Tarot Essentials
First Steps
Learning to read Tarot, whether for yourself or others, can be simplified into six key steps.
Step One - Understanding Card Meanings
Each Tarot card, or Arcanum, is imbued with symbols and meanings that offer insight and guidance. Here’s how to approach learning these meanings:
Study Traditional Interpretations: Begin with established meanings for each card. These can be found in Tarot guides and books and provide a solid foundation for understanding the cards' general symbolism and significance.
Identify Keywords: Develop a list of keywords or phrases that capture the essence of each card. For example, The Fool might be associated with new beginnings, spontaneity, and innocence, while The Tower might represent upheaval, sudden change, and revelation.
Explore Symbols: Pay attention to the symbols, colours, and imagery on each card. Each element can offer additional layers of meaning. For instance, the presence of a specific animal or object might offer insight into the card’s message.
Personalize Meanings: As you become more familiar with the cards, you’ll start to form your own interpretations based on your experiences and intuition. This personal connection can add depth to your readings.
Utilise Reference Guides: Use Tarot reference guides and books to understand traditional interpretations and get different perspectives on card meanings. This will aid in building a well-rounded understanding of each card’s significance.
By exploring these aspects, you’ll gain a comprehensive grasp of the Tarot cards, setting the stage for deeper intuitive readings and personal connections with the deck.
Step Two - Understanding Tarot Spreads
Tarot Spreads are layouts that organize the cards into specific positions, each with its own meaning and purpose. This arrangement helps to interpret how the cards interact with one another, revealing a cohesive narrative or answer to a question. Here’s how to approach learning about Tarot Spreads:
Basic Spreads: Start with simple spreads to get familiar with the process. Common examples include:
Single Card Spread: A straightforward way to gain insight into a single question or focus for the day.
Three-Card Spread: Often used to represent past, present, and future, or to address a situation, action, and outcome.
Celtic Cross: This is one of the most well-known and complex spreads. It provides a detailed view of a situation, including the central issue, challenges, past influences, future outcomes, and advice. It typically involves ten cards laid out in a specific pattern.
Horseshoe Spread: Useful for gaining a broad perspective on a situation, this spread includes seven cards that represent the current situation, influences, past, future, obstacles, advice, and outcome.
Relationship Spread: Focuses on understanding dynamics between two or more people. It often includes positions for each person’s feelings, strengths, weaknesses, and the overall relationship dynamic.
Custom Spreads: As you gain experience, you may create your own spreads tailored to specific questions or themes. This allows for more personalized and detailed readings.
Interpreting Positions: Each position in a spread has a unique meaning. For instance, in the Celtic Cross, the first card might represent the heart of the matter, while another could reveal external influences. Understanding the role of each position helps in interpreting how the cards’ meanings interact.
By practising with different spreads and understanding their layouts, you’ll enhance your ability to weave narratives and provide insightful readings. Explore various spreads to find what resonates with your reading style and the questions you seek to answer.
Step Three - Crafting Effective Questions for Tarot Readings
The quality of a Tarot reading often hinges on the clarity and specificity of the questions asked. Here’s how to approach asking questions to get the most meaningful insights from your reading:
Be Specific: Clear and precise questions help focus the reading and provide more actionable guidance. For example, instead of asking, “Will I be successful?” try, “What steps can I take to improve my career prospects this year?”
Open-Ended Questions: Tarot works best with open-ended questions that allow for exploration and insight. These questions typically start with “How,” “What,” or “Why,” rather than “Yes” or “No.” For example:
“How can I improve my relationship with my partner?”
“What should I focus on to achieve my personal goals?”
Avoid Yes/No Questions: While yes/no questions can be answered with a simple “Yes” or “No,” they often limit the depth of the reading. Instead, frame questions to explore underlying issues and potential outcomes:
Instead of “Will I get the job?” ask, “What can I do to increase my chances of getting the job?”
Focus on the Present or Near Future: Tarot readings are most effective for exploring current situations and immediate future possibilities. Asking questions about long-term outcomes or distant events may yield less actionable insights.
Self-Reflection: Encourage questions that promote self-reflection and growth. For example:
“What obstacles are currently hindering my progress, and how can I overcome them?”
“What strengths should I leverage to handle the challenges I’m facing?”
General Insight: If a specific question isn’t available, you can ask for general guidance or insight into a situation. For instance:
“What should I be aware of regarding my current situation?”
“What advice do the cards have for me at this time?”
By framing questions thoughtfully, you guide the reading to provide more targeted and useful insights, enhancing the overall experience and value of your Tarot practice.
Step Four - Mastering Tarot Techniques
Exploring various Tarot techniques enhances your reading skills and deepens your understanding of the cards. Here are some essential techniques to consider:
Card Interpretation:
Symbolism: Pay attention to symbols and imagery on each card. Understanding the traditional and personal significance of these symbols helps you connect more deeply with the cards.
Keywords and Phrases: Use keywords and phrases associated with each card to guide your interpretation. While these provide a starting point, let your intuition shape the final meaning.
Understanding Card Positions:
Traditional Positions: Learn how different positions in a spread (e.g., past, present, future) affect card meanings. Each position can offer unique insights based on its context.
Contextual Influence: Consider how a card’s position within a spread influences its meaning. Cards can take on different interpretations based on their placement and surrounding cards.
Reading Techniques:
Intuitive Reading: Allow your intuition to guide your interpretation. Focus on your initial impressions and feelings about the cards rather than relying solely on traditional meanings.
Storytelling: View the cards as part of a narrative. How do they interact to form a coherent story? This approach can reveal deeper insights and connections.
Choosing and Using Spreads:
Single Card Draw: Ideal for daily guidance or quick answers. This technique offers a focused, concise insight.
Three-Card Spread: Useful for examining past, present, and future aspects of a situation. It provides a broad overview and deeper understanding.
Celtic Cross Spread: A comprehensive spread for detailed exploration of a situation. It covers various aspects like influences, challenges, and outcomes.
Combining Techniques:
Integrate Different Methods: Combine intuitive reading with traditional interpretations to enrich your readings. For example, use keyword meanings as a base and let intuition add nuance.
Explore Varied Decks: Different decks offer unique perspectives. Experimenting with various decks can introduce new symbols and meanings, enhancing your interpretations.
Reflection and Practice:
Keep a Tarot Journal: Document your readings, techniques used, and insights gained. Reflecting on your journal entries helps you track progress and refine your techniques.
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps solidify your understanding and skills. Experiment with different spreads, decks, and techniques to find what resonates with you.
By incorporating these techniques into your practice, you can develop a versatile and personalised approach to Tarot reading, making your sessions more insightful and rewarding.
Step Five - Understanding Tarot Decks
Each Tarot deck carries its own distinct energy and character, influencing how you connect with and interpret the cards. Here's a guide to help you navigate the diverse world of Tarot decks:
Types of Decks:
Traditional Decks: These decks adhere closely to classic designs, such as the Rider-Waite-Smith or Marseille. They are often used for their historical significance and established interpretations.
Modern Decks: Featuring contemporary artwork and themes, these decks may offer new perspectives and interpretations. Examples include the Thelema Tarot or the Prisma Visions Tarot.
Speciality Decks: These decks focus on specific themes, such as astrology, mythology, or a particular cultural perspective. They can add a unique dimension to your readings.
Personal Connection:
Choosing a Deck: Select a deck that resonates with you personally. The artwork, themes, and symbolism should align with your preferences and reading style.
Bonding with Your Deck: Spend time familiarizing yourself with your deck. Meditate on the cards, perform daily draws, and engage in practice readings to build a strong connection.
Decks for Different Purposes:
General Readings: Choose decks that offer a broad range of interpretations and are versatile for various types of questions.
Specific Questions: Use decks that align with the nature of your inquiry. For example, a deck with a strong focus on relationships might be ideal for love readings.
Mood and Energy: Some people prefer to use different decks based on their mood or the type of reading they’re performing. Experiment to see which decks best fit your current emotional state or reading intention.
Deck Evolution:
Changing Decks: As you grow as a reader, your relationship with your decks may evolve. You might find that certain decks become more relevant or that you develop new favourites over time.
Decks in Practice: Regularly explore different decks to understand how their unique energies affect your readings. This can enhance your versatility and deepen your Tarot practice.
Deck Maintenance:
Cleansing: Periodically cleanse your deck to maintain its energy. Methods include using incense, moonlight, or simply shuffling the cards thoroughly.
Storage: Store your decks in a way that protects them from physical damage and maintains their energy. Many readers use cloth bags, boxes, or dedicated Tarot cases.
By understanding and exploring the unique qualities of different Tarot decks, you can enhance your readings and find decks that best support your personal Tarot journey.
Step Six - Tapping into Your Intuition
Your intuition plays a crucial role in Tarot reading, guiding you beyond traditional meanings and into a more personal and nuanced understanding of the cards. Here’s how to cultivate and harness your intuitive abilities in your Tarot practice:
Developing Intuitive Skills:
Daily Practice: Regularly handle and work with your cards to strengthen your connection and intuition. Even brief daily sessions can enhance your sensitivity to the cards’ energies.
Meditation and Visualisation: Spend time meditating on the cards. Visualise yourself interacting with each card, paying attention to any impressions or feelings that arise. This helps build a deeper, personal connection with the imagery.
Using Imagination and Associations:
Card Descriptions: Describe each card aloud, focusing on what you see, feel, and sense. Allow your imagination to explore the scenes and symbols. This practice can reveal personal insights and associations that go beyond traditional meanings.
Personal Symbols: Identify symbols or elements in the cards that resonate with your personal experiences. These personal symbols can provide additional layers of meaning during readings.
Keeping a Tarot Journal:
Document Insights: Write down your impressions, interpretations, and any intuitive flashes you receive during readings. Recording these insights helps track your growth and deepens your understanding of the cards.
Compare and Reflect: Compare your intuitive notes with traditional interpretations to see how they align or differ. Reflect on these differences to refine your personal approach and integrate intuition with established meanings.
Building Confidence:
Trust Your Instincts: Learn to trust your gut feelings and initial impressions. Confidence in your intuitive abilities grows with experience and practice.
Avoid Overthinking: While it’s important to be thoughtful, avoid overanalysing your intuitive insights. Sometimes, the simplest or most spontaneous impression can be the most accurate.
Integrating Intuition with Technique:
Blend Methods: Combine your intuitive insights with structured techniques and spreads. For example, use your intuitive impressions to enhance and expand upon the traditional meanings of the cards in a spread.
Experiment and Adapt: Be open to experimenting with different approaches. Your intuition will evolve as you gain more experience, and adapting your methods can lead to more insightful and meaningful readings.
Exploring Intuitive Techniques:
Free Association: Pick a card and allow yourself to freely associate words, images, and feelings without judgment. This can reveal new interpretations and deepen your connection with the card.
Intuitive Questions: Ask yourself open-ended questions about the card and listen to the responses that arise from your inner voice. This helps uncover personal meanings and insights.
By nurturing your intuition, you enhance your ability to interpret the cards in a way that is both personal and profound. This integration of intuition and technique allows for more dynamic and insightful Tarot readings.
Keep It Simple
Getting started with Tarot doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a straightforward approach to familiarize yourself with the cards and begin your journey:
Start with a Question:
Simple Inquiry: Begin by asking a broad, open-ended question like, "What can the cards show me today?" This allows for a general reading and helps you get comfortable with the cards.
Specific Query: As you progress, you can pose more specific questions based on your interests or concerns.
Draw a Card:
Shuffle and Draw: Shuffle your deck thoroughly. Draw a single card and observe its imagery.
Initial Impressions: Note your first impressions and feelings about the card. What stands out to you? How does the card make you feel?
Interpret the Card:
Refer to Meanings: Look up the card's traditional meanings and keywords. Compare them with your initial impressions.
Personal Resonance: Choose the interpretation that resonates most with your current question or situation. Trust your intuition in finding the most relevant meaning.
Reflect on the Reading:
Ask Reflective Questions: After your reading, consider questions like:
"What have I learned from this card?"
"What new insights have emerged?"
"Which aspects of the card were challenging to interpret?"
Document Insights: Write down your reflections and any new understandings in your Tarot journal. This helps track your progress and deepens your connection with the cards.
Develop Your Practice:
Routine: Make this a regular practice. The more you engage with your cards, the more familiar and intuitive your readings will become.
Experiment: Try different decks, spreads, and questions to see what resonates with you and enhances your practice.
By keeping your approach simple and intuitive, you’ll build a strong foundation for more complex readings and a deeper relationship with your Tarot cards.