Tarot Tip Tuesdays - Do Not Let Differences In Opinions Intimidate You

Whether you are new to Tarot and in the throes of building a connection with your Tarot cards or an advanced Tarot reader diligently honing your Tarot reading skills, I am putting out a Tarot tip a week to help you to consistently make Tarot a part of your everyday life.

So here goes your Tarot Tip for this Tuesday:

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post for Tarot Tip Tuesdays which touched on the topic of skepticism. In that post, I had asked that should you be faced with skepticism, either from someone else or your own, do not allow it to affect your confidence. You could be putting your energy to better use by tuning out skepticism and tuning into your intuition.

Now what is worse than managing skepticism is managing your own feelings of feeling intimidated. Yes that is right.  Nothing and nobody should intimidate you when you are in the throes of learning Tarot and discovering more about the cards, unless you had given him or her permission to do so. So, please don't allow that to happen, no matter how new you are to Tarot.

When I was at the beginning of my Tarot journey, I had decided to obtain my certifications then through the Tarot Certification Board of America.  It was, at that time a personal choice to get certified because it contributed to my growth as a Tarot reader.  I enjoyed the process, and I did learn a lot from the examiner assigned to me.   When I discussed my positive experience with the board within an online forum, a fellow Tarot professional responded, " Why would you need to get certified? Certifications are silly and cannot compare with the numerous years of experience I have under my belt."  I thanked her for her opinions and told her that  I respected her years of experience and I was sure she was truly super as a Tarot reader, but her opinions about the certifications were just that...her personal opinions.

It reminded me of a time when I cooked beef bourginion for some friends and was told by my French friend that "We French people will not cook beef bourginion in that way." Fabulous! So I had decided to ask her for her recipe, and gamely asked for an invitation to her place for dinner some day too.

The point I am making is that just as everyone's life experiences are each different and unique, there are so many different styles and techniques Tarot readers use in their reading. The rich fabric of experiences, skills and knowledge within the Tarot community is so useful to both newbies as well as experienced Tarot readers.  

However, wherever you go and whatever you do, you will meet someone who is equally, if not more passionate than you are about Tarot and he or she will be dying to put across an opinion about how right or wrong you are with your reading style, your techniques or your interpretations and what is "THE PROPER" way to do it just because he or she has gazillions of years of experience under his or her belt.   Accept that gift of knowledge and take it as a learning. Do not get intimidated by it.  It is okay to allow room for open discussions that serve to help, without the need to impose an opinion on someone else, no matter how experienced or skilled or knowledgeable one may be in any given subject.

This brings me to the 5 of Wands card.  The 5 of Wands is a card depicting a situation of conflict, tension, difference of opinions and challenges. While many people might view the card as a negative one, I see it as an opportunity to turn differences in opinions into constructive discussions that can effect truly positive outcomes.  

So go ahead and create room for open discussions, exchange of ideas and brainstorming.  Accept differing opinions with an open mind but do not get intimidated by those who impose an opinion on you.  It is your journey with your cards and only you are responsible for making that journey a fulfilling one for yourself.

May your Tarot cards provide you with a full deck of possibilities throughout your day.

About The Writer:

The writer of this blog post is a marketeer by trade, and a tarot card reader by accident. She was awarded a Certified Professional Tarot Reader qualification from the Tarot Certification Board of America (TCBA) and is also a certified numerologist.  She is currently running a Tarot consultancy based in Singapore called Sun Goddess Tarot,  which provides confidential intuitive readings combining the metaphysical disciplines of Tarot, Numerology and Astrology via face to face and emails as well as readings at corporate and private events and workshops.  A member of the American Tarot Association (ATA) and the Tarot Association of the British Isles (TABI), she is also a reader for the Free Tarot Network and mentors Tarot protégés on behalf of the American Tarot Association

Website: www.sungoddesstarot.com
Email:  Joanna@sungoddesstarot.com
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Fix, Not Fear The Five Of Each Suit

First Reaction To A 5 Of Any Suit

Yesterday, at a Tarot reading session for a client, one of the cards picked in the Tarot spread was the 5 of Cups. Her question pertained to her state of relationship with her husband, and she stared intently at that card. Before I could even provide her a detailed narrative of the significance of the card to her situation, she burst out crying. Our hour together went on to 2 1/2 hours because I truly wanted to support her as much as I could and realized that her despondency set in deeper when the image on the card appeared quite negative at first glance.

So, I have decided to dedicate this blog post to the family of 5s; 5 of Pentacles, 5 of Wands, 5 of Cups and 5 of Swords, to share my perspective that these cards are not to be feared, They are possibly the cards that can offer you the best advice ever to lift you from the negativity of your situation. For this purpose, I am using my Rider-Waite Tarot deck.

5 Of Pentacles

The image on the 5 of Pentacles card shows a destitute couple walking through a snow, one is limping with a crutch in hand, and the other is covered by a shawl. A church is in the background with 5 pentacles etched on its stained glass window.

Typically, this card is a reflection of the querant going through financial strive, loss of job or home, or other material adversities. However, I often like to take the querants on a journey into the card and show them the crutch and the shawl that are there to Iend them support and warmth in their time of need. I'd point to the church behind them which is a symbol of spiritual comfort. Most importantly, I'd point out to the fact that there are 2 people in the card, each of them are not alone.

So, when you see the 5 of Pentacles, ask yourself these questions. What currently within your situation is that resource you may have to help you through the challenges? Whom can you ask for help? What or who is that 'church', 'crutch' or 'shawl' in your life ? Know that when you are thrown into a deep end, you will always find some form of support floating nearby, and your struggles against the tide will bring you lessons richer than ocean life that can only make you stronger.

5 Of Wands

The image on the 5 of Wands card shows a group of people dressed in different clothes, raising their rods in competition with each other.

Typically, the 5 of Wands is a reflection of the querants experiencing struggles, tension and conflict within their respective environments. However, I'd often invite the querants to "walk into the card" with me so that we can get a better assessment of the situation. The people in the card image wearing different outfits reflect the different beliefs, opinions, values of the people the querants are dealing with. On closer look at the card, the people raising their rods aren't hitting each other with it. The rods are raised to create awareness, fear, noise and possibly to just put their individual points across.

So, when you pick a 5 of Wands, ask yourself these questions. At what point can you come to a compromise? Can you agree to disagree? If you can't change the situation, can you change how you think about the situation? Know that life is made more colorful and interesting because diversities exist. People's attitudes, beliefs and approach to things are so different, and if you can learn to respect that diversity and work within a framework with proper rules of engagement, you don't have to see life as one big struggle.

5 of Cups

The image of the 5 of Cups card depicts a man in a dark cloak who has turned away in despair. On the ground sits 5 cups, 3 of them have been knocked over and the 2 remaining cups left standing. In front of him, a river flows in a torrent of waves separating him from his house. A bridge is seen at a far distance.

Typically the 5 of Cups is a reflection of the querants experiencing emotional loss, disappointment, inability to attain a goal and perhaps not able to accept or move on from these challenges. However, during our journey into the card, I'd point to the 2 upstanding cups and tell the querants that there is hope, they should never lose hope. I'd point to the bridge and tell them that if they had bothered to look further ahead, they'd see they can get support in their time of need, and there is perhaps a silver lining in their situations. That bridge is beckoning them to walk over, cross the river and move on.

So when you pick the 5 of Cups, ask yourself these questions. Is the person you're experiencing that disappointment over, worth it? Did you look closely enough to find the right solutions to the issue? Were you expecting too much? Did you reassess your goals? Know that challenging situations are opportunities to teach you valuable lessons. And really, it's okay to give yourself time to heal.

5 of Swords

The image on the 5 of Swords resonates tumultuous energy and depicts a man looking intently at his conquered enemies. 2 men are seen walking away from him. He brandishes 3 swords in his hand and 2 swords lay haphazardly on the ground.

Typically, the 5 of Swords is a reflection of the querants undergoing conflicts, hostility, isolation and tension. The card also speaks of negative ambition and perhaps the querants may have achieved something but at a great cost.

A "walk into the card" together often provides greater clarity for the querants to see if the "swords" are worth fighting for or perhaps they should pick their battles. When we "talk" to the image of the 2 men walking away in defeat, we often come to a conclusion that the continued perception of betrayal or that all is forever lost will only perpetuate greater disillusionment.

So when you pick the 5 of Swords, ask yourself these questions. What are you prepared to give up for that win? Can your disillusionment change the situation for the better? What can you do to rally the right support to help your situation?

The 5s Are Your Best Guides

I often like to precede my Tarot reading sessions with clients by telling them that Tarot is not a fortune telling tool but rather a tool to help them uncover choices with which they can use to influence the outcomes of their respective situations. The 5s are possibly the best 4 cards in a Tarot deck that can provide you with the necessary guidance to help you influence a positive outcome. I don't believe in destiny. Destiny is in your hands. I like to tell my clients that if they can't change their situations, they should change the way they think about their situations.

About The Writer:

The writer of this blog post is a marketeer by trade, and a tarot card reader by accident. She was awarded a Certified Professional Tarot Reader qualification from the Tarot Certification Board of America (TCBA) and was recently certified as a numerologist in Singapore. A member of the American Tarot Association (ATA) and the Tarot Association of the British Isles (TABI), she is also a reader for the Free Tarot Network and is a mentor for the ATA.

She can be contacted at www.facecbook.com/SunGoddessTarot or www.sungoddesstarot.com