Beginners Guide to Spreading Tarot Cards and Making a Reading

August 26, 2024 Colin Lawson Comments 0 Comment

Tarot cards are exciting and fun to use because they offer a blend of mystery, creativity, and personal insight. Each card is adorned with rich symbolism and intricate imagery that beckons users to delve into their deeper meanings. This symbolic depth creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, making every reading a journey into the unknown.

The historical and mystical associations of tarot cards further enhance their allure, connecting users to centuries-old traditions and esoteric knowledge. This combination of art, history, and symbolism sparks curiosity and makes each reading an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

Additionally, tarot cards are a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. They encourage users to explore their thoughts, emotions, and life situations, providing clarity and guidance in various aspects of life, from relationships to career decisions.

The process of shuffling, drawing, and interpreting the cards is not only interactive but also deeply personal, allowing users to tap into their intuition and inner wisdom.

This hands-on activity can be both entertaining and enlightening, offering a creative outlet for storytelling and imaginative thinking. Moreover, tarot reading can be a social activity, bringing friends together to share insights and perspectives, making it a fun and engaging way to connect with others.

Tarot card reading can be an insightful and rewarding practice. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started using the cards.

Step 1: Get to Know Your Tarot Deck

Your cards are personal to you personally, get to know them well. Just like a good friend they can help you avoid bad situations, bring you good fortune and help in making decisions, should you choose to listen.

Choose a Deck: Select a tarot deck that appeals to you. The Rider-Waite deck is a popular choice for beginners.
Familiarise Yourself: Spend time looking through the cards. Study the images and read about their meanings in the accompanying guidebook that came with your deck. If your deck didn’t come with a guidebook or even a simple leaflet that explains the cards and how to spread them it is well worth buying a guidebook you like.

Step 2: Create a Comfortable Reading Environment

Find a Quiet Space: Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed.
Set the Mood: Light candles or incense, play soft music, or do anything that helps you feel relaxed and focused.

Step 3: Prepare Your Cards

Cleanse the Deck: Some readers like to cleanse their deck by waving it through incense smoke, placing a crystal on top, or simply knocking on the deck three times.
Shuffle the Cards: Shuffle the cards thoroughly while focusing on your question or the guidance you seek. You can use any shuffling method that feels right to you but it’s good to occasionally turn the cards around so some are possibly upside down when drawn – this adds extra depth to the cards when read as an upside down card may mean a weakened or even an opposite meaning to the cards usual meaning.

Step 4: Formulate a Question

Be Specific: Think of a specific question you want guidance on. Avoid yes/no questions; instead, ask open-ended questions like “What do I need to know about…?”

Step 5: Choose a Tarot Spread

There is a plethora of various card spreads, ranging from a single card to more complex spreads utilising a large number of cards. Here are two simple but effective spreads to get you started;

Single Card Draw: For a quick answer or daily guidance, draw a single card.
Three-Card Spread: For a more detailed reading, use the three-card spread representing Past, Present, and Future.
- Card 1 (Past): Reflects past influences and events.
- Card 2 (Present): Represents the current situation.
- Card 3 (Future): Indicates possible future outcomes.

Step 6: Lay Out the Cards

Draw and Place the Cards: Draw the cards and lay them out in the chosen spread. Place them face down initially.
Turn Over the Cards: Turn the cards over one by one, taking a moment to observe each card before moving to the next. You should always turn the cards over left to right rather than turn them over in various ways such as left to right or end over end as this affects whether the cards is drawn the correct way it sat in the deck after shuffling (whether it is upside down or not).

Step 7: Interpret the Cards

Observe the Imagery: Look at the symbols, colours, and characters on the card. What feelings or thoughts do they evoke?
Consult the Guidebook: Refer to the guidebook for the card meanings. Consider how these meanings relate to your question.
Trust Your Intuition: Use your intuition to connect the card’s imagery and traditional meanings to your specific situation.

Step 8: Reflect on the Reading

Tarot readings should not be rushed. Enjoy the experience and think hard on the cards drawn and their potential meanings.

Take Notes: Write down the cards and your interpretations. This can help you track your progress and deepen your understanding over time.
Consider the Message: Think about how the reading applies to your question and what actions you might take based on the insights gained.

Step 9: Close the Reading

Thank the Cards: Take a moment to thank your cards for the guidance.
Store Your Deck: Keep your deck in a safe place, such as a cloth bag or box, to protect it.

Additional Tips for Beginners

Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in your readings.
Join a Community: Consider joining a tarot group or online community to share experiences and learn from others.
Stay Open-Minded: Tarot reading is an art, not an exact science. Stay open to different interpretations and trust your intuition.