Tarot 101: Do Your Feelings Mess With Your Tarot Cards? (Spoiler Alert: Maybe)

Let's be honest – we've all been there. You're having the absolute worst day imaginable (your coffee maker broke, you stubbed your toe, and Mercury is probably doing something weird again), so you decide to get a tarot card reading (probably from Black Sheep Gypsies because you heard Amanda was that good…) for guidance. But instead of the gentle, nurturing advice you're hoping for, you get The Tower, Death, and the Ten of Swords. Thanks a lot, universe.

So what gives? Are your cards just having a bad day too, or is your current emotional state somehow hijacking your reading? Well, grab a cup of tea (or wine, no judgment here) and let's dive into this mystical mess.

The Case for "Yes, Your Feelings Matter"

Think about it this way: when the cards are being shuffled, it’s not just a mindless mixing up of pieces of cardboard. Whether you believe in cosmic energy, psychological projection, or just really good intuition, your emotional state is definitely part of the equation.

When you're anxious, you might interpret even the most positive cards through a lens of doom and gloom. The Sun card shows up? "Well, this probably means I'm going to get sunburned and ruin my vacation." The Three of Cups appears? "Great, my friends are probably planning to abandon me."

It's like wearing those funky-colored sunglasses – everything you see gets tinted by whatever shade you're looking through. If you're wearing anxiety-colored glasses, even The Fool's optimistic leap looks like a recipe for disaster.

Your Subconscious is a Sneaky Little Thing

Here's where it gets interesting (and slightly spooky). Your subconscious mind is constantly processing information you're not even aware of. When the cards are being shuffled, that same subconscious might be guiding which cards feel "right" based on what it thinks you need to hear – or what it's afraid you'll hear.

Ever notice how when you're feeling insecure about a relationship, you somehow always manage to get cards about love and communication? Or when you're stressed about money, financial cards seem to jump out of the deck like they're personally offended by your bank account balance?

It's almost like your inner wisdom (or inner drama queen) is having a conversation with the cards. Sometimes that's incredibly helpful. Other times, it's like letting your most neurotic friend pick your outfit – technically they're trying to help, but the results might be questionable.

The "Grounding Yourself" Solution

Before you swear off tarot forever and resign yourself to making all decisions by flipping a coin, there are ways to work with your emotions rather than against them. Many experienced readers swear by grounding techniques before touching their cards.

This might mean taking a few deep breaths, meditating for a minute (or five, if you're feeling fancy), or even just acknowledging your current mood: "Okay cards, I'm feeling pretty stressed about this job interview, so please be gentle with me today." It's like giving the deck a little emotional weather report.

It’s always a good idea to cleanse the cards between readings – not because the cards are dirty (though if you eat chips while reading, maybe give them a wipe), but to clear any lingering emotional energy from previous sessions. Others prefer to work with their emotions, viewing them as valuable information that can enhance the reading rather than distort it.

The Plot Twist: Maybe Emotions Are Part of the Point

Here's a wild thought – what if your emotional state isn't messing up your reading, but actually making it more accurate? Maybe the cards are responding to where you are right now, in this moment, with all your feelings and fears and hopes tangled up together.

After all, you're not asking the cards about some hypothetical person's life. You're asking about YOUR life, complete with your current emotional baggage (we all have some – it's fine). So maybe it makes sense that your feelings would be part of the conversation.

Think of it like this: if your best friend asked you for advice while they were clearly upset, you wouldn't ignore their emotional state and give them the same advice you'd give if they were feeling confident and centered. You'd factor in how they're feeling because it's relevant to their situation.

The Bottom Line (With a Side of Common Sense)

So do emotions affect tarot readings? Probably, yes. Is that necessarily a bad thing? Not really. The key is being aware of your emotional state and deciding how much weight to give it.

If you're having a panic attack about whether your crush likes you back, maybe that's not the ideal time for a love reading – you might interpret "The Lovers" as "they definitely hate you" somehow. But if you're feeling contemplative and open to insight, your emotions might actually help you connect more deeply with the cards' messages.

The most important thing is to remember that tarot cards – whether you see them as mystical guides or psychological tools – are meant to be helpful, not anxiety-inducing. If a reading is making you feel worse instead of providing clarity or comfort, it might be worth taking a step back and trying again when you're in a different headspace.

And hey, if all else fails, you can always blame Mercury retrograde. That's what it's there for, right?

Final Thoughts (Because We All Need Closure)

At the end of the day, tarot is a tool for reflection and guidance, not a crystal ball that predicts your inevitable doom. Your emotions are part of who you are, and they bring valuable information to any reading. The trick is learning to work with them rather than letting them run the whole show.

So the next time you're feeling emotionally chaotic and considering a tarot reading, maybe start with a simple question: "What do I need to know right now?" Let the cards meet you where you are, feelings and all. You might be surprised by how wise and compassionate the guidance can be – even when you're wearing those anxiety-colored glasses.

And remember, if the cards tell you something you really don't want to hear, you can always shuffle and try again. They're usually pretty understanding about do-overs.