The next step

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 17 Sep 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Julia	17 Sep 2004
I have been reading for myself using three cards spreads for about 12 years. I have done only a few readings for others. I know the major arcana well (always learning, of course) and am less comfortable with the minor arcana. I seldom use a long spread (like the celtic cross) I keep a tarot journal. I have always used the same deck: the Mythic Tarot (given to me by my mother when I was 12). My question is that I would like to move on to the next step of really being able to do long readings for others and counsel well. I don't know how to go about it. I don't think more books with the interpretation of cards is what will help me. Should I read for myself with more than three cards? Start to regularly read for family and friends with more than three cards as well? How to develop that incredibly piercing insight some professional tarot reader have? I feel like I have reached a plateau and don't know what to do now to improve beyond reading for myself and a few others in a limited way. Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

Eco74	17 Sep 2004
Do a few longer readings for yourself. There are several 4-7 card spreads you can use, and don't hesitate to "make up your own" spreads or find odd spreads in the forums (there's a thread full of them) that you feel comfortable with. As long as you know what you're asking, the cards tend to give very straight-forward answers (unless you ask about things you should not know at this time). Larger spreads are not always more complex since each card has its very own particular meaning, but do ofcourse take longer since you need to weave all the different meanings together. Though that all comes with practice, so take the plunge and go out there in the "large-spread-world" and go back to your three-card-readings or fewer whenever you want. One does not have to exclude the other and even one-card-readings can give plenty of information. You can also practice on other aeclectic-members by offering readings on the forum (there's a whole thread of that too) but can only get readings in return or accept readings after you've reached 25 posts. You'll do well as long as you take the steps forward with reverence and a bit of healthy curiosity in mind.

lark	17 Sep 2004
Hi Julia and welcome. There is nothing that speeds your learning process more than reading for others. I suggest you go to the Reading Exchange forum and offer three card readings with your Mythic deck. Ask for feedback for you reading. You will learn so much from what others have to say and you will build confidence too. After 12 years of reading I'm sure you have many insights to share with us. You can't accept a reading untill you have 25 posts but you can offer to read for others. www.tarotforum.net/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=30

Yemanja	22 Sep 2004
Hi Julia, Like the others, I would also invite you to do readings on the Reading Exchange thread. It is a great way to practice and to just indulge in the joy of tarot-ing. Don't be shy! Hope to see you there soon. Yemanja

The The next step thread was originally posted on 17 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.