Osho Zen Tarot

1. Zen Tarot: A Mirror to the Present Moment

The Osho Zen Tarot are not a traditional deck, in the sense given commonly to the tarots of predicting the destiny. Al contrario, possiamo considerarli come il gioco trascendente dello Zen, in cui il momento presente viene riflesso: l’immagine offre un preciso e limpido quadro di ciò che è, qui e ora, senza giudizio né confronto.

Focus on Awareness. Unlike traditional tarot, the Osho Zen Tarot emphasizes self-awareness and reflection on the present moment rather than predicting the future. It serves as a tool for understanding one's current state without judgment, fostering intuition and compassion. The cards reflect the here and now, offering insights into one's feelings and experiences.

Personal Interpretation. The deck encourages individual interpretation, shifting away from reliance on external "magicians" or cartomancers. The meaning of each card varies depending on the reader, promoting self-reliance and inner wisdom. This approach aligns with Zen principles, which prioritize personal insight and understanding over rigid rules.

Invitation to Awakening. The Zen Tarot invites individuals to awaken their senses, intuition, and courage. It encourages a deeper connection with one's true self, fostering a sense of individuality and compassion. By focusing on the present, the deck serves as a reminder to live mindfully and appreciate the richness of each moment.

2. The Major Arcana: Archetypal Themes of the Spiritual Journey

Allorché nella lettura compare un Arcano Maggiore, esso ha un significato speciale che è al di sopra e va oltre le carte degli Arcani Minori. Infatti, ci dice che le nostre circostanze attuali ci stanno offrendo l’occasione di esaminare uno dei temi chiave del nostro viaggio spirituale, in quanto individui.

Key Themes. The Major Arcana cards represent archetypal themes central to the human spiritual journey. Numbered from 0 to XXI, these cards delve into profound aspects of self-discovery and personal growth. When a Major Arcana card appears in a reading, it signifies an opportunity to examine a crucial theme in one's spiritual development.

Beyond the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana holds a significance that transcends the Minor Arcana, indicating a deeper, more impactful influence on one's life. These cards prompt individuals to reflect on their circumstances and how they relate to their spiritual path. They offer a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities at hand.

Guidance for Reflection. The Major Arcana serves as a guide for self-reflection, encouraging individuals to consider how their current experiences align with their spiritual journey. By examining the other cards in relation to the Major Arcana theme, one can gain a deeper understanding of their path and make more conscious choices. For example:

• Creativity
• Esaurimento

3. The Minor Arcana: Four Elements Reflecting Life's Aspects

Nel mazzo, queste 56 carte sono divise in 4 sequenze che rappresentano i 4 elementi, ognuno dei quali è contraddistinto, al piede, da un tassello a forma di diamante colorato con una tinta-codice che permette di distinguerli; inoltre nella carta il colore predominante è sempre richiamato nel disegno.

Elemental Divisions. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits, each representing a different element: Water, Fire, Clouds, and Rainbow. Each suit is distinguished by a colored diamond at the bottom of the card, with the predominant color in the card's design reflecting the element. These elements symbolize various aspects of life and human experience.

Court Cards. Similar to traditional playing cards, the Minor Arcana includes court cards, but with names that represent different ways of mastering the four elements. These cards offer insights into how individuals can navigate and harness the energies associated with each element. The court cards provide guidance on how to approach different situations and challenges.

Elemental Correspondences. Each element corresponds to specific aspects of life:

• Fire: Action and response, driven by gut feelings
• Water: Emotions, representing a more feminine and receptive energy
• Clouds: The mind, symbolizing the often obscured and transient nature of thoughts
• Rainbow: The practical and material side of life, representing the connection between earth and sky

4. The Fool: Trusting Innocence Over Experience

Sii un matto nel senso taoista o Zen. Non cercare di creare intorno a te un muro di sapere.

Embracing Trust. The Fool card represents someone who continues to trust despite repeated experiences of deception. This unwavering trust is seen as a virtue, symbolizing purity and incorruptibility. The Fool embodies a Taoist or Zen approach to life, where innocence and faith are valued over skepticism and cynicism.

Letting Go of the Past. The Fool teaches the importance of letting go of past experiences and maintaining a clear, open mind. By continuously "dying" to the past, one can remain present and receptive to new experiences. This requires a willingness to be vulnerable and to trust in the face of uncertainty.

Intuition and Harmony. The Fool's attire, composed of colors representing all four elements, signifies harmony with the surrounding world. Trusting one's intuition and inner sense of what is right is paramount. The Fool's journey is supported by the universe, encouraging a leap into the unknown with confidence and faith.

5. The Lovers: Navigating the Spectrum of Relationships

Occorre prender nota di queste tre cose: l’amore più basso è sesso, è fisico e l’amore più elevato e raffinato è compassione.

Spectrum of Relationships. The Lovers card encompasses a wide range of relationships, from the physical to the spiritual. At its most basic level, love is sexual attraction, but it has the potential to grow into something much deeper. True love involves respecting the individuality of the other person and fostering mutual growth.

Beyond Sexuality. As individuals mature, they can experience love that transcends sexuality, recognizing the unique qualities of their partner. This love is based on freedom, not expectations or needs. Partners often serve as mirrors, reflecting unseen aspects of one's deeper self and supporting personal integration.

Compassion and Unity. The highest form of love is universal love, which experiences all as one. This love is rooted in meditation and mindfulness, transforming desire into sharing and giving. Compassion is the ultimate expression of love, characterized by pure fragrance and a deep connection to all beings.

6. Rebellion: Embracing Authenticity Over Societal Norms

L’illuminato è lo straniero per eccellenza nel mondo: non sembra appartenere a nessuno. Nessuna organizzazione lo confina, nessuna comunità, nessuna società, nessuna nazione.

Breaking Chains. The Rebel card signifies breaking free from societal conditioning and embracing one's true nature. It represents the courage to live according to one's own truth, regardless of external pressures. The rebel is a true emperor, having shattered the chains of repressive societal norms.

Authenticity and Individuality. The rebel's way of being is inherently rebellious, not because they fight against something, but because they have discovered their true nature. This involves embracing all colors of the rainbow, emerging from the darkness of unconsciousness, and developing wings to soar high in the sky. The rebel is a force that creates disruption, challenging the status quo.

Responsibility and Courage. The Rebel card challenges individuals to be courageous enough to take responsibility for who they are and to live in accordance with their truth. It encourages embracing one's unique qualities and defying societal expectations. The eagle symbolizes the rebel's spirit animal, a messenger between earth and sky.

7. Mindfulness: Witnessing Thoughts Without Judgment

Allorché inizi a lasciar cadere i pensieri, la polvere che hai raccolto in passato, la fiamma si anima limpida, chiara, viva e giovane. Tutta la tua vita diventa una fiamma, e una fiamma priva di fumo. Questo è la coscienza.

Incinerating Illusion. The Conscience card signifies the burning away of illusion, or maya, that prevents one from perceiving reality as it is. The fire is not the heat of passion, but the quiet flame of consciousness. As the veil is incinerated, the face of a gentle, childlike Buddha emerges.

Witnessing Without Doing. The growing consciousness is not the result of conscious "doing," nor should one struggle to make something happen. Any sense of groping in the dark is dissolving, or will soon dissolve. One should allow oneself to be still, remembering that deep within, one is only a witness, eternally silent, conscious, and unchanging.

Detachment and Clarity. A channel is opening from the circumference of action and activity toward that witnessing center. This will help one become detached, and a new consciousness will lift the veil from one's eyes. The growing consciousness is a gift, not something to be forced. It brings clarity and understanding.

8. The Value of Solitude: Presence Over Isolation

Quando sei solo, non sei solo, ti senti semplicemente isolato ed esiste un’incredibile differenza tra l’essere soli e il sentirsi isolati.

Distinguishing Solitude from Isolation. There is a significant difference between being alone and feeling isolated. Isolation is a negative state characterized by longing for others and a sense of lack. Solitude, on the other hand, is a positive state of self-presence and overflowing abundance.

Embracing Self-Presence. Solitude is the presence of oneself, a state of overflowing presence. In solitude, one is so full of presence that they can fill the entire universe, needing no one else. It is a positive phenomenon, a presence that is abundant and fulfilling.

Responsibility for Choice. When there is no "other" nearby, one can feel lonely or enjoy the freedom that solitude brings. If one is facing a situation where they feel isolated, they should be aware of how they choose to view their "loneliness" and take responsibility for that choice. Solitude can be a time for self-discovery and inner peace.

9. Transformation: Surrendering to the Inevitable Change

La trasformazione giunge, come la morte, a tempo debito. E, come la morte, ti porta da una dimensione all’altra.

Embracing Abandonment. The Transformation card signifies a time for deep surrender. One should allow any pain, sadness, or difficulty to simply exist, accepting its "factuality." This is similar to Gautama the Buddha's experience when he finally gave up after years of searching, knowing there was nothing more he could do.

Symbols of Change. The central figure holds symbols of transformation: the sword that shatters illusion, the snake that renews itself by shedding its skin, the broken chain of illusions, and the yin/yang symbol of transcended duality. One hand is open and receptive, while the other touches the mouth of a sleeping face, symbolizing the silence that arises when we rest.

The Inevitability of Change. Transformation comes, like death, in due time. And, like death, it takes one from one dimension to another. It is a time for deep abandonment and acceptance. The card encourages embracing the process of change, even when it is difficult or painful.

10. Celebration: Finding Joy in Every Moment

La vita è un momento da celebrare, di cui gioire. Fanne un divertimento, una celebrazione, e allora entrerai nel tempio.

Independent of Circumstances. Celebration should not depend on external circumstances. One does not need to wait for a special holiday, a formal occasion, or a sunny day. True celebration arises from a joy that is first experienced deeply within oneself.

Spreading the Joy. The three women dancing in the wind and rain remind us that celebration is about spreading joy to others. It is about sharing the joy that is experienced within. It is about making the world a better place.

Embracing the Moment. The card is a sign that one is becoming more available and open to the many opportunities in life to celebrate. It is a reminder to let go of inhibitions and to embrace the joy that is all around. The celebration is happening everywhere, at every moment.

Last updated: February 28, 2025