I could use some tips.

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 07 Mar 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Esther	07 Mar 2004
The first five readings or so when I got my new deck were very acurate, and I felt as if I was in tune with the cards. But recently, I've been having a lot of trouble. Hardly any of my readings seem acurate, and no matter what sort of question I ask the cards don't seem to apply to that aspect of my life or any aspect. I read once that in trying to learn about a certain aspect of your life, it can help to use only cards that directly relate to that area (such as using only wand cards and major arcana cards when looking for insight on your creativity). I've tried that, but that doesn't help much either. I'm baffled because I'd assumed that as time went by it'd be easier for me to do acurate readings and understand what the cards are saying. I've begun to wonder if maybe the problem lies in that my mind isn't clear enough or that I'm not concentrating enough. Do you guys have any ideas about what I need to do, or how I can do it?

HudsonGray	07 Mar 2004
Have you tried simplifying the question or asking it in a different way? That can help, sometimes. Take it down to real basics and draw 1,2 or 3 cards only.

mota	07 Mar 2004
Try doing a reading without a preset question...maybe you are focusing so much on your question you are missing something else important that the cards are telling you. Just read as though someone sat across from you and wanted a general reading about nothing in particular.

Jewel-ry	07 Mar 2004
Try re-ordering your deck to make sure its clear and isnt carrying any old vibes with it from one reading to another and then give them a really good shuffle. Try the mix-it-good method (putting them on the floor and mixing them with your hands). Now, that feels better doesn't it? Make sure the house is really quiet. Clear your mind and try a few minutes quiet meditation before doing your reading and then focus on your question for a few minutes while you really shuffle the cards again. I agree with HudsonGray in that you should keep your question and your spread simple. Also, it sometimes helps to leave your spread out somewhere for a little while and reflect on it. Come back to it and it can all become quite clear. Don't rush, give yourself time for the message to permeate. It'll come. I dont think you should separate the cards into those you think are applicable and those you dont. Let us know how you get on. J :)

Centaur	07 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Esther I've begun to wonder if maybe the problem lies in that my mind isn't clear enough or that I'm not concentrating enough. Do you guys have any ideas about what I need to do, or how I can do it? Hi Esther, It could be a number of things. Perhaps your mind is too occupied at the moment. For instance, are you under a lot of stress? I know that when I am stressed out, then it is very difficult to achieve a calm state of mind, and thus might affect my readings. I always find that meditation with stones (or without, depending on whether you are into that!) is very helpful. I also find that if I hold a calming and spiritual stone before I read, such as amethyst, then it helps me to focus more for the reading. I also agree with Jewel-ry in that your deck may need cleansed. If you have more than one deck, perhaps you could 'test' that out. Start using the other deck and see if you get better results. If you do, then cleanse the 'mischievous' deck, by using the method suggested by Jewel-ry or by some other method, eg. bathing the deck in moonlight, etc. Your question reminds me of my Victoria-Regina deck, which was kindly given to me by a friend. At first, it seemed to be very accurate in its readings, but overuse led to some pretty dire and hideous cards showing up on a REGULAR basis. After cleansing, I did not experience such problems. I call it my 'moody' deck. Ofcourse, I am assuming that you share a spiritual approach to tarot, and my own beliefs might be completely at odds with yours. I wish you well! C

ol_crazy_Legs	07 Mar 2004
We all get that time to time. How long have you been practicing tarot? Anywho, make sure that your mind is completly relaxed. This will help you be more intune with yourself befor the reading. Also refrase you questions, and make sure the spread your doing relates fro the best answer. For ex: dont do a Past,Present,Future spread for a yes no question. When asking a question I try to go with "What of" questions. If you can rephrase your questions to "What of" questions... this will help alot. Good-luck.

Star Spirit	07 Mar 2004
Is it possible that you're asking the same question over and over? Our psyches seem to get fed up when we do that and it shows in the cards :)

Esther	07 Mar 2004
You've given me a lot of good tips, many of which I wouldn't have thought of. I'll try your suggestions. I've been practising Tarot officially for around three weeks, though I've had an interest in it for a while. I suppose some of my problems have been stemming from lack of experience as well, but I honestly felt more in tune with the deck the first day I got it. Could a lack of compatibility with the deck have something to do with the problems too? I like my deck but I really don't feel compatible with it.

Ilithiya	08 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Esther Could a lack of compatibility with the deck have something to do with the problems too? I like my deck but I really don't feel compatible with it. It's definitely possible. I've gotten rid of about 15 decks over the past seven years because while they were wonderful, I just couldn't tune in with them. Do you have a second deck you could use? Also, the Decks section of the rest of the Aeclectic site has scans of pictures, and you can find more at Tarot Passages too. Illy

Indigo Rose	08 Mar 2004
Hi Esther. All the suggestions are right on here so far. I will only add that there are a lot of decks out there. I have several decks and it helps me to switch decks when I am feeling that lack of connection with one or the other. I have also noted that when I am preoccupied, overly tired, or ill I have trouble making that connection to Tarot. A clear mind, open heart, and distinct purpose are all essential for me to read well and connect to Tarot. Prayer is very helpful to me also, before I read. There will be good and bad days with your Tarot journey, as in life and everything else. Don't get discouraged. Be patient with yourself as you learn and grow. Hope this helps. Blessings, Indigo Rose :)

Shalott	08 Mar 2004
...or maybe you could draw your own! I don't know if you're artistic or anything, but this could at least be an excersize in learning what you want in a deck. I can barely draw a stick figure and I drew my own majors way back when, as a kid my mom wouldn't let me buy a deck, and some of them turned out pretty good! They served me well for years. I've also found info here on smudging... I wish I could give you tips on concentrating, but I'm looking for some info on that myself... :( Good luck!

firemaiden	08 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Esther The first five readings or so when I got my new deck were very acurate, and I felt as if I was in tune with the cards. But recently, I've been having a lot of trouble. Hardly any of my readings seem acurate, and no matter what sort of question I ask the cards don't seem to apply to that aspect of my life or any aspect. I read once that in trying to learn about a certain aspect of your life, it can help to use only cards that directly relate to that area (such as using only wand cards and major arcana cards when looking for insight on your creativity). I've tried that, but that doesn't help much either. I'm baffled because I'd assumed that as time went by it'd be easier for me to do acurate readings and understand what the cards are saying. I've begun to wonder if maybe the problem lies in that my mind isn't clear enough or that I'm not concentrating enough. Do you guys have any ideas about what I need to do, or how I can do it? I too had an experience like this, Esther, the first few times I read with cards, I found amazing synchronicity between the cards, and the situation. Then it stopped happening, so I put the cards away and said this doesn't work, and didn't even try to read for a year, though I loved the pretty pictures, and just looking at them. Then gradually, through reading all the wonderful advice given here, and trying out little one card readings on my friends, I started to see things in them again. I'd have to say, as Umbrae so often teaches us -- it is in reading for others that we learn the most.

Esther	09 Mar 2004
Right now, I only have this one deck. It's a beautiful deck, and I like it, but I'm not sure if it's *the* deck. I'd like to eventually get another deck or two once my budget allows it, but I haven't decided on any. I've also seriously considered making a deck. I have a friend who made a collage deck, and it turned out pretty well. If I were to make one, I'd probably try to draw the pictures since I prefer more traditional decks, but I'm not very crafty. Regardless, though, I would like to make a deck someday. I think it'd be a neat experience. I did a reading today and tried to be less specific and instead just cleared my mind and layed out the cards, and that did seem to help a bit. Thanks again, Esther

DesertHowler	11 Mar 2004
I had this happen a few times where the cards seemed to go "nuts." I found it happened when I asked a question that evaded the real issue going on in my mind. I used simple spreads and the first card position always answered "What is this spread really about?" This seemed to help direct me to the true issue. DesertHowler

genna	14 Mar 2004
As suggested above,it can help to change decks for awhile. When I´ve been reading intensely with one deck,it often starts to give inaccurate readings.Many don´t believe in decks having "personalities",but I think they can be overloaded sometimes. Later,I swich back,and the deck works for me again. It can also help to work with an oracle deck,and take a little break from Tarot,or,sometimes,a little break from readings altogeather.

The I could use some tips. thread was originally posted on 07 Mar 2004 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.