Tarot

For a long time I've had an on-off relationship with Tarot...

Anyone who's interested in the power of images, archetypes, signs and symbols will be interested in, and curious about, Tarot - not necessarily as a divinatory tool to predict the future, but more as a tool for self-discovery.

One of the first books I read cover-to-cover two years after the stroke, when I could finally read again, was this

Jung has always been a favourite writer/thinker - he understand the power of images and collective wisdom. Certain words/images resonate across the cultures, and the Major arcana of Tarot tells the tale of a powerful, archetypal Fool's journey...

The fact - that I chose this book, when my damaged brain could finally keep the words straight on the page - should have been a powerful indicator to me that Tarot has something to teach me. 

But as someone who's been involved with the Anglican Church since childhood, whose degrees are in Theology, who considered entering the ministry, 'dabbling' in Tarot evokes A LOT of STUFF - on SO many levels...

So me and Tarot took a break...

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A year later, I joined TABI and embarked on their free Learn Tarot e-course, but sadly the forums weren't a good experience for me... Clearly there were past issues among some of the members - and as someone who doesn't deal with conflict well (even when I'm not involved directly in it), I left, without completing the course.

And Tarot and me parted company again...

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But I couldn't abandon my Tarot decks completely... I enjoyed the images, the messages too much!

This deck has been a go-to for a long time - especially when I just want to draw a card for the day, or when a friend asks me to draw a card for them. 

The combination of famous paintings and quotes is perfect for this!

Back in November 2013, I drew a card a day and shared it on what was, at that time, a new blog 

And, surprise, surprise each day the card I drew gave me exactly the message I needed to hear :)

Then, this year I 'happened' upon Beth and Carrie's blogs... And I now use two newer decks as I learn again to practise spreads...

Like every relationship, if it is to be nurtured and grow, one must invest time and energy... As I continue on my Sage Priestess training, I realize Tarot has an important part to play in my learning to trust my inner wisdom, what I already know on a Deep Soul level.

Already it has been a process taking several years , and I hope it will continue for years to come. As I learn to work with the cards, I know they will work with me... And I trust I will grow in confidence in my reading of the messages they impart.

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Tarot Tuesday (21.10.15)

Last Monday (12 October 2015), under the New Moon, I started this online Tarot course... 

As I've shared earlier, I have had a very on-off relationship with Tarot :/ But, I sense now is the time to give it another go...

I intend to share thoughts and findings as a weekly post on Tuesdays, as worldwide, this seems to be the designated day for it :) Yesterday, I was unwell, hence I'm posting today.

Here's the deck I'm using to learn with...

While, I'm not crazy with its name (I have NO intention to practise witchcraft, or to use Tarot for divinatory purposes), the deck is inspired by the Moon and the Goddess, and it's simple, bold images are great for a learner :)

It's hard to get a good photo, but I love the silvery edges to the cards, which are made of heavy card and are the perfect hand-size (4.5in x 2.5in). The only down-side is the cards (and the book) are very shiny and a tad slippery - a challenge for a one-handed shuffler!!

Now, while the deck and full-colour book come in a smart, magnetized box (so easy to open and close!), I always prefer to keep my cards in a bag...

This beautiful object was made lovingly and skilfully by Sandra, and my cards are resting in the lap of luxury when not in use :D

And now to the cards...

As soon as I saw The Fool and the Magician online a few months ago, I knew I had to buy this deck! The imagery is SO me!!

And I love everything about the 'dreaded' Death card - it beautifully illustrates the true meaning of the card - change and transformation.

At the moment, I am drawing a card a day, and as Beth suggests I'm writing down my own first thoughts before I look at the enclosed book's meaning.- her course is all about trusting one's insights and thoughts, rather than getting the 'right' meaning!

As my intention is to use Tarot for self-discovery and self-expression, rather than to become a professional Tarot reader, I think Beth's approach is the perfect fit for me at this time :)

And here's today's card...

Now, I know how I respond to this, and how it makes me feel, but I love to know what others think/feel...

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Tarot Tuesday (28.10.15)

I wonder if I should just call it quits and go for Tarot Wednesday posts...

Anyway yesterday, of course, was the Full Moon, so my Moonboard took precedence, but what I did do was this Tarot spread after I made my board.

(image used with permission)

While I've only been learning Tarot a few weeks, I've already found I really like Ethony's spreads - they are clear and simple, and perfect for a beginner like moi :)

And these are the cards I drew...

1. The Star

2. 3 of Swords

3. Temperance

4. 10 of Wands

Now, as a novice some interpretations seem obvious, others less so.

Clearly, What I know is that the world is a magickal, beautiful place when we have eyes to see it. While it's a cliche, it's no less true - the darkest night is when the stars shine brightest :)

But, What is hidden is harder for me to read as I'm less conversant with the Minor arcana... The Swords indicate pain, hardship, but I'm less sure what the 3s represent. 

When I drew the Where to focus card, I laughed out loud - 'Tell me something I don't know!' I said. I had already put a Temperance card on my Full Moon dreamboard as it clearly wanted to be included! I've certainly got the message of where I need to focus loud and clear :)

This part of Ethony spread confused me a little... As a person who endeavours to live authentically, I try and minimize any illusions, so What illusion do I need to drop?? I certainly don't feel burdened in any way - if anything, I feel under-utilized, I miss the pressure of the freelance work I used to do. So again, what illusion do I need to drop?? I confess I'm confused :/

So if any skilled readers can help me out, I'd certainly appreciate their insights!

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Tarot Tuesday (3.11.15)

Can you believe my Card for Today?? Could it be more perfect for my third day of NaNoWriMo?? Yes, it is a book hovering her left hand (given to her by a winged spirit), and in her right hand she brandishes a winged sword - symbolizing the element Air and thought, intellect, words, language, clarity...

Nothing more to add other than I'll hit the 5,000-word mark today - right on track for the 50,000 target on the last day of the month - if I can keep up the pace...

(image from Lo Scarabeo hence the watermark across the image)

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