“The forest was still and silent. The white snow covered everything as far as I could see. Even in the dark of night I could see the path before me. The moon shining overhead was full and its light reflected upon the snow. Off in the distance I could see a dim light. I slowly start moving int hat direction and within time I come upon a small cave in the mountainside. Without warning a shadow separated from the outside wall and moved into the light. The figure was tall and cloaked. I could not see within the hood but I could tell by the way the figure moved that it was a man. He motioned me to follow him into the cave. In the light of the fire I saw that he was covered from head to toe and kept his hood pulled close. The cloak and robe that he wore was dark blue in color and covered in stars. He gave me a mug of something warm to drink. I smelled the aroma of herbs and earthiness. It was warming to my soul. I looked up at him to speak and he covered my mouth with his hand and shook his hand. Apparently now was not the time to speak. He pointed at the fire. I looked there and sat in the quiet. I felt a relaxation come over me… My eyes felt heavy and yet I was not sleepy… I looked once more at the man. He removed his hood and smiled… I was looking at my own face…”
The truth is not only divined through spreads while using the Tarot. Meditation, Pathworking, and Journeys are all paths to the truth while working with the Tarot. The story above is very similar to a pathworking I use while seeking answers. The man in my meditation is The Hooded Man or The Hermit. His archetype shows me answers through the act of “getting away from it all” and getting alone. It wasn’t until months later that I realized the Hooded Man wore my face. This was another truth revealed to me.
Pathworking, Guided Meditations, and Journeys are essentially the same things carried out in different manners. By using the archetypes within the Major Arcana you can delve deep into the subconscious. Many people are afraid of this. They do not like knowing what makes them tick. They find meditation and introspection a waste of time. To each his own. I, myself, like to remember what the Oracle of Delphi said, “Know thyself.”
To begin choose a card from the Major Arcana. I use The Wildwood Tarot most of the time because that deck resonates with me. You may use any deck you wish. Imagine taking a journey to find the person or person in the cards. Do you have to search for them? Do they appear to you? Are they hidden away or are they in plain view? How do they look? Are they dressed as they are in the card? Do they speak? What do they say? Do they take you somewhere? What do they show you? Ask yourself these questions. Let the visualization happen on its own. Do not force it.
I do these pathworkings and journeys at different times for different reasons but I do one every Dark Moon and every Full Moon. Take some time and let the Tarot teach you. There is more to the cards than just spreads and divination!
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