I admit that I was initially put off by Tarot cards because of their “new age” connotations and cheap fortune-telling reputation. But, as I have continued my journey of self exploration, I have taken a more serious look at this humble tool, and come to a much deeper appreciation. These cards have proven to be a very helpful and unique way to analyze my thoughts and view situations and circumstances in a different light.
Do I believe that you can tell the future with Tarot cards? No, not in the traditional “fortune telling” sense (“I see a tall dark stranger tripping over your dog…”) Nor do I believe the cards hold any “magic” within them intrinsically. But, they are a “random” instrument. Every time you shuffle the cards they align themselves in a random way, and that randomness isn’t revealed until we consciously turn over a card. At that moment our existence, our thoughts, our actions and our intent align with the random patterning of the cards. I can’t think of a better potential instrument to “tap in” to the universal energy that is always flowing, always changing, and always present.
New perspectives on an old tradition
The Knight of Swords, from The Gilded Tarot deck. This deck features stunning images while maintaining classic symbolism.
(Llewellyn Worldwide, Publisher)
|
By studying the cards and learning the meanings behind them, Tarot provides a way for the universe to tell us what is going on at any particular moment in time, in a language of symbols that we can understand, interpret, and accept (or not). Whether the cards actually do line up with universal energies and personal patterns is up for debate – but my personal experience has been that the cards will surprise me with their almost eerie accuracy/relevance to what is going on in my life at that moment in time. Oddly enough, the cards don’t usually tell me want I want to hear, but very often what I need to hear.
From a totally rational, logical, non-supernatural perspective, the cards can offer a way to apply our thoughts, feelings, and situations harmlessly to the symbols being presented to us through the cards. Meditation and study on just one particular card can lead to insights on our life and character that would not otherwise have occurred. Additionally, the cards’ symbolism presents several layers of meaning and attributes. Study of the symbols and the spiritual systems they derive from can open up new avenues for spiritual and/or consciousness development. Personally they have led me into studies on philosophy, Kaballah, symbols throughout history, and other spiritual belief systems. I don’t personally subscribe to all of these, but my Tarot study has allowed me to peer into these areas and take from them the knowledge that I feel is relevant. Next > 1 2 3 4
