Tarot Musings

What is Tarot?

Kimberlee — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:02:28 +0000

Ask most people “What is tarot?” and you’ll likely get the same answer: 78 cards, divided into the Major and Minor Arcanas, most likely originating in Europe in the 1400s, give or take. As accurate as that is, it doesn’t address the heart of the question. People want to understand what makes tarot so special, and what makes tarot reading so accurate.

Tarot Symbology

The primary thing that makes tarot so engaging to me is the symbols contained within each card. Tarot is a pictorial language, designed to evoke an emotional response immediately. It’s the reason that even the uninitiated cringe at the sight of the Devil or the Tower. The images speak to us at a subconscious level, capturing our imagination and telling us what we need to know, regardless of the situation.

Depending on who you talk to, this image recognition can be explained spiritually or scientifically. Tarot covers the breadth of human experience, and this leads many people to believe that God, Goddess, or the Universe plays a role in the way tarot works. We’re led to draw these cards, at this very moment. We see what we need to see.

Others believe that science and probability play a role. Jung did a huge amount of research into human personality, and so much of it can relate to tarot. Others simply look at the numbers. 78 cards, in an endless amount of possible combinations. Add in reversals and tarot is a never-ending world of possibilities, ready to touch those who are ready to look and listen.

No matter what you believe, the mystery is all part of the fun of tarot and tarot reading.

Tarot and the Occult

Besides the meaning of the images that we naturally identify with, many others have influenced the tarot decks we see today. Nearly all decks (with the exception of the Marseilles decks) in production today have their roots in the Golden Dawn. Both Arthur Waite (creator of the Rider Waite Smith deck) and Aleister Crowley (creator of the Thoth deck) started off in the Golden Dawn, but their decks are very different. Most modern decks are influenced by the symbols and meanings drawn from those two tarot decks.

Their work included astrological, numerological, and magickal associations with each tarot card. Modern tarot deck artists of different spiritual backgrounds have added even more associations, including spirit guides, runes, and pagan holidays.

The Meaning of Tarot

Tarot is full of meaning, as much the inherent meaning as the meaning we put into it. If the King of Cups reminds you of your ex, then you will naturally be cautious when that card appears. Once you get a hold of what the symbols mean, and what the cards can mean, you are free to explore what those symbols mean to you personally. Tarot is an interactive story, where your life experience and knowledge plays an important part in gleaning meaning from the tarot cards.

What does tarot mean to you? How would you explain the tarot to others?

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Daily Tarot: The Sun

Kimberlee — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:36:03 +0000

The Sun has been the focal point of many religions over the course of history, and with good reason. It is the life bringer, the one who coaxes plants out of the ground, the one who dictates when we awake and when our daily work is done. Its relative presence or absence dictates the seasons of our lives, and when it returns to where it was at the time of our birth, we celebrate another year of life. It is life force, unbridled energy, nuclear fusion in its most raw, primal form.

The Sun provides warmth and light. Its warmth protects us, nurtures us, allows us to grow and flourish. With it we can create new branches in our lives, or expand current ones. The Sun gives us energy and strength, and we can go forth in confidence and enthusiasm. Its light allows us to see our way, to build our dreams into reality, to study new intellectual heights. We can appreciate nature’s beauty and splendor, because it is before us, no longer hidden by the shadows of the night.

I most definitely need this energy and strength! All four members of my family, myself included, are attending school now. With assignments and appointments and preparation, I will be busier than ever. I welcome the Sun’s energy in my life, and hope that I can push myself farther and with more self-assurance. My endeavors will allow growth now, and in the future. I just need to ride the wave of the Sun’s current, pulsating through my life.

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Daily Tarot: Six of Pentacles, Yet Again

Kimberlee — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 01:40:44 +0000

The Six of Pentacles is the bane of my existence, as I’m sure I’ve mentioned. It is about giving and receiving, and often appears when I’m juggling bills and other financial obligations. Usually it is a day of struggle, but today has actually been fairly balanced. I’m finally getting a handle on how much of myself I can give now, and how much I need to apply to future endeavors. Invest energy for the now, invest energy for later.

However, the Wildwood Tarot has brought an entirely new perspective on the six of pentacles for me. It is titled Exploitation, and highlights how our choices in the present can cause havoc for future generations. Our use or misuse of our current resources can leave a big mess for our children. Although this is a rather high world view, this can easily be applied to day to day activities. If I’m not getting enough work done, then I won’t be able to give my children everything they need. If I’m not working on my long term writing projects, I’ll never be able to earn an income off of them later on. If I don’t study now, I won’t succeed in college overall.

As I finally begin to get a grip on work/life balance, I am presented with the challenge to balance my short term and long term goals. It is so hard to give myself the space to breathe and work on things that matter to me. I worry so often about the day to day bills. However, time and energy invested wisely will pay great dividends in the future.

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Daily Tarot: Queen of Wands

Kimberlee — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 01:03:44 +0000

I recently picked up the Wildwood Tarot, but due to the move haven’t had much time to play with it. So, for today’s draw, I asked of the deck the same question I ask all of my decks: “Who am I?” This serves as an introduction to the deck, so I can begin to understand our reading relationship.

Today, the answer is the Queen of Wands – or, in this deck, the Queen of Bows (The Hare). Usually, I identify with the Queen of Cups, so this was a bit of a surprise. However, I have been drawing upon the firey wands energy a lot lately. I’ve needed the strength, courage, and determination that this Queen offers.

In this incarnation, the hare is standing on some rocky terrain against the light of the full moon. Her eyes are awake, alert; she is poised to act. Behind her are some hills and distant trees. Above all, she is not afraid.

Hares represent fertility and potential. She holds the potential of new life, new energy and ideals. She manages her impulses with wisdom and courage. She will not back down when she knows she is right.

I don’t often see myself as this confident, wise woman who will go after what she wants. Yet I am glad that this potential has been growing within me, and finally starting to come towards the surface. I will need this energy, as this year holds many challenges in all areas of my life. It’s now or never.

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Tarot Pops the Stress Bubble…

Kimberlee — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:52:46 +0000

If you know me, you know that I know stress. I have work, school, family, home, writing, tarot, knitting, and so much more that makes up my life. I’m busy, and also, I admit, rather scattered by the idea of getting it all done. Yesterday, I took some time out for me, to art journal a word cloud of everything I was stressed out about. So yes, literally, a stress bubble, on paper, right before me. It took me about an hour to be able to face it again, and to start making connections.

I pulled out my Diary of a Broken Soul deck and began to shuffle. This is one of my favorite tarot decks, that I instantly connected with and understood. It’s like it was made for me, and it never ceases to amaze me with its insights. I asked the cards about the current situation, the simply obvious overwhelm I’ve been mired in.

Current Situation

I drew the Six of Pentacles with the Two of Pentacles jumper. The Six of Pentacles is all about give and take, the necessary push and pull of life. The picture, while much different than the RWS Six of Pentacles, paints a glorious picture of a happy family, making the most out of their lives. In their happy faces, I can see prosperity, hope, and exuberance. This is what I want out of life. I want the veil to part, and to reveal harmony, exuberance, and caring. I want to provide this for my family, and to experience it for myself. I want the cycle of generosity to grow, outwards from our home, and down the generations.

The RWS Two of Pentacles is perpetually out of balance. He puts on the show that he knows what he’s doing, but it’s just a show. In reality, work/life balance is off kilter. The Diary’s Two of Pentacles shows us the way out. He is the gatekeeper, full of insight, and offering the key to the kingdom. If I follow his guidance and take the necessary leaps, I can restore the balance. I already know in my heart what to do, I just have to do it, which is the hardest part for me. As the quote goes, I need to be the change I want to see in the world.

However, me being me, I still asked for more. What does the next step need to be? Am I headed in the right direction?

Next Step

This time, I drew the Eight of Wands. The “just do it” card, and the one that usually makes me duck for cover! The RWS Eight of Wands has a wall of arrows flying overhead, and that much energy scares me. Thankfully, the Diary shows me how to stand up and take charge. I must draw power and courage from all that energy. Self-confidence and boldness will serve me well. I can get it all done, as long as I hold my head up high. I don’t have to be in control of everything, as long as I just act. It will all get done.

I am ready to do this, I just need friendly reminders once in awhile. How do you relieve stress? How do you get it all done? Do you have the confidence to see your projects through to the very end?

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Daily Card – Knight of Wands

Kimberlee — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:06:32 +0000

A Sense of Adventure

After yesterday’s Page of Wands – which brought a great message to me, a new house!!! – the Knight of Wands is ready to set out on the journey to claim it. He is the consummate adventurer, with both the drive and the bravery to go after his dreams. He is bold, brash, and not afraid to step on a few toes to get what he wants.

This is both his greatest quality, and his greatest danger. If the situation calls for a more delicate touch, this Knight can cause a lot of hurt feelings and may actually hinder progress.

My planetary transit of the day is Mars square Mars, which also highlights impulsive actions and bold behaviors. The key is to make sure that they are necessary, and don’t stem from personal bravado. Channel all of that energy into worthwhile endeavors, and everything will work out well in the end.

What adventures has the Knight of Wands taken you on? Was it a fun ride, or did you end up somewhere you never wished to go?

Don’t Miss Out: The Name Your Price Tarot Readings are still going strong! Get your personal tarot reading from me today.

Image is from the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.

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Daily Card – Page of Wands

Daily Card – Page of Wands

Kimberlee — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:41:54 +0000

A Fiery Messenger

The Page of Wands combines the practical matters that occupy the minds of youth, combine with fiery ideals that drive and inspire. New ideas will abound, especially regarding new projects and regimens that can be started immediately. Despite the practicality of this card, it also has a very strong spiritual side, as the soul is nourished by the excitement and energy that the Page of Wands provides.

I am feeling the pull of this energy already. I am devoting more time to my blogging and other artistic pursuits, and will be splitting my time evenly between studying and working today. It will take every bit of the Page’s energy to carry me through, as my to do list is a mile long! But I am confident I can succeed, and attend to all of the ideas clamoring for my attention.

Combined with this energy is my personal astrological transit of the day – which I’m learning from AstroDienst – Mars trine Jupiter. The fiery energy of Mars plays well with expansive Jupiter, exploring many different paths and ideas. This is a great time for me to ride the energy wave, and get as much done as I can! Zoom zoom zoom! Most everything I touch will turn out favorably, as long as I pursue it with as much gusto as I can.

Has the Page of Wands brought you good tidings, whether as an actual message or a spiritual quest?

Don’t Miss Out: The Name Your Price Tarot Readings are still going strong! Get your personal tarot reading from me today.

Image is from the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.

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Daily Card – Knight of Wands

Name Your Price Tarot Readings

Kimberlee — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 18:22:27 +0000

Tarot Readings In Tune With Your Needs

Many people are unsure when they get their first tarot reading. What should you expect from your tarot reader? What value are you receiving?

While each tarot reader is different, I can assure you that I will sensitively listen to your concerns, and relay the cards’ message in an understanding manner. You will have a firm grasp of the current situation, and a clear sense of which paths are available to you.

Which leads me to my new tarot reading special. You can have your very own tarot reading, and pay whatever you are able to. That’s right, you’re naming your own price, and seeing for yourself how valuable a tarot reading can be.

All readings will be done by email, just click here to send me your question. I will respond as soon as possible with your detailed reading, explained thoroughly to ensure your understanding and satisfaction.

Then all you have to do is click on the button below, to send the amount of money that feels right to you. If you’re not one for guesstimating, take into consideration that my favorite pizza – pan with pepperoni and mushrooms – is $13.48.

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to reading for you!

Name Your Price Tarot Readings

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Fool Me Once #1: What’s In A Name?

Kimberlee — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:12:23 +0000

Welcome to the new Tarot Comic, Fool Me Once. This new series will shine some light on tarot concepts, while injecting a bit of humor in what can be a weighty subject. Let me know how you like it!

Leave a comment with suggestions for names for the Fool and the dog. As noted, masculine or feminine names are fine, because the Fool is considered hermaphroditic. This gender neutrality also ties into the World card, when the Major Arcana comes full circle. For clarity in the English language, the Fool is most often referred to as ‘he’, and the World as ‘she’. But in this comic, anything goes!

Also, Tarot Musings has received a face lift! I hope you enjoy the new look. Let me know if anything didn’t survive the site redesign.

~Kimberlee

P.S. What name would you want to give the Fool? Share it here!

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Getting Creative – Create Your Own Tarot Reading

Kimberlee — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:22:53 +0000

Hi all! Been a busy time around here. Spring holidays and a nasty period of being under the weather have seriously cut into my tarot time. But I’m getting back on track, and ready to start the summer off with a bang!

Today, I drew the Empress from my newly acquired Druidcraft deck. She is about creativity, nurturing, new life, and motherhood. Those are great concepts to embody this season, full of life, abundance, and energy! The Empress is one of my favorite cards in any deck, and a powerful yet feminine ideal that I want more of in my life.

Get a Creative Tarot Reading

Inspired by the lovely Empress, I want to spread the creativity to you! On offer for now is a Create Your Own Tarot Reading, where you decide what you want answers to, no holds barred. You give me the questions you have about a particular situation, and I will create a personal reading, just for you, using as many cards as needed to answer your questions. If your situation feels complicated, with a lot of different viewpoints, then a creative reading is just for you!

All you have to do is click on the paypal button below, then email me at kimberlee@tarotmusings.com with the questions and concerns you have. I will fashion a unique spread that covers everything you need to know about the situation. All of this for only $25 USD. Feel free to email me back if you have any additional questions, and I’ll draw additional cards at no charge!

Create Your Own Tarot Reading: $25 USD

In upcoming posts, I’ll get back to our Tarot on Tarot Reading series, and have lots more goodies in store! Stay tuned!

~Kimberlee