Peggy over at my Facebook page asked a noggin-stimulating question yesterday:
When engaging in the intuitive arts, is our often compromised ability to intuit properly in our own lives a function of our professional life or is it an opportunity to let our peers assist? Or is it an opportunity to read ourselves the way we read others?
I’ve often been asked this question by curious clients. Can a reader read themselves?
Well, yes. But what is required is total honesty and a complete openness to the answer, whatever it may be.
Try doing that when you’re angry, or heartachey or craving someone or something. It can prove difficult, but not impossible.
I see the Tarot as a wonderful guide through life, and our friendship stretches back over a decade. However, sometimes I’m not willing to hearing what this particular friend has to say. And all the “clarifying” cards in the world will only take me back to the truth. The truth I already know.
My suggestion? Make reading cards a daily practice, even if it’s a one-card throw. This will help deepen your knowledge and intuition. But when you’re cloudy-headed and embroiled in emotional dramas, you may want to consult the cards through another reader. It gives the objective distance that’s needed to see clearly.
Let’s face it: if we are even remotely intuitive, the answer is already given. It is somewhere in our hearts. It just may take time for the rest of our being to reach it and we may need a reminder through another psychic.
I have a few trusted friends/advisors that I regularly turn to. This helps me open up and unburden myself. As I’m a secretive type, this has never been easy for me — but I’ve learned that when I share my struggles, my intuitive powers grow even stronger. This is because of the energy that moves between us as we work through the issue. It’s shared illumination.
But you may be the type that doesn’t want to involve others. The Tarot community is rather small and it’s understandable that you may have reservations. My suggestion is to use another modality. Try the Runes or the I Ching. Both have sword-like qualities that cut through bullshit very quickly. I use the Kwan Yin Book of Changes (a feminist re-write of the I Ching) and the Runes.
What I love about the Runes and the I Ching? You can ask the question in 100 different ways, but you’ll come right back to the beginning. After a couple of times, it’s almost as if they say, “Enough asking!” I’m so familiar with the Tarot that I can keep pulling until I grow frustrated, but the Runes or the I Ching will close themselves up.
Remember, the beauty of the Tarot is in showing us that life is very malleable. It’s not about anticipating “bad news” when you ask for the truth, but understanding that the Tarot helps us see beyond our self-imposed limitations in both reader and client alike.
What do you think? Can a reader read themselves?
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p.s. Want to learn the Tarot? I’m teaching a Tarot 101 class twice this month at Pyramid Wellness in Rutland, VT on 2/23 and 2/25. I’ll also be teaching Tarot 101 on Sat. 3/3 at Peace of Paradise in Chester, VT. This is the perfect class for anyone who wants to learn how to “throw” cards!
When I first started to read Tarot, some 40 years ago, I mainly only read for myself. Because I did it on a daily basis, it helped me learn faster about the cards. Now when I read for myself, I have an overall feeling about what’s going to happen, but the detail I usually see for others is lost – probably
because I allow the fear to enter. The presence of fear takes away from my objectivity.
Exactly, Susan — that happens to me, too. That’s why I have my personal psychic on speed dial!
Lovely posting. I have included your site on “Blogs to Brag About” on Pinterest. Hope this o.k.
Thanks, Peg! That’s great. Glad you stopped by.
Yes, I do believe a reader can read for themselves. Like Susan, I too, initially, read for myself as I was learning and later evolved to doing so for others. For many, many years, I then found that I seemed unable to read for myself. I suspect I was lost in reality ~ raising a family, holding down a full-time job, etc. The cards seemed a distant whisper that couldn’t be heard above the busy-ness of what was my Life. However, the last several years, I now rarely throw for others…this I do for me!
Although I still am incredibly busy, the cards have taught me how to see what is real…to check in with my eternally evolving Soul self. They are a Blessed tool that grant me new perspectives ~ an attitude adjustment! Healer, heal thyself!
Deb – there’s a book called “The Tarot Shows the Path” by Rolla Nordic. It’s been out of print for over 20 years, but you can find it on Ebay,etc. In it, Rolla Nordic states that we all have divine destiny. Through the Tarot we’re able to discover our true selves. Your comment reminded me of that. Rolla passed away in 1997. Her book is so powerful (to me), however, her legend lives on. Keep reading!
When I used to do Tarot cards a lot, I always had my best readings for strangers. I think we get in the way of own selves sometimes. We see a certain card and think, “Oh, yes. This must have to do with all the trouble that Mary is having in her marriage lately,” when actually it relates to a co-worker that she is having problems with.
I do my own cards occasionally and have only about a 50% chance of good insight.
Maria ~ Your thought that we often get in the way of ourselves is exactly on point! We do…it’s true! Just as Ms. Susan pointed out, the fear that creeps in infiltrates our objectivity and corrupts the tiny voice of our Wise Women selves.
If you are truly interested in reading for yourself, I would suggest you try doing so when you’re calm, peaceful, and not in turmoil over any of life’s seemingly persistent situmications! It took me a very long time to get to where the conversation flowed between me, myself, & I, via the potent portal provided by this cherished “tool.” The most powerful and meaningful thoughts, insights, and guidance came as a gift wrapped in spontaneous surprise! Getting your “self” out of the way is not only crucial to reading for others, but is also the hidden path that leads to doing so for yourself.
Thanks for the book tip, Ms. Susan! I’m a voracious reader and shall put your suggestion at the top of my “lookin’ for” list!