As we begin the new year we need to bring our attention to the Magician’s message a simple reminder that all we are searching for is easily found within each item in his table  are tools we already have in our possession all we need to do is use them to our best abilities and begin living a fruitful and positive life.

So as the new year begins please take this time to begin using the tools that are rightfully yours. Your God given gifts that will move your towards your life journey.

Happy New Year!

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.

That being said I’m going to discuss The Sun.  The Sun cards in general means that things are going fairly well for you and even in it’s reversed state the Sun means good things however in the reverse state the card specifically reminds you that you have to be thankful of what you have no matter the situation or the things that are wrong in your life it’s time to count your blessings and refocus on the good.

The Four of Cups has a similar meaning.  In general the card tells you to count your blessing and be grateful and also reminds you not to wallow in self pity or negative self chatter as this negative chatter is damaging to the soul and spirit.

Within the Tarot Deck there are a number of cards that present themselves when we are not being grateful for what we have.  At times overwhelmed by the negative points in our life we tend to focus on anything but gratitude.  But the reality is that being grateful opens you up to receiving more good things.  As gratitude shifts your energy you’ll find yourself focusing on the good and less on the bad this energy shift then bring the law of attraction into play and the more grateful you are the more things to be grateful for will come along.

One of the exercises that I recommend when we are not mindful of “Thanks Giving” is creating a gratitude journal and working on it every night being grateful for at least 5 things a day no matter how insignificant they might seem to you at that moment.

Gratitude is a powerful weapon represented by the Sun it’s warming, nurturing, and life giving just as the real Sun is to the earth Gratitude is to the soul so take a moment to reflect on the good things in life and open your soul to the possibilities.

But did you know why else October is such a special time of year?

It is believed that during this time of year the veil that separates the world of the living and the world of spirits is thin cumulating on October 31st when the veil is at it’s thinnest.  This belief goes way back to ancient times when the Celts believed that during this time the souls of the dead would come back.  October 31st was known as Samhain and was celebrated as the new year a time when crops were harvested and cold and darkness where upon us.

This belief of the thinning of the veil is celebrated throughout the world for example Mexico celebrates the Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) where families visit the cementeries not only cleaning and repairing headstones and plots but also taking the time to commune with the dead in the form of celebration where a meal is eaten and the families pray for their loved ones. Even the Roman church got involved celebrating All Saints Day to honor the saints and martyrs of the church.

As a result of the thinning of the veil between the worlds it is a prime time for Tarot card readings and any type of psychic work.   As a reader during this time you should be able to have an easier connection to the spirit world and your readings should be more fluid and accurate. As a client you will be more open to recieving a reading and this in turn allows your reader to give you a prime reading. The intuitive and psychic abilities of many people become magnified during this time of year.

If your in the process of learning the Tarot the month of  October should be used as a time for practice not only in the definition of the cards but also allowing yourself to listen to the internal voices and vibrations that reach you.

So keep in mind as we travel towards the end of the Celtic Year to focus on strengthening your inner connection and voice to the spirit world. Take some time to pull out your tarot cards and play yes play with them, look them over, handle them, cast them. Take advantage of not only the fun aspects of October but also the psychic aspects and enjoy not the candy and the vibrate connection that comes with All Hallows Eve.

Last year I had an experience with an individual who was highly upset with the fact that I read Tarot for profit and “personal gain”. This woman accused me of “commercializing what she held as sacred and that I was selling the religion of Wicca and spiritual practices as a business.” After recovering from the hurt and shock I experienced at the allegation, I contemplated what my own views were in regards to my business. This is what I discovered:

I view Tarot as a sacred tool for divination. I use the cards to tap into Divine Source in order to attain knowledge and retrieve messages meant for others. I relay these messages to my clients. Are those whom I read for able to receive their own messages without my help? Yes, indeed they are. It is my belief that everyone has the ability to connect and communicate with the Spirit Realm. But just because they have the ability does not mean that they use it. At the moment when they are sitting across from me at the table they chose not to utilize their ability. Why is that? Well, the reasons are as numerous as the individuals. Sometimes their connection may be weak. Perhaps their connection is clouded. It is possible that the individual doesn’t believe that they possess the ability to connect. Regardless of the reason – at that point in time they sought out my guidance. Should this mean that the time they sit with me should be free? Am I not “allowed” to charge?

I know there are those who believe that any ability born of spirituality should be free. They believe that if it originates from God/Creator/Divine Source/Spirit – it shouldn’t cost anyone anything and while I can understand their point of view – I don’t subscribe to it. I believe that because I am doing a service clients pay me for my time – the time I spend with them – not my actual ability. Just for a moment, think back to the days when there was no concept of currency and people bartered for what they required. I’m sure we can all recall the village mid-wife or medicine woman. These women would make “house calls”. When needed she would go to a dwelling and deliver the baby or cure the illness and in return the family would give her a meal, a loaf of bread, a blanket, or some wool. She was compensated for the service she provided. True, it wasn’t cash but in 2011, not many individuals trade or barter like they did back then and believe me, neither the utility company nor cell phone company would take a loaf of bread as payment for my monthly bill. So most of my clients pay me with money. This is not to say that if I were offered a service or item for a Tarot Reading, I’d turn it down, on the contrary – I would welcome it. And in fact I have a regular client who is a hairdresser and we trade. She receives a Reading and in return my daughter or I receive a haircut.

A few months ago, my husband shared with me an idea he read about on the internet which stated that healing or spiritual services are in fact priceless. You cannot put a set price on either. They could cost millions or next to nothing. The decision of price is between the one giving and the one receiving. Both parities have the privilege to accept or reject it. I tend to agree with this point of view and can easily say the same about my Tarot Readings.

I also came to the realization that there is more than money that I gain from reading the cards for others. I find enlightenment in the service that I provide. I find understanding in the connections that I make. This ability isn’t just a technique that I was taught or something that I learned from a book. It is intuitive. It is a relationship that I took the time to nurture. It is a relationship between me and my cards, between me and Divine Source, between me and the Spirit Realm. divination is an understanding. It is an attachment. These people aren’t just “problems” or clients. Each of them is a sacred being. Each of them is joined to Spirit just as much as I am and it is through this connection that I unite with All. With everything. In those precious moments, through those intimate connections,  I receive enlightenment and understanding. And that means more to me than a profit ever could.

The Magician is the first card of the tarot deck marked with the number one above the image. The image shows a man standing behind a table one arm stretched upwards holds a wand the other arm stretched downward points towards the ground.  Above his head floats a symbol of infinity around his waist a snake also a symbol of infinity. He is surrounded by a white halo and on his table are the four suits of the tarot the chalice, the sword, the staff and the pentacle.

The magician is a spiritual being when I encounter the Magician while doing a reading he represents the all.  He comes forth to tell you that you have all the tools needed to continue on your path and towards your goals.

I heard a story about the Fool, in the Tarot the Fool is the final card of the Greater Arcana. He is represented by the number zero. In the story the Fool begins his journey being foolish of course he doesn’t really pay attention to much. However as he wanders he encounters the Magician. The Magician ask the fool for his satchel which the Fool carries on a stick.  When the Fool give the Magician his bag the Magician opens it to find all the tools of the tarot. But the Fool begins to questions the Magician how did those get there?  Where did they come from? Why are they there? To which the Magician responds it doesn’t matter they are there to use so use them wisely.  What we don’t see in this story is the fact that the Fool carries his satchel yet had no idea what is inside.

Sometimes we don’t realize what tools we have in our possession and when we do realize it we hesitate on if we should or shouldn’t use them. Clearly the Magician comes as a reminder for you to use the tools you already have. So don’t spend to much time on the who what when where and why’s and more time on the how can I use these gifts to better myself.

The Tarot is believed by some to be as old as ancient Egypt, but according to historians the tarot didn’t come about till much later.  Playing cards first entered into Europe around the 14^th century known as Tarocca. It wasn’t till much later around the mid 1400’s that the Tarot was created as a simple card game but later around the 1500’s people began to look at the Tarot different and see more meaning in the pictures represented on the card.  However the Tarot didn’t become widely adopted by mystics and occultist until much later around the 18^th and 19^th centuries when Antoine Court de Gébelin wrote an essay interpreting the Tarot as an ancient form of wisdom.

Now what intrigues me about the history of the Tarot is that early versions of these cards where hand painted so a very small amount of decks where privately commissioned and typically it was the upper class that were able to obtain such decks. It wasn’t until the invention of the printing press that mass production of the cards became possible.  Many European governments banned the use of playing cards most likely because they involved gambling however in many areas the tarot during its early stage was exempt from these laws.

Presently we can find a variety of Tarot decks most are usually patterned from one of the most historically important desks called Tarot De Marseilles important because Antoine Court de Gébelin used this deck as his study in the essay he wrote.  Today we find decks ranging from the traditional and most popular Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks to cards like the Vampire Deck or Deviant Moon Tarot.  Tarot decks have not only become a method of divination but also a form of art with amazing artistic interpretations of each card.  The cards have given birth to other forms of card play and have also touched into other faith based institutes that would otherwise not condone the use of the Tarots you can now find cards such as Soul cards created to inspire creativity to Daily affirmation and intentions cards intended, to like the Tarot cards, guide you into your future.

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.

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.