Where to start

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 21 Jul 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Leilani	21 Jul 2002
I've always been interested in fortune telling and stuff. Lately i've been able to predict when the phones about to ring and who it'll be even if i dont know them. What is this and does this help when reading tarot? What deck is best for begginers, any hints for starting?

HOLMES	21 Jul 2002
you find it by clicking on the user cp to give you a basic start.

midnightmerry	21 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Leilani I've always been interested in fortune telling and stuff. Lately i've been able to predict when the phones about to ring and who it'll be even if i dont know them. What is this and does this help when reading tarot? What deck is best for begginers, any hints for starting? Hi Leilani! I used to be able to do the 'phone thing' when I was young, too! It used to really freak my older brother out. lol For me, it was something of phase I went through: as I got older, I was no longer able to do it. It was obviously some kind of psychic ability. With you doing this now, some would say it would help you with Tarot, but others would say it isn't necessary to reading the cards. I say it won't hurt! Anyway, for starting out, first of all I would suggest that you read through these threads here; there is a ton of good suggestions on this forum. Although choosing a deck is very personal, to start I'd probably recommend the Rider-Waite, or a Rider-Waite clone. The Universal Waite is an excellent deck to begin with because it has the original symbols of the Rider-Waite, but with an updated coloring. Also, the Hanson-Roberts deck is great, too. I learned on that deck & it is very attractive & easy to read. I still use it. Eventually, you'll want to branch out & get other decks (you'll meet some very serious collectors here at AT! lol), but to start I'd keep it simple. Then, get a good book to help you with the meanings. There is a Universal Waite "kit" that comes with a book and a deck. Same thing for the Hanson-Roberts. There are a ton of good books out there to help you learn the meanings. The "Tarot Directory" by Annie Lionnet is good for short, concise references. Anthony Louis's "Tarot Plain & Simple" is good, as is Janina Renee's "Tarot for a New Generation." The point is, the more you read, the more you'll understand the 'mood' of the card. Also, don't forget your own feelings about what the cards mean. There are people here who can offer you some really great advice. Basically, we all probably learned Tarot in different ways. Trust your heart on this. Good luck and welcome to AT.

Umbrae	21 Jul 2002
Begin with three card spreads. Begin doing 3 card readings (for others). Do them for-ever. Do a lot of them. Buy a spiral notebook. Use it as a Journal (very important). Write down every reading (both cards and your interpretation). Only read for yourself no more than once a week. Three card readings are versatile, and accurate. More cards do not always mean better readings (but they look good on tv). Read books (but remember they are a reference tool, not a reverence tool) (I recommend “Tarot Reversals” by Mary Greer. 3 card spreads? Page 215. Read old posts on this site. By all means go to: http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/basics/index.html Also, have fun.

Jenny-Li	21 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae Only read for yourself no more than once a week. Umbrae: Does this mean "don't do daily 1-card-readings"? Because if it does, I'm not sure I agree... Leilani: Welcome to the forum, a very good place to start if you want to learn the Tarot. All the resources the others have recommended are very good, I've used and learned from most of them! Don't ever hesitate to ask questions, don't be afraid to get friendly with your cards (I mean respect them, don't worship them!) and don't follow rules that feel superficial to you. We're all different, and need to find our own way. That is a process that takes a while, so don't forget to chill out and have fun along the way, that's how you figure out what works for you! I look forward to seeing you around! Light and love, Jenny :)

midnightmerry	21 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jenny-Li Umbrae: Does this mean "don't do daily 1-card-readings"? Because if it does, I'm not sure I agree... Jenny :) My goodness! I do daily THREE card readings! I've read several sources that do recommend pulling a card a day if for no other reason but to help you learn. Read all you can & go with what works for you! Good luck.

Umbrae	21 Jul 2002
Pulling a card a day is different than doing a reading a day. When folks are new, it is easy to become too dependent upon Oracular devices, and to use them for every little thing that arises. They may show you what you want to see, rather then what you are looking for. New folks tend to do clarification after clarification and then post for help with the reading because they do not like what they see. When in fact they need to learn what it is they are seeing. Too many readings on and about your life are not constructive when new.

Jenny-Li	21 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae Pulling a card a day is different than doing a reading a day. Too many readings on and about your life are not constructive when new. OK, then we do agree after all! :D (Only I'd say too many readings aren't constructive for anyone, new or not...!) Jenny :)

midnightmerry	21 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae Too many readings on and about your life are not constructive when new. Yes, I can go with that.

The Where to start thread was originally posted on 21 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.