Lesson 2 - Assignment

[Amethyst Rose]

Due April 26th


There are two parts to this assignment:

1. Create your own code of ethics. Tell me why you chose the ethics you did.

2. Do reseach on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides divination. Tell me everything you can about it. Oh, and don't forget to cite your sources.

Extra Credit: Play one of the games I listed in the games post. Tell me about your results.

[IvyWitch]

1. Code of ethics



First and foremost, to me it is important that I make sure my querent understands how I work, and what I will and will not do. To me this goes without saying, but I thought it was important enough to say.
I will never pressure my clients to follow my advice. The tarot is a great guide, but if the advice the cards or I give doesn't seem right to the person I am reading for, that is perfectly alright.
Nor will I ever pressure people to come back for more readings, and always encourage them to make thier own decisions whether or not it is based on the reading they recieved.
I am not a therapist, social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist. The advice I give through the cards are not a replacement for medical treatment for any mental health problem.
I won't do a reading for a third party. This just makes sense. Only the person asking for the reading knows about his or her life, and wouldn't be able to accurately read for a person through someone else.
I will at all times be tactful and respectful of my client. An atmostphere of respect to me goes without saying, and tact is necessary, especially when the cards predict bad news.
I will keep all readings that I do confidential, unless otherwise instructed (or there's something illegal going on..)
(I may come back and edit, but so far this is what I have ^_^)

2. Another use for Tarot

Creative writing with the Tarot! ^_^

I've never actually tried this with tarot cards before, but I see no reason why it shouldn't work. Actually, I used to do this with Yankee Candle fragrance pictures (you know, the pictures that they put on the jar to represent the scent..).

There's a few ways to do this. First, you can pick a card or a bunch of cards randomly (or by theme, or by what looks best at the moment...any reason), and look at the cards. Use a particular card or cards to choose things for your story like setting, plot twists, where and what the characters should do, and to generally conquer writers block.
Also, if you're having trouble connecting with the story or a particular character (or group of characters), it may help to do a reading for them or for the story itself.

Also, I found a story game in Tarot Tips that sounds like a lot of fun.

Shuffle the deck and place it face down on the table. The first person in the circle draws a card and starts a story based on that card starting with and writes for about a minute, and continues this way around the circle until the story is finished.
There are only 3 rules:

The story must begin with "Once upon a time"
The story must end with "And they lived happily ever after"
The character introduced by the first writer must appear in all subsequent "chapters"
(Really, to me I think that only rule number 3 should be a hard and fast rule, but these are the rules in the book)

[FaerieGothMommy]

"1. Create your own code of ethics. Tell me why you chose the ethics you did."

Only read for people who need guidance and not proof'. I won't read for those who are just after some kind of proof that i am able to read tarot cards - i am here to offer guidance and insight.
'I will not read for someone without their permission'. If someone comes to me and asks me to do a reading for someone else or on there behalf, the answer will be no, i need that perons own personal permission.
I do not offer frequant readings. The tarot is a tool to help us through life, give us guidance and insights, it should not be taken advantage of by mis-use and over-use of the tarot.
'The tarot is not a tool for fortune telling and doesn't predict the future'. I can only use the tarot to guide you, and give you insight. Nothing i say is set in stone - and the ways things evolve in our lives depends oon the decisions we make'
'I will keep all information confidential'. Any information i need for a tarot reading will not be shared with anyone else, it will be kept strictly confidential, and no names or other personal information about the reading will be shared'.
'I will advise clients/querents on the things i offer'. I will state clearly before a reading what i offer, and any prices (if being done proffesional) of the reading, this also includes what i can offer them from a tarot reading.
'I am not qualified to give medical, physcological and legal advice.' If you have worries about any of these things and need proffesional advice, seek it from someone who is qualified.
'I reserve the right to refuse a reading under certain cirumstances'. If the type of reading a querent wants is inappropriate in anyway, or something i am unable to do, i reserve the right to kindly refuse.


"2. Do reseach on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides divination. Tell me everything you can about it. Oh, and don't forget to cite your sources."


Tarot is also a great tool to be used with meditation. It is a great way to "get" into the card and into it's symbology. This can be a good way for either learning about the cards, or learning something about yourself or even a self help technique.
The best way, which i've read, is to find a time when you will not be disturbed. Maybe dim the lights, light some incense or whatever will make you as comfortable as possible.
Clear your mind and then let yourself step into the card slowly, being consciously aware of your surroundings changing as you step into the card. See what you are now wearing, your age/gender, what your new name is. Let yourself stay in this floating dream experience, and have a look around, see what is there, are there other people? Are they talking to you? Are there any animals?
You can carry on like this for aslong as you want, and when you want to come back, mentally close yourself off, a good way to do this is by closing an imaginery door. This is a way of coming back to reality.
This technique in using the tarot, will deepen your connection with that particular card. The more you do this, the deeper and longer your meditation journeys will be.

Another way of meditating with tarot is relaxing with a specific card, this can be a random card, or one you pick for a certain reason. Firstly, just put yourself into a relaxed state, and write down any feelings and thoughts about the card, and any connections you may have from the cards which you have personaly experienced in real life. This is the first stage of the meditation, secondly just close your eyes and let your mind wander about the things you wrote down and go into detail about the card you are meditating on.
Afterwards you are free to write anything down about what you experienced, as this will become a strong connection between you and the card.

http://www.inlightimes.com/archives/2002/05/tarot.htm


Ok, i also did the sacred cave game. I must admit, that was one of the best readings i have done for myself!!! I didn't have a clue how it would come out - but it was a much easier way of doing a reading for myself, and i enjoyed it thoroughly. I will definatly do it again. Here is how it went...

CARD 1: Where I am now : Ten of Wands : Right now, at this time in my life, i am very confused. I have different roots i can take in my life - yet i feel trapped, and unable to choose where i want to be. Everything in my head is a mess, and this frustrates me, i need to find a way out of this restrictment and be who i truly am.

CARD 2: Empowers me : The Emperor : What empowers me is my own personal abilities. I know they are there inside me, and it can often feel overwhelming. Although i may feel like nothing sometimes, deep down i know i posses great skills that i need to let shine through.

CARD 3: Keeps me company : Prine of cups : I need physical people to keep me company, and get to get me going.
Although i find it dfficult to interact, i can show my true self and emotions to the people closest to me.

CARD 4: Shelters me : Queen of cups : My own emotions and thoughts are what shelters me best. I can go into deeper states on conentration when i need to, and i am able to let my imagination run wild. I find this to be my "safe" escape route, which keeps me feeling safe and sane.

CARD 5: What I seek here : The star : I seek the will to feel complete and to be able to know the differences between love and hate, reality and dreams, success and failiure. And to realize when i have succeeded. I seek to be able to accept myself and love who i am.

CARD 6: What I feel the need to create : Three of wands : I feel the need to create emotional balance within myself and be able to hold onto knowledge that i recieve and learn.
To get to where i want to be, i need to go deep into my thoughts and pick at the ones that have been forgotten about.
I want to creat fulfillment and happiness for myself.


I'm quite pleased how this worked out :)
I will most probably try some more of the game spreads (i love the look of some of them, and am itching to try them) so i will edit this, and add the results whenever i do one.

Edited to add :

Magic wand tarot game.


THE PLAY: Mix the cards, allowing them to absorb your personal energy. Place the deck face down in front of you and begin to turn over the cards, one at a time, until you find a Wand card. If you get a Wand within the first five cards, then your sense of personal power is strong and manifesting without significant blocks at this time. The Magic Wand card that appears can show you where you feel strongest. The preceding cards
give information on your sources of empowerment, and the ways you manifest it in the world.

If you turn over more than five cards before finding your Magic Wand, then look at the preceding cards to find insights about possible energy blocks, or for areas that need special attention.

Nine of wands - This card came up after just putting down 2 cards, so this indicates that my personal power is strong with no blockages, and the card itself is giving off a lot of strong vibes too. This card seems to be confirming that i am able to keep looking towards the future, even when things get difficult. I've always put myself down for not being strong enough, but the card is saying i don't give myself enough credit for what i can and have coped with. To others, i can come across as weak both mentally and physcially, but i can pull through bad situations in my own little way, sometimes without even knowing it.


Witch's Hat tarot game.

"CARDs 1 and 2: The brim of your hat, these cards will give you information on what you need in order to take flight, to send your energy out." : Prince of swords + Six of wands - The main things i feel i need to do, from what the card is showing me, is to learn and interact as much as possible. Which means a lot to me right now. I know i can do it, but to get where i need to be, i need to make the extra efforts. Especially when it comes to communication and interaction.
The best way for me to do this, is mentally build a bridge and barrier for myself. The barrier to keep me feeling protected and the bridge for an easy escape route, if i need it. This will help me in taking the next steps in my life.
"CARDs 3 and 4: The Cone; the sides of your hat that lead up to the point, these cards tell you where your power lies or what to do in order to feel strong" : Ten of swords + The sun - I put myself down too much, i blame myself for almost everything. To feel strong in myself i need to give myself credit for my good points - and forget the bad.
It;s telling me no one is perfect.
This card is almost showing me, to build my own safe world and go there when i'm anxious, scared or even angry. It will re-assure and calm me.
"CARD 5: The Point; what you need to send out into the universe, or where you've been aiming. If you don't like the look of this card, examine the others for ways to change it." : The Emperor - I have been aiming high, which at this point may be too much for me. From the card i feel i do have the abilities to get there, but not just yet/ I need to make the most of what i do have, but not to push myself too far.

I hope i'm not doing too many of these "game" spreads, but i find them greatly insightful. Even though they are meant to be played as a game - i'm finding them much more insightful and easier to read than traditional spreads! I think i will be using these more often for myself in the future.

[nightstream]

Part 1:
1. I will keep all information and conversation that takes place during a tarot session private and confidential.
2. I reserve the right to refuse to give readings to another if I feel uncomfortable doing so, or if I feel that my own feelings are otherwise getting in the way of me giving an unbiased reading.
3. I reserve the right to refuse to give readings to people whom I feel might be unnecessarily upset or disturbed by receiving a reading at this time - people who are in early stages of a grief process, are severely depressed, etc.
4. I will only read tarot for people other than myself when they directly ask me for a reading.
5. I will respect the interpretations of the people I read for; if they feel a different understanding of the cards than I feel, I will not pressure them to hold my view.
6. I will respect the feelings of the people that I read for; if my reading frightens or angers them, I will not hold it against them personally and will try to be both understanding and sensitive as well as being as honest as I can be in my approach.
7. If I charge for readings, I will only charge for time, and I will use a sliding scale. As I feel that divination is not some kind of elite skill that only special people can do, I feel that it would be wrong of me to charge fees as if it were.
8. If a person wants me to read for them repeatedly, I will discuss the frequency of the readings with them and we will work together to decide an appropriate schedule; I reserve the right to turn people away from readings if I feel they are using them as a crutch (this one’s definitely inspired by you, Amethyst_Rose… very good idea.).
9. I will make sure that the person I am reading for knows before we begin that the reading is not some sort of pre-determined fate but instead is a set of possibilities, and I will make sure that he or she knows that the reading shouldn’t be understood in place of psychological counseling or other practical means that can be needed to fix things in life.


These ethics, in many ways, have come out of my own questions and feelings about the prospect of doing readings for other people, and from discussions I’ve had with two of my close friends who both read tarot for others, as well as from reflection on the lesson. Both of my friends have shared stories with me about times when the people they were reading for were upset or angered by the possibilities posed by the cards, and that’s an ethics question that I worry about a lot - where does the line fall between being as honest as possible in your own interpretation and trying to be sensitive to the person you’re reading for? In the end, I keep coming back to the standby of “honesty is the best policy”, but I definitely feel the need to try and be kind and sensitive through the honesty.
I also have mixed feelings on charging a fee. I definitely feel that readers deserve to be paid for their time, but as I stated in the enumerated ethics, since I feel that everyone has the ability to divine for themselves, I don’t want to charge a high price for my readings. I do want some sort of ethical safeguard on my own part to help keep others from using my readings as a crutch, and at this time I’m not sure what I think an appropriate limit would be, but I wanted to put that factor in there in some way. I also feel like it would be wrong for me to try and read for someone if I knew that I was having strong personal feelings that were getting in the way; for instance, I wouldn’t feel comfortable reading for one of my Ex-es for a number of different readings, and I don’t think it would be fair to her if I tried - nor would it be right for me to force myself to do something that I feel would be wrong.


Part 2:
I had an experience earlier this month that really changed the way I’ve been seeing things in my life. A student at the small, rural college I attend committed suicide; it was a tragic event that made all of us in our small community really think about things. For me, the hardest thing was that I saw so many sad people, so many upset people, and I felt helpless. There was nothing I could do to take that sadness away from them, and I felt overwhelming amounts of frustration and anger at myself for the fact that I didn’t know how to make the situation any better. I’d been considering a Psychology major for a good part of last year (until I realized that I would be overwhelmed trying to do psychotherapy for my living), and even though I didn’t pursue that in the end, the motivation that I had toward that end is still in my heart - I feel good when I can listen to people. I know how much it has meant in my life to have people who will listen to you work through things without judging you or interjecting, and that’s why I choose to evaluate using tarot as a counseling tool.
It’s been hard trying to find resources on this - however, I found a very powerful personal article by Toni Gilbert, a holistic healing nurse, about an experience she had using the Osho Zen tarot as a counseling tool with a woman who was suffering from emotional struggles as well as eyesight problems (http://www.alternativesmagazine.com/22/gilbert.html). I think that the most effective ways of using tarot as a counseling tool would be to get some real training in ordinary counseling, too, but it also seems like much of the work that a reader would help someone do through counseling and tarot would be done by the person being read for, him or herself. By talking about what he or she thinks the card means personally, the individual is doing the interpreting, and the tarot reader is there to listen to and support the person being read for and to help that person as he or she works through the emotions and issues connected to the cards. I think people can do a lot toward healing themselves when it comes to emotional issues - sometimes we just need someone to be there with us.

Extra Credit:
I’ve been feeling very overwhelmed by work and some of the spiritual questions in my life lately, and the Sacred Cave game sounded very relaxing. Here’s what happened:

CARD 1: Where I am now - Initiation (Major Arcana #16 in my deck)
CARD 2: Empowers me - Knight of Discs
CARD 3: Keeps me company - Knight of Swords
CARD 4: Shelters me - Page of Swords
CARD 5: What I seek here - 5 of Wands (entitled “Grounding”)
CARD 6: What I feel the need to create - Queen of Cups, reversed

I didn’t really identify at all with cards #3 and #4 in this game (or at least what came up for me - I feel like the two of them got stuck together, since they came up beside each other, and I didn’t really identify with either one… what are you supposed to do when you think they’ve gotten stuck together?), but the other cards made a lot of sense to me.
I’ve been struggling with feelings that there’s a lot of changes going on in the ways that I think about my own spirituality, and I almost feel like I somehow haven’t been able to catch up with those changes. I’ve been so busy at school, with so much to do and surrounded by so much busy-ness, that I haven’t really had time to sit down and think about what I’ve been feeling. I used the book that accompanied my deck a little bit with feeling out my cards here, but the picture on this card spoke to me a lot - it’s a labyrinth (Chartres style), with a cauldron of fire in the center, sparks rising up to the sky. I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed by change, but it felt amazingly comforting to think of this as a process of something good happening. The feeling of walking along the labyrinthine path to find my own center - it gives me faith that I’ll get there. The second card, the Knight of Discs, gave me a lot of courage to keep going with one of the new things I’ve been trying this week - I’d decided over the weekend to make a plan for how to get my work done, and stick with it. I’ve done it so far, and it’s definitely helped out my stress level. This card seemed to be saying to me that it would be empowering to get things done, root myself in getting things organized practically, and I can definitely see that being an empowering part of my life right now. I also felt that the 5 of Wands here, saying that I’m seeking grounding, makes a lot of sense - I feel uprooted in a lot of ways.
What’s the most fascinating to me about the Queen of Cups here isn’t the position of the card or its meaning so much as the fact that it turned up. This is a card that turns up SO much in my spreads… it’s really weirdly uncanny. I feel silly saying that something like that freaks me out when I’m taking a tarot class, where I feel like it’s probably a pretty safe place to say that you believe you have some sort of “special card”, but it does feel a bit silly to put out there. I definitely see a lot of myself in the Queen of Cups card, and here she’s reversed - I feel very reversed. Maybe in relation to the rest of the cards, I’m seeking a way to ground myself, find my center.

[LisaT4P]

1. Create your own code of ethics. Tell me why you chose the ethics you did.

I wrote this code of ethics when I started my website.

I would like to state that I am not a doctor, lawyer, psychiatrist, veterinarian, etc. Any advice or information that I may give from the cards should not be taken in lieu of professional guidance from such persons.

I wanted to make it clear that I am not a professional in any of the fields I listed in the first sentence. This is because I do not want someone coming to me with questions about their health, or their pet’s health instead of seeking medical attention.

I am not a psychic.

I want people to understand that I’m not reading their minds or that I don’t know their names instantly when I see them, etc.

I will not read for anyone under the age of 18, without parental consent.

Originally (on my website) this did not have the “without parental consent” on the end of it. I don’t like the idea of reading for minors because it brings up legal issues and I’m not a lawyer, so I don’t want to even get involved in legal stuff.

All readings are considered confidential and I will not disclose any information about those readings to any third party, whether you do or not is up to you!

I feel it’s wrong to discuss someone’s reading with a third party without that person’s knowledge or consent. I think of this sort of as my “doctor / patient privilege”. No invasions of privacy.

Further discussion and clarification of readings is given for free.

If a client has a question or concern about a reading I’ve done, as long as it’s not a completely separate question, I will answer and clarify for them at no additional cost. I don’t feel charging every time I speak with someone is ethical.

The tarot does not reveal the future but may be considered as insight on the path you are currently on. You are ultimately responsible for your actions, and can therefore change the outcome of your future.

I think of this as giving fair warning, but also trying to nudge them away from contacting me too often. It puts the power squarely back into their hands, and that’s where power belongs.


2. Do research on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides divination. Tell me everything you can about it. Oh, and don't forget to cite your sources.

Tarot counseling: Self

One of the ways that I use tarot is for self-discovery, which I feel falls under the Counseling part of tarot reading.

There are a variety of books available for this purpose such as Tarot for Your Self by Mary K. Greer, Tarot for Self Discovery by Nina Lee Braden, Discovering Yourself through the Tarot by Rose Gwain, Inner Pathways to the Divine by Diane Toland, Tarot Journeys by Yasmine Galenorn, Self Discovery through the Tarot by Claudia Genest, Through the Tarot Looking Glass in Search of Self by Ellen Z. Uecker, Tarot Therapy by Eileen Connolly and Jan Woudhuysen, Tarot Shadow Work by Christine Jette, the list goes on and on.


Having only worked with one of the above listed books, I can only comment on the one by Christine Jette. The purpose of the book is to discover your “shadow” or your darker half. The thought being that these parts of us are not “bad” just misunderstood and that they usually have some root cause in the past that we can examine and therefore accept and integrate to create a more “whole” self and therefore heal. There are many spreads listed in the book that help with this process and also a number of other suggestions such as creating a shadow altar and journal. The tarot meanings in the back of the book differ from more standard tarot books in that they are meant to be used with shadow work and so are more geared toward personality type interpretations than the broader spectrum of personality, experience, etc. I found the book to be very helpful and while not “fun” (who wants to look at their faults?) it was certainly interesting and worthwhile.

Some of the other ways we can explore ourselves with tarot are by using it in conjunction with Quaballah, numerology, astrology or other forms of divination.

Many of the books rely on Jung as a source for their psychology, so the tarot is moved from mere divination to a more in depth tool for therapy. Jung saw the Major Arcana of the tarot as “descended from the archetypes of transformation” and representative of the unconscious part of the human psyche. By an examination of the cards, we can come to a fuller understanding of ourselves.

With the purpose of self-exploration I created a spread that was featured in the 2005 Tarot Lover’s Calendar called the Gopher Spread. The gopher as a totem animal has the medicine to help us see where we have been, where we are and where we will be.

Here is the spread:
Card 1: Who have I been (past)?
Card 2: Who am I (now)?
Card 3: Who am I becoming (future)?

Extra Credit: Play one of the games I listed in the games post. Tell me about your results.

In addition to the games you have listed in the thread, I’ve found the following:
http://www.pagat.com/tarot/index.html (http://www.pagat.com/tarot/index.html)
http://www.pagat.com/tarot/ottocen.html (http://www.pagat.com/tarot/ottocen.html)
http://www.searchamateur.com/corkboard/Tarot.html (http://www.searchamateur.com/corkboard/Tarot.html) (this one has a computer game to download!)
http://home.att.net/~jwricklef/Games.html (http://home.att.net/~jwricklef/Games.html) (Tarot Rummy)

I chose to do the Open Book “game” that you listed. I shuffled & concentrated on my childhood. I got the 2 of Swords. Interesting. I’m a Gemini, so it not only sums up my childhood, but my life! LOL I have always been one to look so closely at both sides of the coin that I’m often incapable of making a decision. So, there I sit on my fence and keep thinking about things until the time for action passes me by. There is a song by Rush where one of the lyrics is “if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice”. I think that’s apropos for this card.

Sources:
http://www.schuelers.com/chaos/chaos7.htm (http://www.schuelers.com/chaos/chaos7.htm)
Tarot Shadow Work by Christine Jette
http://www.majortom.biz/calendar.html

[gypsy0108]

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My Code OF Ethics----
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-I will tell the truth and not lie about a reading to save the feelings of the person i am reading.
-I will show the person i am doing the reading for the same respect i would like to be shown
-I will not pretend to know everything I will just tell what is there.
-I will recomend that you do not use this information as a substute for a doctor, banker, or attorney.
-I will at all times try to give the best advise that I can give
-I will encourage that the individual alone is responsible for their own actions
-I will be non-judgmental and be compleatly confidentual
-I will not read for minors
- I will not pretend i can tell a fixed future

I chose these ethics basically because it is what i belive I dont see as how lieing to someone would be of any help to them and the whole point is to help. Everyone desirves respect no matter who they are. There is no need to make your self look big by saying you know something you dont just to get the praise. no one should use the cards as a professional diagnosses or substute for prognossis. Advice is once again what we are there for to help. Every one is responsible for there own action. I will not judge as it is not my place to. I dont think there is any reason to read minors because that could cause some problems in there home life. and the future is never fixed it is always changing. these are my reasons for my code of ethics.
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2. Do reseach on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides divination. Tell me everything you can about it.
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Spell Work-----
When you perform a spell with the tarot you use the cards as structural links to specific desired action.
basically you use the cards as energy filters. They represent the energies that you are about to send off.
each card is a symbol that represents a function or an idea.
To combine tarot cards means to combine ideas.
This energy filter is a representation of a desired action or of an energy
that works toward a desired result. The structural link to the action, or energy filter, needs
to be a correct representation of the intention of the caster of the spell. Otherwise the spell may not
be effective or it may have an unexpected outcome. When You use the cards to cast a you are basically useing the cards
to represent the type of spell being cast. The type of energy's being sent out.
One way to preform spells with tarot is as follows:
1. Find anywhere from 3-7 cards to represent what you'd like to accomplish
2. Choose a time to work the spell when you won't be interrupted, where you might meditate in peace
3. If you'd like, choose some props to help in your meditations. These can be as simple or as ornate as you'd like them to be.
4. The best way to begin is by sorting through the cards you have chosen. Try to put them in order of importance, the first
card being the least important one. Lay that card down and say out loud, something along the lines of.."I have chosen this card,
the ace of swords, because for me, it has always represented power and accomplishment, and I want to accomplish many things."
(you would then proceed in this same manner)
Next, I have chosen the fool, because it represents a worry free spirit and I know I must not worry about what I cannot change"
Next, I choose the lovers, because I know that there is someone for everyone out there and I want to find my "other half".
"Finally, I choose, what is most important to me, the death card, because I need to put to an end, all the negative in my life and
have a re-birth of ideas and feelings."
5. Once you have finished meditating, you may close the spell by blowing out a candle, thinking quietly, whatever you feel
like doing to end it.
One more way to cast a spell with the tarot is as follows:
1. Choose an indicator card that represents you and one or two other cards that represent what you would like to achieve.
Place them side by side.
2. When you feel you've connected your energy to the cards, stack them together. Bind them with thread in a color that
represents your goal.
3. Sleep with the bound stack of cards under your pillow to blend them on a nightly basis with your subconscious energy.
If you like, you can also choose an incense or candle that you feel relates to your objective and burn as you do the spell.
You may also want to choose a candle or stone in the color you feel relates to your object to burn or focus on.







resourses
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/tarot/95688
http://www.talisman.net/tarot/spells.html
http://www.magitech.com/tarot-spells/
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Extra Credit: Play one of the games I listed in the games post. Tell me about your results
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MAGIC WAND --THE PLAY: Mix the cards, allowing them to absorb your personal energy.
Place the deck face down in front of you and begin to turn over the cards, one at a time,
until you find a Wand card. If you get a Wand within the first five cards, then your sense of
personal power is strong and manifesting without significant blocks at this time. The Magic Wand
card that appears can show you where you feel strongest. The preceding cards
give information on your sources of empowerment, and the ways you manifest it in the world.

My Results-- The 3rd card I drew was the knight of wands the 2 preceding it were the knght
of cups and the 4 of cups so from what i know of the cards is that the knight of cups represents an invitation
an oppertunity or a proposal. The 4 represents weariness, disappointment,and
a bitter experience. so even though i have no significant blocks I am assuming that any cards you pull before
the wand card represents some type of blockage even though not significant and my blocks being related
to an opertunity and a bitter experience. It actually makes a lot of sence.

[Nellie]

1. Create your own code of ethics. Tell me why you chose the ethics you did.

• To make it clear to the querent that what I say is not cast in stone. Tarot is about possibilities and the suggestion of a future. The information is then at their disposal to do with as they see fit. (This is important as I don’t want people thinking their future is pre-determined.)

• I feel it necessary to have the consent of the querant and so will not read for a 3rd party.

• All information is confidential from my point of view. What the querant does with this information after the reading is their choice. (Expect the querant to be able to trust me.)

• If I feel somebody is desperate for a “specific” answer and won’t except any other (being narrow minded) I may chose to end the reading. (Can’t give somebody what I don’t have.)

• If the querant is only after proof of my ability (trying to trick me for an answer) I may chose to end the reading. (No point in wasting my time or theirs.)

• I do not claim to be a psychic or clairvoyant and so can not predict the future or guess the querant’s past experiences. (As a lot of people think you have to be either or both to read tarot.)

• I am not medically trained, though am a Holistic Therapist and work on helping people to heal themselves. This however is a separate issue from Tarot, and so the querant would need to book an appointment for me to discuss such issues for which I charge. (This is my career.)

• To let the client know that what I see/feel is no reflection of my own perception and where possible shall detach my own ego from the process, so as to be objective & non-judgemental. (I don’t want querent’s to think this is just my opinion.)

• I will only read when I feel comfortable and in the “zone” to do so. I will not be cohered or pressured into a reading. (Wouldn’t be much of a reading otherwise.)

• To explain before hand, that I can not guarantee for a rosy reading, but that should a warning of some kind come to me, this is not to be taken literally but rather looked upon as an opportunity to be aware. (Happened recently and felt bad after for what I had seen and therefore unsure of how they would react…they were fine about it but had I mentioned this possibility earlier it would have been at their choice to continue.)

[Odilla]

Part 1
1. I will always tell the truth in what I see. Why? Because what is the purpose of not telling the truth. If you see something that may happen, why lie about it?
2. The cards tell what will happen should you continue to go down the path you are following. I read what I see from that. Why? Because the future is movable. If you can your ways, change what you do, because of free will. The cards cannot make you do what they say. They can only guide you to what you will possibly do should you stay in the same pattern.
3. I will be objective, without distortion by personal feelings, prejudices, or interpretations. Why? Because personal feeling can cloud what the reading will say. If I let my feeling and prejudices (everyone has them to some degree), then I cannot give an accurate reading, and I slant it to what I want it to be, not to what it is.
4. Readings are confidential. I will not give out information from my reading. Why? Because it is not my place. I am the reader. It is the client’s position to tell who they feel is in need.
5. I will respect my clients, as I wish to be respected. Why? Because I put myself into the readings. I deserve respect, just as anyone would. My clients deserve that same respect. If I do not get the same respect, I will end the session.

Part 2

http://www.geocities.com/sadhakasiki/tarot.html
http://aolsvc.merriam-webster.aol.com/home-aol.htm (AOL Dictionary)
http://www.brooksny.net/tarot/tarotmeditation.htm
http://www.tarotaffirmations.com/meditation.html
http://palehorse.spiritualitea.net/tarot.htm.
http://www.rdocray.20megsfree.com/custom2.html


Tarot is very easily used in Meditation. Meditation is the act of engaging in contemplation or reflection, or to focus one's thoughts on: reflect on or ponder over a subject. Due to the amount of symbolism in each of the cards, it’s easy to concentrate on the symbols and allow them to float and seep into your brain. Concentration and finding the meaning in all the symbols, and even the story of the card is easily done with meditation. It’s helpful to pull a card, once a day, and ponder the card. Let it inside. Let it be the driving force of the day. It’s also an idea to do affirmations based on the card. Focus on the meaning of the card, and then meditation on that meaning. It’s also a way to learn your cards. If you take a card a day, and meditate on it’s meaning, you will learn the meaning of the card easier. It will be something you think of through the day, and once that meaning seeps in, it will make the reading easier, as you have a clear understanding of the meaning of the card.

I think the used of meditation and tarot together can help in other ways. Instead of using the cards for learning the meaning, it can be used as a daily insight. Meditation in the morning can be done to see the lesson of the day, or the focus of the day. Meditation in the night can be used similarly, tying together what happened during the day into something simpler to focus on.

It’s also something easy to do for people who have problems with general meditation. If visualization is not something that comes easy, tarot can be used to jump start that process. It allows the mind to see a real image to focus on. Then once that image is put away, the memory is still there.

So, to close, meditation and tarot go hand in hand. Doing one card readings for yourself constitutes a meditation. Not only is it useful for people who read tarot all the time, but for people who need help in starting to meditate, and to help people find a focus of the day. It doesn’t matter what you believe in, tarot can be used by anyone.


Extra Credit - I'll get to that when I'm at home.. Because that's where the cards are :-)

[Khaelo]

1. Create your own code of ethics. Tell me why you chose the ethics you did.
2. Do reseach on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides divination. Tell me everything you can about it. Oh, and don't forget to cite your sources.
I'm squishing the two parts together, since they’re very connected to me. My ethics in using the Tarot are linked to my beliefs about Tarot reading’s function, and that function is an alternate use from divination, specifically counseling.

Counseling is one of only two serious uses of Tarot that I can square with my beliefs (meditation is the other, but what ethics are in that aside from self-honesty?). To attempt divination or a past-life reading, even on someone else’s behalf, would be dishonest of me and therefore in violation of my ethics.

Tarot counseling is a synthesis of Tarot reading and more traditional counseling techniques. As may be expected, it seems to take a number of different forms. Approached from the side of the Tarot, it is a reading focused heavily on listening to the querant’s reactions, feelings, and inner dialogue. Dream work, symbology, chakras, and shamanistic techniques may be used in conjunction with this type of Tarot counseling. Approached from the side of counseling, the counseling uses Tarot as a springboard to prompt the client into working through their problems. A particular card’s imagery may send the client into a useful train of thought, and help them recognize and acknowledge their feelings.

To me (off sources), Tarot is like a Rorschach inkblot. What the person sees is more important than what is there. Unlike an inkblot, the Tarot is not a diagnostic tool but a gateway to self-inspection. The very randomness of cards’ positions in a layout forces the reader/querant to analyze their feelings, reactions, and situations in new ways, which can lead to helpful insights and progress. (“Why the hell is the Tower in Best Possible Outcome? Am I trying to destroy something? What structures could my life do without?...” etc.) In this context, the reading is a mirror in which the querant sees themselves from a different angle. The reader is there to interpret the medium.

Back to sources: Listening is key to counseling. A counselor must know how to actively listen, how to ask useful questions, and when to give or refrain from advice. Ideally, the client walks away feeling more empowered. This may not always happen, and sometimes a troubled sensation impels a person to action, either in digging deeper or in making visible changes to their life. In the end, however, the counseling experience should leave the client better off in one way or another. The focus is always centered on healing the client. Good, active listening is the first tool a counselor has to achieve this.

Counseling with tarot is not professional counseling, psychotherapy, psychiatry, etc. The practitioner must know when to refer the client/querant to a professional, be it a doctor, lawyer, psychologist, or whatever. Furthermore, the practitioner cannot do this in a manner that might be construed as a specific diagnosis. Counseling can involve some tricky legal territory, and the counselor needs to know when they are over their head. Tarot counseling is not likely to be licensed (there’s a workshop available, but its certification looks fishy to me), so there are more legal swamps here. It may be a good approach to simply present oneself as a friend offering a sympathetic ear, only using an extra tool. (This approach is part of the reason I will not charge money.)

Since readings often bring up personal issues, confidentiality is an important aspect of the tarot-person’s ethics. However, there are times when confidence must break. If the client/querant indicates an intention to harm his/herself or others, the counselor has an ethical duty to report to the appropriate authorities. There are other situations as well, depending on the law. See: http://www.draknet.com/proteus/conflim.htm

To put the sources together with my personal views: The difficulty for me is figuring out when to listen to the querant and when to interpret the cards. I suspect this will vary with the expertice of the querant. Someone who knows a significant amount about Tarot shouldn’t need me at all. This is the ideal situation. :) For a person who is unfamiliar with the cards, I need to balance how much they themselves see in the images and how much to tell them about traditional meanings. This, too, will change with circumstance – sometimes a first reaction may prove more insightful; sometimes the traditional meaning may unlock doors. The cards alone tell me nothing. Therefore, I cannot help someone who won't help themselves. I’m only here to listen and mediate between the querant and the reflection they see in the cards.

I’m trying to think of a way to put this kind of ethic into a code. The ethics apply primarily to readings, and I don’t plan to do a lot of readings (I’m pitifully underqualified for the counseling usage I’d like!). Here goes:

1) Listen, listen, listen, listen. Accurately reporting hard issues alluded to by the cards is important, but if the querant isn’t ready to “go there,” it’s not my place to force them.
2) Counseling ethics apply. Confidentiality as far as I can offer it; no advice beyond my expertice; if I cannot offer service, I will suggest someone who can.
......2b) I will bounce cases where my judgement/empathy/honesty would be compromised.: if I am too close to the situation in question, if I am incapable of respecting the querant, if I am incapable of taking the querant’s problem seriously, if the querant and I do not share sufficient beliefs relevant to the problem, if the querant and I do not share sufficient moral values relevant to the problem, if the querant proves themselves difficult to work with, etc. In none of these cases would I be capable of rendering good service, so I owe it to the querant and myself to be upfront about that.
3) No charging money. Both legal and ethical concerns here.
4) Advice? I don’t have a position on this yet, so the “play by ear” version is not to offer any unless asked.

******
http://www.draknet.com/proteus/counselbook.html -- This site is actually for pagan clergy, but it lays groundwork for spiritual counseling in general.
http://64.176.11.226/tarot/tarot052.html -- Selections from a e-mail list discussion (I think) about combining Tarot and counseling. Invaluable insights, cautions, and guidelines.
http://www.tonigilbert.com/workshops/tarotcounseling.asp -- A workshop/certification program for Tarot counseling. Includes ideas of other things to combine with Tarot in a counseling settting.
http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/books/messages-of-the-archetypes/ -- Synopsis and review of the book written by the people who run the above-mentioned workshop.

*******
Edit
Game: "Prosperity." I'm on a career hunt (internships), so this looked appropriate. Did you really want all the cards listed, or just the results? Everyone else is listing their cards. This was done with the Art Nouveau deck.
CARD 1: The present state of my material reality: Ace of Coins
CARD 2: The source of my deprivation - what makes me feel needy: reversed Hermit
CARD 3: The source of my abundance - what makes me feel rich: reversed Devil
CARD 4: What I need to do or embody in order to find my own true prosperity.: reversed 3 of Swords

So...abbreviated for confidentiality... I'm doing just fine right now, materially speaking (Ace of Coin). My deprivation is lack of confidence in myself (reversed Hermit). My abundance, aside from that already indicated by the Ace, is that I am breaking out of the shell (reversed Devil). In order to find my true prosperity, I need to be..."distraction, confusion, disorder, error, incompatibility, anxiety, loss, alienation"??? (Three of Swords according to the Little White Book). Err, right. That might make sense if I had an arrogance problem, but my issue is that I tend to undersell myself to employers.

Three out of four is pretty decent results, I suppose. :p

[Enozgirl]

Part 1: Code of Ethics
I've placed the reasons *why* I've selected each particular bit of the "Code" in italics.


No form of divination gives results that are definitely going to happen. They simply point out what might happen if changes are not made. (This is because everyone has free will, and simply receiving a warning about something might be enough to prevent it from occurring.)

No advice, be it medical, legal, psychological, will be given during the reading. The reading simply gives you information about a situation with which you are dealing. (It's irresponsible to offer such advise if you are not a licensed professional. I will not tell you what to do for your sore back, except go to the doctor. I will not tell you to leave your boyfriend, even if you say he's abusive. I *WILL* highly suggest that you seek counseling. What you choose to do with the information you receive is up to you.)

Everything that goes on in a reading will be kept in strictest confidence. (What's worse than telling someone all your secrets and baring your soul to them, but to hear about it around the shop later in the week?)

I will not read for someone without their permission. (That's akin to peeking into someone's journal without their knowledge. It's an invasion of their privacy.)

I reserve the right to refuse a reading to anyone for any reason. (Someone who's too emotionally charged, where the reading would set them off, would be an example. Also, if someone is impaired in some way - alcohol, drugs, etc - the reading would be WAY too scattered to give any good results, anyhow. Finally, if someone is demanding, or is seeking a reading for verification that this "witch stuff" works... well, they need to find another reader.)

I will not read for anyone under the age of 18 without parental knowledge and consent. (Nothing would be worse than having some irate 16 yr old's mother storm into your place of business and demand that you not practice that satanistic witchcraft on their young'in!)

All pricing and services will be dealt with up front. (There are no hidden fees. The length of the reading and type of reading that will be performed will be agreed upon up front. If anything additional is required/requested - such as gris gris pouches, candles, etc., will be discussed prior to crafting.)

I encourage questions! But you must have a question in mind when you sit down at the table, and be able to focus on that. (Anything else, and the reading won't really give you the answer to what you're questing. If you have a question about a specific card, or what it means, they should also feel free to ask. It sucks to walk out of a reading not knowing what the heck went on!)

I will respect the querent's opinions and questions. (No question is, really, too "silly" to be asked. If they asked it, as long as they're taking things seriously, there's a reason for it.)

I will respect your right to disregard everything that was said during the reading, and go off and live your own life. (I'm not doing this to run your life. If you ask me to do a reading, and I present you with what the cards are telling me, I will not be offended if you say "that's bunk" and go off and do your own thing anyhow. We're all adults and can do what we want. Of course, I'm also not your mom, and will not tell you what you should do based on the reading.)

If an individual comes for readings *OFTEN*, more so than I feel might be healthy, I will sit them down and discuss with them why they might feel they need to come by so often, and work out some schedule with them that is better suited for them. (I lived with a girl who did readings *EVERY DAY*, and asked me to do readings for her *all the time*. It got to the point where she would not make a decision without shuffling some cards for a quickie Yes/No answer. It's one thing to use the cards as a guide. It's quite another to use them in lieu of making your own decisions.)


.:~*~:.:~*~:.:~*~:.:~*~:.:~*~:.:~*~:.

Part 2: Uses of Tarot Cards

Apart from divination, I have used the Tarot for Meditation and Spellwork.

My tradition works with Dragon energy often. That's part of why I picked up the Dragon Tarot. In our meditations, we are introduced to our Dragon Guide, who aids us and helps us in our learning. I've used the Dragon Tarot to help me identify the lessons that my Dragon is currently trying to get through my thick skull. I will sit quietly with the cards and make contact with my Dragon. I ask her to let me know what lesson she has in store for me, and then I shuffle the deck and select a card. Once I draw a card, I use it in my meditations, trying to identify how that lesson is playing out in my life. I will also leave the card on my altar as a reminder that there are lessons to be learned.

Source: Traditional coven work

As for Spellwork, that's where you get to have more fun, IMHO! ;) I like to incorporate visual aids as focus for my spells. A very good visual aid is a Tarot card. When I craft a spell, I will see if there's a place where I can utilize a Tarot card in the working. As with the meditation work, I will leave the Tarot card on the altar as a reminder of what I wish to manifest, so I remember to not only put my energy towards that goal, but also do what I must on the physical realm to ensure that my desire comes to fruition. I've read several books that have workings writen around specific cards, and I guess I draw on them for inspiration when I'm "stuck" with what an appropriate card would be for a specific working.

Books like The Tarot Spellcaster by Terry Donaldson and Tarot Spells by Janina Rene'e incorporate the imagery and symbolism of the Tarot cards, specific layouts, and other materials (oils, crystals, etc) to help lend energy to the spellwork through the means of visual focus. Specific groupings of cards, for example, laid out in a specific pattern will help draw your focus. For example, a spell for Adventure in Life would include the Fool (opens gateways to new opportunities), the Knights or Queens of the four suits (to safeguard you on your journey), the Three of Wands (sparks your powers of leadership), and the World (opens the doorway to undreamed of riches). These cards, along with red candles, cinnamon essential oil, and other items, would be used as the visual focus to help you manifest that energy in your life, open your path to new adventures, and guard you on your way.

Source: The Tarot Spellcaster, Terry Donaldson
Source: Tarot Spells, Janina Rene'e
Source: My own workings with the cards.

.:~*~:.:~*~:.:~*~:.:~*~:.:~*~:.:~*~:.

Extra Credit:

These Tarot "games" are so excellent. Amethyst, would I be able to include these in my own BOS for my personal use?

I did two of the games. The first one I did was the Sacred Cave. These are the cards I drew:

Card #1: Four of Wands
Card #2: The Magician
Card #3: Queen of Coins
Card #4: Nine of Swords
Card #5: The World
Card #6: Seven of Swords

What's interesting is that, in my meditations on lessons, the Four of Wands comes up an AWFUL lot for me. It's a card of journey. It's rites of passage. It's also working with others on a cooperative basis to achieve a common goal. Which is really where I feel like I've been for the past few months - in this "holding pattern" where I'm trying to herd cats, often, but it's something I *MUST* to if I wish to continue onwards.

What empowers me was the Magician. In the Dragon Tarot deck, the magician is on a stage, surrounded by the elements, but hovering above them, showing he holds power over them. I always thought this was a card that kicks you in the butt to realize your own potential. What drives me forward is that I *WILL* get all these cats in a row, and make them tap dance, damnit.

Keeping me company is the Queen of Coins. I see this as my friend Sue. She's been working really hard to manifest a new job in a new career path, as well as find the monitary backing to allow her to do it. She's very much harvesting what she's sowed.

Sheltering me is the Nine of Swords, the feeling of being isolated and boxed in. I suppose, in a way, I have been feeling like this of late, and it's been hindering me from really rising above it all (the magician) and blazing that path (4 of Wands). The cats I'm herding aren't the most communicative, so I know I need to buckle down and figure out the best way to get everyone on the same page. Man, it's hard to herd stubborn cats!

What I seek Here was the World. Yes, just the World. I want it all, damnit :). In my deck, this card represents the mastering of lessons. Moving from a world of limitation and suffering to a world of incredible abundence and opportunity. Yeah, I know. I don't ask for much!

What I feel the Need to Create is the Seven of Swords, which I'm not really understanding it's place here. The Seven of Swords means that an "important, but worthwhile sacrifice" must be made. Something must be cast off. I'm puzzled by its meaning in this position in this spread, so any insights any of you have would be greatly appreciated. I'm thinking it means that I feel the need to sacrifice something for the greater good, and for the attainment of what I wish to really have?

The second game I did was the Magick Wand. I shuffled the deck until the cards felt right, then started to deal out cards from the top. The very first card was the Queen of Wands. A woman of leadership and great resolve. I suppose I have been feeling rather empowered of late!

Source: The Dragon Tarot companion book that accompanied my deck

[angelbaby]

Part 1: My Code of Ethics
~Will let querrent know that a reading is not set in stone; the cards simply show where they are headed and if they don't like the outcome they have the power to change their course and create a new outcome.
~All readings will be done and kept confident
~Will not give advice where I am not qualified to do so. Will recommend they seek the advice of a professional
~Will not use the cards in any way that would harm or interfere with ones free will. This includes using cards for spell work.
~Will interpret the cards the best I am able. Will honestly admit if I am unsure of a cards reading (also note: will let the inquirer know that I am not very experienced in using tarot yet)
~There will be no pressure felt for future visit, nor will any pressure be given to follow what advice I have given. They are their own person and have free will.
~If for any reason either party becomes uncomfortable with a reading, they/myself have the right to withdraw from any reading.
~Will not do reading for third party, will only do a reading on the person requesting a reading.

Part 2: Tarot for Dream Interpretation
One of the alternate uses for tarot I found was using them for Dream Interpretation.Since dreams are mainly symbols and the tarot uses symbolism, combining the two is a great and powerful tool to discover the meaning of your dreams. On the site I found(tarotaffirmations.com/articledream.html) the author (Dr. Sally Hill) explained several different ways to use tarot for dream interpreation.
The first option is to explore the dream with tarot. "When the meaning of a dream is obscure, it sometimes helps to view it from another perspective." For this, you simply draw a tarot card and adopt the personality or posture of the main character while you review your dream in your imagination. One example Dr. Hill provides for further explaniation is the Fool Card. Pretend you are the fool on a cliff with all our possessions in a small bag with a dog yapping at your heels. Observe your dream as it plays out below you. Observe the characters and the action in your dream. Pay particular attention to anyhting that may represent a risk, a journey or a new begining. When you are fininished making any observations, write about them and your reactions to the experience.
Another way to use tarot for this purpose is to write a tarot dream haiku. for those who may not know/remember, Haiku is a Japanese form of poetry composed of three lines. The first line contains five syllabels, the second line has seven syllabels and the last line has five syllabels. For this exercise Dr. Hill suggests you reenter the dream and focus on the central character. Pay close attention to what you say, feel or do while in this role. Then write a haiku based on this experience. Then proceed to draw a tarot card that you feel could relate and "become" the characterin the card. Let your dream unfold again, in the scene of the card. Pay close attention to what the character sees, says, does or feels. While still in the role of the character, write another haiku from this perspective. When finished compare the two poems. How does the central character differ for the perspective from the tarot? Are there any similarities? After the comparison, write one more haiku from your own waking perspective. Compare all three. Which one do you feel reveled the dream more acurately? Did reviewing the dream from the characters of the tarot card's perspective change your own perspective?

Extra Credit:
Will do this as soon as I get a chance :)

[Nellie]

Do reseach on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides divination. Tell me everything you can about it. Oh, and don't forget to cite your sources.

As a newbie to Tarot I've had a hard time finding things to do with the cards other than readings & picking a card daily to inspire/help with your daily journey. So reading other people's ideas has been very interesting.
One idea which I found in a book I currently have from the library is using the cards for affirmations. The idea is to chose a card for what ever aspect you need help in, such as health or work and then draw the card for yourself. (You could get really creative here.) It doesn't have to be the exact replica but rather what jumps out at you, such as the symbols or characters. When you feel its finished stick it somewhere you'll see it on a daily basis. The idea is that the intention you have filled it with will filter through into your unconscious mind.

"Personal Development with the Tarot" by Catherine Summers & Julian Vayne

(Have yet to try any of the Games as had a busy week, but will definitely be giving them a go when I have some (quiet) free time)

[Nellie]

Today I did the Witch's Hat spread.

Cards 1+2 What I need in order to take flight/to send energy out.
Card 1: King of Cups
The words which spring to my mind are solitary, serious & lonely. This one keeps his emotions to himself. He knows whats out there, but is afraid or uncertain and feels safer to be closed off. Yet if he was to look, he would see that all around is calm (sea & sky.)
I guess for me this card symbolises my self doubt. I know & believe in much, yet somehow don't necessarily believe in my own ability. I do feel lonely in my spiritual journey and know that in order to take flight and use my energy, I need to change my own perception.

Card 2: King of Wands
One foot out, pulling up his dress - possibly ready to move forward. He holds the wand in his right hand - ready for action. His look is almost one of impatience. Perhaps he is waiting for some sign/indication to begin although this may not be necessary.
I do feel that I am waiting for some sign to show me of my own ability rather than just believing & I often feel slightly impatient, even though if something does happen it will happen only when the time is right. Perhaps this card is telling me that I have nothing to wait for! That all I need is myself and to allow myself to be more open.

Cards 3+4 Where your power lies/what to do to feel strong.
Card 3: Page of Pentacles
Beginnings. Foundations are laid. The Page card can mean something/somebody entering my life. Perhaps telling me I need to start focusing on what it is I want to acheive in order to feel stronger, what is it I'm really good at. Perhaps also to have patience and realise that I am still very much at the beginning of my journey and accept this - let nature takes its course. Not all the fields are at the same stages - accept that each person is at a different level!

Card 4: Seven of Pentacles
The man in the card has done well for himself, but perhaps no longer wants the sames things in life - people change, life changes. What we wanted previously, may be different now. The rabbit half in the grass indicates to me that going into a new venture could be a risk ( going in blind.) I feel he is a strong person & so will tread with caution.
Decision time. Either stick to what I already know (the safer option) or go out on a limb. This card in this position on the spread is telling me its time to stop reflecting on the past & start planning for the future - this would definitely make me feel stronger in terms of my business and my emotional state.

Card 5: What needs to be sent out into the Universe/where I've been aiming.
Queen of Swords
I feel this card is showing the Queen looking for something - she is expecting things to happen that might not come - assuming a challenge is in her future. Dark clouds are brewing, so could indicate some obstacles. She is so busy looking into the future that she misses what is around her - An angel engraved on her throne (possibly her guides protecting her) She seems unaware. I do believe that what you put out, you shall receive. The queen appears to be expecting trouble, so she may well receive this. Perhaps instead of looking too far ahead & wondering I should firmly keep my gase in the present (I so know this, yet somehow never acheive.) Perhaps I cannot see what is around me for looking to hard & expecting only the obstacles!!

[Silverwolfthorn]

Part one My ethics:

I will ensure both my client and i are clear on what to expect..... I will explain what i am and am not, what i can and can't do and explain what the cards will and wont do. I will use this time to briefly get to know my client and burst any bubbles of misconceptions that they may have. This time also gives me a chance to decide if the person will react maturely to the reading.

I will be objective and totally honest...... I wont let personal feelings get in the way of a reading i shall read exactly what the cards dictate and try and help my client work out their relations to what the cards are saying as best as i can.

I reserve the right to refuse a reading to anyone for any reason.......I go a lot on vibes, if i feel that a reading may damage me or my client in some way i will refuse blankly. Some people will follow the reading in extreme measures. And some people are too imature to understand,
i will read for under 18s but purely because i am 15.

I will not read for under 12's or for people that are immature for their age.........clients need to be mature and intelligent enough to comprehend what i say about the reading. Maturity does not always come from age though.

I will keep all readings in the strictest confidence..... theres no need for me to tell anyone anyway

I will respect all my clients and will not do a reading if they do not respect me.


Part two.

Alternitive uses for tarot: Meditation

Meditation on a tarot card, if done correctly, can give a higher level of understanding of that particular card's meaning. But tarot meditations isnt just about the tarot. It is easy to get lost in the card's background and go on your own little journey. Aldo it can guide your meditation.

Choosing a card at random i pick The Chariot.

On my card the is a funny little man on a bycycle, he has one knee on the seat and one foot in the air. He has a huge grin.

To me this conjures up memories of going to the fair. So i stare at the image on the card and then shut my eyes and visulize it in my mind. Once i can see it i develop a background of children laughing and eating toffee apples and candyfloss. The i begin to hear sound and see things moving and the man on the bike waves to me as he goes whizzing past.

I try to smell the smells of the fair and hear more sounds. When i am ready i can interact with the people of the fair. I could buy candyfloss or go on a ride. So off i go and speak to people laugh and joke.

The meditation unravells. When you either decide that the meditation is over or you learn a lesson withing the meditation and feel you want to stop. Visulize the funny little man on the bycycle whizzing past and flicker open your eyes.

Remember to write down all experiences no matter how insignificant.

Anyway that was my assainment, sorry if it was a little brief but the comp kept crashing and i kept loosing it in both sense of the phrase. lol

Blessed be
Thorn

Sources: Relax by Vanessa Grimwood meditation written by me.

[i_am_serenity16]

1. Create your own code of ethics. Tell me why you chose the ethics you did

MY CODE OF ETHICS:
- I will conduct all readings objectively and without judgment. For, after all, how can a reading be accurate if I am subjective and judgmental?
- I will always conduct a reading to the best of my abilities. If I cannot accurately understand a reading I will be honest with you and tell you I don’t understand.
- I cannot tell you your future. The future is variable, it changes, and nothing...no card deck, person, or vision can predict the unknown that is the future with full knowledge and conviction.
- I will always lend a listening ear to feedback, suggestions, and feelings from all of the people who ask me to read for them.
- I will not read for anyone without his or her consent. I don’t feel right about reading for someone who doesn’t know they are having a reading done for them.
- I will keep all readings confidential out of respect.



2. Do research on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides divination. Tell me everything you can about it. Oh, and don't forget to cite your sources
Tarot cards are the oldest deck of playing cards. The four suits of cups, wands, swords, and pentacles became the suits of clubs, diamonds, spades, and hearts; and the suit of major arcane were left out of the “new” card deck. The original tarot game was know as the Game of Triumphs and was similar in play to bridge or hearts. The Game of Triumphs was most popular among the upper class French and Italian in the 15th century.
The Game of Triumphs is a sort of point trick game, meaning each card has a point value. Each move or “trick” you make earns or loses points based on the point value of the cards taken. If no move can be made the player must “trump”.
The Game of Triumphs is quite complex and a difficult game to explain let alone play, but it has survived through the centuries. The game has also evolved into other forms and variations, mainly based on the culture of players and the type of deck used for play.
My sources:
www.tarot-decks.com/tarotarticle.htm
www.tarothermit.com
http://www.pagat.com/tarot/


Extra Credit: Play one of the games I listed in the games post. Tell me about your results
The Broom:
The “dust”
Card 1: Knight of Cups: Symbolizes a break from responsibilities and doing something nice for yourself
Card 2: XVI The Tower (reversed): Symbolizes delays, swift changes, and opposition
Card 3: 3 of Pentacles: Symbolizes success due to availability and flexibility

The “Bristles”
Card 4: 3 of Cups (reversed): Symbolizes that disappointment is getting in the way of happiness. Warning against overindulgence and depression.
Card 5: XII The Hanged Man (reversed): Warning against close-mindedness and laziness
Card 6: 3 of Swords: warning to not let nervousness or worry cloud thinking and action

The “Handle”
Card 7: XVII The Star (reversed): Reminder to remain humble and use imagination to solve problems
Card 8: 7 of Pentacles: Reminder that patience and hard work bring success
Card 9: VII The Chariot (reversed): Reminder to not give in to intimidation or pressure

This game has showed me a few things that I can apply to my current situation: The “dust” has shown me that I’m starting to become a bit lazy (which is true, I’ll admit) and that my time of change and success will change. The “bristles” basically gave ideas on how to get rid of the laziness and depression. The “handle” reminds me to stay humble (which I’ve been needing to work on lately), patient and hard working and not let anyone else influence my decisions.

I really liked this game. It’s helped in a few ways; it gave me some ideas on some of my key problems at the moment and also has helped me connect with my deck more. I’ll be using this game and the others quite a bit from now on. Thanks for posting them!!!

[Rhianna813]

1. Create your own code of ethics. Tell me why you chose the ethics you did.

I currently do not charge for Tarot readings and they are offered purely voluntary. I read both online and in person.

I am not psychic. The Tarot is not fortune telling and the future is not set in stone. The information I give through my Tarot readings is meant to offer a fresh perspective, personal insight, and empower the querent to make the best decisions for themselves.

Why: I want the querent to know what they are getting and not be mislead. I would also like to educate people about what the Tarot can really offer and dispel any misconceptions.

The information I give should not replace the professional guidance of a physician, therapist, or attorney.

Why: The cards can not predict a definite outcome or change someone’s health condition, legal problems, or personal problems by itself.

I will respect the querent and be unbiased and truthful in my readings and share what the cards show.

Why: The truth is the truth and the querent has the right to make their own judgments on the how the Tarot reading’s message applies to their life. Manipulating the meaning of the cards to influence the querent’s reaction or feelings is unethical and unhelpful.

I will only read for the person asking for the reading. I will not read for a third party.

Why: Readings are very personal and meant to provide individual insight. It is not ethical to read for a querent without their knowledge and share that reading with someone else. I also believe the reading maybe skewed and inaccurate.

All readings will remain private and confidential.

Why: To encourage trust between reader and querent and create a space that allows the reader to feel completely comfortable.

I will only offer readings and consult the cards when I am emotionally and energetically available. I will not offer readings when I am stressed, tired, or under pressure.

Why: Readings performed under stressful or pressured conditions may not be accurate. They would also lead to burn out and resentment by the Tarot reader.

I reserve the right to not read for any individual, for any reason, with or without an explanation.

Why: There maybe individuals whose questions, behaviours, or motives lead me to feel uneasy, suspicious, or threatened. In order to maintain my own interest in reading the Tarot I may decline a reading at anytime. I will always to attempt to give an explanation but in certain circumstances I may chose not to.



2. Do reseach on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides divination. Tell me everything you can about it. Oh, and don't forget to cite your sources.

The Tarot helps us see things within ourselves and our world that might otherwise be hidden under the surface. Meditation also offers this type of insight. Combining the two can be a rewarding experience that brings you closer to self knowledge and to your cards. In meditation using the cards is the beginning of the journey. The cards can be selected at random or on purpose but are used as concepts that spark the querent (if that’s the correct term) to explore the meaning on a very deep and very personal level.

All the same aspects of the Tarot are available for meditation. You could use the raw image, keywords, symbols or correspondences for your journey. You could use one card or many cards. Multiple cards can be layed out in what looks like a spread that shows a story but again they only reveal an open path way for your mind to take further.

Perhaps your meditation goal is to comtemplate a struggle, a issue you want to get past, or an area in your life you want enhance. Choosing specific cards based on their images or meanings can serve as a visual target physically or in your minds eye. Holding or touching the card can be helpful in getting in tune with it’s energy. Sleeping with the card under your pillow while you focus on it before sleep can bring surprising insights through dreams.

Resources: I did not use any resources outside my own personal experience and opinion to write this. I do recall many years ago learning about meditating with Tarot cards from my Enchanted Tarot deck and book.

Another way I have used the cards could be related to entertainment or meditation if I had to a pick a category. I have used the cards as decorations on temporary Altars. 2 examples would be:

1)For a Summer Solstice ritual altar one could use The Sun, Strength, Wand Court cards, Ace of Wands, etc.

2)For a class on the Goddess I presented once I set up 4 display altars that were somewhat elemental which showed many examples of Goddess symbols. I used Tarot cards as well. Primarily the High Priestess, Empress, Strength, Crone (Death), Queens, 3 of Cups, etc.

I usually do not use Tarot cards on permanent altars as I like to keep the cards as a deck most times. Selecting the same card from multiple decks gives an interesting view of that image for display or meditation.

Rhianna

[BelovedDru]

My Ethics

1) I tell the truth--I won't lie--sometimes the cards won't work, or sometimes the cards have unfavorable outcomes.
2) I won't tell you that I'm a fortune-teller or a fantastic card reader--I'm still learning, and I'll tell you that up front
3) I won't read in public. Just like it is my right to practice what I believe, it is also the right of others to not be 'exposed' unless they really want to be.
4) I will only read into the situation, and I will not do multiple readings just because you feel the cards were wrong. I see it as the cards are offering guidance, not solutions; I don't think they can help you by themselves unless you take their meanings and try to change. (That made more sense in my head)
5) I won't read for those who don't 'believe' in tarot cards. It's a waste of my time and energy (and my cards') to do such.
6) I won't take my cards where they won't be welcomed--negative energy does nothing to help anyone.
7) I won't force what I believe on others--if you want a reading, that's what you get.
8) If someone under the age of 18 asks me to do a reading and they're not a very close friend, I won't do it--I have next to no money as it is, I don't want to be sued by some angry parent.
9) I won't charge money--I don't need money for trying to help someone.

I think that's basically it.

[Rainey]

I figured I ought to post a message and say that my assignment will, more than likely, be late. I highly doubt it'll be finished by tomorrow night as I've barely even started the code of ethics... Trips are nice, but they also tend to get in the way of things.

I also really don't want to rush through this stuff, either. I rushed through buying a tarot deck this weekend when I had only 5 minutes to spare... Ended up buying Zolor's Astrological Tarot, which has the minor arcana printed on one side and then the major arcana and some sort of astrology cards on the back. I have a feeling that this deck will bug me to no end. The meanings on printed on the card and there's print on both sides. While I'm only a beginner, I really don't like the whole meaning on card thing.

Oh, that got too long. And all I wanted to do was say that everything seems to be in favor of me getting this assignment done late.

[Naiad]

My Ethics

My readings will be as unbiased as possible especially with people close to me.

The cards should be interpreted without my personal feelings and opinions getting in the way so I can give a clear interpretation. This is especially important if I do readings for friends and family because my personal feelings and what I know of them might interfere with the reading.

All that happens within the reading confidential.

Everything that goes on in the reading stays between me and the person I’m reading for. If I have permission to give out information then that’s ok and I might give some information out if the circumstances are extreme.

I will use tact if the cards show something negative or something the person may not like to hear.

If I see that the cards are showing something negative I will tell the querent what they say as diplomatically as possible so as not to upset or anger them in any way. I won’t lie to them just put across to them what the cards say in the best way possible. If I feel being blunt will be better then I will be blunt.

I won’t do readings for third parties.

I won’t do a reading for someone if I don’t have their permission or a reading through someone else. I feel this would be a violation of their privacy.

I will try to help the person I’m reading for in any way I can.

If the cards show that the querent will have upcoming troubles I will try to help them as best as I can. If they are having other problems I will do what I can to help them but I understand that there is a limit to what I can do.

I will tell the querent that I am not able to give medical/legal/ financial etc advise and will tell them to find someone who is qualified to do so.

Well, seeing as I’m only 15, I’m hardly a qualified anything. So I can’t give any advice on things like money or legal things and I’d be kind of arrogant if I thought I could.

I reserve the right to refuse to do readings for people if circumstances apply.

If I feel that the person is unstable or couldn’t cope with a reading then I would refuse them. I would also refuse if I felt that my feelings would get in the way. Also if they ask me to do an inappropriate reading, such as for spying on people or for ill will.

I will make sure the querent is well informed and knows that the Tarot is only a guide and that they needn’t take the advice it gives.

I think it is important that they know exactly what they are getting into. I will explain to them before hand and make sure they know that I’m not going to predict the future. If they want to back out at any time they are free to do so. I will also answer any extra questions they may have.

Tarot and Dreams

Both the tarot and dreams are full of symbolism and the symbolism in the Tarot can be used to help us interpret our dreams. The Tarot is a very useful tool in interpreting dreams. Both are closely connected with our subconscious and use imagery to get the messages across from our subconscious to our conscious mind. By using the Tarot to find the meaning in our dreams we can connect out subconscious and conscious minds and help them to work in harmony with each other.

After a dream a person can pick out the cards they feels represents their dream. These can be used to tell the “story” of the dream to help them get a better understanding of what the dream signified and meant.

It is also a good idea to write down your dream while it is still fresh in your mind and give a first instinctive interpretation of it. A dream interpretation spread can be done to gain deeper insight or you can simply find the cards in your deck that you feel represent your dream. The initial interpretation can then be compared to the tarot one and the meaning will be deeper and reinforced. Once the message from the subconscious has been realised we can use that information in our lives to help improve them. Below is a spread that sounds particularly good but I haven’t as yet tried it out.

The Four Seasons Dream Interpretation Spread

This is a five card spread that can be used to find further insight to a dream.

......................................4

............................3........1.......5

......................................2


1. Centre – where you stand, the issue.

2. South – what is hidden and needs to be acknowledged.

3. West – what need to be released.

4. North – what needs to be achieved

5. East – what needs to be birthed.

More dream interpretation spreads can be found at some of the links I used as my sources.

Sources

http://www.llewellynjournal.com/article/468 - more information and dream spreads can be found here.

http://www.themystictarot.com/how_to_understanding_the_dream_interpretation_spread.htm - dream interpretation spread

http://www.indiayogi.com/consultation/dream/

Idiots Guide to Tarot and Fortune Telling by Arlene Tognetti and Lisa Lenard

Extra Credit

I did the Magic wand game and was quite pleased with the results. The first card I pulled out was...Son of Fire. Wands represent the element fire and the Son of Fire is equivalent to the Knight of Wands. From what I can gather this tells me I am pretty much as empowered as I can be but it might be a bit short-lived so I have work at staying empowered.

[Niamh celtic mist]

Due April 26th


There are two parts to this assignment:

1. Create your own code of ethics. Tell me why you chose the ethics you did.

2. Do reseach on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides divination. Tell me everything you can about it. Oh, and don't forget to cite your sources.

Extra Credit: Play one of the games I listed in the games post. Tell me about your results.



A. Code of Ethics

1. I am not a replacement for professional Services---
I believe its dangerous for people to avoid tangible help...Tarot is simply a guide..a tool to be used to highlight certain areas of your life in order to focus and take appropriate steps...if you need medical, legal, or financial assistance then get it.

2. I will not deny a reading based on Race , Creed, Gender, disability, or sexual orientation...My goal is to assist all I can..making the world a better and more tolerant place begins with me....

3. I will not do a 3rd party reading....This goes against my belief system...If someone desires a reading they need to initiate it themselves..3rd party readings lead you open to deception and violating someones rights and privacy.

4. A reading is not Gospel..I inform my Querants that the future is always changing and I will never claim to know or see everything..

5. I will not read for someone more than twice a month...if a person is asking for a reading more often..perhaps they are avoiding the work needed to make the changes in their lives...Repeated readings are often redundant and cloudy....usually leads to frustration....

6. I will never lie about what the cards show..I will always tell the truth about what i see in the cards ..including if a reading is not clear to me..and I see nothing .....I'm not going to embelish the cards or try and mold it to fit the Querants desired outcome.

7. I will never badger a Querant into accepting my reading is the only way to look at the situation...it is up to the Querant to find the truth in the reading for themselves.

8. My goal is to be objective, helpful, nonjudgemental, and confidential...I must incorporate these things in my reading in order to ensure a positive experience for the Querant..

9. I have the right to refuse to do a reading that conflicts with my code of ethics or if I feel I am not able to provide an objective reading....I remember that I am human and not perfect and there may be times that I conflict with an individual...if there is a conflict within myself I will refer them to someone else more suitable.

10. I will be courteous , informative, and respectful at all times...The goal of the reading is to make the experience as rewarding as possible for the Querant to find the information they need to positively change or enhance their lives....


B. Alternate use for Tarot


An Alternate use for tarot that I discovered with the help of Cassandra Eason's book ---"Complete Guide To Tarot" is Astral projection. She describes astral projection as a visonary state that can be experianced during dreams, daydreams or meditation. This involves other places, and times or different dimensions.

Eason explains that the tarot with its deep psychic roots is one of the best and easiest mediums to evoke the waking dream state needed. She goes on to say that Astral journeys are far from being occult or dangerous in practice...they in fact have deep religous and spritual roots....Eason explains that when your psyche is ready to return from a journey...the concious world comes forward or you fall asleep..dispelling the fear that one cannot return from astral trips....


The Major Arcana cards are the most potent for Astral travel but Eason also lists the 8 of wands,six of swords,2 of wands,3 of wands and the 10 of cups.

Eason lists 13 Major Arcana cards that she has used successfully and gives a breakdown of how to focus on each specific card to achieve the proper state of mind. She encourages the reader to find the cards that work best for them...She does not recommend the more complex cards...Death, The Devil, Tower, or the Hangedman...because there is a great deal of work needed to obtain a positve result with these cards.

Eason ends with steps to follow to achieve an astral journey in the section called Crossing the Gateway of Light...

I found this use of Tarot fascinating. I have always been interested in Astral projection but did not think I had the ability to meditate/focus enough to achieve this goal...But, the idea of using Tarot to focus and Astral project is something I intend to try...

I would love to have given more in depth examples of her techniques..but..I'm not sure if that would be wise...not sure of copyrights and all..so I had to just summarize a bit and hope that those interested will check out her book.... :flowers:

In my research I discovered one other book that discussed this connection with Tarot..."The Astral Grail: A novel approach to Astral Projection, Tarot, and Qabbalah" by D. Jason Cooper. I have now put that book on my wish list! :broomride




Extra Credit:

Magic Wand Game

I mixed the cards..then drew the cards..

1st card--King of Swords

2nd card--8 of Wands

Since the goal is to draw the cards until a wand card is drawn..I stopped after the second card.

This shows that I have strong sense of empowerment...and personal power with no significant blockages.....

Looking at the King of swords..My focus has been on the need to achieve balance...I have been working on being impartial, unprejudiced, nonjudgemental...to be open minded...To counter my headstrong nature...to accept that there is more than one way of doing something.

8 of wands---New activity, things being set in motion..New outlets..I associate this with a new position at work that has come about after a few years of hard work...

Since my new position increases my supervisory scope...I have been aware of my need to find a balance in my new position...the need to be objective and work on the skills needed to work with a large group of people...to be able to set down ground rules but be open to different opinions and viewpoints......


Niamh :kooky:

[Catiana]

Create your own code of ethics. Tell me why you chose the ethics you did.

I will not tell people only what they want to hear, but will always be honest.

I will discontinue readings for anyone who becomes overly dependent on the cards for making all of their decisions

I will not give third party readings

I will make it clear that I am not qualified to give medical, legal or financial advice

I will be clear that a reading is not the absolute future but a suggestion of what could happen with certain decisions with an emphasis on could and not will happen.


Do research on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides divination. Tell me everything you can about it. Oh, and don't forget to cite your sources.

The Celtic Dragon tarot can also be used in candle magic spells, using an opening and closing chant along with the appropriate cards and color of candles for the spell being used and a specific configuration for the cards and candles for the desired results. Also the cards can be used for meditation by studying a specific card and thinking bout the symbolism to help the subconscious see the meditational happening that will help.

Sources:

The Guide to Celtic Dragon Tarot
Idiots Guide to Tarot


Extra Credit: Play one of the games I listed in the games post. Tell me about your results.

I played the scared cave game. My results were:

CARD 1 – WHERE I AM NOW - Eight of Pentacles - I am learning more about my chosen path and am just beginning to learn about tarot

CARD 2 – EMPOWERS ME – Three of Wands – I am empowered when I making my plans for learning more by making plans to start taking classes with a local high priestess and getting to know people in my local pagan community

CARD 3 – KEEPS ME COMPANY – Queen of Wands - I think that this represents the teacher I have once I start taking the classes I’m planning to start.

CARD 4 – SHELTERS ME – Four of Wands – I think this refers to the inner peace I will find on my spiritual path

CARD 5 – WHAT I SEEK HERE – Two of Pentacles - I think that this refers to the contentment and peace I have been seeking in my life

CARD 6 – WHAT I FEEL THE NEED TO CREATE – Ten of Wands – To me this represents my needing to create an anger free disposition in myself.

[Odilla]

My Extra Credit -

I did the Prosperity Game

CARD 1: The present state of my material reality
CARD 2: The source of my deprivation - what makes me feel needy
CARD 3: The source of my abundance - what makes me feel rich
CARD 4: What I need to do or embody in order to find my own true prosperity.

1 - Sibyl of Swords - Marked with great loss and working through it
2 - Four of Swords - retreat, pulling back
3 - Seeker of Pentacles - Working hard and wanting security
4 - The Empress - Love and care for myself

you may wish to choose a card that depicts abundance and well-being

Seer of Cups - Journal, Meditate, Explore Nature, be with and understand yourself.

[Greybird]

Gah - for some reason I had the idea that this was due on the 29th, rather than the 26th. Stupid upside-down 9! I'm afraid I had to rush a bit to get it finished on time. :foopsies:


1. Create your own code of ethics. Tell me why you chose the ethics you did.

A few of these are skewed by my approach – I’m not planning on doing this professionally, nor do I plan on charging money. My intention is to gain insight into my own life, and to offer that insight to close friends and family.


- I will make it clear to my querents that I do not provide ‘the future’, but rather an idea of how things are going and are likely to turn out given the current situation. I will make it clear that they have the ability to change that if they so choose.

- I will not give advice (medical, legal, etc) that I am not otherwise qualified to give, beyond advising them to seek a more appropriate expert.
I won’t turn someone away with nothing if they really need advice, although if I’m not qualified to give it, that advice may be limited to how to get in touch with the proper people.

- I do not do readings on/for third parties.
I will, however, consider the situation and try to help the querent find a way to ask the question about themselves. Instead of turning someone away who wants to know about a boyfriend’s activities, I might suggest they ask the question about how that third party is affecting the querent themselves.

- I will always tell the truth, I will never lie about what the cards have shown me.
Denial of truth generally compounds a problem.

- I will not read for anyone under the age of 18 without a parent/guardian's consent.
I don’t object to this personally, but I’ll likely follow it for reasons of liability, unless I know both the querent and their family well.

- I will remain objective and nonjudgmental
Of course. This is about them, not me.

- All readings will be confidential.
Of course. I will, however, not allow a serious crime to continue unreported. If someone tells me they’re molesting their kids or planning a murder, I will report it.

- When needed, I will shut up and listen.
Most people, in my experience, already know the answers to their problems and the risks in their endeavors. That may mean hearing somebody out, or listening to their take on what the cards are showing.

– I will not make silly claims, nor will I put on silly airs. I will not misrepresent what I am doing. Similarly, I will perform simply to convince skeptics.
I’m not a gypsy prince, and won’t pretend I am.

-I won’t read when I feel off balance or out of sorts.
I don’t want my bad mood/bad day/argument with my wife coloring my intuition.

- If I find that I cannot proceed within the limitations of these ethics in a certain situation, I will refuse the reading.
We all have situations that hit close to home, or that affect us in such a way as to make true objectivity impossible.



2. Do reseach on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides divination. Tell me everything you can about it. Oh, and don't forget to cite your sources.

About the only non-divination, non-insight activities I’ve used the tarot for has been for meditation and visualization. Donald Michael Kraig, in his book Modern Magick: Eleven Lessons in the High Magickal Arts describes a process of combined meditation and visualization in which one enters a state of relaxation (a banishing/protection process is recommended before beginning), chooses a card randomly, and mentally ‘scans’ it into their mind’s eye. This is done by focusing on a narrow strip across the top of the card, and moving visually across that strip, concentrating on it, and at the same time visualizing that strip. You then move down and do another short strip – about the way you would mow a lawn, one strip at a time. When you reach the bottom of the card, you should have the entire card visualized. You then put the card down and study the visualization, just as you would study the card itself. When you’re done, you repeat the strip-by-strip, this time erasing each strip from your visualization, until there’s nothing left.

I’ve also used the tarot in pure visualization exercises. One chooses a card from the deck. If you have minor arcana cards without actual imagery, use only the major arcana (IE – if your six of cups is just six cups rather than six cups in a scene.) Once you’ve chosen a card, look at it. Initially just gaze at the whole card without focusing. After a minute, let your attention be pulled to various elements for a few seconds, but then pull it back to the whole card. After a couple more minutes, study the details closely, filling your mind's eye with the card. Once you’ve got the entire card visualized, put it down and close your eyes. Now manipulate the visualization. You might choose to change the specifics – if you’re using the Magician card, you might mentally alter his robe color, or the tone of his skin, or the length of his hair, all while keeping the rest of the card unchanged. Change one element at a time until you are looking at a completely different mental image, then change it back – one element at a time. Alternately, animate the card. Make the water ripple, make the curtains ripple in the breeze, make the dogs bark. An advanced visualization (definitely use some protection here) might be to take the animated card, and put yourself in the scene. Speak to the High Priestess. See what’s behind the Tower. Get to really know the card. I can’t really cite my sources for the techniques described in this last paragraph – it is something I’ve come up with on my own, although it is probably influenced by any number of books I’ve read over the years.

[dolphincity47446]

Create own code of ethics and explain why:
1. Explain to the seeker that the outcome of a reading is not a set outcome and that the seeker can change the outcome by changing his/her own actions.
This is to let them know that they are completely in charge of their future and that the tarot cards does not set the future for them.

2. Do not read for a seeker who is asking for legal, finacial, or health advice.
I am not an expert in these areas and they should go to someone who is.

3. Always be honest with the seeker and tell the seeker what I see in the cards.
I will not lie about what I see in the cards. I think the seeker deserves to know exactly what I see in the cards. The seeker does not have to agree with what I see.

4. Keep all information on a reading confidential.
This goes without saying. It is out of respect for the seeker.

5. Never read for a third person.
I never do a reading for someone without their permission as the cards will not get the third person's "vibes" and the reading will not be as accurate.



Do research on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides Divination:

You can use the Tarot for meditation. The Tarot can give you assistance as focal points when you mediate. Meditating using tarot cards can give you deep insight reading any issue you may be dealing with at that time. You can draw one card a day and use it to meditate. By doing this, you can become more connected with the cards and get deeper meanings of the cards.

Sources:
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/tarot/97225
http://www.tarot.lifetips.com/cat/587401
http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Tarot/id/21713


Extra Credit:
Play one of the games listed in post and tell about results.

I chose to play the SACRED CAVE game.

Card 1: Where I am now: 10 of Swords
Card 2: Empowers me: 10 of Wands
Card 3: Keeps me company: Queen of Pentacles
Card 4: Shelters me: 6 of Swords
Card 5: What I seek here: Justice
Card 6: What I feel the need to create: 9 of Wands

I found this game to be really accurate for me.

I am overcoming obstacles that have caused a great deal of pain and sorrow for me at this point in my life. The knowledge that I will be secure and successful in the end is what empowers me to continue on. Being sensible in this situation keeps me company. Overcoming obstacles, and moving away from difficulties is what shelters me right now. I seek proper balance and fairness in my situation. I feel the need to create more strength and self-discipline to become successful.

[Amethyst Rose]

Big thanks to everyone who got their assignments in, and those who let me know they'd be late. I've been INCREDIBLY impressed with everyone's answers for this assignment, you've all done a really great job, excellent even.

I'm going to take the time this afternoon (during baby's nap) to go over them all again and figure out marks, and I'll post the next lesson and assignment once that's done. Oh, and reading groups, too, I'll get those out this afternoon as soon as I'm done everything else. :)

[Amethyst Rose]

Okay, I lied....real life intruded yesterday and I didn't get the time to do anything online. I'll try again today, sorry everyone. :)

[enchancea]

1. Create your own code of ethics. Tell me why you chose the ethics you did
I will never pressure my clients to follow my advice - They know what is going on in their lives better than me so they will be more able to make a decision.

I will never pressure people to come back for more readings - If they want more readings they can come back by their own free will, if they feel I wasnt correct or very good then they can choose not to come back.

I am not a therapist, social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist -The advice I give through the cards are not a replacement for medical treatment for any mental health problem..
Only read for people who need guidance and not proof - Im not out to prove myself to anyone and I think it takes away from the reading when the person is just looking for proof.

I will not read for someone without their permission - I will never read for anyone unless they ask me to, I dont think its right to read for someone who doesnt know about it.

I reserve the right to refuse to give readings - If I dont feel right about doing a certain reading then I wont do it, it will just take away from the reading.

I do not claim to be a psychic - I am just reading to the best of my ability what the cards tell me.

Always be honest - I will always tell exactly what the cards tell me

2. Do reseach on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides divination. Tell me everything you can about it. Oh, and don't forget to cite your sources.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/tarot_for_creative_writing.shtml

Tarot cards can be great for themes in stories as well as character development. For example, I'm currently writing a novel, and my main character is psychic. I had her perform an archetype reading for someone, but rather than invent the details, I did an actual 3 card Past/Present/Future spread from the Archetypes Storytelling Cards. I used the exact cards and spread in my novel, and interpreted them as I wrote. It worked beautifully! From just a quick 3 card spread, I created a scene with interesting dialogue, providing insight into the main character and those around her, as well as moving the story along in the direction I wanted it to go.
There are many other ways that the tarot can help in writing stories.
Some questions to ask yourself when using the tarot to help you write:
1. Who is this character? Does the person on the card remind you of someone? Will your character be similar to the one on the card...or the polar opposite?
2. Does an object, person, or action depicted on the card give you an idea for the character's occupation or hobbies?
3. What is occurring on the card? Tell yourself a story about what's happening. Can you see any of your characters doing that...literally or figuratively?

Extra Credit: Play one of the games I listed in the games post. Tell me about your results.

I chose Fish, this is the first time I am reading with this deck and the first reading I have done in years so I am using the book that came with it to help me.
2. FISH - This quick-and-easy game is deceptively simple. Fish packs a lot of information into a small packge, making Tarot wisdom accessible even to those of us who "never have time." It offers an at-a-glance reality check.

THE PLAY: Mix the cards and choose three at random, placing them face up in a line.

CARD 1: Worm - What I have to offer the universe at this time - Judgement Reversed: Inability to decide on action;blockage
CARD 2: What I catch from the cosmic pool - two of staves: New beginnings, transformation and inspiration
CARD 3: What I'll make of it. - 5 of staves: After looking up the meaning for this in the book I think this means that if I let my ego take control of me Ill lose sight of whats really important there will be alot of conflict.

[Rainey]

Part 1:

I will not pretend to be what I'm not.
Therefore, I'm not going to say that I'm psychic, I'm all-powerful, I know exactly what your future will be. That's silly. I'd only be fooling myself and possibly only making any future clients think I'm crazy. Or they'd hang onto my every word. That'd make me feel terrible if I knew I were saying something that's obviously not true.

I'll do a reading to the best of my ability.
I'm no expert. I'm not even going to pretend to be knowledgable in divination of any sort. So, even when I do learn, there's no guarantee for me knowing exactly what it all means. Actually, I'm not sure I'll ever know what a lot of it means. And I'm sure all of the cards could possibly mean something slightly different in every case. I may think, "Hey, this card won't have too much of an effect," while, perhaps, the whole reading hangs on what this card says. I already know that, sometimes, I'll be wrong.

I'll only read for someone who takes it maturely.
That means, no one who will sit and laugh and make goofy comments, break my concentration, and thinks that annoying distractions are perfectly acceptable. There's no way I'm going to put up with that. You may get a second chance, but do it again and I may decide to never read for that particular person again.

I won't even consider charging for a reading.
Like I said, I'm a beginner. There's no way I could possibly charge for a mediocre, at best, reading that could possibly be so off that it's not even funny. And, to be quite honest, at this point, I'd probably feel terrible receiving anything for doing any sort of reading. Well, unless you're the annoying type who just wants to create a distraction. At that point, I will have no problems demanding any change in your pocket for wasting time that could have been spent with someone who actually would have listened.

I won't discriminate.
I won't say, "Hey! You can have a reading!" and then say to another person, "No, you can't have a reading!" The only time I'd actually do that is if you have a history of coming to get a reading and then being absolutely immature about it, unless they can somehow prove that they can and are willing to be mature about it.

I won't give out personal information.
Anything discussed during a reading won't be talked about with another person. I'm not in the business of saying, "Did you know Jody-Sue is/does/lost such-and-such?" Eh, yeah. Just so not my style.



Part 2:

The game. I've decided to do the game of Tarot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarot_%28game%29).

It's a French trick-taking game, which uses, of course, a Tarot deck. Basically, all cards except six are dealt out to 3-5 players. The six other cards are placed face-down on the table. When are cards are dealt, the player who thinks he has the best hand calls out and takes the six cards. He then replaces the center pile with any six cards from his hand. At this point, all other players are now playing against him.

After this, the players bid, starting from the right of the dealer.

Going counter-clockwise, the person who had picked up the six cards starts the trick. A player can play a trump if he can't follow suit. It ends when all tricks have been made. Whoever scores the highest wins.

The five player game includes only dealing three cards to the center and a different way of finding out who everyone is playing against.


And the extra credit:

Magic Wand -- I had to turn over only three cards until I found a wand. And then I decided to not look at meanings and just look at the pictures and what I think they mean, instead.

Five of Cups -- Basically a card of loss; the man's looking at overturned cups. Maybe trying to internalize a loss? Hmm... I'm not sure.

Seven of Cups -- Trying to decide what is really worth it. Being distracted by everything in front of you. Wishing for something, maybe?

Queen of Wands -- The one who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. And she's holding what seems to be some sort of flower... a sunflower? Might be an indication of a 'sunny' attitude.

[Noriohtle]

1.) I am not a Doctor, Lawyer or Banker. I will not give Medical, Legal or Financial advice.

I am in no way qualified to give this type of advice and will not be placeing myself in any type of situation that requires me to give opinion or hypothesis of things to which i am not qualified.

2.) I will not read for Anyone of Immature mind or body.

Not only will i limit the quarrant to 18 years of age but if the mental age is that of a child the same thing shall apply. They must be able to decipher and accept the answers they find in the information given from the cards.


3.) Honesty

It is Simple if i am reading I will say only what i see Nothing more Nothing less. The Quarrant will be informed of this at the start if your not ready to accept the negetive as well as the positive then go no further.

4.)I shall only read for a Direct Inquisitor

If i can not develop a feel for someone then how can i connect to read. Thus just one more reason not to read for a 3rd party. other reasons are it is not your business what is in the cards for someone else.

5.)Anything in Share with Me {be it from Friend or Stranger} during a reading is shared with myself and my cards alone.

Trust is built and this is the foundation of thus.

6.) Do nothing that removes peace from my spirit.

I have worked long and hard to find my center and come to be at peace with it and ground myself. I shall not give that up nor ask any other too.

7.) I May Stop a reading at anytime for any reason.

If the Quarrant thinks there is no answer but what he wants to hear the reading would end as the information given does not bend to you. and i will not lie about the information.





Spellwork & Tarot

There are many ways Tarot is used in spellwork. There is the beginning basic synchronicity and divination magic to start with. As the interpertation of the information given by the tarot is in itself a type of magic.

Spellwork; Collections of words ,Talismans and items held to have magic power: A state of enchantment.


I have found 4 decks that have a place in Ritual Magic and Spellwork:

1)Golden Dawn Magical Tarot ~ is used for its symbolism and because of the influence it had on Waite-Crowley. in style it reflects the Victorian era.

2)The Universal Tarot ~ Is used for the manner in which the cards are represented It is a modernized version of the Raider-Waite deck. It also represents the opinion of its time the glamorization of the Rennissance Era.

3)The Thoth Tarot ~ is included also for its rich use of symbolizm in style it reflects the new ideas comming in during and after WWII.

4)The Shadow Tarot. ~ This is an out of print Deck Majors only that deals with the Darker Side of the Psyche.

All of these decks have symbolism in diffrent eras and allow insight into diffrent areas of life and lend strength to diffrent points in Magic...



Extra Credit....

1) Sacred Cave.
1) Where i am Now:: Ace of Swords
Great Determination, Initiative. Strength. Force.
Activity. Triumph Power Success Fertility
Prosperity Deep Emotional Feeling love
Championship Conquest

2)Empowers Me ::: The Magician
Creativity, FreeWill, Self-Reliance, Skill,
Spontaneity, Willpower. Self-Confidence.
A good Salesman. Dexterity. Ingenuity
Deception, Trickery Slight of hand.

3)Keeps me Company::Knight of Cups
An inv\itation or opportunity may soon arise.

4)Shelters me:: The Lovers
Beginning of a romance or Friendship.Deep
Feeling Freedom of emotion.

5)What I Seek Here:: Six of Pentacles
Generosity Gratification Material Gain

6)What i feel i need to Create:: Seven of Swords.
New plans wishes fortitude perserverance.

[PeleRising]

Part 1

Honesty~ During a tarot reading I will tell you what I see in the cards before me.

Objectivity~ I will strive to provide non judgmental and objective readings for querents regardless of their sex, race, and/or creed.

Confidentiality~ A tarot reading shall remain between the reader and the querent. I will not share results of readings with others.

Cause No Harm~ I will not use readings to cause harm, nor will I encourage others to use information resulting from a reading to harm or cause harm to another.

Guidance~ Tarot readings are not meant to represent the unbreakable future, the future is always flexible, what we do today can very well change what our tomorrows will be.

Rights~ Just as a client has the right at any time during a reading to bring it to a stop, I too reserve the right to halt a reading or in fact refuse to read if I feel that the reading is in any way unethical.

Professional help~ My Tarot readings should not take the place of professional help, including but not limited to medical, legal, and financial advice. If in fact you are in need of such advice, I urge you to seek out the proper professionals.


Part 2

Tarot cards have many uses. Besides divination, one of the more interesting is using them in spells. You can take a card and determine it represents a certain person, place or thing. By focusing your will upon the card, and manipulating it while it represents something else, not only does it give you a focus, you can “see” the work you are accomplishing. “Tarot cards are also used as the primary medium for tarot spells, in which the tarot cards are actually tied to elements in the Universe and re-arranged so as to re-arrange reality in the physical universe.” 1


One interesting use of the cards I found is the following which I found at http://www.talisman.net/tarot/spells.html Basically it boils down to…Choose 3-7 cards that appeal to you. Then as you are meditating, sort through them and put them in order of least important (in your mind) to most important. Then place the least important card down on the table in front of you. State what the card is and what it represents to you… and why you feel it represents what you want to accomplish. For example, you could put the hanged man down in front of you and state that you want to be able to see things in a new way. Etc. The cards are used to guide your spell which takes the form of a meditation. After you have gone through all the cards you have chosen, close the spell with some definitive action such as grounding, blowing out the candle, making an offering etc, what ever feels appropriate to you.

In the book Positive Magic, by Marion Weinstein the author discusses the use of tarot cards as a tool of divination. However one of her methods that she calls “intercession” I found quite interesting and feel it could be easily adapted to use as a way of making positive changes in your life through the use of the tarot deck in a form of ritual. She mentions that during a tarot reading sometimes one draws a card that is “uncomfortable” or is something the reader or querent doesn’t want to deal with in their lives at this time. She details a method of changing that card using a “words of power statement”~ a method she discusses in depth in her book. However the gist of it is that after drawing a card that makes you uncomfortable, you would replace it with another card and basically make a statement that you are taking the present situation and changing or replacing it with something “ much more wonderful and life affirming.” She states in her book that you can change the cards as many times as necessary… and while doing so you are changing your life. She states that this works because it is “based on the principle that we actually do create our own futures.” She goes on to state that “The ritual of changing a card in a spread, of course, is designed not just to change the card but to change the situation that the card represents. “

1 http://healing.about.com/cs/uc_directory/a/uc_readtarot.htm

Weinstein, Marion Positive Magic. Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page Books 2002 p. 199-201




Part 3

Games

I chose to do two separate games.

The first was the Sacred Cave-

1. Where I am now~ Knight of Pentacles- A person who is dependable, reliable, stubborn, one who isn’t always open to new ideas and who sometimes is a bit closed in.
2. Empowers me~ 7 of Pentacles This card represents my connection to the earth, and the knowledge that sometimes you need to wait for the fruits of your labor. Soul searching, and contemplation also fit in here.
3. Keeps me company~ 10 of Wands This represents my habit of taking on a bit too much, biting off too much. Taking on burdens not my own and yet still carrying them with my own.
4. Shelters me~ Queen of Swords
5. What I seek here~ The Fool
6. What I feel the need to create~ 3 of Pentacles

This was a very interesting game. According to the cards I pulled, Right now I am a dependable stubborn person who isn’t always open to new ideas and ways of doing things. I tend to close myself off at times. What empowers me is my connection to the earth, and the knowledge/my acceptance that sometimes you have to wait for the results, even if all the hard work is done. This card also touches on contemplation and soul searching. What keeps me company or runs along side of me is my tendency to take on too much. To bite off more then I can chew… and that sometimes I have my eyes on the goal and I cant see that the journey is wearing me out. That perhaps if I took my eyes off the horizon for a minute, I could see other possibilities around me. What shelters me is the Queen of Swords. She doesn’t approach all tasks head on… she finds other ways of dealing with them. She speaks of intuitiveness, knowledge and yet isn’t afraid to take action if it is needed. My book tells me that this queen in particular is a strong, smart prickly woman… *big grin*. What I seek here is interesting. The fool… probably one of my favorite cards in the deck… I look at this card and see the possibilities. The journey to self… What I feel I need to create is knowledge of my craft, the knowledge that with lots of practice my craft will be at my fingertips, as opposed to a struggle. Patience, and joy in doing.


The second game I chose was Fish-

1. Worm~ What I have to offer the Universe at this time~ Queen of Wands a person who is filled with generosity, energy, a practical person, a person who tends to give more then she receives, sensible and down to earth
2. What I catch from the cosmic pool~ 10 of Cups This card represents home, joy, family love, peace, emotional joy, riches but not necessarily material wealth, a promise of happiness
3. What I’ll make of it~ The Sun Success, happiness, freedom, end of troubles, joy and pleasure

[Amethyst Rose]

Thanks for getting this in, guys, you both did a great job. :)

[GiftOfTheGoddess]

Sorry, I've been busy so I'm trying to play catch-up :)
My code of ethics:
1. I will keep all readings and conversations confidential (unless something illegal is involved)
2. I will not do third party readings.
3. I will not take the place of a lawyer, a doctor, or a financial advisor.
4. I will make sure my client knows that my readings do not predict the future, they only tell what may happen based on their current situation.
5. I won't push my client to come back in the future. If they choose to, so be it.
6. I will limit the number of readings per client per month. This way they do not use readings as a clutch.
7. I will tell my client to follow their heart. If the suggestion from the cards doesn't feel right for them, do what feels right.
These are the only ones I can think of right now.
Another use for tarot cards:
Meditation. I like what was suggested for meditation. In the morning, shuffle your deck and pick a card that you will meditate on and that will help you to understand your day. I plan on trying this tomorrow morning :)

[ajna]

1. Create your own code of ethics. Tell me why you chose the ethics you did.

I have not read much in my life so I am sure my morals will evolve and grow as this class, and my time with the tarot, goes on. The rules I have set for myself in this post are all my personal preferences and what I believe may be my personal limitations and I do not expect people to agree with them or to adopt them.

• If I do a reading for someone I know, I will ask they not tell me the question – or allude to it in any way – before hand as this could influence the way in which I relate information to them.
• I will not personally accept payment for readings.
• I will remind people in advance that the future is not set and that they can stop the reading at any time if they feel uncomfortable.
• Confidentiality is a must. I will not contact authorities or doctors, but if someone does happen to disclose the threat or the presence of a real danger in their life, I will ask that they get help and will probably be checking up on them myself. So rule is, be sure you want me as your new best friend before opening your mouth
• I will not pressure anyone for information.
• I will not read for third parties except, perhaps, in a lighthearted manner for a pet or baby. The person getting the reading will be told that these types of readings are purely for entertainment.
• I will always remain objective and truthful and if I feel I cannot be such during a reading, I will stop. I will let the person whom I am doing a reading upon know I reserve the right to stop the reading for such a reason at any time during that reading.

I may have more to add later…

As for why I chose the ethics I did. Well I’m not really sure. I wish to provide the most accurate, unbiased reading I can while not scaring someone into harming themselves or ruining their life over something I’ve said. I suppose that is the best way I can describe it.


2. Do research on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides divination. Tell me everything you can about it. Oh, and don't forget to cite your sources.

Note: Better versions of the charts in the following section can be found at the cited website that corresponds to the number following the chart.

I’m not sure if this can be considered a use (if it is not feel free to ask me to write another answer to this question), but my topic is the association with tarot cards and Kabbalah. This topic caught my eye soon after I began browsing because my own (first) deck’s design draws the Tree of Life when placed in a certain order. I always though it was a neat trick, but I was never sure why someone else thought it would be a nifty thing to do.

Discovered by French occultist Eliphas Levi sometime in the 19th century, the connection between the Kabbalah Tree of Life and Tarot cards has existed since tarot cards were first created in the 1400’s. Near the end of the 19th century, building upon Levi’s discovery, S.L. MacGregor and A.E. Waite, two members of the English occult group "The Golden Dawn", came to realize that the connection to the Tree of Life was not only applicable to the trump suit, but to every tarot card in the deck.


According to tradition, this pattern is the diagram that is to be the plan for all creation. The Kabbalah system reveals that each person is a star, a vessel for the light of God. (2)

The Kabbalah itself is a magical and mystical system and contemplation on the Tree of Life is said to bring a higher state of consciousness, leading eventually to a "union with God." In this regard, it's not unlike the Mandala upon which the Tibetans meditate. As a mandala, the Kabbalah is indeed powerful, since it's also thought to bring Magickal abilities to those who work with its energies. (3)

The Tree of life (also called the Otz Chiim) consists of ten spheres (sefirot) connected by 22 paths – one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each path represents an interaction between the sefirot it connects.


As a quick, much simplified example, Trump XXI, the World, concerns the successful completion of one phase and the start of another, as well as ideas of synthesis and crystallization. The interactions of sefirot nine, Yesod (Foundation), and ten, Malkuth (Kingdom) mirror these ideas, with the generative aspects of Yesod finding their fulfillment in Malkuth. The process of Creation ends in Malkuth, and the return begins through Yesod. The path and the World both correspond to the Hebrew letter tav, and again this is highly appropriate as it is the final letter of the alphabet and means 'cross', a symbol associated with the manifest world. (1)

Since there are ten sefirot on the tree and ten numbered cards in each suit of the Minor Arcana, the sefirot and cards line up quite nicely (Ace-Ten).


Kabbalists view the Tree as acting on or through four worlds: Atziluth, Briah, Yetsirah and Assiah. (1)

Because of this, the system can extend beyond the pairing of numbers and into the pairing of the worlds and the suits also…
(as shown below)


Tarot Suit -- Element -- Kabbalistic World
Pentacles -- Earth -- Assiah (Manifest World)
Swords -- Air -- Yetsirah (Formative World)
Cups -- Water -- Briah (Creative World)
Wands -- Fire -- Atziluth (Archetypal World)
(1)

whereas the court cards are placed in important positions as well.


Court Card -- Sefira
Pages -- Malkuth (Kingdom)
Knights -- Tifereth (Beauty)
Queens -- Binah (Understanding)
Kings -- Chokmah (Wisdom)
(1)

Entire suits can also be allocated a position.


Tarot Suit -- Sefira
Pentacles -- Malkuth (Kingdom)
Swords -- Tifereth (Beauty)
Cups -- Binah (Understanding)
Wands -- Chokmah (Wisdom)
(1)


Most modern occultists now believe that the Tarot was meant to be a tool to explain and teach the Kabbalah. With this understanding, the Tarot becomes one and the same with the Tree of Life and any understanding of one automatically brings about an understanding of the other. (3)

In addition to associations, there is also a spread – perhaps more, but this is the only one I could find – that can be done utilizing the tree of life and the tarot cards.


In the Tree of Life Spread,there are 10 cards that represent 10 holy attributes that we all possess.
1. Kether- the crown of divine light
2. Chokmah- wisdom and paternal energy, the father
3. Binah- understanding the womb, the mother
4. Chesed- loving kindness, mercy and compassion
5. Geburah- judgement, sterngth and restraint
6. Tiphareth- beauty, balance and harmony
7. Netzach- victory and dominance
8. Hod- glory and the submission to God
9. Yesod- foundation, ego and sexuality
10. Malkuth- the kingdom, the world and the material realm
(2)

Just for fun, I found a site that has the story of how one Jewish man became interested in tarot and the Tree of Life. Here is an excerpt:


As I flipped through the rabbi’s Jewish deck, a single Hebrew letter centered on each card, I was moved. While lacking the grotesque thrill of some of the more baroque tarot decks, each letter had a tangible but hard to describe power in its twists and turns.

In that mystical moment I paused and returned to my initial question: Wasn’t the use of the deck to tell the future and engage in divination against Jewish doctrine?

Judaism doesn’t necessarily preclude the use of magic, Chana Andler, a teacher at Chochmat, told me, but the key is how it is practiced. So the tarot, to paraphrase Fisdel, is a mirror of the unconscious designed to help illuminate a person’s problems and concerns.

Click here (http://www.jewishsf.com/content/2-0-/module/displaystory/story_id/24053/edition_id/475/format/html/displaystory.html) for the full article.

All information can be found on the following pages. Directly quoted texts will be followed by numeric annotation and traced to the numbers before the links below:

(1) http://www.byzant.com/tarot/kabbalah.asp

(2) http://www.psy-center.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=134

(3) http://www.alternativeapproaches.com/magick/kabbalah/kabbalah002.htm

Attachments included are:

1) A picture of the Tree and labels of some of its corresponding cards in the correct sefira.

2) An image labeling the sefirot for easier understanding of the tree of life spread.

End note: Now I wish I had noticed the COT early enough to have enrolled in the Kabbalah class. I apologize for the multitude of quotes, but I know next to nothing about the Tree of Life and even less about Kabbalah from the three weeks my esoteric religion class spent on the topic and I didn’t want to completely ruin any meaning the particular wording had for other people.

[phoenix1010]

1. Create your own code of ethics. Tell me why you chose the ethics you did.
1. Many things can influence the future, one subtle change can drastically change the whole picture. With that in mind I can only tell you what may happen under current circumstances. The future is never set in stone.
2. I cannot give out legal, health (mental or physical), or financial advice. For those questions you need to seek professional advice.
3. I cannot do readings for third parties.
4. I will not do any readings for anyone under the age of 18 without parental consent.
5. I try to approach the querant and the reading with complete objectivity and try to be nonjudgemental.
6. All readings are confidental.
7. I will treat everyone equally and with respect.

I didn't include the "no more than 2x a month for one person" because I felt that may be handled on an individual case. I would think that you would be able to distinguish "tarot-addicts" from a customer that may just need an extra reading from time to time. If someone loses their boyfriend, job, and a parent all in one month, you may want to refer them to a professional.

2. Do reseach on one of the alternate uses of Tarot besides divination. Tell me everything you can about it. Oh, and don't forget to cite your sources.

After much searching I found the site http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegan/2991/lessons7.htm
It is a Tarot Study group that has quite a bit of information on it. This lesson dealt with different ways you could meditate using tarot cards. As has been stated, you can pick a card from the deck and meditate on the card in general to just get to know the card better. If there is a certain problem in your life you may choose a card that you feel deals with or is associated with the theme of your problem (i.e. money=pentacles). One interesting meditative use the site lists is to use the cards to increase your visualization abilities. You would choose a card, study it for a while, then close your eyes and try to keep the image of the card in your mind. When you can hold that one card in your mind, pick another card and do the same. Then try to switch back and forth in your mind between the two cards you have drawn. You can add more cards if you would like. Eventually you can picture the card from just mentioning the name of the card for meditative purposes. The next meditative use of tarot cards the site mentions sounds similar to picking a card for the day. You pick a card randomly, then you meditate and study the card trying to figure out the lesson the card has for you. You may carry the card with you, refer to it often until you learn the lesson of the card.



Extra Credit: Play one of the games I listed in the games post. Tell me about your results.