Do You See What I See?

Over the years I have come to realize that almost any object can become a spiritual symbol. I recently began taking a Tarot class online and in the midst of the required course reading, realized how often I unconsciously relate to symbols of many world religions and belief systems.

You might be surprised to know, for instance, that according to Joan Bunning, author of Learning the Tarot , much of a reading is based on sensing imbalances among symbols on the cards, and enlightening the querent on how to regain spiritual balance.

My, doesn't this sound surprisingly close to the Buddhist middle path?

Another similarity between the basic teachings of the Buddha and Bunning's philosophy of Tarot is that the focus in most readings should be on the responsibility of each person for their own actions, instead of those of the Other.

Just as there are many devotional statues of the Buddha, the Madonna, Shiva and Guadalupe, so there are many different types of decks. I personally own the Moon Garden, Aquarian and Ancient Paths decks-and, when I began my course I also purchased a used Universal Waite Tarot deck.

What's the difference, you ask?

The Rider-Waite deck is considered the prototype for all the other decks. The symbology on each Tarot card is a significant part of each reader's interpretation, and in some of the more elaborate, modern versions, it has been changed to accommodate the overall deck design. Since novices always need to learn basics first, a Waite deck is the place to start.

As I read, I found myself also noticing similarities between the Major and Minor Arcana of the Tarot and Buddhism's Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Noble Path:

The Major Arcana cards (from 0, The Fool to 21, The World) offer symbology depicting long or even lifetime themes, just as the Four Noble Truths show us the larger picture of the Buddhist philosophy. And the Minor Arcana (Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles) direct the reader's attention to everyday affairs that show us how to live for our best benefit, much the same as the Eightfold Noble Path.

It then occurred to me that Tarot cards might make a wonderful meditation object for those like myself that are very visually oriented. One would select a card at random each day (indeed, as Bunning's book suggests), focus on the symbology on the card's face, and meditate for awhile on the meaning of the idea conveyed as applied in their own life.