The title may be a little misleading. These aren't new books that I've read, but books focusing on tarot that I've newly read. Purchased these sometime after Christmas and really just opened them in the last few weeks.
Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom, Part 1: The Major Arcana by Rachel Pollack offered surprisingly refreshing and in-depth descriptions of the 22 cards. It wasn't a very long book- 127 pages, so it offered enormous insight in a concise package. Very straightforward, but not pragmatic. Wonderfully spiritual and poetic in its' own right.
Another book I picked up was Corrinne Kenner's Tarot Journaling: Using the Celtic Cross to Unveil Your Hidden Story. I'll fess up and admit that I bought this book for a very reasonable amount with a gift card, not expecting much. It sounded interesting enough but pretty mundane. However, this book uses the Celtic Cross to guide the reader through tarot journaling, taking him on a journey through each of the ten cards. For example, the 10th card and Chapter: What Will Come discusses clairvoyance, intuiting and foretelling the future. It offers different strategies and recommendations for utilizing journaling to develop psychic abilities and deepening intuition.
Both of these books are wonderful tools for anyone with more than a beginner's knowledge of tarot.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Monday, September 17, 2007
spirituality & tarot
Today I've been assessing what religious belief system I possibly subscribe to.
Although agnostic has been the easiest word used to define my belief system, perhaps Paganism or Neo-Paganism would be even more correct.
Tarot has been the focal point for delving into practicing spirituality for quite some time. Without any religious upbringing, the idea of religion and its' dogmatic reasoning only succeeded in nurturing my disgust towards organized religion. Tarot is not merely a spiritual tool, but is also used in psychology. Some of the decks, like the Shakespearean Oracle, appeal to us lit nuts. Some artists collect particular decks for aesthetic reasons primarily. Basically, the tarot appealed to me on many levels.
Over time, tarot fostered a sense of the spiritual that exists within and around us on all levels. The Earth or Goddess provides such a tool as the tarot which enables me to tap into the spiritual power residing in everything. At first, the idea of ritual accompanying tarot would have seemed a little off. Now, I meditate and create spells with specific cards.
As I've developed, my ideologies have changed as well. As a vegetarian for over 15 years, who eats mostly organic and uses natural medicines over new traditional ones, I realize that I foster strong ties to the Earth (Goddess). Tarot has slowly led me to a place where I've found it easier to practice my growing belief system via ritual, everyday awareness, and in writing.
Although agnostic has been the easiest word used to define my belief system, perhaps Paganism or Neo-Paganism would be even more correct.
Tarot has been the focal point for delving into practicing spirituality for quite some time. Without any religious upbringing, the idea of religion and its' dogmatic reasoning only succeeded in nurturing my disgust towards organized religion. Tarot is not merely a spiritual tool, but is also used in psychology. Some of the decks, like the Shakespearean Oracle, appeal to us lit nuts. Some artists collect particular decks for aesthetic reasons primarily. Basically, the tarot appealed to me on many levels.
Over time, tarot fostered a sense of the spiritual that exists within and around us on all levels. The Earth or Goddess provides such a tool as the tarot which enables me to tap into the spiritual power residing in everything. At first, the idea of ritual accompanying tarot would have seemed a little off. Now, I meditate and create spells with specific cards.
As I've developed, my ideologies have changed as well. As a vegetarian for over 15 years, who eats mostly organic and uses natural medicines over new traditional ones, I realize that I foster strong ties to the Earth (Goddess). Tarot has slowly led me to a place where I've found it easier to practice my growing belief system via ritual, everyday awareness, and in writing.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Surfacing Consciousness
The use of tarot in creating self and "other" awareness is similar to using psychedelic drugs.
For example, my family and I had recently just returned from a strenuous move. Not only did we drive across the country, but we had to find homes for all of our furniture (no easy feat), ship and pack the necessaries, wrap up our jobs and lives, do quite a bit of travelling beyond the cross-country trip, and travel with a shy cat.
After this trip, I had became selfish and pretty moody. We were in a new town, unpacking and my attitude was completely negative, unbeknownst to myself.
Wanting to find some clarity in general, I did a celtic cross reading for myself. Within 10 minutes my "bad behavoir" was revealed, much to my own embarrassment. It also clarified all of the wonderful things going on in my life, showed our accomplishments, while communicating that the reasons why I felt such disapproval with everything around me.
In this respect, psychedelic drugs (used responsibly) can also speak volumes about information lying beneath our consciousness. There have been cases in the past, when I've eaten mushrooms, that a voice spoke quite clearly to me. LSD had a similar effect. It bespoke truths that should have been quite clear to me before, yet had somehow eluded my understanding.
Using Tarot cards to generate awareness about the present moment is particularly helpful when contemplating the future or a decision to make. Sometimes we focus too much on the effect, instead of how what is going on right now is the source and spring for insight into the future. We look too far ahead, yet the answers are at our fingertips in the immediate present.
For example, my family and I had recently just returned from a strenuous move. Not only did we drive across the country, but we had to find homes for all of our furniture (no easy feat), ship and pack the necessaries, wrap up our jobs and lives, do quite a bit of travelling beyond the cross-country trip, and travel with a shy cat.
After this trip, I had became selfish and pretty moody. We were in a new town, unpacking and my attitude was completely negative, unbeknownst to myself.
Wanting to find some clarity in general, I did a celtic cross reading for myself. Within 10 minutes my "bad behavoir" was revealed, much to my own embarrassment. It also clarified all of the wonderful things going on in my life, showed our accomplishments, while communicating that the reasons why I felt such disapproval with everything around me.
In this respect, psychedelic drugs (used responsibly) can also speak volumes about information lying beneath our consciousness. There have been cases in the past, when I've eaten mushrooms, that a voice spoke quite clearly to me. LSD had a similar effect. It bespoke truths that should have been quite clear to me before, yet had somehow eluded my understanding.
Using Tarot cards to generate awareness about the present moment is particularly helpful when contemplating the future or a decision to make. Sometimes we focus too much on the effect, instead of how what is going on right now is the source and spring for insight into the future. We look too far ahead, yet the answers are at our fingertips in the immediate present.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Two Cards of the Day
Woke up feeling moody and sorry for myself today. Perhaps a result of a lack of sleep lately and getting ready to move across the country. Instead of dwelling inside of negative mind-space, I decided to go into my room and pull a card of the day.
As I was shuffling the deck, I realized the importance of clearing my mind and disconnecting myself from negative emotions. A friend gave me and my husband a heart-shaped candle on our wedding day. I imagined the warmth and love of this candle burning inside of my chest and invoked the love of all of my friends and family. I visualized drawing the love of the universe to me, in order to cleanse and clarify my intentions (I've always believed that love is a cleansing energy).
The card I pulled was from the Shakespeare Oracle. It is a newer deck for me and I haven't had a chance to use it much. However, it resonates well so far and I felt myself drawn to it rather than the Crowley deck I normally use.
I fanned the cards and drew 8 of Quills (oftentimes known as Swords). It obviously reflected my own feelings at that moment- confinement, restriction...I was trapped by my own perception of circumstances, of imaginary (and somewhat real) obstacles blocking me from my goals and desires. The voice of my inner-critic oftentimes outshouts any optimististic vocalizations from my husband or other parts of myself.
That was when I realized that a second card of the day was sorely needed. The problem was revealed, but I yearned for resolution.
I shuffled the cards and fanned them out again. This time I drew The Queen of Quills: Beatrice. A very strong women, with a sharp tongue and keen mind. A woman whose virtues I was called to implement. An outspoken, confident lady whose razor-sharp mind cuts through the bull. This character also knows how to harness the power of humor, which is something I've been sorely lacking today.
Drawing two cards today was just what I needed. As always, even though these cards were a reflection of the immediate moment, they also reflected an aspect of my daily existence.
As I was shuffling the deck, I realized the importance of clearing my mind and disconnecting myself from negative emotions. A friend gave me and my husband a heart-shaped candle on our wedding day. I imagined the warmth and love of this candle burning inside of my chest and invoked the love of all of my friends and family. I visualized drawing the love of the universe to me, in order to cleanse and clarify my intentions (I've always believed that love is a cleansing energy).
The card I pulled was from the Shakespeare Oracle. It is a newer deck for me and I haven't had a chance to use it much. However, it resonates well so far and I felt myself drawn to it rather than the Crowley deck I normally use.
I fanned the cards and drew 8 of Quills (oftentimes known as Swords). It obviously reflected my own feelings at that moment- confinement, restriction...I was trapped by my own perception of circumstances, of imaginary (and somewhat real) obstacles blocking me from my goals and desires. The voice of my inner-critic oftentimes outshouts any optimististic vocalizations from my husband or other parts of myself.
That was when I realized that a second card of the day was sorely needed. The problem was revealed, but I yearned for resolution.
I shuffled the cards and fanned them out again. This time I drew The Queen of Quills: Beatrice. A very strong women, with a sharp tongue and keen mind. A woman whose virtues I was called to implement. An outspoken, confident lady whose razor-sharp mind cuts through the bull. This character also knows how to harness the power of humor, which is something I've been sorely lacking today.
Drawing two cards today was just what I needed. As always, even though these cards were a reflection of the immediate moment, they also reflected an aspect of my daily existence.
Monday, July 2, 2007
All Sizes & Shapes
Tarot decks come in many shapes and sizes. There are square decks, mini-decks, round decks, decks made out of very thick cardstock- and these details really do make a difference.
For example, I use the larger sized Crowley deck for meditation. For readings, it is much too large for my hands and I prefer to use the smaller deck. However, with the larger deck, more detail can be absorbed, so I also like just looking and thinking about particular cards with the large deck.
The Motherpeace Tarot's round shape compelled me to put it on my Xmas list one year. I LOVE the shape. Not easy to shuffle. I do not have the mini-deck, perhaps that would be easier to shuffle. A round deck bespeaks of Earth and Womanhood and life cycles and journeys.
Another odd-shaped deck is the Shakespeare Oracle. The thick cardstock and colors make the cards appear as if they have been made out of wood (to a certain degree). Thickness and shape bespeak of durability and simplicity. More square than most decks. Better for personal readings or those who know Shakespeare well.
For example, I use the larger sized Crowley deck for meditation. For readings, it is much too large for my hands and I prefer to use the smaller deck. However, with the larger deck, more detail can be absorbed, so I also like just looking and thinking about particular cards with the large deck.
The Motherpeace Tarot's round shape compelled me to put it on my Xmas list one year. I LOVE the shape. Not easy to shuffle. I do not have the mini-deck, perhaps that would be easier to shuffle. A round deck bespeaks of Earth and Womanhood and life cycles and journeys.
Another odd-shaped deck is the Shakespeare Oracle. The thick cardstock and colors make the cards appear as if they have been made out of wood (to a certain degree). Thickness and shape bespeak of durability and simplicity. More square than most decks. Better for personal readings or those who know Shakespeare well.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Revisiting the Mythic Tarot
My first tarot deck from nearly 15 years ago was Juliet Sharman-Burke's & Liz Greene's The Mythic Tarot. Overall, I found this a wonderful beginner deck as each Major Arcana card was depicted by a particular Greek hero/heroine/God/Goddess and each of the Minor Arcana cards are part of a Greek mythological storyline. Very easy to follow and creates a fabulous memory device for remembering individual cards.
Many years ago (I've moved around a bit) I "lost" this deck and about 2 years ago my good friend Carrie sent the Mythic Tarot to me. I hadn't played with this deck in about 10 years and was surprised that I actually remembered individual cards quite well. I was also excited to find that this was still enjoyable to use. These mythological figures fit into the Tarot archetypes extremely well and the bold use of color throughout pleases the eyes.
The only downside to this deck is that the cards themselves are quite thin. I don't know if they would make great travelling cards or could endure a bunch of wear and tear.
Lovely deck, altogether. Works best with question/answer and Celtic Cross. I would personally only use the Major Arcana with some relationship questions.
Many years ago (I've moved around a bit) I "lost" this deck and about 2 years ago my good friend Carrie sent the Mythic Tarot to me. I hadn't played with this deck in about 10 years and was surprised that I actually remembered individual cards quite well. I was also excited to find that this was still enjoyable to use. These mythological figures fit into the Tarot archetypes extremely well and the bold use of color throughout pleases the eyes.
The only downside to this deck is that the cards themselves are quite thin. I don't know if they would make great travelling cards or could endure a bunch of wear and tear.
Lovely deck, altogether. Works best with question/answer and Celtic Cross. I would personally only use the Major Arcana with some relationship questions.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tarot Odysseys
Tarot has manifested itself in various situations in my life. I turn to it for spiritual or practical guidance, as a tool for self-expression, and as a means to understanding those around me more profoundly.
The deck I turn to at a specific point in time will often reflect what part of my journey I am on or my mood on a specific day.
Oftentimes, the deck I choose is the Crowley/Harris deck (Thoth Tarot). The symbolism and vibrant colors speak volumes to me. However, I own quite a few decks (maybe 10-15) and am always searching for new ones that call out my name.
The deck I turn to at a specific point in time will often reflect what part of my journey I am on or my mood on a specific day.
Oftentimes, the deck I choose is the Crowley/Harris deck (Thoth Tarot). The symbolism and vibrant colors speak volumes to me. However, I own quite a few decks (maybe 10-15) and am always searching for new ones that call out my name.
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