How to use Tarot Cards
Tarot cards are a powerful tool for divination, offering the opportunity to gain insight into our lives and connect with our intuition. With a wide variety of designs available on the market, it’s also an incredibly accessible form of self-discovery. To baby witches, these 78-card decks can seem intimidating and overwhelming but becoming a reader is much simpler than you think! To get started with reading tarot cards, there are several important steps to follow.
Choosing a Tarot Card Deck
First, choose a tarot deck that resonates with you. There are many different tarot decks available, each with its own unique style and symbolism. Some popular decks include the Rider-Waite deck, the original Killstar Tarot Card deck and the Killstar Tarot Cards in Black & Red and the Marseille deck. Choose a deck that appeals to your intuition and personal taste.
Familiarise yourself with your Tarot Cards
Next, familiarise yourself with the meaning of each card. We suggest making yourself comfortable and brewing yourself an intention tea. Sit down with your deck and analyse the imagery on each card individually. Tarot cards are divided into two main categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that represent significant life events, such as the Fool, the High Priestess, and the Tower. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards that represent more day-to-day events and influences. Study the meaning of each card, refer to the guidebook that came with the deck, or use a tarot card guide. Pay attention to any symbolism, thoughts and feelings that arise while immersing yourself in the artwork, as this will be crucial in understanding the messages the cards offer during a reading.
It is also important to clear your mind before beginning a reading. This can be achieved through meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking a moment to calm your thoughts. A clear mind will allow you to focus on the question or issue at hand, and receive the messages from the cards more effectively.
Shuffle & spread your Tarot Cards
When ready, shuffle the deck and lay out the cards in a spread. A spread is a specific arrangement of cards that helps to focus the reading and answer a specific question or address a specific issue. There are many different spreads to choose from, including the three-card spread, the Celtic cross spread, and the horseshoe spread. Experiment with different spreads to find the one that works best for you.
A great beginner's tarot card spread is the three-card spread: start by shuffling your deck while focusing on your question or intention. Then, cut the deck into three piles and choose one of the piles. Draw one card from the top of this pile and place it face-up in front of you, representing the past. Repeat this process with the second and third cards, placing them in order to the right of the first card. The second card represents the present, and the third card represents the future. Interpret each card's meaning and how they relate to each other in the context of your question.
Interpreting your Tarot Cards
When interpreting the cards, look at each card in the spread and consider its placement and relationship with the other cards. The traditional meaning of each card should be taken into account, as well as any personal associations or symbolism that may come to mind. Trust your intuition, and allow the cards to guide you in answering the question or addressing the issue.
It is important to approach tarot reading with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. The cards may offer unexpected or surprising insights, but this does not mean that they are inherently good or bad. Instead, think of tarot as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery, and use the messages from the cards as a starting point for reflection and positive change.
Reading tarot cards requires a combination of intuition, understanding of tarot symbolism, and a willingness to approach the cards with an open mind. By following these steps, you can begin to unlock the power of tarot and gain greater insight into your life and your inner self.
Practice Tarot Card often!
Include drawing a single card as part of your daily morning ritual. Simply sit with your deck, shuffle the cards and ask your deck whatever you would like to know such as “what do I need to know today?” and meditate on its insight. To build an even stronger connection with your cards, journal the cards you pull and reflect on its guidance at the end of each day.
Keep this up and you’ll feel more confident in your readings and energetically linked to your deck in no time!
Need a tarot deck? Check out our range of Tarot Cards here!
