One of the things that I find most fascinating about our current culture is how ancient practices have come back into public acceptance.  For instance, in the field of medicine, we are seeing respectable physicians prescribing the use of herbs, acupuncture, magnets, etc., as alternatives to chemicals and surgery.  In science, quantum physicists are “discovering” proof that our thoughts have the ability to affect our physical being.  Psychiatrists are openly admitting that reincarnation is quite possible and that someone suffering from multiple personality disorder could actually have a number of disembodied spirits manipulating his or her behavior. In spiritual matters, masses of people are turning to ancient beliefs and religions for answers, as well as seeking advice from psychics, tarot card readers and astrologers.

Using cards to divine the future is nothing new.  Something similar to a deck of tarot cards was found in ancient Egyptian tombs.  The first playing cards with hearts, spades, clubs and diamonds were found in China in the 10th century, and in the west, a Swiss monk wrote a journal entry about a card game in 1377.  By the way, my introduction to fortune-telling came from an Italian gypsy who used regular playing cards.  I was 14 at the time and started delving into the mysteries of the occult immediately thereafter.  The first tarot pictures appeared in the mid-15th century as part of a gift of cards given to a Milanese Duke.  The deck had 22 major and 56 minor arcana, including 16 court cards, exactly as we use today.  Over the centuries the use of cards to predict the future has gained and lost popularity and acceptance, but it has never been as available to the public as it is today.  It isn’t even necessary to go into a special store to purchase them any more and the variety of styles seems limitless.  Whatever your taste, preferred subject or personal totem, there has probably been a deck designed that would appeal to you.

I am frequently asked if tarot cards are evil or magical.  In my book, “Tarot of The Lotus Circle,” I explain that the cards themselves are completely neutral.  They are simply metaphysical tools and how helpful they are depends completely on the reader and her ability to communicate with the spirit world.  In other words, if you set the cards on a table and walk away, they won’t do anything on their own.  But when a reader bonds with a clean deck and has a strong connection with her guides, the reader’s and querent’s hands will be spiritually guided as they manipulate and choose the cards to answer a particular question.

“Tarot of The Lotus Circle” teaches you how to call in your spirit guides and read the cards for yourself.