Originally created by Michele Penco, 2012: Tarot of Ascension has beautiful medieval-inspired art that conceals need age symbols. Some of the minor cards have been altered slightly to give the deck a more hopeful feel than some of the more traditional decks enjoy.
Though structured and read as a normal Tarot deck, this deck aims for even deeper symbolism. Since the year 2012 was and is associated with great change, 2012: Tarot of Ascension is designed to aid in spiritual growth and help the individual on the path towards their own higher self. Their own ascension, if you will.
Still available today, this deck is a great purchase for anyone with an interest in the lore surrounding 2012. It's also a relaxing way to pursue spiritual enlightenment.
Created by Stuart Kaplan, the 1JJ Swiss Tarot is a Marseilles variant first published by US Games in the 1970s. It is a slightly older style Tarot deck. The cards are reprints of some very early wood cut designs. They are printed in black and colored with blocks of red, blue, green, and yellow. The title on each individual card is written in French. The backs are fully reversible, making it possible to read reversed meanings in each card.
This deck has a full 78 cards and can be used for full Tarot readings. it is also an interesting deck often collected by Tarot enthusiasts. There is a separate companion book written by Stuart Kaplan. Though this companion book has been published a few times, it's last printing was in 1995. Due to this, it is not easy to find an intact copy that someone is willing to part with. Still, both the book and the deck are well worth taking the time to locate an intact copy of each.
The Tarot reading from May 16 through May 22, 2015 encourages you to focus on the task at hand and pay less attention to the possible rewards that may be in the offering. It also warns against seeking a specific reward because you may find it is less satisfying than you had hoped. Defeat is a possibility, but that's not necessarily a negative.
Card 1: Eight of Pentacles—Approach the situation with the eye of a skilled craftsman. Study the situation, learn as you go, keep your eye on the details, and don't get caught up in perfection. Do not dwell on the results or even the rewards that are offered. Keep your mind in the moment.
Card 2: Queen of Cups—Someone may be keeping secrets, but they're only trying to help. This card is also warning you to have some empathy for the nature of human frailty. No one is perfect, after all. Mistakes are inevitable, but they're not the end of the world.
Card 3: Strength—If your carnal desires and your spiritual knowledge are at odds, you may find the path to your goal blocked. You inner dialogue will greatly influence what happens next, so try to reframe your thoughts. Bravery in the face of great fear may be necessary.
Card 4: King of Pentacles—It is very important that you master the ability to be pragmatic about things. You may even have to play politics for a while. Interact in a positive manner with those you meet no matter who they are. This will get you somewhere eventually.
Card 5: The Sun—You are emerging from a time of love and warm. Keep that memory close as you forge ahead. Let past success empower you and don't dwell on your failures.
Card 6: The Star—It's a good idea to take some time to heal and revitalize on a spiritual and a physical level. Surround yourself with those things that relax you and bring you pleasure. Visualize positive energy and it will manifest itself in your life.
Card 7: Queen of Swords—You may need to evolve into an independent thinker who sees ideas and knowledge as powers to be utilized. You may have to strike off on your own, but take care that this independence doesn't turn you into a rigid prude.
Card 8: The High Priestess—Try to be considerate and respectful of the opinions and feelings of others. Listen more than you talk and trust your instincts. All of this will pay off in the end.
Card 9: The Hermit—Some will see you as wise beyond your years and respect you for it. Others may think you're a little dogmatic in your way of thinking. Take a moment to consider if any of this is really true. If you're going to reach your goals, you'll have to be honest with yourself.
Card 10: The Hanged Man—Though you hope you'll finally have the time in everyday life to look at things from a different perspective, you fear you'll feel trapped no matter how you try to change the way you think. But fear will hold you back, so turn things on their head and see what happens.
Card 11: Five of Swords—Defeat is close at hand, but it may be of the indirect type. Instead of actually failing, you might get what you want but find it completely unsatisfying. Don't indulge in blame and revenge. Instead use this time to sow the seeds of future successes.
The Tarot Reading from April 4 through April 10, 2015 promises a time of hope and healing. Though hard work is key, you will eventually find your way and accomplish your goals. Some sacrifice, however, may be necessary.
Card 1: The Star—You need to seize the opportunity to be the center of your own life. If you can do this, you will enter into a time of healing and hope. Wonder will rest around every corner. Try to relax and reconnect with yourself, body and soul. Focus on the good, not on the negative and things will go smoother.
Card 2: Seven of Pentacles—You may find yourself feeling frustrated or even impotent at times. You might even feel ingratitude if you don't receive what you expected. Try expecting nothing. Count the blessings you have instead of pining for those you don't. Focus on the present, on your goals, and you'll soon find yourself moving forward.
Card 3: King of Swords—A lack of intellectualism or planning may hinder progress. Theories may fail when put to the test, so don't jump in without a solid plan. Value the intellectual contributions of others, but don't forget to value your own intellect as well. You are the driving force here.
Card 4: Two of Wands—Crucial to any success is the ability to step back and assess the current situation while planning for the future. Try to be as free of distractions as possible as you map out your plans. You'll have a better chance at spotting all the little details this way. Stay calm and don't lose perspective.
Card 5: Wheel of Fortune—The recent past, while likely involved a time of danger and risky opportunities, is over. You can now enter into a new cycles without any of that hanging around your neck. It is time to make your own luck and forge your own path toward success. This may mean, however, that your more free-wheeling days are over.
Card 6: Six of Swords—Challenges are everywhere, so it might be helpful to see them as rites of passage. If you can pass through them, you'll find that you gain both power and wisdom. Conquer the seemingly-inexhaustible number of challenges you currently face and you'll be richly rewarded.
Card 7: Eight of Pentacles—Hard work and attention to detail are absolutely necessary if you are to achieve your goals. But success depends on moving forward, so don't be a perfectionist. You'll only stagnate if you insist on perfection.
Card 8: The Fool—If you want to achieve success, present yourself as someone who is trusting an innocent. Do not fear the future, but move steadily toward it. Approach the situation with a sense of humor, and insist that others do the same, and things will be easier for all involved. Trust that you've done the things you need to do.
Card 9: Knight of Wands—Others may notice your ambition, and even comment on it. You appear to everyone to be on the move as your pursue your goal. Because they perceive this of you, they may be more than willing to help you achieve success. Take advantage of that. Ignore those who only see you as overbearing and unable to take a breath. You're on a mission at the moment.
Card 10: King of Cups—You may hope that you can deal with strong emotions both creatively and effectively, but you fear this may not be the case. You may even fear the effects of jealously. But fear won't help you now. Time to cope with the situation.
Card 11: Ace of Swords—Triumph, in all its forms, is yours. You will conquer lies and ignorance. You will tackle adversity and come out the better for it. And while you're celebrating your accomplishments, a brilliant new idea will suddenly reveal itself. And so you revel in your triumph just as you set out on a new path. Full circle, one might say.
