Although most people know of tarot cards, many do not know that it is possible to read your own cards. The secret is understanding the symbolism of the images, and how to correctly interpret the combinations that appear.
The Basics of Tarot
A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards, divided into two groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each of which represents a significant archetype or life lesson. The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, which are divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit represents a different aspect of life: Wands represent passion and creativity, Cups represent emotions and relationships, Swords represent intellect and communication, and Pentacles represent the material world and finances.
Reading Your Own Cards
To read your own tarot cards, you will need a deck of cards and a quiet place where you can focus. You can use a traditional tarot deck, or you can choose a deck that is specifically designed for self-reading.
Once you have your deck, shuffle the cards and then lay them out in a spread. There are many different spreads that you can use, but the most common is the three-card spread. In this spread, you will lay out three cards in a row: the first card represents the past, the second card represents the present, and the third card represents the future.
Once you have laid out your cards, take some time to look at the images and symbols on each card. Pay attention to the colors, the shapes, and the figures. What does each card remind you of? What emotions does it evoke?
Interpreting the Cards
The next step is to interpret the meaning of the cards. This is where the symbolism of the tarot comes into play. Each card has a specific meaning, but the meaning can change depending on the context of the reading.
For example, the Fool card can represent new beginnings, but it can also represent recklessness. The Lovers card can represent love and relationships, but it can also represent choices and decisions.
To correctly interpret the meaning of the cards, you need to consider the following factors:
- The position of the card in the spread
- The combination of cards that appear together
- Your own intuition
The Position of the Card in the Spread
The position of the card in the spread can affect its meaning. For example, a card that appears in the past position may be referring to an event that has already happened, while a card that appears in the future position may be referring to an event that is yet to come.
The Combination of Cards That Appear Together
The combination of cards that appear together can also affect their meaning. For example, the Fool card combined with the Lovers card may indicate that you are starting a new relationship, while the Fool card combined with the Death card may indicate that you are going through a major change in your life.
Your Own Intuition
Your own intuition is also an important factor to consider when interpreting the cards. If a particular card does not resonate with you, then it is probably not the right card for you. Trust your gut feeling and go with the interpretation that feels right to you.
Getting Started
If you are new to tarot reading, it is a good idea to start with a simple spread, such as the three-card spread. Once you have mastered the basics, you can then move on to more complex spreads.
There are many resources available to help you learn how to read tarot cards. You can find books, websites, and even classes that can teach you the basics of tarot reading.
Conclusion
Reading your own tarot cards can be a fun and rewarding experience. It can help you to gain insight into your life and to make better decisions. With a little practice, you can learn to interpret the cards and use them to guide your life path.