The Tarot and meditation go hand in hand. Both are tools which enable us to access the subconscious and the higher self, as well as acquire knowledge and information from our guides and the Universe. For someone learning the Tarot, meditation is an excellent method for discovering the deeper meaning of the cards. The Tarot can also be used to facilitate a focused (or guided) meditation and is a valuable tool for gaining insight into the subtle messages received during meditation.

There are many ways to combine the Tarot and meditation. You may choose a card randomly, allowing the Tarot and the Universe to guide (select the subject of) your meditation, or you can select a specific card on which to meditate. You can also choose cards which represent specific topics or issues on which you wish to meditate, thus adding the energy of the Tarot to your meditation. In addition to helping you focus on the meditative process, these methods will enable you to learn more about the cards themselves.

When choosing a card to represent a specific topic or issue, remember to consider the different energies and life experience each suit represents. Cups represent the energy of water: emotions, feelings, love, friendship, and joy. Wands represent the energy of fire: enthusiasm, enterprise, action, struggle, and optimism. Swords represent the energy of air: intellect, logic, conflict, frustration, and control. Pentacles represent the energy of earth: work, money, health, relationships, and the fruits of our labor.

For instance, maybe you would like to attract marriage or a close committed relationship. You could choose The Lovers, the Two of Cups, the Ten of Pentacles, or the Four or Wands — or all of them for your meditation. Perhaps you’re having difficulty within your marriage and looking for insight as to the source of the difficulty. You could choose The Devil, the Five of Cups, or the Six of Pentacles, or again all three. If you’re considering leaving the relationship maybe the Eight of Cups, the Page or Queen of Swords, or Justice. For a meditation to gain insight into a health problem you could choose the Hermit, The Chariot, and/or the Five of Pentacles. For a career change you may choose The World, The Fool, the Ace of Pentacles, or all three. Maybe you’re considering furthering your education, you could choose The Magician, The Hierophant, or the Page of Wands or Swords. If you want to focus on perfecting a specific skill, the Eight of Pentacles, Six of Wands, and/or The Sun card. These are just a few suggestions of cards for different topics and issues, there are lots of other choices as well, let your intuition guide you in choosing which is the right card for your meditation.

In order to get mentally prepared for a meditation most of us need to take a little time to ready ourselves as well as our environment. Create a pleasant ambiance for your meditation, soft light, music, candles, incense, a comfortable chair or pillow to sit on, and clothes that feel good next to your body. Begin by taking a little time to “center” yourself, reconnect with “you.” Let all the people and activities of the day just fade from your thoughts for a little while. Allow yourself to be in the moment and experience the softness of your clothes, the smell of the incense, the flickering of the candlelight, the gentle sound of the music, and the peace and quiet of time alone.

As you feel yourself beginning to relax, consider the card, topic, or issue of your meditation. Now, chose the card or cards which you will use as the focus of your meditation. On a sheet of paper write about the subject of your meditation and the card(s) you have chosen. Place the card(s) in front of you face up, or hold them in your hand — whichever feels comfortable. Take a little time to study the card(s), the colors, the images, and the life experiences represented. Think about what the card or cards symbolize to you. When you feel ready to move to the next step close your eyes while keeping your focus on the card(s), and open your mind to new insight and understanding.

When you have completed the meditation, on the same sheet of paper write about your new insight and understanding. Keeping a meditation diary will prove to be a very valuable reference for future meditations. Happy meditating.

Kelly is a professional Astrologer, Tarot card reader, & instructor in Metaphysical practices. She can be reached by e-mail, otillery@aol . com or the web www.etcpublishing.com/kelly