How Tarot Cards Work

[Misterei]

4 hours ago, nord_drache said:

. . . also what some might see as an alchemy in the interactions. I think some other things are also required . . .

... and maybe finally maturity - with maturity we can consider the unvarnished truth as that, and more.

Yes. Alchemy is exactly the Ghost in the Machine. The interaction between reader, medium [cards], and client/sitter. If we take the idea from quantum physics that the observer becomes part of any phenomenon ... then certainly the interaction between these 3 elements [reader, medium, sitter] is an alchemy that produces the phenemenon of a [hopefully] accurate reading.

4 hours ago, nord_drache said:

... Probably the readings for free was so a reader wasn't mercenary or tweaked the results for their own advantage ...

This is a new thing which arose since the internet and the "instant expert" culture. I think in past there was much more acceptance that you would "cross the palm with silver" for getting your fortune told.

 

Fast forward to today's psychologized tarot and 1,000,001 "instant experts" [I love that phrase 🤣] and now we have a bunch of whiners who disparage fortune telling and think tarot readings should be free. And [in a way] they're not wrong. I wouldn't pay for some untrained idiot to psychologize me with tarots. However, I HAVE paid for a good fortune teller to make accurate predictions and i HAVE paid for a licensed therapist to psychologize me 😉

 

[gregory]

The cards know how they work. We really don't need to.

[Misterei]

6 hours ago, gregory said:

The cards know how they work. We really don't need to.

but it's endless fun to conjecture 😉

... And if the cards KNOW how they work ... do they possess consciousness and intelligence?

[nord_drache]

Do we really need to know how everything works? (including tarot and many other disciplines . . .) Yes, it is fun to conjecture on it all . . .🙂

 

I find it interesting how quantum physics has given tarot new credibility as principles of it can explain things about tarot.

 

[gregory]

4 hours ago, Misterei said:

but it's endless fun to conjecture 😉

... And if the cards KNOW how they work ... do they possess consciousness and intelligence?

 

No - they function in a vortex of magic. And as any fule kno*,  magic is, like, magic !

 

*apologies to non-Molesworth fans who may not get the allusion.... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Molesworth

 

3 hours ago, nord_drache said:

Do we really need to know how everything works? (including tarot and many other disciplines . . .) Yes, it is fun to conjecture on it all . . .🙂

 

I find it interesting how quantum physics has given tarot new credibility as principles of it can explain things about tarot.

 

I like magic a LOT more than quantum physics. But to be honest - if we KNEW how it worked, anyone could just read, and the joy of listening to the cards would go out of the window. A bit like the consequences of someone being able to PROVE there is a god.

 

Also overthinking can actually destroy things.

[Misterei]

7 hours ago, gregory said:

I like magic a LOT more than quantum physics. ...

LOL the more I study about quantum physics ... the more it sounds like ... magic 🤣

 

It's funny / tragic when scientists *prove* something everyone intuitively knows it true. I remember these heartbreaking pictures of a baby monkey feeding from a bottle in a cage and then going to a stuffed animal in the cage. The monkey looked tragic. Scientists were *proving* the baby monkey needed something warm and soft as much as it needed milk. Sadists.

 

This goes off our topic ... but back to how tarots work ... most humans feel there is something to divination. We've used bones, entrails, clouds, bird formations, cards, stars, and everything else to help us travel through time and glimpse the future. Everyone knows there is a *ghost in the machine* but we argue about what it is. God. Physics [quantum effects]. Conscious Universe.

Edited June 6, 2024 by Misterei

[SamiHirvikallio]

Some ideas for this topic:

 

Symbolism and Archetypes: Tarot decks consist of 78 cards divided into major and minor arcana, each depicting archetypal symbols, characters, and situations. These symbols resonate with universal themes and experiences shared across cultures and time periods. When a tarot reader interprets these symbols in the context of a question or situation, they tap into a collective unconscious—Carl Jung's concept of a shared reservoir of archetypes and symbols that influence our perceptions and behaviors.

 

Intuition and Interpretation: A tarot reading involves the intuitive interpretation of these symbols based on the reader's knowledge of tarot meanings, personal experience, and connection to their intuition. The reader uses their psychic sensitivity to perceive subtle energies and patterns, which helps them derive meaning from the cards beyond their literal illustrations.

 

Synchronicity: Central to tarot's operation is the concept of synchronicity—a meaningful coincidence where events align in a way that suggests a deeper connection or pattern. When a person shuffles and draws cards from a tarot deck, the cards that appear are believed to reflect the energies and questions present in the seeker's life at that moment. This synchronistic alignment between the cards drawn and the seeker's situation allows for profound insights and guidance.

 

Reflection and Insight: Tarot cards serve as a mirror reflecting the subconscious mind and the energies surrounding the seeker. Through careful reflection and interpretation, the reader helps the seeker gain clarity, make decisions, and navigate challenges by illuminating hidden aspects of their situation and offering alternative perspectives.

 

Empowerment and Spiritual Growth: Beyond divination, tarot readings empower individuals to take control of their lives, confront obstacles, and embrace opportunities for growth. By accessing deeper wisdom and understanding through tarot, individuals can cultivate self-awareness, enhance their spiritual journey, and make informed choices aligned with their true selves.

[RickInBakersfield]

For me, it's kind of like putting your question to the world. It's like having a clear intention. I find it easiest to get clarity if I frame my intention by filling in the blank in the following simple statement " I would like guidance on..."

 

What you put in that blank should really matter. What do you REALLY need help or guidance with? There are two categories of "omens", those that are given and those that are provoked i.e. the Romans were big into that, getting a message from the world. Tarot deals with provoking an omen.

 

To me that's how tarot works.

 

Rick,

[laforza76]

This is such an important topic. I personally feel that Tarot works becase we want it to work. So, it does. Humans are powerful-- we actively create this collective experience. If anyone is here because they doubt the accuracy/authenticity of Tarot: believe in yourself first, and all the other things should fall into place. The World starts with you.