Oracles' Role in Uncertain Times

Welcome to an Autumn of Change

All divination systems reveal something we didn’t know and couldn’t know through any other mechanism. The quality of that something however, depends on the central values prescribed by that magical system. The Tarot deck proposes a profound philosophy which describes and prescribes an evolution of human consciousness. Shuffling the cards brings these profound values into play in a random depiction that tells us an archetypal story. The cards tell a collective story of consciousness evolution but in the context of a reading they tell us YOUR spiritual, evolutionary story.

The Spiritual Value of Change

The Tarot nudges us in directions that encourage optimism. It offers an archetypal perspective and a belief in the necessity and value of change. People distrust and fear change. We give lip service to loving change but fundamentally that’s a lie. Oh we all love the positive change that we create! But change which is out of our control is a different matter.

We structure space, time, and nature from a strong ego position in our Western Culture. We kid ourselves into believing we control everything. Nothing will ever change unless we say so. Once we get everything planted, we’re good until we determine otherwise. When our planned and ordered existence slips out of sync again, we panic. “The fates are against us!”, we lament.

We know in our hearts and from our experience that nothing ever stays the same but like a default position, we return to it immediately following any change or crisis. In the real world we have absolutely no control over the forces of nature which change all the time. Natural disasters and wars especially trigger masses to seek the guidance of an oracle. And these days, let me just say I’ve never been busier in my practice.

Kings, Queens and other leaders have consulted oracles for millennia (most often secretly!) to know the tribe’s destiny. Oracles have played a pivotal role in our evolution yet are rarely acknowledged in these terms.

An expert Tarot interpreter combines a sensitivity to the meanings of the cards, with the person sitting there nervously waiting to hear the verdict. A gifted reader does not repeat traditional fixed meanings, but rather they will find new meanings and interpretations. Part of a reader’s training includes a classic study of the cards while another part lies in gaining a personal knowledge of them through practice, meditation and creative work. It takes years of dedicated study and practice to become a virtuoso reader. I’ve been at it for almost 50 years and I’m still learning and perfecting my interpretative work!

What about Free Will and the Role of Fate?

How does free will come into play with respect to a reading when its central purpose is to determine a destiny?

We possess free will to the extent we are conscious. Our natural gifts, limitations, social conditioning and life experience construct our world view. People who have gone for analysis or psychoanalysis with the intent to become more conscious, are enabled to act more from free will than someone who remains unconscious of their primary feelings, motivations and aversions. Most of our beliefs that drive behaviour, as an example, are unconscious. Habits, patterns, partnerships, work and self-image are a few examples.

Our destiny is a cosmic dance between opportunity and ourselves; both conscious and unconscious selves.

We have free will but the degree to which we are able to exercise intention is dependent on the extent that we are conscious. Tarot readings are aligned in revealing unconscious intention much to most client’s surprise. Whether your destiny is being skewed by the lack of outer options or by your own unconscious sabotage, the Tarot is a helpful tool in revealing both sides of the coin. With greater inner awareness, encouragement and support, we are better equipped to make decisions that are wiser, healthful and self actualizing.

Death as a Mindfulness Tool

There are other methodologies available to those who wish to become more mindful. Yoga, meditation, psychotherapy, dream interpretation and the therapeutic use of psychedelics to name a few. In combination with an effective oracle reading and/or study, powerful shifts can be made in our consciousness. The more consciousness raising activities the better has been my motto most of my life. Now in my later years I’m doing all I can to keep my brain healthy and vibrant. Having full access to your mental acuity means a longer life rich in stimulation and independence. I couldn’t recommend it more highly!

Many over 70 years hesitate to consult an oracle for fear they’ll have their departure to spirit predicted or perhaps more pertinently, they will be tempted to ask! I always assure people I will not predict their earthly departure. I’ve been known to gently nudge people that they won’t be embodied forever. The time is nigh to be living their best lives to mitigate for those nasties on their death bed like regret, longing and self-castigation. Some matters to keep in mind at any age but the older we get the closer the death bed looms.

Our awareness of pending death is what separates us (as far as we know) from the rest of the mammal kingdom. It is our most eloquent teacher. Hear her words in your ear every day and I guarantee you will get better and better at living your best life without compromise. That is the easiest and most accessible tool for mindfulness that I know.

Wishing you a beautiful autumnal season!

Blessings Kathleen

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Videos on Youtube Channel

Live TV Interview re Tarot Readings

Library Lecture re Tarot

Introduction to Tarot Workshop

Testimonial Snippets

Caitlin on Google

"I had a new year tarot card reading with Kathleen in January 2020. I enjoyed her intuition and calm style. I was quite surprised to hear that the cards suggested I'd be moving early summer (May/June). But, after many attempts at making offers on houses in competition situations starting at the end of Feb, and an unforeseen reason to focus all our energy on purchasing a house, we have officially purchased a home this Friday, May 15! We will be getting possession of our new home May 30! Kathleen was very responsive to email inquiries and phone calls prior to purchasing a reading with her. During the reading, I asked 2 main questions and she pulled cards for both. I enjoy her video/blogs/newsletters about intuition, psychic abilities etc."