Beyond fortune-telling lies a deeper language the Tarot longs to tell

Introduction

Tarot reading is an ancient practice that has fascinated people for centuries. It began as a simple card game in the 1400s in Europe, only to be popularized for divination in the 1700s by an occultist. The artist Pamela Colman Smith later defined much of the modern visual language of Tarot with the Rider-Waite deck. If you've ever been curious about Tarot, particularly how to use the cards, shuffling techniques, and how to cleanse and store your deck, then this article is for you. Let’s delve into the essentials of Tarot and answer some frequently asked questions.

Tarot vs. Oracle Cards

What is Tarot?

Tarot decks traditionally consist of 78 cards, including the Major Arcana and the suits of Cups, Swords, Pentacles (or Coins), and Wands. No matter how varied the artwork, the structure remains the same across all Tarot decks.

What are Oracle Cards?

Oracle cards, on the other hand, offer more flexibility. An Oracle deck's composition is entirely up to the artist. Themes can vary dramatically, from plant symbolism to different kinds of butterflies and moths. Because of this, Oracle cards tend to be more intuitive and open to interpretation.

Can You Use Both Together?

Absolutely! There are no hard and fast rules that dictate how you should use Tarot and Oracle cards. If you feel it helps your reading, feel free to mix them.

Cleansing and Storing Your Deck

Different Cleansing Methods

How you cleanse your deck varies widely depending on personal preference. Some people knock on their deck three times, while others blow on it or use smoke cleansing. It's not necessary to follow every guideline you read. The goal is to find a method that feels right for you.

How Often Should You Cleanse?

This is also subjective. Some readers cleanse their deck before and after each use, while others do it when they feel the deck’s energy is off or their readings are unclear. Listen to your intuition; the more you work with your deck, the better you’ll understand when it needs cleansing.

Storing Your Deck

Storage methods are also up to individual discretion. Some people keep their decks in their original boxes, others use specially-made bags, and some wrap them in fabric. What’s important is keeping your cards in a safe, respectful manner that prevents them from becoming damaged or dirty.

How to Shuffle

How you shuffle your cards is another area with no strict rules. Some people prefer the bridge shuffle, others like to simply mix the cards in a circular motion, and still others spread them out and then gather them back together. Whether you read reversals (cards that appear upside down) will also affect how you shuffle. If you do read reversals, you might flip part of your deck upside down before shuffling.

Understanding Reversals

Reading reversals is entirely optional. Some readers find them crucial, while others prefer not to use them at all. It’s essential to know that not using reversals won’t lessen the effectiveness of your readings.

Getting Into the Right Headspace

Starting out, many people feel they need to be in a mystical mindset to read Tarot effectively. This isn’t necessarily true. While some do find rituals like lighting an incense or meditating helpful, others are perfectly comfortable just focusing on their question and pulling a card. The most crucial aspect is to have a clear, focused question in your mind while reading.

Building a Relationship with Your Deck

Building a bond with your Tarot deck is simpler than you might think. Just use it consistently! Techniques like sleeping with your deck under your pillow or carrying it with you everywhere can work, but they aren’t necessary. Spend time using the deck, and you’ll naturally grow more attuned to it.

Deck Personalities

Each Tarot deck can have a unique ‘personality,’ which can influence how you read with it. For example, some decks might come off as more direct or harsh, while others might provide gentler guidance. These personalities can also dictate whether a deck is suited more for personal readings, readings for others, or even specific spiritual work.

Example Spreads

Structured Spread

For those who are new to Tarot or prefer a structured approach, spreads can be helpful for organizing your readings. Here’s an example dealing with relationships:

1. Current Situation: Queen of Wands, indicating confidence and stability.

2. Challenges: Five of Pentacles, perhaps pointing to financial strain.

3. Advice: Nine of Wands, suggesting resilience and endurance.

By interpreting these cards together, you can gain insights into your relationship dynamics and what actions might help improve them.

Free-Form Reading

For a more intuitive approach, you might draw cards without assigning specific meanings beforehand. For instance, if you’re asking about a new job:

1. Wheel of Fortune: Indicates positive change and cyclical completion.

2. King of Pentacles: Suggests a mentor figure or financial stability.

3. Eight of Pentacles: Focus on skill development and hard work.

4. Six of Swords: Signifies leaving something behind, perhaps an old job or mindset.

In this free-form approach, you read the cards' meanings relative to one another and to your specific question, drawing a nuanced picture of your situation.

Handling Negative Readings

Not every Tarot reading will be positive, and it's vital to accept this. If you encounter cards like the Ten of Swords or the Tower, it could be a signal to face a tough truth head-on. Follow up with actionable questions to better understand the situation and how to navigate it.

Phrasing Your Questions

The formulation of your questions can greatly shape your reading's outcome. Aim for clarity and focus. For example, instead of asking, "What is the outcome of my relationship?" ask, "What are the challenges in my relationship, and how can I address them?" This approach often yields more actionable insights.

Documenting Your Readings

Keeping a record of your Tarot readings can be immensely beneficial for tracking progress and reflecting on your journey. While daily draws might not always be worth writing down, significant readings, particularly ones related to spells, rituals, or major life events, should be documented. Whether it’s in a journal or digitally, find a method that works for you.

Conclusion

Embarking on your Tarot journey can be both enlightening and overwhelming, especially with the myriad of opinions and techniques available. Remember, there are few hard rules—it ultimately comes down to what feels right for you. Whether you’re using Tarot cards or Oracle cards, cleansing your deck daily or once a year, the key is to develop a practice that resonates with you. Keep an open mind, trust your intuition, and enjoy the magical journey of Tarot reading.