Notes from an Interview with Gina Spriggs
- I recently read that most tarot card readers do not consider themselves intuitive...can you believe that?
- I think there may be more things to consider than just the ability to read the cards.
- Many people are not aware of all the ways you can be psychic and believe what they have seen in movies and on tv - that they will suddenly "see" the future or be assaulted with voices from beyond.
- There is a difference between being "psychic" and being "intuitive”.
- Psychics receive spontaneous information: They think of someone and that person calls, or they bump into them; they may dream of something and it then it happens.
- Traditional tarot is a beautiful, lifelong process that layers a lot of information and requires a lot of headspace. It requires awareness of astrology, elements, Qabalah, numerology, and symbolism.
- When I get a new card deck of any type, I like to sleep with it under my pillow
- If your deck is under your pillow, or on your nightstand - you can wake up and pull a few cards before starting your day and do the same before bedtime - getting acquainted with your deck.
It is a long time since I have done a tarot reading.
Every culture has its own idea of the dragon.
Far East dragons are energies that flow in the earth’s viscera, in the waters of the riverbanks and the air currents of the sky.
Western dragons represent the ancient energy at the heart of creation, in darkness, the antagonist of light.
America they are the gods of light and civilization.
The principles are always … nature’s pure energy, vision, and conflict between man.
I didn’t pose a question in favour of a general reading as it was the first time for the cards.
1 - Heart of the matter – 5 swords
Conflict of some nature. It can also suggest a disagreement with others, which leads to hostility and tension. Despite the fact that you think you’ve won, you might still lose in the big picture, because you have annoyed or hurt those that you have argued with, and as a result, you are on the road to isolating yourself.
My view …
As far as I know this does not apply to me right at this moment. There is no one I can think of that I have had anything like this with. But then, we never know what is coming.
2 - Challenges the issue – 10 wandsA completed circle of struggle. You may find yourself living in a world of abundance where poverty and suffering have no chance to intervene. In the real world, this card expresses how people try to burden themselves with responsibilities after they attain initial success.
My view …
This sounds like a lot to do with my writing. My big ambition was to publish a novel, and that has been achieved, but now I am putting pressure on myself to write another. All the ideas are floating about in my head and I am enthusiastic about it, but actually getting my fingers on the keyboard is proving a huge task. It’s not writers block, but more a case of procrastination and apathy. Fear of failure, maybe.
3 - Unknown influences – The MagicianThe representation of pure willpower. The connecting force between heaven and earth, and the understanding of the meaning behind the words ‘as above so below’, that mind and world are only reflections of one another. It might mean that it's time to tap into your full potential without hesitation. It shows that the time to take action is now and any signs of holding back would mean missing the opportunity of becoming the best version of yourself.
My view …
Back to procrastination here, and the fact that deep down I am still tormented by the notion that was instilled in me at an early age, that I could never get anything right. It is not so much the fear of failure that stops me trying, but more a ‘why bother’ attitude.
4 - The past – Queen of swordsThe Queen of Swords is an archetype of an older, wiser feminine intellect and could come off as quite stern and emotionless. This card represents the importance of making judgments without relying on emotion alone and looking at all the facts before making a decision. Above all, truth is important to her, she expects the same frankness from other people, so this means that you need to be clear with everything that is being said, even if it may hurt.
My view …
The first person that came to mind was my mother, although often her notion of the truth left a lot to be desired. There was much I wanted to say to her before she died, much I wanted to confront her with, especially about the web of lies she had woven about me to cloud the eyes of her friends. However, no matter how strong I am usually, I found that in her presence I reverted back to the little girl that just wanted to please her. I said nothing, and to be honest I do now think that was the right move, as it would never have made any difference.
5 - Hopes and goals – Knight of swordsWhen we are thoroughly obsessed by a certain idea and strongly wish to manifest it, we are oftentimes so blinded by the actual desire for its fulfilment that we fail to note the difficulties which we may come across, or the actions and consequences that it could bring. Once the knight sets forth towards goals, there is absolutely no stopping. He doesn’t see - and he doesn’t care - about any upcoming challenges. He is filled with sheer ambition, strength and determination to succeed with his quest no matter what. However, this determination could also blind him to see the potential consequences of his actions on others as he makes his way to success.
My view …
This doesn’t sound like me at all. Maybe, it is not related to my own goals but those of someone else that will inadvertently affect me. Who knows?
6 - The future – The Hanged ManThis is a card which is mainly designated towards waiting and suspension. This suggests that this might be the thing that you need to do in order to achieve success or to wait for the proper opportunity. The hanged man understands that his position is a sacrifice that he needed to make in order to progress forward. The upside-down state can also symbolize the feeling of those that walk a spiritual path, for they see the world differently. This is a natural course of action for you as you walk the path alone.
My view …
Writing is often considered a very solitary occupation. I sit for hours at my keyboard in the study in quiet isolation, tapping away and creating words into pleasing patterns. Personally, it is like a form of meditation, one in which I get so immersed that everything else doesn’t exist. I am always waiting for the proper opportunity, then I will be famous (or maybe infamous) … I suppose it depends on what I write.
7 - Your self-image – The TowerThe Tower represents change in the most radical and momentous sense, but it does not have to be something terrible, like a disaster or a great loss. Be positive, it is time for you to replace the old foundations of the past with something that is more genuine and will serve you better in what is to come.
My view …
I think that it is time I stopped having great ideas about what I want to do and narrow them down to a few that I can endeavour to put into action.
8 - How others see you – JudgementThe Judgement card appearing in a reading signifies that you are coming close to this significant point in your life where you must start to evaluate yourself. It can also indicate that you are in a period of awakening, brought on by the act of self-reflection. You now have a clearer idea of what you need to change and how you need to be true to yourself and your needs. This can mean making small changes to your daily life, or the huge ones that not only affect you, but also the people close to you. You may have to let go of the past, so you can move forward with your plans.
My view …
This seems to just reiterate the meaning of the previous card.
9 -Guidance and warnings – The SunThe Sun card represents success, abundance, and radiance. Like the sun itself, it gives strength and vitality to all those that are lucky enough to feel its rays. There is much joy and happiness that is coming to you. Because of your own personal fulfilment, you provide others with inspiration and joy as well. People are drawn to you because they see the warm and beautiful energy which you bring into their lives. You are also in a position in which to share your qualities as well as achievements with others.
My view …
This card, when taken with the previous two appears to be pointing me towards organising more creative or therapy writing workshops. It is something that has been flitting about my brain for a while now, but I have never gotten around to doing anything about it. Looks like now is the time.
10 - Overall outcome – The MoonIn the dark of the night, you are taking a path that you are unsure of, as there could be danger lurking in its depths. The moon's light can bring you clarity and understanding and you should allow your intuition to guide you through this darkness.
You need to be aware of the situations that are causing fear and anxiety in your mind, whether it is now or in the future. It alerts you not to allow inner disturbances and self-deception to take the best of you. These deep memories and fears must be let go, and the negative energies must be released.
Another reading of the Moon card is the existence of illusion. Some hidden truth must be discovered, for what you are seeing now may just be a trick of the light. You must search for the hidden forces that must be unravelled.
My view …
The overwhelming idea from this reading is that I should get my act together and actively promote the workshops, and for once in my life put aside the notion that it’s not worth the effort as I will only fail. That could well be true, but until I try … I will never really know.
So, watch this space (as they say).
https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list