Hi Cybee, and other tarot experts. I am returning here after a long time, and am glad to see some action here. Also its good to see that we have a teacher among us. I have a couple of questions for you experts!

1. Interpretation on Court Cards - I have struggled most with this. Do you have any links, articles, etc which give a more detailed interpretation on the court cards? Frankly, I do get a little lost when a court card comes up in a reading. I was told that in most cases, these represent a person, but sometimes it doesnt seem to be the case. Can someone throw more light on this?

2. Time Prediction - I really do not know how to answer questions which have a time aspect. Eg. By when will I possibly get a promotion, etc etc. I read somewhere that Wands represent weeks, swords months, pentacles years and cups days. So we can use cards 1-10 of minor arcana suits to answer these questions. Frankly, I am not entirely convinced! Could someone give more pointers?

3. Frequency - For example, if I am doing a reading for myself, and I ask a particular question... for how long should I wait before asking the same question again to the tarot decks?

4. Spreads / Layouts - I mostly use Celtic Cross, 3 Card spread and Horseshoe spread. Is there any other spread which I can use to answer qustions specific to :
a. Relationships
b. Making a choice between 2 options
c. Predicting timeframes

5. Reversed Cards - I still do not feel comfy using reversed card meanings. How imprtant is it? What are your thoughts on the same.

I hope these questions help other bussing readers in ther quest to clear the air around this mysterious science.

Cheers!

Hi Niravcal - Sorry to say that Cybee is no longer on this board.  He does have a site of his own though, but I'm asked not to promote it.  I will try to do my best to answer some of your questions from the information that I have found on the subjects from the internet and several books that I have.  Keep in mind, I am also a student  

1) Interpreting the court cards:  I have found that they can be interpreted either that a person, with the characteristics represented by the card, will or has entered the querrants life or it is time to exhibit these qualities within their life.  Example - Queen of cups could mean that a mature, emotionally secure, loving, intuitive woman will enter or play an important role in the persons life.  Or it could mean that it is time for the person to exhibit or get in touch with the qualities of the Queen such as emotional security, lovingness, intuition, etc...

2) Time prediction - I have a hard time with the timing question also.  Cybee posted some very usefull information in the lessons board.  Here is the link:  Also keep in mind that  you may not always get a specific answer that you are looking for.  Maybe what ever the querrant is trying to find out won't happen.  Then you wouldn't get a clue to a timeline.  Don't be afraid to say "I just don't see that in the cards now, maybe next time it will be more clear".

3) Frequency - I'm not sure about this one.  I would think that you could ask the question as frequently as you like.  Our lives are changing every minute.  Decisions are being made by us and others that effects the outcome of our life all the time so too may the answers to your questions.

4) Spreads and layouts - here are a couple links to some sites that have different layouts you can try.
http://www.learntarot.com/
http://www.angelpaths.com/spreads.html - I think this one is the best of the two

5) Reversed cards - from what I have learned, the original tarot readers from way back when didn't use reversed cards.  This is a relatively new addition to tarot reading.  If you don't feel comfortable with it, then don't use it.  Some readers say that it adds more to their reading, but for me it just adds more to figure out and I have a hard enough time at it already so keep it simple until you feel like your ready for it or not.  It's all about what works for you.

I hope I helped in some way.  I know I'm no expert, but I try to pass on info that I have gathered.

Is there a difference if you leave you decks in the well lighted room
compared to a dim lit room

if so why ?

I haven't heard of this.  Sorry

Hi, babe.  I'm no expert, either, but here is my advice from my references.

1.  The court cards of each suit I usually interpret to mean a person in the questioner's life, exhibiting the qualities of or exerting the influence of the card (but not always, e.g. Chevaliers, which may be more of a force at work than a person).  Don't forget it may be someone in the background, whose presence/influence the questioner may not be aware of, but who is affecting the outcome nevertheless.  Also, it may be that the questioner themselves is exhibiting these qualities with regard to the specific situation.

These are the definitions I follow:

Roi des Epees:  Represents power, authority and the law.
DIVINATORY: An active and determined man. Experienced. Authoritative. Controlled. Commanding. A professional man. Highly analytical. Justice. Force. Power. Superiority.
REVERSE: A person who may pursue a matter to ruin. Cruelty. Conflict. Selfishness. A sadist. A dangerous person. A wicked person.

Reine des Epees: She stands with upraised sword, her left hand raised as if to signify recognition or generosity. She is one who has suffered a great loss.
DIVINATORY: A sharp, quick-witted, keen person. Possibly the bearer of evil or slanderous words. May signify a widow or woman of sadness. Mourning. Privation. Loneliness. Separation.
REVERSE: Narrowmindedness. Maliciousness. Bigotry. Deceitfulness. Vengefulness. Prudishness. A treacherous enemy.

Chevalier des Epees: He is the defender of good and the opponent of evil. He symbolises chivalry and bravery. He is good at heart and courageous. He is the forerunner of activity. His traits include a shrewdness which is difficult to perceive.
DIVINATORY: Bravery. Skill. Capacity. The strength and dash of a young man. Heroic action. Opposition and war. The headlong rush into the unknown without fear. The surrounding cards will indicate the influences around the Chevalier in his gallant pursuit.
REVERSE: Incapacity. Imprudence. Dispute or ruin over a woman. Impulsive mistakes. Conceited fool.

Valet des Epees: Stands firmly with a sword in his right hand.
DIVINATORY: A person adept at perceiving, discerning and uncovering the unknown or less obvious. He has the quality of perception. Vigilance. Agility. Spying.
REVERSE: To be revealed as an imposter. Unprepared state. Unforeseen. Illness is also possible. Powerless in the face of stronger forces.

Roi des Batons: More noble and elderly than Le Roi des Epees. He is loyal and devoted.
DIVINATORY: An honest and conscientious person. Mature. Wise. Devoted. Friendly. Sympathetic. Educated.
REVERSE: Severity. Austerity. Somewhat excessive and exaggerated ideas. Dogmatic.

Reine des Batons: She is a practical person with good common sense.
DIVINATORY: A sympathetic and understanding person. Friendly. Loving. Honorable. Chaste. Practical. Full of feminine charm and grace.
REVERSE: Jealousy. Deceit. Possible infidelity. Unstable emotions. Fickleness.

Chevalier des Batons: Horse rearing, he raises his club in preparation for charging or advancing. He is in a hurry, and he indicates change.
DIVINATORY: Departure. Journey. Advancement into the unknown. Alteration. Flight. Absence.
REVERSE: Discord. Interruption. Unexpected change. Quarreling. Breakup of personal relationships.

Valet des Batons: A  messenger or bearer of unusual news.
DIVINATORY: A faithful and loyal person. An envoy. Emissary. Entrusted friend. A stranger with good intentions.
REVERSE: Indecision in proceeding. Reluctance. Instability. Unable to make decisions. A gossip. Bearer of bad tidings. Displeasure.

Roi des Coupes: He is kind and considerate, level-headed and responsible.
DIVINATORY: A man of responsibility and creativity. Learned person. Professional. Businessman. Lawyer. Artist. Religious person. Scientist. A considerate person. Kindly. Reliable. Responsible.
REVERSE: Artistic temperament. Double-dealing. Dishonesty. Scandal. Loss. Ruin. Injustice.

Reine des Coupes: A loving, devoted and practical person.
DIVINATORY: A warm-hearted and fair person. Beloved. Adored. Good friend and mother. Devoted wife. Practical. Honest.
REVERSE: Inconsistency of honour. Possible immorality. Dishonesty. Unreliability.

Chevalier des Coupes: Rides his horse gracefully and appears contemplative.
DIVINATORY: An invitation or opportunity may soon arise. Attraction. Inducement. Appeal. Request. Challenge. Proposal.
REVERSE: Subtlety. Artifice. Trickery. Deception. Fraud. A sly and cunning person.

Valet des Coupes: A loyal and helpful person.
DIVINATORY: A studious and intent person. Reflective. Meditative. Loyal. Willing to offer services and efforts towards a specific goal.
REVERSE: Disinclination. Deviation. Susceptibility. Temporary distraction.

Roi des Deniers: An experienced, capable and prosperous person.
DIVINATORY: An experienced and successful leader. A person of character and intelligence. Business acumen. Mathematical ability. Loyal friend.
REVERSE: Corruption. Using any means to achieve the desired end. Vice. Avarice. Unfaithfulness.

Reine des Deniers: She represents intelligence, awareness and generosity.
DIVINATORY: Prosperity and well-being. Wealth. Abundance. Luxury. Extreme comfort. Generosity. Security. Liberty. Magnificence. Grace. Dignity.
REVERSE: False prosperity. Suspense. Suspicion. Responsibilities neglected. Vicious person. Untrusting person.

Chevalier des Deniers: Signifies confidence and accomplishment.
DIVINATORY: A mature and responsible person. Reliable. Methodical. Patient. Persistent. Ability to conclude a task.
REVERSE: Stagnation. Carelessness. Inertia. Lack of determination or direction. Narrow-mindedness. Limited by dogmatic views.

Valet des Deniers: Articulate but a dreamer, unaware of that which is about him.
DIVINATORY: Deep concentration and application. Study. Scholarship. Reflection. Respect for knowledge. Desire for learning and new ideas.
REVERSE: An unrealistic person. Failure to recognize obvious facts. Dissipation of ideas. Illogical thinking. Rebelliousness.

2) Time prediction (e.g. when will I get a promotion?).  I advise that this is not the way to ask.  A time limit must be given, as circumstances are changing constantly, due to the actions of the questioner and others.  So ask: will I be promoted during the next year, or six months.  (Too far ahead and the answer will just be that it depends on many things.) Then use a 7 card spread for a "yes or no":

3) Separate Major Arcana from Lesser.  Questioner shuffles Lesser Arcana & deals out the top 11 cards on to the Major.  Remaining Lesser are set aside. Questioner then shuffles new pile of 11 Lesser and 22 Major Arcana while repeating the question to be answered, which must be phrased for a "yes or no" answer.

Diviner deals top 7 face up, left to right, in groups of 2 (past), 3 (present), 2 (future).

If the 1st card is reversed, turn the remaining six top to bottom instead of left to right.

Cards represent (left to right): Distant past; Immediate past; Present influences; Present obstacles; Present outlook; Future influences; Ultimate result.

If 4 or more cards are inverted, the answer is usually no, or little likelihood of a yes, or a delayed yes.

4) If you are asking the same question, and circumstances have not obviously changed, I would wait several months.  Guidance is not likely to be given if you keep asking the same question because you did not like the last answer!

Hope you find some of this useful.

Best wishes.