In Pure Spirit reached out to Jade to ask her if she would share with us some insights into her favourite Tarot cards and to our delight she agreed. Jade is a respected teacher at The Magic Circle School where she teaches a popular course called Intuitional Tarot. The School is our recommended location for getting in touch with Jade in person, asking any questions you may have or asking about a personal reading.
Jade has also read for the American Tarot Association for over 4 years and acts as a Mentor for new Readers there. She subscribes to the metaphysical way of life and is a fllower of the teachings of Ernest Holmes, founder of The Religious Science Movement; the Science of Mind.
We asked Jade to discuss six Tarot cards. Here they are;
Death
When I first started to study Tarot and the Death card came up I have to confess I hated this card. It always made me feel very uncomfortable until I learned more about it. First of all when you are giving a reading make sure you reassure your Client/ Querant that that this does not mean a physical death. Rarely does the card mean that. This is one of the two cards people always dread to see when you are doing a reading for them but this card is really about rebirth. An ending followed by a new beginning. Rebirth and change. Closing one door in order to open another one. To me it represents a major change which is necessary for growth and expansion.
The Death card is about transformation, releasing the old and letting in the new! It is like a rebirth because it is usually an ending followed by a new beginning. Think one door closes so another one can open. When you think of it this way doesn’t that make you feel better? It represents a major change that is needed for growth, in fact it may bring about a new awareness within you that could change you, guide you, spiritually, emotionally, psychologically and financially. In most decks the card is similar the white rose is the symbol of rebirth. I try to look at the symbols in a card whenever I don’t understand it or feel confused about it. When it appears in a reading it may be saying its time to look at what you are resisting in your life.
It is time for change, maybe this is a person who is resisting change. We can’t grow if we don’t change. See it as new opportunities that want to present themselves if we allow, if we are open, to change. I don’t believe there are good cards and bad cards it is the way we interpret the cards the way, we allow our intuition to come into play as we give the reading. Sometimes the person you are reading for is going through a very difficult time or situation it is our job as a reader to be confident, compassionate and assist them in getting the help that they need. To me it represents a major change which is necessary for growth and expansion.
Sometimes the Death card brings a whole new set of principles to guide you spiritually, emotionally, financially, and psychologically. It could mean a new stage in your life is beginning. It is certainly about absolute change or transformation, releasing the old and making way for the new. I use the Morgan Greer deck and the Hanson Roberts deck when I look at this card. I see a sunrise which can symbolize there is a transformation which is about to take place. The white rose in the picture is the symbol of rebirth. When it comes up in a reading it may be inviting you to deliberately address and embrace whatever you are resisting in your life.
Releasing the old and making way for the new! That’s my mantra for the Death card.
The 4 of Wands
The number 4 in Numerology usually stands for structure, security, stability, solid foundation, order service, and accomplishment. I like to think of the 4 of Wands as celebration, peace, prosperity, ceremony a welcome or a farewell. I think when we look at the four of wands we will see a theme of stability. In the 4 of Wands the theme is easy to see. People are celebrating. The Rider Waite deck portrays this card as a celebration card. There is a floral garland secured with ribbons between 4 wands There are two women holding fruits and flowers high in the air. Some people call this the “Marriage” card. This is such a harmonious card, maybe we are finally completing that project that we have worked on for ever so long. We are pleased and happy because we have been successful in our endeavors. Maybe its harvest time, could it be a wedding, a feast, a reunion? It is up to you to decide but its clear some sort of celebration is taking place.
The 5 of Wands
The number 5 in Numerology stands for challenges, struggles, loss, upset circumstances, change, conflict, freedom, unbalance. I think of the 5 of Wands as struggle, challenge and competition. It makes me think that all of the stability we saw in the 4 of Wands has now been disrupted. When we look at the 5 of Wands we see competition, strife, intense rivalry. Conflict comes to mind maybe its between friends, co-workers, or family being divided by opinions that bring disagreements over some important issue. Maybe there is some internal fighting going on with oneself and so you feel divided, and at odds with the world.
The energy is very scattered in this card with the wands being all over the place. Maybe this card is saying there is a spiritual struggle going on and by going though this struggle and defeating it we will somehow come out on the other side of it, stronger.
The Empress
When I think of The Empress I think Marriage, Motherhood and Family. In some circles she is known as The Earth Mother, a Nurturer, a Goddess! She is like the creative spark that gets things going, like a burst of creative energy.
The Empress overseas all of the predictable cycles of nature and all of the cycles of our lives. She brings prosperity, growth, creativity, attraction and abundance to whatever area we have concerns about. When we think of the Empress we think fertility, motherhood, abundance, sensuality, feminine influence. Think of the Empress as a card of new beginnings, a fresh start, a new path. When the Empress appears in a reading there could be news of a pregnancy or a major break through that could lead to success. Fruition is a real part of what this card speaks about, the promise of wonderful outcomes.
I like to think that the Empress is the soul mate of the Emperor. That this is a card of hope, growth, change, this card could speak of breakthroughs concerning our goals especially our inner talents (like writing a book) doing something that would require some type of gamble and belief in yourself. This is really a wonderful card that brings us the ability to attract just the right people and situations into our life.
The Lovers
There are so many things we can say about The Lovers card, its a card that holds different meanings and different ways of interpretation.
When I see this card sure I see romance but when we look, really look at this card (I have the Morgan Greer and Hanson Roberts deck) there is no sexual arousal, nothing really sexual about this card so it could be about all kind of relationships. It is a picture of a union but what kind? I think when we look at a card we have to say to ourselves we know the meaning of this card but what does this card bring up for me?
This is a card that has been discussed and discussed some find it a difficult card because of all of the meanings that are implied. I think it just brings up different feelings in each of us because when we read the cards we bring our own life experiences to the table and we all intuit differently! There is definitely an awareness of each other in this picture especially in the Morgan Greer deck. There is unity in this picture. When I look at this picture from my Morgan Greer deck I see a very strong attraction, I see chemistry between these two people. There is harmony here a successful relationship, a partnership. In some decks (The Rider Waite) there is the picture of Raphael the Archangel, maybe this means that this union is being divinely guided. Maybe there is a healing that is taking place, something is being made whole. There is also a school of thought that this card represents the merging, the harmony between the conscious and subconscious mind. The meanings of this card are endless.
This card also speaks of Choice! When I say I see choice I can tie it into what I see in the images in the card. If its romance you see when you look at this card then are there not choices in a romantic relationship, really any relationship for that matter. Maybe there is a decision to be made between these two people. How is this card coming up in the reading, what position and what is the question the Querent is asking? Maybe the Querent has a question about picking the right partner. Is this the right partner? We could say in a reading yes it looks like you have a shot at making this work or this is a relationship you will be happy in, comfortable in, feel loved in, if you make the choice to move forward and chose this partner. Maybe the question is about money, a career, so yes there is going to be a merger, a successful business, partner relationship, so lots of things come into play but yes I can see choice.
We make choices all the time in our daily lives. It all depends on what you see. If it is romantic love then surely you can see there are lots of choices in this kind of relationship. I chose to be in this relationship despite the consequences, I chose to remain an individual, to have my own life and still be in this relationship! Choices, choices, choices!!
The 6 of Swords
When I see the 6 of Swords I see people leaving a very difficult situation. They are going to look for calmer times, a place that holds peace and serenity the promise of a brighter tomorrow. A turning point is being marked where a new cycle can begin. It is a time of moving on both mentally and physically.
In the 6 of Swords the boatman seems to be a protector, perhaps a family member or just someone who is trying to help. The 6 of Swords is like a symbol of passage, a change for the better. I think of a journey when I see this card it could be a physical, emotional or a spiritual one. This card is telling us that nothing remains the same, to have faith and the storm will pass, you are being guided through troubled times. Be patient you are going to regain your balance, and leave troubled times behind. There are so many ways to look at a card. We should be looking at everything, the images, colors, symbols and whatever comes up for you.
I have looked at this card and thought as I am giving a reading this person is leaving a difficult situation they are going to something unknown or maybe they are going back to something familiar to them. The boat to me is just a vessel this trip by boat is a vehicle to take you in the direction you want or need to go in. If we want to get really Metaphysical we could say it says let your conscience be your guide in all of your thoughts. Let it be your guide in whatever decision you make. Lets begin with a change of attitude and a belief that if we see things in a more positive way we can make our dreams a reality.
About Intuitional Tarot at the Magical Circle School
This is a course where you can work at your own pace, and get more comfortable using your intuition. In Intuitional Tarot the focus is on being able to read the cards, using your intuition which is something that we all have. The main focus of this course is intuition, learning to tap into our inner voice and go with our gut feelings. Allow yourself to look at the cards and just go with the flow, see and feel what comes up for you and to trust that.
The exercises and assignments are all geared to helping you tap into your intuitive side. I like to have a lot of interaction with my students and we have discussion threads where you can ask all kinds of questions.
This course also includes meditation exercises that you can use with or without your cards. In fact there is a Meditation Forum which has something for first time explorers and the most advanced. I have also included tips and suggestions for those who may have a problem meditating and for the beginner who is attempting it for the very first time.
I know that if you really participate and want to explore your intuition you will find this a very exciting course. Its a course for the new beginner, or an experienced Reader of Tarot, its for everyone who loves Tarot. I honestly feel there is something here for everyone. There is a lot of Journaling to be done throughout the course but I promise you it wont be boring it will definitely help you tap into your inner self and discover new and exciting things about not only Tarot but about You! There are periodic quizzes throughout the course but nothing you cant handle.
At the end of the course you will be asked to do a 1 card reading and a spread of your choice with an assigned partner. So you will have an opportunity to give and receive a reading. This is a certified class and you will receive a certificate at the end of the course.
I can honestly tell you that teaching this course has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have found that The Universe attracts just the right students, as we explore our journey together.
Jade
In Pure Spirit
Special thanks to Jade for this insightful and detailed post. Jade’s experience with Tarot is impressive and her thoughts and perceptions on these 6 cards should be a valuable resource for any new or experienced Reader.
What are your favourite Tarot cards? What do they mean to you? Which do you think you is the most commonly misunderstood card?
AndrewGirdwood says
Hi Hope, welcome to In Pure Spirit. Jade sounds like a real asset to both the school and her pupils. We're so glad she was able to share some of her views on cards here.
Have you been interested in the Tarot for long?
Monique says
I have had several readings by Jade and they are all on point. She's dead on. Thanks Jade
AndrewGirdwood says
Thanks for the post Monique. Would you advise someone who's never had a tarot reading before to contact Jade?
Monique says
Yes! She is very acurate.
AndrewGirdwood says
Thanks very much for your visit to In Pure Spirit and your comment. We're also impressed with Jade's insights and very pleased she was able to contribute so much with this guest post.
Which of the Tarot means the most to you? Or is there a card you'd rather not see?
AndrewGirdwood says
Hi Hope, welcome to In Pure Spirit. Jade sounds like a real asset to both the school and her pupils. We're so glad she was able to share some of her views on cards here.
Have you been interested in the Tarot for long?
Scamphill/Nancy says
Scamphill/Nancy
I am currently taking Jade's Intuitional Tarot Class & she does have class, lots of Tarot Experience
and is an excellent teacher, I learn so much from Jade
I was really impressed with her insight on the 6 cards here, I am always impressed with Jade's
knowledge
Patricia says
Jade is a wonderful, insightful teacher and a great inspiration to her students. I am one of her new students and it's been a great experience so far and I look forward to more.
AndrewGirdwood says
Thanks for your reply Nancy. I think it says a lot of Jade's abilities as a teacher that so many people have been willing to pop over here and leave kind words.
If you had to pick six cards to write about; which ones would they be?
AndrewGirdwood says
Hi Patricia, thanks for coming to read Jade's post here at In Pure Spirit. How challenging has learning Tarot been? Is it something you'd recommend to other people who might be curious about it?
Nancy says
I am currently one of Jade's students too. For many years I have struggled with Tarot and never got anywhere with it. This is first time I am getting beyond that block and able to do readings, thanks to Jade! What an inspiration she is to all of us!
Ruthann says
I was very moved by all that Jade had to say. I have had my cards read by Jade and had no idea just how much you can see and feel in each card. She gave me so much information in my readings and was extremely accurate down to fine details. I look forward to my next reading with Jade.
AndrewGirdwood says
Thanks for your comments and visit to In Pure Spirit Nancy. I'm sure Jade will like all the positive feedback here.
It's interesting that you'd previously struggled with Tarot… could you offer any tips to someone in a similar situation?
Hope says
I have taken Jade's Intuitional Tarot class and I can say that it was keystone in the developement of my tarot reading skills. Jade is wonderful and patient and an excellent teacher and tarot reader!
Nancy says
The only tip that I have at this time would be to sign up for Intuitional Tarot which is taught by Jade. She teaches us to work with our intuition rather than just look at the meanings of the cards. She also responds to our emails whenever we have questions. Whenever we get discouraged, she gives us that extra push. I just can't say enough to how much she has helped me. I had struggled for about 4 years and took various online courses and just couldn't do it until I found Jades class. You have no idea how excited I was when I did my first practice readings there!
HOPE says
I have taken Jade's Intuitional Tarot class and I can say that it was a keystone in the developement of my tarot reading skills. Jade is wonderful and patient and an excellent teacher and tarot reader!
Linda says
this article by Jade has drawn me into the possibilities of Tarot. Very informative and inviting…I look forward to more of her writings!!
AndrewGirdwood says
Thanks again! It's always good to hear when people don't loose heart, keep on at it and for it then to work out nicely for them. I've a feeling you'll turn out to be an accomplished Reader too!
AndrewGirdwood says
Thanks Linda. I imagine Jade will be pleased that she's got you interested in Tarot. This was a guest post by Jade and I can't promise we'll be able to lure her back to write a second one… but we'll try!