| Reading tarot cards is, for beginners, both rewarding | | | | yours and is unique to you. Psychic intuition is often |
| and frustrating in equal measures. You feel that you | | | | the first and strongest reaction to a question, so |
| can see the possibilities in the cards that you've | | | | learn to trust the associations that you start to form |
| drawn, but are finding it difficult to access the subtle | | | | and you'll be on the right track. |
| messages that they present to you. | | | | 5) Choose your tarot deck carefully. The most |
| I understand! Everyone has to start somewhere and | | | | popular is the Rider Waite deck and it is certainly |
| reading tarot cards is no exception. So I've put | | | | reliable and clear, so an excellent place to start for |
| together a 10 step guide to reading tarot cards | | | | beginners. The Tarot of Marseilles is another popular |
| accurately for all you beginners out there. Even some | | | | one. The most important factor is that the imagery |
| of the more practised readers may find a few useful | | | | must speak to you. Have you always been drawn to |
| tips too. This is mostly aimed at those who wish to | | | | fairies? Maybe a deck with fairies representing the |
| read the tarot for themselves but you'll find that | | | | individual cards would be best for you? Same for if |
| many points can be just as easily applied to reading | | | | you've always identified with ancient Goddesses. |
| the tarot cards for someone else. I hope that you | | | | Remember that reading tarot cards is personal, so |
| find my simple guide useful. | | | | move towards the things you like and understand. |
| 1) Reading tarot cards is easier when you are relaxed | | | | Feel free to have several packs to hand so that you |
| and open to all and any messages that come | | | | can choose a deck according to your mood. |
| through. Often said, but not as often explained. The | | | | 6) You can use the tarot for quick questions or to |
| reason why this is so important is because it's a | | | | get a snapshot view of a situation, but keep the |
| great temptation to consult the cards when you are | | | | question that you ask very simple and only choose 1 |
| hopeful of a certain outcome. Unfortunately, this will | | | | card. For example, this is perfect for 'how will my day |
| only prejudice your interpretation of the cards and | | | | be?' for a quick morning reading. |
| you will therefore completely miss the wisdom that | | | | 7) While tarot cards are mainly used for divination, did |
| they are offering. Wishful thinking, I'm afraid, doesn't | | | | you know that you could also use the cards in a |
| count as a reading. If you are worried or anxious | | | | simple spell? Spell candles get their power from their |
| about an issue, tempting though it is, try to wait until | | | | colour, emitting energies that are beneficial for certain |
| you are feeling calmer in order to keep an open mind. | | | | predicaments, eg. orange is good for creativity. To |
| 2) Tarot cards belong to either Major Arcana or the | | | | increase this power, place a tarot card next to the |
| Minor Arcana divisions. If you're a beginner, it's likely | | | | candle, repeating the name of the tarot card 3 times. |
| that you will keep a book to hand to help you out | | | | We have information and instructions on which tarot |
| with card meanings. This is a great idea, but don't | | | | cards work best with which colour candles on our |
| lose sight of the meanings that a card's group | | | | site. |
| association can have. For example, Major Arcana | | | | 8) Keep notes. This is the best way to look for |
| often have a more powerful message, and it may | | | | consistent patterns that arise again and again in your |
| mean you have to really sit up and take notice if one | | | | readings. If you are reading the tarot cards for |
| of these cards show up. The Cups, in the Minor | | | | yourself, it is easy to get too close and miss |
| Arcana, often hint at emotional issues. Become | | | | important messages. By jotting down some of the |
| familiar with these general rules, as well as focusing | | | | issues that have been brought to your attention as |
| on individual meanings, as they can subtly change the | | | | well as the cards that come up, you will be better |
| message of your reading. | | | | able to spot a consistent problem area for you to |
| 3) When reading tarot cards for a specific purpose, | | | | look at whether it was part of your original |
| eg, a love reading, you may find it beneficial to try | | | | questioning or not. |
| different spreads. A tarot spread means placing the | | | | 9) Have fun! Many approach the tarot with a very |
| cards in an order and place according to the rules of | | | | reverent and serious attitude and while this is |
| the spread you have chosen. The place of a card will | | | | certainly not wrong in any way, the natural world is |
| represent an aspect of your life such as the past or | | | | made up of many emotions and states of being. |
| the present etc., and yes, is another way in which | | | | Humour is as welcome as any other! Enjoy yourself |
| the meaning of a card will subtly change! A popular | | | | and you will relax more so it's a win/win situation. |
| tarot spread is the Celtic Cross, but you can search | | | | 10) Observe as many professionals as possible. Look |
| around for adaptations. | | | | for different styles, methods and ways of |
| 4) Not everyone has a strong psychic gift. However, | | | | interpreting the cards. Watching an experienced |
| everyone can build on the latent abilities that we all | | | | expert at work is always enlightening, whether it's |
| have. Reading tarot cards on a daily, or at least very | | | | cooking, painting or plumbing so you'll be able to pick |
| regular basis will noticeably strengthen this ability. You | | | | up some handy tips from those who do it every day. |
| may find that certain imagery or symbolism comes to | | | | So, there you have the 10 step guide to reading |
| you every time you ask about a certain subject, or | | | | tarot cards! I hope that you find enough information |
| that particular cards always come up in regards to | | | | to give you the confidence to get started on one of |
| specific areas. Learn to recognise this new 'voice' - it's | | | | the most exciting journeys you'll ever embark upon. |