The Tarot Pips (numbered cards) show the action that is going on in our lives on a daily basis. Where the Major Arcana is of the Spiritual realm, the Minor Arcana are of the Physical realm. Each pip carries two types of energy – the energy of their number, and the energy of their suit.

Esoterically, the number Ten is associated with endings and new beginnings, and with completion. Here we see the full strength of each suit – for better or for worse!

The number Ten is connected with the Wheel of Fortune, the Sun, and the Ten’s in each of the suits. The Wheel of Fortune is all about karma, change, and life as it unfolds. The energy that we put out coming back to us. The Sun is associated with warmth, growth, and freedom.

The Ten of Wands carries the quality of completion into the realm of passion and creativity. The Seeker feels burdened – with his responsibilities, as well as those of others. There is a need to delegate, in order to bring the Seeker back into balance. It can be a time of retreat, as well as a “cross-roads” moment.

The Ten of Cups carries the quality of completion into the realm of emotions. The energy here is one of family, of joy and companionship shared! There is stability, harmony and a sense of contentment here.

The Ten of Swords carries the quality of completion into the mental realm. The energy here is one of sudden misfortune, about which the Seeker can do nothing. Ther is a loss of confidence, as well as a loss of trust.

The Ten of Pentacles carries the quality of completion into the material/physical... Read More

The Tarot Pips (numbered cards) show the action that is going on in our lives on a daily basis. Where the Major Arcana is of the Spiritual realm, the Minor Arcana are of the Physical realm. Each pip carries two types of energy – the energy of their number, and the energy of their suit.

Esoterically, the number nine is associated change, growth, humanitarian thought, and completion.

The number nine is connected with the Hermit, the Moon and the nine’s in each of the suits. The Hermit is associated with introspection and self-examination. The Moon is associated with emotions, intuition, creativity and psychic ability.

The Nine of Wands carries the quality of change, growth, humanitarian thought, and completion moving into the realm of passion and creativity. Perseverance and courage are keywords for this number.

The Nine of Cups carries the quality of change, growth, humanitarian thought, and completion moving into the realm of emotions. The energy here is one of contentment, emotional security, and satisfaction. This is a card of wishes coming true!

The Nine of Swords carries the quality of change, growth, humanitarian thought, and completion moving into the mental realm. The energy here is of worry and anxiety, of being overwhelmed by thoughts.

The Nine of Pentacles carries the quality of change, growth, humanitarian thought, and completion moving into the material/physical world. Here we see success brought about through discipline, accomplishments recognized and things brought to fruition. Time for the Seeker to enjoy home... Read More

We all knew this was coming, but it was still a shock to hear that Senator Edward Kennedy had passed. I was growing into adulthood during the Kennedy era, so to me the Kennedy’s are a very iconic family. I thought that I would do a short reading on Senator Kennedy’s passing, and share it here

What part did Senator Kennedy’s work play in our lives? I drew the Eight of Wands for this question. Eights are all about movement, advancement, decision making, and the end result. This card captures the essence of Ted Kennedy. He put in the work that was necessary to get the results that he is so famous for. It is because of his attention to detail, his ability to people well, and his stance on what he thought was right that we have the rights that we have. He was the voice of the common man, the voice for those that could not speak. His importance in our lives is more important than we will ever know. His endorsement of our current president is just one small part of how Senator Kennedy affected our lives.

What do we need to know about his passing? I drew the Ten of Pentacles for this question. This is one of the cards in the deck that I consider “cards of family”. He certainly was a family man (even though he had his own issues), and he will leave a large hole in his own personal family structure. That same hole is left in the family of admirers that he leaves behind. This cards also speaks of riches – Senator Kennedy leaves behind a rich history of achievement oriented towards others. He lived a life of service – his good deeds will live on in those that he mentored and nurtured, as well as the legions that benefited from his legislation.

What is Senator Kennedy’s legacy? I drew the Four of Wands for this question. One of the things that the fours stand for is foundation. Senator Kennedy certainly left a solid foundation for this nation to build on. His work in crossing party lines to get... Read More

The Tarot Pips (numbered cards) show the action that is going on in our lives on a daily basis. Where the Major Arcana is of the Spiritual realm, the Minor Arcana are of the Physical realm. Each pip carries two types of energy – the energy of their number, and the energy of their suit.

Esoterically, the number eight is associated with change, success, cycles and karma.

The number eight is connected with the Strength, the Star and the eight’s in each of the suits. Strength is associated with courage, self-control, determination and discipline. The Star is associated with hope, peace, nurturing and devotion.

The Eight of Wands carries the quality of change, hard work, and lessons that come from personal experience into the realm of passion and creativity. Here we see a great deal of fiery energy, movement and expansion.

The Eight of Cups carries the quality of change, hard work, and lessons that come from personal experience, into the realm of emotions. The energy here is one of moving away from emotions, of moving into the future, into that which is unknown and leaving what is known behind. This card can indicate a separation in an existing relationship, or even a divorce.

The Eight of Swords carries the quality of change, hard work, and lessons learned from personal experience, into the mental realm. Here the Seeker feels as if they have no choice, as if they are bound and cannot see or move.

The Eight of Pentacles carries the quality of change, hard work, and lessons learned from personal experience into the material/physical... Read More

Each Tarot deck has something different to offer, whether the change is in the imagery, the colors used, the theme … there are many ways to make a deck stand out. One of my favorite decks is the Sakki Sakki Tarot (http://www.sakki-sakki.com/tarot/tarot.html ). This is an independently produced deck from artist Monicka Clio Sakki.

Formatted along the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith format, this deck is meant to be “for the artist in all of us”. It is also a playful deck – literally! Along the long side of the top of the deck box when it is opened are the words “Come On, Let’s Play …”.

There is an extra card with this deck, entitled “The Artist”, that can be used as a significator (the card that represents the Seeker in a reading), or as basically anything that the reader wants it to be. Comprised of pieces from all of the Major Arcana, the Artist serves to awaken the Artist (creative) point of view in the Seeker.

This is a colorful deck, but the tone is more watercolor – flat, and not intense. The style of art is a very loose cartoon type, and includes the glyphs for the planets and signs. (The background for this deck is an amalgam of “archetypes, numerology, astrology, the Kabbalistic Tree of Life and personal symbolism”.) The cards are presented in the box with a paper band around them reading “Good Karma”.

Some of the figures appear headless (but not in a scary way – they look somewhat like mannequins), some appear with a blue skin tone, and they often appear floating or dancing in the air.

This is a very joyful deck, allowing the inner child (or inner Artist!) to come out and play. Monicka has created a specific spread – the “Artists Path Spread” to be used with these cards. This is a deck that will bring out information without pushing any boundaries, allowing the Seeker to look at themselves, and their... Read More

The Tarot Pips (numbered cards) show the action that is going on in our lives on a daily basis. Where the Major Arcana is of the Spiritual realm, the Minor Arcana are of the Physical realm. Each pip carries two types of energy – the energy of their number, and the energy of their suit.

Esoterically, the number seven is associated with spirituality, and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. It represents mystery, active imagination and consciously manifesting results.

The number seven is connected with the Chariot, the Tower and the seven’s in each of the suits. The Chariot is associated with will, action and a balanced ego. There is a sense of purposefulness here. The Tower is associated with that lightening quick moment when our illusions are torn away, and we see the world for what it is. What we see here is upheaval and a need to let go of preconceived notions that have been held for a long time.

The Seven of Wands carries the quality of balance, mystery and spirituality into the realm of passion and creativity. This is a card of forcefully holding your ground and protecting yourself.

The Seven of Cups carries the quality of balance, mystery and spirituality into the realm of emotions. Here we see a world of options that will stay as options only until we focus on one and put energy into it. This is a card of dreaminess and imagination, illusion and deception.

The Seven of Swords carries the quality of balance, mystery and spirituality into the mental realm. Here we see a subversive nature, secretive nature. There is a sense of sneakiness,... Read More

The imagery in the Tarot is what drives the process. The Tarot is archetypal in nature – the images and symbols used are meant to make a connection between the Seeker and the nature of the card. I recently began working with a new deck – “The Fairytale Tarot”, by artist/author Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn Worldwide, 2009).

Lisa is a watercolorist, and the images that she painted carry a gentle, fantasy quality to them. She has followed the traditional structure of the Rider-Waite Tarot system, choosing fairytales from around the world to represent each card. The scene chosen for each card is one that is pivotal to the story being presented.

I like this deck because it can be used by anyone, from any culture or background. The scenes are family oriented, in that there is no nudity or “gory” content. The companion book, entitled “Once Upon A Time”, sets the tone for the deck – that there is a fairytale ending for everyone who looks for it!

The Fool (renamed Innocence) is represented by the story “Little Red Riding Hood”. The scene that is depicted on the card is that of Little Red Riding Hood carrying her basket through the woods on her way to her Grandmothers house, with the “Big Bad Wolf” right behind her. I love this card, because the wolf looks more playful than menacing, and if you look closely, you will see faces in the trees in the woods. It is a magical land, where magical things happen.

The High Priestess (renamed The Sorceress) is represented by the Welsh fable “The Lake Maiden”. The scene that is depicted is that of the Maiden returning to the shore of the lake to instruct her human children in the magical arts. In this card, the maiden appears to be walking on the water. Water represents our unconscious, and the High Priestess/Sorceress is our connection between our conscious and unconscious selves.

While the imagery in this deck is not traditional, it does represent the... Read More

The Tarot Pips (numbered cards) show the action that is going on in our lives on a daily basis. Where the Major Arcana is of the Spiritual realm, the Minor Arcana are of the Physical realm. Each pip carries two types of energy – the energy of their number, and the energy of their suit.

Esoterically, the number six represents harmony, balance, truth and enlightenment.

The number six is connected with the Lovers, the Devil and the six’s in each of the suits. The Lovers is associated with balancing polar opposites (such as male/female), harmony, attraction and creating win/win situations. The Devil is associated with anxiety, fear, defeat, restriction and our shadow issues.

The Six of Wands carries the quality of balance and harmony into the realm of passion and creativity. This is a card of victory, after a well fought battle.

The Six of Cups carries the quality of balance and harmony into the realm of emotions. There is harmony in our relationship with ourselves, and in our relationships with others. This card can also refer to childhood memories for the Seeker.

The Six of Swords carries the quality of balance and harmony into the mental realm. Here the Seeker is finding their own truth. Here the Seeker gains the ability to leave their worries behind them – perhaps in the form of a retreat.

The Six of Pentacles carries the quality of balance and harmony into the material/physical world. It is about giving (or receiving) a monetary gift, and the balance of power in the Seeker’s life..

The Tarot Pips (numbered cards) show the action that is going on in our lives on a daily basis. Where the Major Arcana is of the Spiritual realm, the Minor Arcana are of the Physical realm. Each pip carries two types of energy – the energy of their number, and the energy of their suit.

Esoterically, the number five represents the five senses, the marriage of the masculine and the feminine, individuality and spiritual aspiration. Alchemically, it represents the quintessence (the pure essence of a substance). From a numerological viewpoint, the number five represents adaptability, curiosity, and the love of freedom. They also represent instability and change.

The number five is connected with the Hierophant, Temperance, and the five’s in each of the suits. The Hierophant represents a teacher, advisor, or mentor. It is all about religion, convention, and collective (group) beliefs. Temperance is the peacekeeper, resolving inner and outer issues. Patience and adaptability are signs of Temperance.

The Five of Wands expresses adaptability in the world of creativity, passion and spirit. Here we are talking about conflict, power struggles, and our own doubts and fears. We are also talking about competition. These are the outside forces that we have to deal with.

The Five of Cups expresses adaptability in the world of emotion. Here we see someone who cannot get past an emotional block of their own creation. They are focused on whatever is making them unhappy, and refusing to see other things in their life that could make them happy. There is loss and disappointment in this card.

The Five of Swords expresses adaptability in the mental world. Here we see a less than honorable victory, trickery and deceit. The victory is short lived.

The Five of... Read More

The Tarot Pips (numbered cards) show the action that is going on in our lives on a daily basis. Where the Major Arcana is of the Spiritual realm, the Minor Arcana are of the Physical realm. Each pip carries two types of energy – the energy of their number, and the energy of their suit.

Esoterically, the number four represents stability, grounding and solid matter. In the Tarot, the number four is associated with the four elements, the four seasons, the four worlds, and the four directions. It speaks of the setting of boundaries, of order and structure.

The number four is connected with the Emperor, Death, and the four’s in each of the suits. The Emperor sits on his throne, master of his universe. He rules with logic and reason – the foundation of his world. His throne is the “seat of reason”. Death is all about letting go of that which is no longer serving us. In doing so, we open up space to bring something new in.

The Four of Wands expresses foundation in the world of creativity. What has been imagined has been manifested into the physical world. There is a sense of completion here, along with a sense of celebration. This card is associated with the home, and is known as the marriage card. There is a sense of harmony and balance here.

The Four of Cups expresses foundation in the world of emotions. This is a tricky card, because if we become too absorbed in our emotions, we can tend to not acknowledge those around us, and the love and support that they are offering.

The Four of Swords expresses foundation in the mental realm. Here we are looking at the need for a time out to recuperate after a particularly stressful time.

The Four of Pentacles expresses foundation in the physical realm. This is where we see our physical and material security manifested. There is an inability here to want to let go of anything.... Read More

The Tarot Pips (numbered cards) show the action that is going on in our lives on a daily basis. Where the Major Arcana is of the Spiritual realm, the Minor Arcana are of the Physical realm. Each pip carries two types of energy – the energy of their number, and the energy of their suit.

Esoterically, the number three represents the union of the numbers before it. It is the parts coming together to create the whole. Within the number three, we find balance and wisdom. We can see this in the various representations of three – body/mind/spirit, past/present/future, creation/preservation/destruction, thought/feeling/emotion etc. The number three carries the quality of connection – we are all connected, and it is through this connection that we grow.

The number three in the Tarot is connected with the Empress, the Hanged Man, and the Three’s of each suit. The Empress is all about abundance, fertility and creativity (creation). She is generally shown as being pregnant – which we can think of as being pregnant with promise. The Hanged Man is all about creation in his own way – he is in a state of suspended time. He is in a state of “being”, rather than a state of “doing”. When he lets go of what no longer serves him well, he will create a new life for himself.

The Three of Wands carries the quality of creation and wholeness, as well as the elemental energy of Fire. Here passion is the driving force. When this comes up in a reading, there is the sense of internal power that the Seeker feels. Progress comes through working with others.

The Three of Cups carries the quality of creation and wholeness, as well as the elemental energy of Water. The emotional self is allowed to flow, the heart is opened, as well as the intuitive, psychic self. Here we see the expression of love, joy and happiness. This is a time of celebration.

The Three of Swords carries the quality of creation and... Read More

The uses that Tarot can be put to are limitless. On Friday evening we lost a major cog in our history – Walter Cronkite. He was more than a reporter, more than an evening anchor (and I was surprised to find out from a special that CBS ran on him this am that he was the very first evening anchor to have a thirty minute news program, and that he invented the word anchor in its application to providing the news).

Walter Cronkite was very much a part of our daily lives “back in the day”. There were only three basic TV channels, and most homes did watch CBS news because of him. I wonder (as did one of the commentators on the special this am) whether all of the options that we have now broadened our horizons or simply diluted them (my words, not his).

I decided to do a three-card reading on Mr. Cronkite, to see what his affect on our lives really was. I thought that this would be a good example of how Tarot can be used to help interpret events (current and past), and put them into perspective.

I defined the positions as:

1. On a conscious level how did Walter Cronkite affect our lives?
2. On a sub-conscious level how did Walter Cronkite affect our lives?
3. What is Walter Cronkite’s legacy?

The cards drawn were: The Hierophant, Death, Three of Wands

I find it interesting that two out of three cards are Major Arcana (spiritual). Mr. Cronkite was very much a part of the spirit – the soul – of this country.

The Hierophant – Death – Three of Wands

On a conscious level, Mr. Cronkite was very much the middle America “everyman”. He was our conscience, he held his beliefs sacred and had a very strong work ethic. He was who he was – hard working, ethical, wanting control over his work, and verification of every story before he... Read More

Theme decks are very much a part of the Tarot world. Within the genre of theme decks is a specific sub-genre that I really enjoy – that of Tarot decks based on literature. One example of this would be Diane Wilkes’ “Jane Austen Tarot”, another would be Robert M. Place’s just released “The Vampire Tarot”.

Very different decks, but both very high quality. Place is an internationally known visionary artist, author and illustrator. Conducts Tarot classes, workshops and symposiums, and has appeared on the Discovery Channel series “Strictly Supernatural”, as well as on the Learning Channel and A&E.

In “The Vampire Tarot”, Place brings together the world of Tarot and the world of vampire myth and legend. A point that he makes early in his companion book is that the mythology of the vampire addresses the same concerns about mortality and the nature of the soul that the Tarot addresses (The Tarot Major Arcana are traditionally seen as the “Fool’s Journey”, or sometimes as the “Hero’s Journey.)

The background for this deck rests heavily on Bram Stocker’s book “Dracula”, and on the people that surrounded Stoker at that time. In fact, the Court cards are all named after people and literary figures from this time period that were connected with Bram Stoker, such as Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu, Carmilla (the vampire at the center of Le Fanu’s novel of the same name), Tarot designer Pamela Colman Smith, Sir Henry Irving, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Ellen Terry and Lord Byron.

A deck such as this makes it very easy to apply the Tarot to everyday living, and yet to also see the higher metaphysical/spiritual applications. I don’t think that you will find anyone that is better versed in my and symbology/imagery that Robert Place.

If you wish to see more of his work, go to www.thealchemicalegg.com.

The Tarot Pips (numbered cards) show the action that is going on in our lives on a daily basis. Where the Major Arcana is of the Spiritual realm, the Minor Arcana are of the Physical realm. Each pip carries two types of energy – the energy of their number, and the energy of their suit.

The Two’s in the Tarot have to do with duality, and with balance. The Ace’s are potential, and are essentially undirected. In the Two’s, we see this energy directed into the physical world. The energy of the Two’s can also be connected with that of the High Priestess, which carries the number II (Two) in the Major Arcana.

The Two of Wands has to do with creative, fiery energy. It is all about passion and focus. It is also a card of expansion, of vision, and of taking informed risks.

The Two of Cups has to do with emotional, intuitive energy. It is also about attraction, and the willingness to compromise. Here we see the aura of partnership, whether it be romantic or business in nature.

The Two of Swords has to do with communication, and the mental realm. Here we are talking about balance and compromise (of a temporary nature). In a reading, the Seeker may have found themselves in the “middle” of something. It can also indicate indecision, and the need to be impartial. It is a time to listen to your internal voice – the voice of intuition.

The Two of Pentacles has to do with bringing balance to work, finances, and the material side of life. It is all about being resourceful and willing to adapt to circumstances.

In a reading, the Two’s represent a test in life – the test of having to make a choice. The choice in the suit of Wands is whether or not to act on a sudden passion that has come to you. In the suit of Cups it is choosing whether or not to recognize a deep heart connection in your life, and to act on it. In the suit of Swords the choice is whether you want to know the... Read More

Relationship issues are something that we all need to address at different points in our life. At different times, different types of relationships may come into the picture. Today we are going to be talking about business relationships. Even someone who is running their own business and calling all of their own shots still needs to form working relationships with other people.

The Seeker in this reading has as their goal the manifestation of a win/win working relationship with another person that clearly is concerned only with their own agenda. For the Seeker to achieve their goals, they will need to help the other person achieve theirs.

The question we are working with here is:

What do I need to know about “X” to create a mutually beneficial business relationship?

The positions in the reading are defined as:

1. What is important to the Seeker in this relationship?
2. What is important to the other person in this relationship?
3. What is important to both people in this relationship?

The cards drawn were: Ten of Wands, King of Cups, Three of Wands

Ten of Wands – King of Cups – Three of Wands

It is very important to the Seeker that everyone pull their own weight, that they take responsibility for their own work, and not try to foist is off on the Seeker. What the Seeker wishes to avoid is being overloaded with work, being overwhelmed with the responsibility of getting the job done.

In a word, it is important for the other person in the relationship to be liked. They want to be considered the “good guy”, and will do what it takes to put themselves in that position. They are very good at controlling their emotions, and can be sensitive and compassionate.

It is important to both individuals in this relationship that they form a... Read More

Who are the Ladies in the Tarot? There are many female archetypes, but when I think of the Ladies of the Tarot I think of the four Queens. They are the nurturing, creative aspects of each of the suits, and function through the elemental quality of that suit. In a reading they can represent an inner aspect of t he Seeker (whether the Seeker is male or female), they can represent a person in the Seeker’s life, or they can represent something in the Seeker’s external environment. The Court Cards carry two aspects of elemental energy – that of their title, and that of their suit. For the title of Queen the elemental energy is Water.

When the Queen’s appear in a reading, it is generally a time in the Seeker’s life when they are manifesting and nurturing something that is important to them.

The Queen of Wands is Water of Fire. When this Queen appears in a reading, the Seeker is more than likely dealing with progression within their career, and placing the focus of their energy on their career and on making use of their leadership qualities. This Queen is very committed to her goals, and works hard to achieve them.

The Queen of Cups is Water of Water. When this Queen appears in a reading, the Seeker is either focused on family, and nurturing family, on nurturing a specific relationship, or on developing their psychic (intuitive) abilities. This Queen lives in the land of emotions!

The Queen of Swords is Water of Air. When this Queen appears in a reading, the Seeker is developing their ability to communicate in some manner. This Queen is very analytical, and can come across as the original “Ice Queen”.

The Queen of Pentacles is Water of Earth. When this Queen appears in a reading, the Seeker is placing the focus of their energy on the material things in their life, or on their work or home environment. This Queen is quite down to earth – the original “Earth... Read More

The Tarot Aces stand apart from the rest of the pips (numbered cards). They are pure potential in each of the suits, and express the pure energy of the element associated with each suit. They are considered to be a root force, and carry associations with the four directions and the four seasons.

The Ace of Wands carries the pure energy of the element of Fire. It is associated with the direction South, and the season Summer. Wands embody will and passion, and function in the areas of religion, philosophy and career. In a reading, the Ace of Wands indicates that the Seeker is being offered an opportunity to take action in those areas. To manifest the opportunity being offered, it must be acted on. This is an active, creative time.

The Ace of Cups carries the pure energy of the element of Water. It is associated with the direction of West, and the season Fall. Cups embody emotions, and function in the area of relationships, connection with psychic abilities and dreamtime. In a reading, the Ace of Cups indicates that the Seeker is being offered an opportunity to get to know themselves, or to get to know someone else. This is an opportunity to gain some type of wisdom. This is an emotional, highly intuitive time.

The Ace of Swords carries the pure energy of the element of Air. It is associated with the direction of East, and the season of Spring. Swords embody the mental functions, and intellect. In a reading, the Ace of Swords indicates that the Seeker is being offered an opportunity to sharpen their mind to get greater clarity about something in their life. This is a time of seeing clearly, and finding truth and justice.

The Ace of Pentacles carries the pure energy of the element of Earth. It is associated with the direction North, and the season Winter. Pentacles embody physical energy, material things, safety, home and family. In a reading, the Ace of Pentacles indicates that the Seeker is being... Read More

The four suits of the Tarot have a major association with the four elements. Generally, the correspondence is: Wands/Fire, Cups/Water, Swords/Air, Pentacles/Earth. The numbers Ace through Ten, as well as the Court Cards, carry the quality of the element they are associated with.

Fire brings the characteristics of hot and dry to the suit of Wands. It is considered to be yang (active) energy. Fire’s basic nature is to purify, destroy, and add energy and force. To the passion and will of the Wands Fire adds sexuality, and the drive to act on ones thoughts. The color associated with Wands is red. Wands are all about passion, will and career. The Elemental Creature associated with Fire, and therefore the suit of Wands, is the Salamander.

Water brings the characteristics of being cool and moist to the suit of Cups. It is considered to be heavy, receptive yin (passive) energy. Water’s basic nature is to flow and to cleanse. It is also known for healing, and for carrying the energy of love. Cups govern emotions and relationship. The color associated with Cups is blue. The Elemental Creature associated with Water, and therefore the suit of Cups, is the Undine.

Air brings the characteristics of hot and moist to the suit of Swords. It is considered to be light, yang (active) energy. Air’s basic nature is to float, to create movement, and to govern intelligence. Swords in the Tarot is the mental suit, and the suit of communication (including psychic ability). The color associated with Swords is yellow. The Elemental Creature associated with Air, and therefore the suit of Swords, is the Sylph.

Earth brings the characteristics of cold, dry and heavy to the suit of Pentacles. It is considered to be passive, yin (passive) energy. Earth’s basic nature is to nurture, stabilize and ground. Pentacles in the Tarot is the suit of finances and material things. The color associated with Pentacles is Green. The... Read More

One of the most interesting, and the most misunderstood, cards in the Tarot is the Major Arcana card of Death (Key #13). It can indeed mean physical death, but the interpretation that most often applies is that of a symbolic death – a transformation. Death is the letting go of something that is no longer serving the Seeker well, so that room can be made for new ideas, and new energy. By not releasing what no longer serves us, we are in effect holding ourselves back from both personal and spiritual growth. This is very easy to do, as not accepting change keeps us in our comfort zone.

Wherever the Death card appears in a reading, is an area of life (or perhaps a time period of life) that the Seeker needs to pay close attention to. They are being asked to release old belief systems, old ways of looking at things, so that they can align themselves with their authentic self. We need to remember that we are continually evolving both as a species and as individuals – what served us well at one point in time may no longer serve us well as we assimilate new ideas, new ways of dealing with things, and new understandings.

The appearance of the Death card can be a highly emotional time, as it indicates that the Seeker is at a crossroads – that they are leaving the past behind, and moving into a new phase in their life.

When the cards are laid down for a reading, and the Death card comes up, this should be addressed immediately. If it is not, the Seeker will fixate on that card, and not hear a thing that is being said until that card is addressed! Reassure the Seeker that the card addresses a symbolic death, a letting go, a time of transformation, rather than a physical death. Ask them if they have any questions before you begin the reading. Remember, it is up to the reader to set the reading environment, and to make it a safe place for the... Read More

Interpreting the cards can be overwhelming to a student that is new to the Tarot. We are going to take a look at one way to interpret a three-card reading, using the Past/Present/Future format. The deck used was the Morgan-Greer Tarot.

The question for this reading is: “What do I need to know about my current job?”

The cards drawn were:

Past: Eight of Cups

Present: Queen of Swords

Future: Five of Wands

Eight of Cups - Queen of Swords - Five of Wands

The first thing that you want to do is to note your overall impression: What impressed me was that the card of the past faced the card of the present – there was a very free flow between the cards. The card of the present represented very strong, present oriented energy (the figure looks out directly at the Seeker). The card of the future shows a definite clash of wills.

Taking the cards in turn, the things that I noted on the Eight of Cups were the figure in the red cloak (the red attracted my attention), and the yellow cups (the yellow attracted my attention. The next thing that I noted was the river flowing in the background. I get a sense of peace with this card.

The determined look on the face of the Queen of Swords was attention getting for me, as well as the sword that she holds, point up, in front of her. I also noted her dark hair, and the red roses. My feeling about this card was that this was a woman with a sense of purpose – not someone that you would want to cross.

In the Five of Wands I was attracted first to the wands themselves, and then to the five hands that are holding them. There are five different hands here, so this is a disagreement between a group of people. My sense here is that of someone watching their own backs very closely.

Some of the questions that we might want to ask ourselves when... Read More

Mary K. Greer’s “Tarot For Yourself” (New Page Books, Second Edition - 2002) is an integral addition to any Tarot library. Greer was one of the first author’s to promote using the Tarot for personal insight (as opposed to using it for purposes of divination). Through this book, Greer also promotes self-study – beyond the memorizing of meanings. Here the reader learns how to place t he energy of the Tarot to work in their life.

The first edition of this book (along with a copy of the Rider-Waite Tarot) was my introduction to the Tarot. I consider myself extremely lucky that the clerk at the metaphysical bookstore that I went to immediately went to this material. I also consider myself blessed that I had the good sense to ask what was best, and not just pick up a deck and a book and hope!

The material in this book well reflects the influences of its time – and acknowledges that nothing in life has to be a “stand alone”. Information is included on journal writing, mythology, psychology, self-help, relationships, prosperity and right livelihood, crystals, channeling, astrology, numerology, poetry, art and occult metaphysics – all integrated into the world of Tarot.

In this edition, Greer has expanded her interpretation of the Minor Arcana, included reversed interpretations for all cards, a wonderful history-based appendix (that Greer developed with other Tarot scholars), information on the Shadow/Teacher cards, and an updated bibliography.

There are many unique features in this book. Greer not only gives the names of decks that readers may be interested in, but she also lists them by background and type. For instance, decks listed under the category of combining the influences of both the Thoth and the Rider-Waite Tarot include the Cosmic Tribe Tarot, the Light and Shadow Tarot, and the Motherpeace Tarot. Under type, the Cosmic Tribe is listed as computer manipulated photo collage, the Light and... Read More

One of the best readings to use to get clarity on an issue is the three card Past/Present/Future spread. This allows the Seeker (the person asking the question) to see the energy from the past that helped create their current situation, the situation as it stands on the day of the reading, and what will happen in the future if no action is taken.

The Seeker now has a very good overview of their situation, and of the options open to them. The reader can help them to see the influences around them, and to place them into context. The Tarot is a storyboard, and the three cards drawn will tell the story that the Seeker is experiencing.

The question that the Seeker asks is: “Should I accept the promotion that has just been offered to me?”

The cards drawn were:

Past – Ace of Wands

Present – The Lovers

Future – Ten of Swords

The cards were laid out in a linear fashion, from right to left:

Ace of Wands - The Lovers - Ten of Swords

In the past, the Seeker was offered an opportunity for advancement in career. There was a great deal of excitement over this opportunity, as it offered the Seeker not only opportunities for growth, but the opportunity to access their own creativity. They were empowered by the ability to make this choice.

Their choice was to accept the opportunity, and they are very happy where they currently are. Their work environment is very harmonious, allowing them to be open and trusting of the people that they work with. They have a connection with the work they are currently doing, and they feel that they are making a difference.

If they were to accept the promotion they are being offered, they would feel that they had lost everything that they gained when they moved into their current position. They would... Read More

Many of our site visitors also read for themselves. I thought that it might be interesting to offer one of many relationship spreads – a short, three-card spread that addresses relationship from the perspective of the Seeker (the person asking the question). I set this spread up in a linear fashion (straight line – left to right), using the following position definitions:

1. What the Seeker brings to relationship.
2. What the Seeker needs from relationship.
3. What is hidden from the Seeker about relationship.

This reading can be done to take a general look at relationship, or it can be focused on a specific relationship. This could be a work relationship, a family relationship, a friendship, or a romantic relationship – any type of relationship can be addressed here.

From the Morgan-Greer deck, I drew the following cards: The Empress, Knight of Swords, Three of Pentacles. The layout looks like this:

The Empress - Knight of Swords - Three of Pentacles

The Empress is the archetypal Mother image in the deck. She represents mother earth, fertility and all things abundant. The Empress cares about pleasing surroundings, and a harmonious environment. The Empress is a sensual, compassionate person. She is generous, and takes care of those around her. These are the qualities that the Seeker brings to all relationships.

The Knight of Swords is a very passionate, active card. He is all about communications, and is willing to take on all challenges. One of the key qualities of this Knight is his assertiveness. He is idealistic, courageous, and quite the competitor! What the Seeker needs from relationship is someone that is not afraid to take a stand, that is willing to voice an opinion, and someone that would be willing to come to their... Read More