Los Angeles Tarot Society

Using The Tarot As A Reflective Tool For Weight Loss by Victoria Gross

l As we know, there are two schools of practice when using the Tarot. One is the school of Divination; the other is the school of Self-Reflection. The latter is the line of thought we will follow with the intention of producing a healthy weight loss program. l First, select a deck that is right for you. There are hundred’s of decks out on the market. How do you find a deck that is “right” for you? When looking at the decks pay attention on how you feel. Do you resonate with the pictures? l What styles are you drawn to? Unfortunately the Tarot still holds a lot of negative connotations for some people so if you are not comfortable working with the Tarot, try this same exercise using Angel Oracle cards. The main thing is that you need to be comfortable with the whole process. l After you purchase your deck, become familiar with the cards. Just shuffle them whenever you have spare time, like sitting down in front of the T.V., or right before bed. The point here is to just get a feel of the cards, nothing more. Feel the texture of the cards. Look at the cards over and over. What cards attract you, which cards add an air of uncertainty, and which cards do you not like? Don’t analyze at this point. Again, this exercise is just for you to become familiar with the cards. l Second; buy a journal. Title it "SELF-REFLECTION AND WEIGHT LOSS WITH THE TAROT". DATE IT. CLAIM IT.

EXAMPLE - Sample Reading:

l Week of: 2/20/06 l Weight: 136lbs. l Exercise program: walking 2 xs per week. l Diet program: none.

l Now it is time to get started. l Shuffle the cards and separate the Major Acrana from the Minor Acarna. l Put the Major cards in one pile. l Out of the Minor Acarna stack, separate all the court cards from the number cards. Place both stacks to the side. l You will pull a card from each pile, with the question being asked, "What card can give me insight to my weight issue"? l Spread out the Major cards face down on a table. l Take a couple deep breaths, relax and ask the question.

Question: What card can give me insight to my weight issue?

Card: Justice

Question: What is Justice saying to me about losing weight?

Answers:
1. Cut past attachments to things, people and places that no longer serve me.
2. Pay attention to how much I eat. Reduce the size of food portions.
3. Balance eating with working out.
4. Add one more exercise day.

Next, fan out the court cards face down. Ask the same question you asked when choosing from the first pile.

Card: Queen of Swords

Question: What is the Queen of swords saying to me about loosing weight?

Answers:
1. Stay focused.
2. Have self-discipline with both eating and working out.
3. Be committed to your goal.

l Now from the Minor Acarna pile you will pull the two’s of each suit. This is decided by numerology. The Justice card is number eleven; you take one plus one which gives you two. If you were to pull the Strength card, which is number 8, you would pull all the eight’s of each suit. The minor cards are going to be you challenges and opportunities.

Card: Two of Wands

Challenge: Feeling discouraged about past attempts to lose weight.

Opportunity: Realizing you are in control. You can do it.

Card: Two of Pentacles

Challenge: Juggling diet and exercice. Your needs versus other people’s needs.

Opportunity: Finding what keeps you balanced.

Card: Two of Swords

Challenge: Self-defeating thoughts.

Opportunity: Trusting your intuition.

Card: Two of Cups

Challenge: Giving your power away to another person, situation or food.

Opportunity: Embracing yourself, others and life. Feeling good about yourself.

l When using the Tarot as a tool for self-realization, only you can come up with what the cards mean to you. What do the cards say? What feelings do the colors give you? What is your overall impression? l Self-discovery can be a very exciting and yet a disturbing experience at the same time. It takes much more courage to be honest with ourselves than it does with others. The main thing to remember is to have a good support group of like minded people and to be kind to yourself. l Congratulate yourself on caring about yourself and taking action.

Victoria Gross

Card: Two of Wands Challenge: Feeling discouraged about past attempts to lose weight. Opportunity: Realizing you are in control. You can do it.	Card: Two of Pentacles Challenge: Juggling diet and exercice. Your needs versus other people’s needs. Opportunity: Finding what keeps you balanced.

Card: Two of Swords Challenge: Self-defeating thoughts. Opportunity: Trusting your intuition.	Card: Two of Cups Challenge: Giving your power away to another person, situation or food. Opportunity: Embracing yourself, others and life. Feeling good about yourself.