Initial Attitude Survey

As you prepare to attend a class on the Tarot it is helpful for you to get an idea of your current understanding and presuppositions about the Tarot. There are many different opinions and ideas in the world about these cards. Take this survey and while it is a bit comical do consider carefully what you think about the Tarot, what you questions are about a deck and what it is you would like to learn and do with the Tarot.
In answering the question on the survey you may not find one that is exactly what you believe but the options cover a range of opinions so choose the one that is closest to your current response to the question.

1. Which of the following best describes your attitude toward the Tarot today?
· A. I am absolutely and totally convinced that Tarot is bunk. It's the stuff of store front psychics and frauds and cheats. It is for weak-minded people who need to be told what to do and can't bear to think for themselves. It's right up there with rabbits' feet and lucky charms and "Things that go bump in the Night." I'm as likely to use Tarot for personal insight as I am to use leeches to reduce my blood pressure
· B. I wouldn't say Tarot is a fraud, but I'm not convinced Tarot "works" in any meaningful way. Very likely, most of what Tarot has to say is so general that it could be made to fit any situation . . . and any success in prediction is more a matter of coincidence than anything else.
· C. At this point, I don't have an attitude toward Tarot either way. I am completely neutral.
· D. I think something might be going on with Tarot -- but I'm not sure what, or why. I've seen some peopled do things with the cards that I found interesting, and I'm intrigued by the possibilities. While I'm not quite ready to put on a turban and call myself "The Great Mysterioso," I am curious and I’d like to know more.
· E. I'm absolutely, totally convinced that Tarot works. I’ve got a Tarot collection that shocks most of my family and friends, and I consult the cards on a regular basis. I guess you could call me a True Believer -- in fact, I think the world would be a better place if everyone owned a deck of Tarot cards and used them every day.

2. How likely are you to "have your cards read" by someone else?
· A. Not very likely. Frankly I'd rather have a long, slow root canal.
· B. Somewhat likely. I might do it if you paid me, for example.
· C. Likely. I think it would be cool to have this done every so often.
· D. Very Likely. I'd like to have my cards read at least once a month or so.
· E. Extremely Likely. In fact, I want a reading every hour on the hour, just in case there's something coming up I really need to know about.

3. How likely are you to "read the cards" for yourself?
· A. Not very likely. I'd just as soon try to divine the future using raw goat livers.
· B. Somewhat likely. I stopped thinking Tarot was cool when I stopped attending slumber parties with other neighborhood nine-year-olds.
· B. Likely. I've read my own cards pretty often. I do, however, have a life, so my interest waxes and wanes over time.
· C. Very Likely. In fact, Tarot cards are a regular part of my routine.
· D. Extremely Likely. I dare not make a single move without pulling a card from my trusty Tarot companion. In fact, before answering this question, I pulled a card that told me which answer to choose. Now, thought, you'll have to excuse me: I have to finish this survey so I can finish my pre-lunch Tarot card reading so I won't be late for the one scheduled in the early afternoon.


4. Do you "read the cards" for other people?
· A. Nope. Never.
· B. I might have , once or twice, but I managed not to make a habit of it.
· C. I read for others about as often as I go to church -- once or twice a year.
· D. I deliver at least one reading a month.
· E. I read for others on a daily or weekly basis.


5. How spooky, scary, or "occult" do you think Tarot is?
· A. It's not spooky . . . . it's just plain stupid.
· B. I don't think it is spooky at all.
· C. Okay, I admit it's a little spooky . . . you know, like a creepy movie can be spooky, but in a good, nonthreatening way.
· D. Tarot is pretty darn spooky. In fact, I get goosebumps just looking at the cards.
· E. Tarot is hands-down the most terrifying thing in the universe, apart from a long, slow IRS tax audit.


6. To what extent do you thing taking classes will influence your attitude toward Tarot?
· A. I know it all about most subjects, and Tarot is no exception. Taking classes will do little more than confirm my preconceptions that Tarot is just so much New Age metaphysical gobbledygook.
· B. The classes might change my attitude a little . . . but I am not expecting much.
· C. I'm unsure how classes will change my attitude toward Tarot.
· D. I think that a few informative classes is likely to suggest a new understanding of Tarot and provide new application and uses for Tarot that I will find useful and beneficial.
· E. I think that learning more about Tarot will absolutely and totally convert me to the Tarot cause. In fact, I'm almost certain that after completing a few of these classes I will quit my day job and start teaching Tarot and reading the cards for a living.


7. Complete this sentence: "At this point, I think Tarot cards can effectively and beneficially be used for . . . "

· Swindling the weak minded
· Revealing set futures that are fated to come to pass
· Exploring many possible futures
· Brainstorming new ideas, answers, and approaches
· Leveling a short table leg.
· "Seeing what you think" about a situation or question.
· Trying out a strategy or solution before putting that strategy or solution into place in real life.
· Boosting personal creativity.
· Improving your own intuition.
· Facilitating meditation.
· Building attractive card houses.
· Anticipating the most likely outcome of a given situation.
· Increasing your awareness and make you more perceptive.
· Enhancing your feelings of control and confidence.
· Communicating with the Dead.
· Enhancing your objectivity with regard to a question or situation.
· Writing and telling interesting stories.
· Frightening children (and some adults) at slumber parties and Halloween.
· Working magic and casting spells.
· Playing a trick-taking game like Bridge, Rook or Spades.


8. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1= "not certain at all" and 10 = "extremely certain") how certain are you that you can look at a Tarot card and determine what that card means?


1      2       3         4      5         6     7     8        9       10

9. How likely are you to buy a Tarot deck for yourself in the next month?
· A. Very Unlikely. If I wanted to waste money on card games, I'll go to the casino.
· B. Unlikely. But who knows? I do all kinds of strange things when I drink.
· C. Unsure.
· D. Likely. In fact, owning a new deck seems like a pretty cool idea.
· E. Very Likely. In fact, I'm thinking of converting my spare bedroom into a vault for my growing collection.



10. What information would you most like to see covered in a class? (Check the three to five you would like most to see covered.)
· General Card Meanings
· Reading Techniques (Reading for Others)
· Understanding of Reversals (Upside down Cards)
· How to use and explore Spreads
· Personal Discovery using the Tarot
· History and Development of Tarot
· The Fool's Journey (Narrative Approach to the Tarot)
· Meditation and the Tarot
· Dream Exploration
· Tarot Deck specific study (Studying one specific Tarot deck)
· The Golden Dawn and its influence on Tarot
· Astrology and Kabala in the Tarot
· Court Cards and significators
· Tarot and Creativity
· Tarot and Intuition

The Principles of Tarot

 

The world is full of opportunities.  Those opportunities require responsibility.  Being a student of Tarot holds one set of responsibility while being a reader is another set.  I am becoming aware that teaching Tarot carries with it an even greater set of responsibilities.  As we begin to work together it is important that I am clear and that you understand the principles that shape an ethical Tarot reading and the principles that will shape our time together.

1. The Principle of Free Will – It is essential to remember that both the reader and the querent maintain an awareness of their free will and accountability for all actions taken and choices made.  No matter how the cards appear, they do not free anyone from the responsibility of making responsible decisions.  As a reader, it is imperative that all of your actions, words, choices and representations never deny the querent’s free will.  As a reader, you must maintain an awareness of your own actions and choices.  As a student of Tarot, you should undertake the study as an informed decision to empower other’s free will though wisdom, insight and knowledge.

2. The Principle of Self-Expression – No two people will ever do anything the exact same way.  As I read, learn and teach Tarot I welcome all voices and an opinion. Tarot is a very personal activity and everyone will have their own way of working with the cards.  You will find that many teach, read and learn in very different ways.   As you look to learn and read the cards, it is important to hear and respect the practice and opinions of others. We all have a responsibility to listen quietly to others, ask questions with respect for each other, and considerately share our own opinions and experiences.  Through listening, discussing and learning from and about each other we are all enriched as individuals. Begin now as you are developing your tarot practice to listen well to others. It is a crucial responsibility of a tarot reader to listening intently to the querent’s questions and concerns during a reading.

3. The Principle of Patience – Time is a precious commodity for everyone, but learning takes a commitment to invest time to the activities.   Very little in the world with lasting value is acquired through haste. As we read, teach study, we are responsible to ourselves and to each other to be patient with the sincere struggle and development of those in the class.  Legitimate questions, concerns, exercises are reasonable uses for our time in study. Performing tarot readings are likewise opportunities to give our time and attention to others for their benefit. Readings often unfold unpredictably be sure to plan to have all the time that will be necessary. However, we will respect the time of others by being prompt, attentive and accurate on time expectations.

4. The Principle of Conscience – Personal integrity, authenticity and moral code of everyone should be respected. Each person bear the moral responsibility and consequences for their actions.  You should never feel compelled to act in a way that is contrary to your sense of right and wrong.  Many worthy learning experiences may be initially fearful due to unfamiliarity or by stretching your comfort zone, such as public speaking, exams, and written reports.  You should expect to be challenged by new information, practice of skill but never forced to act in contrary to your conscience or moral belief.  In Tarot reading there are many practices that some are comfortable performing and others do not.  Careful consideration and intentional planning are necessary for the beginner to determine what is permissible for themselves while respecting the choices of others. There may be some questions, clients, and situation where you are not comfortable reading for and you are free to refuse to do a reading.  Never read under compulsion.

5. The Principle of Learning – Tarot is an activity that is never fixed.  Everyone is a student.  There is always more to learn, lessons to complete or review.  In this spirit, make a commitment to being open-ended in your exploration.  Knowing where the journey ends is no real journey. Come to the Tarot with questions not answers.  Listen to everyone and even yourself. Everyone is a teacher. The process of gathering wisdom and truth is not merely an academic exercise.  Every lesson you learn or have learned in life can empower your understanding of the Tarot.   A credible reader is one that always continues to learn, develop and train in the attempt to better one’s skills and understanding. 

6. The Principle of Generosity and Gratitude – Success, blessings, and knowledge are always sweeter when shared.  Everyone has a gift to give and receive.  As we learn together we also teach together.  By giving generously to each other and accepting with gratitude from each other we support and encourage our own mutual growth and success.  Trust yourself to know that you have wisdom to share as well as kindness, compassion, grace and mercy.

7. The Principle of Objectivity – As with free will, we must remember to keep our own self-awareness.  As with doctors and patients relationships, giving a reading can be an emotional investment.  The process of reading allows you a personal view in to the life of another.  We are in the role of listening ear and helpful guide. It is important to empathize but maintain your objectivity. You are not the reading.  You do not take on the burdens and responsibility for your querents.  You are a translator of images into words.  Querents may come with serious problems and they may not like the reading they receive and in turn blame you.  It is important that you maintain a healthy distance and conscious self-awareness during a reading.

8. The Principle of Validity and Silence – If the messages of the Tarot are true in any one area then it holds that there is potential for its validity on any subject. If the tarot can speak truth to the issue of love and romance then it is plausible that it may speak equal truth to issues of illness and legal matters.  The question of whether or not to predict the future, do a third-party reading (a reading about a person not present and without their knowledge or consent), read on questions of medical or legal issues is very controversial.  When we engage the Tarot we often must face the tension of the ability to do something and the question of if we should do that thing. Because we can may not be the best answer to the question of if we should. There are many ethical twists and turns.  Many who use the Tarot have strong personal opinions and these must be settled personally by everyone as individuals in their own personal integrity and with respect for others choices.

My Goal and Intention for this Blog

This blog serves a very specific purpose. This is a place where I will place information that I use in my teaching on Tarot. It is for those who want to see more information. I will be placeing many of my handouts, worksheets, lecture notes and assignments here for reference.

As I share and teach I am aware that much of what I present is merely a simple introduction. Here I want to give more information and another resource to study the different ideas more completely.

I want the is to become a forum for me to also discuss the latest things I am learning. I will discuss decks, spreads, reading styles and issues in Tarot in general. So I hope that this will be part directed study resource adn part personal study journal.

If you are joining me on this journey I welcome you and hope that you will respond and comment with issues, questions and concerns that you would like to see me research and post on as well.

Enjoy the journey,

Allan Ritche, a.k.a Onyx.