why I read tarot

Hello, reader.  How’s you?  I want to tell you why I read tarot.

Last June I wrote a post about how I read tarot.  It’s great, with examples.  A year later, how I read is similar.  Every time I start with “what do I most need” followed by “how do I get it.”  This sets the tone for the reading.

Then I usually ask about something that’s been troubling me–a decision I need to make, a moral quandary, or community drama.

Then I ask about my closest relationships, gathering insight, trying to keep those on track.  I’m intentional about love.  My dear ones matter to me.  “What should I be doing with ______?” is a question I ask, or, “How can I be kind to Ming?”

Impulsive questions might pop into my mind that I ask about.  I really like those ones I didn’t plan to ask.  Sometimes I’ll ask, “What does my mom want for me?”  It’s a way I can feel connected to her.

The bottom card of the deck is a theme, casting its light on everything.  I don’t do reversals–I treat every card as containing its upright meaning and its reversal as well.

My good friend Ariel taught me, and I’ll always be grateful to her for improving my life.  I do my own spin and ask Ariel questions often, like what’s the difference between Death and the Tower, why do I keep pulling the Hierophant, or that 7 of swords question that was troubling me for a while.

A few cards have personal significance for me, like 5 of pentacles– a meaning that’s unique to my life, based on readings for myself for years now.  The vast majority of my readings are for myself.

I’m grateful to make my own intuitive spreads.  Creativity means I can adapt tarot to my own needs, not relying on a “right way” to do anything.

why I read tarot

Okay, now I will transition from how, to why I read tarot.  It’s not that I want to know the future– I want to know the present.  I’m looking for insight; so much is moving under the surface.  I want deeper information flowing under the land like water.

Many of the questions I ask Spirit, I could journal about to ask myself.  Also I can ask the person who’s concerned directly.  I do that too.  I see what Spirit says about how I should be kind to Ming, then ask Ming.  We talk about it.

change

These past two and a half years since moving to Eugene, I’ve changed.  Finally I feel recovered from being homeless.  Thank you to everyone who’s been part of that.

I asked Ming what’s changed me.  Ming says reading tarot helps me feel stronger.

In a sad moment I feel hopeless about my life, then ask some questions of the cards, and get new ideas and comfort.  I feel more grounded after thinking about what to do.  Tarot gives me fresh ideas and kicks me out of old loops of thoughts that might not serve me anymore.

Even if tarot wasn’t spiritually “real” it would be great to have a tool for self-reflection that’s visually stimulating and creative.  But tarot is powerful, and the patterns I see over time give a continuity of stability to my life.

strong

What helps you feel strong?  This is my partial list.

• time with loved ones
• delicious foods
• movement
• connection to the wheel of the year
• abundant rest
• prayer and ritual
• nature time
• seasonal cultural activities
• gratitude practice
• asking for help from the people I love
• grounding with my ancestors
• change
• truth
• art
• reading tarot

I hope you like your ways to feel strong too.