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Tarot Explained news: A small note on reversals

reversals

reversals

A quick note about Tarot Explained and reversals. Recently, I have thought to add reversed meaning to each card page. These have taken the form of a short paragraph towards the end of the card meaning. See an example here. After a bit of thought,I have decided to do a complete rewrite of each card with it’s reversed meaning. So, you’ll see a page for The Fool, and then one for The Fool (reversed). I think this will be a lot clearer, as well as being more concise.

This process will take a few months, but I expect to enter into 2019, (and the fourth year of Tarot-Explained!) with a full set of card meanings with reversals.

Thanks for visiting Tarot-Explained

-Kali

 

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What is Lenormand, how is it different to Tarot?

Another form of cartomancy, Lenormand has been growing in popularity in recent years alongside Tarot and Oracle cards. Lenormand cards tend to talk about a different aspect of your life than Tarot, and though as they are both forms of cartomancy and are therefore similar, there are some stark differences between a Lenormand reading and a Tarot card reading. Let’s explore these differences and similarities to see if a Lenormand deck is right for you.

Only 36 cards

For starters, there are only 36 cards in a Lenormand deck, less than half of a Tarot deck, and even fewer than a regular playing card deck. While initially this may lead the reader to suspect these cards are very general, that isn’t the case at all. Lenormand cards deal with very practical matters instead of general meanings that a Tarot deck would supply. While Tarot is up to interpretation, Lenormand will deal with something specific; “Home, Accidents, Sex, Truth” etc. This can be a good thing; Tarot-Explained was set up because I felt Tarot was very vague and wanted to have a repository of card meanings which were generally considered to be correct. This wouldn’t need to happen with a Lenormand deck as the meanings are already very concise and decided upon.

Illustration doesn’t matter

Usually, the images on a tarot deck will have some influence on their meaning, or at least reflect it to give the reader a clearer picture of the reading. This isn’t the case with Lenormand, where the cards can be bland, have no illustration or just be text, and have the same meaning.

Combinations matter

Lenormand cards are generally designed to be read in combination, not alone. Each card can be a ‘modifier’ for another. You may have a subject card, and then an action card, and then a reason card. For example a subject (Draw card) may perform this action (Draw card) for this reason (Draw card). There are a number of set in stone spreads like this for Lenormand.

No reversals

As the card meanings for Lenormand are set in stone and are so reliant on each other, there is no need to read reversals.

There is still intuition

Like Tarot, however, Lenormand can rely on the readers intuition. While it’s likely that two readers, having drawn the same cards in the same spread will come up with the same result, there is still some room for interpretation.

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Can you really trust a tarot reading?

trust tarot?

My interest in Tarot has only been growing over the years, but one thing really bothers me; can you really trust a Tarot reading? What sort of questions should you consult the tarot for? Have you ever made a life changing decision as a result of the cards?

Tarot is a form of divination that works on intuition and interpretation, that is to mean that it is completely subjective. Many will disagree, but the same cards drawn in the same spread, read by two readers, will often result in entirely different readings. The whole reason for Tarot-Explained existing is to have some sort of concise, largely agreed upon meaning for each card. As a logical person with an interest in Tarot, I found it hard to look up card meanings on different websites and different books, and find sometimes completely different meanings. With many cards, there is an almost unanimous decision regarding the meaning; ‘Death‘ means rebirth, ‘The Fool‘ means new starts, for example. For other, less well known cards, there seems to be a vague notion of their meaning. Tarot-Explained began as a way to have the most agreed upon meanings for each card, all in one place.

Holy Mountain Alchemist

Over the last few years I have performed many readings, and received a few myself. Some of the readings I performed dealt with life changing things; new jobs or prospective partners. I’ve also heard stories of people quitting their jobs as a result of a Tarot card reading, and in one instance that stands out, it didn’t bode well for the querent at all. There are a few things I would be very wary of when looking for somebody to perform a tarot reading for you:

Other people

When you consult the tarot, depending on your belief system, you are likely consulting some form of higher intelligence. You should really only be asking about your path in life. Many tarot readers, myself included, will not perform a reading based on somebody else’s actions, person or feelings.

Medical or financial issues

If you believe you have a medical issue, then your first point of call should likely be a doctor. Tarot is a good source of advice, but honestly I would leave it there. No card drawn is going to magically bring you out of bad health, or a bad situation regarding money.If you do decide to consult the tarot based on medical or financial woes, then try to give the cards the same wight as you would a friend giving you advice.

The general future

Tarot can become a self fulfilling prophecy when the future is considered. I have specifically heard a reader draw a spread and then say to the querent ;”You will go to Australia this year”. She didn’t go to Australia, but a reading like this can really change your life. Someone may draw cards that give you an idea of your future, and you may go out of your way to make that proposed future happen.

 

So what should you ask the Tarot for? My belief is that so long as you treat the Tarot as advice, and not an order, than you can ask for anything. We all know or have known people who give bad advice, and as discussed, people can run with bad advice from a tarot spread. The best part of tarot is that it can open your mind up to new possibilities in your life, but it is my belief that you have free will in this matter, in no way is the dealing of cards describing your future in a fatalistic sense.

 

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Tarot Explained Redbubble – Finished!

tarot stickers redbubble

All the cards are now available as a sticker, phone case or greeting card, over at Redbubble. If you have a specific card you’d like to go to, you’ll find they are all easily organised into collections. You can follow the links below to go to a particular suit.

Major Arcana

Swords

Wands

Cups

Pentacles

Now that all of the rider Waite deck are uploaded, I’ll look to focus on other expired decks and custom illustrations. Thank you all for the support so far, and i’m glad you are enjoying your time at Tarot-Explained.com

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Automatic Writing: Notes From The Other Side

automatic writing

 Do you remember taking notes in school, or maybe you took dictation in an office? All you had to do was write what the teacher or boss was saying. In the world of psychic phenomena, the concept is similar to the gift of automatic writing.

 Sensitive people who have this mysterious gift claim that they hear “messages” from the spirit world, and transcribe them onto paper. Often, these people are in a psychic trance while they are writing. Let’s delve further into this fascinating phenomenon called automatic writing.

 

 Brief History Of Automatic Writing

 Ever since humans recognised their connections to the Divine, they have practised some sort of automatic, or spiritual writing. Ancient cultures developed sacred traditions that were based on “hearing from the gods.” As their shamans and holy people performed rituals, they often went into a trance-like state, and scrawled symbols of the things they saw and heard. The results were proclaimed as divine ordinances that shaped the cultures’ views of the cosmos, afterlife, and traditions.

 Most holy books of the world’s major religions claim that they were dictated by the Divine, such as the Christian New Testament. In his letter to Timothy, St. Paul declared that all scriptures (both Old and New Testament) were written by people as they were “moved on by the Holy Spirit.” While these religions state that all their laws and traditions came from Divine lips, the actual writing was done by gifted humans who heard and saw. For millennia, Native American shamans went on dream quests to transcribe spiritual instruction for their people.

 Automatic writing has been around since the beginning. The process has evolved with different cultural interpretations. It would not be until the 19th and early 20th century until psychic investigators recognised automatic writing in the modern sense.

 

 Automatic Writing and the Spiritualism Movement

 In the mid-1800s, authorities investigated alleged psychic communication between two New York teens and the spirit world. The Fox sisters had claimed that otherworldly forces communicated with them with a series of knocking sounds. Although this long-studied incidence later proved to be a fraud, it sparked a tidal wave of interest in the occult across America. The movement was called Spiritualism, and it gained popularity in the UK and other parts of Europe.

 Automatic writing became a major tool of Spiritualism. One of the most attractive parts of the movement was that it was open to everyone, regardless of gender, social class, or religion. Spiritualists were not required to be of the clergy. Just about anyone who claimed to have a message from the spirit world in those times were heard.

 During these traditional seances, the psychic medium would go into a trance, and would convey messages from beyond the grave. Most of them used divination tools, such as crystal balls or tarot cards. Instead of speaking, some psychic mediums wrote spirit-guided messages, or drew pictures or symbols on paper. When they came out of the trance, they would discuss the writing’s meaning with the group. Many people were eager to receive messages from their deceased loved ones.

 Contemporary spiritual writing has undergone much scrutiny over the years. Parapsychologists officially call it psychograpy. Some automatic writers were famous, such as Pearl Curran. In the early 1900s, Curran claimed that a spirit named Patience Worth dictated nearly 5,000 literary works. Other prolific spiritual writers include Francesco Chico Xavier, and Helene Smith.

 The paranormal allegations of these writers were published internationally, and studied by some top universities. While professional sceptics assert that automatic writing is simply the result of the person’s subconscious mind, proponents insist that it is genuine. Many automatic manuscripts have demonstrated eerie accuracy, which keeps the psychic gift prominent to this day.

 

 How Automatic Writing Can Benefit You

 Since we all are connected to the Divine, say psychic believers, everyone has a touch of psychic ability. While you may never be another Liberace, you may learn to play the piano decently. Just because you are not a full-scale psychic medium does not mean that you cannot develop the gifts you have to their full potential. Fortunately, automatic writing is one of the easiest gifts to practice. Here are some helpful tips to get started:

 • During the Spiritualism movement, automatic writers used pens or pencils and a large sheet of paper. Some artistic writers drew their impressions with paint on canvas. In our technically-advanced society, many automatic writers use their computers and mobile devices. Use the tools that feel the most natural for you.

 • Approach your practice with an open heart and mind, and forget preconceived notions about spiritual communication. When your intentions are pure, the spirit world will be eager to convey messages to you.

 • Find a quiet place in your home, where you will not be disturbed for a while. Many spiritual writers find inspiration when practicing outdoors. Organize your writing materials and sit wherever you are comfortable.

 • Close your eyes, and meditate. Say prayers, chant, light a candle, or do anything that releases your mind into complete serenity. If random thoughts hit you, be patient. Acknowledge these thoughts and let them pass through your mind like drifting clouds.

 • Focus on an open-ended question that you want to send to the other side. If it helps, ask the question out loud. Concentrate on your query, and become aware of any sensations you feel. Ask the Divine to protect you in white light as you seek spiritual direction.

 • Pick up your pen (or laptop), and allow words or symbols to enter your mind. Allow your spiritual being to guide your hand. For a while, you may feel silly or that the words you write are nonsense. Write or draw whatever comes to you, whether in spirit voice or visions. If you are drawing, do not worry that you are not an artist. Putting your spiritual communications to paper is the most import thing.

 • It is fine if you do not go into a trance—some seasoned automatic writers do not. Stay in your meditative state as long as you wish, and write or draw as you are inclined. Learn to trust your gift. As spirit guides you, you will intuitively know when to stop.

 • After your session, take some time to review what you wrote or drew. While the answer to your question may not be direct, you may find clues in the words and pictures from your session. Ask your spiritual guides to help you discern your messages. Say a prayer of gratitude to the spirits and universal forces that helped you today.

 

 As with any skill, the more you practice, the better you will be. Try to have an automatic writing session every day. You may consider keeping a journal or art portfolio of your work, or a thumb drive. Find a genuine psychic adviser to help you further your studies and hone your gift. The spirit world will communicate with those who are listening. Maybe you are the hand they need to convey their messages.

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Reversals and free readings.

Free readings are coming back at Tarot-Explained.com. Previously only open to newsletter subscribers, they will soon be open to all. Head over the the Reading page to learn more. Be aware that last time, this got so busy that they had to be limited, so get a request in as soon as possible. These readings are real, performed by an actual person, and we can have a little discussion after if you wish.

Also of note; reversal meanings are being added to Tarot-Explained.com, starting with the Major Arcana. Take a look at them here. Reversal meanings will be added to the Minor Arcana over the coming days. I’ve also been correcting silly mistakes along the way, as well as updating the pages and making them more user friendly.

That’s all for now, I look forward to receiving your reading requests when the service is available soon!

-Kali

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Happy Summer Solstice, 2018

Tarot card - The Sun

Once again, Happy Summer solstice. The Sun will peak tomorrow morning, and the summer solstice marks the middle of the solar year. The summer solstice is a great way to understand what you have achieved so far and to plan the next half of the year. If you’re interested in performing a tarot card spread for the remaining year, try cutting the 12 Month spread in half, one card per month for the next six months.

In other news, I’m just finishing up the remaining stickers for the Redbubble account. The tarot stickers especially have proven to be popular, and proceeds go towards maintaining Tarot-explained.com. Though I do not promote it actively, the Fiverr tarot gig is still available.

Once again, thank you for visiting Tarot-Explained, and I hope to speak to you all soon!

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The Best Tarot Decks – 2018

best tarot deck

Let’s be honest. Tarot decks are subjective, how can you have a ‘best?’ one? Popularity, quality of illustration and style are all things to take into account when choosing a new deck. This article exists to inform the reader of other decks which might take their fancy, from a selection of high quality decks.

Rider Waite Deck

Probably the most well known, though not the original, tarot deck in use. The Rider Waite deck is a brilliant starter set, as well as being perfect for advanced use. Every tarot reader should own a set of the Rider Waite tarot cards.

The Hermetic Tarot

The Hermetic tarot draws from hermetic and alchemical symbology. A beautiful deck, the Hermetic tarot deck can give you a different, more esoteric perspective on the questions you’re seeking answers for.

The Cosmic Tarot

The Cosmic Tarot is intended to make tarot more approachable, and helps by making the symbology of the cards easier to interpret. A fresh design and highly reviewed, one to check out if you haven’t had a look yet.

The Wildwood Tarot

The Wild Wood tarot is as well known alternate deck, using neo-pagan symbology to tell the story of the cards. Beautifully detailed, it’s one to check out, especially if you are this way inclined.

The Druid craft Tarot

Created by practising druids, notably those of OBOD fame (Carr-Gomm), the Druid craft tarot is similar in some respects to the Wild Wood deck, but focuses on Druidism over other neo-pagan practices. Featuring fresh illustrations, it’s one to take a look at if the designs appeal.

 

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How to perform Tarot readings online

tarot sign

I’ve recently started offering tarot readings on fiverr. The experience has been uplifting, and I’ve been able to help a number of people so far. It’s very different from offering readings in person, and there are certain pros and cons of distance reading. You’re unable to discuss the reading as it’s taking place, and can only offer the final product. I quite enjoy this aspect, you can stay focused on the initial query and there is no distraction from further questions. You also perform a purer reading, untainted by unconscious hints and body language the querent offers. You can have a look at the fiverr page here.

How I perform an online tarot reading

Getting an order

As soon as somebody orders though the gig page on fiverr, I get an email. I reply as soon as possible  to say that I have received the request, and to give a rough timeframe. Fiverr allows extras, so if the querent has selected 1-day Delivery, I will make that reading my priority. Once this reply is set, I try to find a good period of time in the day I can dedicate to the reading.

Performing the reading

Finding time to fit readings in can be tough, but so far I have managed every reading on time. It is so much more than shuffling, dealing cards, laying them out, then typing up the reading. I like to get into a good receptive mental state before performing the reading, and I always perform readings when I am alone. Usually, the readings are simple, one or two cards, as described on the gig page. I perform my readings while sitting on the floor, though this is mainly because I do not have a table! Once the cards are dealt, I simply look at them. Intuition and knowledge of tarot cards plays it’s part here. Once the cards are dealt, an image will start to form. At this stage, I’ll start typing up the report.

Clearing and editing and presenting

Once the report is typed up, I’ll leave it for an hour or so, and then come back to it. The reading is still in my mind, even after it has been performed, and sometimes taking a step back to observe the situation can help you see things from a new angle. At this stage, I’ll edit the report and review it, as an editor would review a book. The reports I type follow a set pattern, shown below in a censored, but actual report.

tarot card report

First I greet the querent, and then get started with the reading. I like to jump straight in. I make it clean I know their question, and then type how each card I draw relates to it. One thing I like to add, are missing cards or suits (if many cards are drawn). At the end, I summarise the reading into actionable steps for the querent. I like to give a sense of closure to the question.

Delivering the report and followups

I send the typed up and formatted report as an image or PDF file. It’s as simple as that. For once, the technological part of something is the easiest! I like to be open to communication afetrwards and I’m always happy to discuss the reading afterwards.

Should you perform online tarot readings?

It’s really up to you. If you have a tight schedule like I do, then it’s a very good idea. You can still practice tarotology for real people, on your own time. I’ve found it to be just as good as a face to face reading, and my feedback so far has been very positive!