Who Are You in the Tarot?

By  Mary K. Greer

© 2011  Red Wheel/Weiser

ISBN:  978-1578634935

272 pages

Paperback        $21.95 (U.S.)

This is, essentially, a reworking, updating and revision of an earlier work.  It is designed to be a workbook.  I’ve read Tarot for years and have never encountered the ideas she promulgates within the covers of this book, which doesn’t say much for the “adventurousness” of my readings.

This is not her first book on the Tarot, and I might,  perhaps, have gotten more out of it if I had read her previous work.  Still, this book is designed to stand on its own and needs to be evaluated on that basis.

Anything which helps to expand our understanding of personalities and why people react in certain ways in certain situations is an invaluable addition to our ability to foresee trends and thus help to control and alter our behavior.

It is not necessary to read through book in the order it is written, although it would be beneficial to at least skim quickly through the introductions to each chapter.  It is possible, however, to just skip around and tackle the topics in any order which appeals to you.

In spite of coming to this book with years of preconceptions, I found her ideas easy to adapt to and understand.  There are numerous charts, forms and illustrations (which you are encouraged to copy) to help you understand the relationships of the various cards and their groupings (constellations).

Her method for calculating Year Cards, for some reason, seems to me to be either badly explained or more complicated than it need be.  I had to read through the procedure several times, and even then I wasn’t real sure of my results.  I have had instances in the past where, for one reason or another, I have read unnecessary complications where none have existed, so I am willing to give Ms Greer the benefit of the doubt and assume that the difficulty lay within me and my perceptions.

Even if you find that the concepts of constellated cards and other ideas she puts forth do not resonate with you, she offers a great deal of insight into the cards themselves and the symbolism and meanings which can be derived from them through seeing them in “unconventional” ways.

While I have some reservations because of my personal difficulties making some of the calculations, I have no hesitation in recommending this book as an excellent source of insight and inspiration.

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!

My favorite deck of course is the traditional Rider-Waite deck the art is classic and the cards are the most recognizable cards available.  I prefer the Rider deck because it makes the readings a bit simpler to explain to my clients when I’m reading them.

Then there is the Deviant Moon Deck this Deck has amazing and gothic art work the deck for me is reminiscent of Alice In Wonderland it’s a great deck for collectors however I don’t recommend it for actual readings since it is a little darker then most cards.

For the Vampire lovers there are two decks that I recommend. The Vampire Tarot with simplistic art work and my favorite  Vampyre (Phantasmagoria) this has beautiful artwork and comes in a gift box with an extensive book that details the cards.

Another beautiful gift box set is the Commemorative Pamela Coleman Smith set. The set comes with the Smith-Waite cards, a bag to put the cards in, an pictorial key book,  book on the work and Times of Pamela Coleman Smith and additional art cards. It’s a beautiful gift set comes in a sturdy box and as far as gift giving goes this one is my most reccomended because of all it includes.

There are quite a few decks that make great gifts and you can find most of them at your local bookstore.  If you have a reader, collector or want to give yourself a gift of cards check out the ones I mentioned above you won’t be disappointed.

Happy Holidays!

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.

Well, as an herbalist and aromatherapist, I could go on forever on the benefits of keeping your immune system up and running smoothly with a host of herbs, and aromatherapeutic oils, but since the article I write for is about spells, how about we address a main concern of most everybody’s at this time of year… MONEY. J

Let’s face it, we all need more money.  Even if you’re doing okay in that department, it never hurts to have a tad more, especially during gift-giving season.

So, without further adieu, let’s do a great little spell together this month called, The Tarot Abundance Spell^© that will help with that need for quick incoming cash.   PLEASE feel free to leave a comment on this thread below the article sharing your manifestation of this spell with others!  We’d love to hear how it’s working for you and yours at this special time of year.

May your November be MOST abundant,

With moonlit beams of joy,

Morika

Tarot Abundance Spell^©

Need: One green candle (if you don’t have a green candle, use white which can be used in place of any other color at any time, for any ritual;) powdered cinnamon (the fresher, the better;) the Tarot card that most represents wealth and financial abundance TO YOU (go through the deck looking at the pictures…when a card that ‘feels right to you’ and in your mind looks like a good money card, use that card*;) money (a bill or two) and coins (a good variety of silver and a couple of pennies will suffice.)

Lay the card face up. Surround it with the money in whatever way feels most comfortable to you – there is no right or wrong in this ritual; keep that in mind.  Place the candle at the head of the card and light it (make sure the candle is securely fitted in a good candle holder so it won’t fall down and catch things on fire.) Focus on the imagery of the card.  You’ll know the right amount of time.  Then visualize yourself paying your bills EASILY; visualize being paid money from someone that owes it to you; visualize money coming to you from an unexpected source (lottery, inheritance, etc.) and money coming to you in other forms (if you sell things online, that would be an example of this.)  Sprinkle cinnamon on the flame saying affirmatively and adamantly:

Money of Silver, Green and Gold
Hurriedly Bring me Wealth Untold

Bring me enough, then some, for my Needs

Let money in my Hands, Grow like Seeds.
Riches come through every possible Door
To make me Money Ten Times More

And as I will, So Shall it Be,

Money will SURELY come to me.

This always works~~It’s always a blessing!

Snuff the candle and wrap it in the bill(s) and tie it up with green string. – Let it sit near your front door of your home, or front door of your place of business; or if you prefer, put it in your purse.  You can safely remove it and bury it or throw it away once your spell has manifested.

*Any card in the deck could look like money to you.  This is a spell that is about you; how you perceive things and your view of the pictures on the card can be quite different from someone else.  So it is NOT necessary to pick a card that is KNOWN to be a card of abundance. Any picture that quietly speaks to you and lends you to think and easily visualize ‘money drawing’ scenarios, is the RIGHT tarot card for this spell.  This is a personal spell*

Text Copyright 2011 by Morika Bernhard, Under The New Moon, www.underthenewmoon.com We invite you to stop by our store this month and browse! Take 25% off your entire order with code: WARMUP25

To contact Morika, email: underthenewmoon@gmail.com

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 deck is called Goddess on the Go by Amy Sophia Marashinsky with art by Melissa Harris.  Each card is 3.5 x 2 and the art work is beautiful with muted colors and soothing images.  The cards are described as love letters to women and they also come with a handy dandy booklet which is chockfull of affirmations. Each card has it’s own affirmation written on it such as “I am filled with tranquility” or “I am a complete success”.  The cards are small enough to be tucked in your pocket or tossed in your purse.

What I love most about these cards beside the small size is that the affirmations are relatable.  How many times throughout the day to we not trust or inner guidance? How would that change for you if you grabbed the card with the affirmation “I am trusting my inner guidance”?  The cards hold positive clips of writing that remind us as women to trust or instinct or be grateful for everything we have. These cards not only benefit adult women but also teen girls who are going through their own life adjustments and insecurities reminding us that we are Goddess in our own right.

Now how do I use these cards?  I love to have small affirmation decks scattered throughout my house. Not only does this allow me to grab one read it and Meditate on it, it also allows guest and family members to do the same. Typically I set the cards out in bowls or small containers where they can be easily grabbed, read and returned.

This particular deck I keep near my bedroom door allowing me to grab one yup on the go and read it and then I spend the day trying to be mindful of the affirmation I read.

Now if you want to use cards as affirmations throughout your day and you don’t have an affirmation deck you can always use your tarot deck. Each card in the tarot deck holds a meaning for instance the ace of cups means contentment, nourishment, abundance etc when you pull that card from the deck you can spend the day meditating on or reminding yourself of the abundance and contentment you have in your life. Another idea is to create your own affirmation cards some retailers actually sell the blank tarot decks where you can create your own deck or you can also buy a small package of artist trading cards easily purchased at any craft or art store. And if you can’t find those use good old blank paper.

Using affirmation cards or the tarot deck as affirmation cards is a great way to keep us grounded and remind ourselves of issues within our lives that we need to be mindful of.  So grab your deck and have fun.

Till next time.

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.