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Deepening My Practice Through Oral Traditions

I decided to offer tarot readings professionally from 2015 to about 2019--before COVID. I used to do readings at events under the name Madame Turbinado. It was a moniker given to me by my then mother-in-law who thought I was sweet and thought I should wear a turban. However, I didn't want to perpetuate a negative feminine stereotype nor get into my drag costume. Yes, cis-women can be drag queens too! My costuming alluded to the gypsy vibe. But, after actually meeting a psychic who was of Roma heritage, I stopped.

In my 8-month journey into working with her on my spiritual practice I learned some traditions from her.  I sought her help initially to begin healing my karmic debt and clearing my blockages through Reiki and crystals.  I know it sounds hokey, but this psychic taught me how to refine my tarot practice into something deeper.  I'd often fall back on reading from the book(s) on tarot with clients--which isn't good because it comes off as if you don't know divination practices well. 

What I learned from this Roma woman were two things: 

First, rely on what the symbols were telling me and listen to the client to see what the symbols were telling them. Looking at the symbols are used in  order to gain insight to the messages out there. The symbols in the tarot serve as psychological bread crumbs to what we intuitively know. 

Second, if clients came to me looking for clues, validation or a deeper understanding to their experiences, then all of the symbols had greater meaning. The symbols that commonly show up in the Rider-Waite deck (as well as others) served as a mirror to what the client already intuitively knew. 

Everything she learned, she learned from her grandmother who learned from her aunt, who learned from her cousin and that cousin learned from a tarot reader in the Bronx--all through oral tradition. 

There were no books to follow anymore for me. 

I do read books, however! I'm a librarian--among many things--by day. I helped myself through the Library and Information Science grad school program by reading cards. Today, when I read tarot books, it's to confirm meanings with clients. It's usually a reference source to confirm and validate hunches.

And, hunches are all we have sometimes when it comes to problem solving. 

Jungian Intuitive Tarot Practitioner

I've always been an outsider. But I realize that I developed a rare and valuable synthesis emerging from my obsession to study Jungian archetypes  and intuitive tarot work. This blending of archetypal psychology and divination is distinctly me.

Since I'm continuously learning and practicing things, I think titles limit people. But what seems to emerge when talking about my unique offering to others, I call myself a "Jungian Intuitive Tarot Practitioner."

This title first took shape for me in late 2020/early 2021 as I integrated all my studies in both Behavioral Science from my undergrad days to Information Science, and found my voice.

While others were likely working from a Jungian perspective too, my particular expression was just coming into being. Why? Because I'm still a self-proclaimed, "Woman of Science."

However, I believe there is space for both worlds.  One is the seen & observable world of science. The other is the unseen & mysterious world of what's called the "Mystic Sciences." 

Divination Isn't Everything

While I do divination, I don't think it serves a client in their everyday life. When we do divination, we essentially confirm what the client already intuitively knows! That's boring. It doesn't empower them further to make changes they need in their lives.  I always felt that I could be doing something more for clients.  For example, when I'd ask them how they felt when they first saw the Three of Swords, did it mean a heartbreak would be coming? Or did it mean literal heartburn? And if it was truly a devastating breakup, what about dealing with the heartbreak or healing from it? 

During and after the pandemic, I read about tarot and would take free Biddy Tarot classes or anything offered for free on Meetup to enhance my knowledge on the tarot. So while memorizing the meanings, I still recognize that our brains and the unseen spirit world is trying its best to bridge information. Our strongest bridge is our intuition. 

Our intuition is powerful, but so is the concept of "aftercare." 

Aftercare is a term I learned when I worked as the archivist-in-residence at The Center for Sex & Culture which closed in 2019, but was integral to my early career working in archives. I now consult as a content developer & AI moderator, but I continue to forge a path here in tarot. 

Often, you'll want more closure as life happens. There's almost no full resolution to things as we're all works in progress. The thing I began at once was allowing clients to take pictures of their spreads so that they could journal about the spread in the coming days or weeks after our sessions.  

I developed a system of grounding myself then generalizing meanings when drawing cards. The more broad meanings the more I embedded the information in my brain. Then, I used the imagery to propel me into further action. 

Since I have a daily practice of guided visualization, I often meditate on candle flames, streams, leaves, and sigils. I noticed that it's harder to conjure those images in my head if I'm distracted. So, focusing on the images and symbols in the tarot cards helped me--mainly because I'm a visual learner to begin with! 

Tarot Imagery, Visualization & Active Imagination

Visualization is everything--unless you have aphantasia. 

Tarot imagery provides us with a powerful tool for accessing the subconscious mind in order to gain insights into your life--and circumstances. Each card--especially in the Major Arcana--carries its own symbolism and archetypal meaning that is used as a catalyst for introspection and self-reflection.  When we engage with the imagery of the tarot, we put you in touch with your intuition in order to gan a deeper understanding of yourself and your environment. 

When it comes to teaching clients visualization techniques and Jungian active imagination, it is important for us to co-create a safe and conducive environment for exploration. Here are a few suggestions to guide you on this journey:

1. Start with relaxation techniques: we begin the session with relaxation exercises to help clients quiet their minds and become more receptive to the inner imagery. Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided meditation--on tarot symbols or images--can be effective in facilitating a relaxed state.

2. Introduce the concept of active imagination: You'll get familiar with the concept of active imagination, which involves actively engaging with your own inner imagery and allowing it to unfold without judgment or censorship. Encourage them to trust their intuition and let the images and symbols guide their exploration.

3. Explore tarot imagery: Incorporate tarot cards into the visualization process. Each session, we choose a card that resonates with the client's current situation or a particular theme they wish to explore. You'll study the card, absorb its symbolism, and then close their eyes to visualize themselves within the card's imagery. Sometimes, I'll encourage you to interact with the characters/figures, objects, or landscapes you'll encounter.

4. Encourage journaling and reflection: After the visualization exercise, provide time for clients to journal about their experience. Encourage them to write down any insights, emotions, or symbols that emerged during the process. This will help deepen their understanding and provide material for further exploration.