Category: Practical Tarot

Simple But Powerful Ways To Connect With The Tarot

5 simple yet powerful ways to connect with the tarotNothing is as difficult and frustrating as trying to memorise Tarot card meanings from a book.

Since 2006, Tarot students from all over the world have worked with me to discover a better – easier – method to connect with the cards.

If you are just starting to learn the Tarot or find it hard to remember card meanings, here are my tried and tested powerful ways to connect with the Tarot without ever having to look at a book again:

1. Choose a Tarot deck that speaks to you

The best beginner’s Tarot deck is one, where all cards are fully illustrated, each image tells you a story and you find the artwork appealing.

The most famous and popular Tarot deck of all, the Rider Waite Smith (RWS), is one I do recommend, but you may prefer the Sharman-Caselli deck, which has been specifically designed with the Tarot novice in mind.

tarot decks
Left row: Universal Waite Tarot, middle: Sharman Caselli Tarot, right: Crystal Tarot. Top row: Nine of Cups, middle: Seven of Pentacles, bottom: Eight of Wands

On the image here on the right you can see both decks together with the Crystal Tarot, on which the Minor Arcana cards are illustrated with just the symbol of the suits.

Which images do you find easier to connect with? And what different stories do they tell?

2. Describe the images

Yes, this requires you to actually LOOK at the image carefully and explore the scene. Give me your first impression: is it positive, neutral or negative?

Then tell me why. What do you see? What is happening?

Go into more detail. Are there any people in the card? What are they doing? How do they look?

Notice their body language. What is the landscape like? Can you see buildings, plants, animals?

Some cards are easier to read than others. Don’t be disheartened, if you draw a blank with some of them. You will learn to read them in time. Build your confidence by focusing on the easy cards first.



3. Be the person in the card

This is a fun yet insightful way to connect with the cards. Imitate the posture of the person in a card.

Stand with open arms just like the Fool, sit like the High Priestess, kneel like the woman in the Star image – will you take it as far as being naked? 🙂

You can personify the Hanged Man by doing a headstand, perhaps against a tree, or if that is too strenuous for you, lie down and lean your legs upright against a wall or a tree.

Replicate as much of the image as you can.

For example, stand by a field and look at the crops just like in the Seven of Pentacles. What goes through your mind? Harvest? Hard work? Reaping rewards? Sowing new seeds and a new cycle?

How do these postures make you feel?

Close your eyes and imagine the landscape of the card surrounding you. How does it affect your mood, dreams, ideas or imagination?

4. Connect each card with your own life experiences

The archetypal images of the Tarot live in all of us. For example, we have all been a Fool more than once in our lives, but that doesn’t necessarily mean in a bad way 🙂

the fool tarot of quotesThe Fool suggests amongst other things new beginnings. This is how some of my students associate the Fool with events in their lives:

“My first day at school. I can remember being so excited.”

“When I went backpacking to South America. I was naive when I started but so much wiser when I came back.”

“My first marriage. We were too young.”

“Starting my business. I didn’t have a clue, just jumped in, and it was quite a learning curve. But I loved it.”

All these statements are short, but they tell you so much more.

By linking the cards to your life, you will find it much easier to remember their meanings, because you connect them to feelings, lessons and advice you have experienced.

5. Start A Journal

When you start exploring your Tarot deck, make notes of your observations and new discoveries about the cards. Writing things down helps your memory, too.

Be a Fool today and start your Tarot Journal by downloading my Tarot freebies.

You can add your own pages as you continue to work with the cards, and over time you will create a unique Tarot reference book full of your personal wisdom and inspiration.

By signing up to my mailing list, you will also receive more freebies in the future and learn about exciting new journalling products available soon!

6. Play with the cards every day

Even if it’s only for five or ten minutes, spending time with your cards every day will help you learn the cards more quickly.

Pull a card on an evening and make a note of it. How does it reflect the events of the day you’ve had? Or what message does it offer you for the following day?

Even if you cannot think of anything, at least you are looking at the card, begin to memorise its image and associate it with its name. Soon you can picture the images in your head without having to look at them, e.g. you will know by heart what the Six of Wands looks like.

7. Card meanings can be found in the Name

The names of the Major Arcana images all trigger some associations you have stored in your head. Quite often, Tarot novices are not aware of them. They see the name written on the card but don’t take it further.

One of my students couldn’t make sense of the Hermit. So I asked: “What is a Hermit? What does a Hermit do?”

Her answer: “It’s someone, who lives on his own. Far away from civilisation.”

We have then talked about the archetypal Hermit personality, and how it fits into our modern lives and in readings.

So, what does an Emperor do? Well, I suppose he rules and makes decisions. And what does Justice mean? It makes me think about the law, and how we associate it with objectivity, truth and fairness.

As you can see, the names of the cards already tell you a lot about their meanings, so they are worthwhile exploring further.

8. Music and Quotes

Link individual cards with songs that relate to their meanings, e.g. Don’t fear the Reaper goes well with Death, or I’m not in Love reminds me of the Five of Cups.

Find your own favourite inspirational quotes for each card and record them in your journal. I started doing that a few years ago, and in the process began creating my Tarot of Quotes.

Last but not least, if you still feel stuck connecting with the cards, consider booking a brainstorming session with me via Skype. It’s great to talk, and you will already notice the benefits after just one call.

Or check out my transformational Discovery Tarot course to start your tarot journey.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

 

How To Add Text To Ebooks and Journaling Sheets Digitally

how to use ebooks journaling sheets digitally
Tarot cards: The Rosetta Tarot

Now that the Tarot Moon Journal 2015 is available to download, I would like to share with you, how you can add text to it without the need to print it out.

Many people aren’t aware that it is very easy to add notes, text and even images to PDF documents.

1. Adobe Reader

Download this free software on your computer, or download the app on your tablet (available on Windows, iPad and Android)

When you open the Reader, look out for the ‘add text’ feature, which is an icon of a pen and paper.

You can add text where ever you like on the document, and you can even choose font, colour and size of your writing.

There is also an option to add a note, which opens up a box and is ideal for adding more text than fits in the space provided in the ebook. Look out for the speech bubble icon.

2. iPad Apps

NotePlus is a niftly app for the iPad. You can import your PDF document into NotePlus and add texts, images and notes as you please. With this app you can also add your own handwriting – great, isn’t it?

adding notes to pdf documents
Note added in Adobe Reader on Windows Tablet

Also check out Notability.

3. Android Apps

The ezPDF Reader is an android app, that also let you add text and your own handwriting.

The Adobe Reader is also available as an android app.

You can download my free journaling sheets and try out your chosen Reader, before you buy my ebooks.

Technology is amazing nowadays. If you do absolutely everything on your device and want to avoid paper, using my ebooks and journaling sheets digitally is the way forward.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Reading Reversed Cards

reading reversed cards
Aquatic Tarot

My retreat holiday has been such a wonderful experience, but it’s also good to be back, and I’m diving straight into Tarot with a question my students keep asking me:

Do we need to pay attention to reversed cards in readings?

Some readers do, others don’t, and to be honest it is down to personal preference.

Here’s what I do:

In a reading, I usually make a mental note of any reversed cards and then turn them around. I cannot leave them upside down for visual reason; topsy-turvy images block my reading abilities.

It depends how many cards are reversed in a reading. I once had all ten cards in a Celtic Cross spread for a client reversed!

Immediately I thought there was a blockage somewhere in the client’s life, perhaps an inability to move forward with something, which was confirmed when I mentioned my first impression at the beginning of the reading.

Needless to say I turned all the cards around and proceeded with the reading and took the message of the reversed cards into account.

I don’t like the term “ill-dignified”, which is also used to describe reversed cards. Not every reversed card has a negative meaning.

For example, the Hanged Man reversed could indicate movement after a time of stagnation, or the Ten of Wands shedding of a burden rather than carrying it. It also depends very much on surrounding cards in the reading.

I often feel that just one reversed card in a 5 – 10 card reading can be more significant than many reversed cards. Again, this also depends on surrounding cards and what your intuition is telling you.

Sometimes, a reversed card can stick out like a sore thumb, and it can carry a more meaningful message than if you ignore it.

When reading reversed cards, consider the following:

  • Do they enhance the overall message of the reading?
  • Do they weaken or oppose their upright meanings?
  • Do they strengthen the meaning of other cards in the spread?
  • Do they indicate a blockage, restriction, suppressed energies or indeed out of control energies?



Here are some examples for reversed card meanings:

Five of Wands: getting over a dispute, an argument getting nasty, not playing by the rules, quick temper

Emperor: loosing control/authority, being over-bearing, dictatorial

Tower: a disaster avoided, or something is brewing underneath the surface

Sun: burn-out, restricted creative potential, over-indulgence, hedonism

Ten of Swords (image above): on the way to recovery, releasing fears/pain/ resentment/regrets; starting over, inability to see that something has ended

Four of Pentacles: spending beyond your means, risky investment, becoming more generous with money after a time of frugality

Queen of Cups: over-emotional, drama queen, moody, insensitive, highly strung, easily stressed

When reversed cards come up, ask an empowering question such as:

  • What is the card asking you to avoid?
  • Every cloud has a silver lining. What is the silver lining of the reversed card?
discovery tarot course for beginners
Learn Tarot with me

As mentioned before, it is not vital to read reversed cards; you can consider both positive and negative aspects of the cards in a reading regardless which way they come up.

But once you get the hang of reading reversals and paying attention to them, you may well get some additional, valuable insight you wouldn’t have considered before.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Reading Negative Cards in Positive Positions

ten of swords RWSSometimes the messages received from the Tarot can be confusing.

For example, you want to know what your strengths are in a certain situation, and the answer you get is the Ten of Swords.

You were hoping for something encouraging and inspirational, but all you got was that disheartening card of someone lying stabbed in the back on the floor.

But let’s not panic, Astrology to the rescue!

Once you know the astrological attributions linked to the cards, you can see more than just the image.

For the Ten of Swords it’s Sun in Gemini.

What does Sun in Gemini tell us about the Ten of Swords?

Positive aspects of the sun: vitality, clarity and confidence.

Positive aspects of Gemini: versatile, curious, social.

So, when exploring your strengths or asking which qualities you need to develop in order to resolve an issue successfully, you now have a few options to choose from.

Zodiac and planetary attributes can also offer more specific interpretations of the cards.

Here are some suggestions for the Ten of Swords:

an ending leads to clarity; curiosity will attract new opportunities; social interaction will increase confidence after a blow; an ending is a blessing (sun) in disguise; you have the energy to lift yourself up and recover; resilience…



Let’s take a look at other negative cards:

The Tower, www.aquatictarot.deThe Tower is linked to Mars, which in turn is also the ruling planet of Aries (The Emperor).

Positive traits: courage, decisiveness, challenging, energetic, pro-active, competitive

Positive card meanings influenced by Mars:

taking drastic action to achieve a goal; having the courage to face danger (extreme sports, a fire fighter etc.); confronting an adversary; implementing a radical overhaul or self-improvement program, e.g. diet, exercise etc., ability to see new possibilities beyond the destruction…

Death, www.aquatictarot.deDeath is linked to Scorpio, which is commonly connected to “sex, death and taxes”.

Positive traits: compassionate, intense, independent and determined. Its ruling planet Pluto suggests the ability to regenerate and overcome the unsettling process of change.

Positive card meanings influenced by Scorpio:

clearing the old to bring in the new; spiritual growth through acknowledging and tackling emotional issues; searching for deeper meaning and purpose; making sweeping changes to rejuvenate a relationship; sex therapy or an intense sexual experience…

five of pentaclesThe Five of Pentacles is linked to Mercury in Taurus

Positive aspects of Mercury: communicative, expressive, intelligent, thoughtful

Positive aspects of Taurus: disciplined, organised, reliable, steadfast, methodical, affectionate

Positive card meanings influenced by Mercury in Taurus:

being pragmatic at times of adversity; self-reliant; a thorough, hands-on approach to overcoming obstacles; willingness to work hard to achieve success; eager to create stability…

Devil, www.aquatictarot.deThe Devil is linked to Capricorn and also to Uriel, the light bearer, one of the four arch angels.

Positive traits: down-to-earth, ambitious, hard-working, rational, resourceful and loyal. Its ruling planet Saturn also suggests responsibility, patience and an ability to strive despite adverse circumstances.

Positive card meanings influenced by Capricorn:

being disciplined at times of hardship; plodding through and not giving up; taking matters seriously; in relationships loyal and care-giving even when going through a rough patch; realistic expectations…

Three of Swords, www.aquatictarot.deThe Three of Swords is linked to Saturn in Libra.

Positive aspects of Saturn: disciplined, responsible, reliable, endurance

Positive aspects of Libra: fair-minded, cooperative, sincere, striving for harmony

Positive card meanings influenced by Saturn in Libra:

determination to restore harmony out of discord; alleviating anguish with an objective mind; mourning with dignity and self-composure; ability to cut your losses and move on…

At first glance it can be difficult to see the positive aspects in negative cards, especially when they are placed in positions relating to possible strengths, skills, talents, helpful qualities and inspirational guidance.

Remember that there are two sides to each card – positive and negative – and with the help of their astrological attributions you can discover them.



Why don’t you give it a try with the following cards, and let me know how you get on:

The Hanged Man – Neptune

Seven of Swords – Moon in Aquarius

Eight of Swords – Jupiter in Gemini

Nine of Swords – Mars in Gemini

Ten of Wands – Saturn in Sagittarius

Five of Cups – Mars in Scorpio

You can access basic information on the zodiac signs and planets in my Introduction to Tarot Astrology.

And if you are intrigued by applying astrology to your Tarot readings, then check out my Tarot Astrology course.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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The Planetary Spread with the Rosetta Tarot, Part 2

Planetary Spread, Rosetta Tarot
Click to enlarge

In my previous post you can find all the details of the Planetary Spread and more information about the beautiful Rosetta Tarot.

Please note that for this sample reading I have used the astrological correspondences given in the companion book of this deck.

The cards drawn for this general reading are as follows:

1. Earth: Princess of Disks  – Earth of Earth (together with the Ace of Disks ruler of Aries, Taurus, Gemini)

In the Self position, the Princess of Disks suggests a person, who is full of creative potential and keen to manifest possibilities into something tangible and fruitful. Her creative energy is symbolised by her pregnancy and her crest of the Ram/Oxen head. The Princess of Disks represents creative endeavours in their early stages, and she needs to demonstrate ambition (Aries), patience and perseverance (Taurus) and mental focus (Libra) to turn her ideas into reality.

Her personality is down-to-earth and realistic, sprinkled with a touch of hedonism (good food and drink) and indulgent sensuality. The Princess of Disks has a strong affinity with nature and all things natural/organic/handmade.

The key message of this card is to focus on aspirations with patience and clarity in order to achieve goals and enduring productivity.

2. Sun: Two of Swords – Moon in Libra

Keyword: Peace

The current power source is that of calm, stillness and balance. A peaceful mind alleviates insecurities. Taking time to relax and meditate is important right now to sustain well-being. Creative projects need patience; nothing should be rushed. There is a sense of being at peace by avoiding confrontations or delay making some tough decisions.

The key message of this card is to practice emotional detachment in order to create inner balance to make the right decision and move forward.

3. Mars: Four of Disks – Sun in Capricorn

Keyword: Power

The Four of Disks in the Action position suggests being over-protective of security, possessions and what is known. The need for control can be overpowering at times, stifling others and limiting own potential for expansion. Letting go of power and control may seem risky, but it can have a liberating effect, whilst at the same time avoiding becoming reckless or irresponsible.

The key message of the Four of Disks is to loosen the grip on power and control by developing more trust in others and even the unknown.

4. Venus: Ace of Cups – Root of Water (together with the Princess of Cups ruler of Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius)

The Ace of Cups in the love position suggests new emotional beginnings and being receptive to opportunities in love and deepening relationships. Here we see a person, who is open-hearted, ready to give love and nurture others. If this card comes up at a time of emotional upheaval, it can suggest positive developments, that not all is as bleak as it seems, and happy times will return.

Any relationship issues can be resolved by applying qualities of the three ruling zodiac signs: communicative (Libra), passionate (Scorpio) and generous (Sagittarius).

Aces symbolise potential, so the key message of the Ace of Cups is to start sowing the seeds of love in the present by joyfully giving and sharing without expecting anything in return.

In a relationship reading, the Mars and Venus position could indicate one person, who is ready to embark on a new relationship and willing to commit (Ace of Cups), whereas the other person is reluctant to do so, perhaps wanting to protect their feelings (Four of Disks).

5. Jupiter: Prince of Disks – Air of Earth – Aries/Taurus (ruler of 4 of Wands, 5 of Disks, 6 of Disks)

The Prince of Disks in the opportunities position suggests progress through discipline and tenacity. In the image he is driving an ox-pulled chariot scattering dandelion flowers, which symbolise fruitfulness. He is hard-working, patient and energetic. These qualities will be beneficial when pursuing goals at work or at home.

The three pip cards he is ruling indicate initial success (4 of Wands) and the need to manage money more efficiently (5 and 6 of Disks).

The key message of the Prince of Disks is that hard work and perseverance will pay off, but at the same time finances need to be managed carefully.



6. Mercury: Five of Wands – Saturn in Leo

Keyword: Strife

The Five of Wands in the communications position suggests misunderstandings, arguments and power struggles. The Saturn in Leo constellation linked to this card indicates the need to tame the ego and focus more on collaboration rather than competition. Before getting drawn into an argument, it’s worth remembering that clear, simple and calm discussions will be more effective to encourage co-operation.

Whether it is relevant to you in relationships, at work or in family situations, the key message of the Five of Wands is to avoid fighting for power or position to get results. Instead, focus on your goal and what you want to achieve by promoting a more constructive team effort.

7. Saturn: The Hierophant – Taurus

The Hierophant in the opposition/teacher position suggests that conventional structures and an organised hierarchy are beneficial to personal and professional development, even though they can sometimes limit creativity. This is supported by the other Disks cards in this spread. Set tasks, routines, daily schedules and to-do lists are proven tools of productivity, which can at times stifle flexibility and spontaneity.

The key message of the Hierophant is to embrace all the advantages of order, discipline and traditional values, but also be more aware of their limitations. Learning new skills, meet new people or try something different will be invigorating and broaden the horizon.

8. Moon: Queen of Swords – Water of Air – Libra

The Queen of Swords in the feeling position suggests the need to be emotionally strong and resilient. Perhaps feelings are being controlled rather than light-heartedly displayed. Nothing wrong with that, especially when feelings are negative and could easily be expressed with cutting, spiteful remarks. Some issues still need to be resolved, and this Queen may either keep a stiff upper lip or voice her emotions in a matter-of-fact, clear and honest way.

The key message of the Queen of Swords is not to keep emotions suppressed. Whatever needs to be resolved, do it with diplomacy, wit, fairness and understanding.

The Queen of Swords in the Moon position complements the Two of Swords in its opposing Sun position. Here, the message of keeping a cool head and practising emotional detachment (without being cold-hearted) is emphasised to create and maintain harmony.

Would you like to learn more about using Astrology in your Tarot readings? Then please check out my online Tarot Astrology course.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

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Tarot Affirmations

tarot affirmationsAlthough Tarot is best known as a fortune-telling tool, it can also be used for self-reflection and personal development.

The Tarot can act as a guide to help you reach your goals, aspirations and fulfil your potential.

Each image depicts an event, a phase in your life or state of being.

It contains numerous hidden messages, which can be discovered by immersing yourself into the pictures of the Tarot.

One type of message the Tarot can offer is an affirmation. This is a positive statement, which encourages the practice of positive thinking.

The sentence is kept as simple but as empowering as possible, avoiding negations such as  can’t, don’t, won’t, haven’t etc.

An affirmation can be created for each Tarot card.

You can do this by looking at the image and explore its meanings. What is this card advising you to do? What is it trying to teach you?

While the possibilities for each card are virtually endless depending on your feelings, intuition and perspective, here are some sample affirmations for the Major Arcana cards:

The Fool – I look forward to new beginnings and enjoy the journey ahead.
The Magician – I use my all my resources and willpower to achieve my goals.
The High Priestess – I trust my intuition to make the right decision when the time is right.
The Empress – I love and protect the people in my care. My love will dissolve tension and fears.
The Emperor – I take control of my life to achieve my ambitions.
The Hierophant – I am open-minded and always enjoy being a student of life.
The Lovers – In matters of the heart I also use my head when I face an important choice.
The Chariot – I harness all my forces to meet my challenges.
Strength – I patiently persevere to resolve conflict and strife.
The Hermit – I seek solitude to explore my options and to gain wisdom.
The Wheel of Fortune – Whatever life throws at me, I can deal with it.
Justice – I always endeavour to act with the utmost integrity.
The Hanged Man – I pause to gain a new perspective.
Death – I let go of what is no longer of use to me, so I can be open to new opportunities.
Temperance – I manage my needs and resources wisely to create harmony.
The Devil – I face the truth, so I can overcome my limitations and move forward.
The Tower – Unexpected events contribute to my inner growth; I will overcome the initial shock and aftermath with passion and resilience.
The Star – I am optimistic about the future.
The Moon – I acknowledge and let go of insecurities and self-doubt.
The Sun – I enjoy every moment of my life.
Judgement – I evaluate my actions to achieve the best possible result.
The World – I have found my place in this world; there is so much more I can do and experience.

Enjoy creating your own Tarot affirmations that reflect your circumstances and situation, and share your favourites in the comment box below.

I’d love to hear from you?

Warmest wishes,

Christiane