I came across an amazing video on YouTube reviewing my latest book, The Psychic Art of Tarot. The review is in Portuguese, covering the Portuguese edition published by Editora Nova Senda. Thanks to Google Translate and other translation apps, I was able to understand the review, and I feel incredibly honored by the kind words. Below, you’ll find the video by Marcos Queiroz along with an English translation of the transcript (which is hopefully accurate).
“Do you read tarot in the psychic mode or the interpretive mode?” by Marcos Queiroz
Hello everyone, how are you? My name is Marcos Queiroz. For those who don’t know me, today we’re going to review a book called The Psychic Art of Tarot by Mat Auryn. This video is partly about tarot and also a response to requests, since one of our subscribers asked us to review this book. It took a while for the book to arrive, and once it did, I had to read it. So, this is the book right here. I think you’re going to really enjoy it because it introduces new content and ideas. It’s not necessarily contradicting what we’ve said before, but rather clarifying things and explaining them in a better way. It complements and solidifies some aspects we’ve discussed previously. Curious? Then stick around, because right after the intro, we’ll talk about it.
This book is very interesting. In fact, it’s a work written in 2024 and published in Brazil that same year. The author has written other books that we’ll look at later. What’s peculiar about this book is that it attempts to honor the late Raquel Pollack. It begins with an epigraph, a quote by her, which sets the tone for the book. The quote reads:
“If you wish to develop your psychic or intuitive side in readings, simply experiment as you read for others. Keep your mind open to flashes or images, and be willing to express them. It’s important not to fall into the trap of precision. Tarot is not a trick or a stage performance, and if you worry about making mistakes, you’ll lack the courage to say anything.”
—Rachel Pollack’s Tarot Wisdom: Spiritual Teachings and Deeper Meanings
This quote reveals that her perspective aligns with Jung’s ideas about dreams. When interpreting dreams, Jung suggests we should consider the symbols and their meanings but eventually let intuition take over. From a spiritual and esoteric viewpoint, this intuition would correspond to what the author refers to as “psychic” abilities. I liked the term “psychic” that he chose, as it uses more universal language. Many people shy away from terms like “mediumship,” partly because it raises questions. For example, how is mediumship defined when no spiritual entity is involved? Spiritists might argue that an entity could still be participating in the process, but this isn’t always the case. Psychic abilities like telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition, often associated with tarot, can occur with or without entities—whether they are spirits, astral beings, elemental entities, or even angelic or other evolved beings.
What’s important is that, as we’ve often discussed on this channel, you don’t need mediumship or extrasensory perception to read tarot cards. This is a fact, and the author addresses it early in the book. People frequently ask him whether psychic abilities are necessary for tarot reading, or if he personally reads the cards psychically or through interpretation alone. This is a question that, as he mentions, has unsettled some of his colleagues. Auryn explains that reading tarot can involve either psychic abilities or just the practice of interpreting symbols. However, through regular interpretation, one may develop a psychic skillset. This resonates with my experience as an architecture professor. When I studied architecture, we didn’t have computers yet; everything was done by hand. There was an optional course called Perspective Drawing, which I took during my second year, even during a long academic strike.
That course gave us technical methods to draw exact perspectives. I practiced so much that by the end of my degree, I was more skilled than peers who waited to take the course later. By training constantly, I also developed an ability to draw freehand perspectives without rulers or measurements. Similarly, in tarot, as you practice interpreting meanings, your intuitive or psychic skills naturally develop over time. Auryn provides practical exercises to help readers develop their psychic sensitivity, such as meditations focused on specific cards, grounding techniques, and interpreting beyond the visual symbols. He also highlights the importance of intuition, urging readers to connect deeply with the cards rather than relying solely on their traditional meanings.
Auryn emphasizes the integration of psychic abilities with tarot reading. He believes everyone has latent psychic abilities, and tarot can serve as a portal to activate them. Exercises help enhance these skills, whether through meditating on individual cards or connecting one’s intuition to the energies present during a reading. Another important aspect is Auryn’s effort to demystify psychic abilities. He emphasizes that you don’t need to be born with extraordinary talents or have genetic predispositions to develop these skills. With tarot, psychic abilities can be trained and refined.
For instance, Spiritists might argue that psychic development involves interaction with entities, but that’s not necessarily true. It can occur with or without the presence of spiritual entities, whether they are spirits, astral beings, or angelic entities. Psychic development can also include clairvoyance, telepathy, or precognition without any spiritual intermediary. Auryn presents a systematic approach to training these abilities through tarot practice. He offers insights into how a reader can connect their intuitive understanding with their interpretations of the cards. By doing so, the reader enhances their ability to not only interpret the cards but also sense the energy of a given moment.
One of the most captivating parts of the book is how it aligns with what Jung called “active imagination,” which involves directing unconscious thoughts toward a purpose. For tarot, this involves focusing on the querent’s question and using both intuition and symbolic interpretation to arrive at answers. Auryn also provides an ethical framework for readers. He stresses the importance of respect for others’ free will, a theme explored by astrologers like Dane Rudhyar in humanized astrology. In this sense, tarot becomes a tool for personal empowerment rather than a deterministic method.
The book includes exercises to develop skills like clairvoyance (clear seeing), clairaudience (clear hearing), clairsentience (clear feeling), and lesser-known abilities such as clairalience (clear smelling), clairgustance (clear tasting), and clairtangency (clear touching). These exercises are designed to help the reader strengthen their psychic sensitivity. Auryn’s work emphasizes that these psychic abilities, though often seen as rare or innate, can be cultivated through dedication and practice. He demystifies them by showing that tarot is an excellent medium for developing these skills. By focusing on the intuitive connection between the reader and the cards, he enables a deeper and more meaningful reading experience.
One chapter of the book discusses the importance of regular practice. Just as I developed my ability to draw perspectives freehand through constant use of technical methods, tarot readers can enhance their psychic abilities by consistently working with the cards. This practice doesn’t just improve interpretation skills but also nurtures a natural intuition that grows into a psychic ability over time. The book also delves into the theoretical underpinnings of psychic development. It explores how the symbolic language of tarot acts as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind, opening up pathways for intuitive insights. Through exercises that encourage the reader to meditate on specific cards, practice grounding techniques, and develop a personal relationship with their deck, Auryn shows how to build a holistic practice.
One highlight of the book is its focus on humanistic and ethical tarot reading. Auryn insists that tarot should empower the querent, offering guidance without fear or manipulation. This ethical perspective aligns with his approach to psychic development, ensuring that the reader uses their abilities responsibly. The book’s structure is also worth mentioning. It begins with foundational concepts, moves into practical exercises, and gradually builds toward more advanced techniques. For example, it covers topics such as energetic foundations, intuitive tarot, the psychic aspect of readings, and the intersection of tarot with mediumship. Each chapter builds on the last, creating a comprehensive guide that is both accessible to beginners and enriching for experienced practitioners.
Auryn doesn’t shy away from discussing challenges that may arise in developing psychic skills. For instance, he addresses the skepticism that readers may encounter, both from others and from themselves. He provides tools to build confidence in one’s intuitive abilities, offering reassurance that psychic skills can be developed even without any prior experience. The book also includes a section on common misconceptions about psychic readings and tarot. Auryn dismantles the myth that psychic abilities are purely genetic or inaccessible to the average person. Instead, he presents these abilities as universal potentials that anyone can cultivate with practice and intention.
Another standout chapter explores the ethics of psychic readings, a crucial topic often overlooked in similar books. Auryn discusses the responsibility tarot readers have when accessing and interpreting someone’s energy. He emphasizes respect for the querent’s free will and highlights the importance of delivering messages with sensitivity. This ethical approach ensures that readings empower and support individuals rather than leaving them feeling fearful or helpless. Auryn also introduces the concept of connecting with spiritual guides through tarot. He explains how readers can develop a relationship with their guides and use this connection to enhance their intuitive abilities. He provides practical exercises to facilitate this connection, including meditations and visualization techniques designed to align the reader’s energy with that of their guide.
One particularly fascinating section covers the “psychic senses” and their integration with tarot. Auryn breaks these down into categories:
Clairvoyance: Clear seeing, often involving visual flashes or images during a reading.
Clairaudience: Clear hearing, where messages may come through as audible words or sounds.
Clairsentience: Clear feeling, involving a deep emotional or physical resonance with the querent’s energy.
Clairalience: Clear smelling, where certain scents carry intuitive messages.
Clairgustance: Clear tasting, an uncommon ability where tastes provide insights.
Clairtangency: Clear touching, where physical sensations or impressions arise from objects or cards.
These abilities are framed as extensions of our natural senses, heightened through practice and focus. Auryn explains how tarot can serve as a tool to refine these senses, helping readers build confidence in their psychic impressions.
The book also includes an appendix with 78 practical exercises—one for each card in the tarot deck. These exercises range from meditative practices to techniques for interpreting the cards in unconventional ways, all designed to deepen the reader’s connection with their deck and their intuition. Another unique feature is Auryn’s focus on grounding and energy management. He stresses the importance of staying centered and balanced, especially when engaging in psychic work. Techniques for grounding, such as visualization and working with physical tools like crystals, are detailed in the book.
Auryn further explores the interplay between tarot and mediumship, discussing how readers can use tarot to communicate with spiritual entities if they choose. However, he emphasizes that this is not a requirement for effective tarot reading. The psychic abilities developed through tarot are versatile and can be applied in various contexts, with or without the involvement of spiritual beings. Auryn dedicates a chapter to the intersection of intuition and theoretical knowledge in tarot reading. He explains that while traditional interpretations of card meanings provide a solid foundation, relying solely on them can limit the reader’s potential. Instead, he encourages readers to engage with the cards intuitively, letting the images and energies speak directly to their inner sense. This approach allows for more personalized and meaningful readings.
He draws comparisons between tarot interpretation and practices in psychology, particularly Jungian methods like active imagination. By engaging deeply with the symbolic language of tarot, readers can tap into the collective unconscious and uncover insights that transcend logical reasoning. One of the book’s strengths is its inclusivity. Auryn writes in a way that welcomes readers of all experience levels, spiritual beliefs, and tarot-reading styles. Whether a beginner exploring the tarot for the first time or an advanced practitioner looking to enhance their psychic skills, there is something valuable in this book for everyone.
Another chapter explores the concept of creating a “psychic sanctuary.” Auryn guides readers through the process of visualizing and establishing a mental space where they can focus their energy and connect with their intuition. This sanctuary serves as a mental retreat, helping readers prepare for readings or other psychic practices. The book also discusses how tarot can be used for personal growth and self-discovery. Auryn emphasizes that tarot is not just a tool for divination but also a powerful means of exploring one’s inner world. By practicing regularly, readers can use the cards to uncover subconscious patterns, work through emotional blocks, and gain clarity on their life’s direction.
Auryn doesn’t shy away from the challenges of psychic development. He addresses common obstacles, such as self-doubt and fear of being wrong, and provides practical advice for overcoming them. He reassures readers that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and that psychic skills, like any other skill, improve with time and effort. The final chapters delve into advanced techniques, such as combining tarot with other esoteric practices like astrology and energy work. Auryn explains how these disciplines can complement tarot readings, providing a richer and more nuanced understanding of the querent’s question or situation.
Auryn’s book also highlights the importance of developing a personal relationship with one’s tarot deck. He advises readers to spend time familiarizing themselves with the imagery, symbols, and energy of each card. This process fosters a deeper connection with the deck, enabling more intuitive and impactful readings. In one of the later chapters, he explores the concept of the “inner temple,” a mental construct where readers can retreat to engage with the archetypes and energies of the tarot. This practice involves visualizing a sacred space, often populated by the figures represented in the cards, to deepen the connection between the reader and the tarot’s symbolic world.
Another standout feature of the book is its focus on ethics. Auryn dedicates an entire chapter to discussing the responsibilities of a tarot reader, particularly when incorporating psychic elements. He stresses the importance of delivering messages with care and avoiding interpretations that could harm or mislead the querent. He also emphasizes respecting boundaries, ensuring that the querent feels empowered rather than dependent on the reader’s guidance. Auryn includes numerous practical exercises to help readers strengthen their psychic abilities. These exercises are designed to be accessible, requiring only a tarot deck and a willingness to practice. Examples include:
Meditations on specific cards: Focusing on a single card to uncover its deeper meanings and connect with its energy.
Grounding practices: Techniques to help readers stay balanced and centered during and after readings.
Visualization exercises: Using imagery to enhance intuitive impressions and psychic insights.
One of the book’s most engaging features is its appendix, which lists all 78 exercises corresponding to the tarot deck. Each exercise is thoughtfully designed to build the reader’s skills, whether they’re focused on psychic development, intuition, or symbolic interpretation.
Auryn also addresses the role of mediumship in tarot reading. He explains that while mediumship can enhance readings, it is not a prerequisite. Readers can achieve powerful and insightful interpretations through their own intuitive and psychic abilities, without relying on spiritual entities. The book concludes with a section on affirmations and emergency resources for readers. These tools are meant to support readers when they feel stuck or overwhelmed, offering practical steps to regain focus and confidence in their practice.
Auryn’s writing style is clear and accessible, with a focus on actionable advice. His approach bridges the gap between traditional tarot interpretation and psychic development, providing a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to deepen their practice. The combination of theoretical insights, practical exercises, and ethical considerations makes The Psychic Art of Tarot a valuable resource for tarot readers of all levels. It offers a fresh perspective on how to integrate intuition and psychic abilities into tarot practice, empowering readers to unlock their full potential.
If you’re curious about this book or have already read it, share your thoughts in the comments. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on more content like this. Thank you for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video!
