Thread for the Tarot readers who dont study

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 20 Jan 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

miss_apples	20 Jan 2004
I see a lot of threads for people who meticulously study tarot by reading all the books and articles and what not. At first it made me feel like Im not a very good tarot person, because I dont do all of that, then I just realized that different people have a different way of learning and I learn better by just giving and recieving readings of the cards. All the books and stuff just seems to make me more confused than it really helps me. I just wanted to see if Im the only one who is like this.

Alissa	20 Jan 2004
When I first bought a deck for myself, my sister (sagitarian here at AT) had been reading for me for many years. Eventually, I felt the pull to start using them more myself, after having only played with them in the past. So, I bought my deck, a pack of Universal Waites. Little White Book stuffed into the cardboard box it came in. But, I was daunted. I didn't know anything about Tarot. Where should I start, if one wanted to learn? The LWB I read, and found terribly uninspiring. So, being the ever-studious, I asked my sister for a good book to read to learn how to read Tarot. Know what she told me? "You don't read a book to find out how to fall in love." I saw her wisdom and agreed.

Star Spirit	20 Jan 2004
I'm very self-taught. I also learn best by exchanging readings. I don't have any tarot books, except 3 that came with 3 of my decks, and I hardly ever read them (except for the Tarot of Transformation, since that is a very unique deck). I like learning independently.

WalesWoman	20 Jan 2004
I am a terrible student, I don't have that kind of time to study and do what I can when I can. So I get my study time when I lay out a spread, and if I just can't get it or a card leaves me brain dead, I'll grab a book I like, one that makes sense to me and see if it helps. If it still isn't working then I surf around and look at card meanings, take notes and see if any light bulbs go off. I like the RWS study group and Using the Cards for more input and insights. If worse comes to worse, I'll post the spread and what is confounding me. And my brain is not working as well as it used to, having a harder time committing things to long term memory, so I use books a lot, and it helps. It seems like it's easier tho for me to get the meanings when I look at other people's spread, so I think the main block is me trying to figure out how it relates to me and my life. Then again...it's hard to say. Falling in love is easy, getting up again and living it can take all the help you can give it.

Moongold	20 Jan 2004
miss apples ~ I am sorry that you feel like that because there is no compulsion to do anything in relation to Tarot. People follow their own path and inclination. I was one of those who had to read books and things but I don't do that so much now. People learn different ways and develop their own approaches to reading. I would not like to feel that anyone felt less of a tarot reader because she did not read books about it. :) Conversely, those who don't read books may not necessarily be correct if they say that those who do are less intuitive. All the best, Moongold

Astraea	20 Jan 2004
I read a lot of books, but don't study most of them (as such). And, while many people's personal style includes individual study of each card in a deck, for me what works best is to let the cards "announce" their meanings spontaneously within the context of every reading. I do, however, keep a record of my daily draws and readings.

Alissa	20 Jan 2004
I should add that as a former library worker, I'm passionately in love with books. I love them. And, I do believe book knowledge has it's place in learning Tarot, I don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water on that. But what Moongold says here is more what I'm intending to communicate as well, that you should follow what feels right to you. After a half dozen years of reading intuitively, I really REALLY wanted to start reading Tarot books, and have. There are many that are fabulous. I felt I had gone as far as I could go without another viewpoint, a fresh look at the cards. Books provide that, and so does this great website. I landed here at the same time I started reading books about Tarot, it was part of that movement that came from within. However, never devalue the importance of listening within. If inside you just *don't want* to study ... don't! If you change your mind about that someday (tomorrow, next year, in 20 years or never) you can always start studying when it calls you. This is a real "If it feels good, do it," kinda thing I'm trying to express, that's all. Best wishes miss_apples

wavebreaker	20 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by miss_apples All the books and stuff just seems to make me more confused than it really helps me. I just wanted to see if Im the only one who is like this. You're definitely not the only one... ;) Reading loads of books is my usual approach to learning about a new subject, but with tarot that just didn't work. I've actually gotten rid of most of my tarot books. I prefer to work with a deck that speaks to me instead of "analysing" the meaning of a card or reading based on study; I'm already doing too much analysing in my day-to-day life, so I don't need any more of that... ;)

miss_apples	20 Jan 2004
I should add that the reason why I dont like to study and read all the books and stuff is because I have a horribly short attention span and I get bored really easy. So I prefer to just learn by doing and I like reading the tips that people give on here because its in just a couple lines or a paragraph and not a whole book.

Moongold	20 Jan 2004
I thimk that is really valid, ms_apples. People learn and develop in very different ways and the beauty of Tarot is that it welcomes such differences. I can learn also from all of those who are different from me. Moongold

Aerten	20 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by miss_apples I should add that the reason why I dont like to study and read all the books and stuff is because I have a horribly short attention span and I get bored really easy. Whaddaya know, I'm the same way. I've accepted this about myself, and I usually read the introductions and general ideas in the books (such as the introductory information on the arcanas in 78 Degrees of Wisdom) but I find it tedious to read the meanings of all the individual cards! Now I only turn to books for that when I'm out of ideas.

allibee	20 Jan 2004
Studying .... poohey ... I spit on your dog, ROFL Gave up on them tarot books a good 15 - 20 years ago. Just get your deck out or come here and soak it up... Osmosis ... its the only way to travel :)

Majecot	20 Jan 2004
Whe I first started there weren't very many books to choose from, and I never really felt like I had "learned" tarot properly. The book that I had was difficult to comprehend, and I never really studied it. When I would lay out my spread I would always second guess my intuition, and go to that awful book and look up the meanings. (which were written in rhyme, so then I would have to figure that out too). Everyone learns differently, I learn by doing, but I also enjoy reading ( thank goodness I have found some good books) and I enjoy the study groups. It makes me think when I have to put into words how a card makes me feel. And I like the brainstorming effect it has. I don't really consider it study, more so of reflections. ( I was never a very good student)

Logiatrix	20 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Alissa "You don't read a book to find out how to fall in love." However, I do enjoy reading about love, and others who are in love, and so on... I still agree that one can make very little progress with reading tarot cards when one is only reading books about reading tarot cards. Aside from a serious lack of progress, such a "book dependence" will surely also hinder the unsuspecting beginner who hasn't learned to accept most sources with many grains of salt--until experience proves otherwise. But I also believe books and other written resources are an important aspect to the journey. It is from books and study that I learned to trust my intuition, to let go and play with the cards, and--ironically--to throw away the d*** books! :)

maya	20 Jan 2004
What helps me is reading books generally. No tarot books. They can be inspirations. What helps me even more is art and NATURE. To understand the SUN what can be better than being in the sun and observe its powers, adding brightness to everything. How could books help better? And there are times, in turn, when even a tarot book opens up new terrain and gives me the aha. [font=times] [font=times][/font] [font=times][/font][font=times][/font] [font=times]

ros	20 Jan 2004
I like to read the books just for extra info & expanding my questions of why? Some writers have a nice explanation of why this or why that. I don't read every page, just what I feel like at the time I grab the book. I learn at least one new thing per book that just keeps adding to Tarot Tips. Everybody just does their thing that works for them!

jmd	21 Jan 2004
I especially like what maya has written - I could not think of a better aspect of 'studying' the Sun than by going into nature and reflecting and observing its effects... As to most here - and allibee with her over 1500 posts - this participation too counts, in my view, as quite intensive study. To have a thread for Tarot readers who do not study is, in my view, an oxymoron ;)

Moonbow*	21 Jan 2004
Well I am learning alot of new words............like oxymoron.........I have a dictionary permanently by the computer now! lol Moonbow*

Jewel-ry	21 Jan 2004
jmd - whats an oxymoron?? miss_apples, I have times when I study and times when I dont, mostly these days I just 'dip into' books, more than study. I had years of study when I did my degree recently. I dont want to do that anymore. I think books are a good way of expanding your knowledge or getting a different perspective but I dont think you should feel you have to read them, from front to back, and not leave out a single word. 'Selective dipping' is the key. I certainly dont think any differently of people who 'do' or 'dont' study. There is a place for all of us in this wonderful world! J :)

Diana	21 Jan 2004
Jewel-ry: An oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words. (The on-line Merriam-Webster dictionary is a great help when one is confused with words while on one's computer. http://www.m-w.com/ ) The plural is oxymora. Famous oxymorons are: Military Intelligence, Airline Food, Non-Stop Flight, Natural Make-up, and Non-Reading Tarot Reader. I love Tarot books. I hate Tarot books that give set meanings for cards. I like the kind that lead me through labyrinths of someone else's mind. The kind that make me shake my head in wonder that someone could see so much in just one card, that they can write about 30 or more pages in small print on more on just one Arcanum. I suppose it's out of habit. I was taught at school to learn from books, so I've kind of kept up that habit. But there are a myriad ways to learn things.

allibee	21 Jan 2004
Yup, there is studying, and there is studying jmd, LOL, however in the context of the original post, I do not pour over books ... unless pouring over AT counts as a book :)

MeeWah	21 Jan 2004
I tend to be of Maya's view. Read non-Tarot books based on their appeal to the imagination. Thus, most of the reading material of the sci-fi/fantasy & of the mystery genres, including books geared for "children". All contribute towards enlightenment. I especially like Maya's insight/comment about Art & Nature! Much of the inspiration & understanding spurred by those encounters. Until last year whence I did a trade with a member to acquire a number of Tarot books in exchange for an OOP deck, I had few Tarot books--most of the books part of deck & book sets. Of those, the only ones I have actually read after a fashion are the books accompanying The Ancient Egyptian, Cosmic Tribe & Mythic Tarot. Tarot books I occasionally dip into on a more studious basis are: Tarot for the Bohemians by Papus translated from the French by A.P. Morton ISBN 1-85958-065-3 Published by Senate of Studio Editions Ltd, England The Magical World of the Tarot - Fourfold Mirror of the Universe by Gareth Knight ISBN 0-87728-873-9 Published by Samuel Weiser, Inc. The Tarot by Joseph Maxwell translated from the French by Ivor Powell ISBN 0-85207-206-6 Ennisfield Print & Design, London The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by Arthur Edward Waite ISBN 1-56619-912-3 Published by Barnes & Noble Books When I started using Tarot, there were few books accessible--a couple by Eden Gray & Waite's book were what I found which is partly why I dispensed with books. After the first three, I have since acquired an appreciation of Waite's book where it previously it left me cold. In seeing the list I just typed, I think I sort of went about it backwards.

Astra	21 Jan 2004
I'm all for osmosis. I originally just picked up a deck and started reading - in the middle of a party, no less. I have a problem with books that want to teach me the "right" way to do anything - unless it's something like a text on programming, where the only way to make it work at all is to learn the correct methods to handle a particular language. Tarot is, I think, about seeing reality from a slightly different perspective in order to be able to notice things you wouldn't normally see without the framework of the cards. The more flexible you leave yourself, the better the results. And the more "right" ways you learn, the less flexible you tend to be.

~X~	21 Jan 2004
I'm a big advocate of taking the information one can use and leaving the rest. If I felt I had to "study", tarot would lose it's appeal. I enjoy reading and history a great deal, but I have my limits. I simply move on to another forum or thread when I'm getting more information than I need at that particular moment. We all have different interests and needs and what makes Aeclectic so special is that it can accomodate such a large number of people with varying interests in Tarot.

Moonbow*	21 Jan 2004
I think too much study can overwhelm you a bit. I usually read alot and like ~X~ says take what I want from it. I think its a good idea to know enough about Tarot to get you started but then there is alot to be said for intuition. I think some of my best readings have been when I look at the cards and just know what they mean. You know, when they all just fit together and you don't have to go near a book! Moonbow*

Umbrae	21 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Diana Famous oxymorons are: Military Intelligence, Airline Food, Non-Stop Flight, Natural Make-up, and Non-Reading Tarot Reader. You forgot “Fresh Lutefisk.” I read for many years before I picked up a book on Tarot. Most assume a ridged regime based on the authors worldview. Might be fine for them – but may not work for me. The best way to learn to read in my opinion is to read Tarot cards. Store the books. Read them when you’ve got at least a decade of reading under your belt, and stand firm in your own convictions. LWB’s should be burnt.

Major Tom	21 Jan 2004
ah now, I've got to add there's room for everyone here. A couple of years ago I'd have told you I was mostly self taught. But now, I realise I've had teachers all along the way. Some teachers were people, some teachers were books, yet others were only virtual. :laugh: When you want to know something your teacher will appear as if by magic. ;)

Emily	21 Jan 2004
I like to read the companion books to the more non-traditional decks but its not like study - I love to read anyway. Some of my books I just use for reference and I've never read them all the way through, just flicked to the pages that interest me. I like to read what the creator of the deck intended by placing certain symbols or colours or just even why a card is like it is and this is usually in the companion book. Again I don't think of it as study. With a deck that is easy to read, like the Morgan Greer, you get flashes of inspiration that you would never find in a book and soon its easy to add your own interpretations to the cards but it is nice to know why the card looks like it does. :)

Moongold	21 Jan 2004
Yes, I feel this theme is perennial one. People will learn as they need to learn, and they are all different, which is why it is important to keep having these discussions. There is no right or wrong way. I am one of those who learned by way of books, practising with the cards here at Aeclectic in the Reading Exchange and Your Readings, and through participating in lots of discussions about cards and ideas in these forums. Just recently I have started to do face face readings, and these are enjoyable indeed. Moongold

Logiatrix	21 Jan 2004
Excellent points, all--especially: Quote: Originally posted by allibee ... unless pouring over AT counts as a book... :) I have been abundantly enhanced just by the information and inspiration I have gleaned by reading the posts here on Aeclectic. I think Aeclectic has given me much more than all the books I have ever read about tarot. :)

miss_apples	21 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Tauni Excellent points, all--especially: I have been abundantly enhanced just by the information and inspiration I have gleaned by reading the posts here on Aeclectic. I think Aeclectic has given me much more than all the books I have ever read about tarot. :) Ive gotten overwhelming info from this forum. Its cool...I can get info in a short paragraph and not have to read through pages and pages of overly descriptive jibber jabber to get the info that I want.

Khatruman	21 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae The best way to learn to read in my opinion is to read Tarot cards. Store the books. Read them when you’ve got at least a decade of reading under your belt, and stand firm in your own convictions. LWB’s should be burnt. Ahhh, I skimmed and skimmed these responses, and I would have been aghast if there weren't a response from the Seditious One here ;) But finally, the "Burn the Books" foundation has arrived. You've already heard all the support for following your intuition, but if you listen to no one else, listen to the Fish Head King himself. I profess to be more in the center than Umbrae. I do see value in the books, if only to give fuel for your intuition. Do not use them as your teaching tools though. Play should come first. It is the natural part of any learning process. I mistakenly picked up a tarot instructional book by Emily Peach some 20-odd years ago which began by requiring me to do intensive study in astrology, numerology, cartology, lobotomy... :D...only kidding on the last one. However, it took me about 18 years to have the courage to go back to tarot. I should have burned Emily Peach...*L*...

Aerten	21 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Khatruman I mistakenly picked up a tarot instructional book by Emily Peach some 20-odd years ago which began by requiring me to do intensive study in astrology, numerology, cartology, lobotomy... I always thought tarot required knowledge of this, too. I don't care much for astrology *dodges fruit being thrown* and it wasn't until I wandered online a few years ago that I realized that it was acceptable to be into tarot and not astrology/numerology! Although I have to say, a basic understanding in these areas has helped a lot, at least for purposes of understanding tarot artists' symbolism, even if the subjects don't enthrall me. :)

Khatruman	21 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Aerten I don't care much for astrology *dodges fruit being thrown* and it wasn't until I wandered online a few years ago that I realized that it was acceptable to be into tarot and not astrology/numerology! Hey, was that an intentional pun? Emily Peach...fruit being thrown... heh heh... Well I won't wing fruit atcha... I am a staunch opponent of astrology myself, so perhaps we could just sit under an peach tree one night and admire the little lights in the sky.

TemperanceAngel	21 Jan 2004
Hi miss_apples! you always raise interesting points :) I studied by myself, self-taught from 19 until now = 32. It has only been in the last 3 or so years that I have started reading Tarot books, which I really enjoy :) AT has been a revelation for me, all the different sides, but not one saying the way you should go about things. Now, I am teaching tarot :laugh: which I find funny, as no-one taught me. I like my students to learn through themselves or that's what I try to pass on to them. Trust thy selves.... XTAX

mac22	22 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Khatruman Ahhh, I skimmed and skimmed these responses, and I would have been aghast if there weren't a response from the Seditious One here ;) But finally, the "Burn the Books" foundation has arrived. Quote: I agree with what Sean Conery said in "The Last Crusade"... "You should try reading books instead of burning them." I profess to be more in the center than Umbrae. I do see value in the books, if only to give fuel for your intuition. Agreed. I mistakenly picked up a tarot instructional book by Emily Peach some 20-odd years ago which began by requiring me to do intensive study in astrology, numerology, cartology, lobotomy... :D...only kidding on the last one. However, it took me about 18 years to have the courage to go back to tarot. That's why there are beginner books..:) I should have burned Emily Peach...*L*... [/quote] LOL :D

allibee	22 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Tauni I think Aeclectic has given me much more than all the books I have ever read about tarot. :) I think that is because we see a post and can discuss it and generally thrash that aspect into the ground, sometimes we all actually agree as well, LOL, but with a printed book you just have to take it as is ... as in :here is my knowledge and you must accept or reject, but I do not wish to discuss What I want to know is when will the AT book of combined tarot knowledge come out ... I'd DEFINATELY buy that :)

Logiatrix	22 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by allibee ...What I want to know is when will the AT book of combined tarot knowledge come out ... I'd DEFINATELY buy that... :) We already discussed that, Allibee, remember? Everybody brought his/her own agent, and none of them could come to any kind of agreement about anything.... Right now, I think it's still on the table. No, literally...just sitting there, ON the table.... :)

allibee	22 Jan 2004
No ... I think I was AWOL at the time it was discussed :( but I'll take your word for it :) A.

Astra	22 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae You forgot “ Fresh Lutefisk .” ROFLMAO!

skytwig	22 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Khatruman Play should come first. It is the natural part of any learning process. Ahhhhhhh..... wisdom!! :D Playing here at Aeclectic has taught me much!! :)

Umbrae	22 Jan 2004
Behold! Umbrae Draco, mouthpiece of Ooolatek the Seditious One Who Tells Only Lies is about to speak. Tremble ye heretics! One of the reasons that I personally believe that Aeclectic Tarot is far more valuable than ANY book ever published is simple. Diversity. Authors tend to have a point of view that their books, their writings, their words are somehow better than what has gone before. It’s that Ego Biased stance. They attempt to fit your view of tarot into their world-view. Read many books, and you get different ego based views. But here at Aeclectic Tarot, by and large, rather than ego biased views of author’s who are writing for money– you get views of readers – it’s a level playing field. I tell you what works for me not for ego or money, but because it works for me. Here, rather than pompous opinion stated as fact, you have a multitude of others, who reach out electronically to hug you. AT is ultimately a love based approach. Now just to clarify – I do not really suggest burning books. I suggest you read them AFTER you have a firm basis for your own reading, and highly honed reading skills. And more – (remember this one?), why do you read? Variances of answers, dictate varied approaches. However no approach dictates learning to read with a LWB. Use those to cook up with your fresh lutefisk.

mzmystic	22 Jan 2004
Umbrae, I have a question for you. I've recently started reading for others and I do it intuitively, laying all my cards out in a row. But what about when I encounter people who ask about my lack of spread because they're used to having seen the Celtic Cross or who have had cards read and have seen a different meaning given for a particular card or combination of cards than what I'm seeing? It really makes me disconcerted when I get these questions, because I'm not all that experienced. I hate to admit that it shakes my confidence and then I secretly don't feel that I'm reading as well from that point on. Now, I do have repeat customers every time and they do tell me that my readings are very accurate and helpful for them, but at the time, when they ask me these things, it kind of rattles me even though I don't let on. The answers I give are that this is the way reading works best for me. And as to particular cards, I answer that the meanings are a matter of personal interpretation to the reader. I learned with RW, but now I use Ancestral Path because it works well for me, and sometimes there are people who ask why I use that deck. I just tell them it's because this is the deck that I relate to the best. If a person were to specifically request CC I'd do it for them, but I'd have to refer to something (a cheat sheet) for the meanings of the placements. Do you have any words of wisdom for me?

Umbrae	22 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by mzmystic Umbrae, I have a question for you. I've recently started reading for others and I do it intuitively, laying all my cards out in a row. But what about when I encounter people who ask about my lack of spread because they're used to having seen the Celtic Cross or who have had cards read and have seen a different meaning given for a particular card or combination of cards than what I'm seeing?…Do you have any words of wisdom for me? Words of wisdom? Not me. However I can tell you this. I have never used a celtic cross. Ever. And some of my card interpretations vary far from the ‘accepted’ meanings. I tell folks, “This is the way I learned, and it has served me well over the many years I have been reading for others.”

mzmystic	22 Jan 2004
Thank you for answering my question. I guess I'm on the right track then.

wildinthemist	22 Jan 2004
I am a natural born student. I have more Virgo in my natal chart than any human-being has a right to LOL, and so analysis and language are my closest friends. So ... books, books, books .... the more the better. I study the symbolism in detail, the history of the cards etc. I just love it. But then I rarely read the cards. For me it is the study that is enriching. Mind you, when I do read, all my fire moon energy kicks in and I read intuitively. Everything else goes out the window ... at least consciously. I don't 'think' about the cards ... or 'analyse'. If I do try to do that, I just get stuck. When I just flow with it, the story in the cards comes. But then, I also paint and write fiction. A while different creative approach. So .... I think that whatever approach to learning (and I love forums such as this for learning to) you use is A-OK.

Aerten	22 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Khatruman Hey, was that an intentional pun? Emily Peach...fruit being thrown... heh heh... Well I won't wing fruit atcha... I am a staunch opponent of astrology myself, so perhaps we could just sit under an peach tree one night and admire the little lights in the sky. Teehee, it wasn't intentional but I wish it was. Fruit... Peach... heh :joke: And I have a feeling this post may have posted twice... if it did then just ignore it! But I think that's a great idea, Khatruman. I'm glad someone else doesn't find meaning in stars, though they sure are purdy.

Khatruman	22 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae But here at Aeclectic Tarot, by and large, rather than ego biased views of author’s who are writing for money– you get views of readers – it’s a level playing field. I tell you what works for me not for ego or money, but because it works for me. Here, rather than pompous opinion stated as fact, you have a multitude of others, who reach out electronically to hug you. AT is ultimately a love based approach. Wooo hooooo...group hug, everyone!!! Group hug!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Just so damn nice here. As always, Umbrae, your instincts show the best of you, and your ability to plainly express your views. Aeclectic has certainly taught me more about tarot than a world of books. (ooooo, I put down books...an English teacher dissing books...shhhhhh, don't tell anyone! }))

miss_apples	22 Jan 2004
The only problem I have here at AT is all the abreviations people use. I dont know what half of them mean. Likes whats the LWB?

Khatruman	22 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by miss_apples Likes whats the LWB? Sorry. I guess like any group of people, we get wrapped up in jargon. LWB is Little White Book--the little booklet that comes in many tarot decks. Any others?

jmd	22 Jan 2004
Well... let's see... 'AT' means 'Aeclectic Tarot'... & 'LWB' stands for 'Little White Booklet which usually accompanies the decks. 'RWC' or 'RWCS' stands for 'Rider Waite Colman Smith' (Rider as publisher, Waite as designer, and Colman Smith as artist). 'TdM' stands for 'Tarot de Marseille' (ie, Marseilles deck(s)). Apart from those, I tend to agree with you, and (still) get confused with numerous abbreviations!

yagottabelieve	22 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by wildinthemist I am a natural born student. I have more Virgo in my natal chart than any human-being has a right to LOL, and so analysis and language are my closest friends. So ... books, books, books .... the more the better. I study the symbolism in detail, the history of the cards etc. I just love it. But then I rarely read the cards. For me it is the study that is enriching. lol. i am the same way (and virgo!) i feel much more comfortable with a base of knowledge to work from. i make lists and charts and keep notes. and then when i read i just wing it. lol. but that took letting go that was difficult for me at first. i am still a book gal at heart :)

wildinthemist	23 Jan 2004
T'would be interesting to see if there is any relationship between sun sign (or moon etc) and people prefered learning style, reading style etc. Of course this is a terribly virgo question LOL

isthmus nekoi	23 Jan 2004
Tarot is a holistic system. You cannot break down tarot into its parts, put them together again and expect to understand what is going on. There is no way you can make tarot empirical. w/a holistic system, experience is the best teacher. The LWB is esp problematic b/c it leads ppl *away* from the holism of the system. If you were learning how to cook, would you rather have someone teach and demonstrate the act of cooking to you, or read a book and have a dictionary handy for the terms you don't recognize? The LWB is a cookbook :) As for learning the history, other systems what not, that's a little different than the cookbook situation. I have found it to be very useful, but it does not necessarily guide one towards the holism of tarot.

wildinthemist	23 Jan 2004
I was actually referring to empirically examining the relationship between how people seek out information to help them learn tarot and their astrological configurations. I was not arguing that tarot isn't wholistic in nature. I agree that it is and the we, in effect, read the gestalt of the cards in a spread. Hope this clarifies my comments.

Indigo Rose	23 Jan 2004
I love books. However, I am discriminating. There are good Tarot books, and then NOT so good ones. Like cafeteria style dining, I pick and choose what I like. There are some great thoughts out there, and I am glad to have the resources of expanded thought. Yet, I do have my own growing library of Tarot thoughts as well. Each has a place, and to each his own. Blessings, Indigo Rose

isthmus nekoi	24 Jan 2004
wildinthemist, oh... I hope I didn't sound antagonistic! My post actually was not intended to be written in reference to yours...

wildinthemist	24 Jan 2004
isthmus .... 'tis cool! Maybe I was being a little touchy ... I did wonder after I'd posted.

The Thread for the Tarot readers who dont study thread was originally posted on 20 Jan 2004 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.