The Celtic Cross, Three Card Spread, Five Card Spread, Six Month Spread, I can go on and on.  The Tarot has a number of different way in which the cards can be read.  Some decks have their own spread suggestions and some decks stick with the basic spreads.  When I first learned the Tarot as a teenager, I learned using the Celtic Cross Spread but as the years went on I slowly developed my own spread incorporating what I felt was coming naturally to me into the traditional Celtic Cross.

When it comes to readings you have to go with what seems natural and comfortable.  If the traditional spreads works for you then by all means stick to it but if you feel inclined to add or change something about a particular spread then definitely go with your gut instinct.

The purpose of readings is to give your client the most beneficial information and if you are not comfortable with the spread you are using then you need to find the one that works for you even if it means changing it up a little.  There are some out there that might disagree with my thinking however it’s best for you to be able to flow during your reading then to feel you are stumbling.

I do suggest when you are first learning to do readings that you learn one of the basic spreads and then when the need arises you go ahead and tweak it to suit your energy and by all means if you are comfortable with the traditional ways then please do stick with it.

I’ve learned throughout the years as I’ve done readings that allowing myself to flow creatively assisting others through their life issues and cycle is more important then sticking to a ridged though process.  Listing to that intuitive voice during your readings will keep you well grounded and allow your client to really benefit from their interaction with you and often times ensure future return visits.

So let your creative juices flow and your intuition be your guide during your next reading.

Blessings

However, when looking at the Tarot you can clearly see that the images depicted in many of the early decks had a Catholic influence and cultural background and in according to scholars there is no evidence presented to date that shows any form of Jewish practice or influence on the creation of the deck.  The actual origins of the French word “Tarot” or “Tarocchi” or “Tarock” remain unknown to date.

Thinking about the origins of the word Tarot has also made me to consider the correct pronunciation of the word.

Is it Ta-rot like carrot or Ta-row?

The correct way to pronounce the word is Ta-row.  However many people unfamiliar with the correct pronunciation refer to it as the Ta-rot.

I’ve been guilty of using the incorrect pronunciation myself a lot of the times especially if I am trying to explain to someone what it is that I do. I have found that many people do not recognize the correct pronunciation of the word.

Now although I mispronounce the word I do believe in educating so I will often follow with “actually the correct pronunciation is…” this way who ever I encounter will at least leave knowing what the correct word is.

That being said how many of you who read cards use the correct pronunciation?

And how many of you find that people aren’t sure what you are talking about when you pronounce it correctly?

divination with playing cards was a common practice throughout Europe and utilized by Romany gypsies, although they did nor originate the idea. I must be truthful to say playing cards are eerily similar to the minor arcana, with lack of the princess, knave, and page. The King represents the Yod, Queen represents the Heh, and Jack represents the Vau; in retrospect, indicates these are these three divine letters that make the IHVH. The princess is not needed due to the fact the queen is the Heh and there are truly only three Kabbalistic elements: Fire, Water, and Air. Most of the time the Kings are mature males or traditionally men over 40, the Queens are mature females or traditionally women over 40, and the jacks are primarily not gender specific and people under 40.

The Hearts naturally represent the cups of tarot or the water, also to mention they are the Water of the Fire and represent the Autumn time; the Spades represent the Sword or also the air, and the elemental qualities are Air of the Earth, also represent the Winter time; the Clubs represent the Fire and the Wands, they stand as the Fire of the Water and the Summer time; and the Diamonds represent the Earth or the pentacle and mean the Earth of the Air, also signify the Spring time. The very the items these are a symbol of are found exactly in the modern elements of thaumaturgy and thuergy. To understand these elements they are also broken down to masculine and feminine, introverted and extroverted, and also the astrological signs that go with them.

Spades (Swords)- Conflict, Obstacles, forewarning,  and Wisdom to be gained. It is a masculine, extroverted, and are the air signs of astrology (Libra: Twos to Fours, Gemini: Fives to Sevens, Aquarius: Eights to Tens ). The spades are the intellect of the querent.

Clubs (Wands)- Intent, Will, Goals,  and new projects. It is a masculine, extroverted, and are the fire signs of astrology (Aries: Twos to Fours, Sagittarius: Fives to Sevens, Leo: Eights to Tens ). The clubs are the intent of the querent.

Hearts (Cups)- Relationships, Friendships, Feelings, and Desires. It is a feminine, introverted, and are the water signs of astrology ( Cancer: Twos to Fours, Pisces: Fives to Sevens, Scorpio: Eights to 10′s ). The clubs are the emotions of the querent.

Diamonds (Earth)- Possessions, Employment, Finances, and Materialism. It is a feminine, introverted, and are the earth signs of astrology (Capricorn: Twos to Fours,Virgo: Fives to Sevens, Capricorn: Eights to Tens ). The clubs are the emotions of the querent.

To understand the Aces through the Tens one must realize what impact the Kabbalah has on playing cards. Aces represents the spiritual crown, Twos represent the Wisdom to be gained, Threes represent Understanding, Fours represent Mercy, Fives represent Power, Sixes represent Balance, Sevens represent Glory, Eights represent Victory, Nines represent the Foundation, and Tens represent the Kingdom. The idea of the kabbalah being used card reading is crucial, if you know the kabbalah then you can pick up any set of tarot or playing cards and instantaneously comprehend the meaning of the deck. The divination readers use owe a lot of the set up to the Kabbalah. You may read further into the symbols of these 10 aspects of the kabbalah in the Complete Golden Dawn System of Magic by Israel Regardie.

Numerology is also crucial in card divination: 1 (Aces) is a new start or beginning, 2 is relationships or friendships, 3 is pure energy output, 4 is family and home based, 5 is judgement or karma, 6 is perfection and balance, 7 is spirituality or a walk of wisdom, 8 is finances, and 9 is completion, 10 represents 1.

The Wheel of Fortune (10)

“Round and round and round she goes, and where she stops, nobody knows.”  ~Anonymous

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck depicts a large wheel moving in a clockwise direction with creatures hovering about on a blanket of billowing clouds. Each creature holds an open book. Along the rim of the wheel are the Hebrew letters ’T’, ’A’, ’R’, and ’O’, and within the center of the wheel are alchemical symbols. A sphinx is perched on top of the wheel, cradling a sword.

Symbols:

Wheel: Change and cycles of life, birth-death-rebirth, cycle of the Zodiac, workings of Fate
T,A,R,O: The nature of the Tarot –‘Tora’ (teaching), ‘Rota’ (wheel), ‘Orat’ (to speak or a message)

Creatures: Fixed signs of the zodiac: Bull = Taurus, Lion = Leo, Eagle = Scorpio, Angel/man = Aquarius
Sphinx: The principle of equilibrium, stability within movement, mystery and hidden knowledge

Eight Spokes: Universal radiant energy

Symbols on the Spokes: (From the top clockwise) Mercury, Sulfur, Water, Salt

Key Words:

Destiny, Unexpected Events, Movement, Turning Point, Patterns & Cycles

Fool‘s Journey:

Staring into the deep blue sky, the Fool watches the clouds swirling above him, visualizing their movement in the form of a great wheel gently rolling across the horizon. Inspired by his vision, the Fool begins to contemplate the world’s wondrous design and its intricate patterns and cycles in connection to the greater Universe.  Although he is aware that the world is riddled with unexpected events that can create surprising turning points in our lives, he feels secure placing his fate in the purposeful hands of destiny.

With his sense of determination restored, the Fool continues his journey.

The Lesson:

To learn how to accept change and understand the workings of fate.

Meaning:

The Wheel of Fortune addresses the age-old debate of fate versus free will.  It suggests we do not always have complete control over everything in our existence. The wheel is a symbol of perpetual motion and serves as a constant reminder that life is always changing, despite any resistance to the contrary. We are all subject to the laws of nature as we move through our lives from birth to death, completing one cycle only to begin yet another.

In readings, the Wheel of Fortune can indicate a turn of events or a twist of fate of which we have little control. We cannot always predict surprises, but through intuition oftentimes we can be made aware of impending changes which may herald a new beginning.  It is our reaction to such changes which will determine if the transformation will be a positive or negative experience.

When the energy of the wheel arrives, we may feel as if life has sped up in a negative sense; sometimes it is necessary to come down, in order to go up again. Other times the wheel’s energy provides a positive momentum, which enables us to let go of the past and move forward to embrace a more fulfilling future.

The Hermit (9)

“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”  ~ Carl Gustav Jung

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck portrays an old, bearded man dressed in dreary robes, standing on a desolate peak high in the mountains. His head is bowed and his expression speaks of wisdom and serenity. In his right hand he holds a raised lantern high in the air, casting its illuminating light into the darkness below him. Within the lantern is a brilliant six-pointed star.

Symbols:

Long, White Beard: Age, wisdom
Lantern: To guide those below; “inner light” shared openly with the world
Cloak: Anonymity, mantel of discretion
Mountaintop: Abstract thought, aspirations, path leading to greater heights
Six-Pointed Star (in the lantern): The Seal of Solomon (In legend, a seal ring used by Solomon to control the four elements)

Key Words:

Seeking, Guidance, Solitude, Introspection, Retreat

Fool’s Journey:

In time, the Fool begins to feel a desire for solitude. Retreating to a rustic cabin deep in the woods, he spends many days alone contemplating the deeper meaning of life. One evening, while lost in the introspection of his thoughts, he travels across the bare, autumn landscape and encounters a Hermit carrying a lantern. The lone Hermit, clearly old and wise beyond his years, speaks to the Fool in a raspy voice, whispering simple yet profound words of wisdom, “Seek, and ye shall find”.  Accepting the Hermit’s guidance, the Fool nods his head in acceptance and resumes his journey once more.

The Lesson:

To learn how to look within ourselves for the answers we seek and to guide others while remaining humble.

Meaning:

The lantern of knowledge depicted by the Hermit card represents the illumination of inner self. There are times when we seek deeper enlightenment, and we must embark on an inner spiritual quest to find it. Contemplation, meditation, reflection, and prayer are some of the methods we can use to gain a closer connection to our higher selves. Often times the answers we seek do not lie in the external world but within ourselves.

The Hermit can also indicate a time of withdrawal or retreat. Finding a “still center” in the midst of action or high energy can create balance, allowing us to better analyze our thoughts and feelings.  By stepping away from distractions and diversions we can obtain greater enlightenment and clarity.

In readings, the Hermit can also suggest a period of isolation or seclusion. Peace and solitude can teach us a great deal about ourselves and provide answers we may not have otherwise taken the time to seek.  Like the Hermit, by learning wisdom and patience through the passage of time, we are able to learn how to stand alone without feeling lonely.

The Hermit also speaks of guidance. Whether it be the advice we receive or the assistance we provide others, guidance can shine light on darker situations, making life seem less mysterious and confusing.  Such direction can help us continue to grow and learn as we press forward toward that which we truly seek.

Through the years Witchcraft has evolved as Magick and divination have become more creative. In the Victorian Age the craft was discussed openly without any consequence. Spell casting would soon become old Wives tales at least that is how it was told. How convenient for the women of that time who still wished to cast.

Some spells were printed on Post Cards and sent on the proper Holiday to friends and Family. No one was any wiser to the truth.

One way of divination was Apples. The spells and Fortune Telling with the Fruit were altered to the use of being a Game.

Apples are a fruit of love and protected by the Gods making it much more attractive.  If a Spell is Cast on the proper Moon and the Proper day the divination wished for will arrive, bringing with it you’re untamed Desires. Believe in the Fruit of Love and your every Dream will become a Reality

When eating an Apple snap it with your Fingers and say the name of the Person you Wish to Marry. Count the unBroken seeds the rest are kisses to be Received.

Repeat these Words ~

One’s my love,
Two’s my love,
Three’s my heart’s desire.
Four I’ll take and never forsake,
Five I’ll cast in the fire.
Six he loves,
Seven she loves,
Eight they both love,
Nine he comes,
Ten he tarries,
Eleven he goes,
Twelve he marries.
Thirteen honor,
Fourteen they part,
Fifteen they die of a broken heart,                                                                                                                                 All the rest are little witches.

Apples are also a Symbol of Magick; slice one in half to reveal the Witches Star. Apples can be used as Protection from negativity.

Victorian’s called Halloween Snap Apple Night or Nut Crack Night. Because of the games played with nuts and Apples to determine who would take the young ladies hand in Marriage.

Rub two halves of a sliced Apple on a wart, bury it the Backyard, soon the Wart will Disappear.

Swing a peeled Apple skin around your head Three times; throw it Over your right shoulder to the floor. The skin will reveal the initial of your True Love.

Bobbing for Apples has always been a Favorite of All Ages. Whoever bites the first Apple will be the first to Marry. The girls who caught an Apple placed it under their pillow to Dream of their future Lover.

Another game is to tie an Apple to a Tree and try to catch It with your Teeth.

Find a Ribbon or strip of cloth that represents your Deepest wish, and tie it into the branches of an Apple tree. As the cloth weathers away, your Wish will come true.

“An apple a day keeps the Doctor away.”
“To eat an Apple before going to bed makes the Doctor beg for his Bread.”

Eat an Apple at midnight before the Mirror, saying,–
Whoever my True love may be,
Come and eat this Apple with Me,
holding the Lamp in your hand. The true love will appear.

May the Reflection which you see,

Be the counterfeit of me.

POMANA ~ Goddess of Plenty

Her name comes from the Latin word Fruit. She is associated with the Blossoming of Trees. In 19th century statues and building Decorations she is usually shown carrying either a large Platter of fruit or a Cornucopia. Pomona was a Virginal wood Nymph who rejected several suitors before finally Marrying Vertumus – and the only reason she Married him was because he disguised himself as an old Woman, and then offered her advice on who she Should marry. Vertumnus turned out to be quite Lusty, and so the two of them are responsible for the Prolific nature of Apple trees. Pomona shares a Festival with her Husband that is Celebrated on October 13^th.

*Happy Samhain*

The Hermit (9)

“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”  ~ Carl Gustav Jung

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck portrays an old, bearded man dressed in dreary robes, standing on a desolate peak high in the mountains. His head is bowed and his expression speaks of wisdom and serenity. In his right hand he holds a raised lantern high in the air, casting its illuminating light into the darkness below him. Within the lantern is a brilliant six-pointed star.

Symbols:

Long, White Beard: Age, wisdom
Lantern: To guide those below; “inner light” shared openly with the world
Cloak: Anonymity, mantel of discretion
Mountaintop: Abstract thought, aspirations, path leading to greater heights
Six-Pointed Star (in the lantern): The Seal of Solomon (In legend, a seal ring used by Solomon to control the four elements)

Key Words:

Seeking, Guidance, Solitude, Introspection, Retreat

Fool’s Journey:

In time, the Fool begins to feel a desire for solitude. Retreating to a rustic cabin deep in the woods, he spends many days alone contemplating the deeper meaning of life. One evening, while lost in the introspection of his thoughts, he travels across the bare, autumn landscape and encounters a Hermit carrying a lantern. The lone Hermit, clearly old and wise beyond his years, speaks to the Fool in a raspy voice, whispering simple yet profound words of wisdom, “Seek, and ye shall find”.  Accepting the Hermit’s guidance, the Fool nods his head in acceptance and resumes his journey once more.

The Lesson:

To learn how to look within ourselves for the answers we seek and to guide others while remaining humble.

Meaning:

The lantern of knowledge depicted by the Hermit card represents the illumination of inner self. There are times when we seek deeper enlightenment, and we must embark on an inner spiritual quest to find it. Contemplation, meditation, reflection, and prayer are some of the methods we can use to gain a closer connection to our higher selves. Often times the answers we seek do not lie in the external world but within ourselves.

The Hermit can also indicate a time of withdrawal or retreat. Finding a “still center” in the midst of action or high energy can create balance, allowing us to better analyze our thoughts and feelings.  By stepping away from distractions and diversions we can obtain greater enlightenment and clarity.

In readings, the Hermit can also suggest a period of isolation or seclusion. Peace and solitude can teach us a great deal about ourselves and provide answers we may not have otherwise taken the time to seek.  Like the Hermit, by learning wisdom and patience through the passage of time, we are able to learn how to stand alone without feeling lonely.

The Hermit also speaks of guidance. Whether it be the advice we receive or the assistance we provide others, guidance can shine light on darker situations, making life seem less mysterious and confusing.  Such direction can help us continue to grow and learn as we progress forward toward that which we truly seek.

Strength (8)

“To bend like a reed in the wind — that is real strength.”  ~Lao-tzu

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck portrays a serene woman gently closing/opening a lion’s mouth. Her robes are accessorized with flowers, and a blossoming wreath adorns her head. Like the Magician, the infinity symbol is shown hovering above her.  The lion appears calm and subdued. With his tail tucked behind him, he patiently accepts her tender care.

Symbols:

Lion: Animal instinct within us all, forces or influences that could be potentially harmful
Lemniscate (infinity symbol): Infinity, endless possibility
Woman: Femininity
Flowers: Beauty, grace, and kindness
White Dress: Purity

Key Words:

Strength, Patience, Compassion, Soft Control, Courage

Fool‘s Journey:

The Fool, now feeling proud and powerful from his knowledge of victory, next encounters during his journey a maiden and a lion. Amazed by her courage he watches the young woman gently, but firmly close the lion’s mouth. The furious beast passively accepts the maiden’s command, surrendering itself to her soft control. Afterwards, the maiden patiently explains to the Fool how he, too, can utilize the attributes of compassion and strength for higher purposes. Haveing been enlightened by the Maiden’s pure insights, the Fool continues his journey.

The Lesson:

To learn how to remain courageous in the face of adversity and overcome obstacles through compassionate strength.

Meaning:

While the Chariot card shows the masculine technique of overcoming our animal nature through mastery and firm control, Strength demonstrates the feminine method of tempering willful energies by using kindness and a soft touch. However, neither the masculine nor feminine approach is better than the other in helping to keep intense passions and impulses under control; they can each work equally well in different situations.

In readings, Strength can represent patience and compassion. It’s easy to become angry when a situation provokes intense negative emotions. However dealing with a frustration calmly, accepting others, and practicing the delicate art of forgiveness takes great strength. When this card appears it may suggest that gentle manipulation in the form of empathy and kindness is needed .

Strength can also symbolize steadfast bravery in the face of adversity. Inner strength comes from within, and can grace us with the quiet qualities of courage, perseverance, and resolve. When our lives seem difficult, the Strength card urges us not to give up but to maintain an unwavering determination to remain true to ourselves and our beliefs.

The Chariot (7)

“Self-discipline is crucial to a simpler, more contented life.”  ~Tenzin Gyatso

Image Description:

The Rider-Waite deck portrays a man in a decorated chariot being drawn by majestic black and white sphinxes. In his right hand he holds a wand. His body is covered in protective armor, and his chariot is graced with a prominent winged shield of symbolic design. Behind him the motifs of a medieval city rise in the distance.

Symbols:

Armor: Readiness and preparation

Chariot: Movement

Sphinxes: Triumph of the mind

Wand: Inspiration and action

Black & White: Positive and negative energies

Wheels: Cycles, motion

Key Words:

Triumph, Ambition, Assertiveness, Firm Control, Motivation

Fool’s Journey:

Having mastered the lessons of lovers, the Fool continues his journey with a greater understanding of the world around him. As he walks onward, pondering his experiences, he sees a proud and commanding charioteer riding triumphantly toward him. Ambitious to learn, the Fool spends time with the charioteer studying his qualities of assertiveness and self-confidence.  The Fool soon discovers that in order to achieve true mastery over himself he must exert firm control over his base instincts. Feeling motivated by this new knowledge, he resumes his travels in an earnest search of his own victories.

The Lesson:

To learn how to master our own chaotic forces so we may triumph in our goals.

Meaning:

The Charioteer fights alone, seeking to gain the advantage by striking from the side. His steeds keep the wheels of his chariot turning, however, it is his control and direction that brings him triumph. Whether our challenges be obstacles, circumstances, emotions, or human desires, there are times when we must firmly grasp the reigns of our own chariot and do battle for our personal victories.

In readings, the Chariot can personify the positive strength, confidence, and assertiveness required to move forward to obtain the goals we desire. However, the Chariot can also signal a ruthless, diehard desire to win despite the cost. Success and triumph can be glorious under the right circumstances, but only when we are certain the sacrifices of the battle are truly worth the prize. After all, the victory is only the beginning.

The Chariot can sometimes appear when a situation or environment harbors the energies of hard control. At its best, hard control is not brutal; it is firm and direct, backed by a strong will and great self-confidence. Its powerful influences are sometimes required when we wish to draw separate paths into a single direction of our own choosing.

Likewise, the Chariot can portray the influential winds of ambition and motivation — potent energies that can provide the movement necessary to set our aspirations to sail.