BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Tarot How do you welcome your new deck?

Hi Fiona, Michael, and June!

I didn't think I had much to contribute to this thread, because I don't officially "welcome" decks! However, I do exactly as June does, so I guess getting to know the deck as a friend qualifies! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Michael, would you mind if I took a shot at what your cards may mean?

What jumped out at me:

Card 2: The deck saying what it doesn't need is your rational "interference"; IOW, trust yourself, your intuition, and the process.

Card 3: In many religious traditions, there is a theme of "emptying" one's self in order to be filled. "A full cup cannot receive anymore" in Zen Buddhism and the "emptying" them of the New Testament and even Christ himself. I saw this card as saying "as you empty yourself (of ego, whatever) you'll be filled with richness. A letting to of expectations and attachments.

I hope I haven't been presumptuous by giving my $.02, so please forgive me if I have been so. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I've never tried to question the deck in terms of relationship with it; I'll have to try it! I imagine it's never too late to do so. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Janet. That helps me think about it more (or 'not-think' as the case may be ;-), and your input helps me get more specific-- especially with the interference, the 'intellectual' interference.

That's right on the money in my case, I'm afraid-- I tend to 'think' too much, especially when reading for myself. I can only hope that my relationship with the deck will be an 'emptying' of sorts.

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few."
- S.Suzuki

Boy, I totally relate with over-analyzing, Michael.

Glad I could help in some way. I think your new deck is going to open up your intuitive channel on an even greater level. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Great dialogue Michael and Janet!

I think both of you have written wonderful insights into the reading Michael did with his new shiny deck.

I'd also like to add, if I may: <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Eight of Swords also speaks of our inner blockages, our blocked energy. It shows that you are likely to find yourself in a situation where you would like to follow through a range of exciting opportunities and ideas but forces beyond your control are restricting your options and movements. The resultant frustration may in turn lead to anxiety or a loss of faith in what you are trying to achieve but your best course of action is to accept the delays patiently and wait for the situation to change.

Reversed Ten of Stones - shows that family or close friends may be putting some restrictions or responsibilities on you, (knowingly or not)- though you treasure them, you will find the relationship with the cards will be difficult to arrange at times. Plug away though, don't give up!

Reversed Nine of Stones -it seems this card will help you to detect fraud and financial risk in your life as well as steer clear of threats to your current security and comfort. Being with these cards will also open you to ideas about moving towards abundance in your life, both materially and spiritually. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


I believe card 1 and 4 are working together here,..the reversed Nine will help you work with the shadow side of life to move into the abundance and success of the Sun,....

Wow, June... get outta my head, will'ya?! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> You are right on.

Yes, definitely... "forces beyond my control"? 'Linear Time' being one (though that can be debatable... I'm sure Mr Crowley has a theory about that one!) <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

"Restrictions/responsibilities from family"? In two words: 'teething baby'. Rafael is such a joy, but man... my sleep and comfort (and any scraps of spare time I thought I had) are becoming a second priority lately. Thanks for the encouragement.

Yes, big lessons all around. Right now most of my lessons are coming from Rafael and my stumbling sleep deprivation, and how I handle it (and stay loving)... hmmm, isn't sleep deprivation part of a vision quest? lol At the very least, I'll find out more about what I'm capable of in challenging circumstances, what I can/need to let go of, etc..

Actually this probably sounds worse that it really is for me. Life is mostly enjoyable right now (especially when I'm home with Rafael!)-- tiring and busy, but enjoyable.

As a mother, June, I'm sure you've been through much more than this... Anyway, I'm rambling. June, thanks for your words. Your encouragement is especially helpful. It's good to remember that these 'obstacles' are temporary (and are our teachers), and 'taking a pause' from doing all that we want to do is not a failure, but just a pause.

When it's the right time(s) to work/play with the tarot, it will happen. I will keep my eyes open for it.

Thanks Janet and June for your insight.

HI Michael,

Oh, indeedy,....I know exactly what you are experiencing (your wife too!) having gone through that with six babes,..and now am watching my oldest daughter go through this with her two wee ones.

It IS possible to accomplish your goals even with babes, but it definitely takes a calm, patient spirit to do so. When I started university I already had two children, then bore the last four during my Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Doing this PhD without going through childbirth has seemed like a vacation, chuckle.

I "know" you are going to accomplish much, both you and your wife. Having these experiences with little Rafael (great name, btw!) is only going to enrich you both to help you add another dimension of human caring and understanding to yor work...and your tarot readings. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

You're welcome, Michael. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I always heard that parenthood was the toughest job in the world, but didn't believe it until I had my own! Yikes! LOL Best wishes to you and your family. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> (And hats off to you, June. Good heavens! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> )

Thanks again for your question, Michael!

How are you enjoying the Quest tarot? I just received a copy from Llewellyn and will be reviewing it very soon.

Also, I wanted to say that your question sparked this week's Tarot Q&A:

Welcoming and Preparing a New Tarot Deck <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />