An Introduction to Tarot 101
Arcana ~
From the Latin arcanum, meaning a profound mystery or secret, the Universal archetypes that compose the Major Arcana of the Tarot whisper The Song of Truth.Tarot ~ A Journey to Enlightenment
Each of the 22 cards of the Major Arcana is a key that opens a Gateway to our Higher Self. Through these archetypal images, we can gain a deep and rich understanding of the human psyche. We can also learn more about the spiritual connection between others and ourselves.The ultimate goal is to surrender the ego and acknowledge the Oneness of all life. I view the ego as that part of ourselves that prevents us from fully experiencing life. Ego is defined by separation and is often expressed through anger, fear, insecurity, resentment or jealousy. In reality, ego is an illusion that distracts us and lures us away from our spiritual path.Thus, each journey through the archetypal figures of the Tarot guides us closer to enlightenment. The lesson is Universal - to love and accept one another unconditionally. In this manner, the wise one makes choices based on what is best for the whole of humanity with little or no regard to individual will or desire.Tarot Wisdom
I begin each Tarot Card Reading by creating a sacred space. When you mix the cards and focus on receiving guidance, you magnetize the specific energy of those cards that are attracted to your question. The threads of energy become integrated like the interlocking pieces of a puzzle and create the powerful message that your Higher Self wants you to hear.Keep in mind that the purpose of a Tarot Card Reading is to bring clarity and direction into your daily life. Try not to wait until a crisis arises before you schedule your next reading. It is easier to maintain a sense of balance and equilibrium if you are aware of the subtle changes in and around your aural field. Therefore, I personally recommend a Tarot Card Reading at least once every six months.Tarot Exercise
Here is a simple monthly Tarot exercise that can be meaningful to both the beginner and the advanced student of Tarotology. Withdraw the 22 Major Arcana cards from your personal Tarot deck. Gently shuffle and cut the major deck. Next, turn over the top card and follow the guidance of your chosen card. To facilitate this exercise, I have included a brief but essential interpretation and lesson for each Major Arcana card (see below). Use a journal to record the meaning of your selected Tarot card. Be sure to include the date for each journal entry. Then, answer the following questions: What is my spiritual lesson for this month? How does Tarot wisdom work to enrich my life and my relationships with others? What are the obstacles that might prevent me from fully accepting the wisdom of the Tarot key? It is important to be completely nonjudgmental when interpreting any Tarot Card Reading.Please note: This exercise is for personal awareness only.
Please consult an experienced Tarotologist before making any major decisions.
The Major Arcana
(Based on the Universal Waite Tarot Deck)
O. The Fool
Filled with a sense of fun and adventure, the Fool arrives at a major karmic crossroads. Here and now, all things are possible. The lesson of The Fool is that every dream that is worthy of pursuit must begin with a leap of faith.I. The Magician
The Magician wields the power of creative thought and imagination. Under his influence, we have the will, knowledge and experience to manifest our dreams. The lesson of The Magician is to be the master of our own destiny.II. The High Priestess
The High Priestess is the wise woman archetype. She is intuitive, intelligent, steadfast and patient. The lesson of the High Priestess is to look more deeply for the answer because the truth is not always what it first appears to be.III. The Empress
The Empress is the vessel through which all things flow forth. She is the nurturer of all life and the promise of abundance, growth and prosperity. The lesson of The Empress is to love all life unconditionally.IV. The Emperor
The Emperor is the leader who guides others with a proud sense of discipline, authority and confidence. He is always the good father and never the tyrant. The lesson of The Emperor is to make our dreams a reality.V. The Hierophant
The Hierophant is patient, compassionate and wise. He challenges us to be both true to our individuality and accepting of our diversity. The lesson of The Hierophant is forgiveness.VI. The Lovers
The Lovers is the Universal gift of choice and free will. Here, we are invited to make a commitment to our dreams. The lesson of The Lovers is to act decisively and wholeheartedly instead of waiting for the ideal situation to arise.VII. The Chariot
The Chariot symbolizes the struggle and conflict created by opposing forces. It indicates a need for discipline and direction. The lesson of The Chariot is that we can accomplish far more working together than any of us can, working alone.VIII. Strength
Strength is our capacity to endure all obstacles and to be courageous in the face of adversity. Here, we learn confidence, patience and perseverance. The lesson of Strength is that love will always triumph over violence and intolerance.IX. The Hermit
The Hermit is an inward journey to reveal the truth of our intentions. He is the wise man lighting the way to wisdom and inner peace. The lesson of The Hermit is that the answer we seek awaits us in solitude and quiet meditation.X. The Wheel
The Wheel asks only that we relax, let go and flow with the current. Life is in perpetual flux, and nothing can resist the nature of change. The lesson of The Wheel is to trust the Universe to carry us forward on our path of destiny.XI. Justice
Justice represents the purity of a balanced mind. The object is to rid the psyche of preconceived ideas as we choose the right course of action. The lesson is NOT to seek justice; rather, it is to have faith and trust that all will be done.XII. The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man requires us to wait patiently for our situation to change. It is through sacrifice that we find spiritual transformation. The lesson of The Hanged Man is to surrender individual will as we honor the wisdom of Divine Will.XIII. Death
Death is the Tarot key of transition. Change is inevitable and requires only our acceptance. The alternative is to remain stagnant and to live in fear. The lesson of Death is to understand that a new sun is already rising on the horizon.XIV. Temperance
Temperance requires balance and harmony as we are challenged to negotiate and solve conflicts in a peaceful manner. The key is to allow for the passage of time. The lesson of Temperance is the search to verify the truth of our reality.XV. The Devil
The Devil's energy is created by the ego. It represents our deepest held fears. It is important that we do not project this fear onto others through blame and anger. The lesson of The Devil is that we are responsible for our own suffering.XVI. The Tower
The Tower need not be the omen of calamity and disaster as it is so often portrayed. Rather, it is a flash of truth that prepares the psyche for an inevitable change. The lesson of The Tower is to allow old patterns of behavior to fall away.XVII. The Star
The Star is the perfect symbol of hope, joy and good health. It indicates that whatever we begin at this moment in time will have import far into the future. The lesson of The Star is to know that we are protected on our spiritual path.XVIII. The Moon
The Moon represents the fear, doubt and confusion that currently surround our auric field. We must still our emotions in order to intuit the best choice. The lesson of The Moon is to allow our psyche to be guided by faith.XIX. The Sun
The Sun signifies clarity and the ability to see ourselves in the light of day. Now, we find true happiness in the attainment of our personal hopes and dreams. The lesson of The Sun is to be joyous as we count our many good blessings.XX. Judgment
Judgment symbolizes our karmic lessons and the return of energy created in the past. Here is our opportunity for rebirth and renewal. The lesson of Judgment is not to be judgmental; instead, we must be guided by love and forgiveness.XXI. The World
The World is the successful completion of a major life cycle. Now, we are free to go in any direction. The lesson of the World is in understanding that the journey does not come to an end; rather, we begin a new cycle. Once again, we are The Fool. Certainly, we are a little older, and hopefully, we are somewhat wiser. However as we embark on a new vision, we must recapture the sense of fun and adventure with which we began our journey in the first place.Please keep in mind that like all signs, Tarot archetypes are merely pointers,
guiding the seeker ever inward... into the very Heart of our Being.
Blessings & Light ~ Cathy Ginter
For a greater understanding of Tarot wisdom, please read:
At the request of Dr. Theodore Kneupper, Professor of Philosophy, I opened a Tarot Card Reading on November 11, 2004 to provide guidance for our nation through 2008. This is an accurate example of the quality and depth of the work that I provide for all of my clients. To view the reading, please go to: A Message for Our Nation
If you liked Tarot Wisdom, you might also enjoy:
Free Will Offerings Accepted with Gratitude
If you would like to schedule an Aura Healing or a Tarot Card Reading,
comment on this website or receive more information, please contact:
Cathy Ginter
Safe Harbor Center for Spiritual Healing
448 Fisher Road
Cabot, PA 16023-2110 USA
(30 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
(724) 352-4692
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Luminous gateway
Transforms the journey to find
A creative heart.
