Cards as Charms

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 09 Apr 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Pedeka	09 Apr 2002
Does anyone else do this? When I have the time I like to print out copies of cards that represent what Id like to see in my life or things that I need to work on and hang them around my bed or my desk. Once when I was having a really bad time of it I set up a progression...going from the place that I was , through the steps that I would probably have to take and ending up with where I wanted to be. It seemed to work pretty well for me. I cant say if the cards helped or if my going through the process of deciding how to get where I wanted to be did it. Probably a bit of both. I know many people ( me too) tend to carry cards around with them. Even if they know they arent going to use them for anything. Some people have tatoos of cards. I have seen some very pretty tarot jewelry on ebay. We card people tend to want to keep something of our cards with us as charms or talismans of some sort. Even if it is an unconscious desire. Can this be seen as "forcing the cards" somehow? I wonder if anyone has noticed that "bonding" with individual cards like this helps or hurts if that card comes up when you are doing a reading. For example, would your "Sun experience or goal" interfere with they way you would intrepret a querants experience, or does it enhance your understanding of the card? OK so this is several questions. :)

Andryh	09 Apr 2002
I think that the tarot is a very versatile tool for self discovery. It sounds as if you have really incorporated the cards into your life in some really unique and inventive ways. I don't think the only appropriate use for the tarot is simply reading. I probably use my deck as a meditative tool more than anything. To me, there is nothing more relaxing than laying down in my bed and perusing though a deck...Just allowing it to help me reflect and relax. As far as identifying strongly with one or two, or several cards in a deck, I think that is very good. If you feel a strong attraction to a particular card, perhaps it is for a reason. It may have a lesson for you, and your deeper self knows it. I think there are few wrong ways to use the tarot. My advice is to keep doing what you're doing...enjoy your tarot and let your heart lead you. Andryh

Jenny-Li	10 Apr 2002
I can only agree with Andryh - the Tarot is good for all you can find it good for, the uses are endless... I have the Osho Zen "Letting go"-card as desktop background at work, it reminds me of how shallow the priorites I tend to make in my work life are in the "real" perspective, and it helps me to actually "let go" of the musts and should-haves... I also carry my cards with me, even when I know I won't use them. Not always, but if I expect a troublesome day, if I'm nervous about something - it gives a little extra comfort, and it feels good to have it as company - even if it's stuck in my handbag all day...! When I started my tarot journey, I thought it was all about scrying. Then the whole spiritual part of it dawned upon me, and now I couldn't say that it's anything but a way of living and thinking. If a progression illustrated with tarot cards can help me focus upon what I have to do, then that's what the cards are for - that too! Love, light, Jenny :)

Original Destiny	10 Apr 2002
Hi Pedeka, You are not alone in using the cards as a form of visualisation...Focusing on what you want opens up channels and clears obsticles allowing your attention to be concentrated on an achievement or desire...most succesful people are very focused on what they believe in...Using Tarot cards is a very good medium..I also design and draw up talismans to help me..

MeeWah	12 Apr 2002
Pedeka: Utilizing a progression method with Tarot cards is a creative way to approach problem-solving! I have 8 x 11 color copies of certain cards for a personal reference book & for affirmative work. The cards are Lifetime Cards & Year Cards, along with those I feel a connection. The copies are in page holders & compiled into a looseleaf binder. 4 of the cards (Ancient Egyptian Tarot deck by Clive Barret) form a "poster" & are in a poster frame. It is amazing how much detail is revealed by the enlarged copies that are not readily seen in the original size! I think working with Tarot creatively reinforces & enhances the understanding & can be applied to readings both for self & for others.

Malachite	12 Apr 2002
3 of Swords must be popular amongst teenagers...I know I like it.... Personally, I often find tarot pics too complex to make use of as simply icons... I think taking one symbol/image from a card works well as a charm...its more focused, and it can be something you really understand the meaning of....

truthsayer	13 Apr 2002
i have a pewter charm of the high priestess i bought from ebay a couple of years ago. i like to wear it inside my shirt if i feel like i need extra protection. occasionally i'll prop a card up on my computer desk to think about while i'm on the net. i find it relaxing to do. right now i have the card back of the vision quest propped up. it's a picture of an eagle flying against a deep blue purple and pink star lit sky. it gives the illusion that the eagle is flying in space. it's a soothing image--makes me feel free.

Zhritza	13 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by truthsayer i have a pewter charm of the high priestess i bought from ebay a couple of years ago. i like to wear it inside my shirt if i feel like i need extra protection. Is it based on the RiderWaiteSmith, or...?

truthsayer	13 Apr 2002
my high priestess is based on the rws card.

emily2otters	13 Apr 2002
oh, i do this all the time. currently, i have a manifestation "project" involving visualization, journaling, and placement of tarot cards... when i'm actively working on the project, i prop the cards in front of me for reference, and when i'm done i put them in a box i call "god's in-box". sort of a prayer-in-progress. :)

Hedera	23 Jun 2003
Well, it's summer, so I'll start doing some re-runs along with Umbrae.... Quote: I have 8 x 11 color copies of certain cards for a personal reference book & for affirmative work. The cards are Lifetime Cards & Year Cards, along with those I feel a connection. The copies are in page holders & compiled into a looseleaf binder. 4 of the cards (Ancient Egyptian Tarot deck by Clive Barret) form a "poster" & are in a poster frame. It is amazing how much detail is revealed by the enlarged copies that are not readily seen in the original size! Meewah, I think that's a great idea! It's so hard to find a way to put some cards on display, since they're usually too small. This way, I can put some important cards on my wall.

The Cards as Charms thread was originally posted on 09 Apr 2002 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.