Tarot card reading is an intricate spiritual practice that requires time and dedication, yet the basics can be learned with some guidance and practice.
Ferguson emphasizes the value of learning the cards through journaling to increase intuition and boost confidence, noting that tarot should not be used as a way of foretelling future events but instead used as an exploration method.
Shuffle the Cards
For maximum effectiveness in any reading, it’s crucial that the cards are shuffled carefully. Tarot cards are an ancient system designed to generate random synchronicity; by shuffling, all their energies can come together more readily. Doing this also increases the likelihood that intuitive guidance from these random connections.
There are various ways to shuffle cards, and it is up to you to find what method best works for you. It is recommended that when working with a new deck that you shuffle it at least seven times to ensure all cards have been evenly mixed together.
Before beginning to shuffle cards, it’s advisable to set aside some time for yourself and to focus on what your intention for this reading should be. Meditation or taking several deep breaths may help clear your mind; additionally, focus on what question or energy you wish to bring into this reading experience.
Tarot readers often cut the deck once they have finished shuffling to signal their intention and prepare to read from it. Cutting is also used as a way of mixing all the cards thoroughly without leaving any trace from previous readings or interactions between people lingering behind in them; some tarot readers also draw from the bottom, often known as a shadow card or foundation card, for setting an atmosphere before beginning a reading.
Set Your Intention
Establishing an intention before beginning any reading can help focus and prepare yourself to receive guidance from the cards. Setting an intention also offers you a chance to connect with your intuition and trust in the Universe, and whether or not you write down your goal it’s essential to keep this intention in mind as you shuffle, cut and lay out cards for a reading session.
Your intentions can be as complex or straightforward as you desire; just find what puts your mind in a relaxed and focused state. Some like to light candles or use incense or crystals; others may prefer listening to gentle music in the background; whatever method works for you, make sure your intent is crystal clear so you can feel its influence throughout your body.
Setting an intention for a tarot reading typically involves asking an open-ended question that will guide what guidance the cards give you. Beginners might benefit from starting this way because this creates space to act on any insights received through readings.
When setting an intention for a tarot card reading, it’s best to avoid questions that have multiple answers or contain negations clauses, as this can often lead to more confusion than accurate interpretations of the cards. Instead, Ferguson suggests starting questions with words such as “how” or “what,” giving yourself more freedom in how you interpret your cards. You could also try writing your intentions down on paper before physically tearing it up and offering it up to nature or placing it into water as another means of release into your environment.
Draw a Card
A tarot reading involves shuffling and fanning out a deck of cards before selecting one at random for placement in the spread, each position representing different meaning. Readings may be conducted for oneself or another person. Either way, the process generally remains the same: The querent (meaning “one who seeks”) examines their cards before asking any relevant questions for guidance.
Before beginning reading, it is essential that you gather the materials required for a successful session. Tarot cards may be an obvious starting point; however, having a journal nearby allows for recording thoughts and emotions during your reading experience. Protecting them with cloth also adds another level of sacred space within which to experience your reading session.
Simply spend time with them, especially for cards like four of pentacles – study their art and energy, read their descriptions in a guidebook, take note of keywords that resonate with you – until eventually, your intuition begins reading these cards intuitively relating them back into your life.
If you need more structure, there are numerous tarot reading books and online classes (like those by expert Jessica Dore) available to sharpen your skills. Tarot can also serve as a form of meditation and mindfulness practice; practicing it may give a sense of grounding while tapping into intuition.
Ask a Question
Tarot cards were initially popular as parlor games during the 16th and 17th centuries, but have since evolved into a powerful tool of divination and self-reflection. Tarot readings can help tap into our intuition and insight for guidance through life’s challenges and opportunities with grace. Tarot readings may be done either with professional assistance from a reader or on our own using a traditional deck (or an oracle deck).
Step one of a tarot reading involves asking an open-ended or more targeted query, such as, “What should my next steps be?” or more directly “How can I adapt to this change quickly and with grace?”.
Once you have your question, it’s important to take some time for self-reflection and centering. Focusing your intentions will bring the best results – as Bess Matassa of AstroTarot puts it: tarot is all about tuning in rather than tuning out; she recommends practicing meditation and mindfulness to enhance interpretation skills when drawing and reading cards.
As a beginner, it is best to begin using a traditional 78 card Tarot deck organized into Major and Minor Arcana groups; however, oracle decks featuring identifiable suits may also prove helpful.
As soon as you’re ready to ask questions, you have two options for extracting answers: picking one card at random for a simple reading or using multiple cards to form what’s known as a spread. In general, including more cards in your spread will lead to deeper and more in-depth readings; for beginners however, we suggest starting with just three cards to ensure it remains focused and straightforward.
Ask for Guidance
Tarot readings should provide more than answers; they offer guidance that will lead to positive, action-oriented outcomes. As such, it’s crucial that when asking empowering questions for reading, your focus should remain on positive outcomes rather than finding solutions for immediate needs.
As opposed to asking if your crush likes you back or someone hates you, why don’t you instead ask how things could get better between the two of you. In this way, the cards may provide more useful answers than asking whether they do or don’t like you back.
Tarot reading can provide insight and answers for everyday problems; however, beginners often benefit from practicing on their own regularly by reading each day from their deck of cards – this allows them to become comfortable with them as well as cultivate mindfulness through this practice.
Tarot readings can be an amazing way to gain access to your inner intuition and develop your skills. A Tarot journal can also serve as an excellent way to keep track of your development and gain confidence in yourself and your abilities.
Once you’ve mastered reading for yourself, the next step should be reading for others. Before doing this, however, make sure that your space and mind have been cleansed by taking some deep breaths, visualizing a white light enclosing you, or clearing your energy. Also writing down questions prior to beginning any reading can ensure you don’t miss any key details; once finished with readings it is time to consider the answers received and how they apply to life in general.