I became interested in reading the Tarot about 20 years ago, shortly after I moved to San Francisco.  It was a great time in my life ” there is nothing better than spending a sunny afternoon shuffling and rearranging those beautiful cards.  Artists the world over have tried their hands at designing Tarot decks, and many find that the Tarot is a Mother Lode of inspiration for them.

I have to say that my experiences with the Tarot have been very strange.  It’s widely stated that one should never read the Tarot for oneself, because one’s own personal feelings about the cards will influence the cards produced.  This is probably true, but I have found it to be very useful in sorting out my own feelings regarding a particular topic.

There is a very simple reading called the “Yes-No” reading that is a lot of fun (I recommend using it when you are compelled to make a decision of little consequence).  You draw three cards, lay down two next to each other, and one card directly above the other two, in a sort of pyramid formation.  Of the two side by side, the one on the left sums up the aspects of your life situation that are working against you.  The one on the right sums up what’s working in your favor.  And the card above the other two represents the situation’s outcome.  If you want to try a digital rendition of this reading, you can go to www.astrocenter.com, and choose three cards for yourself.  Astrocenter will even send you a personalized summary of this reading, if you provide your e-mail address.

Just for old time’s sake, I decided to pull three cards of my own to see what lays in store for me re: my employment situation (I’m currently unemployed).  Of the two cards on the bottom, the left card yielded the “Hermit” card, which made me laugh.  I spend a lot of time by myself these days, barring lunching with friends, and I can’t think of a better card for this position.  So, this is what’s working in my favor!  Hmmm!!  Who woulda thunk it?  The card on the right was the Emperor card, which indicates that this is a time when I need to be aggressive and take control, rather than be led by other people.  (Interesting.)  The outcome here “the Judgment card ” indicates that the likely outcome of my situation ” massive change.  This is a very ambiguous card, which simply indicates that from this point on, my work situation will be completely different from what it is now.

I think this ambiguity is what makes the Tarot so intriguing and helpful.  This very same aspect is what makes many people very angry when they utilize it.  They want names; dates; places ” the Tarot will not provide that.  My old astrology teacher told me that most people who consult him want to know specifically about sex and money.  It was frustrating for him because such things as spirituality and self-knowledge could not have been further from their minds.  I think applying spiritual principles and inquiries to one’s mind cannot be anything but helpful, and this is the value of the Tarot.  I think it would benefit anyone to at least check it out.

For the complete beginners guide to Tarot – click here

Free Tarot Reading