Exploring Folktales Through Tarot Interpretations

Posted on by alexesguerra

Few relics from the past are as enigmatic and ripe for deep research as folktales. Some of these may seem quite simple, but there’s a reason why they remained engraved in our minds and cultures.

Folktales cover fundamental topics such as growth, pain, love, and transformation. So, how can we examine them under the scope of tarot readings?

In this article, we will cover some popular fairy tales and myths and how they relate to tarot.

Innocence and adventure in folktales and tarot

The fool is one of the most popular cards in tarot. Similarly, innocence and adventure are fundamental themes in fairy tales such as The Little Mermaid or Jack and the Beanstalk.

These stories have in common a main character that is innocent and unguarded against the perils of the real world. The little mermaid, for example, travels to an unknown world awaiting for a different life. She has no clue as to what it will mean for her in the future but still takes the risk.

For tarot readers, that describes the archetype of the fool. This archetype does not necessarily represent a naive character. What’s more important, The Fool is prepared for transformation and change in a daunting road.

Duality and evil and what they can teach us

The fool’s journey can be found in nearly every folktale, often linked to themes of duality. There’s always an evil counterpart lurking behind the scenes. A great example of that would be the Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf.

Here, the wolf can easily be linked to The Devil. It’s not only a shadow of greed and desire. It also represents the temptation to fall to the material world and slavery to one’s desires.

But is there a way to integrate duality into a single symbol? Beauty and the Beast is a great example filled with symbolic meaning. It is the perfect example of how animal instinct and human reason can find a middle way. 

In tarot, The Lovers card holds similar symbolism. Beyond romance, The Lovers represents a decision being made. It is also a confrontation between our minds and heart, and how the result affects what we choose to do.

Transformation under the mage’s wand

The Mage is another popular tarot archetype with parallels to figures such as the Wizard of Oz or Aladdin’s genie. These mighty beings are there to uncover the arcane truth about the occult and transformation.

In tarot, The Mage is all about dominion of the elements and being able to transform your desires into action. We can find a similar role in alchemists, genies, fairies, and wizards all about the fairy tale worlds.

There’s much more to learn by delving deeper into popular narratives, fairy tales and folk stories. For instance, we can mention the less known story about Hinemoa and Tutanekai and how it relates to The World.

This theme is beautifully portrayed in Yoshi Yoshitani’s Tarot of the Divine: A Deck and Guidebook Inspired by Deities, Folklore, and Fairy Tales from Around the World.

So, if you like folk tales and tarot, you’ll appreciate the deck’s vibrant art, and the accompanying 44-page guidebook, which contains the myth of Oedipus from Greece, Fenrir’s legend from Norway, Japan’s Crane Wife, among others.

https://www.adleinternational.biz

Exploring the Symbolism of Water in Life

Posted on by Dr. Alberto Parra

More than a life symbol: The deep meanings behind water

More than half the human body is made up of water. Apart from flowing through our veins, this mystical fluid has long transcended time as a symbol of life, connection, and emotions.

The deep meanings hiding behind its transparent mass extend far and wide into different aspects of life. Breaking water marks the start of birth, running water symbolizes letting go, restless waters are linked to emotional turmoil. But when water is calm, its reflection shows reality clearly and without filters.

With such diverse meanings, this element deserves more than a simple mention in our tarot and oracle readings. So, let’s go through some applications of water symbology that people usually overlook.

Basic understanding of water as a symbol

We don’t need a solid background in tarot reading and esoteric symbols to be acquainted with the usual meanings of water:

  • Water is associated with cleansing and renewal. It wipes out negative energies and leaves burdens in the past, allowing for a fresh start.
  • Water is deeply associated with the emotional world and intuition. It is the element behind the Suit of Cups in tarot and symbolizes relationships, emotional states, and psychic awareness.
  • When water energies are skillfully directed, they promote emotional restoration. It is a symbol of gentle healing as opposed to aggressive or forceful attempts to correct flaws and defects.
  • When water is calm, it serves as a reflection or mirror. It helps us see deeper truths, offering clarity and insight into both our inner and outer worlds.

Diving deeper into its applications

Water meanings listed above are elementary but equally powerful. However, there are more profound meanings once we understand the basics:

  • Water as transformation and alchemy: This element plays a fundamental role in ancient magic. In the alchemical process, water breaks down rigid structures allowing for change and transformation. It promotes refinement and enlightenment to materials and our own ego.
  • Water as an eternal cycle: Water continuously moves through evaporating, condensing, falling, and flowing. This fact has a deep meaning to it. It symbolizes the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. It is also a reminder of impermanence and gives us the strength to let go.
  • Water as a boundary or crossing point: When depicted as a mass of water, as in a lake or ocean, it also marks a boundary for continents, people, and civilizations. Moreover, it’s a crossing point to our inner self, the subconscious mind, and everything that lies deep within.

We could endlessly explore the meanings of water, adding layer after layer of new depths. Entire books can be published to cover the topic, which is why Rebecca Campbell has recently devoted her most recent oracle to delve into the topic.

Her “Healing Waters Oracle: A 44-Card Deck and Guidebook” can be a good start if you want to explore the deep meanings of water applied to your inner self and growth. The guidebook offers not only a list of meanings but also insights into the esoteric applications of water, a basic element linked to life itself.