As we pass Hallowe’en (Samhain) and the days of the dead come to a close, I want to take this time to talk about tarot and clear up some misconceptions about it. Now is the time of year that the veil is thinnest and the spirits of those who’ve passed walk with us. Our ancestors watch over us and send us messages, and it is our duty to light candles and pray for the dead, so that they may pass on to the next plane of existence. Tarot, usually a deck of about 78 cards, is used for divinatory purposes and communication with the ‘other side’. The spirits seek to help us, especially if we are asking for their help, and we also have guides that pass us information. Tarot is one of the many tools that can be used to tap into this information. Other divinatory tools include runes, scrying balls and shallow pools.
Tarot is not evil, it isn’t involved in any way with devil worship, black magick, voodoo or sacrifice. (For that matter, Wiccans don’t believe in the devil or in practicing any magick that would or could bring harm to others. Consider us ‘the good witches’ 😊)
Tarot is not a spell, it’s more like an open line of communication- and keep in mind that its predictions aren’t written in stone. Tarot can be used to help us, warn us or give us hope. The spirits never want to distress you or upset you. Readings are almost never like they are in the movies or pop culture. Readings are personal, revealing, but most of all, they are meant to help you.
In my experience, cards help the most by showing you a different way to see your situation. They can help you see the silver lining, the bigger picture or maybe help you come to an even larger epiphany!
For me, cards are a special, they are my own way to pray and receive guidance. They often help relieve me of stress about a specific situation or person. There are times when I do get “bad news” from the cards but it’s better, I feel, to be prepared for the rocky road ahead instead of blindly driving into a storm. And typically, if I’m going to have a negative reading I can feel it coming. Negative readings are usually accompanied by a suggestion for a solution or plan to prevent the negative things from playing out, so they have a hint of hope. Tarot is about energy and interpretation is individual to every person. I love to read for people- friends, acquaintances and even strangers. And the more I read, the stronger my connection grows. Interested in conducting your own readings for yourself or others? Next I will be writing about how to go about this and how to hone your craft.
Until then, if you would like a reading, please visit the tarot page on our site or check out the daily tarot on our Facebook page.
Have any questions about tarot? Maybe how it works or what spreads to use for certain people or situations? Please comment below or send me a pm.
Blessed be
-Rhiannon
Pagan Mommy 