TAROT CLASS

THE TAROT

In this brief introduction, I am not going into how to read the Tarot in any great depth as every reader has their own way of using them and every reader has their favourite pack, mine is the Mythic Tarot, but rather talk about how they came about and dispel any myths about them.

There are many theories as to how they came about one was that Gypsies are said to have carried the cards to Europe and "gypsy" is considered a corrupt form of "Egyptian." They were considered by the Church to be "the devil's picture book", and the cards were quickly condemned by the Catholic Church as heretical. Just to possess them was a dangerous act. There seems no doubt that the cards were a means for preservation of ancient knowledge that the Church considered dangerous, or heretical, at a time when it was literally a danger to your life to believe anything other than the established Church dogma. Like everything at this time the Church wielded great power and in order to assert power and control over the people, it did not like what IT considered anything other than its established beliefs

Another theory was that the Tarot was first known a Tronfi and later known as Taoocci or Tarock and originated from the 15th century in parts of Europe. They were used to play an Italian game known as Tarocchini and French Tarot

Its not known for sure on their origins, but the Tarot images are inextricably linked to ancient beliefs, mythologies, and religious systems such as the Hebrew Cabala. Others, notably Pythagoras, believed that letters and numbers are in themselves divine beings possessing extraordinary powers; the Greek neo-Pythagorean school taught these ideas.

The actual cards number 78 and devised into four suits, the names may vary but they are commonly known as Pentacles, Cups, Wands and Swords. Each suit has pip cards from Ace to ten and four Face cards, therefore each suit has 14 cards. These suits are known as the Minor Arcana. In addition there are the 21 Major Arcana and the Fool.

Whatever you may think of the Tarot they are not evil, they have been around for centuries and they are not going to go away. Many people play card games such as Bridge and that's is widely accepted for modern day playing cards are derived from the Tarot. They are harmless cards that help those with intuitive abilities to interpret and access Universal Knowledge

A simple guide as to how I interpret the Tarot

In this section I will explain how I use the tarot, its perfectly possible to learn by rote all the standard meanings of the tarot and you will get perfectly good results, the way I read them and they way I have encouraged my students to read them, is to choose a pack who's illustrations you feel drawn to and throw away the book (well may be not throw away but put away) that comes with them and allow your intuition to guide you. You will get much more accurate results in this way. Often the same card will come up in different readings and you wont interpret the cards in the same way, that is fine allow your intuition to do the reading. The following below is MY guide that I use and have devised from my experience I will read more or less into the reading as I am guided to do so, perhaps some aspect of the illustration will stand out and will be my lead into what the tarot is telling me. I personally feel this is the best way to read the tarot.

In this section I will add various meanings of the cards and layouts as time permits.

TAROT "THE STAR"

'THE STAR' ONE OF THE MAJOR ARCANA

The card illustrated above is known as the Star and this particular card is from the Mythic Tarot and the deck I prefer to use. It's literal meaning is when we see this card in a reading, it tells of a very potent wish. The surrounding cards can provide more details about the wish, and sometimes whether or not it will actually come true. Often, the Star keeps popping up when there's something we're looking forward to that has not yet materialized. A lot like other major cards, this one seems to appear and reappear until either the inevitable happens, or there is a change in course. In the Mythic Tarot, the Star is Pandora - opening the forbidden box that released human suffering upon mankind. This helps remind us to be careful what we wish for, because our thoughts and dreams are very powerful. On the other hand, sometimes the creatures within are all butterflies, ladybugs, fireflies and fairies. Your box of wishes and dreams just might be filled with all the beauty you ever imagined, and more. 

This card is often known as "the wish card" and reading the tarot is an individual thing, every reader has their own method and yes you will get good results if you stick to the pure standard meanings of the card. I will even go on to say, if you get a good tarot book you can learn all the meanings of the cards by rote and you don't even have to be psychic to do this, you will still get good results. But you will get more depth, more insight and more clarity is you allow your intuition free reign and allow your psychic abilities to flow through.

How I personally see this card in a reading. I see it as hope, that all is not lost and depending on the other cards in a reading it can neutralise any negativity and convey there is still hope and your wish has been acknowledged. I always tell my clients when this card comes up and ask them to concentrate on their dearest wish as this card can help manifest it in reality. It is a very positive card in a reading. I always tell clients too, be careful what you wish for as it can come true.

TAROT "THE TEN OF CUPS"

THE TEN OF CUPS A WISH COMING TRUE

In the Mythic Tarot the Conclusion of the Numbered Cards in the Suit of Cups shows Psyche rising to divine status, able to join her husband at last. 

Description: The tenth card of any of the numbered Minor Arcanna always represents a conclusion and here, it represents the conclusion of the eventful love story. Psyche is at last able to join her beloved among the Gods of Olympus. Psyche and Eros stand side by side, holding hands. Psyche no longer wears her white gown but instead, wears a gown sewn out of gilt thread. She has a pair of wings, like her husband, showing her acension to divine status. Behind them is an ornate arch that is seen often throughout this suit. In front of them, stacked neatly, are ten golden Cups. This is the "Happily ever after" that we see in numerous fairly tales where all problems are solved and the main characters of the story settle down unfretted by woes or problems. The end of the story reflects the tradtional meaning of this card, which is permeance in affairs of the hearts or a peaceful family life.

How I interpret this card, I see like above it is a wish, a hope fullfilled with certainty. Where the 'Star' often represents hope and a dearest wish, this card in a reason surely dictates this happy eventual outcome, because it is in the suite of cups this generally pertains to relationships. So I can happily tell the client the outcome is positive and their wish will manifest

TAROT "THE DEVIL"

TAROT 'THE DEVIL' A CARD NOT TO BE FEARED

When this card comes up in a reading people see it as something to fear and something evil and people then get the wrong assumption of tarot. The tarot is merely a tool of guidance and clarity.

Literal meaning:  the Devil card often implies that it is time to face, and look at these shadow sides of ourselves.  In owning these shadow parts, we can also free up the creative energy used to suppress these hidden parts, and learn how to accept ourselves and others as being human with all of our flaws.

It’s time to look at your shadow side, you may want to have a deeper reading for more insight into how to release this powerful creative energy so you can live a more conscious life.

Basically how I read it, it's time to take stock and control of your life, you have allowed situations and others to control you, this was because of your own fears and weaknesses and that there is part of your own psyche you didn't like, now its time to face up to all your faults, warts and all and do something about it. Essentially it means change and the time has come to change what you do not like about yourself, this will give you a new found freedom and you can break free from these shackles

TAROT "THE 3 OF CUPS"

A CELEBRATION 'THE 3 OF CUPS"

This is a very good and auspicious card to have in a layout, it speaks of celebration and happiness to come.

Description: Here, Psyche stands in front of a pool of still water, dressed in her white gown and in her hands are a bunch of lilies, signifying the purity of her soul. Behind her, is her husband, Eros, wielding his bow and Arrows of Love, still invisible to her eyes but Psyche goes through the ceremony without fear, knowing that this unseen person loved her dearly. The Moon shines brightly down on the scene. In front of her, as a blessing and an offering to her and her husband, are three mermaids, offering three shining Cups. The 3 of cups signifies the celebration of a marriage, or perhaps the birth of a child. Just as the marriage of Eros and Psyche is but an beginning to a more complex story, this card symbolizes a beginning but there is more to be revealed and more to be experienced.




When I see this in a reading it often shows up when a love is re-kindled, where for whatever reason one partner was afraid of commitment or parted after a disagreement, it is a new beginning and a time of celebration and happiness. If the other cards support it it can signify a cementing of a much wanted baby or even the deepening love for one another and an event such as a wedding anniversary

TAROT "DEATH"

DO NOT FEAR THIS CARD, TAROT THE DEATH CARD

When this card comes up in a reading, many people wrong assume it means a physical death, either of themselves or someone close to them. Look at the picture there is a rising sun in the background and green hills, this suggests the promise of something new. Death is something we all fear but in the Tarot it is suggesting to us Fear of the Unknown. You can tell from the illustration how the figures are trying to appease death but the figure has open arms and hasn't come to take their life but come to show them, "Look at what is before you, you have the whole world in front of you". Yes this can be frightening for we don't know where this journey will go. All this card means is the past is gone, its time to embrace change and move on to something new and life is what we make it but look it's bright and full of promise

TAROT "THE MOON"

THE MOON, THE SUBCONSCIOUS, IMAGINATION AND DECEPTION

In the mythic tarot you see the figure is represented by more than one face and likewise stands before her her trusted friend the dog with three heads. You see the full moon shines brightly and is reflected in the water. lets take the water, it is a reflection meaning it is not real but an illusion and that is what this card is all about, a fake reality. Depending on the other cards in the reading, to me when this card comes up, is you are not seeing what is really there, its all an illusion and you are fooling yourself. Often I find this card appears when you are being deceived and fooled by someone close to you, a good friend or that you are not seeing the truth and deceiving yourself. The moon creates all kinds of illusions and imaginations run riot, what's lurking in the shadows, can I believe my own eyes. It is suggestive of listening to your true self and your own inner guidance and don't be fooled by the pretty moonlight.

TAROT "THE WORLD"

EXCITEMENT EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS WITHIN GRASP "THE WORLD"

If we look at the symbolism in this card you will see its meanings. In the center we have the two headed figure both male and female both sexes within one suggesting to me completeness. We have the serpent with the tip of its tail in its mouth forming a complete circle suggestive of a full cycle. Also we have swords, cups, pentacles and wands, suggesting we have everything we need. the figures are in the open sky but look at the figures foot on a pinnacle of cloud as if on top of a mountain. You have conquered and reached the top. When I see this card in a reading it often shows up, when the client has everything needed to reach the top, it suggests ambitions will be fulfilled, it suggests achievement of goals and its suggests the old cycle where there may have been troubles and problems in the past is now over and the client has the world at their feet and the potential to do well at whatever goal and ambition

TAROT "THE 9 OF CUPS"

TAROT "THE 9 OF CUPS"  THE LOVERS ARE REUNITED

Here, Psyche is at last reunited with Eros who still loves her. Eros, on hearing how his love was made to descend into the Underworld at his mother's command, implored Zeus to rescue her. This Zeus did, and he soothed Aphrodite's anger and jealousy so that she would not stand in the way of the lovers. Her anger soothed by Zeus, Aphrodite allowed her son to be reunited with the women he loves. Description: Psyche, dressed in her white gown, and Eros stand atop a rock, together at last after a long separation. Each holds a golden Cup. Beside them is Aphrodite who holds another golden Cup, blessing the union of her son and Psyche. In front of them, are six cups stacked neatly on the rock. Behind them, the calm blue sea can be seen. The phrase "A wish comes true" sums up the meaning of this card and the scene for Psyche's fondest wishes has been granted, to be reunited with her love.

When I get this card in a reading its the coming together and being reunited in a relationship not only this its the Universe's blessing on the union. It often shows towards the end of adversity and it's a reassuring card in a reading and a signal to hang on in there

TAROT "THE SUITE OF SWORDS" 2 and 10

THE MYTHIC TAROT 'SWORDS' DRAMA

When swords appear in a reading they generally mean conflict, drama, trouble.









THE TWO OF SWORDS

Trouble starts brewing in this scene. Clytemnestra and Agamemnon begin their quarrel on the return of Agamemnon. Orestes stands between them, not knowing whose side to take


Description: In this card, Orestes is seen standing in the centre of the card with his hands to his head, as if trying to shut out some noise. The noise would be the quarrels of his parents, Clytemnestra and Agamemnon. One stands on each side of him, both wield a sword pointing downwards. The swords meet and cross before Orestes. Like the first card, dark skies and mountains can be seen in the back ground. The Two of Swords in the Mythic Tarot a stalemate of affairs and a period of indecision for Orestes knows not whom to side. 


Therefore when this card appears in a reading it often shows when the client is caught up in the middle of something, they may be asked to take sides and they are often very fed up with bickering from two parties. It's quite common to find this appearing, with a client's partner's ex or within step children and where there seems no way of compromise

TEN OF SWORDS

The Conclusion of the Numbered Cards in the Suit of Swords shows that Orestes' Judgement at Athens. Athene judges in his favour, freeing Orestes from his burden.

Description: The tenth card of any of the numbered Minor Arcanna shows the conclusion of Orestes trials, at least for this portion of it. Orestes lies near the right foreground of the card, curled up and nearly spent. Seperating the Furies, who hover to the left, from Orestes are nine Swords. Athene stands to the middleground on the right, wielding a sword. Behind Athene, the dawn of a new day, signifying hope, can be seen. Traditonally, this card is the culmulation of sorrows and suffering but all is not loss for there is hope, just like every cloud has a silver lining. 

This card often appears at the end of conflict number ten in a reading is always a conclusion and in the illustration we can see the figure prostrate unable to take anymore and exhausted by it all. But we see there is our saviour and all is not lost. As I see this we may be challenged in life but no matter how tough these challenges may be, we will never be left on our own nor deserted and we will be able to overcome and get through this. This card always shows the worst is now over.

TAROT "THE SUITE OF SWORDS" 4 and THE PAGE OF SWORDS

SWORDS DRAMA AND WHAT TO DO?

THE FOUR OF SWORDS

The scene shifts to Orestes who sits in quiet meditation, away from the strife of his mother and his father, quite unaware of the dreadful incident that took place in his home.

Description: A peaceful and serene scene. Orestes is at peace for the moment, away from the problems at home. He sits quitely, at meditation. Before him, four swords are arranged in such a manner that they resemble they resemble the spokes of a wheel. Behind him are mountains, but reflecting the serene nature of this card, the dark clouds are missing. The Four of Swords signifies a time of retreat, meditation, a time of rest and solitude.

When this card appears it does so when a major decision needs to be made, the figure appears meditating but its not a time for procrastinating and waiting to see if anything is going to change, it wont. It's a time for cutting out the dead wood, cutting your losses and moving on and I feel when this card appears in a reading you know in your heart what needs to be done, you've already made the decision you just need reassurance but you already know you will do it anyway.












PAGE OF SWORDS

The Page of Swords is Zephyrus. Zephyrus was the lord of the West Wind which he blew from his mouth. Zephyrus, like his brethen, Boreas, the North Wind, Euras, the East Wind and Notus, the South Wind, were children of Eos, the Goddess of Dawn and Astraeus, the Lord of the Night Skies. Orginally of a wild, spiteful and malicious nature, Zephyrus disposition softened when he was given the sweet and gentle Iris, messanger of the Gods to Men, as his wife. No longer was the wind he blew cold, wild and chilly, it became a warm, sweet scented breeze welcomed by mortals every where.

Description: This card potrays a youth, sitting comfortably on dark cloud. Despite being high up in the sky, he does not appear to be cold and wears a sleveless tunic and a short cloak. He wields a and blows out a cloud from his mouth. Beneath, snow capped mountains can be seen. The Page of Swords signifies a messanger, or a young person that may come into the Querent's life. This card also hints at the possibiltiy of gossip, possibly about the Querent. 

When this card appears I see it as news, it may not be good news as this would depend on the other cards around in the layout and its often from an unreliable source. The news may also have been contaminated as in 'Chinese whispers' and in a work place scenario, it suggests, hearsay and rumour, in a personal situation it could well be tittle tattle, either way the facts are not entirely correct and clarification is needed before taking action on what you hear

TAROT "THE SUN"

"THE SUN" HAPPY TIMES ARE COMING.

When this card appears in a reading it often denotes a period when things in the querient's life are becoming more settled. In a reading, the card of Apollo the sun god in the picture signifies a time of clarity, optimism and renewed trust. Its a time for moving forward and not looking back. It is a card also to trust your gut instincts and know that everything will be ok. If this card appears in a reading where the other cards are not so positive, it will neutralise their effects. All in all a wonderful card to show up, for its saying everything will be ok.

TAROT CLASS A SAMPLE READING

A SIMPLE THREE CARD READING, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Here I am going to explain a sample reading, this is entirely a fictitious reading and keeping it relatively simple three card reading depicting the Past, Present and Future.

In the past position we can see THE HIGH PRIESTESS, this card normally shows up when I am dealing with a client who is very intuitive. Assuming for the purpose of this reading the client is female, this shows she has always had an ability to rely on her intuition and being in the past position its always worked for her and she has trusted this. This card also shows me she is intelligent and wily so she has the power to adapt and change if need be to work things her way.

In the present position we have THE TOWER, this card often shows up when it feels as if your world is collapsing all around you and many assume this can be negative, but not necessarily so. It certainly means a change and a big one at that but sometimes change is necessary to get what you want. True it often shows at life changing events but change and the collapse of the old can be positive, this is especially apparent in the next card.

In the future position we see THE STAR, I always view this card as being very positive, it depicts Pandora opening the box letting out all pestilence to man, however we see the most important content of the box has remained and that is hope. This card is sometimes known as the wish card, so its one that shows up when you have a wish and a dearest hope something will work out.

Conclusion

Reading all the cards together we can see this client is very intuitive and she's always trusted it in the past however she is going through some big change and its made her very insecure and shes lost track of her inner guidance. She needs to believe and trust in herself, I know everything is going to work out for her as this is indicated by the Star and no matter how difficult the changes she is going through its all going to work out for the best and her wish for the future will be realised

Now obviously being a sample reading I haven't got a real situation to work this reading to but I am sure this will give an indication on how to interpret the cards. Bear in mind also every reader has their own way of interpretation, this is the way I interpret the Mythic Tarot

TAROT A SIMPLE THREE CARD SPREAD

This is a simple three card spread and an ideal way for beginners in Tarot. 

Starting at the left which denotes the past position we have 'the Magician', with my method of reading the Tarot we have a card of choices and which direction to go. It is a card of power and one that states you cannot go wrong here basically all roads lead to Rome so the querient can do anything he or she chooses, he/she can make anything happen and whatever choice he/she makes it wont be a wrong one.

Middle card and the present position of the querient, this pertains to career as wands to me relates to work/career issues. We see the querient's career taking off and venturing into the future although unknown we know from the first card he/she will be OK with the choice they have made. The sun is rising to a bright future this is a card of excitement and there is no longer any holding back the flood gates have no opened and there is no stopping the querient with what he/she wants to do.

The final card denotes the future 'The three of cups'. This card is a card of celebration it can pertain to any kind of celebration as everyone is happy and toasting the querient, its a highly positive card. What draws my eye is the winged god Apollo flying into the picture and the celebration, cups generally pertains to relationships so it's someone coming back into the querient's life to join in the celebration and everyone is so happy for the querient.

Putting the reading together, the querient had to make choices in his or her life it wasn't easy and tough decisions had to be made and the querient debated and worried about making the wrong choice. However they need not have worried for they had the power along to do right whatever direction they chose. They were protected and charmed and always will be. I feel here moving into the present the decisions that were made by the querient pertained to their career and if they weren't aware it is about to take off and lead to more and new things, it's a period of bubbling excitement and although this can be fearful, venturing into the unknown is fearful but only because it's unknown. Lastly the future and the celebration and the fruition of the work that's been done in the past, here are the rewards, I say rewards the plural for there are two things afoot for the querient. There is the celebration and fruition of past career choices and there is someone coming back as in a relationship to join in the celebrations. However the querient is largely unaware of this he/she is celebrating the career decision unaware of what is unfolding. This is double joy and the rewards are great.

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TAROT A SIMPLE THREE CARD SPREAD

This is a simple three card spread and an ideal way for beginners in Tarot. 

Starting at the left which denotes the past position we have 'the Magician', with my method of reading the Tarot we have a card of choices and which direction to go. It is a card of power and one that states you cannot go wrong here basically all roads lead to Rome so the querient can do anything he or she chooses, he/she can make anything happen and whatever choice he/she makes it wont be a wrong one.

Middle card and the present position of the querient, this pertains to career as wands to me relates to work/career issues. We see the querient's career taking off and venturing into the future although unknown we know from the first card he/she will be OK with the choice they have made. The sun is rising to a bright future this is a card of excitement and there is no longer any holding back the flood gates have no opened and there is no stopping the querient with what he/she wants to do.

The final card denotes the future 'The three of cups'. This card is a card of celebration it can pertain to any kind of celebration as everyone is happy and toasting the querient, its a highly positive card. What draws my eye is the winged god Apollo flying into the picture and the celebration, cups generally pertains to relationships so it's someone coming back into the querient's life to join in the celebration and everyone is so happy for the querient.

Putting the reading together, the querient had to make choices in his or her life it wasn't easy and tough decisions had to be made and the querient debated and worried about making the wrong choice. However they need not have worried for they had the power along to do right whatever direction they chose. They were protected and charmed and always will be. I feel here moving into the present the decisions that were made by the querient pertained to their career and if they weren't aware it is about to take off and lead to more and new things, it's a period of bubbling excitement and although this can be fearful, venturing into the unknown is fearful but only because it's unknown. Lastly the future and the celebration and the fruition of the work that's been done in the past, here are the rewards, I say rewards the plural for there are two things afoot for the querient. There is the celebration and fruition of past career choices and there is someone coming back as in a relationship to join in the celebrations. However the querient is largely unaware of this he/she is celebrating the career decision unaware of what is unfolding. This is double joy and the rewards are great.

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There are actually two different types of Tarot readings: question readings and open readings.

Question Readings

In question readings, you are addressing a specific question. Tarot is not intended to answer specific yes or no questions. Most say it also shouldn't be used to make decisions, but instead should be used as a guide to help you make the decision yourself. For this reason, the way a question is stated is very important. According to Joan Bunning, a Tarot reader and teacher, questions should:

• Keep your options open: If you have the answer before the reading, then you're not allowing the cards to guide your overall decision. Bunning gives this example: Asking how you could encourage your mother-in-law to move out, as opposed to asking how you can get along better with her, is narrowing the scope of the true question by answering it before you even get started.
• Find the best level of detail: Your question should be focused, but not overly detailed. Rather than looking at one particular aspect of a problem, find a way to look more broadly at it. For example, rather than asking how you can make your home life less chaotic, ask how you can better balance kid schedules and adult schedules. That is a focused question. But do not go so far as to ask how you can coordinate baseball, soccer and Cub Scout schedules and still have family time -- that's too detailed. Only include the minimum level of detail needed in order to express what you want to learn from the cards.
• Focus on yourself: If the reading is for yourself, make sure your question focuses on you rather than on someone else who you think may be the root of your problem. For example, asking why your son is experimenting with drugs is focusing on him, not you. Asking what role you play in your son's decision to experiment with drugs brings the focus of the question back to you.
• Stay neutral: In order to stay open to other points of view, your question has to be neutral and not convey a preconceived notion that your view is necessarily the right one. The cards can give you guidance if you ask for it. For example, asking why you're doing more work around the house than your spouse isn't neutral; asking how you can get more cooperation from your spouse when it comes to housework is neutral.
• Be positive: Make sure your question is stated in a positive rather than negative way. Instead of asking why a specific event hasn't happened, ask what you can do to help make that event happen.

Open Readings

Open readings address the larger aspects of your life rather than a specific problem area or question. They're usually done when you're entering a new phase of life, such as getting married, graduating from college or starting a family. You can somewhat direct the reading if you have a general area you want to cover, such as your career or health, but that's as specific as the direction gets.

TAROT IT'S NOT CREEPY AND NOT TO BE FEARED

Tarot an explanation to this Mantic Tool

The cards above featured are the "Mythic Tarot" these are the ones I prefer I resonate with the illustrations, though there are many different decks available, these are my favourites. They are laid out in the 'Celtic Cross' spread. The illustrations are very beautiful don't you think and are based on Greek Mythology. What I like about this deck is every card including the minor arcana, which are equivalent to the numbered cards in a pack of ordinary playing cards, is beautifully illustrated. The illustrations help me work psychically. Not that I need cards or anything to do a reading with, but rather speeds connection with the person I am reading.

Much has been written about this mantic tool some associate it with the dark side, well let me enlighten you. How many of you use playing cards? whether its to play bridge, poker or whatever. Do you know the origins of these cards come from Tarot. In the Minor Arcana the 'Cups' are associated with 'Hearts', the 'Pentacles' with 'Diamonds', 'Wands' with 'Clubs' and 'Swords' with 'Spades' In fact its quite easy to use ordinary playing cards just as you would with Tarot.

Firstly let me explain what a Mantic tool is, well it is an object or objects a psychic uses to tap into psychic energy to expand a reading and link with the person they are reading's Aura. This can be their palm. a crystal ball, a bowl of sand, runes, cards, candle flames, crystals, you name it its been tried and Sylvester Stallone's mum reads Butts, and no I've never tried it, but if anybody wants me to have a go let me know lol.

So each card in the Minor Arcana Tarot deck is numbered just like ordinary playing cards, there are kings, queens, etc just the same. The difference is within Tarot we have the Major Arcana, these are more powerful cards and depending on where they are placed within a reading they have an important significance depending or where they are placed.

Now if anyone has ever had a tarot reading you may come across two cards which strike fear in those who know little about Tarot one is the 'Death' card the other is the 'Tower', neither of those are to be feared, with the Death card, this simply means a break with what was once familiar, a total change of surroundings and important change or re-birth. With the Tower again the illustration shows a tower falling down and depending on the clients circumstances, it can mean whole different lifestyles collapsing and something new to follow. it doesnt necessarily mean the negative.

Other things to be remembered about Tarot cards can either be the right way up or reversed (upside down), this can water down teh meaning or pose a more negative situation depending on the other cards. Readings can be given using just the Major Arcana alone or the full deck. I prefer to use the full deck. There are many ways in which to do readings the traditional one depicted above shows the Celtic Cross Spread, this is often used in general readings. But when you really get into it you find you make your own spreads whatever works for you.

I can only speak for myself and not for other readers and the Tarot cards do all have traditional meanings, many books have been written about Tarot and for the beginner that is sometimes helpful, but for the very psychic I would urge you to throw away the book that comes with the deck and be guided what your intuition tells you. The traditional meaning of the cards is merely a guide only, they are designed to be used as a mantic tool

Other Tarot layouts 

This layout is very simple and easy for the beginner and utilises 4 cards

This one below is ideal for beginners as well, where 7 cards are used for the layout.

The relationship spread below self explanatory for comparing a couple