On some level, everyone is familiar with the tarot; from occultists, witches, and pagans — even people who have no links to or interest in the occult.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory these intricate cards have become a part of mainstream culture, featuring in everything from fashion to film and literature, and yet for those of us who feel an affinity to the cards, they are so much more.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory

These are cards of journey. We use them to plot our way through life and seek answers for decisions yet made. As a result, learning of their wisdom is a journey all in itself.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory working with the tarot requires a serious effort. It is time consuming and ever ongoing; I don’t think you ever stop learning with the tarot.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory like I said, it’s a journey.

This task may sound daunting at first. I know, I’ve been there. I’ve thought ”it’s just too much time, too long” or ”it’s too big a job,” and have given up.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory but then the months pass, and you realize that you’d be finished already and then you feel, well, disappointed. And that’s ok, so long as you use that disappointment to motivate yourself.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory

It’s important to remember that there are no wrong or right answers here, and that what matters is that you get used to reading the imagery contained within the card and interpreting it based on the symbols and how they make you think and feel.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory it helps to keep in mind that everything contained in the card is there for a purpose, so pay attention to even minute details.

Shuffle the cards and split the deck however works for you.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory as you are shuffling, think about what it is you want the card to represent. The message can either be an overview for the day, or perhaps a representation of some quality you possess that will see you through.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory you decide the message from the card. I usually utter something along the lines of “what will the day present to me?” as I’m shuffling. However, feel free to ask what you want.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory

When you wish to progress further, a three-card spread is ideal and a good way of incorporating the tarot into your everyday practice. Like the single card method, this daily spread still gives an overview of the day but in more detail.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory the first card represents any issues that may arise; the second represents you, and the traits you possess that will help you; and and the third card is the outcome.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory

It’s also a good idea to keep a journal of how you develop with the tarot. When you read back on your progress, not only does it show you of how far you’ve come, but it often serves to remind you of insights that you may have perhaps forgotten.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory if nothing else, keeping a journal is a good way to work out any frustrations you may be having, all of which helps deepen your understanding of the tarot.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory

A good way of understanding the journey of the major arcana is to lay the cards out in order and to look at them as though telling a story. In your notebook, write how the fool progresses along their journey, blind to the dangers that may beset them, but with an air for discovery.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory how they becomes the magician, picking up experience and the tools of transformation. They then pass through each stage depicted in the cards, learning lessons until they gets to the end, where the world is their oyster: full of possibility.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory

With the suits, each one has it’s own correspondences and so these will feature within the narrative. For example, the cup suit tells the story of relationships and emotions; wands are fiery and so deals with passions and inspirations — things that get you fired up, such as lust; swords deal with conflict and how you deal with that conflict when it arises; and pentacles are mundane, earthly matters, think work, home, health.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory

The court cards then are the things you take from that journey. So, the page represents your thoughts and impressions of the journey. The knights are the actions cards, and so represent how the journey has affected you, and how it might influence any further actions.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory the queen is the emotional understanding of the journey. Finally, the king represents completion of the physical and the emotional, reconciled into one complete understanding.Social learning theory and social cognitive theory