How to Read Tarot Cards for Yourself

Tarot is by NO stretch of the imagination something evil or bad. Using tarot cards, to do a reading for yourself, is simply a way to tap into your own subconscious mind and should be used as a form of meditation. The subconscious responds to symbols and pictures, not words – and that's what Tarot cards are all about. I believe that reading for yourself is simply an exercise in self discovery – not a way to tell your own future.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Tarot Deck
• Time to learn

1. 
    
   Herbal Tarot

   Pick a deck of Tarot cards that appeals to you. There are literally hundreds of decks available today – all with a different theme and feel. I personally use 2 decks of Tarot cards; one Angel Tarot, and the other Herbal Tarot. Picking your deck is about picking something that the symbols will already have meaning to YOU. For example: There is a deck of Baseball Tarot cards – this doesn't mean a thing to me – but to a baseball fan this deck would have a great deal of impact. If you'd like to see some of themes available I've included a link (below) to a site called House of Tarot, they feature over 500 different decks. It should give you an idea of just what kind of selections are available.

2. When you get your deck spend time looking at all the pictures and read whatever literature came with it. Most of the decks come with, at least, a little book of what each card means. If you'd like to do a little more study on the subject you can check out Wikipedia. Basically, your deck will consist of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana (or Trump cards), the Fool (the beginning of one's journey), and 4 sets of suit cards. Most important to remember is to give yourself time. For anything to have real meaning for you, the symbols and feelings have to sink into your subconscious. Play with your deck! Pick a card a day and read about it. Learn some of the games explained in the Wikipedia article I share below. Make it fun and enjoyable.

3. It will feel awkward at first, but pick a simple layout (always shared in any little book that comes with a deck) and simply do it. At first you'll need to sit and read about each card as you go through it, however, before you know it you'll turn over a card and know what it means. I remember one time I had a bad argument with one of my children, the card I turned over told me to listen with love. I did and the situation changed. That card will always have a special meaning to me now. As time passes your cards will gain special meanings to you as well.

4. This part might feel strange to some, but do it anyway. First, clear the cards of all past energy by tapping them hard and saying, “I release all past energy from you.” After you've done that you can say a prayer for clear guidance and ask for Divine intervention. I will not quote a religion here but I wish to say that it is time to bring your Spiritual self into play. Clear your mind and heart. I personally ask for Angelic intervention – you need to ask for intervention based on your own beliefs.

5. 
    
   The Angel Oracle Deck

   Above all else remember that you are tapping into your own subconscious, it is a time to look into yourself. You are not going to get any strange messages about the end of the world, or harm coming to someone. You won't get the next winning lottery numbers, and won't be asked to bet on a game or told what gifts someone is going to give you. Go into each personal reading with the idea of self discovery and meditation, and you will come out of each reading with real insight.

Resources

• House of Tarot
• Wikipedia on Tarot

[angeladent]

on 1/10/2009 FUN!! Thanks for sharing!

[ravenpaige]

on 1/1/2009 Very nice introduction for the beginner.

[lanijo]

on 12/31/2008 very cool article, Thanks!!

[Gardengates]

on 12/16/2008 I haven't done this in years. Your article has inspired me to blow all the dust off of my old tarot cards and put them to use again. Thanks!