Monthly Archives: July 2011

Q&A time: To certify or not certify, that is the question.

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In this week’s installment of my reader Q&A, I will be discussing the concept of certification in the Tarot community.

 

J.T. wrote in asking me: “I noticed that you are certified by the American Tarot Association.  What does such a certification require/what is its significance? Should those seeking help from card readers be weary of anyone who isn’t associated with American Tarot (Association)?”

 

This is a somewhat controversial topic in the Tarot community as there are many ways to look at the concept of being certified in one’s ability to read the Tarot. I am a member of the ATA but I am not certified as anything other than a member.

First off, let’s look at what the certification entails. There are a couple of agencies in the United States that offer certification services. One of these is the Tarot Certification Board of America, or TCBA. Through various tests, sample readings and interviews the applicant’s knowledge and skill with the Tarot are gauged based on established criteria. This is similar to certification testing for other skills where established professionals evaluate you based on what you know, how you apply that knowledge and how well you can articulate that knowledge to others. Given the long and esoteric history of Tarot, this type of testing can be a phenomenal way to deepen your understanding of the history, symbolism and practical use of the cards. It can also be a great way to show others your dedication to the craft and your level of commitment to its understanding.

However, what about those that read purely from an intuitive standpoint? For every reader that studies the history and evolution of the cards, I would wager, there is just as many who use them as an intuitive spark and no very little about where they came from or how they developed into a divinatory tool. Such a reader would undoubtedly have difficulty passing a certification exam as the meanings they attribute to the cards may not necessarily match the prescribed esoteric definitions. Does this make them less of a reader? I don’t think so.

This may come across as a bit wishy-washy, but I am a “to each their own” kind of guy. In my experience, there are going to be clients that need the left brain connection of study equals knowledge that certification can display. There is a segment of society that needs to be assured that the person they are talking to is a “recognized expert” in their field. An uncertified reader could tell them the same thing, but it would not hold the weight or resonate in the same way. In the same manner, there are those that find certified readers intimidating. They want to feel like the person they are speaking to is somehow more “mystical” and less “scholarly”. There is a desire to feel as though the information that is coming through is not coming from the reader but that the reader is merely a channel of communication.

Yes, these are very extreme sides of the situation and the vast majority of those that seek readings, and the readers themselves, are somewhere in between. As a reader, I find myself more on the intuitive side of the spectrum. I have researched the origins of Tarot and understand the traditional meanings of the cards. But I do not always hold to those traditional meanings. If the picture on the card relates in a different manner to the question at hand, I rely on my intuition and my higher self to guide me in what to say. I am not certified in my knowledge of the Tarot and I probably never will be. I am no better than any other reader in that manner, and no less effective either.

When it all comes down to it, I really do not even see a need for debate on this topic. If you feel the call for certification, get certified. There will be clients who are seeking that. If you do not feel the need for it, don’t do it. There will be clients for you too. From the perspective of someone seeking a reading, the same falls into play. If you are someone who feels the need to have services rendered by a person who has been evaluated for their knowledge and application of the cards then go for it. If not, it really doesn’t matter. What makes more difference is trust and integrity. If you trust your reader, you will get a good reading. If you do not, then no level of certification will matter.

 

 

Q&A time: Celebrate your own Independance

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Throughout this month, I will be dedicating my blog posts to answering questions that my readers have about the Tarot.  These questions cover the range from my esoteric view of the cards to reading styles and more.  I will be answering these questions from my perspective and using historical fact and/or expert opinion where it is warranted.  I am excited to offer this opportunity as it not only allows you, the reader, a chance to voice your questions but it also gives me an opportunity to really dig in and explain why I view the cards in the way I do.  OK, enough fluff…let’s get to our first question!

M.H. asked: “I would like to know how the Hierophant card is interpreted by modern readers, considering the shift we’re in away from organized religion. How do you interpret the card when it appears in a spread, and do you think it’s still valid in today’s cultural climate that’s been a bit anti-priest lately?”

Excellent question M.H.!  This is a great question to look into given the spirit of independence that is celebrated today here in the U.S.   I pulled the Hierophant card out of  a number of decks that have been published over the past century.  In looking at the cards themselves we can see the shift that you are talking about away from organized religion.  This card, sometimes referred to as The Pope, is all about structure and faith. It holds esoteric knowledge as well as a guide to personal enlightenment.

In some of the older cards like the Rider-Waite-Smith version, we see a very Catholic looking man surrounded by symbols of religious structure.  The stone pillars and chair that are pictured show the rigidity of how our faith should be.  It is in our unwavering faith that the house of God is held up. If we falter or waiver in our faith then God’s judgement will come crashing down upon us. This view of religion is not as welcome in today’s society any more.  The idea of following blindly behind any religious leader has been shaken by a countless number of scandals over the years.  Yet, when we look closer at this card, the colors that are used speak volumes to the true message behind it.  The red, white, blue and yellow that are featured speak to love, peace, understanding and joy.  The original structures that set up all major religions were based on these tenets.  There are times that we need strict guidelines as to how to keep our focus in life on these four virtues and this is where the Hierophant comes into play.  However, his role is shifting from that of dictator to benevolent leader and eventually I see him being more of a guide and mentor.

The next step in the Hierophant’s evolution is displayed in Ciro Marchetti’s Legacy of the Divine Tarot.  He has relabeled this card “Faith” and has shown leaders of four different faiths all praying around a golden pillar of light.  With the traditional view of Trump V having to do with setting one way to enlightenment we see here the idea that there is more than one way and all are equally effective.  I have long held that all major religions are based on the same basic principles of showing love and respect for yourself and your fellow man.  How can there be only “one way” to do this?  Shouldn’t each man or each society be able to express this in the way that seems most appropriate to them?  The source of love is still the source of love no matter what name you give it.

If we look at the Hierophant as a teacher and mentor we are able to learn the principles behind his knowledge and then apply them into our own lives as we see appropriate.  In Kay Steventon’s Spiral Tarot, we see a much less refined spiritual leader showing us how the mysteries of the universe can be applied to our lives to promote growth.  This figure is shown as simply a head and hands to let us know that he is there to “show and tell” but does not need to be followed directly.  There is an element of transparency in this card that says to me, “I will show you what I know and then remove myself so that you can evaluate it on your own”.  This is a greater step in each of us developing our own path toward enlightenment.  We are all inundated with information that we are told will help us grow as humans and as spiritual beings.  However, it is up to us to determine what resonates with us and what will hold us back.

The greater levels of personal enlightenment and spiritual freedom we are experiencing have shifted our need for spiritual leaders.  There will always be a need for teachers and leaders to help us learn new ways to connect with Spirit and share the pillars of love, peace, understanding and joy with those around us.  However, as we receive these new teachings, there is a clearer ability to discern the most effective way to apply them in our lives.  We have the guidance and wisdom of the Hierophant around us, with the independence to put it into practice individually.

How do you apply the Hierophant’s teachings in your life?  How do you see his role in your life?

 

If you have a question about the Tarot that you would like me to answer, please share it below or email me at info@personaltarotwithmatt.com