Many people are curious about tarot cards and with good reason. The tarot’s mysterious origins and occult ties have made many appearances in popular culture – sometimes accurately portrayed, sometimes not. And while the true story of the cards’ creation is unknown, there is evidence that they existed in some form in Egypt, China, and India. Their history is important to keep in mind; however, the tarot cards used today are less mystical talismans and more introspective guides.
The most important thing to understand about the tarot is that it is a personal tool. The cards can help you explore your goals and desires, connect with your spirituality, and examine your past choices. If you are new to the tarot, jumping straight in can be overwhelming. Remember that it is perfectly fine to go at your own pace. ― Here are a few steps you can take to get started on your journey.
1. Find a Deck You Resonate With
There are dozens of decks you can choose from, and the selection is continually growing. When considering each deck, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Reverse Reading: Some decks are designed to be read differently when their cards appear reversed (upside-down). This means your readings may be more complicated, but can also provide increased flexibility. At SoulTopia, we say, if reading reversals makes sense for you take it. If reading reversals does not resonate with you, then leave it.
- Minor Arcana: Of the 78 cards that usually make up a deck, 56 are designated as the Minor Arcana and are divided into four categories: cups, wands, swords, and pentacles (sometimes called “coins”). Some decks have illustrations for every card, while others simply portray the number and suit. Decide which approach you prefer.
- Art: This may seem superficial, but the artwork is vital to your experience. Oftentimes, people find themselves initially drawn to the images. Since part of reading well means bonding with your deck, you should look for cards that you find beautiful and match your personal aesthetic.
Once you’ve decided on a deck, it’s time to get to know it.
2. Create Your Sacred Space
Reading the tarot is a lot like meditation. You want to be deeply connected to both yourself and the spiritual energies around you. To do this, veteran readers recommend creating a sacred space before you read.
If you use the tarot as part of your worship as many Pagans do, you can create a Sacred Circle or invoke the Goddess or Watchtowers. If you don’t adhere to a particular religion but still consider reading an important spiritual practice, you can light incense or arrange crystals to create a calming effect.
If you’re doing this just for fun, that’s fine too – put on some relaxing music or do some deep breathing exercises to help you get comfortable. A sacred space is about putting yourself in an open state of mind so you can ask effective tarot questions and consider all possibilities in a reading.
3. Read as Often as Possible
Try out different spreads. Consult books, but don’t feel restricted by their advice. As you read, you’ll notice patterns emerge and certain feelings about each card. Trust your intuition. The cards speak on a profoundly personal level, and you’ll understand their language better with each reading. A simple way to get in the habit of reading is to draw a card each day and think about how it relates to your current circumstances.
It might even be a good idea to have your tarot read by a specialist so you can receive a professional tarot reading and understand the journeys ahead of you. Join us in your path to learn tarot and peer into your life’s deeper meanings today!
Are you interested in becoming a tarot card reader in Dallas? SoulTopia has all the tools you need, from decks to helpful guide as well as Tarot classes. Find out more by calling (214) 530-2326 or checking us out online.