Can you use traditional books for insights into non-traditional decks?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 12 Sep 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Teal	12 Sep 2002
Can you-----or should you-------use traditional tarot reference books to gain more insight into the non-traditional decks, or is it better to stick with the books and booklets that come with the decks?

Royal Cat	12 Sep 2002
Can you? Sure. They are your cards and your readings to do as you wish. Should you? Personally, I don't see why not. But I'm sure there's someone out there would disagree. In my own experience with tarot, the meanings from my different decks and books have kind of blended together in my mind over time. Now, when I draw/pull a card sometimes the meaning from a different deck pops into my head and feels most appropriate at that time. I just go with my intuition and whatever feels right for each particular reading. Hope that helps. :) Cat

Teal	12 Sep 2002
Thank you for the reply. How long had you been working with tarot before it started to become automatic that the meanings would come to mind without relying on books? I'm seriously fascinated and enthralled with tarot now but there seems to be so much to learn and it makes me wonder how long it will take me. Of course, I always want everything YESTERDAY-----so that figures! LOL

Umbrae	13 Sep 2002
Begin at the beginning Go Slow! Unless you strive for mediocrity. Begin with three card spreads. Begin doing 3 card readings (for others). Do them forever. 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). Throw away the little white book. 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.

Teal	13 Sep 2002
Thank you for this good advice, Umbrae. I've already started writing down all my spreads and the cards they involve, but haven't done the journal on my impression and thoughts yet, but I do keep journals and will definitely start doing what you suggest.

Laurel	13 Sep 2002
Journaling is a godsend into learning the tarot. My advice would be to also start with one deck. Its completely okay if its a non-traditional one, but keep in mind that will require a little of intuition for relating traditional books to it. Then again, it depends on the card and the deck and which 'trad books' one is using. Thirteen's tarot basics are better than any traditional lwb and worth printing out and keeping on hand. If any particular card is confusing, start a thread about it here! Some of us addicts love to be able to talk about potential meanings of given cards in given decks; I personally learn so much from other people's insights here at AT. Laurel

Teal	13 Sep 2002
I'm finding this forum to be HUGELY helpful to me! I so much appreciate everyone's input on all the cards and how to use them. I'll look for the directions you mentioned. I haven't done any spreads on particular issues in my life yet, but am going to start doing that and the journal work today.

Alissa	13 Sep 2002
Hmmmm just picked up a copy of Tarot Reversals on Amazon, thanks for the heads up. I'm still building my tarot library. Wonderful advice has already been given, and you all benefit so many by sharing it here. My thanks again Umbrae!

The Can you use traditional books for insights into non-traditional decks? thread was originally posted on 12 Sep 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.