Is The Tarot 'Real'?

[Omnitheus Oneironaut]

Can the tarot be ‘real’? – a psychotherapist explores the modern relevance of an ancient tool.
(by Finn McMillan)

Gazing at her favourite deck of ornately designed Vacchetta tarot cards, a friend of mine recently asked me an evocative question, “Why can’t this stuff be real?” A tarot reader, she was frustrated by the fact her clients enlisted her services seemingly for entertainment, or for nebulous answers to even more nebulous questions to do with ‘destiny’ and ‘true love’, but attended counsellors, psychologists, doctors or other mentors for assistance with ‘real’ problems.

A believer in the deeper potential of tarot than mere fortune-telling, she began to doubt herself and the cards she had learned to trust and respect.

I use tarot as a psychotherapeutic tool. I wish the tarot could be taken out of the world of entertainment and invited into the world of psychotherapy. I too found that a very different sort of person typically saw a tarot reader or fortune-teller from the one who would enlist the services of a therapist. Need the world of academic psychology spurn the experience of mystics and sages? Need the tools of the ancients be useless in the hands of the doctor?

My experience is that these divisions are arbitrary, and more to do with the political, religious and social conditions of Western Europe than any inherent opposition between the respective schools of thought. Mathematics began its recognisable life as an art of the mystery schools of ancient Greece; chemistry is the son of alchemy, and astronomy the daughter of astrology. Similarly, the quantitative advances of psychology and medicine rest upon the qualitative observations of witchdoctor, shaman and oracles of the far, and not so far, past. Modern metaphysics is seen as a development of physics, which in turn was born of ancient metaphysics.

That the two worlds have been torn apart in popular and conventional thought is no reason not to consider the two as simply estranged, not divorced, with both becoming confused and bitter as a result. The tarot, and its application as a tool in psychotherapy, offers the potential to ‘reconcile the separated.’

To many rational and thoughtful people, the question must arise – how can it be that pulling random picture cards out of a deck could be relevant to a person’s life? How could it speak credibly about their psychological state, or their personal wellbeing?

Perhaps, at this point, I should suggest that there are two ways of looking at the art of tarot. The first is to see it as a tool to ‘divine’ the future; as one of the oracular ‘mantic’ arts, best described nowadays as ‘fortune telling’. The second is to view it as a deeply analytical device, capable of uncovering and highlighting inner psychological, and dare I say, ‘spiritual’ dynamics. Where the former might promise you will meet the lover of your dreams, the latter might suggest why you have those dreams, and how you might (and if you should) pursue them, and what problems you may encounter on your journey.

The tarot I refer to is that instrument which enables a skilled counsellor (shaman?) to help people travel that inner journey, to discover that inner lore that writes one’s destiny in secret, and thereby helps rewrite it at will.

So again, the question – how can pulling pretty cards out of a deck achieve such a visionary purpose? To answer this, we might look at a concept called ‘synchronicity’, coined by the famous psychologist, Carl Gustav Jung in the early 20th Century. Carl Jung was the greatest of pioneers in bridging science and mysticism, medicine and alchemy. He believed that Freud’s mechanistic psychological scheme was limited to overly deterministic formulae and neglected the ‘magic’ of the inner life. Indeed, it was he who coined many of the most commonly used phrases in modern ‘new age’ and occult circles, such as ‘collective unconscious’, ‘anima’, ‘animus’, and reinvigorated such concepts as the ‘archetype’, the ‘inner child’ and the ‘higher self’.

Simply put, synchronicity refers to those phenomena we typically refer to as ‘meaningful coincidences’, or as Jung called them, ‘acausal connecting principles between two events’. What this means is that two phenomena may relate to each other in a way that is not based on cause-and-effect, but on other more covert factors.

All of us have experienced this sort of ‘meaningful coincidence’ to a more or less dramatic degree. Thinking of a person just as that person rings you (even if you haven’t spoken for months or years), reading about an event in a novel and then seeing it replayed in the world around you, or (in Jung’s case) having a patient talk about a scarab just as a very rare beetle (closely resembling a scarab) flew through his window – and the scarab representing death and rebirth in ancient Egypt, while his client discussed moving on and new beginnings. One interesting phenomenon which will be recognised by many is that the more we tend to the ‘inner life’, particularly through such practices as meditation, the more synchronicity appears in our life.

In science we see examples of this in the development of the hologram or in advances in cloning, both suggesting a link between images or entities not based on causality, but rather some sort of implicit and inherent connection between them. Physicists have shown that two separated photons, no matter the distance between them, will reflect changes the other experiences. Fractal geometry and chaos theory also posit an underlying connection, a shared experience, between all phenomena at a profoundly deep level. It is a viewpoint which presupposes (and demonstrates) that there is a connection – some sort of unity – underlying our observable reality.

As an interesting and relevant aside, astrology is fairly easily debunked using scientific cause-and-effect arguments. It may be absurd to think that distant planetary events ‘cause’ events or personality traits, but it may be reasonable to think that the ‘zeitgeist of a moment’, the essence of the universe, can be read by the astrologer by looking at the stars and planets. The heavens simply represent a readable reality, the astrologer reads that reality, and synchronicity makes the exercise plausible by suggesting there is a reflective link between the events of the planets and the conditions of humanity.

In a similar manner, the tarot counsellor invites a questioner to consider a problem or situation, and to choose a card. A cause-and-effect model assumes a meaningless coincidence, whereas synchronicity assumes a meaningful connection. Synchronicity sometimes is said to describe an acausal connection between matter and mind, and, in the case of the tarot counsellor, the connection is between a card and a query. Synchronicity is the ‘link’, the ‘substance’, of this connection.

The art of the tarot reader (as with the oracle, the diviner, the shaman, and the mystic) depends on this connection, and the underlying unity of phenomena. An important element of this unity is what Jung calls the collective unconscious. Within this collective unconscious are the archetypal images of the tarot, such as the Father (Emperor), the Mother (Empress), the Wise Man (Hierophant), and the Wise Woman (High Priestess), etc., which resonate in the experience of human consciousness regardless of time or place. The cards contain these potent archetypal images, which also reside within each individual’s unconscious mind.

Vital to understanding how the tarot works is to recognise that the unconscious mind does not think in a logical, word-based manner. Rather, it works in a more holistic and image-based manner. Its natural language is the language of symbols, specifically (for the purpose of reading tarot) archetypal images. Understanding the link between the cards and the unconscious mind, the tarot counsellor invites the unconscious mind to communicate in its own language, through the powerful pictures of the tarot. The link between the unconscious and the chosen card can be described as the principle of synchronicity at work.

Sometimes those of us who live, work and play in the esoteric world are easily described as gullible, naïve and a bit too credulous for our own good. Perhaps this is often the case. So let me say from the outset, I would not use principles such as synchronicity to suggest that tarot has a scientific justification. Most assuredly, it does not. The scientific method demands a hypothesis, the proof of which is definable and repeatable. Synchronicity is a theory, a model, and by definition there can be no scientific theories – a scientific theory can only be an unproven hypothesis. Like many models of the universe (such as ‘God’, ‘karma’, ‘soul’, ‘free will’ or ‘destiny’) it can neither be scientifically proven nor disproved, and “absence of evidence is not the same as evidence of absence”.

However, synchronicity is a workable model, a theory that makes sense of otherwise inexplicable occurrences and can also be recognised in the worlds of science, nature and psychology. The famous occult writer of the early 20th Century, Aleister Crowley, once wrote that it could not be proven that the universe worked according to a magical model, but that didn’t matter because it behaved as if it did. The synchronistic model of how the tarot works uses the same justification.

So, next time your trusted tarot counsellor draws a card and uncannily pinpoints your deepest fear, or uncovers a realisation you had not known but now gives you that magical ‘Aha!’ moment of recognition, don’t feel you need to doubt your experience because ‘it’s probably all coincidence’.

It’s simply synchronicity!

(Finn McMillan is a counsellor, clinical hypnotherapist and ordained Chan Buddhist priest. He also writes on the esoteric and occult traditions of Western Europe, particularly as they relate to psychotherapy.)

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Another (tarot-ific) Point of You : OM...

[Omnitheus Oneironaut]

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Lisa Simpson Gets Her Happy Squirrel!

Halo ONE'in'All ~ I bought the beautiful 'Touchstone Tarot' deck recently and was puzzled by the inclusion of an extra card which its creator (Kat Black) called 'The Happy Squirrel'. Apparently this mythical card is an in-joke amongst Tarot enthusiasts, after its inclusion in an episode of The Simpsons.

Another Point of You : OM...

The Happy Squirrel has become a bit of an in-joke in the tarot community since it first appeared in the Simpsons episode 'Lisa's Wedding' in the mid 1990's.

As this episode of The Simpsons is pretty hard to get hold of, here's a few storyboard pictures of the Fortune Teller scene. As far as I can guess, the writer of this episode Greg Daniels created the Happy Squirrel card for this episode. Yay for popular culture!

If you bought a copy of Touchstone Tarot, you may have been a bit puzzled at the inclusion of an extra card - the Happy Squirrel.

I didn't really intend people to keep the HS card in their deck, but it turns out that many people ARE leaving it in when using the cards! If you want to do that, then here's the 'meaning' that I'll be including in the companion book with the Kunati kit:

"Lighten up. Do not take yourself, or anything, too seriously. There are no simple answers, life is very complicated and the most important thing is to take joy in the journey."

The first deck to include a Happy Squirrel card to my knowledge was one of my favourite decks, sadly now out of print - the 'Victoria Regina Tarot' by Sarah Ovenall. The Happy Squirrel card unfortunately wasn't included as a 'real' card in that deck, it was just available as a digital download.

The first deck to include the Happy Squirrel as an actual, printed card in the deck was, I believe, the quirky 'International Icon Tarot' by Robin Ator.

If you know of any others, let me know and I will happily link them. I think every deck should have one!

I love the idea of a Happy Squirrel card for so many reasons, and was determined to include one in Touchstone.

Kat Black - Creator of the 'Touchstone Tarot'
2009

[Omnitheus Oneironaut]

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Halo ONE'in'All ~ Here's a selection of some fantastic Tarot Decks I've bought recently. Beautifully sumptuous and artistically stunning...
In-Joy : I AM.


"Touchstone Tarot"

The "Touchstone Tarot" is a character-driven deck, with 78 tarot scenes digitally composed from Renaissance and Baroque paintings of the Old Masters. The second deck from Kat Black, the creator of the "Golden Tarot", it's available in a self-published limited edition and a wonderful mass-market set from Kunati.

By Kat Black
Tarot Deck - 78 Cards
Published by Tarot Connections : 2008
Published by Kunati Inc. : 2009

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"Dream Enchantress Tarot"

The "Dream Enchantress Tarot" is from the same artist who created the "Secret Tarot". It's a mysterious, fantasy-inspired, feminine deck, with minimal black borders to set off the luminous images.

By Marco Nizzoli
Tarot Deck - 78 Cards
Published by Lo Scarabeo : 2009

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"Paulina Tarot"

The "Paulina Tarot" builds a magical, whimsical, natural world through its 78 cards. Paulina Cassidy's artistic style is incredibly intricate and full of detail, coloured with watercolour washes in muted hues. It's a little bit Victorian, a little Tim Burton-esque, a little bit underwater-New Orleans-Mardi Gras, and very enchanting.

By Paulina Cassidy
Tarot Deck - 78 Cards
Published by US Games : 2009

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"Mystic Dreamer Tarot"

The "Mystic Dreamer Tarot" has atmospheric cards, created with skillful photo collages of real people, landscapes, and some computer generated elements. A misty, ethereal, dreamy deck that allows more effective access to the reader’s subconscious and intuition. The fully-illustrated deck has now been published by Llewellyn, with a companion book by Barbara Moore.

By Azurylipfe
Tarot Deck - 78 Cards
Published by Llewellyn : 2008

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"Hermetic Tarot"

The "Hermetic Tarot" is black and white only, but is a very highly detailed Tarot deck of 78 cards. It is an artistic recreation of a mysterious, esoteric Tarot deck by Mathers, a member of the Order of the Golden Dawn. Now reprinted and again available.

By Godfrey Dawson
Tarot Deck - 78 Cards
Published by US Games : 1990/2006

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"Llewellyn Tarot"

The "Llewellyn Tarot" is based on the legends and mythology of Wales, and celebrates the Welsh heritage of Tarot publishers, Llewellyn. The cards are illustrated in a similar mystical, watercolour style to the Legend : The Arthurian Tarot. Now released in a 78-card kit.

By Anna-Marie Ferguson
Tarot Deck - 78 Cards
Published by Llewellyn : 2006

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Blessed Be,
Another (wicca'd) Point ov You : OM...

[Omnitheus Oneironaut]

Halo ONE'in'All.

The 'Waite' is over! As some of you may or may not know, this year is the centennial celebration of one of the most famous & influential Tarot decks ever printed : The Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

This year, to commemorate its 100th birthday, U.S. Games Systems, Inc. have released the 'Pamela Colman Smith Commemorative Set' which features the new 'Smith-Waite Centennial Edition Tarot Deck' (reproduced from the original 1909 deck).

Being my all-time favourite deck, I eagerly snapped up this box-set yesterday. Featuring also, 'The Artwork & Times of Pamela Colman Smith' by Stuart R. Kaplan, this fascinating 102-page book showcases over 100 examples of Smith's non-tarot art.

Included too, is 'The Pictorial Key to the Tarot' by A. E. Waite (in a new format); 3 artwork reproductions by Smith and six colour postcards.

In a word - glorious.

Another Point of You : OM...

[Omnitheus Oneironaut]

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Namaste.

Halo ONE'in'All. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Omnitheus Oneironaut. I entered Simulation Earth three & a half decades ago. Prior to incarnating here, I perused The Brochure which promised many things : one of them being the age-old human journey from 'Zero' to 'Hero with a Thousand Faces'.

I signed on the cosmic dotted line, tripped the Light fantastic portal, and became 'inserted'...

Starting out as the great 'Fool' (0 symbolising infinite potential & unlimited possibility), I jumped off the galactic cliff of no-time into an abysmal realm of earthean Duality & seemingly polarised opposites. In other words, I (pure innocence) was born. The jOURney of seventy-eight steps had begun. With my napsack of YOUniversal knowledge, I embarked on the great human adventure.

Growing up, I began to creatively express the 'Magician' within - realising that 'out there' was merely a reflection of 'in here'. As Within, So Without. The 'secrets' I had previously intuitively known were gradually replaced with conditioned programs from a sleeping collective. 'The High Priestess' alternated between the pillars of lucidity & unconsciousness... She fought to remain awake - never easy in an incredibly life-like Dream.

My dear mother ('The Empress') showered me with abundant, unconditional love. This was battled by a cold, hard & distant father ('The Emperor') whom over my life, would flit in & out like a fleeting mirage. The 'leader' in my life would never stay a dependable archetype...

Traditional religion would also shimmer & fade out of my existence. 'The Heirophant' would try to take hold, but would never succeed.

As a teenager, and into my early 20s...a new inspiration would come in the form of 'The Lovers'. I now knew what it was like to love another, to share... Intimacy proved to be a breeding ground for a new type of flower, a new way to understand my human self. At times, it seemed like I was travelling in 'The Chariot' of conflicting ideals, down a path broken in two, led by two creatures with alternate destinations. Never before had I needed to call upon all my stamina just to continue forward. Fortitude came in the form of 'Strength', with my taming of the beast within.

Breaking free from all the drama, I encountered Wisdom in the serenity of silence. It was here I stepped back and became 'The Hermit'. Shut off & unplugged from the noise of the matrix, I reconnected with the Divine Source, the Spirit animating All.

As luck would have it, the 'Wheel Of Fortune' spun in my favour...and the world (in all fairness) repositioned itself. 'Justice' was done. I collected my riches and passed Go. In this higher orbit, it appeared as if everything were turned upside-down. The sky had indeed fallen. As 'The Hanged Man', I began to see Life from a whole new angle & Reality from an entirely new perspective. Sacrifices were made. I had to lose my 'self' in order to find my SELF.

The transformation came in the form of many outmoded beliefs & crutches falling away, dissipating into mist - dying embers in the cauldron of certainty. 'Death' knocked on my door with kind severity. Nothing was ever again the same. With patience, 'Temperance' appeared like an outstretched hand - carefully balancing the old with the new. I still found myself falling victim to obsession & materialistic desires every now & then - 'The Devil' eager to seduce me at every turn. As the unexpected struck like 'The Tower' crumbling towards the earth; like Saturn returning...I once again was shocked awake.

Hope rose on the horizon like Venus glittering away before dawn. 'The Star' shone - illuminating my shadowed sky with promise. Looking away from all I could see, I began to step into my mind, my imagination, my thoughts. 'The Moon' helped me pierce the veils that had grown down all around me - allowing me to navigate my way through the dark night of the soul.

Bursting to radiant life, Light exploded in a big bang of creative activity. 'The Sun' had reached its zenith. Contentment experienced. I basked in the warm glow - a loving son of the universe.

With the trumpet sound of Gabriel's horn, I arose once again - not through the sky, but rather, through the dimensions. 'Judgement' consisted of ascending through vibrations, colours, sounds...seeing them all as aspects of That I AM. How could I possibly not feel anything but utter Unconditional Love once I realised that I AM everything & everyONE...? In this clarity, All became crystal clear. Through this face...a thousand I's looked out...at Its SELF.

In this attainment, in this knowing I AM 'The World'...I AM back where I started; the last step again the first. As Omega, So Alpha. Forever great 'Fool', I have walked the path from Infinity to finite experiences, and back to Infinity again. The Cycle complete. The Circle : perfect.

Add to all this my magician's tools - the elements which comprise my manifested reality : The Wand (Fire), The Athame (Air), The Cup (Water) & The Pentacle (Earth). These constitute my day-to-day. And I wield them knowingly.

This has been my story. Told a thousand times. Through one hero at a time...

Blessed Be,
A Thoroughly Wicca'd Point of You : OM...

*I've been studying the Tarot for half my life, had several teachers in that time, written many articles on the subject, and have given numerous Tarot readings over the years. I am a member of The Tarot Guild of Australia, and as an avid collector, have amassed close to 200 Tarot decks (and counting!). My only credentials are experience & my passionate enthusiasm for Tarot.

Life's a pack of cards...and we're all Tarot Readers at heart. Let's shuffle that deck and start reading those cards!

[Omnitheus Oneironaut]

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"The Soul never thinks without images" ~ Aristotle.

Tarot-fied? Hardly! The exact origins of the Tarot has been lost. Some claim it originated in ancient Egypt (even going as far back as Atlantis...did the Wise Ones create it before their known & imminent destruction?), others say its origins lie in medieval Europe. Did the gypsies bring it over from India? Or did a European council of elder witches come up with it before being unceremoniously burnt at the stake? Were these '22 Sacred Steps of Enlightenment' (& accompanying 56 'elemental' steps) disguised as simple playing cards to ensure the survival of this ancient wisdom? Whatever its origins, the tarot is replete with symbolism. It is a pictorial YOUniverse of archetypes...where the projected imagery reflects the inner state of consciousness of the querent.

The Tarot is made up of 22 'major arcana', and 56 'minor arcana'. The deck of 52 playing cards (plus 2 jokers) we know today is derived from the tarot, with the major arcana and pages being dropped.

The major arcana are symbolic representations of the process of life, reflecting major stages of psychological and spiritual development. They represent basic and eternal characteristics, which the famous Swiss psychologist, Carl Jung, called 'archetypes'.

The minor arcana are more concerned with everyday events and people in our lives.

*For info on The Fool (& his enlightened divine aspect), go here:

http://youphoria.ning.com/profiles/blogs/uri-the-fool

A Thoroughly Wicca'd Point of You : I AM
OM...