The striking images of the Tarot often appear mysterious, beckoning us to draw closer and learn of their secrets. While some choose to use the Tarot for predictive purposes, the metaphorical symbols can do so much more. In fact, most who work with Tarot do not use the cards for prediction at all! Here are but a few ways to enjoy and utilize the Tarot:
• Problem Solving and Self Development – Tarot cards provide an excellent springboard for identifying, analyzing, and working through challenging situations. Draw a card and have an imaginary conversation with it. What advice might it give you if it could “speak”? Alternatively, look through a deck and pick a card that represents how you’re feeling now; then, pick another representing how you’d like to feel. How might you get from here to there? You can also use Tarot for brainstorming and planning. (Mark McElroy has written several excellent books using the cards for this purpose; What’s in the Cards for You? is my favorite.) Tarot allows us to “freeze” different aspects of a situation, promoting objectivity, awareness, clarity, and empowered choice.
• Creativity – Are you a writer, artist, or musician? The cards can inspire ideas, plots, and direction. For example, draw a card and write a song or create a painting based on how the image makes you feel. Or, write a short story based on three cards drawn at random: Card 1 represents one person, Card 2 represents another person, and Card 3 represents the nature of the conflict or situation involving them both. Alternatively, draw several cards and tell a story based on what you see.
• Dream Interpretation – The rich symbolism of the Tarot can provide helpful clues to the meaning of dreams. You could choose a Tarot card for each of the elements contained within a dream, or draw several that specifically address the theme and its relevant message.
• Meditation and Visualization – If your spiritual path uses rituals or altars, you can use one or more Tarot cards as a sacred tool for meditation, contemplation, and intention. For example, if you’re feeling vulnerable, you could meditate on the Strength card. If you feel pulled in a hundred directions and long for time alone, you could cultivate an atmosphere of spiritual retreat and social withdrawal by meditating on the Hermit.
• Education and Intellectual Stimulation – The Tarot can be as simple or as complex as you’d like it to be, depending on your preferences. When reading the cards you can simply “say what you see” as author Wilma Carroll encourages, or you can explore esoteric Tarot symbolism, numerology, astrology, Qabalah, western magickal traditions (such as the Order of the Golden Dawn) and much more. The internet is an amazing resource for learning about Tarot, with hundreds of websites, online groups, and bookstores dedicated to the subject. The Tarot School in NYC provides excellent in-person classes as well as tele-classes, audio courses on CD, and a correspondence program.
• Divination and Psychic Development – Asking questions of the Tarot and using spreads (card layouts) can help you tap into the collective unconscious, develop symbolic sight, and stretch your intuitive potential. Testing the Tarot—and yourself—increases trust in innate abilities, creates personal meaning, and demonstrates the power of co-creating reality.
Determining the ways you’d like to work with the Tarot can help you decide on which deck or decks to work with. Tarot decks span hundreds of themes—from baseball to dragons, saints to fairies, cats to Halloween. Selecting a deck can be an overwhelming task in light of such a vast array! The internet is a great portal for discovering and purchasing decks, especially when you get to see many of the cards. The Encyclopedia of Tarot Volume IV features artwork from 850 tarot decks and reproductions of more than 11,000 different tarot cards from the 20th century. Because most decks cost around $20 to $30, a book such as this one can help you save money in the end by learning more about various decks.
So which deck should you ultimately choose? Even some long-time Tarotists are still on the quest for the “perfect deck”! Purpose, attractiveness, and theme are the three main considerations when looking for a deck. For example, if your primary purpose for using the Tarot were storytelling or creative writing, you would want a deck with illustrated Minors. It’s much easier to tell a story about an individual standing on one foot and holding (juggling?) two pentacles than trying to glean meaning from an image of merely two pentacles.
Attractiveness is also an important consideration. If you like the theme of a deck but abhor the illustrations or coloring, then working with it won’t be enjoyable. Choose a deck that appeals to your sense of touch (including size). Some New Age and occult bookstores display sample cards for you to examine. If you’re ordering online—precluding the ability to touch the deck—join a Yahoo Group dedicated to the Tarot and ask questions. In addition, read reviews of decks (such as those on my site) and scrutinize the images. How do the pictures make you feel? Do you like the artistic style?
Theme is another element to consider. If you don’t resonate with the Christian symbolism of a RWS deck, then you may prefer Tarot decks with pagan imagery, such as those with Wiccan or Druidic themes. If you practice feminine spirituality, you may choose a deck reflecting goddess themes. Whatever your passions and interests, allow them to guide you as you choose an appropriate deck.
One of the fascinating elements about Tarot is there is no “wrong” way to read the cards. Each person brings his/her unique life experience and frame of reference to the cards. For example, although most individuals interpret the 3 of swords as heartache or grief, others may see the three swords piercing the bright red heart as symbolic of “the three musketeers”—three friends joined by the bonds of love.
Whether you use the cards for journaling, self-discovery, creativity, brain storming, or spiritual practice, the Tarot provides a vast array of symbols and metaphors for inspiration, clarity, and insight.
This article originally appeared in the March/April 2006 issue of Mystic Pop Magazine.
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