Difficult Times
There are times when it is difficult to read the Tarot. Usually this is when I am feeling depressed or stressed-out. This can be frustrating because those are usually the times when I most need the advice and clarity that the Tarot can bring. It’s ironic that these times are also when my inner guide is most reluctant to cooperate.
The danger with going ahead and reading the cards when I am in this state of mind is that the results can be very unfocused and confusing. Sometimes the cards simply reflect back to me what I most fear, or what it is that is bothering me. It doesn’t help that a depressed or stressed mental state makes it difficult to look for subtleties or listen to the my intuitive inner voice.
The best thing to do in times like these is leave the cards in their box and meditate. Prayers are good, if you pray. And certainly asking God, or whatever higher power you feel is in your life, for strength and comfort can result in immediate relief. That is if you sincerely believe this will help. Give your worries and your stress to Another, and then let it go. There are many things in life over which we have no control and it is best to not try to control them. They will run their course, regardless of whether or not we approve, and the best thing to do is let it go.
Meditate… pray… take a walk… read something light… make yourself a favorite snack… have a glass of wine or a cup of herb tea. But leave the cards for when you are at peace and feeling positive. They work best when you are in a good state of mind.
Daily Card
A good way to begin to learn to read the Tarot is with a one-card daily reading.
Perform whatever ritual you use to begin a reading, or simply shuffle and draw one card. Before you draw the card, ask your question. You could ask “What area of my life needs my focus right now?” or “What is my strongest energy today?”. If you are contemplating something specific in your life you can ask “What do I need to focus on to reach my primary goal?” Instead of primary goal speak specifically about what it is you are working on or trying to accomplish.
You can do this in the morning, or in the evening. An evening draw might be asked “What was the most important thing I learned today?” or “What happened today that I can best use to achieve my primary goal?”
When you see the image on the card you have drawn, take time to look at it as a whole and as a series of images. Note the colors, and the number of the card (unless it’s a court card). What is the weather, what time of day is it, what is happening? Does it tell a story, or part of a story? What is you gut feeling when seeing this image? Note how you feel, and what images or impressions popped into your mind when you first saw it.
If this is done in the morning, keep in mind (write it down and carry it with you for the day if you like) the impressions and ideas that entered your mind during your reading. If this is done in the evening, compare your impressions from the card with the events of your day. See what connections you can make and note them in your journal if you are keeping one.
If you continue this practice every day, you will find the cards have meanings for you that may be either the same or different from the “traditional” meanings for them you may find in books. It is good to learn the “traditional” meanings, but it is far more important to learn what the cards mean to you personally. This is how you begin to understand how the cards may “speak” to you, and how their symbolism relates to daily events in your life. This is an invaluable step in learning to interpret the cards for yourself, and is good practice in learning to read the cards for others.
A Reccomendation
Many of the how-to-read Tarot books available encourage you to memorize specific meanings for cards and to “interpret” spreads by rote. This leaves very little room for interpretation or intuition, and very little room for growth or understanding.
If you are truly interested in learning to read using insight and intuition, a good place to start would be Mary K. Greer’s book Tarot for Yourself.
From the back of the book:
Not only is this the first book to promote reading the cards for your own insight, it also shows you exactly how to do so. It revolutionizes learning Tarot through a combined emphasis on self-teaching techniques and personal insight.
She begins by helping you to develop a relationship with the cards themselves, rather than give you pre-packaged meanings. She helps you to understand what the cards mean to you and develop your own spreads and methods of reading. There is also information on established systems of reading and using spreads such as the Celtic Cross, and so offers a well-rounded approach to the Tarot. With many charts, guided meditations and excercises to guide you as you begin your journey with the Tarot, this book is an excellent way to start learning to understand and use the cards for yourself and for others.
Ambience
Ambiance is important to me no matter what I’m doing. But most especially when I’m doing any sort of energy work such as pulling cards for a spread. Or just pulling cards for inspiration.
I like quiet, if I can get it. So that limits the time I’ll spend doing any intensive work with the cards. A casual draw to help make a decision or spark my imagination when I’m writing requires nothing more than a quick cut and draw. But if I’m pondering my direction, interpreting a dream or vision, or trying to gain insight into something important I’ll usually set aside some time and create the atmosphere I need to work.
Candles are important, because the flame helps me achieve a meditative state of mind. I like ones that are either unscented or naturally scented. If they are too “perfumy” it’s distracting and sometimes gives me a headache. Textures and colors must be soothing and comfortable. That includes my clothing and the surface on which I’m am laying the cards. Some folk are particular about the spread cloth. I have a black velvet rectangle I use. Whatever deck I’m using stands out nicely in contrast to the deep black. The feel of the velvet is nice and engenders a feeling of splendor and comfort that “slows” my energy levels down so I can ground. At least that’s how it works for me.
Usually I will put on Enya’s The Memory of Trees or The Celts. I also find Avec Laudenum by Stars of the Lid is especially good as is the first disc of their Tired Sounds. You may be familiar with Enya, but Stars of the Lid are not as widely known. They make ambient music that may not be for everyone, but I do enjoy it and it works perfectly for me when meditating or working with Tarot.
A bit of incense is nice if I have any. But it must be lightly scented. Smudge bundles are too heavy for me as is most commercial incense. A fine quality Japanese incense is best. Oil diffusers are nice because they impart the scent of the essential oils without creating any smoke.
If nothing else, a nice cup of herbal tea and some light classical music will work just as well. The important thing is my state of mind, and all these things are simply tools and aids to create right state of mind for any energy work, including reading the Tarot.
Welcome
Hello and thanks for stopping by. Welcome to A Fool for Tarot.
I’ve been reading, studying and obsessing over Tarot ever since my husband bought me my first deck five years ago when I expressed a curiosity about learning it. I’ve been on a quest ever since for answers to many questions, not the least of which involves that nature of reality and why we are “here” – wherever “here” may be. I’ve learned a lot, and have even more to learn as there really is no end to learning and discovery.
I have no agenda for this blog, and no plan. My writing will loosely chronicle my journey, as I study and explore spirituality and wisdom wherever it can be found. But I will start with Tarot, as that is where my journey began five years ago.
I welcome comments, and would love to hear from you. Please use the contact form in the sidebar to send me an email.
