Tarot Reading
Trust yourself first and foremost; the tarot is only there to guide you toward deep self-knowing.
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Famous Swiss psychologist, Carl Jung, stated that in a pack of 78 Tarot cards, much like the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching, an entire mutant mental universe is ciphered. Tarot reading, from his point of view, is a process that unveils the unconscious and which follows the perennial clues of psychic alchemy.
As part of a holistic approach to healing and growth, tarot is a useful tool. It’s important to note that tarot is a guiding tool and does not replace medical treatment or professional help. Instead, it helps to guide you, and move you towards your highest path. Example, whether the issue is external, internal, how you can move forward, what is the bigger reason behind your concern, what actions can you possibly take to resolve or come out of a certain situation. The ultimate decision lies in your hand. You always have the free will.
There are various spreads to choose from depending on your area of concern – Self growth, career, finance, relationship, or an overall general spread. Often times, we are not very clear with what we wish to ask. In such cases, it is best to opt for face-to-face live readings, wherein an initial spread opens a dialogue or a gateway to prominent areas of concern. Thereafter, the initial cards can act like a magnifying glass to home in deeper.
When should you not opt for a tarot reading?
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When undergoing intense medical treatment, example: chemotherapy..
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You’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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You’re undergoing fear of losing a loved one and seek reading to find out if they will be out of emergency.
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You’re in recovery mode from a surgery, PTSD, accident or any form of critical mental, emotional, or physical injury.
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In emergency situations. Example: When immediate medical help is required.
Who is it not recommended for?
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People with strong religious beliefs:
In some religions, tarot is considered voodoo or a devilish tool. For a religious person, getting a reading may put them in a guilt of committing a sin, which can be quite stressful.
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Skeptics:
Like other mental health treatments (Eg: CBT), tarot is also a tool for critical self-reflection. But it hasn’t been studied as intensely and often considered a pseudo-science. In order for tarot to work, you must "suspend disbelief" and allow something surreal to enter your mind. If you aren’t open to it, it’s not going to help. Instead, can create more conflict mentally.
What questions to avoid or NOT to ask during a reading?
1. Asking ‘Will’ and ‘When’ questions: Such questions indicate a more fatalistic view. At Holistictreetribe, the purpose is to use the science of occult to empower. Example, instead of asking ‘will I meet the love of my life?’, a healthier approach is to ask, ‘What is blocking me from attracting a health partnership?’, What can I do to attract a loving partner?’ ‘What am I looking for in a partner?’
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Will my lover leave his wife?
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When will I die?
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Will I give birth to a girl/boy?
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Will I get this job?
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Will I win the lottery?
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Will my/or any other person’s cancer be cured?
2. How someone feels? Go ask the person directly instead of asking tarot. One, such a question in my view is unethical. Two, it prevents you from growing and doing the inner work.
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Does my lover hate me?
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Is my friend jealous of me?
Suppose you get a yes, then what? Is it in anyway helping you? It just adds to more negativity. Such questions are disempowering.
​3. Health and legal advice: For diagnosis, prescription, and legal advices, I would never recommend seeking help through tarot readings. Tarot is a preventive tool, not a cure to an already manifested disease or legal issue.
4. Stalking/ Third Party interventions: Questions that are none of your business. Example: Asking about you ex’s relationship with their present girlfriend or spouse. Matters that are directly not linked to your life are a no-no to ask in reading. Focus on what facilitates your growth than the ones that take away your peace of mind.
5. Same question over and over again: In hopes of getting a better answer, there are times we ask the same question over and over instead of choosing to go within and resolve the issue or take action outside, needed to shift the situation.
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6. Yes/No or Should I Questions: We choose our choices, not the cards. The purpose is to use tarot to strengthen our character which influences our choices in life. Tarot helps in evaluating different paths or options, but making a decision is your free will that must always be exercised. Better questions in such cases are, ‘What I can expect if I choose ABC?’, ‘What are the pros and cons of taking xyz path?’
7. Futuristic questions: Tarot doesn't subscribe to the narrative that our future is set in stone as it implies the absence of free will and the immutability of our destiny.