There is a lot of misinformation about Tarot Reading around. Here are six questions that I get frequently asked on this web site in regard to Tarot reading.
Is Tarot Reading Fate Or Free Will?
During a Tarot reading the question of whether a card in the “future” position is absolutely “gospel” is a matter which often baffles people. Because a card denotes a certain influence or event does not always mean that influence cannot be altered. Even as we talk about the future we begin to conceptualize it in a different way and thus it may be modified, changed or even overthrown by the stronger ideas and thoughts of an individual mind. In short the future is not carved in tablets of stone.
You progress into a particular future based on your current trajectory. My personal opinion is that the Tarot cards reflect the querent’s current ‘energetic state’, their thoughts, feelings, emotions and projections that that are creating their experience of life. It’s like a snapshot of the current moment in time, complete with past influences and projections of ‘possibilities’ for the future. (from my article – why use the Tarot?)
‘Death’ and ‘Devil’ Cards
These cards often put the “fear of God” into the person having the reading. These mysterious cards should be treated with the utmost of care. Perhaps discussed at length to dispel any myths and never just taken at face value. Death gives the greatest opportunity for change. It demands it in fact and all life is change. ‘The Devil’ card shows the immediate negatives that the enquirer is unwilling to face or that someone closely connected is unwilling to face. Often Death may appear after a demise and the Devil may appear when there is ill-health or chicanery. In terms of the future they are simply the darker side of life with which we constantly have to deal with – not the villains of the deck.
Meanings for the Devil could be: Your shadow self, subconscious desires or elements of your personality, attachment or addiction to something, some form of restriction, sexuality depending on your attitude and beliefs toward it.
Meanings for Death could be: Something has come to an end or will or has changed. Any type of transformation or transition in your situation or life.
Tarot Reading Reversed Cards
A lot of people are confused by the fact that some cards when selected appear upside down or reversed. The question is whether this should be taken into account or not? I say it’s up to the individual understanding of the reader. In reading you are tapping into your own intuition and knowledge through your own filter. Some tarot readers will ‘read’ a lot into reversed meanings and some will not. I personally do not. The tarot cards themselves are very much the focal point for the clairvoyant skills or the perceptions of whoever is reading them.
Block Definitions
Defining tarot card meanings is again at the discretion of the reader. A card falling in one spread in one position does not necessarily mean the same in another spread. The card meanings have to be discerned and integrated in an overall sense. The king of cups on one query will not always convey the same meaning to the reader in the next spread. The reader’s ability to take in information over and above that of the main wisdom of the card is not only prerequisite but fundamental to the correct use of tarot.
Less is More
People often wonder if the more tarot cards that are actually spread – the more information is forthcoming. Some readers may spread a lot of cards in order to fill in blanks if it’s a complex or difficult subject, but mostly this is not the case. If you are learning the tarot try to avoid spreading too many cards, you will confuse yourself, certainly until you get more experienced. The brunt of the information for a good tarot reader makes it’s impact within the opening minutes. The added information tends to layer itself on what is already on the table.
Card Layout
There are many different spreads and layouts. The choice is down to the individual likes and dislikes of whoever is doing the reading. Some people don’t need tarot at all and use ordinary playing cards. It’s a test of how your psychic abilities are developing if you can use an ordinary playing deck. If you are too busy worrying about your layout or spread design it may actually impede your right hand brain, intuitive faculty, to read. Use the layout you are comfortable with. Simple layouts are best if you’re learning. Three cards laid horizontally and then perhaps three cards on top as the reading is unfolding. If you’re receiving a reading then don’t even give it consideration. Leave it to the Tarot reader to choose.
Do you have any more questions in regard to the Tarot? Comment below or join me and comment on Facebook
