How and why does the Tarot work?

The Tarot works like any other tool we have developed; it makes a chore easier. In this case, the Tarot makes the chore of getting to the heart of the matter easier.

The Tarot is not magical as an object, but it seems to magically show what is in the heart and mind.

The Tarot combines your intention to get to the heart of a matter and the visual nature of the cards that open up the 'wordless' side of your brain.

Think about this: When you try to solve a problem, words can trip up the truth. How many times have you stared at blank stationery, feeling emotion, yet not knowing the words to convey it? No language, no matter how old or well-used, has a word for every emotion or thought. Sometimes, you have to turn off the words for the truth to flow to light.

When you read the Tarot, the 'feeling' hits you first because the images speak directly to your emotions. Then, you find the words to describe the feeling (and that takes much longer than it took to actually feel the emotion). The Tarot helps you to translate what you already know from emotion into words.

When considering WHY the Tarot works, the first word that comes to mind is 'intention'. When you sit down with a deck of cards, you INTEND to find answers. You are in effect opening yourself to the truth. You 'give permission' to find the truth in whatever way it comes to you - in this case, you intend to allow the images of the Tarot draw out your innate knowledge.