I use them as a guide. I find I get more accurate readings when I do them myself though. The energy I put into them I take out. I believe they can be a way of reflection and channeling what you need to see at the time. All but one reading I have done for myself made complete sense and was something I needed to hear or process at the time. Whether it's me reading into them, or me channeling something, I just know it works for me... I think everyone has their spiritual guides, be it religion, tarot cards, science, or something else... I think most humans crave a belief in something greater than the sum of all these parts.