Tarot Reading for the Neophyte

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NEOPHYTE GRADE: TAROT READING

Herein we begin by providing a method of learning the interactions of the system by keyword and Qabalah that the Neophyte might gain some technical proficiency in an easily learned manner. The elucidation provided is specific to the Thoth Tarot Deck, as it is the most definitive deck thus far created, and is aligned properly with the formula of the new aeon.

The Thoth deck is made up of seventy-eight cards being the twenty-two Major Arcana and fifty-six Minor Arcana. For the purpose of divination with the tarot, the higher self (mind of the omni-verse or macrocosm) is broken down and represented by the Major Arcana. The Minor Arcana represents those things that have an effect on the higher self through the conscious self and are expressed as external effects from the material world. Traditionally, a diviner was not to purchase a deck of cards, receiving them as a gift. Additionally, readings were done for others, not for oneself. The Thoth deck, however, is based on the principle of self-initiation, so that not only is purchasing them acceptable, but readings for the purpose of self-direction are required.

Major Arcana
Each of the twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana (numbered 0-21) is placed on one of the twenty-two paths of the Tree of Life and by extension, represents every aspect and attribution of the path it is placed on. Every shred of understanding gleaned of the paths and their interactions will shed more light on the true essence of each card and their complex interplays.

Learning the Major Arcana does not necessitate memorizing lengthy, overburdening details. Recalling a few key words for each card will enable the Initiate to receive vivid visions, impressions, and feelings and this, coupled with the perfected symbols of each card visually communicating the intent, will provide a comprehensible meaning. This is a far better method than quoting passages. After committing the key words to memory, further study revolves around the study of the basic correspondences of each card, such as it placing within the Hebrew Alphabet, the governing influences, and its interpretation in the four worlds. The best resource book for research on the individual cards is, The Book of Thoth, by Aleister Crowley which is both easy to find and relatively inexpensive.

What follows is the number, title, and the key words for each card of the Major Arcana.

0.

THE FOOL

spirituality, intoxication, folly, unexpected interference

I.

THE MAGUS

wisdom, skill, understanding, power, internal interference

II.

THE PRIESTESS

balance, passiveness, change, fluctuation

III.

THE EMPRESS

[mother] pleasure, success, beauty, idleness

IV.

THE EMPEROR

[father] power, dominance, ambition, rashness

V.

THE HIEROPHANT

inspiration, teacher, highest transformation

VI.

THE LOVERS

attraction, intuition, timing, union of opposites

VII.

THE CHARIOT

loyalty, temporary success, destructiveness

VIII.

ADJUSTMENT

alteration, balance of opposites, decisions

IX.

THE HERMIT

inner illumination, journey, to withdraw

X.

FORTUNE

positive change and material growth, sudden fortune, destiny

XI.

LUST

Magick force invoked, inner vitality, sexual union

XII.

THE HANGED MAN

forced self-sacrifice, redemption, death

XIII.

DEATH

transformation, sudden change, rebirth of the self

XIV.

ART

union of Magick forces, inner change, creativity, escape

XV.

THE DEVIL

sexual energy, lust, individuality, obsession

XVI.

THE TOWER

creation from chaos, courage, sudden death

XVII.

THE STAR

spiritual insight, unexpected aid, frustration

XVIII.

THE MOON

deceit, illusion, delusion, sexuality, impregnation

XIX.

THE SUN

growth, truth, prosperity, manifestation

XX.

THE AEON

definable decisions, a definite ending and new beginning

XXI.

THE UNIVERSE

clarity of whole situation, resolution, perseverance


The Minor Arcana
Each of the fifty-six cards of the Minor Arcana is placed in one of the ten sephiroth of the Tree of Life and by extension, represents the nature of the house where it resides. This is further simplified by the placing of the numbers into a single house (the four aces in Kether, the four twos in Chokmah, the four threes in Binah etc.) and by the unified nature of the four suits.

Therefore, learning the Minor Arcana (excluding the Court Cards) is best accomplished by first understanding the nature of the ten houses and the essence of the four suits. In this way the meaning of the ‘Two of Disks’ would be solved by defining:

                           What is the nature of the suit?

                           What is the nature of the second house?

These two answers and the perfected symbols of each card visually communicating the intent will provide a comprehensible meaning.
(element + number * symbolism = interpretation)
 Four suits and ten numbers are easily and quickly learned and provide a rapid method to the immediate deployment of the cards, delving directly into the work of interpretation. Attempting anything close to a full understanding before undertaking the practical study in the form of the readings would leave the Neophyte in a theoretical abyss of scholarly learning. A simple foundation, followed by practical application, and augmentation through continuous study is the optimal approach.

Below are two charts, the first contains the four suits and the second contains the ten houses. The symbolism for each card can be studied, with great depth and insight, in the Book of Thoth.

The Four Suits:

Suit

Nature

Positive

Negative

Wands

physical

energy, action, exploits

discord, conflict

Cups

emotional

pleasure, satisfaction

dangerous excess, intoxication

Swords

intellectual

inspiration, problem solving

sickness, environmental trouble

Disks

material 

worldly or mundane matters –

for better or worse

The Ten Numbers:

ACE

Kether

Unity

Elemental root: the pure form of the element represented in balance. The Ace always shows purity in what ever suit it is drawn. For example, if the cards show a great crisis under way and the Ace of Disks shows, then obviously the trouble will not be financial ruin or loss of possessions, but something from a different emanation

 

TWO

Chokmah

Duality

Negative to positive attribution of the root element, such as success after hardship. Although always a definite, definable change, a two's positive or negative qualities are dependent on the cards around it.

 

THREE

Binah

Cycle

Continual success through rotation. Lasting stability that has the seed to produce something new. The cycle is dependant on the suit, so with Cups drawn, it could show fertility (pregnancy), or with Wands, revolving conflict.

 

FOUR

Chesed

Quaternary

Physical aspect of the element. Success and failure and the positive and negative results that follow. The fours always appear to be more than they are. Although it affects everything around it, this changes little in its surroundings.

 

FIVE

Geburah

Evolution

Non-spiritual events and misfortunes. If weakness is revealed, could result in spiritual chaos. Affects the spirit, in spite of the fact that it is not from the spirit. An infliction upon the higher by attention from the lower.

 

SIX

Tiphereth

Illumination

Positive spiritual growth from within, resulting in worldly happiness. Any positive attributions of this card are completely dependent on the internal state and not environmental causes.

 

SEVEN

Netzach

Contention

Internal corruption resulting in eventual failures. No dramatic defeats and losses, only continual disappointment.

 

EIGHT

Hod

Chaos

Physical failure through inaction. Negative for Swords and Cups and positive for the Wands and Disks. 

 

NINE

Yesod

Change

Success through emotional dominance, inner feelings, and a compatibility with the current environment, usually after conflict. Shows many cycles interweaving, as well as complex and entangled events.

 

TEN

Malkuth

Stability

The best and the worst of any given situation, often showing the need for compromise and balance. Typically creates strife for Swords and Wands and harmony and compliance for Cups and Disks.

 

Court Cards:
Court cards represent a person(s), aspiration(s), or the social environment. Additionally, they sometimes represent influencing personalities. The diviner must decipher, from the clues available in the reading, which trait a Court Card currently represents. The suit of the card can be used in conjunction with its nature and symbolism to correctly interpret the card.

The Knight – (father) represents swift and often violent action, but not lasting, it passes swiftly.

The Queen – (mother) represents material forces, not rapid like the Knight, but enduring, steadfast, and unshakeable.

The Prince – (son) represents a rapid and enduring influence. This influence is positive except when in conflict with a Knight or Queen.

The Princess – (daughter) represents aid in the form of advice and support. She is strong, independent, but lacking in a sense of direction and therefore easy to conflict with, or to cause conflict.

The Knight and Queen compliment each other and almost never cause conflict. The Princes are usually a positive influence, except when they conflict with the Knight or Queen. The Princess can represent an ill influence if in conflict with any Minor Arcana card.

General Indicators:

Swords and Disks conflict. (air and earth)

Wands and Cups conflict. (fire and water)

Swords, Cups and Wands strengthen.

Wands, Swords and Disks strengthen.

Cards of the same suit generally show positive influences, even when the cards represent negative events. The Major Arcana represent unexpected forces or forces not instigated, and profoundly affect the Minor Arcana. The interplay of the cards eliminates the need to use reverse meanings. This is a black and white method of the old-styled tarot decks. The Thoth Tarot shows every shade of grey. Therefore, all cards are dealt upright.

Reading the Cards:

The hexagram, blank, and O.T.O. introduction cards should by removed from the deck and placed to the side. Take the remaining seventy-eight cards in hand, and shuffling three, six, or nine times. When a dispassionate and calm feeling is achieved, place the cards face down, front and centre. Cut the deck into three piles. Cut to the left. Then, put the cards into one pile, by gathering them from the right. The three piles represent the principles of Nuit, Hadit and Ra-Hoor-Khuit. Taking the shuffled and cut Thoth deck in hand, lay the cards out in the following order:

13     9     5                                                            4     8     12

                                          2     1     3

 14     10    6                                                           7     11   15

Card One: shows the current situation and influences.
Card Two: shows the current state of mind.
Card Three: shows the current environment.

Card Eight: influence or situation of the near future.
Card Four: state of mind in near future.
Card Twelve: state of environment in near future.

Card Nine: situation resulting from and after near future.
Card Thirteen: state of mind resulting from and after near future.
Card Five: environment resulting from and after near future.

Card Ten: advice on any situation represented.
Card Fourteen: advice on state of mind of any situation represented.
Card Six: advice on the environment of any situation represented.

Card Eleven: probable outcome: situations.
Card Seven: probable outcome: state of mind.
Card Fifteen: probable outcome: state of environment.


The daily reading: Shuffled and cut as before then laying the cards out in the following order:
2     1     3    
Card One: current situation at hand. Causal effect.
Card Two: current state of mind. Interior.
Card Three: current environment. Exterior.