Transcription
VOLUME I OF THE C O N N O L L Y TAROTCLASSIC EDITIONA NEW HANDBOOKFOR THE APPRENTICEEILEEN CONNOLLYORIGINAL CLASSIC EDITIONIllustrated with theRIDER-WAITE TAROT DECKNEWCASTLE PUBLISHING COMPANY INCNORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA
Copyright 1979 by Eileen Connolly*All rights reserved.ISBN 0-R7S77-CM5-3No pari of this book may be reproduced In any form without theexpressed written consent of the publisher, except by a reviewer, whomay quote brief passages in connection with a review.Edited by Douglas MenviUc and Alyce TulipsIllustrations from the Kid*r-Waile Tarot deck are reproduced by permission ofU.S. Games Systems, Inc.,4*8 Park Ave. South, New York,NY 10016*The interpretations of the Tarot presented in this volume have beendeveloped over many years of research, study and teaching by theauthor. This material may be used for class teaching, provided writtenpermission is granted by the author, Eileen Connolly, All letters ofinquiry should be addressed to the author, in care of the publisher.FIRST EDmONA NEWCASTLE BOOKFirst Printing October 1979Printed in the United State* of Amenta
PREFACEThe object erf this Handbook is to offer not only a spiritual apprenticeship to studentsof the Sacred Tarot but to offer a concise reference for anyone interested in investigatingand Interpreting the fascinating symbology or the Tarot in relation to the Cabala, Astrology and theesotericMeriteof Kum«doKy* T*1* Handbookis divided into three sections:Section 1Basic lessons, exercises, procedures, meditations and fundamentalesoteric philosophy relating to the Major and Minor Arcana.Section 2 Major and Minor Mentors, which a r t guides lo the positive and negativeinterpretations of the symbols on each card. Further Mentor guidelinesinclude a Comparison Chart and an in-depth explanation of meaningswhen certain symbols fall near each other in a spread.Section 3 Procedures necessary prior to spreading the cards lor divination.My intention is to teach you as simply as possible how to »vork with and understandthe Tarot cards, and not to attempt at this stage to fill your mind with too much unnecessary detail. I would like you to feel that I am teaching you perionally. so that theHandbook becomes not only a source of learning but a friend you can relate to on a veryperninal level During my years of teaching the estihW science*.! have found that peopleusually want to "get on with it" as soon aft possible, solintendtopresentcherudimenw ofthis ancient art to you right away, ltis important for the beginner to become Involved withthe symbol ogy of the Tarotdecfcimmediately; onceyouarefamiliar with the cards and feelable to master the basic procedures, your enthusiasm will be aroused and you will bemotivated to learn all you ran. It is at this point that the real adventure of Tarot begins.Whatever your purpose in studying the Tarot may be, this Handbook will piovideyou with a continual ready reference* It contains both method and procedure for learningthe art of divination. Bv using the Major and Minor Mentor guide**, you will be able tolocate CahalUtk, Astrological and Numerological references at a glance* Each individualsubject is treated in such a way as to enable yuu to quickly discover and explore whateveraspect of the Tarot you desire.Eileen ConnollySanta Barbara, CaliforniaDecember, 1978v
CONTENTSPrefaceListofList of ExercisesAuthor's NoteIntroductionA Note on ProcedureChartsvviiiixx13SECTION IChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Beginning Your ApprenticeshipLearning the Minor ArcanaLearning the Court CardsLearning the Major ArcanaSECTION nChapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Understanding the Minor MentorsUnderstanding the Minor MentorsThe Minor MentorsThe Court MentorsThe Major Mentors617177145163Steps to DivinationHow to Read the CardsThe Esoteric Time CardsBeginning and EndIndex of Cards211219233243244SECTION IIIChapter 10Chapter 11Chapter 12Chapter 137172939vii
LIST O F C H A R T t12345678910Daily Record BookMinor Sequence Table19Thought Track25Tarot Log56Cabalastic Reference —Major Arcana7374The Tree of LifeLemniscate for DivinationCeltic Cross Spread220Celtic Block SpreadPredictive Manteia Spread226Chart 11 Time Chartviii13223230236
LIST OF EXERCISESExerciseIEsoteric Approach to Suit Keys21Exercise 2 Random Selection of Suit Keys22Exercise 3 Esoteric Approach to the Aces23Exercise 4 Thought Track26Fxercise 5 Synthesizing the Seed with the Suit Key26Exercise 6 Sensitivity Key to Court Cards30Exercise 7 Court Cards on the Thought Track36Exercise 8 Daily Prayer with the Major Arcana40Exercise 9 The Spiritual Path of the Major Arcana50Exercise 10 Entering the Major Arcana57Exercise 11 Analysis of the Celtic Cross223be
AUTHOR'S NOTEMany of my previous students will immediately realize thathere is a higher esoteric interpretation for each Tarot symbol, aspromised* I sincerely hope that their spiritual vision may beenhanced and that ihese lessons will give even greater satisfactionthan the preliminary lessons of the past.x
INTRODUCTIONGNOTHI S E A U T O N K N O W THYSELFIt has been said that the Tarot cards contain the secrets of the universe. Itis only through the discovery of your own hidden depths that you mayexplore the Higher Spiritual Self and begin to learn these secrets. Whenyou allow sensitivity of the soul to open the door, the ancient symbols ofthe Tarot will reveal their mysteries to you*The befit way to commence your studies is to work to discard innerconflicts and impatience. A new student can easily become confused anddiscouraged trying to absorb the varied interpretations and sometimesconflicting theories of the Tarot's origin and history* The reason for theseapparent contradictions is that each Tarot Master has expressed personalconclusions, based on his own experience and study, independent of otheropinions- It is advisable, therefore, to approach the Tarot with an openmind- Once you have experienced the fascinating accuracy of divinationand have learned how to read theancient symbols with sensitivity, you willbe ready for in-depth study. Until then, be content to learn at your ownpace and enjoy the awakening of your own psychic abilities as you takeyour journey as an apprentice down the Royal Road of Tarot.Behind the intriguing disguise of the Tarot deck is the entrance to anastonishing dimension of occult wisdom. Throughout the ages, simpleuncluttered souls have been able to enjoy the benefits of hidden wisdomnaturally and easily, perhaps because they could readily accept God's lawsand had respect for the eternal soul of man- Children can often let go andwander at will in the higher realms. Perhaps many of us today are toobogged down with a "prove it" kind of attitude, thus making us totallyunprepared to receive the guidance of our Higher Self. Intuition, an absolutely natural sense, is slowly becoming extinct from lack of use. Until welearn again to trust our own inner feelings, we will be forced to live in thelimitations of practical thought, which does not allow us to expand ourconsciousness beyond everyday affairs.
2 TAROTWhenever we attempt to approach our Higher Self by using our powersof reason and intellect, we always arrive at a point of utter confusion andfrustration. Wecan go to great lengths to find reasons tor this dilemma, wecan philosophize with each other, but we always arrive at the same conclusion eventually. The dilemma will be solved once we realize that the key toself knowledge is pure simplicity. We must relax not only the body, but thebusy mind, letting go of everyday problems and concerns, allowing thehigher vibrations to flow through our mind and body.Unfortunately, when we do have an opportunity to unwind and makecontact with our Higher Self, we often try to wrestle with our problems on aconscious level, striving to manipulate and solve them completely on ourown* With the right attitude, we can rise to the Higher Consciousness andachieve a level of peace, balance and harmony, wherein the solutions to ourproblems will come to us naturally and our anxieties will be overcome.With practice, you can achieve this state of mind at will, like otherstudents before you. But you mayfe l that you have tried this before, thatitdoesn't work for you. If so, you probably haven't tried long enough or hardenough, orunder theright conditions. Choose a time when you are not tootired, for instance. When you are physically or mentally exhausted, you areapt to allow your mind to drift backwards and forwards over the day'sactivities and eventually fall asleep amidst thi. inner whirlpool. This resultsin your waking up so tired that you feel you haven't been to sleep at all.When you are not tired, you can achieve the physical and mental relaxation which is a prerequisite to probing the higher realms of consciousness,and can exert direction and wilt toward this endeavor. Approach it as youwould any other activity intended to give you pleasure. Be alert and readyto tackle whatever lies ahead* Be objective and use the exercises in thisHandbook as you would any educational instruction. This attitude willhelp you speed your goal of inner realization, a goal which should be that ofall men: Cttothi seauton—Know thyself.
A N O T E ON P R O C E D U R EWhat Do You Do w i t h Tarot Cards?This question is simple and direct, but I'm afraid the answer is morecomplex. To avoid getting into areas of philosophy not relevant to our earlystudies, 1 will attempt an answer within the context of this Handbook.Tarot cards can be used for:1. Divination, either for self reading or for another person*2. Self guidance3* Meditation4. Spiritual development5. Cabalistic studies.The apprentice should read the entire Handbook through once; thenstart at tfie beginning and pursue all the exercises at his or her own pace.For the more experienced student there are interesting exercises andtheories relating the Tarot to the Cabala, Astrology and Gnothology, oresoteric Numerology.It is my sincere hope that the reader will spend many happy and constructive hours with ttiis Handbook* It has been prepared so that it may becontinually used throughout thecourse of study for referenceand practice." Divination may be defined as obtaining knowledge oi the unknown or of the future
SECTION I
CHAPTER 1BEGINNING YOUR APPRENTICESHIPIt is not my intention to delve atgrfcat length into the history of the Tarot,nor offer my own theories regarding its origin. This has been done by otherauthors and teachers, who have produced many excellent works for thestudent interested in these areas- My purpose in writing this Handbook is10 help you understand Ihe ancient symbology of the Tarot and to appreciate the esoteric beauty and wisdom of this anciwit art.We will begin vvith the pictures portrayed on the cards* Inyoursearch forthe proper deck of Tarot cards, you will notice that there are many variations in design. Allof them represent the same thing—the esoteric symbology that has come down to us from antiquity. It is not the picture itself thatshould interest you so much as the symbolic philosophy behind the pictureand how the picture affects you personallyEach of the Tarot decks h a s come from different avenues of thoughtembracing other metaphysical sciences- Each has been influenced by thesuurceand principles of the particular knowledge from which it is derived.Yet all of their roots coalesce lo offer personal guidance and direction fromthe higher levels of consciousness- Each of the artists has portrayed hi* orher own interpretation of the spiritual force.The form and nature of the Tarot symbols are still secrets known fullyonly to highly developed souls- As an initiate of the higher orders, youmust be strict with yourself in moral, ethical and spiritual codes. You*houd study and understand the sciences of the Cabala, Astrology andNumerology. When you reach the dawn of understanding, you will be ableto use your own personal tools to CTeate your own spiritual masterpiece.Until that time arrives, be patient and learn the fundamentals that willenable you to develop the skills of a Tarot Master. Once you are conversantwith the Tarot and its symbols and are able to relate its occult wisdom toyuur own life, you may find that th * history of the Tarot is of more interestto you.
8 TAROTAncient BeginningsHermetic tradition believes the earliest records of Tarot to be about35,000 years old. It has been said that the Tarot decks which evolved insuccessive centuries were not completely true representations of the Universal Law. This is very likely, considering how the early Christian fathersestablished their dogma, hiding the esoteric knowledge to make way forman-made teachings which helped make life more comfortable for those inpower. Unfortunately, ordinary men had not evolved far enough spiritually to fully understand the laws emanating from the Ain Soph (SupremeBeing) without interpretation by teachers. So the Sacred Truths, forbiddento the many, were preserved by the few, handed down through thecenturies in secret societies and brotherhoods, under the direction ofinitiated Keepers of the Flame. The Ancient Wisdom has thus been propagated through these limited channels to those who undergo vigorousmental/ physical and spiritual training before the Truths are revealed tothem. Each member must serve an apprenticeship, during which he or shelearns discipline in alt things, including the absolute riddance erf the falseego- The apprentice lives a life of truth and purity, obeying the HigherSpiritual Consciousness, rather than being influenced by the dictates andexpectations of other men. With this discipline comes the loneliness ofoften not being understood by others, even loved ones, but this is balancedby the joy of knowing that it does not matter when one is understood byGod*Perhaps the time is not far off when the entire body of Ancient Wisdomwill be revealed at last to all men. H
aspect of the Tarot you desire. Eileen Connolly Santa Barbara, California December, 1978 v . CONTENTS Preface v List of Charts viii List of Exercises ix Author's Note x Introduction 1 A Note on Procedure 3 SECTION I Chapter 1 Beginning Your Apprenticeship 7 Chapter 2 Learning the Minor Arcana 17 Chapter 3 Learning the Court Cards 29 Chapter 4 Learning the Major Arcana 39 SECTION
