When Tarot Cards Don’t Make Sense: Navigating Confusing Readings

Understanding Tarot Readings

Tarot cards are powerful tools for gaining insights, guidance, and clarity. However, there are times when a tarot reading may seem confusing or nonsensical. When the cards don’t make sense, it can be frustrating and leave you questioning the accuracy of the reading. This article explores why tarot cards might not make sense and provides strategies for navigating these perplexing moments.

Common Reasons Tarot Cards Don’t Make Sense

Lack of Focus or Clarity

One of the primary reasons a tarot reading may not make sense is a lack of focus or clarity in the question asked. Vague or overly broad questions can result in ambiguous or confusing readings.

Solution: Formulate clear, specific questions before starting your reading. For example, instead of asking, “What will happen in my future?” ask, “What steps can I take to improve my career prospects in the next six months?”

Emotional State

Your emotional state can significantly impact the reading. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or emotionally overwhelmed, it can be challenging to interpret the cards objectively.

Solution: Take a few moments to calm your mind and center yourself before beginning the reading. Deep breathing, meditation, or a short walk can help you achieve a more balanced state of mind.

Overcomplicating Interpretations

Sometimes, readers can overcomplicate their interpretations by trying to find hidden meanings or by focusing too much on the details of each card rather than the overall message.

Solution: Simplify your approach. Focus on the primary meanings of the cards and look at the big picture rather than getting bogged down in minor details. Trust your intuition to guide you.

Lack of Experience

If you are relatively new to tarot reading, you may find it challenging to interpret the cards accurately. Understanding the nuances of each card and how they interact in a spread takes time and practice.

Solution: Continue studying the cards and practice regularly. Use resources such as books, online courses, and tarot communities to deepen your knowledge and improve your skills.

Strategies for Making Sense of Confusing Readings

Take a Break

If the reading doesn’t make sense, it can be helpful to take a break. Step away from the cards for a while and return with a fresh perspective. This pause can help clear your mind and provide new insights when you revisit the reading.

Reflect on the Question

Re-examine the question you asked before the reading. Ensure that it was clear and specific. If necessary, rephrase the question and conduct a new reading with a more focused inquiry.

Use a Different Spread

Sometimes, the spread you use might not be the best fit for the question. If the current spread isn’t providing clarity, try using a different spread that might better suit your inquiry.

Journal Your Thoughts

Writing down your thoughts and interpretations can help you process the reading more effectively. Describe each card, its position, and your initial impressions. Reflecting on the reading in writing can often reveal connections and insights that weren’t immediately apparent.

Seek External Perspectives

Consulting with a more experienced tarot reader or participating in tarot forums and communities can provide valuable external perspectives. Others might offer insights or interpretations that you hadn’t considered.

Trust the Process

Sometimes, the meaning of a tarot reading may not be immediately clear. Trust that the cards are providing useful information, even if it doesn’t make sense right away. With time and reflection, the message may become more apparent.

Examples of Common Confusions and Their Solutions

Example 1: Contradictory Cards

Issue: The spread includes cards that seem to contradict each other, such as The Sun (positivity) and The Tower (upheaval).
Solution: Look for the underlying message. These cards together might indicate that a period of disruption (The Tower) is necessary for future happiness and growth (The Sun).

Example 2: Repeating Cards

Issue: The same cards keep appearing in different readings.
Solution: Pay extra attention to these cards. They may carry an important message that you haven’t fully understood yet. Reflect on their meanings in the context of your current life situation.

Example 3: Blank Mind

Issue: You draw a card, but nothing comes to mind regarding its meaning.
Solution: Take a deep breath and relax. Look at the card’s imagery and let your intuition guide you. Consider its traditional meanings and how it might relate to your question. If you’re still stuck, draw an additional card for clarification.

Conclusion

When tarot cards don’t make sense, it’s important to remain patient and open-minded. Confusing readings can be opportunities for deeper reflection and growth. By using the strategies outlined in this article, you can navigate through perplexing moments and uncover the valuable insights that tarot has to offer. Remember, tarot is a journey of self-discovery, and every reading, whether clear or confusing, is part of that journey.