Q&A: how to start a reading with information overload?

Hi, I am having trouble figuring out in order how best to start readings, meaning is it with the numbers, suits or face cards, is their a particular chronological order to better understand the reading since I'm overwhelmed with information?

Knowing how to start a reading can be a struggle but you'll have to figure out what works best for you. You may want to start with the numerical theme to understand the overall vibration of the reading. Or for yes/no, simply get the answer and then look at the individual cards. Another way is to put the card meanings together into a cause-effect storyline. 

Let's look at a few ways to begin the reading using the reading above from a student's practical exam.

 

#1: Suits & Numbers

When you're a novice with reading cards or you're really stumped, it can be helpful to go back to the basics: suits and numbers. That's really all we're dealing with in playing cards. We can also look at the suits in terms of their color - red or black. 

 

In general, red cards signify a positive outcome while black cards signal a challenging outcome. In our reading, we see two red cards and one black one. This shows there may be a positive outcome but there will be a significant obstacle. Spades are more difficult cards than Clubs so that's how we know there will be a significant obstacle. 

 

The numbers hold a key to understanding the reading as well. Aces represent beginnings and potential, nines are about completion, and tens represent starting over on a new level of experience. Since our reading ends with a 10, we can see that the business will at least be able to start over on a new level of experience. 

 

#2: Yes/No

I find that most people ask yes/no questions. If this is the case, you can simply begin with answering the question. This will help you put each card into perspective. There are two ways to do this. The first is looking at the predominance of color. In general, more red cards is an affirmative (YES) answer and more black cards leads to a negative (NO) answer. Based on this technique, the answer is yes. 

 

We can also get a more specific answer by using the suit combination of the last two cards in the reading. The combination of Spades-Diamonds is maybe, but it will cost you. Why the change from yes to maybe? The Spades card in the middle of the reading changes the flow of energy. That's why I always like to do the specific yes/no with the suit combinations because you can see the influence of the suits, not just the colors.

 

#3: Face Cards 

Sometimes starting with the face cards gives you a good sense of the people involved in the question and how they are affecting the seeker and the outcome. Look at the position where the face card lands. Here are some general guidelines. 

 

In the first position, the face card is someone the seeker already knows and this person is prompting the question in some way. For example, face cards here may show the question is about an ex-husband that is making them crazy. Or it may represent a supportive friend who wants them to get a promotion at work. 

 

In the second position, face cards often represent people who are unknown to the seeker. Or they may represent a role that is hidden or surprising. For example, the "other" woman may show up in this position. In the reading above, we see a Jack of Spades (a troublemaker) in this position. The seeker may know this troublemaker but they may not be aware of just how much trouble this person is making for them. 

 

In the final position, face cards often show who is controlling the outcome or they can signify a final role that the seeker will play. 

#4: Numerical Theme 

Finding the numerical theme is usually something I do at the end of the reading because I don't use it as a predictive tool but it may be helpful to determine at the beginning of the reading too. The numerical theme helps you understand the seeker's current vibration - what they are attracting into their life and why. In our reading, we have a 9 numerical theme: 

 

Nine questions are often about starting something new but the nine theme shows they aren't ready to begin again. There is unfinished business or a block somewhere. Look at the spades cards in the reading for what needs to be accepted and transformed. 

 

There is a Spades card in this reading, in the form of a troublemaker. I would ask the seeker if she is familiar with this troublemaker who may be an employee or someone who is causing her worries or problems related to her business. 

 

#5: Story Method

String the keywords for the cards together to tell a story. I like to put the keywords together like a mathematical equation to show the cause-effect storyline.

 

forgiveness + troublemaker = feeling wealthy 

 

Perhaps this means that the seeker will feel wealthy once a troublemaker is forgiven.

If you're using Over the Moon Oracle cards you can look at the visual story. Compare and contrast the cards to notice patterns. What I see is that there is something being received in the first card. Something has been stolen in the second card and it looks like the thief is getting away with it. But in the final card, it looks like the loot is returned and all is well. If you simply say this to the seeker, often they will say, "Yes, that's exactly what's going on." 

 

These are five different ways to begin your reading. Just pick one method at a time. Don't try to start with all of them. I use different methods for different readings. If the suits and numbers seem confusing, I'll pick another method until I can make sense of it. The answers are always right there in the cards!

 

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a love match reading with Over the Moon Oracle Cards

A student in my course, Your Future Is In The Cards: Become a Fortune Teller in 7 Days, performed the Love Match Spread and was a bit confused about the reading outcome. 

After a huge fight with my EX boyfriend this morning, I did the love match spread. Everything was crystal clear but based on our argument, I find the outcome card a bit of a stretch. I’m interpreting 10D as moving in together -- is there an alternate non money meaning like feeling blessed? And, would that be blessed that we aren’t together?

1. What’s going on in the relationship? 2 Hearts
2. What’s going on with you? 10 Hearts
3. What’s going with your partner? King of Diamonds
4. How you view your partner? Ace of Hearts
5. How your partner views you? 6 Hearts
6. What you want from your partner? Queen of Clubs
7. What your partner wants from you? Queen of Spades
8. What you want from the relationship? Queen of Diamonds
9. What your partner wants from the relationship? King of Clubs
10. Outcome within 3 months? 10 of Diamonds


Here are my insights and the student's responses (in italics):

Ok, so you call this guy your EX. Was he your ex before the fight or only after the fight? I ask because I see a lot of positive feelings in this reading.

A little background: I can’t really say when we broke up because everything sort of stayed the same. If I had to guess I would say June but I know we slept together as late as October. We are and have always had an officially non-monogamous relationship - yet sort of monogamous by default. I guess you can label us polyamorous at heart. I guess the problems started when he met someone at the beginning of November. Our friendship started changing.


What’s going on in the relationship? 

Partnership | 2 of Hearts

 The first card says it all. This is the card of soulmates and compatibility.

What’s going on with you?

Family | 10 of Hearts

What’s going with your partner?

Owner | King of Diamonds

You are thinking about marriage and he is in a committed, long-term, stable relationship. I hope that's with you. The King of Diamonds can also show someone very focused on money and shoring up their security. They are likely to be serious and may have trouble relaxing and letting loose.

This was a concern I had too since he has started seeing someone else. I assumed since my intent was a love match for us that the cards would be about us. Should I do another reading to determine this? 

How you view your partner

Love | Ace of Hearts

How your partner views you

Forgiveness | 6 of Hearts

You both view each other as Hearts - that's very positive. He sees you as a helpful influence, someone who gives affection and takes care of his needs.

What you want from your partner?

Hostess | Queen of Clubs

What your partner wants from you? 

Widow | Queen of Spades

Both cards are Queens so you're on the same page. You want adventure and fun, someone who is playful and you can go out dancing with.  He DOESN'T WANT someone who is bitter and resentful and who is angry with him and makes him feel guilty. I'm not saying you are, just that he's trying to avoid that at all costs so you need to look at his behavior in terms of how he's trying to avoid certain behaviors from you. [When Spades fall in the "want" position, it usually shows what you don't want.]

BINGO – I knew this he is a typical Libra – loves peace at all cost. I as a Capricorn can be a tad judgmental!

What you want from the relationship

Mother | Queen of Diamonds

What your partner wants from the relationship? 

Leader | King of Clubs

Again, more face cards! You want a security blanket relationship - one that feels safe and secure. He wants an adventurous relationship - probably with a little more spice. This matches up with what you want from him (Queen of Clubs). Know that this King isn't above going out to find someone who spices things up outside the relationship.

Not an issue. Also something I knew. My need for security has not always matched his need for freedom.

Outcome within 3 months? 

Wealth | 10 of Diamonds

I can see the progression of these cards to the 10 of Diamonds scenario. Both of you really want the same thing, more Clubs energy - more activity, sex, adventure, and fun. It might even be a good idea to start an exercise regimen together.

Thank you Kristen! I always appreciate your detailed feedback. I am learning so much. I gain confidence when your interpretations mirror mine. (Yay me!!)

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yes or no? how to get your answer with the story method of interpretation

I've been reading a lot of blog posts lately about answering yes/no questions using an image-based deck like tarot. Some say it can't be done. Some say it can. Some find ways to do it by assigning cards a positive (yes) spin or a negative (no) spin.

I say if you have an image-based deck all you need to do is look at the picture and say what you see. This is the story method of interpretation. The questioner or subject of the reading becomes the main character in the image and you simply describe what's happening.

For example, what if you are asking, Will I get a promotion? Imagine that someone is getting a promotion. What do they look like? Happy, sad, angry? Imagine the scene -- What are they doing? Celebrating? Relaxing? What kind of body language would we see? Tight and tense or relaxed and open? Now, look through the cards in your deck. What cards would verify a yes answer? What cards verify no?

Let's look at examples using Over the Moon Oracle Cards. I'm using the non-captioned version of the deck so we can see the entire image clearly.

Will I pass my test?

Status | 8 of Diamonds

Look at you! You've got your feet up, chillaxin at home with your needlepoint. I'd say you passed your test.

Rejection | Ace of Spades

You are leaving a school dragging a book on the ground. This looks more like a walk of shame than a victory march so I would say NO you don't pass the test.

Forgiveness | 6 of Hearts

Yes, you will pass the test but with a little help, maybe a tutor or study aid. Or perhaps some help from above -- divine help -- in the form of prayer!

Will my finances improve by next month?

Empty | 4 of Diamonds

You're starving! You've got no money for food so you've resorted to eating plates! It doesn't look good financially.

Fun | 5 of Hearts

You're playing and having fun, without a care in the world, so yes it looks like your finances improve.

Waiting | 2 of Clubs

You are waiting for something, perhaps a check in the mail. It looks like things will still be tense on the financial horizon but you may be in a position of expecting money.

Will I get a new job soon?

Gift | 6 of Diamonds

You are giving or receiving money. Either way, this is a good sign. It looks like you may receive a job offer or at least have enough extra money to hold you over.

Traveler | Jack of Clubs

You're getting out of the house and looking for a job. It could also mean that you will get a job that will require you to travel or move.

Security | Ace of Diamonds

 You're sitting at home by the fireplace, so no job.

Does he like me?

Interference | 3 of Spades

Since the question is does HE like me we'll focus on the male in the image. He appears annoyed at being set up. But perhaps once he gets to know you better, he'll warm up to you.

Romantic| Jack of Hearts

He definitely likes you. He's trying to win you over.

Restriction | 8 of Spades

He is more concerned with his own predicament than a relationship right now. I'd say he's just not that into you.

What if the question is posed negatively instead of positively as in the above examples? This is one of the reasons the story method works so well. If we had randomly assigned yes and no for each card, how would we interpret positive cards in a negatively worded question like the ones below?

Is my boyfriend cheating?

Commitment | 4 of Hearts

No, you two are like an old married couple and he still only has eyes for you.

Troublemaker | Jack of Spades

Well, he looks like he stole something and is trying not to get caught. So, I would say yes, he's probably cheating.

Delay | 4 of Spades

He may not be cheating but he appears disappointed with the relationship. He's not having any fun.

Is the relationship over?

Partnership | 2 of Hearts

You two are still infatuated with each other. Look at the close body language -- I'd say no, the relationship is not over.

Loss | 10 of Spades

Unfortunately, yes. Like Humpty Dumpty, it's fallen and it can't get up. As the story goes, no one can put Humpty Dumpty (or the relationship) back together again.

Rest | 4 of Clubs

Maybe, but this might just be a time out period where both of you need a break from each other.

Do you use this method of interpretation?

my weekly reading with Over the Moon oracle cards 12/28/14

Here's my reading for this week, using my 3-card spread.

Beggar | Jack of Diamonds in the first position relates to some money issues this week which I can already feel. This may relate to my bank balance falling below $25 as seen in a reading from a few weeks ago. I should be alert to this happening again. Depreciation | 5 of Diamonds under this one confirms money dwindling. I have been working on a reduced schedule and it looks like I might need to get my hours up again to prepare for the upcoming months, especially since some of the money-making projects I was expecting to complete have not been completed yet.

Waiting | 2 of Clubs suggests this week I'll be waiting for something, or perhaps just feeling cabin fever from hibernation. I may also be asking, "Should I stay or go?" Forgiveness | 6 of Hearts can relate to receiving help or there may be a need to forgive and forget. Perhaps it's showing receiving an extra boost of cash when I desperately need it.

Looking at the playing card side, things don't look so bad. After all, there are 3 red cards! The numerical theme this week is 6 which shows my energy is geared toward helping and taking care of responsibilities. I may feel a conflict between responsibility and reward however. During a 6 themed-week, I may feel resentful for helping so much or putting in so much effort and not seeing much reward.

POSTSCRIPT 1/9/15: I almost forgot to add something here. The first column showed that I did a little overspending this week, on things I hadn't planned - impulse purchases. Beggar also seems to come up when I'm really concerned about my finances as I was that week. I'm wondering if I will have enough money and projects to last for the next few months. I don't have any good associations to the second column although it did occur to me that it is an apt picture of waiting for the ball to drop on New Year's Eve. Although we were at the movies when this happened, there was considerable talk about waiting for the ball to drop and the New Year festivities we should arrange.

JOURNAL: Shedding, Growing, Transforming

I was inspired to do an oracle reading using the prompt shedding, growing and transforming from Shaheen Miro's blog post by the same name. Shedding is about letting go of something while growth is movement in the opposite direction, embracing a new direction. The combination of shedding and growing ultimately creates a transformation of some kind. Let's see...


What am I shedding as the year comes to a close?

Beginning | Ace of Clubs shows I'm shedding or letting go of the energy of newness and beginnings. I guess this goes without saying since we're at the close of the year but to me this card signifies a restless energy that comes when I'm starting a new project, like this blog. I'm full of enthusiasm and drive, waking up early to get things done, and burning the midnight oil. Perhaps some of this excess energy will soon drain away and I will get a good night's sleep.


What is growing in my life?

In Forgiveness | 6 of Hearts, I used this image to represent forgiveness and peace, the act of charity, and learning to share and give selflessly.

The first two cards represent a contrast - the first card represents letting go and the second card is about embracing. When cards represent contrasts, it's important to see how they differ. You can see this sometimes by looking at the characters and explaining how their actions are different. In the Beginning card, the boy impatiently waits for daybreak. In Forgiveness, the girl reaches out her hands to accept a divine gift.  

I'm moving from impatiently waiting for things to happen to reaching out for what I need and deserve.


What will this transformation look like?

I've recently changed this card's keyword to CAUTION instead of DECEIT. It reflects a need for caution because you're lacking the clarity to see the truth clearly. But since Deceit is the card I shuffled, I have to see it from this perspective as well.

A wealthy woman would like to buy the boy's horse and wants to test ride it first. She has her riding crop out but she hides a whip behind her back. She intends to whip the horse into her submission. This card shows that two people may appear to have the same goals but their intentions are very different.

What's interesting is that last week I was doing a series of readings about my 6-month relationship and this card kept appearing. With it showing up here again, it gives me the impression that this energy is inevitable. Perhaps this transformation will come through the experience of this relationship. I'll have to wait and see how it manifests.


How can I prepare for this transformation?

Leisure | 9 of Hearts shows me I must stay calm. This card can also represent activities such as meditation, contemplation, being still, detachment, and focus.

The numerical theme is 1(Ace) + 6 + 7 + 9 = 23 = 2 + 3 = 5. I received this same theme in my last journal reading. The five theme brings a time of conflict with others and at the root of the conflict is the struggle between pleasing yourself vs. pleasing others. In light of this theme, Leisure also suggests asserting my independence and freedom.