Liani's Tarot Folio

It's not possible to get far past the age of twenty without experiencing grief. For some, that loss comes much earlier. The pain is particularly keen when we lose a mentor, for we often feel unready to 'go it alone'.

Like many of us, my new friend Georgianna (of thetarotroom.com) had a rather unusual teacher when it came to learning the Game of Life. After 'going it alone' since his passing twelve years ago, she recently found herself catapulted into a mystical experience, thanks to a random Twitter post from her book club, urging her to 'listen to the ghosts of her own past'.

Georgianna writes:

'In Kissing the Limitless by T Thorn Coyle (the book we’re reading for the book club), Coyle suggests we write a letter to our ancestors to ask for direction on our journey. I started writing a few letters but they were all too sappy. Al would have just laughed at them. So I decided to pull a card instead.'

I was overcome by the simplicity and emotional impact of Georgianna's ritual and decided to try it myself. My greatest teacher was a silvery, chain-smoking Irish fairy called Margaret. She was my surrogate mother, grandmother and Lord High Executioner. Maybe's she's in a bar with Georgianna's 'Al' in the afterlife, as she too would probably scoff at the notion of me writing her a letter.

I got quiet, lit a candle (instead of a cigarette, for, unlike Margaret, I don't smoke) and just asked her straight out: 'What would you tell me if you were here today?'

The card I drew was perfect. I think I'm going to need a new deck for readings, as I've taken to carrying just that one card around with me everywhere.

I hope you will take the time to try this profound ritual. Also, please visit Georgianna at the link below to read the full story of her unforgettable mentor, Al.

the tarot room: Al Rush and the 10 of Vessels