Tarot - The Royal Road
Introduction

The Tarot has been used as playing cards and as predictive tools in Egyptian, Indian, and European nations for centuries. The ancient mystery orders used the Major Arcana as gateways to higher self knowledge via meditation. This book can be of assistance with the Tarot as either a predictive measure or as a tool for self-actualization. However, I do not endorse the use of the Tarot as a toy, and strongly caution against it.

This book is not a history of the Tarot through the ages; that will have to wait until a later date. Instead, this manual will hopefully be of assistance in interpreting the meaning of each card itself, as well as to how each relates to the others. In order to give you a broader foundation, the cards are presented with not only the accepted interpretations, but also with reference to Astrology, Numerology, Planetary and Elemental Influences, the Hebrew language, and card symbology. This will enable you to provide a fuller, more personal interpretation.

The Thoth deck is packed with symbology, perhaps more so than any other deck on the market today. At times the colors and figures can seem overwhelming. Most of the cards have both an outer and an inner symbology; the inner symbology is best understood in a meditative state. It is because of their rich symbology, as well as the fact that it was designed by Aleister Crowley, that many people see this deck as a 'dark' deck. However, no object is inherently evil in and of itself. It is the practitioner who determines whether it will be used for good or evil; the cards themselves are neutral, simply absorbing your energy.

For this reason, I advise NOT to attempt a reading when you are depressed or angry. The cards will reflect your negativity and give an inaccurate reading. This is true for any extreme state of mind, including joy and elation. Your mind must be clear to read the cards accurately. Remember, you are simply the channel and the cards the medium in an altruistic purpose.

It goes without saying that you should never purposely misinterpret or skew a reading. There will be times, especially when reading for people you love, that you will want to speak to them through the cards. You must resist this temptation. Remember, you are only the channel.

Interpreting the Tarot can be a source of great joy, but you must always treat the cards with dignity and accept the inherent responsibilities. I've listed below a few of these responsibilities which were gained through years of experience.

• The Tarot has an aura unto itself. Except for those sensory cues that aid you in emptying your thoughts and emotions, keep the "trappings" confined to magic festivals and faires. You have a responsibility to introduce your clients to the higher aspects of the Tarot, and to dispel society's fears of us.
  
  
• Always try to make your client feel comfortable. A first-timer doesn't know what to expect. This can be a fearful step for him, for he is asserting both his need and his independence in seeking your help. Take time to talk about his worldly affairs. Explain in simple, mundane terms what you are doing and why. Let him know what he can expect, and eliminate any unrealistic expectations.
  
  
• Many clients will want to fashion you into their own personal "guru." Do not allow them to fall into this trap. Each person must walk his own path, no matter how fearful or distasteful that may be. Do not tell them what to do (although this is probably what they want). You should advise him only of current trends and possible outcomes. All decisions are theirs to make. Telling them what to do deprives them of the lessons they must learn and puts you in the unenviable position of working through their karma yourself!
  
  
• Limit the number of readings any person can have in the course of a month. Frequent readings are inadvisable for two reasons. One, it is a sign that the person is becoming too dependent upon you and is beginning to abdicate his decision-making rights. Two, events must have time to develop. Frequent readings can confuse the issue. The spread can begin to look like garbage, and the client will go away believing you are a fraud. I limit readings to no more than twice a month, and attempt to keep it to once a month.
  
  
• You have a responsibility to help the person reach his full potential. In this regard, accentuate the positive in a spread and soften the negative. Phrase the hard times as challenges, and reinforce the belief that for every ending there is a new beginning. You are there to give hope and love. Remember that above all else.
  
  
• Always treat the cards with dignity. They are a voice through which your Guide speaks to you. This channel is an all important one, for through the cards you are attempting to help another. The burden of responsibility should not be taken lightly.