PhoenixWriter
Hey all,
I'm pretty new to the Tarot, and I'm not sure how to search for the question I want to ask (what keywords to use, etc.) so I apologize if this issue has come up before.
I've just read Ly DeAngeles' "Tarot Theory and Practice" and I found it to be a satisfying academic read on what I would consider "Advanced Tarot" (then again, I'm so fresh, anything is advanced to me at this point), but one thing struck me as discouraging. In her book, DeAngeles discusses the waste of time trying to read yourself is and even warns against reading family, close friends, or even someone you've just met and have had an hour-long discussion with.
Also, in practice of daily 3-card draws, she strongly suggests using all the objectivity you posses to keep yourself out of your readings because frankly, there is more going on in the world than you and your little life, at least per DeAngeles on the Tarot.
Now, I understand the need for neutrality. I heard once that neutrality is a psychic's best friend, and while Tarot is something that can be learned by anyone, so can clairvoyance and other skills, if practiced enough. I understand the pitfalls that come with interpreting esoteric messages.
But what about those of us who are deeply emotional? Emotions are my primary form of communication, and before this book, I was so excited by the messages my cards were telling me; the encouragement, the struggle, the victory, the guidance, the Love... my life was reflected in my cards and I felt connected to something really special.
And, the reason I got a deck in the first place was because I felt more comfortable being the recipient of my own inspiration rather than sitting across the table from someone who claimed to know my life (no offense to those who read professionally - I am not opposed to your method, nor do I discredit it - but I do believe that there isn't much that trumps a direct message, and so why go to someone when I can get answers myself?)
I don't even want to look at my deck anymore. I am, frankly, disgusted enough by the notion of neutrality that I could give up the whole endeavor of self-discovery. Emotions are the way I LEARN. How am I supposed to learn anything if I have to remain neutral and if the worst thing I could do for myself is open my deck and ask the cosmos for guidance? Like the Tarot doesn't have time for me or something. What a notion! Our spirit guides always have time for us. Or whatever it is communicating through our decks.
So, what do I do about my practice now?
Hrm, let me rephrase that question so I can take responsibility for myself; what are your opinions on reading your own cards as a means of self-discovery?
I'm not looking for a future. Sure, I'm curious, but what I REALLY want is understanding of the present. The future stuff is sort of a bonus (but more like a distraction in my opinion), but what I truly desire is a way to understand my life.
I hope this post isn't too long. I do try to keep it short!
R
I'm pretty new to the Tarot, and I'm not sure how to search for the question I want to ask (what keywords to use, etc.) so I apologize if this issue has come up before.
I've just read Ly DeAngeles' "Tarot Theory and Practice" and I found it to be a satisfying academic read on what I would consider "Advanced Tarot" (then again, I'm so fresh, anything is advanced to me at this point), but one thing struck me as discouraging. In her book, DeAngeles discusses the waste of time trying to read yourself is and even warns against reading family, close friends, or even someone you've just met and have had an hour-long discussion with.
Also, in practice of daily 3-card draws, she strongly suggests using all the objectivity you posses to keep yourself out of your readings because frankly, there is more going on in the world than you and your little life, at least per DeAngeles on the Tarot.
Now, I understand the need for neutrality. I heard once that neutrality is a psychic's best friend, and while Tarot is something that can be learned by anyone, so can clairvoyance and other skills, if practiced enough. I understand the pitfalls that come with interpreting esoteric messages.
But what about those of us who are deeply emotional? Emotions are my primary form of communication, and before this book, I was so excited by the messages my cards were telling me; the encouragement, the struggle, the victory, the guidance, the Love... my life was reflected in my cards and I felt connected to something really special.
And, the reason I got a deck in the first place was because I felt more comfortable being the recipient of my own inspiration rather than sitting across the table from someone who claimed to know my life (no offense to those who read professionally - I am not opposed to your method, nor do I discredit it - but I do believe that there isn't much that trumps a direct message, and so why go to someone when I can get answers myself?)
I don't even want to look at my deck anymore. I am, frankly, disgusted enough by the notion of neutrality that I could give up the whole endeavor of self-discovery. Emotions are the way I LEARN. How am I supposed to learn anything if I have to remain neutral and if the worst thing I could do for myself is open my deck and ask the cosmos for guidance? Like the Tarot doesn't have time for me or something. What a notion! Our spirit guides always have time for us. Or whatever it is communicating through our decks.
So, what do I do about my practice now?
Hrm, let me rephrase that question so I can take responsibility for myself; what are your opinions on reading your own cards as a means of self-discovery?
I'm not looking for a future. Sure, I'm curious, but what I REALLY want is understanding of the present. The future stuff is sort of a bonus (but more like a distraction in my opinion), but what I truly desire is a way to understand my life.
I hope this post isn't too long. I do try to keep it short!
R