Tarot For Magical Times

Tarot For Magical Times

Author: Rachel Pollack, Johannes Fiebig
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
2011
ISBN #978-1-57281-720-3

I can never say enough about Rachel Pollack’s work, and this book, co-authored by Johannes Fiebig, with a contributing article by Ernest Ott, is no exception. Reflected is a world of magical practices and interpretations for each of the 78 cards of the Tarot, coming from the perspective of two of the finest minds in the Tarot world.

In their forward the authors address the fact that these are changing times. They talk about the years 2008-2024 as representing a “phase” in which we find the planet Pluto in the sign of Capricorn. They note that the last phases that saw Pluto in Capricorn were the era of the Reformation (1516-1532), and the era of Enlightenment (1761-1778). The common thread here being that Pluto in Capricorn places focus on the basic tenets of both the individual and their culture being subjected to a process of change.

The Tarot is offered as a tool of change, and it is offered in a very unique manner. The first three chapters of this book serve as a kind of triptych, with each of the three authors (Pollack, Fiebig, and Ott) presenting their approaches on how the Tarot can best help us in these times. All three chapters are incredibly well written.

Pollack’s chapter, entitled “It is the Moment, Not the Date”, works with the concept of the Tarot as representing the larger picture of the world falling apart, and then coming back together in such a manner that the past is able to be released, and a new world ushered in. I have always liked the manner in which Pollack presents the Major Arcana in the “3X7” theory, with the Fool above the cards, and three lines of seven cards each beneath him. In this book, she presents other ways of looking at this progression: (1) in two lines of 11 cards each, with the first line as 0-10, and the second line being 11-21, (2) with the Fool as the journeyer, and standing above the other cards, and the World as the destination, and standing below the cards. Between them are two lines of ten cards each (1-10 and 11-20). The Minor Arcana are denoted in an interesting manner: Wands – the way of struggle, Cups – the way of the heart, Swords – the way of Sorrow, and Pentacles – the way of the earth. The Court cards are seen as forming their own group, representing people, as opposed to actions or events.

Fiebig’s chapter, entitled “Riding the Storm”, focuses on the cultural revolution, around the time period of 1968. He sees the hippie movement of the 1960′s, and the feminist movement of the 1970′s as the “chief agents” behind the mass circulation of the Tarot. He notes that as with all symbolic languages and oracles, the Tarot is of special help when we have reached a dead end using other means. He also notes that all three contributors to this book, without consulting each other, gave the Tower central importance. Not surprising, since this is a book about change. As Pollack did in her chapter, Fiebig bases much of his commentary on the events of 9/11, and different people’s reactions to it. He talks about the archetypes as representing patterns of behavior of the soul, and the “Twin Towers” in Manhattan being destroyed because of their symbolic importance. “Whoever dares an own design for a living becomes a “Rider on the storm”.”

Ott’s chapter, entitled “New Life Blossoms In The Ruins”, focuses on the astrological significance of Pluto in Capricorn. (Note: Ott is Head of the School of Astrology in Karlsruhe, Germany, and founder of the German Tarot Association.) He talks about the three phases of moving from the old world structure to the new world structure: (1) Destruction of Walls, (2) New Life blossoms in the ruins,and (3) Resurrection of all that is buried. He notes that Pluto in Capricorn aids a resurrection of the shadow in the horoscope, and tearing down the walls of fear.

There is a short section by Pollack on spreads, presenting ways of looking at one, two and three card spreads. Fiebig has added an excellent section on paying attention to the positive and the negative of the cards – IOW, reading with 360 degrees of meaning.

Each card is presented with a small, full color image from the Rider/Waite/Smith deck, a short description of the card, the divinatory meaning, reversed meaning, and an action that can be taken based on the energy of the card.

The final section in the book talks about the qualities of time – the decans of the twelve months, and the cards assigned to them. For example: the Aries month is entitled “Turning a Desert into a Garden”, presents the basic quality for the sign of Aries (21 March – 20 April), discuses the Emperor, Tower, and Queen of Wands, as well as the three decans (1st decan – Two of Wands, 2nd decan Three of Wands, and 3rd decan Four of Wands). Note: Each decan has a short discussion, as well as words of advice. For the 3rd decan of Aries, the Four of Wands, the advice is: “Don’t accept any rotten compromise. Avoid nitpicking solutions. Do not hide your true reasons and your authentic feelings. They offer the best motivation and guarantee beautiful results!”

We are in transformational times – the authors take this one step further and present the Tarot as being a prophecy for this transformational change, and a guide to a rebirth into a new world – both on the individual and the community/world level. Through the use of full color images and astutely written texts, the authors offer us a new way of thinking and a new way of being. For me, the presentation in this book was a magical as the concepts. And it doesn’t end there – the book will be coming out simultaneously in English and German versions!

Needless to say, I highly recommend this book as a quality addition to any Tarot library, and a wonderful resource.

© December 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

Visionary Shamanism

Visionary Shamanism -
Activating The Imaginal Cells
Of The Human Energy Field

Author: Linda Star Wolf, Anne Dillon
Foreword: Barbara Hand Clow
Bear & Company
2011
ISBN #978-159143131-2

“Visionary Shamanism” presents an incredibly incisive look at where we are now, and how we need to get where we are going. A little background – Linda Star Wolf is, amongst other things, the creator of the Shamanic Breathwork process, and a spiritual granddaughter of Seneca Wolf Clan Grandmother Twylah Nitsch. She first came to my attention through the work that she did with Nicki Scully (Anubis Oracle Cards, Shamanic Mysteries of Egypt).

The accelerated pace of spiritual growth on this planet has reached a point where old social/spiritual structures are breaking down, and new “leadership”, or, more correctly, “stewardship” is needed. Star Wolf places great emphasis on the thought that this is the time when we are all being asked to awaken the shaman within for the purpose of reaching our full potential as individuals. In this book, Star Wolf and Dillon talk about healing the past, learning from the future, and awakening what they call the “imaginal cells” within each of us.

Learning from the future was a concept that caught my attention immediately. By living in the present we consciously create our future, yes, but why not access the future in order to learn from it. Imaginal cells are another interesting concept – they represent energies in our auric field of what has already happened, and what will happen. They are stored in the blueprint of the invisible world – essentially, a hologram of who our highest, best self is meant to be. By opening a channel to these cells we get a glimpse of the best that we can be. We also have the opportunity to prepare ourselves for the new world to come.

In her foreword, Barbara Hand Clow starts out by saying: “Visionary Shamanism is a clear and simple book about a very complex and thought-provoking idea – we must download information from the future to be totally present and fully embodied now.” She notes the work that both she and Star Wold have done with their own past lives to come to a better understanding of the work that they were meant to do. She then goes on to comment on accessing information from the future, noting that there are many individuals that will be resistant to this concept, but that she feels that the time is right to explore this possibility. By accessing our future selves, we open up the option of choosing the future that we wish to have. The foreword ends with an interesting thought – “Use this book to tune into the imaginal cells within yourself, because they are the deepest wisdom in the core of your soul, which vibrates eternally in the very center of your heart.”

Star Wolf graces this book with a great deal of background on her journey of walking between the worlds. Through story and anecdote, we see her family background, and the important part that her grandmother played in her spiritual development. She places emphasis on each of us being co-creators of our life with God. Star Wolf Talks about her studies with Grandmother Twyla, and her unique experience when she crossed over.

Star Wolf talks about the shamanic path of transformation, and how to access our imaginal cells – in our auric field that contains information about both past and future experiences. By accessing our future experiences, we gift ourselves with the choice of the future that we really want. She notes that as multidimensional beings, we have the ability to walk between the worlds, and to be aware of existing in many worlds at once. We have the ability to move our consciousness to integrate all of our worlds.

Star Wolf talks about shape-shifting our Family Tree into the Cosmic Tree of Life. Our Family Tree is our family of origin, and all of the issues that surrounds it. In releasing these issues, we shift to the more universal Tree of Life, which symbolizes humanity’s place in the universe. There is a great emphasis places on the Neteru, or Egyptian Gods and Goddesses. This is information that has been channeled through Star Wolf, largely on her journey’s to Egypt with Nicki Scully.

Included with this book is a CD entitled “Musical Journey”, by Matt Venuti. It is focused on the chakras, and acts to support reaching a higher level of consciousness.

The material in this book is presented through story and anecdote. It flows easily, and can be used by individuals of any religious or cultural background, and all levels of shamanic experience. I find it to be a very accessible tool of personal empowerment.

© December 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

Capricorn New Moon December 2011

Christmas Eve (a big deal with my family – we have Sloppy Joe’s for dinner and then open presents!) brings us the New Moon in Capricorn (to join the Sun that already is in Capricorn). This really makes me happy, as I have a Capricorn Sun and Moon (yes, I do – I was born practically in Canada!), and am very much winter’s child. BTW – in case you have not noticed, I am not an astrologer, I am a commentator. The hard core info re this (or any) new (or full) moon will have to come from someone else.

So, just what does a Capricorn New Moon bring us? The usual energy of new beginning that all new moons are, with a touch of Cappie tenacity, and determination. Whatever we sow this New Moon will have a very powerful intent behind it. Cappies do not do anything half-way, so it should be fairly easy to get a clear vision of where whatever seeds you are sowing are going to take you. Make these seeds the best of the best, and there is great power here.

Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, asks us to pay attention to our role in society, to what we can contribute to the overall well being of our community. Saturn also asks us to own our personal authority – to walk our talk, to speak up, rather than keeping silent. Be aware that while a new moon is all about new beginnings, when you walk your talk there are things that you will recognize as no longer serving you well, things that need to be released.

Over the past years I have seen change in myself regarding holidays, and I have seen this same change in others. We are not exactly “reinventing” holiday celebrations, but we are fine tuning them and developing new traditions, while at the same time releasing some of the old traditions that no longer serve us well. For me, this was not an easy process, but the world has changed, and I opted to change with it … albeit kicking and screaming at times.

With patience and persistence we can enter the New Year full throttle, filled with intent and purpose, and with a clear vision of that which we wish to create.

Questions that we might want to ask ourselves are:

1. What do I need to honor in myself?
2. What do I need to honor in my community?
3. How can I share my wisdom with others?
4. What no longer serves me, and needs to be released?
5. What no longer serves my community, and needs to be released?
6. What do I wish to accomplish in the year 2012? (Dream the big dream here … don’t hold back!)

Remember that this new moon is taking us into the year of the Hierophant. He is the conduit between the physical world and the spiritual world. He mentors us in things pertaining to our beliefs, or morals, our faith, and how we reflect this in our lives. This next year is going to be one in which we question our belief systems, in which we question our faith, and one in which we will be making the choice to release that which no longer serves us well, so that we can walk our talk. What better sign than Capricorn to help us do this deep inner examination, so that the seeds we are sowing will take us where we want to go!

© December 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

Winter Solstice 2011

On December 21^st we celebrate the Winter Solstice – the longest might, and shortest day, of the year. Soon we will begin to see our days lengthening – time seems to really have flown by! A definite marker for the cycle of the seasons, and the cycle of life. To understand how life has changed, think about how the solstice is viewed. In ancient times it was viewed from the point of view of the earth, and it was honored through the building of markers such as Stonehenge. Today, with our technology, we are viewing the solstice from the point of view of outer space.

 

The most evident sign of the winter solstice is the length of the day – the beginning of longer days, and shorter nights. Winter solstice is celebrated in the Pagan tradition as the time the return of the sun, and a time of rebirth. It represents the beginning of the new year.

 

Before I present a new solstice spread for 2011, I would like to share an article that I wrote for Tarot Elements about Winter Solstice 2010 – http://www.tarotelements.com/personal-development/a-time-for-reflection/ .

 

Winter Solstice is a time of transition from the old year to the new year. Picture the ubiquitous images of Father Time, representing the old year, retreating, and the baby in diapers representing the new year coming in. Let’s try and combine the energy of cycles with the energy of honoring our connection with Mother Earth.

 

11 12 13

8 9 10 1 2 3 4

5 6 7

1. Where I am right now.

2. How do I relate to Mother Earth?

3. What do I need to know about my relationship with Mother Earth?

4. How can I best honor Mother Earth?

5. What were my challenges in 2011?

6. Where were my opportunities in 2011?

7. Who/what supported me in 2011?

8. What do I need to release from 2011?

9. What do I need to honor from 2011?

10. What do I need to carry into 2012?

11. What am I birthing in 2012?

12. How can I best support my path in 2012?

13. How can I best honor myself?

Have fun with this! May this Winter Solstice bring you peace, joy, and hope for a healing, productive New Year!

© December 2011 Bonnie Cehovet

The Easiest Way to Learn the Tarot – EVER!!

The Easiest Way to

Learn the Tarot – EVER!!

Author: Dusty White

Edited by: Brenda Judy

Booksurge Publishing

2009

ISBN #978-141969288-8

This is, at heart, a 324 page workbook for learning the Tarot. (And yes, I do differentiate between a workbook and a book that aims to present material in a more textual manner.) I have several quibbles with the presentation of this book, beginning with the use of clip art on the front and back pages. This might be fine in some instances, but the manner it is used in here makes me think that the author takes a very cavalier attitude toward Tarot, and towards teaching the Tarot. There is an online site that acts to give 24/7 assistance in any problems that a student may have through the use of its forums. The site provides information on the book itself, a Tarot community with help, instruction, news, forums, and guest lectures by Tarot experts. The aim is to provide a system of education that combines self-teaching, individual tutoring, and community support. This is a very nice concept, and it may work well (I don’t know, because I did not choose to join the site), but there is extensive use of clip art, which really turns me off.

There is a front-sheet for the reader/student to place their name, the date that they started working with the book, and the name of their instructor. This is a good thought, IMHO, because it creates a connection between the reader/student and the work they are doing.

In his introduction, White states that he feels the images in the Tarot come from a time that is long since past in societal evolution, that they reflect political structures that are different from those of modern times. He then goes on to say that the Tarot is still a highly useful “study guide” for personal advancement along metaphysical lines, and a “nifty” tool for predicting future events. The core of this book is in answering the following questions about the Tarot: “What does it mean?”, and “How Does It Work?”

The Major and Minor arcana are referred to as the two “camps”, with the Major Arcana being the “spooky cards”, and the Minor Arcana looking suspiciously like a “normal” deck of playing cards, with an added face card. The exercises in this book are meant to help the reader/student understand the Tarot, and create a good working relationship with their chosen deck. The reader/student is advised to leave the “esoteric stuff” alone until they have developed a thorough understanding of their cards.

In “Section One – Getting Started”, the necessary tools are listed: this book, a deck of Tarot cards, and a notepad or journal. The decks that are recommended are any of the “Waite” decks by U.S. Games. Yes, this is my second quibble with this book. To recommend a deck for a beginner to use is one thing, to recommend a publisher is an entirely different matter. I highly respect U.S. Games, and the line of decks that they offer, but other publishing houses also offer Waite or Waite “clone” decks. The “Halloween Tarot” somehow also made it onto the recommended list, while the Marseilles decks are pushed aside as leaving a lot to be desired – they are “nice to show off at parties”, but a quick “down and dirty” reading is better done, in the author’s opinion, with a Waite deck.

The first table that is presented is actually one that I feel is a good foundation for doing readings, as it lists the four suits, with their corresponding direction, season, and element. The Minor arcana are defined as “making sense”, and providing the details needed for interpretation. The Major arcana are defined as a set of symbols of elements of existence or society, with the notation that they contain psychological correspondences. White notes that the Major arcana are too “vague” for daily use without the help of the Minor arcana to clarify them.

As a workbook, the material is structured for use in 30, 60, and 90 day increments. It is suggested for the first 30 days that the book be read in its entirety, and that the exercises be done in order of presentation. Once the reader/student is comfortable with each exercise, they are encouraged to work with simple spreads as often as possible.

Section Two includes a 30 Day Checklist noting each exercise and the skill level of the reader/student, a chart with room to list what the reader/student learned on each day. The first exercises offered have to do with getting to know the cards, both at “face value”, and “beyond face value”, which moves into the imagery on the cards. Another quibble here – the black and white scans used to illustrate the exercises are placed at artsy angles, which does nothing but irritate me. (Note: The deck used for illustrations is the Waite Tarot – what I would normally refer to as the Rider-Waite Tarot.) Exercises two through four are basically two card comparisons, with exercises five and six working with three cards. Exercise seven works with opening up a card, while exercise eight blending the meanings for two cards into a central meaning. Exercise nine talks about blending the meanings for multiple cards into a central meaning, with exercise ten turning multiple cards into a story. Exercise eleven, which is optional, has the reader/student taping an older deck to the wall (on the order of a multiplication table). The extra-credit exercises are actually interesting – they are two and three card practice spreads with a list of questions to be answered. There is a list of “really advanced exercises” that have to do with moving the cards around, which I really did think was fun and educational. The reader/student is requested at the beginning of Section Two to “toss aside” the Major arcana until a later time.

Section Three discusses one through three and multiple card spreads (including the Celtic Cross, Astrological and timing spreads). In “fun things to do with your Tarot deck”, White talks about putting captions on the cards. Does this open up how the reader/student views the card? Yes, it does. It’s also fun. As a writer I choose to do this through story, though, rather than putting captions on my cards.

Section Three also includes sample “cheat sheets” for the Minor arcana Pips (numbered cards) and Court cards, and the Major arcana. For the Minor arcana, there is space for keywords/concepts. The Major arcana is set up to include interpretation, reversed interpretation, and notes.

Section Four introduces the Minor arcana. Each card (Pip and Court) includes Name, Astrological Orientation (Cardinal/Fixed/Mutable), description, prime elements (number, suit, direction, element), traditional meaning, and traditional reversed meaning. There is room for notes from the reader/student, and questions for the reader/student to answer.

Section Five introduces the Major arcana. Each card includes title, description, esoteric interpretation, traditional meaning, traditional reversed meaning, and a list of questions for the reader/student to answer.

Section Six includes instructions for the first 30 days of working with this workbook, as well as instruction to visit www.AdvancedTarotSecrets.com for help and further information.

Appendix A deals with troubleshooting basic problems, Appendix B is a Tarot FAQ (listing of Frequently Asked Questions), Appendix C is a brief history of the Tarot, Appendix D talks about how to be a hit at parties, Appendix E talks about party games, Appendix F Secret Societies and Mystery Schools that the reader/student may wish to join, while Appendix G is a recommended reading list. At the very end of the book is a glossary.

This workbook presents a good system for getting to know the Tarot, and for reading with it. The buyer beware caveat here is that the author’s style is very breezy, which will not appeal to all people. I was interested to see that there was an associated site, which is there to support the book, but I don’t know how well the site functions, as I did not join it. This is definitely a workbook where I would say “Take what you will, and leave the rest behind.”

© December 2011 Bonnie Cehovet