Most relate this section of the Tarot with Today’s playing cards; with slight differences we have Wands (sometimes called Batons), Swords, Cups (Chalices), or Pentacles (Coins). These cards are able to give the reader a few more details in which are not located in the Major Arcana for example: If in a 7 card spread the enquirer happens to get 5 of the Major Arcana this could indicate the enquirer has way too many outsiders making choices controlling the enquirer’s life.
Along with the numbered cards in the suit there are the Kings, Queens, Knights, and Pages. These usually allow the Reader to dive into a little more detail painting a clearer picture for the enquirer, such as; The Page of Cups, cups being feminine and a page usually being a child under the age of 22 often it is appropriate to interpret this card meaning as the enquirer has a female child. However you can’t always use this method due to people’s living circumstances this card can also mean a niece or baby sister. Rightfully so this is where your card combination’s can be extremely helpful. The numbered cards in the deck often tell of events that have passed or what are to come. Take the 6 of swords for example: This card often means the enquirer is planning a move or vacation the rest of the reading may tell you why, if this move is the correct choice or just a geographical cure.
You can do a pretty good general reading with just the Major Arcana, but when it comes to specific detail in the reading try using the full deck and reversals 
it will open up a whole new world of reading!
Animal Totems
Before the hustle and bustle of everyday life, before annoying bosses who peek over your cubical wonder if you have that assignment done so they may turn it into their boss to take credit for you work in order to keep that corner office; before you could just go into the local one stop shop to purchase: meat, paper, and even your electronic devises. People of most religions believed the Earth and its inhabitants known as animals had a story or lesson to teach. The Chinese called this Kung-Fu and on the other side of the World the Native Americans were calling them Totems translated into the word ‘Friend’ the Spiritualists call them Guides. Learning to make tools like the ape, weave fabric like a spider, and catch a fish by using your bare hands like the bear was the only way to survive in the wild. This brought balance and harmony to every living thing because these tasks were not as easy as picking up products at the grocery store nothing was in excess. Now man has forgotten how the delicate balance is, yes we live more comfortable and no I’m not saying to set up a tent and live among the wild animals. I am simply saying, “Stop and listen, think and look at what you’re doing.” We may learn from the animals as do children when they mimic their favorite one from the zoo or the animal they simply cannot get enough of.
Most Native Americans used the totem to show other tribes who their family was and each family member is connected to nine different animals that will aid them during their life. As a guide the totems would very seldom change unless an unexpected turn in one’s life had occurred, then the totems would change to suite that persons needs. Does a certain kind of animal consistently appear in your life? This doesn’t necessarily have to be a physical appearance, it could be represented in other ways such as receiving card and letters with the same animal pictured over and over, unexplainable dreams of a particular animal, watching television and seeing the same animal featured time and time again, or, actually having the animal show up. This could be one of your totems offering you a warning or lesson if you would choose to listen.
In my family we use to in advertently learn and keep our totems closed at hand and I will pass this information to you: The top animal on the totem also known as your ‘power animal’. My father’s was the Bison, my mother’s is the Great Horned Owl, my brother’s is the Dragon (or large lizard) and mine is the Tyto alba known as the ‘Barn Owl’.
What do the animals have to say to you? Come in and have a seat and from my family to yours I will assist in helping you with your animal ‘friends’.
Kayla
Tarot is filled with symbols, both universal and personal. If you show two people the same cards, they will rarely see the same thing at the same time. Using your intuition when doing a reading may also change the meanings of a card. Do not fear this happens to mean your psychic ability is developing! There are tones of Tarot spreads floating around out there and it’s very easy to become confused of their meanings and positions. There for making your own spread (after you have mastered the every so useful Celtic Cross). Even as a professional this spread has proved itself time and time again! When a seeker is unsure what to ask or what they’re question is, all they know is they need guidance that my friend is a great place to begin. It’s basic just like their questions. But sometimes, you just can’t find what you are looking for. You need the cards to talk to you in a way that you will understand. There is a better way than beating your brain out during a reading (and this also keeps you from hanging to a ‘cold reading’) Make up your own spread!
There are a few basic principles to follow when you begin to design a spread. First you must decide what it is you want to know. Think about what you want they lay out to look like **Tip** using your Tarot deck to decide what the spread is to look like may also strike up ideas…
The first step is to know how to ask the right question. **See my other piece on asking the right question** this is the easy part. Usually this is the reason you are creating your own spread in the first place. Is this a Love Spread? If so you may want to see how each person ‘reflects there other’ or is this spread to help with making a hard decision?
Card layouts can be created in any shape. There are a couple of things you need to ask yourself before you choose one. Do you want this to be a large spread with many cards? Or a small spread with just a few? Is there a specific number that can have an impact on the spread? How much information do you need? Is there a shape that lends itself to the idea you have? Does it need a shape? Or is it fine to lay them out in a line or square? I have seen spreads in shapes from simple squares to elaborate birthday cake or triple moon layouts. The shape is completely up to you. As an artist, I tend to give my spreads a bit of shape, especially if there is a shape that will lend energy to the reading.
Yesterday I received my new Shadowscapes Tarot and couldn’t wait to start studying and using the new cards so I brought them to work today. Usually on Thursday I don’t have many patients to tend to and become bored. Well, I began reading the guide book that comes with the cards then after lunch I [...]
With delight I am pleased to say I have received a call from MTV and the producers of True Life. They are interested in casting me for a documentary about young Mediums/Psychics, this is not set in stone just yet but I will keep everyone posted!
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