The Tao of Tarot May 9, 2010 by Bonnie Cehovet The Tao of Tarot – “The Way” to health, happiness and spiritual illumination through Qigong Dreaming. Author: Christina Bjergo O Books 2010 ISBN #978-1-84694-265-5 I have worked with the Tarot and dreamtime for many years, and was pleased to see that them being honored as tools of healing – both physical and spiritual healing. Specifically, Tarot is seen as a tool of initiation in this book, an initiation that leads to health, happiness and spiritual truth. Here the Tarot is combined with the body/mind practice of Spiral Qigong, a modality that is easy to learn, and very empowering. It is a meditative exercise that can be used by individuals from all spiritual backgrounds, with the intention of enhancing physical well being and living in harmony. The “Tao of Tarot” takes the reader through a series of initiations that move them through their spiritual and psychological growth, activating true alchemical transformation. By activating the alchemical/kundalini energy within, the reader opens themselves to effortless sacred dreaming. Through the imagery of dreamtime, Bjergo was able to enhance her intuitive connection to the divine. This is brought forth in a very vivid manner when she is discussing the over six week period when her father was being held hostage. While most of her family was quietly contemplating the possibility of having to plan her father’s funeral, Bjergo had a moment when she realized that she needed to acknowledge her fears, not set them aside, or try and ignore them. In a dream state, Bjergo saw dark clouds in the sky when meditating on her father. Too tired to push them back, she allowed them. Suddenly she found herself in a state of pure being. She realized that the energy had shifted, and the clouds were lightening, creating a circle. Where the clouds had parted, the sun appeared, strong and bright. At this moment, she knew that her father would be all right. Hours later she got word that her father had been rescued by Iraqi troops. The presentation in this book takes place on several different levels. There is that of dreaming, of using simple Qigong techniques to help promote dreams, and the recall of dreams. Through dreams, and the understanding of dream imagery, the connection to the unconscious, and the divine, is strengthened and flows in a seamless manner. Bjergo makes working with dreamtime very real by sharing her own personal journey, and her own dreams, as they shaped her personal growth process and helped her to understand what was going on in her life. Her dreams, and her interpretation of the imagery in them, is a workbook in and of itself. It is empowerment at its finest! For me, as a student of he Tarot, I appreciated her inclusion of the Tarot in both the dream process and the initiation process. There is some wonderful material here on the five elements theory of Chinese Medicine, and the esoteric alchemy contained within the cards. Bjergo discuses not only the alchemical reaction associated by each card, but how the card’s imagery represents alchemical energy. This is highly esoteric material brought down to a level that everyone can understand without having it “dumbed down” at all. Many spiritual traditions are referred to in this book, making it a reference that anyone can use and understand. The work here is to form a strong and continuing connection with the Divine – whatever we perceive it to be. Throughout this book are very interesting photographs that present the material being discussed in image format. Images such as a Native American Dreamcatcher, a golden dragon, and a golden goblet from the Ankara Museum in Turkey bring this book to life. Included at the end of the book is a bibliography, an extensive glossary of Qigong terms and a working description of how to perform Spiral Qigong. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to work with dreamtime, or with Qigong. You don’t have to know anything about any of the three modalities presented here (dreamtime, Tarot or Qigong) to benefit from this book. Qigong brings the practitioner in contact with their own bodies, and helps them to move about more freely, and not hold energy, memories or emotions. The freeing of the body, and the shift in perception of body image for the practitioner, allows dreaming to develop in a smooth, free flowing manner. Through the Tarot, the practitioner will develop a better understanding of the esoteric/alchemical transformation they are undergoing. This book is a gift – a tremendous gift! © May 2010 Bonnie Cehovet ~ Bonnie Cehovet (reviewed for Aeclectic Tarot site), Worked for American Tarot Association, co-founder of World Tarot Network and former Vice President for the American Board of Tarot Certification. Articles for World Tarot Network Mag, Aeclectic Tarot

This is an unusual book about tarot. Until now, I had not seen one that coordinates the major arcana of the tarot with the Chinese practice of qigong. After giving us some historical background about tarot and Chinese practices, Christina explains how each of the major arcana can be used for healing and dreaming and how to incorporate the energies into the practice of qigong. There are many stories shared that illustrate the various meanings and uses of the cards as well as a section where the author shares her dreamtime experiences. She introduces us to the practice of spiral qigong and gives instructions so that we can begin to incorporate this into our lives if we wish. This is a book well worth pursuing for those who want to broaden their knowledge and experience of tarot. ~ New Spirit Journal, April 2010

This breathtaking work of art left me speechless from beginning to end. Through my vantage as reviewer I have had many types of books cross my desk especially those involving divination and the tarot. Imagine my surprise when I was able to connect to this immense wonder who had not just info about the tarot as a form of divination as we have come to know it today, but also for wellness  and many other spiritual uses I am just starting to fathom. I just loved the format and the author took us through the tarot sharing her own experiences and interpretations, as well as those that came through her gift as a channel. This one really grabbed me and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to see the tarot in a blessed new light 

This book takes Tarot to the next level. I fully endorse her work. ~ Mark Amaru Pinkham, author of The Return of the Serpents of Wisdom and Guardians of the Holy Grail

I love it. It's brilliant, a breakthrough. In The Tao of Tarot Christina Bjergo transmits with simple elegance and academic excellence the mysteries of the first alchemists for readers of today. Through the icons of the tarot she explains the actual practices and progress of Qi Gong and its relevance to dreamwork and countless other body-centered spiritual yogas. A practice and a gift for all of us. Bravissima. ~ Julia Landis, MA Psychology, yoga therapist, Advanced Dream Worker and author of Heart to Heart Talk, a Client's Guide to Transformation in Psychotherapy

Throughout this bold and ambitious book, Christina Bjergo maintains a lightness of touch that helps you through the wealth of information and insight. In each chapter, the author makes connections that show you the Tarot Trumps in a new light. If you're a Tarot reader interested in Chinese thought, this book makes fascinating reading. ~ Mick Frankel, Tarot Association of the British Isles (TABI), Based in UK

An ingenious marriage of dreaming, tarot and Qigong, the mind and body, to achieve connection with the Divine. Bjergo reminds us of the importance of keeping that spiggot of Divine inspiration and guidance flowing - while teaching us we hold all the keys within to unlock the pathway to Source. Bjergo, in The Tao of Tarot, reminds us how dreams can be a pathway toward enhancing our connection to the Divine Source. Combining the esoteric wisdom found within modalities such as Chinese Medicine, Qigong, shamanism and tarot as tools to facilitate sacred dreaming Christina Bjergo shows readers a path to much sought after spiritual illumination. ~ Karen Tate, Author of Sacred Places of Goddess: 108 Destinations and Walking an Ancient Path: Rebirthing Goddess on Planet Earth, Radio Show Host of Voices of the Sacred Feminine & Earth's Sacred Places

Fascinating book! A marvelous guide to the energy and wisdom that is activated in our lives through linking body, mind, and spirit. Qigong Dreaming is a powerful alchemical practice, and Bjergo draws some fascinating connections between its Taoist roots and the European tradition of tarot. Every chapter in The Tao of Tarot is rich with symbols that will resonate deeply with the careful reader. Bjergo's book is a generous gift of spirit, personal insight, and practical suggestions for becoming more fully ourselves. ~ Anne Hill, Doctorate of Ministry (D.Min), host of Dream Talk Radio, international teacher and facilitator, author of What To Do When Dreams Go Bad: A Practical Guide to Nightmares