The Occult Arts- Unlocking the door- The Tarot part 2
By Jason Ritchie
Exploring the hidden energies related to the Tarot can sometimes seem a little daunting. Yet there are many currently seeking to expand their consciousness and learn the great teachings found within the depth of these cards.
Firstly I wish to express that although Tarot cards are often advertised as a "game", the utmost respect should be shown towards them. I also stress that they are not a game, but actually unlock a greater expansiveness of awareness and are able to fore tell the next steps on your path. Having read the Tarot for the last 15 years I still am surprised at the way in which they fall and how they can be read. The Tarot never lie. However the person interpreting the spread is the one who may see the Tarot in a different light to another.
Let me firstly explain how to choose a deck of Tarot Cards.
If we stay with the historical energy associated with the cards and suppose that they derive from Egypt, the Gypsies have with them the energy that teaches us much about our ancestral knowledge as well as our current life path. Additionally the doorways to our future have already been assigned to us, we just have to open the door. The gypsy or Tarot reader is able to access this , therefore having a pack of cards holds a responsibility.
If you are sure that you wish to own a pack of Tarot cards, you must then always receive a deck. Especially the first one. It is essential and part of historical energy associated with the cards that inheriting a pack is beneficial for your development. If you have no-one to pass a pack down to you (usually the gift of reading runs in families), then have someone buy you a pack of cards from a shop/internet. Now this can be attained on two different levels. Lets imagine you are in a shop with a friend. You see decks of tarot on a shelf, if a particular deck captures your eye, then ask your friend to buy it for you. Once it is bought, it can be given to you. If you are in touch with your intuition or healing power you may wish to scan the decks with your hand. Where you feel a connection, ask your friend to buy it, then receive it as a gift. Alternatively you can ask your friend to buy you a pack of Tarot cards and just be open to accepting the cards that have been chosen for you.
NB. At this time of development it is beneficial to not have in your possession for development the "Aliester Crowley Thoth deck". Aliester Crowley was an intelligent and powerful man. His energy rides through the waves of the Tarot deck. Although powerful he also walked the path of the darkness, an avenue not to explore when first learning the deck of the Tarot. I would recommend the Ryder Waite, or the Mythic to start with.
Reading the Tarot is a gift and one that once you have developed your gift you are able to access spiritual doorways that you had only read about. The tarot falls into the category of the "Occult arts", the "hidden arts of communication".
Now all Tarot decks carry with then a little book. Each card has two general meanings depending upon the position of the cards (upright or reversed) in which they are laid. It is also worth noting that they also mean something different depending on what cards they are next to. Therefore I recommend to our students that, although the book gives a guide line reference of meaning, it is, in fact beneficial to discard the book and connect with each card separately. Meditation with the Tarot is beneficial. By expanding your consciousness with each card you are able to understand more about who you are. I feel that many people are unaware of this energy, yet it is a manner in which I was taught, and additionally pass down to our students.
Looking at the symbols and imagery in each individual tarot card, further assisting an awareness of consciousness that exists within each card. The cards also need to be looked after in a very caring and delicate manner. Remember respect. Treat them almost as human beings. When you enter into meditation, you can see each card as a lesson, person or experience. Live through the power of the cards. It is then beneficial to cleanse and appreciate them, especially before/after readings.
Rubbing lavender oil/perfume/incense over the back of each card, then putting them together in the upright position. Shuffle them and then put them to rest. Buy a lovely piece of silk, either black, purple, green, white or gold. You can then either put them into a box with a selection of spiritual images or you can leave them in their silk cloth and place them in a place where they are hidden and wont absorb energy from those living in your house/Space. Additionally you may wish to keep them in a box with fresh or dried herbs, Pine or crystals like Red Jasper and white Onyx. It is equally important not to sleep with them in your bedroom., unless you are meditating with an individual card, that is best placed under your pillow. The energy associated with the card will emanate through the pillow and into your subconscious state, thus unlocking the door to a greater understanding of its teaching.
Before reading the Tarot it is beneficial to meditate. Choose a place where you can have piece and tranquillity and time to digest the energy associated with the card. Light some candles, light some incense and still your mind. Hold the pack in your left hand or place your palm over them and ask them to work with you and through you to benefit your spiritual development as well as those whom you aim to read in the future. You may like to say a prayer and visualize yourself in a space with white light extended to all four corners of the room. Within the white light visualize a door. Stood at this door when it opens is your spiritual door keeper. The door keeper can bring forth the energy associated with the card you are going to learn.
Always after any spiritual work, ask the images to return into the light, and back through the door. Close the door and allow the image of the white light to fade. Say a prayer to close and open your eyes. Write down your experience associated with that card. In time you are able to create your own journal as living through the deck of the Tarot.
There are four suits, the wands, cups, swords and coins. Each suit has its own individual teaching and lesson. The suits in many ways represent the lessons we have to attain in our lives. The Major Arcana, total 22 cards represent then main lesson. In the Tarot part 3 I will introduce you to the suits of the Tarot and their meanings. However if you feel you would like to develop this art of reading the Tarot please see contact info@alternative-world.org You can read articles previously published in the spanish sun newspaper on my blog www.spirit-link.blogspot.com
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