reading tarot

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 22 Sep 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

deee	22 Sep 2004
what is the best way of reading the cards, i have read the cards for a tarot reader who has read for loads more people than me. she has given me some good advice....... but i feel annoyed with myself for not being able to put in words what i see without seeming stupid.....how to readers get over this problem? And how do readers stretch out a reading with enough information that the person whos, cards are being read feel that they are getting value out of their reading.... i hope people understand what im getting at, this is a perfect example of me being unable to explain what i want to many thanx x

Fulgour	22 Sep 2004
If you have a big table where you can arrange the deck, moving the cards around to see how they look together, this can really help to discover a lot more about them. Looking at the deck as a complete picture will reveal how single cards can often provide a complete answer. :)

deee	23 Sep 2004
thank you fulgour, for the advice i will give it a go. with patience i hope to understand them... i feel that when i read them and i put into words what i feel and see, gives to much of me away...... it would have been nice to have more of a response from people, we all have our path to follow, some are in front of me, some are behind, but you all have a message to give. maybe i think people didnt understand what i put, self confidence is not a strong point of mine but im glad i read the tarot for my family and friends.. it gives us hope that the future is still ours and that we all have free will many thanx x

Fulgour	23 Sep 2004
Left in stillness, the 78 cards represent a quiet potential to provide what may be asked, and yet in their own way. The Tarot, when viewed as a whole, is an organic unity. Some of the cards can be grouped into patterns, but this can be misleading ~ there are patterns within patterns, much like individual people formed together in a village. Each has their own story to tell, an ever changing tale, but as they become familiar, every signal takes on meanings, things we know from experience, or moods we anticipate. Larger spreads, with their well-defined positional references can help to bring each card into focus, provide it a special role, and here the traditional meanings lose much of their weight. The task at hand, the question and position, mean much more. I created a spread of my own once, 10 cards in three lines, and I gave each position what I hoped would create unity. Just letting the cards define themselves within a framework. It was a lot of work, and very humbling. I let it develop and was surprised at how my intuition lead me in natural ways. Getting to know the cards was a lot like discovering myself. My spiritual sense, with the physical aspects of the layout, often brought back to my awareness things I'd already felt. Allowed to open freely, even one card can do all the work.

Maelin	24 Sep 2004
Hi deee, I think I know what you are getting at - you see the story, but you find it difficult to translate that into words. The whole thing leaves a very clear impression in your mind, but now, how do you explain it? It is difficult to go straight to the insight, and sometimes - often actually, I find it easier to start by describing the pictures - you might think it obvious as the querent can see the card too, but as you describe what is in the card, you might find that just the right words to explain its meaning pop into your head. At the very least the querent will get a whole additional layer of meaning! In one book I read - I cannot remember which - the author recomended , if you get stuck, no ideas, ask the querent what the picture means to them. the last thing I do, when I'm getting no flow, is keep going back to the beginning, and adding one more card, its the recap of the story so far, and the querent will appreciate putting it all into a "story" Hope my little ideas help!

Umbrae	25 Sep 2004
Ah deee with three e’s… Good question. In my experience, many readers read by a time allotment. They charge by the half hour or increments thereof. At fairs I’ve had folks ask me how much for a half hour reading or an hour reading. Never made much sense to me. I charge by the spread size. See…sometimes a 5-position spread (like a 5-card horseshoe) can take three minutes. Sometimes it can take 30 minutes. My readings tend towards the succinct. I don’t pad a short reading to make it last longer. I go through the spread and discuss what I see, usually in groups, then I recap – then it’s time for them to ask questions and discuss what they want to discuss. However, home readers go on and on and on about this and that and quite frankly “Get to the point already!” There are some readers who may not be as qualified as they advertise, but they sure can talk. Glibness does not equal good reading. You need to find your own voice. Your own words. Your own reading style. And never ever sell out because somebody thinks you should say more – don’t become somebody you are not. You should always read the way deee reads.

VGimlet	25 Sep 2004
It can be difficult, sometimes, to put what you see into words. I find taking my time studying the cards before I start speaking is helpful - gives me a few minutes to lay out how I want to say things, so I don't end up jumping all over the spread - which I understand, but sometimes my querents find it confusing.

tinkerbell	25 Sep 2004
hello deee, yes this tarot business can be very frustrating at times. i totally understand your question as i too lack in confidence at times but i feel that you are at a further level than me as i would not dream of doing readings without my trusty guide(books!) on hand to share their insights before i try to put what i see into words! keep working with your tarot reading friend as she seems to be helpful and keep up with the threads here at AT because i enjoy reading other(more experienced) tarotists ways of reading and theres always good advice on hand!

The reading tarot thread was originally posted on 22 Sep 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.