Do you ever use your books when reading for a client in person?

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

Teal	12 Sep 2002
I hope this isn't a dumb question, but I'm thinking to myself that I don't see how I'm ever going to learn everything so I don't ever have to use the books. How long does it take till you feel you can do readings for clients?

HudsonGray	12 Sep 2002
If it's for friends, they should understand, but if you're having someone pay money for a reading, you shouldn't need to refer to the book, it implies that you don't know enough yet to read for clients. But I think you could get away with just glancing once, if you say something like "I'd like to check something on this one card" and do a real quick look. Still, reading a spread without resorting to the book is what people expect.

Royal Cat	12 Sep 2002
I agree with HudsonGray. If someone is paying they'll expect you to "know your stuff" without needing a book. With friends though, you can get away with taking time to read the book description. I rarely read for others (just don't have anyone around here to read for), but I have some "cheat sheets" with keywords and notes that I will sometimes refer to if needed. If I feel like I'm 'freezing up' and just can't get the words out - a quick glance at my notes helps to set me back on the right track. Cat

Teal	12 Sep 2002
Yes, that's what I would have thought. I didn't mean do the reading with a book, but just whether it would be okay to check a reference book if you got stuck or whether it's best just to wing it. I guess if you're reading online, it would be easier to check a reference if you had to because who would know?

Umbrae	13 Sep 2002
Don't wing it! Learn first. Study. Slow Down. http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?s=&postid=80692#post80692

jema	13 Sep 2002
i have done it once - with the Osho Zen tarot but only because i wanted to read for her the quotes on the lovers card. i think she thought it was ok to do it. but i never do it just for the meanings of the cards. after all - most LWBs are pretty lousy and don't really add all that much. when i do readings for myself i sometimes check ALL my books, each and everyone, it takes me an hour or more, but it give me a pretty good grip on one single card and how differently it can be interpreted. mostly though - if i feel totally stuck on a card, i bring out another deck and do a comparative reading instead. Gill has saved many readings.

Jenny-Li	13 Sep 2002
There's one way around it, as I see it: Write your own book, then you can always say that you want to refer to your notes. I wouldn't bring a pile of books to a reading, whether the querent is there or not, for the same reasons others have stated already, it would just seem you're not really ready to do readings for others. (For a friend who knows you do it for practise and is OK with that it would probably be OK, though!) But if you, while working with the cards have a note book and take notes concerning what you learn about the cards, not only will you learn more, deeper and faster, nobody can really blame you for going back to your previous work to check something out. I have a really thick, heavy, textile-bound notebook that looks really impressive. That's what I bring to a reading. Sometimes I look something up, other times, I just write down something I find in this particular reading, cuz that's what it's for...! But as the others have said, don't rush - you have all the time in the world! Good luck! Light and love, Jenny :)

lunalafey	13 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jenny-Li I have a really thick, heavy, textile-bound notebook that looks really impressive. That's what I bring to a reading. Sometimes I look something up, other times, I just write down something I find in this particular reading, cuz that's what it's for...! gosh...never thought of it like that...too cool.. The more you read...ANYTHING...the book the cards the notes, other books, other cards...more notes; the more you read the more familiar you get...IMO, could anyone ever really 'know' a card?

osami2717	13 Sep 2002
Thank you for asking this question! I would have done it if you hadn't. My sister was talking to one of her co-workers and my name and Tarot somehow came up [???- "you're talking about me?" lol] anyway...her co-worker asked if I could do a reading for her today after work. I am okay with this, I need to do practice readings for other people anyway. I'm just nervous as hell!!! I never charge anyone for a reading, the thought had never even entered my mind, but I was curious about how I should handle the situation [couldn't sleep well last night am so wired] So...I take it dragging in all my books and notes is a no? I was thinking of only bringing one book, 'Power Tarot' by Trish MacGregor & Phyllis Vega. It's very simple and is divided into topics...work, romance, spirituality etc. One day I hope I'm confident enough to do this without a book!!! Maybe in a couple of years :D

WillieHewes	13 Sep 2002
I'd say wing it, even if you're stuck. :P Remembering meanings isn't difficult, after all, the books are only there to help you see things that *are in the cards themselves*. Once you've got a feeling for the imagery of the deck you're using, lose the book(let). Of course it is always useful to read books, as they can help you find new nuances, or help you see things you hadn't realised before. But when you're working with the cards, use the cards, not the books. If you are completely stuck on the significance of a card when reading for someone else, you could always ask what the card means to them, ask them to describe the scene, who they identify with, what it reminds them of, &c. Usually, this should give you all the information you need. What the cards signify to the querant (querant... weird word...) is what should be their meaning, damn the books! But that's just my opinion. I'm sure others would disagree.

Liliana	13 Sep 2002
Quote: [i] when i do readings for myself i sometimes check ALL my books, each and everyone, it takes me an hour or more, but it give me a pretty good grip on one single card and how differently it can be interpreted. [/b] Glad to see im not the only one to do this sometimes lol, its very educational :) I think you can get away with one book, especially if you tell him before hand that you may need to use it as you are just learning how to read for others, he should understand, especially since he isnt payig and asked for it :) :THP

Teal	13 Sep 2002
Wow! What wonderful posts, guys! Thank you all so much for responding to this for me! Looking at the deck and deciding what it means to me or a querent without consulting the book hadn't occurred to me, so that will help me tremendously. I'm sure that aspect is among the most important ones in a reading.

HOLMES	13 Sep 2002
please never wing it til you know at least he basic of the cards. it is good to be inuitive, in fact all we tarot readers strive to read from that level but it is kind of .. USING A LIGHT SABER yeaht that is it. you need to know how to swing the bugger without cutting off your legs (spreads and how to use them) need to know how to defend and effecitly counter attack (sounds violent but i did pick the light saver theme eheh) (the basics of the tarot and what they mean to you so you have some understanding how they relate, never want to give the wrong advice :THE DEATH CARD QUICK MAKE YOUR WILL," "THE TOWER CARD OH MAN CALL HOME YOUR HOUSE IS BURNING DOWN " "OH MAN THE WOMAN IN THE CARD LOOKS PREGNANT" a few readings like that wil scare off a client eheh, or a friend. pratice makes perfect that is what makes a jedi master over a jedi padwan (for two years i used the books when i read for friends and when i wasn't reading i was reading the book, trying to understand it and that is of course my own self and not necessary yours. and then the advance stuff a jedi using the lightsaver learns to trust the force for it is better then their own reflexes (there will come a time when you start recieiving impressions by either pictures, whispers, feelings, or just a knowing and youw ill wonder , wth is going on? it is nature for the tarot is a learning tool for understanding and growing your own soul and your abilities so it will come and it will be you to trust it , and it will win you light saber battles ) so you see if a jedi just jumped into battle with darth vader without learning the basic of the light saver he get quikly killed (on a side note luke was given lightsaver training by old yoda. and he had to learn to block these stunners who beams could knock him out for a while so towards the end he had four of the blasting at him consider each one a lightsaver lunge. it was in the book but was deleted from the movie ) so that is a lesson in itself that you learn whatever way you can as you focus on learning and let the book(yoda) (for lack of a bette term ) or yo could call the book obiwan as he dies to get yoda to teach luke a spirit guide if you will :O) even in the movie luke was training every day to feel he force by running and mediating and such. while i don't know if running can help you learn the tarot eheh mediating on each card wil hel you in the long run to feel the deeper , and higher meanings of the cards , from the lovers being just lovers to being soul mates, to being soul levels of kindredspiirts, and death being transfomration to a sacred cycle of nature, that must be accepted and all its lessons . so if you a beginner ,, never jut wing it but instead complete your jedi training or it wll be incomplete

fairyhedgehog	13 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by HOLMES please never wing it til you know at least he basic of the cards. it is good to be inuitive, in fact all we tarot readers strive to read from that level but it is kind of .. USING A LIGHT SABER yeaht that is it. Holmes, this was a brilliant post - funny and insightful. I shall bear it in mind when I think about reading intuitively.

Laurel	13 Sep 2002
I loved Holmes' post :) Teal, I promise that it will all come and there will be a day when you realize you don't need the books any more. Its completely okay to practice on friends, roomies, family, with the books. One good way to learn cards well is to do a "card a day" approach where you focus on a single card, each day. I personally like to do all the major arcana, 0-22, then the suit cards suit-by-suit, then the pip cards suit-by-suit. Keep the card you are working on out where you can see it. At work (being in an environment where I can), I put the card right below my moniter. You can make up an index card of general meanings from the books and set it next to the card so that whenever you have a moment, you can glance down and see it. That works wonders for the memorization part of learning tarot. This whole process takes 78 days or 2.5 months but you'd be amazed at how much information you will retain and the rapport that builds up between you and the images on the cards.

Teal	13 Sep 2002
Thank you for all your help. Laurel, the method you suggest sounds like it would really work well. I think I'll try that. Holmes, I've tried what you suggested but I broke my darned light staber, so I'll have to wait till it comes out of the shop. LOL

napaea	14 Sep 2002
another way you could get around this is to tell them you are going to tell them what you feel the cards are telling you. after you do the reading you can offer to read to them from the book, or have them read the books interpretation. i don't feel you should read from the book for a sitting client. while i agree to "not wing it", part of the beauty of tarot - for me - is that it is different every time. yes the standard meaning for the 3 of swords is woe and loss, but when i do readings, different stuff pops up at me every time. so the 3 of swords might have NOTHING to do with loss for one of my clients. it depends on the individual, in my work. i think it is important to 1. learn the meaning of the cards 2. compare notes and meanings of different authors, decks, etc. this gives you a broader view of how this card can be read 3. work with the card yourself. what do the pictures say to YOU what do the surrounding figures say, the colors, the art style 4. read through this stuff ocassionally to keep it fresh in your mind 5. put all of this stuff away when you feel you have some handle on it, and trust your instinct. and read read read. the more you read for others, the better you will learn your own style.

Umbrae	14 Sep 2002
Reading for others, carries with it a huge responsibility that many do not recognize. People are coming to you – for advice. What you say to them can have affects. A wrong word, a careless meaning, can damage a person for life. Some have taken their own lives because of a careless reader. When you go the store and purchase your own first deck, you are not a reader. After some serious study, perhaps. Taking your first deck to a party and doing ‘Readings for fun’ can have serious and long-term effects. This applies to every member of Aeclectic whether they admit it or not. One follows The Way, only to bring balance to the world, to be beneficial. However, The Way also carries an onus. Power is secondary. Therein lies the obligation. Think carefully before you ‘read for others’. Free your heart from your mind. Wonder does not need to be justified, or ‘how’d’ to death. 8)

Liliana	14 Sep 2002
Excellent point Umbrae, maybe thats why i prefer reading for myself, and then oly rarely, over reading for others. Guess Im afraid that sometimes I might say something wrong that touches a nerve that shouldnt be touched in the person Im reading for. What I tell myself is just me and I know how Ill handle it, but you never totally know what will hapen with another. :THP

napaea	14 Sep 2002
well, i have to disagree with a point of umbrae's. while i would agree that readings are serious, some people view them as entertainment, you have to know the expectation of the client, are they here for a good fun reading, or are they seeking answers to serious questions. where i disagree is this...a person does not take their own life because they get a bum reading. sorry, it doesn't happen. anyone who would take their life after a reading they are upset about is already in an unstable place. a stable, healthy person who gets a reading is not going to go and kill themselves because the reading shows they won't be with their boyfriend. they take into consideration the reading and everything else in their life. i say this because it is very dangerous to put other people's decisions on the shoulder of the reader. YES, it is important to read with accuracy. YES, it is important to understand the cards. YES, it is important to consider the possible meanings and convey the right one. but regardless of what you do in your reading, the client is ultimately responsible for his/her actions after the reading. i cannot accept that the reader is responsible for someone else's suicide. while i think it is wise for all readers to take what they do seriously, we are certainly not in the profession of maintaining people's sanity and emotional well being. at this point, the reader should refer the client to a counselor if they thing the client is unstable. but the reader is in no way responsible for the death of a client, unless he/she hexed him, cursed him, hypnotized, or some other unethical procedure.

Teal	14 Sep 2002
To Umbrae What do you mean by "The Way"? I'm well aware that I'm not a reader. Heck, I have trouble doing readings for myself! My questions about how long it takes till a person can read for someone else and not consult books have just been motivated by curiosity, not any desire to become El Tarot Reader Fantastico overnight. And what you say hits home with me about reading and getting familiar with the basics and then with what other decks are about to give an overall education in the cards. I'm doing just that. I don't have any traditional decks, but I printed out the information from the Thirteen posts and I'm studying the meanings of the traditional cards. I love the imagery on some of my other type decks, but they're not as easy to read. It's getting a bit easier, though, to intuitively see the meanings they have for me without consulting the books, but I don't know if that means I'm seeing the actual traditional meaning of each card yet or if I'm just seeing what my intuition is apart from the cards. Thanks for the responses on it. I've been able to see from the very start that it's an ongoing process of study and that one never knows all there is to know about tarot.

RedWood	14 Sep 2002
I agree totally Napaea..No need for me to reply now.. (like saying Music causes suicide also..media...etc...Like doctors who diagnose you will die in 6 weeks when you could live for much longer...a self fulfilling prophecy..)

Umbrae	14 Sep 2002
Perhaps we are arguing rhetorical points. Cause and effect. Oft, pinpointing the true cause, the last straw, may be difficult. But to deny the responsibility… ‘For entertainment purposes only’ is a phrase used to say, “I am not responsible for anything that happens here”. It is mandated in many communities by law. I am not saying that that music, like fatty red meat has consequences. To imply such is to fail to realize the content. I am saying that there is a responsibility.

Diana	14 Sep 2002
edited

DarkElectric	14 Sep 2002
Hi Teal :) Good question. I personally think it is extremely unprofessional to use a book when reading for a paying client. At the very least, it makes one appear to be an ignorant boob. If I went to a reader who pulled out a book, I would think that this person was a wannabe, and they would lose all credibility with me. I'd probably be laughing heartily as I walked out. And, I wouldn't even begin to consider reading for someone else, especially for a fee, unless, as other people have so wisely councilled here, I had been studying for years, had developed a true intuitive sense of the meanings of the cards, and how they relate to human situations, etc. And you have to know who you are reading for. I agree whole heartedly that when one undertakes to read for others, there is an inherent responsibility on the part of YOU, the reader, to provide wise council, and accuracy. This does not occur overnight, no matter how good you may think you are. People WILL take what you tell them seriously. Even if you have the entertainment disclaimer, the people who come to you for advice, are many times, desperate people seeking help and answers. And they will take your advice. So you had better be real careful as to what that advice is. No joke, I've had the experience where I've had to try to mitigate the damage done to people who have gone to readers who just babble out some stuff based on I don't know what. These people took it as gospel. Because all the disclaimers we have won't shake people's belief in the power of the information provided by the unseen world. My own ex BF, who in spite of being a personal jerk, was an extremely talented guitarist. An "Astrologer" at a psychic fair did his chart, and told him he saw...NO talent for music or anything else creative in it. My ex is a fairly intellegent man. He is also Bi polar, schitzoid tendencies, and refuses to seek treatment. HE took this reading to be the Gods's honest truth, and doesn't let the facts about his own playing interfere with the obviously incorrect assessment of this so called Astrologer. He thinks he will never be successful musically. It has influenced his thinking in such a profound way , that he blames his failure on the stars, when in fact, it is a result of not seeking medical treatment for mental illness. HE IS NOT THE ONLY PERSON LIKE THIS OUT THERE! Not everyone you read for will be stable, or balanced mentally. You would be surprised at the number of nice, normal looking people, who are in denial, and out of touch with themselves. I cannot stress enough, that it is so important to take reading for others as seriously as the people you read for will be taking what you tell them. Take the time to learn. Even if it's 10 years. The damage you could do is, in my opinion, so not worth it if you don't try to cover all the bases.

jade	14 Sep 2002
when i first started out reading, i just told people, "hey, i'm just learning how to do this, so here goes......." they all knew that i was learning a new 'tool' and they didn't take me too seriously. once i got some experience and intuitional readings under my belt then i told my clients "i am not god. don't listen to my reading if it doesn't feel right to you and don't make any huge decisions just because of what i'm about to say while reading your cards" it's all about how you explain yourself that counts. giving a caution and some honesty mixed in is a great way to let others know that you take this seriously and you are learning :) as for the suicide that umbrae mentioned........i had a client kill themselves after i read for them and yes it was the reading that assisted them in making that decision. i didn't know that he was highly suicidal, i knew his mom and she never told me but she sent him to me for a reading. he asked alot of questions about what else is 'out there' and what happens when you die. he wrote me a letter just before he killed himself and he left it beside him......he thanked me for letting him know that there was existance after death. so i know for a fact that my reading made a difference in him choosing to die. perhaps if i hadn't read for him he would have received help from someone and not taken his life. i will never know. so yes, reading for others IS a huge responsibility. love jade

MeeWah	14 Sep 2002
Teal: There is much given here from which you can sift through & try, but the bottom line is: are you comfortable with the idea of reading for others & the responsibilities such an endeavor could entail? If you are practising your reading skills amongst family or friends, (whether or not there is an exchange included) they may be more understanding if you let them know ahead of time that you are still learning & will be consulting a book. Actually, Tarot, like the Life it reflects is a constant learning process that never really ends--but that is another discussion. If you are reading for a stranger under the same conditions, consulting a book may be acceptable, but as a reader, I personally do not recommend it for the same reason others have expressed. Still, one must be prepared for the unexpected. Such as, a querent may be apparently asking about one area of the life but the cards may refer to something else. Or one's gut reaction is the reading is about something other than what the querent has in mind. Whatever--handling a U-turn or a detour can offer the reader an opportunity to learn from a reading as well as the querent. Therefore, 'tis far better for you to at least be familiar with the basic meanings if for nothing other than to be prepared for different results. This does not discount the intuition or the reliance on same, but as a "beginner", book knowledge can assist in smoothing over the bumps. The fine-tuning & perception of the nuances & shades in meanings come over time, with practice & experience. Arming the self with knowledge of basic meanings may not produce an inspired reading, but can still offer general reference points for not only the reader, but for the querent as well. As for your query regarding Umbrae's reference to "The Way", that is a subject that could open a broad range of discussion based on the individual spectrum of understanding, philosophy, spirituality, etc! For the purposes of this particular thread however, I believe it to be a reference to how one seeks to live the life--the path one seeks to walk. What one seeks to uphold, in *all of one's dealings with self & with the world*. Thus, how one would choose to handle readings for others would be impacted by this. BTW: an example of one concept of The Way is Tao, a Chinese religion & philosophy based on the writings of Lao-Tse (6th century B.C.) which is translated as meaning The Way. It advocates a simple life that eschews the material, promotes selflessness & detachment by meditation. It seeks self-reliance & self-responsibility through understanding the nature of life. This is not a definitive explanation, but an atttempt. Besides, 'tis not the only concept of a way to live that calls itself The Way--just one of many.

napaea	14 Sep 2002
But to deny the responsibility… ‘For entertainment purposes only’ is a phrase used to say, “I am not responsible for anything that happens here”. ...i just want to point out that i never indicated i denied responsibility, or that other readers should do so. my comment is that there are always going to be people out there who do tarot half heartedly or as a "parlour game". these are people that read for others as a hobby, they are likely not making a living doing it. YES we are all responsible for the information we give. i doubt anyone disagrees with this point. i was trying to point out that your statement about suicides after a bad reading was a bit extreme. and even though this happened to jade, the reality was her client was already suicidal. if she had not given him a reading, he would have found something else that triggered him. YES it is important to stress the responsibility the reader has, on the other hand, i dont think we need to frighten people off from doing readings, by making them think someone else's lives are dependent on the reading they give. personally, i don't do readings for "fun". i tell my "sitting" clients up front that i will disclose to them the information that is given to me. if it is difficult, we will deal with it. if it is too hard to bring up, i will find a delicate way around it. or instead of bringing up the "issue" (infidelity) i bring up the feeling (what are you looking for in life) and i have to say that tarot is no different than anything else. some people start at it for fun and because it's interesting. some people become fascinated, and some make it a part of their spiritual life. we can't tell people how to approach their tarot journey. but if a person is going to read at any professional level, there are codes to live by, and these can be found easily doing a web search.

David River	16 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Laurel I loved Holmes' post :) One good way to learn cards well is to do a "card a day" approach where you focus on a single card, each day. I personally like to do all the major arcana, 0-22, then the suit cards suit-by-suit, then the pip cards suit-by-suit. Keep the card you are working on out where you can see it. At work (being in an environment where I can), I put the card right below my moniter. You can make up an index card of general meanings from the books and set it next to the card so that whenever you have a moment, you can glance down and see it. That works wonders for the memorization part of learning tarot. This whole process takes 78 days or 2.5 months but you'd be amazed at how much information you will retain and the rapport that builds up between you and the images on the cards. I completely agree with the above comments by Laurel. Personally when I first started out I did 11 cards a day until the final day I did 12. I used them like flash cards just to instill basic meanings. I dont think its possible to get around a "direct style" training period. Doing practice readings just didnt help me until I had a basic knowledge of the cards. Whats interesting is I want to point out just how far along you can go with the tarot. By all means Im not the strongest intuitive but I wanted to point out a little of my progression. Like I mentioned above I started out with basic training. A book that I found most useful in learning the morals of the cards was the one associated to the Mythic Tarot Deck. Very good read. In any event after that I started practice readings on my friends. You start to feel a little more confident after a while when your friends start coming to you for readings. What boosts your confidence even more is when your family starts coming to you. Its always nice to hear your mom say you were just born with a gift. Nice way to boost that ego. :-) I suppose I should mention this but Ive always been a lucid dreamer even while I was young, but after a while using the tarot, a door opened. For a while it was a little frightening. I was being guided by light but understand that dark was seeping in also. I saw visions, some good and some quite frightful. In any event the point here is that I had to gain control. Its one thing to want to open, but its quite another to be ready for it. I was always under the impression that you would not be opened unless you were ready for it, but I only think thats true in the case of your path. Not necessarily that you wouldn't be tempted. So anyway I suppose I eventually learned how to defend myself as the directions were literally thrown at me in a book from a good guide. I walked into the store and as soon as I did the man behind the counter looked at me and said you need this. He handed a book to me and I bought it without even turning one page. I knew he was just correct. That book saved my life as it kept me on a path of light. So what am I saying... Books are crucial to learning. You will need them in the beginning but eventually when you are ready a whole new perception of life and the world around you will be opened up. You will be tested by spirit not as a damnation type thing but as to which path is best suited for you. In this sense I suppose everyone will pass, and move into their correct path. Use the books as long as you have to. Then look for meaning from the inner you and the spirit-life that is around you. You will be guided as you already are being guided. I know this is a long post, but I really find it close to my heart. Its all about growth. Not only that of your clients but that of your own. Try not to get too far ahead of yourself for the simple fact that you may not be fully prepared for the next step. I really and truly hope this helps and may Life bless you with all that your soul truly seeks. Interesting that this happens to by my 13th post. David River

Teal	16 Sep 2002
What I've discovered about myself after several days with the cards is that learning to "see out of the corner of my eye" is the key for me. Doing spreads and then reading the books isn't that helpful, but what IS helpful is just like several have said----getting familiar with each card and what it means in a general way. Just doing spreads and reading the books hasn't given me much enlightenment, but learning the general meanings of the cards, the suits and such is what's obviously going to help me the most. Also, even though I now have several decks, sticking with one that I seem to have a better rapport with till I learn that particular deck. Learning what the Air, Wind, Fire and Water suits mean in general, then in specific for each card----what the Major Arcana cards mean in general and then more specifically for each one----that seems to be what's going to do me more good than expecting the text of the books to be holy writ. I'm sure all of you more experienced tarot readers on the forum are chuckling or else shaking your head in wonder that a person could be so dense, but I tend to make things more difficult than they are to begin with. Just bear with me, and hopefully, with all this good help you all are giving me, I'll be shedding my "training wheels" one day and reading with the rest of you. I thank you all for your patience.

Jewel	16 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Teal I'm sure all of you more experienced tarot readers on the forum are chuckling or else shaking your head in wonder that a person could be so dense, but I tend to make things more difficult than they are to begin with. Just bear with me, and hopefully, with all this good help you all are giving me, I'll be shedding my "training wheels" one day and reading with the rest of you. I thank you all for your patience. ~smiles~ au contraire my friend ... if we are chuckling and shaking our heads it is because we remember all to well when we were there (those of us that went through this that is) ... shoot we still experience it from time to time depending on what we are doing with the tarot :) ... perseverance is the key. You have received some great advice. Although you long for some "more tangible" type answers (I know I did) there just are none. Trust yourself and your ability to learn. Then combine your intellect with your intuition and voila! Patience and perseverance. Personally one of the things that helped me the most was using the tarot for other things separate from divination ...

Angeline	19 Sep 2002
Wow! Now why didn't I think to put such a good question..lol! I am still very new on the road of learning and i'm taking all this good advise too. Thanks to all the wonderfully helpful people here.

Teal	19 Sep 2002
Jewel, you said you used the cards for things other than divination and that helped you. What did you use them for? I got a book at Barnes and Noble a few days ago called The Tarot Directory by Annie Lionett and it seems to be helping me a lot in learning the general meanings of the cards.

ChrisTheObscure	19 Sep 2002
I've only been studying tarot for a few months, so in general, readings I do for others have been limited to friends and family. However, I sometimes go to a local coffee house for tarot meditation (my current living space is NOT condusive to quiet at any time), and occasionally I'll get a curious stranger ask if I'm studying tarot, and if I'd mind reading for them. I ALWAYS tell them I'm extremely new to it, and usually right after I lay the spread, I give them a general impression of what I see. I first go card by card by intuition, ask them some questions, and then if they want or if something just doesn't make sense to me, I read the books.

napaea	23 Sep 2002
good for you Chris! that is so cool! i've been thinking about doing that myself, just cause i'd like to get a little notice in my community.

the_querent	30 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by ChrisTheObscure I've only been studying tarot for a few months, so in general, readings I do for others have been limited to friends and family. However, I sometimes go to a local coffee house for tarot meditation (my current living space is NOT condusive to quiet at any time), and occasionally I'll get a curious stranger ask if I'm studying tarot, and if I'd mind reading for them. I ALWAYS tell them I'm extremely new to it, and usually right after I lay the spread, I give them a general impression of what I see. I first go card by card by intuition, ask them some questions, and then if they want or if something just doesn't make sense to me, I read the books. that's what i do, too.

The Do you ever use your books when reading for a client in person? 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.