How to Approach a Tarot Reading
The Nature of the Tarot Reading
What is the relation between reader and querent?
“Tarot divination, unlike astrological charting or psychological testing, requires the here/now relational field between reader and querent. In this way it is closer to psychotherapy and ballroom dancing.” (Tarot and Psychology, p. 35)
Shuffling a Tarot Deck
“When you shuffle a deck of tarot cards and lay them on the table, you’re actually putting an entire universe into motion. Every time you deal the cards, you’re creating a new reality – just as the planets and signs of astrology align to represent a new reality for every child born on Earth.” (Tarot and Astrology, p. 3)
The Tarot Mindset
The book Tarot and psychology (p. 43) points out something critical in regard to the psychological/therapeutic effectiveness of reading: one must have perfect trust in the outcome of the reading.
Furthermore, one must believe that the Tarot cards have the potential to be accurate. As Michelle Tea said, “If the person receiving the reading doesn’t actually believe in the Tarot, the Tarot doesn’t work, like a fairy whose existence has to be affirmed for her to survive. Tarot readings are an exchange of trusting energy between the reader and the seeker, and if that faithful collaboration is missing — in my experience – the magic does not happen.” (Modern Tarot, p. 3)
Spreads
[In progress]
- One card Spreads
- Card of the day
- Energy of the day
- Gratitude
- Who can I embody
Card of the day
Questions to ask:
- What attitude do I need to have a good day?
- What challenges are ahead of me today?
- What message do I need to hear today?
- How can I listen to my guides within?
- How can I listen to my guides without?
- What do I need to be mindful of today?
- How can I lean into my strengths today?
- How can I overcome my weaknesses today?
- Two card Spreads
- Release – Receive
- Doing well – Do better
- Do this – Don’t do this
- Challenge – Advice
- Three card Spreads
- Past – Present – Future
- Within – Without – Advice
- Pro – Con – Advice
- Think – Say – Do
- Current situation – Obstacle – Advice
- Body – Mind – Spirit
- Stop – Start – Continue
- Tomorrow – Next Week – Next Month
- Today – Tomorrow – Advice
- What do I value? – What do I desire? – How do I achieve it?
- What should I be grateful for?
- 1. Something internal
- 2. Something external
- 3. Something spiritual
- Four Card Spreads
- Tomorrow – Next Week – Next Month – Next Year
Five card Spreads
Expanded Past Present Future
- Past
- Present
- Future
- Hopes/Aspirations
- Fears/Obstacles
Past Present Hidden Influences
- Past
- Present
- Hidden influences
- Advice
- Possible outcome
Six Card Spreads
Simple cross
Like the Celtic Cross but without right-hand staff
-
- Heart of the matter
- Immediate challenges/obstacles
- Roots/foundation of situation
- Past influences
- Aspirations/higher aspects of situation
- Near future outcome
Expanded Past Present Future
- Past
- Present
- Future
- Hopes/Dreams
- Deep Unconscious
- Advice
Ten Card Spreads
Celtic Cross
- Heart of the matter
- Immediate challenges/obstacles
- Roots/foundation of situation
- Past influences
- Aspirations/higher aspects of situation
- Near future outcome
- Self/own attitude toward situation
- External influences on situation
- Hopes and fears
- Likely outcome/sum total of issue
Expanded Cross
- Past
- Present
- Future
- Hopes/Dreams
- Fears
- Advice
- The Unconscious Mind
- The Conscious Mind
- Obstacles
- Spirit Guide/Higher Power
Modified Double Celtic Cross
- Material present situation (Life)
- Material obstacle (Limitations)
- Material foundation (Unconscious)
- Material past (Influences)
- Material aspiration (Conscious)
- Material outcome/Spiritual Past (Growth)
- Spiritual present situation (Mind)
- Spiritual obstacle (Limitations)
- Spiritual foundation (Logos)
- Spiritual aspiration (Higher Consciousness)
- Spiritual outcome (Manifestation)
Interviewing Your New Deck
(from Ohm Terra – found on pinterest)
- What is your personality like?
- What kind of reading are you best suited for?
- Strengths?
- Weaknesses?
- How can we work together?
- Message you’d like to give me
Connecting With your Deck
- How should I approach you?
- How can I respect your wisdom?
Spiritual Work
1 card
- What does the Tarot want me to know about the present moment?
- What can I learn from history?
- What is the nature of divinity?
- What do I need to do to grow closer to the Sacred?
Tarot Spellwork
- I humbly ask you to work with the gods to improve my life in the area of life represented by this card
3 card
- How do you see me?
- How should I visualize you right now?
- What is the nature of our relationship