Tarot Basics for Beginners
Tarot reading can be a fascinating and insightful way to explore your inner world and gain guidance. If you're new to tarot, here's a basic guide to get you started:
1. Understanding the Tarot Deck
A standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main sections:
- Major Arcana (22 cards):
These cards represent significant life events, spiritual lessons, and archetypal energies. Examples include The Fool, The Magician, and The High Priestess.
- Minor Arcana (56 cards):
These cards reflect everyday events and experiences. They are divided into four suits:
- Cups: Emotions, relationships, and intuition.
- Wands: Creativity, action, and personal growth.
- Swords: Intellect, conflict, and decision-making.
- Pentacles: Material aspects, career, and financial matters.
2. Setting Up Your Reading Space
- Create a Comfortable Environment: Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can focus without distractions.
- Set Your Intentions: Before starting, set an intention for your reading, such as seeking guidance on a specific issue or gaining general insight.
3. Choosing Your Deck
- Pick a Deck That Resonates: There are many tarot decks available, each with its own artwork and style. Choose one that you feel drawn to and that resonates with your personal taste and intuition.
4. Learning Card Meanings
- Study the Cards: Start by familiarizing yourself with the meanings of each card. You can use a tarot guidebook or online resources to help you understand the symbolism and interpretations. Some decks come with a guidebook specifically for that deck, use that book. The images were created with specific imagery and intention so don't just making up your own crap or give different meanings because you feel like it! Pretending to be a psychic is NOT freaking cool.
- Practice Regularly: The more you work with the cards, the more intuitive your understanding will become.
5. Basic Spreads
- Single Card Draw: Pull one card for a simple, focused insight or daily guidance.
- Three-Card Spread: Typically used to explore past, present, and future aspects of a question or situation.
- Celtic Cross Spread: A more detailed spread that covers various aspects of a situation, including obstacles, influences, and potential outcomes.
- There are more but learn the basics and figure out which spread(s) you feel more comfortable using.
6. Interpreting the Cards
- Combine Meanings: Consider both the traditional meanings of the cards and your intuitive impressions when combining cards. Look at how the cards interact with each other in the spread. But follow the guide of the person who created the deck. Remember a lot of symbols have meanings, symbols hidden inside images have meanings, learn their meanings
- Use Your Intuition: Trust your gut feelings and personal associations with the cards. But do not pretend to be a psychic! And remember your readings are about the other person(s) not you. If you have personal issues or biases do not let them interfere with your readings. If your tired or in a bad mood do not let that interfere with you reading cards for someone else.
7. Practicing Readings
- Start with Yourself: Practice readings for yourself to build confidence and develop your interpretive skills.
- Read for Others: As you become more comfortable, offer readings to friends or family. This will help you gain experience and refine your approach.
8. Maintaining Your Deck
- Cleanse Your Deck: Periodically cleanse your deck to clear any residual energy. You can use methods like smudging with sage, moonlight exposure, or simply knocking on the deck.
- Store Your Deck Properly: Keep your tarot deck in a safe, respectful place when not in use. Some people use a special bag or box for storage.
9. Ethical Considerations
- Respect Confidentiality: Treat the information shared during readings with respect and confidentiality.
- Use Tarot Responsibly: Remember that tarot is a tool for guidance and reflection, not a substitute for professional advice or decisions.
- Do not run around social media doing fake readings telling everyone they have a curse on their family etc and you will sell them the cure for x amount of money! Scamming people is Not cool!
10. Enjoy the Journey
- Embrace Learning: Tarot is a lifelong journey of learning and self-discovery. Enjoy the process of exploring the cards and uncovering their meanings.
Starting with these basics will help you build a solid foundation for your tarot practice. As you continue to explore and learn, you'll develop your own unique approach and deepen your connection with the tarot. 🌟🔮
Tips:
- Keep a tarot journal to track your readings and insights.
- Join a tarot community or take online courses to connect with other enthusiasts and expand your knowledge.
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