symbols or a picture

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 22 Jul 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

dolphingirl	22 Jul 2003
Hi I was wondering what is it you look at with a deck, I personally like illustrated decks where there are no symbols that are are just there as symbols but I prefer an illustration to tell a story. I know there are decks like the Crow's Magick deck where even though there are images on it to me it is mainly a symbolism deck where the Fey deck feels more like a story deck. So I guess what I am trying to say (I know not very clearly your thinking lol) is..... What do you use mainly when you do a reading do you look at a symbol on the card or do you look at the picture and let it tell the story. Thanks

jmd	22 Jul 2003
I suppose that stories develop out of images differently for different people, but I would have thought that the greater the symbolic content seen makes for the easier narrative. For example, even a photo of a beach scene becomes more easily story-producing if the person is able to see not only the image as given, but the associations which it brings - these are, in many ways, the symbolic content of the picture. In some ways, some images some find more difficult to unveil into stories than other images. In Tarot, I personally prefer images which embed symbolic content found in the rich neo-platonic quasi-religious or spiritual dimensions. These may at first prove more difficult, but with study, reflection and insights, lead to realms quite broad and profound. For myself, this is why I prefer to not only work with Marseilles type decks, but why I personally think these are far better for beginners too. I'm certain the differing views will provide further dimensions to my own reflections :)

Mimers	22 Jul 2003
I really had to think about this one. I think that I prefer the symbolism. I like to look symbols and guess what they mean. I do though like to tell stories with the cards. I like the Fey deck and the Vision Quest very much for that purpose, and even the Fey deck has symbolism. But, a deck rich in symbolism speaks volumes to me.

Astraea	22 Jul 2003
It seems a bit like the chicken and the egg, because much of what drives a good story is its symbolism, resonating in human consciousness; and rich symbolism enlivens a narrative. When I read cards that have specific storylines carried throughout the illustrations, the symbolism in each brings the story to life; and cards that have no specific narrative, but wonderful symbolism based on esoteric systems (for example), are just as evocative -- if not moreso.

Trogon	22 Jul 2003
Quote: Originally posted by dolphingirl ...do you look at a symbol on the card or do you look at the picture and let it tell the story. Hmmm... well, the short answer to the question is "yes". For me, I am lately finding that a bit of both is true. Though I think, for me, the primary "thing" I use when I'm doing a reading, is the pictures on the cards. I like to let them tell me that story. Certain things will stand out more prominently in a picture one time, different things another time. These are, usually, where I get a focus for my mind that allows me to communicate an idea to the person for whom I am doing a reading. On the other hand... sometimes I am thinking more along the lines of a progression (from Ace to 10) of the suit and the various aspects of that suit. This is something I have found myself doing on occasion lately and it seems to be due, a great deal, to what I have acquired here at A.T. And, because of this (or perhaps it has been another contribution to it?) I have gotten the Haindl Tarot which uses minor arcana which are not illustrated to the level seen on the RWS and similar decks. I don't know... did this actually answer your question?

Umbrae	22 Jul 2003
...Raises hand, bouncing in his seat, "pick me pick me" comes the eager voice. "The answer is YES! Symbols, stories…I believe one gets to a point and it’s all the same, they no longer matter. 78 slips of numbered paper… “What? Oh, which do I prefer…Pictures…”

Little Baron	22 Jul 2003
I have always gone for the pictures but as time goes on, the symbols entice me more. I think that symbols offer me more licence. I got a lot out of a deck of playing cards the other day, looking at the suits and numerological elements. It just created pictures in my mind rather than actually looking at one. I go through phases I think. yaboot

dolphingirl	22 Jul 2003
hi guys I noticed that I prefer pictures as I often find symbolism in them that isn't wacking my over the head :) I also found that some of the decks that are covered with astroligical/ elemental or what ever symbols that people could think of drove me nuts. I guess I prefer to pick my own symbolism out of a picture than have it be so strong that it overwhelmes everything else. I also find that pictures are much easier to use for a discussion with a client. That said on how I feel I am really enjoying hearing from everyone else what means the most to them, DoolphinGirl

wavebreaker	22 Jul 2003
Quote: Originally posted by dolphingirl I guess I prefer to pick my own symbolism out of a picture than have it be so strong that it overwhelmes everything else. Same here: I just look at the pictures and see what it means to me. I'm not into all sorts of systems and theories etc, that just doesn't work for me. It's too "scientific" to my taste I guess... ;)

jog1118	23 Jul 2003
"a picture is worth a thousand words..." my preferred "catalyst" for my readings are the pictures...but i must admit that knowledge of symbolisms "enhances" the pictures. i for one am interested, and currently use, some (not all) aspects of numerology, astrology and (soon) kabbalah :smoker:

sagitarian	23 Jul 2003
the way I read is, I look at the card and see what stands out to me the most, and then read into what that symbol/s mean in regards to the card and the placement of the card. If I feel that I am not able to get my point across, then I'll tell a story, or use an example of something to further explain my point. So...I guess I look at symbols more then anything else. Interesting question!

rota	24 Jul 2003
I'm finding it a little odd that 'symbols' and 'stories' are seen to be different. In a hermetic story, everything in it is a carefully chosen symbol for something deeper - the characters, the objects they carry or interact with, the places they go, the things they do - all are symbols with meanings that combine to create a story. And in fact, the symbols in a story are chosen, not for a single specific meaning, but for their multiple levels of meaning. and of course the same is true of Tarot. The story-symbols on the pip cards can be read in many ways, and each will be internally consistent because of the deeply-understood choices that were made by the cards' original designers.

divinerguy	24 Jul 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae "The answer is YES! Symbols, stories…I believe one gets to a point and it’s all the same, they no longer matter. 78 slips of numbered paper… Bingo. Give that man a cheroot. If you're a subscriber to Jung's ideas, they are all patterns of human behavior. In Tarot, the cards are intended to evoke a memory pattern in the reader, which is influenced by the collective unconscious of the querent and the reader, the question to be answered and probably a thousand other things. Look at it from a broader view and go with what your head and your heart are telling you.

WolfSpirit	24 Jul 2003
YES ! I too love symbols and stories ;) I started with rws and decks like that which have full scenes on the minors - and I later learnt that the rws pictures were full of symbols at the same time. I now slightly prefer decks which have minors like the tarot of the spirit and the thoth, full of symbolism. But I also still love and use decks with "story minors". I think I am going more towards a universal meaning of the cards no matter what deck I use - although the picture I see in front of me can trigger off something I had not considered before.

The symbols or a picture thread was originally posted on 22 Jul 2003 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.