Grandma Posted September 4, 2018 Posted September 4, 2018 When I read, I ask the cards to tell me a story about me that is true for today. I don’t ask yes or no questions, I don’t do divination, I don’t apply my readings to specific situations, and I definitely don’t ask “third party” questions such as “Does he love me?” or “Is she cheating on her husband?” Tarot is for me a spiritual Rorschach test, a mirror into my soul. I just read to see what is going on with me today. I use a five card spread of my own design – the Axis of Time and the Axis of Place – like this: 5 this is around me 2 this is behind me 1 this is the here and now 3 this is before me 4 this is within me I review the basic meaning of each card. I use the Joan Bunning definitions, and if the author of the deck has given specific meanings, and if those meanings are on the cards or in a large enough format, I use them also. I don’t read LWBs – they are just too L for these older eyes! I focus on the position of each card in the spread. I consider the attributes of the suits, the weight of any royals and Majors, and how far along the card is in the journey of the suit or in the Fool’s Journey. I look at the numbers – if they appear in sequence or more than once, or if they are all clustered in the beginning, middle or end. I meditate on the cards themselves – the colors, themes, people/animals/objects depicted, within each card and across the cards. I let the cards speak to me. I open my mind to the cohesive picture of the whole spread and to each card within. I consider the relationship of all these factors. I do this with no question in mind but “what is true for me today”? I do very few readings for anyone else, but when I do, I describe this process to the querent as I go, and elicit his or her input. I seek input on all of this from the querent, or in a forum reading (the few I’ve done) if possible I extrapolate from what he or she has shared. My goal is to help the person for whom I’m reading to understand their own inner experience. A narrative develops that may not include every detail, or details in this order, but is informed by all the above. Nothing special about all this, I’m pretty sure – I imagine it’s a typical way to read the cards. So that’s how I read – how do you?
Raggydoll Posted September 4, 2018 Posted September 4, 2018 I never stick to one single reading approach, but I do think that I have a somewhat consistent feel to my interpretations. Sometimes I’ll use regular spreads (with fixed positional meanings), but a lot of the time I just pull cards and lay them out in a row and interpret them as a whole big scenario - with some cards being people, some places, some adjectives, some verbs and so on. It all just unfolds in a very organic way before my eyes and I tend to trust that I will instinctively know which card means what. It is so cool to see how all the cards merges with each other and how they gradually add more layers to the reading. I mainly perform these types of readings for myself, and do more classical spreads for others. But that can also change depending on what I feel like doing. My interpretations are a blend of traditional book knowledge, my own tarot experiences and my intuition. But if there is one thing I know for sure then it is how often my tarot practice evolve and change. So while all this is true for me today, in a couple of months I might be doing things very differently. And that’s the best thing about tarot if you ask me. It’s such an exciting journey without a fixed destination!
Saturn Celeste Posted September 5, 2018 Posted September 5, 2018 So that’s how I read – how do you? Hi Grandma! You have quite an established style! Sounds like you've been reading for awhile. I love to see how others read. My style of reading is usually very different from most members here because I don't read myself. I might pull an oracle card once in awhile but I really don't read myself much at all. I read for other people or my pets, my house, situations but never for any self knowledge. There is honestly nothing I need to know about how to proceed with my life. Reading for myself would only muddy my own thoughts. I do have some samples of my readings though, my style does vary. Please note, there is nudity on some of the cards: http://www.ladymoiraine.com/index.php?action=gallery;cat=4 My basic reading is 3 tarot cards and an oracle card. I also do the Celtic Cross which I've really come to terms on proceeding with a CC reading, I've just made the spread more my own yet keeping with the traditional intention of the CC. I perform specialized readings where writer readings (readings for writers) are my staple. Those kind of readings often require me to make up a little spread for them. I do a lot of yes/no readings, I use reversals most of the time but not all the time, that depends on the reading. When I do a general reading (3 tarots cards and an oracle card), I don't use positions. I look at the cards and get a feel for what card wants to bring out the message for the querent first. I might read left to right or I might start with the oracle card if it strikes me as a direct answer to the question. It all depends on how the message presents itself to me. I've been known to use past, present, future spreads also when I read face to face with someone which is rare! I read through a writer's site I'm a member of. I do want to mention since this is a discussion on our style of reading, I was introduced to this video from a member here at TT&M. My next step will be to refresh my Marseilles reading chops and practice what this man has to say. He strictly reads with TdM decks and always reads left to right. So this is my next area of study. Grandma, I do want to say you've been doing great here! It's been a pleasure reading your posts and watching how you are progressing with learning the forum software. <3
Grandma Posted September 5, 2018 Author Posted September 5, 2018 Thank you, Raggedy Doll and Saturn Celeste, for your responses. The thing that has been missing from my Tarot practice is other practioners of Tarot. Problem solved! My interpretations are a blend of traditional book knowledge, my own tarot experiences and my intuition. But if there is one thing I know for sure then it is how often my tarot practice evolve and change. So while all this is true for me today, in a couple of months I might be doing things very differently. And that’s the best thing about tarot if you ask me. It’s such an exciting journey without a fixed destination! Yes it is, isn't it??!! Hi Grandma! You have quite an established style! Sounds like you've been reading for awhile. I love to see how others read. No, it's all an illusion! Just maybe two years or so, but I've got a lot of time on my hands, so thank you. Grandma, I do want to say you've been doing great here! It's been a pleasure reading your posts and watching how you are progressing with learning the forum software. <3 Wow, thank you. That means more than you might imagine. And to your second point, I have mastered the multiple quote insert! Grandma
Thoughtful Posted September 5, 2018 Posted September 5, 2018 My reading style is to have a card for the day and one for the evening. When l feel the need l usually do a five or seven card reading for something l should know, and never have used spreads. When l read privately for others l just lay the cards in a line as l do for myself and off we go. And l never use reversals. Not had any complaints, its simple quick and easy. l tried doing the Celtic Cross long ago but gave up. My readings flow much better with my own style, helps my intuition to kick in right away. l agree Grandma is an asset, rock on us oldies ;D Thanks for the link SC l want to get studying ready for my sumptuous Vincenti Modrone to arrive in Feb, it will probably take me that long to get my head around Marseilles :))
Saturn Celeste Posted September 5, 2018 Posted September 5, 2018 l agree Grandma is an asset, rock on us oldies ;D I totally agree Thoughtful! I've been waiting for the day to start using GothGranny for a username but my 31 year old son does not have any kids yet! ^-^
Thoughtful Posted September 5, 2018 Posted September 5, 2018 ha!ha! Having grandchildren would help. Love the name.
Barbastelle Posted September 5, 2018 Posted September 5, 2018 What an interesting thread! I always think about the question while I'm reading, and then pull out however many cards seem right. I read the meanings of the cards and go with my intuitive feelings about what each card relates to (e.g. this is about this person, this is about this aspect of the situation). I also take notice of the images on the cards to see what I can gather from those. I sometimes use pre-designed spreads, but I often invent spreads of my own as I go along. I don't tend to interpret a spread as 'past/present/future' unless it feels right - I normally view it as a holistic whole. I love reading the quint and base cards for extra information - I find it can often really enrich a reading. I also don't read reversals If a card jumps out of the pack and lands face up, I always read it. If a card jumps out and lands face down, I'll place my hand on it and ask "should I read this?" and then listen to my feelings. If I don't feel anything, or feel a 'no', then I'll put it back in the pack, if I feel a 'yes' then I'll add it to the reading :) What are people's rules around letting other people touch their cards? In general I say that others shouldn't touch my cards because I don't want any energy to transfer, but as I cleanse and dedicate them every time before I start a reading session, I'm wondering if I should relax this rule!
Grandma Posted September 5, 2018 Author Posted September 5, 2018 What an interesting thread! I'm glad! I love reading the quint and base cards for extra information - I find it can often really enrich a reading. I also don't read reversals I don't read reversals either. I'm going to try reading quint and base cards to see how it feels. If a card jumps out of the pack and lands face up, I always read it. If a card jumps out and lands face down, I'll place my hand on it and ask "should I read this?" and then listen to my feelings. If I don't feel anything, or feel a 'no', then I'll put it back in the pack, if I feel a 'yes' then I'll add it to the reading :) How timely that you should mention this. I was just shuffling a deck to read for myself (that reminds me - I'm going to start a new thread about shuffling one of these days) when a perfect stack of five cards fell at my feet. Since I use a spread of five, I laid them on the table and got a perfectly glorious reading! Maybe I'll start a thread with that as well... What are people's rules around letting other people touch their cards? In general I say that others shouldn't touch my cards because I don't want any energy to transfer, but as I cleanse and dedicate them every time before I start a reading session, I'm wondering if I should relax this rule! I only let people touch the deck to cut. I used to let my at the time future ex husband shuffle, but that was about the only thing positive thing left in the marriage so I had to let it go. (Please read that as sardonic and wistful, not bitter and sad!)
Jewel Posted September 5, 2018 Posted September 5, 2018 I am not into divination per se, I use the tarot more for personal and spiritual guidance and growth, so I would describe my approach as psychological in nature. I look for (or modify) spreads to fit the question I might have, but mainly I do general readings for myself trying to keep myself self-aware and growing both personally and spiritually. Grandma, like you, when I read for others I want the experience to be interactive and use not only my style but the images and input form the querent to explore the position meanings as well as the overall narrative of the spread. My interpretations are a blend of traditional book knowledge, my own tarot experiences and my intuition. But if there is one thing I know for sure then it is how often my tarot practice evolve and change. So while all this is true for me today, in a couple of months I might be doing things very differently. And that’s the best thing about tarot if you ask me. It’s such an exciting journey without a fixed destination! As to my interpretations, ditto what Raggydoll said ;D One of my favorite things about Tarot is that it is a journey and not a destination.
Grandma Posted September 5, 2018 Author Posted September 5, 2018 Yes, Jewel,yes! Me too! Jewel wrote above: "I am not into divination per se, I use the tarot more for personal and spiritual guidance and growth" "mainly I do general readings for myself trying to keep myself self-aware and growing both personally and spiritually" "One of my favorite things about Tarot is that it is a journey and not a destination" That pretty much sums it up for me!
Portia Posted September 22, 2018 Posted September 22, 2018 Grandma, I really enjoyed reading about your reading style. I can relate to so much of what you said. I believe I read very similarly to you. I'm very analytical about it. I don't ask "yes" or "no" questions. I love Joan Bunning's interpretations of the cards and I enjoy looking at symbolism, colors, trends, contrast, etc. I do not read reversals and place all of my cards upright. I believe every card, in and of itself, offers a spectrum of meaning, depending on the context of the question, surrounding cards, and position in the spread. Many people seem to expect that I come from a fortune telling way of reading when I say I read Tarot. It often takes a bit of explaining to show that I read for insight and perspective, rather than prediction. I love hearing about different reading styles. One size definitely doesn't fit all and it's fun to explore fresh approaches.
Grandma Posted September 23, 2018 Author Posted September 23, 2018 It often takes a bit of explaining to show that I read for insight and perspective, rather than prediction. Thank you for your post, Portia. I could have written it myself, that's how much it resonates with me. The section that I quoted is a perfect summary of what I try to express to people. I will remember your words the next time the subject comes up in conversation.
Portia Posted September 23, 2018 Posted September 23, 2018 Grandma, Awww, you're so kind. I thought you articulated your reading style so well in your post, too. It was wonderful, actually, to be able to relate. I don't think that there's anything wrong with reading for prediction. Everybody has their own style and beliefs. But it's really frustrating sometimes when people put you in a certain box. I think, due to Tarot's long link with clairvoyance, the occult, fortune tellers, and the idea of prophecy, that many people naturally assume that all readers are coming from that perspective. The other day I told someone that I had read about Leia Organa from "Star Wars." One of the cards I pulled was the 8 of Pentacles, not a card I would have associated with her immediately. But then I thought about the struggle of politics, the repetition, the drudgery of bureaucracy. The card also made me think about how this was a woman who was dedicated to her cause, not just in a Knight of Wands kind of way, but as someone who is willing to get down into the muck and work diligently. From belief to manifestation. A powerful woman, indeed. When I told my friend about the reading (we were discussing "Star Wars; not Tarot) her response was, "You can do that? How do you do that? Wait...what?" She was baffled. I explained that you can read on anything for insight. Many of my readings are for fictional and historical characters. I really just love looking at people and situations through the lens of Tarot. I think Tarot continues to evolve. The community is more diverse now. Hopefully, we can spread awareness that there are many different ways to approach those 78 cards. :)
Wanderer Posted September 23, 2018 Posted September 23, 2018 What an interesting thread! Lots of variety, but also some shared ideals... How do I go about it? I think it varies, but not too much; I try to keep the same pattern, whether I'm reading for myself or for someone else. Like a lot of people here, I always explain to the sitter that it doesn't predict the future, but rather shines a light into their own thoughts and feelings: it's a self-understanding tool, more than divination in the sense that most people use it. The spread will depend on the circumstances: sometimes one card, sometimes three or four (which somehow doesn't feel right, but occasionally the four positions are needed), and more rarely a detailed reading of ten or so cards. I normally make up or modify the spread itself, but for me the meaning of each position is critical. I concentrate on the position as each card is being drawn (by myself or the querent). Perhaps it's a bit like riding a bike with the stabilisers still on, though, in that I don't yet feel confident in going hands-free! Each card has to be drawn separately, either by stopping when shuffling, or selecting from the deck spread out on the table. I have them all drawn first, then turn them over and discuss them individually. This can be difficult, without seeing the full array, but I like the way that certainty and clarity develop through the reading. At the end, I will look for the larger patterns across the spread, and use this to reinforce or mitigate the outcomes. Very rarely will I draw a clarifying card, and normally this is because there are two possible paths that appear equally appropriate from the cards, but my intuition can't sort them out. I used to read reversals with the RWS, but generally not with Wildwood - it doesn't need them. Finally, I'll say that I discuss my thoughts with the querent all the way through, uncertainties and all. I think it's important for them to understand the ambiguities and uncertainties within their own minds, in order to reach a balance. I suspect if I did this commercially, people would sometimes demand a clear, concise answer... but that's not something I need to worry about. One of my detailed readings generally takes a looong time! :)
Grandma Posted September 23, 2018 Author Posted September 23, 2018 Portia[/member] - I never heard, or thought, of reading for fictional or historical characters. What an intriguing way to delve deep into the meanings of the cards. Is this your original technique, or did you learn it from someone else as I have just learned it from you?
Raggydoll Posted September 23, 2018 Posted September 23, 2018 Portia[/member] - I never heard, or thought, of reading for fictional or historical characters. What an intriguing way to delve deep into the meanings of the cards. Is this your original technique, or did you learn it from someone else as I have just learned it from you? I remember hearing Mary Greer describing something similar. I believe she likes to read about tv-shows, movies and so on. I have actually never tried this myself but it seems like an awesome way of utilizing tarot more fully and more often in your life (that’s basically what Mary Greer said, something about not having to always have a question in order to pick up your cards, that you can use them in a much more playful way to enrichen your everyday life.
Grandma Posted September 23, 2018 Author Posted September 23, 2018 Welcome to the thread, Wanderer, and thank you. Like a lot of people here, I always explain to the sitter that it doesn't predict the future, but rather shines a light into their own thoughts and feelings: it's a self-understanding tool, more than divination in the sense that most people use it. Exactly, for me too. I respect those who use Tarot for divination, it doesn't work that way for me. I normally make up or modify the spread itself, but for me the meaning of each position is critical. I concentrate on the position as each card is being drawn (by myself or the querent). Perhaps it's a bit like riding a bike with the stabilisers still on, though, in that I don't yet feel confident in going hands-free! No, I don't think so. That would suggest that it is better, or more evolved, to read a certain way rather than another, and I don't think that's true. Each card has to be drawn separately, either by stopping when shuffling, or selecting from the deck spread out on the table. I have them all drawn first, then turn them over and discuss them individually. This can be difficult, without seeing the full array, but I like the way that certainty and clarity develop through the reading. At the end, I will look for the larger patterns across the spread, and use this to reinforce or mitigate the outcomes. The face down method is new to me, and interesting. I might try it. One of my detailed readings generally takes a looong time! :) Yeah, me too, which is why to date I have only posted one reading of my own, which only two people commented on - thank you Ratty[/member] and swedishfish[/member] ! - and a few feedback posts on other members' readings. I am torn - on the one hand, I don't like to monopolize space in other people's threads, but on the other hand I have gotten responses that indicated that those who do have the time and interest to persevere have found something of value. And on the third hand, I have learned so much, and much of it so powerful, from others. It feels ungenerous not to give back. An option to get my material before a larger audience would be to condense, condense, condense, but so far I don't seem able to do that...
Grandma Posted September 23, 2018 Author Posted September 23, 2018 Portia[/member] - I never heard, or thought, of reading for fictional or historical characters. What an intriguing way to delve deep into the meanings of the cards. Is this your original technique, or did you learn it from someone else as I have just learned it from you? I remember hearing Mary Greer describing something similar. I believe she likes to read about tv-shows, movies and so on. I have actually never tried this myself but it seems like an awesome way of utilizing tarot more fully and more often in your life (that’s basically what Mary Greer said, something about not having to always have a question in order to pick up your cards, that you can use them in a much more playful way to enrichen your everyday life. You know, while I was reading this comment I remembered that in her online course Joan Bunning has readings for Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, and OJ Simpson. When I was learning I just thought this was weird and clearly forgot all about it. I think I'll take another look. Thank you, Raggydoll! (And they say that recovered memories cannot be trusted...)
Raggydoll Posted September 23, 2018 Posted September 23, 2018 Grandma: Don’t feel you need to edit yourself or hold back before you post a reading or before you help someone to interpret their cards. Your experience and your reading style is a valuable addition to this forum <3
Grandma Posted September 23, 2018 Author Posted September 23, 2018 Grandma: Don’t feel you need to edit yourself or hold back before you post a reading or before you help someone to interpret their cards. Your experience and your reading style is a valuable addition to this forum <3 Awwww thanks. (Grandma blushes.)
Guest swedishfish Posted September 23, 2018 Posted September 23, 2018 Welcome to the thread, Wanderer, and thank you. Like a lot of people here, I always explain to the sitter that it doesn't predict the future, but rather shines a light into their own thoughts and feelings: it's a self-understanding tool, more than divination in the sense that most people use it. Exactly, for me too. I respect those who use Tarot for divination, it doesn't work that way for me. I normally make up or modify the spread itself, but for me the meaning of each position is critical. I concentrate on the position as each card is being drawn (by myself or the querent). Perhaps it's a bit like riding a bike with the stabilisers still on, though, in that I don't yet feel confident in going hands-free! No, I don't think so. That would suggest that it is better, or more evolved, to read a certain way rather than another, and I don't think that's true. Each card has to be drawn separately, either by stopping when shuffling, or selecting from the deck spread out on the table. I have them all drawn first, then turn them over and discuss them individually. This can be difficult, without seeing the full array, but I like the way that certainty and clarity develop through the reading. At the end, I will look for the larger patterns across the spread, and use this to reinforce or mitigate the outcomes. The face down method is new to me, and interesting. I might try it. One of my detailed readings generally takes a looong time! :) Yeah, me too, which is why to date I have only posted one reading of my own, which only two people commented on - thank you Ratty[/member] and swedishfish[/member] ! - and a few feedback posts on other members' readings. I am torn - on the one hand, I don't like to monopolize space in other people's threads, but on the other hand I have gotten responses that indicated that those who do have the time and interest to persevere have found something of value. And on the third hand, I have learned so much, and much of it so powerful, from others. It feels ungenerous not to give back. An option to get my material before a larger audience would be to condense, condense, condense, but so far I don't seem able to do that... I don't think you need to condense if you gather that much info when you read, particularly if you aren't repeating yourself. Descriptions of feelings followed by your conclusion can help others understand how to make inferences based on similar feelings.
Portia Posted September 25, 2018 Posted September 25, 2018 Portia[/member] - I never heard, or thought, of reading for fictional or historical characters. What an intriguing way to delve deep into the meanings of the cards. Is this your original technique, or did you learn it from someone else as I have just learned it from you? I started doing readings for fictional characters, historical characters, etc. on my own. But later, I found out other people do it, too. There's a book called TAROT TELLS THE TALE by James Ricklef that uses a "Dear Abby" style to teach the art of 3 card readings. I was delighted when I found it and it's a nifty little book on Tarot.
Portia Posted September 25, 2018 Posted September 25, 2018 Finally, I'll say that I discuss my thoughts with the querent all the way through, uncertainties and all. I think it's important for them to understand the ambiguities and uncertainties within their own minds, in order to reach a balance. I suspect if I did this commercially, people would sometimes demand a clear, concise answer... but that's not something I need to worry about. One of my detailed readings generally takes a looong time! :) Wanderer, I love that you discuss your thoughts with the querent, "uncertainties and all." I love having that kind of dialogue, too, when the querent is active -- rather than passive -- in the unfolding of the reading.
DownUnderNZer Posted September 25, 2018 Posted September 25, 2018 These days I hardly read for myself compared to when I first started out and practised on myself every 5 minutes or had burning questions that needed answering all the time. Maybe not the same as to why you do it I'd think. Now I really have nothing to ask and only work with them when I have the urge I suppose. I think in some ways AT put me off certain types of sitters, but at the same time taught me a lot about Tarot and the different dynamics of people. I think some would read the same way for sure, like you, and some not. Face to face I usually only read the same crowd of people once a year (maybe once in between depending) and random strangers if I get the inkling. Not sure if others do it like that, but I do. I am usually straight forward and only give what I see. No sugarcoating. But I will try to be tactful. DND <3
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