The Tarot Wheel

The Tarot Wheel is a very simplified text-based tool for reading tarot. It uses seven circular wheels (one each for The Present, The Past, The Future, Ambitions, Influences, Strengths, and Outcome) that in conjunction offer a reading.

By Jim Edward Lucier · Wheel · Published by Schiffer Books



Review by Bonnie Cehovet

‘The Tarot Wheel” is based on the Rider-Waite template. Through the spinning of seven interconnected wheels, a reading is formed. The seven wheels are defined as:

Ring One: The Present
Ring Two: The Past
Ring Three: The Future
Ring Four: Ambitions – Your desires, hopes, and dreams relating to your question.
Ring Five: Influences – The spiritual influence behind your question.
Ring Six: Strengths – The strengths behind your question.
Ring Seven – The outcome of your question.

Lucier makes the claim that through this simple format an individual can be reading the Tarot within minutes. Information obtained references the past, present, and future, an individual’s strengths, influences, obstacles, and the outcome of any questions asked. Together, they bring your life’s path into focus.

The wheel, along with a laminated cheat sheet containing basic meaning for the Major Arcana, and the four suits of the Minor Arcana, comes in a hard cardboard, magnetic lift top box. The cover shows a picture of the wheel itself. The underside of the cover gives information about the author, a dedication, and acknowledgments on the right hand side, with publishing information on the left hand side.

The cheat sheet gives instructions on how to use the wheel. In general, an individual turns the wheels in any direction until they feel satisfied. The transparent arm may also be moved. Read only the words that appear within the transparent dial. When two tabs appear within the transparent arm, both cards are to be read. Read only the words that appear (in majority) within the transparent dial.

When looking into the full past of a situation, all wheels are to be tuned counterclockwise. When looking into the full present or future of a situation, the wheels are to be turned clockwise.

The “Tarot Wheel” system is one way in which basic Tarot information can be used. The basic information provided on the cheat sheet is adequate, and the card names on the Wheel itself are easily read. The problem for me begins with the lack of cards … the focus is on the Wheel … is that going to be enough to carry the Seeker’s energy? Without cards, there is no imagery, so essentially the Seeker and the reader are focusing on the card name alone.

While this system comes across as a fun experience, I am not all that sure that it is a good way to teach the Tarot. I am less than impressed with the pooh poohing of the study of Tarot, and of Tarot research. I would look at this as a “for fun only” Tarot system.

© Bonnie Cehovet

Bonnie Cehovet is Certified Tarot Grand Master, a professional Tarot reader with over ten years experience, a Reiki Master/Teacher and a writer.



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