"According to tarot reader Nancy Hayes, tarot is a journey that requires time, trust, and intuition. Here's why practitioners emphasize its value:
You've probably seen people using tarot cards on TikTok or Instagram, showcasing the recent cultural resurgence of tarot, originally a 15th-century European card game.
Tarot is commonly used for cartomancy, where drawing cards offers insights into various situations. The 78-card deck embodies different energies, allowing interpretations to predict outcomes or create narratives.
Beyond pop culture portrayal, tarot holds versatile uses. It can aid in therapy, serve as a journaling prompt, or facilitate storytelling—adapting to your needs.
While seeking a tarot practitioner for a reading is an option, learning to read the cards yourself empowers you to shape your relationship with them and integrate them into your life.
However, familiarizing yourself with all 78 cards, divided into major arcana and four suits, can be initially overwhelming. Each card has a unique interpretation and gains context when drawn with others.
Prominent tarot readers offer essential tips for both beginners and experts. Firstly, trust your intuition and ensure a clear mind when engaging with tarot cards, as it forms the basis of meaningful readings."
Preparing for tarot reading:
Before beginning a tarot reading, it's crucial to ensure you're in a relaxed and harmonious state. You can achieve this by meditating or taking a few deep breaths. Additionally, lighting a scented candle can help create the ideal atmosphere.
Mariah Oller, a Tarot reader based in Charlotte and the creator of the Tarot of Life deck, emphasizes the significance of grounding. According to Oller, grounding offers the necessary space for formulating questions and receiving clear guidance during a reading. It helps you stay present and effectively pursue your goals.
Crafting effective questions:
When using Tarot cards to gain insights, it's advisable to pose open-ended questions rather than those with simple yes or no answers. Open-ended queries allow the cards to initiate a narrative instead of closing off possibilities.
Choosing the right deck:
There are a wide variety of tarot decks available, each featuring unique artwork that interprets the energies and stories associated with the cards. Many decks draw inspiration from the images originally created by Pamela Colman Smith for the Rider Smith Waite tarot deck, a popular option introduced in 1909.
Rachel True, an actor and author of True Heart Intuitive Tarot, Guidebook, and Deck, recommends thoroughly shuffling through the cards before making a purchase.
When to read your tarot cards:According to Ward, consulting Tarot cards is suitable at any time, but it's beneficial to establish a ritual to track your progress. This ritual can help you understand the evolving insights gained through tarot readings.
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Exploring tarot books
While developing your own interpretations of the cards is crucial, you might find it beneficial to peruse books on tarot alongside the guidebook that typically accompanies most decks.
Creating a tarot card care ritual
As you embark on your journey with tarot cards, you'll naturally establish rituals that resonate with you. Many practitioners engage in what they call "spiritual hygiene" for their cards, renewing them and purging any lingering energies from previous readings.
Renowned astrologer and spiritualist Shawnte Cato, who is based in San Diego, emphasizes the necessity of cleansing tarot cards between readings to prevent residual energies from affecting the cards or your own energetic space.
Just as there is no single correct way to interpret the cards, there is no one-size-fits-all method for resetting them either.
Another effective approach Reed recommends involves rearranging the cards in the deck to their original order, starting with the Fool and ending with the King of Pentacles, ensuring that every card is upright. Afterward, give the deck a thorough shuffle, which, as she explains, "revives my deck every time."
Cato, on the other hand, relies on the lunar phases to rejuvenate the cards. She suggests placing the deck near a window during a new or full moon and accompanying it with dried lavender to reinvigorate the cards.
Consider that none of these practices are obligatory. While you cultivate your unique bond with the cards, you'll discover what's essential for your tarot journey.
Take your time, literally.
A New York-based tarot reader, Aerinn Hodges, proposed an exceptional (and dreamy) method for comprehending the cards: sleeping on them.
View the tarot card reading as an expedition.
As you establish a tarot routine, make note of the cards you draw and the interpretations that naturally arise within you.
"Just because you receive a particular set of cards for a situation today doesn't mean they will remain the same tomorrow. Energies are fluid, and so are the cards," they emphasized.
Bronx, a tarot reader based in North Carolina who is publicly recognized as "Tarot by Bronx," encourages new readers to construct their understanding of tarot through personal experiences and individual comprehension.
Similar to everything in life, mastering tarot takes time. However, you can establish a profound connection with the tarot and its cards by following these suggestions. The most crucial aspect is developing a personal rapport with each card and learning to trust your own insights.
As Colorado-based tarot reader Nancy Hayes eloquently expressed, "Tarot is a journey that requires time, trust, and intuition. Be comfortable with your starting point and remain receptive to learning."