Tarot as a Way of Initiation

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Tarot as a Way of Initiation

by Karen Hollis

In this fast paced world where there is instant access to everything, people are searching for something more, something that will show them the way. Many seem never quite sure exactly what it is, but are certain it is ‘out there’- this deeper, more symbolic ‘something’ that will guide them. From the youngest of the Millennial generation to the oldest of the Boomers, there appears to be a yearning to be initiated into something greater than conventional religious or church communities. A growing number of people consider themselves spiritual-but-not-religious, and they want to know more about a higher consciousness or a supreme being. People want to touch the divine, and they yearn for initiation into meaningful spiritual connection.

 
Tarot as a Way of Initiation

The higher use and the sacred purpose of the symbolic system embodied in the Tarot is initiation. The word tarot is made up to two Egyptian words, tar, meaning royal and ot, meaning road – the Royal Road or Spiritual Pathway. According to Master Tarot reader and scholar Mary K. Greer, an occult tradition underlies modern Tarot decks, arising from 18th century lore about the Egyptian mysteries. Mystery Schools often use Tarot to define the levels of their initiations and feature Egyptian god-forms and symbolism that are meant to be experienced, not taught. The schools guide an individual through a series of rites that initiate a transformation of consciousness. If one learns the symbolic language that is the Tarot, you begin on your path and become an initiate into the world of Spirit.

Many cards within the Tarot deck depict access to divine guidance and initiation. Three of my favorites are The Fool, The Magician and The High Priestess. Let’s see what these cards reveal about how we can begin on our own path of initiation.

 
The Fool, in Tarot, Looks to the Heavens

If first we look at The Fool, which is numbered 0 in the Major Arcana of the Tarot, we see a youthful figure ready to step off a cliff. In one hand, the figure holds a white rose, which symbolizes purity and innocence. On his back, s/he carries a pack filled with all the tools necessary to make his way on the journey called life. This young person has blind faith that s/he will not be harmed and has no fear about failing. You can liken this figure to Tolkien’s Frodo, or the heroine, Merida in the Pixar film, Brave.

OM Times is a leading voice of the Conscious Community with articles covering the full spectrum of Conscious Living. Click here to see all we share.