Tarot - for chosen ones or a matter of learning?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 01 Apr 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Jenny-Li	01 Apr 2002
Hi! Where I come from, most people assume Tarot is the same thing as doing psychic magic, being able to tell what the future will bring. And it's not for real if you're not "born with it", as a paranormal gift, clairvoyance. A girl I know, one of the few who knows I'm studying the Tarot, her first remark was that "Oh, that's really interesting. But I've always wanted to go to a REAL psychic." To me that is not the same thing - but maybe I'm the one being wrong here, and should quit acting like I've anything to do here right away...? Anyway, my question is simply: What do you all think? Can anyone learn to read the Tarot, or do you have to have certain abilities in the bagage from the start? Is there something else that makes some people not able to learn this? And what DOES make a "good Tarot reader"? Another big question from the newbie, y'all will be fed up with me by the end of the week, I think...! *laugh* In light, Jenny :-)

Lion-O	01 Apr 2002
(quick edit; thats what you get for posting at 1am) Quote: Originally posted by Jenny-Li Anyway, my question is simply: What do you all think? Can anyone learn to read the Tarot, or do you have to have certain abilities in the bagage from the start? Is there something else that makes some people not able to learn this? And what DOES make a "good Tarot reader"? Blech, I say "yes and no" to a related question in another thread and immediatly get this 8) Anyway; I think its a bit of both; I really think almost everyone can learn how to use the Tarot deck, to me its nothing more but a tool to unlock certain knowledge, but as with all things in life some people will have more ease to learn and 'master' it then others. Just like anything else in real life, some will succeed and some will fail alltogether. So far the first part. The second is a lot shorter; I do believe that if you have some basics and some 'paranormal' bagage you could be able to grasp the Tarot much easier and will also get much better readings and results in the process. But thats just an opinion which I really can't backup. Quote: Another big question from the newbie, y'all will be fed up with me by the end of the week, I think...! *laugh* I'd say try us :-)

Emily	01 Apr 2002
I think that tarot is like everything else, if you have a real desire to learn how to read the cards then you will. I don't think it takes a special kind of person to learn but you do have to be on the right wave length. And then it takes sensitivity and tact to be able to interpret the cards and give good insight - All of which I'm learning to do lol :D (I hope :) )

Original Destiny	01 Apr 2002
Hi Jenny-Li, Can I just alter your question a bit? Can anyone WORK with the Tarot...Yes... is the answer...it's a partnership...you and the Tarot together...free your mind...be receptive...The Tarot will work with you!...let it be your friend

Malachite	01 Apr 2002
I think...once you set up a system of rules and interpretations, and stick to them, it works...once you understand them, it works better...the same with tarot, or runes, or palmistry, or anything... Even if you use different rules to everyone else. I think that everyone has the capacity in them to learn that. To say that only some people do is limiting people, and i think thats impossible. People limit themselves, not each other..:) I'm not sure if you have to believe, or whether thats a different question... end of the week?...Keep going m'dear, it'll be a while yet!... ;)

Umbrae	01 Apr 2002
Anybody can work with the Tarot. They are equal opportunity. They also operate on many different levels. You will find a level that you both communicate well on. They also work as keys, and will eventually begin opening doors. That’s when the fun begins.

Major Tom	02 Apr 2002
I'm of the opinion that anyone can 'learn to be a psychic' so I guess that includes learning to read tarot cards.... }) The gifts the universe bestows are available to anyone. Desire to receive is the only requirement...

MichaelS	03 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jenny-Li Hi! Where I come from, most people assume Tarot is the same thing as doing psychic magic, being able to tell what the future will bring. And it's not for real if you're not "born with it", as a paranormal gift, clairvoyance. Jose Silva did a very good job of showing that everyone is psychic. In the last afternoon of his seminar, everyone attending is shown that they are. That said, I've always understood that the Tarot doesn't read the future, it reads the present in great detail (feel free to correct me, folks). The future, of course, is always casting its shadow into the now. What is happening today determines tomorrow. If a reading appears negative, it can be considered a "heads up". You can look at what you're doing that's leading in that direction and change it. ---Michael

Kiama	03 Apr 2002
I'm about as psychic as a piece of toast, and I work with the cards every day in my life. I picked it all up very quickly, and haven't stopped learning. I don't think its a matter of pyschic-ness, just a matter of willingness to learn and not give up: "There's so many meanings to remember..." is usually the one that stops people learning... Its very nice of you are psychic (Bu how common is that!?) cuz then you receive other info during readings to help you. It is also easier if you are intuitive and imaginative, as I reckon you'd give better reading this way. But I don't think that being able to read or learn how to read the cards is an innate, built in drive in some people and not others. By saying this, we are basically saying that this ability is on the same level as instictively breathing, sleeping, digesting food, letting our heart pump, and self-protection! No matter how much we love Tarot, its not on the same level as those! (Sorry guys I hate to break it to you, but breathing is more important. Jewel, Talisman, stop hyperventilating. Major Tom, you can put that noose down right now, and for goodness sake, Pollux: Put the lighter down and stop trying to torch your decks....) Kiama PS- Quick! Quick! Kayne's gone into severe shock! Somebody call an ambulance!

Jewel	04 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama (Sorry guys I hate to break it to you, but breathing is more important. Jewel, Talisman, stop hyperventilating. Major Tom, you can put that noose down right now, and for goodness sake, Pollux: Put the lighter down and stop trying to torch your decks....) Kiama PS- Quick! Quick! Kayne's gone into severe shock! Somebody call an ambulance! EXCUUUUUUUUSE ME MISSY? what was that again Kiama ~hyperventilates but tries to clam down, checkin in on Talisman, Major Tom, Pollux, Kayne and Faunabay~ youth ... they just don't get it ~giggles~. No seriously, Kiama makes a good point. I am intuitive and creative ... have been called psychic but I am not even convinced of that! *LOL*. I have worked hard to learn what I know, and I feel as though I have only begun to learn. I think it is about attitude. Like anything else, if you feel you can't learn it and won't trust yourself then no matter how bad you want to it just won't happen. If you are willing to believe in yourself you can achieve and learn anything. Hey Pollux if you are going to burn any decks hon let me know, I'll take them ~giggles~ I don't have the Aquarian yet *LOL*. And although Tarot may not be as vital as breathing, it is certainly as vital as any other pleasure in life (well almost OK *LOL* ;) )

Kiama	04 Apr 2002
Jewel, you tickled me pink! Thanks! :* :* :* :* Kiama *Who took a hell of a long time to convince herself that Tarot wasn't as important as breathing after all....*

amyel	05 Apr 2002
Well, I consider my mom a bit psychic (she'd call it intuitive) and she can not master Tarot. But in her younger years, she used to do detailed Astrology readings (sans computer!) and really loved runes for a while. Maybe still does, I don't know - she's had other things on her mind lately. She knew I loved my cards and bought herself a deck - and just could not relate. So, I don't think it has anything to do with psychic ability - I think some people either gravitate towards them or they don't. Here's a question now....Do you consider yourself a good storyteller? Can you see patterns/relationships? 'Cause I have a theory....I think folk drawn to Tarot are talented in either or both of these two areas. Because, when you think of it, we are telling a story in each reading and looking for patterns/relationships in the spreads.

zorya	05 Apr 2002
obviously you've been chosen, if you've been drawn to reading the tarot. have patience, the rest will come in time, so enjoy!

Lion-O	06 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Major Tom I'm of the opinion that anyone can 'learn to be a psychic' so I guess that includes learning to read tarot cards.... }) Hmm, I tend to agree. I don't know of you guys ever seen him but I recall this guy (he was said to be psychic yet he denied it all the time) who managed to drive around blindfolded in a car in a city he never visited before. It has been some years since I've seen this, but I recall that he got an assignment to drive to a certain place (city hall, I don't know ;)) and managed to do so in lots of cities. Getting back to the psychic part; he also stated that everyone could do this; they just needed to know the way to do it. But psychic or not; I guess that if he claims that anyone can do it this is the case.

Kiama	06 Apr 2002
I can't even find my way around a city I KNOW without a blindfold, let alone with a blind fold in a city I DO know! Kiama

mermaid1622	07 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jenny-Li Where I come from, most people assume Tarot is the same thing as doing psychic magic, being able to tell what the future will bring. And it's not for real if you're not "born with it", as a paranormal gift, clairvoyance. And some people consider a person's musical talent isn't "for real" unless the person has perfect pitch. No matter where you live or what community (such as the tarot community in general), you will find people with different opinions, views, beliefs. I recommend that you focus on your own opinions, views, beliefs -- being aware of those of others but not unduly concerned that others differ from you OR agree with you ... because you're never going to get everyone to agree so why distract yourself? And anyhow, no matter what we post here in this terrific forum :) why would you think we have "the answers"? I do understand (I believe) your motivation in posting ... but truly, I don't see how some posts here can validate anything for you; you have to decide for yourself and it's a lifetime process in my opinion. Welcome! mermaid1622

Jenny-Li	07 Apr 2002
Thanks for all your input guys! I realize the question seems to be one of insecurity about my own position, but it really wasn't the reason I wrote it. I do feel there's a difference in how the Tarot is viewed here and "out there" in the big world, and that interested me - and I have been thinking of this for a while. Then there was a comment on another thread, that triggered me to post it now. But OK, in order for me to be able to say "That's not true, it sure works for me." - I think I'd have to do more spreads for other people (friends, familly I mean - my only "guinea pig" at the moment is myself!), I think. But I'll get there too, in time! Thanks again though, all of you! Jenny :)

Diana	07 Apr 2002
edited

sarahenglish	07 Apr 2002
Being very new to tarot, I'm not really qualified to answer this. But I do think that to be able to do it well, you need to be able to "think outside of the box" and certainly there are alot of people out there who can not do that. I would suspect though, that anyone with an interest in tarot already does think outside of the box or they wouldn't have the interest in the first place.

The Tarot - for chosen ones or a matter of learning? thread was originally posted on 01 Apr 2002 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.