All About Tarot What is Tarot? The tarot is a deck of seventy-eight cards that has stirred great historical and intellectual debate. We do not know its exact origin, the complete code, nor the mystery that ties its symbolic imagery together. We do know, however, that the tarot deck is the ancestor to our modern playing cards and throughout history, this pictorial masterpiece has been described as a game, a fortune telling device, a work of art, a secret doctrine, and of course, as a portrayal of human unconsciousness. The tarot surfaced in our modern culture during the 1960's when music and art struck a psychological chord within the inner fabric of social reformation. Its imagery and symbolic implications appeared on rock star's album covers, in psychology books, and many artists, poets, and musicians were inspired by its intrigue and mysticism. Historians studied its artistic lineage and the spiritually inclined used the tarot as a medium to enhance self reflection and personal inquiry. The Swiss psychologist, Carl Jung, broke open a new field of exploration when he introduced the study of alchemy as a means to understand the transformation and metamorphosis of the human soul with what is coined today as Jungian Psychology. With his interest and use of ancient symbolism, including tarot, Jung's work opened the door to new dimensions of thought and human growth. Powerful Work Of Art And Script The tarot is a powerful work of art and script. We might compare it to an "old growth" tree for its far reaching branches of diversity serve as a canopy, or motherly shelter, protecting the many influences it has faced throughout time. This ancient body of knowledge, when researched and understood, offers a sound perspective of 'the evolutionary path of human consciousness through the ages. It can be viewed as a sequence of images portraying the passage of the soul as it passes through the cyclical stages of birth, death, and rebirth. The seventy-eight card deck serves as one of humanity's sacred texts as it is an anthology of alchemy, kabala, number magic, astrology, art, religion, and mysticism. In its own right, it stands as a school, a secret doctrine, or an open field of study, void of dogma and hypocrisy. The seventy-eight card tarot deck is a balanced, non- dualistic representation of the school of life. Archetypes The archetypes depicted in the twenty-two Major Arcana cards portray imagery and symbolism that mirror the many faces and feelings of humanity. Images such as the Magician, The Empress, The Hermit, or The Fool enable us to examine the forces that live deep within us and invoke a mood, a need, or a greater understanding of our personality or 'soul life.' At periodic intervals, the same cards will appear over and over again for an individual. These cards serve as a constant reminder that the changes and opportunities available at any given time are worth investigating. The cards mirror an individual's inner authority, power, freedom, strength, and transformational cycles, and offer clues and suggestions toward the mastery of life goals and ambitions. Through the wisdom of the tarot, we illumine an aspect of our True Self, otherwise hidden by the external ramifications of a material World. The tarot offers insight and solutions to life's complex issues and serves as a tool, helping us to solve our personal problems and universal questions. Forty Numerical Cards The forty numerical cards, numbered Ace to Ten- historically called the "Pip" cards or the 'Minor Arcana – these are related to the mystery of numerology and the magical power of numbers. Each number carries a force that is supported and anchored within the universal codes of nature, the galaxies, music, language, and human experiences. The minor arcana cards reveal the actions, suggestions, and everyday implications that we face each day. They support the body of the Major Arcana, or Greater Mysteries, by offering us practical guidelines, mirrors, and solutions to our life. Sixteen Court Cards The sixteen court cards are represented by the four principal authorities governing our life. These authorities can be identified as The Page: our inner muse, The Knight: our adventurer, The Queen: our wisdom, and The King: our true power. These four authorities are also represented by the emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical aspects living within the individual. In early decks, when the royal courts ruled the "common people,'these cards were realistically depicted as the Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Over the centuries, and through the changing paradigms within cultures, these roles have shifted. We no longer have a 'Ruling Court that presides over the 'Kingdom.'One may choose to continue working with the royal courts and their traditional imagery. However, in our modern world, these historical images are archetypal in nature, and serve as symbolic food for the soul. Modern decks may portray a King as a Shaman, a Statesman, or a Guardian. We may find the Queen transformed into a Wise Woman, a Guide, a Teacher, or a Goddess. In any event, it is entirely up to the individual, and to the creator of new and innovative decks, to discover within him or her self the images most suitable to their own inner world. This is one example of the personal relationship and diversity one encounters when using the tarot. Landscape Of The Soul Much like the mysterious and imaginative expression of our dream life, the tarot is a panoramic view of the landscape of the soul. It can be studied as an intellectual pursuit, void of the hype and superstitions that cloud its integrity. Unfortunately, it can also remain misunderstood and feared by those who do not wish to explore its deeper implications, symbols, and wisdom. If an individual feels inclined to study tarot, I suggest one begin with a historical research and background of the tarot through the ages. I also suggest one take seriously the study of alchemy, the laws of nature, numerology, the poets, astrological and planetary correlations, archetypes, psychology, art, and other forms of symbol and imagery found throughout different periods of religious, political, and social significance. Everything goes, everything returns, eternally rolls the wheel of being ... Crooked is the path of eternity. ~~Nietzsche Isha Lerner is the author and creator of four book/deck sets: Inner Child Cards: A Fairy Tale Tarot The Power of Flower Cards: An Archetypal Journey Through Nature The Triple Goddess Tarot: Using the Power of the Major Arcana, Chakra Healing and the Divine Feminine. The Primal Tarot: Tribal Folklore, Mysticism, and Human Magic. She has also written a book on the Mystical Meaning of Fairy Tales which serves as a companion to the Inner Child Cards entitled, The Inner Child Cards Workbook. My Personal Odyssey I was given my first tarot deck when I was eighteen years old. It was a used deck found in a used book store. My aunt found it and thought I would enjoy the pictures. That same day she gave me a used copy of the book "An Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramhansa Yogananda. Both were instrumental in changing my life. Soon I discovered John Lily's books, his work with dolphins and the astral body, the Seth material, the works of Alice Bailey, Madame Blavatsky's work, Dane Rudyar, and the great works of Edward Bach and Rudolf Steiner. Within two years I moved to Hawaii where I found my passion for nature, flowers, and my spiritual life. On a backpacking trip on the island of Kauai I met a woman who gave me a book on the Findhorn Foundation in northern Scotland. Through the power of synchronicity, I was blessed to live at the Findhorn Community from 1976 to 1980. Each step in my life has been to me like a tarot figure walking through the vagaries of life; sometimes The Fool, surprised by unexpected events, other times The High Priestess, quiet in my own quest for insight and wisdom. I truly believe that we each have a unique path to follow in life. Eventually, in life, our external circumstances reflect the truest reality of our inner life. My work with tarot, astrology, mythology, and my study of flowers and Flower Essences are all integral parts of my whole being represented as a mother, wife, best friend, lover, teacher, student, and committed initiate on the path toward greater awakening. The tarot is a picture language of life. I adore it. Isha Lerner Isha also Recommends Tarot.com, A Great Resource on the Web!

How to Purchase Services PURCHASE TAROT SERVICES You are welcome to order services through our secure website. You may also call 541-683-5907 to place an order. We accept Mastercard and Visa Tarot Articles What is Tarot? Structure of the Tarot A Woman's Trilogy Archetype Cultural Materialism Dualism, Patriarchy, and the Eco-Feminist Path to New Consciousness Flower Essences and Tarot Archetypes Focused Action Healing Cards Justice Limitless Love Numerical Matchings Personal Justice Reading the Cards Rooted in Love Temperance: The Rainbow Bridge to the Future The High Priest/Priestess: The Mapping of the Soul The Major Arcana: The Royal Road to Wisdom The Moon The Power of Love The Purity of Spirit Young Women and the Revival of the Empress Tarot Insights Isha has created several online Tarot Reports that are exclusively available at Tarot.com. Look for: Happily Ever After Tarot Report Tantric Love Report (Coming Soon!) Body, Soul, Spirit Report (Coming Soon!)