Can't pick up my cards

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 23 Jul 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Kazz	23 Jul 2002
Hey guys, This is very weird!! in the last couple of weeks i haven't picked up my cards, and the reason for this is, I can't seem to bring myself to go get them and read. Just when i get a bit of time to myself and it's quiet, I think great the perfect time to read.........but i just don't and i don't know why as given the chance i always get them out. Do you think that maybe the cards are telling me to give them a rest, or maybe there is something the cards don't want me to know, I really don't know why i can't go and just get them. It feels to me as if i think "well i will do it later" but later never comes. Has this happened to anyone else?? Oh I hope i am not losing it! Maybe i have to go visit the tarot doctor...LOL :) Cheers Kazz :TQC

cjtarot	23 Jul 2002
Kazz, I'm a Taroholic, but I do go thru times when I just don't have the "Time" to pick up my deck. What I found is I started looking around to see what else I can learn. Maybe it's time to take a "coffee break" from Tarot and look into another mediam. Take your few minutes and go to the book store or bn.com and see if any books appeal to you. The other solution would be to look for another deck that draws you. it maybe time to switch - study and learn a new deck. I am currently learning everything I can about Reiki. Blessings, Cj

Helruna	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kazz It feels to me as if i think "well i will do it later" but later never comes. Has this happened to anyone else?? Oh I hope i am not losing it! Maybe i have to go visit the tarot doctor...LOL :) Cheers Kazz :TQC Hello Kazz, yes, I have had times like that too - somehow I couldn't pick them up, although I thought "come on, you got some time now", but I couldn't. The thought of it at first was kind of inspiring, but as soon as I wanted to actually pick them up I had this "refusive/rejective" feeling that I could not overcome. I don't know, but I think it is like a little "break" sign maybe, that you need some time-out and concentrate on other things first. A "silly" question - do you ground/center? Maybe some cleansing of yourself and your cards might also be of help... BB, Helruna

squigglywiggly	23 Jul 2002
Maybe Tarot bores you. It happens. People get bored with all sorts of things. Go learn astrology or rune stones or palmistry or physiognomy or some other new parlor trick to waste your time and money.

Sam	23 Jul 2002
hmmmmmmmmmm.......................this might help.

midnightmerry	23 Jul 2002
Thanks, Squig, for your usual positive post! :rolleyes: Kazz, it's happened to me, too & I agree with what the other folks are saying here. Just go with the flow & don't worry about it. You'll want to pickup the Tarot again sooner or later.

tigerlily	23 Jul 2002
Oh, it does happen - perhaps it's similar to Writer's Block? "Reader's Block".... hmmmm.... I was blocked for over six months and I can tell you, it's not funny. My theory is that it happens after you spend too much time with the cards. After a while your system just shuts off ;) Take a break, but not completely, or you may have to wait six months before you can stand to look at them again take them out of the box and look at them from time to time, or buy the BOTA and color them; play with them, but don't do readings or meditations. After a while, the Block should lift. squigglywiggly: if you consider the cards a cheap parlor trick and a waste of time and money, I wonder why you waste your and our time by posting here.

Diana	23 Jul 2002
edited

Laurel	23 Jul 2002
To cast Squiggly's post in a more postive light, its possible that you have "learned" whatever "lesson" the tarot had to teach you, for the time being. Whenever I hit a block, be it in writing or game design or occult studies, I sit down with my notebook and write out a list of the things I want to accomplish and what my interests and priorities are. There's absolutely nothing wrong with not reading your tarot. But maybe there's something there under the surface. Maybe you're bored with your old deck and need a change. Maybe you ~would~ enjoy investing some time and energy into astrology, or I Ching, or even good paperback novel and bubble bath. Tarot in itself makes a poor end-all and be-all. Its a tool to help you along your life's journey, not the pot at the end of the rainbow. Laurel

squigglywiggly	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by tigerlily squigglywiggly: if you consider the cards a cheap parlor trick and a waste of time and money, I wonder why you waste your and our time by posting here. I need new spreads and interpretation ideas and Tarot terminology and Tarot trivia to impress my gullible friends with. Just because I consider Tarot a cheap parlor trick, doesn't mean my gullible friends don't buy it. It makes me popular and it helps me meet new people. It's like having a cute dog to walk around. It's an instant conversation piece. Except Tarot cards are smaller and they don't poop.

zorya	23 Jul 2002
kazz, perhaps the last reading that you did is still trying to speak with you. did you write it down? maybe there is more you need to get out of it, before you move on to a new reading. i think diana's idea of getting a reading from someone else is a very good one. several people wisely suggested a tarot break, maybe the worry is worse than the problem. give up the worry, lose the problem. let us know how it goes!

Faerie Lin	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by squigglywiggly I need new spreads and interpretation ideas and Tarot terminology and Tarot trivia to impress my gullible friends with. Just because I consider Tarot a cheap parlor trick, doesn't mean my gullible friends don't buy it. It makes me popular and it helps me meet new people. It's like having a cute dog to walk around. It's an instant conversation piece. Except Tarot cards are smaller and they don't poop. http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5312 If you consider Tarot a cheap parlor trick, then why did you post that on an earlier reading you did, it almost made you cry? Just curious... Lin

Keslynn	23 Jul 2002
Kazz, I haven't even been in tarot that long, but I have also had those times where a sort of strange apathy sets in. Most of the time I just do other things and let it run its course. The best part is, it does lift and then I am once again surprised by how wonderful and insightful tarot is. It's like being a complete newbie again without having to do as much research! ;) My best advice is what the others have said: work on something else for a while and you'll get the urge to return eventually. However, sometimes a little kick in the pants might help get you back a little faster. Look through your decks and maybe even do a one card daily draw. That's what usually brings me back into it after a break. Best of luck. :) Kes

Dark Inquisitor	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by squigglywiggly I need new spreads and interpretation ideas and Tarot terminology and Tarot trivia to impress my gullible friends with. Just because I consider Tarot a cheap parlor trick, doesn't mean my gullible friends don't buy it. It makes me popular and it helps me meet new people. Hey- whatever happened to having a personality and REAL friends? Real friends aren't victims, and you don't need to impress anybody. It takes a lot of effort to maintain a facade & a catalog of tricks. You could use your energy differently and have something real & rewarding in the end. Tarotphelia

Liliana	23 Jul 2002
Maybe you need a new deck to read with, I can always give "suggestions" hehe Tarotholics Anonymous strikes again :THP

squigglywiggly	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Tarotphelia Hey- whatever happened to having a personality and REAL friends? Are you picking a catfight with me? My friends may not be all that smart but they're my friends. Don't call them fake friends.

Dark Inquisitor	23 Jul 2002
I wasn't referring to them at all, and catfighting is for cats.

Helruna	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by squigglywiggly Are you picking a catfight with me? My friends may not be all that smart but they're my friends. Don't call them fake friends. I don't think she was picking on you or your friends in general, Squiggly, I think what she was trying to point out is, that if you learn all those nice tricks to "meet" new people and get into conversation and to impress your friends, that you might end up with a few people that call themselves "your friend", but in fact they aren't. they're just looking for the amusement and your "tricks" but are gone all too soon when you need them. Real friends don't need the tricks, they like you b/c of your personality. From the point of view that you like to entertain your friends now and then, I can understand your question about the "Parlor Tarot". BB, Helruna

Kazz	23 Jul 2002
To all of you how replied with genuine help, I thankyou. As for grounding and centering, i am still not quite sure how to do this, so let me know how you to it. I think that it possibly could be that i have alot of distractions around here (at home) and everytime i go to do a reading i can't concentrate and i give up until later, so maybe that is it. I am DEFINATLEY NOT BORED with my cards, they are very, very important to me and i wouldn't be without them. Yes i think a reading for me on this would be interesting, it could tell me things that might need my attention. I have to tell you that i am very sad to think that some people regard "TAROT" as a game, For me, and i know for many others, Tarot is NOT a game and shouldn't be considered as a way of impressing people for "fun" purposes, it also should not be taken too lightly. This Forum is very special to me and i would hate to see it be spoiled by people who do not appreciate what the Tarot gives to us. Cheers :TQC

the hermit	24 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kazz To all of you how replied with genuine help, I thankyou. As for grounding and centering, i am still not quite sure how to do this, so let me know how you to it. Kazz: here's a link to a grounding thread in Spirituality with various techniques and suggestions-- Grounding Thread hope this helps...

jade	24 Jul 2002
kazz, i have had times when i couldn't pick up the cards and during those times i like to keep a journal of what's happening in my life. i usually find that something really spontaneous had to happen, or something big was unfolding that needed me to 'not be prepared for it'. so instead of seeing this as a negative......see as an opportunity for growth and change......an exciting time where newness is unfolding :D in light, jade

Ravenswing	24 Jul 2002
just another cycle. perhaps this is your first longer term 'break'. i tend to go from one disipline to another-- the focus on one angle at a time. right now, i am in a tarot phase-- but it's a phase and the circle spins round... each time i return, it's on a deeper level then the cycle before. it's just my way of learning. the cards will call when you're ready to hear what they wish to say... ravenswing

tigerlily	24 Jul 2002
Kazz, I can do a 3-card reading for you, if you want.

Kazz	24 Jul 2002
Thanks you guys , you are such a helpful little bunch!:) Hermit- thankyou for the grounding post, I am going to try some of these methods. Jade and Ravenswing- you guys have hit the nail right on the head, it is exactly what i think is happening (you could be tuned in with me ..LOL) Tigerlily - thankyou, that is sweet of you to offer. If you can that would be of great help, and please let me read for you to return this favour. :) :) :) :) you know what ??? just talking about this had made me feel alot more positive about the reasons behind this lul, and it may have been a good thing:) :) :) :) Cheers to you all Kazz :TQC

squigglywiggly	24 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Helruna Real friends don't need the tricks, they like you b/c of your personality. Nobody likes me because of my personality. I work in a very competitive business as it is, everybody is so jealous and cutthroat. I have to be interesting so people will like me.

fairyhedgehog	24 Jul 2002
Quote: Nobody likes me because of my personality. I work in a very competitive business as it is, everybody is so jealous and cutthroat. I have to be interesting so people will like me. That sounds like a very unpleasant position to be in, squgglywiggly. At least here you will find people who are ready to like you for who you are. And, who knows, you might find the Tarot cards come to mean more to you as well. As long as you don't get addicted to collecting loads of decks like some of us have :)

mermaiden	24 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by cjtarot Kazz, I'm a Taroholic, but I do go thru times when I just don't have the "Time" to pick up my deck. What I found is I started looking around to see what else I can learn. Maybe it's time to take a "coffee break" from Tarot and look into another mediam. Take your few minutes and go to the book store or bn.com and see if any books appeal to you. The other solution would be to look for another deck that draws you. it maybe time to switch - study and learn a new deck. I am currently learning everything I can about Reiki. Blessings, Cj Hey, I agree w/Cj. If you are interested in expanding you divination horizons, I also have a suggestion and that is the Philosopher's Stones book and stone set by M.E Warlick. It's based on alchemy and I find it possesses a lot of energy and wisdom.

Umbrae	24 Jul 2002
How about Runes? Much more oracular in nature...

Sam	24 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by squigglywiggly I need new spreads and interpretation ideas and Tarot terminology and Tarot trivia to impress my gullible friends with. Just because I consider Tarot a cheap parlor trick, doesn't mean my gullible friends don't buy it. It makes me popular and it helps me meet new people. It's like having a cute dog to walk around. It's an instant conversation piece. Except Tarot cards are smaller and they don't poop. oh yeah, that's a GREAT reason to get into tarot.:mad::rolleyes:

squigglywiggly	24 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Sam oh yeah, that's a GREAT reason to get into tarot.:mad::rolleyes: Excuse me but are you Mr. Tarot? Who appointed you as president of the Tarot club? Who gave you authority to judge whether people are doing Tarot for the right reasons? I suggest that you sit your ass down and eat some humble pie for breakfast.

MeeWah	24 Jul 2002
The reason that may prompt one to use Tarot is a personal choice; not a matter for judgement/criticism & last, not the subject of this thread!!

Dark Inquisitor	25 Jul 2002
When does the Mr. Tarot Contest start?

the hermit	25 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Tarotphelia When does the Mr. Tarot Contest start? BAD Tarotphelia... NO BISCUIT! :D

Marion	25 Jul 2002
Kazz started this thread because he had an issue with a problem that was worrying him. Most of you posting at one time or another have done the same.

tigerlily	25 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by squigglywiggly Nobody likes me because of my personality. I have to be interesting so people will like me. Has it ever occured to you that people don't like you because of the way you treat them? Of course that comes down to personality, too... Treating others as you want to be treated by them will make you friends much faster than making yourself "interesting" by cheating people with cheap tricks. Hint: most people don't like being cheated and will resent you even more once they find out.

tigerlily	25 Jul 2002
But...but... if we pm, we can't gang up! :D You are right, of course - this whole discussion has gotten way off topic and I apologize for taking part in it (but not for my opinion; just to make that clear). I won't push it further here. Do I get a biscuit now?

Sam	25 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by squigglywiggly I suggest that you sit your ass down and eat some humble pie for breakfast. ooooohhhhhhhhhhh............SQ I am trying sooooooooo hard to restrain myself to not post an insult back to you. breathe in, breathe out. deep breathes. restraint is the key to life. okay.

amyel	25 Jul 2002
Kazz, There have been many times when I have felt the same way. Occasionally, I'd "force" myself to read anyway, and usually these readings would be far from satisfactory and I couldn't make sense of them. So, I don't read anymore if I am not in the mood....:) Sam & Squiggly: Please drop it. This is not the place. Take it off the forum if you must continue.

Kazz	25 Jul 2002
Marion, just a quite word, I am not a him but a she:) but it is an easy mistake and i found it funny:) so doesn't matter. Yes indeed i have to agree, Sam and Squiggly take it outside before it gets messy! I think "respect" for each other here would be nice and this does bring up a matter that should be discussed in another forum if need be. I would love to learn more on divination from other sorts, so i think i will start to find out a little info on this, thanks guys, you are very helpful (AS ALWAYS :) ) I have done a reading yesterday for my mum, it wasn't bad but i really didn't make alot of sense from it and i will post it in "your readings" i think to get some feedback Cheers Kazz :TQC

Sam	25 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kazz Yes indeed i have to agree, Sam and Squiggly take it outside before it gets messy! i am trying soooooooo hard to respect s/q! honestly! but when she calls friends of mine here "bitches" and tells me to "eat humble pie" that is just the last straw! she just won't leave me alone!

Kazz	26 Jul 2002
Sam, I tell you what i know how hard it is to always try and keep it together and believe me i would like to say a few things on this as well, but if we all would like to discuss this further and get it out in the open before it spills into another post (which i hope doesn't happen) maybe someone should start a post on this (I don't know if that would be appropriate) in a section suitable, as i feel that people who have already commented and Squiggly may want to clear the air or whatever so that it doesn't get into posts that are in genuine need of peoples help and comments. I hope by saying this, it doesn't step on anyones toes (who have authority) it is just that i wouldn't like to see this kind of behavior happen in other posts.

jade	26 Jul 2002
there isn't a section here on the forum that is appropriate for this type of posting. if you want to take this to private messaging or email, that's fine, but the forum isn't the place for this. in light, jade ps please feel free to read the forum guidelines, if needed.

Diana	26 Jul 2002
edited

fairyhedgehog	26 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Diana Sometimes it can be wise to ignore deliberate provocation. It can save so much time and energy for important things. Things that matter. Well said, Diana, the voice of reason as always :) We can always alert the moderators to any post that we feel is inappropriate, and I trust the moderators to do a good job behind the scenes in keeping the forum friendly. Trying to get back on topic, I wonder what it is that makes the cards seem so unattractive sometimes, and other times so appealing? I can feel a thread coming on about different decks, so I'd better stop before I go off topic again. Love and light to all, FH

tigerlily	26 Jul 2002
Hi Kazz, here's the reading, as promised (Kazz asked me to post it here so that others who made suggestions can read it, too): Question : Why can't I use my cards anymore? 1. Nature of the Problem: The Moon 2. Cause of the problem: 8 of Swords 3. What to do: Page of Pentacles 1. When I saw the moon, I was immediately reminded of its cyclic nature: it waxes, reaches fullnes, wanes and seems to disappear - only to appear again, waxing and gaining strength. The card reaffirmed what some of us already suspected, that this is only a stage you go through - the dark of the moon, time to rest, reflect and digest what you've learned. It's a plateau phase, nothing to worry about. Another thing that the moon indicates is a heightened sensitivity. Distractions and tensions that you were able to shut out at other times now keep you from concentrating. You pick up other people's mood swings and suffer yourself from stronger emotions and irritability. This can effectively block your reading ability for a time. 2. The 8 of Swords seems to point in the same direction - Swords stand not only for communication and thoughts, but also for the nerves ;) and it may be that yours have been tested a bit lately. The Rider image of the 8/Swords is one of being tied down and being unable to "see" the way out. Perhaps there's a lot on your mind and you try to be fair (eights being the number of Justice in my system) and care for everyone, have an open ear for everyone's problems and have meaningful conversations with them, trying to help them see the best solution - and in the process, you overlook that you need a fair share of time for yourself, too. 3. What to do? Play. It's really that easy ;) The Pages are children and as such lack the anal-retentive seriousness that adults apply to their studies. The Earth Page is a very hands-on player, so my earlier suggestion of coloring the cards may be just right. The Earth suit reminds youy also to get out and reconnect with nature - this alone will ground you and replenish your batteries. Wheter you work in the garden or take a long walk, be sure to leave your thoughts about the everyday problems behind. Concentrate on your surroundings, watch the birds, relax. Take a holiday, even if it's only for two hours. Hope this helps.

Marion	26 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kazz Marion, just a quiet word, I am not a him but a she:) but it is an easy mistake and i found it funny:) so doesn't matter. Oops, sorry Kazz, and there it is, right in your profile too. *blushes*

Marion	26 Jul 2002
Question : Why can't I use my cards anymore? 1. Nature of the Problem: The Moon 2. Cause of the problem: 8 of Swords 3. What to do: Page of Pentacles I thought that tigerlily did a wonderful reading on that throw. All I can add is just some of my associations to add to it. The Moon shines with reflected light which speaks of seeing the original source of light only through its reflection via another medium. It is a time when things are shadowy, and also it draws aspects out the unconcious, represented by the crayfish in the RW version. Kazz, you have been using the cards for a while. That you feel an aversion to using them (however that manifests... just don't 'feel' like it) is that shadowiness. That you feel things working but it so dim you cannot see it. This takes us back to tigerlily's 'waxes and wanes'. Things do not progress in our unconcious minds in a straightline, like learning times tables. You will learn and fall back and learn and fall back. The What to do card is a Page: the beginner, the one first grasping, or grasping in a new way, the concepts of her suit. In this case Pentacles. The suit of grounding, or in I Ching terms, that which holds all, nourishes all. I am thinking that from the 8 of Swords (and only further to what tigerlily said) you just had too much going on, probably on all levels and you had to step back. That's my addition.

kayne	26 Jul 2002
Kazz, There are some decks that I have that I like but just make me feel nothing when I try to use them... Have you considered getting a new deck? (Sounds like a good excuse to me :D)

Starfish	26 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by kayne Kazz, There are some decks that I have that I like but just make me feel nothing when I try to use them... Have you considered getting a new deck? (Sounds like a good excuse to me :D) Ooooooohhh, I'm with Kayne! Definitely sounds like a reason to purchase a new deck to me ;) :TKIP :TKIC :TAW Starfish

Kazz	26 Jul 2002
Ooooh Tigerlily, great work on the reading, i thought it was quite true for me. Kayne - oh yes i have been trying to get hold of the "sacred Circle" but having trouble getting it, but i WILL get it. Marion - thankyou for the extra bits, and you don't have to apologize for the HIM thing. Jade and Diana - i know i shouldn't have posted that, it is just that i wanted it be cleared up in case down the track it spills over to other posts. i hate to see that in such a FRIENDLY place (this is my little piece of heaven) I have been grounding myself and i think it is working, it was great to pick up my cards again but the recent reading i did bothers me a bit. I would think that all of you from time to time have had this "break" from your cards and you guys seem to have come out of it Ok, so i shall be fine. Thanks again everyone Cheers :TQC

MeeWah	26 Jul 2002
Kazz: We all hit fallow periods for various reasons. Even an undetected issue with some aspect can lead to a reluctance. Sometimes it is necessary to distance the self from the cards & to avail the self of one's basic intuition with no "distractions". TigerLily's & Marion's takes are wonderfully insightful! I especially like the understandings of The Moon.

Sorceress_Jade	26 Jul 2002
I'm not sure if Squiggly knows about the PM's yet, so if you don't. Down at the very bottom of the main page is a section title 'private messages' and if you click on that forum title you can see the ones you have and reply to them through that. I know I didn't realize about them for at least a week or two once i joined. Kazz, I'm just now getting over a short stint of the little 'Tarot Drain' bug you've got. Mine was short lived, thank goodness, and I can tell that it had a lot to do with me being just tired all around. As many other people have already suggested, change it up, go do something new for a while. Tarot won't leave your mind, because it's so obvious you have such a love for it. When your rested from it you'll automatically pick up your cards with no problem, and hardly a thought. It'll be natural again. Don't force it, that'll only make you unhappy and no good can come of it. peace -Jade-

Kazz	26 Jul 2002
Meewah, as always you give such great advice :) thankyou for sharing you wisdom with me. Sorceress Jade, what you have said makes so much sense as my situation is the same as yours was, thankyou for sharing and advising. To all of you, i just want to say that i have great respect for all of your wonderful and insightful advice, and it had truly worked for me to take it all in, as i am back into the wonders of the tarot again ((((((YEAH,YEAH))))) :):):):):):):) but i am still going to take it slow for a little while and with less distractions.. Cheers :TQC

wetsheep1	27 Jul 2002
I just read the first post in this thread, and haven't quite gotten through of it yet (phew!!) but here's something my experience has shown me: My cards are all about self-improvement. They are all about making me think about how I put my morals and values into action. For me, when I get to a point when my cards just don't want to be read, it's usually a signal for me to take that new viewpoint, that new information they gave me in the last reading, and put it into action. In other words, time for an object lesson (also sometimes known as "another freaking growth opportunity..."). It's a christian proverb, but it's true: faith without works is dead. So I can either be the real deal, or talk about it endlessly to no good end. I have to grow. It's an imperative. And if I stop, I'll be stuck with the same (freaking) reading over and over until I get the point! But that's my experience. Hope it helps! :) Take good care (and I'll keep reading; I've probably echoed someone else's post somewhere in all this mess, so I do apologize for that), :) -- k

The Can't pick up my cards thread was originally posted on 23 Jul 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.