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Overview
With Tarot Made Easy you can easily interpret the meaning of any card and apply it to the particular circumstances of your life. With the simple process outlined here, you need only choose one tarot card and then consult one (or several) of the 32 categories listed under each card—including Romance, Travel, Career, Finances, Friends, and Special Guidance—to discover the card's specific message for you.
For example, if you want to know about your romantic future and the Queen of Cups turns up, you may find that the standard description given is "an honest, devoted woman; loving intelligence and happiness." How should you interpret this? But with Tarot Made Easy, the Queen of Cups Romance category tells you that "someone will enter your life in whom you will be very interested...and you will meet this person very close to your home, if not outside your front door." This easy but accurate system banishes the vague interpretations found in most books and gives you the immediate, specific insights you need.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780743222969 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Atria Books |
| Publication date: | 07/18/2001 |
| Sold by: | SIMON & SCHUSTER |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 384 |
| Sales rank: | 1,010,288 |
| File size: | 53 MB |
| Note: | This product may take a few minutes to download. |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
Part 1
TAROT BASICS
WHAT ARE TAROT CARDS?
Simply put, Tarot cards are a means of predicting events or receiving guidance in both our inner (spiritual) and outer (manifest) world.
Every Tarot deck consists of seventy-eight cards. Not all decks are alike but all decks have three basic principles in common, even though the cards, symbols, and interpretations may vary.
1. Each deck is illustrated with symbols that depict experiences we've all had or could have at one time or another.
2. Each deck has two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana (or Lesser Arcana, as some books refer to it). The Minor Arcana is further divided into numbered cards and what is commonly referred to as the Court Arcana.
3. Each deck contains four suits: Wands (or Batons), Cups, Swords, and Pentacles (or Coins).
Traditionally, the Major Arcana depicts the greater events in our lives while the Minor and Court Arcana depict the more mundane, everyday aspects. I've given a more detailed description of the Major, Minor, and Court Arcana as well as the suits in the section on Tarot Symbology for those of you who want to know more.
No one is exactly sure how Tarot cards originated, but it's widely believed that the ancient Egyptian Masons developed them as a means of charting their important metaphysical and transformational discoveries.
Think of them as stories conveyed in pictures. I have used the Rider-Waite deck to illustrate this book, but there are many other decks to choose from and they are all equally valid. The cards are not "magical," "occult," or "evil." They have no inherent powers of their own. Since Tarot decks and books are chosen because you identify with them or they strike a chord within you, you empower them with your beliefs, attitudes, and personality and by your level of growth or understanding at the time you choose them.
HOW DO TAROT CARDS WORK?
I can't tell you how they work nor can I tell you how I walk, think, or digest food. I also can't explain why I know who's on the phone before I pick it up or what causes ESP experiences. I know, however, that it happens and that Tarot cards do work.
I believe that there is a higher wisdom or universal truth that we can all tap in to and that there are many methods of accessing this information. One of the easiest ways (but by no means the only way) is through the Tarot. Since our minds think in symbols, it's only logical that cards that tell stories through symbols could enhance our intuition.
My esoteric opinion comes from the understanding that everything in the universe (you, me, and the things we touch or see) is composed of pure energy, and I believe that this vast ocean of energy substance is God and that everything within it is God too. It doesn't matter if you call it God, the Universe, the Source, or even "the Force" -- it's all the same. And, since you and I are also energy, we are the Ocean too, even if we're functioning as drops. This means that to the degree we expand our consciousness and encompass this awareness, we have the ability to draw from it. So, we can think of ourselves as limited drops separate from the Source or we can see ourselves as part of the Ocean, open our inner channels, and receive guidance.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
You don't have to know anything about the Tarot in order to use this book. Nor do you have to memorize the meaning of the cards or understand their "esoteric" significance. All you need is a deck of Tarot cards and a question. The rest is easy.
Other books give a brief and often vague or symbolic description of the meaning of the cards in the "upright" and "reversed" positions. You then have to wade through a lot of symbolism and try to figure out how it applies to your question. In this book I present a different, easy-to-understand approach to interpreting the cards. So that you can get answers that apply more directly to your questions, I've created thirty-two specific categories of everyday life experience, such as Work, Success, Romance, Finances, and Emotional State, and explained what each card indicates for each of these categories.
Each card begins with a Focus (or general atmosphere) and ends with an Outcome. There are no reversed interpretations because they are not necessary.
Even the most advanced Tarot enthusiast knows how frustrating it is when you want to know something and you get a card that has nothing to do with the question you asked -- like asking about love and reading: "Strength of will bringing ideas to pass. Firm rulership resulting in peace and justice," and so on. With this book, every card has a Romance category, so if you want to know about love, you will get an answer about love. All you have to do is ask a question, draw a card, then look up the card you drew in Part Four, Interpretation of the Cards, and read the category you're interested in. It's that simple, that specific! You can read as many or as few categories as you like -- the choice is up to you.
EXPLANATION OF THE THIRTY-TWO CATEGORIES
1. FOCUS:
The focus category is a capsulized or nutshell version of the events or conditions coming up in your future. It's the crux of the matter, or the foundation on which the rest of the reading is based. The other categories emphasize specific areas of interest under the focus influence.
2. DESIRE:
This category reveals that which you now want, or that which you will want in time to come or as your future begins to unfold.
3. ROMANCE:
This category reveals actual events as well as movements of mind in the area of love and romance.
4. THE UNEXPECTED:
This category covers anything that comes as a surprise (be it good or bad).
5. OTHERS:
This covers the EFFECT of other people on you, or how another person will INFLUENCE your life.
6. THE HOME:
The home category relates to your home environment or place of residence, and the events or conditions within it. However, if you spend more time at work than home, it could represent that area.
7. TRAVEL:
This category is about short trips, long trips, comings and goings, and/or influences surrounding travel or travel plans.
8. PAPERS:
This category covers anything that involves papers, be it forms, books, documents, legal matters, artwork, presentations, ledgers. Anything where something is transferred from thought to paper can be included in the papers category.
9. WORK/CAREER:
This category covers your place of business, career, or area in which you find yourself operating most frequently, be it at home or in the field. This could also include housework, hobbies, school, or projects. If you're looking for work or have a question concerning your work status, this category will show the influences, conditions, or atmosphere surrounding your query.
10. UNIONS:
The unions category reveals "what will be so" about your unions with others, be it personal, business, or otherwise. If your question concerns personal unions, then it will answer in kind. If on the other hand it is about business partnerships or mergers, it will apply to that.
11. EMOTIONAL STATE:
This reveals how you feel as a result of the events that are transpiring in your life or affairs. It's a very important category in that it shows the emotional climate and, as a result, gives great insight into whether or not you're experiencing the events on the whole as being "good" or "bad."
12. PLEASURE:
The pleasure category defines the areas or avenues in which you will find the most enjoyment, fulfillment, or satisfaction. If, however, a negative disclosure should fall in this category, it's probably a good indication that you are not having very much fun during the period in question.
13. NEWS:
This category covers all forms of news, messages, or communications that will affect you, your future, or your state of mind.
14. FAMIILY:
This is an all-inclusive category. It relates to sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, wives, or husbands as well as distant relatives, aunts, uncles, and/or even friends that are so close either in heart or by proximity that they're considered family.
15. THE PHYSICAL BODY:
The physical body category reveals your health, and your mental, emotional, and/or spiritual well-being as well. It's important to note that other people may be experiencing a situation that is so strong that it affects you, or shows up in your reading as happening to you.
16. FINANCES:
This category covers anything that relates to money or finances.
17. TIME:
This category won't tell you when an event will happen (like "in November you will..."), but it's significant because it deals with the passage of time and how it will affect your wish or your affairs. It shows how or in what way the events of your life or things that concern you are shaping up.
18. FRIENDS:
This concerns the effect of your friends on you, or what will transpire as a result of a friend, and can include a relative or a lover.
19. VISITORS/CALLERS:
This category is about situations regarding people that come to visit or call you on the phone, and/or the status of any query in that area.
20. MAIL:
This covers anything that arrives by or is sent through the mail, from letters, cards, or packages to messages in motion, such as United Parcel Service, Federal Express, etc.
21. ANXIETY:
In everyone's life there are problem areas, things that upset, trouble, or create anxiety. This category will define what those areas are or where your difficulties may lie.
22. DISAPPOINTMENT:
This category describes what could let you down, hurt you, or upset you. It's about the things in life that go wrong, fall through, or discourage you. Most of the time it's a progression of the anxiety category, though not always.
23. ENDINGS:
The endings category covers situations or conditions that are being resolved or coming to an end.
24. NEW BEGINNINGS:
This category covers any new undertaking that will spring up and/or change the course of your experience. It can also include life-altering decisions and/or a new turn of mind.
25. INHERITANCE:
Anything that comes to you as a result of another person, place, or thing (be it material or spiritual) will fall in this category. It's not limited to a legacy or contingent upon the death of another, unless it is specified as such.
26. REWARDS/GIFTS:
This category covers anything that is given or that you yourself give. It's not limited just to material goods, as it also covers spiritual or inner gifts (like those gifts of the heart or spirit).
27. SUCCESS:
The success category is not limited to worldly or material success. It reveals what you consider to be your best achievement or greatest accomplishment at the time in question. It may also indicate where or from what direction your success will come.
28. FORTUNE:
This will disclose what you will be fortunate in or what will occur by chance, luck, or fate.
29. BLESSINGS:
This can be a very revealing category because it foretells that which you'll be grateful or thankful for in times to come.
30. SPECIAL GUIDANCE:
In this section you'll find whatever it is you need to know or understand about your question, as it tells you the underlying, unforeseen, or unknown elements that will make the way easier. It's divided into two parts, the Mundane and the Esoteric. The mundane deals with the practical, down-to-earth aspect and the esoteric deals with the spiritual heart of the matter.
31. BEST COURSE OF ACTION:
This is a very important category because it tells you the best way to proceed or action to take in order to realize your desire, deal with the elements involved, or overcome the difficulties connected with it. It usually works hand-in-hand with the Special Guidance category.
32. OUTCOME:
This is the probable outcome, end result, or summation of the reading.
If you want to know more about Tarot symbology, read on. If you're anxious to start right out doing a reading, turn to Part Three.
Copyright © 1989 by Nancy Garen
THE MAGICIAN
IN A READING
A Major Arcana always indicates an important event, category, or month, and will overpower all other cards in both impact and effect.
NUMBER I
Many 1s would indicate that a situation is about to begin or is in the beginning stages.
FOCUS
The focus is on new beginnings, manifesting desires, love's urgings, houses or property, finance, and the future.
DESIRE
You want to begin something new, to "do, act, or go forth," and/or are hoping for a miracle in your life or affairs.
ROMANCE
Though you don't think so now, a new romantic beginning or rekindled affair is at hand and a great love affair is imminent.
THE UNEXPECTED
You will suddenly become more goal-oriented or motivated and will have the wherewithal to attract whatever it is you need in your work environment, and/or you will receive a considerable increase in salary or income.
OTHERS
You'll be struggling to assert yourself or your work, but that is going to change dramatically.
THE HOME
It would be better to stay where you are than to go on a "wild goose chase," and if you've been concerned about the sale of a home or property, an offer will be accepted and it will be sold.
TRAVEL
If you are planning a trip or vacation, you will have to cut it short or postpone it.
PAPERS
You'll begin a new project or venture similar to something you just finished (but better), and papers will be involved. If you have to take a test, you'll pass with flying colors. Or, a transfer of ownership will be processed and completed.
WORK/CAREER
Expect a new beginning and a fresh start. A new partnership could also be in the making.
UNIONS
If you can't have your relationship the way you really want it, you won't be sure you want it at all.
EMOTIONAL STATE
You will be wound up and ready to go, ambitious, and in a state of positive expectancy, but at times you'll be too headstrong and impatient.
PLEASURE
A new love or strengthened old one will have some happy surprises in store. This could also indicate a pleasant social event or get-together.
NEWS
You are going to have to wait a day or so before you can resolve a dilemma, find what you need, or get a problem corrected.
FAMILY
A new course of action will ensue with a relative or there will be a change of existing plans with a family member and/or you will feel slighted by a relative.
THE PHYSICAL BODY
You will experience stress and/or will find it difficult to ascertain the problem or obtain the correct medication.
FINANCES
You will do very well financially or in your business transactions.
TIME
In time, you will experience a new beginning and attain that which you asked for, wanted or envisioned.
FRIENDS
You will get some much-needed help, advice, or counsel from a friend.
VISITORS/CALLERS
Expect a rewarding financial transaction, call for work, and inquiry.
Someone will try to deliver a package but you won't be home to receive it, or you will receive a letter regarding a financial transaction that will need to be acted on.
ANXIETY
You are going to have trouble maintaining a consistent attitude.
DISAPPOINTMENT
You will be disappointed because your romantic desires will be unfulfilled at this time, or you will have problems related to the sale of a home or property. Don't worry, it's not going to last.
ENDINGS
The old way is going to die and the new way begin. "The king is dead, long live the king!"
NEW BEGINNINGS
Expect a change in your love life because an aura of romance is going to prevail, bringing a new love or strengthening an old one.
INHERITANCE
You are going to realize that in the fulfillment of one desire lay the seeds of another.
REWARDS/GIFTS
You will be feeling that you're doing all the giving and that it's being taken for granted, or that what you're giving is unappreciated.
SUCCESS
You will be successful in money matters, creative pursuits, new projects or ventures, and any endeavor that you can do on your own.
FORTUNE
Luck will be with you in landing a new job or employment opportunity and/or beginning a new business.
BLESSINGS
You will be grateful for a lucky financial break or transaction, or the manifestation of an idea.
SPECIAL GUIDANCE
Mundane: A situation has been (or soon will be) presented that has all the inherent components of the manifestation of your desires. Take the best from it or move on it, because it is through this that a new potential will emerge.
Esoteric: You are only at the very first stage of your development and you must understand your place in the Cosmic Scheme of things. The Universe always gives more than you can conceive of or ask for...all you have to do is accept more. "Thou shall decree a thing and it shall be established unto thee."
BEST COURSE OF ACTION
The result will be up to you. It depends entirely upon your intention, and desire, or how much you want it.
OUTCOME
You are going to begin again on a new foot, or with a new partner.
Copyright © 1989 by Nancy Garen
Table of Contents
CONTENTS
PART 1: TAROT BASICS
WHAT ARE TAROT CARDS?
HOW DO TAROT CARDS WORK?
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
Explanation of the Thirty-Two Categories of Interpretation
PART 2: TAROT SYMBOLOGY
THE MAJOR ARCANA
THE MINOR ARCANA
The Suits
The Court Arcana
TAROT NUMEROLOGY
PART 3: HOW TO DO A READING
TIPS ON DOING READINGS
Phrasing a Question
Your Answer
Telling Time
Reading for Others
Clarification Cards
Helpful Hints
One Final Note
THE SPREADS
The One Card Only
The Three Card Spread
The Keltic Cross Spread
A Simplified Version of the Keltic Cross
The Zodiac Spread
The Zodiac Month by Month
The Category Spread
The Court Arcana
Spiritual Guidance
CREATING YOUR OWN SPREAD
PART 4: INTERPRETATION OF THE CARDS
THE MAJOR ARCANA
The Magician
The High Priestess
The Empress
The Emperor
The Hierophant
The Lovers
The Chariot
Strength
The Hermit
The Wheel of Fortune
Justice
The Hanged Man
Death
Temperance
The Devil
The Tower
The Star
The Moon
The Sun
Judgement
The World
The Fool
THE SUIT OF WANDS
Ace of Wands
Two of Wands
Three of Wands
Four of Wands
Five of Wands
Six of Wands
Seven of Wands
Eight of Wands
Nine of Wands
Ten of Wands
Page of Wands
Knight of Wands
Queen of Wands
King of Wands
THE SUIT OF CUPS
Ace of Cups
Two of Cups
Three of Cups
Four of Cups
Five of Cups
Six of Cups
Seven of Cups
Eight of Cups
Nine of Cups
Ten of Cups
Page of Cups
Knight of Cups
Queen of Cups
King of Cups
THE SUIT OF SWORDS
Ace of Swords
Two of Swords
Three of Swords
Four of Swords
Five of Swords
Six of Swords
Seven of Swords
Eight of Swords
Nine of Swords
Ten of Swords
Page of Swords
Knight of Swords
Queen of Swords
King of Swords
THE SUIT OF PENTACLES
Ace of Pentacles
Two of Pentacles
Three of Pentacles
Four of Pentacles
Five of Pentacles
Six of Pentacles
Seven of Pentacles
Eight of Pentacles
Nine of Pentacles
Ten of Pentacles
Page of Pentacles
Knight of Pentacles
Queen of Pentacles
King of Pentacles
What People are Saying About This
Tarot Made Easy is absolutely the BEST available on tarot...I picked it up about four years ago, and I couldn't imagine being without it now. It is so damned ACCURATE that it's scary sometimes. I have kept track of all the readings I have done for myself over the years, and the only things I can honestly say that didn't happen were things that I took heed of (due to the reading) and took steps to change. Thank you Nancy for writing such a wonderful book that ANYONE can use. I don't know how you did it, but I am in awe that you were able to translate the intuitive knowledge that you possess into a powerful tool that someone (like me) who doesn't possess your abilities (in full measure, anyway) can use with ease.
I love this book, which I have consulted almost every day for years. It's quick, easy, and very specific. My own copy went to Egypt and back with me, it's tattered and taped, has notes in the margins and all the pictures colored in. I've
never found a better book for doing readings for others. I highly recommend Tarot Made Easy, and eagerly await Nancy's new book.
— Eileen Holland, Author of The Wicca Handbook
As a reader, a metaphysical bookstore owner, author and teacher, I searched many months for a book like Tarot Made Easy. It has been and still is the best beginners tarot book on the market today. Although I carry many tarot books in my store, it is the only book we recommend and use exclusively for teaching. Not only is Tarot Made Easy a book for beginners, but even the most advanced reader would benefit from its contents. Nancy's insightful look at every aspect of each card is exceptional. Her subject categorization is not only unique, it makes reading and learning the Tarot, simple and to the point. It is written in plain, easy to understand English, yet incorporates the esoteric significance with grace and beauty. Nancy Garen is an exceptional writer and I would recommend her book to anyone.