I met someone else recently who told me that whenever she reads for herself the message just seems dire every time.
After listening and asking questions - I suggested in the end, that perhaps she should get herself a Doreen Virtue Angel Tarot deck and try working with that - as, Doreen, having taken all "the dark side" out of her decks - only has happy images to work with...
I can't believe that every single reading is dire for you - it must be how you're managing to look at it. Just like this lady?
Have you found that in real life you're just lurching from one disaster to the next all-the-time??
Awww!
What about reading exchanges here on the forum etc.??
I hardly ever do serious readings for myself - I'm just too invested in the outcome.
I do all sorts of other exercises with the cards, including one card draws at the end of my day to see how it might have applied - but rarely this. If I have a real burning question - I'll get someone else to read for me.
(though this is rare now).
Ace of Swords reversed - "pessimism and/or lack of confidence, the need to try a different approach - or ahh, perhaps you've got a migraine?"
Ace of Wands reversed - "you are simply dis-interested - or you're focussing on access to your inner powers, going within"
Lovers reversed - "soul communication on the inner planes, 'the great rite' - in pagan practice, balance on the astral plane between your masculine and feminine halves - in the dream world."
(these are all from Mary K Greer - Tarot Reversals)