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How to do a Tarot Reading – A Simple Guide

Updated: Jan 11

Tarot decks can be daunting for any beginner wanting to know how to do a tarot reading. How can an image have so many meanings?


How to read tarot cards

But here, there is no need to worry. We will lay out a very simple guide to help you overcome that inertia and get started on this journey.

I suggest you go through this article to understand what tarot card reading is about, before embarking on this journey of reading tarot cards.

This guide will equip you with a step-by-step approach to conduct your own tarot readings and interpret the cards’ messages appropriately. Remember there is no right or wrong here. It is more about listening to your inner voice and reading messages that come out while doing a reading.

Step by step approach on how to do a tarot reading

Step 1: Finding your tarot deck

For starters, I strongly recommend going with the Rider-Waite tarot deck. Most other tarot decks are inspired from the Rider-Waite deck, and this can help building a strong foundation.

Rider-Waite deck comes in many variants as well. Pick a deck which resonates with you. As an example, my first tarot deck was the Classic Rider-Waite Deck, which uses more of green in place of blue. But I rarely use that deck, as I prefer more colourful cards over the sober ones. My personal favourite is the Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot Deck. The colours are vibrant and the details stand out.

You will be able to check any deck out through flip through videos available on youtube.

Step 2: Choosing a Spread

Decide what spread you would like to lay out beforehand. The Universe responds to pointed questions and having a clear cut view on the spread before shuffling can bring in more clarity into the reading.

Below I have given a sample 3 card reading to help you understand how to do a tarot reading.

Step 3: Shuffling and Connecting

Hold your deck in your hands, taking a few deep breaths to center yourself. Meditating beforehand can help in calming yourself and connecting with your inner voice.

Think about the question that you seek guidance on, like "What path should I take in my career?" As you shuffle, try to feel connected with your spirit guides and visualize the question at hand.

Many readers prefer cutting the deck with one’s non-dominant hand and separating it into two stacks and reuniting them. I don’t personally do this, and this is optional on you.

Step 4: Choosing the cards

At times, cards can jump out while shuffling. I generally prefer to retain such cards as these are messages from the universe. I keep such cards separately as clarifiers.

After shuffling I choose the cards for each of the position in the spread. You could choose the manner of picking cards at the outset. You can choose to wait for cards to jump out on their own, or choose for yourself from the top or bottom or anywhere randomly from the deck.

Step 5: Interpreting the Cards

Let us do this with the help of an illustration for a question “will I get a new job?’.

1.    Challenge - Eight of Swords:

  • Eight of Swords could indicate a feeling of being trapped and helpless.

  • You might be ruminating a lot and feeling pit for yourself. Your current job is feeling hopeless and you can’t see any new opportunity in sight.

2.    Advice - Ace of Pentacles:

  • Ace of Pentacles is about new beginnings. This card as an advice tells you to focus on new opportunities and look for an alternate job with trust and practicality.

  • Be open to opportunities as they arise as well.

3.    Outcome - The Sun:

  • The Sun, by the face of it, is a very optimistic card. The sun symbolizes energy, hope and enlightenment.

  • As an outcome, it symbolizes success, happiness, and fulfillment. And hence, can be taken as a ‘yes’ to the question of “will I get a new job”.

But be aware of the advise being given to achieved the desired outcome. Tarot is not predictive but more of a guide that suggests actions to be taken and directions to follow.

How to do a tarot reading : Reflecting on the Reading

Take time to reflect the overall message. Allow the messages and the cards to sink in.

How do the cards, individually and collectively, relate to your question? Don't view the reading as a set prediction, but as a tool for guidance and reflection.

Bonus Tip: Journal your readings. As your knowledge grows, and time passes, track your interpretations and how they unfolded in your life.

This is just the first step on your tarot journey. With practice, you'll develop your own style of reading, using the cards as a compass to navigate life's uncertainties. Remember, the most important tool you possess is your intuition. So, grab your deck, ask your question, and embark on the adventure of tarot!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can someone who's just beginning learn how to read tarot cards?

Yes, people new to tarot reading can learn how to read tarot cards without any prior art or creative knowledge. There are many different ways to read tarot cards, but most of them rely on intuitive understanding when identifying and interpreting the meaning of tarot cards based on visual images (colour, shape, line) depicted on each card. Many beginners will first experience online tarot readings or have sessions with one of the best tarot card readers, as this gives you an opportunity to see how it feels to receive a tarot reading.

2. What's the best tarot card deck for a beginner?

The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck is by far the best choice for a beginner. This particular deck contains a lot of symbolic imagery, making it a good deck for someone who wants to learn how to read tarot cards and understand the meaning of each card. In addition, many of the best tarot card readers use tarot card deck designs based on the Rider-Waite system so that many resources and reference materials are available online, allowing beginners to learn how to read tarot cards through tarot reading online tutorials and examples.

3. What are the best tarot questions to ask when starting out?

When starting out as a new tarot reader, you will want to also keep away from predictive tarot questions and focus on your present state (you are the querent). Tarot questions that may be considered "beginner" types of questions may include "What do I need to learn or understand right now?" or "What obstacles are keeping me from becoming the best version of myself?" These types of questions can be effectively addressed when addressing tarot cards in terms of one's career tarot, money tarot, and feelings/emotions, and this will enable you to clarify assumptions much sooner than asking predictive-type questions.

4. How can a novice reader accurately read a tarot card's meaning?

When interpreting a tarot card's meaning, novices should begin with the visual depiction and the emotions/feelings they associate with the image. For example, the 8 of Swords signifies feeling trapped by one's beliefs and/or ideas, while the Ace of Pentacles is an indication that new opportunities are about to arise. The Sun tarot card signifies success and positive change in one's life. Novice tarot card readers interpret all of the meanings based on their intuition and not on pre-determined meanings described in a textbook.

5. Can novice tarot readers ask job-related inquiries through tarot?

Yes, new tarot card readers can ask job questions using tarot readings. The Ace of Pentacles, the Wheel of Fortune card, and the Sun card may all indicate "new job offers/positions" coming up in the individual's career. Most beginner tarot card readers will first begin doing tarot readings via online means in order to develop confidence before conducting personal tarot readings.

6. Can a new tarot reader conduct simple yes-no tarot reading sessions?

It is possible for a novice tarot reader to perform yes/no reading sessions using basic tarot cards. For example, typically, a set of 10 Pentacles (yes) cards would indicate something positive, whereas a 3 Pentacles (yes) card may indicate that the individual who has drawn that card will be successful at work-related jobs or endeavors. However, it is important for tarot readers to be aware that its best to use spreads that include multiple cards so you may have a better understanding of what is possible.

7. Is learning to read tarot cards an option if I choose to have online Tarot readings?

Yes! By taking advantage of the expanding number of online tarot reading services and websites available in India, the largest majority of online tarot reading services are provided from the best tarot card readers in India, US or other places; with all of the various online resources available, you can learn to read tarot cards independently through live online tarot sessions.

My Digital World 🌏 - Devi Shankar

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