As much as it’s unpopular to admit, there exists a quiet reverence for the practice of Tarot. Yes, many tarot enthusiasts like to suggest that Tarot is analytical and, therefore, can be divorced from spirituality and, in doing so, used by anyone. This opinion is just as valid as my own, making what I’m about to say just my perspective.

Tarot, when separated from the esoteric, becomes devoid of heart. This is not to say that it loses its power, but it does suggest that the layers of meaning that exist in a spiritually nuanced tarot reading are indeed missing.

When I approach my cards, it’s with respect and reverence. I call in my gods, guides, ancestors and Orixá; I spray my preferred hydrosol; I smoke cleanse, ring my bell and shake my Peruvian owl rattle. And once I am finished opening up sacred space for a client reading, the energy in my environment is completely transformed. The feeling that blossoms inside my mind, body and spirit is everything. This raising of power and the potent feeling that ensues is addicting, to say the least.

There is something rather sacred hidden within the practice of Tarot. If you are dedicated and consistent, you will find it. But if you simply wish to understand the Tarot intellectually, and there is nothing wrong with that, you risk missing the very essence of this enigmatic art form.

The history of Tarot is a winding path through time, shrouded in mystery and rich in symbolism. Born in the courts of 15th-century Italy as a simple card game, Tarot’s true depth was only realised when esoteric scholars began imbuing its imagery with layers of meaning. By the late 18th century, mystics such as Antoine Court de Gébelin and Jean-Baptiste Alliette—better known as Etteilla—reimagined the deck as a tool for divination, transforming it from a playful pastime to an oracle of human insight. Now steeped in occult traditions, Tarot stands as a mirror to the soul, bridging ancient wisdom and modern introspection. What Gébelin and Etteilla were able to prove is that when you take the time to explore the Tarot, to interperate the art and look closely at the symbolism, a more incredible world of meaning opens up to the reader.

I am not an astrologer, and yet I understand that the Emperor is ruled by Mars and Aires, and with that, a new layer of information emerges, which then allows my understanding of The Emperor to become so much more nuanced.

Let’s now look at the 4 of Pentacles. I am not a numerologist, and yet I understand that in numerology, the number 4 is a symbol of stability, structure, and practicality. It is often associated with the foundational aspects of life, like building a secure home, creating solid plans, or establishing strong routines. Number 4 carries the energy of discipline, hard work, and perseverance, representing a grounded and methodical approach to achieving goals. With this knowledge, I can now look at the 4 of Pentacles with a great understanding of its innate motivations. The 4 of Pentacles can indicate a solid, structured approach to managing one's resources, yet also warns against the rigidity or fear that might arise from holding on too tightly. In this sense, both the numerology of 4 and the 4 of Pentacles remind us of the balance between creating security and knowing when to let go or be more flexible. Likewise is my understanding of the elements of the Tarot.

The more I understand the many esoteric disciplines connected to Tarot, the better I have become as a reader. Now, it's all about the feeling. Some might call this feeling "flow," while others might call it "Arwen," or even curiosity in its lightest form. Some, like myself, prefer to call it "Spirit," as in the Spirit of the experience. No matter how you approach your practice of Tarot, I encourage you to open your mind to the myriad possibilities that can arise from embracing alternative philosophies.

I’m not here to change your mind or to force my opinion down your throat. I’m simply sharing my perspective as a Tarot read, Author, Collector and Reviewer. I hope I have presented you with a little food for thought, and I hope that you are gracious enough to indulge your curiosity. Whether you like it or not, Tarot has become a tool steeped in esoteric and occult wisdom, to work with the Tarot is to caress these such disciplines.

Have a beautiful day,

Avalon Cameron