Post by nevyn on Jan 11, 2007 12:58:01 GMT -5
I check out EVERYTHING new that my library system gets on the Tarot. I checked out Llewellyn's Tarot reader 2007, which includes various articles and an almanac for 2007. I really like a lot of the articles, so I thought that I would pass on a few....I have carpal tunnel, so you'll have to settle for an article a week or so! LOL
I'll start at the very beginning....
Bless this Deck
Geraldine Amaral
Whether you are new to the tarot or have been using this ancient tool for years, it is wise to define exactly what you hope to accomplish in your relationship with the tarot. You can do this by composing a mission statement. Writing a mission statement is a way or working "backward" with your tarot deck - beginning with the end result (what you hope to accomplish with your deck and your readings) and building your skills and activities toward that end. Once you have a clear understanding of your "destination," you can better assess where you are now, what steps are suitable for the end result, and whether your current efforts are moving you in the direction you desire.
Developing a Tarot Mission Statement
One way to begin defining your tarot mission statement is to pose these questions to yourself: What is my intent for the use of this deck? How can I best serve others with my tarot deck? These are not simple questions, so one way to begin the process of answering them may be to do some thoughtful journaling about your relationship with the tarot. You can also pull cards from the deck, asking specifically for help with this question (see spread following). The questions you could ask your tarot deck might be, "what is the wisdom of the tarot with regard to my mission with this tool?" or "what is the tarot's guidance about my purpose with itself?"
Mission statements are as different as the people who craft them. Often they include the desire to develop or enhance intuition, self-understanding, the ability to "think outside the box", change one's self-image, or the ability to speak and write creatively. They may also include a reference to one's spiritual ideal and one's desire to communicate with spiritual forces. Your mission statement needs to be only one thing" an honest assessment of the relationship you aspire to create and maintain with your tarot deck. Once you have clearly formulated your mission, I urge you to honor your accomplishments by blessing or "consecrating" the deck of your choice - your favorite tarot deck, your new tarot deck, or even your I-can't-seem-to-get-it tarot deck.
There are many ways to bless a deck. Perhaps the simplest way is to lay the deck in the palm of your hand and place your other hand on top of, or slightly above, the deck. Then say a prayer or benediction, blessing the cards and asking that the highest and best wisdom be revealed to you and to all those who touch and use the deck. You may wish to ask Spirit to assist those who use your deck in choosing the cards that are right for them. You may wish to add a short blessing, prayer, or mantra that focuses on your spiritual ideal, such as love, peas, God - whatever captures the higher spiritual presence for you. You may ask this spiritual ideal to come forth and envelop the deck.
Clearing your deck
Before you bless your deck, however, it is a good idea to "clear" it first. There are many ways to do this, the most common method being simply to shuffle the deck. This is also the best way to impregnate the cards with your personal energy/magnetism. Other methods of "clearing" a deck: Re-order the cards in chronological order (both Major and Minor) and keep them in order for a day or two. Swirl a stick or incense around your deck, allowing the smoke to both purify the deck and call upon Spirit to infuse the deck with its power. Dab some oil of lavender around your deck or sprinkle it with water. Place a clear crystal on top of the deck for a day or so. Sprinkle your deck with salt. Rap the deck against a table or other hard surface or fling it across the floor (to shake off any negative energies). Place your deck under your pillow at night to clear its energy.
In an extreme case - that is, when you feel your deck has been psychically damaged in some way - you can wrap it, put it in a leak-proof container and bury it in the earth for a few days, thereby allowing the earth to absorb any of the deck's negative energy. Similarly, you can use the natural healing powers of sunlight or moonlight to clear your deck, always being sure to protect your deck from the elements. Above all else, when clearing and blessing your deck, think of the deck as your connection to Spirit and that which is sacred. Treat it with respect and reverence.
"Marking" Your Deck
Once your deck is "clean," hold your hands around the deck and speak your mission aloud, saying "I consecrate this deck as my tool for ___________________ (see blessings below). The ideal would be to do this kind of blessing in a group, with a supportive friend or tarot colleague as "witness" for you mission and where you could witness others' commitments to their tarot decks. After you have voiced your mission, the next step is to "mark" your deck with something uniquely you (suck as a kiss, a drop of oil that you like, your breath, or even your saliva). This step makes the deck truly your own. Then I suggest you follow up immediately (within 24 hours) by doing a reading for someone. This seals the work you have done and ensures that your mission "sticks."
In my experience, developing a tarot mission statement can be very empowering. Many people find that their relationship with their tarot deck is dramatically altered once they have created and articulated their framework for its use. You may be quite surprised at how your deck will function after this powerful process. Be prepared for some spectacular insights and results. Be prepared to feel spiritually uplifted and connected.
A note of caution: Remember that power does not emanate from the tarot deck. Power comes from Spirit working inside of you and through you. So use the ideas mentioned in this article only if they feel right to you. Tarot is a uniquely individual spiritual tool, so again, remember that the most powerful and beneficial tarot deck blessings, clearing techniques, and mission statements are the ones you create. Trust in Spirit, and in yourself. The results may surprise you.
Sample Tarot Mission Statements
I consecrate this deck to bring light wherever there is darkness.
I consecrate this deck for guidance and wisdom for myself and others for the higher good for all concerned.
I consecrate this deck to enlighten myself and others more fully.
May all who use and touch this deck know the love of Spirit and be drawn into the light of Spirit.
I dedicate this deck to serve others and to bring healing and peace to all who seek its wisdom.
I dedicate this deck to the development of my intuition so that I may be a source of guidance to others.
Elements You can Use when Consecrating Your Tarot Deck[/i]
Prayer
Incense
Special gestures
Use of power objects
Feasting
Burying or unburying
Washing your hands
Building fire
Ritual silence
Vigils
Use of Power Name
Using smudge stick
Music
Invocations
Smoke
Offerings
Fasting
Burning objects
Tying or untying
Breaking objects
Singing/chanting
Creation of altar
Lighting candles
Exchanging gifts
Crystals
Tarot image
The Tarot Mission Spread[/i]
If you are having problems defining your tarot mission statement, try the spread below to help in articulation your mission. Begin by simply holding your deck in both your hands, Breathe slowly and carefully, knowing that Spirit enters through the breath. As you hold the deck, as you guides and angels to assist you in determining the answers that you seek in this spread. Shuffle, breathe, imagine the cards surrounded with light. Fan them out before you. Focus on each question as you choose the card. Lay the cards in the positions indicated, face down. Turn them over one at a time, contemplate their meaning.
1. 2. 3.
4. 5.
1. What is my greatest personal strength that helps me in my use of the tarot?
2. What areas in my life are still being developed that would not be helpful in my work with the tarot? Is there anything I should be concerned about or especially cautious about when doing a reading?
3. Show me an element/image from the tarot that represents the element most likely to help me understand my path with the tarot. If this card is a Minor arcana card, it represents the suit/element that can be the most helpful. A Wand may indicate that the creativity, intuition and inspiration of fire are needed; a Cup may indicate that empathy and compassion are needed; a Sword may mean that discernment and the clear communication of air is needed; Pentacles may help you find the best words to express your statement. If a Major Arcana card comes up here, choose an aspect of the imagery on the card to incorporate into your statement.
4. My Tarot Mission: What is my intent for the use of my tarot deck? What do I perceive as my purpose in working with the tarot? What do I hope to accomplish with the tarot? If you receive a Minor Arcana card here, don't disregard it. The subtle messages of the Minor Arcana are important too.
5. The Universal Tarot Mission: What is the universe's intent for me when I use the tarot? What does Spirit want me to know about how best to use the cards?
When posing a powerful questions like these, it is important to create an environment in which you can be receptive to the answers. Be sure you have cleared your mind and focused your thoughts before engaging in this exercise. Only when we are truly in such a receptive mode can the intricate messages of the tarot resonate with the deepest part of ourselves.
I'll start at the very beginning....
Bless this Deck
Geraldine Amaral
Whether you are new to the tarot or have been using this ancient tool for years, it is wise to define exactly what you hope to accomplish in your relationship with the tarot. You can do this by composing a mission statement. Writing a mission statement is a way or working "backward" with your tarot deck - beginning with the end result (what you hope to accomplish with your deck and your readings) and building your skills and activities toward that end. Once you have a clear understanding of your "destination," you can better assess where you are now, what steps are suitable for the end result, and whether your current efforts are moving you in the direction you desire.
Developing a Tarot Mission Statement
One way to begin defining your tarot mission statement is to pose these questions to yourself: What is my intent for the use of this deck? How can I best serve others with my tarot deck? These are not simple questions, so one way to begin the process of answering them may be to do some thoughtful journaling about your relationship with the tarot. You can also pull cards from the deck, asking specifically for help with this question (see spread following). The questions you could ask your tarot deck might be, "what is the wisdom of the tarot with regard to my mission with this tool?" or "what is the tarot's guidance about my purpose with itself?"
Mission statements are as different as the people who craft them. Often they include the desire to develop or enhance intuition, self-understanding, the ability to "think outside the box", change one's self-image, or the ability to speak and write creatively. They may also include a reference to one's spiritual ideal and one's desire to communicate with spiritual forces. Your mission statement needs to be only one thing" an honest assessment of the relationship you aspire to create and maintain with your tarot deck. Once you have clearly formulated your mission, I urge you to honor your accomplishments by blessing or "consecrating" the deck of your choice - your favorite tarot deck, your new tarot deck, or even your I-can't-seem-to-get-it tarot deck.
There are many ways to bless a deck. Perhaps the simplest way is to lay the deck in the palm of your hand and place your other hand on top of, or slightly above, the deck. Then say a prayer or benediction, blessing the cards and asking that the highest and best wisdom be revealed to you and to all those who touch and use the deck. You may wish to ask Spirit to assist those who use your deck in choosing the cards that are right for them. You may wish to add a short blessing, prayer, or mantra that focuses on your spiritual ideal, such as love, peas, God - whatever captures the higher spiritual presence for you. You may ask this spiritual ideal to come forth and envelop the deck.
Clearing your deck
Before you bless your deck, however, it is a good idea to "clear" it first. There are many ways to do this, the most common method being simply to shuffle the deck. This is also the best way to impregnate the cards with your personal energy/magnetism. Other methods of "clearing" a deck: Re-order the cards in chronological order (both Major and Minor) and keep them in order for a day or two. Swirl a stick or incense around your deck, allowing the smoke to both purify the deck and call upon Spirit to infuse the deck with its power. Dab some oil of lavender around your deck or sprinkle it with water. Place a clear crystal on top of the deck for a day or so. Sprinkle your deck with salt. Rap the deck against a table or other hard surface or fling it across the floor (to shake off any negative energies). Place your deck under your pillow at night to clear its energy.
In an extreme case - that is, when you feel your deck has been psychically damaged in some way - you can wrap it, put it in a leak-proof container and bury it in the earth for a few days, thereby allowing the earth to absorb any of the deck's negative energy. Similarly, you can use the natural healing powers of sunlight or moonlight to clear your deck, always being sure to protect your deck from the elements. Above all else, when clearing and blessing your deck, think of the deck as your connection to Spirit and that which is sacred. Treat it with respect and reverence.
"Marking" Your Deck
Once your deck is "clean," hold your hands around the deck and speak your mission aloud, saying "I consecrate this deck as my tool for ___________________ (see blessings below). The ideal would be to do this kind of blessing in a group, with a supportive friend or tarot colleague as "witness" for you mission and where you could witness others' commitments to their tarot decks. After you have voiced your mission, the next step is to "mark" your deck with something uniquely you (suck as a kiss, a drop of oil that you like, your breath, or even your saliva). This step makes the deck truly your own. Then I suggest you follow up immediately (within 24 hours) by doing a reading for someone. This seals the work you have done and ensures that your mission "sticks."
In my experience, developing a tarot mission statement can be very empowering. Many people find that their relationship with their tarot deck is dramatically altered once they have created and articulated their framework for its use. You may be quite surprised at how your deck will function after this powerful process. Be prepared for some spectacular insights and results. Be prepared to feel spiritually uplifted and connected.
A note of caution: Remember that power does not emanate from the tarot deck. Power comes from Spirit working inside of you and through you. So use the ideas mentioned in this article only if they feel right to you. Tarot is a uniquely individual spiritual tool, so again, remember that the most powerful and beneficial tarot deck blessings, clearing techniques, and mission statements are the ones you create. Trust in Spirit, and in yourself. The results may surprise you.
Sample Tarot Mission Statements
I consecrate this deck to bring light wherever there is darkness.
I consecrate this deck for guidance and wisdom for myself and others for the higher good for all concerned.
I consecrate this deck to enlighten myself and others more fully.
May all who use and touch this deck know the love of Spirit and be drawn into the light of Spirit.
I dedicate this deck to serve others and to bring healing and peace to all who seek its wisdom.
I dedicate this deck to the development of my intuition so that I may be a source of guidance to others.
Elements You can Use when Consecrating Your Tarot Deck[/i]
Prayer
Incense
Special gestures
Use of power objects
Feasting
Burying or unburying
Washing your hands
Building fire
Ritual silence
Vigils
Use of Power Name
Using smudge stick
Music
Invocations
Smoke
Offerings
Fasting
Burning objects
Tying or untying
Breaking objects
Singing/chanting
Creation of altar
Lighting candles
Exchanging gifts
Crystals
Tarot image
The Tarot Mission Spread[/i]
If you are having problems defining your tarot mission statement, try the spread below to help in articulation your mission. Begin by simply holding your deck in both your hands, Breathe slowly and carefully, knowing that Spirit enters through the breath. As you hold the deck, as you guides and angels to assist you in determining the answers that you seek in this spread. Shuffle, breathe, imagine the cards surrounded with light. Fan them out before you. Focus on each question as you choose the card. Lay the cards in the positions indicated, face down. Turn them over one at a time, contemplate their meaning.
1. 2. 3.
4. 5.
1. What is my greatest personal strength that helps me in my use of the tarot?
2. What areas in my life are still being developed that would not be helpful in my work with the tarot? Is there anything I should be concerned about or especially cautious about when doing a reading?
3. Show me an element/image from the tarot that represents the element most likely to help me understand my path with the tarot. If this card is a Minor arcana card, it represents the suit/element that can be the most helpful. A Wand may indicate that the creativity, intuition and inspiration of fire are needed; a Cup may indicate that empathy and compassion are needed; a Sword may mean that discernment and the clear communication of air is needed; Pentacles may help you find the best words to express your statement. If a Major Arcana card comes up here, choose an aspect of the imagery on the card to incorporate into your statement.
4. My Tarot Mission: What is my intent for the use of my tarot deck? What do I perceive as my purpose in working with the tarot? What do I hope to accomplish with the tarot? If you receive a Minor Arcana card here, don't disregard it. The subtle messages of the Minor Arcana are important too.
5. The Universal Tarot Mission: What is the universe's intent for me when I use the tarot? What does Spirit want me to know about how best to use the cards?
When posing a powerful questions like these, it is important to create an environment in which you can be receptive to the answers. Be sure you have cleared your mind and focused your thoughts before engaging in this exercise. Only when we are truly in such a receptive mode can the intricate messages of the tarot resonate with the deepest part of ourselves.