Recently a tarot reader wrote to me asking about how to discern the meaning of cards that keep showing up in one's readings. It will happen from time to time when reading for oneself where the same card or cards will reappear no matter what the subject or question. It would be fine if we knew what message these nagging cards were trying to convey, but we often don't. Their reappearance becomes more of a frustration than anything else and they seem to block us from figuring out the rest of the reading, too.
So what to do when these naggers show up time and time again? I think just the fact that they're being repetitive can cause a kind of "block" to our understanding of them. If a card or series of cards shows up once, we have no problem interpreting them, but once they start becoming frequent visitors we start to wonder what else they're trying to say apart from the original reading. The more we try to figure it out, we tend to over-think. Over-thinking usually blocks us from hearing our intuition and the situation gets frustrating as we pour over the individual card meanings, looking up definitions, and searching tarot websites for clues. One meaning leads to another, and another, and another....
I've experienced the best results from simply doing another reading on what the recurring cards are messaging. You'll want to remove the repetitive cards from the deck before laying out your reading because the last thing you want is for tarot to answer with those same cards, which is what usually happens. What does the 2 of Pentacles mean for me in these readings? The 2 of Pentacles. Thanks a lot, tarot. In the case of multiple recurring cards, I would do a reading on each and one for them together. A short, two or three card spread asking a direct question is best such as, "What does this card mean for me now?" is best. It is also helpful to have a position in your reading for "The card does not mean this," which will help rule out some of the various things your mind has been mulling over. Most importantly, do not over-think these readings and go with your initial intuitive meanings that come to you.
Another option is to consult another trusted tarot reader. I often receive feedback after a reading that the cards I pulled were the same cards the client had been seeing repetitively in their own readings but my more objective view was able to see what they had not.
Do you have another way to figure out those nagging recurring cards? I'd like to hear your suggestions!
In my early years I used to go to book after book, attempting to amplify what the repetitive card was saying. But that almost always led me into a hall of mirrors (or down hallway after hallway, like the image in your post). I eventually found that pulling the same card in another deck almost always helps. Especially if I choose an additional deck that's very different in design. E.g., I'm reading with the RWS, so I'll get out The Deviant Moon Tarot. Or I'm reading with the Bohemian Gothic Tarot, so I'll pull from the Victorian Fairy Tarot.
ReplyDeleteRoswila
That's a great idea. I used to do that occasionally and it usually worked. I forgot about that Jedi mind trick!
ReplyDeleteTo add to the question, upright vs reversed. Do you feel that makes much of a difference when they are coming up repeatedly? Should you look at the position ( upright or reversed) that it comes up most often?
ReplyDeleteI think I would pay attention to whether they show up upright or reversed most often. I think reversed cards are showing a block of the energy of the card not necessarily the opposite meaning. So it could be saying "You're not listening, hellooooo?"
ReplyDeleteSince the search for true meaning of repetitive card is a circle chicken run, I usually abandon cards for a moment and, while sitting in a comfy chair say to myself: "Even though I am not aware of the meaning of that card, I accept this message". Than I proceed with the procedure you described.
ReplyDeleteEversmith, that is a great suggestion -- to kind of clear one's mind from all the various "Could it mean this? Could it mean that?" thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI've found oracles (deck or other divination device) can be helpful. I choose a card or piece to add to the recurring card for an "outside the box" insight.
ReplyDeleteAnother great idea, thesycamoretree. I've used oracle decks in tandem with tarot and they certainly do add a different "spin" on the message or reveal additional information to consider.
ReplyDeleteUsually I also compare the card with the same ones form other decks. What is also very helpful for me is to freewrite for at least 15 minutes about the card.
ReplyDeleteFree association can clear away all the pre-associations, great idea Ellen!
ReplyDeleteI actually just wrote a blog post on this topic as well! I have found that if I have an opportunity for the card to manifest it's meaning somehow in my daily life, it stops repeating. It's almost like it's asking me to look around and "find" it in life, if that makes any sense? http://solidagotarot.wordpress.com/2014/02/19/cards-that-repeat-the-8-of-wands/
ReplyDeletesolidagotarot, I've heard that before from others. It's like the recurring card is trying to tell you to either create this in your life or, as you say, look for it, and it will settle down and go away. The problem is that if you don't know what "this" is you don't know what to look for. So I'd use the other suggestions first to get the meaning THEN yours to get it to stop bugging you. :)
ReplyDeleteThere are some great suggestions here, thanks to all. I find journalling helps me figure out re-offending cards with obtuse messages. I find recording every spread and jotting down what I do feel is accurate at the time, then coming back to it later (when more has happened and more cards have been drawn) and voila! It all makes perfect sense. This only works if you're willing wait and ride it out, though.
ReplyDeleteWaiting and riding it out is not usually a tarot reader's strong suit. :D But yes, letting it go and coming back later often yields an answer.
ReplyDelete#1 no, it is not ALL your fault-it takes 2 people to totally F**Kup a marriage
ReplyDelete#2 speaking from experience, I did the same thing. decided I was the least disruptive to remove from my children's life. it was a tale of 2 cities(you know, it was the best of times..)anyway I left and kids stayed. until one of them decided I was the better choice..anyway what I want to say is the pain and doubt of the choice, doesn't go away. but I leaned it was better than no choice and better than going to war/divorce court. life is different but better. hard to not be able to be immediately there, but their new found independence is a hidden dividend.
#3 saying "well it's your own fault" is the easy cowardly way out of a meaningful discussion, it derails you from arguing and sends you into a self-recrimination death- spiral *stop it!* we all make mistakes but playing the blame game never solves anything.
#4 knowing all that, won't stop you from blaming yourself.
#5 knowing that helps you acknowledge you are imperfect and helps you to move through the self-flagellation and on to more productive modes of thought...
#6 it's never all you. you aren't the center of all that is bad,dumb,ignorant,unobservant etc... like I said it takes at least 2 people to screw up anything. your kiddies are doing well? they are happy to see you when they acknowledge you're existence? they would be this way even if you were 10ft away at all times and possibly, actively trying to get away from you. they are growing up, finding their boundaries, using those lessons you taught them. they will make their own mistakes, I does no harm to point out, where they went wrong and how/what they could have done different, even say "well that was stupid" point out the good in what they did do. make it a learning moment. tell them you love them or you are sorry they are hurting. make a joke (if giggles are needed) give 'em a hug. then dust them off and send them out to do it again. I'm 50. I'm still finding my way in the world and I am still tripping over stupid shit. I think "i should know better" but you don't. my Mom is 75 she does the same thing. life is learning and if you are at the least learning then you are living a good life!
now go out and do it again!
Okay, so it's been over four months, and it's still happening. The same three cards pop up no matter what the question, the deck/spread, or how much I shuffle.
ReplyDeleteThe issue has not resolved. 9/10 in the up right position. I've tried many of the suggestions in the comments, but I'm still getting the same cards.
So aggravating, Kimberly. Try just reading the cards as you would normally, consciously "not noticing" that they are recurring.
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