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!

 

Learn to read playing cards like a pro…

Register today for Your Future Is In The Cards: Become a Fortune Teller in 7 Days!  

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?

INSIGHT: happy kwanzaa

I was wondering how to create a spread to commemorate Kwanzaa, the African American cultural holiday from December 26 - January 1, when I stumbled upon one already created by the amazing Rachel Pollack. I changed "I" to "we" and read it as an insight reading instead of a personal journal reading. If you want to know more about Kwanzaa, here's the official website.

Day 1: Umoja (Unity)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
How can we promote unity?

Making sacrifices for each other. Helping others, providing assistance. Ministering to body, mind and spirit. 

Day 2: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
How do we claim who we are?

This card suggests that we must define ourselves collectively instead of individually. As an African American, I see this type of solidarity in action every day.


Day 3: Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.
How do we help others with their struggles?

Wow, this is pretty profound. In order to help others with their struggles, we must put ourselves in their place and understand their struggle. Why are they labeled troublemaker? What do they run from? What are they trying to escape? 

Day 4: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
How can we help bring genuine prosperity?

Typically, I see this as a card about dividing assets. But is it also suggesting that things cannot always be equal from an economic perspective? One person has to get to the top and then help others up to their level.

Day 5: Nia (Purpose)
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
How can we encourage the best in ourselves and others?

I'm stumped by this card here. Any ideas?

Day 6: Kuumba (Creativity)
To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
How do we express our creativity?

This card may be saying we need to reject the status quo and choose our own path to creativity.

Day 7: Imani (Faith)
To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
How do we deepen our belief, in ourselves and others?

We need to pat ourselves on the back and take pride in our accomplishments.

Seven is the numerical theme showing that Kwazaa is a time of reflection and determining our direction for the new year. There is a two of a kind with the number 2 which is about choice. Our choices not only affect how we live but also affect others around us, our community, and our race.

Feel free to share your thoughts on how you might interpret these cards for this reading!