Learning to Read Tarot Cards - The Tarot Journal

Perhaps the most effective method for learning theof self-development and reveal major life transitions.
Tarot is to start a Tarot journal. A Tarot journalIn Tarot readings, the Major Arcana reveal the
enables you to explore your own personalkarmic and consequential lessons you must grasp in
associations to the Tarot cards. It is also helps youorder to move forward.
to identify the key tarot symbolism that you areTo begin, separate the 22 Major Arcana cards out
personally drawn to. As you become morefrom the Tarot deck. Although the Fool Tarot Card is
comfortable with the Tarot's imagery, the easier itassociated number is zero, he can be placed in the
will become to identify and remember the variousbeginning or end of the twenty-two Major Arcana
Tarot card meanings. Ultimately, as you becomeCards. As you grasp the Fool Tarot card, allow
more comfortable with the Tarot cards, you will beyourself to explore the image. What stands out for
able to perform your own Tarot readings with easeyou? What message does he wish to tell you? Here
and confidence. The best Tarot readers are the onesare some helpful questions that can help you in this
that have developed their own system ofprocess.
interpretations. Books can be quite useful, but by• What are the colors? What do these mean to
developing your own associations to the cards, theyou?
Tarot interpretations become much more meaningful.• What symbolism sticks out to you? What do
I always suggest using a three ring note book. Thisthese mean to you?
allows you the freedom to move the pages around• What does the landscape reveal?
or separate them into categories. Some people,• Is there any vegetation? What does this mean
however, would prefer to keep their journals on theirto you?
computers. In either case, both approaches are valid.• What is the "feel" of this card?
The important thing to remember is to find a process• Are there any animals?
that you are comfortable with. Keeping a Tarot• If this card had words, what would it say to
journal is merely a process that helps you keep trackyou?
of your thoughts, ideas and feelings about the Tarot• If you could imagine yourself in the picture,
cards. You are free to get as creative as you want.where would you be going? What would you be
You may wish to illustrate the cards in a sketchbook.doing? What would you be feeling?
This method certainly helps you become familiar withThe list of question can go on and on. In time, you
the cards. It also helps you retain the Tarot'swill develop your own system of exploration. The
imagery. As you start to do you own Tarot readings,important thing to remember is to let the cards
you will come to appreciate the nuances andspeak to you. Your Tarot journal is there to record
reflections you explored in your journal.your thoughts and feelings. As you gain a deeper
I always recommend starting with the Major Arcanaunderstanding of the Tarot cards, your own
cards. The Major Arcana are the non-suit cards,associations will begin to make perfect sense and,
which make up the first 22 cards of the Tarot deck.ultimately, your ability to perform tarot readings will
The Major Arcana Tarot cards refer to the importantbecome second nature.
life challenges and spiritual lessons we must face onFor more on Tarot Readings and Tarot Card
our journeys through Life. They represent our levelsMeanings please visit Carolyn's blog.