- The Time Changer’s Tarot
- Author: Caitlin Matthews
- Cover and interior design: Brenda McCallum
- Publisher: 2023 by Red Feather Mind Body Spirit. Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
- ISBN 978-0764366956
- Review: ClaraZ
As one who regularly inks their quill in support of social and environmental issues, I have oft pondered the viability of using the Tarot to similar ends. Why should such a powerful instrument be silent on issues of major importance, I muse, and what might give it the opportunity to be heard? Little wonder, then, at my attraction to the latest Tarot publication from Caitlin Matthews, with its focus on reading for matters affecting our ourselves, communities and world.
After first skimming the text, I set about ‘spreading the reading cloth wider’, as per the author’s instructions, to examine the broad influences surrounding a situation I’m dealing with. A couple of hours’ work with one of the relatively simple spreads featured throws up new ideas about how actions could impact not only me, but also those within my immediate circle, as well as parties further afield, and what support may be drafted in to redress balances. So far, so good. Using numerous cards, rather than my usual three, hasn’t overwhelmed me, as I had feared, but has revealed potential problems and solutions from various perspectives, rather than just my own. I am eager to press on.
However, a closer reading of the text sends me into a state of bewilderment trying to comprehend the theories, methods and models concerning Time and Eternity, Reading out of Time, Ripples in Time, Changing Times… As diagrams of concentric and overlapping circles seem to start spinning hypnotically, I find myself drifting off to the imagined strains of Windmills of Your Mind (Noel Harrison version) and the disembodied, sonorous tones of Ms Matthews calmly explaining conjoined realities. I start suddenly, as from a dream, and have to begin again.
While the reverie didn’t happen quite like that (it was actually The Muppets’ version), this tongue-in-cheek account might serve to illustrate that while the Time Changer’s Tarot is an inspiration and a joy to read, it is also complex and multi-layered…which may come as no surprise to those with any knowledge of its learned and prolific author. Try as I might, I cannot hope to process the teachings properly until I put them into practice. And then more practise. The intellect alone – well, this one at least – is not up to the task. The book seems to have been born of Ms Matthews’ deep disquiet at the pace and general direction of change in today’s world and her belief that we can use the cards to make positive shifts in our own times which ripple out to those of our wider communities. And onward. And back around.
It asserts that, given the challenges facing us, it is no longer enough to confine ourselves to a narrow focus in our readings. Instead, we are urged to engage with the many interconnected influences affecting querents, and caused by them, whether near or not, seen or unseen, of the present or past, or beyond time. By reading in this holistic way, we become time changers, not passively accepting the way things are, but asking why they are as they are, in our quest to create beneficial, far-reaching change. To this end, Ms Matthews offers innovative reading methods and spreads, with illustrated examples, and introduces a unique use of the cards standing as powerful representatives and resources. There is tuition on working with groups, world events, ancestors, animals and Frith (pronounced ‘free’) spirits, among others. The wisdom of individuals, communities and traditions, from antiquity to the current time, inform and support the book’s teachings.
Although the Waite-Smith Tarot is included as the working deck, because of its familiarity and pictorial pips, any deck may be substituted as desired. I’m in the midst of an extended TdM phase right now (I’ve just added the author’s Untold Tarot to my library) but will familiarise myself with the book using the deck provided before applying others. Two pages are allocated to each card for suggested meanings covering a variety of circumstances, focus points, and questions. There is excellent information on fundamental stuff such as the four suits, significators, asking the right questions, reading the cards and concluding readings.
While the publication will probably be viewed as more suitable for the serious/advanced reader, it is one I wish I could have owned as a beginner, providing almost everything I might have needed, and imparting wisdom other books don’t. Crucially, it grounds the student in reading beyond the level of navel-gazing and the glorified parlour game. One to grow into, perhaps, rather like the gabardine macs of long distant schooldays. A must-have, I would suggest, for readers who wish to have a hand in changing our times, for the long-term.
The set comprises a handy volume of 360 pages, of approximately 11.5cm x 16.5cm x 2.5cm, and a glossy, edged travel-sized Waite-Smith deck of approximately 5.5cm x 9cm x 3.7cm, all presented in a sturdy box with a magnetic flip-top lid.
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