Sherryl
I believe there's a middle ground between tying yourself in knots trying to figure out the meaning of each card, and just tossing cards on the table and free-associating with no pre-conceived ideas. Most of us need a compass of some sort which we can acquire by closely looking at the cards in the context of the others.
For instance, line up all the swords cards in order. Look at the even cards. How does the flower, or ornament in the center feel as it gets smaller in each card? More focused like a diamond? Imprisoned? What's going on with the vertical sword alternating with the flower.
Any even batons card: stand with your arms and legs stuck out stiffly at an angle and notice how your torso feels, especially when you imagine plants growing out your sides!
Get out four cards of one number, just contemplate them, and get a feel for how the number expresses itself in four different ways.
For me, each pip card is a little vortex of energy that interacts with neighboring cards. Put the three of coins between two high-numbered batons cards, then between two low numbered cups cards and see how its energy changes.
If this method appeals to you, I have a bunch of exercises on my website to help you come to your own relationship with each card.
For instance, line up all the swords cards in order. Look at the even cards. How does the flower, or ornament in the center feel as it gets smaller in each card? More focused like a diamond? Imprisoned? What's going on with the vertical sword alternating with the flower.
Any even batons card: stand with your arms and legs stuck out stiffly at an angle and notice how your torso feels, especially when you imagine plants growing out your sides!
Get out four cards of one number, just contemplate them, and get a feel for how the number expresses itself in four different ways.
For me, each pip card is a little vortex of energy that interacts with neighboring cards. Put the three of coins between two high-numbered batons cards, then between two low numbered cups cards and see how its energy changes.
If this method appeals to you, I have a bunch of exercises on my website to help you come to your own relationship with each card.