The symbolism of the tarot is everywhere, just as I stated in the title of this post. It’s funny, because once one becomes proficient with the tarot, you will will see what I am talking about. You will see the tarot in people, places, situations, movies, etc. I have found that working with the tarot gives me a unique perspective on the world. The conscious and subconscious both work together to use the images of the tarot as a “quick reference” guide to assess the encounters in our every day lives. Sometimes my dreams include tarot cards, or symbols from them! LOL!
I posted a video on my facebook page, wherein I used tarot cards to tell the story of the lyrics to the song “Closer to Fine” by the Indigo Girls. The finished product, looks simple. But this took quite while to put together. There are many subtleties in the tarot. In addition, I challenged myself to use only one deck to “build” the story as it pertained to the song. I embedded the video below:
I plan on doing more of these in the future. It was not only a great mental exercise, but it was a lot of fun!
Tarot does require an open mind. Let’s face it, many people fear these cards. There are many misunderstandings about this art form. And yes, working with the tarot IS an art! A lot of old programming and baggage comes to the surface when people encounter the tarot. But I think it’s more than that. On a deeper level, I don’t think they even realize what it is that makes them uncomfortable.
The tarot is full of archetypal symbolism. These are the symbols that we understand on a “soul” level. This is the core of how the subconscious communicates. Symbols, imagery, feelings, intuition, memories (including dna & soul memories). Most people are “asleep” and don’t go poking around “inside” themselves very much. But our subconscious is running in the background all the time. It is calling the shots, and most people are not even aware of it.
Take out the tarot cards in a room full of people, and you will see a mixture of reactions. Some are curious and start asking questions, some immediately want a “reading” or for you to tell them their future, some scoff at them as if they are some dirty joke, others react in fear. This is where it gets interesting. Some people leave (flee), and others go on the attack. Flight or Fight. Both reactions are from fear! I have to wonder, what was triggered on a subconscious level in those people to make them react in such a way to some cards?
I find this strange. Look at the movies, tv shows, etc. that we watch every day for entertainment. Killings, abuse, assaults of all kinds, pornography, you know what I am talking about. And I am not even going to go into video games. Really? People watch this junk and let their children watch it too. It has a terrible effect on the psyche. Yet this is just fine. But then those same people will react with fear and/or aggression to some cards? I don’t get it. Well, actually I believe I do, but that is a subject for a future post
More and more though, people are becoming open minded about the tarot which is great! The tarot is a powerful tool to help one navigate the inner self. Used in this way, it’s similar to having your own personal therapist/counselor at your disposal at any time! The tarot encourages us to “go deep”. It’s amazing what the cards show us.
Tarot has become especially popular recently, with the younger, modern generations. Many of them are artists that are producing their own tarot decks. There are so many different ones out now. When people ask my advice, I tell them to start with the classic Rider Waite Smith deck. This is the “basic” deck that most other decks base their symbolism on. After one has the basic knowledge, have some fun shopping around. Everyone will be able to find decks that they resonate with. I’ve got quite a growing collection myself!
I repeat again, working with the tarot is an art form! When working with the cards, I go into an altered state just like any other person does when they are in the process of “creating”. When the conscious mind moves aside and the subconscious takes over. Writers, artists, chefs, dancers, painters, etc. know exactly what I am talking about. When you are so “tuned in” to what you are doing, that you truly are outside of time and the material world for a while.
Just like any other skill, the tarot takes practice and study. There is always something new to learn or a new insight. One never truly “masters” the tarot. To me, that is one of the joys of it. It’s an ongoing rabbit hole that allows one to go deeper and deeper into the realm of the subconscious. Once one begins working with the tarot, there is no turning back!
The “magic” of the cards is the integration of the symbolism of the tarot and the intuition. With each shuffle, a broader view of understanding awaits.
“Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle.” ~Lewis Carroll
I’m having trouble making time to really study and practice. Its like since I really started searching and trying new things exhaustion has taken over. I’m not sure if its spiritual, physical or what. Everytime I try and still my mind I go to sleep. Weird. Its like a heaviness is pushing down on me trying to block any flow. I’m attracted to runes as well but I haven’t gone there because I want to work more on Tarot first. But mostly I feel a pull strongly and serious exhaustion at the same time.
This is normal. Especially when trying to learn so much at once. The conscious mind can only handle so much at one time. Break things down into smaller increments. Varying the exercises is helpful as well. For example, pull a few cards, and then look up the meanings in a book, etc. This helps keep the mind engaged. Thank you for your comment.
Thanks 🙂