I was thinking about getting into doing Tarot. Any advice on decks or where to begin? Thanks.

Tresses!!! I thought you'd never ask!!! My favorite subject to discuss! As much as I can tell you, to use Tarot is a wonderful journey not for around others but for personal self-discovery! I am glad you asked that!
Now you say you are just about getting ready to get into Tarot? I will tell you some basic things about the divinatory tool. (Will be used for future reference in case.)

"A picture is worth 10,000 words." - Chinese Proverb
Tarot or cartomancy is the ability to foresee or interpret using cards. I am pretty sure there are hundreds of resources as to how the Tarot began and what it is.

Now where to begin? You don't have to be highly sensitive, psychic, or medium (although it does increase the energy of readings) BUT you must harness the ability to meditate, clear the mind, and have an open mind. Tarot isn't about seeing the future all the time, and does not always answer the 'When' or 'Who' questions.

Tarot is about breaking down a card's image that is relating to the topic; IE: past, present, solution, how are you feeling right now, or future. You must interpret or define what the person feels or has done relating to the image of the card. YOU must study the image, what does it shows? How do I feel about the colors or the image showing? Is the image obvious or does it have a MORE deeper meaning to it??? An example would be:

When a person ask a question for a reading: "I have always struggled maintaining a relationship. Will I ever be married?"
Rider-Waite Version of Tarot Deck ->
"Past" is the topic and card reveals "Death" -> "So I have Death revealed to me. Perhaps maybe in the past, your parents relationship 'died' in a way that you grew up having difficulty keeping trust issues or find it hard to love your partner? Maybe a part of you died, resulting a change in personality or tastes." (You would have said that if you experience liek that or you thought maybe that ought to relate to her question.)


That would be an example, Tresses. So for now, I do not want to bore you of tons of info I have learned but Jen [SheWhoKnits] has become more aware of her readings and has done a good job. But I will give the best advice when it comes to Tarot: Every reading from every different Tarot person will ALWAYS have DIFFERENT interpretations. So use your OWN feelings, experiences, emotions, senses, ideas, thoughts when you give your reading because in Tarot, there is NOOOOOOOO right or wrong answer. The Tarot cards are entirely chosen by the universe through the one's mind.

Now to choose a deck, THAT is ENTIRELY up to you. Whatever you are comfortable with, the images, the colors, the themes, or you feel "I think this deck is feeling me or calling me." Don't force yourself to buy a deck you do not feel comfortable with. It takes time to choose a very good and unique deck that you can define your wisdom and experience with. Here is a valuable link that shows ALL the current decks available but I know there are many not mention.
www.astroamerica.com/t-menu.html


So there you go Tresses, if you have any questions or need more advice on how to do a first reading, don't hesitate to ask. I am still learning more about the power and significance of the Tarot. I know one whose 72 years old whose been giving Tarot readings since the age of 24. Connect with your deck, it is your energy, your heart and mind, best friend and lover, power and wisdom and the very tool to help you or others discover more into within.

I know I love my deck, its been there for me for two years and still surprises me.

- Danny

Awsome Danny thanks for that information. I am too interested in learnig to add to other abilities. I do like that it could be better doing them and having a ability too help with it as wel.

Thanks Danny. Now to pick out a deck. So many to choose from!

LOL Tress there are alot. Think i am gonna make my choice today though and hope it is the right one.

Danny once you find a deck (which i am big into my native heritage so guess what deck lol) how do you find the book to go with it. This native american deck is not a set but the one i want for sure.

UT,

Are you talking about reference/definition book or just artwork books? I assume it may be reference/definition books.

Normally with all decks comes a small booklet for references as to meanings and definitions to the cards. But if you purchase a deck that is created by an independent artist, the set may or may not come w/ a booklet. But every deck is universal.

A regular Tarot deck comes with 78 cards : 22 Major Arcana & 56 Minor.

You can obtain Tarot card books at a local library or buy one at a bookstore, but whatever book it is; it all explains the same names & numbers with common meanings.

An example would be a comparison between two different themes, Native American deck and Rider-Waite:
(*Please note this example is based off on Laura Tuan & Sergio Tisselli's Native American Deck)

The Fool (Native Version) An image depicts of a wolf/man is walking alongside a small fox in the mountains.
The Fool (Rider-Waite) An image depicts of a young man in green uniform either walking off a cliff or walking by the cliff with a small white dog.

Those two versions have similar image resemblance but other decks may be entirely different and unique. But whatever it is, the Fool is Chinese, Native American, Italian, or any other cultural or unique themes (erotic art decks aren't always the case) will ALWAYS have similar definitions, its just up to the person who interprets it.

So UT, you can choose any book that breaks down the meanings of the Tarot cards and refer to it a long with your choice of your own unique deck.

THE best beginners deck is Universal Waite Tarot Deck. The pictures are easy to decipher and an easy to understand booklet is included in the deck.

Jolefay, indeed! lol I had my Rider-Waite for a long time now, and I am now seeking an upgrade to a more personal connection of a certain deck. And welcome to GnH btw! =)

Oh Danny, thanks for answering the question I didn't realize I was asking or needed to ask. I didn't realize that the decks were universal. That clears things up a lot. You can see my confusion with looking through hundreds of decks thinking they were all different.