How to Read the Tarot Astrological Spread
Tarot and astrology are both forms of divination, practices aimed to make sense of the universe. The origins of astrology lie in ancient Babylonia, where the priests interpreted the cosmos by associating the behavior of the gods and planets with societal events; the origin of tarot is more uncertain. The tarot astrological spread is a 12-card layout, each card corresponding to a house of the western zodiac, with one additional card, called the significator, which represents the reader.
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Instructions
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Create a sacred space. In order to focus your energy on interpreting your zodiac spread, you must read it in a space where you feel comfortable and have no outside distractions. Many readers sit at a table draped with an aesthetically and texturally appealing cloth and lay the cards by candlelight. Burning incense or essential oils often invokes feelings of calm and open-mindedness, necessary for a successful reading.
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Shuffle the deck of tarot cards, cut it, and lay the pattern. For the zodiac spread, 12 cards are laid face up in a circle beginning at the one o'clock position and proceeding clockwise. Each number, and thus each card, on the allegorical clock represents a house of the zodiac. Beginning clockwise at one: Aries, self and identity; Taurus, work and material goods; Gemini, communication and ideas; Cancer, home and family; Leo, magic, art and pleasure; Virgo, health and apprenticeship; Libra, relationships; Scorpio, secrets and taboos; Sagittarius, visions and travel; Capricorn, reputation and career; Aquarius, social groups and future; Pisces, secrets and surrender.
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Choose the significator. The significator is a card that represents you, the reader. Choosing it is based largely upon intuition, but since this is the zodiac spread, it should also be astrologically based. There are four elements - fire, earth, air and water - that are each associated with three of the zodiac signs. Fire houses are symbolized in a tarot deck by a wand and scepter and include Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. Earth houses are symbolized by pentacles and coins and represent Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Air houses display a sword and are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces and are represented by a cup.
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Interpret your spread. The card that was laid on the allegorical one position represents the house of Aries and it tells you how you face the world. The card laid in the house of Taurus is read in the context of your place of employment or any organizations you belong to. The third card is in the house of Gemini, seen in context of your creative outlets. Cancer is read in a familial context and can represent your heritage. The card in the house of Leo is interpreted through your inner magnetism and coping mechanisms. Virgo is interpreted in the light of education of life's work. Libra looks at your relationships. Scorpio shows you your innermost psychological demons and the roots of your negative habits. Sagittarius shows you the unlimited possibilities the future holds. Capricorn tells you about your earthly legacy. Aquarius is read in the context of the future and long-term issues. Pisces shows you where you need to let go of restraints and find something to trust on your way to peace.
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Tips & Warnings
It is vital to interpret the cards in your zodiac spread in the context of their astrological house. The zodiac spread is an advanced tarot spread and a working knowledge of a tarot deck is essential prior to interpretation.
Reading the tarot does not predict the future, but offers guidance and forces recognition of the self.
