"The New World Tarot - Tarot for the Year 2000 and Beyond?" is a system of divination. The book and the cards have been based on contemporary images, some ancient concepts, and information regarding various historical and cultural contexts. Before recorded history and as mankind developed into tribal groups, every group of people chose someone as some combination of healer and prophet to lead them. There are many references to the art of divination in the Old Testament of The Bible. Most modern religions have at their core some aspect of magic or mysticism. Many great civilizations have been based or guided by the visions of people who could "see". All around the world we have relied on people who have developed psychic abilities and were gifted and honest. In our modern world we have come to rely on science and technology. In spite of this and how much better we understand the world, people are still born with psychic gifts, and people still seek them out for guidance. The world is more complex since stories of gypsy fortune tellers reading cards at the crossroads spread. Most people will tell you that psychic phenomenon is real, but cannot explain how or why. I believe we were all born with intuitive abilities and with some guidance and practice can utilize these skills to help others. People still question the meaning of life and their direction. This is a world of cultural diversity. In more than 20 years of doing psychic readings, I found that few decks had any racial or cultural influence at all. They were based on European Kings and Queens. This deck and even the system behind it are based on racial and cultural diversity. I have found that the readings with this deck are more accurate and relevant and can show insights into deep and complex issues involving love, money, career, to name a few. Here are a few hints that may help you with your readings. First, familiarize yourself with the cards. It is not easy to memorize all the meanings to each card. This will take time and practice. The colors of each suit and their meaning is a good place to start. Try learning the Major Arcana cards in order from 0 to XXI. Ideally speaking, the images on the cards should help. Try doing readings for yourself and then friends. Avoid dire predictions or possibility of death unless you are very, very confident of your abilities. With the contemporary images on these cards, the person you are reading for should have some idea about the answer to the question. Try to be objective and non-judgmental and try to speak for the cards and not your own opinion. As your skills improve, you should be able to "see" the connection between the cards and gather their meaning. It is often helpful to look upon the cards in a spread as a group with the hope of finding themes or conflicts revolving around the question. Then consider the meanings of each card in the spread. Remember this is an intuitive process and is not based on using your brain. It will be your feelings and impressions of the cards that allow your subconscious to tap in that "zone" where the answer can be found.

James Bullock