Rodney I hope things are improving for you and your partner. I know it must be a very difficult time. I'm sending all the positive thoughts I can to you both.
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As for the IDS, I almost felt like today I didn't want to continue. I have done all the major spreads in the book. There are a few more card based spreads I haven't tried but some of them don't seem to apply to me atm.
The pull towards the Bohemian Gothic is strong (very strong) and the Buckland Romany is on the way(both ordered before I started IDS). Though I do love my Tarot of the Crone, I am really missing the familiarity of traditional decks. So, I pulled out my Tarot of the Crone and lit the candle in my cauldron and asked that I receive some guidance from my Crones as to what needs to be done. Instinctively I read through the first spread I did for the IDS and realized that this is a test! This is a hurdle meant to cause me to go deeper into the deck, not to abandon it. Then I realized, too that I have been ignoring the "Title words" for each card that is written in the book(Ex. 4 of swords- Reason). I have been reading the overall meanings of each card in the spreads I have been doing but not really delving into the cards individually. What else have I been missing?
I decided to pull 5 cards at random, and journal as much info on each card as possible,to hopefully gain something more that is hidden beneath the surface. So, what happened? 4 of the 5 cards were cards I have seen repeatedly in my studies so far! Confirmation I think that I have been missing some important messages. So here I go on my merry way continuing with the IDS in hopes of revealing the secrets contained within the Tarot of the Crone. I hope these secrets will go with me as I travel the road of tarot with any decks I use, to give me a better understanding, and to make me a better reader.
I just thought I'd share my first real stumbling block (I'm surprised it didn't come sooner.) in the hopes of inspiring any one else who may be struggling to push on. Look back at your reasons for starting the IDS and see if you can rekindle the fire.
Good luck to you all.
Disa