Why I Use The Tarot

Many people use the tarot for its archetypal and symbolic significance in their lives. It allows me the chance to truly develop my own choice and journey in life, and to bring greater awareness to my sense of purpose. Tarot is one tool  for developing self awareness. Tarot inspires, gives guidance and makes a huge difference to the way I view life and deal with its challenges. It has been a wonderful tool for my self awareness and self improvement. Tarot has not only helped bring fresh insight into making choices, I have developed trust in my instincts and intuition.

Astrology

Aries

Aries is about asserting yourself, taking control of your life, showing who is boss. Being single minded will get you ahead for now, but, if you identify or associate already with this energy or know you are expressing it, then take care that you don't push others too far.

Keywords: Self-expression, assertion, forcefulness, urgency, initiative, courage, aggression, impulse, enterprise, passion, selfishness, leadership, egotism, combustible, foolhardy, survival instinct

Strengths: Aries is a courageous, enterprising pioneer who values freedom and frank discussion. This is a generous, enthusiastic person who makes things happen. Passionate Aries throws everything into work or play. Problems are faced head-on with a view to finding innovative solutions.

Weaknesses: Aries can be manipulative and less than truthful. Externally restless, this sign lacks perseverance, wanting everything now. Projects and people may be abandoned halfway through. The Arien personality can be exceedingly selfish. If the risk-taking gets obsessive, Aries has no compunction about jeopardizing the security of others.



Taurus
Taurus needs to feel secure. When you draw this card, think about whether you are needy, possessive or materialistically driven to succeed. If you are already expressing this energy, then avoid becoming too fanatical about your goal. If you feel this energy is lacking, you need to rely more on the facts and develop inner sense of security.

Keywords: Endurance, materiailsm, steadfastness, productivity, practicality, thoroughness, security, fixity, sensuality, stubbornness, possessive, routine, patient, slow, hedonistic, patient, self-indulgent

Strengths: Dependable Taurus has tremendous personal resilience and intergrity. With common sense in abundance, this industrious sign is excellent at planning and organization. Taurus can be relied upon to carry things through no matter what obstacles lay in the path. Complementing this practical aspect is an earthy creativity and artistic ability.

Weaknesses: Unable to appreciate different points of view, Taurus often builds up entrenched opinions. The bull refuses to take risks or try anything new. Taurus can be excessively possessive with people and belongings. This personality ca also exhibit self indulgence and ostentatious behaviour in pursuit of the good life.




Gemini

Gemini relies on its wits and brains. So are you using your head to make a decision, or relying on your heart? If you aren't expressing this energy then it is time to utilize your logic. If your mind is working overtime, then perhaps you need to get in touch with your heart.

Keywords: Communicative, multi-faceted, adaptability, duality, versatility, duplicity, inquisitiveness, sociability, superficiality, cunning, wit, two-faced, capricious, restless, fickle, symmetry

Strengths: A versatile mind is Gemini's greatest asset. The ideas flow thick and fast and multi tasking comes naturally.

Weaknesses: Gemini has problems knowing exactly what the truth is and regularly changes their stories without even noticing. Inconvenient facts tend to get discarded, especially when there's an opportunity to manipulate. Two faced Gemini loves to gossip but finds impossible to hold secrets.




Cancer

Cancer wants to belong. When you draw the Chariot do you feel you belong to anything or anyone- a tribe, a clan, family, lover, circle of friends or institution ? Do you cling desperately to anyone or anything for fear of being alone?If this energy is lacking , then it is time to embrace someone and feel you belong in the big wide world. If you want to break free, do so.

Keywords: Nurture, Defensiveness, emotionality, sympathy, vulnerability, clinging, tenacity, touchy, moody, ambition, shrewd, nostalgia, sentimental, manipulative, clannish, protective, insecure

Strengths: Highly intuitive of other people's needs. Cancer is extremely caring and fiercely protective. There are times when this solicitious sign seems to be the social worker for the rest of the zodiac. In the professional sphere, the shrewdness of the Cancerian mind, coupled with an excellent memory, often translates as business acumen.

Weaknesses: Weaknesses arise out of emotional sensitivity. When vulnerable, a Cancer becomes jealous and possessive, grabbing at whatever represents security.



Leo

Leo wants to be special. When you draw Strength, are you under the spot light, do you like being the center of attention? Or do you feel left out in the cold or immune to praise? If this quality is lacking in your life, your own talents and gifts will now bring you the attention you deserve. If this quality is overflowing, then take care that you don't assume the spotlight is only on you.

Keywords: Endurance, pride, regal, enthusiasm, self-assurance, generosity, playfulness, dignified, drama, pompous, patronizing, opinionated, conceit, boisterous

Strengths: Leo is a ferocious appetite for life and a raw energy that, when directed, can be used to obtain ones deepest desires. Once a Leo sets his mind on something, nothing can sway him from his course. Leos have a strong work ethic and have the tenacity to see there ventures come to fruition. They are charismatic, gregarious and powerful. On the other hand, Leos can also be patient, compassionate and sympathetic. They are emotional, loyal and affectionate. They make great friends and will fight for what they believe in.

Weaknesses: Leo is the susceptibility towards destructive behavior. When this occurs, the primal instincts have taken over. There is a hunger for control and power. Leos can be obstinate and arrogant. There intolerance can lead to ruthless behaviors and an overall insensitivity for anyone that may get in their way. They can be predisposed to anger and can tend to have emotional outbursts or temper tantrums.

Virgo
Virgo is discriminating but critical. When you draw the Hermit you must ask yourself if you are being too self-critical, or are you making too many demands on yourself or others? If you feel this energy is lacking, you may need to allow yourself more time to put your life into perspective.

Keywords: Service, discrimination, analysis, efficiency, perfectionism, purity, submissive, narrow-minded, pedantic, fastidious, conscientious, modest, nit-picking, fruitful

Strength: Virgo's efficientcy is legendary. This sign is graced with intergrity, practical creativity, common sense, reliability and an eye for detail. Although quiet and reserved, this sign is always there for others.

Weaknesses: At the extreme of the sign, an obsesion with detail renders Virgo pedantic and blinkered. The tendency to be critical and self righteous, combined with unattainable goals, means that this personality can never quite meet the standards of perfection that would raise self esteem and ameliorate self doubt.

Libra

Libra seeks balance and diplomacy. If this energy is strong for you now , too much compromise means that you are giving up on your own beliefs or opinions just to make others happy. If you believe it is lacking, learn diplomacy to resolve a dilemma and be more civilized about life.

Keywords: Relationship, harmony, partnership, cooperation, diplomacy, conciliation, compromise, insecurity, judgment, determined, perfectionism, indecisive, adaption, aesthetic, vacillating frivolous, peaceable

Strengths of a Libra is that they posses an excellent power of negotiation and mediation. A tactful and diplomatic personality, Libra smoothed matters down and finds the middle ground. Libra also has innate good taste and an ability to create a harmonious atmosphere, no matter the surroundings.

Weaknesses of the Libra is the vulnerability towards indecision and restlessness. They can be strict, inflexible and mistrustful of others. Their idealistic nature can interfere with their ability to see things as they truly are and they can be easily influenced by others. They can also fail to follow through commitments and go from one project to another. In the worst case scenario, the Libra can be the ultimate hypocrite, setting high standards but never living up to them.

Scorpio
Scorpio is about passion and power. When you draw Death, the astrological aspect of this card is power to transform your life to end one cycle that is not working for you and begin again. But identify too easily with this card, check that you are not wielding power for the sake of it.

Keywords: Transformation, intensity, mastery, magnetism, penetration, power, sexuality, secrets, destruction, mysterious, suspicious, covert, trauma, self destruction, vindictive, resentment, controlling

Strength of a tenacious Scorpio has enormous resilience and staying power . This perspicacious sign can penetrate into depths of another person.

Weaknesses are compulsion and obsessiveness, Scorpio is a touchy soul who seeks total control over other people. The Scorpio sting is lethal and Scorpio can be intensely masochistic.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius is optimistic and exploitative. When you draw Temperance, you have the chance to work on your desires and take the road towards achieving your goals. If you identify too easily with this energy, then, moderate your plans, rethink and reformulate before rushing headlong into something new.

Keywords: Seeker, quest, questioning, adventure, spontaneity, optimism, tactlessness, idealistic, freedom-loving, restless, philosophy, careless, jovial, exaggeration, extravagant

Strengths of a Sagittarius bring enormous enthusiasm to projects and is highly creative. This sign is excellent at initiating and seizing opportunities, drawing on a highly developed imagination and sense of adventure. Sensing someone in trouble, Sagittarius will always fight for the underdog.

Weaknesses of a Sagittarius is impatience, irresponsibility, and recklessness. The Sagittarius  nature can be predisposed to being overly critical and insensitive to others. The Temperance Tarot card can refer to a lack of self-control and, at times, self-indulgence.

Capricorn

Capricorn is self reliant and conventional. Are you currently following traditional rules about how to act, behave or love to such a rigid degree that you are denying your true feelings? Don't let dark thoughts get to you; it is time to stand up for individual rights too.

Keywords: Consolidated, authority, discipline, conservation, caution, responsibility, duty, responsibility, society, narrow minded, patient, callous, prudent, scapegoat, pessimism

Strengths are that Capricorns are blessed with infinite patience. Capricorns excels at handling difficult tasks. This sign also has a flare for organization, incorporating wisdom, an eye for detail and an ability to see things through. A tendency to take life too seriously is mitigated by a sardonic sense of humour

Weakness: Capricorn is a control freak and judges people according to positions they hold or what they can do to assist Capricorn climb the social or business ladder. This controlling personality sees the world in excessively rigid terms, imposing endless 'oughts and should haves' rules on themselves and others.



Aquarius

Aquarius is idealistic and independent. When you draw the Star and you feel this energy is lacking in your life, it is time to believe in yourself and trust in doing things your way. If you identify too readily with this independent energy, then take care that your not trying to influence others without thought for their personal needs.

Keywords: Humanitarian, detachment, dispassion, revolution, rebellion, eccentric, brotherhood, idealism, reform, gregarious, scientific, progressive, objective, erratic

Strengths of an Aquarius are motivated by social conscience. Aquarius understands what the world will need in 20 years time and begins to bring in change now. Without Aquarius there would be no evolution.

Weakness of an Aquarius is fad following, and can become stuck in a rut of eccentricity. At another extreme of the sign, the desire for change can rule to the detriment of everything else.

Pisces

Pisces is impressionable. If you identify with this energy, are you currently being misled by what others say, do, or believe, or can you see beyond the empty promises? Are you trying too hard to make someone happy? If you believe this quality is lacking in your life, it's time to be more in touch with your intuition and your feelings.

Keywords: Compassion, impressionable, receptive, vacillation, imagination, malleable, mysticism, transcendent, union, dreamer, confusion, elusive, self effacing

Strengths when a Pisces is at his or her best, it is the most intuitive and empathetic sign of the zodiac, with vast imagination and compassionate resource.

Weaknesses of a Pisces is that they have a tendency to rely too much on the emotions and fail to utilize the analytical thinking process. The Pisces can also be quite judgmental or intolerant. Pisces can also be obsessive and fanatical. In order for a Pisces to stay in balance it must not take on life to seriously. Pisces needs to constantly work on both the acceptance of self and of others.

Tarot Spreads

Past, Present and Future Spread 
The three card or simple spread is probably one of the oldest spreads in existence. It is good for a quick answer to most questions and looks at the past, present and future surrounding the question.

1. The past.
2. The present.
3. The future. .
    

 

Celtic Cross

Apart from the three card or simple Tarot spreads this is probably the most often used spread in existence and has become a classic. Good for answering a specific question or giving a general reading in-depth.  

 

1. What are the influences currently surround the querent?
2. What are the obstacles currently blocking the querent?
3. The recent past which formed the foundation for the current situation.
4. The distant past - issues the querent has had to deal with.
5. What does the querent wish to achieve?
6. What is before the querent? The future.
7. The querent's attitude or position on the matter.
8. How others see the querent.
9. The querent's hopes or fears.
10. The outcome.

Chakra Spread
This is a seven card spread which examines the querent's individual chakras and their current state.

1. Root chakra - red.
2. Spleen chakra - orange.
3. Solar plexus chakra - yellow.
4. Heart chakra - green.
5. Throat chakra - blue.
6. Third-eye chakra - indigo.
7. Crown chakra - violet.  

 

 

 

Heartache (Relationship)
This is a ten card Tarot spread that looks at the problems causing heartache within a relationship. It considers what needs to be done, whether the relationship will survive, and whether it is worth saving.

1. Did the querent play a part in creating the problem?
2. Does the querent acknowledge their part in the problem?
3. Did the querent's partner play a part in creating the problem?
4. Does the querent's partner acknowledge their part in the problem?
5. Is somebody else instrumental in creating this problem?
6. Other influences affecting the situation or creating the problem.
7. What the querent can do to help the situation.
8. What the querent's partner can do to help the situation.
9. Can the relationship be saved?
10. Is the relationship worth saving?

The opportunity & obstacles spread
This is a Tarot spread that is designed to answer a specific question although the question itself can be almost anything. It looks at the past, present and future conditions surrounding the question as well as opportunities and obstacles that may present themselves.

1. Past influences on the querent's question.
2. Present influences on the querent's question.
3. Future influences on the querent's question.
4. Energies working in the querent's favor.
5. Opportunities.
6. Energies working against the querent.
7. Obstacles.

 Past Life
This is a fourteen card spread which examines the querent's past life. 

1. Basic soul nature coming into this past life.
2. Environment.
3. Early years.
4. Education.
5. Accomplishments.
6. Occupation.
7. Social status.
8. Relationships.
9. Family life.
10. Death.
11. Lessons learned during this past life #1.
12. Lessons learned during this past life #2.
13. How this past life affects querent's current life #1.
14. How this past life affects querent's current life #2.

Is this the Right Path spread
This is an eight card Tarot spread to help determine whether the querent is on the right path spiritually. If so, it looks at what the querent can do to help speed up progress, and if not, then it considers what the right path is and who/what can help or hinder progress in the right direction.

1. Is the querent on the right path? If yes, go to card #2 and ignore cards #5 to #7. If no, go to card #5 and ignore cards #2 to #4.
2. Why the querent is on this path.
3. Influences or people acting in favor of further progress.
4. Influences or people acting against further progress.
5. What spiritual path should the querent be on?
6. Influences or people helpful to finding the correct path.
7. Influences or people detrimental to finding the correct path.
8. How difficult this path will be for the querent.

 Is this Relationship worth it spread
This is a six card Tarot spread that addresses the problem of the querent being in an unsatisfactory relationship and why it may be better for them to go.

1. The querent's current position.
2. Why it may be worth staying.
3. Why it may be worth going.
4. Will the querent be happy if they stay?
5. Will the querent be happier if they go?
6. Overall recommendation.

People have various reasons...

People have various reason for having a Tarot card reading done. It can provide valuable guidance & needed information on many aspects of our lives. Many people want to be successful in all areas of their lives, but you come to the full realization that you can't have it all but you can give it a shot. The wisdom in a tarot card reading can provide you with the courage & empowerment to make big changes or decisions that will enhance your life & well-being. Being in love, money, career or whatever you desire, people need guidance in their life. A tarot card reading is meant to be used as a guide in those difficult decisions life throws at you when least expected. Tarot card readings reflect on the past and present actions, thoughts and state of mind. It can be seen as a way to connect with deeper meanings of life and gaining an understanding of why things happen for a reason. Some people use the cards as a way of self improvement.

Tarot Numerology

Every card in the Tarot deck is associated with a number except for the court cards. These numbers are based on the principles of numerology and represent a material and spiritual evolutionary process that begins with the number 1 and ends with the number 9.

The Major Arcana numbers 1 to 22 follow the same numerological  cycle as the numbers 1 through 9 in the numerology, but continue in the Wheel of Fortune(#10) on a higher turn of the spiral  as a compound number ( 1+0=1).

In the Minor Arcana, the Aces are read as a number 1 because they indicate a fresh start or new beginning. There are no 10s in numerology except as a compound number. The number 10 in the Tarot is read as a number 1 (1+0=1) and represents that a cycle is rebeginning that signals a major change from one thing or place to another . The number 10 also points to a time when one must come to terms with something that may have been avoided in the past.      

I have divided each number into three sections to provide insight into their meanings. The first is the hidden and underlying message, the second is both the positive and negative, the third is what it means if there are multiples.  

Number 1

Message: Inspiration and aspiration. It deals with that which is about to take form, take shape, or manifest.  

Positive & Negative: Creation, ideas, beginnings, will, invention, originality, drive, incentive, determination, independence.   Willfullness, selfishness, undue force.

Multiples: Many 1s indicate that a situation is about to begin, or is in the beginning stages, and some or all of the positive or negative elements mentioned above will be involved.

Number 2  

Message: Assimilate and envision. It is the intellet directed, and its function is to imagine. It is the cooperator whose success is not gained by force, but by patience. 

Positive & Negative: Waiting, sharing, balance, receptivity, diplomacy, gentle persuasion, application, agreement, insight.  Intolerance, Impatience, imbalance.

Multiples:  Many 2s indicate a waiting period where there will be partial success but more to be revealed later. They can also indicate a reconciliation, a reunion, and/or an element of surprise.

Number 3

Message: Expression. It is the cementing factor of the numbers 1 and 2, and its power is through its word, which goes forth in order to bring into being that which is desired and envisioned.

Positive & Negative:  Communicating, feeling, enjoying, sharing, self expressing, love. friendship, popularity.  Withholding communication, scattered energy, overreacting, overindulging, criticism.

Multiples: Many 3s indicate group activities or situations involving more than one person. They can delay, but with the promise of future success.

Number 4

Mesage: Manifestation. It is the result of a well built foundation and proper application. It is that which comes forth as a result of desire, imagination, and emoting.

Positive & Negative: Practical application, formation, foundation, concentration, organization, working, building, planning.  Plodding, exacting or dull work, too much attention on the material, limitation, blocks, and opposition.

Multiples: Fruitation or manifestation of an idea, along with the foundation or space where things can grow.

Number 5

Message: Change, expansion, and re-creation. It also represents the desire to know, which demands that one must look to both the material and the spiritual realm in order to extract the truth.

Positive & Negative: Curiosity, spirituality, new thinking, new opportunities, magnetism, attraction, good fortune, travel and adventure.  Defeatism, dogmatism, fear of change, misfortune, failure.

Multiples:  Many 5s indicate change, challenge, and fluctuations (lucky and unlucky). They also indicate material prosperity but spiritual poverty, if not properly balanced or understood. 

Number 6

Message: Adjustment. It is the balancing factor that unlocks the mystery of the number 5, as it provides the ability to discern both the higher and the lower, andbring the into harmony.

Positive & Negative: Harmony, service, balance, compassion, responsibility, social conscious, domesticity, love, care comfort, concern.  Disharmony, discord, lack of concern or responsibility towards others, too fixed in opinons or beliefs, anxiety, interference.

Multiples:  Many 6s indicate adjustments in thoughts, attitudes, or conditions. They also represent the ability to transcend difficulties.

Number 7 
Message: Faith. Faith in the things that can't be seen, but nevertheless exist. The number 7s must know the ultimate truths, and it is only through experience that its intellectual and spiritual understanding develops, and faith in the unseen is attained.  
Positive & Negative: Faith, obsevation, investagation, discrimination, medication, discovery, knowledge, wisdom, perfection.   Fear, faithlessness, skepticism, pessimism, doubt, ignorance, escapism.
Multiples: Many 7s indicate a period of introspection or solitude. They also indicate unlooked for advantages or gains through things that come unexpectedly.



Number 8
Message:    Power. Power that springs from within and enables one to accomplish that which one sets out to do.
Positive & Negative:  Capabilities, (spiritual) fortitude, success, recognition, accomplishment, attainment, enlargement.   Abuse of power, overemotionalism, strain, oppression, and lack.
Multiples:  Many 8s indicate a positive change of mind or status because the beneficial qualities of the number 8 are rarely diluted, even when some or all of the negative aspects mentioned above are involved.


Number 9
Message:  Completion. It must complete whatever it has begun because it is the final stage or culmination of all of the preceding cycles and numbers. But contained within its depth also lie the seeds of a new beginning about to take root.
Positive & Negative:  Fulfillment, selflessness, impersonal love, magnetism, idealism( in its highest form), giver of wisdom or inspiration.  Personal loss, emotional extremes, having to let go of something cherished.
Multiples:  Many 9s in a reading mean that situations or events are nearing completion, or have just been completed, and another plateau awaits.  

Start A Tarot Journal

Keeping track of your Tarot Card spreads are important. Writing them down means you won't lose any insightful information from prior spreads. When you return to look at your spreads 3 or 6 months later you realize that the cards say much more than you noticed.  Writing down your readings provide a visual record and assists your memory. With your  arot Journal  in front of you, you can pull the cards out again to see what they have to say to you now.When you record every spread you do in some form, you're sure to learn a great deal when you look back, and you'll be recording your own history in the process.  When you look back at your readings you did over a period of time, you'll begin to notice that certain cards seem to recur much more than others. If a Major Arcana card recurs frequently whether up right or reverse, remember that the card represents a lesson you need to learn. If the card is upright you are fine, but if it is reversed, it could be that  you are resisting the message or messager.   

Telling Time

It's difficult for even the most skilled Tarot reader to judge when an even will take place. One thing to note though, when shuffling be sure to specify how you will measure time - weeks, days, months, years, etc.

The Major Arcana cards usually indicate that the event will happen soon.
The Minor Arcana predicts denote days or weeks.

The Aces signify the seasons.
Ace of Wands (Autumn) 
Ace of Cups    (Summer)
Ace of Swords (Winter)
Ace of Pentacles (Spring)


The Court cards predict the months.
The King of Wands / March 21- April 19
The Queen Of Wands / July 23 - August 22
The Page of Wands / November 22 - December 21

The King of Cups / June 21 - July 22
The Queen of Cups / October 23 - November 21
The Page of Cups / February 19 - March 20


 The King of Swords / September 23 - October 22
The Queen of Swords / August 23 - September 22
The Page of Swords / April 20 - May 20                                                                                    

The King of Pentacles / May 21 - June 20
The Queen of Pentacles / January 20 - February 19
The Page of Pentacles / December 22 - January 19