There are many ways of integrating the knowledge imparted within the tarot. And many ways of reflecting on that information that it allows for you to glance through the divining tool that any deck is. At times, it feeds us insight that we are not ready to process. Or it will allow us to find determination on certain aspects of our own lives that we have potentially been leaving on the back burner. Or, work through our own internal processes as the mirror that they truly are.
In whichever way we choose to look at them, that is the way we will view the cards. For the purpose of this explaination I will point out that the diagram I have prepared for you relates with the most commonly recognized system of the tarot. Known as the Ryder Waite deck. Which holds a heavy predomination of 'more popular' western occult understandings.
I also feel it is essential to share with you (the reader) that my understanding is by no means a complete or masterful knowledge of the basis upon which the cards were developed. Most of the things I am about to describe are far beyond my own understandings. But I've copied down some notes along my travels throughout the years. Many of which I cannot begin to explain the origin of. Reading through this old book:
I can truthfully say that I do not even fully understand where the book from, let alone the writings I have collected. But I'm hoping that you can find some understanding through the workings I am offering here. And find it a satisfactory introduction to my tarot project. It may be interesting to note that some people study the Sephiroth their entire life, and continually find guidance and alternative direction through it as a tool for their entire life. Much in the same way as a preacher uses his bible as a tool. The Bagavad Gita. Or the Kiran. All can be seen to reflect through all aspects of life.
If anyone is interested, I can also provide a basic understanding of the ways in which the tarot relates to the atomic table of the elements in an experimental submission from one scientist I know of. But I know even less about the periodic table than the sephiroth. And that isn't much. I am a collector and purveyor of things. I like to set the fundamental understanding for people to help provide them with an understanding. If there is some other form of relative programming you are seeking. I may even have some resources to guide you in that way. With that being said, let's have a little deeper look shall we?
(We can begin by observing the "nonsphere" below Kether which is known as Daath and omitting it for the purposes of this overview)
The Sephirah are the divine lights which comprise the Divine Personality which is known by many other titles. The tree of life, kabbalah, Jacob's Ladder, or pathway to God. It also reveals the paths by which we can return to unity with God, by removing those obstacles that limit consciousness. By studying each element in our practice and studies we can find deeper understandings of those intricate workings, to release the physical, emotional, and spiritual burdens that are binding us to our terrestrial bodies.
You can see that I have divided the four planes of existence with simple paint sticks.
The Atziluth is guided by the element of fire. Ruling over the ace cards from within the deck. The realm of emanation. Beings that exist on the Atziluth plain emanate such light that they are unaware of other realms of existence, but they do hold some sway over those of the Beriah. In an effort to keep things simple, we will breeze past this. But it important to be aware of the idea that Atziluth is part of that ever present realm overwhelmed in divine light.
The aces of all four suits can be seen as a more infantile stage of development in as far as things go. Guiding through varying levels of conception through the various stages of development which I am hoping to highlight as this continues. The aces have always signified a limitless opportunity for formless potential in whichever element they have been known to be seen.