I just started reading Cherry Parra’s book, The Left Hand Path of Tarot. Of course, I really need another book when I have so many yet to be read…but the cover has all the deliciously dark trappings—occult symbols, Baphomet, and a skull. Sold!
I’ve always been curious about the idea of the left-hand/right-hand paths, and I’m sure many people have their own definition of this philosophical framework. Many tend to think taking the left is evil or practicing ‘dark magic,’ mainly because it’s about thinking for yourself and not following anyone else’s rules.
To me, the left-hand path isn’t just a magical way of practice, but a way of life. Even though I’ve never put a lot of thought into it before, I now realize that the things that didn’t stick or feel right with me were always on the right-hand path. Playing it safe often left me lonely and wanting. Trying to be someone I wasn’t never lasted. Sitting in church left me with more questions than answers, and a bad taste of communion body and blood that ‘only those who were worthy’ were allowed to take. ‘Sensible clothes’ appropriate for a certain age don’t ever fit right, and neither does ‘loving someone’ dutifully even though our values are completely contrary.
Right-Hand Path: Love and light. Cosmic and moral order. Spiritual submission.
Left-Hand Path: Truth and personal power. Accepting chaos. Independence.
The left-hand path is living your truth, even when it’s messy. It’s standing up for yourself and others. It’s having the courage to be yourself. It’s being sad and angry, and knowing how to channel those very valid feelings. It’s doing what you want to, because it feels good and fills your cup, ignoring other people’s judgments about you or the situation.
… rather than being at the mercy of circumstances, we can focus on how to best navigate turbulent waters and play the sometimes shitty hand we’ve been dealt to our advantage. —Cherry Parra
Trudging the left-hand path is definitely more challenging in many ways. It’s understanding and accepting that sometimes life just sucks. That things don’t necessarily happen for a reason, but they can happen for an opportunity if you choose to see it that way and are willing to puzzle out what it may be. It requires an openness to accept that you are amazing and capable, just the way you are, despite the world’s messages that you will never be enough.
I can’t wait to dig into this author’s ideas about the Major Arcana cards of the tarot, to peek at the messages and meanings of them through her left-hand lens.
As a Maverick, you are walking the left-hand path with me. And I’m so glad you’re here!
XOSusie
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