memorizing vs. just doing

[Kitfox]

I'm new to tarot. I've been working with the cards for about a month and a half and have done quite a few readings for myself and others. The more I play with the cards (randomly drawing them to see what kind of things show up) or use them seriously, the more I feel comfortable.

However, at the same time, I feel akward having to look things about in a book all the time because I can't seem to memorize what each card means. I know what the suits mean, I know basics, but it's difficult to get anything deep.

I keep telling myself to just keep using them to get more comfortable, but I get frustrated when I can't remember what things mean.

Is this normal for newbies or am I just a failure?

[Alexandra Asinine]

Totally normal for newbies! You should join the Free Tarot Network at http://www.freetarot.us and start doing free tarot readings daily. That will get you enough practice to remember on your own!

[FaerieGothMommy]

My technique is NOT to mesmorise! Far from it... I always say this to everyone, but let the cards speak to you, instead of going by traditional book meanings, because sometimes even they can be wrong & only you can put it right!

Try and use your intuition and let the cards speak to you.... After some time, you will automatically start remembering the meanings anyway, but be able to incorprate them with your own meanings, and what the cards are telling you.

[Seren Mara]

I'm fairly new to tarot and I know exactly where you're coming from. What I tend to do is go with my first instinct on a card, but look up them up as well to see if there's an extra element I might have missed. I've never done any readings 'in person' so I'm okay with looking up books. If the querent was sitting in front of me I might feel a bit of a spoon looking the cards up.

[FaerieGothMommy]

I'm fairly new to tarot and I know exactly where you're coming from. What I tend to do is go with my first instinct on a card, but look up them up as well to see if there's an extra element I might have missed. I've never done any readings 'in person' so I'm okay with looking up books. If the querent was sitting in front of me I might feel a bit of a spoon looking the cards up.

Thats a good way of doing it, while you are still learning! Firstly write down what YOU think the cards mean, then have a look at the traditional meanings, even if they are differnt! DON'T change your original meaning :)

[dawns_eve]

I still have to look at the book but I am getting better with time. I have been mixing the meanings with my own feelings.

[zakzekezedd]

It just takes time..I don't think you can completely "memorize" the "meanings" of all the tarot. The more you work with the cards, the more naturally reading the cards will come to you. Just be patient and take your time.