Tarot and Magick

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 23 Nov 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

xlar54	23 Nov 2002
Im curious to hear about anyone's magickal workings with Tarot. Ive heard a little about this practice, and I know some of you do not necessarily subscribe to the Craft. If not, feel free to ignore my question. As is obvious, Tarot is used as a tool of divination. Can it be used in other ways such as spell casting? Thanks X

DeLani	23 Nov 2002
The tarot is a very powerful meditation and focusing tool. It can be used in spell working (or creative visualization, for you new age types) by focusing on the images/symbols in a certain card. For example, tonight I went to a healing circle for a friend. I made a color copy of the Art (Temperance) card from my Thoth deck and put it on a healing candle for my friend. The Temperance card is a card of healing; the symbols and colors talk to our subconscious mind and re-inforce that message. Does that make sense?

LeaRay	24 Nov 2002
I have used tarot cards for spell work. Usually what I do is choose between 2 and 4 cards that sybolize what I am trying to achive with my spell. I will place them either in front or behind candles that are of the appropiate colour for my spell. I find the cards do help me focus on my goal, and what I want to attain though the spell. The book that comes with the Celtic Dragon deck has some tarot/candle spells in it. Blessings! LeaRay

MystiqueMoonlight	24 Nov 2002
Quote: Originally posted by xlar54 As is obvious, Tarot is used as a tool of divination. Can it be used in other ways such as spell casting? X Aaahh Grasshopper you have much to learn :) Divination is one of least most important uses for the Tarot. Uh oh I may have stirred up a hornet's nest now *giggle* })

Umbrae	24 Nov 2002
Tarot cards are great for spell-work – they provide a wonderful tableau upon which to focus.

WolfSpirit	24 Nov 2002
If you use the search function at the top of the page and search for spells or magick you will find older threads on this subject. A book many people here find useful is Janine Renee's "Tarot Spells" but you can also do your own thing. Hope this helps !

Sulis	24 Nov 2002
I sometimes use tarot cards for spells. I tend to favour simple candle or chord magic but if I feel I need some extra focus I`ll use the appropriate card. Love and light Crystalmynx xx

Celtic_Dragon	24 Nov 2002
Quote: Originally posted by DeLani The tarot is a very powerful meditation and focusing tool. It can be used in spell working (or creative visualization, for you new age types) by focusing on the images/symbols in a certain card. For example, tonight I went to a healing circle for a friend. I made a color copy of the Art (Temperance) card from my Thoth deck and put it on a healing candle for my friend. The Temperance card is a card of healing; the symbols and colors talk to our subconscious mind and re-inforce that message. Does that make sense? I love that idea DeLani! That's going to have to be my christmas present for some of my friends since this year isn't going to have as meny bells and whistles as last year. If you know what I mean. (no $$) Quote: Originally posted by MystiqueMoonlight Aaahh Grasshopper you have much to learn Divination is one of least most important uses for the Tarot. Uh oh I may have stirred up a hornet's nest now *giggle* Exactly, what do you mean by *least*? (just a question, not a hornet)

Sea Sprite	24 Nov 2002
Hi Xlar54, A good book to check out is 'Tarot Spells' by Janina Renee and Redwood has this book up for trade or sale if you're interested. :)

SlyR	24 Nov 2002
Tarot has been an integral part of Hermetic Magick for ages. In fact, groups like the B.O.T.A. and the Golden Dawn are generally of the viewpoint that the Tarot is primarily a book of Qabalistic wisdom, and that divination is only one small function of many which the deck serves. I can't say that I know as much as the others here on spellcraft, because my path is more defined by pathwork and astral work than spellcasting. I assume that the Tarot might even be helpful in non-Cabalistic ritual, but I couldn't pretend to understand how.

lupo138	25 Nov 2002
a lot of authors strongly recommend a reading before a ritual in order to find out where the dangers of the ritual are (hidden).

paradoxx	25 Nov 2002
There is a hardcover tarot spellbook with some interesting rituals in it. The spell that utilizes the devil card is used to banish negativity from your life and may even be concluded with turning the card over at the end of the ritual. When i find the name of the author i will post it, the definition for the spells can also be applied to card interpretations.

MystiqueMoonlight	26 Nov 2002
The book you may be thinking of is Tarot Spells by Janina Rene. I, personally, don't go for this type of book as it encourages the untrained to delve into things they are not properly prepared for. That can be quite dangerous.

WolfSpirit	26 Nov 2002
I think the book by Janina Renee is ok for giving suggestions how you can use tarot cards in spells, for people that are already familiar in spellwork. It is one of those spell books as there are so many in the shops now, that make spells look very easy and don't consider the consequences. If you are new to this and seriously want to learn to do spells I suggest you read other books as well. I find "Making Magick - what it is and how it works" by Edain McCoy helpful, it does not have many spells in it but she explains what things there are to consider in doing spellcrafting. But there are probably many other good books.

vijeno	26 Nov 2002
In spring this year, I did a spell for more attractiveness from the "Tarot spells" book. Did it work? Yes. To a degree that made me rather cautious about doing another one. I'm still enjoying, and suffering from, what resulted from it (or just happened after that by sheer coincidence, if you're more the rationalist type *gg*). vijeno

Silaria	26 Nov 2002
I've used Tarot cards to help focus energies in some spellwork. Sometimes I'll just place the card on the altar in front of me. Other times I will hold the card and channel energy into it until I'm ready to release it. (I release the energy by "slamming" the card on the altar.) I purchased a deck of cards, the Mythic Tarot, specifically for spell workings.

The Tarot and Magick thread was originally posted on 23 Nov 2002 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.