The theory of the seven psychic centers in the body, commonly called the Chakras, is thought to originate in India. However, the oldest writing in India that describes it dates from the second century AD. In the West we can find them described in detail in the writings of Plato in the fourth century BC, and can find similar ideas in The Egyptian Book of the Dead. The Greek philosopher, Pythagoras – the first man to call himself a philosopher – used the seven notes of his musical scale to bring the soul centers of his patients into harmony and health and realized that these seven centers figured in our spiritual development as well.

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries occultists competed with one another in the creation of spurious histories and associations for the Tarot. Not all of their insights were wrong but their histories, were wrong, and their alphabetical and astrological associations for the trumps are clearly an arbitrary code that mostly ignores the historic symbolic intent of the illustrations that appear on each trump. At their worst, the occultists’ associations have become a wall of confusion that blocks one from appreciating the mystical heritage that is preserved in the deck. Historic evidence indicates that the Tarot was created in northern Italy in the early fifteenth century. It was a work of popular art and matches for all of its icons can be found in the art of that era. In this class we will examine this evidence and we will attempt to clear away false assumptions and see the allegory presented in the Tarot as the artists who created the earliest decks would have viewed them. What will come to light is that one need not embellish the facts to demonstrate that the Tarot does express a mystical philosophy and in spite of its birth in the comparatively recent fifteenth century it is connected to an ancient Neoplatonic wisdom tradition.

Robert Place sees the Tarot as a spiritual tool that works, through its archetypal images, to assist our Higher Self to guide us to enlightened choices and spiritual wisdom. He recommends three card readings as a Tarot staple, and sets out a guideline for interpreting them called “The Seven Patterns.” These patterns include: linear, choice, central origin, central destination, the central problem and the central teacher.

Tarot readers are most commonly asked for advice about love or career. By treating these questions as a relationship between the querent and another person, company, or institution this spread can handle both topics. This spread can be applied to relationships between the querent and a lover, a boss, or another person, a job, a home, a culture, a city, or another environment. Instead of predicting the future, it gives insight into what each party is thinking and how they are interacting. Then the cards can provide insight from the Higher Self and tell the querent how to improve the relationship or other advice. This is a truly versatile spread that is capable of bringing insight and guidance to any situation.