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by Christin Snyder
There are many misconceptions surrounding the Tarot that have caused much
debate. For the past 15 years I have used the Tarot as an instrument to gain
understanding and insight. In this time I have had to grow into this tool also,
learning through experience what it can and cannot do. Tarot is not a fortune
telling device as often depicted. It is not a magic wand that lays out an easy
future by providing all the answers in advance. The future is not set in stone,
our use of free will determines what directions we take and if we believe
otherwise, we give our power away to circumstance.
Simply put, Tarot is an instrument used to gain deeper insight &
understanding through symbology and exploration. It is a tool for personal
transformation through the combined usage of psychology and spirituality. It
enhances awareness, and in the process expands horizons by highlighting choices
and scenarios by laying it all out before us. Living an empowered life means
understanding that the future is not entirely predestined. I believe we come
here knowing and allowing ourselves to have certain experiences, but we also
shape those experiences through integration of what we have learned. Just like a
grade in school, you have certain objectives and lessons that are part of the
goal plan. Some students will succeed, others will not make the goal, but each
student shapes his/her own learning experience through effort and application.
Tarot, when used properly, was never intended to be “magic”, just a tool for
insight to help the querrent make more empowered decisions. It acts as a sort of
study guide, enhancing the learning process through displaying repeating
behavior patterns, potential consequences/rewards for ones actions, and possible
choices. The Tarot through its series of images tells a story, each card
represents different personality traits, attitudes, actions etc, and through
these pictures a story begins to emerge. The ultimate outcome is entirely in the
hands of the one seeking the guidance.
As with anything else misunderstood, it is human nature to fear and label things
which can be viewed as a potential threat. Things that are different are
frightening and often labeled as evil outright, rather than explored. Remember,
we live in a society that burned people alive only a few hundred years ago
because of fears of evil. I am reminded of the famous quote ”The only thing we
have to fear is fear itself”. Human nature in a fear state is a peculiar
phenomenon that causes those in its grip to say, do, and believe some rather
absurd things. The whole propaganda about Tarot being associated with Satanism
and the Devil is flat out nonsense. No, the Tarot was not written about or
condemned in the Bible or any other holy book for that matter, as the Tarot did
not even come into existence until somewhere between the 14th and 15th century
AD. We must remember to keep our holy books in context, as they are meant to be
taken symbolically and not literally. If we were to actually take some of these
books literally we would still be stoning women, sacrificing animals, and
smiting our neighbors. As with anything else, the Golden Rule applies: “Do
unto others”.
The vast majority of us who use Tarot in our daily lives are no more evil than
anyone else. We work jobs, raise families, and socialize with the rest of the
community and do otherwise perfectly “normal” things. We don't all have big
head dresses and speak in funny accents telling others we have mystical magical
powers and can change lives, bring people lovers, or dole out winning lotto
numbers. The charlatans who practice this kind of thing, and propagate these
misconceptions aren't evil either, they are just plain greedy and eager to
capitalize on the pain and misunderstanding of others. I'have seen just as much
greed in many churches & temples, so i would advise people to not jump to
conclusions, but to research and try to gain understanding into how this tool
works before labeling it as anything.
Legitimate Tarot Readers, Psychics and other such advisors believe in building
people up as we show them all the options and potential choices surrounding
present conditions, and help them to come to terms with issues from the past
that may be shaping their current perceptions. A genuine Tarot reader does not
present Tarot as something that only the elite can master. Many of your more
reputable Tarot readers teach and are usually happy to share Tarot knowledge and
personal insights with those who are learning. The mark of a genuine psychic is
empowerment, not dependency. A truly gifted healing practitioner does not seek
to enslave a querrent to their guidance, but to show them how to find the
connection with their own inner guidance.
Another common misconception is the tendency to link Tarot Readers and Psychics
together into one category. One does not have to be a practicing psychic to use
the Tarot, however many psychics, myself included, started out on our paths
reading Tarot. Tarot can be a tool to help enhance and aid the intuition, and
that often opens people up to further abilities. Once I developed psychically, i
never gave up my love for Tarot. I still use it often, in combination with my
other abilities, to read for myself and others. Tarot serves as a validation to
my other senses, and frankly is very old-habit to me so it is easier. I guess
it's almost like that old security blanket one reaches for because its
comfortable, out of habit and not necessity.
I use the cards for many purposes, inspiration for writing, meditation,
reflection, asking Spirit for guidance when I feel confused, etc. The
possibilities are limitless, as are the many different types of decks available.
There are decks that represent many different spiritual paths, styles of art,
languages etc. making it easy to find one that fits right with the individual.
They are not restricted to any one faith system, there are Christian decks,
Kabbala decks, Angel decks and many more. There are decks for different levels
of reading ability as well. Beginners may find that extremely intricate decks
filled with tons of symbology or a lot of intense artwork distracts from the
learning process. I recommend starting out with a more standard deck such as the
Rider-Waite or Universal-Waite decks, or ones based on these. Different decks
can be acquired once a feel for the Tarot has been developed. Many of the
learning guides and courses for beginners that are available are developed
around these decks.
When in the market to find a Tarot deck, there are numerous resources available
to review them, see what others have to say and to view samples of the images.
One of my personal favorites is http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/
which features images and reviews of hundreds of decks. The key is finding what
one is naturally drawn to, and I explain more about this in my other articles. I
also provide free Tarot readings, below-retail Tarot decks, as well as other
great resources through my own website: http://www.SpiritualGuidanceTarot.com
~*~*~*~*~*
Christin is an Ordained Minister and Spiritual Guidance Coach who loves to
empower others. Visit her site today for unique resources such as free readings,
articles, forums, and her Free eBook “Psychic Skills Exploration &
Development”.
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Copyright 2005 - All rights reserved.
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