Colette Brown - Tarot: From Novice to Pro in One Book

Dodona Books offers a broad spectrum of divination systems to
suit all, including Astrology, Tarot, Runes, Ogham, Palmistry,
Dream Interpretation, Scrying, Dowsing, I Ching, Numerology,
Angels and Faeries, Tasseomancy and Introspection.

The Fool is pictured as a young man setting off on a journey. He strides confidently into the unknown, which is usually represented as a path or road. Different decks use different symbols to represent the Fools inability to understand the dangers present in the basic life forces around him. Some decks show the Fool actually stepping onto thin air, some have a fierce beast clawing at his trousers and in others he is pictured with his house built on the edge of a cliff.

The Fools concerns are otherworldly; he is not governed by earthly pursuits. He is on a spiritual quest that will take him from birth to death; from innocence to enlightenment. He represents the spirit being born into a physical body. He has so much to learn, yet he is totally optimistic as he sets off on his quest. He senses that his journey is one of good, not evil, although he is unaware of the sorrows and difficult choices that await him.

The Fool is sometimes portrayed as a negative card; as one who behaves with foolishness, naivety and downright stupidity. These are certainly some of the pessimistic influences but it would be wrong to view the Fool as a negative card. We should view this card as we would the birth of a tiny baby who has all opportunities of the world ahead of him. We may fear for the child and hope that life is good to him, but we know he must travel his own road and make his own choices.

The Fool takes various ideas and dreams with him on his journey but he has not yet formulated a plan, or developed the perspective to put these ideas into solid, purposeful action. His expectations are high and he is ready for the challenges ahead; even though he has no clear idea of what these may be.

By the end of his quest he will have attained enlightenment in all areas of life. He will realize that his search for knowledge has been achieved and he will be ready to allow his spirit to be freed from his body.

Aspects to consider when the Fool is drawn:

• The possibility of fresh beginnings or changing to a different direction.
• The need for a person to accept that a time of major change and challenge lies ahead.
• The need to go back to basics and to let destiny reshape their life.
• The realization that it is a time of opportunity, when hope and excitement can lead them towards a new future.
• The presence of optimism which can transcend past difficulties and problems.
• The need to take a fresh look at surroundings, people or career and to lose the jaded feelings associated with age and familiarity. Try to see old problems in a fresh, enlightened way.

Negative influences of the Fool:

• Impulsiveness and naivety.
• Childish behavior.
• Bad decision making which hinders progress.
• Pig-headedness that rejects life forces outwith their experience.

When reading the Fool take great care not to frighten the inquirer or make them nervous about the challenges they will meet. Try to instill an excitement for a life about to change, and a hope for a brighter future.

The Fool can forecast changes in emotional life, work or lifestyle. The inquirer may partly be reacting to changes that are out with their control, yet it is important to emphasize the positive aspects of a new stage of their lives

The Fool is happy, trusting and open. Enjoy the Fool. Enjoy the excitement of stepping off a precipice into the unknown. Enjoy the vigor of youth.

The Magician card commonly shows a robed male figure standing in a sumptuous garden. There is a table in front of him on which lie the symbols of the four Minor Arcana suits: sword, pentacle (disc), cup and baton (wand). These symbols represent the four elements he uses to make his magic: air, earth, water and fire. His right hand is raised and he is holding a wand in it. His left hand points to the earth. The symbol for infinity, , is above his head.

The Magician is the card of intellect combined with skill in order to accomplish a task. Without intellect the problem could not be attempted. Similarly, if the necessary practical skill was absent we would quickly grind to a halt. Whereas the Fool card can bring airy ideas and impulsive notions, the Magician grounds these ideas and takes them at least one step forward before they can drift away or disintegrate. It is this combination of wisdom and pragmatism that makes the Magician an excellent card to see in any spread.

The Magician has an air of intelligence and solemnity around him. He is skilled in his art and completely confident in his abilities. He is focused and contained. His magic brings him acclaim but he is careful only to reveal the end result - never the work involved. But is it really magic he performs, or rather is he a totally organized, quick-witted trickster? Does he use his speed of thought and sleight of hand to manipulate his audience into believing that simple mind tricks are actual magic? He is also a good communicator who can dazzle with his eloquence.

How then, do we read this card accurately? I believe this card is generally positive. It suggests that new skills, which can prove to be invaluable, can be learned. They may be life skills such as confidence, communication or simply learning to value oneself. They may be job or living skills such as computing or gardening, which give basic practical benefits to a life-style. These additional talents invariably lead to increased self-confidence and a willingness to take risks with new ideas. The combination of understanding and efficiency allows projects and business opportunities to bear fruit.

I call this the boot up the backside card. Its presence is sometimes to warn that the brain is not being sufficiently stimulated and that the person has succumbed to inertia and tedium. Stretch the mind and strive to accomplish chosen aims. The Magician tells us it is possible to harness ideas and energy and to apply them in a sound, efficient way.

Aspects to consider when the Magician is drawn:

• The need to combine intelligence and practical skills.
• The need to study or retrain to realize ambitions.
• The need to take the initiative and push forward.
• The need to communicate clearly to prevent misunderstandings.
• The need to take ideas and ambitions and to put them in motion using careful planning, skill and self-confidence.

Negative influences of the Magician:

• A wrong course of action may be taken because of trickery or cunning.
• Indecision can lead to under-achievement with a resulting drop in confidence.
• The person may be deluding themselves when they think they have the skills required to complete a project.

When reading the Magician it is vital to stress the need for balance between intellect and practical skills.

If the person is training, or learning a new skill, it is important to boost their confidence. They may be finding it hard to believe in themselves.

If the Magician is surrounded by a majority of Wands cards it suggests new skills will be learned through a career change.

The High Priestess card usually shows a composed, thoughtful woman sitting between two pillars. She has a moon on her headdress and rests her foot on a crescent moon She has a cross on her breast. She has a scroll, or a book, on her lap that she keeps half-hidden from prying eyes. Her eyes are wide and knowledgeable looking.