key word system?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 30 Oct 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

loopylisauk2001	30 Oct 2003
hi all does anyone know what the key word system is and if so tell me what the key words are? many thanks lisa

Inana	30 Oct 2003
Hi Lisa and welcome!! A keyword system is simply having a set of words that provide quick or basic meanings for each card. Its a reference from where to start and to learn the cards. You can see an example of some keywords at Joan Bunning's site: http://www.learntarot.com/ And sure others here have their own.

loopylisauk2001	30 Oct 2003
thanks for that will have a look

Kiama	30 Oct 2003
I believe Sylvia Abraham uses a Keyword System in her book 'How to Read Tarot', published by Llewellyn. (I think that's what it's called.) She basically associates a keyword with each of the numbers from 0-9, and each card from the Tarot deck apparantly has one of those numbers: 0= The Fool 1= Magician, and Aces 2= High Priestess and Twos etc etc. The keywords are things like 'I am' or 'I have', and then whatever card they relate to you add something else on. For instance, 'I have' is, say, for the 4's (it probably isn't, I'm just making it up just to show you what I mean!), so the 4 of Wands might be 'I have' + whatever wands represent. Maybe, 'I have... security'. I haven't used a keyword system myself though. Kiama

Jeanette	30 Oct 2003
Kiama is right about Sylvia's keyword method of learning tarot cards. Right after I got my first deck, I got this book from the library and started trying to use it. Then I got 78 D.W., and I realized just how limiting the keyword system is. I don't recommend the keyword system for beginners. It doesn't really challenge you to try and come up with any of your own interpretations, it just puts forth the very limited keyword. It is somewhat based on numerology. It's definitely worth looking at for another point of view, but don't make it your first reference book (at least that's my opinion).

jmd	30 Oct 2003
A keyword system may, I agree with Jeanette, be limiting. It can also, however, be extremely useful to a beginner and provide for quite deep reflections as to the nature of the pips (the Ace through to the ten of each suit). Key words usually (but not always) combine a key-word sense for each numnber from one through to ten, and key words for the four suits (the four elements are already common 'key-words' used which go beyond the suit images). In the thread started by Lee called Suggested meanings for non-illustrated pips, a number of suggested keywords are given, and I also provide links to yet other threads which discuss the same concept. Just as an example, the eight Cups may, by a key-word system, indicate abundance of emotion (where eight=abundance & cups=emotion). Here, this is given without a context. In a specific reading, the key-word may - indeed needs to - be extended to the context and narrative at hand. The person may have an abundance of emotional resources to apply to the situation, or is too focussed on such, or will have the inner strength required for such, etc. The keyword systems are some of the really useful and deepening tools which may be applied to the understanding of the pips of the Tarot - at least in my view :)

WolfyJames	31 Oct 2003
The Enchanted Tarot was the first deck I bought, I didn't know anything about tarot then, but the book that comes with it is really great. There is a key word given for all the pips like for the ten of Wands it's oppression, nine of Swords nightmare, five of Swords defeat, nine of Cups wish. That system really helped me remembering the cards and get a quick meaning. If you want to know more about them, tell me.

loopylisauk2001	31 Oct 2003
im just waiting for my new tarot cards to arrive, i value all information given as i think you can never have enough info about it thanks for the reply lisa

Emily	31 Oct 2003
I also have 'How to read the Tarot' by Sylivia Abraham - its ok but a little basic - it does have a symbol dictionary in the back. It works as Kiama says - All the Aces are joined Magician, the Two's are with the High Priestess etc. It's Rider Waite based. A book that I've found useful with keywords and phrases included is 'Tarot Plain and Simple' by Anthony Louis, it is unfortunately, illustrated with the Robin Wood but its Rider Waite symbolism. I started a journal myself with information on each of the cards and I've been putting keywords in there from various books to make my own keyword system up. It also helps you to remember. What deck are you waiting for?

loopylisauk2001	31 Oct 2003
thanks for all the replies i am waiting for "the mythic taort" this is what the read up says about it.......................... The Mythic Tarot is now established as a classic deck. Its beautiful cards depict the archetypal characters and life experiences of Greek mythology. Retold here in concise and accessible form by Liz Greene and Juliet Sharman-Burke, these dramatic and exciting tales reveal profound truths that are reflected in every facet of our lives today. Presented now in a distinctive new pack design, The Mythic Tarot is the complete package for both beginners and more experienced readers alike. It contains a 224 page illustrated guidebook, a full deck of 78 cards with stunning art by Tricia Newell and a cloth that can be used for card layouts and to keep the deck wrapped safely when the cards are not in use. i felt very drawn to these cards so thats why i have chosen them. p.s whilst meditating today my front door opened twice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! how odd lol and no it wasnt the wind its a new door and hard to open just like that love and light to you all lisa

Mystic Zyl	31 Oct 2003
I agree with all the others on not learning the key word system, it is very limiting. You need to bond with every card, know it like it is your best friend. I suggest Tarot Made Easy by Nancy Garen.

jmd	02 Nov 2003
I do not think learning keywords is limiting - though it may be for some, or if the key-word - or any particular book or books, for that matter - are solely relied upon. I realise I have stated my view earlier, but reading Mystic Zyl's opening sentence made me wonder if I had perhaps expressed myself somewhat confusingly. Key-words tend to have, in my opinion, a deepening effect as they assist the individual to enter the card more fully. The trick is not to get 'stuck' by the key-word with which one is working, for then the card becomes as limited as it may be for some by its scenic imagery in decks such as the RWCS. I would personally encourage the development of key-word systems to assist the learning and meditative process. of course, many of us have differing views - which all add to our own deepening in understanding the ideas of others, and the benefits other views have :).

Jeanette	02 Nov 2003
I think the problem with the keyword system that I'm referring to (the one put forth by Sylvia Abraham) is that it is too limiting. She (briefly) says Wands refer to work & social situations; Cups are emotional situations; Pentacles concern money; and Swords are troubles & problems. Then she groups the minors with their correspondingly numbered major card; i.e. III Empress keyword is "I make." 3 Wands would be I make work and social situations; 3 Cups would be I make myself happy; 3 Pentacles would be I make my money; 3 Swords would be I make my troubles and problems. If this is the only system you are going to use, without troubling yourself to further study the cards & their meanings, then you may be missing out on what the cards are capable of telling. Probably all of us have in our minds a little phrase or word that we use when we see a certain card (maybe sorrow, or grief, or something like that with the 3 Swords; or 9 Cups is the "wish" card, and the Star is "hope," for instance). That kind of keywords system is a little different. So I still think it's something to look into, but I don't recommend it to beginning readers, because you're memorizing this little phrase she's devised. She also has a "How To Use Tarot Spreads" book that includes this system in the beginning, but then goes on with tarot spreads that are pretty good and cover a lot of situations.

loopylisauk2001	02 Nov 2003
hi all have read your posts with interest, i recieved my book yesterday (sylvia abraham) i see everyones points of view, i intend to read the book thats with my tarot cards, but as a starter i have memorised the 21 key words, i think that this will certainly help me, but what im looking for is to connect with my cards and get the info on what i recieve from them at least i can learn basics whilst im doing it, i have a mini hand held recorder, so i have talked notes on that so i can play it in the car when going to and from work and hopefully i can learn some things along the way. lisa

The key word system? thread was originally posted on 30 Oct 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.