Learning Process
The main thing to remember when you are studying the Tarot and learning to use the cards for energy work is to not take things so seriously. You can waste a lot of time and energy trying to do everything “correctly” and listen to various (and sometimes conflicting) advice and the use and care of your cards. Learning traditional meanings and practices are very useful for the beginner. But what you should really be doing is learning to use and understand the cards in whatever way they speak to you. The meanings should ultimately come from within… your heart, your dreams, your inner guide. I think the main thing Tarot does for me is help to access the inner voice… the unconscious collective… the intuitive center.
A young friend at my workplace asked for advice on where to start. I recommended a book, lent her a deck and offered to help and answer questions anytime the need arises. It will be interesting to see what she discovers for herself and what questions she may ask. I wonder what I will learn by helping her.
Aside from a basic understanding of the Tarot she also expressed an interest in using the cards as an aid in writing stories. The Tarot can be quite helpful in that regard… at least as a brainstorming tool. I have not yet used it in storytelling, but I have used it for ideas and breaking through mental blocks at various times.
Thinking about how to help someone else become acquainted with Tarot has given me all sorts of things to think about. I hope that this will give me more to write about in this journal, which has been sadly neglected for a while. We shall see.
