The Tarot is a deck of 78 picture cards dating back to 15th Century Italy. In the past it was used for divination although most modern practitioners see it as a tool for self-discovery rather than fortune-telling.I always use the Rider-Waite deck because these traditional images reflect my own Jungian view of the way in which we relate to the cards. If you would like a more in-depth look at The Tarot and its place in the modern world go to www.mistletoemoon.com – other websites are available!
Like many other people, I use the Tarot as a focus for meditation – which is just a fancy way of saying that the cards give me the basis for a daily practice of just a few minutes of peaceful time to contemplate an aspect of my life. It is not as self-absorbed or navel-gazing as it might seem. It provides a foundation for my thoughts about something or somebody else in my life.
Why not give it a try?
Tarot Card of the Week: The Three of Swords
The Three of Swords shows a heart pierced by three swords, beneath clouds and rain.
The threes of each suit in the Tarot are traditionally associated with planning ahead and preparing for the next stage in life. The swords are associated with decision-making and with the rational, logical ways in which we use our minds. They remind us that we do not always see things as they really are: at times we are beset by negative thoughts and illusions and cannot always be sure that we are seeing the truth. Words, like swords, can be double-edged and cutting. We must learn to use them carefully and not to hurt those who challenge our view of the world.
The Three of Swords is often represented as a sign of heartbreak, loss and feelings of loneliness and isolation. The fear of losing someone that we love, or feeling left out and alone, cut off from friends or family – this card tells us to take a deep breath and try to take a rational approach. We must remember that there are others who have experienced what we are going through and can share our pain and understand the way we feel.
Sometimes we see this card when we are faced with a difficult decision to talk to someone about painful subjects. Telling someone that they are no longer needed at work or that their behaviour is unacceptable, or perhaps giving honest but harsh advice; “Being cruel to be kind”, is a classic description of the type of challenge seen in this card.
In terms of planning and preparing for the next stage in life, this is a time when honesty will pay dividends in the future. Facing up to the realities of your life at this moment might be uncomfortable but it will give you the freedom to move on and to make a better future.
Miranda Smith
