Though I consider the Tarot a sacred Book of Life, I also view these magickal cards as a living picture for one to step into and meet the character therein. In doing this, one relates to the individual card like to that of family and friends, thus causing a closer association with the cards when one reads them.
You may wish to try this exercise if you are a reader and of course having a Tarot deck. And though it may seem even a bit foolish at first, once you have made 'contact' with one of the characters of the cards, you'll become excited in contacting the others.
Simply place yourself into an environment whereby you will not be disturbed. Take the phone off the hook, turn TV or radio off, and either sit or lay down to make yourself completely comfortable. Even take a few deep breaths should this help relax you. Especially, clear your mind for this imaginary journey into the Tarot.
Now select one card. Look at it carefully and observe every detail until once closing your eyes you can visualize it completely. Let's take for instance The Magician. As soon as you can clearly see him in your mind's eye, then begin to see yourself climbing into the card as though it were a large size picture. Place yourself next to him. Begin to feel his robes, notice theshining objects on his table, and even smell the roses and lillies in his garden. Look at him and see this Magician as a 'real' person. Once doing so, begin to talk with him. Let the Magician know what you have read of him, while also letting him tell you more of his function in the Tarot. Furthermore, talk with him as a friend. Get to know him, and let him come to know about you.
In time, making contact with the cards and the characters thereof, will be as exciting as reading the cards. You will begin to remember the contact you made with them, knowing more comprehensively of their interpretation than from what you read in any book. And once doing this your readings will display more detailed interest to your querents.
By this close association with the cards along with recognizing their specific definitions, as well as that of using your psychic abilities, you will come to appreciate the Tarot as a living instrument and being a part of your inner self.

Hi, I am Lady Demeter, High Priestess (HPs) of the Wiccan group 'Children of the Tropical Moon' here in South Florida.
I've been around the 'Craft' scene for more years than I care to admit and prior to my move here about 5 years ago, I've served as HPs in several different traditions in which I was trained and initiated to fulfill that responsibility. The need for a choice required me to come out of retirement after my move here and thus the Children of the Tropical Moon came into being.
We listed ourselves as contacts for Craft in Circle's Guide to Pagan resources. The letters have been rolling in and that is why I'm taking this opportuntiy to inform people about better ways of Approaching Wicca.
In my tradition of Wicca, we do not charge to teach the Craft, nor work majic in someone's favor, BUT, that does not mean that WE as teachers are responsible for the expenses incurred by the students.
I have, right now, about 10 letters sitting at my desk at Under the Stars from people who wrote about this Floridian Tradition. I am in no rush to answer any of them for a variety of reasons. Should you be thinking of approaching a Wiccan group, some of these letters are prime examples of what NOT to do.
Law One...be considerate. Not one of these letters enclosed an S.A.S.E.. If you are going to contact a HPs or HP (High Priest) by mail, include that Self-Addresssed Stamped Envelope. Right now I have enough stamps to mail out my bills and I am not ready to drive the 8 miles to the Post Office to buy stamps. Every letter that I take the time and energy to answer should at least be met with the consideration by the student that I do not have to spend the standing on line for stamps or envelopes. If you receive copies of book lists, remember that copies cost money and take time. Every letter should end with Thank You.
One letter sent me has two sentences. "I saw your ad in Circle's guide. Tell me about your group." The letter came from the Midwest. While it is true that I have developed my psychic ability, what am I supposed to tell someone in a totally different Geographical area about a Tradition based on a whole different climate?
Law Two, be informative in both your interest and yourself. Why are you interested in Wicca? What has triggered your desire to learn more? Who are you? How old are you? Are you married, single, divorced? Some groups will only take on a married student if the spouse is made aware of the student's interest. There is a sound reason for this practice as uninformed jealous spouses may think the student is carrying on an affair or awkward lies may have to cover up the student's whereabouts. Are you a parent? Can you travel? Perhaps your natal information...birthdate. What books have you read? Where did you hear about the group?
You may want to include a phone number and times that you can be reached.
Most teachers may set up an appointment to meet you if you live within an area of proximity, but do not expect that to be at the Covenstead, perhaps a metaphysical bookstore or a local dinner.
Remember, your letter represents YOU.
If you do not get a response to your letter within a month, write again. Ask if your first letter was received and state that you are still interested. Remember, Wiccans do not hold paying offices and are concerned about earning a living, doing supermarket shopping, taking much longed for vacations.
I will be happy to write more about Wicca if the interest is expressed. May the Lady and Her Consort Smile on All Your Endeavors.

The Ancient Mayans, aware of certain information lost to present day man, calculated the end of time, to them; when the present age they lived in would pass away, and the new age began. Other races also calculated this turning point in the energy flow of the universe, and Astrologers found that it coincided with a conjunction of many of the celestial bodies.
This period has been named differentlly by many people, but the most common name given it has been The Harmonic Conjunction.
But what exactly has come to pass? There has been no apparent change. The world seems the same as it has always been. What is now different? The difference is not without, the difference is within. Evolution has reached a stage where man is no longer the primitive, easily cohersed by outside influences, or deceived by outside intelligences that would use his ignorance to further their own gains. Man is beginning to learn that he is not life that was given a soul, but a soul that has taken on life. That he is a free individual, not a pawn in the games of others; that he is not given light, but that he, himself, or she, herself, is a light that is growing, maturing to its own Ultimate Destiny.
This is the true meaning of The Harmonic Conjunction; a child coming of age; not a child born of a woman, but the child born of the world. A Race. A Race that is becoming ready to take its place in the stars, to find its own Destiny, willing to accept guidance and wisdom, but not willing to accept the chains of unquestioned obedience.
This is the Promise of The Harmonic Conjunction, and The Hope Of The World.

A HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON TO ALL OUR FRIENDS, WHATEVER THEIR FAITH MAY BE!