Help for Newbies

[Myst]

I've been busy this past week and haven't been able to contribute much here so I thought I'd make up for that by starting a thread on help for newbies. This would include help doing readings, sharing of tarot websites, stuff on how to cleanse your cards, etc. that would be beneficial to beginners.

Please feel free to share.

[Myst]

When you first obtain a deck it is recommended that you spend some time getting to know your cards. This is a simple process but will help you in the future when you're doing readings.

What you'll want to do is set aside some time for yourself - maybe an hour, maybe several, or maybe half an hour everyday till you are done. Whatever time you can spare will work, as long as you do spare some time!

During this time you will want to take the phone of the hook, lock the door, and maybe light some of your favourite incense and candles. The scent here is not important; just use what you enjoy. You may wish to have only candle light, or dim your lights, or if you have to just have your regular lights on. Find a comfortable spot - your bed, a comfy chair, curl up on the floor, it doesn't matter. You just need to get as comfortable as possible.

Then open up your deck and take a look at the box and the back of your cards. Notice colours, designs, feelings you get, etc. Don't try to judge these things, just observe. Turn your deck back over so you can see the faces.

Now, one by one, gaze at the face of a card for however long you need. You may wish to take 10 minutes for one or 30 seconds, it doesn't matter. Don't rush yourself. Look at the colours - are they bright, pastel, dark, light, strong, simple, black & white, or..? What do the colours make you think of? Do they relate to the meaning of the card (you can check the book if you like, or you can just think about it. there's no right or wrong answer here)?

Examine the designs - swirly, straight lines, circles, squares, sharp defined shapes or blurry shapes etc. What do they make you think of? Do they relate to what the card is trying to say?

Now look at the characters in the card - are there none, one, many, few, several,...? Are they together, standing apart, looking at eachother, looking away, holding eachother, playing together...? What do the people seem to be thinking or saying?

Now look at the suit of the card, and how it relates to what you think of it. Cups usually represent emotion - so if there's a character standing away from a crowd of people and looking sad on a cups card, maybe this person represents the querent (the person you're doing the reading for) feeling alone and sad. Wands usually represent work and intelligence - so if there's one character in the card carrying a whole bunch of wands and building something that could very easily mean the querent is working very hard to build something. Similarly, swords often point to conflict or strength, and pentacles or coins usually represent money or power. This is because of their elemental influence - ie. cups often symbolize water and the west which relates to emotions, pentacles/coins with earth in the north which relates to money and power as well as stability, etc.

Now that's ok for the minor arcana, but what about the major? Minor arcana (the suit cards) usually relate to influences, undertones, thoughts, etc. Meanwhile, the major arcana cards usually mean important things - they are very strong and clear and if you get many in a reading it could mean the querent cares very deeply about the subject. Going through the major arcana is like going through a journey through life. This is a very important concept and I encourage you to think and meditate upon it when you go through your major arcana.

Lastly, note the royalty cards of the suits. Pages, knights, queens, and kings, often represent people. The page is usually a younger man or woman, the knight usually someone near the querent's age or a peer, the queens and kings are usually older or wiser or more experienced. They often represent the people or environment around your querent.

The most important thing in this exercise is to familiarize yourself with your cards. You might also sleep with one under your pillow each night, or meditate on only a few a day. You will become familiar with their faces, and their meanings will become clearer. It's important to remember that their meanings can vary from reading to reading, but it's a good idea to take a look at each and form some initial ideas to build on. You might even keep a journal and write down your conclusions! Good luck!

[Myst]

Many people like to cleanse their cards before using them. This can get rid of the negative energies that might be clinging to them from other people handling them. From the factory, to the store, to your home - how many people have touched them? Some people like to cleanse them after every reading too, just to get them cleared off and fresh for the next. In fact, some people won't even let others touch their cards, period, because they want to make sure only their energy comes into contact with the cards. These are personal choices.

However, it's likely that you will want to cleanse your cards at least once. There are several ways to do this, just as there are several ways to cleanse any tools.

You can pass them over incense smoke, lay them in the sunlight for a few days, lay them in the moonlight for a few days, bury them someplace safe for awhile, leave them on an amethyst bed, etc. Whichever method you prefer will work. Don't worry about how long you leave them in the sunlight, moonlight, or ground - whenever they feel "done" to you is right, just trust your intuition! That also holds true for holding them on an amethyst bed - amethyst is good for cleansing and is often a good place to lay any tool. One of my best friends cleanses her cards between each reading by banging them three times on the table. This "knocks" the energy off and seems to work well for her.

Cleansing your cards at least once in awhile is a good idea. If you get a lot of negative readings or readings that don't seem to make sense it may be time to cleanse your cards again. If your cards seem to growl at you when you walk by they may need a cleansing. Trust yourself to know and don't be afraid to try it!

[Myst]

When you first decide to try to do a reading, you may be overwhelmed by all the spreads to choose from. There are the classic ones, like the horseshoe and the celtic cross, as well as dozens of others - the major arcana spreads shared here at MW, elemental spreads, etc. Which do you choose from?

Well, it might help you to know that there are dozens of spreads because there are many different kinds of readings. Some people want a reading done on a new venture they're starting, and you might thus choose the fool spread. Someone might want a reading on a relationship, so you might try the lovers spread. Then again some people just want a general reading - so you might try the horseshoe spread or elemental spread. If you're like me, you'll learn how to do one spread really well (like the horseshoe) and almost always do it. But sometimes you might want to try a different one for fun. Don't feel you have to know 10 different spreads, or that you even have to have memorized one. If you're just learning, carry a cue card with your deck with a spread drawn on one side, and the meaning of each card in the spread written on the other.

In the beginning, you may even wish to do a simple past/present/future spread, or just pull one card from the deck! Sometimes you will even just get an idea in your mind to pull out a certain number of cards and lay them a certain way - don't be afraid to listen to that little voice! Nothing says you have to do a formal spread each time. Sometimes your querent needs to see 5 cards and that's it. As you learn to trust this intuition it will come even more easily.

You could even decide to design your own spread. Perhaps you will decide that 6 is a number often related to Venus and love, and do a spread that is 6 cards laid in the shape of a heart for someone who wants to know about their love life. Don't be afraid to try something new. Have fun!

[Myst]

Whew, take a deep breath, you've finally decided to do your first reading! You're probably kind of scared - what if you're totally wrong? You just started out!

Well, first, let me say I understand exactly how you feel. We all started out with our first reading too, and we've all had a few readings that didn't work out or didn't make sense. For this reason, you'll probably feel most comfortable trying your first few readings for close friends or other tarot card users who understand (like the people here at MW!!!!). No one is going to call you stupid - really, think about the worst thing that could happen. The querent could go "hm I'm afraid that doesn't make much sense to me right now". The world won't end! The truth is that your tarot deck is a tool. The tarot cards can't tell what they mean by themselves - it's you who do the reading. Try to remember that the power is inside you, that the cards only help you bring out what you already know. This is true for any divination tool.

When you set down to do the reading, try to find a comfortable spot. You may want to have your favourite incense to light, or wear your lucky shirt, or whatever. Feel comfortable and happy in anyway possible.

Sit down in your chosen spot, and try to ground and center. If you don't know what that means, just try to put your feet flat on the ground, take a few deep breaths, and relax your body. Take a moment to smell your incense if you have some. Try not to be hungry or thirsty, cold or distracted. Take a few moments to settle yourself. You may wish to recite a prayer to help your divination, or to take a few minutes to greet your cards and ask for their help. Be receptive to your cards - if you can imagine them feeling angry or not wanting to do the reading don't do it. Sometimes your querent isn't ready for what you have to say!

Take a few moments to lay out the cards as you like. Do this calmly and happily - don't rush yourself! When you lay them out take note of how many of each suit you have (ie. if you have lots of cups it could mean the querent is very emotional about this), how many minor and major arcana (lots of major arcana usually mean the querent feels strongly or this is a very strong subject), how many court cards there are (remember, knights, queens, kings, and pages can represent people or the environment). Take a few moments to see the reading as a whole in this way. Also note colours (lots of dark colours could mean negative stuff surrounding the querent), shapes that are repeated, characters in the cards, etc. You can then use the book to help your reading if you like, or let the meanings jump out at you. Trust me, when you get more adept at this you won't need the book anymore, or sometimes the book meaning just won't be the right meaning at the time. Trust yourself.

Please note that some suggest your querent must draw the cards, some suggest you must. If you feel the querent can shuffle the deck or draw the cards, let them, if not, do it yourself. What you feel is best IS best!

When you are reading go slowly, ask questions, get input, and relate cards to eachother. Some cards will have different meanings depending on the cards that surround them (for example the fool card surrounded by lots of fertility cards or cards with children or family in them could suggest a new family member on the way, meanwhile the fool card surrounded by lots of wands and swords could represent a new business venture on the way).... Don't be afraid to ask your querent "does this make sense to you" - sometimes they will see the meaning in the cards even if you do not. Sometimes you will have to say "I see a new beginning - are you thinking of starting a new job or expanding your family, or starting new projects, or something like that?". This will help your reading come clearer to you, so don't be embarassed to do it.

The most important thing to remember here is that with practice you will get better, and most likely you will be fine in the beginning anyway. In the beginning you might be the book more, don't feel embarassed to carry it with you or have a look at it. Doing a reading for a friend or online can be better in the beginning just in case you get nervous. Just try it, and have fun!

[Myst]

Sometimes you will hear someone talk about their cards "being grumpy" or "giving off bad vibes". This concept may be alien to you, especially if you're a beginner - how exactly is an inanimate object "grumpy"?

Well first, perhaps you should consider your beliefs on energy and life. A lot of Pagans believe that all things are in essence living. Energy can collect anywhere, and if you listen carefully you will often understand plants or even stones and trees. Some believe everything has a Deva or nature spirit that looks after it, and perhaps it is this Deva that is the one sharing feelings. This concept is not completely understood, but is experienced by many people.

When you first get your cards you might not feel anything from them. This is ok. In fact, even if you never get feelings from them it's ok. A lot of people will find with repeated use that their cards give off feelings.

For example, if you pick up your cards and suddenly get a strange feeling that there's no way a reading you're about to do will work, it could be your cards admitting they are upset and need a cleansing, or that the querent just isn't ready for the reading. This comes down to trusting your intuition (again), and don't feel crazy for doing it. Sometimes you will also swear your cards are whispering to you - you'll feel drawn to them and very excited to get them out. Don't discount this; even if you can't do a reading perhaps take them out and look at the pictures, shuffle them, or meditate on a card you pull.

Similarly, sometimes you will sit down to do a certain spread and suddenly get an urge to do a different one. Perhaps you will just get the idea to draw 3 cards instead of doing your normal horseshoe spread. Maybe your querent only needs to see the 3 cards.

Your cards will accumulate your energy and that of the environment. Don't discount intuitive feelings you get from them. It could be your subconscious coming through, or the Deva of your deck, or who knows what else. Just be reassured that you aren't crazy ;)

[Carmelo]

Thanks for all of the information on the Tarot, it was very well met.

I received a deck of Tarot cards from my mother during my last visit. It was a kit, actually, and came with a book and a cloth that had a particular layout already on it. I think it was the elemental layout, if that is the basic layout.

I did do a cleansing on them, but I never thought that I should do it every once in a while. I did the cleansing a day before the full moon because my girlfriend said that I didn't need to have a specific time of the moon or anything relating for a cleansing.

Again, kudos to the information.

[Emy]

... and also making it one of your personal divination tools...

Here is one way of doing it:

An easy way of cleansing your deck is simply to cleanse it with incense and if you got Sage, use that one.

Or you could if you like cleanse buy using something from the elements... like salt water to sprinkle on it and smoke from incense... let it lay in the moonlight for a couple of nights, and also in the sunlight if you wish...

When you have cleansed it you perhaps want to make it one of your tools, make it you own. Here comes an easy ritual for that:

Sit down, and take the deck in your hands. Relax and breathe deeply, let go of all tensions. Focus your mind upon what is to be done... let go of all other thoughts, you can think of other things later, so just let go...

Visualize your inner powers awakening in your solar plexus, it looks like a crystal ball, very glowing, and for each breath you take it expands, it gets larger and larger and it still glows with an intense light. Feel it fill you, all of you, every little part of you gets filled with the light. When it has filled every part of you visualize four openings (doors), one on your forehead, one on your solar plexus and one in each palm. See the energy flowing out of you and on to your deck, let the energy flow all around it and through it... Feel it getting loaded with your energy. When you feel it has been loaded say something like this:

A part of my energy now lives in thee,
from now on your powers will serve me.

Relax, lay down the deck in front of you, feel your energy getting smaller again, shrinking down and again moving back into your solar plexus.

It is done.

If you wish you may also introduce your deck to the goddess in a circle or in some sort of ritual....


Blessings

[mythril]

Thankyou Willow, it seams that most books ive read puts one straight into the deep end.

You were very helpful as i have bought a deck but have been to overwelmed to start studying them because of the huge amount of cards.
But at least now i can start off slowly.

I thing i am going to battle with relating the cards to each other in a spread, but i guess patience is a virtue.

:)

[Sage Witch]

Myst, you definitely should write a tarot book or something. You've covered so much! ;)

[Jazzmine]

I know I'm a little behind on this, but here goes.
I got my deck last year and it is the Witche's Tarot.
I just started what I call a Tarot Journal.
Every day I pick a card and I write down the date, day of the week, and moon phase.
Then I write down the interpretation of what the book says and the reverse interpretation.
Then I also write down anything extra that I may think goes with the card or links the picture to the meaning so that I can learn them easier.
I take the journal with me to work or wherever so that I can read it throughout the day and kind of get them into memory.
Since I have written them in a journal, no one knows what is in there and it can also be inconspicuous(sp.).
Anyway, does that sound like a good idea to you people that already know the tarot?
I have not done any readings, and do not plan to do any until I have finished the whole deck in this fashion.
How does that sound?
Any more advise would be appreciated.

[Gypsy Raven]

I also feel overwhelmed because there are so many cards. I have the Ryder Wait cards, but I don't really feel I have a bond or a relationship going with them......is that normal for a beginner?
Does it matter what cards you use or should I try a different pack?
I also get frustrated because I have so much to learn and start feeling really thick and stupid. I read palms and pick things up from people, but I really want to be able to read the cards and read them well!
Thank you so much for the lessons Myst!! and for all the helpful input from everyone! I do feel much more positive after reading your lessons Myst......you should write a book because you make more sense than the books that I've read so far!!!

Love

Raven.

[blue.1]

MM All,
Really good info there and really helpful for us beginners with the Tarot. Thankyou very much.
BB Blue:thumbsup:

[Myst]

Originally posted by Gypsy Raven
I also feel overwhelmed because there are so many cards. I have the Ryder Wait cards, but I don't really feel I have a bond or a relationship going with them......is that normal for a beginner?
Does it matter what cards you use or should I try a different pack?


Sorry I didn't see this and answer it earlier.

If you've tried to use the deck for awhile and it didn't feel "right", you should feel free to see if there's another deck out there for you. Also note that changes in your life can also cause you to "lose the connection" with your deck - for instance, I started reading some fiction books related to the deck I was using and because of how the characters were depicted in the book I could no longer use the deck. I gave it to my best friend.

You are the best one to know what just feels right, and if your deck doesn't, try a new one. Sometimes you may keep a few decks and when you go to do a reading find that a certain deck just feels right for it. Trust your instincts!

Lastly, don't feel that you aren't smart just because you're starting out. We all have to start somewhere, and it helps to have a deck that speaks to you as well. Give yourself lots of time and patience, and be proud that you're looking into new practices and beliefs and constantly bettering yourself spiritually!

[Myst]

P.S. I'm glad you guys are getting use of this stuff. I know I was a little bewildered on a lot of it too until I started getting help from friends here at MW and off the net.

[mythril]

I am told that it is best to study the major arcanna first
and then the minor.

Is that a good idea, and can one get indepth readings with just the major arcanna?

[Myst]

Yup if that works for you. I've heard of people doing readings with the major arcana. :)

[mythril]

ok

I have the robin wood deck ( i adore it) and it is very close with the traditional rider waite (spelling?:) )

And then there are decks that are totaly different but that have an incredible amount of symbols and parts to each image in each card,

Would it perhaps be easier for beginners to get one of the non traditional decks for easier interpretations?

:)

[Myst]

I don't know. If you think it's easier, yes.

I always choose my deck by what appeals to me visually. If it sounds like the deck is really calling out to you and you like it I suggest you buy it.

That's what I do :)

[ruadh]

I just started working with the Fairy Oracle. This is the first time I have ever really used a deck. I have the Ryder Waite deck too, but I don't really feel a connection with it either. I also tried reading a book written by Waite on the deck and couldn't "get into" the book enough to pursue work with the deck. Since I collect, make, and have fairies decorating my car, I got the Fairy Oracle. I love Brian Froud's work. I remember looking at his fairy book in the bookstore as a child and I was enchanted.
I just started working with it last night and I really felt a connection to it. I was wondering if anyone here has used this set. Blessings, ruadh

[Gypsy Raven]

Just wanted to thank you for your reply Myst! It was of great help and has made me feel more confident to pick up the pack and have another go! However I shall defently check out other decks to see if there's one that I feel I can relate to more!
I shall keep you informed of my progress ....... hoping it's not going to be too slow!

Blessings
Gypsy Raven X! :bug:

[Myst]

That's great, gypsy raven! I'm glad to help when I can!

Ruadh : I have that deck too, I love the artwork! Sometimes it's a little difficult to read with but I'm glad it works for you!

Here's a link for some common meanings for basic cards in the deck - http://www.tarotcam.com/deck/

[Herb]

Myst! Thank you!
it's been a few years since i've been anywhere near my cards, because i always seem to get depressing and very negative results. I got a new set of Tarot cards (Hanson-Roberts) for Christmas (i have a Christian family) and havent quite summoned up the courage to give them a try, but after hearing your wise words i think it's about time i did!

BB Herb
:elf:

[Myst]

:D

[magick_faerie]

i have had my cards a while now, but when i sat and actually properly looked at them, i couldnt believe how clear the meanings were in the pictures, i feel i have come a step closer to having a relationship with my cards. YET AGAIN thank you myst (seems to be all i say here lol)
anyway, many thanks
brightest blessings
anthene

(off to study my fruit!!!!!!!)
:boing:

[Emaleth]

I just got my first deck with a book to it and I feel quite confused. Is it important that every time you do a reading you should spread a black cloth on the table and light a candle? And how it is with drawing cards, should the person who does it see them or not?

[DragonMystic]

im in the same position i am very confused and dont really know whats what.

[maya]

Neither the cloth nor candle are necessary. I assume the author wanted to help you create som ambience <sp?>. It doesn't matter either way if you see them one at a time or all together. That's just personal preference. I lay mine out all face up so I can start making connections between the cards immediatley but if this is over whelming you may try laying them face down and turning them over one at a time. Some spreads will actually indicate if certain cards are not to be seen right up front.

~ Maya

[Emerald Oak]

I'm pretty new to Tarot, but still give readings to my friends (the readings always end up being incredibly accurate and helpful, both to them and myself when I give myself a reading), but I always only pay attenttion to the meanings in the little book that came with my Robin Wood deck.

Obviously, there's more to it than that. Can anyone give me a good source where I can get the meaning behind the different suits, numbers, colors, etc.

Thanks! :-)

[Myst]

The different meanings should be in the book, especially as far as suits and numbers (and I'm really not sure what you mean by colours?).

There's lots of info here so feel free to plod through it, I'm sure there are links posted as well that will be useful.

[Emerald Oak]

Actually, I use the Robin Wood deck, which only comes with the direct meanings, as well as a few spreads.

Well, I have another question, also, but I think I'd better save it for a different thread :) Thanks, Myst!

[Moon_Faerie]

I just bought a tarot deck and have got familiarized with the m but i am having a bit of trouble working out how a reading all fits together.

Can someone please help me?

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Sure can. ;)

when going from one card to the next, remember that they tie into the same subject. (question asked) A spread is read more like a story. ;) Each card builds on the previous. Also keep in mind what position each card occupies. This also gives insight to the meaning and where the card is leading you. :D

[maya]

What I do is write everything out. I'll lay the cards, and then I write out the name of the card (noting reversed cards). Then I write out the meaning of the card in that position. If you need to you can ask yourself something like "What does the 7 of pentacles mean to the past?" to get you started writing. Then once I have all the cards written down I read through all that I've written and write a general summation of the reading. Like Dagda said, it will ready like a story. Some where around here is a worksheet for readings as well that might help with this.

~ Maya

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

you can find the worksheet at:

http://www.tarotpassages.com/begin.htm

it's the second bulleted item. ;)

[Myst]

EO : Usually in the intro it will have a paragraph about suits.

Sufficed to say, cups relate to emotions and emotional matters, swords to strength or conflict, wands to intelligence or creativity, and pentacles/coins to prosperity or money matters. The "numbers" mean different things depending on the suit.

But then, as Dagda mentioned too, they are more like a story. Don't concentrate just on the numbers or suits, but how they relate to eachother.

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Yep!

Draw two cards off the deck. Do they have anything in common? Are they opposing each other? I like to find a common element or symbol and build from there to give a little extra insight. ;)

[Moon_Faerie]

Thanks heaps for the advise, i'll try all your methods and see how it goes, thanks again..



*Prue

[Neptune]

I have found that I can not read any of the decks that I have ... they are "cold." I went looking to find a new deck, however nothing seems to grab me. I do not feel that I am gettin accurate readings even from my basic Ryder deck, I have cleansed them and blessed them however I have not had any positive results. This is troubleing me especially since I feel that at this moment I need their guidance most of all. What do you suggest I do?

[Nissala]

when cleansing ones cards do you do them as a deck or each one individually? I just purchased my first deck and would like to know the best way to get rid of all negative energies?

Thanks !!!

[Myst]

Originally posted by Neptune
I have found that I can not read any of the decks that I have ... they are "cold."

Maybe this is a hint that you don't need their guidance as much as you think, or that you have to make the decisions here and find your own way?

Don't rush into getting a new deck if nothing feels right. If you must ask tarot to help, ask for a reading here and I'm sure someone can help ya out :)

[Myst]

Originally posted by Nissala
when cleansing ones cards do you do them as a deck or each one individually?

I do them as a deck, but if it feels right to do them individually go ahead. Whatever feels right or works best *is* best.

[Neptune]

my cards have been letting me read them like crazy!

[Flaire-FireStar]

Originally posted by Nissala
when cleansing ones cards do you do them as a deck or each one individually? I just purchased my first deck and would like to know the best way to get rid of all negative energies?

Thanks !!!

I do each one individually. :)



my cards have been letting me read them like crazy!

:thumbsup:

[Neptune]

Yeah it is a good thing!:boing:

[Dancin Girl]

Welllll here goes!! First thank you :heartthro Flaire for sending me over here!! Read through all of this thread and am so glad to see that I am not the only one baffled, puzzled, confused and a little apprehensive about tryin to sort out all of this information!!

I initially bought this Universal Waite deck for my daughter a few years ago when she had a passing interest in it. I thought at the time about buying her a more comprehensive book to go with it, but decided to wait on that until I saw whether she maintained any interest in it.... As I expected, her interested faded rather quickly and the cards have been sitting in her dresser untouched. I never had very much interest in them until recently when, very wierdly... for me anyway, they have seemed to be calling for attention. Originally when I picked out the deck, I chose it because out of all the various decks available at the time, they were the ones that attracted my attention, said something to me.
Okay, maybe that was my first mistake too... picking them for daughter maybe they weren't calling to her in the first place?

Second mistake was not buying that other book at the time, since of course now I can't find book and can't afford it either!!

Anyway, to make a long story short, last night at 3 in the morning, I ended up going on desperate hunt, searching through daughter's dresser to find the cards.... ummmm no, she was not happy being woke up either!!! Finally found the deck, the layout sheet, and the extremely fine print booklet that came with it (you know, the one that requires magnifying glass and instruction book for the instruction book??!!) and am ready to give them a serious try and listen to what they have to say. I am still not quite sure about all of it though.... just very confusing!!

My main question, concern, puzzle and thought right now, is not so much doing the readings for someone else, but for myself... I get the feeling that there is something in them that I need for myself not for for someone else. Does that make any sense to anyone? I know that it is hard to be objective when reading or intterpreting one's self... but is it okay to do the readings for yourself and not someone else?

Ahhhhhh sorry I was so longwinded, just got carried away and swept up in the subject!!! Any help you all can give me will be appreciated!!!

[Lavender]

I found it hard to read for myself too. What works for me is to pretend I'm doing the reading for someone else. I write down the cards & what they mean to me and how they would relate to my specific question.

[Flaire-FireStar]

I hardly ever read for myself anymore ~ if I do any at all, it's for the week. ;)

[Neptune]

Yeah, reading for yourself can be difficult sometimes, you often want to twist the meaning of a card

[Dancin Girl]

That's kind of what I was worried about, but then too... if you were reading for someone very close to you, wouldn't you have a tendancy to do that too with their reading?

[Dryad's Wyrd]

Thanks Myst. Great information. Even though I am an old hand at tarot I still love to read the "newbie tips" because everyone can learn from them, new readers and experienced readers like myself.
Love and Light,
Dryad

[Neptune]

Originally posted by Dancin Girl
That's kind of what I was worried about, but then too... if you were reading for someone very close to you, wouldn't you have a tendancy to do that too with their reading?

I get worried about that too, but it seems that they are typically right on. The info that I have kinda helps me ... but I am normally pretty good at not twisting things ... ask StarTwin's opinion on that though ... might have to PM her ... she is not on the boards too much. (she is my best friend btw -- if you were wondering)

[Shaman0325]

Hello Myst...I havent done a reading in awhile. Now that I am starting to shuffle my cards and doing some online readings for friends, I was wondering if I should re-consecrate my cards. And, if so can you recomend a good ritual ?...Peace :cool:

[Neptune]

Now I did a reading for the guy that I am seeing right now ... we are together but w/out the title (we are not officially a couple or anything)... I saw in the cards us getting married ... I have seen it since we have been together and so has my best friend ... was it wrong of me not to tell him that I saw us being married in the cards? He is not too much (not at all) into this way of life and he did it to show interest in what I do (and his friend had a reading done too!) I did not tell him that we would be married, I just said that a new relationship will become much stronger. I guess I just kinda feel guilty not telling him exactly what I saw in the cards, and in my visions in general ... part of me did not want him thinking that I was reading from a bias point of view too! Did I do the right thing here?

[Shaman0325]

I had a similar situation when i did a friends reading. She was wondering when she will meet the person she will spend the rest of her life with? Well I came out in the cards and i did not tell her. It was just a feeling I got and I went with it. I felt it was not her time know. I did did my cards later and I found out I made the right choice. She also studies the craft and when the time is right and when I tell her she will understand. So if you feel you made the right decsion then you did. Hey now you can sit back and watch the magic happen ....Peace :cool:

[Neptune]

Thanks Shaman0325, I talked it over with another person and she agrees that I made the right decision too! We both agree that it would have scared him off and or ruined the relationship at this moment he is on his anti-marriage kick and that kinda worried me for a while ... but the cards showed me what I needed to know ... not just what he needed to know.

[tainted echoes]

hey i've got a simple question..i've heard around that if someone gives you tarot cards, it's supposed to help you..i know i've heard that and so did my friend, and we're wondering if that's true.

[Myst]

help you in what way?

some people believe if your tarot cards are a gift they'll work better, or you have to have a deck given to you for it to work, but personally I've bought all my decks and not had a problem :)

[tainted echoes]

i think just give you more insight or something, i never believed in the rumor but it did make me wonder, thanks.

[Myst]

Originally posted by Dancin Girl
That's kind of what I was worried about, but then too... if you were reading for someone very close to you, wouldn't you have a tendancy to do that too with their reading?

Yes I do, which is why I don't do readings for people who are very close to me.

[Myst]

Originally posted by Shaman0325
Hello Myst...I havent done a reading in awhile. Now that I am starting to shuffle my cards and doing some online readings for friends, I was wondering if I should re-consecrate my cards. And, if so can you recomend a good ritual ?...Peace :cool:

If you feel like they need to be re consecrated feel free. There are so many things you could do - from just tapping them on the table to doing an elaborate ritual consecrating them to the elements to help people find answers. When I redo mine (very rarely) I pass them through each element for the purpose of helping people find answers.

[Shaman0325]

Thank you Myst :cool:

[Faey]

Thanks for the info. We appreciate it a lot. ;) I haven't used my deck in a few monthes. I think that I'll get back into them.

[Masamune]

im sorta new to the board so lol. i have a ? about if your missing a card. see i have the lord of the rings card deck and im missing the card The Towers. I know this is a major card and all. But should i just buy another deck again or something? Sadly see i got this deck from my sister and the store she bought it from is now closed :-/ what should i do? Also wouldn't cleansing ur cards iwth a black cloth or something that u use often ex. pillow case. Couldn't that be alright to cleanse ur card?

[Flaire-FireStar]

See if you can contact the company that made the deck - they might be able to replace the card for you. :)

For cleansing, I use incense smoke, or moonlight on my cards. But I keep them in a fabric bag made from an old shirt that I used to wear a lot. (They really like it in there) ;)

[Masamune]

i don't rely think i can come in contact with the company.. its been a long looong time since my sister bought the deck :-p. but i guess i can give it a shot even tho they still sell the cards but i highly doubt it that they will just sent me one card. but i dunno whatever u guys think.. thanks in advance :-p

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Actually, I've talked to many people that have contacted the companies that have made their cards because one is missing or they lose one.....and they have had favorable results. It just doesn't hurt to try. Let them know it was a gift and received in this condition. Was the deck un-opened when you received it??

There are many ways to cleanse your cards....whatever is most comfortable and acceptable for you is fine. I run mine through incense smoke or Reiki them. :D

~D

[Masamune]

hmm actually i looked in my tarot book and i think ill contact the main person who created the deck. it did mention about if i ever wanted a tarot reading down contact this person.. hmm tho i guess hes the maker n stuff so ill just drop a line to ask for the card. :-p thanks but i honestly would rather contact the person online just cuz he lives all the way in england :-p. i believe that these cards were open and didn't have the protetive covering on the package as i do see with the same deck now. also another thing is that my sister had this deck is like 5 years old lol.. too bad that the one store that carried these cards is still open :-p cuz i would contact them n stuff. but yea thanks for the input i will contact the maker.

p.s. waht do u mean a amethest bed? like i can just take the crystals and just cover the deck with them?

[Witchy Cowgirl]

There is a thread here on cleansing cards. I'll see if I can find it and bump it up for you.;)

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Originally posted by Masamune
hmm actually i looked in my tarot book and i think ill contact the main person who created the deck. it did mention about if i ever wanted a tarot reading down contact this person.. hmm tho i guess hes the maker n stuff so ill just drop a line to ask for the card. :-p thanks but i honestly would rather contact the person online just cuz he lives all the way in england :-p. i believe that these cards were open and didn't have the protetive covering on the package as i do see with the same deck now. also another thing is that my sister had this deck is like 5 years old lol.. too bad that the one store that carried these cards is still open :-p cuz i would contact them n stuff. but yea thanks for the input i will contact the maker.

p.s. waht do u mean a amethest bed? like i can just take the crystals and just cover the deck with them?


Just because you make the deck, doesn't mean you have tons of this deck just sitting around, you will want to go with the publisher or Distributer of the deck. They are the one's that print the cards and have access to getting just one. You might also want to check out US Games, they are pretty good about getting you just one card if they print the deck.

Amethyst bed: flat piece of rock that has small to medium sized pieces of amethyst "growing" on one side. They are beautiful displays and have wonderful energy. Just lay your cards on top of the amethyst.

[Masamune]

Dagda Moon- you are going to hate me lol im sorry i apoligize but uhh do u have the info so i can contact us games :-p. srry tho cuz i sound like a dumb person and all. but uhh so just a small piece of amthest in the normal form would work just fine? just a small piece not like one of those huge one's that cost like 100 bucks that is like 1'x1' lol. tho thanks again for the info i appreciate it alot.

[Witchy Cowgirl]

I found 4 threads on cleansing and bumped them up for you. They should still be near the top of the list.
There is more information there.:)

[Masamune]

thanks tho last it was a poll lol :-p ehh thanks

[Masamune]

cowgirl hmm lol i sound like an idiot but all i basically wanted to know what it meant when it said amethest bed... lol its like the most basic term or what not lol... i would rater do this method cuz i have alot of crystals and stones and i believe this would be like a better method to cleanse cards. but one thing i want to knwo is that hmm i should know is how to do this. i just take my piece of (getting tech. here 2"x3" piece of amethest in its "natural form") and just lay my deck on top of that? the main reason why im more intrested in doing this way is just that i love cystals and it was sorta closer with me u can say and it would better fit me or whatever. or would it just better just to take agate (sp?) and then just place it on that slab lol... srry cowgirl lol

[Witchy Cowgirl]

I've I were gonna use crystals I'd probably do just what you said, lay my cards on the stone of my choosing if it were big enough - which your is.:)
If you had smaller stones you could form a circle around your cards with them.

Either way I'd probably bless them in some manner, then leave them overnight. Something that would be really cleansing is to use the crystal method while leaving the them in the full moon light.

[Masamune]

yea thats what i wanted!!! lol i honestly waned that... i can't do a moonlight thingy cuz sniff sniff i live in buffalo evil weather :-p.. tho what i wanted to know now is what can i do with contacting us games..

[Witchy Cowgirl]

Moonlight through the window is fine.

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

I could have sworn I replied in this thread yesterday.....wonder where my post got off to??!!

Anyways, I don't hate you! lol

To contact US Games: Customer Service: 1-800-292-7772

:D

Just tell them that you were given a deck and tell them which deck it is....but there was a card missing when you received the deck...then ask them if they would replace the missing card.

[Masamune]

lol tho u seemed annoyied "talking" to me. but yea u did say contact us games... but i had no way of contactin them ex. phone #'s... thanks alot!!!

[tarotbear]

To contact US Games Systems online go to www.usgamesinc.com .

[Masamune]

thanks tarot that helped out aot :-)... uhh dagda ur phone # was wrong :-(. tho thanks alot tarot!! :-p

[IsisErin]

I just wanted to say how great I find this thread! I've been reading the posts in this forum but I didn't notice this until now.

I'm really interested in learning about tarot and I'm going to go and look for a deck.... :boing: I'm excited. (I must sound like a fluffy - I'm going to shut up now)

Thanks Dagda and Myst!

[goonyberry]

Hopefully I am not too much off the subject but i do need help with tarot. My 12 year old daughter want to start reading tarot but i am not sure if she is old enough to do it. What is the proper age for a young girl to start working with tarot? and what type of deck shall I start her off with?

[FaerieGothMommy]

I am only new to the tarot,so you might not want to take my advice :lol: but anyway,i am only 16! and i've been interested in tarot and wicca for a while now. And i think you should let your daughter have a deck,i honestly don't think 12 is too young! and i don't think there is any age limit as long as they understand what they are doing. I first bought the Sasha Fenton deck,which is what i recommend for your daughter. Alot of people might say start her off with the rider waite deck,but i really disagree,she probably wouldn't like it because the art work is too dull and to me it isn't very pleasing to the eye (though your daughter still might like it)! The sasha fenton deck comes in a box with a book about tarot,that is really easy to understand and the deck is very easy and colourful... here is the sasha fenton deck http://www.aeclectic.net/sasha-fenton/index.html
but i never actually felt 'right' using that deck,so i am buying myself the cosmic deck.
You could go to www.aeclectic.net and let her pick a deck out of the traditional section (for beginners),let her choose one that she likes most.
Hope i've helped in some way!

[Wyllow]

This is a great thread!

I wish I'd had this much advice when I first started reading the Tarot!

Really helpful and informative.

Cleansing the cards from time to time is essential, I feel ~ especially if you have used them in regard to a particularly intense, especially difficult or painful situation. It seems to me that if you do not, the vibes can linger and make further unbiased readings difficult.

Again ~ great advice here!

~Wyllow~

[themessenger]

myst-
Great job!!
Your info was very clear, and easy to read. I learned a good few things - and i've been reading cards for years!!

:fpraiseyo :fpraiseyo :fpraiseyo

kudos!
themessenger

[CanisFirebrand]

Yes, thank you very much Myst for this.

I just received my first deck yesterday so I am anxiously awaiting starting to work with them.
Last night I spent time looking at the Major arcana and reading a little of the book and the 10 spreads they highlighted.
I received the Sacred Circle deck which is a beautiful deck and called out to me from the first moment I saw it in the store.

When I got home from work today, I spent some time meditating on the cards and then did a little ritual to cleanse them.

I set up an altar tile that represents my sign. Placed a bowl of salt in the north, incense(leo scent for my sign) in the east, a candle(dragonsblood for my element) in the south, and a cup of water in the west.

I asked the lord and lady to grant me the ability to listen to the cards so that they may share their wisdome with me.

I then asked each of the elements in turn the same things. I started in the north and sprinkled the cards with salt, passed them through incense, held them over the flame, then sprinkled a few drops of water on them.

I then thanked the elements for their help and the lord and lady.

I then went slowly through my deck concentrating on each card for a few moments. I then shuffled the cards for a time until they felt charged enough.

[alexx]

this is a fantastic thread!

I just want to add that it's important to some to make sure they have the right deck - there are so many, and some use symbolism from specific beliefs which may not resonate too well with you. Pick the deck you feel most drawn to as often this will the best one for you to read - there is no "right" deck that is superior to all the rest!

I was also intrigued by the range of answers to the question of whether you should read your own cards, and those close to you. My Nan , who is half Romany and who was VERY taken aback when I started to read aged 13, talked to me about card reading as it is something our family are drawn to (I am the oldest female in my generation, and she wonders if this is why). She told me I must never read cards for family members, but gave me no reasoning why.

I have always read my own cards as I find them a great source of insight, but I have to concentrate and be really honest about what I see there, it is easy to make them read how you would like them to!

[nurseamber]

Hey Myst-
Thank you so much for all of that information. I am new to the site and I found all of your information very helpful. I have been studying wicca for a long time now and I got a set of tarot cards while I was in England a while ago, however, I just started to use them and really meditate on them. Any information would be great because I really want to get into understanding them and using them more. I don't want to have to refer to my "book" whenever I need to understand what a card means.

Blessed Be,
Amber

[MoonChild78]

Thank you so much for that info!! I just got tarot cards for my birthday but i haven't reallly known what to do or how to start. thank you sooooo much!!
:ringaroun

[Bryony]

... and also making it one of your personal divination tools...

Here is one way of doing it:

An easy way of cleansing your deck is simply to cleanse it with incense and if you got Sage, use that one.


Here I am going to take out my iconoclastic hat and wear it with pride- smoke is smoke is smoke, and cleanses very well. Most of the rest is personal preference.

As for a ritual? :eyez: That is a bit far for most people. Rituals are individual and very personal, as are tarot cards. :moped: If it works for you, go for it. You do need to listen to the cards, and if they don't feel right, do something about it. Do not just let them keep on bugging you.

*notices a shiny penny and goes off to investigate......*
:colorful:

[Chesna]

I was reading through all this great information and got very intrigued..so my very humble question.. is there one deck that is more suitable to the very very new to tarot???

Thanks-

:wave:


Chesna

[PhoenixCOF]

Oh thank god/dess! Lol... I often get feelings from my cards - sometimes they're tired, sometimes sullen, when I did my first readings for total strangers this weekend they were feeling mischievous (not really very helpful in the circumstances lol), then I didn't want to leave them alone all night after I got home... I thought I was taking the whole concept of anthropomorphising a bit far lol, so I'm glad to hear that it's quite normal.

PhoenixCOF

[CirceAdonia]

I love this thread! Thank you so much for the great advice and insight!

I bought my first deck 10 years ago. I began reading and I was doing real well. Then I stopped. Then in 97 I bought another deck as the first one was lost or stolen. Then I gave it up again. Now here I am 2004, I bought yet another deck- don't know what I did with the last one and I guess my carelessness is going punished because I am drawing a blank with my cards and can't seem to connect. So this thread is a big help. Maybe it will help me connect with my deck and finally do some readings!

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_30_114.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)

[Celtique]

Silly question for you Myst, or whomever can answer! What exactly is the "Significator" card? Is it the one card in my deck with no label? If so...what is it for? It's not explained in my booklet.

[PoisonIvy]

I'm kinda new at this but I think it's the card that you choose to represent yourself or the person that you are reading. You only need a significator in certain spreads,not all of them.

[Kevin]

Merry Meet,

I would like to start off and thank Myst for starting such a great topic.
I am new to this community and tarot and purchased my first deck just last week and all the information here has been great from all who have posted.

Thanks again.

[purple dragon]

please can you help me, i really want a tarot deck but i don't know which deck to choose?!? Purple dragon