Hi all!

[Lydian]

I'm a total newcomer to the tarot world. I started collecting decks this past summer as a way to pass the time during this never-ending pandemic and almost immediately got sucked down the rabbit hole. I've been primarily interested in the history of cartomancy and the evolution of artwork & symbology, but I'd like to start learning to read with some of the decks I've accumulated. It's slow going, though, because I've bought too widely and now can't decide where to start! I've really enjoyed lurking on this forum, but I'm hoping that by becoming a more active poster, I'll actually make some progress as a reader. We'll see how that goes!

[katrinka]

Hi and welcome. 🙂
What decks are you most interested in learning?

[Lydian]

That's what I'm struggling to decide! 

 

So far my approach to deck management has been to move them into new and different piles every few days, sit and stare at them for a bit, and run through the following internal monologue:

 

Hmm. There's so much information on RWS in English that I should probably just start there. That seems to be the most common entry point. I can easily find a study group or something. But I like the historic decks so much, maybe I should just jump straight into TdM? Or Thoth? Hmm, maybe instead I should start off with a lenormand deck, since there's only 36 cards and reversals don't come into play? Surely that will be more straightforward, right? Maybe not, I don't actually know. Or, ooh, what about just getting out a deck of regular playing cards and learning to read those? That's a thing, right?

 

... and then I throw up my hands and move the decks around into different piles and start the process all over again. 😅

[Rose Lalonde]

Welcome to the forum! 🙂 

 

I'm really into esoteric correspondences, things like astrology in tarot and which suit is which element, etc. so this might sound surprising from me, but... You only get one chance to interact with the cards without any preconceptions, just your reaction to the art and not what anyone else thinks.  I'd suggest not rushing, but instead maybe try out the ISG (intuitive study group) Reading Circle here where no remembered, 'standard' meanings are allowed, only what you see. You could play around with your cards; lay some out, and start asking questions of yourself, like what do you think it means that some people face left, or sit down, or ask what the scene on a card has in common (if anything) with the other cards that have the same number. Make up other questions.

 

I'm not saying don't get involved in a study group or learn a system - personally I find those things extremely helpful. They inform all of my readings. But if you take a couple of weeks to really question the art you see in your decks, you'll go into a study group with that foundation and you'll probably have a better idea of which deck you want to study first. 

Edited November 24, 2021 by Rose Lalonde

[katrinka]

Disclaimer: It's totally your decision and this is just my take.

Lenormand is an excellent place to start, since you're learning card interaction. A lot of modern Tarot card reading never addresses that. But the old cartomantic methods have been preserved in Lenormand. Once you've learned, you can carry it over to Tarot, playing cards, anything you want. You have a solid foundation to build on.
It's more complex than you're probably thinking it is, though. This is an excellent free resource. Just click into "Background", "Card Groupings", etc.
https://circlestead.com/learn/

 

Try to avoid bad sources. That means most of what's out there: Sturgeon's Law is very, very relevant here. 🤣

If you prefer physical books, this is by the same author as the Circlestead blog:
https://smile.amazon.com/Lenormand-Thirty-Six-Cards-Introduction/dp/1500582484/

 

And if you like the Method of Distance, this is good for expanding on that. You really only need Vol. 2:
https://smile.amazon.com/Petit-Lenormand-encyclopedia-Björn-Meuris/dp/1983957755/

 

[joy]

Hello @Lydian welcome to the TT&M Family

[DanielJUK]

welcome to the forum @Lydian

I hope the posts and discussions can help you work out your path ahead 🙂

[Ziev]

Hello Lydian. Welcome to the forum. All cards are awesome, in my opinion. I know its a tough decision but either way it will be the right one. 😃 Looking forward to your future posts.