Tips on Remembering Meanings

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 14 Jul 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

wildchilde	14 Jul 2004
I have been practicing reading for years and the hardest part of the process for me has been actually remembering in-depth the meaning of specific cards! This really aggrivates me to no end! I invariably end up having to refer to the deck book(s) to fully comprehend the spread. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions on how to memorize card meanings? I kept thinking that if I just kept at it, eventually it would sink in, but after years of the same problem, I must admit I think I need help with my Tarotheimers disease. :D

September Pixie	14 Jul 2004
I would advise picking up the book called "HOW TO: Read The Tarot" by Sylvia Abraham. She teaches a key word system, and then see which of the meanings fit the cards you are trying to read, its MUCH easier than memorizing 78 meanings! :)

OakDragon	14 Jul 2004
I, too, had the same problem until I realized you don't have to learn the meanings of the cards in order to do tarot readings. When you do a reading, relate the card to the question in your mind and it's position in the spread. What is happening in the card (if it has a picture). How does the card make you feel? What does it make you think of? Do you get any sensations, feelings, messages, etc. from seeing it? How do these relate to the question? Once you practice readings enough, knowing the meanings will come naturally. Don't try to force it.

oceanpoetry	14 Jul 2004
Wildchilde, I recommend http://www.learntarot.com/ . Joan Bunning has put key words that are helpful. Also, check out Thirteen's summary of the cards - http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/ I don't think it is necessary to learn the meanings by rote, but the more you work with the cards, the easier it will be to make the connections. It has also been helpful for me to do journal writing whenever I do a reading, so that I can compare my intuitive responses with the standard meanings.

Thirteen	14 Jul 2004
I agree with September that the Key Word method is one of the best if, as you say, you've been working at the tarot and the meanings keep slipping your mind. Key Word creates relationships between the cards as a memory devise. It's easy, fast, and it sticks. I understand your problem, by the way, and what a lot of people don't realize is that some readers can get bogged down and frustrated if meanings keep slipping away from them. The beauty of Key Word as compared to "rote" memorization is it allows for flexability of interpetation, yet also allows gives the reader confidence, a safety net of meaning, if you will. It's not for everyone, but it almost always is the very best method for someone who has been studying the cards, yet feels that their meanings are perpetually ellusive.

firemaiden	15 Jul 2004
Another method, in an opposite tack would be to leave off trying to remember them altogether, and let the card images themselves to tell you what the meaning is.

Venian	15 Jul 2004
Never heard of the key word system but it sounds like a good start to me. I remember it was very frustrating when you think your doing fine when suddenly you aint got a clue what the 8 of wands is or represents. So I say go for that and once the meanings are shoved in your memory, you'll start to develop meanings of your own.

Little Baron	15 Jul 2004
People always mention the journal idea, which is a good one. At the moment, I have a small, inexpensive book with two pages to each card. Believe it or not, there is exactly the right amount of pages for each card and no more, no less. I also have the same kind of book for readings. As I do my readings and jot notes day to day in diary form, I transfer the useful interpretations into the other book; as time goes on, I have a pocket sized reference book that I can carry easily with my deck, wherever I go. In it, are snippets of information I have read and snippets that I have found in the cards myself, making the information an allround 'gist' of each card, should I need to refer. I go with firemaidens idea of letting the card give you the meanings as well since a lot of my 'definitions' are things I have felt and seen, rather than that that I have read. I hope that this helps as it has been a useful tool for me, and I know exactly how it feels when those 'meanings' slip out of your mind. I would say I get that for a high percentage of my readings, which is when I unplug the mains lead, so to speak and run on my own personal battery. Yaboot

Venian	15 Jul 2004
Haha! Nice quote yaboot! The little book idea sounds excellent for keeping tabs on important ideas that come up. I have a normal journal but never thought of putting it into a 'simplified' form. Doesn't it get a bit full? And do you ever find that you have written down ideas in the smaller book that later become irrelevent or out of date?

cjtarot	15 Jul 2004
Hi, What I did was make a cheet sheet..typed it a few times (out of necesity..lost it.) but the retyping helped.. What it has on it is, key words for the majors, what each suite means and what each number means.. Example... 5 of cups Cups is water, love and happiness 5 is Sorrow and loss Thus 5 of cups is sorrow or loss of love..then add what you see in the picture and you have a meaning.. I can pm or email you the list if you want or make your own..like I said researching and typing or writing things down help you remember.. It took me forever..then I got the Gendron Deck and the pictures just "Spoke" to me.. Good luck CJ

morandia	15 Jul 2004
I like the idea of letting the cards give you the meaning, but.... in some cases (aces and court cards come to mind) I just don't get anything from them directly. any suggestions?

tao51	15 Jul 2004
That trying to remember specific words does nothing for me. I try to allow the cards to speak to me. The meaning depends on the question, position of the card, and the environment. I think that I have a better reading when it arises from the cards not just key words.--Tao

Thirteen	15 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by morandia I like the idea of letting the cards give you the meaning, but.... in some cases (aces and court cards come to mind) I just don't get anything from them directly. any suggestions? Again, Key Word. It's very similar to cj's cheet sheet. I understand by the way, that people are eager to urge readers to discover their own meanings, to write down ideas, and delve into the tarot as you might learn to paint, in part because such methods are excellent and allow for self discovery as well as making the tarot more personal and intimate. But I think what EVERYONE must understand is that no one method works for EVERYONE. Some people learn to paint by picking up the paint brush and experimenting and playing. But others do better if they're taught perspective and shading first. If left to just "paint" they get nowhere and this frustrates them--and all too often, they give up trying to be painters. The way the Key Word system works: Magician = To Make, To develop (Make/Develop are your key words) Magicians are related to the Aces. So if Cups = Emotions the.... Ace of Cups = To develop Emotions Like learning perspective, it's a way to illuminate the tarot, to allow the person learning it to say, "OH! I get it!" and take off. It's not for everyone, but I think it might be the lightswitch for Witchchilde and Morandia.

September Pixie	15 Jul 2004
The keyword system is so easy because you really only have to develop a concept of what to look for on the face of the cards... for example.. 2 of Cups We already know that cups are a symbol of love and emotion.. but what does number 2 mean? If you look at the usual examples of RWS based decks you will see two lovers facing eachother holding goblets... well what do you see? :) The number 2 in Abraham's book says that #2 is "I know ...." so the actual meaning here would be "I know about love and emotion" - this card could also speak of weddings or other kinds of commitments (the picture again).. So then next we will look at 2 of Swords.. We already know that the key workd is "I know.." and we know that the swords is a suit of pain and troubles, so this one is easy ;) "I know my problems & troubles" now lets look at the picture... she is blind folded and turned against the backgrounds... she cannot see it.. perhaps she doesnt want to see it... so lets add that to our meaning "I know my problems & troubles but I don't want to see them".. works the exact same for the rest of the suits.. its VERY easy to grasp.. took only one of my students 30mins! Its a book that covers cards, key words, the images on the cards, spreads, and much much more... I'd recommend it to anyone!

lisaria	15 Jul 2004
Hi all, The key word system is a great idea. I've put mine on index cards. They are easy to file and find when I need them. Basically you've just got to do what feels right for you. lisaria

HudsonGray	15 Jul 2004
Nobody's mentioned the meditative approach yet, which works too. You take a card, look at it very closely, read the description (from several books if you can, as comparison). Look at the card again so you memorize it then close your eyes & visualize it as a huge picture you can walk into. Go ahead & walk inside, talk to the people there, turn around 360 degrees & see what isn't shown on the card, do anything you want, but let your mind free to have things pop up. I had a great 'experience' with the Robin Wood Death card (he smokes cigarettes, was standing in a birch stand I recognized from a local park, had a flood of butterflies come shooting by him with the sound of little feet running, down the second path that wasn't blocked). I talked to him about the rose on his banner, when he said 'freedom' a whole bunch of little 14" tall Celtic guys came by in kilts yelling the word 'freedom!" from the movie Braveheart, and the last one stopped, turned around & lifted his kilt and waggled at me. Boy do I remember the word associations for THAT card! I busted out laughing. My brain is really weird sometimes. But point is--going INTO the card can give you a stronger memorization than just reading words.

Thirteen	15 Jul 2004
I really liked your story, Hudson. But I was a little flummoxed when you said: Quote: Originally posted by HudsonGray going INTO the card can give you a stronger memorization than just reading words. Yes, this method gave YOU, HudsonGray, stronger memorization than just reading words. And it might give these students stronger memorization, too. But if you're comparing this method to word association (rather than just reading card meanings in a little white book)...then I'm no so sure. I've met a lot of student readers who've tried meditation. They've also tried writing in a journal and making up their own meanings....that is, they tried each one of these methods in three different tarot classes over however many years and each time they tossed the deck aside. Those methods weren't for them. They didn't open the door. These students--and I promise you I've met more than a few--were absolutely sure they'd never ever learn to read tarot cards. And what made them most sad and depressed was watching other students in their classes learning so easily by writing in journals, by making up meanings, by meditating. What was wrong with them? Fact is, nothing was wrong with them. They just didn't GET things that way. In their case, other methods, Key Word included, worked like a charm. The only reason I'm bringing this up, pounding on this nail again, is because when people offer tips on learning the cards they sometimes make it sound as if there's a right way and a wrong way, a good way and a bad way. As if, as you say, the student will not only do better if they use meditation, but they'll also have a "great," transendent, mystical adventure. An experience they'll miss out on if they use something so simple and quick as word association. And that's just not true. Don't get me wrong--I don't believe for a minute that Key Word is the end all and be all. I don't even think it's good beyond just getting to know the deck. Once you get to know it, it's time to go onto other methods like meditation or journaling or just, for heaven's sake, researching and reading--because there's NOTHING wrong with reading what other people have to say about the cards and taking on those interpetations if they inspire you. What I do believe is that you shouldn't name any learning method as better than any other just because it opened the door for you. Whatever opens the door is the best method. And luckily for all of us, there are many such methods--all of them, even simple word association, capable of giving the student their own unique and "great" experience, as well as things like strong memorization. Okay, getting down off the soap-box now.

September Pixie	15 Jul 2004
I would just like to say, I do not think ANY of the methods mentioned are better than the other... when teaching I always start with the basic keyword system for one reason and one reason only - ANYONE can do it... I then encourage them to go write stories, read books, look indepth at the artwork, meditate (if they are able), and journal their ideas.. I do not suggest to any beginer that meditation is something that should be done right away because this will discourage many people who do not understand what meditation is or how it works... alot of people just expect visions to fill your head and it doesnt work that way for most people.. All of the methods mentioned here work.. the bottom line is, try some.. see what works for you, and then run with it. Do not get discouraged and don't give up :) It takes time and dedication. Good luck!

September Pixie	15 Jul 2004
I thought this might be helpful too... its an old thread by Thirteen on how to keep a tarot journal :) http://67.19.40.82/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1372

Umbrae	16 Jul 2004
Journal and read journal and read journal and read. Experience teaches. And listen to Thirteen...

wildchilde	16 Jul 2004
YES! Experience teaches...and thank you Thirteen for your wonderful words. Everyone has shared very good ideas and I will practice with them and/or continue to use them as the case may be. I wonder if maybe sometimes I am too hard on myself? And forget that I have received many beautiful blessings from the cards and many different, and deeper layers of understanding with each deck that is gifted to me. I just received a beautiful new deck today! The Wheel of Change...and it has affected me profoundly just holding them and shuffling through them randomly! I actually feel like I have a better understanding of Tarot just holding them! What a transformational experience. I think the answer to my original question must be that it is all of these things and much more depending on each individual. We each go and grow at our own pace. :) Thanks everyone for your thoughts on this.

September Pixie	16 Jul 2004
I must say first of all, congrats on getting your deck and wanting to learn! :) Most important of all, is to find a deck that clicks with you... there is nothing more disapointing than wanting a deck for so long and getting it and not being able to read it :( But through hard work and study you can do anything :) Just keep at it.

HudsonGray	16 Jul 2004
Yep,there is no one way to learn. Some people can read & get it instantly, others need to lay out all the cards & look for patterns. Some others need someone to verbally coach them on the meanings---it's the same in any class, you'll find kids who don't learn something till they write it all down on paper first, others who learn via discussion groups, others who read the book once & go to the library for 3 other books on the same subject, to get more info. Use what you can, learn the way your mind wants to learn, and you'll remember the meanings one way or another. What worked for me won't work for someone else, maybe, we don't know till it's tried though. But the whole bottom line is to keep at it till something clicks.

Umbrae	17 Jul 2004
Another thought came to mind… Most books teach meanings by the suits. Why? Cuz the last book did. Try learning by numerical value. Lay out the twos. Why are they alike? Why are they different? Do this with each card. You’ll find it makes far more sense. ...and write it all down in your journal.

The Seeker	17 Jul 2004
you have to think of the Basics. 78 cards, and then you have a minimum of 78 words to remember. little much for a begainer. one thing all cards have, is a (+) or (-). you think of that on each card first, before anything ease. good or bad, high or low, full or empty, all brakes down to (+)or (-). now you only have 2 things to think about, for all 78 cards for a while. and a (-) can have 2 (+'s) around it, and soften it out. or the other way. and let the picture sink in, and the rest is all about feelings. like most of what every body said, what do you feel. that is where it is at, not in the book, the book is just a jump starter. it can not tell you how you feel, you can not read Tarot card by what some one else says, they are not your feelings, they can only give you a stat. you have to go with your feelings, from with in your self. it is all about feelings. the pictures give you refferences to your inner feelings. just start with the little things first, then move up the ladder, one rung at a time. (+) or (-) The Seeker

The Seeker	17 Jul 2004
i look at all cards, standing right side up. i have my deck with all the cards standing up-right. i shuffel and lay them standing up-right, no card in the lays stand up-side down. what cards that are around it, in the lay and how i feel about it, is enough to give it a negitive feeling, not how it stands when i lay it out. looking at the pictures standing up side down, to me does nothing. i do not look at life, up side down. The Seeker

September Pixie	17 Jul 2004
when using reversals, the card usually means the exact opposite of what it means right side up... example.. 2 of Cups - Union of Love 2 of Cups Rx - Seperation of Love :)

The Seeker	17 Jul 2004
this thread was for helping others, who are having trouble remembering all of it. and your already trying to corect people. ever thing has 2 ways of looking at it, and yes, the cards have many. i gave them a very simple way to start. one rung at a time up right and (+) or (-) give them a little time to soke that up, and then give them step #2. i just stuck with the up-right way of the cards cause it works for me. i look at everything different. but the cards don't tell you anything, it is all in you, and how you, feel. the cards are just a reminder of what is in you, pictoural-reminders. it is how you look at the cards, and what you feel. up-side down, right-side up? it is still in you, and, what you feel.. The Seeker

Thirteen	17 Jul 2004
Reversals is certainly a whole different thread--well, many threads ;) Thank heavens for Firemaiden's sticky archives (seen up above). All those reversal threads with all their amazing insights archived thanks to her. I usually advise beginners to forgo reversals until they feel they've got the hang of the upright meanings--after which they can decide if they even want to use reversals. Some people do, some people don't. If they do, there's plenty of time to learn them. No need to rush. I've seen too many beginners break down into tears trying to absorb both upright AND reversed meanings as well as the dreaded Celtic Cross positions all at once! Ack! (2nd bit of advice--DON'T use the Celtic Cross! Try a simple spread first and save the CC for later). Hey, tarot's a life-long learning process. Enjoy it step-by-step. That way, there's always something new to look forward to.

The Tips on Remembering Meanings thread was originally posted on 14 Jul 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.