There are many misconceptions and “myths” surrounding the Tarot that have caused people to wonder about and even “fear” this divination tool. For the past 25 years I have used the Tarot as an instrument to gain guidance, insight and understanding for anyone who asks.
During this time, I have grown into this tool, learning through experience what it can and cannot do. Tarot is not a fortune telling device as often depicted. It is also not a magic wand that lays out the future by providing all the answers in advance. The future is not set in stone, our use of free will determines what directions we take. If we believe otherwise, we give our power away to circumstance.
Tarot is an instrument used to gain deeper insight and understanding through symbols which activates intuition. It is a tool for personal transformations with the combined use of psychology and spirituality. It enhances awareness. The process expands options by highlighting choices and scenarios by laying it all out before us. Living an empowered life means understanding that the future is not entirely predestined. I believe, like so many others, we come here knowing and allowing ourselves to have certain experiences, but we also shape those experiences through integration of what we have learned. Just like in school, you have certain objectives and lessons that are part of the goal. Some students will succeed, others will not make the goal, but each student shapes their own learning experience through effort and application. Tarot, when used properly, is never intended to be “magic”, just a tool for insight to help the questioner make more empowered decisions. It acts as a sort of study guide, enhancing the learning process through displaying repeating behavior patterns, potential consequences/rewards for actions, and possible choices. The Tarot through its series of images tells a story, each card represents different personality traits, attitudes, actions etc, and through these pictures a story begins to emerge. The ultimate outcome is entirely in the hands of the one seeking the guidance.
As with anything else misunderstood, it is human nature to fear and label things which can be viewed as a potential threat. Things that are different are “frightening” and often labeled as evil outright, rather than being open to be explored. Remember, we live in a society that burned people alive only a few hundred years ago because of fears of evil. How about this famous quote ”The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”. Human nature in a fear state is a peculiar phenomenon that causes those in its grip to say, do, and believe some rather absurd things. The whole propaganda and myth about Tarot being associated with Satanism and the Devil is flat out nonsense. No, the Tarot was not written about or condemned in the Bible or any other holy book for that matter, as the Tarot did not even come into existence until somewhere between the 14th and 15th century AD.
The vast majority of us who use Tarot in our daily lives are no more evil than anyone else. We work jobs, raise families, and socialize with the rest of the community and do otherwise perfectly “normal” things. I personally am a single mother, who has 2 teenage boys who both play competitive hockey and who are getting ready to head off to college. I live in a small town, and work multiple jobs to raise my family, just like everyone else. We don’t all have big head dresses and speak in funny accents telling others we have mystical magical powers and can change lives, bring people lovers, or dole out winning lotto numbers. The charlatans who practice this kind of thing, and promote these misconceptions aren’t evil either, they are just plain greedy and eager to capitalize on the pain and misunderstanding of others. I have seen just as much greed in many churches, so I would advise people to not jump to conclusions, but to research and try to gain understanding into how this tool works before labeling it as anything.
Legitimate Tarot Readers, Psychics and other such advisors believe in building people up and helping them, as we show them all the options and potential choices surrounding present conditions, and help them to come to terms with issues from the past that may be shaping their current perceptions. A genuine Tarot reader does not present Tarot as something that only the elite can master. Many of our reputable Tarot readers teach and are usually happy to share Tarot knowledge and personal insights with those who are learning. A truly gifted healing practitioner does not seek to enslave a client to their guidance, but to show them how to find the connection with their own inner guidance.
Another common misconception is the tendency to link Tarot Readers and Psychics together into one category. One does not have to be a practicing psychic to use the Tarot, however many psychics, myself included, started out on our paths reading Tarot. Tarot is a tool to help enhance and aid the intuition, and that often opens people up to further abilities. Once I developed psychically, I never gave up my love for Tarot. I still use it daily, in combination with my other abilities, to read for others. Tarot serves as a validation to my other senses, and frankly is very old-habit to me so it is easier. I guess it’s almost like that old security blanket one reaches for because its comfortable, out of habit and not necessity.
I personally use the Tarot strictly for the clients I read for. I normally do not read for myself or for close family members/friends because I would be considered emotionally involved with the situation and I do not want to skew accuracy. However, for my clients my tarot cards serve many purposes such as, inspiration, reflection, asking Spirit for guidance when there is confusion; the possibilities are limitless.
Visit me today at My Tarot Advisor, and let me show you just how the Tarot can open the door to awareness, answers and destinations.
~Jenn
