Ethics by the Majors
This article was inspired by an idea I learned from Mark McElroy almost a decade ago. It is based on his technique What Would the Majors Do described here: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/572
I was thinking about Tarot and Ethics. I was also thinking about how, if you lay the Majors out in three rows of seven (not including the Fool), it shows a version of the Fool’s Journey that many read as:
First row: learning the lessons needed to become socialized
Second row: questioning those lessons and finding your own way
Third row: spiritual growth and self-actualization
That idea has been with me through most of my tarot life and consequently I cannot help but think of the first row as a group of teachers or advisors. I began to wonder what they would advise in terms of tarot ethics. So I asked them.
These are answers from the Majors to me, so they are specific to my strengths and weaknesses. They will, more than likely, be different for you. Give it a try and see what you discover.
Magician: adding a sense of mystery and magic is okay as it creates a space of wonder and openness that people sometimes need in order to accept new ideas
High Priestess: You don’t have to spell everything out and tell people what to do; you help them find the door, perhaps encourage them to go through, but they ultimately find the answers themselves.
Empress: Temper everything with compassion and create an atmosphere that nurtures the soul and encourages growth.
Emperor: Part of your job is to be an effective communicator, which requires you to find the order in situations that may feel chaotic and confused to the client. Then you find the patterns and structure in cards so you can clearly and honestly convey the wisdom presented there.
Hierophant: Your job is not to pontificate or judge. You’ve learned a lot through your life and through tarot. Share what you’ve learned generously and kindly. And don’t talk all the time! Listen and learn.
Lovers: Every reading is a partnership between you and the client. Not all relationships are the same. Some work better than others. Recognize when one isn’t working and graciously end it and recommend a colleague who might be better suited.
Chariot: Be open to your intuition and combine it with what you know about the cards. By working with both your right brain and left brain in tandem, you will make better progress and be more confident.
