Beginner Tarot Questions?

Question

I read that you can interpret tarot cards making them all right-side up or giving meanings to reverse cards as well. I'm just a beginner and it seems it's best for beginners to interpret all cards right-side up, but from my experience having a tarot reading before, the Star card was in the reverse position which accurately described what I felt at the time (I was uninspired). My friend who was doing the reading made an accurate interpretation as well. That is why I'm wondering if it really matters if I do readings of reversed cards or not?

Another question, do you think the Robin Wood Tarot Deck is good for a beginner? What other decks are good? (Aside from the Rider-Waite).

If you have any good links to anything related to the Tarot, please share! Thanks :D

Answer 1

Hello

Reversed cards are best left until you have an understanding of the upright as to study them also gives you a deck of 156 cards!

Robin Wood are fine, but it isnt a question of what is good for a newbie, but rather what they are drawn to.

Tarot Link - Forum ~ tarot, dreams, psychic, religion, astrology, philosophy, guides, aura, hypnosis, meditation & lots more .. http://www.holisticpathstowisdom.co.uk

Sadhara

Answer 2

Regarding "reversed" meanings:  In 1980, I was fortunate to learn the Tarot from a gifted psychic and reader.  Her personal philosophy and belief was that she always read the cards in their upright position.  She felt that the concept of a "reversed" meaning was imposed upon the Tarot by those who looked at the concept of duality to the extreme (ie. good vs. evil).  She did, however, explain that if a card did come up in the "reserved" position that, depending on the situation (ie. the context of the whole reading), that the energy of the of the card may be hindered--but that didn't mean the card had an "opposite" meaning.  For example:  reserved Lovers did not hold a meaning that was opposite of the Lovers.  It just may indicate that the Seeker may have to work through some issues to have the full meaning actualized.  I embraced her philosophy, and do not "read into" a reversed/opposite meaning should a card come up in its' reversed position.  

I realize that many Tarot readers do use reversed meanings, but that doesn't mean that they are reading the cards incorrectly; in the same way that those Tarot readers (myself included) who do not use the prescribed "reverse" meanings are incorrect in our interpretations.

Whether or not you use "reverse" meanings is a matter of personal choice.  Use your intuitive energy (which will develop in time) and you will provide meaningful, insightful readings that resonate with the Seeker.  

To further illustrate my point, let me use your example of the reversed Star.  Yes, you felt the reverse position accurately described your uninspired feelings.  But, consider that the Star was leading you out of the darkness where your uninspired feelings dwelled and into the light where inspiration can flourish.  

Regarding the "best" deck for beginners:  you should find a deck that resonates with you.  As you develop your skill as a reader, you may find that you will use a variety of decks depending on the energy of the situation.  For example, when I read for others I use The Ancestral Path Tarot by Julie Cuccia Watts. It is not currently being published,  but it might be available directly from Julie (http://www.newmoontradingco.com/home.htm... OR ebay).  When I read for myself, I often use the Medicine Woman Tarot by Carol Bridges.

Some excellent Tarot online resources include:

Students of the Tarot

http://www.students-of-tarot.com/index2....

American Tarot Association

http://www.ata-tarot.com/resource/cards/

Aeclectic Tarot

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/

EDIT:  You didn't ask about how to approach the Tarot, but here's some advice from an "old" Tarot Reader:  Tarot is a wonderful tool of divination—meaning it helps the Seeker connect to the Divine. I've been reading tarot for 28 years and I tell people what is about to be revealed in the cards will bring to light that which you (Seeker) already know (even if not on a conscious level). I explain that what is revealed in regard to things yet to come, is based on your (the Seeker's) present course of action. The cards reveal that which is needed to assist the Seeker because knowledge is power.  The reader helps facilitate the connection to the Divine. The connection is the result of the energy of BOTH the seeker and the reader. What will be revealed are things YOU ALREADY KNOW (although you might not be consciously aware--you already know on a subconscious level).  Again, it is important to preface a reading with "Based on your present course of action," with the understanding that should the Seeker change his/her course of action, the outcome can be altered.  

I was taught to let the Seeker shuffle and cut the cards and ask that "what is needed to know be revealed". The goal should be to empower the Seeker.

The skill of the reader is important. For example, last summer a young woman came to me because she had a tarot reading and was told that she would become pregnant within the year. She was horrified. I asked this young woman if the card that indicated the upcoming pregnancy was the Empress (and showed her the card). She said yes--that's the one [card]. I took her hand and immediately knew what happened. The reader was using a literal interpretation of the Empress. Most cards, in most situations, cannot be taken literally (although sometimes they can be). The meaning of a card is most often symbolic or metaphoric. Just by holding her hand I knew to tell her that she would be giving birth to a project (and nurturing the project) within a year.

Best wishes as you develop your skill using this enlightning divination tool.  It has served me well.  Feel free to email me should you have any questions.

Blessed Be,

lightningelemental

Answer 3

Tarot decks usually respond better when given, not bought.  However, that's not always feasible, so get the deck that "feels" the best.  I personally use Rider-Waite, but I have friends that use dragon decks, Druid decks, cat decks, etc. Get the one that seems good.  As for interpreting, I always use reversed.  It's easy enough to figure out, especially since, as a beginner, you're just reading off the meanings in the book.  The most important things to remember is a) do not let others play with your deck, b) do not use them for anything other than readings, and c) keep an open mind - as you read the meanings of the cards certain themes will appear, and certain links will become apparent.  Don't be afraid to recheck cards you've already read - sometimes the meanings become clearer the further into the reading you go.  Most of all, don't take it too seriously.  Just because the card says this path will lead you into a happy and joyous marriage does not mean your boyfriend is the One.  He may be an instrument that teaches you a lesson that you'll need to learn to have that happy ending.  Hope this helps!

Answer 4

You must remember that when you do tarot, the source of your answer (a deity called or the will of your subconscious) is controlling fate through your shuffle to give you the answer you need.  Whether you "intend" to read a reversed card or not, if you get one you were meant to get it.

I have trouble reading reversed cards too.  Basically, you take the opposite of the cards meaning.  A position where a reversed card falls may need further study to really understand the message it portrays.

As far as decks, try to find decks that use the basic card names from the major and minor arcana.  This makes it easier for others to look at your spreads and help you interpret them.  If you get a deck where the arcana are altered, you have to take the time to explain to those who are not familiar with the different cards meanings.

Tarot can be very rewarding and strengthen your life in many ways.  Feel free to IM or email me if you'd like any further assistance.

Blessed be )o(