Pino Longchild
Amber Jayanti Th.D., is a
interviews Amber
Jayanti
I first came across Amber Jayanti
many, years ago when I bought her
book Living the Tarot in a sma"
esoteric shop in Greenwich, London
that now no longer exists. I am
delighted to be interviewing her for
the ezine this month.
I want first to ask you about
yo u r t h r i l l i n g Ta r o t
Illumination Journey, which
took place earlier in 2009. It
w a s a v a c a t i o n to u r ( o n
w h i c h s t u d e n t s w e re
invited) that took in some
i m p o r t a n t It a l i a n Ta ro t
landmarks. Can you tell us
about the journey and also
do you have anything similar
planned for the future?
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, che meraviglia!
What a wonderful and
illuminating journey this once
in a lifetime trip, to enjoy the
glories of Tarocchi and promote
the Italian translation of Tarot
for Dummies, aka Tarocchi per
Negati, was!
Our group: Visited with the
prolific, ingenious and most
humble Tarocchi artist, Master
O s v a l d o Me n e g a z z i a t Il
Meneghe"o in Milan; trained to
rural Riola to Hermantena and
Er nestos absolutel y mind-
graduate of the Builders
of the Adytum's (BOTA)
thirteen-year long
training in the Qabalistic
Mysteries as well as a
student of esoteric Hindu,
Buddhist and Islamic
teachings and practices.
Her spare time is
dedicated to social and
political activism. She is a
world renown expert on
the Tarot.
blowing Museo Dei Tarocchi, a
tarocchi dream come tr ue;
mar veled at the marble
pavement of the The Cathedral
of Siena; pilgrima ged to Il
Gardino Dei Tarocchi, to embibe
the ma gnificent sculpture
garden created by the
incomparable Niki De Saint
Phalle, certainly the 8th wonder
of the world; were blessed with
the gracious Italian hospitality
of the folks from Lo Scarabeo;
and luxuriated for a few blissful
d a y s a t t h e Fe d e ra t i o n o f Hermes Trismegistus
Damanhur, taking classes with
their tarot teachers
extraordinaire, appreciating The inlaid marble mosaic floor
their community and meditating is one of the most sumptuous of
in their exquisite temples. its kind in Italy, covering the
entire floor of the already
The trip was also sprinkled with astounding cathedral. This work
p r i v a te Ta r o c c h i co l l e c to r s occurred between the 14th and
generously sharing their antique 16th centuries, with about 40
collections. artists making their
contribution. The floor consists
of 56 panels in dierent sizes.
On part of that tour you They represent the Cumaean,
went to the Cathedral of Delphic, Persian and Phrygian
Siena. I was unaware that sibyls aka oracles or prophets,
t h e c a t h e d ra l h a d Ta ro t scenes from the Old Testament,
symbolism on its floor. It allegories and virtues. I believe
sounds absolutel y were talking roots of the
fascinating, who put the Renaissance Tarocchis. The
symbolism there and why? earliest scenes were made by a
Are there other religious grato technique: drilling tiny
buildings that contain such holes and scratching lines in the
symbols? marble then filling these with
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bitumen or mineral pitch. In a
later stage black, white, green,
red and blue marble intarsia
were used.
The uncovered floor can only be
viewed for 6-10 weeks each year,
generally including the month of
September. The earliest panel is
probably the Wheel of Fortune
depicted in almost ever y
Tarocchi deck, laid in 1372.
Wheel of Fortune, Duomo Siena
The Four Virtues (Temperance,
Prudence, Justice and Strength)
and Mercy date from 1406, are
seen in the remarkable Tarocchi
Du Mantegna that dates from the
m i d - 1 4 0 0 s , t h e C a r y -Ya l e
Visconti Tarocchi and numerous
other tarot decks down through
the ages. Of course, there is an
awesome depiction of Hermes investigation of Hinduism,
Trismegistus reputed to be a Buddhism and Sufism/Islam;
source of hermetic, magical, traditions that are lightly
alchemical and, hence, touched upon in the BOTA
Qabalistic wisdom and studies. These most enriching
inspiration since antiquity. and inspirational endeavors have
more than convinced me that
Yo u a re p ro b a b l y b e s t the Qabalistic Tarot and Tree of
known for your book Tarot Life form a bridge between the
for Dummies, which was a inner traditions of the East and
best seller in the USA and West. The recent release of
provides a starting point for closet Qabalist, Carl Jungs Red
many who are interested in Book, has further underscored
the Tarot. Where, though, this for me.
did your studies with the
cards originate, and can you
include h e re yo u r My personal favourite work
associations with BOTA of yours is Living the Tarot.
(Builders of the Adytum). What distinguishes it from
m a n y Ta ro t b o o k s i s i t s
Like so many love aairs, it was emphasis on application and
lo ve at first sight in 1967. i n t e g r a t i o n . C o u l d yo u
Perhaps the draw came from explain to our readers why
previous lifetimes, as its been this is so important?
suggested, or from my intense
hunger to make sense of/get Yes, the books emphasis on
p e r s p e c t i v e o n w h a t w a s taking the teachings discussed
happening in my life and the and integrating them into ones
world. life is an elaboration on seeds
planted within me from the
A f t e r r e a d i n g j u s t a b o u t BOTA lessons. Agonizing it can
everything I could find on the be at times, I feel obliged to
subject, which was not very encourage others to also walk
much at the time, I began the talk. That is, to take the
looking for teachers. A tarot tarot out of the world of the
teacher and student of BOTA, theoretical into the world of
suggested I give the lessons a practical spirituality. (Thats why
t r y. We l l , t h e c o u r s e w o r k one of my students started
r e s o n a t e d d e e p l y. Ha v i n g calling me a practical mystic.
completed the BOTA studies, I Although its a title that isnt
feel blessed to have given it the always a breeze for me to live up
time and attention it so richly to, it has stuckbecause it does
deserved. Although some tarot give me something to live up to!)
folks say that BOTA does not
offer anything new, a geless Studying the symbolism and
Wisdom is certainly not new! All meanings of the Major Arcana,
of the mystico-spiritual systems and for that matter the entire
being propa gated today are deck, is certainly valuable, yet
some kind of reconfiguration of learning such on a cellular level,
such Wisdom. by putting the teachings into use
living the cards, on a daily
I was stirred to extend my basis has an essential role in
BOTA learning with travel to understanding the symbolism.
India, Nepal, Thailand, Turkey
and Egypt. Such resulted in my
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This aspect of the book deems S t u d y a n d p r a c t i c e o f t h e others. Over the years Ive had
the Qabalistic Tarot to be a esoteric side of these teachings the joy of guiding hundreds of
viable spiritual tradition. has shown me what they have in students through the schools
common with Judaism and program that now oers 6 years
I best mention that I had the Christianity. For instance: the of material. While the school is
pleasure of doing a new edition, e n t i r e p h y s i c a l u n i v e r s e i s often a tremendous amount of
Living the Qabalistic Tarot (RED Divinity coming into being, the work, I feel truly honored to be
WHEEL WEISER 2004), with emphasis of loving kindness as passing the Great Work along to
the addition of more details on well as the workings of cause others.
the Qabalistic Tree of Life. and eect, aka Karma. Over
Heres a thanks to Mar y K. times I have come to see the Yo u r w o r k , St e p p i n g
Greer for helping me to publish Tarot to be a system of symbols Through Addictive and Co-
the books first edition in 1988, communicating and honoring d e p e n d e n t B e ha v i o u r i s
twenty-two years ago. the core principles of the worlds designed to show the
great religio-spiritual traditions. correlation between 12 step
What is your favourite Tarot To r e i t e r a t e , f o r m e t h e support programs and the
deck and why? Qabalistic Tarot and Tree of Life l a s t s e v e n c a rd s o f t h e
create a bridge between the Tarot's Major Arcana. How
Each deck, like both its maker traditions of East and West. As a effective a compliment to
and each one of us, is unique, peace activist since the 60s, I mainstream therapy do you
beautiful and beloved in its own experience the Tarot promoting regard the Tarot as being?
way. For some teaching I use the peaceful co-existence between
coloring book style black and r e l i g i o u s g r o u p s , h e n c e Eectiveness has to do with the
white BOTA deck as students countries. ability of both the therapist/
can color each card not only as consultant to work with the
an aspect of themselves, but In the mid 1970s you set up Tarot as well as the clients
with their particular skin and the Santa Cruz School for openness to working with the
hair tones, etc. I also use this Tarot and Qabalah Study. cards. Here intention is key.
deck because coloring-in a card What are the aims of this That is, how the Tarot is being
i s a f o r m o f m e d i t a t i o n - - - o rg a n i z a t i o n a n d h o w used -as a mirror, diagnostic tool
offering the opportunity to successful has it been in or indicator of future events. I
recall a cards meaning, intuit its realizing them? experience the Ta r o t
deeper significance and imprint functioning as a potent adjunct
its symbolism. The Santa Cruz School for Tarot & to psychotherapy via the
Qabalah Study was founded in Jungian-type exploration of:
Of course, much like learning 1975 to make the study and archetypes, the phenomena of
classical music helps one to experience of the Qabalistic synchronicity, the collective
improvise, learning the classical Tarot and Tree of Life more unconscious and personal
tarot helps one to work with accessible. Instruction aims at subconscious. Also, as
other decks. For this reason, I guiding and supporting each compelling means of diagnosis
greatly appreciate the Rider- student's development (physical, similar to the Roarschach,
Smith-Waite as so much has mental, emotional and spiritual) Meyers-Briggs and Thematic
been written about it and there a n d t o h e i g h t e n h e r / h i s Apperception tests, among
are so many variations of itthe a w a r e n e s s o f Re a l i t y - - t h e others.
Albano Waite, Universal Waite, inseparability of spirit and
Golden Rider, and so on. matter. Emphasis is on a balance As you know, trans-personal
of theor y and the practical approach to psychotherapy is
application and integration of one that has come to the fore
You describe yourself as a spiritual principles into everyday within the last 20 years or so.
student of Hindu, Buddhist life. Certain Ta r o t clients
and Sufi/Islamic teachings. periodically come in for what
Have these faiths influenced The curriculum also teaches they jestingly label, my double
how you see the Tarot and if students to use what they have therapy appointment. When a
so how? lear ned to help foster this client is ready, this approach
developmental process in takes her/his attention beyond

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the personal or little me recognized by most scientists. First, with regard to that Th.D,
picture, to the trans-personal, Theres an article on my website Id like to clarify how I came by
big me picture of whats that tells more about this. http:// it. After reading my voluminous
occurring in ones life. I believe www.practical-mystic.com/ writings, my Builders of the
I stated earlier that the Ad y t u m m e n t o r, a n d t h e n
aforementioned is what Pr e s i d e n t o f t h e O r d e r,
attracted me to the Tarot in the You created Oils of the Tarot commented that I had earned,
first place. for the Pe r f u m e r s and should use, the title of
Apprentice Shop. Scent can Th.D. Because titles are often
In Cosmologist and Mystics be a key to path working, superfluous status symbols, it
Meet you have written about can you tell us about the took me a few years to actually
the relationship between connection between scent add the letters to my name.
science and mysticism. Do and Tarot? Okay, on to your question.
you believe its important
that they meet and if so, L i n d a f r o m t h e Pe r f u m e r s My s t u d y a n d p r a c t i c e o f
why? Apprentice enjoyed helping me numerous esoteric religions and
create essential oils for Qabalistic spiritual traditions has
It has been my experience that Tarot and Tree of Life for me. repeatedly shown, the presence
science and mysticism are two With only a couple of variations, of the One Divine
sides of the same coin. I believe the scents I use were codified by Consciousness in the manyness
the meeting of science and the Order of the Golden Dawn of creation. For example: the
mysticism breaks down another (1888). teachings of Advaita Vedanta can
barrier to interpersonal be perfectly aligned with the
communication, and therefore Of course, research in the fields journey up the Qabalistic Tree
facilitates spiritual development. o f n e u r o p s y c h o l o g y a n d of Lifes middle pil lar and
Science and mysticism teach aromatherapy has shown that consequently, and the path that
many of the same things, yet in our sense of smell brings up Christ and Buddha, amongst
dierent terms or languages. memories faster and for longer others, took to enlightenment.
durations than any of our other I l l c a l l o n t h e Sh e m a , t h e
In regard to the concept of the senses. Since the beginning of watchwords, of the ancient
S i x D a y s o f Cr e a t i o n , o u r human histor y, alchemists, He b r e w p e o p l e to f u r t h e r
understanding may be greatly s h a m a n s , g u r u s a n d o t h e r answer this question.
improved if we change our mystico-spiritual practitioners
human concept of days into that have used resins, and floral The Shema, the most sacred of
of Divine Days. Doing this essence, in the form of oils and the ancient Hebrew Words of
allows each "day" to refer to an incense, to alter, modify and Po w e r, o r m a n t r a s . w a s
entire Age. On the first day of heighten awareness. This is why handed down to Moses along
c r e a t i o n t h e Mo s t H i g h I recommend usa ge of the with the Ten Commandments
commands, "Let there be light scented oil associated with each on Mt. Sinai. When translated
(aka sub-atomic photons): and of the Qabalistic Tarot Cards from the Hebrew, the word
there was light." Cosmologists and sephiroth (spheres) on the Shema means, Listen. It is a
state that gravity became a Tr e e o f L i f e a s a w a y o f call to attention from the Most
separate force, tearing away contributing to a deeper, more High to the Hebrew people.
from the still unified basic f u l l b o d i e d a n d a u to m a t i c However, from my point of view,
forces of nature. Here too, the recollection of its principles. the Shema is a heads up not
still expanding universe teems Along this line, I wear the scent only to the Jewish people, but to
with the primary components of of a card or sphere on the Tree all people, as it arms that all of
life-with quarks and anti-quarks, of Life as Im studying, writing c r e a t i o n , t h e a n i m a te a n d
the smallest known constituents about, teaching or living it. inanimate, creatures great are
of matter-along with electrons small, is divine in essence and
and other exotic par ticles, You are a Th. D (Doctor of origin.
emanating from the exploded Theology) what main things
nebula giving forth light. This has your study of religions In addition to emphasizing the
explosion, or the "Big Bang," is shown you? sacredness of life in all forms,
the first sta ge of evolution these teachings have shown me

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what I can do to eliminate
suering -be it human, animal
and/or planetary. Last but not
least, the physical world is a
proving ground for the soul and
the certainty that everything fits
together in the greater scheme
of things.
W h a t a re yo u r latest
projects?
Ta k i n g c a r e o f m y L i v i n g
Temple, is an ongoing project.
This includes remaining healthy
by swimming, biking and eating
well, but not too much. Doing
this balances out the rest of
what I do, helping me to be the
best person and Qabalistic Tarot
facilitator that I can be.
I am in the process of getting a
timely book on the Qabalistic
Tree of Life ready for online
purchase. Looking forward to
teaching at the London School
of Tarot for two weekends in With Respect & Love,
September: 11-12/18-19 and some Amber Jayanti
other work in Europe thats in www.practical-mystic.com
the process of jelling.
district dierent from mine to
help remove a corrupt politician
from oce, or getting on a bus
or plane etc. when it has the
potential to help build the
critical mass for a better world.
What makes Amber Jayanti
laugh or sing?
When Im on the Tree of Lifes
middle pil lar, the absolute
absurdity of whats going on in
the worldsometimes referred
to as the P L AY of
consciousness, makes me laugh.
Sing? I love to sing and chant?
Like most singers, my feelings---
love, joy, sadness, anger and so
on move me to express myself
through song. Chanting,
whether in Sanskrit, Hebrew,
Latin or English etc., gives me a
time- out from the world so
that I can return to it ready for
the next round.

Since, what I regard to be the Amber Jayanti, thankyou.

coup detat occurring in the U.S.
in 2000 when Bush, Inc. did
their power grab, Ive felt
compelled to be more politically
active. Working in the Peace
Mo v e m e n t l o c a l l y a n d i n
Washington DC with Codepink,
involved in Election
Protection--being part of the
grassroots movement that
brought election fraud to the
attention of the general public
and media. Im presently
working towards Health Care
for All. For me being spiritual
means having a social and
political conscience, yet without
undue attachment to the results
-like the sphinx in the Wheel of
Fortune. Also, relinquishing my
aversion to canvassing a
neighborhood in a voting

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