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Reading the Tarot
When you are ready to read, close the book that tells you what the cards mean, sit back and start.
  I'm serious.
If you read the section about how I think the Tarot works, you know that I believe it is "focus", that lets your own subconscious come up with answers and insights. It can't do that if you are fixed on meanings printed in a book by someone who never did a reading in this exact situation, for this very Seeker.
If that's all you want, then you may as well get a computer program that has pat, fixed answers.
But, if you look at the cards, and let them trigger your insights and emotional wisdom, if you interpret the visceral reactions that you have to them, and translate them into words, then you will be reading the cards!
A well-designed deck doesn't need books. And the books can't begin to cover all the situations possible.
Let me give you an example. Take the Five of Swords from the "Legend… The Arthurian Tarot" that I personally use.
In looking at the card (without looking at the book) I see a setting sun in the background of a sort of dismal surroundings. The horse is walking with it's head down… feeling dejected and sad. Across the horse lies some type of fabric, brightly coloured. But, I see in this, flowers at the horses feet that are beautiful.
The meaning in the book reads… "Loss and regret. Having to accept one's limitations and acknowledge errors in judgement. Dishonour and destruction brought about by lack of self- control. Being shown one's weaknesses. Constructive criticism. Grieving for one's rash and belligerent actions. A reprimand. Facing and repenting unwise behaviour and its consequences. A valuable lesson, one not to be repeated."
Now, if this card came up in a reading, and all I did was read the book, I would probably assign it all of those meanings. At best, I would pick one, and assign that.
But if I was reading without the book and I was looking at this card in reference to myself; I see things a bit differently. I see the setting sun, which tells me that even though it sets… it again will rise with a new day. The card tells me much, it tells me that even though I have made mistakes (and, there have been many), I still have my horse that is quite beautiful and symbolizes an important possession. It also tells me that things aren't as bad as I think… the flowers are there and the trees are green. This card tells me that my "mistakes" are more considered "lessons" and to look beyond what seems apparent to what is truly there… I am so blessed and have many things.
And, in my heart, my instincts ring true. Look for and sense a feeling of "rightness".
You get the idea.
Reading isn't hard at all. Just relax, lay out the cards, and trust your instincts.
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