Tarot cards, associated with divination in the 18th century and card games in the 15th, Its more contemporary evolution has led to association with introspective practices and has become a popular psychological and spiritual tool. As an important historical icon, it mystifies and captivates those in search of understanding.
Benefits of Reading Tarot
Tarot transcends fortune-telling, focusing on life’s difficulties while enhancing one’s intuition and perspective. This is especially true when reading for oneself:
Self-exploration is made easier. Personal thoughts, emotions and decisions appreciate on a deeper level.
Problematic circumstances are easier to process.
A reflective mental break is facilitated.
Understanding the Tarot Deck
Prior to reading cards, it’s key to familiarize oneself with both the structure and the individual functions of the deck.
The Minor Arcana
The Tarot deck is 78 cards deep: the 22 Major Arcana comprise of critical life themes, and archetypes, while The Fool marks new beginnings, The Lovers signify relationships and choices, and The World depicts completion. The Minors deal with everyday matters and low stakes events.
The Minor Arcana
The next 56 cards comprise the Minor Arcana which depicts simple day-to-day activities and situations. These are divided into four suits:
Cups (emotions and feelings)
Pentacles (business and material wealth)
Wands (passion, action, and zeal)
Swords (communication and conflict)
Each suit has cards 1 through 10 and 4 face cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King) which help in deepening your interpretations.
Preparing for a Reading
Having clarity and focus before the reading makes it more effective. Here are ways in which you can get ready:
Set Your Intention
Before you begin, think about the possible outcomes you wish to achieve after the reading. Is it a specific matter you wish to shed some light onto or is it a general overview of themes in your life? Having a defined question or an intention aids in framing the focus of the cards.
Create a Sacred Space
Pick an area which is secluded and free from disturbance. You can light candles, burn incense sticks, or have crystals around which improves the energy of the space. Having these aids can help elevate focus and give meaning to the reading as a mindful activity.
How to Read Tarot Step by Step
Step 1: Shuffle the Cards
Take the Tarot deck into your hands and shuffle it like you would a normal playing card deck. This step requires you to clear your mind as you want to envision your question or intention. While shuffling the energy from previous readings gets disconnected, and you can connect yourself to the deck.
Step 2: Select Your Cards
Based on the spread that you intend to use, draw your cards. If you are just starting, I strongly suggest the three card spread: Card 1: Past Card 2: Present Card 3: Future
As you become more comfortable, you may wish to try other spreads such as the Celtic Cross or simple single card draws.
Step 3: Arranging and Card Observation
After the cards have been chosen, keenly observe them to check them against the overall artwork and check if the elements used resonate with the deck. Do not only look at the cards in isolation but rather their connection to one another and the greater artwork as well as their interplay.
Assign Meaning to the Cards
Remember card meanings should only partially be learned so you have structure to work with. Mostly, you should rely on your intuition.
Learn Core Meanings
Get the basic meanings from a tarot guidebook or the internet to get competent with the cards. For instance; Fool is a card that indicates new beginnings, a journey, or taking a risk. Three of Swords indicates heartbreak, emotional pain or separation.
Notice the Symbolism
Tarot cards have a lot of symbolism. Pay attention to the imagery, symbols, and colors, as they tend to be more interpretative. For example, water in Tarot often denotes emotions and the subconscious.
Trust your gut feeling
With time, your intuition will be guiding you more with the readings. Trust the thoughts or feelings that pop into your mind when you will start working with the cards. Your past experience might give you a novel way of interpreting things.
Practicing and Developing Gut feeling
As with any other skill, Tarot reading requires practice. Here are some steps to increase your abilities:
Document Your Readings: Step by step instructions as to why I interpret the spreads and outcomes as I do. Stepping through past readings helps you to track patterns and improve.
Connect with Tarot Readers: Search for forums and local meetups to learn and share ideas with knowledgeable readers.
Meditate with the Cards: Comfortably select one card and focus on the image, thinking, “What is the energy of this card and what is its application in my life?”
Ethics
Like any other activity, tarot reading has ethical responsibilities especially when you are reading for yourself or other people.
Refrain from treating the tarot as the absolute truth and guidance. Consider it a tool.
Steer clear off making practical steps based off solely of the reading.
Comments from others shouldn’t stick to you and you should not be invading others’ space without permission.
Do not worry, we will guide you every step of the way to starting your journey with Tarot cards.
Doing Tarot readings by yourself is incredibly satisfying considering the effort put in. It takes time so do not forget to put in the effort needed to connect meaningfully with Tarot cards.
If you want to dive deeper into your practice, look for classes or even Tarot workshops or other resources you can find online. Keep in mind, the information Tarot gives is just a reflection of your inner spirit.
Wishing you all the best in your readings!
