It may not be as mystical as it sounds. Here’s my approach to using Tarot cards, paired with some scientific insights. Please follow along.

Every December, I engage in a Tarot reading. In 1980, a mutual friend gifted me a small Ryder Waite deck, which has since aged gracefully, showing signs of love and use. It’s what one might call a seasoned deck.

I want to clarify that I am not a professional Tarot reader. While I explored the New Age movement, I distanced myself from that community years ago. Some elements linger with me, but much of it veered into absurdity, a trend we are witnessing today. This isn't the focus of this discussion.

Instead, I aim to explore how to leverage an ancient practice not merely for entertainment but for meaningful guidance. It took me years to arrive at this understanding, and the readings I conduct have proven to be surprisingly beneficial, if not remarkably precise. However, managing expectations is crucial.

To provide some context, I began working with a GI Gurdjieff Fourth Way practitioner in 2008. That’s another story altogether, but he introduced me to his detailed Tarot card readings. While I had dabbled in this for fun over the years, his methodical approach was immensely appealing. His interpretations were not just enlightening but also educational.

I have conducted a reading each December, recording them for reflection.

Ultimately, I discovered that Tarot cards facilitate a dialogue with oneself.

Rather than serving as definitive predictions, they reflect potential outcomes. One can strive to realize the predictions or approach the reading with a sense of curiosity. This is a fundamental lesson I absorbed from Lari, with whom I worked for nearly a decade.

Most importantly, I learned that the reader does not bear responsibility for the reading's outcomes or how one chooses to act upon them. If things unfold differently than anticipated, that responsibility lies with the individual, not the reader.

Without delving into personal details, after parting ways with Lari a few years ago, I decided to continue with my readings. My initial attempts were awkward, but I gradually invested in the books Lari had recommended. I began recognizing the terminology and understanding the nuances behind planetary influences and elemental references. The intricacies began to resonate deeply. This practice is intricate and intuitive and should not be approached lightly.

Those with a superficial grasp of Tarot often misinterpret its messages, such as mistaking the Death card for a negative omen. In reality, it conveys a beautiful message of renewal, unlike the Tower card, which signifies impending upheaval.

While I had employed the Ryder-Waite deck for years, I was recently drawn to the exquisite pagan illustrations of the Robin Wood Tarot. Although these images could benefit from greater diversity, their raw beauty is captivating.

The resources I rely on include Tarot, Plain and Simple and Tarot, Beyond the Basics by Anthony Lewis, alongside Introduction to Tarot by Susan Levitt. The Internet is also rich with valuable materials for more in-depth insights and charts. Part of mastering Tarot involves understanding the different card types, their meanings, the symbolism of their imagery, and how their position in a reading influences interpretations. It’s truly a science in its own right.

What Lari and I used to do, and what I continue to practice, is creating Zodiac readings. Each card's position corresponds to a Zodiac sign. Astrology, while a separate discipline with its own merits and drawbacks, is not the focus here. There’s value in ancient wisdom and knowledge, provided we recognize their limitations, primarily those we impose on ourselves. With that in mind, let’s move on.

Last December, after relocating to Oregon and navigating through the challenges of Covid, I conducted a reading. I had postponed it, as I was overwhelmed by the upkeep of my new home and the relentless tasks at hand. Once most of that was settled, I revisited the file and began my work.

The detailed analysis took about four hours. I was astounded by its revelations. I hadn't looked at it in months, and the reading confirmed what had transpired, what was currently occurring, and why I had much to look forward to.

The reading outlined possibilities, not certainties. Here’s what I found, all of which was clearly indicated:

1. I would make a significant move and start anew. Confirmed.
2. I would invest in real estate and establish myself. Confirmed.
3. I would approach my finances with greater seriousness and responsibility. Confirmed.
4. My recent relationship was limiting and would come to an end. Confirmed.
5. This year would signify a fresh start and the establishment of roots. Confirmed.
6. Writing would become a source of success and achievement. Confirmed.
7. My daily routines would bring immense joy. Confirmed.
8. My body would recover from illness and injury. Confirmed.

I could elaborate further. As I explored the layered meanings within the card imagery and the nuances of astrological influences, I gained deeper insights into the situation at hand.

This process was enjoyable, partly because I now know how to navigate this realm for myself and partly due to its intuitive nature.

Speaking from years of experience with esoteric wisdom, and not claiming expertise, what struck me during this practice was how much more accessible Tarot becomes once I release the notion that it is meant to predict the future.

Tarot does not forecast outcomes. The cards I draw reflect the possibilities within me. Whether I harness those potentials or falter in those areas is contingent upon my choices, not the cards themselves.

It seems fair to say that esoteric sciences assist us in coping with life. This role is distinct from prediction. Over the years, as I revisited readings with Lari, I consistently found valuable lessons:

1. The clues were always present. My inability to interpret them is not the Tarot's fault.
2. For me, Tarot serves as a buffet of possibilities and omens.
3. Tarot often affirms past events. We frequently fixate on our desires and the forms they should take, which blinds us to actual occurrences. This limitation curtails what Tarot can offer.

The essence of the term "arcane" signifies understood by few. Despite decades of engagement with Tarot, I'm only beginning to grasp its true potential and its limitations.

In a time when many advocate for a scientific, rational worldview (and any world that can elect Trump or support him again hardly seems rational), should we dismiss ancient methodologies as absurd?

Is Tarot, Astrology, Numerology, and similar practices nonsensical? That’s subjective. If challenged, I could easily highlight some of the more absurd and entertaining religious beliefs that are widely accepted and fervently defended, despite their contradictions. A deity of pure love, it seems, holds a grudge against certain dietary choices on Fridays. But has that changed? As George Carlin once humorously pointed out, many are likely facing eternal consequences for a simple snack.

A deity of love and forgiveness, unless one believes in the "wrong" god. If you’re not part of a certain faith, eternal damnation awaits. Really?

Is Tarot any stranger than this?

Let’s consider Catholicism's concepts of Limbo or Purgatory, or the beliefs of Scientology and Mormonism.

And people deem Tarot peculiar? Numerology as evil? Astrology as the Devil's handiwork?

Does this render individuals foolish? Not necessarily. It merely indicates that if a belief system isn’t your own, it may seem odd or misguided. In a world where some revert to believing the Earth is flat, I would personally choose Tarot. It intertwines with everything, as all practices aim to help us navigate life and, hopefully, foster harmony. Religion, however, is currently failing in this regard.

All scientific understanding likely originated from what was once deemed magical. The mysteries of the human body, long ago viewed as vapors and spirits, are now recognized for what they are. The gods of thunder and lightning are now understood in terms of electricity and natural forces.

Having names for these phenomena does not diminish their power or intrigue.

The realm of mathematics embodies magic, logic, and remarkable connections, creating a beautiful symmetry. Numbers govern our existence, our understanding of energy, and countless other aspects of life. Math is both simple and profound, capable of driving innovations like space exploration and the Hubble Telescope, named after my distant relative, who was apparently quite the character.

Mathematics is magic named, better understood, and harnessed.

This leads me to ponder whether numerology might possess some genuine logic. But that's another discussion and perhaps beyond my expertise.

If I may, with respect to my fellow beings, what we refer to as "arcane sciences," or perhaps nonsense, could eventually be recognized as forms of energy influence.

Consider this: recent revelations in science confirm the existence of a black hole consuming a neutron star.

Okay, let’s reflect. First, the mere knowledge that such phenomena exist is astonishing. Second, our ability to detect these events, which transpired billions of years ago, is equally impressive.

If this isn't a form of magic disguised as science, I’m not sure what is. Mathematics provided us with the tools to observe the tiniest particles and even capture the sounds of cosmic events from eons past.

The capability to launch spacecraft into the cosmos and accurately predict their trajectories is nothing short of miraculous. All of this is rooted in mathematics and science.

Observing the Hubble Telescope's images is simply incredible.

If you ask me, that’s remarkable, regardless of your opinion.

We now recognize that our gut microbiome significantly impacts our health and well-being in ways we never anticipated.

If that revelation doesn’t illustrate magic masquerading as science, I don’t know what does. Renaming concepts doesn’t alter their essence. We did not demystify them by assigning labels; rather, we enhance our understanding. The same could apply to various lesser-understood sciences that have persisted for centuries.

For me, Tarot represents an additional perspective and a playful means of interpreting my world. After years of exploration, I’ve grown to understand how to utilize the cards effectively. While I’m not seeking an easy answer, here’s a prime example of what I discovered:

When I noticed two Sword cards in the spread positioned in Leo and Libra, I surmised that reconnecting with my ex was unlikely to yield solid ground. However, that didn’t deter my willingness to engage with him for the following seven months.

I chose to interact, aiming to learn whatever lessons lay ahead and take ownership of the outcomes. I’m genuinely grateful I did.

However, when challenges arose, I was already aware of their likelihood. Likelihood, not certainty. I was open to the possibility that events could unfold differently. They didn’t, but I was not taken by surprise. That’s the distinction.

One last thought.

Exploring Numerology revealed that my birth number is 17, which corresponds to the Star Card in the Major Arcana:

In numerology, combining the two digits yields eight, which corresponds to the Strength card in the Major Arcana:

For those familiar with my writings, the above image holds significance in my life:

And this one:

And this:

So, do I believe there’s merit to these practices?

I’m not sure. But sometimes, it appears far more rational than the notion of an unbaptized infant lingering in Limbo until a Pope declares its abolition.

But that’s merely my perspective.

To me, all of this is magic, regardless of the labels we choose to apply.