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Showing posts from 2013

How to Choose a Spread and When to Get a Reading

Tarot isn't a tool that limits your choices, but is instead a tool that can help you realize greater potential in even the most challenging situations. It can be tempting to get long, complicated spreads when you have a lot of questions or feel you need guidance in a specific area of your life. But, is this always the right choice? And how often should you get a reading about the same types of questions? A simple, three card reading can provide clarity when you are confused because it is to the point and easy to interpret. More just isn't always better. Readings can be longer and involve more cards if you have several options available or when you have many questions about your specific situation. The key is to look for the links between each card and to interpret each card based on its position within the spread if you want to find clarity in confusing situations. Readings can be done as often as you would like, but not about the same topic. For instance, if you want to kn

Readings with Court Cards

The court cards can be a challenge to read, even for the most experienced readers. I have read more than my fair share of books on Tarot, including books based solely on court cards and how they can be understood. Here is a simple breakdown of how I see courts in a Thoth-based deck: Queens are the mothers, the married women and the masters of their suit. When I see a Queen in a reading, I automatically relate it to a woman that I know, or myself since I fit the status of an older woman (ok, I am in my mid-thirties). The Queen of Pents, for example, would be a woman living comfortably who is interested more in the physical comforts of life (including sex!) than spiritual or emotional comforts. The Queen of Swords, on the other hand, is traditionally seen as a divorced woman. The Knights are the Queen's husband or their partners. They usually signify men that are nearby that are older, while the Princes are younger men or men without the same temperance and experience of their

The Eight of Swords

Most people see the eight of swords as a card of being trapped by fear, or being afraid to move forward even though the possibility does exist. I agree with this meaning, but one of the meanings of this card that really isn't discussed is that the fear isn't always just in your mind. The Swords suit has to do with thoughts and words. Eliminating real dangers and situations that may occur outside your own thought patterns isn't always the right way to read the suit, however. The swords on the 8 of Swords can actually cut, and moving out of a death trap like the one depicted in the Rider tarot is going to be both terrifying and dangerous. It isn't just in her mind, she can't see and there is danger all around her! On the Thoth 8 of Swords, there is a ladder made from swords blocking the path. If you try to climb over it, you will definitely get cut. Have you ever had a moment where you are so frightened that you literally freeze? That is the 8 of Swords card. Yo

Real Tarot, Real Tarot Readers

Sometimes while navigating the world of Tarot by reading other websites I feel like I am in a giant infomercial. People sell everything, including their wisdom and experience. I am honestly not sure how I feel about that. Do we really need to pay someone for tips about how to listen to our gut feelings or how to use a candle in a ritual? Um, probably not. There is a ton of information on Google about all of these things. You can also just experience life yourself and learn without paying someone, right? So, why pay a Tarot reader? Reading Tarot cards is actually a very delicate thing. The meanings do play off the other cards in the spread and influence the meanings of the cards in general. It is time consuming to learn Tarot meanings, and just when you think you know all the cards pretty well, you are thrown for a loop because a new meaning for different cards or different card combinations comes into play. Some people say that as soon as you understand one meaning for the cards, y

Working With St Expedite

St. Expedite is the saint to call on when you have an urgent need. Working with St Expedite is pretty easy. First, you need a red candle, some oil, like Fast Luck Oil or something similar (I make my own with cinnamon, vanilla and mint in a base of olive oil), and a photo or image of St Expedite. Anoint your candle like usual and then set up your space with the image of St Expedite and say a prayer that he will intercede on your behalf. Most people call on St Expedite for money matters, but he is also a saint that can be called on for any type of quick help. You can check out prayers to St Expedite on StExpedite.org. St Expedite demands quick repayment for his assistance. Most people recommend an offering of red flowers, a glass of water, poundcake and a public announcement of what St Expedite has done for you. Some people recommend offering thanks each time you work with St Expedite even if you don't get everything you ask for to show your thanks. I always try to post a public

Tarot Card Meanings in a Nutshell: The Meanings of the Tarot Trumps

This is my unique perspective on each of the Tarot majors, called Tarot Trumps, and their associated meanings. Even though I may have only one or two meanings listed, most Tarot card meanings include a diverse range of interpretations. It is up to the Tarot card reader to decide which meaning is intended by the cards based on the spread. In a nutshell, these interpretations are just one way to look at each of these cards! 0: The Fool Meanings: You are being kept in the dark about something; naive; A new beginning. 1: The Magician Meanings: A smooth talker, a car salesman; Getting things done through willpower. 2: The Priestess Meanings: A mystery; A hidden but influential woman. 3: The Empress Meanings: The tiger mother; The woman of the house. Nurture the things you are asking about. 4: The Emperor Meanings: Success. An influential man in your life, your father. 5: The Hierophant Meanings: Marriage, religion, cultural heritage and knowledge, adhering to tradition.

Earth Day! Things You Can Do To Change the World

I love nature, and I am pretty green. I reuse, I recycle, I try to buy green products. In honor of Earth Day, I have compiled a list of things that I personally use and love in my house. I know that this doesn't have anything to do with Tarot readings, but I do love nature, so I thought I would share! While not everything is 100% organic, I do try to choose cleaners and other things that are a better alternative. Choose one and start small, or kick off this Earth Day by making some major changes! Baking Soda and Vinegar I am seriously a recovering Pine-Sol user who loves the smell of fresh pine. I found out that the ingredients in commercial cleaners can actually lower your consciousness (!) so I stopped buying them and haven't looked back since. I don't even remember the last time I bought chlorine bleach or used any commercial cleaner in my home that wasn't plant based or made using essential oils, vinegar, baking soda or other natural ingredients. Baking soda

Why Not Go for Free Tarot Readings?

There are a lot of websites that offer free online Tarot readings. I really like going to some of these websites to check out the images on specific Tarot decks to see if they are something that I want to buy, but as for the readings...Well, I really prefer a live person for several reasons. One thing to know about free online Tarot readings that use an automated card generator, which randomly pulls or allows you to choose your cards, is that there is something missing from the card meanings that you get. A Tarot reader will be able to identify the links between the cards and how each card's subtler meanings interact with the other cards in your spread. Live Tarot readings from someone with experience in reading the cards is more complex, and more focused on the specific questions that you have. Getting these insights from a computer is impossible. Free online Tarot readings are pretty fun, and are also a good way to get to know some of the basic meanings of Tarot cards if y

Tarot Warnings: When The Cards Just Say No

Reading Tarot isn't always cheery, despite my best efforts to look at things in a positive light. Sometimes, the cards just say no to whatever you want to happen. I think it is important to always try your best to achieve your goals, however. Even when the Tarot says it just isn't going to happen, if I really want it to happen I try anyway. I will tell you about something that happens recently that kind of illustrates this point. I usually do a weekly reading for myself about what is going to happen that week, what to look forward to, etc. Just a general Tarot reading that I use for practice and insights in the meanings of the Tarot cards. This week I drew: 10 of Swords, 7 of Swords, and the 8 of cups. I don't know how much you know about Tarot, but really, not a good looking bunch of cards. In my opinion, the most challenging of this group of Tarot cards is the 7 of Swords, because I have really nothing too positive to associate with it. It is traditionally seen a

The Tarot Aces

The Aces are usually seen as excellent cards in any reading, whether ill dignified (or reversed, if you use a traditional, non-Thoth Tarot deck) or not. I personally read the Tarot aces a little differently. First, the Aces are seen as a general "this is where you need to focus the rest of the reading" card. For example, if I chose the Ace of Cups I would interpret the cards as relating to relationships, while the Ace of Pentacles would direct me to look at the finances and other tangible things in life. Aces can also present complications, problems, or issues represented by the suit. I do agree with the new beginnings aspect represented by the Aces, which is a traditional way of reading the cards, but this aspect isn't very practical and is actually kind of difficult to use in a real-life way. Applying Tarot cards in a mundane way is one of the challenges that Tarot readers face. When you use the Aces as a direction to look for the rest of the reading, I have fou

How Often To Read Tarot Cards

So, you are interested in Tarot readings. One of the questions most asked is how often you should get a reading. Some Tarot readers advise waiting at least six months before requesting an additional reading about the same topic. For instance, if you get a Tarot reading about your romantic relationship, you should wait a few months before consulting Tarot about the relationship. There are some exceptions. If you have had a major change in the circumstances since the last reading, requesting another consultation is OK. There are several reasons why you want to avoid a daily Tarot reading. For some, it can become a challenge to make decisions without consulting the Tarot. The cards are a great way to learn more about situations in your life, but shouldn't be used to make decisions. When you use the cards to empower you instead of giving the power to the cards, you have a distinct advantage. Daily Tarot readings, or even weekly readings about the same topic, can also be confusi

Why Choose an Online Tarot Reading?

An online Tarot reading is very similar to one from a local Tarot reader. You can ask a specific question that you want addressed during the Tarot consultation, and you will receive the undivided attention of your reader during the consultation. An online Tarot reading can be accomplished in several ways. The most common type of reading is through a free Tarot website, where the cards are chosen using a computer generated program. This type of reading is fun, but without the interaction of an experienced Tarot reader you are left with a lot of questions about what the cards mean and how they apply to your question. Other online Tarot reading options are best when you have an issue that you want to focus on. Email readings are very popular because you have the advantage of working with an experienced Tarot reader and can ask questions about the reading after the initial consultation is completed. Look for someone who is willing to answer questions about the reading by email or thro

Tarot Basics: What Is Tarot?

Describing what Tarot really is can be a little challenging, simply because each reader has a unique view on the cards and how, or why, they seem to work so well. The honest truth is that Tarot isn't infallible because people interpret the cards based on their own unique view of the world and the experiences that they have had with the cards. First, let's talk about the images. Most Tarot readers believe, as I do, that the images are based on meanings that every person can look at and determine the meaning. Carl Jung called these figures archetypes. Archetypes are something that everyone can relate to. Some Tarot readers will focus on a specific aspect of the card intuitively during a reading to convey a message. Others simply read the card at face value. The reality is that a combination of these methods provides the most successful Tarot readings for clients. Tarot does provide insights into life. Sometimes, it is a shocking revelation that you never expected. More of

The Seven of Pentacles

I am a long-time Thoth tarot fan, and this is my go to deck on most days. When the 7 of Disks shows up, at first glance it can seem a little depression. The card features dark colors and is named Failure. Failure! That name really doesn't suit the 7 of Pentacles in my opinion. Most of the time, the card is saying that a little patience is required, but your goals will be met. The traditional image in the 7 of Pentacles is a garden. If you think about a garden, it takes some time before your newly sprouted plants produce any fruits for your labor. Even herbs take a few months to produce anything that you can use in the kitchen. This card is showing you that with time and dedication, you can reach your goals and be successful. Stick with what you are doing, work hard, and everything will end up in your favor. In fact, when I draw this card my worries tend to be eased somewhat because I know that, with time, everything will work out.