tipsfortarotstudents

Tips for Students of Tarot

No two readers work in exactly the same way. Everytime you ask a question about the Tarot, you will get a different answer. Listen to everyone respectfully. Eventually, you will settle into your own system.

If you're going to work with a psychic tool, aura strengthening and cleansing rituals will be of the utmost importance.

One of the four elements--earth, air, fire, water, can be used for cleansing. Some readers keep a glass of water or a bowl of salt nearby while they are doing readings. After each reading, they hold their hands above the bowl or glass for a few minutes and visualize the aura being cleansed and reinforced.

The elements of fire or air may appeal to you more. You can hold your hand above some incense and imagine the smoke carrying away any negativity. Or you can hold your hands above a candle for a moment and visualize the warmth melting away any negativity.

Some readers, such as myself, like to have the four elements represented in their meditation area, and in the work area during readings. My meditation space includes a small, low table. On the table are a few candles (fire), incense (air), seashells (water), crystals (earth). I also have some bird feathers, a bowl of colored salt, and similiar items. Some Native American traditions believe that when a spiritual item is gifted to you (a feather, a seashell, etc) it has great spiritual power and will aid in your work.

If you are religious, add a symbol of your faith--a cross, a Star of David, a string of rosary beads, a pentacle, a statue of buddha, etc If you like angels, add some angel art or an angel statue.

Accept that there is work involved and get started. Study, practice reading for your friends and family, handle the cards often to get used to the energy and symbolism.

You might be able to start using the cards intuitively right from the start. This could tempt you into never learning the basics, the traditional meanings, or any of the basic symbolism. If you intend to do readings with any regularity, especially if you ultimately intend to charge for readings, this could lead to trouble later on.

The reason is, you will not connect equally well with each person. And in each spread, you will not connect equally well with each card. You'll be sitting there waiting for some inspiration on how to apply that card to your client, and nothing will come to you. If you have paid your dues and studied, your knowledge will come to the rescue.Clients can be fascinated by hearing the symbolism of the cards from someone who knows what they're talking about.

When readers who haven't done their homework come to a moment like that, they are forced to fill the reading in with a bunch of fluff--generalized, spiritual mumbo jumbo that could apply to anyone. Clients would much rather have your honesty!

When this happens to me, I say, "I'm not connecting with this card strongly enough to know how it applies to you. But there's some beautiful symbolism in this card. Perhaps if I explain the symbolism, you will have some intuition about how it applies to you." This always works for me. If nothing else, the client will respect your knowledge and your honesty.

Although your ultimate goal may be to grow psychicly to the point where you don't even need the cards, it will take a great deal of discipline and practice to get to that point--unless you are especially gifted with natural ability. Paying your dues is not something that you can skip.

Don't assume that everyone you'll be reading for will be a heterosexual Christian, especially if you ever intend to read for the public. You can really stick your foot in your mouth with your assumptions. Train yourself to ask if there's a life partner rather than use the terms "husband" or "wife."

If you read for the public it is inevitable that you will end up reading for people who are cheating on their mate, stealing from their boss, or doing something else that you might not agree with. Could you continue the reading in a loving way, and not let your own morality intrude into the reading?

You might find that you connect better with a certain gender and/or nationalities. That is okay. I tend to connect better with women, and I've learned to accept it.

Decide what your code of ethics will be. Many readers won't do readings about medical problems or pregnancies. Would you read for a 12-year old with their parent's permission, or would you rather not read for children? Start thinking about these things so that you will be prepared to answer when they come up.

I personally, would never ever tell a person that I thought they would die soon. Never.
Follow your own conscience on that, but, it's the most serious "prediction" that you can make--and you could be wrong. I think of the anguish I could cause if I am wrong about an impression before I say it.

Walk in the light!