The Magic of Tarot by Sasha Graham

In her forthcoming book, The Magic of Tarot, Sasha gifts us with her unique and magical way of approaching tarot and life. She is also eminently practical. In her section on ways to study the tarot, she gives plenty of tips on ways to study and where to find materials. Her advice on how to identify a good teacher is priceless:

How to Find the Right Teacher: Finding a gifted teacher, a personality you respond to, and someone who inspires you is a beautiful experience. Stars often align and a teacher will appear out of the blue when you least expect it (that’s magic).

Create space for an amazing teacher to enter your life by keeping a door open and putting the intention out there. Ask for recommendations, read reviews, and poke around while you are waiting for them to materialize. Discover how each teacher works and what they offer. Finding a teacher can feel a little like dating but when you find the right one it will become a cherished relationship.

Keep in Mind: The teacher and student bond is a sacred one. The Hierophant card traditionally represents she/he who passes on hidden mysteries. These mysteries are contained within the Hierophant’s key. It is worth noting that where there is power, there is abuse. Just like abuse in clergy, schools, and clubs, so the same applies the world of tarot and metaphysical studies. All teachers are not created equal. You’ll find tarot teachers (and readers) with wild, oversized egos. That’s not to say you can’t learn from an instructor with a ginormous sense of personal importance, but it is in your own self-interest to be comfortable setting boundaries. Is the course about them or you?

An ideal teacher:

  • Has your highest good in mind.
  • Wants to help you learn.
  • Shares their light with you.
  • Reflects your inner light.
  • Works for the greatest good of all.
  • Wants you to succeed.
  • Helps you uncover what you always knew.

Stay away from one who:

  • Manipulates or controls.
  • Provokes shame or negativity.
  • Pits students against each other.
  • Is sexually inappropriate.
  • Claims their way is the only way.
  • Makes you uncomfortable.
  • Uses “secret knowledge” as power.
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Written by Barbara Moore
The tarot has been a part of Barbara Moore’s personal and professional lives for over a decade. In college, the tarot intrigued her with its marvelous blending of mythology, psychology, art, and history. Later, she served as the tarot specialist for Llewellyn Publications. Over the years, she has ...