The concept of not having one true or correct approach can apply to how you choose a deck, which deck you use, how you flip the cards over when doing a reading, what spreads you use, what books are best to read, what meanings of the cards are the "true" meanings and so on and so on. We all have our opinions about these.

As a Tarot reader and teacher for the past 25 years, however, there is one issue on which I stand firm, and that is whether or not to do repeated readings in a short space of time on the same question or issue. Many people believe that it is okay to do repeated readings on the same question, that it may even be a wise thing to do so. Proponents of this view say that repeated inquiries may take you deeper, allowing you to see new facets and new dimensions of the question or issue at hand. Proponents say that the Tarot images can act like a brainstorming session, releasing lots of creative and intuitive flashes.

The opposing point of view says this: once you lay the cards out in response to a question or issue, that is your answer. Take what you get and only that. If you don't like the answer or if you don't understand the answer, all the better. Sometimes the tension, confusion and dislike that we feel about certain cards and spreads help create a paradox and in that paradox comes a kind of creative problem-solving. New solutions and insights may come to you and you may find a resourcefulness you never knew you had. Finding your own solutions through this kind of process can be much more empowering than relying on the cards to tell you what may happen or what you should do. To keep repeating the question invalidates the power and message of the first cards you chose. It is best to let the images that you have chosen impart their message. So lay the cards out and keep these cards out, in plain sight. Look at them every day. If you are a beginner with the Tarot, read the various definitions from different books. See what the images have to say from one day to the next. Each card has many levels and layers of meanings. These images appeared in your reading, you chose them for a reason, let them speak to you. Further, this point of view holds true when you consult any oracle, whether it is Tarot, the I Ching, Rune Stones and the like. The medium contains the message, trust its inherent wisdom to come through on your first contact. (Please note: There is a fine line here between repeating a question because you don't like or understand the answer that the cards offered verses a sincere desire for clarification. Pulling ONE other card strictly for clarification purposes may be acceptable, but the intent with which you do this is critical).

When you repeatedly ask a question of any oracle, the message you are sending to Spirit, to your own unconscious mind and your intuitive mind is this: "I DON'T TRUST YOU." Sending such an invalidating signal to the unconscious can set up a negative sequence of events in which you will begin to distrust other cards, other intuitive tools and perhaps even begin to doubt your intuition altogether. Diane Skafte in her wonderful book, Listening to the Oracle, says: "You may ask for clarification . . . . but an old rule of divination says that you should not ask the same question twice in a row." For those of us who use various oracles for spiritual and mystical wisdom, this is sage advice. Skafte emphasizes the importance of bringing reverence to the divinatory experience. Repeatedly asking an oracle the same question does not convey reverence or trust, it conveys fear and disbelief.

A friend of mine recently broke up with her boyfriend. She desperately wanted the relationship back and over a period of several weeks, did repeated readings with the Tarot and the I Ching, hoping for a sign that the man would return, or that he still loved her. In fact, she was so obsessed that she barely took the time to digest the messages that were coming through. Her obsessive behavior is a good example of what not to do when consulting an oracle. We all need to slow down, breathe, step back and truly listen to Spirit's guidance.

Ultimately, we each have to find our own system for working with oracles like the Tarot. There are no right or wrong answers. Use your good judgement and intuition when doing readings. If a person comes to you and wants to ask the same question over, or if you find yourself seeking to ask again and again, determine what is beneath that desire. Sometimes you may have to be firm and simply say, "You have received an answer, spend some time with it and with the message that Spirit has sent to you through these images."