The I AM ONE Tarot represents a distinct approach to spiritual insight, moving beyond traditional fortune-telling to serve as a tool for self-discovery and understanding universal principles. Central to this deck is the concept of the "Universal Law of One Creator," a foundational belief emphasizing that all existence is interconnected and stems from a singular source. This philosophy is embodied in the deck's structure, particularly through its Major Arcana, which are referred to as the 22 Universal Law cards. The deck was created by Maya Britan, who painted the images in a meditative environment using minimal light, sometimes relying solely on candles. This process was designed to bring wisdom from the subconscious to light.
The I AM ONE Tarot deck is structured to facilitate a connection with the subconscious and higher consciousness. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each corresponding to a specific Universal Law. The Minor Arcana is divided into four color-coded suits representing different elements of consciousness: mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical. The court cards function as authority cards, representing qualities that dominate action and personality. To enhance accessibility, the name and number of each card appear at the top in three languages: English, French, and Spanish. The Major Arcana cards also display the associated Hebrew letter, linking the deck to older esoteric traditions.
The deck claims a lineage to an ancient Egyptian school of Tarot, allegedly used for the education of royal family members during the late 18th dynasty. According to these claims, the school was designed to prepare kings and queens to demonstrate the model of a perfect human being, requiring them to achieve initiation from the great "I AM" (God) before being announced as ruler. This initiation involved obtaining all qualities of life within one awakened consciousness. However, it is noted within the source material that there is neither historical nor clairvoyant evidence of tarot cards among the Egyptians, and the attribution is considered a "guess" or fantasy in keeping with the deck's nature. The concept of attaining "I AM ONE" status is equated with achieving Christ consciousness or God consciousness, a state of development that makes one a Messiah, Avatar, or saint.
The Changer: Tarot Card Number 1
In the I AM ONE Tarot deck, Card Number 1 is titled "The Changer." This card serves as a powerful reminder of the universal law of oneness. It is associated with the concept of "master communication." The Changer is linked to communication across four levels of experience: mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical. This aligns with the deck's broader structure where these four levels are represented by the suits of the Minor Arcana.
The Changer represents the initial spark of creation and the power to alter one's reality through aligned communication. It signifies the ability to bridge the gap between the internal world and the external manifestation. By acknowledging the singular source of creation, the seeker opens themselves to the profound richness of existence. The card acts as a prompt to recognize that thoughts, words, and intentions are forms of communication that shape the physical reality. It encourages the alignment of the mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical bodies to manifest change effectively.
The 22 Universal Law Cards
The I AM ONE Tarot deck expands the traditional Major Arcana into 22 Universal Law cards, each representing a specific mastery or aspect of the "perfect human being" model. These cards are not merely archetypes but specific laws governing existence and consciousness. The introductory notes of the deck list these cards and their associated affirmations of mastery.
The list provided in the source material includes: * Card 1: The Changer – "I am master communication" * Card 2: The Mother – "I am master creation" * Card 3: The Feeler – "I am master motion" * Card 4: The Actor – "I am master power" * Card 5: The Speaker – "I am master education" * Card 6: The Unity – "I am master relationship" * Card 7: The Victorious One – "I am self mastery" * Card 8: The Donor – "I am master of the law" * Card 9: The Seeker – "I am master wisdom" * Card 10: The Royal Maze – "I am master destiny" * Card 11: The Deliverer – "I am master personality" * Card 12: The Hanging Man – "I am master redeemer" * Card 13: The Renewer – "I am master transformation" * Card 14: The Reverser – "I am master prophecy" * Card 15: The Thinker – "I am master error" * Card 16: The Citadel – "I am master perfection" * Card 17: The Way-Shower – "I am master dreamer" * Card 18: The Reactor – "I am master pattern" * Card 19: The Doer – "I am master light" * Card 20: The Knower – "I am master of soul-consciousness" * Card 21: The Virgin – "I am master of free will" * Card 22: The Nameless One – "I am master recorder"
One Card Tarot Reading
One Card Tarot Reading is a method of divination that involves drawing a single card from the deck to gain insight into a specific question or situation. This approach is described as simple yet effective, offering clarity and guidance on specific issues. It can be used as a daily practice to understand the energies of the day or as a tool for deeper self-reflection. The card drawn may be from either the Major or Minor Arcana, and its meaning is interpreted based on its symbolism and position within the deck.
This method is particularly useful for those seeking concise answers regarding love life, career, or personal growth. Unlike complex spreads, a one-card reading is quick and accessible, making it ideal for individuals short on time or those new to Tarot. Despite its simplicity, the reading can be surprisingly powerful, as each card carries unique energy and symbolism that can provide the necessary guidance to move forward.
Free vs. Paid One Card Tarot Reading
When seeking a one-card Tarot reading, individuals have the option of choosing between free or paid services. Both options have distinct characteristics, and the choice depends on personal preferences and requirements.
Free One Card Tarot Reading A free one-card Tarot reading is a suitable option for individuals on a tight budget or those who wish to gain a quick glimpse into their current situation. These readings are often available online and provide immediate, though general, insights.
Paid One Card Tarot Reading While the source text does not detail the specifics of paid readings, the distinction implies that paid services may offer more in-depth analysis, personalized interpretation, or direct interaction with a reader. The choice between free and paid services ultimately rests on the depth of insight required and the seeker's financial situation.
Historical Context and Claims
The I AM ONE Tarot deck presents a specific historical narrative regarding its origins. It claims to be based on an ancient school of Tarot used in Egypt during the late 18th dynasty for royal education. This school allegedly prepared kings and queens to embody the "perfect human being" model, requiring initiation from the "I AM" (God). The attainment of being "I AM ONE" with the cosmos is equated with Christ consciousness or God consciousness.
However, the source material explicitly notes that there is no historical or clairvoyant evidence to support the existence of tarot cards among the Egyptians. The attribution to Egypt is described as a "guess" or fantasy. It is mentioned that the minor arcana (56 cards) might be very old, but the major arcana likely appeared during the Italian Renaissance. The concept of the "I AM" is also linked to the Egyptian pharaoh's initiation, where a royal student was to achieve initiation from the great "I AM" before being announced ruler. Upon graduation, the student was considered an evolved human being and could attach "ATON" (meaning One) to their name.
The source material also discusses the implications of achieving such a high state of consciousness. It notes that while this state makes one a Messiah, Avatar, or saint, it is often a "useless feat for a temporal ruler." Examples given include Prince Gautama (the Buddha), who renounced his kingdom for the life of an ascetic, and Confucius, who was driven from power and became an ascetic. The text suggests that the old Egyptian priests were clever and used forced spiritual development techniques, including meditative techniques, hallucinogens, and near-death experiences, rather than just "flash cards" (prehistoric tarot).
The Role of Tarot in Spiritual Development
The Tarot, particularly the I AM ONE deck, is presented as a tool for spiritual development rather than mere prediction. It serves as a mirror to the subconscious, allowing the seeker to access hidden wisdom and align with universal laws. The deck's structure, with its color-coded suits corresponding to mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical elements, guides the user in balancing these aspects of their consciousness.
The "Universal Law" cards encourage the seeker to take ownership of their life experiences. For instance, "The Changer" (Card 1) emphasizes mastery of communication across all levels of being. "The Mother" (Card 2) emphasizes mastery of creation. By meditating on these cards, individuals can cultivate the qualities necessary to embody the "perfect human being" model described in the deck's philosophy.
The deck's visual elements also play a role in this process. Maya Britan painted the images in a low-light environment to access the subconscious. The inclusion of Hebrew letters on the Major Arcana connects the deck to Kabbalistic traditions, which also deal with the emanations of the divine and the structure of the universe. The trilingual labeling (English, French, Spanish) suggests a universal accessibility, breaking down language barriers in the pursuit of spiritual truth.
Practical Application of the I AM ONE Tarot
For those interested in applying the I AM ONE Tarot to their lives, the process involves more than just shuffling and drawing cards. It requires an understanding of the underlying philosophy of oneness and the specific laws represented by the 22 Universal Law cards.
- Familiarization: Begin by studying the 22 Universal Law cards and their associated affirmations. Understanding what each card represents (e.g., "I am master destiny" for The Royal Maze) provides a framework for interpretation.
- One Card Reading: Use the one-card reading method for daily guidance. Focus on a specific question or simply ask for insight into the current energy. The card drawn will offer a perspective on how to align with the universal law relevant to the situation.
- Meditation: Meditate on the images and affirmations of the cards to integrate their qualities into one's consciousness. This aligns with the deck's purpose of bringing subconscious wisdom to light.
- Integration of Elements: Recognize the four suits as representing different aspects of life (mental, spiritual, emotional, physical). When reading the Minor Arcana, consider which aspect of consciousness is being addressed and how it interacts with the Universal Law of the Major Arcana.
Conclusion
The I AM ONE Tarot offers a unique synthesis of spiritual philosophy and divinatory practice. Rooted in the Universal Law of One Creator, it guides seekers toward the realization of interconnectedness and the attainment of higher consciousness. Through its 22 Universal Law cards, including "The Changer" as Card Number 1, the deck provides a roadmap for mastering communication, creation, and other essential aspects of existence. While the historical claims of Egyptian origins remain unverified and are acknowledged as such within the source material, the deck's value lies in its ability to facilitate self-discovery and alignment with universal principles. The practice of One Card Tarot Reading serves as a practical method to access this wisdom, offering clarity and guidance for navigating life's journey.