Just what is it that keeps pulling you back to tarot?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 04 Jun 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

linabeet	04 Jun 2004
What is the essence of Tarot that draws us in? Why do we go to it first with our problems? What stirs the passion, what fuels the obsession? Why can't we put it down? I'm trying to discover in myself just what it is that has pulled me in to tarot for so many years. Why did I keep reading for myself in those first few years when I didn't understand a thing they were saying? Why do I keep going back when they tell me what I don't want to hear about a situation I don't like? Why are they the most frequently used item on my bedside table? I don't just mean the art, the history, the fun and games, but what is the deep soul connection that has us locked in? For me I think it must be the relationship. I see them as a way to communicate with my intuition and the divine. (same thing) So they are not just an object or a book but a friend. In friends we see mirrors of ourselves, the cards are that for me. Maybe there's more to it than that but that's the first response I get in asking myself. Narsissitic? yup. Self reflective, and they don't lie, like friends can our like we can lie to ourselves about our lives. So why are you obsessed with tarot? What has given you such a connection to it that you come here to discuss it?

cartarum	04 Jun 2004
plain and simple. the ego. we read cards to satisfy personal desire, whatever that happens to be. one of the trials readers face is that of simply suppressing the ego to avoid manipulating fate, and preventing the fortold event. we must assume the disguise of the reversed fool "know, but do not care"

Flavio	04 Jun 2004
There are so many things that draw us to Tarot, and for each person is different, here are some of mine: 1.- I enjoy to help me and someone else through a reading, if there is a chance to help, then why not become the best reader you can be? 2.- The challenge to learn Tarot language is exciting!, it keeps me thinking in parallel all the day! 3.- The freshness is never lost, so is almost impossible to get bored, each people/reading is different, endless possibilities for spread design, new decks and books come out... 4.- You can go as deep as you wish at your own speed, basic card meanings are enough for you? OK, you want to learn every symbol, tradition or esoteric idea associated to each card? that is also OK, do you want to design your own deck? do and enjoy it! 5.- I try to read from a psychological point of view (no divinatory or magical or whatever) but when the actual actual past, present or outcome(future) result accurate according to the reading I feel a mix of excitement, satisfaction and fear, a very addcitive feelings mix. Those are my main 5 reasons, maybe all of them are different faces of the ego... :) appealing faces indeed.

Dark Inquisitor	04 Jun 2004
It's the symbolism interacting on the subconscious level that pulls. Then maybe later the pull of the unseen mysteries.

punchinella	04 Jun 2004
Yes, I agree with Tarotphelia on the symbolism. Or, better yet (idea from Med. on the Tarot, by anonymous) the way the images, as arcana, reveal & conceal at one & the same time. Tarot is endlessly mysterious. I'm also attracted to it as a closed series . . . of 78. The way it folds back in on itself. The way it's both a seed within, & a seed of, the universe.

Dakota	04 Jun 2004
hmmmm, the beauty of the images, the depth of the symbolism, the intricacies of tarot's history, the fascination of feeling a new connection or idea emerge from interacting with the cards, the sense of joining with something so lovely.............

MeeWah	04 Jun 2004
Most simply, the images resonate on a core level--too quickly for the conscious mind or the ego self to block--that speak of truth. That may be why the series of stories contained within "The Lord of the Rings", "Harry Potter...", the Chronicles of Narnia & other books capture the attention & interest of readers regardless of age, background & life experiences. They all contain concepts recognizable on a spiritual or soul level. Remind us that there is more than the mortal life; certainly more than the mortal ken can encompass at any one time.

contrascarpe	04 Jun 2004
Self-awareness ..... knowledge of our fellow people. I have learned so much about myself by reading for others. Tarot has always been magical for me, since before a teen. Only recently have I been made aware of how deep my soul is, all because of Tarot. It has been the beginning of what I hope is a grand journey. Dan

Cerulean	04 Jun 2004
I'm curious. The most beckoning cards spark my curiousity. I find the pictures beautiful and welcoming, even if the stories unfolding from the pictures speak of sadder or puzzling themes that take reflection to figure out. The intrigue of related text makes me say "Oh goody" because many times the text and picture interaction unfold deeper levels. They add another level of reflection when I find texts that relate to the theme of the pictures. I believe it is nice to be allowed to be engaged in picture books beyond the age of five. Thanks for the question. Cerulean Mari

lionette	04 Jun 2004
For me, linabeet, it's a combination of visual and intellectual stimulation in a flexible system which fosters awareness and growth. I like that the cards can be used in so many different contexts (self, others, different spreads, different decks) with seemingly endless variations on a theme. Tarot gives me the push to look in the [sometimes dark or hidden] corners of my mind for new insight into self, situations, and life in general or in particular. It ehlps me be still for awhile to contemplate and concentrate. And in addition to all the intellectual exercise and psychological benefits ... tarot is also fun! :)

Pook	04 Jun 2004
If anything ever kept me truly fascinated, it is my tarot cards! I seek and I find...I ask and it answers....I don't think anyone could ever give me the answers that I seek as well as a deck of 78 cards with pretty pictures (and some not so pretty depending on what deck you are using.) Also, there is something to be said about private moments in a quiet room just pondering the possibilities presented on the table in front of me. One thing that I sort of just relaized recently is that reading tarot cards makes me feel like I have more control over what happens in my life. I am not just floating along waiting for things to happen to me.. I feel like I can make things happen. I mean, I know I could before I ever picked up a deck, but to see myself reflected back at me and know that I need to make a change is a sobering and priceless experience that I don't think I can ever give up.

Star Spirit	05 Jun 2004
For me it's probably the mystique. It's allll about the mystique. How can something make so much sense and yet in itself make no sense whatsoever? :D

linabeet	05 Jun 2004
What great replies, thank you. I see truth in all of them. I like the thought about it being a closed system, that appeals to my virgo nature. The ability to contain the unknowable in a limited form. One of my teachers says these 78 cards hold all possible situations you can experience in life. It wasn't so much the statement that grabbed me but the faith and conviction with which she said it. To think that that can be done. I also resonate with the comments that mystery is the draw. The combination of mystery and the mundane, the challenge to draw inspiration from the divine into advice on which job to go for is indeed an enlightening process. It's a doorway to worlds beyond. I do lots of other ritual magic and meditation, but I find I always come back to the tarot when I really need comfort because of it's tactile connection. To hold mystery in your hands and show people what you have learned of it's language. Yeah, there's some ego there, but it is work, it is an accomplishment is it not?

Major Tom	05 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by linabeet One of my teachers says these 78 cards hold all possible situations you can experience in life. I like this and often say similar things myself. :) But then I've also said that it's all smoke and mirrors. :laugh: I suppose what keeps me interested in tarot is that tarot provides the two elements that I consider the entire purpose of life. And what is the purpose of life I hear you ask? Learning and fun. If I'm not learning something or I'm not having fun then I don't really want to be involved... but perhaps that's another post. Tarot has sufficent depth that there is always something more to learn - no matter how long you've been at it. And, for me at least, tarot is great fun. ;)

Mimers	05 Jun 2004
Excellent questions I first turned to Tarot because it was so mysterious and because I was looking for answers. Now, I stay with it because it has helped me grow spiritually. It is a fantastic spiritual tool. I also like to give readings for other people. It seems to help them and I want to help others as well. Mimi

Dakota	05 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Cerulean I believe it is nice to be allowed to be engaged in picture books beyond the age of five. hahahaahaa I never thought of it that way before but you are SOOOO right............ :D

LadyMedusa	05 Jun 2004
The best way to explain what keeps drawing ME to Tarot is that the cards don't have an agenda. My overly self-defensive attitude leftover from issues in childhood :(, leads me to be very obstinate when I feel someone is trying to exert control over me. It is far easier to blow off the opinions of friends or family when it seems they are telling me what "they would do" or "what I should do" in a situation, than to accept their advice. When kept in check it is a trait that serves me well. :TSTRE It gives me the strength that helps me stand up for me, and what I belive in. On the other hand it can sometimes keep me from seeing :TFOOL the edge the cliff I am about to go charging over untill it is too late to stop. Tarot is a sort of traffic light for me. I don't look so much for answers from them, as I look for options. Those that others or my own conscious mind either didn't suggest, or did, but I let them pass without enough consideration. Mostly it is a way of seeking an impartial second opinion. LadyMedusa

firemaiden	05 Jun 2004
78 pretty pictures in a box. :)

ros	05 Jun 2004
I find "a" truth & "a" kind of trust in Tarot. I guess for me this is where I learn Truth behind my questions. Also I learn Trust from the knowledge that I learn.

Myrrha	05 Jun 2004
Tarot seems to be way to communicate with my deeper self or unconscious. And it is a way for this deeper self to talk to me. Paying attention to dreams does this also, and certain kinds of art making. The thought of not doing this, in some kind of way, fills me with horror, worse than the thought of dying. I would like to be helpful to others in my readings for them but am not really at that level yet, so can't say that is the big pull. -- Myrrha

TemperanceAngel	05 Jun 2004
I love the mystery and the how and why? But mostly I love how everytime I lay a spread out for someone it's always relevant to them, it always tells their story....it amazes me every time and I read for about 20 clients per week, so that's a lot of amazement in one week :D

Alissa	06 Jun 2004
I... Don't... Know.... :smoker:

janstar17	06 Jun 2004
The tarot seems to awaken my unconscious self...and sparks my intuition. It makes me see things that, for whatever reason, I hadn't seen or acknowledged. And what stories it offers!! There was a film released a few years ago...The Red Violin...where the tarot played an integral part in building the plot of the story. It was a beautiful film...it emphasized how connected all things/people really are. Now, even though I started my journey with the tarot before I saw it, everytime I pick up a deck I remember that movie and marvel at how the tarot resonates over time and distance.

hedgecub	06 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by firemaiden 78 pretty pictures in a box. :) Definitely :) I love just looking through my decks. Deck artwork is often absolutely gorgeous and so very expressive; it's like going to a miniature art exhibit. Also, to me decks are like storybooks that tell a slightly different story every time. You can 'read' a deck over and over and over again, and every time you'll come out with a slightly different meaning. A deck may be twice the price of a trade paperback, but I only read a book once; a deck I might 'read' hundreds of times. :D The incredible depth when divining with the tarot is an added bonus :) I started out with dowsing, but quickly lost interest due to its rather mechanical nature. I guess the fact that I very easily influence the outcome doesn't help :P Having 78 detailed pictures to intuit meanings from is much more interesting, methinks :D

Sillanza	07 Jun 2004
I first came to the tarot looking for clarification really -- not even "answers." I remain drawn to it for the same reason. If I'm stressed, my mind tends to spin around all the possible outcomes. The tarot can introduce some calm and direction in these situations. It's true, sometimes you get the same unwanted message over and over, but what could be clearer than that! Secondary, I read the tarot to help others. If someone else is seeking clarification -- or even a hint -- at what's going on, I think they should have every tool available at their disposal.

Emily	10 Jun 2004
I like tarot because I think the cards give you the ability to see inside yourself. Just to sit and shuffle if you are having a bad day is calming. The artwork on some decks is amazing, like little works of art, so much effort goes into producing them - I find learning and using tarot is an enriching experience all round :)

tao51	10 Jun 2004
I have been always fascinated by the images and their mystical connection. Sometimes I am able to help someone in a way that conventional methods haven't worked. --Tao

gareth.	10 Jun 2004
Really good question.It does extend the reality of our lives.The tarot opens up a vista of other possibilities.It is also solitary and strangely comforting.

The Just what is it that keeps pulling you back to tarot? thread was originally posted on 04 Jun 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.