Tarot card reading is an intuitive art that employs cards with symbolism and its structure to help predict the outcome of situations, using a spread. Here’s the step by step we’ve written out for you to get started:
Understanding the Deck
The Structure:
Major Arcana: A set of 22 cards which reflect major life events and spiritual lessons.
Minor Arcana: 56 cards split into four suits (Cups, Pentacles, Swords, Wands) Depicting the every day goings on.
Card Meanings:
Major Arcana: Each card represents an archetype (The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, etc.)
Minor Arcana: All suits relate to different aspects of life;
- Chalices: Love and emotions
- Pentacles: Materiality, and career
- Intellect and combat — Swords
- Wands: Creativity and action
Court Cards : Four court cards per suit (Page, Knight, Queen, King) = people/personality traits
Steps to Reading Tarot
Preparation:
Put the Environment: Search a quiet chamber where no-one can interfere Play music or light a candle that helps you to meditate
Center Yourself: Breathe in deeply a few times and ease your mind. A few readers choose to meditate for a minute before they launch it.
Formulate a Question:
Consider the question or situation you need help with. Open-ended is more than a yes or no for extensive leadership coaching.
Shuffle the Cards:
You can shuffle these cards as needed to focus on your question. Regardless of how you do it, overhand shuffle or riffle.
Draw the Cards:
Single Card Read: A single card pull for quick oracle guidance on a direct question.
Three Card Draw: past present future or problem action result.
Celtic Cross Spread: A Longer, more detailed spread for comprehensive readings.
Interpret the Cards:
Consider the imagery, symbolism and how your intuition speaks about the card.
How it relates to the position on your spread in conjunction to question
Blend traditional meanings with your intuition. On other occasions, illustrations depicted on cards may reveal more.
Reflect and Record:
Write notes in your reading, both your first impressions and the interesting thought you develop.
Consider how the reading is relevant/utilized within your life or inquiry.
Tips for Beginners
Learn the Basics: Start with the major themes of the Major and Minor Arcana.
Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with the cards and their meanings.
Keep a Journal: Document your readings to track your progress and notice patterns over time.
Trust Your Intuition: While traditional meanings are helpful, your intuition is a powerful tool in Tarot reading.
Example of Tarot Card Reading
Question: “What should I focus on in my career?”
Spread: Three Card Spread
Card 1 (Past): Two of Wands – Indicates past planning and decision-making.
Card 2 (Present): Eight of Pentacles – Focus on honing your skills and hard work.
Card 3 (Future): The Star – Hope, inspiration, and a positive outlook for future endeavors.
In this example, the cards suggest reflecting on past decisions, focusing on skill development in the present, and maintaining a hopeful and inspired outlook for the future.
By practicing and connecting with your deck, you can develop your own style and deepen your understanding of Tarot.
