How much does your mood affect your readings?

tealily · #1 03-03-2013, 10:57 AM

I've been thinking this for a while, but I'm beginning to fully realise how much my moods affect my readings. If I'm angry or irritated, a lot of negative cards come up - if I'm neutral (or better yet, calm and peaceful) then a more 'natural' spread of cards tends to come up.

I was doing some readings this afternoon - then something unexpected came up that really irritated me (have plans to go on a long weekend holiday with a friend next weekend - just received a message saying I might be required back at uni a day earlier which may affect our travel plans). All the readings post-irritation not only contradicted what came up a few moments earlier, but were much more negative :O

#2 03-03-2013, 05:51 PM

THANK GOD someone else noticed this besides me!

I've been a novice reader for a few months, with no intentions of being serious. The one thing I have realized is exactly what you're talking about--whenever I'm sad, or mad, or something has played with my mind, I get a negative reading. If I'm neutral, I get a "real" reading.

I have been so confused as to why other tarot readers never discuss this. I feel as though the cards read my moods! This is why I can't read for myself...I care too much about the outcome, so I think it affects the cards that show up. I can't trust the readings I do for myself.

So happy you shared your thoughts on this, because I feel the same way!

Kaere · #3 03-03-2013, 05:55 PM

You must be very calm and centred or you will miss the messages coming to you. Cards are just pretty pictures on cardstock, yeah? They have symbols and such, but can be positive or negative, it's all about what you're open to seeing. If you're in a bad mood, you're going to find negativity everywhere, if you're in a great mood you're going to find positivity everywhere. A balanced state of mind is preferable so the message can come through unaffected by the reader.

It's really quite important.

Lengar79 · #4 03-03-2013, 06:11 PM

Mediate, shield and ground yourself before you start the readings, I also like to burn incense to help me get rid of the negative energy around me. Take it as a ritual before your readings. Good luck!!

#5 03-03-2013, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaere

You must be very calm and centred or you will miss the messages coming to you. Cards are just pretty pictures on cardstock, yeah? They have symbols and such, but can be positive or negative, it's all about what you're open to seeing. If you're in a bad mood, you're going to find negativity everywhere, if you're in a great mood you're going to find positivity everywhere. A balanced state of mind is preferable so the message can come through unaffected by the reader.

It's really quite important.

With me, it's not about how I interpret the cards. If I'm in a horrible mood and I read, I will literally pull negative cards (i.e. 3 of swords, 5 of cups, tower, etc.). If I do teh same reading when I'm feeling neutral, my spread will not be affected and although there may be negative cards in the spread, it's because they belong there--they weren't affected by my mood.

Kaere · #6 03-03-2013, 06:24 PM

I don't see the cards as inherently negative or positive as you do. The tower doesn't have to be negative - it's just a sudden insight, sudden change. 3 of swords doesn't have to be negative - it's just an indication of confliction, conflict doesn't have to be negative. 5 of cups can be a positive move to stop dwelling in the past, positive motivation to change ones mindset.

If you feel your mood is affecting your readings, then don't read when you're moody. Centre yourself to give the best reading you can, not coloured by yourself.

Belle · #7 03-03-2013, 06:41 PM

What Kaere said. It is far far too easy to project on to the card the state of the psyche and read what might not be there. By taking a step back the cards can find their rightful place and speak to you what they have to say, which may mean leaving them for a day or two - even longer. I pulled a card about 10 days ago in a moment of despair that is still speaking to me volumes - it was suggested to me to pick one and just sit with it. I got 9 cups - how un-negative is that.

I also find in despair (or elated moods) that I tell the cards what they are saying rather than allow the message to come to me.

I'm much much more cautious now with my use of cards, they are powerful, and I know they should be handled with respect and honour.

The worst reading I had included: Tower, Devil, Death, Hanged Man - forget what else - but was it a negative reading? Absolute no. It was rife with opportunity, change, new beginnings etc.

#8 03-03-2013, 11:04 PM

It definitely effects my readings. I just stay away when I am in a bad mood or very stressed. I only read for myself and friends, which is good because sometimes I just can't read them. I go through periods where I draw a blank on everything. It is really odd. It can last for months, then I am back in touch with the cards again and they are blowing my mind!