As the man who coined the terms collective unconscious and synchronicity,Carl Gustav Jung has been a mega-influence not only in the fields of psychology and human consciousness, but also in the in the world of tarot readers, psychics and mystics alike.
His ideas, though not directed at Tarot, have certainly shaped how many readers see the cards.
Tarot readers often describe the images from the deck in terms of archetypes, a concept thoroughly examined and expounded upon by Jung.
And the whole process of tarot reading itself might be described as ‘intended synchronicity’. We’re actively creating a meaningful, acausal event meant to access information from the unconscious.
Though Jung doesn’t mention Tarot at all in the clip below, it’s well worth watching anyway.
It’s from a BBC interview in 1959. In it Jung talks about fear, time, space, death and why it’s so important for us to know ourselves as best we can.
It’s part 4 of 4 and starts mid-conversation. If you’d like to see the others parts, links are posted below.
Waiting and watching will probably be a bit of a preoccupation today. You’ve begun the process and have done all you can for the moment.
This might be a good time to review the steps you’ve taken so far. Make sure that you’ve got yourself balanced before the real journey begins.
Virtue is likely to be a key concept. Virtue here means being true to yourself within and between all your layers – mind, body and spirit.
Are your emotions in line with your thinking? Are you acting in a way that accurately reflects you’re beliefs and feelings? Explore these questions and relax. Your ship will arrive soon.
The history of Tarot cards has been filled with mystery. Stories of Egyptians, Gypsies and Atlantis have figured prominently.
But most such tales are nothing more than fiction.
In fact, the Visconti-Sforza deck is the oldest known Tarot deck to exist, and it’s from 15th Century Italy.
There’s nothing Atlantian, Egyptian or Gypsy about it. And from all accounts, it was originally used for nothing more spiritual than a good game of cards.
How then has the Tarot deck come to be such a staple of the occult?
When did it change from being used for games like Tarocchi, to being considered a doorway to the spirit world, or even a window into our unconscious?
Everything is in this book. Incredibly thorough descriptions of different decks, western occult theory, and the histories of many magical societies and their colourful members.
Organizations like The Brotherhood of Luxor, The Theosophical Society, The Golden Dawn and the Holy Order of MANS. People like Etteilla, Èliphas Levi, Aleister Crowley, Arthur Waite, Ouspensky and Eden Gray.
These are just a few names from a long and convoluted history full of revelations, betrayals, chicanery and some serious pursuit of spiritual awakening.
It’s an incredible story. And perhaps a little surprising for anyone under the impression that seeking spiritual enlightenment is the same thing as finding it.
This book was first published in 2002 and doesn’t look at many decks past 1970, but it’s fabulous.
If you’re interested in knowing how today’s Tarot came to be, check it out.
The Moon moves into Aries today and will stay there until Monday.
Translating this transit into Tarot Cards, it would be like the High Priestess is wearing the Emperor’s clothing. She’s in scarlet and armor and is ready for battle.
The Moon in Aries, or High Priestess in the clothing of the Emperor, is a time of intensified emotions. You might feel an increased desire to shape your own world.
Rather than sitting back in stillness, this transit encourages the loosening of emotional restrictions and the conscious expression of enthusiasm and/or passion.
It might be uncomfortable at first, but allow yourself to speak out loud. Take steps forward to let people know what you know and what you love.
Try to remain objective and open-minded while acting with determination and direction. It might sound impossible, but you can do both if you try.
It looks like you may have set yourself up just right. You’ve created the space you’re in through determined effort and hard work.
Step by step you’ve manifested your own prosperity and this is a wonderful time to enjoy it. It hasn’t always be easy but the rewards are well worth it.
Be generous with your prosperity, and kind to those that haven’t quite done it yet. People might come to you for practical advice or help. Or maybe it will be you taking that step to approach a kindly soul who could help you.
Don’t hesitate either to help or to ask for help. We’re here for each other and create the most beautiful of worlds when we work together.
I pulled the 2 of wands when I asked for a card to describe the Canadian federal election.
The card shows a man between two poles. He’s gazing over land and water, holding one pole in his left hand, and a globe in his right.
It looks like he’s trying to make a decision, each pole a distinct option, though very similar in style.
Could the decision be between the Left and the Right, with a whole world between the two philosophies?
This federal election is a choice between opposites. The future of the Canadian world is at hand.
The 2 of Wands is labeled ‘dominion’ in the Thoth deck. Interestingly enough, that’s an important word for Canada.
The constitution of 1867 proclaimed the Canadian federation to be ‘one Dominion under the name of Canada.’ And the phrase ‘Dominion of Canada’ was common until the 1970s.
3 of Swords
When I asked about leadership, I got the 3 of Swords.
Hmmmm, this is kind of tough. There seems to be serious disappointment with the three major choices Canadians are being offered.
Canada has five parties really, but two of the five aren’t likely to provide our next prime minister.
The other three all have a chance, but from the looks of this card, there’s no happy choice.
The leaders in this election seem en par as far the race goes, but they might all be concerned that they’ll be faced with another minority government. Something that none of them want, but all might expect.
Lack of communication and embedded, historic animosities have led to a situation where it’s difficult for any of them to get along.
The leadership situation is causing sorrow for all.
#20 Judgment
The card I got when I asked about ‘citizenry’ was #20, Judgment.
This is an interesting card to describe citizenry – people rising from the grave to the rousing call of an angel.
The figures are gray and naked. Their arms are upraised, welcoming or praising the angel above.
I don’t like to say it, but it looks like this group needs some new life breathed into them. The Canadian citizenry might need some uplifting.
Citizens are people, families trying to crawl out of a hole. They’re looking for and welcoming of a strong leader.
It’s almost like they’re looking for some sort of miracle to lead them onto the next stage.
6 of Wands
But maybe there’s reason for hope. I pulled the 6 of wands when I asked about ‘democracy.’
Looks like someone’s a winner, and everyone around him is cheering.
I’m reminded that the major 6, the Lovers card, often describes networking, opposites coming together, or choices that need to be made.
With the 6 of Wands, it’s the victory of this process. Everyone involved has made a decision and there’s general jubilation all around.
Democracy is the spirit of a people united.
I hope this is how I feel by the end of the election.
If you’re Canadian get out there and vote May 2nd. It really matters.
This isn’t the day for action. It’s time to slow down and take a close look at what’s been going on. And if you can do it from a different perspective – great! Choose a comfortable place to relax and review what you’ve been up to. It might seem like a sacrifice, but it’s well worth it.
Are there patterns in your life that seem to becoming more obvious than usual? This is a wonderful time to pay attention to how you’re life’s been going these last three months or so. Does it remind you of another time – maybe 12 years ago?
Look carefully at any people, places or things from your past (or that remind you of the past) that might unexpectedly appear. They might be highlighting particular areas in your life you’re repeating. Is it a repetition you’re happy with?
After you’ve done some review, start thinking about where you want to go next. Your old ways are almost over. Think about the new patterns you want to develop – you’ll be ready to start them soon enough. For now, relax, review and let yourself imagine?
The Moon moves into Pisces today, and stays there until Friday.
Described in Tarot cards, this transit would be like the High Priestess is dressed as the Moon.
She’s lost her material body and has disappeared into the celestial body that usually rests at her feet.
The Moon in Pisces, or High Priestess dressed as the Moon, is a time of increased perception, ill-defined understanding and what might be described as night vision.
During this time you could find your dreams feel more real than your daylight hours and what’s not said is louder than what is.
Fears might grow like a boogieman under the bed, but if you just take a peek, they’re as likely to be dust bunnies as demons or ghosts.
Be still, aware and fearless. It might be dark outside, but if there was ever a time you can navigate the unknown, this is it. Listen, breathe, flow.
Where you were thinking of starting something new? This is the time to do it. The energy of The Magician encourages you to start fresh.
Look around – I bet you have all the tools you need for this new enterprise. It’s only up to you to start making things happen.
Name your goal and start listing the steps you need to get there. Especially important is that first step. It can be big or small – just take it! You’re at the very beginning right now, don’t let the long journey ahead dissuade you from going forward.
You can’t go back, so what the heck? Focus on what it is you want to achieve and you can make anything happen.
Beware though, don’t try fooling yourself or others, there’s no need for deception. It will only lead you down the wrong road right from the start. Stay true to your plan and keep yourself focused.
You can do what you need to without resorting to trickery or lies. It’ll work out much better in the long run if you stick to the truth.