Introduction

Paperback (also available in ebook format). The 21^st century marks the passing of mankind into the dawn of a new millennium. The evolution of the human race marches onward. The world races unstoppably to the so-called ‘Golden Age’

…In the meantime, commercialism falls over itself to keep up with the pace of new technology and scientific advancement. Religion struggles to maintain its traditions and credibility against the ever increasing wind of change. The cross-cultural marriages of colour and creed test the boundaries of religion against racial integration. Political systems groan against the weight of the need to keep pace with societies demands for reform.

The 21^st Century begins in a world with all the problems of the 20^th Century: war, famine, disease, and poverty. The world, never the less, is changing and the people bask in the hope of a glorious new age.

Well, here we are! So what do we do next? It would seem appropriate that a new age should contain some sort of spiritual development but where in the technological fall out do we find it? Some people believe that Science will become the new religion of the 21^st century, which might not be far from what is apparent. It would certainly be fair to say that more people watch the television than read a religious book.

Can we look to our governments for guidance? No. History suggests that the main priority of any Government is to say, or do, just enough to get re elected. Governments may well espouse the moral values of family, lawfulness and welfare but they are inclined to leave the question of our souls to the men (sorry, people) of the cloth. We, in the light of having a choice between bad and worse, will vote for whoever will give us the better deal.

So can we look to our religious leaders for guidance? No. Western society is multicultural. While racial prejudice may be prevalent among adults, our children cross religious boundaries with ease by ignoring its existence. Schools with a multi ethnic population are unable to use religious doctrine any longer as an effective basis for spiritual growth. Today’s young people, most of whom do not have church-going parents, have turned their backs on outmoded traditions in favour of television, computer games and personal gratification. They are the benefactors of the new age and evidence suggests that the established religions will not reach them.

It would seem that spiritual leadership is about to expire. There are many who may try to compete for the job but there are none who are suitable for our multi ethnic society. It is therefore up to each of us to look deep within ourselves and find the key to our spiritual growth. Without each of us taking responsibility for our own development, the Western world will lose all spiritual content and is likely to continue its decline into decadence and corruption.

The new age needs a philosophy that holds each individual accountable for his/her actions. We need spiritual growth that gives us the power to make a difference to that part of the world in which we have a role. We need to understand that there are as many ways to God as there are people; and for this we need a Universal method that allows us the freedom of choice.

Many of you will have heard of the Tarot; a deck of cards comprising of 22 Major and 56 Minor ‘Arcana’. It is commonly associated with divination, fortune telling and the occult. These associations are enough to frighten many people away but few people realise that it also contains a remarkable philosophy that, if followed in good faith, will reflect and compliment all that is good in any religious tome.

Readers of the Tarot may already understand some or much of its philosophy, in which case I hope you will find the contents of this book informative and enlightening. For those who know little of the Tarot it does not matter. This book is designed to eliminate all the gobbledegook of the Tarot and leave you with understandable information that applies to the 21^st Century. It is perhaps a good idea at this point, however, to address some of the myths and misrepresentations associated with the Tarot.

The Tarot deck is a mass produced product made of card with pictures on them. It is quite feasible (and indeed was once) to use them to play a good game of Trumps! Those who use the Tarot cards do so as one would use any tool. There is nothing magical about the cards themselves.

The Tarot will not tell you the future. The Tarot will not, should not, tell you what to do. The most you should expect from the Tarot is a clearer perspective of your circumstances and possible options based on the natural laws of cause and effect. In other words you, as the subject of the reading, retain your free will to change you circumstances and have full control over your destiny. The Tarot cannot deny you your right to choose.

Some people will say that Tarot is evil and a tool of the Devil. Well, you may as well say the same of a screwdriver! Any tool in the wrong hands can be harmful but the difference between using a tool responsibly or irresponsibly boils down to education and intent. The Tarot can, in fact, be used as a complimentary tool to any religion except that it will not find acceptance in any outmoded or unreasonably restricted dogma. The Tarot encourages your active participation in your own beliefs. It encourages you to explore, to question, to learn as much about yourself and your role in the Universe. The Tarot does not ask you to follow blindly. It encourages you to look where you are going and why you chose a particular path. The Tarot encourages you to have an open mind so that you may see for yourself what is true and what is not. The Tarot promotes growth in love and in spirit, to be responsible for yourself and your own actions.

People who live by the philosophy of the Tarot do not hate or despise those who scoff and scorn with malice and blind ignorance. To do so would be negative and unproductive. They are taught to send love, even to those who hate them, because the spiritual evolution of the entire human race will only progress as fast as the slowest developing soul.

The Tarot is sometimes called ‘The Book of Life’ because within its principles and representations you will find every possible experience in life: both the pleasant and the unpleasant. Many of these experiences are discussed in this book. The 22 major cards known as the Major Arcana contain the main principles that are necessary to learn from life’s experiences and grow in spirit. Understanding these principles will help to accelerate spiritual growth and promote mental, emotional and physical benefits by emphasising the positive qualities we need to survive and grow in this harsh and unforgiving, learning environment, that we call life.