ELUCIDATING TAROT AS A HEALING MODALITY

Author Interview: Dr. Shivani Khetan

Dr. Shivani Khetan is an artist, mentor, energy healing holistic worker and writer. Her wisdom touches many people, especially students, with her mentoring through Being Humane and as an Associate Director for Zoroastrian College, Delhi. She encourages people to use Numerology, Tarot Cards, Reiki, Theta & Crystals healing, Graphology, Art Therapy Meditation combined with Aromatherapy and water healing to balance the chakras with chants, affirmation and prayers, which are to be practiced every day, to create miracles. She has done many art exhibitions and received the People’s Choice Award for her group show exhibition in Visual Art Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. She loves nature and connects with Mother Earth on a daily basis, offering healing and gratitude prayers for all the living beings. She has come up with the book “Tarot: A Healing Tool in Modern Times”. In a candid chat with Chirdeep Malhotra, she discusses about her latest book, her writing journey, Tarot and also gives advice to aspiring authors.


Please tell us more about yourself, and your personal and professional background.
Most people don't know this, but before I began my spiritual journey, I was working as a textile designer for 8 years in home furnishings. Spreading happiness is something that is very close to my heart. I did my Doctor of Philosophy from Open International University for Complementary Medicines (established in USSR, Alma Ata 1962) & from Sri Lanka in Tarot a Healing Tool in Modern Times, under my mentor Dr. Prof. Dame Meher Master-Moos. Studying human behaviour, and helping people and children grow and develop using art therapy has been my passion. I was lucky to have parents, teachers and a husband who let me follow my dreams. My mother Shrimati Kusum Sharma has instilled in me the values of integrity and compassion through her quiet and loving example. Today I work as a spiritual educator, trainer and speaker committed to sharing transformational principles and practices for true happiness with individuals, corporations and global institutions.

Being a spiritual educator, trainer and speaker, you have forayed into writing a book. Can you tell us more about your writing journey?
My writing journey has been about offering a safe space to explore whatever one needs to explore irrespective of one’s beliefs. My approach is holistic in which I encourage the readers to keep a journal to record their feelings, observations, dreams, goals and reflections. The recording of thoughts in the journal is very vital.

Can you give a brief overview of your book "Tarot: A healing tool in modern times"?
“Tarot: A Healing Tool in Modern Times” is a book to empower others to connect with their inner wisdom from the core. I believe in the power of healing, energy, art, crystals, stones and intuition. An alchemist at heart, I thrive in a space where things are sacred and transformation can occur as we move from the unconscious to the conscious, from the inner world to the outer world. This is achieved with Mantras and Tarot Guidance that help in the process of Transformation.
How has the response of readers been to your latest book?
The response of the readers has been overwhelming. We are coming out with the second edition and looking forward to spread the book in schools and colleges as well.

Many people don’t know much about Tarot, and how it can be used as a healing tool. Can you enlighten us more about it?
The Tarot is a deck of 78 cards, each with its own imagery, symbolism and story. The 22 Major Arcana cards represent life’s karmic and spiritual lessons, and the 56 Minor Arcana cards reflect the trials and tribulations that we experience on a daily basis. Tarot is perfect for self-development, making choices, manifesting goals, coaching others, planning a business, writing a book, meditating—you name it.

You have received many accolades in the field of tarot and numerology. Can you tell us more about them?
I have received Jyotish Bhushan and Jyotish Vibhushan for my work in this field. My book “Tarot: A Healing Tool in Modern times” is the first coffee table book on Tarot, postulating tarot as a healing tool, awarded by Golden book of world records.

You have also created your own deck of Tarot cards, ShivAni’s Healing Touch Tarot Deck. Can you tell us more about it?
My deck is all about knowing oneself and starting the day with positive message of the card. The cards are very colourful and full of positive energy to live in the present moment and about how we can learn and unlearn everyday for our growth and change in daily life.

You are also an active blogger. Can you tell us more about your blog and what themes do you blog about?
The blogs are for motivating different stages of life. It can be from being unstoppable, how mental illness brings diseases to our body, understanding the inner conflicts, cultivating culture in our children, law of observation, etc.

What are your favourite books? Can you share with our esteemed readers about the genres that you like and your favourite authors?
My favourite books are The Autobiography of a Yogi, Atlas Shrugged, Tuesday with Morrie and The Monk who sold his Ferrari.

Are there any other literary projects that you’re currently working on?
I am currently working on my D.Sc. with the topic “Therapeutic Expressive Arts & Tarot for the healing heart and inner wisdom”. It involves art therapy to heal the mind, the body and the soul.

Who has been your guide and inspiration in your spiritual journey and in getting to know Tarot as a healing tool? Please enlighten us more about it.
My mentor Dr. Meher Master-Moos has been my guiding light in my research on tarot as a healing tool in modern times. Publishing my research book showed me that I had finally learned the lesson that Dr. Meher explained to me time and time again. "You create for yourself," she always says. "Your work is an expression of you. And you can't live your life in fear." I feel blessed to have worked under her and still there is so much to learn and unlearn everyday.

Can you tell us more about how tarot can act as a healing tool, giving some of the experiences that you had while working with Tarot on your clients?
Working with Tarot on my clients, I have witnessed symptoms vanishing. This is commonplace with headaches, nausea and phantom pains, but during our systemic solutions, some physical symptoms have also faded in slow-time. Diet, family support and lifestyle changes are an essential part of the treatment. Finding the right treatment begins with the proper identification of the root cause of the ailment. This is how Tarot comes in the picture which identifies what the root cause of the problem is behind such behaviour or the patient.

There are many new writers out there who are aspiring to get their work published. What would you say to them?
My advice to aspiring writers is to read as much as you can. Your knowledge is your power and no one can take it away from you. Analyse what you read. Write everyday, write great stuff and horrible stuff, just write and never judge yourself. Stay organized and disciplined in writing and don’t be too hard on yourself, enjoy the best part of your creative job, which is freedom.