Reading Cards without a Book

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 19 Oct 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Majecot	19 Oct 2003
I would like to learn to read Tarot with out constantly having to refer to a book for card meanings. Can anyone tell me the best way to learn, or to memorize the meanings of each card and their significance in each position? Thanks in advance Majecot

tarotbrat	19 Oct 2003
well i have to be honest with you, when i first started learning tarot, i was constantly looking at the cards i laid out in a spread and then flipping through pages of different books looking for card meanings. i did this for years, until i joined this community and took a couple of classes, that i learned your intuition and help from aeclectic is also very helpful. i bought a whole bunch of books and i still do, just to get the authors point of view on each card. then being here on acclectic helped a lot also, because you have thousands of different points of views, which is great because it really does open your mind. i have been here only a short while, but i have learned a lot from being here. i am not saying to stop buying books, just don't rely on them only. rely on the books, this forum and your intuition and whatever or whoever else may have any ideas on the cards. it is a learning journey with tarot and i am still on that journey myself, i have been for 13 years now. i hope that this helps.

Alissa	19 Oct 2003
Pick a card every day, and just look at it. First look at the picture, consider the imagery and symbolism, the words (if any). What do they suggest to you, first and foremost? Is there anything in the card that keeps pulling your attention? If so, go further and ask yourself why? Then, if you wish, you can open the book and compare what the author's interpretation is against your own. Just because they wrote a book, doesn't mean they know more than you do. By focusing on one card each day, you can recollect your daily card, it's image and message throughout your day if you wish to continue meditating on it. This process of slow absorption can help you form a different kind of bond with your deck than reliance upon the book at all times. You will slowly assimilate BOTH forms of knowledge -- intuitive and conventional.

Umbrae	19 Oct 2003
Start by tossing the books and pamphlets. Reading books is lovely as you progress. Reading books will give readings that are little more than memorized little paragraphs in your head. And they are memorized paragrpaphs written by a writer and not you. They are not your meanins. So start a journal. Begin writing YOUR meanings. And if your meaning does not compare with some writer? It’s your meaning. Then begin by doing three-card spreads. Every reading goes into your journal for later study. You might find something here you can use. Meditating on one card a day is wonderful. So is the feeling you get from burning your books...

Majecot	19 Oct 2003
This is MOST EXCELLANT! Thank you so much everyone! I have been bogged down in Connelly defintions for six years. I had almost given up, then I thought there has to be a better way. So I asked the pros :D I can't wait to start really learning ... thank you soooo much,

cjtarot	20 Oct 2003
Hi, I learned the minors by learning what each suite ment, then what each number ment..ie..2 of cups...2 is the union, cups is emotions, love.. so to me the 2 of cups is usually a relationship..not nec. love, could even be teacher/student..but the relationship will be good. Also, I studied the charts on learntarot.com to learn the majors. then I made a cheet sheet, then I tossed the sheet..I guess writing it down probably helped the most (especially when you consider it took about 3 drafts to get the cheat sheet right) Then..start to look at the cards, do you see shadows, does 1 thing stand out more than others. For me, with each reading different things stand out..it happened when I started using the Gendron deck and now the Sacred Circle Deck..very visual decks. Good luck..and lets face it, there is no right or wrong.. Blessings, CJ ps if you want to see the cheet sheet, pm me it's a word document.

lawguy51	20 Oct 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae Start by tossing the books and pamphlets. I don't think Umbrae meant (I hope :)), into the garbage. Me, I'm a book junkie. And for some decks, like the Thoth, I don't know how you learn all of the astrological and other symbolism without reference material. And I must admit, I tend to use books as a bit of a crutch...BUT...only after I've thoroughly done a reading and can't squeeze another iota of meaning out of the spread. Sort of like checking your homework! So, here's what I suggest. Do a lot of readings for yourself, like Umbrae said, 3 card spreads. Get used to your deck. Make the cards familiar to you. Then go back to your books. See how your view of the card is perhaps slightly different or augments what your books say. Yes, you are learning what other authors believe to be the interpretation of a card, but only some of those meanings are going to resonate with you, and those are the ones that you should hold onto. Lawguy51

scheherazade	20 Oct 2003
A book I once read, I think it was "A Magical Course in Tarot," suggested not even looking in a book when you first begin Tarot. The author said that whether or not you know the traditional meanings in the cards, you can pick up any worthy Tarot deck and the cards will speak to you. The pictures have voices with many messages - clear your mind and pay attention to the thoughts that enter your mind as you look at the images. Don't throw your intuition away simply because a book says a card means this and not that. That was the author's opinion, anyway. I find myself a bit too lost doing it like that... I usually have to at least know the general message of the card in order to get much out of it.

augursWell	20 Oct 2003
One thing I found helpful was an unlined blank book/sketchbook with one page for each card. Number them all out and title them for each card and then start adding info on each card as you gain experience. I actually started creating my own deck this way. When you have a blank page staring at you titled "Three of Cups" it will get your brain working. I also still read and like all of the books that come with the decks I have because they add insights and other information and viewpoints on the cards. There is always a different take on any card, including your own personal one. I also like getting an understanding of why an artist or writer did that card that way. I also agree, you should just start throwing out 3 card spreads and see what they mean to you. The cards are there to give *you* some meaning and direction.

Majecot	23 Oct 2003
I want to thank every one for all the great advise, I did begin to journal with my new deck, I am not sure if it is the deck itself or that I have retained more information over the years than I was giving myself credit for. I am enjoying my discoveries as I examine each card. Thanks again!

The Reading Cards without a Book thread was originally posted on 19 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.