A Journey, Not a Punishment: A Small Bit of Advice

   

     Often, people new to reading tarot become overwhelmed, confused and frustrated very quickly. There's an expectation that you should know all there is to know about the tarot as soon as possible, and you need to know this before doing readings. 
     The feelings of being overwhelmed and frustrated are heightened by the reality of the situation: you can't possibly learn all there is to know in a short period of time. And you can't become a good reader without doing readings! It seems counter intuitive -- how can you become a good reader if you're doing readings when you don't know all there is to know about the cards?
     Reading tomes on the tarot, often contradicting each other at times, soon becomes not only overwhelming, but the excitement and joy of learning about tarot is replaced by sheer frustration. You give up, put away the cards, get rid of the books, and wonder why you can't read cards.
     You can read cards. Anyone can.
     First of all, you have an affinity for the cards. They've called to you -- something about the tarot attracted you. What was it that called to you? Explore that energy. 

     Secondly, learning about the tarot is a life long process, a journey of discovery and learning, of sharing and healing. It doesn't matter if you've been reading cards for two weeks or twenty years, you are always learning, always developing your skills and insights.
     Thirdly, trust yourself, your intuition, your instincts. What deck do you feel comfortable with? What book or books, on-line resources, click with you? Use those, discard what doesn't work for you. Everyone is different. What works for one may not work for another. There is no right or wrong, it's a matter of what best fits your style.
     Remember that tarot is a journey, one that will continue for the rest of your life. Along the way there will be changes, adaptations. Your tastes in decks will change, your reading style, methods of reading and opinions, techniques…all part of that journey, that process.

     Aside from knowing that having tarot in you life is a life long journey, allow yourself to relax. Have fun. Tarot is your friend, not a somber and aloof pontificator from above delivering ponderous teachings.  
     Trust yourself, your intuition, have fun, and enjoy the journey.
     Blessed be!