By Wayne Thomas
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters
It’s said that Tarot can be used to unlock the mystical power of the “cosmic universe.”
People use Tarot as a tool to help connect with their higher self through spiritual enlightenment, self-awareness, and self- improvement. Readings offer insights into past, present, and future events. Readings can also help people understand particular situations often in areas of career, relationships, love-life, and finances.
It seems Tarot and Astrology complement each other as both are based on four elements; air, water, fire, and earth. Additionally, there is a Tarot card for each Zodiac sign. Each Tarot card corresponds to a different planet, sign, or elemental combination in Astrology. Astrology is considered one of the oldest natural sciences while Tarot is considered one of the oldest mystical sciences.
Tarot and numerology are virtually inseparable and essential to one another. Meanings of numbers can add depth to the interpretation of each Tarot card. Cards are numbered 1-10 in both Major Arcana and Minor Arcana in all four suits and court cards are assigned numbers. Interpreting the meaning of the numbers in combination with either traditional or modern meanings of the card can add extra insights to the reading.
There are several different types of Tarot decks to choose from. One of the most traditional Tarot decks for beginners is the Rider-Waite. A standard modern Tarot deck has 78 cards divided into two groups called Major and Minor Arcana with 22 cards known as Trumps and Minor Arcana with 56 cards. Some of the other interesting Tarot decks include: Elemental, The Black Power Tarot, Light Seer’s Tarot, Modern Witch Tarot, and many more.
Tarot reader Esther Joy has been on Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Podcast for episodes 15, 25, and 38 and was also a guest on Cryptic Frequencies. We first met her while she was reading Tarot at a real haunted mansion now known as the Paddock Place. Esther Joy likes to setup a shrine of sorts, using the positive vibrations of some of her favorite crystals, like amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, black tourmaline, and others. The pageantry is further defined as sacred Palo Santo wood is burned during the reading.
Recently on episode 64, Esther Joy joined the show and read for me from a Cosmic Tarot deck. She’s empathic, clairvoyant, a prophetic dreamer, and an artist. She uses her intuitive powers to help interpret the Tarot cards so people can connect with their higher self and tap into their inner wisdom. For a reading. go to Esther Joy’s Facebook page (Esther Joy Tarot).
To get the most out of Tarot readings it’s important to have a positive mind set about the cards and yourself, with the understanding that Tarot at best is a tool or a kind of compass to guide you in the right direction. If we can get past the stereotypical images of a fortune teller peering into a crystal ball, we might be able to recognize Tarot as more self-reflection than divination.
