the NEED for tarot?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 16 May 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

joya250	16 May 2002
hi guys. sigh. I have a problem. ... I love tarot. (haha, that's not the problem!) BUT, I don't read as often as I'd like.... simply because I don't feel the NEED... I already know the "answer" ... or, when the cards come up, it's kinda boring (gasp) cause I don't really need to delve into them to then -- even though I'd like to! I guess I could remedy this by reading more for other people -- but I don't have many people to practice on (although the new reading exchang section helps, since I will be doing some practice reading for some aeclecticians, as soon as I get a chance) hmmm, I think I just wanted to know how you all handled reading for yourselves -- if you've ever experienced this problem -- how often you do self-readings, etc. Maybe someone has a remedy... a new spread to jump start my engine? or some suggestions? I dunno. but I figured I'd throw it out there. maybe I just can't read for myself, plain and simple. (wah)

Kaz	16 May 2002
reading for myself? once in a while, maybe once in 3 months? dunno exactly, about that much. i don't use cards much for readings anyway. maybe you can join a studygroup joya? kaz

Melvis	16 May 2002
Wow! This happened to me, too! Reading for myself is exactly what you said...boring! What I started to do is to do what I call 'open readings'. I think about the people in my life as I shuffle the cards, and then throw the spread. The trick is, as I read the cards, I have to guess who they're talking about! It's very interesting...like putting together a puzzle. I first started to do this when I was trying to design my own version of a Celtic Cross spread (still not done...will it ever be? ;) ). I'd do generic readings just to see how the positions I'd designed worked. I ended up paying more attention to who the reading was really talking about than to how the spread was working! LOL Anyway, hope this helps! Good luck! Peace, Melvis :TSTRE

joya250	16 May 2002
hey Melvis! that's an interesting idea! thanks. :)

Jewel	16 May 2002
Like Kaz I do not do a lot of self (or other for that matter) readings. I can, but my interest in Tarot takes me in various directions. Joining one or more of the study groups is a great idea! we would love to have you!

MeeWah	16 May 2002
Joya: I seldom do self-readings; occasionally, seasonal throws to usher in a new season. Mostly I rely on Daily Cards. Perhaps simplifying the reading process by using less cards/smaller spreads would be helpful for you.

Geenius at Wrok	16 May 2002
Nobody's looking over your shoulder and taking notes on whether you're using the cards as often as you're supposed to. Use 'em when you feel like using 'em. There's no obligation. Like you, I don't use tarot to answer questions that I can figure out on my own. I reserve it for the stumpers, the issues that I don't have enough information to untangle yet.

Violet Gargoyle	16 May 2002
I think I have done readings for myself to get used to the cards mostly. I am such a second guesser that if I think too hard I will fit any card in any situation if I think about it long enough. I don't find able to be the second set of eyes for myself that I am when I do readings for others. I will do layouts to get the feel of reading with a deck. Finding out which spread is most useful, what kind of humor can come out of it. I have a gypsy deck that warned me of "major upheavals" once, the next day I had my first bout of morning sickness from pregnancy. Until that point I never thought "Upheaval" could mean nodding towards the porcelian gods.....

slinky_jo	16 May 2002
Hey Joya I have come to the conclusion that doing a "normal" reading for myself doesnt work! I try and do a spread, but it just doesn't feel right ... ???! So what I do now a days is just shuffle and play with the cards until one pops out, or a/some card(s) say "pick me and read me!" I guess shuffling and playing with the cards imbues them with your "chi", and when they are ready to give you a message that you are ready to receive, they will let you know about it! This certainly has worked for me with some decks, especially the Faeries' Oracle. My standard Waite deck likes to be read for other people, but throws a hissy fit when I try to read them for myself!! Try experimenting with different decks, and see which method has the better results. But like yourself, I love reading for other people more than reading for myself anyway! But it is nice to know that there is a deck out there that "cares" about you, or wants you to receive its guidance...

joya250	17 May 2002
hey! thanks for all the responses. slinky jo -- you make a lot of sense -- I like to shuffle and play too -- I guess I'll just continue that. funny. I've bought so many decks -- but I always feel like i'm being disloyal to my Rider Waite! haha. I do have the Fairies Oracle too -- but I don't really consider that tarot. it helps to hear I'm not in this boat alone. :) :) :) --- oh and Violet Gargoyle -- isn't it funny how the cards can be so LITERAL sometimes -- and here we go thinking it's some big esoteric thing, when it's really just puke! haha.

Geenius at Wrok	17 May 2002
If making a deck of your own would be a betrayal of your Rider Waite, I'd be delighted to address you as Ms. Benedict Arnold. Your contributions to the FACT were stunning.

Sam	17 May 2002
Quote: Originally posted by joya250 sigh. I have a problem. ... I love tarot. (haha, that's not the problem!) BUT, I don't read as often as I'd like.... simply because I don't feel the NEED... i have this same problem! i really hate this problem though! i just don't have time!

Phoenix	17 May 2002
I very rarely do readings for myself, unless it is self discovery. I usually feel that my emotions will sway the cards. I would much rather do readings for other people, including the wonderful, marveloul, delightful people here at Aeclectic. *wink*

truthsayer	18 May 2002
i rarely do readings for myself and don't often get the opportunity to read for others. i think my real passion is studying the art of tarot and archetypes. i love examining what it takes in a deck for me to feel like i'm connected to it. i love studying the different artistic styles. i love examining every artist's interp of the archetypes. i just love tarot. i love touching them and reading about them. they make my life feel more complete like i would feel empty if i gave tarot up. tarot is more than an addiction for me, it's a part of my inner landscape and is inseparable from my identity.

The the NEED for tarot? thread was originally posted on 16 May 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.