I received my first Tarot deck when I was 11 years old. It was a gift from my brother who had been in New Orleans. He also gave me a drawing done on parchment of a voodoo protection that I was fascinated with, but did not pursue Voodoo like I did the Tarot.
As a teenager I always different from other kids and ... people in general. I would go into a local bookstore and look at their tarot cards- planning on which ones I would buy when I could.I remember thinking, "I should get the most traditional one to start out" so Rider-Waite it was.
I bought a tarot deck called The Aquarian Tarot. I liked the artwork that was very freestyle sort of water colors, yet it kept the same traditional aura of the Rider Waite deck, which I had been just starting to use- The Aquarian deck was much more me at the time, artsy, different, esoteric.
I went on to get a Crowley deck and other strange decks as well- trying to find the "right'' one for me- but after all of them I came back to Rider-Waite. It was clear and concise and I have a true rapport with it.
I mainly did readings for myself, and close friends. I had no idea how long and how important my relationship with Tarot would become.
As a young adult, if I traveled, I took my cards. If I spent the night at a friend's house, I had my cards with me. For any kind of choice, or confusion, I pulled the cards out. For the rest of my life I would have this connection. Right up to today.
I have been a member of an esoteric order that utilizes Tarot as a means of enlightenment and attainment of higher States of Consciousness.
And I just recently rejoined the Order as I feel it is the only way to see us our of the turn of our events lately -worldwide.
Inner work is always the first step.
