Tarot & Visualization

Purposely selecting a specific card once a month or so really helps me focus on goals that I'm working towards, or energy I'm actively hoping to bring towards me from the universe. For example, if you are hoping for/working towards financial/material security, a card (maybe 6 or 10) from Disks/Stones/Pentacles would be beneficial. If you want to remind yourself to open up emotionally towards others in new ways- whether friendship, family, or dating- choosing the Ace of Cups is ideal. After I choose a card, I usually display it in a special space; perhaps on an altar, or a spot where you often will see the card, or around an area where the card fits in well (for example, if desiring more passion in bed, perhaps on the nightstand surrounded by red candles or incence).
The card acts as a wonderful reminder, if working towards a goal and as focal point for visualization as you are working towards bringing energy your way.

New to Blogging

This is my first venture into the world of blogging. A virtual space to discuss Tarot and other related interests is the motivating factor which has resulted in the creating of this blog. I first started reading cards and delving into the Tarot world 13 years ago. Collecting decks is fun, reading books on Tarot is even better, but nothing compares to the art of reading cards. My favorite deck is Crowley's Tarot, but Haindl's Tarot, Rachel Pollack's Shining Tribe, and Motherpeace are other great, usable decks.
I view Tarot as a tool used to explore and develop oneself; divination has very little to do with my readings, as all readings are done with the understanding that the querent is a participant in his reality.

Tarot & Astrology

Since I've been more actively reading different decks, the profound relationship between modern tarot decks and astrology has unlocked many doors into further understanding individual cards.
The Crowley (Thoth) deck is heavily (and openly) influenced by astrology, as is the Motherpeace. The Motherpeace Tarot, The Thoth Tarot, the Crowley Tarot by Akron and Hajo Banzhaf, and Motherpeace by Vicki Noble, wonderfully explore astrology in layman's terms and discusses astrology's influence on the meaning of specific cards.