Mind over tarot?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 19 Aug 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Musicman	19 Aug 2002
hi, i was wondering if it's possible to influence the outcome of your cards. for example, i have found that if instead of concentrating on my question without thinking of the outcome, if i think of the outcome that I REALLY want it seems to influence the cards that turn up in the reading. I also think the mood or emotional state you are in can play a major part in the cards reading, which is why it's important to make sure that your state of mind is neutral while dealing the cards and doing the reading and also to make sure that the reading you get is unbiased in it's answer. any comments or opinions much appreciated. musicman

the hermit	19 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Musicman hi, i was wondering if it's possible to influence the outcome of your cards. for example, i have found that if instead of concentrating on my question without thinking of the outcome, if i think of the outcome that I REALLY want it seems to influence the cards that turn up in the reading. I also think the mood or emotional state you are in can play a major part in the cards reading, which is why it's important to make sure that your state of mind is neutral while dealing the cards and doing the reading and also to make sure that the reading you get is unbiased in it's answer. any comments or opinions much appreciated. musicman First, I think you've asked a good question that really belongs up in the "Talking Tarot" section. But to answer your question... yes, of course, mood and emotional state of you and/or the querent will greatly effect any reading. How the cards are interpreted can be influenced by what the reader "thinks" is the answer needed or desired. And it's not always possible to assure that "your state of mind is neutral". That's where you simply must do your best to be objective about any reading. Often secondary draws for clarification can help, but there is never a quarantee. You simply must rely on your own intuition and sometimes just say... "sorry, this doesn't feel right" and walk away and perhaps try another day.

Sullanciri2002	21 Aug 2002
but I have often considered the possibility that I am pushing what I know about a situation into the way I interpret the cards - which is the sort of question you only need ask yourself when reading on things in your own life or circle of friend and family. Guess it's still better to be wary of that happening, than not thinking or considering the possibility at all.

Keslynn	21 Aug 2002
I do agree that sometimes mood can affect a reading. One time I made the mistake of reading when I was upset about the situation, and I got complete gibberish. But I learned that lesson fairly quickly and have made sure to calm myself before readings. If I can't calm myself, then obviously I need to think about the situation more and work something out before reading about it. Yet I only think that really strong and immediate emotions will cause such a problem reading. Each person can only be neutral to a certain point because we are all emotional beings. However, I think the reading can reflect that in a good way by telling you what's on your mind (even when you may not realize it). I also only think that those background emotions which are there all the time will only affect a reading to a certain point. I know I've had some readings where the cards told me things I didn't want to hear but were completely true. I was a little miffed at the time. lol But it was helpful nonetheless. :) Kes

Laurel	21 Aug 2002
Here's my answer, coming from the bias of someone who believes that there are real psychics out there and is a practicing magician. Yes, some people can influence which cards come up or "know" what card is on the top of the deck. Reality being a lot more flexible than it appears, and a face down tarot card being a bit like Shrodinger's Cat, it is more than reasonable to suppose that through Will alone, certain accomplished people could control what card appears. But why would one do so? If one is sincerely asking for guidance or clarity from a reading, its sort of shooting oneself in the foot. Its a bit of misuse of the tool, unless the sole purpose of the reading is to experiment on harnessing your Will by practicing summoning certain cards. Laurel

MeeWah	21 Aug 2002
Musicman: If your query concerns the likelihood of influencing the cards to produce a "wish fulfillment" theme, then yes, 'tis possible. It may depend on the strength of the desire; or the will of the person, as Laurel mentioned. The emotional state or the mood can influence how the cards are perceived. The perception may inadvertently result in a deceptive prognosis as the cards need not be read in one way, but lend themselves to different interpretations. Detachment or maintaining a neutral state is crucial in determining the most accurate appraisal of the cards at any given moment. I had a repeat client who had a run of throws that seemed totally contradictory to my impressions of her situation (I later found out that they were also contradictory to glaring evidence she had received). It occurred to me that *she* was influencing the cards--due to her strong desire to deny the reality, which was very painful. I repeatedly saw her as hanging onto an out-dated or misguided notion that would ultimately betray her. It was not until the life she knew fell apart that she started listening.

the hermit	22 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by MeeWah I had a repeat client who had a run of throws that seemed totally contradictory to my impressions of her situation (I later found out that they were also contradictory to glaring evidence she had received). It occurred to me that *she* was influencing the cards--due to her strong desire to deny the reality, which was very painful. I repeatedly saw her as hanging onto an out-dated or misguided notion that would ultimately betray her. It was not until the life she knew fell apart that she started listening. Been there... done that... We can show them the various path choices, but they have to choose which one to walk. That's often a hard thing to take with repeat clients but especially with friends. At least she finally listened MeeWah.

The Mind over tarot? thread was originally posted on 19 Aug 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.