Tarot reading is an ancient practice that has been around for centuries. It involves the use of a deck of cards, each with its own unique symbolism and meaning, to gain insight. While many people associate tarot reading with fortune-telling or divination, it can be used however you wish, and for many, is a creative way to level up your spiritual self care.
With a Tarot deck having 78 cards, it can be really overwhelming to learn how to interpret them. Here are 5 easy steps to get you feeling more confident during your next reading, from a professional tarot reader and artist, Time With Anna.
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Set Your Intention
Set your intention before starting the reading.
Think about what you want to gain from the session, and focus your energy on that intention.
Make sure that where your reading is a space that feels safe, inspiring and comfortable. Adorn it with art, crystals and other items that help you feel connected to the magic of the universe.
Light a candle, connect to your spirit guides through meditation, and protect your energy with smoke, or protect your crown by covering it with a scarf, hat or scrunchie.
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Take Your Time
Take time to study and connect with your deck. Get to know the cards, their meanings, and the symbolism they contain. Each deck has its own personality, and will speak to you in a different way. This is something that is explored in ‘Trust Your Tarot’, a bespoke Tarot reading workshop, tailor made to each participant.
The amount of cards you pull doesn't equate to the amount of time it should take to read them. A reader who takes 15 minutes to read one card is no better than a reader who takes 5 minutes.
Put some time away each week to analyse the imagery of each card. Before you know it, you’ll be finding your flow. In the Time With Anna Tarot Letters, I often explain the imagery of the Tarot card as part of its meaning.
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Trust Your Gut!
We all know when we have a gut feeling, but we aren’t always sure when our intuition is talking. What if I told you they are the same?
Trust Your Gut! While it's important to know the base meaning of the cards, your own intuition is just as important in interpreting them.
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Incorporate your favourite self care practice
The best way to make Tarot feel less scary, is to pair it with something you love doing. Try doing the following, and see how it makes you feel:
- Pull some tarot cards whilst running a bath.
- Put your music on shuffle, and ask the cards to pick each song.
- Say affirmations to yourself before pulling cards
- Instead of writing down your reading, draw it! Make your own intuitive doodles (also known as automatic writing/drawing)
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Remember, You Are Magic!
Remember that you are as magic as the universe, and that the universe will always find the best way to show you love. You don't need to be an expert in order to receive the exact message you need. Just by devoting some time, and feeling inspired by Tarot shows that you’re already healing parts of you.
You Are Magic!