Aoife
Can we back up a bit?
What do therapists and tarot readers have in common?
Are we agreed that -
- both hope that their interaction with the querent/client will be helpful to them?
- both believe that with guidance the client/querent has the ability to help themselves.
Is there anything that tarot readers can teach therapists?
A great deal…. but that’s not the focus of our concerns right now.
Are there any therapeutic ideas, knowledge, skills, practices… that could be useful to tarot readers?
Yes…imho, and that’s what this sub-forum intends to explore?
In broad terms, a tarot reading delivers information to the querent…. the beneficial effects of which may be immediate and/or become more apparent later with time for them to process it. But generally speaking, they’re left to do that alone.
In broad terms, therapeutic tarot implies a three-way interaction - between cards, reader and querent. The querent is encouraged to talk about the thoughts and feelings provoked by or elicited from the cards. In so doing, they give the reader information about their current state of mind and feelings, and more subtle information about their personal ‘map’ and strategies for dealing with issues.
The reader acts as an interpreter and guide. As the querent wanders through the new territory [the tarot cards], they see similarities with other places they have been, places where they have learned things, been inspired, places that have brought disquiet, sadness, fear… and unknown places that offer the hope of something new.
In therapeutic tarot the reader does not read the cards in isolation. They must also factor in the information that the client proffers. Metaphorically speaking, we move from a two-dimensional spread of cards into a three dimensional image showing areas of emphasis, fault-lines, shadows, paths well-trod, and so on. Its unique, complicated… because people are.
Many here have expressed concern that they are not specifically trained to interpret a querent’s personal map. And for that reason, legalities aside, I entirely agree that it would be a mistake for readers to promote themselves as therapists. Perhaps we need to find another label… or maybe develop our own terminology?
But - labels aside - I firmly believe that there are many readers here who have tremendous ability, experience and wisdom making them ideally equipped to have a therapeutic relationship with the querent. Sure, there are those who’re either not suited or suitable to be working in this way, but they will tend to filter themselves out either through inclination or because, quite frankly, its too much effort. As for those with malign-intent, there is nothing we can do to stop them other than sound whatever alarm bells are available.
Research into how people learn…. and hence are able to use information, suggests that it is very small percentage that learn best from being passive recipients of information. Research suggests that people learn best, and are hence more able to use information, when they have actively participated.
I would challenge people to find a suitable querent to give it a try.
What do therapists and tarot readers have in common?
Are we agreed that -
- both hope that their interaction with the querent/client will be helpful to them?
- both believe that with guidance the client/querent has the ability to help themselves.
Is there anything that tarot readers can teach therapists?
A great deal…. but that’s not the focus of our concerns right now.
Are there any therapeutic ideas, knowledge, skills, practices… that could be useful to tarot readers?
Yes…imho, and that’s what this sub-forum intends to explore?
In broad terms, a tarot reading delivers information to the querent…. the beneficial effects of which may be immediate and/or become more apparent later with time for them to process it. But generally speaking, they’re left to do that alone.
In broad terms, therapeutic tarot implies a three-way interaction - between cards, reader and querent. The querent is encouraged to talk about the thoughts and feelings provoked by or elicited from the cards. In so doing, they give the reader information about their current state of mind and feelings, and more subtle information about their personal ‘map’ and strategies for dealing with issues.
The reader acts as an interpreter and guide. As the querent wanders through the new territory [the tarot cards], they see similarities with other places they have been, places where they have learned things, been inspired, places that have brought disquiet, sadness, fear… and unknown places that offer the hope of something new.
In therapeutic tarot the reader does not read the cards in isolation. They must also factor in the information that the client proffers. Metaphorically speaking, we move from a two-dimensional spread of cards into a three dimensional image showing areas of emphasis, fault-lines, shadows, paths well-trod, and so on. Its unique, complicated… because people are.
Many here have expressed concern that they are not specifically trained to interpret a querent’s personal map. And for that reason, legalities aside, I entirely agree that it would be a mistake for readers to promote themselves as therapists. Perhaps we need to find another label… or maybe develop our own terminology?
But - labels aside - I firmly believe that there are many readers here who have tremendous ability, experience and wisdom making them ideally equipped to have a therapeutic relationship with the querent. Sure, there are those who’re either not suited or suitable to be working in this way, but they will tend to filter themselves out either through inclination or because, quite frankly, its too much effort. As for those with malign-intent, there is nothing we can do to stop them other than sound whatever alarm bells are available.
Research into how people learn…. and hence are able to use information, suggests that it is very small percentage that learn best from being passive recipients of information. Research suggests that people learn best, and are hence more able to use information, when they have actively participated.
I would challenge people to find a suitable querent to give it a try.
