Thanks for your comment. I think it’s important to keep our definitions slim and keywords are simply the best way to do that. Like most other readers, I have studied the cards individually and forgotten most of what I have read! I’m sure it went in there somewhere;) Seriously though, it does, and although it feels like we have forgotten it, we haven’t really. Recall provides the answers when we need it and the keywords provide a quick jog to the memory. A good way to think of keywords is to liken them to a theme. They provide the general flavour, they set the scene and yet they also allow for development of the narrative in a reading because we haven’t tried to say too much about one card. Interpreting cards in a spread is very different to studying individual cards and keywords assist in the reading process. But more on that later…;)

Glad you’re enjoying this series so far

Warm wishes,

Catherine

I am looking forward to this new section of your blog. I am sure I will find it useful and invaluable when applying keywords and symbolism to my own initial interpretations. And, they are just that right now – initial, the first. I already see them changing as I learn more, flip through the cards, and allow myself to explore them.

Reading the history of Tarot (and, I know it varies), has helped me more than reading random meanings. However, I agree that key symbols and are an essential part of the Tarot reading process. In the beginning (it’s only been three weeks), the Christian symbolism was more dominant in my interpretations. It is what I had been exposed to previously. And now, the more I explore, I realize that it goes much deeper than that. This arouses my curiosity and sense of intrigue. In time, in time…

The universals in Tarot–like the use of threes–allows each reader to find a symbol that resonates with them. The key, is to open yourself to the unknown and explore all of the components.

Warmest regards, Nicole

Thank you for your comment.

The Tarot is laced with Christian and spiritual symbolism and imagery, despite many attempts to redraw it and make it more universal. As you know, it’s also a well known fact that Christian theology was around a long time before Jesus; and that his ethos was heavily influenced by Indian culture, spirituality and religion.

Of course the very nature of the Cups and the Swords play well with Arthurian and Grail legends; but we must also bring into question the reality and legitimacy of those legends. I have read varying accounts of exactly what the Grail was, or what it represented; and it would seem to be many things to many people. One thing it doesn’t seem to be though is provable.

Nor Revelation, which I have read, many times. Written in a time for a distinct set of peoples, its imagery reminiscent of its day. Full of allegory and symbolism familiar to those very people, and handed down through the ages (from before and after) and accepted as truth by some to this very day.

You should perhaps read my post Losing My Religion for a deeper understanding of my own position on religion and ‘churchianity’.

It’s not difficult to see though how the Tarot, the Grail and Revelation have been banded together down the ages. The central theme is salvation no matter which way you rearrange it – give people something to fear (death, the devil, the end of the world) and a means to overcome it (salvation, or a solution?) and you have your control. It’s no different to the current theme of the war on terror. The Devil being replaced by which ever target our governments wish to single out. It’s still fear based, only the face of the ‘devil’ changes by the decade.

I’m sure your book is an interesting read, new insights and angles are always worth investigating, and I’ve had an interest in those topics for quite some time. Perhaps you could forward me a copy and I could review it for my readers?

Warm wishes,

Catherine

I accept that you state your book provides clues to the ancient origins of the Tarot but, unless there is corroborative evidence, like there is for the Tarot originating 600 years ago, I’m always going to have doubts.

I do like scholars that are prepared to go against mainstream ’stories’ but without corroborative evidence such claims are not based upon anything but imagination.

What interests me most is your claim of:

…actual and tangible links between Tarot, The Grail stories and The Book of Revelation.

I look forward to reading your response