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Tarot Cards Do Not Know Everything
One of the most common misconceptions that I have encountered is that the Tarot cards will know everything about a person,
the matter I'm reading on, and everyone who is connected to it (however remotely it may be). It is not the case and
I'd really like for people to believe me.
To say that it makes me a little aggravated is to commit a rather large understatement. It makes me very frustrated to see
this is such a common misconception. It doesn't help any to have many, many others who read Tarot or perform similar services
to be encouraging this. Sure, having people not understand what you are doing can lead to more business, but it is not exactly
ethical to go about it this way.
Tarot cards are just a pack of playing cards. They have no more special powers then that deck that some one uses every Friday
night to play poker with the guys. The ability to read the cards is something that the person reading the cards has.
With sufficient time and practice, one can read with a pack of playing cards or even a blank package of 3x5 cards. (Yes, I
did do both of those at one point in
time. The 3x5 cards were not easy!)
So, please, stop perpetuating this foolish idea that the cards are what make it possible. It's not the cards, it's the people.
And people are not omniscient.
Tarot Decks Do Not Require Special Treatment
I'm probably going to be stepping onto a lot of toes here. As such, I apologize if I offend anyone. I know there are going
to be many people that read Tarot cards and use other divination tools who are going to disagree with me. I'd just like to
point out, this is my opinion. That said, on with my little rant!
I think one of my biggest pet peeves, aside from having people mention that the decks know everything (see above),
is when I'm told that I need to keep my Tarot decks or any other tools I use away in a special silk lined case on a high shelf,
handled by no one other then myself. First off, I generally don't like being told what to do. I'm a little independent like
that. Some folks have accused me of being too 'uppity' for their liking.
Secondly, this fails to take into account how things like Tarot reading works. It does not work on the basis of the tool you
use. It works on the basis of the person using the tool. If you are comfortable and you do not censor what your intuition
tells you, you can read Tarot cards.
All ritual elements used are for the sake of the Reader's comfort. It has nothing to do with the Tarot deck's comfort.
So, please, please, please stop perpetuating the myth that an inanimate object will be:
- Angry with you for how you handle it
- Having a temper-tantrum if you don't use it enough
- Sulking or otherwise in a 'mood' for any reason
- Lost 'energy' because it was stored improperly
- Otherwise mystically sullied for any reason
I can understand and appreciate that use of these expressions is an effort to convey something that is difficult. But folks,
we really need to find better language to describe this because too many people are confusing the metaphor with fact!
Divination Vs. Fortune Telling
Divination is defined by the dictionary as the attempt to ascertain information via the use of omens or other supernatural
elements. Generally, a distinction is made between divination and fortune telling. The former is usually done
within a ritual context for purposes pertaining to religious or spiritual matter. The latter is done in the everyday context
with the focus being upon more 'mundane' things, such as love or money.
In casual conversation, I will frequently use these terms interchangeably. For my religious and spiritual beliefs, the everyday
is sacred. In my practice of performing readings for others, most people are interested in fortune telling. Finding
out how a job interview is going to pan out is a less subtle matter to read on then looking for insight into a major crisis
of faith.
Divination, on the other hand, is something that I read far less frequently on. When it does arise that some one has
need of my services as an Oracle, it is frequently for a purpose of finding some direction or peace to ease matters troubling
their soul. Questions about what the direction of their life path should be, the problem of suffering, and other philosophical
quandaries generally fall under the purview of divination.
These are subtle matters and can require significantly more time for a reading then those focused upon more direct daily concerns.
It is sometimes humbling to read on these matters. To see in the cards that some one is about to confront their greatest terrors
and triumph over them is a wonderful experience. To be the harbinger of hope and a messenger of glad tidings is an extraordinary
thing that gives me a wonderful feeling.
It is when the readings are not happy things that I feel the greatest pull to this work. The cards can show indications of
difficult times coming or vital matters to consider. Generally, I have little need to give advice on the simple matters of
love or money. The everyday concerns are things that most of us know how to handle, we just refuse to do so. It is when I
see the heart of a crisis of faith and challenges ahead for the querant who is suffering with it, that my heart goes out to
them.
With every crisis of faith confronted, I have the same bit of advice that I was given. And variations of this come to me with
each additional crisis of faith that I find myself encountering:
- In all things, be true to who you are.
- Know your heart's desires and your dreams for your life.
- Have courage and hope in your heart, for these will carry you thru even the worst of trials.
- Remember, true courage is acting in the face of fear.
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