How To Read Tarot With Confidence A Free Guide

How To Read Tarot With Confidence
A Free Guide
By Ella Jo Street
Published by Ella Jo Street at Smashwords
Copyright 2012 Helen J Street
Smashwords Edition
Discover other titles by Ella Jo Street at Smashwords.com
Journey Of A Tarot Reader
Is Tarot From India? The Origins Of Tarot - Findings From India
My Smashwords Profile Page
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Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given
away to other people. This book is a free guide and not for purchase. If you have purchased this
ebook you have the right to demand a refund from the seller. Thank you for respecting the hard
work of this author.
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Contents
Introduction - Why Have I written this book?
About me
How I define my work with tarot - why do people want a tarot reading?
How does tarot work?
What is really happening when you give a tarot reading?
The Tarot Reader's Code of Practice
Being non judgemental
Finding your clients potential
Being there for the client
Authenticity
Willingness to see through the eyes of your client
Acceptance and Compassion
Confidentiality
When you really should not conduct a tarot reading
Time between readings
Clients constantly seeking an answer to the same issue
Age
Don't read if you don't want to
Tips for the Tarot Reader On The Hoof
Choosing a suitable environment for giving a reading
Keeping things sweet
Death
What you need to remember and what you need to forget!
Respecting your clients ethics during a tarot reading
Engaging With Tarot
Look at yourself
Warnings about the fakes
Readers who talk about themselves
Tarot is like counselling
Pacing yourself
How long should a reading take?
Tarot and competition
Putting a value on your skills
Personal Growth
About psychology
The importance of counselling training
Who was Carl Rodgers and what did he teach?
Transactional Analysis (TA) Explained
Ego States
Human Hunger
Negative Strokes
Transactions
Time Structuring
Scripts
Ancient Philosophies And Their Relevance To Tarot
Buddhism
Understanding and Practising Buddhism
How I missed the Dalai Lama
Raja Yoga
Karma
The Four Ages That Make An Aeon
The Swastika
Hindu Philosophies
The Five Senses
The Eight Powers of Raja Yoga
Meditation and Yoga
Compassion and Altruism
Archetypes
The Kabbalah
Symbols
Visualisation Exercise : IN THE DESERT
Different cultural influences
Become Familiar With Tarot, An Over-View
The Elements
Numbers
The Major Arcana
#Conclusion : Outline Of The Personal Framework Of The Tarot Reader
In the Desert Visualization Exercise : THE MEANINGS
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Introduction : Why have I written this book?
I have written this book for people who want to read tarot cards for others. Having spent much time
memorizing the meanings of the cards and learning spreads, the tarot reader may be happy to move
on to conducting readings for their eager enquirers.
However, from my own experience, tarot reading is not that simple. Once a person is in the position
of reading cards for others they are required to not only give interpretations, but to use other skills
to enable their client to gain important insights from their reading. A good tarot reader aims to
inspire rather than just give plain answers to their client's issues.
A good tarot reader needs to communicate clearly with their client - and find an appropriate level of
communication to suit each individual. A good reading needs to give satisfaction and again this
must be tailored to suit - so if someone only wants to explore if they will have a love life or may
win the lottery, then the reader needs to oblige. The reading must fit to whatever level the client
asks for.
Apart from relating the card's meanings to their client, the reader should work with the client to
develop what significance those meanings could have on the client's life. In this book I will explore
how a reader of tarot can follow certain standards and principles which will help them become a
wonderful tarot reader, evolving their own self-knowledge to a higher understanding of themselves
and their fellow human beings.
To help others evolve, you must be evolving yourself! In this book I have outlined some learning
that has under-pinned my personal framework which has enabled me to feel confident about being a
tarot reader. Many things have influenced me on my journey as I grow; I am happy to share my
inspirations, my sources, and where I have sought guidance to set the standards that I endeavour to
follow in my tarot encounters!
About Me
I had never been far from Luton, my home town, before I was eighteen. At that age I visited Israel
and Egypt on a family trip which had a transforming effect on me. I was given the opportunity to
experience foreign cultures, learn about ancient beliefs and have a viewpoint on the world that I
would have lacked if I had stayed at home.
Travel really does broaden the mind and from this experience I discovered many interests. I was just
a naive young girl when I crossed the Sinai desert on a bus from Israel through the Gaza Strip to
Cairo. What I saw and heard from the life going on around me, burst into my consciousness. I saw
bullet holes in walls and the Bedouin shimmering in the distance with their camels at the oasis. I
stared out of the coach window through Gaza for the whole trip - watching television could never
compare to that experience.
I am sure this trip sculptured my teenage persona, which in turn would shape me as I matured. I met
Arabs and Jews, Druze, Egyptians and other Europeans and tourists from around the world. I
learned something every time any one of them opened their mouths. I heard both ignorance and
wisdom. I was drawn to crumbling relics of holy places and sat on buses next to soldiers with
loaded guns. In Egypt I learned that you haggle with taxi drivers, marvel at museums and never
walk away from a stall with your bottle of drink. (You have only paid for the drink - the valuable
bottle must be returned to the vendor). Everything I thought I knew was questioned.
In this place people thought it was OK to fight on, and over, holy land. There was a thing called a
PLO and they made postcards with white doves flying through prison bars. What I found most
bizarre was a man in front of the pyramids who kissed his camel on the lips!
I was only in Israel for a month and Cairo for a few days. But I know that the eighteen year old girl
who skipped onto the plane to Tel Aviv was not the same person who returned to England. And once
the eyes have been opened there is no going back. I am sure my entrance to adulthood benefited
from this travel experience. I was a young girl without prejudice - just taking every person as I
found them.
Crucially, I realized that I did not have to be afraid of the world. I did not have to listen and believe
everything I was told. I saw from my trip that cultures follow patterns and how strong those patterns
are. In a short time away, in a tiny area of the world, I witnessed how two cultural patterns clashed,
even though they didn't have to. As myself, with no prior knowledge or prejudice, I strode with
wonder into that part of the world. I mixed with everyone, seeing everyone as equal.
People may think Luton in the UK is a racially divided place today, but in my childhood and school
days I remember no division; all the children, from whatever racial background learned and played
together. From only ever knowing a culturally integrated life in my home town, I went to other
places with an unquestioning respect for every individual that I encountered. I believe that because I
was unprejudiced, I saw more and I learned more. The people I encountered, world wise and
probably quite cynical, must have known from my demeanour that I found them and their world
fascinating and wonderful. They told me stories and gave explanations, they showed me their world
- even gave me hugs - and it wasn't always for my tourist money. Looking back, experiencing
Israel and Egypt at the age of eighteen from a view point that did not discriminate, set me up to
learn helpful life lessons.
I must clarify that my attitude of non-discrimination does not mean that I do not recognize cultural
differences between people. When I meet a person I recognize and respect whatever culture they are
from. Difference between people makes for a rich tapestry of life - something to be celebrated.
What I mean by non-discrimination is that I recognize and respect all people, despite their
differences. I do not support the idea that one person's culture is superior to anyone-else's. I would
not even compare a person to others within their own culture - everyone is unique and deserves to
be encountered as themselves, on their own merits. We are all part of the same human family. I am
acutely aware of my own failings, so expect that others will have failings as well, thus I recognize
that weaknesses exist in most cultures. However, when I am doing a tarot reading, it is my client,
another unique human, that I am interested in.
All parents worry for their children and I know that until my trip to the Middle East I had
internalized parental fear. (Like fear of getting lost, fear of strangers, harm or vulnerability). Yet my
encounter with the world was much more positive than what I had been taught to expect. Herein lay
the beginning of another long journey I would make to emancipate myself from the negativity
inherent in my upbringing. But once you lose the fear, nothing can stop your growth, your unique,
personal, evolution. For me it was an evolution into becoming a tarot reader.
I began learning tarot when I was twenty one - alone in a bedsit. Not long afterwards I found a
boyfriend and became part of his family for the next seven years. These were the years for learning
- for becoming. During that time I went to Turkey on a quick tour and learned to write songs. This
was a hard time to try to memorize tarot, as weekends were spent making music, accompanied by
alcohol. Even though I did not drink a lot of alcohol, it made it more difficult to learn. Thankfully I
didn't get a taste for drink.
Years later, I joined a psychic fair, and although I learned much from it, I was unhappy with the
degree of commercialism. Following my own ethics, I decided to work for myself. I travelled to
India, alone, where I did tarot readings on the beach in Goa, at Hampi in Karnatika and Pushkar in
Rajasthan. Later in Nepal I did readings beside the lake at Pokhara and in the Tashi Delig
Restaurant in Katmandu. Local people had a name for me which was 'jyotishi', meaning 'fortune
teller'.
In 1998 I took a long journey to Leh, a Buddhist town high in the Indian Himalayas. I met many
interesting people on this trip, like the Tibetan monk who had fled from his monastery, carrying
precious books to safety in India. He told me about his dangerous journey through the treacherous
winter snows of the Himalayas. Winter is the time to escape from Tibet because that is when
refugees are less likely to be caught in the snow by the Chinese border guards. I expressed my
admiration at how he fought the cold and faced the danger. In response he told me that since that
occasion he had returned to Tibet, via the same route, smuggling himself back to his monastery.
Then he had repeated his journey to India once more, bringing more Tibetan books to safety. He
was waiting for winter once again, so that he could repeat the exercise. Sometimes you have to go
out of your way to meet the people in your life who totally inspire you. I didn't know the monks
name, but I will never forget his story.
On returning to the UK, I studied counselling for two years, learning from the Humanist School in
Person Centred Counselling. I found this training invaluable for tarot reading. In the summer of
2000 I travelled in Europe and read tarot on the beaches of Ibiza. All the while I kept a notebook
and added any new dimensions I discovered about the cards from the many readings that I gave.
How I define my work with tarot - Why do people want a tarot reading?
When I lived on the beach I observed how people reacted to the idea of having a tarot reading. Most
people do not need to think for long before they know if they want a tarot reading. Even if they
make themselves wait for a reading, they know as soon as you ask them if they really want one or
not. Some people are just curious. Some people have a huge weight on their minds. There are many
diverse reasons for wanting a reading - have no expectations. And again, some days everyone wants
one, other days its a wash out.
I constantly answered the same questions. If you are a tarot reader be ready to answer questions
about yourself. People will want to know how you got into it, how long you have been doing it always followed by the question, 'are you psychic?'
Answer truthfully. I always tell people that tarot gave me ideas and guidance for my own self
development, it provided a structure with which to understand life. I mention that I have been
trained in some counselling and thus feel confident about working on a one to one basis and that I
keep counselling rules like confidentiality. I always say that I regard having a tarot reading as a
focussing exercise. If a person does not feel ready, or is not in the mood to look at themselves or
hear suggestions about how to analyse their life, it is better they give tarot a miss.
People who are in the mood to explore ideas and plan for their future, or want to gain an insight into
any of their issues, past or present, may find something in a tarot reading that will benefit their
understanding. A tarot reading gives a person permission to analyse themselves - it provides the
space and the support to boost attention towards issues which are being ignored, but wont go away tarot provides the opportunity to deal with awkward things. Sometimes after a reading a person may
feel ready to make huge changes in their life. The purpose of tarot is to explore ideas and gain
foresight. Ultimately, the client is the one who runs with the ideas. A gentle reminder from the tarot
reader is usually all it takes!
Tarot readings cover issues of acceptance, understanding, and reaching fulfilment in the sense that a
life can be better when it is balanced. New directions may be explored and when I read I take every
opportunity to encourage self-empowerment and self-motivation in my client. Some people live
their lives without ever hearing words of support. Tarot can be a fantastically positive tool. It
encourages achievement on a realistic level - there are cards that warn of becoming lost in fantasy.
This is why I love tarot so much - I try to always use it within the context of the real world.
How Does Tarot Work?
Tarot cards are keys and they belong to a specific, universal structure that signifies the world and all
within it. Every life lives within the world in its own unique way; Every person is unique - every
tarot reading is unique.
The cards are described as keys because when the reader says something that resonates with the
client it is as if an issue has been unlocked, enabling the client to focus on the issue. I have tested
this with a client who came back after their reading and asked me if I would talk about the same
issue if they had chosen different cards. We tried it, and she learned that even though the cards she
chose the second time were different, they allowed her to get a perspective on the issue that she was
concerned with. This is a valuable thing to understand about tarot. Some clients come for a reading
wanting to specifically inspect an issue, whilst other clients come for a reading with nothing in
particular in mind, and explore their lives from a random angle - which also gives valuable
perspectives. Tarot is flexible in this way, it delivers results on many levels.
Useful ideas within tarot include numerology, indication of time (I have related some cards to the
Celtic Calendar), nature based interpretations (weather, elements, landscape, directions, seasons)
and astrology. Stories are woven into tarot from the world's mythologies and it seems to have
evolved from a system devised for helping people to heal on a mental level.
I believe tarot could have developed from a root that tackled counselling in its primitive form that
existed in the Middle East before the times of the Crusades. Personally I have found that the cards
hold wisdom which relates to Buddhist and Hindu (Vedic) philosophy. Tarot is most well known
for its use in divination (predicting the future) - I believe this was a later development and although
interesting, prediction need not be the primary reason for using cards. Divination has a long history
- at least back to the times of ancient Egypt and probably before then, but tarot can also be a guide
to creative thinking, so that literature, art and music can benefit from using tarot in a creative way.
Studying tarot spreads can aid concentration and meditation - an excellent way for the tarot reader
to develop themselves and to practice self discipline. Also I would encourage tarot readers to do
their own research and develop the knowledge of tarot from their own point of view because tarot is
a living, growing, platform, and everyone using it has the right to make suggestions.
So what is really happening when you give a tarot reading?
When you conduct a tarot reading you are giving your client permission to air their thoughts and
feelings. We need to remember that the client may have been denied the space to think very deeply
about their life. Their own sense of self may be repressed due to their busy life and, or,
responsibilities to others. In a tarot encounter you are providing 'me' time for the client.
You allow your client to focus on issues brought up in the reading or issues that the client is
reminded of - even they do not appear in the reading.
Your reading may be providing a reality check, and this can be very painful for your client, so be
gentle.
You are actively listening to your client, and you need to communicate that you are listening
without interrupting the client - again you may be the only person who has listened properly to them
for years.
You are giving interpretations of single and groups of cards with the view that the client may find
something worthwhile from your reading. You work through the layers of meanings until you find
what is appropriate to your client. The client should tell you when they begin to relate to your
interpretations. Some clients want to keep their understanding of your interpretations to themselves.
Do not worry about this, if you have little response from the client just check with them now and
again that your interpretations are making sense.
In most cases, when you give a reading, you are able to work with your client, exploring how tarot
may suggest improvements to aspects of their life. This can range from little things to turning the
whole of their life around. Trust the cards and trust the client. Don't make things up or put anything
extra into the interpretations - keep things simple and give the client a little space and perhaps a
chance to think about things. (Encourage them to write down their thoughts at the time for them to
refer to later - or give them notes about the reading when you sum up at the end of the reading).
The Tarot Reader's Code Of Practice
Being Non Judgemental
Interpreting cards does not make the tarot reader a judge of what is right or wrong for another
person. The primary task is to channel the meanings of the archetypes and explore their relevance to
your client. This is not counselling, but uses similar techniques. The aim is for the meanings of the
cards to make sense to the client within the context of their own life.
Some clients want to share and can get a lot out of a reading. Other clients may be very wary and
will not share what the reading means to them with the reader. Respect this and just do a straight
reading. These readings may still work on a deep level, you just have to live without the feedback.
The client may wish to take notes from the reading and do much more work later, alone - so never
feel the reading has not been valued. Always write the reading down - you may be mistaking a wary
client for a deeply sensitive person who needs to work it all out later with your notes. Wary people
are usually damaged people - don't add to their trauma! Everyone is different. Respect people's
privacy. Always ask if you are making sense. If the answer is 'no', look for deeper meanings in the
cards and their combinations.
If the client talks about a painful subject the tarot reader should be empathetic and supportive. This
does not involve trying to 'fix' the client's problems. Counselling training will equip a tarot reader to
deal with a client who is facing their pain. In moments of intense emotion the tarot reader needs to
hold a silence and just be with the client while they face and genuinely feel their pain. A person who
no longer denies their pain and faces their raw emotions has usually begun the path towards healing.
Clients who find themselves going through this will appreciate a hanky and a little space. When you
feel it is time to continue the reading they will allow you to go on. Be gentle, but be aware of time
constraints (more on that later). Crying over pain is natural and your tarot reading may be the only
place a person feels safe to do it. Be supportive and understanding.
Finding Your Clients Potential
If you find yourself reading tarot with a client who seems hopeless, lacking inspiration - and bogged
down in the boredom of their life, which is reflected in their reading, remember that everyone has
potential. It will be somewhere in the reading.
Pick out a person's potential and develop the idea with the client. Luckily in all the years of reading
I can pin point maybe only two readings which seemed to be this flat. They are a rarity, but be
prepared for it - remember potential and tease it out of your client. (In my case I don't think I found
the potential for one reading and both myself and the client were disappointed, but the other reading
drew much inspiration from the clients potential and I believe this client was able to feel good about
themselves and went off into the world to find an avenue to direct their potential).
Being There For The Client
The reading must focus on what the client decides to focus on, as this will be the issue that they
most want to explore. The tarot reading must take this into account along with other ideas that
surface in the reading.
Authenticity
If you don't like people then tarot reading is not for you. If you haven't learned the cards properly,
don't do the readings. If you like people, have learned your cards and can truly visualize yourself in
the role of a tarot reader - then you are being pretty authentic. You don't need to be an older person
or a clever person, just know your cards, use your counselling training, be mature in your outlook
and communicate clearly and honestly.
I always had a little book with me that I had written myself to remind me of all the meanings. I
made my clients aware that I would sometimes check through it before the end of a reading, just to
make sure that I had covered every angle. I wanted my clients to really get value for their money,
and no one ever objected.
Clients liked it even better when I wrote the interpretations down for them. It gave them something
to refer back to later - and now with social media, people sometimes come back with another
question after keeping the notes I gave them for years. If you regard tarot as a tool for self
enhancement nothing is more satisfying than when a client from the past gets in touch and feeds
back on something you once said!
Willingness To See Through The Eyes Of Your Client
You must be able to pay total attention to your client during your tarot encounter. If you are feeling
poorly, stop reading until you feel better, or your readings will be lousy. It's a no brainer really to
turn your mobile phone off. Most clients will have the courtesy to turn their phone off for a reading.
I found it very distracting when a client once used their phone to record their reading - be ready to
encounter this! Also, after you have summed up a reading and finished, you can suggest that your
clients may want to take a photograph of their spread.
Acceptance and Compassion
Remember that the reader is not to pass judgement upon the client. This is a spiritual requirement.
Some lives are about survival - you don't know what a person may have gone through, so don't
make judgements. I have done readings for people you wouldn't look twice at in the street, yet their
stories are toe curling - also, people who may look a bit freaky to you may have the most uplifting
stories to share. If a tarot reading allows you to gain new, amazing insights, consider that your client
has given you a gift. This gift may not to be gossiped about. This is a gift which allows you
realizations and deeper layers of understanding which is worth more than the money you charged
for the reading! So don't judge, and in fact be prepared to learn something yourself.
Confidentiality
When a client comes to you for a reading they need to trust you - not only to keep their secrets, but
to respect every word they have spoken during their reading. Not a word of your client's business is
to be related to another. It helps to make the client aware that you will keep confidentiality before
you start so that good work can be achieved from the reading. Then afterwards, remember - the
words you heard, stay in your ear, then disappear - they don't come out of your mouth!
When You Really Should Not Conduct A Tarot Reading
Time Between Readings
I generally advise a client to wait at least three months between readings. Like anything, tarot
encounters can become addictive. I think six months is probably healthier, but there will always be
an occasion when this rule may need to be broken.
Clients Constantly Seeking An Answer To The Same Issue
Occasionally you may come across a client who is so upset that they are constantly having tarot
readings, trying to find the solution that they want to the same issue. It is only ethical to advise them
to save their money, seek counselling or find a more practical way of dealing with the issue. You
will know this is the right thing to say when you find out that every tarot reader the client has seen
in the past few weeks cannot give them the answer they are desperately seeking. Try to point out
that seeking answers repeatedly from tarot in this way is not helping them. This type of suffering is
a mental burden, and if you find out that you are part of a tarot binge, suggest a different approach
to the problem.
Remember to respect confidentiality and know your own boundaries.
Age
I would not personally read tarot for any person under the age of eighteen. I am sure there are
families where children have been familiarized with tarot, but I would not be comfortable with
reading for teenagers.
Scientific research on the development of the human brain shows that teenagers are still growing
and the brain is not fully mature. It is easy to observe this in teenage behaviour. I believe tarot is an
adult pursuit for self analysis which requires maturity.
Don't Read If You Don't Want To
You are under no obligation to read for anyone if you do not wish to. If you are working on a
psychic fair you may have less control about who you see - this is not always comfortable, but by
jingo you get to experience all types of personalities which is good for your training! (And rule of
thumb shows that the full moon really does effect people!)
If you feel someone has been pressured to have a reading by their friends you must remind them
that having a reading is a personal choice and better for them to decide. Sometimes people are not
ready or interested, which is their prerogative.
Tips For The Tarot Reader On The Hoof
Swapping a tarot reading for something other than money is the best arrangement a reader can wish
for. My favourite swaps have been for Reiki, shamanic healing, a pair of silk shorts (!), nail polish,
hair cut, palm reading, numerous dinners with clients, a silver ring and some National Geographic
Magazines. Of course we need money to live, but tarot is a spiritual mission, occasionally swapping
ones time and energy for a gift takes you to a higher plane!
NEVER allow a person to have their mum sit in on their reading. I say this after the lesson was hard
learned at a psychic fair! Tarot is NOT entertainment. The tarot reading works best on a one to one
level with your client. The reader should not be trying to frame an interpretation so as not to offend
the clients mother! If you write down the meanings of a reading, then it is up to the client what they
would like to share with their mum. I recommend that you only read a person's cards in front of
someone else in very unusual circumstances (and if you do enough readings there will always be an
exception to the rule).
I found that it is best for clients to have a good understanding of the language that the reader is
speaking (and many Europeans have a good understanding of English). For the readings where
there was a translator, I felt that I was compromising confidentiality and I was unable to really
connect with the client - there was not a proper rapport and maybe some opportunities were lost to
explore deeper into meanings of the cards. If you do a reading with a translator do not expect a
brilliant reading. If you are asked to do readings by people who do not share your language and do
not have a translator, it is better to refuse. (Sounds crazy but it did happen - I turned down two
Japanese girls!)
Speaking as a tarot reader who liked to work the beach, I would say that calling out your wares is a
good idea for screening out those who don't share your language. If someone asked me what I was
calling, and I confirmed with them that they didn't understand, I would just say that it did not matter
and move on.
I must admit that the process of calling out 'English Speaking Tarot Readings' all day took its toll
and by late afternoon the call would transmute to 'English Squeaking Sparrow Tweetings'. (Some
friends would ask me if I had read the carrots lately!) I could tell if potential clients understood
English from their reaction to this call, and after a laugh I would explain properly what I was doing.
Choosing a suitable environment to give your reading in.
The problem with reading tarot cards in public is that you risk being interrupted. The weather may
change and drive you indoors, or the wind may try to blow your cards down the beach. I often had a
dream in India that the tide came up the beach and washed my cards away. Perhaps the most
amusing time was when I had put my cloth down to read on the ground at Anjuna market in Goa,
and a cow walked across the reading. Being holy animals we decided this must be good luck!
Mostly it is noise that is most intrusive - it's no fun when the tarot reader cannot think straight. You
may think you have found a quiet bar but someone decides to put heavy metal on the jukebox
during your reading, (despite you having asked permission - not everyone knows what is going on).
Keeping a good relationship with bar and café owners is very important, and at no time can a tarot
reader make any demands on anyone for a quiet space, unless they are paying for it.
It is only courteous to at least buy a drink if you are in someone's establishment doing tarot readings
- and it is always good practice to ask permission from the proprietors before you begin. I made
friends with the owners of a fantastic café/shop in Varanasi who were very kind and I spent many
hours reading books and writing notes in their café. Of course I bought food and drink (because it
was the best in that part of Varanasi) - and they let me play some of my own music. However, when
I asked if I could do tarot readings their answer was 'no'. They were Christians and objected to tarot,
(I didn't know before). I was glad not to have offended them and maintained a great relationship
with these people.
Keeping Things Sweet
Even if you are eating and drinking in a café and doing readings, don't be surprised if you are
eventually asked to leave. The owners are in charge, and from their point of view you are taking up
space that new customers may fill - the season is only so long and you have no right to anything.
Always be good humoured if you are a tarot reader on the hoof. And if you are having a bad day
don't go out to do tarot readings. Nothing looks worse than a bad tempered tarot reader and it looks
bad on you and for readers in general. As always though there are exceptions to the rules...
I have lost my temper on the beach twice in India. The first time I was looking for readings in a café
and the owner came out and whipped the children who were passively begging around the place. I
was not prepared to witness a man with a whip flaying little children - whatever country I was in.
The second time a child (of a tourist) picked up a small puppy on the beach and, wheeling it around
by its head, decided to chase his friends with it. Again I wasn't prepared to witness this behaviour
and went to retrieve the poor animal. Standards in tarot reading reverberate into your life. The café
owner didn't like me for it and neither did the kid, but there was no choice for me - cruelty is not
tolerated anywhere, at any time.
Death
It was in a room in Hampi, India, that I think I did the most spiritual readings of my life. Apparently
the girl who rented the room before I arrived had died there. Many travellers die each year in India.
Sometimes they have not had their vaccinations or other things catch them out - the roads, or drugs.
India can be a dangerous playground. I think the girl who died in Hampi had picked up something
and her immune system was unable to cope. Perhaps her diet had been poor and no one realized
how sick she was to take her for help. Apparently she was ill for a while and just didn't make it.
I was told this before I took the room, but I felt a great calmness in that small space and decided that
I could handle it. I did not try to clear the room or interfere with its atmosphere. I was happy to
allow the police in when they came to check it over. I did burn incense and candles there and
meditated a great deal. I came to that room with peace and gentleness in my soul and with a deep
respect for the girl's spirit, which I believe remained there for a while. It seemed to me that her spirit
accepted my presence and found comfort in my energy.
I did not go to 'parties' or drink the illegal alcohol which was sold in little triangular plastic bags up
on the roof chill out area of the guest house. I put a sign up on a wall and let the people find me.
When I did readings in that room I seemed to be utilizing the most powerful, insightful and
wonderful energy. I am sure that the recent death in that space had an influence. Someone had
passed into another realm there and the atmosphere was very peaceful. It did not seem a
coincidence to me that some of the readings that I did in that room concerned death, and these
particular readings were touching and insightful for my clients. I even did a reading there where a
death was foreseen, but we did not know it at the time. (It was not the clients own death).
I don't think I told my clients that my room had been the place of a recent death, I did not want to
upset people or show disrespect to the deceased person. However, I was extremely mindful of the
respect that was needed when dealing with my cards and my clients in this space. Some huge
decisions were made by my clients from the readings that I did in that room and I am grateful and
honoured to have had these deep encounters.
Death is a subject that will come up in your tarot readings. All the books will tell you that the card
itself means transformation - everything must change which means that the present dies just as the
birth of future times begin, and you have to leave all of your 'nows' in the past. Each moment dies to
be replaced by another.
However, there are some clients who are struggling with death, either personally or with a
significant person in their life. They may be 'waiting' for an elderly relative to die, they may be
wondering when a suffering child will die. For whatever reason, many people are sensitive about
death and they may need to talk about it - and they will choose you, the tarot reader. Your whole
reading may be for an old man who has lost his wife and has no one to talk to about it. He will
choose you.
Someone may be carrying issues concerning death for years - circumstances involving a brush with
death which may puzzle and upset your client. You must listen and empathize, and afterwards you
must keep every word confidential, however titillating the stories. There may be a day when you
walk through a door and the client who spilled everything to you is sitting right there. You must be
able to look them in the eye, to keep their trust. Forever. This is your main responsibility as a tarot
reader.
What you need to remember and what you need to forget!
I am very fortunate as I usually forget what I have read almost straight away. Forgetting what has
been said means I wont break confidentiality! I am usually pulled right into the reading, exploring it
and working hard with the client to get their perspective and allow evolution of their ideas. Then
within a couple of days after concentrating so hard, I have almost completely forgotten the reading.
It is as if I go fully into it, then come out of the other side!
This is what led me to keeping notes on the meanings of the cards. A reading may sometimes reveal
more depth to a card, and it is more important to me to try to learn these deeper levels. Building
upon ones knowledge of the cards can only benefit further readings, much more than trying to
remember each individual client - that is not really part of the job!
You may be warned by tarot itself if your client is about to unleash something uncomfortable into
the reading. You will see the six of cups ildignified (that is upside down). But I advise to be
prepared for anything any time! A happy person may burst into tears. A sad person may be totally
uplifted by something that you say which seems very mundane to you! Your job is to interpret and
listen to your client. Don't always try to understand, but be supportive, remember that every person
carries amazing potential. The tarot reader is like a gardener, seek the potentials and plant them in
your client like a seed - they may wake up the next morning and totally get it!
Over-work is a serious threat to your health and the quality of your tarot readings. I would advise
not to do more than ten readings a day and take a couple of days off per week. Constantly plying
ones trade (for instance on the beach) can make you look desperate (even if you are). If your
potential customers see you relaxing and having fun with your friends they may form a more
positive view of you. Many times I am asked to do readings on my day off. It does not hurt to make
people wait - it builds up expectation for something special and gives your customers time to spread
the word and perhaps bring other clients with them who you would have missed.
If you are about to leave a place where you have been doing readings it is good to let people know
well in advance so they can catch you for a reading before you depart. Never be surprised if you
bump into your clients again down the road sometime. I walked into a café in Nepal a few months
after the Beach in Goa and the whole place was full of clients I had read for on the beach! We were
all clearly on the same (Lonely Planet) hippy trail - but it was fascinating to hear how people had
re-interpreted things from their readings and seen more in their lives from tarot in just a few
months. Some people recommended me to their new friends and some swapped e mail addresses. I
knew from this positive feedback that I must be doing something right. The lessons I learned from
my clients in India and other places have allowed me to share my thoughts about tarot in this book,
although, writing this, I wonder why I ever came home!
Respecting your client's ethics during a tarot reading.
Occasionally a client has told me that they are of Christian faith and they seem guilty about
following their curiosity to have a tarot reading. This is an important issue and you must reassure
your client if they are feeling uncomfortable about having a reading.
Firstly, explain that they can stop at any time. Secondly, explain that having a tarot reading is not
anti anyone's religion. Some nineteenth century literature associated tarot with devil worship and
witchcraft, mainly for individuals to gain notoriety and sell books. For myself, I think tarot is a
useful tool for focussing on a persons life and is not biased towards or against any religion.
Would you judge whether a hammer or a screwdriver was of any religious faith? - you just use these
tools to build a house, just as tarot is a tool to help a person consider what they are doing with their
life and how they can positively move forward on their life journey. The cards contain Christian
symbols, although I believe from my research that tarot comes from the East. It is clear that tarot
has been modified by Christian influences. I believe tarot was associated with the crusader knights
who learned about eastern philosophies and had some influence on the cards that appeared in
Europe in the 1400s. Because the crusader knights became too powerful they were eventually
persecuted by the church and all they were associated with was discouraged and outlawed. Thus
tarot was disapproved of by the church and only cards for games became accepted.
I do not believe tarot has been constructed to test people's faith, it exists to assist a person on their
unique journey through life. It is about seeking your personal identity, and if you identify with a
belief in god, then that is how you are! It must be remembered that seeking self empowerment was
a dangerous thing in 15th century Europe, (when tarot seems to appear). Personal power belonged
in the hands of the rich. Society was structured so that a poor man had little freedom, his wife had
even less. Europe's ruling establishment discouraged - even feared - those who sought personal
power or freedom to follow their ideas - it was a very different world then.
Put into context, the tarot has survived after suffering some 'bad press', but ultimately when used
responsibly and sensibly it provides a tool for those who harbour questions about their world or
their life - providing alternative perspectives.
People may find some cards freaky. For instance The Devil card seems pretty ominous. But this is
the symbol of temptation and cruelty, and sometimes it is the client themselves who is behaving
badly and needs it pointing out to them! The Pope card stands for the concept of religion itself. The
client may need to be encouraged to make spiritual relationships - whatever the religion. The card
points out the importance of a spiritual community in a persons life.
Tarot is like a collection of pictures that show the world in all its manifestations - it creates an
awareness of many scenarios that appear in life. Respecting people's beliefs and religion is one of
those manifestations. A religious person who has embraced the spiritual part of themselves and who
chooses to live by their ethical values, seems to be on a worthwhile path to me. Having a tarot
reading will not diminish or negate a person's spiritual values, hopefully it will enhance them!
On the other hand, many clients are very curious to know about the future. Tarot cards are typically
used for divination, and some readings are especially designed to go three, six, and twelve months
ahead into the future. I do not always follow this as I prefer to use cards for self reflection. The way
I get round this is to interpret that certain issues may be needed to be addressed in the future. The
intention is to make a person think wider and longer about their life rather than what may happen to
them in future times. I like to put my clients in control if and when that is possible.
Some clients do not want to know the future, so that I am able to just give interpretations and allow
the client to reflect on these meanings. Basically, every reading should be tailor made to what your
client wants. I have even done a reading for a novelist who wanted to think about what her
characters would do in her book. I was actually doing a reading to help her write the story - and if
that helps the client, then why not?
Engaging With Tarot
If you learn tarot you need to understand some basic psychology (mostly common sense). Studying
tarot should encourage you to pursue your spiritual values and know yourself better.
Look At Yourself
Here are some important points:
You MUST examine your own internal psychological framework before taking on the role of the
tarot reader. If you think your clients may bring up issues that YOU have not worked through
properly, get counselling and be better prepared.
If you are honest and well intentioned, regarding life and people positively, your readings will be
supportive to your client.
It is irrelevant to regard tarot as good or evil, it is essentially a tool used in a focussing exercise.
In my opinion it is biased and fruitless to try to read tarot cards for yourself.
It is useful when studying tarot to keep a diary or journal on your thoughts about the cards and your
personal relationship with the archetypes (figures in the cards). This is important as it affects your
interpretations. (Some cards resonate more strongly than others. For example I was hazy about the
Emperor card for years. I preferred its meaning when it was ildignified, as I recognized it stood for
rebellion. Only recently after writing a whole book on the card can I now say that I fully understand
The Emperor.)
Also keep a diary of your dreams - dreams may be helpful for understanding images that may come
from the subconscious while you are using the cards. Keep your dream diary by the bed so you can
write them down straight away, before you forget them!
Warnings About The Fakes
I worked on a psychic fair for a few months, and although it sharpened my tarot reading skills, I
thought it was actually a negative place to do tarot readings. I can now provide advice for people
who read at, or attend psychic fairs Firstly, it seemed to me that there was subtle pressure on people to have a reading. A person may
feel obliged to have a reading because they have paid an admission fee. However, I would say that
you should only decide to have a reading if you feel a connection with a reader, that they are on
your wavelength. Therefore, don't be afraid to approach a reader (when they are not with someone),
and measure them up in a short conversation. Try to gauge if they are drunk, or a fake, because
some people most certainly are.
Secondly, be aware that some fortune tellers have scripts. During my time working on a psychic fair
the awful truth gradually revealed itself as I learned that some of the 'psychic's ' own personal lives
were a mess. I found out that some could manipulate and fool their clients. I worked with one 'palm
reader' who had six scripts. Its not often that more than six friends go together to the same reader at
a psychic fair, so the palm reader read palms all day, rotating through his six scripts.
Thirdly, there are some tricks that fortune tellers use. For instance, they know that a high proportion
of women work in the health care services and that many people have a scar on one of their knees.
Even people who have some 'ability' may be insecure enough to fall back on these things to gain a
client's confidence. If a reader asks searching questions of the client, is it to improve the reading or
try to instil some false sense of trust? Also any certificate presented, framed, on a reader's table
could easily be a fake.
More than once clients have told me after a reading that they have removed their wedding ring
before-hand. As I read a person's cards to try to inspire them and give them insights into self
improvement, this has never been an issue for me - which is probably why these clients told me
what they had done at the end of the reading. They realized that I wasn't trying to be clever (or
psychic) and that a genuine tarot reader isn't trying to be nosey - just helpful and empowering to
others. These are the simple ideals of an authentic tarot reader - and this is where the magic truly
resides. If you try to chase your psychic powers, they will just run away from you. I have been at
my most psychic when I stopped trying altogether and actually just worked with the cards in an
open way, suggesting ideas the cards gave me to the client. Sometimes the results were amazing but I can't say I am psychic.
Readers Who Talk About Themselves
In my experience, most people and readers that I have met who reckon they are psychic are lost in
their own self confidence and are sometimes delusional. Some are not the type of people I would
want to share my personal issues with. I would urge people looking for a reading to choose a person
who dresses sensibly, talks sensibly and seems to have some empathy. As a reader this is what you
need to do.
The time to talk about yourself is when a client enquires about having a reading. I advise to be open
- if you are quite new to it, say so - it doesn't matter what you say as long as you tell the truth.
But the time to talk about yourself is BEFORE the reading, when clients want to know if you can be
trusted. Once you start the reading it is not about you any more. Even if a client is dealing with a
subject or issue that you have personal experience with. It is not about you. It means you will find it
easy to have empathy for what the client is experiencing and can listen with absolute understanding
- which is great therapy in itself. However, every person experiences the world uniquely, so never
expect that your client will experience a situation identically to anyone else. Part of your job is to
see the world from your client's view point, so that when you give an interpretation of the cards it
will have meaning to them. Don't talk about any specific experience that happened to you - that is
your private business - the tarot reading is for your client, they are paying you for your time and
that time must be about the client. This is why counselling principles and skills are imperative - in
my opinion, the tarot reading is a type of counselling session.
Tarot Is Like Counselling
Tarot differs from established counselling because you spend some time looking at random ideas in
the tarot cards, seeing if they have any significance to your client. As already discussed, your client
may already have an issue or issues and somewhere, in the cards they have chosen, there will be the
key that unlocks the thing that bugs them. Sometimes the cards won't unlock the issue, but the client
will share that issue anyway. You must remember that this is their time - their space to explore
ideas. It doesn't matter if your client goes off at a tangent to tell you something. The space created
by the tarot reading is also the space for getting something off their chest - it is the client's time and
it is their need. Respect this. In some tarot readings the situation calls for empathetic listening.
There may be no one else to listen to your client in their life - in fact your client may very well be
the person who listens to, and supports others. Without even consciously acknowledging that the
space you provide gives permission to talk, your client may take the opportunity to spill something
they have held on to for too long.
When a client opens up and talks about their issues during their tarot reading, it is an amazing thing.
Its something very special that makes us human. They may decide it is safe to share things because
you are a stranger and they may never see you again. As the reader, whatever the client is saying to
you in confidence must be taken seriously and listened to carefully. This is therapeutic space, and
people are sensitive. I feel privileged in these moments for being trusted with personal stuff. I feel
humbled to be in the position to given the client permission, to give themselves permission, to air
issues that rarely see the light of day. If you are a tarot reader who wants to see people evolve and
heal, when such readings occur they are truly fulfilling. Most often the reader doesn’t have answers
(although you may be surprised how the cards can give answers about the most profound, obscure
issues). The most important thing is that the attitude of the reader is to take the client seriously and
treat their issues with genuine empathy - whatever you may privately think to yourself. Tarot
readings that deal with deep, personal, complicated, issues, are more about being with your client
than telling them what each card means (although a written interpretation may still be very useful to
the client afterwards). The key thing is to firstly ensure that the client knows that your readings are
confidential and that no one will ever know what they shared. Also if you think it appropriate,
suggest your client continue to explore their issues with a counsellor if you think they would benefit
from this and are ready to take on the idea. Be supportive. Reassurance is important.
Pacing Yourself
How Long Should A Reading Take?
Remember you can only concentrate for an hour at a time. One of the most often asked questions
before a reading is, 'how long will it take?' and my answer is always, 'a minimum of twenty
minutes'. I usually take three quarters of an hour. The longest reading I did was three hours and
although the client was quite distressed, I think it was too long and would not do that again.
Needless to say, that was before I had any counselling training.
My difficulty with the three hour reading was that I felt some responsibility about leaving the
individual alone after the reading. Every client is unique and so I was trying to follow my ethical
standards. However, tarot readers are not free therapists and now I think I should have had stronger
boundaries. After perhaps an hour and a half I should have thought up somewhere else I needed to
be. The experience was intense, but was a lesson that I needed to learn. Now I would say that when
a person has repeated their issue for the third time, and nothing new can be added, it is time to leave
the issue and finish the reading. I think that the respect I had shown for the client was not being
returned. Perhaps I was encountering the attitude - 'she is a stranger I will never see again, therefore
I can manipulate this situation into (what seemed to me to be) unproductive time'. Remember this
situation is very rare, it has only happened once out of hundreds of readings.
This extreme experience has enabled me to give others guidelines to protect them from
manipulative clients and make them aware of their professional boundaries. Every reader needs to
have boundaries between what is, and is not acceptable to them. For me, the main issue has always
been personal safety. I would not tell strangers on the beach where I was staying, although
occasionally I allowed clients to visit my place for a reading if I thought they would respect my
personal space. I liked the beach and the cafés in the day. At night I usually had a favourite place I
chose to hang out, and I usually made friends with people I clicked with, whether through tarot or
not. Being aware of your personal safety is very important - I decided not to go to anyone's hotel
room, even with friends around, it was too risky. If you travel with tarot choose safe places to read,
safe places to stay and safe friends to hang out with. The quality of your experience will depend on
your judgement, so be confident in your choices. This cannot be stressed enough - you must take
your personal safety seriously.
Your attitude really must be confident: that you can remove yourself when you wish, that you can
allocate time to a reading, that you have somewhere safe to go. The tarot reader is required to care,
but caring too much may make you a doormat for some client's obsessional or dysfunctional
behaviour.
Tarot And Competition
I had got used to approaching people on the beach and finding a way to quickly say what I did, then
going on my way, as I do not hassle people. I never forgot where I was - on the beach in Goa - and
paddling in the sea is just as much fun as doing a tarot reading. I had a friendly attitude, but I was
not there to beg, I had a skill that I valued and expected others to value, but if it wasn't their scene
then I was not bothered. People sometimes asked me a lot of questions about myself and tarot and I
got used to answering them - then they may have decided not to have a reading. This could be
tiring, but hey - we were on the beach in Goa...I mean this is a laid back place for having a chat.
I met another tarot reader on the beach in Goa one year. She was very wary of me, and utterly worn
out. We had heard about each other, but I could see she thought I could perceive her as a threat to
my 'business'. I was glad of the opportunity to go for a coffee with her and get to know her. At first I
reassured her that I did not see her as a threat. I do not own the beach and I am confident about
myself and my readings - people will make up their own minds, and I had found that one good
reading leads to another by word of mouth.
We compared how we understood the tarot cards and found that we both read quite differently (no
two readers interpret the same way). She incorporated astrology - something I barely touch upon, as
I concentrate more on psychology and numbers. So I thought that she had something great to offer
and I did not see why we should be in competition. In fact I think that it is unethical for tarot
readers to be competitive. Tarot readers should be in the head space for healing and being open to
insights. In order to be empathetic to our clients we need to be sensitive to the world around us.
Tarot readers need to support each other, not go into competition. We recognized that our position is
spiritual, we must function at a more higher, ethical level, than 'going into competition'.
So I was able to recommend the other tarot reader to people, and she recommended me. We
explained to people that we gave different interpretations in our readings. Consequently we both
found that more people were having readings and many of our clients enjoyed a reading from both
of us during the course of their holiday.
Putting A Value On Your Skills
My only gripe with this girl is that prior to meeting me she had given readings for free. I impressed
upon her that all her time spent learning her craft should be valued and that by not putting a price on
her time she was devaluing herself. She admitted that doing so many readings was tiring her out.
She told me that many people did not take proper notice of her readings - and she was working very
hard. She said that on numerous occasions she felt that her readings were not being taken seriously.
So we agreed that we would both charge for our readings - even if it was cheap by western
standards.
So the way of the tarot reader must be tough in some ways, and gentle in others. This is the realm of
the spirit - the realm from which the cards originate, and we must be attuned to a spiritual vibration
to work successfully with the cards and our clients.
Personal Growth
In this section of the book I will describe what I needed to help me give readings with confidence,
from practical techniques learned in counselling, to the spiritual teachings and philosophies which
come down to us from ancient times. I believe that without a personal search for growth and
enlightenment, it is impossible to help others in their search for wisdom. In my studies of tarot I
have drawn from many sources including psychology, world mythologies and ancient cultural
beliefs to improve my communication about tarot and my own self awareness.
About Psychology
Counselling and psychology theories can help in understanding archetypes and improve the quality
of communication between reader and client. Incorporating psychological explanations as part of a
reading can benefit the client's understanding and broaden their outlook. (For example I have
attached some ideas from transactional analysis to certain cards and will explain them if they seem
relevant and if the client wants a perspective from that particular angle).
The Importance Of Counselling Training
A person wishing to read tarot for others really must have some in-depth idea of counselling. As
already discussed, there is no telling what the client may decide to share with the tarot reader.
Clients may occasionally share something that only a doctor or therapist would hear. As the tarot
reader is not part of the 'establishment', some people choose to share heavy stuff in their tarot
reading because they do not like doctors or therapists. The tarot reader must be able to cope with the
situation professionally, and be able to give a constructive and supportive reaction. Sometimes the
tarot reader will hear secrets that contain very harsh truths. Thus for the tarot reader, counselling
training is vital. You cannot allow yourself to be shocked or overcome by a client's story if you want
to support your client through a tough emotional moment.
Thus the tarot reader must be attentive and empathetic to the client without allowing themselves to
become affected emotionally, being swept away instead of being there to support. I truly believe
that it is the tarot reader's responsibility to have counselling training, so that they will be confident
that they will not cause any psychological damage to their client. Training enhances awareness of
empathy, boundaries, listening skills - and allows a reader to handle and navigate through any
tough emotional moments - when a client may become distressed, may cry, or shares something
painful or shocking. Counselling training is a must for those difficult moments, keeping the client
supported and the reader in control of their own emotions and the tarot reading.
Problematic readings, although rare, can be very intense. But these readings may be very helpful to
the client, by allowing them to be listened to, understood, and find some way towards healing or
closure to very painful, personal problems. By the end of every reading, including a highly
emotionally charged encounter, the aim of the tarot reader is to ensure that their client has gained
something useful from their tarot reading. Simply being listened to without interruption, judgement
or futile advice, can be very therapeutic for some clients.
I studied Humanistic Counselling under the 'person centred model' , developed by an American
therapist, Carl Rogers (1902 - 87).
Who Was Carl Rodgers And What Did He Teach?
In 1986, Carl Rodgers, after many years of practising and testing his theories on successful
counselling, stated that :
'The person-centred approach is primarily a way of being - which finds its expression in attitudes
and behaviours that create a growth promoting climate'. He described the person centred approach
as a basic philosophy rather than simply a technique or a method. Rodgers said, 'When the
philosophy is lived, it helps the person to expand the development of his or her own capacities.
When it is lived it also stimulates constructive change in others. It empowers the individual and
when this personal power is sensed, experience shows that it tends to be used for personal and
social transformations'.
Rogers pioneered his counselling work in the 1930s and 40s - working from the premise that the
client knows best. The human centred counsellor has a framework based on the following:
Every person contains internal resources to enable them to grow
If a counsellor offers congruence, unconditional positive regard and empathy, the client will
experience 'therapeutic movement'
Human nature is essentially constructive and social
Self regard is a basic human need
People are motivated to seek the truth
Perceptions determine experience and behaviour
Counselling is about the individual client - they are the primary reference
Individuals should be related to as 'whole persons' who are in the process of becoming
It should be recognized that people who seek counselling are doing their utmost to grow and to
preserve themselves, whatever their circumstances
Counsellors do not seek authority or control over others - it is not a power game
I believe that by using this person centred framework for a tarot encounter, the reader is providing a
healthy, therapeutic space in which to give their interpretations and provide support for their client.
If this framework inspires you, and if you are willing to learn about congruence and unconditional
positive regard, if you are happy to explore your empathetic responses and your listening skills,
don't waste any time - get on to a course for Person Centred Counselling.
I didn't qualify as a counsellor. I did two rather intense years which would have qualified me to
study the subject at degree level. My life wasn't going that way - but the training at night school
under a very talented psychotherapist brought out in me the person who could be a confident tarot
reader. I would advise anyone who loves their course to go right through to the end of it and qualify
- it can provide work and security within the establishment - unlike being a tarot reader. For myself,
two years (and a year of introduction to counselling before that) set me up very well. Counselling
training is beneficial whatever direction you decide to take in your life.
Lastly, I would say that although the internet is full of information about Carl Rodgers and his
work, this is not enough. Training involves practising one to one counselling sessions. Nothing can
replace the experiences you will gain from these sessions. Practising means (constructive) feedback
- from the person who plays the role of the client, and from others who observe you practising. Be
prepared to learn from your mistakes and take criticism. Be prepared to have your own words said
back to you and keep a sense of humour. Be prepared to face and share your own heartbreaks so that
you have truthfully faced your own issues and found some closure and healing, before you put
yourself in the space for others to share their issues with you.
Don't expect to be an overnight sensation - but do expect to claw your way through to a better
understanding of yourself and how to be with others. Speaking for myself - despite undergoing all
the training it took another couple of years before I got down to the bedrock of my own, personal
issues. People can be in counselling for years, while a tarot reading lasts an hour at the most. You
need to be switched on for every reading - some people will never go for counselling but they will
keep your tarot reading and refer to it over the years to come.
Transactional Analysis (TA) Explained
A useful subject to study regarding human relations is Transaction Analysis. These are theories
based on observing communication and behaviour between people, based on the work of Eric
Berne. Berne looked at behaviour patterns and identified healthy and unhealthy communication and
relationships. I continued to find credibility in these theories before and during my counselling
training (which did not cover TA). Although hailing from the 1950s era, I find the basic principles
of Transactional Analysis useful. My only difficulty with it has been with the dated attitudes
towards homosexuality which was once considered an illness. I have ignored such obvious
ignorances of the day, and found that the principles of TA can be beneficial. I have utilized some of
the theory for my own understanding and, when appropriate, have incorporated strands of TA theory
into a tarot reading when the circumstances have been appropriate.
The following outlines a basic understanding of Transactional Analysis.
Ego States
In Berne's view of psychology, he identified three sides to a persons personality which he called
'ego states'. These make up an internal psychological structure. Ego states consist of the Child, the
Parent and the Adult.
Child ego state - when a person responds or broadcasts from their inner child
Parent ego state - when a person responds or broadcasts the way their parent or primary carer did or
does
Adult ego state - when a person responds or broadcasts with some thought about how their response
fits sensibly to a conversation or circumstance, which they recognize as taking place in present
time, with some sensitivity to how the person they are communicating with may feel about what is
being said.
Eric Berne said that we look at the world and communicate with others continually from these three
states. We also internally process the information that we receive from the outside world through
any of our three ego states, which may affect the way we see things.
Human Hunger
Berne identified two types of human psychological hunger - stroking and time structuring.
Stroking is defined as 'any act implying recognition'. This is done mainly using words, but can also
occur in symbolic form such as with a look or a gesture. Acts of recognition may be positive or
negative.
When stroking is positive, it indicates healthy emotions and a sense of OK-ness. Positive strokes
can be very simple surface strokes - for example a stranger saying 'hello' as they walk past. Positive
strokes make a person feel alive and significant.
Positive strokes can be authentic and complimentary.
Authentic strokes are informative and honest, providing information which can build selfawareness. Thus a person's skills may grow and they gather more resources. Informative strokes are
clear and nourishing, reinforcing the idea that I am OK and you are OK. Honest reactions serve to
show good will between people.
Complimentary positive stroking incorporates the act of listening. However, listening that may be
empty or non-evolutionary is negative. Good listening can be active or reflective. These types of
listening give verbal feedback and clarify feelings and points of view - the listening is from the
adult ego state and 'I 'talk becomes 'you' talk. I personally see positive strokes as reassuring
communication, where what a person says is taken seriously, whatever the context.
Negative Strokes
Berne said that negative stroking produces Non Productive Scripts. Non Productive Scripts are
defined as cruel, degrading and false - and can cause a person to be 'discounted'. This means that
what is said around a person makes them feel that they have nothing worth saying, or that they are
not valued. Non productive scripts reinforce the message that a person is Not-OK.
So in Transactional Analysis there is recognition that humans have needs in common, and these
needs are met by strokes and these strokes can be positive or negative. Recognition is such an
important human need that Berne said even a negative stroke is better than no stroke at all. It is easy
to see that strokes affect a persons development. In fact without strokes we would die.
Eric Berne called two or more strokes between people a 'transaction'.
Transactions
A transaction would be when person A strokes person B and person B returns a stroke back to
person A. Thus the transacting continues between A and B as communication continues.
Now here is the thing: strokes are broadcast through an individual's ego states. So even during the
course of just one person-to-person encounter, strokes may come from or be received through
different ego states. Or strokes may come through a particular ego state for one transaction, then be
broadcast through another ego state for a different transaction. It depends on what feels appropriate
to the transactors at the time.
Thus a conversation may be made up of people communicating from different ego states - and the
conversation may or may not work out. This may explain why sometimes conversations can leave
us feeling puzzled or even angry. Its likely that when you feel that you have a good rapport with
someone, you are probably both transacting from the same ego state, or states that compliment each
other in that moment. Occasionally something is said that may trigger off a response from an ego
state that may be unexpected for the people in the transaction. This may have to do with a memory
that is actually unconnected to the present transaction.
Different situations cause us to transact from different ego states. For example illness may cause a
person to transact from their needy, child ego state that wants to be cared for. The person caring for
the ill person may fit into the transaction from their parent ego state, giving comfort and support, if
their parent operates this way. However, it is possible that their parent is angry and inconvenienced,
and so gives support grudgingly. If the carer for the ill person responds from their child ego state
they may 'play' at being ill too, or demand instead that they get attention - their behaviour will show
their state of mind as they throw a tantrum, become indifferent or voice their irritation at the
inconvenience of having to change their plans.
Someone operating through their adult ego state would weigh up the pros and cons, make measured
allowances and supervise decisions emanating through the other ego states.
Time Structuring
Berne divided up the human need for structuring time as follows:
Withdrawal - time alone to follow personal interests
Rituals - from cooking Sunday lunch to going to church
Pastimes - Saturday night down the pub for example
Experiencing intimacy - a physical and emotional need from the adult ego state that calls for a
person to be genuine and at the same time makes them vulnerable to rejection
Psychological games - where patterns of behaviour may use discounting scripts and people take on
roles and parts as if they were in a dramatic play
Scripts
Berne called all of the verbal and non-verbal actions used in strokes and transactions a 'script'. A
script is the words or 'story' a person uses to describe themselves and their life to themselves, and
what they tell others about themselves and their life. It is possible that there may be distortion as a
person's script could be adjusted to how they wish to portray themselves and their life to others,
which may be anything from slightly inaccurate to holding little truth at all.
Scripts are the tales we tell as we progress through our lives, going from one event to another. The
individual is like the main character in a film and Berne calls our life story the 'Drama of Life
Events'. When someone is relating their Drama of Life Events it is possible to see their behaviour
patterns as they report and relate their life, (I call it broadcasting). In the Drama of Life Events,
others in a person's life are given roles and scripts.
We play out our parts to the world - primed by our parental figures from our first breath. We are
encouraged to take on the roles that our parents believe befit us. The programming - initially non
verbal, gives direction and expectations for what our role is intended to be. These expectations
affect our own feelings of what is deemed to create fulfilment in life, and can affect our choice of
work and partner.
We have scripts that can be constructive, destructive and unproductive, all learned from the roles
expected of us. Children crave strokes and will usually aim to please and comply to parental
expectations which means fitting into the family patterns - what is essentially the 'family drama'.
Outgrowing these roles is difficult - during childhood expectations have been internalised. If family
patterns contain poor transactions and have moments of unnecessary dramatic intensity, the
individual from that family internalises these patterns and is capable of replaying them upon the
world stage, and in their own adult relationships. Also, in my opinion, individuals may be
unconsciously attracted to others who show or hint at patterns they recognise from their own family,
because I believe people are drawn to the familiar.
Patterns of behaviour within a family may cause an individual to internalize unhealthy roles.
Unhealthy roles interchange and have manipulation as their theme. The transactions are usually
from one person's child ego state to another person's child ego state and the transactors are
manipulating their way around discounting scripts. Berne called unhealthy transactions 'games' as
the participants attempt to win a top-dog position and manipulate others into under-dog positions.
Berne noticed how participants in a game swap roles - between persecutor, victim and rescuer
positions.
Games are never played from a persons adult ego state.
Awareness of these theories can help a tarot reader see their client as an actor in their Drama of Life
Events, and if it is appropriate for the client, they can be shown how transactions may be
understood and improved. Sometimes just a small awareness of some aspect of Transactional
Analysis can help a client make positive changes on issues large and small. For me, Transactional
Analysis offers some sound explanations for puzzling behaviour and has helped me discover a
clearer understanding of my own psychology and the negative traps within it. Having a view of our
own psychology can cause true growth and change life for the better.
Further study of Transactional Analysis reveals types of transactions and a better understanding of
what people are doing when they play psychological games. Sadly Berne died before his work was
properly recognized, but I am glad I discovered TA. This tool helps for understanding a person's
background, behaviour, and life situations and often resonates with my tarot clients. When I publish
my full work, Transactional Analysis will appear frequently, attached to the relevant cards. Useful
books regarding Transactional Analysis are 'The Games People Play - The Psychology of Human
Relationships' by Eric Berne and 'I'm OK, You're OK.' by Thomas Harris, amongst others.
Ancient Philosophies And Their Relevance to Tarot
As a growing person and as a tarot reader I have found that it is important for me to be spiritually
aware and evolving. I do not prescribe to any particular religion, but I find the philosophies of
Buddhism and Yoga useful and insightful.
Buddhism
I personally do not regard Buddhism as a religion, although to some, this is exactly what it is. My
interest lies with the teaching of meditation and the philosophy which makes Buddhism useful in a
persons spiritual development and their evolution towards maturity.
The Buddha lived about two and a half thousand years ago and began life as a wealthy prince. Aged
twenty nine this prince renounced his position and sought enlightenment. After a fruitless quest
travelling in India, the Buddha found enlightenment. He realised that life is suffering, caused by
'Maya', meaning illusion. Maya is created by false desires and aversions which are self perpetuating
(karma). Misery continues in a cycle over many lives, and the only way to break the cycle of
suffering is via the middle path, to 'Nirvana'. The middle path is one of right view, thought, speech,
action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness and concentration.
A good way to explore this philosophy is through meditation. This discipline helps calm and tame
the mind, which is restless by nature. Meditation provides a way to connect to your true self and
feelings. It works by creating a peaceful, still, space inside you, so that you are briefly removed
from the distractions of normal life.
There are many meditation techniques. All use a vehicle, like sound, or the breath, to concentrate
and focus the mind. This is difficult, as inevitably the mind will soon wander into a thinking state.
The mind wanders either to the past or the future, through memories or fantasies. The Buddhists
describe the mind to be like a chattering monkey. When concentration has been broken, the
meditator returns the mind to the state of clear meditation.
Repeated meditation will bring awareness of subtler sensations and levels of reality. There is no
danger of being unable to return to your everyday thoughts - thoughts will try to return constantly.
But in the small spaces where you can still your mind, feelings will become clearer, stronger and
truer. Meditation catches glimpses of realisations about life, about how you think and behave.
According to the Buddhists, ignorance becomes reduced.
With practice, the gap between thoughts become larger, until eventually, the meditator reaches a
state of just being beyond thought, beyond themselves, beyond life and death. Buddhists say that
reaching this state takes a person to true reality - the source of all form.
I was afraid of meditation before I understood it. I thought that if you tried to turn your mind off it
may not come back on again. This is untrue as the mind will not turn off. One thought proceeds
another, then another ad infinitum. I think even good meditators just slow the process down. If you
can get to the moments in between the thoughts, you are connecting to another part of the mind, the
part that is not logical or planning but has its own type of intelligence. It is such a fleeting glimpse
of existence on another level, because the minute you think about what it all means, you have
stopped meditating!
For me, the magic of meditation is that when I try to slow down the chatter of thoughts and do some
meditation, the really important thoughts keep coming through. My way of controlling these
thoughts is to write myself a note as these thoughts are always about the things I have forgotten to
do. Once I have written my 'to do list' I can concentrate properly on really letting go.
Don't expect immediate results from meditation (although there can be sometimes) but do expect
something to change in your approach to life. Subtly one can feel a connection to the mind which is
part of the Universal Mind - and this can provide insights into your world if you are open to it.
Understanding And Practising Buddhism
As I said before tarot readers have big responsibilities. I decided that understanding the mind and
the Buddhist philosophies could connect me to a higher spiritual plane when interpreting the cards.
I was attracted to the calmness I felt around the Buddhists I met and decided that this needed to be
developed in my own life, for my own evolution.
The Dalai Lama, in his book 'The Way to Freedom' says that to practice Buddhism is 'to wage a
struggle between the negative and positive forces in your mind.' We must help ourselves before we
can help others and in order to do this we must liberate the mind from the mental traps that have
been psychologically set for us by others, or that we have manufactured for ourselves. In the past
this trap was explained as the 'Abyss' - a deep chasm forming a prison.
In Buddhism there are 'four noble truths'.
Truth number one is that we live in a state of suffering and our happiness is constantly passing
away.
Truth number two is that the cause of suffering is attachment to delusions - we hold on to things that
are not even real and allow them to hurt us.
Truth number three is that if we eliminate the delusions the suffering will cease.
Truth number four is that there is a path (or method) that leads to the cessation of suffering of the
mind if we understand the meaning of karma - the universal law which deals with causes and
effects.
The 'Perfection of Wisdom Sutra' says that, 'the practice of generosity, ethics, patience, effort,
concentration and wisdom are the only path...that all the Buddhas of the past traversed to
enlightenment.' Buddhism is a journey of self discovery for any person who is seeking after truth,
just as they may study tarot. In fact the two are linked. I have attached Buddhist philosophy to the
meanings of some tarot cards.
Buddhist writers speak of the mystic, who must have a double personality - his own everyday
habits, called 'temporary appearance' and his other face, the one he knew long before his parents
were born. From what I can gather, Buddhist philosophy is not to ask questions, but to actively seek
experiences in order to learn from them. Meditation is a tool to enhance your self discipline.
Studying Buddhism helps to combat questions of doubt and embrace an attitude that is based on
pure kindness. There is no defence against kindness. Buddhism resonates with my ethical beliefs
(basically behaving nicely to one another) and I was following this philosophy before I even knew
there was 'Buddhism'.
This is the sort of thing that appeals to me about Buddhism, one writer said: 'finally when you have
nothing left to say, smile pleasantly'. This is a great way to finish a tarot reading.
How I Missed The Dalai Lama
I had planned to visit Sikkim in North East India, but on the way it started snowing. This is a
serious development when travelling the Himalayas. As I was already at a very high elevation in a
town called Kalimpong, I knew that going higher through Darjeeling would be dangerous on the
roads. I had already noticed that the bus drivers had a mate to help them turn the steering wheel on
the tricky bends on the mountains of the lower Himalayas, so I thought it too risky to go further. I
came down the mountains, acutely aware that the bus was being driven by two men (although this
was probably safer).
I travelled west across Bihar State on a bus which broke down in the middle of bandit country. In a
bid to get on with my journey I found myself in a 'shared taxi' which was really like a bus - if there
was room, people could get on and off. Various local people used this service, including a boy who
showed everyone his gun and had a conversation about AK47s. (I knew this because AK47
translates to AK47). I reached Patna, the main town, in the rain, after dark, with a soaking wet bag
which had been on the taxi roof all day. I congratulated myself on getting there without biting my
tongue off, as the roads were seriously bumpy and made my teeth clack - it was safer to keep my
tongue in the middle of my mouth. After searching through wet, miserable streets I found a hotel,
only they didn't want me, despite being mostly empty - they seemed genuinely afraid of putting up a
foreigner. Because I had suspected this, (by the staff's distinct lack of enthusiasm at my arrival), I
left my rucksack in the room when I went to see it, and taken the key from the porter, before
returning to the reception desk to make my arrangements. This was the only reason I managed to
secure the room. After drying out for a day I faced the pouring rain and completed my journey to
Bodgaya, an unplanned visit to the Buddha's place of enlightenment. A few days later a bomb went
off on the road I had travelled down; it was election time.
When I got to Bodgaya the town was full. I didn't know it but the Dalai Lama had also arrived that
day. Every hotel and hostel was booked out. I slept on a mattress behind the reception desk of a
hotel that night, along with others who hadn’t booked. It was nice to think that the Dalai Lama was
in town, but I was out of energy - my trip there had been a bit trying, so I had no plans to seek him
out. Bodgaya was full of Buddhist pilgrims, and I wandered around exploring the place and people
watching.
The day after I arrived I sat outside a café chatting to some other travellers. People wondered if they
would see the Dalai Lama. There was a feeling of expectation - I wondered if it was really wise to
just wait around. I decided to go off to do things. Later someone told me that the Dalai Lama
walked past the café within minutes of my departure.
I sensed that they felt really sorry for me - I had missed seeing a very special person in the flesh.
But in all honesty I didn’t feel bad about it at all. Never did since. Why? What is the real difference
between those who have met the Dalai Lama and those who haven’t? If you get a puffed up ego
about meeting him it's not really a Buddhist experience!
I missed the Dalai Lama and I don't care about it. I think its because I already know the Dalai Lama
- I have met in his words and I understand what he stands for. I have great admiration for the man
but I think that this experience was a lesson about attachment - maybe I will meet him one day but it
doesn’t really matter. Was he going to give me cosmic realizations or was he going to smile at me
pleasantly? I can see him smiling in my minds eye.
Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga was another avenue of spiritual exploration that seemed appropriate to improving my
outlook as a tarot reader. The philosophy explains that the mind is our instrument of perception, and
'in Raja Yoga the mind is the instrument for looking inwards and uncovering the inner self.'
'Om' is the breath of 'God' or the creator that runs through the universe and each soul, and 'Shanti'
means 'peaceful'. So 'Om Shanti' means 'I am a peaceful soul', a person experiencing themselves as
a point of light (they say it is located in the centre of the forehead and that the third eye is the
awareness of 'meditating consciousness'). Using exercises in Raja Yoga the practitioner will fill
themselves with light and see it in others.
The seekers of spiritual knowledge are advised that one must not judge quality by size. Emergence
comes from a spark of light and every religion sees god as light. For the yogis, god has three
meanings - the benefactor, the point and the seed. They say that the physical world is the Corporeal
World, the Subtle World is light or the astral plane, and the Incorporeal World is constant,
unchangeable light, completely stable in silence and peace, where all souls come from and
ultimately go.
As I travelled India I collected bits of ancient philosophy, here is a summary:
Karma
The Law Of Karma is the Law Of Cause and Effect. It makes one totally responsible for ones own
situation. This is a good subject to tackle for tarot and resides in the Justice card.
The Four Ages That Make An Aeon
The Vedas contain knowledge of an ancient system of time. In the Vedas an aeon is made up of The Golden Age, The Silver Age, The Copper Age and The Iron Age. Further research showed that
these ages are of unequal length: The Golden Age lasts the longest at nearly five thousand years,
while the Silver age lasts about three and a half thousand. The Copper Age lasts about two and a
half thousand years and the Iron Age only just over a thousand. Time is regarded as cosmic, infinite
and in a cycle measured in aeons.
Needless to say that we are considered to presently be in the last part of the Iron Age before a
catastrophe takes us back to the start of a new aeon. Our Iron Age called the 'Kaliyuga' is an age of
decline and decadence, with a minority of people trying to preserve the good things for the start of
the next age. It is believed that at the end of the Iron Age there will be some sort of apocalyptic
event, either destroying the world or renewing it in some less catastrophic sense. This idea seems
hard wired into human psychology as it is repeated in so many religions.
The Vedas say that during the Night of Brahma, Brahma sleeps and there is no world. 'All karma
sleeps with Brahma. When Brahma awakes, the world is created as he opens his eyes. The other
cycles, as worlds are created and destroyed, are when Brahma blinks. After a Life of Brahma, all
karma is annihilated. But Brahma is reborn, born from a lotus that grows from the navel of the
sleeping Vishnu.'
The Swastika
I had always associated the swastika with Hitler's Germany until my first trip to India! It appears
that Hitler stole this symbol and degraded it for his own devices.
To the Hindus the swastika represents the 'World Dharma Cycle' and knowledge of oneself. 'The top
half of the swastika points to the right and symbolizes the beginning. The swastika implies the
passage of the soul through birth and rebirth. In the Golden Age, civilization, art, and culture, are at
their zenith. At this time the human consciousness is at its most beautiful, its most pure and
powerful. Nothing is lacking either physically or spiritually. But if power is not being accumulated
it must be decreasing, so the next hand of the swastika points a little lower to the Silver Age. It
represents a tarnishing of the Golden Age, and, by the end of the Silver Age a change begins. The
world turns into one we may recognise today. In the Silver Age the original god power of purity
becomes depleted. Physical awareness begins to dominate consciousness'.
'The swastika turns left towards the Copper Age when wrong actions and thoughts lead to distress.
Man breaks the Universal Natural Laws, and disaster begins.' The Swastika indicates the climax of
false consciousness in the Iron age. The scene of world drama is now Hell. Mal-distribution of the
worlds resources, extreme poverty and pollution are characteristics of this age. Violence manifests
itself at all levels, spiritual and physical. Nature reacts causing immense suffering by floods, famine
and other natural disorder. 'The present scene of world drama is this - the most auspicious age,
when the new age is nearly visible. Actors are now preparing to return home and also to come
subsequently on earth for the beginning of the new drama. In this way world history repeats
identically every five thousand years.' The confluence age is known as the Diamond Age. I cannot
see this repeating identically every five thousand years, but I find the idea of evolutionary cycles
interesting.
Hindu Philosophies
The Five Senses
The Eyes - as soul awareness becomes spiritual, the eyes will radiate purity and inspire others.
The Ears - information is sifted by the intellect. To improve ones spirituality one must only retain
those things that give them peace and reject everything else. If you accept harmful speech, you will,
in turn give it out. Do not harm by speech.
The Sense of Taste - For a spiritual life, acquire a taste for higher things.
The Sense of Touch - what your hands touch should be in order to grow spiritually.
The Sense of Smell - the nose is the symbol of curiosity, it senses the profit or loss in using energy.
It is seeking liberation in life.
The Eight Powers Of Raja Yoga
These eight powers eclipse what would be termed as qualities as they are a source of inspiration and
can enable power in others.
To Face or Confront with courage - (Major Arcana Card 11)
To Discriminate - (Major Arcana Card 6)
To Judge - (Major Arcana Card 8)
To Tolerate - (Major Arcana Card 14)
To Pack up - (Major Arcana Card 7)
To Co-operate - (Major Arcana Card 21)
To Accommodate - (Major Arcana Card 19 and 17)
To Withdraw - (Major Arcana Card 9 and 16)
We are probably always using at least one of the eight powers.
The power of confrontation is enhanced when the mind becomes detached enough to observe
difficulties in a more positive light, allowing us the strength to face things.
The power of discrimination is the ability to sort our thoughts away from negative thinking and
recognise the positive and negative words we hear. We choose what we think is valuable and
worthwhile to experience and internalize.
The power of judgement allows a person to make decisions quickly with confidence. Clear thinking
without biased opinion or emotional influence means absolute confidence in what is appropriate.
Good judgement calls for a detached perspective, intellectual clarity and a good measure of
understanding oneself.
The power of toleration tackles ones ability to be patient with people and situations. This toleration
means that one stays serene internally and continues with peace, whatever the outside conditions.
The power to pack up that which is wasting time and energy. This is the realization that things
perhaps once regarded as important have become nothing but habitual props. These things harm
physically or psychologically, perhaps damaging or impeding ones spiritual development. The
power to pack up can relate to the mental level, when the mind is stuck on a train of thoughts which
cause distress and suffering without a useful outcome. (Usually these are repeated negative thoughts
that just go round without a positive result.) Packing up this mode of thinking and mentally
pursuing another direction is a liberating action.
The power of co-operation with others requires an attitude of equality and respect. Thus groups are
strengthened and difficulties are more easily overcome.
The power of accommodation refers to the ability to adjust to outside situations without clashing
with that which feels very different and unnatural. The art is to mould into the shape needed to
avoid conflict or rejection.
The power of withdrawal refers to a person's state of mind where thoughts can be retrieved at any
time, during any activity, to the state of inner peace. With this control, a person will not waste
mental energy and can utilize their energy more efficiently.
Meditation and Yoga
Meditation and Yoga seem to go together, the following is taken from Yoga literature. I am not
fully 'into' the philosophy, but the literature contains little truths that help to make sense of what it
means to make spiritual progress and further ones understanding of self-awareness and the way the
world may tick.
The opinion in the literature that I discovered was that the application of knowledge of yoga was
for spiritual progress, the goal being that of perfection. From my more cynical viewpoint I would
say that perfection is an excellent ideal to aim for, but one should find satisfaction if one has done
their best, whatever the result. Doing one's best seems to contain a high spiritual quality to me. I
feel that doing and being your best is the perfect attitude, even if your results are not deemed to be
perfect by yourself or others. I think one man's perfection can be another man's half hearted attempt,
so, for me, perfection is not as important as effort.
Recognize the highest qualities. Both eastern and western ideas of paradise describe the lamb and
the lion drinking together at the same pool. Thus paradise calls for the courage of the lion and the
gentleness of the lamb. This seems to be a universal combination for seekers of the truth.
See the effect of pure vibrations. There is a belief that the vibrations radiating from human beings
determines the mental state of animals too. The idea is that the vibrations of the human soul affect
the vibrations of nature, so that if human vibrations are pure and non violent in thought and word it
spreads to animals. (Actually this reminds me of the Buddhist monks that live with tigers - although
the tigers are given a vegetarian diet, could there be something to this?)
Inspiration to go beyond desire. If the mind is pulled by a variety of desires, the energy of the mind
is being scattered. No one desire will find fulfilment for very long. I think this means we need to
learn to focus properly.
See the value of the supreme law. Observe the highest codes of conduct. Great leaders are supposed
to be chosen for their wisdom. Follow the highest ethical laws as these will determine the authority
of your status in the future.
Recognize the seed of truth and the object of yoga. Yoga is described as the 'rejuvenator'. The
creator of the tree is only the one seed. Branches provide support and strength, but do not make the
whole tree, just as the whole truth is not apparent in the branches of knowledge. Awareness of a
higher power and the philosophy of karma contribute to the whole truth. Thus religions established
in the Copper Age are, 'one facet of the whole diamond, and so explains their source of
discontentment. If I have the seed in my hand I have the potential for unlimited fruit.'
Experience contentment from seeing variety. This is good to meditate upon. We love flowers, but
would we want just one type of flower all over the world? Variety is the spice of life and I would
say that by embracing variety one comes across the unfamiliar, giving one the opportunity to learn
something new.
Recognize the source of nourishment - Sustenance cannot come from another leaf but from the
branch. This is very relevant in today's world, as I believe we have lost sight of where things come
from. We need to be aware of where food is sourced, or where clothes are made for instance, so that
we can make ethical decisions about what we buy. Also I think this may be a warning about false
information, especially relevant on the internet and with mass media. Check that your information
sources are authentic and keep your knowledge accurate.
Be able to compare today and tomorrow - I think this statement relates to perspective and that is
probably embracing the idea of living in the present. If you are concerned with now, then it
becomes possible to have a view of what you are doing and make a more accurate plan, based on
the reality of what is going on today. Thus one can make improvements for tomorrow if one is able.
Meditate - the seed for self change and world change.
Compassion And Altruism
Compassion is a big subject in Buddhism. The Dalai Lama in his book 'The Way to Freedom' says
that Buddhahood is 'in the palm of your hand' if you practice great compassion. He speaks of the
'desire to become enlightened in order to liberate all other sentient beings....' Didn't Jesus say 'love
one another'?
The Dalai Lama encourages an active role to generate people to aspire to enlightenment. Great
compassion and love is not enough. He proposes that, 'what is required is the sense of personal
responsibility to shoulder the task of freeing them from suffering and providing them with
happiness....the more affection you feel towards sentient beings, the more you hold them dear, the
better you will be able to develop genuine compassion for them.'
If you have any doubt about what to meditate on, he says, 'Meditation on love is the supreme
protection.'
Buddhism is serious about the altruistic attitude, calling it the 'root of happiness within the human
community'. It provides peace of mind, at the same time creating a peaceful atmosphere around
you. Thus calmness on the interior tends to cause calm on the exterior.
It seems to me that there have been many challenges to the Dalai Lama regarding his love and
compassion for all, because one has to remember that his Holiness has been at odds with the
Chinese most of his life. When the Dalai Lama fled from Tibet in the 1950s the Chinese took the
country over. In claiming Tibet for China, they have systematically attempted to destroy Tibetan
culture. They murder and terrorize the Tibetan Buddhist community to this day. Sometimes I
wonder how the Dalai Lama wrenches the love from his heart for the Chinese - yet he has to
because as he says - 'love is the supreme protection'.
Again I am reminded of my time in Bodgaya in India - where I turned up exhausted from Patna and
missed seeing the Dalai Lama. I stayed at a Buddhist meditation centre and I remember many good
things happened there, (including meeting the lady who would first publish my work about my trip
to investigate the origins of the tarot in India). But most of all I remember a girl who wasn't visiting
the centre for meditation courses. She worked at the building next to the gateway into the centre, a
little way away from the main complex. The building at the gateway was a free clinic, run by
nursing volunteers for the local people of the surrounding area. With Bihar being the poorest state in
India, this clinic and tiny hospital always had queues and was always full. The girl I met showed me
around.
She put her heart and soul into nursing those people voluntarily. Being in her presence was
uplifting. I don't remember what she looked like all these years later, I just remember her energy even when she was just sitting having lunch. The Dalai Lama is right - altruism, compassion, just
the attitude itself gives off a peaceful, yet powerful vibration. I was inspired by that trainee nurse,
she was nobody and yet she was such a somebody.
So love yourself and love each other, love the world and love your tarot. Love your client and love
the time in others company. If you cannot love something, somewhere, remove yourself from the
place, from the people. Set your standards and set them by love, the supreme principle that brings
peace and beauty. Never forget that shared love is the most powerful, do not be afraid to share.
But of course this advice comes with a warning - positive energy attracts, and not just other positive
energy. Negative energy is often hungry for more energy, and may not even know that it is negative,
but is attracted to your positive energy because it recognizes a place of shelter, or the place with an
answer. And negative energy can sometimes find a solution and change itself. However, don't be
sucked dry by negative energy. Share altruistically with others, but don't let them exhaust you. This
is why you must trust your instincts, such as when to end a reading. It is, of course, true about life in
general.
Then there is the advice from the Dalai Lama that a person should not be afraid to pursue something
on their own. He speaks of self confidence and self reliance. He speaks of cultivating joy and
valuing the power of relaxation. Learning your cards, you need to follow the Dalai Lamas advice,
he says, 'it is said that the faculty of effort should be like a river, sustained and continuous....' If a
person becomes absorbed only in what he calls 'stabilizing meditation', the analytical faculty of the
mind remains unexplored, and a person begins to lose their intelligence, and 'the wisdom to
discriminate between right and wrong'. This is very dangerous.
The Dalai Lama advises, 'seemingly contradictory situations like having very strong love and
compassion, and still not being polluted by attachment and desire are due to the impact of wisdom.
The obstacle to wisdom is ignorance...' He says ignorance arises from 'constant indulgence in
pointless activities'.
He drops a pearl of insight when he says, '...it is important to realize that the wisdom discriminating
the nature of phenomena, is the primary cause for achieving enlightenment...' We have obtained life
(quite a miracle in itself when you think about it) and with it we have evolved our fantastic thinking
organ, the brain. This 'unique facility' gives us the power to discriminate between right and wrong.
Increased understanding increases knowledge, and results in growth.
Buddhism has six perfections - Generosity, Ethics, Patience, Effort, Concentration and Wisdom.
Thus it is clear that Buddhist philosophy has an established view of the landscape of the mind. Their
observations and comments can greatly enhance understanding for the tarot reader when dealing
with issues of their own and of others. Buddhist views on perception, compassion and the illusion
of life, bring a sense of calm and a spiritual dimension to a reading. I have related to many Buddhist
philosophies and sprinkled them throughout my work on tarot.
Archetypes
Archetypes were professor Carl Jung's (1875 - 1961) speciality - he especially enjoyed studying the
archetype of the mother (reflected in The Empress tarot card). Archetypes are common experiences
that we can all relate to as human beings. An archetype describes conscious and unconscious truths
that exist in all people or human societies at any time in history. Archetypes help us to identify our
experiences with each other and make sense of the world. Archetypes are truths for us to pick up
and use if we want to. The following notes were made from Jung's work when describing his idea of
archetypes.
Archetypes are not bound by time, space, past or future - they exist outside of our dimension and
are not readily perceived, usually because we are often busy living them. Jung distinguished
between the 'personal unconscious' and the 'collective unconscious'. He said that the collective
unconscious is part of the psyche which can be negatively distinguished from a personal conscious
by the fact that it does not owe its existence to a personal experience, it is not a personal acquisition.
He explained that the personal unconscious is made up essentially of contents that have been
experienced consciously at some point in a person's life, but the experience has disappeared from
consciousness, having been forgotten or repressed. Meanwhile, the contents of the collective
unconscious have never been in an individual's consciousness and therefore have never been
individually acquired, but owe their existence exclusively to hereditary. Jung said, 'Whereas
personal unconscious consists for the most part of complexes, the content of the collective
unconscious is made up essentially of archetypes.'
'The concept of archetype...indicates the existence of definite forms in the psyche which seem to be
present always and everywhere...the instincts form very close analogies to the archetypes, so close
in fact that there is a good reason for supposing that the archetypes are the unconscious images of
the instincts themselves, in other words that they are patterns of instinctual behaviour.
Another more mystical and less psychological way of viewing the archetypes is to see them as
emanations originating from the godhead. The godhead is one, undivided, the 'All That Is', in a state
of 'being-ness'. When the godhead is pictured as light, the light is seen to be pouring forth its rays,
infiltrating all of creation with itself. The closer the rays of light are situated to the 'source of god',
the purer and less divided they are. As the light descends further from the source, the more coarse
the rays of light become. We can see the godhead not only sending forth pure rays of individual
beams of itself through the matrices of infinitude, but also modifying these beams at each
progressive level of space, according to the angles or arcs at which they are perceived.
Each spectrum is a part of the source, reflecting that part of the source which it has sent forth from
itself. At each level these 'light blueprints' fuse or translate, according to the rhythms of the plane
and process they are inter-meshing with, and even though they remain whole, they appear translated
according to each level's perception of them. In other words, the godhead sends images of itself out
to 'become', according to each image's own innate nature.
As the groupings or arrangements of the light beams reach closer to the coarser portion of the
cosmos, the light eventually materializes, grounding itself in its rhythmically similar material form.
Each material form is but a physical manifestation of the light-archetype from which it is formed,
partaking of the same code pattern that formed it. Viewed in this way, each archetype is an
arrangement of energy-motion, corresponding to its own light code principle, not only on this level,
but on all the similar levels that oscillate with its own particular light blue-print. This implies that
constant creation is forever, and for always, taking place. All archetypes are mirroring the original
source. Each archetype is the same energy motion comprised of the original structure and dynamics
of its own light ray from the source. This also implies that the source is creating life from itself and
life is also creating the source from itself'.
Taoist philosophy prescribes that the microcosm is the archetype and the macrocosm is God. Plato
recognized archetypes as the type of angle or arch in which we view the whole. With this in mind, a
tarot reader is studying various angles of the archetypes. Jung said, 'We are attempting to grasp
angles which are beyond our present ones, we are admitting, hopefully that the world extends
beyond that of which we are aware.' Tarot presents the archetypes in picture and symbolic form.
Jung said, 'in religion, archetypes are called devils, gods, angels and demons', whilst in mythology
archetypes are heroes, heroines and objects of power.
Archetypes are arrangements of processes and motion. They are dynamic, oscillating motion,
grouped and ordered by like-rhythms. Archetypes are processes or symmetries of harmonically
resonant energy-motion, never static, corresponding to, and inter-meshing with, latices of like
motion. When we spot a synchronicity we are recognizing an archetype breaking in from another
spectrum or dimension to complete itself in time and space.
Jung said that the archetypes are both unknown and all knowing. 'They are inside us, outside us, in
us and we are in them. They are all consciousness and their symmetries overlap and inter-penetrate
in such a multifaceted complexity that their magnitudes extend into the point, as well as into the
circumference of all. They cannot be separated from one another entirely as they are part of the
whole and the whole of the part as all things.'
Jung coined the term 'synchronicity' to define those times when we occasionally recognize a
fragment of archetypal presence. A meaningful coincidence can be a coincidence of a psychic or
physical state or event which appear to have no casual relationship to one another, or when similar
or identical thoughts, dreams etcetera occur at the same time in different places. He said that,
'Synchronicity is...the indicator of the presence of an archetype in motion...whenever an archetype
is observed, life processes occur in similar rhythm that are resonant to their own individual nature.
In other words, like attracts like, thus forming symmetries of like motion'.
Jung talked about the power of the wise:
Jung had important things to say about those who have power. He discussed dangers from
confrontation with the unconscious in his work, 'Memories, Dreams and Reflections' (1962). He
wrote, 'The archetype of the wise old man (or woman), also called the 'mana-personality', tends to
be projected upon human beings who set themselves up as leaders - secular or spiritual. This may
have disastrous results, as when religious sects, or political movements, are led by charlatans or
mad men'. Alternatively, the subject may identify himself with the archetype, believing that he
himself has superior wisdom. Analysts and priests as well as politicians, sometimes succumb to this
danger. Jung referred to this behaviour as 'inflation'.
Tarot reader beware - inflation and mana-personality is a natural recurring human theme, and if a
doctor, analyst or priest can become inflated, so can the tarot reader. Perhaps nowadays we would
call it having a big ego - whatever - Jung, when discussing relations between the ego and the
unconsciousness, said that those with mana-personality will always be looked up to by others, but
this figure will be a 'flat collective figure, (behind) a mask' where he can no longer develop as a
human being. His evolution will be stunted. Beware of this 'human theme' - in yourself, and in
others.
Jung also introduced the terms 'introvert' and 'extrovert' in studying psychology types and these can
be identified in the Court Cards.
The Kabbalah
The Kabbalah has been described as the mystical aspect of Judaism, also known as the Tree of Life.
The tarot fits perfectly on the Tree of Life, found on the paths between different states of energy
called the Sephiroth, causing much speculation to the origins of tarot. The full system is a mystery.
The Rabbis study the Kabbalah to make contact with God on the highest plane possible, which is
only attempted by careful study and specialist training. It can be a dangerous pastime and the seeker
on the Tree of Life may have to face consequences that reverberate into his or her own life. This is
because when you study the Kabbalah you meet with the archetypes and they may 'ground'
themselves into your material world. This said, one can meditate on the cards and their
corresponding path and learn deeper meanings. Slow, careful study can enhance and bring wisdom
to a tarot reading.
Symbols
The tarot is full of symbols, perhaps because the cards emerged from a time when there was little
writing, or they were designed to be understood by people who did not all share the same language.
Like astrology symbols, a symbol has a universal or generally accepted meaning, but is interpreted
on an individual level. Part of the tarot reader's role is to interpret the symbols in a reading and
communicate these to the client.
A demonstration of the power of symbols and how they are so differently interpreted can be found
in a visualization game I call 'In the Desert'. This exercise helps to show how symbols can mean
something unique to every individual.
Visualization Exercise : IN THE DESERT
There must be no pressure on the participants of this 'game' to share their visualizations with anyone
else. However, if there is a group of you, it can be very useful to compare the results so that people
can see just how different interpretations can be. This exercise must be carried out positively and
supportively - there are no right or wrong answers.
If a person is uncomfortable with the exercise they must remember that it is not to be taken too
seriously; like dreams, the subconscious can sometimes be a bit weird. This visualization exercise
can only be repeated after a very long time, when players have forgotten the meanings. I
recommend that this visualization exercise be undertaken when there are no drink or drugs around
and if there is a group undertaking, there must be agreement that every person is respectful,
supportive and kind to the other participants.
The players need to write down their impressions and feelings at each stage as they go along, so
each participant needs pen and paper. Some people may want to draw as well. Plenty of space must
be allowed between the five visualizations for the players to think, imagine and write their
impressions.
So when everyone is ready, the leader of the exercise needs to communicate the following slowly
and clearly:
Imagine a desert landscape; take a minute or two to hold the image in your mind.
Then imagine that in this landscape appears a cube. Write down a description of the cube with as
much detail as possible. This may take a few minutes.
Take your time to think and reflect. When everyone has finished writing their description the next
thing to visualize is a ladder that appears in the landscape. Again take your time to imagine it and
write a description of what you visualize.
After giving adequate space for reflection, when you have finished recording this impression, you
need to add something else to your mental picture. This time it is a horse. Again write down your
vision of the horse and what it may do.
Give plenty of time for people to work with their imagination and allow them to write as fully as
possible. When you are ready, something else is added to the desert scene. These are flowers. The
group needs to write down what they visualize again, taking their time to work with their ideas.
When you have written down all you can think of, there is one last visualization. A storm happens
in this landscape - for the last time, write down the images that come to you from this idea.
The meanings of the symbols cannot be given before the completion of the visualisation exercise. It
is important to wait respectfully for every person to complete their writing. Respect everyone's
space so they can express their ideas in the time that they have. The meanings of the symbols for the
visualization game IN THE DESERT are given at the end of this book.
Different Cultural Influences
Everyone comes from somewhere and we are privileged to be aware of others cultures. In the past,
as cultures developed, myths and legends were created to explain the mysterious past and the
unknown to the people. It is possible to look at different cultures and see correspondences between
tarot cards and myths or divinities which following certain archetypes. Being able to name these
cultural tags may allow a client to better identify with a card and get more out of their reading making it easier to remember the message from your interpretation. Thus I have incorporated other
cultural figures in my works about the tarot (to be released as the 'Edictum of Tarot' in the future,
where every Major Arcana card is analysed and discussed in some detail). Cultural references I have
examined include Celtic, Norse, Hindu, Greek and Roman, and other references from older
civilizations.
In my book 'Journey of a Tarot Reader' I have studied material relating to the first known tarot
cards in Europe and searched for cultural influences to explain how the cards were first assembled
and understood.
Become Familiar With Tarot, An Over-view
Tarot interpretations can vary widely - much depends on the experience of the reader. But it doesn’t
matter how spiritually advanced you become, or how good you are at finding clients - you need to
know how to read your cards.
Once you have become familiar with a pack of tarot cards you will be able to see differences and
similarities with other decks. All traditional decks have the same structure, and all the cards
correspond to the same meanings and ideas, even if the designs on the individual cards vary.
Tarot decks are made up of seventy eight cards, split between the Major and Minor Arcana.
The Major Arcana consists of twenty two cards, each signifying an archetype.
The Minor Arcana has a structure similar to playing cards. There are four suites, but in tarot they
have different names:
The suit of clubs is called Wands
The suit of hearts is called Cups
The suit of spades is called Swords
The suit of diamonds is called Discs or Coins
Wands measure strength and light and life force
Cups measure emotional issues and fulfilment
Swords measure mind, intellect and willpower
Discs measure comfort and security
It was the medieval Europeans who apportioned the four suits as: Wands for peasants, Cups for
clergy, Swords for the nobility and Discs for the merchants.
Just like playing cards, each suit has numbered cards from one to ten. So in each tarot deck there
will be four cards carrying the same number, from the Ace up to ten, each from a different suit.
Thus there are forty number cards.
The Elements
The Vikings believed that there were only two elements from which everything in the world
emanated - fire and frost. But tarot is built on the elemental system of fire, water, air and earth. As I
understand it, tarot follows the philosophy that everything on the earth is composed of these four
elements and each suit of the Minor Arcana represents one of the four elements.
In human life, Fire is the corresponding element to our spirit, our will to live or our life force.
In tarot Fire lives in the suit of Wands.
Water is the corresponding element to our emotions.
In tarot Water lives in the suit of Cups.
Air corresponds to our mental activities and the mind itself.
In tarot Air lives in the suit of Swords
And Earth stands for our physical bodies and their orientation in the world.
In tarot Earth lives in the suit of Discs.
So the four elements are expressed as energy through our four states of being. Our four states of
being are spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical.
I believe that to appreciate the elements, a person needs to live close to nature. This is where you
will find wisdom - in the action of the sun, the stream, the mountain and the air, and through the
four seasons. Nature composes characters, colours and vibrations. Just appreciating nature
photography shows the power that natural beauty holds.
You cannot learn the energy of nature from a book or the internet. Each season and each element
must be experienced in its natural setting to gain a complete understanding. Prepare to suspend your
own identity to completely observe and experience natural phenomena. Only in afterthought can
one try to understand or analyse how nature influences human nature. Understanding often reveals
itself slowly. What cannot be denied is the joy in natural beauty, the personal, spiritual fulfilment to
be found from Earth Magic.
Numbers
In tarot the numbered cards, one to ten are found in the Minor Arcana. If you can apply numerology
in combination with an understanding of the nature of the elements, you will find it easier to
remember the meanings of each individual card of the Minor Arcana.
Just a basic understanding of numbers from one to ten is enough to know:
Aces stand for sources, the appearance of light, new beginnings, primal power.
Twos stand for bridges, action, issues of faith.
Threes stand for open or shut doors, movement and energy.
Fours are environmental cards, stability affecting internal environment.
Fives stand for tests of strength, challenges to freedom, self confidence, issues of conscience, or
patience and the need for new perspectives.
Sixes are power cards, they deal with atmospheres of love, timing, strength, memories, mental
health.
Sevens deal with issues of persistence, challenges to expectations, active struggle, emotional
choices and sensing immediacy.
Eights deal with deliberate action to achieve goals, soul health.
Nines contain strengthening aspects
Tens stand for achievements, commitments and involvement.
The Minor Arcana contains sixteen people, or 'court cards' showing personality types based on a
mixture of elements (four pure elements and twelve with a mixture of two). Thus, traditionally:
The Pages are associated with the element of Earth
The Knights are associated with the element of Fire
The Queens are associated with the element of Water
The Kings are associated with the element of Air.
Hence it can be seen that:
The Page of the suit of Discs represents the pure element of Earth
The Knight of the suit of Wands represents the pure element of Fire
The Queen of the suit of Cups represents the pure element of Water
The King of the suit of Swords represents the pure element of Air
As you become familiar with the qualities of the elements, it becomes possible to identify the
personalities within the court cards. These cards can also indicate states of weather or natural
phenomena.
The Major Arcana
These twenty two cards relate to the archetypes that Jung described as coming from the collective
unconscious. The name of the card and its traditional picture is the key to help the reader remember
all the meanings associated with the card.
I view the fact that we have attained life, to be a gift. In return for this gift we have duties to
maintain and improve not just our own life, but the lives of others. When we recognize these duties,
life can get much better; we are actually capable of finding true happiness. It is an individual's
choice to recognize and carry out the duties personally appropriate for them, which I believe are
attached to some archetypal figures.
Thus, from my own perspective, I have found a meaning that makes sense to me for each card:
The Fool is about pure existence - collecting life experiences - duty to be a child.
The Magician is about self awareness and the four planes of being - duty of parenthood.
The High Priestess is about the mystery of existence - duty to conquer fear and to become
spiritually attuned with nature.
The Empress is about what nature has made you - duty to recognize your 'true' self.
The Emperor is what society has made you - duties designed by your society.
The High Priest is about what you have made God - duty to seek spirituality in ritual and
community.
The Lovers is about what love has made you do - duty to your lover.
The Chariot is about where you find protection - duty to care, protect and be protected, safety.
The Justice card is about where you find justice - duty to tell the truth and follow the laws of
fairness.
The Hermit is about guidance from your inner landscape - duty to personally evolve - work on your
self development.
The Fortune card is about destiny and the outer landscape - duty to accept fate.
The Strength card is about willpower - rejection of conventional duty which has become
inappropriate to an individuals life.
The Hanged Man is about suffering - choosing ones own, ethically based duties.
The Death card is about transformation - duty to let go and change.
The Temperance Card is about moderation and creativity - when duty becomes harmonious.
The Devil is about illusion and delusion and the deterioration of creativity - perverse duty.
The Tower is about re-invention - what you make for yourself - breakdown of duty.
The Star is about giving kindness, ideology, extrovert inspiration and healing - duty to teach and
heal others.
The Moon is about accepting kindness, introverted inspiration and integration of the subconscious duty to explore and maintain ones sanity.
The Sun is about discipline and knowledge - duty to share.
The Aeon is about reflection in silence, awareness and enlightenment - duty to improve.
The World is about rhythm, paradise and perfection - duty to celebrate.
These meanings are based on the traditional tarot meanings as well as being drawn from the
conclusions I reached from my own work with tarot, based on my life experiences and the
experiences of clients who gave me a deeper insight during their tarot readings.
Astrological star signs and elements are also associated with each of the Major Arcana cards,
helping to broaden their meanings.
Conclusion : Outline Of The Personal Framework Of The Tarot Reader.
There are many 'how to read tarot' books on the market. There may even be free books to learn
from. I have just painted a very broad outline of what tarot is about in my own opinion, so the
reader can see how I view the construction of the tarot and how it may be used. For those who
already have some knowledge I hope you have found something new and useful here.
I have deliberately placed my individual interpretation of the system of tarot in this book. Future
books will explore each card individually, so this is the place readers can refer back to if they wish
to see how each card is placed within the system as a whole.
In conclusion I hope I have shown that tarot is indeed more than just a process of learning the cards
and applying interpretations. If you treat tarot as a tool for self improvement, it not only encourages
you to seek out knowledge which can turn into a quest, but demands that you set standards in your
life that you can aspire to follow. The tarot reader is trusted to be authentic - both in their
interpretation and in their encounter with the client. It is an honour to be trusted, never abuse it. In
my early life, tarot was a tool for spiritual development. As the years go on I realize that there is
always more to learn. A wise woman or man is a person who knows that learning never ends.
My advice is to give your best - face the world with love, and the work you do will be loving. Know
your boundaries, but seek to enable others; communicate your ideas, and respect your clients point
of view. Don't expect to know everything, but if you realize that you need to fill a gap in your
learning, be willing to educate yourself. Work hard to gain respect, and then be humble with your
authority.
Our world has times of peace, and times of instability. Mainstream religion can often accommodate
or work against shifting attitudes. In the flux of change, people yearn to make sense of chaos and
seek meanings. I believe that there is a future for the tarot reader in the space that has been left by
our wise ancestors, such as the shaman, druids and bards.
The tarot reader will be part of a New Age Cultural Revolution that encompasses the green thinking
needed to survive in the future. There can be no tarot without the recognition of 'beauty' - beauty
which resides within each person and outside in the surrounding world. If 'beauty' happens, the
attitude of humanity will lift. It will evolve and improve. This is my true agenda as a tarot reader;
every reading I do is to promote beauty and the happiness of my client and make a better world.
To sum up, using the elemental format of the tarot, I will outline the personal framework and role of
the tarot reader.
Physically your attributes should include:
A voice that is true and strong.
Balance - you must be centred
Awareness - you must be grounded
No dependency on alcohol or drugs
Supporting activities include:
Yoga, physical exercise, good diet, dance and music, oxygenated blood.
Mentally your attributes should include:
Memory - to know your card meanings
Accuracy and confidence
Ability to clearly express your ideas
Supporting activities include:
Expression with charisma, meditation
Emotionally your attributes should include:
Your ability to connect and empathize with others
Ability to embrace an individual's feelings
Give space, time and energy
Patience
Use intuition and give honest responses
Supporting activities include:
Familiarization with transactional analysis.
Learning basic counselling. Keeping confidentiality.
Spiritually your attributes should include:
Feeling a connection to the planet and the Universe in order to channel Universal Truths
Valuing your mystical experiences to help guide a client if they need this kind of attention
Supporting activities include:
Travel, study of world mythology, interest in anthropology, study of spiritual philosophies
And finally I will give the last word to an eminent Buddhist lama:
'Mind is the essence of everything
Due to minds purity we become pure
Due to minds clarity we become clear
Due to minds well-being all becomes well
The essence of everything is one's own mind'.
by the 12th Tai Situpa
('Tai Situpa' is a title for one of the oldest lineages of reincarnated lamas. It is an emanation of
Maitreya, the figure who will become the next Buddha. This lineage has been made up of Indian
and Tibetan Yogins since the time of the historical Buddha, and the 12th Tai Situpa, born in 1954,
took his monastic seat at the age of twenty-two in Himachal Pradesh, Northern India).
In the Desert Visualization Exercise : THE MEANINGS
The desert was chosen because it is a barren landscape, thus, the people playing the game are not
distracted by anything that is already there. It is like a blank sheet to paint their ideas upon, and thus
keeps them focussed on what they are visualizing.
The cube symbolizes the person themselves. Thus the words used to describe the cube, may be
significant in describing aspects or characteristics of the individual.
The ladder stands for the player's relationships with others and the world - a bridge between people.
The horse signifies the player's lover or significant other.
The flowers stand for children.
And finally, the storm is supposed to show how you perceive difficulties, what you do when times
get tough - how you react and what you do under pressure.
Thank you for reading my book!
***~~~***
Links in the text:
The Vedic explanation for the aeon
More explanations for the aeon
***~~~***
Discover other titles by Ella Jo Street at smashwords.com :
Read about my travels and how life lead me into tarot research.
Journey of a Tarot Reader
Is Tarot From India? The Origins Of Tarot - Findings From India
Link Here to my view my page on Smashwords where the above books are available.
I have prepared the following books for publication to be available in e format soon:
The Magician
The High Priestess
The Empress
The Emperor
These books are part of a series called 'The Edictum Of Tarot' and will make up volume one when
they become available in print.
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