losing it

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 05 Aug 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Nicolas	05 Aug 2002
From time to time I feel like i lose something when I do too many readings so I have to stop for a period, or I try another set of cards, and sometimes I will do a reading and I feel like the person does not belive a thing I say to them, or the one thing I don't like is when they ask me to do it again ( which I don't) am I burning out or am I losing the ability, or do I need to work a little harder.

Thirteen	05 Aug 2002
I'd say "ask the cards" but that might come across the wrong way ;) We all burn out and need a break. Reading tarot takes energy--both on your part and the part of the cards. Pace yourself, and give yourself rests, and remember that not all readings are going to be magic. Sometimes that cards just don't want to play--or you're off your game for whatever reason. Take a break and come back later. Also, switch decks from time to time, that will also help in renewal. In short, no, you're not losing anything.

divinerguy	05 Aug 2002
I can only do about four or five readings at once, then I need a break. I'll normally wait abot a wek between follow up readings. I'll normally go between 5 and 10 readings between deck changes. However, I've been using the Voyager deck recently, and it doesn't seem to burn me out as much as other decks. It may become my regular reading deck.

Laurel	05 Aug 2002
I think you're burning out due to pushing yourself too hard and the best thing to do is take it easier instead of pushing yourself even more. Only read when you feel like, for people who appreciate what you are doing and keep an open mind. No one ever said we had to use our tarot resources (time, energy, insight, intuition, etc.,) for people who take them for granted. Laurel

Rhiannon	05 Aug 2002
I used to wear myself out reading for people like you're describing. A friend always wanted "confirmation" readings... "Just to make sure the cards are right!". LOL I don't read for her very often anymore, and I admit, when I do read for her... I don't put very much effort into it. She never listens anyway. Another thing that peeves me is when you DO put alot of effort into a reading for someone and all you get back from them is, "Gee, you're wrong. Thanks!". Now, how exactly am I wrong???? Can't I get some better feedback than that??? :( Jeez! I also wore myself out at a party once. I read about 10 times in a row, I felt like I couldn't take a breath! I wanted to sleep for a week afterwards! I think it was so rough because I couldn't cleanse and ground in between readings for the different people. I just had to keep going. Anyway, I'm sure you're fine and you just need some rest and restorative energy! R :)

squigglywiggly	06 Aug 2002
Some people are more gullible some people are less gullible. Some people will eat up every single thing I tell them and some people have a bullsh*t detector the size of Jupiter. When it turns out that somebody is not believing my reading I just have to accept that the jig is up with that person and just dont read for them again. Why waste my time and why waste their time. You should just find yourself some gullible people to read for. Don't read for the tough nuts, it will lower your morale.

Bella	06 Aug 2002
squigglywiggly...why waste our time? Everyone else here is serious about Tarot...we are not bs'ing. Actually reading tarot is what we do! If someone on the forum asks a question, they don't want to hear "bs better" or "find more gullible clients." They actually want to learn to be better readers. It's people like you who have given tarot readers a bad name.

Diana	06 Aug 2002
edited

Bella	06 Aug 2002
You're right Diana--Thanks for the reminder. Sorry for feeding into it, I just felt bad for the member with the question.

Diana	06 Aug 2002
edited

zorya	06 Aug 2002
hi nicholas, i just wanted to add a little something to some of the other great advice you've gotten. be sure to ground yourself before reading. reading can take a lot of energy out of you, unless you are constantly taking in and cycling out energy.

HOLMES	06 Aug 2002
yes we all do lose some sort of energy, it is part of the opening up to each other process. you are using your psychic energy, your inuitiion, your spiritual energy, your psychic hearing to intreprate the energy you are getting (this iis how you know more then the cards tell you). a trick i use to keep energy costant is switch decks when i do three readings in a row , change decks til the energy inside is used. i drink pop or jucie when i read for a sugar high this is just to keep me going i know it is bad). i ground myself. and when i have no more energy i tell them it is over no more energy. as for the other one where they are closed , i do a quick reading not using too much of my own energy using book meanings (they are not taking it seriously so i don't put my own energy into it) when they ask silly questions i simply refuse to answer it. when they ask repitive questions i tell them that has already been answered. even the best get tired, even the best can't do it all :O) take it easy my friend

LeoLady	06 Aug 2002
Can someone elaborate on the grounding yourself that ppl ahev said on this forum? Don't understand what you mean?? Ta muchly x

zorya	06 Aug 2002
this is a previous thread on grounding... www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5494

jade	06 Aug 2002
i don't know how many readings you are doing in a row, but personally i don't like to do more than one person a day. i find that more than that and i don't 'see' as well. and grounding is essential. perhaps your cards need a cleansing. since the dark moon is here.......putting your cards out and allowing the negative energy to dissipate could be helpful. in light, jade :D

HudsonGray	06 Aug 2002
Yeah, I fully agree on the grounding, it makes a HUGE difference! You don't have to be spiritual to do it, if it seems a strange concept--it's just a way of gathering energy back into yourself to go on without being tired. But there still comes a time when you 'hit the wall' and that's it! You can probably find more about grounding by doing an internet search on the words "grounding and centering" since the two go hand in hand. I know I've seen some nice explanations on how to do it at several sites.

LeoLady	06 Aug 2002
Does anyone feel weird doing this grounding thing? I'm not sure if it will work for me cos i'd feel a bit silly doing it. I think also that i try too hard thereby not making things like that work (not actually tried it yet)

Nicolas	11 Aug 2002
Thank you all for your helpful replies(except one).....and advise it was a great help

LeoLady	11 Aug 2002
hope you weren't referring to my comment. .I wasn't aware the forum was specifically to answer your question only. I think my query was a reasonable one as surely not everyone finds 'grounding' easy. Thanks (not)

fairyhedgehog	11 Aug 2002
Hi LeoLady, I think most new things I've tried felt silly at first, but that hasn't stopped them working. I remember the first time I did Gestalt 'two chair' work (when you pretend that another person, or even a part of yourself, is on another chair and talk to them or it) I felt sooooo self-conscious, but it worked. Not as well as when I felt less self-conscious, but we all have to start somewhere. So I would say, even if you feel 'silly' just go for it :) BTW, I don't think Nicolas comment 'except for one' was aimed at you at all. Love and light to all, FH

LeoLady	11 Aug 2002
Hi Fairy, Thanks! Glad to know that someone knows what it feels like to try something new and out of the ordinary. DH will probably send me to the nutty farm soon :D Just realised tho, who the post might have been about (not paranoid much) :D..apologies Nick.... Ta anyway, Love LeoL x

HudsonGray	19 Aug 2002
Here, I found this on a site, it's pretty basic but it'll give you the bare bones idea of what it is. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- GROUNDING Definition-- Grounding connects your energy to the earth in a stable, secure way. Ground to get rid of unwanted energy and take in clean, balanced energy. When you are well grounded, drawing energy through yourself is easier. Any time you are working with energy, grounding makes it easier. Letting Go-- First, let go of all the tension you can, relax your shoulders, calm yourself, and focus on what you are doing. Bring your attention to the current time and place. Let all the active energy you have release, and any that you don't want drain down off of you into the earth. Slow down and take a deep calm breath. Anchoring-- Extend your own energy down into the earth while keeping it also connected to you. Feel your energy as streamers or roots extending deep into the earth, as anchors. These roots balance your energy, so you're not dizzy, and they give and take energy to keep your overall level steady. When stressed, you may not anchor very well. Ground and stabilize your anchor to reduce the feelings of stress. Releasing Negativity-- Drain your unwanted energy down through the anchors into the earth. The more strongly you anchor, the better your energy balance will be. More energy will flow through you smoothly, without feelings of tightness or nervousness.

The losing it thread was originally posted on 05 Aug 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.