I wanted to start off by apologizing to my readers for not posting. I've been busy, trying to get my numbers up for Edge of Insanity and working on a blog even Twin & I are doing for our main blogs. I hadn't done an event in years and I had forgotten how much work it was. But the event is June 10-19th to commemorate our Mom's birthday. There will be reviews, giveaways, and of course, pictures/stories/Momisms. So head on over to Edge of Insanity or Ramblings of a Chocoholic Witch (or both!) and follow us so you don't miss a thing!
As far as Weekly Magick goes, I am going to start over with Journaling (reposting it for this week) and go from there. I know it seemed as if I didn't care, but I do. I kept forgetting to post/research everytime I got on, and plus my personal life has been really busy. But with temperatures soaring over 100* lately, there is really nothing to do but stay online or read. So I know I will definitely get things done.
But I do need help. I seem to be forgetting things left and right lately (stress?) and I know it isn't helping those who come here to read what I have to say. So if it seems that I am forgetting to post or forgot an important aspect of a post, let me know! Having my fellow Pagans here will be a major help!
So what do ya say we try this Weekly Magick thing again?
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Weekly Magick: Journaling
Believe it or not, keep a journal is important for any Wiccan for many, many different reasons! Now, this journal is different from your Book of Shadows. This journal is for personal thoughts, ideas, and just general feelings. In fact, I have several different journals (or folders) for different areas of my life. I have my general journal, with things like how my day went, what I am feeling, what is going on, and things like that. Then I have a health journal for keeping my health problems in check. I have a financial journal to keep my feelings about how things are financially together. I have lots of little ones, like creativity, etc.But I also have records for spells, rituals, and even herbal remedies. During this week, we'll discover how important these journals are.
I don't know about you, but I journaled in middle and high school. In fact, I had an English class where we were required to keep journals on certain topics. It was part of a "Creative Writing" stint, but the classroom enjoyed it so much, the teacher decided to keep doing it. And if we had a spectacular weekend, we were able to "Sound Off" instead of writing about whatever was on the board. I "sounded off" more than I wrote a page or two full of fiction. In high school, we were required to write about Business topics in my Intro to Business class, but because I wasn't interested in business at the time, I decided to write about things that happened that impacted business. I was beginning to learn who I was at the time, and realized that I loved writing more than anything.
Keeping a journal while you walk the path of Wicca is important for that very reason. It helps you develop your closeness with your decisions during your lifetime. You learn a lot about yourself. You also learn a lot about your beliefs.
Not only do you learn, you get a sense of release. If you are angry and afraid you will say something nasty to the person, tell them in your journal. I know I've been so mad that I just wanted to yell at that person. But instead, I wrote it down. I made angry-looking drawings in the margins. I used big letters. I used black pens. I automatically felt a little better.
I am not a psychologist by any means. I am just going by what I have done and what happened. If you feel you have a problem that can't be solved by putting pen to paper or any other form of non-professional remedy, then it might be time to pick up the phone.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Weekly Magick: Tarot-Journaling
Whether it is for you or for someone you read for, keeping your readings together will help you in the long run so you can go back and look at any mistakes you made. If your readee (haha) comes back to give you updates, it will be easier to go back to that date for reference. You can keep track of several ways.
One of the ways I keep a track of a read for personal use is in this form.
Date, Day, Time, Weather, Emotions, Health, and the Spread you use. If you are doing a spread for a month, write it for Week 1, Week 2, etc. The same goes for several months but instead of "weeks", you would substitute that for "month". Beside the week/month/year/day, write the name of the card that was received. Then write the card's meaning below that and the result of what happened during that time.
When writing for a week spread, it is better to write the dates of that week. What I mean is if you are doing a read on October 14th (from one of my own records), next to "Week 1", write October 14-21. That way you know EXACTLY how long it will last for that week so you don't get confused.
For the "result" or what happened during those times, it is better to give details of it all. Even if you dropped a pot of boiling water. You may not notice it now, but it will eventually make sense. The card might not say "Bad day coming", but it is possible.
Another way to keep a tarot journal is to do the same outline above but with a section for notes at the bottom. If cards are repeating themselves in certain reads, you need to go back and think about what it means. Write it at the bottom of each read they occur.
If you are reading for someone, make sure to write any contact information at the top of the sheet in case you need to contact them. Write their emotions as well as yours because they both coincide with how things may come about. If you are feeling negative and so is the person, the meanings of the cards and their result may turn negative. So if something goes wrong, you can go back and see.
As far as health, it is inappropriate to strangers "What is your health like these days?" because it is personal business. Instead, ask how their wellbeing is. Are they usually sick, well, or in-between. Usually one can tell if someone isn't well, so if you are unsure they are telling the truth, write that down. They may not be sure themselves.
If you don't want to write during the read, feel free to have someone write it for you or video tape the reading so you can translate it to paper (or in some cases, hard drives) for your record. Ensure the person that only you will video the video.
If you aren't up for writing a journal, take a video of all readers (personal or otherwise) and just write small notes (like the outlines) and file them on disks.
Either way you journal is up to you. Make sure you are comfortable doing it and enjoy your new experience with tarot cards!
One of the ways I keep a track of a read for personal use is in this form.
Date, Day, Time, Weather, Emotions, Health, and the Spread you use. If you are doing a spread for a month, write it for Week 1, Week 2, etc. The same goes for several months but instead of "weeks", you would substitute that for "month". Beside the week/month/year/day, write the name of the card that was received. Then write the card's meaning below that and the result of what happened during that time.
When writing for a week spread, it is better to write the dates of that week. What I mean is if you are doing a read on October 14th (from one of my own records), next to "Week 1", write October 14-21. That way you know EXACTLY how long it will last for that week so you don't get confused.
For the "result" or what happened during those times, it is better to give details of it all. Even if you dropped a pot of boiling water. You may not notice it now, but it will eventually make sense. The card might not say "Bad day coming", but it is possible.
Another way to keep a tarot journal is to do the same outline above but with a section for notes at the bottom. If cards are repeating themselves in certain reads, you need to go back and think about what it means. Write it at the bottom of each read they occur.
If you are reading for someone, make sure to write any contact information at the top of the sheet in case you need to contact them. Write their emotions as well as yours because they both coincide with how things may come about. If you are feeling negative and so is the person, the meanings of the cards and their result may turn negative. So if something goes wrong, you can go back and see.
As far as health, it is inappropriate to strangers "What is your health like these days?" because it is personal business. Instead, ask how their wellbeing is. Are they usually sick, well, or in-between. Usually one can tell if someone isn't well, so if you are unsure they are telling the truth, write that down. They may not be sure themselves.
If you don't want to write during the read, feel free to have someone write it for you or video tape the reading so you can translate it to paper (or in some cases, hard drives) for your record. Ensure the person that only you will video the video.
If you aren't up for writing a journal, take a video of all readers (personal or otherwise) and just write small notes (like the outlines) and file them on disks.
Either way you journal is up to you. Make sure you are comfortable doing it and enjoy your new experience with tarot cards!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Weekly Magick: Tarot- Spells 2
This one was found on Everything Under The Moon. Use any and all spells responsibly. Remember: It all comes back 3-fold.
To Increase Psychic Visions
Tools
3 tarot cards: The Star, High Priestess, and the Hermit
Candle color of your choice
Say:
Hold the cards in your hands. Say:
Lay out the cards in the following order. Meditate and visualize.
Hold your hands over the cards.
Say:
To Increase Psychic Visions
Tools
3 tarot cards: The Star, High Priestess, and the Hermit
Candle color of your choice
Say:
"I call upon the Source of All things to send me power.
I call upon the God to send strength to my spell.
I call upon the Goddess to give life to my spell.
I call upon the elemental forces to draw the desire of my spell.
I call upon the astral forces to receive the image of my spell.
So mote it be!"
I call upon the God to send strength to my spell.
I call upon the Goddess to give life to my spell.
I call upon the elemental forces to draw the desire of my spell.
I call upon the astral forces to receive the image of my spell.
So mote it be!"
Hold the cards in your hands. Say:
"I bring forth these symbols for my spell to be cast. Here shall be woven, chance, fortune, and fate, so that my wish be quickly attained!"
Lay out the cards in the following order. Meditate and visualize.
| Card 2 | |
| Card 1 | Card 3 |
card 1 is The Star for inspiration, guidance, and creativity.
card 2 is The High Priestess for focusing of the mind and intuition.
card 3 is The Hermit for interpreting the knowledge you receive.
Place a candle just above the High Priestess card.
card 2 is The High Priestess for focusing of the mind and intuition.
card 3 is The Hermit for interpreting the knowledge you receive.
Place a candle just above the High Priestess card.
Say:
"I am open and receptive to higher levels of consciousness. Spirits of guidance are here for me and I channel the knowledge they offer. I am open and receptive. My psychic centers are quickened. I open my eyes and ears to all impressions that are coming to me. I spread the veil of being that I may look beyond. I open the windows of 'where' and 'when' and I see beyond."
Hold your hands over the cards.
Say:
"Into these cards I direct the power from within me and the power called upon from the spiritual forces around me. Mark well what I have done here! Bring to me my wish! I place this petition before the God and Goddess. May it be done for the greater good of all! By the power of the God and Goddess and by the forces of the planes...I declare my spell to manifest!"
"I release now the forces of the astral plane. I release all of the elemental forces. I release the God and Goddess. I release the power of the Source of All. Farewell and I bid you thanks!"
"I release now the forces of the astral plane. I release all of the elemental forces. I release the God and Goddess. I release the power of the Source of All. Farewell and I bid you thanks!"
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Weekly Magick: Tarot- Spells 1
Tarot decks in spells have been long used ever since the occult have put the 2 together. These 2 spells are just examples of them. One of them I wrote down from a book (long gone) and put it on my BOS and the other is from Everything Under The Moon.
Use these spells only if you need to. Intent will get your further than greed.
To Increase Income
Tools
Green & white candles
A deck of tarot cards
Object that represents your desire
A pen with green ink & paper
When
During the Waxing Moon
The color green is obviously important in money spells. White, however, can also be useful because it represents understanding.
Put your candles at opposite ends of your altar. Between them, place an object that represents your desire to increase your income. From your deck of tarot cards, remove the suit of Pentacles or Coins, which represents money and the Star, and the 9 of Cups. In front of the white candle, place the Ace of Cups; it symbolizes new financial undertakings and opportunities. In front of the green candle, put the 10 of Coins; it is called the "Wall Street and symbolizes financial windfall. In the middle of the two candles, place the 9of Cups- the Wish card- and the Star, which symbolizes success, among other things.
Now light the candles and say:
Use these spells only if you need to. Intent will get your further than greed.
To Increase Income
Tools
Green & white candles
A deck of tarot cards
Object that represents your desire
A pen with green ink & paper
When
During the Waxing Moon
The color green is obviously important in money spells. White, however, can also be useful because it represents understanding.
Put your candles at opposite ends of your altar. Between them, place an object that represents your desire to increase your income. From your deck of tarot cards, remove the suit of Pentacles or Coins, which represents money and the Star, and the 9 of Cups. In front of the white candle, place the Ace of Cups; it symbolizes new financial undertakings and opportunities. In front of the green candle, put the 10 of Coins; it is called the "Wall Street and symbolizes financial windfall. In the middle of the two candles, place the 9of Cups- the Wish card- and the Star, which symbolizes success, among other things.
Now light the candles and say:
"The money I spend
or the money I lend
comes back to me
in multiples of three"
Visualize the figure you have in mind and joy it down on the piece of paper. Imagine what you can do with an increase of your income. The more visit you can make your visualization backed with an intense emotion, the faster it will manifest. This ritual can be as short or as long as you can. End the spell by extinguishing the candles.
On the next time, repeat the ritual but with some changes. First, remove the 2 & 5 of Pentacles from your deck. Light your candles. Say the poem then take the remaining cards and place them between the Ace of 10 of Coins, the Wish, and Star card. Visualize, affirm, and then extinguish the candles.
Keep everything else on the altar as it is overnight.
On the 3rd night, light the candles and give thanks for everything you have. Repeat the poem and feel the reality of your income increase taking form around you. Keep saying the poem as long as you need to, as often as you like, even after the increase begins to manifest.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Weekly Magick: Tarot- Spreads
Now that you have picked out a tarot deck (hopefully one with the Minor and Major Arcana), it is time to learn how to use them! There are many spreads that you can do and every spread has a different meaning. We are going to explore some spreads that will be easy to understand and use.
Because the number of cards vary in each layout, the meaning of each card is different. There is no straight answer for what that or this card means in the spread.
One spread I have used many times before is the "Yes/No" spread. First, shuffle the deck. Don't shuffle it like playing cards. To shuffle your cards, place the deck down in front of you on a piece of satin/silk/natural cloth. Cut the deck three times, placing the first cut to the LEFT of where the full deck originally was. Place the second cut to the RIGHT of the where the full deck originally was. In the figure, we are using #1 to represent the full deck, #2 for the first cut, and #3 for the last cut. Take #1 into your hands, placing it on top of #3. Grab all of those cards and place it on top of #1. Do this as many times are you feel necessary.
Ready for the spreads?
One spread I used to use quite a bit was called the "Yes/No" spread. It's a pretty simple spread that you can do to get better acquainted with the feel of your cards. Take half the deck in one hand with the faces facing your palm. Take the other half in your other hand with the faces pointed to that palm. Join them together and shuffle as you would playing cards. Make sure the top card is of the back of the deck. If you see the face of your card, cut the deck in half (without shuffling) and put it on the bottom of the deck.
Ask a yes or no question. Deal 3 cards side by side. If all the cards are reversed, then your answer would be a definite "no". If 2 cards are reversed, your answer is probably "no". If 2 cards are upright, your answer is probably "yes". If all cards are upright, your answer is a definite "yes".
In fact, as I was doing my research, I came across a website that has more exercises concerning this particular spread. You can see it by going here.
Part 2
Another spread I use quite frequently nowadays is called The Celtic Spread. It's fairly easy for beginners but those who are savvy in tarot reading may use other spreads with The Celtic Spread to get a better meaning of the cards. You just basically shuffle cards like we mentioned in the figure. I have included another figure of how to lay the cards for this particular spread. Now, let's explore the cards meaning as far as their placement:
Card 1: The present
Card 2: The immediate challenge facing the querent. You will often pull a difficult card here, which will indicate an obstacle that must be overcome. When you pull a "good" card here, examine it carefully because it will still represent a challenge.
Card 3: Distant past, foundation. This card should indicate the root of the subject matter of the question
Card 4: More recent past, including events. This will indicate events taking place, not necessarily directly connected to the question.
Card 5: The best that can be achieved. This is directly related to the question. Note that this may not necessarily gel against Card 10 - it depends whether you are able to get the best. However, a negative card here probably means that it is worth cutting your losses rather than putting any more effort into the situation.
Card 6: Immediate Future. This indicates events in the next few days or week(s). This reading does not cover months.
Card 7: Factors or inner feelings affecting the situation. Compare this against Card 1 in order to understand underlying forces/trends. If there is conflict between them this tends to indicate that the querent is going in the wrong direction.
Card 8: External influences. People, energies or events which will affect the outcome of the question and are beyond the readers' control.
Card 9: Hopes or fears around the situation. This may produce a card that confuses us badly. Always bear in mind that hopes and fears are closely intertwined, therefore that which we hope for may also be that which we fear, and so may fail to happen. Sometimes it is useful to draw a second card for clarification after the reading has been laid, and to read the two together.
Card 10: Final outcome.
You can find many more spreads online or in books everywhere. Find a spread that you like and practice, practice, practice!
Because the number of cards vary in each layout, the meaning of each card is different. There is no straight answer for what that or this card means in the spread.
One spread I have used many times before is the "Yes/No" spread. First, shuffle the deck. Don't shuffle it like playing cards. To shuffle your cards, place the deck down in front of you on a piece of satin/silk/natural cloth. Cut the deck three times, placing the first cut to the LEFT of where the full deck originally was. Place the second cut to the RIGHT of the where the full deck originally was. In the figure, we are using #1 to represent the full deck, #2 for the first cut, and #3 for the last cut. Take #1 into your hands, placing it on top of #3. Grab all of those cards and place it on top of #1. Do this as many times are you feel necessary.
Ready for the spreads?
One spread I used to use quite a bit was called the "Yes/No" spread. It's a pretty simple spread that you can do to get better acquainted with the feel of your cards. Take half the deck in one hand with the faces facing your palm. Take the other half in your other hand with the faces pointed to that palm. Join them together and shuffle as you would playing cards. Make sure the top card is of the back of the deck. If you see the face of your card, cut the deck in half (without shuffling) and put it on the bottom of the deck.
Ask a yes or no question. Deal 3 cards side by side. If all the cards are reversed, then your answer would be a definite "no". If 2 cards are reversed, your answer is probably "no". If 2 cards are upright, your answer is probably "yes". If all cards are upright, your answer is a definite "yes".
In fact, as I was doing my research, I came across a website that has more exercises concerning this particular spread. You can see it by going here.
Part 2
Another spread I use quite frequently nowadays is called The Celtic Spread. It's fairly easy for beginners but those who are savvy in tarot reading may use other spreads with The Celtic Spread to get a better meaning of the cards. You just basically shuffle cards like we mentioned in the figure. I have included another figure of how to lay the cards for this particular spread. Now, let's explore the cards meaning as far as their placement:
Card 1: The present
Card 2: The immediate challenge facing the querent. You will often pull a difficult card here, which will indicate an obstacle that must be overcome. When you pull a "good" card here, examine it carefully because it will still represent a challenge.
Card 3: Distant past, foundation. This card should indicate the root of the subject matter of the question
Card 4: More recent past, including events. This will indicate events taking place, not necessarily directly connected to the question.
Card 5: The best that can be achieved. This is directly related to the question. Note that this may not necessarily gel against Card 10 - it depends whether you are able to get the best. However, a negative card here probably means that it is worth cutting your losses rather than putting any more effort into the situation.
Card 6: Immediate Future. This indicates events in the next few days or week(s). This reading does not cover months.
Card 7: Factors or inner feelings affecting the situation. Compare this against Card 1 in order to understand underlying forces/trends. If there is conflict between them this tends to indicate that the querent is going in the wrong direction.
Card 8: External influences. People, energies or events which will affect the outcome of the question and are beyond the readers' control.
Card 9: Hopes or fears around the situation. This may produce a card that confuses us badly. Always bear in mind that hopes and fears are closely intertwined, therefore that which we hope for may also be that which we fear, and so may fail to happen. Sometimes it is useful to draw a second card for clarification after the reading has been laid, and to read the two together.
Card 10: Final outcome.
You can find many more spreads online or in books everywhere. Find a spread that you like and practice, practice, practice!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Weekly Magick: Tarot
Welcome to the first week of Weekly Magick! As said in a previous post, this week will be about tarot, starting today with what exactly tarot is.
Now, tarot has different meanings for different people. To some, it can be used to predict the future. For others, it can be a means of finding a solution to a certain problem. Or it can even be a way of figuring out what your week will be like. Finding out what it means to you can be tricky, depending on the type of magick you delve in. Please note that I will not post anything dealing with hostile, black, or agressive magick. I am a firm believer in karma and will not put my readers or others in harm's way.
What is the history behind the tarot? It originally started out a deck with 78 cards, used in the mid-15th century Europe to play card games, like the Italian Tarocchini. By the late 18th century, the tarot found its way into the hands of psychics and occultists alike, who used it for fortune-telling.
No one is 100% sure where the word "tarot" came from, but according to Wikipedia, it came from the Italian word tarocchini, but the origin is unclear. One theory relates the name "tarot" to the Taro River in northern Italy, near Parma; the game seems to have originated in northern Italy, in Milan or Bologna. Of course, there are other theories of where it could have come from. There is also the question of whether the word tarot is related to Harut and Marut, who were mentioned in a short account in the Qur'an. But this has yet to be confirmed.
What uses are there for tarot cards? As I have mentioned before, it has a variety of uses, depending on the person. But tarot cards are widely popular for "fortune-telling". Whether you believe in fortune-telling is a moot point. But it is something that is gaining popularity as many people seek to find some sort of truth in religion. I personally use tarot cards as a means of helping finding a solution to a problem. But you can use the tarot cards for fortune-telling, suggestions, meditation, spells, rituals, or even as an altar tool. Find if they fit into your life and use them accordingly.
Can you really predict the future with tarot cards? I've tried on numerous accounts to use them to find out what my week, month, or year will be like. I had even written the card and its meaning down on paper. But I eventually forget to look it up as time goes by and forget what that week/month/year was like. So it doesn't work for me. It could for some, but be real careful if you go to a reader. Many are scam artists. Not all are but there are quite a bit of people who say they can predict the future with tarot cards just to take your money. Find a reputable reader. Many scam artists don't disclose that they're Pagan or will even go as far as saying that they are Christian readers. Many Pagans are readers and can be the best in the business. Do your homework before deciding to get your "fortune read".
What is included in a deck? As it has been mentioned before, there are 78 cards in a tarot deck. There are 22 Major Arcana without suits: The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant, The Lovers, The Chariot, Strength, The Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice, The Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, The Sun, Judgement, The World, and The Fool. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, divided into four suits of 14 cards each; ten numbered cards and four court cards. The court cards are the King, Queen, Knight and Page/Jack, in each of the four tarot suits. The traditional Italian tarot suits are swords, batons/wands, coins and cups; in modern tarot decks, however, the batons suit is often called wands, rods or staves, while the coins suit is often called pentacles or disks.
Picking the Right Deck
If you look at any Pagan shop online, you will see that they offer TONS of tarot decks. It can be a bit confusing. If you're new to tarot, then your best bet would be to get Tarot Kit for Beginners by Janet Berres. When I first started out, that is what I got. It explained everything to me in terms that I could understand. It even has the cards meanings and spreads for beginners. It comes with the deck, book, box, and even a tarot bag to hold the cards.
If you aren't new to tarot but want update your deck with a new one, do your research. Not all decks offer the same meaning or purpose. Some themes (meanings, etc) include dragons, vampires, Merlin, or even 2012 (the whole "end of the world" date). Don't get a deck just because you think it looks cool. It can harbor a new meaning for every card, making you research every card to find its meaning. Unless you are looking for new meanings, find one that suits your current ideas.
You can find tarot cards EVERYWHERE, even on Amazon. Buy from reputable dealers that know what they are doing. If it is a new deck with different cards, make sure to get a booklet for that deck. It'll cut down on searching through the Internet, hoping to find what you need.
You can even ask friends for help. Many Pagans and professional readers will suggest decks/books to help you on your quest. 9 times out of 10, they will recommend the deck they have. That's isn't a bad thing! In fact, if you do happen to purchase the same thing, they can help you get comfortable with the tarot.
Learning the tarot can be scary but thrilling at the same time. As long as you find out how you will use it, you will find that it can be quite an experience!
Now, tarot has different meanings for different people. To some, it can be used to predict the future. For others, it can be a means of finding a solution to a certain problem. Or it can even be a way of figuring out what your week will be like. Finding out what it means to you can be tricky, depending on the type of magick you delve in. Please note that I will not post anything dealing with hostile, black, or agressive magick. I am a firm believer in karma and will not put my readers or others in harm's way.
What is the history behind the tarot? It originally started out a deck with 78 cards, used in the mid-15th century Europe to play card games, like the Italian Tarocchini. By the late 18th century, the tarot found its way into the hands of psychics and occultists alike, who used it for fortune-telling.
No one is 100% sure where the word "tarot" came from, but according to Wikipedia, it came from the Italian word tarocchini, but the origin is unclear. One theory relates the name "tarot" to the Taro River in northern Italy, near Parma; the game seems to have originated in northern Italy, in Milan or Bologna. Of course, there are other theories of where it could have come from. There is also the question of whether the word tarot is related to Harut and Marut, who were mentioned in a short account in the Qur'an. But this has yet to be confirmed.
What uses are there for tarot cards? As I have mentioned before, it has a variety of uses, depending on the person. But tarot cards are widely popular for "fortune-telling". Whether you believe in fortune-telling is a moot point. But it is something that is gaining popularity as many people seek to find some sort of truth in religion. I personally use tarot cards as a means of helping finding a solution to a problem. But you can use the tarot cards for fortune-telling, suggestions, meditation, spells, rituals, or even as an altar tool. Find if they fit into your life and use them accordingly.
Can you really predict the future with tarot cards? I've tried on numerous accounts to use them to find out what my week, month, or year will be like. I had even written the card and its meaning down on paper. But I eventually forget to look it up as time goes by and forget what that week/month/year was like. So it doesn't work for me. It could for some, but be real careful if you go to a reader. Many are scam artists. Not all are but there are quite a bit of people who say they can predict the future with tarot cards just to take your money. Find a reputable reader. Many scam artists don't disclose that they're Pagan or will even go as far as saying that they are Christian readers. Many Pagans are readers and can be the best in the business. Do your homework before deciding to get your "fortune read".
What is included in a deck? As it has been mentioned before, there are 78 cards in a tarot deck. There are 22 Major Arcana without suits: The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant, The Lovers, The Chariot, Strength, The Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice, The Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, The Sun, Judgement, The World, and The Fool. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, divided into four suits of 14 cards each; ten numbered cards and four court cards. The court cards are the King, Queen, Knight and Page/Jack, in each of the four tarot suits. The traditional Italian tarot suits are swords, batons/wands, coins and cups; in modern tarot decks, however, the batons suit is often called wands, rods or staves, while the coins suit is often called pentacles or disks.
Picking the Right Deck
If you look at any Pagan shop online, you will see that they offer TONS of tarot decks. It can be a bit confusing. If you're new to tarot, then your best bet would be to get Tarot Kit for Beginners by Janet Berres. When I first started out, that is what I got. It explained everything to me in terms that I could understand. It even has the cards meanings and spreads for beginners. It comes with the deck, book, box, and even a tarot bag to hold the cards.
If you aren't new to tarot but want update your deck with a new one, do your research. Not all decks offer the same meaning or purpose. Some themes (meanings, etc) include dragons, vampires, Merlin, or even 2012 (the whole "end of the world" date). Don't get a deck just because you think it looks cool. It can harbor a new meaning for every card, making you research every card to find its meaning. Unless you are looking for new meanings, find one that suits your current ideas.
You can find tarot cards EVERYWHERE, even on Amazon. Buy from reputable dealers that know what they are doing. If it is a new deck with different cards, make sure to get a booklet for that deck. It'll cut down on searching through the Internet, hoping to find what you need.
You can even ask friends for help. Many Pagans and professional readers will suggest decks/books to help you on your quest. 9 times out of 10, they will recommend the deck they have. That's isn't a bad thing! In fact, if you do happen to purchase the same thing, they can help you get comfortable with the tarot.
Learning the tarot can be scary but thrilling at the same time. As long as you find out how you will use it, you will find that it can be quite an experience!
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