My thesis regarding the tarots begins with the assertion that they are allegories for life. The cards are the pages of a book. Each time they are shuffled and laid out they tell an additional chapter of life's on-going story.

As with reading any book we sometimes tend to either skim or skip some topics and lessons. That is where no small part of our difficulties in life arises. There is a growing body of scientific evidence that points to cellular memory, as at least one of the culprits is some types of chronic illness.

Cellular learning can, in effect, teach the cells of our body to be "sick". When this learning becomes memory our bodies, composed of uncountable cells programmed to be "sick", are sick. However, as with any programmed learning, cellular memory can be unlearned.

Thus, it behooves us to examine the possible underlying reasons, what trigged the cellular memory, for disease and discomfort. The first course of action should be for the sufferer to ask the question, "Why am I experiencing this set of symptoms?" When patients probe their own life circumstances with honesty and diligence they come to see the "why" behind the disorder, and often their symptoms abate or even depart. With this in mind I have developed a spread to examine the components of illness.

By an earnest contemplation of the cards in this spread I believe it is possible to once again connect bodily with the ancient, the intuitive and the spiritual. By studying and understanding the allegories presented, the querant can begin the process of unlearning chronic disease. Further, I see this spread as a means to reconnect to our ENERGY and to our knowledge of who we are and what surrounds us. This exercise can be utilized to forge a strong and ever present 'direct connection' to our evasive and subtle body signals and to our memories.

Shuffle the Trumps and lay four cards in the following pattern.

1      4

            3      2

The Spiritual component

Card # 1. Spiritual acumen: where you are at this point in time.
Card # 4. Spiritual intention: where you are headed.
Card # 3. Spiritual failing: what has been ignored or overlooked.
Card # 2. Spiritual authenticity: your judgement, discretion and justification.

Now the Court Cards:

The Ego Component

1      2      3      4

Card # 1. You, as you truly are, in present time.
Card # 2. You six months ago.
Card #3. You as you see yourself.
Card # 4. You as others see you.

The Pips:

The Physical Component

                      2

4                    1                    3

                     5

Card #1. The physical ailment. The signs and symptoms: the diagnosis.
Card # 2. The basic of the physical ailment. The source of the dis-ease.
Card # 3. The benefits of the dis-ease. What is gained by being ill.
Card # 4. The disadvantages of the dis-ease. What is sacrificed.
Card # 5. The action to begin the healing process. Real time activities to break the cycle.

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