Tarot and associated skills

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 25 Apr 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

JulieG	25 Apr 2004
Given the links with Astrology, Kabbalah and Numerology that Tarot has, how important is it for a Tarot reader to learn these other subjects to read effectively? Any book recommendations (simple stuff - basic books rather than advanced)? Thanks everyone.

Rusty Neon	25 Apr 2004
It depends on your reading style. If you're using an RWS deck and your style is intuitive, it's up to you how much to incorporate. Knowledge of allied arts can certainly enrich your readings. _Astrology Symbols_, by Robert Hand _Your Days are Numbered: A Manual of Numerology for Everybody_, by Florence Campbell (1931) _Penguin Dictionary of Symbols_ Cirlot's Dictionary of Symbols

closrapexa	26 Apr 2004
Even for such complex decks as the Thoth, learning kabala, astrology, numerology, Golden Dawn history, Western and Far Eastern mythology are certainly not essential, but studying them does add depth.

Mimers	26 Apr 2004
You can read very well (sometimes better, IMHO) with no knowledge of these esoteric systems/beliefs. They do however, come in very handy when you are stuck in a reading. I also feel that trying to learn them all too fast is counter productive. Well it was for me anyway. So, I read primarily intuitively and am slowly learning about the rest. It is much more pleasurable that way, and my readings are still quite good and helpful. I am focusing lately on numerology aspects and the historical backround of Tarot and the times when it was created. This adds a lot to the meaning of the cards. Mimi

ros	26 Apr 2004
When we learn numerology, symbols, colors and all the rest, this helps us when we get stuck for information. We can use this knowledge for extra backup. We layer the cards with our knowledge. Just study as you go and it all comes together in time because Tarot is something we never get finished learning.

hedgecub	26 Apr 2004
I think studying astrology, numerology, and qabbala will definitely help you understand and appreciate tarot more, but it's not necessary, just as studying art theory and history can help you understand and appreciate paintings and sculptures in more depth, but even with no such training, you can still appreciate the beauty of a piece of artwork. And sometimes lack of formal training can help you see things that would otherwise be lost in a pile of definitions and techniques and analysis.

Ravenswing	28 Apr 2004
Julie-- I think that you should initially deal with the image of the card before bringing in a sword level. I'm working on creating a deck and one thing that I'm trying to do is incorporate other systems into the image. As I see it, Tarot is a visual oracle. The image and what you make of it is the essencial thing in a reading. Thought comes afterwards. fly well Raven

gloria	28 Apr 2004
Isabel Kliegman in her book - Tarot and the Tree of Life explores the relationship between the Tarot and the kabbalah. It's lightweight...nothing heavy. What I also like about the book is I.K's refreshingly different 'take' on the cards.

JulieG	28 Apr 2004
Thanks for your ideas everyone! They've been really helpful. I got my new Thoth deck through the other day and had a good look through some of the cards yesterday - I felt an immediate connection with the deck, quite a powerful one. The imagery on the "pip" cards is just fabulous. The four of disks blew me away in particular: such depth of meaning in such a "simple" design. It's a breathtaking deck and I feel sure already that this is the deck for me. I've got more books on order about the Thoth deck and the Tarot/Kabbalah book you recommend, Gloria, is one of them so thanks for the suggestions on reading material. I feel so excited about Tarot and about the Thoth deck and everyone's support here has been really helpful in kick starting things for me. Thanks again.

Mojo	28 Apr 2004
Depends on who you're reading for. If you're reading for other, non-tarot people, and you start blabbering about kaballah and astrology and numerology, you're going to see their eyes start glazing over and they won't listen to a thing you're telling them. For this audience, I think it's more important that you know things like medieval history, meanings of symbols, popular mythology, fables, etc. These are things that most querents can relate to and they make your readings much more interesting

mysticalowl	28 Apr 2004
My personal opinion is that everyone has different styles and interests. I do believe it is important to use whatever you learn and know to help add to your readings, but I do not believe there is any one set formula or amount of associations you need to have. People should explore lots of different tarot complements and use them to add detail to their readings.

September Pixie	29 Apr 2004
I think the answer to your question is simple.... you do what you are interested in.. if you are interested in numerology, astrology, palmstry, etc.. then look into it.. if you arent.. it wont put you at either an advantage or a disadvantage to know these things at all.

Phoenix Rising	29 Apr 2004
I was given a message from my dearly departed Grandfather" He told me that I study too much, try to analyse everything, and that I have to learn to "feel" more. So I gave all the books away. I was like you and wanted to know more about astrology, kabalah etc etc and I just got confused. I just want to know my cards, and what it means to me. What I think and feel is the important issue, not what some one else thinks, I may never get to their level. Our higher selves knows everything, Get to know that one instead.

tigerlily 6563	30 Apr 2004
When I started the tarot I disovered that I went into other areas such as astrology Mythology and even the Bible although not religous. All of which just helped me to expand my knowledge of the Tarot. I think the important thing to go where your study leads you.

Rusty Neon	29 May 2004
If you wish to explore tarot (RWS and clones) expressed in the language of psychology, be sure to check out Art Rosengarten's website, especially his very cool Complete Tarot Lexicon - in my opinion, the best set of ready-to-use divinatory meanings in print. http://www.artrosengarten.com/articles.htm

Umbrae	29 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Phoenix Rising I was given a message from my dearly departed Grandfather" He told me that I study too much, try to analyse everything, and that I have to learn to "feel" more. .. Our higher selves knows everything, Get to know that one instead. Your Grandfather was wise. If you wanna read Tarot, read tarot. If you wanna do Kaballa - do kaballa. If you wanna do it all, your readings may turn out mooshy - too much fluff, and little that the sitter can use. ...and it matters not which deck you use. If you want to learn to read tarot...the book has only 78 pages - learn to read them - it is the only book you will need.

jmd	31 May 2004
For book recommendations, may I suggest you browse through the Books and Media section of the Forums - or even begin a thread therein, specifically requesting suggestions for a particular topic. Though I tend to generally agree with Umbrae - that basically, to read the cards, one needs to open oneself up to the inspiration which the imaginative faculty may open oneself to - books are like this very Forum: the written reflections of someone else's work. Primarily, then, reflections and meditations on the individual imagery is important. But, as in other areas of life, so is study, experience, and careful observation and open-ness. On the path of development, a list of six aspects is at times mentioned: developing control of thoughts, control of actions, persevance, and tolerance, impartiality, and equanimity. Whether these are read here, or in great Kabalistic books, or books on Christian esoteric sciences, or elsewhere, part of the importance is the communication or dialogue which arises out of the very act of conversing - and this is, in my view at least, important in further developing reading skills...

The Tarot and associated skills thread was originally posted on 25 Apr 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.