| For centuries, the Tarot has been identified with the | | | | understand how the Tarot works. |
| mystical occult. They are perceived as a magical | | | | Tarot imagery and symbolism has universal themes. |
| force with the power to influence and control one's | | | | These themes reflect the experience we all |
| life. In truth, the Tarot cards are merely tools for | | | | encounter on our journeys through life and |
| tapping into one's own intuition. Their true power lies | | | | self-development. These are the common themes |
| in their ability to help us identify the areas in our lives | | | | and experiences we instinctively understand. C.G. Jung |
| that we must address as well as identify the areas | | | | explained this phenomenon as the experience of the |
| were need to personally grow. They always reflect | | | | Collective Unconscious. The Collective Unconscious |
| our current challenges and our current level of | | | | dwells within the realm of the unconscious mind. It is |
| self-development. Their true power comes from our | | | | from this source that we connect to all mankind; in |
| own, inner beings. They are guides for self-discovery | | | | one collective experience. It is an inherent |
| and utilizing them improves our ability to develop | | | | understanding of a shared experience. We can |
| self-awareness. Ultimately, they can aid us in | | | | identify our shared experiences through archetypal |
| discovering who we truly are and guide us towards | | | | imagery. These are universal images and visual |
| self-realization. | | | | patterns that are repeated over and over. They |
| The most common concern when approaching the | | | | appear throughout history. |
| Tarot as a beginner is learning to interpret the Tarot | | | | When approaching the Tarot, you can trust your |
| card meanings. Most people tend to feel that this can | | | | instincts. Your gut reaction is always your best guide. |
| be a daunting and overwhelming process. It doesn't | | | | The archetypal images throughout the Tarot will, |
| have to be. Learning the Tarot is a personal journey. | | | | without doubt, trigger associations. This may be |
| Their Tarot card meanings can be as personal as you | | | | through a personal experience or a collective |
| wish to make them. More importantly, there is no | | | | experience. In either case, it truly does not matter |
| right or wrong approach to learning the Tarot. As I | | | | which source feeds your intuition. You just need to |
| stated before, they are tools. You are free to get | | | | listen to your inner voice. This is where the element |
| creative as you want. In the end, their true Tarot | | | | of trust becomes essential. Your associations to the |
| card meanings will be your personal associations to | | | | various Tarot card meanings are just as valid as |
| them. | | | | anyone else, including professional tarot readers. |
| An Element of Trust | | | | Remember, there is no wrong or right association. |
| As a beginner Tarot reader, it may be difficult to | | | | The guidance from the Tarot always comes from |
| trust your interpretations. That is quite O.K. and it | | | | within your own self. Enjoying the process. |
| certainly is part of the process. In fact, professional | | | | For more on Tarot Readings and Tarot Card |
| tarot readers can encounter this dilemma. To battle | | | | Meanings please visit Carolyn's blog. |
| these feelings if uncertainty, it may be helpful to | | | | |