In Satan's Honour

I started learning how to read Tarot cards when I was about seventeen years old. Like many beginners, I began with the Rider-Waite deck, which is a good choice because many decks are influenced by it. First published in 1909, it was one of the first Tarot decks to include all 78 cards. The inspiration for this deck was the Sola-Busca Tarot created in 1491 and printed by Wolfgang Mayer.

One of the ways I learned was by reading for myself. Some readers argue that it is not a good idea to do this as it is hard to be objective, but it helps in gaining experience with using the different spreads and learning the meanings of the cards. Over the years, I also took a couple of online classes which helped a lot in my work with the Tarot. It is a great way to learn different perspectives and the in-depth meaning of the cards, numbers, and suits. I was taught the importance of paying attention to every detail and how each card fits together in a reading. The first Tarot class I was a part of was taught by Lillee Allee, the wife of the late John Allee, the founder and High Priest of the First Church of Satan (FCoS). She taught us to not just be Tarot readers but to be Tarot Counsellors.

The way I read for others is different than how I read for myself unless the person I am reading for is also a Satanist. This is because I use the Tarot as a way to communicate with Satan and the Demons. Before my reading each day, I ask Satan to guide the reading or I will ask Him a question and then I will shuffle the cards. If I am reading for a non-Satanist, I won't do this as I believe it is disrespectful to Satan, and it also may not be the wish of the person I am reading for.

The kind of deck I use is very important to me. I will not, under any circumstances, use angel cards or anything associated with Christianity. I also won't use decks considered New Age, white light, or those seen as 'trendy.' My preferences are the older decks, those dark in nature, and any that have Satanic aspects in one form or another.

Some of the decks I like are as follows:

The Luciferian Tarot by Michael Ford and illustrated by Nico Claux

Morgan-Greer Tarot by Lloyd Morgan and William F. Greer

Thoth Tarot Deck by Aleister Crowley and illustrated by Frieda Harris

The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck by Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith

Nicoletta Ceccoli Tarot by Nicoletta Ceccoli and Lo Scarabeo

Deviant Moon Tarot Cards by Patrick Valenza

Each of these decks speaks to me in a different way, and I choose which one I use according to the type of reading I am doing. If I am reading for someone else, I usually go with the Morgan-Greer or Thoth deck unless the person specifically requests a particular deck.

Since the Tarot has so many aspects to it, I will write more another time.

Satanic Blessings,

Marie RavenSoul