How to read the Tarot cards. I think it is rather easy to read Tarot…but…I have been reading professionally since 1997. When I actually turn back the clock to my early days I can see how Tarot can be so confusing. First of all there are so many Tarot decks – which one do you pick? Then there are thousands of books – what is the best one to read? Facebook Groups – which one to join? Theories – which one to follow?
You finally pick a Tarot deck, learn a system and then pick up another Tarot deck and you are once again stumped – different numbers, pictures and meanings.
Its enough to make any reader slightly bonkers! How to read the Tarot cards now feels like a PhD mission!
I have this mantra, ‘Keep it Simple’. A friend recently stuck a sign on her fridge after repeated phone calls to me where I started with, ‘Listen, try and keep it simple….’.
I like to take complicated things like Kabbalah, Tarot and esoteric stuff and break the process down into simple steps and instructions.
So here is the Sineady simple way on how to read the Tarot cards – its not complicated and it gets you started. There are 3 Simple Steps. After that feel free to make your life as complex as possible.
STEP ONE- ASK A QUESTION
Now before we start I am assuming that you want to learn the Tarot cards, Yes? Great! Now create a space for yourself for at least twenty minutes where you will not be disturbed? It can be very hard to learn how to read the Tarot cards when you have Lady Gaga playing in the background.
That means putting your phone on silent and not checking your Facebook pings. That means doing some deep breaths and calming your mind and trying NOT to think about the million and one things you need to do. That means if you have a family, tell them that you are NOT TO BE DISTURBED for at least twenty minutes. Lock the door if you need to. Put on headphones with relaxing music if you have to!
OK – if you want a clear Tarot reading, then ask a clear question. Think of a question. Any question you want… and …keep the question simple.
‘Will I meet my Soul Mate in the next few weeks while I am on holiday in Spain travelling around with my friends and having a good time‘
OR
‘Will my boss leave his position in work and somehow I will get promoted and get his job and get a pay rise while I am at it and that might mean more happiness’
The two examples above are NOT simple questions.
Also starting a question with ‘Should I…’ will give you limited results. They are called ‘Closed Questions’ and do not tend to give you much information. Good examples of simple questions to help you read tarot are..
Does he like me?
Why is she being a bitch to me?
Is the new job I applied for right for me?
Why is my husband taking my chocolate?
What do I need to do right now to feel healthy?
How do I get noticed in my online business?
Why is my son having tantrums?
STEP TWO – PULL TWO OR MORE CARDS
OK – now you have your question. Write it down. Reflect on the question for a few seconds. Does it feel right? Do you need to tweak it a bit? Then get your Tarot Deck. Shuffle it or handle it in a way that your ‘energies’ are going into it. Spread out the cards in front of you face down. Pick a certain number of cards. How many? It is up to you. I would say 2 – 3 until you get more confidence. How do you pick them? Whatever way you want. Eyes closed, Eyes open. Quick or Slow. Naked or with clothes on.
STEP THREE – SAY OUT LOUD THE ANSWER
Now you have 2 – 3 cards in front of you and its time to turn them over.
What is the FIRST reaction you have?
The first emotion?
Do you get a resounding YES or NO?
Do you feel light or heavy when you look at the cards?
Do you hold your breath or sigh in relief?
Write down immediately what you are feeling, also noting any changes in your body. Do not analyze. (Warning: If you are not used to listening to your emotions and body this can take a while to mistress. Keep trying.)
‘But wait’, I hear you say, ‘How do I connect the cards together’. Simple! You have your question. What do you THINK is the answer? Do not worry about what the books or experts say such as…
‘An Ace of Cups with a 10 of Wands means….’
OR
‘3 Aces in a spread means…’
OR
‘A Major Arcana card dominates over the Minor’.
The biggest problem I see women having with Tarot cards, is NOT ALLOWING themselves permission to guess. NOT ALLOWING themselves permission to take a risk and say out loud what they THINK it might be. Are you right or wrong? It doesn’t matter does it – you are alone right now!!! Nobody can hear you.
However, it is a good question: ‘How do I connect the cards together?’. Let’s say you asked a clear question and pulled 3 cards and now you are starting at them. How do you interpret? Simple! Imagine the characters in the cards having a conversation with each other. Would they get on well together? Would they argue or disagree? Their energies together will either work or not work. If the energies ‘work’ then the answer is Yes or Affirmative. If their energies together do not seem to work, the answer is No or not flowing easily.
How do you know if the energies work or not? Guess! Keep guessing and trusting. Tarot is about using your Intuition. Intuition is not increased by learning intellectual theories. If you want to learn Tarot you need to get your Intuitive muscle working. The whole idea with the techniques above is to warm up your psychic and intuitive muscles. I always start my face to face Tarot workshops with these exercises and people are blown away by how accurate they are, once they TRUST.
‘Oh for heavens sakes, it cannot be that easy’, you might be thinking.
It actually is! Give it a go. You wont know if you do not try.
LAST PIECE OF ADVICE
Tarot CAN be complicated and that is why it is fun, addictive and never boring. However, when you are starting off, try the above technique. As humans we tend to look for the complicated, intellectual path.
Big mistake when you are trying to read Tarot.
Also, if you are reading for a few years and feel stuck or find yourself using the same meanings for each card, then try the above method. It can be like a breath of fresh air. Reading Tarot is not Rocket Science – well – not at the beginning anyway! Tarot is easy to read – you are most likely complicating it!
If you think it is hard to read Tarot, your ego is just convincing you this is the case.
At least before you bash my method give it a go a few times. You might be pleasantly surprised. Once you get the hang of the easy way then come back to me for more detailed lessons.
