Hierophant

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

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

Books You Might Enjoy:

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

Tarot Meditation On Cups

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

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

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

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

Books You Might Enjoy:

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

Tarot Journey With The High Priestess

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Books You Might Enjoy:

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

Tarot Decks Come In Three Flavors

Interested in learning how to read Tarot cards? If so, one of your first decisions will be "What style of deck should I use".

Although there are now hundreds of varieties of Tarot decks, most fall into one of three general styles -- Marseilles, Rider-Waite-Smith (also called Rider-Waite, or just RWS), and Thoth.

There are typically 78 cards in a Tarot deck -- 14 cards in each of four different suits, plus an extra 22 cards called the "Trump" cards. These 22 trump cards are known as the Major Arcana, the remaining 56 cards are called the Minor Arcana. It's the treatement of the Major and Minor Arcana that determines which general style your deck follows.

The first style -- Marseilles -- follows the traditional, old-school style found in early Tarot decks. The artwork on the Major Arcana tends to be simple and limited to only a few colors. The Minor Arcana looks much like ordinary playing cards -- there are four face cards (King, Queen, Knight, Page) and 10 "pip" cards (Ace through Ten). Again, the artwork on the face cards tends to be simple. The pip cards don't have artwork other than a "pip" count. For instance, a Five of Swords will have five swords depicted on the card.

The Marseilles style looks so much like playing cards because Tarot decks were originally used to play a card game! It wasn't until later that mystics began to use these decks for divinatory purposes.

The second style of deck -- RWS (After Rider, the publisher, Waite, the designer, and Smith, the artist) -- was published in the early 1900's. It was designed from the very beginning for magickal use.

Because of this, the artwork is much more complex and symbolic. The Major Arcana and the face cards are much more colorful, lifelike, and detailed. It's the Minor Arcana, though, where you'll find the main difference.

Rather than use pip simple counts, the artist (Pamela Coleman Smith -- who also illustrated childrens adventure stories) decided to draw vignettes of people engaged in some phase of everyday life. Because of this, the pip card images touch your subjective mind and yield many thoughtful perspectives -- what are the people thinking, what are their motivations, what are their fears, etc -- to enrich Tarot readings.

The final deck style is the Thoth style -- named after a deck designed by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Freida Harris. The Thoth deck was intended for magickal use from the very beginning. The paintings are surrealistic and highly symbolic. Thoth adds a new technique to the mix, though. Each non-face card of the Minor Arcana has a subheading describing some motivation or aspect -- things like Happiness, Luxury, Virtue, Oppression, etc. Because of this, some readers find it easy to read with Thoth decks. Thoth decks also make it easy to draw from other esoteric disciplines -- astrology or Kabbalah, for example -- in order to create inspired Tarot readings.

Most decks you'll find in a bookstore will follow one of these three basic styles. Marseilles styles will use pip counts, RWS styles will use pip scenes, and Thoth styles tend to be surrealistic but label the Minor Arcana with additional descriptions.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Anonymous - Starting A New Coven Looking At Yourself
Nicolas Schreck - Demons Of The Flesh
Aristotle - On The Soul
Thomas Potts - Discovery Of Witches
Arlo Bates - The Pagans

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 Meaning Made Easy

Tarot predictions and interpretation heavily rely on tarot card meaning without which they would not be possible; each card has a significance and a peculiar symbolism attached to it. What people don't get to understand is that the overall spread and the card combinations give the full tarot card meaning to define a certain life aspect. For instance, in the Rider Waite tarot, the tarot learner has to know the meaning for all the seventy eight cards in order to be able to read them. From the King and the Queen to the Fool, the tarot cards can be studied, analyzed and understood depending on the sensible nature of every user.

In time all sorts of changes became manifest in tarot card reading; for people who are no strangers to the Kabbalah or alchemy, the symbols similarity cannot pass unnoticed. Thus, all sorts of symbols have been added in time so that the present-day form of the decks is a very complex one. It is also common practice to complicate things even further by personalizing the cards and adding other subtle interpretations to the decks. Thus, many amateur philosophers have their own interpretations of the mystic representations in alchemy and the Kabbalah and they choose to add them to the cards.

The tarot card meaning greatly varies depending on the interpretation; thus, a single card can be given different explanations in relation with the position it occupies in the spread and the vicinity with the rest of the cards. Very often, according to the reader's own judgment and common sense, a tarot card meaning can prove little relevance for the question under debate and thus be discarded. While in the Major Arcana, the figures have very distinct symbolism, in the Minor Arcana the emphasis is on the four alchemical elements to which the cards correspond. Thus, the pentagrams stand for earth, the wands for fire, the cups for water and the swords for air.

In general lines, the tarot card meaning gives one a clue about the way he/she goes through the personal journey: sometimes one can even see whether one is on the right path or has strayed away. This tarot card meaning is obvious for the spreads in the Major Arcana where each card matches a certain life aspect: the fool stands for the beginning of a journey, the magician shows you the path towards wisdom, the high priestess speaks of self-balance, the empress points to pleasure, wealth and love, while the emperor represents claimed power and authority, and so on and so forth.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Harold Macgrath - The Pagan Madonna
Israel Regardie - The Art And Meaning Of Magic
Zoroaster - The Chaldean Oracles
Sepharial - Primary Directions Made Easy