Tarot readings??

[Traveller13]

I try not to adhere with the more and more popular use of fortune tellings such as tarot, i-ching etc; moreover I see it as a sign of weakness.
Here's what I mean: most of those who practice such readings, seem to let... something else, take charge of their lives, instead of having the courage of doing it themselves.
Thus the risk of losing sight of your intent, which leads me to believe that in orser to succeed in a reading a certain state of mind is required. It is important to know (or not know, depending on the way you approach it) what you're doing, and be fully aware that YOU are the one that pick the cards, that faith or "superior" powers aren't doing this. Virtual or physical, the cards are consciousness, the consciousness that you are projecting according to what's in your mind.
The symbolism in tarot is also very deep and goes back a long way, therefore it's symbols are present in the human daily life and subconscious, and studying that symbolism could be a way to give readings sense.

[hester_prynne]

Hey Travellor, just read this post.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean when you say that most who practice readings seem to let something else take charge of their lives. I'm guessing that you mean they let the cards or the reading make a decision of some sort for them.

I dunno. I got interested in the Tarot way back when I was in high school...in the late 60's early 70's. (graduated in 71). I was interested in alot of things then, and only a few of those interests have lasted, tarot being one of them, and writing and singing. When I do a reading I'm not really looking for any answers to anything, I seek no prophesy from them. To me, the cards are like a tool, an inner garden tool, if you will. A reading will open up possibilities, thoughts, energy. To me the cards aren't "black magic" or a weak way to get answers or garner intent. Its' more simply that what surfaces in a reading by chance is worth considering, and I have utilized the Tarot Cards in this way for years and never gotten tired of it. A reading can actually strengthen me when I'm feeling confused and or weak. Sometimes it can strengthen me by simply redirecting me to a more hopeful state, sometimes it can point out to me something i've missed looking at, sometimes, a reading will give me nothing. I never know. Oftentimes, when I'm facilitating a reading for someone else, it turns into a mini therapy session, the symbols will bring up issues the querent benefits from looking at, and discussing.

I don't think there is any right or wrong way to read the Tarot Cards, and there is a huge variety in the way that people use them. They have a reputation for being "evil" which is pretty funny if you ask me...they are harmless cards! Just like in the game of Poker, there is an element of chance in the Tarot, in that you never know what cards will surface, and you go from there. In poker, you can win money when certain cards come up. It's very clear and succinct. In tarot, you get symbols that can lead you to insights. Both are valid ways to use cards. I guess some people think that playing poker is "evil" too eh?

It's all good as long as it's to each his own.

I never thought it would be this hard to try and describe the use of tarot cards. It's hard to describe! But I couldn't do without mine, they are like a part of me at this point....

H

[Jenni Mansfield Peal]

Interesting topic!

I use cards the way you do, H. I've heard that Karl Jung did too!

I always start with this mantra: "the answer to my question is inside of me - I am part of the the universe and just as mysterious." I use readings to provoke new ideas, like dreams.

I tend to do readings for myself when I'm confronted with the need to grow in a certain area of my life, like looking for a new job or needing a new attitude about something that makes me feel trapped and unhappy. I've kept all of my readings so that I don't forget the important things I've learned.

I only accept ideas that are in line with what I see as upward, onward, happy, productive, and in line with my principles. I never ask yes/no questions, but stuff like: "what attributes do I already possess that will help me with this challenge." Then I make up my own format for the reading. It's a game, really.

For some reason it's hard for me to think deeply about myself and my life (different from being self-absorbed and self-conscious, which is easy), and the game helps.

JMP

[hester_prynne]

Hey Jenni, yes indeed I think we are on a similar page regarding the Tarot....and I'm glad to know it. I isolate alot, and it's amazing how a kindred spirit warms the heart.

I really appreciate what you said about looking deeply within and at life. It's very true, it's hard to do, and I dig your candor about it. The kind of thing that makes you lean forward a little and go , "oh, yeah...right on..."
A hearty thanks for that!
H

[sooZen]

I try not to adhere with the more and more popular use of fortune tellings such as tarot, i-ching etc; moreover I see it as a sign of weakness.
Here's what I mean: most of those who practice such readings, seem to let... something else, take charge of their lives, instead of having the courage of doing it themselves.

Hah!

Here is the Osho card I picked today:

Moment to Moment

The past is no more and the future is not yet: both are unnecessarily moving in directions which don't exist. One used to exist, but no longer exists, and one has not even started to exist. The only right person is one who lives moment to moment, whose arrow is directed to the moment, who is always here and now; wherever he is, his whole consciousness, his whole being, is involved in the reality of here and in the reality of now. That's the only right direction. Only such a man can enter into the golden gate. The present is the golden gate. Here-now is the golden gate. ...And you can be in the present only if you are not ambitious--no accomplishment, no desire to achieve power, money, prestige, even enlightenment, because all ambition leads you into the future. Only a non-ambitious man can remain in the present. A man who wants to be in the present has not to think, has just to see and enter the gate. Experience will come, but experience has not to be premeditated.

I guess that says it all...

[Traveller13]

lol

hester I agree, I don't think there's anything wrong about tarot, or the way people use them.
what I meant was that taking the interpretations for granted could lead to conflict
or something along those lines

[hester_prynne]

Hey Buddha---good one! It does say it all!

My oracle conclusion today was rather good, rather an affirmation for me these last couple days...



8. The Overview.
ADVENTURE
testing your wits
Mercury in Sagittarius or in the Ninth House

Welcome to the horizontal feeding frenzy of the urban jungle. Many are the pathways crisscrossing the world at large and to some extent, all challenge your vertical integrity. The antique compass represents a need for updating your personal vision, or philosophy, to meet

present-time challenges. The white tiger

symbolizes a union between instinct and intellect.

When your ideas can act in concert with gut instincts, your chances for physical and cultural survival are significantly increased, It’s risky depending on direct experience to guide you; it makes getting lost a big part of the adventure.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And Travellor, sorry if I misunderstood your initial post...glad to hear you don't think ill of the Tarot cards. If you ever visit Astoria, (where I live), i'll be glad to give you a readin!)

h

[Traveller13]

cool
I'd be glad
to be read

[Rat Bag]

Here is the Osho card I picked today:

Moment to Moment

The past is no more and the future is not yet: both are unnecessarily moving in directions which don't exist. One used to exist, but no longer exists, and one has not even started to exist. The only right person is one who lives moment to moment, whose arrow is directed to the moment, who is always here and now; wherever he is, his whole consciousness, his whole being, is involved in the reality of here and in the reality of now. That's the only right direction. Only such a man can enter into the golden gate. The present is the golden gate. Here-now is the golden gate. ...And you can be in the present only if you are not ambitious--no accomplishment, no desire to achieve power, money, prestige, even enlightenment, because all ambition leads you into the future. Only a non-ambitious man can remain in the present. A man who wants to be in the present has not to think, has just to see and enter the gate. Experience will come, but experience has not to be premeditated.

That is awesome, buddhabitch. I'll probly be back to say more about Tarot later, but for now if you read this could you please give me an author name reference incase I ever need to attribute this, as I've printed it out for myself. By the way, what is Osho? I use the Crowley Thoth deck and am unfamiliar with this word... Osho.

Thanks.