The Three Golden Rules of Divination

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 18 Nov 2001, and now archived in the Forum Library.

tiger lily	18 Nov 2001
I wrote this piece a long time ago :-) but I feel it could be of interest for others, too... 1. If you donīt want an answer, donīt ask. 2. If you donīt need an answer, donīt ask. 3. If you donīt act on an answer, donīt ask. Ok, so these three rules are not as weird as they seem ;-) It may seem odd, but often people (including people who read for themselves) actually donīt want an answer. They donīt want advice, neither from well-meaning friends, nor from the cards. Maybe they *think* they want an answer; what they really want is someone who just listens sympathetically and provides them with hot chocolate and cookies, a hug and the promise that all will be well in no time. Thatīs completely justifiable and sometimes necessary; itīs just not the thing you get from a pack of Tarot cards. What you get from the cards, from any oracle, is the truth, harsh as it may be sometimes. And if youīre not ready to face the truth, you will sweep up the cards and deny any connection between them and the events in your life; and what good is asking them then in the first place? So, you really want that answer; but do you need it, too? True need means that you donīt ask out of mere curiosity, just for entertainment, or because youīre too lazy to think through the problem from beginning to end. You *need* the answer after you have looked for solutions for yourself, after you analyzed and pondered the question; when youīve done your homework, chances are that you know *where* youīre stuck - that helps tremendously with forming an exact question! And we all know that the answer tends to come out only as vague as the question. No matter how enlightened the answer and how profound the insight you gained from it, it is worth exactly nothing if you donīt put it to use somehow. After you interpreted the cards, form an answer that is no longer than your question was. Whatever your insights, boil them down to one sentence. And then consider how to put this insight into action. Write it down. Be specific in your action plan. And then act.

Kaz	18 Nov 2001
Good points made here. Q: How can you practice reading spreads if sticking to those 3 Golden Rules? Kaz

MeeWah	18 Nov 2001
Tigerlily: Very well thought out! The approach commands introspection & honesty--a multi-layered exercise that deals with spiritual concepts. All of it takes practice in the use of self-discipline in order to incorporate those qualities. In broad terms, there is the potential to gain knowledge of the self as well of the environment & the world that may serve as guidance. The approach could apply to any method of divination. The Source through Edgar Cayce, a 20th century pychic, oft said "Knowledge not used is sin". "Sin" being that of sin of omission, not necessarily of the fire & brimstone type. If one would seek knowledge, then one has need to understand a purpose for same or it can be for naught & can even be detrimental. There is inherent in the seeking of knowledge a responsibility. That responsibility requires one to make decisions on same, in the application of the knowledge or how one would choose to use it as the opportunity arose. A basic example is that all of us to some degree may not practice what we "know" to be true. On the physical/mundane level, they include such activities as eating properly, getting enough exercise & rest, etc, etc! Over time, there can be a cumulative affect on the physical body that in turn, affects the other levels. On the mental level it can be the willingness to occupy the mind with the nourishment materials it needs in order to expand & to grow. Part of the process involves a willingness to invest of the self in efforts & time to receive the most benefit; to understand that there is no sure-fire short-cut in this as in nearly anything else one would seek to utilize & master. Tarot is first & foremost a spiritual system of knowledge based on Cosmic Law. Whether one chooses to acknowledge it or not, it exists & supercedes all that resides in the earth.

tiger lily	18 Nov 2001
Quote: Kaz (19 Nov, 2001 05:06): Good points made here. Q: How can you practice reading spreads if sticking to those 3 Golden Rules? Kaz Well, Iīd say the *need* to learn reading the cards is good enough a reason, innit?

MeeWah	18 Nov 2001
Kaz: There is no harm in "practising" spreads. Do try different spreads in readings for others &/or for self with the understanding that one is learning. Experimenting with different spreads may lead to determining which ones "work better". Like anything else, not all spreads "work" for all readers; not all will work at all times, depending on the purpose of the spread. It helps to be somewhat familiar with basic card meanings, from which other meanings can be learned according to its position in a spread. A card can change in meaning depending on its position so how it may apply includes that parameter. It is often difficult to detach the self to do self-readings, but it doesn't have to exclude using the self as a guinea pig nor need it exclude self-readings. Whether one chooses to read for others or for self only, it is through practice that one hones the skills.

Kaz	18 Nov 2001
Quote: tigerlily (19 Nov, 2001 08:02): Quote: Kaz (19 Nov, 2001 05:06): Good points made here. Q: How can you practice reading spreads if sticking to those 3 Golden Rules? Kaz Well, Iīd say the *need* to learn reading the cards is good enough a reason, innit? LOL, yes you're right :-) Kaz

The The Three Golden Rules of Divination thread was originally posted on 18 Nov 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.