It is common for beginners in tarot to find tarot interpretation difficult, with a large number of card meanings that are complex and varied. When they see a card, their mind goes blank, not knowing where to start. This is a common difficulty when first learning tarot. Even experienced tarot readers can encounter some bottlenecks because their usual way of interpreting cards has become fixed, making it hard to break out of old patterns, which can lead to certain omissions or biases, and make further progress difficult.

To reach a state of intuitive and profound understanding in tarot interpretation, one key point is to 'avoid falling into the same pattern.' Some people try to avoid this by suggesting not to memorize card meanings, but instead focus on intuition and association. However, this approach falls into another pattern. It can also cause vague interpretations and lack of stability, leading to limited progress in tarot reading due to insufficient foundation. Moreover, this method may also face difficulties when interpreting larger spreads.

Some people feel that studying academics might hinder the development of intuition, but this is not necessarily true. Intuition has its own path, and rational thinking has its own path. They do not necessarily interfere with each other. The reason they might interfere is due to our habitual tendencies.

Once we get used to a certain path, we tend to rely on it, which limits our ability to use other paths because we are unwilling to think or act outside our familiar territory. Therefore, as long as we are not afraid to try new paths, this problem can be solved. This issue lies more in mindset and perspective than in the method itself.

How can we solve this problem? The first step is to build a solid academic foundation. What are the benefits of having a strong academic foundation? Let's take basketball as an example. If basic movements are not solid, and we learn flashy techniques too early, at first it may seem that those who learn techniques are stronger, but eventually, due to shallow roots, they will be unable to progress further.

When building an academic foundation, you may initially feel like you have power but cannot apply it, knowing a lot but unable to use it effectively. However, this is the nourishment for your tarot interpretation. The more you learn and understand deeply, the more content you have to draw from. Once the foundation is solid, and combined with practice in different interpretation methods, everything will naturally fall into place. This requires effort in reading more, thinking more, and practicing more to gain experience. Fundamentally, there are no shortcuts, and this part is more quiet and not immediately visible, so it is more arduous. But to become a great tarot reader, this is essential work.

The second step is to increase the ways of interpreting tarot. This is the purpose of introducing the five methods I am about to present. By exploring new interpretation methods, our perspectives, viewpoints, and approaches to interpreting cards will expand, increasing both the breadth and depth of our interpretation. These methods can also enhance our intuition.

The five methods are: Seer, Sage, Observer, Fool, and Alchemist. They correspond cleverly with the major arcana of the tarot. In the next issue of the e-mail newsletter, we will introduce them one by one. We hope everyone can join us in exploring the world of tarot.

(1)

In the previous issue of the e-mail newsletter, we discussed the names of the five interpretation methods: Seer, Observer, Alchemist, Fool, and Sage. They represent five different ways of viewing or learning things. They are respectively: seeing images, observing details, integrating connections, praising deficiencies, and simplifying complexity. In fact, they also represent the habitual ways we use when thinking or solving problems. We usually already have some familiarity with one or two of these interpretation methods. Therefore, you may find that one of the descriptions surprises you, realizing that it is exactly the method you often use to interpret cards!

First, let's talk about the 'Seer' method, which uses the approach of 'seeing images.' What does it mean to 'see images'? When a Seer sees a card, the image on the card triggers a scene in his mind, and he then describes what he sees. This process seems like weaving a picture. Through the influence of the card's image, a switch is activated, and then a scene is woven according to the meaning of the card.

For example, in a relationship spread, the card representing the woman is the High Priestess, the man is the Fool, and the relationship is the Nine of Swords. To a Seer, this would weave a scene: a serious and sensitive woman is arguing with a carefree man. The woman may be asking the man to follow certain rules, while the man feels it's a restriction and a loss of freedom. At the same time, the man's free-spirited and unrestrained personality makes the woman feel she cannot control him and lacks security. Their differences are huge, and they don't know how to adjust, leading to pain in their relationship. Then the Seer would describe the scene he 'saw.'

Sometimes, the images appear more quickly. As soon as the Seer's eyes touch the card, a vivid image flashes in his mind, and the Seer then describes what he saw. Usually, such sudden images are quite accurate. However, these sudden images are closer to clairvoyance and less related to tarot interpretation.

To a Seer, tarot is like a crystal ball, a tool or medium that allows him to 'see' things.

How can we use the Seer method? The ability of a Seer is 'to see,' so the ability to create images in the mind is the most important key to this method. First, we can practice closing our eyes and recalling the layout of our room, the lights, and other details. Then, starting with familiar and concrete things, we can practice visualizing them in our minds. After becoming proficient, we can move on to imagining less familiar things.

If possible, we can practice visualizing all the tarot card images one by one in our minds. This will greatly help in interpreting cards. Sometimes, when we see someone or a situation, we may suddenly recall the image of a particular card. At that moment, we will understand the connection between the card and the actual situation, as well as the relationship between the card and its meaning.

However, the Seer method has a drawback. The images seen are often scattered and fragmented, lacking a logical sequence. Because this method is more spatial in nature, it lacks a temporal structure unless the Seer develops the ability to 'see time.' Therefore, it must be used in combination with other methods to avoid being fragmented and losing overall coherence.

(2)

Tarot players often encounter a problem when interpreting cards: when they see the card, they immediately search their mind for card meanings or past interpretation experiences. At this point, they may lose observation and overlook the information hinted at by the details on the card.

This is especially true for experienced players, who are more likely to reflexively recall card meanings upon seeing a card, interpreting it effortlessly. Although the accuracy is good, it still falls short of hitting the target perfectly. The reason is that if we only rely on past experiences to interpret cards, we lack awareness of the current situation. We may become a 'craftsman' of tarot, but not a 'master' of tarot.

The 'Observer' method has two main points: observing details and maintaining curiosity. An observer is open and curious. His eyes and ears are open, and he is interested in everything, including the most minute details. He often sees important signs in the least noticeable details. This is called 'responding to the opportunity' in Chinese, where the 'opportunity' often shines brightly in the unassuming places.

When facing tarot cards and the person receiving the reading, we should also open our senses. Remember, divination is not just about the cards themselves; it also includes the diviner, the person receiving the reading, and the entire space and time context. By carefully observing the details of the card images and the state of the person receiving the reading, we can read all the messages in the current time and space, and respond to the symbols on the cards accordingly. In this way, during the divination, we will find that our words hit the mark, deeply touching the heart of the person receiving the reading. At the same time, we will clearly understand what to say to be helpful to the person receiving the reading.

How can we apply the Observer method when interpreting cards? We can ask ourselves the following questions to remind ourselves: During the divination, do we keep an open mind, as if seeing the card for the first time, observing all the details of the image? What colors or symbols on the card particularly catch your attention? Do you feel the other person's state, atmosphere, even small movements, and whether they resonate with any symbol on the card? Are there any common elements on the card? Then observe and feel the sensations the card brings to you without preconceptions—this is the Observer method.

Observers are patient and often step back, not rushing to conclusions but maintaining a distance and observing all the details with interest.

The mindset that conflicts with the Observer method is rushing to show off or make a conclusion, known as 'instant judgment.' This mindset hinders our openness of mind, keeping us stuck in old experiences and preventing further progress.

The Observer method gives us again a space to re-examine whether any aspects of the interpreted cards have been overlooked.

The Observer method also has its shortcomings, as it can easily get lost in the details. When the details occupy all our attention, we may miss the big picture and lose sight of the whole. Therefore, we must train ourselves to develop another method—the 'Sage' method, which focuses on synthesis and simplification. In the next issue, we will discuss it in detail.

(3) The third method of interpreting cards is the 'Sage.'

The Sage likes to find a common rule within complex events. If the Observer is about discovering points, the Sage likes to connect these 'points' into 'lines.' The Sage's areas of interest include:

One is common points (characteristics, conditions), another is common lines (trends, trajectories), and the third is structure (overall considerations). What attracts their attention are the common aspects of things. They enjoy eliminating differences and finding a simple and effective principle.

In tarot interpretation, the Sage method is suitable for interpreting spreads, as interpreting a spread is prone to chaos, interpreting one card here and another there, resulting in contradictions and inconsistencies. The Sage prioritizes observing the 'flow' and 'position' of the spread structure before considering the meaning of the card in that flow and structural position. Then, within this structure, he pays special attention to the common parts of the card and integrates and summarizes them with the structure, finally finding a relatively logical answer.

Let me give an example. Take the Thoth deck, for instance. In a relationship spread, the man is represented by the Knight of Swords, the woman by the Nine of Swords, the relationship by the Death card, the challenge by the Five of Wands, and the outcome by the World.

The Sage would first look at the structure of the spread, and from the cards, we can roughly guess that the man and woman are arguing, and the man is being unreasonable (the Knight of Swords implies concentration and sharpness). The woman is very sad (the Nine of Swords shows tears and blood). The challenge is the Five of Wands (conflict), which highlights their conflict. From the structure of these three cards, we can summarize that the argument is between them. Also, since both are swords, we can conclude that the reason for the argument is probably a difference in ideas rather than emotional needs.

However, the outcome is the World, and the relationship is Death, which seems contradictory and hard to understand. Upon careful observation of these two cards, they share a common aspect: both signify endings and completion. Therefore, a person using the Sage method might speculate: the couple argues fiercely, even to the point of breaking up, and it's due to a difference in ideas. At the same time, the relationship might have the possibility of reconciliation, as it's mainly a difference in ideas, not an emotional breakdown. Also, Death and the World share another common aspect: rebirth and connection. Therefore, the solution could be: both sides need to adjust their views, be more accommodating towards each other's opinions, and speak more gently to avoid hurting each other. Then, the relationship has the potential for rebirth.

From the above example, we can see that the Sage method emphasizes logical reasoning and common aspects of the cards, finding a reasonable trajectory based on the common points. Therefore, this method is quite suitable for interpreting spreads.

However, the Sage method has a drawback: it overly emphasizes common aspects, which can sometimes lead to over-simplification and being too hasty or rough. This method is the opposite of the Observer method, and the openness and emphasis on details of the Observer can complement each other's shortcomings.

Next, we will talk about the 'Fool,' whose method sometimes opens up new horizons, giving us new surprises and new possibilities in tarot interpretation. We will discuss it in the next issue of the e-mail newsletter.

(4) The fourth method of interpreting cards is the 'Fool.'

This method feels harder to grasp because it primarily involves praising flaws, seeing possibilities in impossibilities, and finding hope in despair. It finds a way where others might think it's impossible, creating a new path.

The Fool has a characteristic of liking to go against the norm, taking roads others don't. However, it's not for the sake of opposing but because he understands that when things reach their limit, they naturally move to the other extreme. As the saying goes, darkness gives birth to light, and light gives birth to darkness, cycling endlessly. The Fool's chosen path often appears impractical on the surface but is actually feasible. Others might think this person is foolish, doing things that seem absurd, but later realize his correctness. Prophets are often regarded as fools and ridiculed by the masses.

But is simply going against or taking a different path the Fool's method? Probably not. To correctly use the Fool's method, one must first go through the thoughts of the Observer and Sage methods, then reverse the thinking, often discovering a new world of interpretation. Especially when we find the cards confusing and contradictory, the Fool's method often helps us find a way.

Or when we feel the interpretation is smooth, sometimes we can also think in reverse, possibly uncovering new metaphors hidden beneath the rational surface.

The Tower, the Devil, and Death are often seen as ominous cards. From the Fool's perspective, they are very good cards. The Tower and Death often imply destruction and ending, but without ending, how can there be a beginning? Without destruction, how can there be new life? As long as we face them calmly, rebirth becomes the next path.

The Devil represents desire and temptation, but isn't it also a reminder to face our desires, view them with a relaxed attitude? Desire is not a flood, but it becomes terrifying when we don't accept it and distort it into what we want. If we can face our desires and accept the results they bring, without avoidance or distortion, then desire will not bring pain. Even if it causes pain, as long as we face and go through it honestly, the damage can be minimized.

The World card seems to indicate completion and achievement, but completion also means an end. A flower reaching its peak will wither; a fruit matured will fall, and it also implies an end. So it may not always be a positive interpretation. From a new and different angle, looking at the same card from another side is the essence of the Fool method.

Therefore, when using the Fool method in interpretation, we can find inspiration on seemingly bad cards: a reminder of a solution; or on good cards, a warning of possible dangers.

For example, the Ace of Cups represents a state of self-satisfaction, but sometimes it can be too satisfied and lead to arrogance, so its appearance is not always a good sign.

Naturally, the Fool's path is not always about interpreting in the opposite way. Sometimes, when we think, "This interpretation doesn't seem possible," the Fool is waving to us! Be brave enough to 'interpret wildly,' then analyze and summarize afterward; maybe we can find new insights!

(5) The fifth method of interpreting cards is the 'Alchemist.'

The Alchemist method focuses on the integration of things. The Alchemist is like a chemist who combines different substances to create something new. Their focus and interests lie in arranging and combining different things to produce new meanings. If the Fool is the prototype of subversion and breaking conventions, the Alchemist is more about creation, seeking new combinations from existing things to generate new meanings.

The Alchemist's approach to interpreting cards centers on placing the cards together to consider what new meanings their combination might produce. For example, the Wheel of Fortune is a good card to practice this method. Its meaning is 'transcending individual will,' containing the concept of karma and reincarnation, and its meaning is relatively neutral, making it difficult to explain. At this point, it is best to look at it with other cards to see what kind of impact this karma has, but generally speaking, it has the connotation of [impossibility to resist].

Suppose the Wheel of Fortune is combined with Death, it may give a feeling of 'breaking down and rebuilding, dying and reviving,' and it is likely to be a shock from the environment. If this combination is asked about love, it probably means the couple has already broken up or is about to break up, and the person receiving the reading feels helpless and painful; if it is about work, he probably has already lost his job and was fired. If it is combined with the Tower, compared to Death, it is less favorable, as Death contains the idea of revival and rebirth; if it is the Tower, since its meaning is collapse, it may result in a longer period of low mood.

However, if it is combined with other cards, it may not be as easy. For example, how to interpret the combination of the Magician and Death? How would we use the Alchemist method to interpret this? We can first use the Seer method to reconstruct the images of these two cards in our minds and overlap them. Imagine putting these two cards into a furnace, blending them together.

What will finally emerge? It may vary each time, as it depends on the person receiving the reading and the circumstances at the time, leading to different outcomes. Therefore, this method is more related to inspiration and intuition.

Certainly, we can also, through practice in divination, gradually compile some rules and understand the new meanings that different card combinations may carry. We can start by practicing with pairs of cards, then gradually expand to three cards and even the entire spread.

Usually, those who use the Alchemist method need to have a certain level of familiarity with card meanings and academic knowledge. Then, put these things into your 'alchemical furnace,' and with an open and unbiased flame, they may produce surprising revelations.