As long as there have been people there has been divination. Our ancient ancestors understood, better than we do, that we are connected to everything around us and the life energy of the Universe flows through all of it. They would seek advice, comfort, and consultation from the Universe and look for the answers in the patterns of life around them…and find it.
Eventually civilizations developed and, in each, systems of communicating with the Universe became more structured and codified. Decades and centuries of experience informed each practice. Charts and signs and symbols were all given meaning and translated into usable information for those seeking answers. Tarot is one of those systems and reading it is a centuries old practice. Like all the other systems, when well practiced, it’s good but it isn’t perfect.
It isn’t perfect because we aren’t perfect and because we aren’t supposed to know everything that is going to happen in detail.
A tarot reading, like other forms of divination, will give you guidance. It will give you data you can use to make decisions. Often what you find in a reading is validation for what you already thought you knew. The cards can show you the missing bits of the story, or point out the parts you are refusing to look at. They will even give you a slap upside the head when you refuse to do the work you need to do or see what’s right in front of your face. A reading can provide comfort and it can also make you uncomfortable. The cards will push against your resistance. They will speak to you of your self-imposed limitations and, if you ask, will give guidance to overcome those. Tarot is an excellent tool for introspection. It helps you dig deep into yourself and to understand your behaviors. In ritual it can be used as a communication device with the Divine. In magic it can be used as a focus for manipulating energies. In everyday life it can be used to help you better prepare for living your normal existence.
Tarot can’t help you win the lottery. The lottery is too random. It’s like using the cards to predict a lightning strike. We have all tried to win the lottery at least once and it just doesn’t work that way. Sorry. The cards can’t give you permission to do anything. When you ask questions like ‘should I…’ or ‘can I…’ you are asking for permission and you won’t get it. Most of the time the permission you need needs to come from within. The cards might tell you that but they won’t make your decisions for you. Ask the right questions and you will get the support and information you need. Ask the wrong things and you will have it all turned back on you or get a reading we readers loving refer to as mud.
Approach tarot in particular, and divination in general, as a responsible adult. Ask the question you really want answered and you will gain insights into your life, your world and your path. And if you don’t like what you hear you can ignore it all.