I do believe in Tarot. Ever since my Mom read me my first reading, years and years ago. I started reading Tarot cards back in 1990 while I was in college. I tried several decks and found that I liked the Rider Waite deck the best. It felt 'right' and I could see the meaning of the cards much better. One thing about reading Tarot cards that people seem to forget is that the future is not set in stone. It tells you the course of events to come at that moment if you continue on the current path. You may do something an hour later that will totally change your future to something different.... or even by having the reading, you may change your future because you have a new insight to the path you have chosen. I do read for my friends, both near and far. And occassionally, I discover something that I should not know about (Like a private spat between lovers) or just make my friends nervous in general by telling them what I see in the cards. I don't do it on purpose. I cannot explain how Tarot cards work. I just know that they do. I wrote up a poem to say to myself as I get ready for a reading. Sort of a mantra. I try to never let my own bias influence me. Tarot Prayer Maiden, Warrior, Mother, Crone - Guide my hand by yours alone. Let this reading be True and sound, The future revealed; the hidden found. Rover, Guardian, Hunter, Guide - With me always, by my side. I pray for Guidance and for Sight. Protect me with your golden Light. The Cards are shuffled. The Cards are dealt. The Door is opened, The Power felt. Let me see with open eyes, Speak the Truth; tell no lies. And when the future is revealed, Until nothing more is concealed, Remember that the future is not set in stone... Guide me, Maiden, Warrior, Mother, Crone. Maiden, Warrior, Mother and Crone. Also, another thing I have done is write up a series of couplets and short sayings for each of the Tarot cards to help me remember their meanings. I don't use them as much anymore - mostly when I get stuck in a reading and can't figure out what the card is saying. Then I go back to the couplet and recite it in my head a few times to see if there is something I missed. You may use these couplets if you wish - but remember, what has worked for me, may not work for you. Tarot readings and interpretation styles are very individual things. Major Arcana: Outside forces acting to influence the subject of the reading. Wands: Ideas, creation, enterprise and growth Cups: Love, instruction, pleasure, beauty and emotions Swords: Quest, aggression, ambition, transformation, both constructive and destructive Pentacles: Money, material gain, development in trade and industry (c)1997 - Jennifer Brozek Back to the "Me" page.