Using Tarot Cards

From LoveToKnow Horoscopes

People have many reasons for using tarot cards. Some simply enjoy reading them for personal use, others rely on them as a guidepost for daily decisions, and some people read for others either as a courtesy or professionally. Knowing a little about the tarot reading process can help you decide what role the cards might play in your life.

Take a glimpse at modern tarot reading.

Selecting a Tarot Deck

Many people who are just beginning to read tarot cards get the Rider-Waite deck as their first deck. This is the most widely used set of cards, and most of the literature written for card interpretation is based on this deck. For some, the Rider-Waite deck is the only one they'll ever need. For others, it is a good learning tool and other decks will follow.

A good way to select a deck of tarot cards is to visit a shop that sells them. Spend some time studying the cards that are out for display purposes. Look at the artwork, and see if you feel an attraction or energy when you look at the images. Listen to your inner-self, and pay attention to how the cards make you feel. Once you have selected your cards, you will most likely be given a sealed box of cards that have not been previously handled by others.

Rituals for Using Tarot Cards

There are many rituals associated with the care and reading of tarot cards. None of them are requirements; allow your own preferences to guide your tarot practices. Rituals help the reader get into the proper mindset to do an accurate reading.

Cleansing the Cards

A tarot reader may wish to perform a cleansing ritual between readings and before the first use of a new deck. These practices are to help clear the energy from previous readings or to remove the influences of others who may have handled the cards.

Some common cleansing rituals:

Place the cards on a windowsill for 24 hours to allow the sun and moon to shine upon them.

Put all the cards in numerical order.

Perform a smudging ceremony by burning ceremonial herbs such as sage to create a smoke bath.

Create your own cleansing ritual.

Safe Storage of Tarot Cards

Storing a tarot deck in a special place helps the reader to appreciate the significance of her cards. It builds an atmosphere of respect for the tarot reading. It is also believed that care placed in storage practices keeps the cards from absorbing negative energy.

A popular storage option is a dark colored fabric bag. Some people wrap their cards in a cloth before they place the cards in the bag. A special wooden box is also a good storage place for your tarot deck.

Reading Tarot Cards

There is no quick method for learning to read the cards. It is best if you first get to know the tarot deck you have selected. Shuffle the cards; look at the images on each of them. You may read several books or visit different websites to learn about the meanings of tarot symbols.

Read a few books on the meanings of tarot cards to get a general idea of what they represent; bearing in mind that the presence of other cards and your own intuition will alter the general meaning.

When you are a beginner to using tarot cards, you may wish to do a single card draw each morning. Interpret the message the card gives you, and be conscious of the message as you move about your day. In the evening, journal whether the card seemed to apply or not. If your reading does not appear to be accurate, think about the variables of its meaning and how they may be more accurate.

Types of Spreads for Reading Tarot Cards

There are many different types of tarot spreads. Some of them lend themselves better for particular types of questions than others. Some readers use only one spread, while others have several favorites.

More is not always better when it comes to reading cards. Often, too many cards may dilute the message, while too few will not offer enough detail. Selecting a tarot spread is a matter of preference and experience.

Fortune Telling

Always keep in mind that we are in control of our own destiny. Tarot cards allow us to see the possibilities that lie ahead and consider exercising our options for the best outcome. A tarot reading is not a glimpse into a certain future.

Many tarot readers have strong intuitive and clairvoyant abilities; these talents allow a reader to advise the querent. However, there is no way to be absolutely certain of future events.

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