Tarot Study Group: Introduction

[mudweed]

I'm starting a card by card discussion of the Tarot, for those who are just learning as well as those who are already familiar with the cards. (Those of you who expressed interest had better get in here and discuss, too :2G: )

Before we get started on the cards, though, I think it's important that we explore what exactly we think the tarot can do for us, and what it means to each of us. The following questions are mostly adapted from, or inspired by, the few resources I have here.

*First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.

*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future?

*Any other tarot-related information you'd like to share? Other questions about the tarot in general? Let's get a good discussion going here, so we can all deepen our understanding of the cards. :)

[Faery-Wings]

mudweed- I am here- I just woke up and grabbed a cup of coffee, so now is not the time to answer these questions. Who knows what I might slowly and groggily babble about? :lol: But I promise I will be joining this study group. And I'll answer these as soon as my brain wakes up sufficiently.
Thanks for starting this. :)

[Morr]

count me in too :)
im a bit busy but I'll definitly answer these questions!
This is an awesome idea! koodos to you!

[mudweed]

*First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.
The tarot is a system of symbols that helps us access our deepest mind and intuition...perhaps even tapping into the universal consciousness. The purpose as I see it is to facilitate the journey of the self: to open ourselves to our own deep wisdom.

*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?
I hope to continue to strengthen my mind and intuition and use that strength to begin to develop better ways of interacting with the world around me.

*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot? Hmmm, good question, me.... I think it works by giving our subconscious a kick in the rear using symbols the child-like mind understands. I think our minds simply use the images on the cards to remind us of something we already know, but may not have recognized yet. As far as the future-telling bit, I believe that much as a scientist can predict the outcome of an experiment, the Tarot can help us read the current trends of our lives and see a probable outcome. I do not see the future as predetermined or set in stone, though, so it is always possible that you can change that trajectory, or an unknown factor can change it for you. So... sort of? :D

*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future? I use the Tarot primarily as a tool for self-exploration. I have been delving into reading for others (OK, it's completely taken over my life...:lol: ), and exploring how the Tarot works in a much wider plane than I had suspected. Doing these readings has been great for building my confidence with the tarot, too.

Whew. :graduate:

[Faery-Wings]

First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand

IMO, Tarot is a way to access the Divine and/or Higher Self to help find out what is happening in the querent's life. It can help you delve deeper into the unknown and subconscious to assisit in finding out ways to progress in life.
*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

I hope to be able to use Tarot as a tool to help me figure out ways to enrich my life, to break out of some of the old patterns I repeat and see more deeply the "junk" I need to get rid of.
*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

Hmm, still working this out. I ask the Divine for assistance in pulling and reading the cards, yet I am not sure if They help in choosing the cards or it is more my own subconscious that does it. I do think that is it a blending of the two. Yet, ultimately it doesn't really matter. (hows that for an on the fence answer? :eyebrow: )

*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future?

I am a beginner of over three years! LOL I typically use them for myself- Daily readings and insight for things happening in my life. I see that I will continue using them in this way- and I would liek to branch more into reading for others.

[Xentor]

*First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.

The tarot is a way to study my own psyche, and if I get tuned in to someone else's psyche, I might study that through looking at my reverberation of their vibes.

*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

Hope to gain more insight in my feelings and thoughts. Using the tarot as another tool by which to explain my insights.

*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

It works by connecting symbolism to my thought patterns. I can tell the future using tarot just as much as by using my own analytical capacity.

*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future?

I'm still beginning. Right now, I don't see myself using them... If I would use them, it would be out of need, to have another take on my analysis. But who knows, perhaps I find that I'm good at this :)

[Flaire]

In my tired state of mind, I'll try to answer these to the best of my ability. :)


*First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.

The tarot is a set of symbols used to connect with the inner mind. From these symbols, one can get a view into the subconscious to interpret the symbols.

*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

I hope to reconnect to my cards and, hopefully, be able to read more clearly than I have been in the past few months. I also want to be able to strengthen my intuition; to learn to trust it more, rather than question, which seems to be my nature at the moment.

*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

I think that they are just a tool to help the reader connect with the inner mind to define symbols.

*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future?

At the moment, I'm just doing daily readings for myself. I hope to be able to be one of the readers here, on MW, and *possibly* work up enough confidence to read IRL (however that will take a LOT of work) :)
Still, I'd like to be able to read for myself and give myself an unbiased reading. :2G:

[Rowan MoonDragon]

This is a wonderful idea. lets see...

*First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.

the tarot is a way to connect with your intuition and the universe to find out the possibilities i your future.

*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

I want to use the tarot as a way to find out if the decisions that I will make will be the correct ones and to help my friends to make decisions based on what the cards say.

*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

I belive Spirit gives us signs and sometimes we are unable to see them. the tarot is a way for Spirit to show us the sings that we are unable or unwilling to see. I believe it does work. As far as telling the future...kind of. I think it tells you what can lie ahead if you continue on the path you are going without making any changes.

*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future?

I'm still new to the tarot and I use them every night to help myself with their meanings. I would like to contniue to use them every night for myself as well as use them with my friends.

[mudweed]

Thanks for all the great replies! (I'm thinking of adding some of those to my personal tarot journal) I'm going to wait another day or so before starting on the cards themselves. Maybe I can dredge up a few more responses in the meantime. ;)

[Dryad's Wyrd]

This is a great idea mudweed! I'd really like to explore the tarot more indepth and to hear others view points on the cards.

Quote:
*First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.

To me the tarot is a tool that we can use to touch the universal energy flowing in each of us. We can use it to explore our innermost selves and find a bit of direction in our lives.

Quote:
*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

I hope to learn more about myself and my life direction and how we are all interconnected.

Quote:
*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

It is my belief that the tarot helps us to touch the universal energy connecting us all and helps us to explore our lives using symbols that spark our curiosity and creativity. I also believe that it can help us predict that future by accessing our/another's past and present lifestyle and help us to determine the courses it may take in the future.

Quote:
*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future?

I have been using the cards for quite a few years but there is just so much to learn about them that I have always, and probably always will, felt like a newbie to them. I primarily use them to help me figure out where my life is going, where I would like it to go, and what I have to be aware of my make my goals a reality.

Quote:
*Any other tarot-related information you'd like to share? Other questions about the tarot in general? Let's get a good discussion going here, so we can all deepen our understanding of the cards.

As far as questions go, I can't think of any at the moment, but I am sure that I will have lots as we get into the discussion.
Can't wait to get started!
Love & Light
D

[Morr]

ill respond tomorrow! i promise!! im all sortsa busy & stuff!!
but im still in!

[hastings1066ad]

Thanks Mudweed-- maybe this'll actually get me motivated to understand my cards better so I'm not constantly consulting the book for clarification and answers.
-Hastings

[Eowyn]

I'll so be answering all those questions and join this but I haft to wait until later because Im not feeling that good right now...

[Faery-Wings]

Yay! It looks like this will be a good group.
mudweed, are we going to be just discussion the cards or will there be assignments and all?

[Eowyn]

Alright, im in better mood now. strange how this place is soo... nice and makes you feel so good.

*First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.

Hmmm.... Tarot cards is a connection to a "higher power" (dont really wanna put names on it since I know christian ppl who read tarot cards) and also to your inner mind which where you can seek guidence or something like that *pretty hard to explain in words but I did a pretty good statement there didnt I? :hehehehe:*

*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

What I hope to learn? I would like to know more about myself and stuff like that. Hard to explain.

*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

Tell the future is always difficult I think because we make all the time decitions that changes them. But I think they do indeed work.

*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future?

Im still a beginer and I see myself using the tarot cards in the future. I love tarot cards and well.... I think they are great, although I would like to buy another deck

*Any other tarot-related information you'd like to share? Other questions about the tarot in general? Let's get a good discussion going here, so we can all deepen our understanding of the cards.

None right now.... :)

[Flaire]

Thanks Mudweed-- maybe this'll actually get me motivated to understand my cards better so I'm not constantly consulting the book for clarification and answers.
-Hastings

:hugz: I still do the same.

*frowns* Those court cards always get me for some reason. *laughs*

:hugz: to mud for setting this up!

[Faery-Wings]

Court cards- Bah!
I usually read my cards without the book at alll. But court cards, I *always* need the book and then I am still not sure what the right interpretation is. if I get nothing else out of this discussion than that, I'll be happy.

[Dryad's Wyrd]

I got this great little sheet of paper with my cards that I used until it wore to pieces....I should see if I still have it somewheres.......the meaning for the cards were very vague so you had to think about the cards to tie them in. I will go check.........
Love & Light
D

[mudweed]

You know, I hate the court cards with a passion. I had to buy a book just on court cards because this one friend that I read for occassionally usually has a bunch turn up in his readings. Hopefully, we can piece together a good interpretation, eh? :lol:

(I'm trying to get away from strictly book interpretations, you know?)

[Moon Momma]

I'm starting a card by card discussion of the Tarot, for those who are just learning as well as those who are already familiar with the cards. (Those of you who expressed interest had better get in here and discuss, too :2G: )

Before we get started on the cards, though, I think it's important that we explore what exactly we think the tarot can do for us, and what it means to each of us. The following questions are mostly adapted from, or inspired by, the few resources I have here.

*First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.

*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future?

*Any other tarot-related information you'd like to share? Other questions about the tarot in general? Let's get a good discussion going here, so we can all deepen our understanding of the cards. :)


GREAT questions! Count me in...I'll answer these tomorrow, and once I'm done with final exams (next week), I'll jump in on the study group!

[Kalika]

Pssst. For anyone who is interested, Tarot will also be included in my Divination class. :)

(Hey... gotta market...)

It'll be more basic, but will also give some spreads, and an overview of a few of the decks that I have.

Mudweed - How long do you think that it will take for you to post ALL of the cards? :) Maybe I could link from the Teaching Program to each card (depending on how long...), so that they could get a more in-depth view? That would be kinda neat.

Or maybe you could teach a Tarot class.... if you were interested....



Maybe?

[Moon Momma]

Pssst. For anyone who is interested, Tarot will also be included in my Divination class. :)

(Hey... gotta market...)

It'll be more basic, but will also give some spreads, and an overview of a few of the decks that I have.

Mudweed - How long do you think that it will take for you to post ALL of the cards? :) Maybe I could link from the Teaching Program to each card (depending on how long...), so that they could get a more in-depth view? That would be kinda neat.

Or maybe you could teach a Tarot class.... if you were interested....



Maybe?

Now here I was looking forward to being done with this semester and enjoying my summer, and then MW has to go and offer all of these awesome classes! :lol: I'll end up taking more classes here than I'm taking at my college!

Seriously...I'm considering your Divination class.

[Kalika]

Whoo hoo! :D

I hope some other people are is well. I'd like to see alot of people take an interest in the different forms...

Sorry Mudweed, wasn't trying to hijack your thread.



Which tarot deck will you be using, or are you going to try and keep things generalized?

[mudweed]

Hijack away, love! I think everyone's posted that's going to.

As for how long it was going to take, I was going to post a card, starting today after class, every two to three days... that seems to be about the right amount of time between people saying all they want to say and losing interest. :)

Was hoping to get at least through the majors one at a time, then see how people feel about the minors. I think the consensus is that we should cover the court cards, also. So, for the majors... about 2 months? Maybe a bit more? Yipes!

It depends on how many people participate, though. I'll keep it going as long as people are letting me know it's worth my time (even if they don't post replies, I'd still like to get a feel for anyone else who finds it useful, you know).

[13thChylde]

First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.

I think that Tarot is a system of symbols designed to help one tap into the collective consciousness. This is helpful in lots of things...from gaining guidance for the coming day, to learning about past lives, to obtaining wishdom (I meant to say wisdom, but typed this by mistake...or maybe it wasn't a mistake and needs to be said) about large issues.

What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

I'd like to learn how to stop second-guessing myself, and to trust my intuition more.

How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

Don't really understand how it works, heck, I don't understand how most things work...cameras, telephones, computers, etc. I just accept the fact that it does. As far as telling the future, I'd like to be able to get to that point. I've had readings done for me that did foretell events that came to pass, so I say yes, you can tell the future with the cards.

last question...

I have been studying Tarot for a while now...but still feel like a total novice. I would like to gain confidence and to learn how to better intuit the cards without consulting the books, of which I have many.

[Kalika]

Hijack away, love! I think everyone's posted that's going to.

As for how long it was going to take, I was going to post a card, starting today after class, every two to three days... that seems to be about the right amount of time between people saying all they want to say and losing interest. :)

Was hoping to get at least through the majors one at a time, then see how people feel about the minors. I think the consensus is that we should cover the court cards, also. So, for the majors... about 2 months? Maybe a bit more? Yipes!

It depends on how many people participate, though. I'll keep it going as long as people are letting me know it's worth my time (even if they don't post replies, I'd still like to get a feel for anyone else who finds it useful, you know).

Hmm... I think I could make Tarot the last thing in divination, or close to, to where that might work out pretty well... if you don't mind?

[Gigi]

*First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.

I feel the Tarot card is a communication tool with the inner self, who is more in touch to the divine then our conscious minds. If we open our minds to understanding the Tarot, then we'll be a step closer to the inner spirit who is connected to every single soul in the world.

*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

I am new to Tarot reading, but have gone to Spiritual Advisors who have read the cards for me. I have found one or two who have been able to show me more or less where I'm heading or things I should be aware of. I am trying to find meaning in what I feel, a sort of instinct, of where I belong (in what religion). I hope that the tarot cards will be my "vehicle" towards finding my path into my inner being.

*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

I think the tarot gives us a visual guide into our own mind. Through the cards we turn into our psychic abilities (which I believe everyone has). There are spirits/souls involved with our everyday life, and they communicate to us via the cards, since our conscious mind is closed to their "voices". I think the future is not written in stone, we can change the future by deciding on the different paths that lie before us.

*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future?

I want to read the cards as a spiritual guide for myself. I want to know where I stand spiritually. I don't have a firm understanding on what this will lead to, but I am confident that I can be a better person if I connect to my inner soul, my spirit guide / guardian angel.

*Any other tarot-related information you'd like to share? Other questions about the tarot in general? Let's get a good discussion going here, so we can all deepen our understanding of the cards. :)[/QUOTE]

I will be picking up the Rider/Waite tarot cards to start learning. I also have the Angels Oracle cards to guide me to my spiritual self. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[Nighthawk]

I would love to drop in and read from time to time. I love what you have going on here. My answers would be like anyone elses, I think.. I like Nyoko Astra saying.. "a tool to connect with the inner mind to define symbols" That is an interesting thought. As if our inner mind knows what we do not. It makes perfect sense to me, for we are dulled by life. Sorry if I am off topic a bit, but I am just now learning in this thread. Yes, i will be back, and thank you.

[Romani Vixen]

<snip>

Before we get started on the cards, though, I think it's important that we explore what exactly we think the tarot can do for us, and what it means to each of us. The following questions are mostly adapted from, or inspired by, the few resources I have here.

*First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.

A form of divination, or seeing the unknown. It relies on a combination of set meanings and imagry.

*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

I use it to help see where I'm headed... also as perspective. Even guidance.

*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

It relies on the energies in everything... specifically the person doing the reading and the person that the reading is for. And yes... it works. You can't always tell the future... by doing the reading and seeing where you're headed, many times, changes are made by the person, ther-by changing that future.

*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future?

I use them as perspective and guidance.

*Any other tarot-related information you'd like to share? Other questions about the tarot in general? Let's get a good discussion going here, so we can all deepen our understanding of the cards. :)

[Romani Vixen]

ok... that didn't quite work out right... but my responces are there!!! Also, where are those classes such as the divination class?

[Morr]

*First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.*

Tarot is a tool to help you explore your unconscience. It helps your unconscience bring out what you already know, what your psyche can naturally sense, yet is blocked by your physical body & conscience. Tarot is a tool to help you understand your surroundings, yourself & your options in a certain situation.


*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

I hope to learn how to understand the cards more, and how they may help me interpert or understand what my unconscience is telling me. I want to learn how to read each card and how to get the right vibe from each card, how to connect/bond with my cards.


*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

Like I've said in the first question. I also think that if one invokes an energy of a diety while reading Tarot, the specific god/goddess may help give the person insight on the reading & on what the cards may try to tell the person. I think Tarot can tell you of future developments in your life/a situation. But not a specific & detailed picture of the future. I think it can show you new paths or ideas that you didnt really think of, new options or ways of handling/looking at a situation.


*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future?

I'd like to use it for my friends, if they need any help making an important choice. I'd like to give them insight and offer them an alternative way of observing the situation they are in. I'd like to do that also for myself. Not in a sense of depending on the cards to "tell me what to do", but in a sense of like a "second opinion" or an extra source of information as to making the right decision.

[aftershocked]

Sorry, my internet was a little sick for the past few days, I hope it's still ok that I join in?

*First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.*

Tarot is a tool, that like a computer, can be used by anyone who knows how. It is used to tap into higher consciousness, usually the readers or the querents. It can also, if used properly, be used to communicate with the Higher Power/Divine.

*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

I hope to learn how to use the cards to better connect with my subconscious and Divinity, in the hopes of using it as a life-thermometer or a way to check on my spiritual health.

*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

I think that by instilling the cards with your energy, they become something of a spirit in themselves and can be used as a doorway between our world and the more subtle planes. Yes, I do believe that the tarot works, but as for forseeing the future, I believe that the tarot is only used to show you what will happen if you do not change yourself, allowing for you to control your future if it's something less than pleasent. (I couldn't think of a better term than control... I still do believe in some sort of fate, but the tarot allows you to see what road you're on now and adjust if you feel the need.)

*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future?

I could see myself using them to give me a second opinion on some difficult choices, use them to further my connection to the Higher Consciousness and/or the Divine, and as a meditation tool. If I get to a point where I feel comfortable reading for myself enough to read for other people, and someone was confident enough in my skills to ask me, I would do readings for people.. but I don't think I'm anywhere near that good enough yet >.<

[mudweed]

Please, join in at any time. :)

[~~Vampy's~~Boo~~]

im very interested dont have time right now to answer the questions but will do later today.
i used to read tarot all the time for myself and my friends and family. then i had kids and well yea lost touch with them and now i dont have my deck(kids got a hold of them 3 months ago)
i would like to say i believe in them 100% for very good reasons lol
anyways ill be back

[13thChylde]

I'll be posting my takes on the Fool and the Magician this weekend. I haven't had a chance to at night, and can't really pull out my cards for extended periods at work :)

[mudweed]

yay! :hugz:

[fire faerie]

I would like to know how it is that you join the tarrot study group. I would really like to learn.
please and thank you fire faerie

[Xentor]

You just joined :) See the other threads started in this forum by mudweed :) They're labeled "Tarot study group". Feel free to respond in any of them :)

[PhoenixCOF]

What is the tarot & what is it's purpose? I'm still working on that lol. It's many things to me: a guidebook, a meditation tool, a divination tool, a way to interpret dreams, I'm starting to get intersted in Crowley too.

What do I hope to learn from the tarot? Whatever it sees fit to teach me. I have no set ideas and the purpose of a reading changes from situation to situation. Mostly, I'm hoping to develop my psychic abilities and use it to help me find my way through life, also as a way to opening to higher consciousness more.

How do I think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot? I'm only new at this, so my theories need to be taken with a grain of salt lol... here goes: Everything we do, everything we think, everything we feel and everything that happens involves energy of some kind (even thinking and feeling involves measurable chemical/electrical processes), therefore, if you go about it the right way, you should be able to tap into that energy, right? I think how much you can see regarding any given situation depends on a lot of factors, but seeing as everything in life involves energy, it makes sense to think that that energy can be 'read'... also, I think the symbolism etc has a power of it's own (due to tribal consciousness maybe??) and can be a powerful tool for tapping into your subconsious mind. Foretelling the future... I believe the future is mutable, but it's possible to see 'likelihoods'... events that are being shaped, sort of thing... stronger impressions if they're quite likely to happen, more tentative if there are still a lot of 'maybes' in the situation...

How do I use the cards? Meditation, guidance through problems etc, together with the kabbalah and astrology, divination. I tried my hand at doing 'cold' readings (for ppl I don't know) for the first time today (at the local market) and it was scary to start with but I really enjoyed it... it helped get rid of that element of doubt (am I just making things up?) and I wasn't second guessing myself so much.

Any other information? I think I've dribbled enough for one post... A question though... Does the self-doubt ever go away? I'm totally no good at using the tarot for divination in my own life - I never trust what I see (if it's good I think I'm seeing what I want to see, if it's bad I think I'm seeing my fears, if it's in between - like most readings - I think I'm just fitting my life to the cards). Reading for strangers today helped a bit - I was surprised that I was accurate and it gave me some confidence - but I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness (it's a thing of the past now) and I'm having some issues with trusting my readings (I'm an intuitive reader mostly, I also channel). Does trusting yourself just come with time and practice?

Phoenix :-)

[Gigi]

Any other information? I think I've dribbled enough for one post... A question though... Does the self-doubt ever go away? I'm totally no good at using the tarot for divination in my own life - I never trust what I see (if it's good I think I'm seeing what I want to see, if it's bad I think I'm seeing my fears, if it's in between - like most readings - I think I'm just fitting my life to the cards). Reading for strangers today helped a bit - I was surprised that I was accurate and it gave me some confidence - but I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness (it's a thing of the past now) and I'm having some issues with trusting my readings (I'm an intuitive reader mostly, I also channel). Does trusting yourself just come with time and practice?

Phoenix :-)

Hi Phoenix! When you read for yourself, try meditating and clearing your mind. Even though you may "lie to yourself" deep in your heart you'll know what your spirit guides are trying to tell you. Keep your reading in mind as you go along in life, and you will recall the reading and know what was true. It's all about faith.

Since we've been raised with such different ideas about faith, and I assume that paganism was rejected in the religion you were taught, it's more of a guilty concience about trusting inner self than anything else. Time and practice will be on your side as you develop faith in your inborn ability to contact your inner (spiritual) guide.

Hope I make sense to you. :-)

[PhoenixCOF]

Hi Phoenix! When you read for yourself, try meditating and clearing your mind. Even though you may "lie to yourself" deep in your heart you'll know what your spirit guides are trying to tell you. Keep your reading in mind as you go along in life, and you will recall the reading and know what was true. It's all about faith.

Since we've been raised with such different ideas about faith, and I assume that paganism was rejected in the religion you were taught, it's more of a guilty concience about trusting inner self than anything else. Time and practice will be on your side as you develop faith in your inborn ability to contact your inner (spiritual) guide.

Hope I make sense to you. :-)

Thanks for that Gigi! It feels like you hit the nail right on the head - I think I ended up with a few more hangups than I originally thought. Though I left the JWs a lot of years ago, it was a long time before I did anything that was blatantly against the beliefs I grew up with, so it wouldn't surprise me if there's some residual guilt... funny I didn't think of that (Lol... paganism wasn't just rejected, if they were still allowed to burn witches, my folks would probably be willing to light the match).

I'll try what you've suggested and see how it goes. I've also gone back to doing simple daily readings for myself - I feel like I've lost touch with my cards a little and it just might be time to get back to basics and get past these hangups - enough alread! lol

Thanks,

Phoenix :-)

[Gigi]

Thanks for that Gigi! It feels like you hit the nail right on the head - I think I ended up with a few more hangups than I originally thought. Though I left the JWs a lot of years ago, it was a long time before I did anything that was blatantly against the beliefs I grew up with, so it wouldn't surprise me if there's some residual guilt... funny I didn't think of that (Lol... paganism wasn't just rejected, if they were still allowed to burn witches, my folks would probably be willing to light the match).

I'll try what you've suggested and see how it goes. I've also gone back to doing simple daily readings for myself - I feel like I've lost touch with my cards a little and it just might be time to get back to basics and get past these hangups - enough alread! lol

Thanks,

Phoenix :-)

Glad to help! :ringaroun

[Shatril]

I'm starting a card by card discussion of the Tarot, for those who are just learning as well as those who are already familiar with the cards. (Those of you who expressed interest had better get in here and discuss, too :2G: )

Not sure how to join, but I think this may do it. I will answer these questions as best I can.

Before we get started on the cards, though, I think it's important that we explore what exactly we think the tarot can do for us, and what it means to each of us. The following questions are mostly adapted from, or inspired by, the few resources I have here.

*First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.

Tarot to me is a tool for divination. This tool will tell me that if things remain the same this is the possible course they will take. Depending on the type of spread it may give me advice on how to proceed for the best possible outcome.

*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

I find the Tarot to be very fascinating both as a tool for divination, and for the study of the symbology of the cards. As a Seeker of information I love to learn anything new. I will pay vast sums of money to get information that I think I need LOL :geez: When I can find it for free, I'm in high cotton.

*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

Well that is a tough question. Yes it can give us insights into the possible outcome(s). I don't really think that any divination is something that is etched in stone. All sorts of input and differing/changing circumstances can change the future. Heck even the act of reading the Tarot gives you tools to change outcomes for a better result.

*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future?

Oh gad I use any excuse to read the Tarot, or more often I use the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, which give me great insights into methods for expanding my spirituality. These may include but are not limited to:

actions to improve my situation, rituals that should be performed, insights into other thoughts and feeling. This list goes on and on.

*Any other tarot-related information you'd like to share? Other questions about the tarot in general? Let's get a good discussion going here, so we can all deepen our understanding of the cards. :)

I really recommend these books:
Tarot Mysteries--Jonathan Dee
Jung and Tarot An Archetypal Journey--Sallie Nichols
Learning the Tarot: A Tarot Book for Beginners--Joan Bunning

I also like the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, however, these are not Tarot cards perse.

Shatril :sunny:

[bblonestar]

I'm starting a card by card discussion of the Tarot, for those who are just learning as well as those who are already familiar with the cards. (Those of you who expressed interest had better get in here and discuss, too :2G: )

Before we get started on the cards, though, I think it's important that we explore what exactly we think the tarot can do for us, and what it means to each of us. The following questions are mostly adapted from, or inspired by, the few resources I have here.

*First, what exactly do you think the Tarot is? What is its purpose? Explain it like you would to a friend who didn't understand.

*What do you hope to learn from the tarot? Or from studying and learning more about the tarot, if you don't plan to use it as a tool in your own life?

*How do you think the tarot works? Does it really? Can you tell the future with the tarot?

*If you are already a tarot-ist, how do you primarily use the cards? If you're still beginning, how do you see yourself using the cards in the future?

*Any other tarot-related information you'd like to share? Other questions about the tarot in general? Let's get a good discussion going here, so we can all deepen our understanding of the cards. :)
The tarot is an acient system used for 100s of years to understand the past, and present, and divine the future