how do you use your cards?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 13 Aug 2001, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Logiatrix	13 Aug 2001
per wulfshado's suggestion: what are some other ways (besides readings) in which you utilize your tarot cards... no, not as cup coasters on your coffee table! i mean, for example, as a meditation tool or maybe for story-building, if you're a writer. a topic like this ALWAYS gives me wonderful new ideas, like tarotbear's journal or nexy's card-a-day. we'll see what happens... :)

.dc	13 Aug 2001
1. Daily 3 card readings for myself. 2. Readings for others. 3. Spell work (as per the Tarot Spells book). I use a different deck for this. 4. Meditation on qualities/symbolism. 5. Symbolism studies since i am interested in comparative religions (anthro background) 6. Story work. Both with the cards themselves and spreads. 7. Tools in gaming campagnes...i've had a friend do this and it works beautifully. 8. Tarot POKER or other fun games, i have rules for Tarotopoly. um, i know there has to be more reasons... just not sure of the rest. =) blessed be, .dc

Kiama	14 Aug 2001
Well, I mainly use them for readings for myself or others, however, I also use the cards for.... 1. Sorting out problems or crises in my head (Kinda like counsellling. The Tarot acts like a mirror, and tells me what I already know, just to make me aware of how I feel about it!) 2. Inspiration for stories, poetry, ect. (Usually throw some cards, and weave a story out of that or get suggestions from the meanings of teh cards as to what to include in a story) 3. Meditating on the images 4. Meditating on the feel of the deck when I shuffle (Lace) it 5. Appreciating fine art. I know, fairly diverse.... But I enjoy it. Kiama

Dee 04	15 Aug 2001
Hey Metaz! Besides doing readings - I also enjoy shuffling my cards as a from of relaxation and creating a mood for a relaxed, meditative state.

Strange2	15 Aug 2001
If you have multiple tarot decks, a exercise I have found to be very enlightening is to perform a simple reading (1-3 cards) from one deck, then pull the corresponding cards from other decks and compare the symbolism, energies, etc. This also helps to get to "know" a new deck, by using a favorite deck as a reference or springboard into the new deck. Comparing 3-4 decks at a time brings up some wonderful insights and dynamics.

Aeon	15 Aug 2001
I like doing the shuffle (lace) to relax and get in a meditative mood too, but I find alot of the time something pops in my head that just will not go away and end up throwing a three card to see what going on. Very good way to clean out the mental baggage I usually don't realize I'm carrying around (yanno something happened that day and a past incident played heavily in my reaction sorta thing) not alone in this am I?

EveAnna	15 Aug 2001
I like to sit and shuffle my cards, usually by lacing, when I'm on here - my deck is always with me :) Then I pull cards from the deck and see what they say to me - so far tonight on here i have pulled The Empress at least 5 times :)

MeeWah	15 Aug 2001
I've done as Strange2, especially when one deck is traditional & the other isn't. It can provide a different perspective & is fascinating in that way. A few years ago, I made a personal Tarot notebook (separate from my journal book & another I maintain for readings for others). I had 8 x 11 color copies made of my Lifetime Cards & several Majors that have significance for me. The results are beautiful, clear copies with true color tones, where details I hadn't noticed previously became evident. I duplicated those cards in 3 different decks & put them in clear plastic page holders. The copies are nice enough to frame as pictures, & I have 4 cards from The Ancient Egyptian: 2The High Priestess, 18The Moon, Queen-Cups & Queen-Wands placed in a large poster frame that hangs on a wall. I use my book of cards to touch base & for inspiration. The "poster" always makes me feel good.

Kiama	16 Aug 2001
I have also done what Strange2 does, but only when I get a new deck. I like compraing cards to see if there is any common symbology or theme. An interesting one to note is the Court cards: Try and spot how many King of Swirds look similar! It's quite weird, how so many different artists can have sucha a similar view on the Courts! Meewah: Tarot posters sounds like a good idea.... I might try that one myself. Kiama

Strange2	16 Aug 2001
When a card particularly inspires or intrigues me, I scan it and use it as the background wallpaper on my computer screen. I make the image larger than the original card, and it's amazing the details and nuances that are oftentimes revealed. I have found this to particularly be the case with the Crowley/Harris Thoth deck cards, which I currently use for readings. I have used these tarot card wallpaper images on my computer at work, and not only is it a nice way to be able to reflect on the Tarot while at work, but it has elicited some interested enquiries from coworkers!

nexyjo	16 Aug 2001
thats interesting strange2, i've done the exact same thing. it was the moon from the legend arthurian tarot. luv and light, nexy

The how do you use your cards? thread was originally posted on 13 Aug 2001 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.