Image: Death from Llewellyn's Classic Tarot One of the wonderful things about tarot is that, if one wishes, it can provide a lifetime of learning. Working with the cards in readings and in personal reflection, our understanding of the cards deepens. The tapestry of our belief system becomes more complex, more nuanced. Sometimes we learn or experience things that cause us to rip former threads of understanding from our tapestry (often this is connected with Tower experiences, which tend to change fundamentals of our belief systems). For me, I’ve noticed changes in my own understanding and interpretation of the Death card. When I first began learning the cards, I talked

The Judgement card is a dramatic one, calling us to new life. It is not, as its name implies, about judgement, not exactly. When we hear the call that Judgement heralds, we may judge our current life and find it wanting, but it is not about being judged by anyone or anything external. Instead it is about being invited to a something fresh, something new, something that makes you feel reborn. In the New Tarot Handbook, Rachel Pollack provides spreads for all the Majors plus other spreads for the suits and court cards. For her, the Judgement card inspired the following spread: 1 2                   3 4                  5 1. What calls me to rise up and become

Many readers do not care for yes/no questions because they feel they are not useful and are not empowering. However, I have found one that is very useful and can pave the way for more empowering information. I like having a clear snapshot of the situation based on things as they stand before moving on to seeking advice. This spread allows me to do that. It has become one of my go-to spreads, providing me a clear synopsis of the energies involved and the direction in which they are flowing. The spread is from Tarot Prediction & Divination by Susyn Blair-Hunt. It is very simple. After stating the question, shuffle as you usually do and lay out five cards in a horizontal line. First,

When someone asks “what if” they are usually worried about the outcome of something they are considering doing. They may be looking for assurances that either the feared event won’t happen or that if it does, everything will somehow be okay. Although, as readers, we cannot give the assurance that the event won’t happen, we can provide understanding and empathy. More importantly, we can help our querents find hope and empowerment that they’ll need to face the situation if it actually does occur. 1. Their worry Allow the querent to talk about what they are worried may happen. Let them describe their “what if…?” scenario. Don’t judge them or tell them they are silly