The Rainbow Body Seeker
In the summer of 1987 just out of high school, while waiting tables at a restaurant, I met a woman who introduced me to books published by The Saint Germain Foundation, an esoteric religious organization. The Saint Germain Foundation, also known as the “I AM” Foundation, which some pundits claim to be a cult, was started in the 1930s by a man named Guy Ballard who walked with and received channeled information from angelic beings and professed to be the reincarnation of George Washington.
I was fascinated by Ballard’s writings and accounts of “Ascended Masters” whom I had never heard of, outside of Jesus, and their teachings. These masters have incarnated on our planet over the millennia, including Jesus and the foundation’s inspiration, a French alchemist named Saint Germain, and were ultimately able to raise the vibration of their bodies through meditation and other means to an “Ascended Master” state, conquering the mandate of our fallen state: “birth and rebirth” or karma.
I learned that these beings in cooperation with galactic organizations and higher dimensional beings have assisted and continue to assist our planet and inhabitants evolve to a greater spiritual awareness.
This was news to me! The organization also offered books of decrees that purportedly help an individual raise his or her spiritual awareness through repetitive decrees and affirmations. I tried the decrees for a while on my own and attended their services at a Saint Germain Foundation location in Houston for a short time.
I never progressed very deeply into their group, and quickly became disenchanted with the prospects of furthering my commitment with the organization, when I found a blank form in a drawer on the premises that signed away one’s possessions and estate to the organization upon one’s death. Just another church I thought! And even though I never became a card-carrying member of The Saint Germain Foundation, I was so influenced by their teachings and their affirmations, that I even had a tattoo inked on my upper back of an old illustration of “The ‘I AM’ Presence” from their books which depicts a person’s higher self, resembling an angel with a rainbow emanating from it and hovering over a person’s earthly body.
Over the years I have carried this possibility of physical ascension around with me even though I had no family or friends that shared this view. It certainly seems unattainable to most everyone I have talked to, with the prevailing view that death and leaving your mortal remains behind is not up for negotiation. Generally, whatever one believes comes after death is certainly up for discussion, but not “the final nail.”
I did encounter some hope for understanding this process through Drunvalo Melchizedek’s Flower of Life books which investigate and reveal much about the hidden history of ancient civilizations including Atlantis and Lemuria, and the Merkaba — An ascension vehicle that took Old Testament figures like Enoch and Elijah, and possibly Jesus into the higher dimensions. The Star of David is a two-dimensional representation of this sacred Merkaba star-tetrahedron geometry, according to Melchizedek and others. After being inspired by those teachings I even got a Star of David tattoo on my left forearm.
I had not previously been familiar with the documented evidence of thousands of highly attuned monks in the Tibetan Dzogchen tradition who have been witnessed in modern times, shrinking their bodies at death and attaining a rainbow body. Amazing! I was already familiar with the avatar Babaji from Paramhansa Yogananda’s seminal “Autobiography of a Yogi” who is essentially an ascended being that instructed the “param-guru” or “guru’s guru” of Yogananda, a householder named Lahiri Mahasaya who later became a yogi. Yogananda even wrote about his own personal contact with this divine being Babaji in his book.
Later I read a report that Yogananada’s body had stayed in an incorruptible state weeks after he had died, and that he showed no signs of decay. There is no record of which I am aware that he raised his body and left no mortal remains behind, as his body was embalmed and eventually buried. After attending some services years ago in Los Angeles at a Yogananda “Self-Realization Fellowship” church (directly adjacent to a Scientology compound in East Hollywood, no less), and taking some written correspondence courses from Yogananda’s organization, I did not feel like I was getting any closer to my understanding of physical ascension awareness or process. And by that time in my early thirties, I had long fallen out of step with the Christian church and could not seem to find a group of like-minded seekers.
Maybe it is inherently a greater challenge to find spiritual truth, living in our western world of fast-paced commerce and disposable commodities. Especially it seems so here in the US. Perhaps this type of frenetic, media-driven culture, and the decline of traditional religion, is also what is driving the growth of a new consciousness industry of which Gaia and other similar companies are an integral part.
From my experience having lived in Berlin, Germany before and after 9/11 and spending time in Europe, there is an appreciation of the past and generally a more leisurely daily pace, but I can’t say people are any more spiritual across the pond. I have yet to visit India or Asia to gain more first-hand understanding of Eastern spiritual traditions and their currency in that part of the globe, but look forward to at some point — hopefully soon.
So here we are now in the Internet age, and for all of us living in countries that are fortunate to have relatively unrestricted access, we can share and discover a wealth of knowledge about all things spiritual. And it is certainly my deepest hope, that maybe for some greater concentration of people in the near future, there will be a quantum shift, possibly with the aid of external, even “other-worldly” technology or galactic influence, or possibly on a more subtle level, where we shift toward a seemingly utopian “post-Fall” evolutionary dimension.
I feel the urge now more than ever to find answers to my quest, since my wife and I are in the process of raising children. I know it’s hard for humanity to envision a world where we are not limited by dense, physical bodies. Most people seem satisfied to return back to such a place after passing through the mystery of death!
I try to imagine what would daily life be like here if we were somehow able to undertake some sort of mass ascension?
What could the inhabitants of such a world create and manifest? Sometimes It feels so close, and sometimes so far away. Is it really just a matter of loving everyone unconditionally, all the time? Let’s see if we can make it a reality.
About the Author
The 22 Major Arcana of the Tarot and Their Meanings
The Major Arcana of the tarot are a set of 22 cards loaded with symbolism that represent spiritual lessons and universal archetypes. Each of these cards guides us through the different stages of personal growth, from beginnings full of potential to full realization. In this article we explore the meanings of the Major Arcana, their importance in tarot and how they can help us understand our own path of spiritual transformation.
Table of Contents
- What are the Major Arcana in the Tarot?
- Difference between Major Arcana and Minor Arcana
- The Fool's Journey and His Spiritual Transformation
- How to Interpret the Major Arcana in a Tarot Spread
What are the Major Arcana in the Tarot?
The Major Arcana are 22 cards that form the backbone of the tarot. They represent universal themes such as love, transformation, balance and spiritual enlightenment. These cards, numbered from 0 (The Fool) to 21 (The World), describe a symbolic journey of evolution and personal growth. Each has a profound meaning that goes beyond everyday events, touching on the most important spiritual and emotional aspects of life.
Since their appearance in the tarot decks of the Renaissance, the Major Arcana have been interpreted as a tool to explore the unconscious and to connect with larger spiritual truths. These cards act as mirrors of our psyche, helping us to reflect on our emotions, actions and decisions at crucial moments.
In the series Mystery Teachings of the Tarot, available on Gaia, the deeper symbolism and meanings of these cards are explored. This series offers a practical and spiritual guide to interpreting the tarot and understanding how each major arcane can be a powerful tool for personal transformation.
Difference Between Major Arcana and Minor Arcana
The Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana make up the two main parts of a tarot deck. The Major Arcana represent great spiritual lessons, while the Minor Arcana focus on more practical, everyday issues. For example, the Major Arcana speak to themes such as life purpose, inner transformations and significant challenges, while the Minor Arcana reflect emotions, relationships and specific day-to-day situations.
In turn, the Minor Arcana are divided into four suits: clubs, cups, spades and golds. These suits relate to different areas of life: creativity, emotions, intellect and material matters, respectively. The combination of the Major and Minor Arcana in a spread allows the reader to interpret both the big picture and the specific details of a situation, offering a complete and profound vision.
The Fool’s Journey and His Spiritual Transformation
The Fool’s journey, represented by the 22 Major Arcana, is a metaphor for spiritual transformation. Each card symbolizes a key stage in the process of self-discovery, from initial innocence to full realization. This journey guides us through learning and challenges that reflect personal growth and connection with the divine.
The Fool: the beginning of a new adventure
The Fool marks the beginning of the spiritual journey, symbolizing the unlimited potential and the courage of the unknown. This card encourages us to take a leap of faith, with enthusiasm and confidence in the possibilities that await us. Although the direction is unclear, it represents the opportunity to explore and grow without fear of failure.
The Magician: skill and personal power
The Magician reflects the ability to transform ideas into reality using the tools available. This card symbolizes personal power and the connection between the spiritual and the material. It reminds us that, with confidence and focus, we can manifest our desires and take control of our lives.
The High Priestess: inner wisdom and secrets
The High Priestess represents introspection, intuition and hidden knowledge. She invites us to look within and trust our inner voice to discover deeper truths. This card teaches us that true power comes from self-knowledge and connection with the subconscious.
The Empress: creativity and abundance
The Empress symbolizes fertility, creativity and connection with nature. It represents the blossoming of ideas and abundance in the physical world. This card reminds us of the importance of nurturing our projects and enjoying the beauty and prosperity that surrounds us.
The Emperor: order and authority
The Emperor embodies stability, structure and leadership. It teaches us to set boundaries and organize our lives to achieve our goals. This card symbolizes responsibility and the balanced use of authority to create a solid and secure environment.
The Hierophant: teaching and tradition
The Hierophant symbolizes the knowledge transmitted through traditions, rituals and spiritual authority figures. This card invites us to seek guidance in the collective teachings and accumulated wisdom of generations. It represents learning through established structures and connection to the sacred.
The Lovers: choice and duality
The Lovers represent the important decisions that arise from the duality between desire and responsibility. This card symbolizes the balance between the impulses of the heart and reason. It reminds us that conscious choices, aligned with our values, are key to personal growth and authentic relationships.
The Chariot: determination and success
The Chariot is a symbol of control, discipline and the strength to overcome obstacles. It represents moving towards goals with confidence and focus, managing the tensions between opposing forces. This card encourages us to maintain control over our lives in order to achieve success and recognition.
Justice: balance and truth
Justice symbolizes the search for balance, righteousness and truth. It reminds us that our actions have consequences and that honesty is essential for internal and external well-being. This card invites us to act with integrity and to evaluate our decisions fairly.
The Hermit: inner search and reflection
The Hermit represents the retreat needed to connect with our inner wisdom. It is a call to step away from the external noise and reflect deeply on our experiences. This card teaches us that the answers we seek are found within ourselves, accessible through introspection.
The Wheel of Fortune: change and destiny
The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes the cycles of life and the inevitable changes that shape our path. It represents destiny in constant motion and the opportunity that arises with each unexpected turn. This card encourages us to accept the flow of life with adaptability and confidence in the process.
Strength: courage and personal mastery
Strength symbolizes courage, compassion and control over emotions. It represents the ability to overcome internal challenges with patience and balance, rather than aggression or brute force. This card reminds us that true power comes from personal mastery and confidence in our abilities.
The Hanged Man: sacrifice and perspective
The Hanged Man invites us to accept the sacrifices necessary to gain a new perspective. This card symbolizes the pause and willing surrender that allows us to see situations from a different angle. It teaches us that sometimes letting go of control is key to growth and clarity.
Death: transformation and rebirth
Death does not represent a definitive end, but the necessary transition to a new beginning. This card symbolizes the process of deep transformation as we leave behind what no longer serves us. It reminds us that every ending is an opportunity to be reborn with more strength and wisdom.
Temperance: harmony and patience
Temperance symbolizes balance, moderation and the integration of opposites. It teaches us the importance of finding harmony in our lives through patience and reflection. This card encourages us to flow with natural processes and to seek the center in all things.
The Devil: temptations and attachments
The Devil represents the bondage to habits, desires or thoughts that limit our freedom. He challenges us to recognize these self-imposed chains and to free ourselves from them. This card reminds us that facing our shadows is necessary to regain our personal power.
The Tower: chaos and revelation
The Tower symbolizes the collapse of structures or beliefs that are no longer sustainable. It represents a sudden change that, although chaotic, brings with it a revealing truth. This card teaches us that crises are opportunities to rebuild with authenticity and a more solid foundation.
The Star: hope and guidance
The Star represents renewed faith, inspiration and connection with the divine. It is a card that invites us to look to the future with optimism, confident that we are on the right path. It reminds us that there is always a guiding light even in the darkest moments.
The Moon: intuition and confusion
The Moon symbolizes mystery, intuition and illusions that cloud our judgment. It represents a period of uncertainty where answers are not clear and deep emotions emerge. This card invites us to explore our subconscious and trust our intuition to overcome fear and confusion.
The Sun: clarity and vitality
The Sun represents enlightenment, joy and vitality. This card symbolizes the mental clarity and success achieved after overcoming challenges. It encourages us to celebrate our victories, enjoy life with optimism and embrace our authenticity with confidence.
Judgment: renewal and purpose
Judgment symbolizes spiritual awakening and deep reflection on our actions. It represents an opportunity to leave the past behind and begin anew with clarity and purpose. This card invites us to listen to the call of our soul and align ourselves with our true purpose in life.
The World: fullness and fulfillment
The World is the culmination of the Fool’s journey, symbolizing wholeness, unity and the achievement of our goals. It represents the integration of all the lessons learned along the way. This card reminds us that we have reached a moment of fulfillment and are ready to begin a new cycle.
How to Interpret the Major Arcana in a Tarot Spread
To interpret the Major Arcana in a spread, it is essential to understand that each card symbolizes great lessons or transformative events in the querent’s life. These cards often point to key moments, such as profound changes, important decisions or spiritual learnings. It is important to consider the context of the question and how the card relates to the querent’s current circumstances.
In addition, the Major Arcana cards tend to have a greater weight in a reading. If several appear in a spread, this suggests that the querent is going through a significant period of growth or change. The position of each card is also crucial: it indicates whether the message is related to the past, present or future, which helps to understand the moment of learning.
Finally, interpreting the Major Arcana requires combining the meaning of the card with the reader’s intuition. Each arcane is full of symbolism that can vary according to the situation and the emotions of the querent. By actively listening and connecting with the energy of the spread, the reader can offer an accurate and enriching interpretation that guides the querent toward understanding and empowerment.
