#TarotDaily – The Guru Rx + 6 of Stakes (Sacred Bridges)

TarotHunter’s Salt Rounds:

  • Stop listening to false prophets or self-aggrandizing experts, instead listen to those who truly lead by example; those whose words are logical and sensible; those who have lived through the experiences of which they speak.
  • When traditional methods and concepts no longer suit the situation you need to find alternative paths. Sometimes we can’t find the answers we seek in history or the ways things were done before. It may be time to explore new ideas and open new communication channels so the situation becomes clearer and less divisive.
  • If current leaders and pundits rely on outmoded, useless and even detrimental practices and beliefs then it may be time for change. If you truly believe this then now might be a good time for you to guide others to a new way of thinking; to explain how things can transform for the better. Be the change you want to see in the world.

Tarot Truths Tyr’s Day: The Hierophant – Blue Rose Tarot

Blue Rose Hierophant

Blue Rose Tarot
Designed by Paula Gibby
Produced by Soul Guidance

The Book says:  The Hierophant helps us build a bridge between the physical and spiritual planes.  He is the Holy Teacher like Moses, Socrates, Plato, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, Lao Tze, and Confucius among others.  “The are our guides, our wisdom teachers.  They are essential.

They are a gift from the Universe.

The High Priestess and Hierophant work in concert to assist us in achieving our spiritual goals.  They provide the foundation for our spiritual journey.  The mysterious and at times unfathomable, nature of the High Priestess is tempered by the orderly assistance of her consort.

In essence, the High Priestess gifts us with the intuition and inner vision to perceive the spiritual plane.  The Hierophant helps us draft our intinerary, draw our roadmap and provides us with teh tools, techniques and rituals to keep us focused enought to keep the goal in sight and complete the journey.”

TarotBroad’s Buzz: I have to admit that I absolutely adore this card. Something about it speaks to me of ancient wisdom being passed on in a somewhat furtive manner. The students both seem female to me (I may be wrong) and the fact that they are seeking the knowledge possessed by this scholar seems both empowering and brave. After all in many of those cultures, even know, women are not permitted to know this secret wisdom. But they are defying the rules to find their path to divine knowledge.There is something rich and wondrous in this card. The scholar seems so focused on his books that he seems almost unaware of the women, but they are obviously enthralled by what he represents.

This card represents ancient wisdom, lore and knowledge that has been passed on for generations; and an almost unquenchable thirst to learn and to absorb. The old scholar seems to exude knowledge, wisdom and secrets. He also seems to be dedicated and might be short with those who aren’t serious in their quest. He will help you find the secrets hidden in the ancient texts but he will not tolerate frivolous pursuits. He is only interested in helping if you are serious about your quest. This card does show some of the patriarchal connection we often see with the Hierophant. But at the same time I get the feeling that he loves this knowledge too much to hoard it. He will share it but only if he is convinced that the seeker will be as dedicated and passionate as he is. He will serve as the guide, but only for the serious seeker.

The Sage – Transformational Tarot

Transformational Sage

Transformation Tarot
Created by by Arnell Ando
Published by US Games ISBN:1572815396

The Book Says: Having faith in one’s higher consciousness or the power of the universe. Ancient knowledge will guide you. A deeper connection can be experienced through meditation and ritual. The seeker’s compassion, empathy, values, ethics, and insight draws others to him or her. This card can also denote both the need to find a deeper meaning in life and the assistance from a wise person. The Sage can also stand for a spiritual leader, psychologist or a nonconformist acting as a guide or teacher.

TarotBroad’s Buzz: This card speaks to me of the wisdom and the ancient knowledge to be found in the world around us and the traditions of our ancestors. The African deities remind me of our connection to each other and to our history. They indicate a thread that weaves its way through the rich tapestry that is human history, like the DNA that connects humans to our ancient foremother (“Mitochondrial Eve”). The glorious colored autumn leaves are the reminder that all things change. Life is about change and cycles.

But just as the fall foliage reminds us of life’s ever-changing nature, the green leaves on the branches below remind us that there is an underlying continuity to everything. The Universe has a core, a center, that remains the same no matter what chaos roars around it. The green leaves are that still center, the eye of the hurricane. They symbolize the concept that life goes on – bits and pieces may change but the pattern of the Universe continues to weave its story. To me The Sage is the reminder that we are connected to the Divine in the world. We are all part of the same tapestry, just as all humans are connected by our DNA. And if we can find that still place within ourselves and learn to connect with that divine source, then we will be able to face whatever changes and chaos roar in our own lives too.

Tarot Truths Tyr’s Day: The Hierophant – Mansions of the Moon Tarot

Mansions of the Moon Hierophant

Mansions of the Moon Tarot
by ZADOK (dahogue@nctc.com)
Self-Published

Traditional meaning – doctrine & dogma, passing along knowledge & traditions, spiritual guidance,

TarotBroad’s Buzz: This card is full of Christian/Catholic imagery indicating its connection to traditional, orthodox religious beliefs. The priests are garbed in full regalia and express the power and authority of their office. The Eucharist and angels symbolize the connection to the divine while the doves represent the Holy Spirit. This card’s message suggests that following the path being offered by the priests is the way to find the keys to heaven – the connection to the divine. The doves are the messengers of the divine. They carry the Universe’s spiritual message to humanity. The angels are another reminder of the spiritual mysteries of the universe. And the priests are the guides through the golden archway to connect with these divine emissaries.

When I first viewed this card I was initially a bit turned off by the Christian symbolism, especially the priests, but upon further reflection it struck me that in the truest sense that is what a priest should be – not the strict, disciplinarian seeking to strike fear in the hearts of those who break the rules. Priests should be the guides and the teachers, gently giving us the knowledge, wisdom and support we need to find our own way through the golden archway to connect with the divine energy in the Universe.

Tarot Truths Tyr’s Day: The Rememberer – Celtic Wisdom Tarot

Celtic Wisdom Rememberer

Celtic Wisdom Tarot
Text by Caitlin Matthews, art by Olivia Raynor
Destiny Books, 1999 ISBN 0-89281-720-8

The book says: The Rememberer of Lore transmits the wisdom of traditions by which we all live. The essential lore that we need to keep over before us is sung by the bard. What song is guiding you at this time?
Keywords: Tradition, Meditation, Exposition of ideas, Remembrance, Genius, Performance, Spiritual counsel, Sacred lore, Faithful maintenance.
Reversed: Hidebound or conformist concepts, Muddling, Misinformation, propaganda or conspiracy, Forgetfulness, adherence to narrow views.

TarotBroad’s Buzz:  This card speaks to me of the Bardic tradition in Celtic culture. The Bard was much more than a storyteller and singer. He memorized the genealogy of the kings, the myths and legends of the tribe, tribal law and the wisdom of the people. There are tales of Bards whose curses brought kingdoms crashing down. This card represents the keeper of traditions and lore. The one who passes the knowledge down to the younger generation to ensure it continues.

It is actually one of the more positive Hierophant images I’ve ever seen. When I see this card it reminds me that traditions and ancient legends are the foundations upon which our culture and history is based. It reminds of the saying that those who do not remember history are condemned to repeat it (or something like that) and that is why the Rememberer is so important. If we don’t learn from the tales of our ancestors then we will continue to make the same mistakes and never advance to the next step in the cycle. The Rememberer serves as our spiritual guide along the path.

At the same time he appears isolated and solitary. The wreath that surrounds him also serves to separate him from others. The Bard may need to be solitary in order to focus his energy and his mind upon his art. But he may also be solitary because those who remind us of the past may often raise issues we prefer not to face. On some level this serves to connect him with the Hermit. He cannot be alone because by its nature his work requires him to go out amongst the people to hear their stories and to share them with others. But his travels may also prevent him from putting down roots in community. So while he can help others learn and remember the tales and traditions of our ancestors, he also serves as the thread connecting different communities to each others; part of the pattern and yet separate. He teaches the lore but does not necessarily participate in the making of the history.

Tarot Truths Tyr’s Day: The Hierophant – Wheel of Change Tarot

Wheel of Change Hierophant

Wheel of Change Tarot
created by Alexandra Gennetti
Published by Destiny Books, 1997

The Book says: “When this card is part of your reading, look carefully at what part your faith plays in your life. What do you put your faith in: your work, your religion, your children, your self, a particular teacher, or the future? Do you have any faith in your life? . . .

The second part of the interpretation of this card is to examine the possibly negative aspects of one’s faith. We must be aware that the dogma we acquire through various religions and attitudes can be used to justify – without examination – all manner of behaviors. We must look carefully at how our rights and wrongs are determined and whether they arise out of a true sense of the common good or out of a need to require conformity to a narrow dogma.”

TarotBroad’s Buzz:  I admit that the concepts represented by this are ones that I often find difficult to accept. I have a negative knee-jerk reaction to most organized religions and that is what The Hierophant represents to me. However, the longer I consider this card the more I realize that, just as with all the other cards, it has both positive and negative associations.

The positive aspects of the Hierophant are the peace and calm that rituals and spiritual beliefs can bring to followers. In times of crisis people often find refuge and consolation in their religious beliefs. It is that feeling of welcome and belonging one feels in a church or temple. That calming and soul-soothing sense of timeless and eternal spirit. I never remember feeling this during religious services but I do recall feeling this at odd moments when I would enter a church to light a candle or just to sit quietly.

The negative side of the Hierophant can be seen in blind obedience and close-mindedness that can accompany any organized (and many disorganized) religious system. I often see this as the political arm of any church. It is the hierarchical structure that seeks to maintain control over its followers. I find it interest that Jesus would probably be horrified at the atrocities done in his name. Then again I know many Pagans who seem to be heading down the same dogmatic “Paganer than thou” path. Both sides of this coin are what come to mind when I see the Hierophant – both spirituality and dogmatic organization.