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It happens to all of us: the reading is going so well until suddenly you stumble over one card that just… shouldn’t be there. Except that, y’know, it should because there are no accidents in Tarot. So perhaps you spend some time looking at the imagery, describing the symbolism and maybe you even take a peek into a Tarot cookbook (as I like to call them), and yet you’re still stumped. What to do?
I’m going to share with you a technique that I use when I feel like the ‘classic’ interpretation of a card just isn’t cutting the mustard; not only can it be used to enhance your reading skills, but it can also be used for personal development.
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The Chariot – Thoth Tarot
Talk to the card.
This is where you talk to the figure in the card as if they were an actual person who you’d like to get to know better. Make observations about their situation, ask them questions and then allow your intuition to answer in their voice. Write down both sides of this ‘conversation’ in your Tarot journal. This can feel a little awkward at first and it’s ok if you end up having a little giggle, but believe me – with a little practice this is an incredibly rewarding technique.
Talk as the card.
If you can, sit in a similar position to that of the figure in the card. Close your eyes and visualise the background of the card’s image surrounding you. Are you warm or cold? What season is it? What can you see, hear and smell? Once you feel established ‘within’ the card, begin to talk as its protagonist – use first person terms like “I am sat in front of a lake and I can hear the sound of waves behind me.” Now that you’re comfortable in this role, you’ll be able to talk a little easier about how you feel to be in the card, what you like and dislike about your role, etc. Again, you may feel silly to begin with, but keep going! Write it all down once you’re done.
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Two of Swords – Universal Tarot
Using this technique for personal development.
This technique is amazing when used to access the heart of an issue and to find out how you can progress beyond it. There are two parts to this exercise: the first addresses the issue to give you some new insight, the second helps you figure out how to move past it. Are you ready? Then let’s go!
You will need:
- Your Tarot cards.
- Pen and paper/Tarot journal.
- A quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.
What to do, part one:
- Think about the issue you’re having trouble with: allow yourself to really explore it.
- Pick up your deck and begin to look through all the cards. Consciously choose one to represent your issue.
- Use both the techniques listed above, first to speak to the card about the situation and second to speak as your card. Be open and receptive to what the card has to say, try not to censor yourself.
- When you’re ready, write it down.
What to do, part two:
- Now go through your deck and pick the card that best represents what you most want, or who you would like to become.
- Do the exercises as this card, but this time allow the card to give you some advice about how to achieve your goals – perhaps they’ll tell you how they achieved what it is you want, or maybe they’ll give you some pointers as to what you need to do next. Feel free to ask any questions that spring to mind, you might be surprised by the answers you get!
- As usual, write it all down.
Pay attention to any dreams you have after doing this exercise; I expect they’ll want to put in their tuppence’s worth, too!
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Queen of Pentacles – Crystal Tarot
This technique is great for getting your conscious mind out of the way so that you will be better able to access your intuition/higher self/guardian angels/whoever you personally believe is your guide (this blog isn’t spiritually exclusive, all belief systems are welcome here and the exercises are written as neutrally as possible so that you can tweak them to suit you). It can be used to gain insight into deep held fears and anxieties, or even to help you make decisions. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!
Image may be NSFW.
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