Respecting the Tarot

Many of us are attracted to the mystique surrounding these fascinating cards. Maybe you have been drawn to “have a Tarot reading”. Maybe you were gifted a Tarot deck. Maybe you found yourself buying your very own cards.

What is it that makes this ancient oracle so intriguing?

One reason is that Tarot has been around for centuries; anything of that age and still popular is intriguing. Its origin is generally disputed however current historical understanding shows it originated in Italy in the early 15th century, nearly 600 years ago.

Wanting deeper insight into our life journey and day to day world is, in itself, an ancient quest. Tarot can assist us in this quest by allowing us to access our Higher Self’s guidance, the best guidance there is. It is the Higher Self, the wisest most spiritual part of us that chooses the cards. This is why they are so accurate, for our Higher Self has access to the answers to all we could ever wish to ask about ourselves.

The Tarot is rich with images, symbols and colours. This is the language of our right brain; the creative and intuitive side of ourselves. The tarot is one way we can awaken our right brain to gain access to our inner knowing.

With respect for the energy of the Tarot you may gain some very powerful insights and guidance.

Too often we lay some cards for our particular situation, glossing over the deeper meanings and missing the actual energy of the cards. Insights and guidance are lost as we rush a reading for quick answers. We then dismiss those cards and continue churning problems over with our mind causing even more confusion and worry.

So, how do we deepen our relationship to Tarot?

• Make dedicated time to do your spread where other people or activities will not divert you. Its precious “you” time.
  
• Decide on a spread first. Small spreads can be very powerful so do not discount them.
• Centre yourself first. This means taking a deep breath or two and feeling yourself present. Thinking about the past or future is not being present. Come right to this moment. Hear the different sounds around you. If you have the time meditate for awhile first.
• Relax any tension you are holding in your body.
• Shuffle your cards as you think about the issue at hand.
• Choose your cards after re-centring yourself.
• Lay your spread out and take note of your initial impressions and feelings about the cards.

It is helpful to jot this down in your journal.

Doing this will bring even more clarity as you “express”.

• Look at the pictures in detail and take note of what is standing out to you, what is loud in each image? What does that say to you about your world?
• Describe the picture, out loud or in your journal is the best way as it will solidify what you see helping you to understand it in more detail. Working with a partner to do this can be very effective and helps you to “own” the experience.
• Let the images talk to you, imagine yourself in the picture. What is happening? What is being said? How do you feel?
• Don’t just open your Tarot book and take on what is being said there. This is often very general and can be confusing to your situation. You will miss so much insight from your own inner guide.
• Only use your cards when you are “clear”. Drugs and alcohol will obviously affect your clarity and can invite unwanted energies into your space.

 
Experiencing the Tarot in this way will bring you deeper insights. Respect the time you have dedicated and let the language of archetypes and symbols speak to you.

 Making the Most of a Professional Reading

• Choose your reader wisely. Being recommended by someone you trust is great. Allow your inner feeling to guide you.
• It is not a reader’s job to “give advice”. Beware of this as it is subtle control and disempowering to you.

A good reader will guide you to your own insights just as a good counsellor does.

• Be in a clear frame of mind. Don’t use drugs or alcohol before your reading.
• Have some questions or a general idea of what you are wanting guidance on to share with your reader. This will make the reading more effective and less general.
• Be open to questions from your reader as some of the cards have more than one meaning and they may need to ascertain how a particular energy fits into your world right now.
• Have your reading taped so you are not focussed on taking notes.
• Ask questions about images, statements and concepts you do not understand. It is not meant to be a mysterious experience. Worrying later about things you didn’t understand will be harmful to your energy field and create more confusion.
• After the reading notice what stands out to you and reflect on these things.

 
If you are genuinely interested in understanding more about this rich tool for self discovery consider a tarot course. This is a sure way of getting to know your cards more intimately and how to read them in your own way. Maybe you even take it to a professional level yourself when you feel ready!

Whether you use your own deck or visit a good reader respect the energy of these special cards and you will gain insights into your world, helping you to gain clarity about anything at all.
Have fun!
Dawn Grace

Dawn Grace Kelly is a Spiritual Teacher, Group Facilitator, Healer, Past Life Regressionist and Tarot Consultant from Australia now based in Nelson.

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