The Six Essentials of a Good Tarot Reading

A tarot reading is always better when these practices are followed.

Becoming a good tarot reader takes more than just memorizing tarot card meanings and knowing tarot

spreads. Tarot reading requires practice, patience and, most importantly, a willingness to trust your own

intuition. Whether you are reading for yourself or for someone else, there are some very useful

practices you should follow to ensure a good reading.

1. Preparing a Peaceful Environment

Believe it or not, the environment in which you conduct a tarot reading can significantly influence the

reading. Not only can the environment affect you as a tarot reader, it can also have implications for the

person being read. In tarot reading, it's always important to set aside your own personal issues and

concerns. Creating a comfortable space that helps you remain centered and calm will assist in helping

you remain objective and neutral during a reading. Rituals such as lighting candles or burning incense

can also help you get into the mood.

2. Select a Signifier Card

In tarot reading, signifier cards serve as a representation of either the person being read or the situation

they are asking about. If you are using the signifier card to represent the person being read, most tarot

readers tend use the court cards either by associating the inquirer's physical attributes to one of the

court cards or by associating their astrological sign to one of the court cards. If you are choosing a

signifier card to represent a specific situation, you can get as creative as you like. Depending on the

seriousness of the question at hand, you may either choose a card from the major arcana or the minor

arcana. The major arcana cards tend to be used for important life issues while the minor arcana cards

tend to focus on every day concerns.

The signifier card also helps you to remain focused on the person for whom you are reading. In many

tarot spreads, the signifier cards are centrally positioned. This helps the tarot reader interpret the cards

as well as help them to identify the key issues that are surrounding the inquirer.

1
3. Choosing the Right Tarot Spread

Tarot spreads are card arrangements laid out in a specific pattern. Each card position within a spread

has a specific meaning. When individual tarot cards are put together in a tarot spread, their meanings

can be used to form a kind of story. The tarot reader then interprets the cards according to their

position and relationships to each other within the spread.

As a tarot reader, it’s important to choose a tarot spread that appropriately correlates to the question

being asked. If the question is about love, for example, then you will probably want to utilize a love

spread. In some cases you may want to create your own tarot spread. This can be particularly useful

when the question covers more than one topic.

4. Framing the Question

How the inquirer frames or asks a question prior to their reading can have a significant effect on the

overall usefulness of the reading. The more specific the inquirer is with their question, the better the

likelihood that the tarot reading will address their issue in a specific manner. It’s also helpful to keep the

question open ended. Open ended questions can reveal hidden or overlooked issues that may have

been otherwise missed. Open ended questions can also help the tarot reader discover core issues or

other influences that may be affecting the person being read.

5. Shuffling the Cards

There are a number of approaches to shuffling the cards before a tarot reading. This is usually the point

where the person being read for will actually touch the cards (although some tarot readers prefer not to

have anyone handle their cards). Should you choose to let the inquirer handle the cards, you must make

sure that they are instructed to focus on the question at hand while they are shuffling so this energy can

get transferred to the cards. There are also different approaches to the “cutting” of the cards; the most

popular includes having the inquirer cut the deck three times with their left hand.

6. Knowing Your Tarot Deck

Prior to giving any tarot reading, I always encourage people to take them time to really get to know the

tarot deck they will be working with. This not only helps you become comfortable with the cards, it will

also deepen your understanding of their meanings and how they relate to each other in a tarot spread.

2
Inevitably, those who will be receiving a tarot reading from you will always pick up on your relationship

to your own cards. If you are not familiar with the deck you are working with, chances are it will come

through during the tarot reading.

Learn Tarot The Easy Way

A simple and effective approach to learn tarot.

Learning to read tarot cards does not need to be a difficult process. In fact, it is a quite enjoyable

undertaking. The more time you put into understanding the craft of tarot reading, the more you will get

out of it.

To be a good tarot reader, you must learn how to appropriately interpret the cards. The best tarot

readers are those who have learned how to interpret the cards using their own personal associations.

This is not the type of information you can get out of a book. Rather, it comes from your own

identification to the cards and their imagery. This is not to say that books on the tarot don't have a place

in the learning process. They can be a valuable reference guide for whenever you are unsure of

something. They are great resources for tarot history,tarot spreads, and for general tarot card meanings.

While having a good understanding of this information is certainly important, developing your own

personal relationship with the cards is a much more effective and rewarding way to learn tarot than

trying to memorize information from a book. To do this you will need to put to familiarize yourself with

the cards. I usually recommend taking half an hour each day to spend studying and journaling. It’s

important that you do this in a place where you feel relaxed and calm. You will also want to make sure

that you won’t be interrupted, so try to avoid any distractions.

To begin, you will need your own tarot deck, a notebook and a pen. Choose a place in your home that

encourages you to relax. You may want to burn some incense, light some candles, or put some gentle

music on. Let go of the day's events.

When you feel ready, pick up your tarot deck and start shuffling. Try to set your mind free of any fears

or expectations. Close your eyes and relax. Take the time to slow your breathing and sit with your

feelings. If anything pops out at you make sure to acknowledge it in your journal. Often, when we fail to

3
 acknowledge our feelings or issues, our ability to read the cards becomes skewed. Unprocessed

emotions have a tendency to cause us to lose objectivity and neutrality.

When you feel at peace, draw a card from anywhere in the deck. Place it down in front of you in an

upright position. Take a moment to really examine the card. In your notebook write down the name of

the card and answer the following questions when they apply.
o What story does the image you see tell you?
o How does this story apply to your own life story?
o How does it make you feel?
o Does it make you think of any experiences you have had in the past?
o Who is the subject or subjects of the card? What might they say to you? What might they say to each
other?
o What other symbolism and imagery appears on the card and what do you think it may represent?
o What’s the message of the card?
o Does the card share a life lesson?

If you are uncertain about a card’s meaning, it is ok to check your interpretation by referencing a book.

Keep in mind though that there are no set rules and that the objective is to learn tarot by establishing

your own personal understanding and connection to the cards.

After you have completed this task, you will want to note everything you have learned in your journal.

The goal is to journal on each card in the Tarot. When you complete this exercise for all 78 cards of the

tarot deck, you will have your very own book of tarot interpretations and meanings. You will be able to

use this as a resource in the future.

To learn tarot, you simply must be willing to take the time to develop your own relationship to each of

the cards. In the end, learning tarot reading is a personal journey. You are always the source of its magic

Basics of Tarot Reading

The most popular version of the Tarot was established in 1910 by the artist Pamela Colman-Smith. She

worked under the guidance of occultist A.E. Waite. The Waite deck was the first tarot deck to include

symbolic imagery on all 78 cards.

4
 The tarot has its roots in many different philosophical and religious backgrounds. It originated in a time

imbued with symbolic imagery that was influenced by many cultures, languages and historical

references. The tarot’s symbolism is based on archetypal elements and metaphors, giving its imagery an

universal appeal. Regardless of one’s cultural, religious or educational background, the Tarot experience

is collective. Their interpretations are recognizable by everyone.

The modern Tarot deck is comprised of 78 cards, 40 in the minor arcana, 16 court cards and 22 cards

that make up the major arcana. The 16 court cards consist of pages, knights, queens and kings. The four

suits in the minor arcana include the Suits of Cups, Swords, Wands and Pentacles. Each Suit is

connected to one of the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. They are also connected to the four

directions: North, South, East and West. The imagery of Tarot reflects an association to these elements.

This enables the tarot reader to identify the key aspects that are influencing a particular situation or

individual.

The Suit Cards

In tarot, the cups suit represents the dream world, the unconscious, feelings and relationships. The

wands suit represents fertility, creativity and one's sense of purpose or career endeavors. The sword suit

represents reason, life challenges, the mind and truth. And lastly, the pentacles suit represents the

material, financial and ethical aspects of a person’s life.

There is a king, queen, knight, and page in every suit as well. They are referred to as the court cards and

each one (excluding the page cards) has an astrological sign associated to it. This adds yet another level

for interpretation in tarot card readings. To be helpful, here are the astrological associations. I often

encourage people to identify their sign and the associated tarot card meaning. This can offer

tremendous insights into ones strengths and vulnerabilities.

o Aries: King of Wands
o Taurus: Queen of Pentacles
o Gemini: Knight of Swords
o Cancer: King of Cups
o Leo: Queen of Wands
o Virgo: Knight of Pentacles

5
o Libra: King of Swords
o Scorpio: Queen of Cups
o Sagittarius: Knight of Wands
o Capricorn: King of Pentacles
o Aquarius: Queen of Swords
o Pisces: Knight of Cups

The Major Arcana Cards

The Major Arcana cards reflect where one is in his or her life’s journey. There are 22 tarot cards in the

Major Arcana. The first half of the Major Arcana (the Fool through the Hermit) identifies the transition

from child to adult and all of the challenges we must face as we progress into a deeper level of maturity

and spirituality.

The second half of the Major Arcana (The Wheel of Fortune through the World) reflects our personal

and spiritual world view. In a tarot reading, the second half of the major arcana typically points to a

more inward-looking stage or process in our development. Keep in mind, this does not always happen

in procession. In fact, in some areas we are still the “fools” while in other areas we can be the “The

Hermit".

The Minor Arcana Cards

The Minor Arcana, or Pip cards, are the numbered cards (1-10) that comprise each suit. The Minor

Arcana reflect day to day issues. They can represent how you interact with people, your work, your

emotions, your finances, and your personal relationships. In a tarot card reading, the minor arcana

reveal the who’s, how’s, and what’s. There is no sense of permanence. If there are a number of minor

arcana suit cards in your spread, know that you can make changes, work through blocks, and

understands where you are emotionally.

Interpreting Tarot Card Meanings

They key to understanding tarot card meanings is to not always be literal. It often requires one to attach

their own life experiences to each of the tarot cards. Tarot card meanings can also vary depending on

the type of reading that is being done or even where a particular card might appear in a tarot spread.

Upside down cards, known as "reversed tarot cards", also have their own unique meanings as well.

6
The Basics Of Tarot Reading

Now that you know a little about the basics of the tarot cards, we can now look at what you can expect

from your first tarot card reading. Most readings typically consists of shuffling the deck, drawing a set

number of cards, and placing them in a specific configuration known as a "tarot spread". There are

hundreds of tarot spreads in use today, but most psychic tarot readers tend to favor some spreads more

than others. They will often use different tarot spreads for different types of readings as well.

Once the cards are pulled and placed in a spread, the tarot reader will begin to interpret the symbols of

the cards. Often they will point out the implications of the past, what is happening in the here and now,

and what will influence your future. You may ask particular questions and additional tarot cards may be

drawn for specific areas of your life. The configurations the cards are placed in add to the complexities

of their meanings.

The tarot’s power lies in its ability to distinguish a person’s path through the psychic ability or intuition

of the tarot reader. In some cases, a psychic tarot reader will rely primarily on their own psychic abilities

to interpret the cards, while a non-psychic tarot reader will rely more on the tarot card meanings

themselves. Either way, trust the cards can do their job and ask a lot of questions

How to Read Tarot Cards: Choosing a Tarot Deck

Choosing your first Tarot deck may seem like an intimidating process, particularly since there are

hundreds of decks to choose from. Apart from Tarot decks, there are also other forms of divination

cards such as oracles cards, wisdom cards, gypsy cards and healing cards. The ultimate goal in choosing

a deck is finding the deck that you resonate with. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be

giving your first Tarot deck. If that were the case, I probably never would have embarked on the Tarot

journey. No rules or rituals are required. You can simply choose any deck that personally speaks to you.

First of all, there is no right or wrong approach to choosing a deck. You can simply begin your process by

exploring what’s out there. I always encourage people to begin this undertaking with a little research.

The first approach would include looking up various tarot decks on the internet. This is a great way to

7
explore the various symbols and iconography depicted in the Tarot. Every artist tends to have their own

interpretation. Some artists choose to remain loyal to traditional symbolism while others will develop

their own unique interpretation for the Tarot cards. In either case, it’s important to discover what

moves you. When I find myself drawn to a particular deck’s imagery, I usually ask myself what is it about

this deck that makes me want to learn more. Is it the design, color, symbolism or overall feel? Do I

identify with the pictures? Can I relate to them? What do they make me feel?

Learning to identify your own feelings about particular decks can certainly help you narrow down your

options. You may also, however, need to see the cards first hand. The best places to buy Tarot decks

locally are at metaphysical stores and bookstores. Metaphysical stores tend to have more decks and

have samples that you can handle. Bookstores tend to carry a smaller number of Tarot decks and they

typically do not allow you to open them. It’s always great to review a deck’s imagery, but if you are

limited, you can certainly get a “feel” for a tarot deck just by handling it within its packaging. You may

be drawn to the size or the weight of a particular deck and, in some cases; you just may get the right

feeling about a particular deck when you see it or handle it in person.

It’s also really important to understand what kind of deck you are drawn too. If it is a divinatory deck

that is not related to Tarot such as oracle cards or angel cards, it is quite all right to choose this as your

deck. However, their interpretations will not be the same as those in the Tarot. Usually, these decks

have an accompanying book or pamphlet that discusses the cards significance and meanings. Traditional

Tarot decks have a total of 78 cards. Depending on the type of Tarot deck it is, their visuals may differ,

but there overall purpose is the same. The most unique attribute to Tarot cards is their ability to guide

you through your life challenges by helping you discover who you are.

Finally, should you feel unable to choose a deck to your suiting, stick to the more traditional decks such

as the Rider Waite, Morgan Greer, or Aquarian Tarot. The imagery depicted in these decks is the most

common. Most Tarot books will utilize similar imagery for their interpretations. As you get to know the

cards and feel more comfortable with their meanings, you can add to your collection of Tarot decks. At

some point, you may wish to explore a deck that is more meditative or abstract in nature. The most

8
important thing to remember is that the Tarot helps you tap into your intuition. In the end, let your own

intuition be your guide.

How to Read Tarot Cards: Learn to Trust Yourself

For centuries, the Tarot has been identified with the mystical occult. They are perceived as a magical

force with the power to influence and control one’s life. In truth, the Tarot cards are merely tools for

tapping into one’s own intuition. Their true power lies in their ability to help us identify the areas in our

lives that we must address as well as identify the areas were need to personally grow. They always

reflect our current challenges and our current level of self-development. Their true power comes from

our own, inner beings. They are guides for self-discovery and utilizing them improves our ability to

develop self-awareness. Ultimately, they can aid us in discovering who we truly are and guide us

towards self-realization.

The most common concern when approaching the Tarot as a beginner is learning to interpret the

theirTarot card meanings. Most people tend to feel that this can be a daunting and overwhelming

process. It doesn’t have to be. Learning the Tarot is a personal journey. Their Tarot card meanings can

be as personal as you wish to make them. More importantly, there is no right or wrong approach to

learning the Tarot. As I stated before, they are tools. You are free to get creative as you want. In the end,

their true Tarot card meanings will be your personal associations to them.

There are three elements that can aid you when you begin the process of learning to read Tarot Cards.

The first is learning how to trust yourself. The second is choosing a deck that speaks to you. And the

third, and most vital, is learning how to apply meaning to each card.

An Element of Trust

As a beginner Tarot reader, it may be difficult to trust your interpretations. That is quite O.K. and it

certainly is part of the process. In fact, professional tarot readers can encounter this dilemma. To battle

these feelings if uncertainty, it may be helpful to understand how the Tarot works.

9
Tarot imagery and symbolism has universal themes. These themes reflect the experience we all

encounter on our journeys through life and self-development. These are the common themes and

experiences we instinctively understand. C.G. Jung explained this phenomenon as the experience of the

Collective Unconscious. The Collective Unconscious dwells within the realm of the unconscious mind. It

is from this source that we connect to all mankind; in one collective experience. It is an inherent

understanding of a shared experience. We can identify our shared experiences through archetypal

imagery. These are universal images and visual patterns that are repeated over and over. They appear

throughout history.

When approaching the Tarot, you can trust your instincts. Your gut reaction is always your best guide.

The archetypal images throughout the Tarot will, without doubt, trigger associations. This may be

through a personal experience or a collective experience. In either case, it truly does not matter which

source feeds your intuition. You just need to listen to your inner voice. This is where the element of trust

becomes essential. Your associations to the various Tarot card meanings are just as valid as anyone else,

including professional tarot readers. Remember, there is no wrong or right association. The guidance

from the Tarot always comes from within your own self. Enjoying the process.

How to Shuffle the Cards and Ask a Question In a Tarot Reading

Doing your first tarot reading for another person can often be an intimidating experience. It's not

uncommon for many beginning tarot readers to lack self-confidence and certainty in their own ability to

properly read tarot cards. This doubt can result in the tarot reader not trusting their own process which

almost always diminishes the overall strength and accuracy of a reading. There are, however, a few rules

you should always to try to follow that can both strengthen your sense of confidence in the process and

lead to a better overall reading. Some of the most important elements to any successful tarot reading

are knowing how to properly handle the tarot cards and maintaining control over how the person who is

receiving the reading poses their questions.

Prior to shuffling the cards in a tarot reading, you want to identify a court card that you feel associates

to the person for whom you are reading. There are a few different methods you can use to accomplish

10
this. The first is to use their age and characteristics. The second approach is to use their personality

traits. Or, third, you can use their astrological sign. Whichever method you decide to use be sure to

select the court card that is a good representation of what feels the most relevant to you. Alternatively,

you can also let the person choose their own card. This method can work well in some instances

because it gives the querent the opportunity to use their own intuition to identify the most appropriate

card to represent themselves.

How you choose to shuffle the deck is a personal choice. Most tarot readers prefer to have the querent

shuffle the cards while others prefer to do the shuffling themselves. Either way, it’s very important to

have the person who is receiving the tarot reading handle the tarot deck in some manner so that the

cards can absorb their energy.

Next, most tarot readers like to cut the deck prior to laying the cards out into a tarot spread. The

traditional approach includes having the person that is being read for cut the deck three times with their

left hand. When they complete this, the reader then picks up the deck and pulls the cards from the top

with their left hand. Although some consider this an important element to the ritual of tarot reading, it

is not necessary. It is always best to choose the approach that feels the most comfortable to you.

Finally, knowing how to properly ask a tarot question during a reading is equally as important. As they

are handling the cards, the querent should also ask their question either silently or out loud until the

point that they feel as though their intentions have been acknowledged. To ask a question out loud is

perfectly acceptable, however, be aware that this can sometimes limit the tarot reader’s ability to

objectively perceive everything that a particular reading may be relaying. A more effective method is to

have the querent initially ask their question in silence and then later again out loud during the reading.

This ensures that you as the tarot reader first have an opportunity to address the key concerns or issues

objectively, but also at greater depth when it is posed out load again.

11
 The Fool (0) Tarot Card

Although he is numbered zero, the Fool Tarot card is often considered the first card in the Major Arcana.

In tarot reading, the Fool represents new beginnings, innocence and open-mindedness. The Fool always

serves a very important purpose. He is a metaphor for our own life journeys. The Fool symbolizes early

consciousness or the early development of our life journeys. He is on the path to enlightenment.

Whenever he appears in a reading, he reminds us to follow the path of our hearts. Simply put, the Fool

is our inner child; always spontaneous, positive and curious. The Fool is a creative dreamer and free

thinker. He is excited about life and wants to participate in it.

One of the more important aspects of the Fool is his association to the number zero. The number zero

can refer to the beginning of life cycles or can symbolize the end of them. Consequently, the Fool can

show up anywhere in one’s life. He can also appear throughout any major life transition. In tarot

readings, the Fool reminds you that new opportunities are available to you at every life stage, and that

at any given moment, you can connect with your true self.

The tarot card meanings associated to the Fool commonly refer to new opportunities, beginnings, travel,

or the need to put one’s self out there. The Fool loves adventures and encourages you to embrace life.

In an upright position, the Fool urges you to take some risks and get into action. His appearance in a

tarot spread usually indicates that new prospects await you. Sometimes the Fool can refer to important

decisions or new directions that can have dramatic results on your life. He can also indicate new

relationships, particularly those that are related to love.

In a reversed position, the Fool can represent recklessness, carelessness or inexperience, Perhaps there

is a lack of experience in a certain aspect of your life. Caution is warranted. In other circumstances, The

Fool can indicate that your own fears are inhibiting you from participating in new opportunities.

Upright Fool Tarot Card Meanings in a tarot reading

In its upright position The Fool represents the journey into the unfamiliar. An unexpected opportunity

may arise or a life changing decision might have to be made. There may be a new relationship on the

horizon or a new, unconventional person may be entering your life. The Fool suggests that you may also

12
 need a change of perspective, one that is more true to your heart. This perspective may require you to

find a more child-like approach to a new situation or utilize more flexible, innovative thinking. This may

be a creative time for you and you can expect some uncertainty. In a Tarot reading, The Fool also

indicates a period of doubt. This is a time to take a leap of faith. Occasionally, The Fool may indicate an

upcoming trip or travel of some kind.

o Follow your heart
o Be willing to take some risks
o Keep an open mind
o A new beginning
o New opportunities
o Spontaneity

Reversed Fool Tarot Card Meanings in a Tarot Reading

In Tarot reading, The Fool in a reversed position may advise you to not be too risky. You must carefully

examine the situation at hand and pause before taking any action. If you are impulsive, the outcome can

be unfavorable. You may also want to take into account that your judgment may be impaired, and you

are not seeing the situation as it truly is.

Lastly, The Fool reversed can indicate a fear of the unknown. This fear is the ultimate trap, preventing

you from moving forward into a new and more beneficial life cycle. It is important to recognize the

significance of this fear and how it hinders your view of the world. Pay particular attention to the

opportunities you may have passed on because of your feelings of apprehension. Often, this can reveal

major barriers in your life.

o A fear of the unknown
o Too much risk taking
o Lack of clarity
o Being impulsive or reckless
o Irresponsibility

13