We're very excited to have Rowan Ong (Singapore), an established tarot card reader and great tarot teacher with decades of profound experience take us on a fascinating introduction to the wonderful world of tarot in this article. Rowan will explain what tarot is and introduce us to 3 of the most popular and 3 of the most feared cards of the tarot as represented in film. This introduction is further supported by the lovely images from the Fenestra tarot. 

What is Tarot?
There are many ways to divination. The Runes, the I-ching, Oracle cards, reading tea leaves, reading palm or face are just to name a few. Tarot is one of these systems of divination.

Tarot is a set of symbols which is arranged in the following manner.
78 Symbols in total which is broken up in major and minor arcana.
There are 22 major arcana and 56 minor arcana. 

The major arcana consists of 22 cards which are considered the life paths. They represents key events in a person’s life and also of much consequence. They are what people are experiencing in different times of their life. From birth to death and from exterior factors to spiritual senses.

The minor arcane consists of 56 cards which are broken up into 4 suits and has a total of 14 cards in each suit. It is from Ace to ten and 4 court cards which is king, queen, knight and page.

The wands are symbols of fire. They mean passion and of creativity. The suit also mean Stress and control related matters. 

The Cups are symbols of Water. They mean Feelings and of Expression. The suit also mean Emotions related matters. 

The Swords are symbols of Air. They mean Logic and of Science. The suit also mean Education and legal related matters. 

The Pentacles are symbols of Earth They mean Wealth and of Resources. The suit also mean Wealth and finance related matters. 

A deck which consist of the above system is the tarot deck. It is the traditional and recognized tarot system.

Of the tarot deck there are 3 most commonly seen cards which are featured in most movies.

The Lovers
Live and Let Die (1973). James Bond film in which Solitaire (Jane Seymour) can predict the future with her tarot cards only so long as she remains a virgin. “Us?” asks James Bond as he holds up The Lovers card just dealt by Solitaire.

The lovers card is very popular in tarot. As most people will associate lovers as the card which represent love However, contary to most perceptions, the lovers card is actually the card of choice. In the Rider waite deck it is the angel requesting Adam to make a choice between the fruit of knowledge and the fruit of life. It is also a card of making a decision on forming understanding and partnership with your partner.

The Death card
Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors (1965). While on a train Dr. Terror uses the tarot to predict death for his five fellow traveling companions.

Dr. Terror: “Tarot cards are the key to ancient wisdom. The tarot deck is a picture book of life, an answer to the deepest questions of philosophy and history, and sometimes a means of prediction. . . . There is within each of us a twin destiny: the natural and the supernatural. The cards are attracted to the supernatural part of our destiny as one pole of a magnet attracts an opposite pole. . . . This deck can forewarn us. I call it my ‘house of horrors.’ . . . The person whose fortune is to be told taps the deck three times, then they are shuffled and dealt. The first four cards predict his destiny. The fifth gives him the knowledge to change it—if change is possible.”

There is a Chinese saying, “ there is no banquet which does not end.” For every beginning there is a death. When we are born to the world we are destined to die.The death card is not representing actual death all the time. It represents the ending of a cycle and the beginning of another cycle. In most circumstances, the death card is a netural card which is a course of nature to end matters.

The Devil card
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009). A film by Terry Gilliam that features the Devil and other tarot references. Heath Ledger’s last film. Extraordinary! 

The devil card normally is a negative denotation. It symbolizes addiction and bondage to a particular matter. It is also a card of a matter binding to you something. It could mean marriage as it is binding 2 people in a contractual matter.

The following are 3 cards which are most feared in tarot.

The Tower
The tower card is a card which was made famous due to the September 11 2001 incident whereby the world trade centre was struck by planes.

It is a card which lives up to its image. In the images of the tower, you see a lightning bolt striking a tower and leaves it burning. People are falling out of the tower. It is the card of destruction. 

Apart from the image of destruction, you can also trace the tale of the tower of babel to that of the tower card. In Genesis, the story of the tower of babel refers to people building a tower to reach god. Yet god destroyed the tower and scattered the people. It is a humbling of the human pride and ego. 


The 3 of Swords
The 3 of swords depicts a heart being pierced by 3 swords. It is an image which strikes people as something which hurts your emotions. It is the card of sorrow. People do not like to feel sad and when you get this card, it means you are.

However, on the brighter side of things, it is the card which is the triumph of logic over feelings. Many a time, we are blinded by love and cannot make a logical decision to leave a bad partner or to fire a incompetent worker. 

The 3 of swords is a reminder for us to think and do the tough choices in life.

The 5 of Pentacles.
This card is the card of worry. You feel the need of material needs. You need to feel the warmth of your family. The need to look after you health is also implied. Once you see this card, fear normally shows in the person’s face.

We are pleased to announce that Rowan has just published a book, "Tarot in an hour", diagram left, where instead of metaphysical mumbo jumbo, he has distilled the practical meanings gleaned from his experience with the tarot into a great readers' cheat sheet and reference book. The book complements classes he teaches at Sanctum Singapore and can be found at Books Kinokuniya Singapore. 
If you also happen to like the images of the Fenestra tarot in this article, all 78 Fenestra cards are represented in Rowan's book. 

Background
The Yijing or Iching (also known as the Book of Changes) goes back 5,000 years and was conceived by Fuxi, a prominent king, to express the concept of yin and yang. It was not finished until 2500 years ago when Confucius added the commentaries. Together they form the bedrock of chinese philosophy and wisdom.

What is the Yijing?
Impermanence is an underlying theme with the Yijing. Everything changes hence nothing is fixed. 
It encompasses the meanings of change,  constancy and ease.
Everything is in a state of gradual change, the seasons, even huge mountains are constantly changing. 
Constancy refers to fixed principles and laws in spite of change. 
An example of constancy is the definite rising of the sun from the east and setting in the west.  
Finding the constant amidst change is the process of simplifying or making easy, a complex situation. This is the point of the yijing.

Yin Yang
The Taiji (diagram above representing yin and yang) is at the root of yijing philosophy. All things and phenomena in the world are dual in character and can be represented as male or female.  
In the yijing, one straight horizontal line represents yang (male) and two short lines/one broken line represent yin (female). 

Ba Gua or 8 Gua
Inherent in yin is a bit of yang and inherent in yang is a bit of yin. This is the root of flux. Both energies are constantly increasing and decreasing. 

Taiji is divided into yin and yang. If you divide yin and yang, you will have four possibilities, yin-yin, yin yang, yang yin and yang yang,
If you were to further divide, you will get eight possibilities, yang yang yang, yang yang yin, yang yin yang,yang yin yin, yin yang yang, yin yin yang and yin yin yin. Each gua has its own name and its own meaning. 

64 Gua
The Bagua is only the tip of the iceberg of the Yijing. Once you have mastered the eight gua, you can put two sets of bagua together like a multiplication matrix to form the 64 gua. 
The significance of the 64 Gua is profound as many parallels have been drawn between the 64 gua and the binary code, the positions of the planets, even the events of a man's life. 
Why that is so is a mystery but it is amazing how the principles of the yijing cna apply to business, people, rules, change, mathematics, phenomena, divination and even logic. 

Conclusion
The Yijing is a vast topic worthy of study as it is valuable both to a man of the world and a man out of this world. Paradoxically, a trader can use the yijing to get ahead of the market and a philosopher can use it to further detach from the world. A great tool both mundane or spiritual, it helps to simplify the complexity of life, accept and appreciate the ebb and flow of time. 


This introduction to the Yijing was written by Sonia Ong, a metaphysician, astrologer and reiki healer.

Thought to be as old as man, dowsing is used variedly to find water or gold, or to divine answers to questions. It's not clear how it works but theory goes that the person uses dowsing tools such as the pendulum as an extension of self, a fine-tuned antennae to seek out what one wishes to find, be it an item or an answer. People are divided on dowsing but dowsing has had some very famous fans. Albert Einstein was one such advocate. 

The best way to test it is to try it. Ask a friend to bury something in the ground and walk slowly observing a response and changes in the tool. You may become a skeptic or a fan!

Whenever we think of psychics, we think of a dark room, a gypsy and a crystal ball. Is this all hocus-pocus?

Crystal ball gazing is one of the most recognised forms of psychic divination in myth and legend. Its use was popular throughout the east and west from the early ages as ancient seers believed crystal balls to be congealed water or ice. To explain the relation and significance, we must think of water as an elemental. Water is steeped in mystery. Its immense prevalence, its ability to give and take away life and its unpredictability imbues it with magic and power such that metaphysicians consider water a doorway to the faerie realm. And such qualities were thus attributed to crystal balls. 

Try it yourself
Ted Andrews in his book "Crystal balls and Crystal Bowls" advises beginners to gaze only once a day. 
A relaxed gaze in a deliberate quiet setting is required. 
Set an intention, ask a question and softly gaze into the ball.
Generally, when cloudiness or darkness starts to appear in the ball, it is a sign that a vision is coming into being. When clouds ascend, the answer is generally affirmative, when they descend, it's negative. Again, responses vary from ball to ball, and practitioner to practitioner, and the practitioner must test the experienced phenomenon against the truth to ascertain the signs and their meaning. What is happening here is that the ball is helping the practitioner to tap into his or her inner vision. 
Andrews advises that crystal gazing is a creative process and effort will be needed, but he insists that the visions one sees will certainly be those that one can interpret. 

Magic squares relate to the mysteries and correspondences between planets and numbers. They are used as talismans and burned for activation and engagement of planetary energies. Magic squares exist for the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn. Each square is distinctive in number of rows and columns. The interesting thing about them is that all rows, columns and diagonals add up to the same numbers.  
To find out more about planetary magic squares, visit here. 
Here are the magic squares for Saturn and Jupiter. 

The Runes are an ancient alphabet and dialect of the Germanic people from the 1st to 2nd century AD. Once thought to be the province of the elite and used as special charms in esoteric use, it is enjoying a fast rebirth in divination in the last decade. The alphabets are inscribed on rocks, crystals or wood and spread out as per tarot and read. 
Its magic and mystery lies in its ability to communicate complex ideas through the use of signs and access an ancient germanic worldview with powerful connections to natural forces. 

The diagram shows the names of the runes and their individual meanings. (photo credit: Shutterstock)

We explore 5 questions about palmistry and a special feature on how to read palms. Read on. 

What are the origins of palmistry?
Palmistry is believed to have originated in India over 3000 years ago. It is thought to have then spread to the Middle East through Arabian traders, and to Eastern Europe by way of the gifted Romany gypsies, before eventually reaching the West. It may also have spread eastward to become the basis for Chinese palmistry, which has slightly different interpretations.


How is it that palmistry can tell us about ourselves and our future?

The palms are areas of the body with a high concentration of nerve endings, so it has a strong connection with the brain. It is logical to assume that our brains are able to influence those nerve endings, visible as the palm lines. The brain is not only a physical organ but also the source of a strong electromagnetic field around the body, which shifts and changes according to our moods and attitudes. A certainattitude will cause certain reactions, which will lead to certain actions being taken. Therefore, it is possible to predict the outcome of an area of life for someone.

Can one foretell the future with Palmistry?

It is possible only in the sense that our future is shaped by who and what we are. A certain character and attitude will create certain types of future events. A different character will create a different set of future events. This is an important point to remember. It is not possible to foretell exactly the events that will actually happen, as palm reading is not 'seeing' the future. Moreover, changes in a person's outlook and attitudes will modify the events happening in the future.


Is palmistry a pagan or heathen practice?

To believe in anything without giving due credit to our Creator can be construed as pagan or heathen. Palmistry does not advocate that it be followed like a religion, nor does it pretend to replace God's power and grace. Some of us need God's helpto live this earthly life. Ohers have been blessed by God with enough strength of character to make the right choices. It can also be argued, if God created each of us, then our palm lines come from Him too. We need to see things in perspectiveand not blindly follow others' judgement of ourselves or others' view of the world we live in. Even within traditional religions, we need to use our will to make our ownchoices. Ultimately, we still hold in our own hands the potential to change our destiny, whether we are pagan or not.

Is everything that a palm reader says absolutely true?

What a palm reader sees in someone's hands today shows the type of life that is most likely to unfold for that person, if he/she retains the character that he/she has today. If the outlook and attitudes of that person change, the palm lines will also change, and therefore a different life will unfold. A palm reader does not actually 'see' a person's future. The reader only reads the probable outcome ofthat person's future based on the character and tendencies shown in the hands.


HAND TYPES IN PALMISTRY
There are several systems of classifying hands in order to assess the overall character and personality of a person. The traditional system has 7 hand types: Elemental, Square, Spatulate, Philosophical, Artistic, Idealistic, Mixed.

The palm represents the physical body and the life force in general, and the fingers represent the mental faculties in general.

After reading different hand types for many years and studying the different hand classifications, I have devised a system of categorizing the hands in a quick and simple manner, using the modern classification of 4 hand types.

In this system based on the quadruplicities of astrology, there are 4 main palm shapes: (1) Square, (2) Oblong, (3) Triangular, (4) Fan-shaped

Square or oblong palms have the two sides of the palm, the radial (thumb) and the ulnar (little finger), parallel. Measure palm length from edges of Venus and Moon mounts to base of fingers.

Palms can also be triangular, usually a rounded triangle shape - with the base, i.e. near the wrist, broader than the top, near the fingers. Or they may be fan-shaped - narrower at the base than at the top. The number and quality of palm lines are also factors in classifying the palm shape.

There might be slight deviations from these 4 basic shapes, but a palmist should be able to see if a palm is one shape or another, rather than a mixture. This will help in giving a clearer reading.

Concentrate on the palm shapes and overall palmar lines first, and if you're uncertain, then take the fingers into consideration to aid you in deciding what the palm shape should be. After you have determined the palm shape, you can go on to compare the fingers with the palm.

The palm shapes represent our basic motivation in the way we live out our lives.

Earth Hand: Physical
A square palm with few and clear lines. Earth Hands are down-to-earth, practical and responsible, but can also be materialistic, serious and stubborn. They are comfortable with the physical and the tangible, and will do things the tried and tested way.

Air Hand: Mental
An oblong palm with many and clear lines. Air Hands are sociable, talkative and witty, but can also be shallow, spiteful and cold. They are comfortable with the mental and the intangible, and like doing things in different and radical ways.

Fire Hand: Instinctive
A triangular palm, with few and fine lines. Fire Hands are spontaneous, enthusiastic and optimistic, but can also be egoistic, impulsive and  insensitive. They are extroverts, and prefer to do things boldly and instinctively.

Water Hand: Intuitive
A fan-shaped palm, with many and fine lines. Water Hands are creative, perceptive and sympathetic, but can be moody, emotional and inhibited. They are introverts and tend to do things quietly and intuitively.

The finger length represents a person's style of approaching and dealing with life. This corresponds with the astrological triplicity of cardinal, fixed and mutable orientations. Measure finger length by the length of the longest finger, usually the middle or Saturn finger.

Finger length shorter than palm length show someone who is subjective and sees the world from his own perspective, who likes to initiate action and who is good at starting things. Short-fingered people are cardinal or dynamic in outlook, and operate in singular bursts of activity.

Fingers longer than the palm show someone who has an objective view of the world around them, and who likes to plan ahead. Long-fingered people are fixed or steady in outlook, and operate in a sustained and consistent manner.

Fingers about the same length as the palm show someone who is flexible and multi-talented, and who tends to go along with the crowd. People with same-length fingers are mutable or variable in outlook, and operate in cycles of activity and inactivity.

One may have an Earth hand with short fingers, showing a down-to-earth but dynamic character, such as a Capricornian might have. Or one may be an Air hand with same-length fingers - someone who is witty and talkative but also changeable, the way a Geminian might be.

Knowing the the correct astrological associations will help in assessing the basic character when reading the hands. 

THE LEFT HAND and THE RIGHT HAND
Left Hand: What we are born with; what happens to us; our private self
Right Hand: What we do with our lives; the actions we take; our public self


The left hand (or the weak hand) tells more of past events, of what we inherit in terms of health, of what happens to us rather than what actions we take, and of what goes on in our private lives and in those areas which we do not have much control over.

The right hand (or the strong hand) tells of what will happen in our future if no conscious changes are made, of how the world sees us, of whether we have the will to make any changes for the better, and also tells of ambitions we may have.

MAIN LINES OF THE HAND
Life Line
Health; how we take care of it; major events in life

Head Line
Mental health; mental capabilities; intelligence; character

Heart Line
Emotional attitude; romantic profile; some aspects of health

Fate Line
Career outlook; milestones; ambitions; major events in life

Sun Line
Happiness; fulfilment; wealth prospects; romantic feelings


Deep, clear and smooth lines are best, and indicate that one's life would be positive in the area of life represented by the line. With such lines, success should be accomplished, accompanied with happiness and contentment.

Breaks, gaps, islands, crosses, spots and cross-bars indicate possible problems or events at whichever points these marks appear. Broad, fuzzy or chain-type lines indicate a negative outlook, a dissipation of energy and low morale.

The minor lines and the influence lines will modify what the main lines promise.

MOUNTS OF THE HAND

Mount of Venus
Emotions; close relationships; family ties

Mount of Jupiter
Status and authority; sense of achievement

Mount of Saturn
Responsibilities and duties; sense of destiny

Mount of the Sun
Creative impulses; wealth; happiness; fulfilment

Mount of Mercury
Mental and communicative abilities; rapport with others

Mount of the Moon
Moods and mental state; sense of freedom

Mounts of Mars
Energy and assertiveness; sense of vitality

The mounts reflect our basic values, upbringing, leanings, and the personal traits we develop.

Mounts should be clear, moderately raised and well-formed, indicating that the positive and balanced qualities of the mount are being manifested. Low or flat mounts mean that there is a lack of the qualities of the mount. High or over-developed mounts show an over-expression of a mount's qualities.

Lines and marks on each mount will modify its qualities, and may relate to particular events.

This article is contributed by Pat F. Pat became interested in palmistry in her teens, when she first read Cheiro's book "The Language Of The Hands". Since then, she has studied Cheiromancy, or 'Western' palmistry. She has been reading palms for more than 30 years, and professionally for more than 8 years. She is also an astrologer, and has a keen interest in natural therapies and nutrition. When not reading palms for individuals or events, she constructs websites. She is based in Singapore. Pat writes about palmistry on her website www.palmistryworld.com.

One can also make appointments for readings at the following points of contact. 
SMS/T:  +65 91937132
E:   [email protected] 

The Whales sing your cells into balance, awakening your DNA to their perfect crystalline form of 12-strand DNA and assisting you in synchronising your energies to the acceleration being seen on the planet now. Fully aligned with the Star gate of 12-12-12 and 21-12-12 and 2013 and beyond. 

BEFORE STARTING THE SOUNDTRACK TAKE A FEW DEEP BREATHS, CENTRE YOURSELF INTO MOTHER EARTH AND THEN ENTER YOUR HEART SPACE. 

When finished take a few more deep breaths and feel yourself fully centred and balanced into the pure essence of your heart.


Courtesy of Victoria Webby.