My Tarot Journey

The Beginning:

When I was sixteen years old in Australia there wasn’t a lot of 'esoterica' to be found in 'On the Beach' Melbourne Australia ! Close to home and bored, my trusted friend and I caught the Number 12 tram which clunking along slowly landed us at the Emerald Hill Bookshop where our young wizardry would take on a new and profound dimension. As we loitered in the New Age section, indulging our embryonic interest in Astrology, we found ourselves both instantly and completely hijacked: The Mythic Tarot our seductive terrorist, in its 1980s glossy black edition by Simon & Schuster caught our rapturous teenage gaze - we had seen nothing like it, and in that one moment, the spell was cast, 'alea iacta est' ; my teenage passion ignited! Unbeknownst to me at the time, the spark would turn into a life long flame. Sometimes running hot and wild while other times smouldering quietly in the background; a stealthy hypnotic ember. In any case, we were both mesmerised, and without haste went to the counter to quickly buy the mysterious Mythic Tarot Kit and take it back home. The 'Kit' (which I still own) included a hardcover book, Tarot spread cloth and a wickedly beautiful hand drawn set of cards based on Greek Mythology - which to this day serve me as a relevant guide to the cards.

It was love at first sight!

The Middle:

The Cartomancy begins...

Having made this journey with my friend over time we self-taught to read the cards and read each other’s cards; mysteries and magic were unraveled on a weekly if not daily basis– We both entered University to complete our chosen fields to study, me indulging my passion in Fine Arts and Literature and my friend in Architecture and later her true calling, Psychology. For years we studied and read the cards in our leisure time. We later progressed to Aleister Crowley & Lady Frieda Harris’ Thoth deck, which lead us further down the esoteric path of symbolism and the occult- These were the only 2 decks I worked with for years!

In the meantime, I work professionally in a blue chip international Pharmaceutical Company for a large part of my working life. Life gets in the way of my calling - but not all the way. Tarot keeps it spot in my heart and I discover the complex simplicity of the Rider Waite-Smith Yellow box (unlike many others this was not my learning deck). Complex-simplicity, well what does that mean? The pictures look simple enough but then you keep looking and your third eye gets activated and a deep understanding of the images and their kaleidoscopic layers ensues and suddenly further studies begin within the paradigm of the yellow box and Pixie's brilliant art. I study the deck’s history and the why of its popularity, and finally the genius of the deck hits home. I get a deeper understanding of the deck's revered place within the modern pedagogy of divinatory interpretation; that being it's therapeutic, inward looking whilst simultaneously offering spiritual solace, comfort and guidance.

The Coda (last movement):

I will show you something different from either

Your shadow at the morning striding behind you

Or your shadow in the evening rising to meet you; - TS Eliot

So in 2023 I decided to slow down my lucrative working life and at the same time I discovered the Tarot Guild of Australia Inc. held physical classes close to my home (and the old Emerald Hill Bookshop) – There are no Coincidences – Carl Jung

I entered the first class and was immediately drawn into the spectrum of colour, meanings and symbolism that underpinned my whole way of seeing the world.

I immediately went up to one of the organisers and asked how I could become a professional member. The conversation:

Me: “How do I become a member? “

TGA: "Interest or Professional Member ? Most people here are Interest members."

Me: "Professional Member"

TGA: “You need to pay a fee and then undertake a written examination paper. If you pass that (and it is quite comprehensive) you will need to sit three live examinations with three (she showed me 3 fingers just to put an emphasis on it, like in Tarantino's Inglorious Bastards ) of our Senior (she emphasised Senior) board members who you will read live for (she emphasised live)– Many people do fail the live reading part, but don’t be dissuaded." A Pause, a wry smile and then, " Do you know how to read tarot cards?”

Me: “Yep, so here’s the thing - don’t do reiki, I don’t do numerology, I don’t do sound healing bowls, and rock climbing, my astrology is rudimentary-to-good – BUT I I’ve been slinging cards since I was a teenager, and I can read like the devil, I can do your cards right here and now if you want?”

TGA: Another smile, this time with a slight intensity - “well head on to the website and start the process from there, it’s all digital now, and be patient as the paper is extensive!”

Me: “OK thanks” :) – smilie face.

Four months later I passed the paper with flying colours, did the 'Live' readings and got my Accreditation (which sits alongside my Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and my Diploma in Education - and here I am at the service of others doing my thing that I love.

The Tarot Reading service is one of self-reflection, therapy, healing and by nature holds a divinatory aspect, but it’s main theme is exposing your true potential and how to tap into that energy, it’s about harnessing all the energies to produce the best you and best outcome for you!

If you are interested and like my style, reach out to me on tarotasart@gmail.com, DM me on Instagram @tarotasart or head on to my website.

Angela Williams –

B.A (Hons), Dip.Ed., TGA Inc. (PM)

March 2024