Mirror: Mindful or Magical?
In this article I want to explore ideas on what Tarot actually provides seekers with, and also where it 'comes from.'
The title for my piece ' Mirror: Mindful or Magical?' identifies that Tarot really is a reflective mirror in essence - whether it's mindful or magical comes next!
When you sit in the chair and have your cards read, you are bringing your own self, and therefore your life, literally ‘to the table.' There is an enormous freedom with our readings, in as much as you as the seeker are deciding every time what you interpret from the verbal information I'm giving.
Tarot is a mirror that we hold up to ourselves, and just like a physical mirror, we may see positives and negatives in our reflection, and this shows the intense individuality and personalisation of this experience.
Mindful or magical? Is it psychological or spiritual, or both? For some, readings offer mind clearance and a 'sorting' of the tangled intricacies of modern living. It taps into wellness for our physical bodies - for example, we all know and appreciate that healthy habits and exercise keep our bodies in good physical condition, and it's an easy link to make with mental reflection, meditation, and therefore Mindful Tarot! This really shows the power of the cards as 'mirror, not oracle' as described on our site under the 'Seven Pillars' and firmly puts the seeker as the power broker in this manifestation of Tarot. You know the outcome; you are providing next steps for yourself - and it's you who just has to uncover what is required from the message of the cards and act upon it.
But there is another way...ancient divination - Tarot in its traditional form - esoteric - delivered by the cunning wise woman inspired by the phases of the moon. My cards are littered with ancient symbols that have religious and spiritual connotations. Ritual rites, common to all major religions, witchcraft and paganism, astrology, these all are traditional bedfellows of Tarot, and to me there is no conflict or uneasiness with these pairings. A greater force speaking through the cards, influencing the messaging given to the seeker, or the mirror - placing the seeker firmly in the driving seat?
— Nicky Osborne
(If this speaks to you, you may wish to explore the approach behind this work more deeply.)
