Methods
of Reading
Before we discuss methods of reading tarot cards an explanation
is needed in regards to terminology.
The Seeker: The person who has requested the reading.
The Interpreter: The person carrying out the reading.
Dignified: The card appears the right way up.
Ill dignified: The card is upside down.
When a reading is carried out the perspective on dignified
and ill dignified is always in regards to the Interpreter
not the Seeker. Some people choose not to follow the method
of reading that encompasses dignified and ill dignified
and regard the cards as being the correct way up regardless
of how they appear in the spread.
Preparation for the Reading
There are many ways of preparing for a reading. The issues
of ritual and ceremony will not be discussed here; we shall
save that for another time. If bathing in salt water helps
prepare you, or wearing ceremonial robes enhances your powers
of interpretation, or downing a pint of lager helps relax
you, that is fine. Incorporate what suits you. The only
definite factors that must be considered when preparing
for a reading are as follows:
1.Make sure you will be free from distraction
when the reading takes place. Ringing phones and barking
dogs are not conducive to concentration
2. Make sure the cards are properly shuffled.
Some people do not like others to handle their tarot cards,
which is fine. Regardless of whether it is the Seeker or
the Interpreter who does the shuffling make sure the cards
are shuffled well.
3. Regardless of the style of the spread the
Seeker should always choose the cards that are to be included.
The cards should be spread in a line between the Interpreter
and the Seeker so that a section of each card is showing.
The Seeker should then point to or touch the desired cards.
Remove them from the rest of the pack and arrange them in
accordance to the spread.
4. Turn them over one at a time in regards
to the specific spread which is being carried out.
5. Repetition of readings for the same question
produces confused and muddy interpretations.
Combinations of Cards
It is renowned in the Tarot that specific combinations
of cards have an effect on the meaning. This has never been
so true as in the case of The Alcoholic Tarot, and its use
in The Alcoholic Spread. A dominance of one suit points
to the ideal drink to be consumed. So if the suit features
many Lager cards then that should be the drink of choice
for the evening. If on the other hand the spread features
a majority of ill dignified cards from one suit then that
type of drink should be avoided. A spread where all the
cards are ill dignified suggests that you should not drink
at all! For the Cider drinker keep an eye out for a majority
of female cards.
1. Strength and a majority of Spirits cards:
Seek out the elusive Absinthe!
2. Tower with a majority of Beer cards: Find
yourself a nice local pub to drink at.
3. The Sun with a majority of Lager cards:
Why not go for an afternoon drink. If its summer go and
find a beer garden to sit in.
4. The world and a majority of high value
cards: Drink till merry and then go and dance the night
away.
5. Death and a majority of Spirits: Be careful
what you drink. Spirits can be dangerous!
6. The Lovers and the World: Your chances
of pulling will vastly improve if you get on the dance floor
at the club.
7. The Hanged Man and Death: Over indulgence
will lead to sickness, and the mother of all hangovers.
8. The Moon and the Wheel: Your luck will
be in at that late night poker game.
9. Judgement and Temperance: Skip that drink
at last orders and you will feel much better for it the
next day.
10. The Hermit and the Devil: Avoid those
who drink alone.
11. The Moon and the Emperor: Get on that
pool table and you will be the Prince of the planet potters
tonight.
12. The Star and the Emperor: Darts should
be the game of choice. "One Hundred and Eighty!"
13. The Wheel (ill dignified) and the Hermit:
Gambling will leave you penniless and alone. Save your money
for beer instead.
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