I first became interested in Tarot as a result of my studies in Jungian psychology. Whereas Freud was concerned with the diseased or troubled soul, Jung was concerned with the healthy, creative soul. Two theories of Jung's in particular are of interest to the Tarot practitioner- his theory of "synchronicity" and his theory of "archetypes".

Jung's theory of synchronicity has to do with what we usually call co-incidence. "Co-incidence is the modern myth," said Jung. A person who has not actually seen The Tarot in action might wonder what significance there could be in the random drawing of a card from a deck. Jung's investigations into the psychology of "Archaic Man" led to some startling conclusions regarding co-incidence. Nowadays we say that co-incidences happen by chance, and yet at the same time are impressed by them when they occur. What modern man considers to be an arbitrary and meaningless juxtaposition of facts or events can be significant and convincing to so-called "primitive" man.

Jung discovered the archetypes by comparing symbols in the dreams of his patients with the symbols of myth. He noted the recurrence of certain symbols, and concluded that these symbols belong to the "collective unconscious". These symbols are passed down from generation to generation, and re-occur time and again in art, myth, and dreams. Both of these theories are important for the modern practitioner of Tarot. Jung's theory of synchronicity gives the practitioner the needed theoretical confidence to try the art of Tarot. The Tarot deck itself is a collection of symbols which has been passed down virtually unchanged for at least five hundred years.

The symbology of Tarot offer a unique glimpse into the collective unconscious of Mankind. Thus it is important to use a Tarot deck that does not stray too far from the original symbols and pictures. The accompanying illustration is from the Egyptian Tarot Deck. I have always preferred to use cards with simple line drawings. I find that the complicated, colorful, interpretive cards so often used detract from the powerful symbology of the original pictures. However, the practitioner of Tarot should use the deck that they feel most comfortable with.

One of my favorite Tarot books is How to Read Tarot Cards by Doris Chase Doane and King Keys. The illustrations are in plain black and white line, and are very similar to the illustrations used in The Egyptian Tarot Deck. I've been through a lot of Tarot books, and this is the one that remains on the shelf. It's simple and straightforward, and covers Tarot basics in a clear yet entertaining fashion. It also has detailed descriptions of many different card spreads, from the very simple with less than ten cards to speads employing twenty or more cards. It's hard to find fault with such a wonderful book, but I think its only fault is that it is weak on Numerology. If you supplement the Chase Doane book with an easy introduction to Numerology such as Numerology: a Mystical Magical Guide by Hazel Whitaker, you'll have everything you need to not only get started, but to keep you learning and exploring for years to come.

This card, from the Major Arcana, is the seventeenth card in the deck. It is known as The Star. Traditionally, The Star always contains certain symbolic elements. We see a naked girl who is pouring water from two pitchers. One foot of hers is in the water and the other is on dry land. She is pouring water from one pitcher into the sea, and the other pitcher is being poured on the land. In the backround there is a tree with a bird hovering over it. In the sky we have eight stars, with one being more prominent than the rest.

The traditional interpretation of this card can be summed up in one word: Hope. The card is often associated with the Star of The Magi, a story of faith and hope. The bird and tree symbolize the promise of a new birth. The Star represents new projects and goals, along with the faith that is necessary to bring new projects to completion. One suggested interpretation of the two water vases is that one represents the heart and intuition, while the other represents the mind and intellect. It is only through the judicious application of both that we are able to distinguish true goals from illusory fantasies.

Joshua Berlow has been doing public Tarot Card readings in nightclubs and coffee shops for more than twenty years. He's done Tarot Card Readings at Cagney's Nightclub, The 15 Min. Club, and DC Space in Washington DC and at The Theater Arts Club in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as well as numerous coffee shops. If you want a live reading, you either have to come to Baltimore or pay Joshua's travel fees! Joshua is available for live Tarot Card readings and workshops at your venue.

Please e-mail romarkin AT gmail DOT com with any question or for further information.