Two Choices Tarot Spread? The 7 Latest Answer

Tarot is definitely having a moment. What was once relegated to the occult fringes is now raging in the mainstream. But how does tarot actually work? What do the cards mean? And can you read yourself? We want answers to these questions, and we suspect our readers will too. So we bring you a short series on Tarot that will teach you all about the ancient practice, the deck and how to use the cards to bring some magic into your life.

Is it possible to do tarot readings on yourself even if you are a beginner? Yes! It is absolute. Tarot is a modality that helps us gain greater insight into our current situation, respecting our intuition and predicting possible outcomes. It might seem a bit daunting, but it really is a simple process. I’ll accompany you.

Clean the energy of your space

Before we get down to business and start reading, prepare your space (physically and mentally). Cleanse the energy by burning herbs, ringing a bell or chime, taking a bath, or using your favorite crystals. (My personal favorite is a selenite wand, an excellent energy refresher that promotes clarity and can be easily and effectively waved across space, maps, and one’s own body). Once the energy is cleared, sit in a comfortable place where you will not be disturbed during your ritual. Close your eyes, clear the mental cobwebs and visualize the protective energy surrounding you.

Shuffle and select cards

Take a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. As you do this exercise, ponder your question or what you need guidance on, while keeping your mind and heart open to any answers that may come through the cards. Once you feel ready, open your eyes and shuffle the deck, again thinking about your desired query. Remember that there is no wrong method when it comes to mixing. When they feel shuffled enough (I assure you, you’ll know!), start dealing the cards in front of you. The pattern laid out is called the “spread,” and how cards are dealt and how they land affects the meaning of each card in combinations that build up to the overall answer to your question. It’s beneficial to know what split you’ll be working with before you start shuffling, but as the answers come through, understand that sometimes we need to draw additional cards for more clarity, or start over with a new question that takes a different perspective.

Pro tip: Don’t keep asking the same question over and over again. This is not helpful and only leads to confusion. If you don’t like the answer you get (and we all do!), resist the urge to start over and draw new cards until a different result appears in front of you. (And honestly, it won’t.) A far more beneficial approach is to try to accept the answers given and to understand that the information you are receiving is just that: greater insight into the energy of your current situation . It’s up to you what you make of it. Nothing is set in stone and you have the power to plan your next move based on this guided wisdom.

Anastasia Zvonary

Choosing a spread

What spread will you use? How deep do you want to go with your answer? The more cards are drawn, the more complex insights are obtained. As a rule of thumb I suggest a three or five card spread to provide clarity without confusion. I recommend reading each card individually, based on its placement in the spread, and then seeing how all the cards coalesce into an overall story steeped in layered meaning. There is a heated debate in the tarot community about whether or not to read card inversions. (A reversal is when a card is dealt backwards.)

Reversals highlight something to look out for and can indicate the “opposite” of the card’s upright meaning. In some cases, an inverted map does not significantly change the definition of the overall map, but rather indicates a deficit in that energy. In other cases, it may mean something completely different or nothing at all. Because of this potential confusion, I recommend you focus on the upright meanings of each card and become more familiar with this language as you continue your tarot journey. As you become more experienced and in tune with your intuition, you will surely know when to heed or discard an inversion.

I find that the best approach when conjuring up your question is to deviate from yes/no and keep it more open-ended. Instead of asking “Will I get a promotion at work?” use “What are the obstacles preventing me from advancing my career?” By framing your question this way, you invite more insight and reflection by providing a richer answer while also providing perspective that would be overlooked with a simple “yes” or “no”.

Types of Tarot Readings

past, present and future

A great place for beginners to start practicing tarot spreads is with a simple and direct three or five card spread. Whatever the subject (most revolve around the idea of ​​gaining clarity about work, love, or spiritual goals), the number of cards drawn determines the depth of the insights to be conveyed.

A three-card spread often evokes the past, present, and future energy of your current situation. A five-card map builds on this information by pointing out possible obstacles and providing additional advice to help you achieve your solution.

3-Card Relationship Spread

My favorite relationship split is to draw three cards for a quick, forceful reading of a situation. This can be used for romantic relationships, friendships, work colleagues, or any situation surrounding a partnership to get a better insight into the energy surrounding your connection. The first card drawn shows your energy in relation to that other person. The second card reflects the other person’s energy in relation to you. The last card represents the combined energy of the partnership. If someone has been acting aloof or is feeling a little different, the spread provides information about what’s going on here so you can gain insight before approaching the other person with honest and open communication. (Because nothing moves forward unless we talk to each other and share our feelings and perspectives.)

Tatyana Antusenok

General reading with 12 cards

For general information about the coming year, draw twelve cards, each representing the energetic theme of the month. This spread can be used at the start of a calendar year, or on your own “personal New Year” around your birthday, to highlight lessons to be learned, obstacles to watch out for, or advice for your long-term goals.

The Celtic Cross

When you have a more complex question that requires deeper insight, it’s time to get down to business and use the classic ten-card Celtic Cross spread to find your definitive solution. This well-known and widespread spread is vast and complex, so I recommend working your way up to it as you become more comfortable with your skills. Because this spread allows for gathering insights from all different angles, this is a framework that can be used even when you don’t have a specific query in mind. Sit back and see what the cards are telling you right now!

Arranged in a cross shape, the first six cards represent the current theme, while the last four form a vertical line reflecting additional influences alongside.

1. Present – The current situation and state of mind of the questioner.

2. Past – The past events that influenced us and led to the current situation.

3. Challenge – The current challenge that needs to be solved in order to advance.

4. Future – The most likely short-term outcome of the current situation if nothing changes.

5. Aware – This indicates the asker’s goals, desires, and assumptions regarding the current situation.

6. Unconscious – The feelings, beliefs, and values ​​driving the current situation that have yet to be uncovered by the querent. (This card often reveals hidden surprises that prove very valuable.)

7. Your Impact – This card shows how your perception of the situation affects the possible outcome. It may also give advice on how to proceed.

8. Outside Influence – This map shows how the world around you and other people’s perceptions can affect your situation beyond your control.

9. Hopes and Fears – This card provides insight into how the attitude of the questioner influences the outcome. This map can be tricky, but remember that what we fear and what we hope for are often inextricably linked.

10. Outcome – If the current course of action is taken and continued, this card represents the most likely solution.

The more you do this exercise, the easier and more intuitive reading the cards will become. That said, everyone gets stuck in a tricky situation sometimes, or one that we feel personally connected to, and when that happens, it’s an appropriate time to consult a professional who can offer perspective without personal bias. Remember that the cards provide insight and guidance, but what you do with that information determines your destiny.

Sarah Potter is a psychic medium, tarot reader, and witch based in New York City.

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I don’t feel like working out all the math right now, but I think I know how you would do it. Using the guidelines in the sticky post, calculate your odds as if it were a dice pool. Only one card is a “hit”, so 1/78 for the odds of a single hit and then calculate the odds of a single hit if you “roll ten dice”.

As a true tarot reader, I can tell you that THE SPIRITS DO WHAT THEY WANT! Also that I get the same card in a row quite often depending on how well, how much and how I shuffle. You may wish to enforce a standard shuffle or a specific shuffle to ensure fair odds for all players.

Also, if you want me to pick up the idea, I think it’s pretty cool. I have considered a tarot deck based game before but never made any effort for various reasons. I tend to agree with Blacksheep that a full 10 card Celtic Cross is a bit overkill for the game, apart from an idea I just had.

The only way I can draw 10 cards is if you only do it once per “chapter”. About once per session. This would give all players a “Destiny” that they could later use on their characters. So when a test comes up that involves completing that character’s goal, he can use his Crown card and Foundation card. They can also use hope and fear or one of the self-image cards in an anxiety test, for example. Could be a very cool setup for a diceless game, with a simple once-a-game randomizer mechanic.

Now if you want to make a tie for each task, I recommend only 1-5 cards. With the Minor Arcana, you can just use it like a normal deck and then use the Major Arcana (and maybe the royal cards) as special story modifiers. Just as your character got lost in the forest, the player could “call” on the hermit archetype to guide them out.

Anyway, sounds cool, hope it works, and come back if you have more questions. The cards are always waiting to be answered.

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Tips on why and how to clean tarot cards.

While shuffling the tarot deck is a way to cleanse and clear the energy of the cards, there are times when you might want to do something more specific and ritualized. Maybe you’re just starting out in learning tarot, and cleaning up your deck seems like a good place to start.

There are many reasons you might want to clean up your tarot deck, including:

Start with a new deck

do readings for others

You feel like you need a refresher

Your card readings feel “off” or a little disconnected

You haven’t used your deck for a while

Others have handled your deck

You feel like you’ve used your deck A LOT – especially for emotionally heavy readings

Why should you clean or tidy up your tarot deck?

Clearing your tarot deck can allow the energy to flow between you and your deck. Think of it as a little spiritual hygiene to keep the connection clear and well-tuned. It’s nothing you have to do, but if you’re feeling any of the above feelings, explore a few different ways to energetically clear your deck (see below) and note which ones work best for you.

How often should you clean your tarot deck?

There are no hard and fast rules here, which is another way of saying USE YOUR INTUITION. If you feel like your deck doesn’t need it, don’t worry. Or if you want to clean them once a week or once a month, great. You can even put your favorite crystal on the terrace every evening if you see fit.

If you regularly add crystals to your deck and place your deck on an altar when you’re not using it, you might not feel the need to clean it often, as this little ritual can be enough to keep your deck feeling good.

Just as there are many reasons you might want to clean up your cards, there are many ways to do it.

Different ways to cleanse your tarot deck

Use holy smoke. Light a smoke purification stick made from dried rosemary, lavender, cedar, sage, or palo santo until it smokes. With the burning herbs in one hand and the deck in the other, hold the smoke a safe distance below the deck so the smoke billows up toward the cards. Turn the deck so all sides are enveloped in smoke. Then lay down your deck and safely stop the smoke.

Place a selenite stone (or black tourmaline or clear quartz) on the deck. I like to leave it overnight, but an hour is fine.

Put them on at new moon. The new moon is bare slate energy, you can clean the deck under the new moon by placing it on a windowsill on a new moon night. You can also set a new intent for your deck at this point.

Glue the cards in a bowl of salt. Salt is a powerful and grounding cleanser. This is my go-to option for a serious clean. Leave it in a dry place for 1-8 hours (watch out for moisture!)

Chaotic mixing. Put the cards on the ground and shuffle them like a kid playing in the mud. The randomness and freedom of this method is a great reset.

The sorting and shuffling. Lay the deck out in rows of 7 cards starting with Major Arcana numbers 0-22 (see photo above). Then lay out the cards from ace to king for each suit in this order: Wands, Cups, Swords, Coins. View the deck in this form, then shuffle everything (like the chaos!) and shuffle well.

Read More: How to Shuffle Tarot Cards (Plus Jumper Cards).

How to clean tarot cards

There is no right or wrong way to clean your deck. Experiment and find what works for you. Some cleaning methods may work better for different situations. If you are interested in learning more about reading tarot intuitively, sign up to waitlist for my Tarot Foundations class.

You can also book a tarot reading or tarot tutoring with me.

Some say that you should receive your first deck of tarot cards as a gift, but I totally disagree! From the moment I defiantly bought my first Rider Waite Smith deck at a weird, mystical store in Los Angeles, I’ve been obsessed with tarot cards.

Basically, if you’re wondering how tarot cards work, the 78-card tarot deck is designed to be a one-to-one mirror of your reality. Each card represents a specific person, event, or energy, and as you select specific cards and place them gently on a surface, you begin to understand the complexities of each situation. Right before your eyes, your entire narrative is illuminated by colors, characters, and symbols. In just a few seconds, Tarot offers a window into your past, present and future.

Let the record show I love tarot cards. I read tarot cards for my clients and use them to write horoscopes. But even after studying tarot for 10 years, I struggled to interpret my own tarot readings. As I examined the shortcomings of these “self-readings,” I realized that so many of us are going through the same dilemma. Almost every day I have dozens of images of tarot overlays in my DMs asking for help interpreting the meaning of the cards: “Aliza, can you look at this for me? I don’t know what it means.”

I was beginning to realize that while the tarot itself is a wonderful tool, I do not recommend reading your own tarot cards. Pulling a card every morning, as many do, is perfectly fine (and totally beautiful!) because this practice is designed to give you a topic to meditate on throughout the day. But when it comes to actually using tarot cards to provide deep insight into a complicated situation…well, I can’t subscribe to reading your cards myself.

I know this may seem shocking (and even contradicts what you’ve heard in the past!), so let me explain: if you’re a beginner, it’s normal for you to enter from the tarot deck are little overwhelmed. After all, there are 78 extremely detailed cards, each with symbolism, archetypes and deep spiritual meaning. Luckily, most tarot decks come with an instruction booklet that describes the inspiration and symbolism behind each card. By working with these booklets, beginners can learn how that particular deck is organized, what each individual card represents, and even how to lay out the cards to create different tarot spreads.

While the booklet is a wonderful resource, it is not meant to be memorized. The beginner slowly learns his own individual interpretation. In fact, each person has a unique relationship with each card. What does the King of Cups mean specifically to you? Or the ace of coins? Or the empress? Or justice?

When you’re just starting out with your tarot practice, expect some clumsiness. Learning tarot is like learning a new language – you can’t expect to become fluent overnight! But what if you don’t need the booklet anymore and know the deck like the back of your hand? can you give yourself some reading With very few exceptions, no. It’s just a bad idea.

You see, most of us use astrology or tarot when we seek clarity in a time of uncertainty. Unlike astrology, which is exceedingly technical, our ability to interpret tarot cards is limited by our awareness. They don’t work in short-term and long-term cycles like planetary orbits do – you work with your individual interpretation of the charts. And when you use the tarot to deepen your understanding of a challenging moment, it’s difficult to see beyond your immediate situation. Sure, you can see all of the cards laid out in front of you, but to piece them together requires perspective so wide-ranging that it’s almost impossible to interpret the card’s full narrative. Basically, your tarot reading will always reflect the biases you already bring to the table!

Will anything bad happen if you read your own tarot cards? no

But will you end up more confused than before? Most likely.

So how do you fight that? Now, instead of asking a friend to interpret the tarot cards just drawn (remember that each person develops their own language with the tarot), plan to do readings for each other. Of course, you want to make sure your friend is someone you can trust – things can get very personal very quickly.

First you ask an open-ended question (e.g. “How should I deal with my boss?”). Then your friend will use their own tarot deck to draw cards to answer your question. Through their unique interpretation, your friend will explain the history of these specific cards. Your outside perspective will help them understand what the tarot is saying about your situation, and then you can do the same for them. Even better, you’ll both get away with it more enlightened than if you tried to read the cards yourself.

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Aliza Kelly Aliza Kelly is a famous astrologer, columnist, author and presenter.

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Whether you’re a tarot devotee who can’t start the day without a quick card draw (I mean, how else are you supposed to know the mood of the day?), or you’re just poking your spiritual toes into you’re a tarot -Devotee who doesn’t start the day without a quick card draw (I mean, how else are you supposed to know the mood of the day?), or you’re just dipping your spiritual toes into the world of tarot but you’re so up for a challenge , you should consider adding the Celtic Cross Tarot to your regular rotation.

The Celtic Cross tarot overlay consists of 10 card positions representing various questions and together they form the shape of a – you guessed it – cross with a vertical row of four cards to the right of it. Clarisse Monahan, an astrologer and tarot reader, says this spread allows you to dig much deeper into a question than, say, a simple one- or three-card spread to find clarity and answers. And it goes way back.

The Celtic Cross Tarot deck is the oldest and most classic of all Tarot decks. “The first published reference to this came from Arthur Edward Waite, co-creator of the popular Rider Waite Tarot Deck,” says Monahan. “His book The Pictorial Key (1910) refers to the distribution and suggests that it was used in the British Isles many years earlier.”

The OG tarot spread can feel overwhelming for some, especially new tarot readers, as it involves the joint interpretation of 10 tarot card meanings in one reading. However, Monahan notes that a structured tarot reading like the Celtic Cross is actually helpful because it helps formulate the questioner’s (aka questioner’s) question in a systematic way. For example, dragging the moon tarot card to a position that represents the person asking the question gives it a different meaning than when the same card appears in the position that relates to their surroundings, which can make it easier interpret.

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Ready to try the Celtic Cross Tarot deck? Grab your deck and read on for a guide, including an overview of each of the 10 card positions and what they mean.

How to make a Celtic Cross Tarot Pad

1. Shuffle the cards while concentrating on your question

For a Celtic Clubs Tarot overlay, Monahan suggests starting by shuffling the cards while thinking of the question you want to focus on in your tarot reading. You can either keep the focus general or get down to the nitty gritty with a specific question. For example, Monahan says that a general question might be, “How do I bring more abundance into my life,” and a specific question might be, “Will I get this job I’m applying for?”

2. Draw 10 cards and lay them out in a Celtic cross

Once you intuitively feel you’ve shuffled the cards enough, Monahan recommends splitting the deck into three with your left hand. Then choose one of the three decks and draw ten cards from the top of that deck while placing each of them in the order of the Celtic Clubs Tarot Spread as described below.

Card 1: The questioner

Positioned right in the center of the Celtic Cross Tarot, the first card in the spread always represents the person asking the question, also known as the Querent, says Monahan. Whichever card lands in this position, the meaning and interpretation relates to the querent himself.

Map 2: The Block

The second card in Celtic Cross Tarot is laid out horizontally over the first card. This card, says Monahan, represents the blockage preventing the querent from getting what they want.

Map 3: The Root

The third card in the spread goes below the middle cards and symbolizes what’s causing the blockage, the “root of the problem, or the unconscious energy that’s grounding it,” says Monahan.

Map 4: The recent past

This card lives to the left of the middle cards and represents things that happened recently, says Monahan.

Card 5: Opportunities

Positioned above the middle cards, Monahan says that the fifth card in the Celtic Cross tarot display is all about the choices available to you now.

Map 6: Where you are going

The sixth card, located to the right of the middle cards, represents your future and where you are going. According to Monahan, this map can also show the best and most efficient path to the desired outcome.

Cards 7: As you see yourself right now

The sixth card position completes the shape of the cross in Celtic Cross Tarot. Cards seven through ten, Monahan says, are read together, forming a vertical line to the right of the cross, with the seventh card on the bottom and the tenth on top. Card seven, she adds, focuses on how you see yourself, whether in a positive or negative light.

Card 8: Your environment

Positioned just above the seventh card, Monahan says this card represents your environment, which includes those around you, like friends and family, who are either helping or hindering the situation.

Map 9: Hopes and Fears

The card in the ninth position of the Celtic Cross, roughly the eighth card, shows how the questioner is feeling, their hopes, and their fears about the situation. “It doesn’t represent what’s actually going to happen, but rather our outlook on it,” says Monahan.

Card 10: The result

Placed above the ninth card, the last card of the Celtic Cross Tarot shows the “Result.” However, Monahan notes, “This is not a hard and fast prediction, but more to show where the energy is going.” We all have free will, and the beauty of the tarot, she adds, is that you can change your approach and energy in any situation and get a different outcome in return.

3. Make the Celtic Tarot Cross your own

Once you’ve dealt all 10 of your cards, you can begin to interpret their meaning based on their position in the spread. While it helps to stick to the traditional Celtic cross structure and layout, Monahan suggests trying other variations to find one that you resonate with. Don’t be afraid to make it your own. “Play around with what each card represents until you find something that feels right,” she says. “If you don’t like the card’s traditional meaning, give it your own opinion. Tarot is all about being creative and using our intuitive flow.

4. Look for patterns or repetition

As you read the cards, Monahan advises looking for patterns or repetition. For example, she says, repeating the number seven cards can mean stress and challenges that must be overcome in order to achieve something. Or if there are many Pentacles cards in a spread, it could mean safety and money are paramount.

5. Use your intuition

Aside from the traditional meanings of each card and the positions, your intuition is king when it comes to deciphering the messages of a tarot reading. Because of this, Monahan suggests using your inner wisdom to help you decide which cards to focus on. “The most important card doesn’t always have to be the result card, you can be really drawn to a card in a different position,” she says. “Trust what attracts you and then use the structure of each position; piece together the story the cards are trying to convey.”

And finally, treat yourself to a Celtic Cross reading. According to Monahan, it can be helpful to write down your first impressions and come back to them later.

Alone at the table, you shuffle your cards and focus your intention. You’ve sat down to lay a blanket for yourself but can’t take your mind off the person you’re romantically interested in, or that annoying neighbor you want to move, or that rival co-worker who is ready for the same job. They think how easy it would be to just draw a card or two to get a little glimpse of that person, and they could never be the wiser.

Each reader must define their own ethical boundaries, and there are many nuances and layers to this question.

So, is it wrong to take a reading (aka a third-party reading) on ​​someone without that person’s knowledge or permission? Well, each reader must define their own ethical boundaries, and there are many nuances and layers to this question.

What is a Third Party Tarot Reading?

First, let’s clarify the difference between a third-party read and a third-party read that is indirectly part of another person’s read (let’s call this an indirect read).

A third-party reading is a reading that occurs without the subject’s knowledge or permission.

An indirect reading is when someone is indirectly involved in another’s reading because of their relationship to the querent (the person being read for). For example, if someone asks, “What do I need to know about my relationship with my partner?” The “partner” in question inevitably becomes part of this reading—it cannot be avoided. However, the reading should focus solely on the questioner and their response to the relationship – not the partner’s perspectives or actions.

Are third-party metrics unethical?

It depends on who you ask, but for me and my personal code of ethics, the answer is yes – it’s wrong to intentionally publish a spread about a specific person without their knowledge or permission. And, most likely, reading someone’s cards without their knowledge (and therefore without their input) will lead to completely inaccurate conclusions.

Ask yourself why you want to secretly read another person

I believe that in many cases, behind the temptation to give someone a spread without their knowledge, there is a desire for control or an edge over that other person. Not cool in my opinion.

Tarot is not an exact science, nor does it predict the future. It is a tool to show possible paths based on the querent’s actions. Spreading a spread without their knowledge is all about you and your desires, not providing insight or guidance to the person you’re reading for.

Spreading a spread without their knowledge is all about you and your desires, not providing insight or guidance to the person you’re reading for.

Are you wondering how accurate it could possibly be to read to someone who isn’t attending the reading—or isn’t even aware of it? In this case, you would be reading in a vacuum – relying 100% on your own perception (right or wrong) of that person, with no input from them. Any bias you have for or against that person will feed into your interpretation of the cards.

The fortune teller, engraving around 1718

Let’s take a look at some reasons one reader might have to poke around in another’s private lives.

Read new people in your life

I once read on a tarot forum that a reader wanted to lay out a card for a person they had just met in order to “get to know” them. In my opinion, this falls short in one-to-one communication – trying to get a glimpse of another’s inner self without doing the work of building trust and friendship.

Human relationships are delicate and fragile things. We reveal ourselves and our experiences to others when we gain trust in them. If we wanted everyone to know everything about us when they first met, we would all carry copies of our life stories around with us, like a résumé for a possible friendship. Even those of us who claim to be open books still have some secrets about ourselves.

Reading about celebrities or other famous people

Before the internet and the 24-hour news cycle, celebrities were called “stars.” Stars are beautiful, shiny and unattainable things. We can admire their splendor from afar. If we were to encounter an astronomical star up close, we’d likely be disappointed to learn that it’s just a glowing ball of gas with not much real substance.

Celebrities (including actors and musicians) are just people whose job it is to sell tickets or products by entertaining us. Just because they post pictures of their lunch on Instagram doesn’t mean we have an open invitation into their whole lives. They are human beings who have the same right to their own private inner world as the rest of us. While it may be tempting to know what triggers your fan infatuation, ask yourself: Even if you could accurately read someone you’ve never met, would you really want to know? And why do you think you have a right to this information?

Reading your love interest

When you read about love and relationships, there will inevitably be a third part of this equation. However, your exploration should be limited to the part that relates directly to you. It’s okay to ask, “What do I need to know about my relationship with…?” But you probably shouldn’t ask, “What is this other person’s deepest secret?”

Reading the Crystal, 1910 from the NYPL Digital Collection

It’s okay to ask, “What do I need to know about my relationship with…?” But you probably shouldn’t ask, “What is this other person’s deepest secret?”

Good relationship reading should help you decide what actions you need to take to achieve your relationship goals. The “getting to know her” part is both the hard work and the joy of relationships. Don’t try to compromise for the benefit or control of your love interest. And if that’s your goal, then that should tell you a lot about why your relationships aren’t going the way you want them to.

read family members

I once did readings for an animal rescue organization. It’s been a very long night, and reading for several people at once is very tiring. As the night wore on I sometimes forgot the part of my introduction where I told people (especially those who have never had a reading) that I don’t answer legal or medical questions. See my code of ethics.

That evening I got so many questions about health. Most concerned the questioner’s own health, but one person asked about a loved one. It was clear they were worried about their loved one and they were very disappointed when I declined. In this case, I believe the questioner had only love, concern, and the best of intentions behind their question, but I just couldn’t (and wouldn’t) do it. I was simply setting out my policy on answering medical questions and answering another question. But it’s really a bigger, philosophical problem: another person’s secrets may or may not be revealed to them if and when they are ready. And yes, that includes your children, parents, and siblings.

… revealing another person’s secrets—or not—when and if they’re ready.

When my father was diagnosed with cancer, he knew his diagnosis long before he told the family. He was still physically fit when he organized a family reunion. There were no outward signs of what was going on inside his body. We ate and laughed and drank cocktails – and yet I knew something was wrong. It was a full year before he revealed his illness. In the meantime, I stayed out of his head and the cards when it came to what I felt was a problem in my gut. It was his story to tell – and he told it when he was ready.

But what about the bad guys?

Debates on this topic often come to people claiming that they want to do third-party covert tarot readings because, “I want to know if my partner is cheating on me!” or “I think this person is hurting someone else!” or “I’m pretty sure they talk shit about me behind my back.” etc.

My response to these arguments is, “Check with yourself first.”

The spread you set for each of the example dilemmas above should relate to you and the actions you take. Ask yourself how would the outcome of the reading affect whether you take action or not? Should it? Do you use reading to get the courage to do something you already know you should or as an excuse not to do it? Chances are you already have an inkling that something is wrong and action is needed. Read our post How to Get the Best Tarot Reading Ever! to learn more about the motivation behind the questions we ask during a tarot reading.

Intuition vs. Psychic Espionage

Most intuitive or empathic people have a knack for reading people. We pick up on subtle cues like body language, voice inflection, and word choice. But there are times when an intuitive’s skills stretch far beyond mere observation. I can’t count the number of times someone close to me has said, “Get out of my head!” A common scenario is that I’m sitting quietly with a loved one and a random thought pops into my head — seemingly out of the blue. And when I speak that thought, the person says, “That’s what I was just thinking!” That’s intuition.

Psychic espionage, on the other hand, is when you intentionally focus your energies on poking around in another person’s mind. And that’s not okay with me. I consider it a Golden Rule situation – I don’t want anyone intruding on my thoughts, so I don’t go around doing it to others.

I consider it a Golden Rule situation – I don’t want anyone intruding on my thoughts, so I don’t go around doing it to others.

Is it ever okay?

Yes. Roughly. I think it’s okay to include an absent third party in a reading only if it relates to the person being read for (whether that’s a client, a friend sitting across from you, or yourself). In fact, most spreads contain references to other people in the querent’s life. For example, if you’re doing a love or relationship reading, you can’t help but have a third party involved – absent or present. But to be clear, this third party is not the focus of the reading. You’re just a supporting character.

Third-Party Ethical Readings

In the example above, a person (the questioner) specifically and with their knowledge asked you to do a love or relationship reading for them. In the course of the reading there will be references to the other party. But the reading should focus on the relationship with the questioner.

As a tarot card reader, you must always focus on the person being read to – whether they are sitting across from you, meeting with you via video chat, being read via email or otherwise.

So what if the cards indicate that the absent third party (i.e. the querent’s love interest) has some issues? You need to focus on how these issues might affect the querent rather than using them as a window into the other person. For example, instead of saying, “The cards indicate that the person you are interested in has experienced great loss and trauma and has trust issues,” you could say, “The cards indicate that you are likely to care a little more make an effort to earn that person’s trust.”

What do you want to learn?

Do you have questions about witchcraft, divination or other metaphysical topics? Let us know in the comments, tag us on social media or email us.

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While palmistry and numerology have always been popular with the masses in India, tarot card reading has emerged as the new way of “reading the future”, especially in the urban areas.

Tarot cards caught people’s imaginations during the 2003 Cricket World Cup when a card reader was called in to make predictions about the matches.

“Although the Cricket World Cup popularized tarot cards, the practice arrived in India nearly three decades ago,” says Mita Bhan, a tarot card reader.

“In the beginning, tarot card reading was just a form of entertainment for the elite. But now it’s serious business and the middle class are also visiting tarot readers,” adds Madhu Jha Pathak, another tarot reader.

Now many radio and TV stations have programs on reading tarot cards. A radio station called “Radio Tarot” was also launched a few days ago. Even newspapers and magazines have tarot card columns.

Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards. These cards are divided into major (major arcana) and minor (minor arcana), which represent different aspects of human life.

The word was derived from the Italian word “tarocchi”. “It originated in Italy in the 14th century, where it was a popular form of entertainment for the Italian aristocracy. Gradually, people started taking it more seriously,” says Bhan.

But even the tarot card readers agree that the practice is not scientific or mathematical.

“There are elements of astrology and numerology in it, it just works as a trigger for one’s psychic abilities,” says Bhan.

They also do not claim 100% accuracy of their readings.

“In my experience, I can claim an accuracy of up to ninety percent for my readings,” says Madhu.

“We cannot claim absolute accuracy. But can palmistry or astrology claim the same thing?” asks Mita.

The opinion of people who have visited tarot card readers is also divided depending on the results obtained.

“It’s wonderful. I’ve always gotten accurate predictions from reading tarot cards. Now I go to a tarot card reader before embarking on an important task. I have,” says Praveen Mehta, a businessman from Delhi. There are others who differ in their opinion of the practice.

“The readings are not always accurate. I visited a tarot card reader once, I don’t think I would visit it again,” says Asif, a college student.

Also, there are a number of those who visit a tarot card reader just for fun, shall we say tarot card readers.

Although they can be read similarly, tarot decks and regular decks of cards are quite different. The tarot deck has 78 cards (as opposed to the 52 in a standard deck) and contains different suits of hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades. Additionally, Nova adds, tarot cards “have more of a magical quality and really help you when you’re doing psychic or intuitive readings.”

She notes that playing cards are much more black and white. This can make them a good option for anyone just dipping their toes into divinatory readings and looking for more direct guidance. While tarot cards have specific meanings, most tarot readers rely more on their intuition as they absorb the subtle energies of whoever they are reading for.

“I think the different tarot cards are much more detailed,” she adds. “You tell a deeper story, especially if you do a deeper read.”

Is there such a thing as too many tarot readings?

How much tarot is too much tarot?

There is a common advice among tarot readers that readings need room to breathe:

Messages need time to unfold. Life has to happen. And there can be many factors and influences involved in a situation.

Is it always easy to wait? no But like everything else, Tarot requires balance.

But what happens when tarot becomes a crutch – something you rely on so much you’re afraid to make a move without first consulting the cards?

Or maybe it’s not just tarot. Astrology and other types of divination or ritual can have the same effect.

At what point does a tool or spiritual practice become a superstition or even an addiction?

Finding a balance here is not always easy. If tarot is so accurate and useful, why not use it all the time?

I wouldn’t say it’s common for someone to become addicted to the tarot, but it does happen.

This is one of the reasons why many tarot readers have policies and guidelines for their clients as to how often they can book a reading: some readers recommend coming back after six months, for example.

But these are not hard and fast rules and are set individually by independent practitioners – all of whom may have their own rhyme and reason for constructing their work a certain way.

There may also be differences between frequency of use and dependency. I’ve had clients go through phases where they consulted me quite often, but many of the sessions addressed different questions and situations. It just seemed like there was a lot going on, a lot to talk about, and they needed the overtime.

I don’t worry that much when someone uses tarot as a tool to get ahead, although it’s common if they actually find it useful and helpful.

But what do you do when someone is afraid of making the wrong decision without the tarot’s input?

What happens when someone feels paralyzed in their life and is waiting for their next tarot reading before they can change anything or address a conflict?

Or when it becomes impossible to do something without first drawing a card? (Or consult an astrology chart or pull an oracle card or whatever is on the way…)

I know I’ve said this before, but it needs to be repeated: Tarot is not intended to replace our own decision-making.

I think tarot is a great tool when we need an extra perspective or when we’re feeling blocked or confused about something and need an alternative opinion.

But it’s not meant to be a fatalistic panacea that needs to be consulted at every turn. Instead, allowing ourselves to acknowledge the times when the tarot confirms or validates a hunch we already have about something can actually help us make better long-term decisions.

It is not uncommon for people to outgrow the tarot in some way and find that over time they need it less because they have learned what they need from it and gained confidence as a result.

But for anyone who is struggling to get there and instead finds themselves enmeshed in tarot or similar tools, it is important to remember that tarot does not always have the final say.

And it’s not always the best tool for every situation, either.

Sometimes the answer to a question isn’t just about what the cards say, but about what you want, need, or need to do to move forward.

If tarot begins to lose sight of someone as to what their own feelings, thoughts, or desires are, then it might be time to take a break from fortune telling. Tarot as a practice should not undermine your confidence, intuition, or confidence.

So what can one do to overcome tarot addiction?

Stick to what you’re really afraid of. One thing I’ve learned as a tarot reader is that a major reason people are drawn to divination is because they struggle with decision making.

This can have many causes, such as the fear of missing out or making the wrong choice. Another reason why decision-making can feel scary is the fear of failure or regret, or the pursuit of perfectionism and trying to get it “right” the first time.

Check your decision-making ability. That’s right – decision making is a skill, like tarot reading. Look for workshops, books, and other resources designed to help people make better, clearer decisions.

Think of other times when you had to make decisions without the advice or input of others. What happened? how did you do it Connect to times when you made decisions—the right decisions—without first consulting maps or other tools.

Adjust to what you want. So often I sit with questioners who know what they want to do with their lives, yet they want confirmation or permission from a tarot reading first. Even when the cards tell them to pursue their dreams, they still hesitate for fear that something might not work out.

If you know this, start small. Choose something every day that brings you joy. Get ready to make bigger decisions by gradually doing more of what you want and less of what you don’t.

Remember that your life is not set in stone. You have free will. won’t always make the perfect decision – none of us do. And sometimes there are no clear or perfect decisions anyway. Tarot is there to help you on this journey, but it is not a clear road map for your daily life.

You can shape your personal experiences. There may be times when you are at a crossroads or feel overwhelmed by choices, but the more you allow yourself to choose what feels right, rather than relying on external validation or permission to choose, the more you will build more confidence in yourself.

Do you know someone who might find these tips useful? Please feel free to pass this on.

Until next time,

Liz xo

First of all, what is the difference between oracle and tarot decks?

Similar to a tarot deck, an oracle deck is a collection of cards that provide direction and perspective for our lived experience. But while tarot decks tend to follow a certain structure — 78 cards split between major and minor arcana — oracle decks can be looser and more interpretive. There are fewer rules when reading an oracle deck and more freedom to let your intuition guide you.

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How to choose an Oracle deck.

There are now hundreds of Oracle decks, each with their own theme and focus. When shopping for a deck, use your intuition to choose one that you’re particularly attracted to. Collecting decks over time also pays dividends, as you’ll find that you’ll appeal to different decks depending on your current mood and circumstances, or those of the person you’re reading for. Personally, I have about 30 decks, and I find that the deck I’m supposed to use with each client tells me something about the client’s personality or what they’re struggling with.

How to conduct a reading:

Come to the cards with a blank, open mind. As you read, make sure you are alone in a quiet place where you can focus on your own energy. Then, as you hold the deck in your hands, think about where you could use some guidance right now. Your intuition will always tell you what you need to know at that moment. That said, the most pressing issue that comes to mind might surprise you. (If you’re reading for someone else, just focus on the other person as you shuffle the cards.) There are a few ways to shuffle a deck. Personally, I like to shuffle until a card sticks out dramatically or even flies out. Others may shuffle until they feel like stopping at that moment and drawing the card from the top of the deck. Ask your intuition how many cards to draw from a deck: you can only draw one card and as many as your space allows. Once you have drawn your card(s), place them face down on the surface in front of you. Turn them over one by one. What are your first thoughts on what a card means to you or the person you are reading for? Usually our initial intuitive hits are the most profound. Expect some of these to come as a surprise—guidance or insight you had never considered before. If you don’t get a few hits right away when looking at a map, sit quietly for a minute or two and see what floats to the surface.

Oracle deck pictured: The Moon Deck Image by Hannah Schwob / mindbodygreen

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Tips for accurate readings:

There are very few hard and fast rules when it comes to working with these divination tools, but here are a few more things to keep in mind as you work:

1. Treat your deck like a sacred object.

Decks can be worn and popular, but they should always be respected. If you’re reading for someone else, you should be the person shuffling and picking the cards so no one else touches your deck. When you’re done drawing cards, store your deck in a closed drawer so it doesn’t pick up stray vibrations flying around your house. The more you care about your deck’s energy, the more accurate your readings will be!

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2. Don’t rely on the guidebook.

People who design oracle cards put a lot of time and love into these guides, and reading the entries can be fun and informative when you get a new deck. But just like learning to drive, there comes a time when driver education is over and the manual isn’t that useful anymore. I like oracle cards that have a big, general message at the top that can be expressed in a few words. As you read these words, pay attention not so much to the longer explanation of this card in the book as to what your own intuition is telling you this card means for your life.

3. Pay attention to the imagery of the cards.

Images on oracle cards are not just beautiful images. Sometimes the words don’t resonate, but the image of a man on the card will remind you of your father, or an animal will remind you of one of your pets. For example, cards with pictures of a certain season could tell you that a career change or a marriage proposal will come in the fall.

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4. Keep a sense of wonder and magic when reading the cards.

Intense emotions like anxiety and fear can block intuition, so focus, but also relax and have fun. Remember, these cards help you connect with your higher self and spiritual guides. If you remember this, you will pay more attention to the messages of each card. Silence that annoying little voice that says “This is too random to work” or “This is silly”. Oracle maps can be amazingly accurate. The more you undo your disbelief, the more you will get out of your readings.

5. Don’t overuse the cards.

What does the Lovers card mean?

As tarot reader and Witchy Wellness founder Leah Vanderveldt explains to mbg, The Lovers is a complex card. “Ruled by Gemini, it is a card about connection and the possibilities of deep intimacy. Normally, when this card comes up, we are relinquishing our power to something outside of ourselves. Sometimes it’s a relationship, sometimes it’s a title, a job or…something material,” she adds. Blaire Porter and Britt June of tarot company Threads of Fate add, “The Lovers card represents relationships and choices — and although not exclusively, it typically involves romantic relationships.” Drawing this card suggests that we feel that external circumstances and relationships give us value. “If you’ve taken that particular person away, you’re still a loved and loving person. When you’ve taken the job away, you’re still capable and good at what you do,” notes Vanderveldt. “It’s a process of choosing yourself first before choosing yourself engages in a healthy relationship with anything outside of oneself […] We are asked to accept ourselves as worthy.”

What does this mean for love and relationships?

Pulled upright:

You’d think a Lovers card would be a foolproof sign of luck in love, but that’s not always the case. “Love is always a choice,” say Porter and June, “and it’s a lot more about ourselves than what other people want to bring into our lives.” In some cases, this can mean knowing when you’re in a relationship that doesn’t serve you, or review your own toxic or unhealthy behaviors.” As Vanderveldt adds, when you draw this card, “Ask yourself: How do you align your values ​​in your relationship? You find a balance that works for you are both right; what does that look like?” The card challenges you to explore what your relationship creates for you and how you can create that love from within, she says. “It’s intense work,” add Porter and June “It sheds inherited patterns so we can have the lives and relationships we truly desire, but we must first make these difficult decisions and step outside of the old ways.”

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Pulled backwards:

Pulling the lovers backwards indicates disharmony and restraint. There can be a “feeling that this other person is ‘too good’ for you,” says Vanderveldt. “It’s a conflict between the head and the heart that creates an imbalance.” You could also become stuck in unconscious patterns, Porter and June note, “resulting in you not acting in accordance with your truth.” (For example, feeling triggered and disconnected, or unconsciously rejecting one’s partner out of fear.) “You are asked not to act on impulse and get to the heart of the matter,” they add. “If things in your relationship feel imbalanced, address why.” As Vanderveldt suggests, you can ask yourself: where does your belief in love come from? How can you embrace vulnerability and honesty in relationships?

What does this mean for professional and financial matters?

Pulled upright:

Dragging lovers into a read about your career or finances could represent a new partnership within your career or even a different, more fulfilling career path, say Porter and June. “The selection aspect of lovers can also be emphasized. Would you like to find a new job? Are you looking for new opportunities?” As Vanderveldt explains, this card is a sign that “it’s time to align your actions in the world with your inner needs and desires, or show yourself how worthy you are.”

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Pulled backwards:

Again, drawing this card upside down in a career reading would indicate some kind of conflict or disharmony. “Maybe you’re feeling dissatisfied or maybe you’re dealing with negative co-workers,” Porter and June note. “Financially, you may be in an unconscious pattern.” Ultimately, the map invites you to take a closer look at the situation to find out what you need. “Go deep within to find out what you really want for yourself — outside of money or looks — and find the values ​​you connect with as your driving force,” says Vanderveldt, adding that this is a time for self-compassion and re-evaluation.

What does it say about the challenges ahead?

Pulled upright:

“I think this is a challenging map, period, because there are a lot of internal changes that are required of the interrogator, regardless of their position,” notes Vanderveldt. This map is about re-examining the way we deal with connection, vulnerability and our own self-image, she adds. And as Porter and June explain, “In a way, this map will always have an aspect of choice, and that’s where the challenges come in.”

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Pulled backwards:

Pulling that card backwards might just mean those challenges are coming a little harder and faster, Porter and June say, “but the idea that you’re being asked to be in alignment is there.” Difficult questions like, Pass Your relationship no longer with you? Do radical steps need to be taken? Do you have to decide on a new career path? everything should be taken into account.

Take a modern approach.

Over time and as new decks are created, creators have the opportunity to put their own spin on this card. For June, who illustrates Threads of Fate decks, “duality and balance are strong at play” in her version of Lovers, she says. “The hands on our lover card balance each other through position and symbolism. [They] create together, and whether they symbolize the hands of one person, two people, or someone and a situation, they choose to create together. It begs the question: What are you creating? For Vanderveldt, she likes to see newer decks emerge from heteronormative contexts, since the cards “have evolved to shed light on the deep connections we make with others and the kind and ways we deal with intimacy of all kinds, rather than just romantic or physical relationships.”

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The final result.

Define tarot

What is tarot? Simply defined, tarot cards are decks of cards with images, symbols, and numbers printed on them. Tarot cards were originally used as playing cards in Europe but began to be used for divination purposes in the 18th century.

In theory, tarot cards are used for divination and can provide insight into your past, present and future.

For many, tarot reading may seem supernatural and intimidating. However, tarot cards can be quite simple and offer a different perspective on a difficult situation or question you may be having. Additionally, reading tarot cards can just be a fun hobby.

How tarot cards work

The tarot deck consists of 78 cards divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana are the labeled cards and represent principles, concepts, and ideas and are usually more significant. The minor arcana are divided into four suits and represent the details of the situation described by the tarot spread.

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the maps before proceeding. Click on the links below to better understand the Major & Minor Arcana!

Major Arcana

Minor Arcana

Tarot cards work by arranging them in a specific “spread”. There are different types of spreads that you can practice for different situations, and they reveal different amounts and types of information. Tarot spreads come in different levels of difficulty and some can be very complex to interpret. So we’re going to focus on the simple three card split to get a better sense of how tarot works!

Started

If you are a tarot beginner, the three card face is a great place to start learning and practice reading tarot cards! Even if you’re an experienced tarot reader, these spreads are great for quick answers and getting back to basics.

The three-map spread is good for suggesting some sort of linear path or sequence of events. The three card spread can be used for many different questions and situations. For the purpose of this guide, we’ll focus on the three-card breakdown, which gives insight into your past, present, and future.

Gather your materials

This article was co-authored by Emily Christensen. Emily Christensen is a Shamanic Spiritual Advisor, Reiki Master and the Founder of Rainbow Raaja based in Southern California and now King County, Washington. Emily has over six years experience as a massage therapist and in the use of tarot cards, crystal therapy, lightwork (reiki, light codes, energy therapy) and shamanic healing. She received a Reiki Masters degree from the Hands on Healing Institute. Emily is also a certified physical therapist from the California Massage Therapy Council and an ordained shamanic minister from Universal Life Church. This article has been viewed 178,993 times.

Article overview

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If you’ve always wanted to read a tarot card but don’t know how, choose a tarot deck, find a relaxing place and get started. While the biggest difference between tarot decks is cosmetic, if you are just starting out you might want to consider using the Rider-Waite deck as many guides and books use this as a reference. Once you have a deck, you want to choose your spread. The most common is the 3-card spread, which requires you to separate the major and minor arcana cards and shuffle both decks before beginning. You may then take the top card of the Major Arcana deck and place it face up in front of you. Next, take the top 3 cards of the Minor Arcana deck and place them horizontally, left to right, under the Major Arcana card. These three cards usually represent the past, present and future while the Major Arcana card is the one through which these others are interpreted. To learn how to read a 5 card spread, read on!