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Introduction to Tarot

Anna Lynde

TAROT BASICS

The Tarot is an ancient esoteric system of symbols and vibrations that uses 78 different cards to represent the vast majority of experiences any single person can encounter throughout the life journey. The cards operate on many levels, describing both internal developments (emotions, thoughts, intuitive feelings) and external ones (actions and physical events). Think of the complete Tarot as a map where each card represents a different piece of a jigsaw puzzle. This puzzle symbolizes the wide variety of possibilities and experiences available to us all. Each individual selects different pieces of that jigsaw to create a unique life experience. Each card has a separate significance, and they can be put together in a wide variety of ways to show the quality of the events within our lives at any given time.

The symbols are the different pictures we find on the cards. Every card within a Tarot deck has special meanings that are based upon many things; these can include mythology, esoteric or secret knowledge, association, color, etc. They give us important information through a visual form; a Tarot picture definitely does tell a thousand words, if not more. Whenever we see a particular design or symbol on a Tarot card, we are seeing more than just its outer form; we are looking beyond the illustration to find the deeper meaning or vibrations attached to it. This will then influence the meaning of the card itself and our interpretation of it.

Let me explain this further by using an example. Rabbits and eggs are objects that were related to an ancient pagan fertility festival of birth, abundance and growth known today as Easter. For many years, these two things have traditionally represented the qualities of fertility and the like (after all, rabbits are known to multiply their numbers very easily and very well). Ancient peoples noticed a correlation between what they saw and what their celebration meant to them (such as the egg and birth), then took these items and gave them a special significance and they became symbols for Easter. By making these external objects symbols, they gained a greater meaning; the picture of a rabbit became more than just another animal, it represented something deeper.

In a similar way, the Tarot is full of hidden meanings and references. The pretty pictures that your eyes focus on are merely windows that will lead you to more profound information as you delve into the inner realms of each card. This leads me to the second part of this esoteric system, the vibrations. Vibrations are the different qualities or meanings that have been assigned to each card throughout the years. These interpretations are derived from different methods of observation, knowledge, symbology, spiritual wisdom etc., and from a variety of teachers and sources.

Before we study the cards, it is important that we investigate this concept of Symbology further, as it is one of the foundations upon which the Tarot has been built. Symbology is the connection of personal and/or spiritual meaning to a particular emblem or figure. The human race has a need and a tendency to externalize inner ideas, feelings and knowledge through attaching those mental connections to an outer form. This is a way that we can strive to understand our inner dimensions and the hidden qualities of life by finding items that we can project those concepts onto. This then allows us to analyze and understand those inner qualities more deeply in a way that moves beyond the need for words.

Here is a single example: what immediately comes to mind when you see the following symbol?

This picture is obviously a compass map.

Now this is a symbol that depicts a particular system and also a direction. Therefore it is something that gives us much knowledge in a relatively simple form, as long as we know how to read it. It is similar to a No Smoking sign, for that particular design tells people quite directly that the act of smoking is not allowed in a certain area. It is a picture that has a strong and clear meaning behind it. Both of these symbols have a deeper meaning attached to them; they act as mirrors or windows and represent the inner world of our hearts, minds and souls through the use of color, shape and line. Here the outer form describes the inner reality. In these two examples, we are shown a particular statement or system which has been represented by those pictures, and you will find that the Tarot operates in a similar though more complex way.

When you think about it, you'll discover how much symbology is actually present within the day to day substance of our lives. There are many motifs, emblems, etc that we have attached meaning to. Here are some examples of the many ways in which the presence of symbology influences our lives:

Business companies have immediately recognizable logos (symbols) that they use in advertising (you see the logo and immediately think of that company). Most children's fairy tales are symbolic representations of moral issues. Symbols are used in mathematics and science to show particular qualities. Of course, our lives would be totally different without our symbolic alphabetical and numerical systems.

These are just a few examples and I am sure you can think of many more. However, as you can see, symbols have a great scope of influence and meaning in our world. Through the Tarot, you can develop a deeper and more harmonious connection to the seemingly arbitrary visual images shown within the cards, and this will occur as you discover and understand the meanings that lie behind them. The expression of energy within the illustrations of each card indicate different qualities that are present in both our inner and outer lives. They give meaning to the vibrations and experiences that surround us and expand our ability to understand and interpret different events, developments, etc. They also show us our awareness of these inner realms by opening up greater abilities of perception within us. The more you look, the more you begin to see, intuit and understand. This leads to greater discernment and wisdom.

Through the Tarot, we can understand the patterns that operate in the life of every single person. We all have our individual rhythms and modes of expression, and by understanding these patterns, we learn to flow with our personal cycles. This helps us to become the masters of our own destinies, rather than passive subjects of outside forces.

Studying the Tarot or having a reading can be a path to self knowledge as well as a method of prediction. The divinatory aspect of the cards definitely does exist. This is because, in addition to the meanings within the cards themselves, there are certain factors in the Tarot that will assist you in developing your ability to tap into the unlimited subconscious mind. However, it is also important for you to understand from the beginning of your studies that the cards are so much more than a method for telling the future, and prediction is only one possible use.

DIFFERENT WAYS OF USING THE TAROT

Within the average Tarot Deck there are 78 cards. There are 22 Major Arcana, 40 Minor Arcana and 16 Court cards. Each of the three sections have their own independent functions and each card within these sections has its own unique meaning. The Major Arcana traditionally deal with personal, spiritual and life stage archetypes or models; the Minor Arcana focus on situations, everyday events and reactions; and the Court Cards concentrate on individual people and personality types. Therefore, by combining all three aspects, you can get an accurate and complete rundown on every human emotion, condition and reactive capability as well as events, experiences and personal development issues. These meanings can be combined and utilized effectively in many different ways.

1) Divinatory

This is the side of the Tarot that can be used for prediction (telling people about their possible future experiences through the information gleaned from the cards). You can do readings for yourself or other people. A Tarot reading can be a very powerful tool for positive change in one's life. It will give you an objective viewpoint and direct you toward your goals and ambitions, give insight into a situation, ferret out hidden possible futures and more. You are only limited by your imagination, intuition, knowledge and experience. During a divinatory reading, you are also acting as a counselor and sympathetic ear; you provide a safe place for dreams to be spoken and problems to be recognized and faced.

2) Meditation

Because of the symbolic, archetypal nature of the cards, you will find them to be of great assistance as focal points for meditation. They will lead you to deeper insights regarding any issue and take you further toward the experience of your divine self and that greater, wiser part of your inner being. Meditation is also a great way of getting to know the deeper meanings of your cards.

3) Psychic Development

The cards provide guidelines and information that show us the path we travel as each of us moves along the journey of inner soul development. They literally act as signposts and mirrors that will assist you during your travels along your personal mystic path. In this way, the Tarot can give you important information, advice, support and direction. The cards can become a great ally, giving you objectivity so that you can investigate personal life issues with more clarity. Using tarot in this way will also tap into the designs and desires of your subconscious mind, helping to bring the different aspects of your being together in unity, which leads to greater harmony in your life. Each and every one of us is here to learn, grow, experience and taste from the cup of life and all its possibilities. The information contained within the Tarot will help you and anyone you do a reading for to accomplish this with greater ease.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR TAROT DECK

There are many varied and creative ways you can begin to learn your Tarot Cards and then gradually expand that knowledge. Apart from memorizing the basic meanings for each card, there are different techniques that you can use to further facilitate that knowledge, helping you to understand them on a more personal and therefore more complete level.

Choosing a daily card

Shuffle the cards and choose one at random. Turn it over and look deeply into the picture before you, observing everything that you can see. Note the initial impression it makes on you and any feelings or thoughts you receive about this card as you gaze upon it. Write these down in a note pad that you have specifically for this process. Don't look up the meanings for that card right now (especially if you have just begun to learn the Tarot), we want this exercise to open up your individual interpretation and connection to each card before you learn its assigned meanings. Keep watching the card, noting when you observe something that you feel is special within it and how your perspective changes as you investigate one part of that card and then move to another. Leave it in a safe place for a time and go away to continue your daily routine, then come back periodically and see if you can get anything new from another look.

As you start learning the meanings for each card, you can incorporate the memorization of traditional meanings into this exercise after you have initially recorded your impressions. Through this method, you will continually discover new and richer meanings to your Cards and, although I have stated that this is a daily exercise, you can elect to do it whenever you wish. However, it would be great if you could fit it into your schedule at least once a week. Once again, remember to be flexible in this and the other exercises. Also, take note of different things that come up within this exercise. Is there a particular card or Suit that you pick again and again? If so, look closely at this, because there is bound to be some meaning here that relates to your life.

Meditation

Once again, randomly pick a card from your deck. Meditate on that card and record any impressions you receive during the meditation. Don't make any judgments on the information that you receive, just record it for later examination. This exercise assists in developing that link between the conscious and the subconscious and opens you up to new intuitive information. If you haven't meditated before, here is a brief explanation of what to do:

Before you start, ensure that everything is as quiet and private as possible. Darken the room (we want dim light) and place the card face up in front of you next to a pen and notebook for recording your impressions (or maybe a hand held tape recorder). Have a good, long look at the card so that you can remember details of the picture during the meditation.

Gently close your eyes and take several slow, deep breaths, feeling the tension flowing out of your body and your mind becoming quiet. Focus your thoughts (not your eyes) on the card before you, and visualize that card as though it were placed in between your eyebrows. Concentrate on it for as long as you can; if you feel your mind slipping away, gently bring it back. If you have trouble visualizing the card, half open your eyes slowly, look at the image and close them gently again. Do this for several minutes or until you feel ready, and then quietly state to your subconscious that you are ready to receive any information about that card. You do this by saying in your mind things like "What does this card mean to me?" or "What do you want to tell me?" or things along this vein. Continually breathing, accept any impressions you get during the meditation and when you feel as though you have completed receiving the information, gently open your eyes and slowly bring yourself out of meditation by stretching.

You may get a feeling, a word, or a color. Be prepared for anything. Whatever you receive during the meditation will be of use to you, and ultimately add to your knowledge of that particular card. Another way of doing this exercise is through dream work. Use a variation on the above method just before you fall asleep and be prepared to record your impressions upon awakening.

As you develop your knowledge of the Tarot, you can take this technique further by changing the focus of your meditation and asking specific questions about what you want to look at. This could be about a particular image within the card, a character, feeling, meaning, color, etc. Anything you wish to know about any part of the Tarot can be investigated using this method. You may even want to try meditating on the card with your eyes open and see what happens.

Freeform Writing

This is an extension of the daily card exercise. One of the best ways to learn the Tarot is to personify the cards, approaching them as though you are learning both the positive and negative aspects of 78 new friends. In order to do this exercise, you need a notebook and pen. Randomly select one card and, after observing the daily card exercise, put pen to paper and write. What you want to do here is to write from the perspective of the card. In other words, make it as though that individual card is introducing and telling you all about itself. This may seem to be a somewhat unusual or contrived exercise, but you will be surprised how well it will work. This is because we are setting the subconscious free, allowing your imagination to fly. People also tend to remember things more easily when they have personalized content.

Coloring your Cards

When we use different modalities or skills in an effort to learn, we open ourselves up to untouched areas of the mind and strengthen our ability to tap into the subconscious mind, where our intuitive knowledge lies. Color can help us learn because it has a quality that immediately promotes a reaction within us. I'm sure that you personally have a favorite color, as well as one that you just don't really like. This is because color is energy; different colors vibrate at different frequencies and these frequencies may or may not relate harmoniously to your own. For example, red has a faster vibratory rate than blue, and often people with a frenetic energy seem to wear red or other warm colors.

If you can, purchase a deck of ink drawn tarot cards. If you prefer, you can either photocopy your own, or trace their images onto a blank sheet of paper. Get any coloring pencils, crayons, markers, etc., that you can, and then go on and indulge your inner child by coloring those drawings. One of the first ways we begin to learn as children is through our coloring books. By using this method, you can recapture the essence of childhood fun while connecting further with the cards at the same time. This exercise also relates to the principle of Karma Yoga, for by concentrating and using certain tools, you virtually turn this into an act of meditation that will further enhance your intuition.

Anna Lynde is an international professional reader, teacher and writer who works in both England and Australia. She has spent over a decade studying many mystical systems in addition to the Tarot, including Numerology and Astrology, Past Life therapy, Rebirthing, Reiki & Psychic Development. She spent six months in India studying Meditation, and writes a monthly Astrology Column for a series of Devon papers in addition to running her classes, workshops and correspondence courses on Tarot, Numerology and Meditation. She has also written a book called "The Little Tarot Bible" and is presently seeking a publisher. To explore her articles and course offerings, visit her website. She can be reached by e-mail at kairyne@mailcity.com, or by snail mail at: Anna Lynde, 1/10 Bank St, TEIGNMOUTH, DEVON, TQ14 8AL, ENGLAND.