Tarot Temple

Tarot has variously been defined as: a belief system; a system for predicting future; a way for self-analysis; a party game; and lastly, pure hogwash. Wherever you go, there will be people who will swear by its efficacy, and others who will plainly debunk it. Whatever one feels, Tarot has always raised passions about it – for it, or against it. Where, on one hand, it has earned the respect of intellectuals in a given generation, on the other hand there have been people who have ridiculed it. Whichever way you look at it, Tarot is here to stay and generate interest in the minds of people.

The Tarot Deck
A standard Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, each card having an image representing the meaning of the card. The meanings have been subject to debate, with every reader of the Tarot cards inputting his/her own interpretation to the spread. There are many different kinds of spreads, some easy to learn, and some quite complicated.

In fact, to use Tarot in your everyday life, you need not learn the complex layouts and spreads. You can easily access the wisdom of the ages through the Tarot cards by simple layouts. All you need to have is a deck of Tarot cards, the knowledge of their meaning, and about three minutes every morning for your reading!

Everyday Reading
If you so wish, you just need to shuffle a deck of Tarot cards, and draw a card from it at random. There is no need for ‘preparations’ or special rituals and mumbo jumbo. But, if you feel like adding any ritual, howsoever outlandish it may seem, go ahead. There are no rules for, or against any rituals. If you feel like shuffling your deck, standing on one foot, do so. If you wish to light a candle or an incense stick, go ahead.

Many people become superstitious and follow the same rituals each day. They stand in the same place, facing the same direction. They ensure it is the same time of the day. If they have got into the habit of lighting incense sticks and mouthing mumbo jumbo, or calling on the spirits each day, they do so. All this is not required, but if it makes you ‘feel’ all right, go ahead. 

All that matters is you shuffle the deck and pick a card at random. Take a look at the card for some time, and think about what it represents, what it stands for. This does not predict anything – in the sense of good or bad. This card will serve as an ‘indicator’ for the day. When faced with a problem or some challenge during the day, the card you picked up that morning will nudge you in the direction it represents.

Suppose you picked up the ace of Wands this morning. This card represents inspiration, enthusiasm, a beginning of a project that will be successful. This means that your focus for the day will be to get inspired and be enthusiastic. The card would probably nudge you into starting up that project of painting your garage and outhouse. There is nothing mystical about it. The card only indicated what ‘influences’ you will have for the day.

If you happen to pick up the Six of Cups, it may remind you to seek help from the members of your family for your problems you are facing – like needing a small loan. If you do so, today, chances are you may get that loan easily.

Of course, you need time to develop the system, to let it work instinctively, and it will well be worth in the end.