My Tarot journey began when I encountered Tarot in 1974 in Nottingham, England, where my friends read Tarot. Curiously, I drew cards, had them interpreted, and felt annoyed and surprised at how accurate they were. I realized that Tarot mattered when I returned to Sweden and my regular playing cards.
My first deck was a Rider Waite, which I still have today. However, it went through a funny story.
I laid a few cards in 1974 (imagine, so many years ago) but wasn't a good interpreter. I did what most people do: laid a few cards, read in the accompanying booklet without understanding the Tarot foundation, and practice reading without grasping the whole system (unfortunately, a common practice that takes time and misses the entire system). Years passed, and everything within the new age followed me. I had children, and that's when my life started. I had time to do what I wanted, thanks to their father, who allowed me to "stay at home." I attended meetings with a shaman, learning about the whole picture, all elements, and the wheel of life. One day, while "playing" with my Tarot deck, I suddenly understood the connection between Tarot and all elements (Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Ether). Tarot took on a new meaning; my interpretations became more profound and insightful. I understood how work, finances, love, and the self shape our reality around the soul.
Then numerology entered my life, surprising me with how well it aligned. If the numerologist interpreting my numeroscope knew me so well, I barely knew myself. I started working with numbers in Tarot, another lift, another truth that became more significant. Astrology was already part of my baggage; it was just a matter of building on it.
Tarot surpasses all methods of interpretation; it encompasses everything and fits every religion, every culture, past and present.
Around the late '90s, Tarot became a full-time occupation.
In 1995, my friends Anna Aberg and Janne Püschel and I started the Swedish Tarot Association. Our motivation was to have an organization for everyone who liked Tarot. A membership for practitioners and interpreters, where interpreters had to pass a test to prove their Tarot skills (I took many tests myself to be confident in discussions).
The criteria we had for authorized Tarot interpreters were that, in addition to passing the test, they had to be alcohol and drug-free (during readings), not disclose death, and maintain confidentiality about their clients. Now, I pursue my project not as the Tarot Association but as the Tarot Academy, where only the best interpreters are presented = Certified Tarot Masters. They all have completed basic training and passed a test for me so that I know I can proudly refer to them, and they are serious.
In 2000, I created my first distance course in Tarot via email daily. Since then, it has evolved because I find the Internet amazing. Now, the courses have logins so you can take them at your own pace. I offer several themes, each with web meetings open for a year.
As far as I know, I was the first with a Swedish book (not translated from English). Today, I have written 27 books, 16 on the subject of Tarot. I have solid compendiums, course materials, several workshops, lectures per year in Tarot, and daily consultations. It makes me a Tarot expert. No one in all of Scandinavia has written as much about Tarot. Is there anyone worldwide who has accomplished more in this field?
Over the years, I've also created the Tarot deck Crystal Wolf with a booklet. Erotica Tarot with a book, which doesn't end there. In 2011, I wrote "Tarot, Korten på Bordet," which is my absolute best Tarot book. In 2013, I released my Tarot deck - Prisma Tarot, which is sold out, and now its time for The Rune Witch Tarot.
I'm passionate about teaching Tarot; it's a fantastic spiritual tool for personal development. My Tarot interpretations aren't the classical ones with long dark men/plump blondes (though it happens) and million-dollar wins (which I've seen a few times). Instead, they often focus on everyday life, how someone is feeling, how they can improve by letting go of patterns, and how someone can realize their potential and create a happier life. I believe that someone doesn't randomly seek a reading but that there's perfect synchronization.
My biggest dream regarding Tarot is to inspire, a wish that "everyone" should have their deck (not necessarily mine). It's easier to learn to interpret than many think, but it's also more complicated! Consider it like learning a new language. You get far with just a few words; after a while, you form sentences and speak fluently. But you can also see it as a metaphor for baking! If I make eight-layer cakes, your sponge cake might be tastier and make others happier.
I hope to inspire you to shuffle the cards and guide you through all these aspects. /Ylva
