What do you use tarot for?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 04 Dec 2001, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Major Tom	04 Dec 2001
Ever since I started Major Tom's Tarot (or was it since I coloured the BOTA?) tarot and tarot imagery has gradually pervaded my life. I'm learning and growing at a rate I'd never have believed possible. It would help me a great deal to hear how everyone else uses tarot. Perhaps by sharing tales of our journeys we'll grow stronger as a community and as individuals.

Kiama	04 Dec 2001
Well, a couple of years back, I decided I was going to sit down and write a story. It was going to be an amazing story: A breathtaking masterpiece... The ony problem was, I didn't know what it was ging to be about, who was going t be in t, and what they were going to do. I was stuck in whatI hate the most: Writer's Block. gave up after a long hard think, and setled down to my favourite deck of Tarot cards at the tie: The Shakespearian Tarot (Very apt for a writer) And then, I suddenly realised that I was holding inspiration right there in my hans. There and then, I devised a spread which I unoriginally entitled : The Inspiration Spead, whih told me wat type of characters I coud include in my story, by looking at which Curt Cards I dealt, what would happen as teh main events, by looking atthe Major Arcana, an what could happen as Minor, but crucial events, by looking at the Minor Arcana. I wrote the story. Entered it as my GCSE Englsih coursework. I got 100% or it. It counted up as 52 pages of typewritten stuff. I'm still writing it now. I've carried on to the second part of my cherished 'novel', and I continue o use the Inspiration Spread, only with different cards. I don't know what would'vehappened if I hadn't done that. I also use the cards for meditation, games, THANKS MAJOR TOM! :* ) helping my little sisters have a bitof fun with storytelling, advice for current problems for my friendsm advice on the next way to go, warnings as to what might happen if I carry on the way I am, general guidance and readings. Kiama

bec	04 Dec 2001
I´m using my DailyDraw to show me any obstacles to aware of during the day, always giving the same question/reguest "give me guidance in how to make this a good day" I´m doing readings on my self, mostly when I´m emotional stuck or having a hard time dealing with another person, letting the cards "kick my butt" ;D telling me what to do and what not to do about it. I´m using the cards to develope my own personality in the direction to be the person I wanna be. They help me build up my good sides and make them stronger, telling me about my dark sides and what to do making them just a tad brighter day by day. I´m using them to help others, doing readings to give them guidance and answer their questions, hopefully giving them an alternative to come to know themselves a little better and show them how to make the best of the situations. I use them in my marriage, when emotions and quarrels get so steamy and we both get so stubbern in having our own ways, that we forgot how to say I´m sorry" "thankyou" and "IloveYou" - the cards are bringing us back to the foundation in our love, telling us how to get the situation turned and make up. That´s it I think :)

catlin	04 Dec 2001
Hi, First of all , I use tarot for helping others and me in times of crisis. Then I have started using tarot as a kind of therapy. At the moment I work with tarot spells and candle magic. I also use tarot in combination with healing stones.

Talisman	04 Dec 2001
"What do you use Tarot for?" A simple question. A profound question. For a deep question, a quick, shallow answer. I don't do readings for others. So, I use Tarot for introspection, as a focus, to sort things out, to trigger fresh perspectives, and as close to meditation as I'll probably ever get. Meditation = my mind spinning like a pinwheel in a brisk breeze. I don't read the future. Don't ask me what the winning number is. But Tarot is a tool to think about the future. At least a token nod in the direction of "withers." You know, "wither man, wither his soul, wither the infinite universe?" For entertainment. Hey, that should count for something, shouldn't it? For connecting. Like Kiama, for inspiration. Major Tom asked a deep question, and this response is ankle deep to a tall duck. I gotta think about it. But, I feel, somewhere in the quick is the answer. Talisman

Jewel	04 Dec 2001
I use tarot in three ways primarily 1) academic 2) spiritual 3) Personal Development. It actually started on a academic note, and ended up revealing my own spirituality (Thank you Robin Wood! *LOL*). I was very interested in the art and the symbols. Researching the symbols led me to Paganism and later on with other decks into the study of the Qabalah. Needless to say it opened a whole lot of doors in terms of research areas for me. Now that I am understanding the symbols I use the Tarot for personal development. I do read the cards for friends on rare occassions, but my real dream is to write a book about the Tarot and the Qabalah that is simple to understand ... something like Tarot and Qabalah 101 *LOL*. And if you want me to really go out there for what I would like to use it for, it would be to teach Tarot in connection with the Qabalah at a university ~giggles~ ... who knows it might yet be in the cards ;) Love & Light,

EveAnna	04 Dec 2001
I use my tarot because I enjoy working with them, I use them for guidance, or when I'm troubled - but mostly I use them because they're fun to use :) I'm not really into the spiritual side, I've only just learned that each suit is an element lol, and even now I can look at my favourite Rider Waite and see things on the cards I've never noticed before :) But I get a buzz whenever I touch the cards and they give me clear honest readings (well most of my decks do).

MeeWah	04 Dec 2001
My association with Tarot resulted from a spiritual quest begun years ago, as a child. I realized there is far more to life than this physical body we inhabit; & far more exists than the planet our physical bodies inhabit. I was too young to realize exactly what it meant to ask for knowledge & to be able to be of service to others (& perhaps it was just as well I did not); but since then, the turns my life has taken tell me those goals encompass more knowledge than can be encompassed in one lifetime! For me, Tarot serves as spiritual guidance & creative inspiration. In working with it for personal insight & to assist others with their insights to themselves, I learn from both applications. The lessons offered are always timely, even when they are difficult ones to deal with. & the knowledge is such that it unerringly commands respect. I always come away from it with a renewed sense of the intrinsic order that maintains the delicate balance of life as we may know it. Lastly, that Tarot is not just pieces of paper with interesting images; but also contains far more than is apparent if we are willing to listen as well as to see.

Major Tom	05 Dec 2001
Thank you all for your wonderful responses! ;D Made me think I should share what I do with tarot and perhaps we can encourage others to share too. }> I use tarot for inspiration. (Hopefully everyone knows about Major Tom's Tarot) I use tarot for personal development - primarily combining spellwork with divination. I use tarot in my relationship with my girlfriend - here combining games, readings and spellwork. It greatly enhances our ability to communicate with each other. I rarely use tarot to help others - I think I need to do something about that. }>

nexyjo	05 Dec 2001
i don't really use the tarot for "readings" - i guess i never really developed the skills, or perhaps i never had the desire. i pull a card every morning, which i use for a focus for that day, something to think about, perhaps in an effort to improve myself, or to gain deeper insight. occasionally, i'll lay out a spread, in hopes to gain insight into trends influencing my life. many of the decks i own have wonderful artwork. sometimes i just look through the cards to enjoy the art - i look at the pictures :) i rarely use them in spells, or ritual. occasionally i'll pull a card to medtate. luv and light, nexy

Kalin	05 Dec 2001
I don't do too many readings for others, though I am glad to if I'm asked. A couple of years ago, the family Christmas party stipulated that everyone had to bring an activity to share. I'm not musical or good at crafts, so I brought my tarot deck. Everyone enjoyed their readings and I've read for members of the family a few times since. I also read for a couple of friends when they ask. Mostly I study the archetypes in tarot. I do a daily draw, but as a concept for contemplation rather than a personal daily message. I do read for myself, though not always successfully. I'm don't have a high degree of psychic awareness (though I would agree that we all have some attunement), so the tarot won't be predictive for me. What success I do have with readings is more along the lines of identifying the elements of life currently at work. Kalin

Head in the Clouds	06 Dec 2001
I use Tarot for insight into myself, how can I proceed in a good direction on my path of life, what do I need to be aware of (especially in my reactions to others) etc. I also use them to try and gain some insight into how others are feeling, for deeper understanding of how we all relate... I would love to do readings for others, and so joined up on Lilliana's site to learn, practice, and learn! Also, I am intensely curious as to Tarot magic/candle magic that several have mentioned....I really feel a pull in that direction, but am sort of at a loss for how to get there ;) (hence the name Head in the Clouds, LOL) btw, Major Tom, i love your quote!! Ah, wise words to live by!

Logiatrix	06 Dec 2001
major tom, i use tarot primarily for meditation. i also do readings for others, and an occasional reading for myself. every so often, i find a deck that works for story-boarding, such as kiama mentioned, and i will work with it for awhile. however, as of late, i'm finding that i don't feel drawn to work with more than two or three favorite decks--one for meditation and study, and one or two for readings.

Red Emma	06 Dec 2001
Mostly I use tarot for the things others have mentioned, above -- daily draw, clarify murky situations, playing with my grandkids, and occasionally for friends who come in. However, perhaps I'm the only member with grown kids -- 2 boys. Sometimes if I'm worried about them, haven't heard from them for a while, or they're going through a bad patch, I do a reading on whomever I'm worried about. I never inquire into their relationships or family life, just general questions like "How is A doing?" They both know I do it, and are okay with it. It saves me hours of worry and the occassional sleepless night. Recently my 23-year-old grand daughter was out of work for several months, and was in major stress about it. I didn't like to call her to ask how the job search was going because I was afraid it would add to her stress. Finally I did a reading. The answer was, "At least the bullets have stopped flying." I took it to mean that things were a bit better, but there could be bad news down the pike. About two weeks later I did another. It said, "She's received her heart's desire." I called her, and she had just been hired that day in a job she wanted. I asked her about the bullets (this grand daughter does tarot, too). At that time she had been pretty well promised a really special job, but it didn't turn out.

Talisman	06 Dec 2001
'Lo, Red Emma, Noticed this: "However, perhaps I'm the only member with grown kids. . ." Bet'cha not. Me, for starters. Lot'sa others. And, even tho' I'm creaky-cranky old, folks put up with me. Even when I stomp and scream and hold my breath 'til my face turns blue. (Does that sound like a two-year-old? Well, ta' heck with them, I'll fight 'em one-on-one anyday!) Red Emma, it's a wonderful place, and I hope you discover here all the wonderful things I have. Talisman

jmd	06 Dec 2001
As Talisman said: 'A simple question. A profound question.'...I couldn't agree more! I'll try to keep this really concise. I use it as a tool in developing imagination, inspiration and intuition; I use the cards as 'gateways' in meditation; I use them to further develop my understanding in the western mystical, magical and hermetic traditions; I use them as teaching tools; I use them to assist me with decisions which remain, ultimately, my responsibility; I use them to deepen my understanding of a specific situation and understanding generally... and I just can't go past MeeWah's post above: 'Tarot serves as spiritual guidance & creative inspiration'... When one lives with the Tarot each and every day, it lives with you. Quote: Just to add another little note to the post above... if step-children count, then I too have two... one at uni., the other finishing high school... well, he'd like to be considered an adult, even if he still has to wait a few months

MeeWah	07 Dec 2001
Red Emma's post reminds me of something I began doing a few years ago with my blended family of 5 children, the oldest of whom are hubby's 2 sons. They have all sent friends as clients to me for readings; however, most of them are a wee reticent to have me read for them. There is a family joke that I have a third eye that sees-all & knows-all (yeah, right)anyway so the less encouragement on their part, the better (for them). I do not press the issue; however, prior to their birthdays, I take a quick look at their year cards. I avoid intruding into their private domain, but I incorporate the general aspects & possibilities I see for their new year in a birthday card or letter, which they will accept. How much they take to heart I do not know, but they have told me of "hits". As one of the older boys told me: "Ma, I screwed up. I know it, you know it. Now can I come back home? Please & thank you!" Interestingly, over the years I have seen feedback from my own Year Card & from my Daily Card(s) to include one or more of the kids as well as pertaining to me specifically. I take those instances as the moments of Grace given a parent, like an early-warning system. It's at those times I get down on my knees & thank ThePowersThatBe for lending me a Hand!

Red Emma	07 Dec 2001
[quote]Talisman (07 Dec, 2001 12:19): ... even tho' I'm creaky-cranky old, ========== Yeah, Talisman, I know all about creaky-cranky. Especially the creaky part. I like to say I'm a 2002 woman in a 1926 body. I was really excited to find this site. None of my friends do tarot, even internet friends. It's like stumbling into a kind of paradise! Goddess bless, Red Emma

Kiama	07 Dec 2001
Discovered a new use for my Robin Wood deck today! I was looking after my lil' sister cuz she was ill, and she asked if we could play with my deck, so we played a bit, and then she made a 2D house out of the cards, and used the courts as people. She sat fo about half an hour playing with it a though se would a doll's house! So, I came across the idea that maybe each deck (I have 26) could be a different room, say, the Gendron could be the bathroom, etc... An she could play on from there! The original inspiration was in the book, Tarot Games, which suggested using the cards to make a 2D house. Kiama *Running of to play with her doll's house*

goldie	10 Dec 2001
Major Tom, I personnally do readings to help others better understand , themselves, or situations about themselves. I counsel them to help reach thier higher being, that which dwells in all of us . For myself it is a clearing and a channeling of my higher self in order to continue to grow and be at peace with my inner self. I have learned to heal myself. critize, complement, love and organize through the use of the tarot, of course unlike some others, i do not read everyone, Only close friends and relatives, whom know of my passion for the tarot. the tarot to me. represents my goddess side, that which is mysterious in me. I cherish and protect it, but most of all I love it. Blessed Be

synchronicity	11 Dec 2001
As my "handle" ...Synchronicity...suggests, I find that all that is needed seems to "fall into place" when needed. Tarot is just one more of those things. I fell into Tarot use in a very roundabout way and laugh to think of all the things that had to change/occur to allow me to accept it when it "presented itself". As far as what I use Tarot for....hmmm....that is kind of a difficult question for me as so many things have changed for me in such a short time. The edges have become blurred. I am not sure which changes in my life/beliefs have affected me the most. How much has changed because of tarot and how much due to other things, I know not. I started using the Tarot to enhance my intuition and to provide personal guidence, but in the process my (already wonderful) marriage has improved, I have changed my job, I am less judgemental, more tolerant, more peaceful, optomistic, creative, confident.....the list could go on and on. So I guess you could say I use Tarot for Life Improvement. I do a daily draw...and use that card as focus and guidance for the day. I occasionally do a spread of some sort for myself but I rarely have a deep question that I want to ask. When my daughter left home and moved a long ways away I did a three card spread concerning her safety and well being but that is about it. I really don't read for others. I don't feel confident enough in my ability. Synchronicity

The What do you use tarot for? thread was originally posted on 04 Dec 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.