“Unpacking ’78 Degrees of Wisdom’: A Guide to Your Tarot Journey”
Tarot reading is an ancient divination practice that has been used for centuries to gain insights into one’s past, present, and future. The tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into two categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Each card has its own meaning, symbolism, and interpretation, making tarot reading a complex art that requires skill and intuition.
One of the most popular books on the subject of tarot is “78 Degrees of Wisdom” by Rachel Pollack, a renowned tarot expert and author. The book provides a comprehensive guide to tarot reading, from the basics of card meanings and spreads to advanced techniques and philosophical perspectives. In this article, we will unpack the key insights and lessons from “78 Degrees of Wisdom,” and how they can help you on your tarot journey.
Understanding the Major Arcana
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that represent the major themes and archetypes of life. Each card depicts a symbolic image, such as the High Priestess, the Empress, or the Tower, that reflects a particular aspect of human experience. According to Pollack, the Major Arcana cards represent the journey of the Fool, a character that travels through life with innocence, wonder, and courage. By interpreting the Major Arcana cards in a tarot reading, you can gain insights into your own journey and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Exploring the Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana consists of four suits: wands, cups, swords, and pentacles, each representing a different element and aspect of life. The Minor Arcana cards are numbered from 1 to 10, with four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King) for each suit. According to Pollack, the Minor Arcana cards represent the everyday events and situations that shape our lives. By interpreting the Minor Arcana cards in relation to the Major Arcana cards and the tarot spread, you can gain a more nuanced understanding of your present circumstances and how to navigate them.
Learning Tarot Spreads
Tarot spreads refer to the arrangement and sequence of the cards in a reading. There are many different types of tarot spreads, such as the Celtic Cross, the Three-Card Spread, or the Horseshoe Spread, each with its own purpose and significance. Pollack emphasizes the importance of choosing the right spread for the question or issue at hand, as well as adjusting the spread to fit the context and intuition of the reader. By practising tarot spreads and experimenting with different layouts and combinations, you can develop your own style and approach to tarot reading.
Embracing Tarot Philosophy
Finally, Pollack suggests that tarot reading is not just a matter of predicting the future or solving problems, but also a form of spiritual and personal growth. By engaging with the symbolic language and images of the tarot cards, you can tap into your own intuition, creativity, and self-reflection. Pollack encourages readers to cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity towards the tarot, as well as to explore its connections with other spiritual and cultural traditions. By embracing tarot philosophy, you can deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Conclusion
“78 Degrees of Wisdom” is a comprehensive and insightful guide to tarot reading that can benefit both beginners and advanced practitioners. By understanding the key concepts and practices of tarot, from the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana to tarot spreads and philosophy, you can enhance your intuition, self-knowledge, and spiritual growth. Whether you are looking for guidance, inspiration, or self-discovery, the tarot has something to offer. As Pollack writes, “The Tarot speaks to all of us, regardless of our backgrounds, as we explore the many dimensions of our lives and the universe.”
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