Friday, January 29, 2010

First DISTANCE Reading

And by distance, I mean I shuffled the cards for them and interpreted over an Instant Messenger. This reading was done for someone I've never met in person, but that is very special to me. I again used the Past-Present-Future spread that I had originally used with Fem. I will call this lovely lady "Mare."

I recently spoke with someone who has read the cards professionally, and she noted I was missing a step. I'm now attempting to remember to do this every time. Before starting a reading, I asked her to, along with me, imagine a golden light surrounding us, protecting us, and guiding and supporting us. It should start as a small glow in your heart, and expand to surround you.

Once we were both ready, I began shuffling, as she focused on the topics of health, finances, and spirituality. She told me when to stop shuffling. I then cut the deck three times with my left hand, restacked, and dealt out the 9 cards with my left hand.

1. Eight of Swords, R
2. Nine of Rods, R
3. Judgment, R
4. King of Cups
5. Wheel of Fortune, R
6. Three of Pentacles
7. Ace of Pentacles, R
8. King of Pentacles, R
9. Two of Rods, R

Right off the bat, I could tell the financial influence on the cards- LOTS of pentacles!

I'm going to basically copy/paste what I said to her, paraphrase some of my lines to protect her privacy, and briefly mention her comments on the interpretations.

#1: General/distant past:
Essentially, healing. Your faith was restored, your positivity returned, and you began to regain health and productivity; Freedom

At first, Mare thought it may be an "opposite" reading, in which... well, self explanatory. (Opposite of meaning, not reversed vs. upright). I pointed out that while it may not be childhood past, it could be distant enough that it could relate to meeting her current partner. We ended up deciding on that as the next card was alas, not opposite.

#2: Recent Past:
In order to determine the validity of the last card (opp. or not), I asked her one question: How her health is now. And so, this card: symbolizes ill health, perhaps not taking care of yourself as much as you should. Very true!

#3: Influences just passed, or about to pass:
Fear of illness or death (FEAR of death, not actual death!), fear of change? ill health.

**I would just like to point out: I, for the most part, did not move on until she had absorbed what I was saying, as well as until she had had time to comment, etc. BIG THING ABOUT MY READINGS:

I believe Tarot is not a "fortune telling" trick, but an examination of yourself. Therefore, much of my readings is comprised of discussion, a give and take conversation between myself and the subject.

#4: Hopes:
A respectable, strong and powerful man, possibly mysterious or private, who is artistic and gives wonderful advice. EASY- points to her love, her man, her strength.

#6: Fears:
**I know I flipped the Present card before Fears, but because Hopes and Fears are so intricately intertwined, I tend to ask if they mind if I interpret the two consecutively.
This was a difficult card for me to interpret, so I will likely pull some of Mare's responses to help explain.

I have a vague idea of why it could be a "fear." Three of Pentacles symbolizes approval or the success (after a lot of effort).. A reward for your success. Alternatively, it could symbolize growing confidence or inner satisfaction. My only thoughts on this were from a prior conversation. Mare's comfort lay in her position wife and mother, and not as much in the paid workforce. I asked her, Are you afraid, or worried, about the consequences of helping her boyfriend with his work? (Currently, she was helping him take on some of the responsibility). Or, are you afraid about his success? Her response was: "not so much about the consequences, I am anxious for him about his [promotion], that he thinks its taking too long, I think he is doing very well."

#5: Present:
Essentially, the Wheel represents a current change in fortune. However, it could also show bad luck, interruption, or unexpected changes... I asked her if any of those happened VERY recently?
Her response was a number of things that were changing, or new, unexpected that she was worried about.

Future. I lumped these three together to a certain extent, because they were all fairly similar.

#7: Influences about to arrive:
There's a lot you WANT to do with money, but not all of it is necessary- stay smart about things. Money isn't everything. Remember what and who you have, and cherish those for what they are.

#8: Near future:
King of pentacles reversed is difficult... The best I can say is something about materialism (perhaps related to what I just said for Ace of pentacles, reversed). It also deals with someone slow to anger.. perhaps you or him being patient with any money difficulties?

She began to get emotional, letting everything hit her, her worries, the cards, her spirituality, and I offered her a piece of advice:

I will say one thing before I move on the final card: A lot of this spread seems to be saying to just trust in him, trust in your relationship with him, be open and yourself with him!


#9: General/distant Future:
Final card: BE. Patient!! This actually rings a bit true with what you said about the present, in regards ot his being bored, perhaps? It represents loss of interest or faith as well... I'm leaning more towards loss of interest, considering what you said earlier.



And that was the reading! And Mare gave me some of her strength and support: She said my reading for her was more accurate than one she had received from a professional Tarot reader a couple of years back!! O.O THANK YOU!!! <3

Friday, January 22, 2010

Playing with Spreads!

So I recently did a reading with a spread I was semi-familiar with... It isn't one that I'm overly comfortable with though, so for the first time, I somewhat created my own spread. I based it off of the 3 Past, 3 Present, 3 Future deal, but with a twist (I think ><>

The cards were laid out in three rows:

1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9

I had her shuffle until she felt done, cut the deck into three piles to the left, and then stack them back up (starting with the rightmost pile on top), and then I used my left hand to deal. I asked Fem*, and her thoughts had centered around her emotions in life right now/life in general.


I designated the cards as follows:

1. General or distant past
2. Recent past
3. Influences that have just passed or are about to pass (bringing past to present)
4. Hopes concerning the matter
5. General present
6. Fears concerning the matter
7. Influences that are about to arrive (bringing present to meet future)
8. Near future
9. General or distant future

Surprisingly (although, I suppose not), going with my gut worked pretty well (woohoo!). The cards:

1. Eight of Rods, Reversed

So we started the session off with a fairly intense card; I wasn't sure how to handle it at first, since I didn't know Fem overly well; interpretations were fairly spot on, though! : ) This card represents family or domestic conflict, a broken home, etc.


2. The Empress

This card represents, to me, the ultimate "feminine"- fertility, creativity, imagination, productivity, and protectiveness. The first things I thought of were the organizations I knew she was connected to; she's very involved with female's rights, etc.


3. The Sun, Reversed

This card represents unhappiness and loneliness, a breakup (which just recently occured) and lack of friends (her main <3 person was going to be away all weekend, and she was worried about being too lonely)


4. Five of Rods, Reversed

Harmony and new opportunities. She's currently hoping to get a new job, and she's finally settling in at Clark and into her routines.


5. Nine of Pentacles

Financial success, coming into employment. She's actually supposed to be hearing back about a job she applied for soon: Good luck! Keep me posted, Fem, if you get the job (which you totally will!!!)


6. Eight of Swords

Feeling trapped, withdrawn, and introverted. Again, she was worried about falling too far into her schedule, not having the confidence to throw herself out there, and semi-dreading the weekend alone.


7. Two of Pentacles

Fem has an often crazy busy schedule, and this card represents harmony within that. It's not easy, but she can handle it, however crazy busy it is.


8. Queen of Cups, Reversed

There's something bittersweet about this card reversed. This card is often one that is hard for me to interpret; most of the Page-Knight-Queen-King cards are tricky, because my main resource refers to these cards as a certain person. In this case, it's supposed to represent someone who is very charming but also deceptive, or scheming. The best advice I had for this card was to jump into things, not completely closed off, but somewhat guarded- she agreed, saying she was normally very UNguarded.


9. Page of Swords

Someone cunning, an imposter, ill health, bad news. Similar to the last card, and I offered the same advice.

*Fem- for female, feminine power, feminist, femme fatale. If (and you know who you are!) you want a different codename, let me know <3

Thursday, January 21, 2010

How I came into Tarot

I've been interested in tarot since sometime in middle school, I suppose, but I received my first deck in eighth grade. My dad knew I was interested in the psychic area (tarot, ouija, etc.), so for my birthday party that year, he asked his coworker to do some readings for my party. She had numerous decks- tarot decks, crystal decks, angel and/or faerie decks... It was bliss! At the end, she said I could borrow the deck (and the book to go with it) for awhile. Soon after, though, she was unfortunately let go from the company (I don't know if she was fired, if she quit, or if she was laid off... I was never told the story). I asked my father what I should do about the deck, but in the end, it stayed with me. I don't know if he ever contacted her, but I've had the deck ever since.

I learned what little I know from Tarot mainly from the book mentioned before, "The Book of Tarot" by Susan ()-Estes [need to look it up again] based on the Morgan-Greer Tarot deck. Recently, since I dug out my deck and started anew, I've begun researching elsewhere, on Tarot forums and through the few people I know who are involved with the cards. I've found new spreads, new interpretations (often far more accurate than those of my book), and new strategies for reading the cards.

I am STILL learning, and appreciate any suggestions, new discoveries, strategies, etc. that anyone might have for me. Also, per usual, I can't remind you all enough that the best learning strategy for me is to PRACTICE PRACTICE practice. So call me for a reading. PLEASE. <3

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Connections

Something I think I want to occasionally do is run through the deck and pick ten cards that I feel the most connection to. Some will always remain the same, but some I know will change day to day (not that I expect myself to do this every day). So for today, I began with 18. I separated them into three sections of 6 and removed one from each section (now I have 15). I then looked at them in sections of 3 (5 sections) and removed one card from each (leaving me with my 10). This will help me get to know some cards better, but also help me feel a connection with my cards.

1. Ace of Cups (love, joy, enlightenment, perfection, beauty)
2. Judgment (release, liberation, fulfillment, healing)
3. The Lovers (love, harmoney, trust, honor)
4. 3 of Cups (abundance, happiness, celebration)
5. 5 of Swords (temporary triumph)
6. The Magician (determination, concentration, desire, originality, invention)
7. Queen of Pentacles (intelligence, thoughtfulness, creativity, melancholy)
8. The Moon (solitude, peace, inner talents)
9. 6 of Cups (innocence and nostalgia)
10. Queen of Swords (determination, confident, decisive, someone who can bear their sorrow)

What to expect from a reading

Here's a few things to know about my readings:

1- I (obviously, as evidenced here) like to keep track of my readings. My new strategy is, well, Here! If you feel your reading is too private, that's fine by me, just let me know. Also, I've just thought of something. If it's a case where we plan on (or figure we probably will do) eventually doing later readings, especially on the same matter, perhaps you could create a codename for yourself. So I can refer back (remember "Name's" readings from way back when? UPDATE!). Also, in the keeping notes regard, it'll be easy if we're doing an online/distance reading, but if we are in person, I may ask for you to write/type your cards down as I flip them.

2- As I briefly mentioned, I am willing to do readings over internet or phone communications as well, but I cannot guarantee the efficiency/accuracy of these as I'm not at ALL experienced in such. It would be a help if the subject does have their own deck in that situation (that way they could actually have contact with the cards), but if not, we'll figure something out.

3- It won't show through as much (I hope) in distance readings, but keep in mind, in person, I may have a book or cheat sheet with me. I cannot say enough, I AM STILL BEGINNING. So please bare with me!

If I can think of anything else, I'll update. If you have any questions, feel free to message me!

Midnight, 1/20

I did a reading with a close friend last night. No specific question; I read a Celtic Cross spread for an overall outlook.

I had her shuffle the deck (it can be done different ways- 3 times, or, what I usually do, is shuffle until they feel satisfied). Then, they use their left hand to cut the deck into three piles, moving to the left. I then pile everything back up (with the first pile- my left, her right) and start to deal. As a reader, I prefer to differentiate between Reversed or Upright cards; because this is the case, I need to pay special attention- draw/flip the cards sideways (not flipping them around). Also note- I consider the position (Upright/Reversed) based on how the subject can see them.

1. Ace of Rods, Reversed
Lack of growth, delays, cancellations, etc. I connected this to a few things: we had some meetings that night together that involved some uber schedule changes; also life was in a sort of lull. Spiritual emptiness because right now there's a lot of things in life she needs to deal/cope with.

2. The Tower
Traumatic changes, broken homes, outgrowing environments. There's been a lot of family drama in life, as well as the breakup. Also, soon enough she'll outgrow college and move on to grad school- a whole new start, a whole new life.

3. Page of Cups
Someone quiet and intelligent; perfectionist, artistic.. Realizing self-worth. She jumped in and related it to herself! (Realistically :P)

4. Judgment
Healing. Release, freedom, etc. I related it back to what I saw in her, before the holidays and after- I could see that some healing had happened; she was more herself again, and able to talk about things. Also she's free now, to be herself, to be her own person, to focus on her own choices (and not be tied down by how it will affect others), etc. This is one of the ones (see post script note, haha) that was a lot easier in conversation/discussion than typing it up now. It was a give and take interpretation.

5. Wheel of Fortune, Reversed
Good Karma! Woohoo!! Basically, this card (reversed) symbolizes a change in fortune. Miss Friend has had a pretty rough run of luck in the past few months, so a change is due!

6. Four of Cups, Reversed
The "warning" of sorts from this card was in response to her view of independence. She is often a very independent person, and this card represents resentment of help being offered. It symbolizes new contacts or relationships- she just went through a rbeakup, so this seemed to represent that it's ok to move on. Also, in regards to her workload in life, sometimes it's alright to distribute the burden (in shared workloads), especially when it's NORMAL for others to be taking charge of some of the responsibility (hard to explain without revealing her identity).

7. Seven of Cups
She has LOTS of options right now, in lots of different things, and her best strategy is to focus on ONE goal per topic/issue. Focus her energy towards one goal, and it's more likely to result in success (aka focus on ten things, and they'll be half ass. Direct your energy to one, and it will be KICKass :D)

8. Ten of Pentacles, Reversed
Finances = home issues. Dur. We're in college. Kinda self-explanatory

9. Two of Pentacles, Reversed
Instability. It brings up the heavy workload again, cautioning against taking on too much (again, she needs to focus her energy on fewer goals to get better results, and/or ask for help!)

10. Six of Rods
TRIUMPH!! WOOHOO! (actually, I just now realized I effed up last night and read the reversed... which made us uber confused and I had to stretch for an interpretation haha). Basically, if she makes the right choices, everything will turn out great! It won't be easy, but she will succeed :D



**I'm realizing it's a lot more difficult to explain these things in type, not through back and forth conversation and discussion... Hm.

Celtic Cross Spread

Most of the readings I have done were in the Celtic Cross format. I have used the Celtic Cross both as a general life reading, as well as according to one specific matter/question/concern.



1. "This covers [one*]." Placed over/covering the Significator, this card will represent the general atmosphere surrounding the matter.

2. "This crosses one." Placed horizontally across #1, this card will represent the 'nature of forces opposing the subject'- I tend to look at this as what the subject will be up against (good or bad), or what they should look out for.

3. "This crowns one." This card is one I've recently had difficulty interpreting. I've seen it defined as the person's hopes on the matter, or as the general influences surrounding the matter. I tend to lean more towards the latter explanation, but am keeping an eye out for a clearer style of interpretation. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!

4. "This is beneath one." This card represents the foundation of the matter, the past experiences that have built it up to what it is now.

5. "This is behind one." This card represents the influences that have just passed or are about to pass (past and immediate present).

6. "This is before one." This card represents the influences about to occur.

7. This card represents the attitude of the subject towards the matter.

8. This card represents the influence or opinions of the subject's friends/family.

9. This card represents the hopes and/or fears of the subject (hence why #3 is a little different)

10. This card represents the general outcome or culmination of all influences, etc.

*[one] represents the Significator- typically an item of personal value to the subject, like a bracelet, etc.

**This format was taken mostly from "The Book of Tarot" by [TBA] based on the Morgan-Greer Tarot Deck (what I use).

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Blessings!

Hello!

My name is Liz, and while I am nowhere near the professional stage, I have been involved in the world of Tarot for a few years now. I've recently been doing readings fairly frequently with those who are close with me, and this space is for me to post what I've done (keeping names out of it). I keep track of my readings to a) keep track of who I've read for, b) to see continuity between those people who I have done multiple readings for, and c) sometimes they're just plain interesting, haunting, and echoing.

If anyone is interested in getting a reading done, please leave a comment.

Much love, soul, peace and fulfillment,
<3 Liz