Tarot can be a powerful tool for self-discovery. While each tarot reader has their own connection to tarot or their practice, some people, like myself, believe that the answers we receive from tarot readings ultimately come from within. The cards themselves give us an opportunity to externalize parts of our psyches, and through interpreting the cards, we process emotions and better understand ourselves.
Do Things Your Way
Memorizing all the card meanings is admirable, but not essential. Of course, having thoughtfully created tarot guides at our disposal can be helpful and valuable, even if just to see if our interpretation of the card aligns with “standard practice.” However, what we learn about ourselves based on our own analysis of the cards can be the most meaningful.
Basic Tarot Spreads
In this article, we'll go over some of the basic spreads for a tarot card reading. They vary in complexity, and you might find yourself drawn to different types of readings based on your current needs or what you're looking to explore at that time.
One Card Reading
The most basic reading is the one-card reading. It's pretty straightforward, as it's in the name. But even within a single-card tarot reading, there are so many ways that you can approach it.
One method that I appreciate is to shuffle the card deck, which in and of itself is very grounding; feeling the cards in my hands. While shuffling, you might meditate on what it is you're looking for further insight into. Maybe you're wondering if there's anything that you should be mindful of throughout the day, in the event you pull a card as a part of your daily morning practice. For example, if you pull the Fool, you might approach the day with more openness to new possibilities or experiences.
Perhaps you have a specific question related to a passion project of yours or a relationship. The one-card reading is a great way of tapping into these questions. You can really get creative with it, and in the event you're feeling stuck, there are so many wonderful resources online (many tarot readers generously post things for free!), at the bookstore, and within the tarot community.
Within the single card reading, how you select the card is completely up to you. Perhaps you want to shuffle the deck, and whichever card is on the top, you turn over, and that's your card. Sometimes, it might be when you're shuffling the deck, and a card “jumps out,” you select that one. Maybe you fan the cards out face down on a large surface like your kitchen table or while you're cozy in bed, and based on which card you feel drawn to, that's the one you select.
Three Card Spread
Increasing the complexity, there is the basic three-card spread. This involves shuffling the cards and placing three cards down side by side (horizontally) in a row face down. This spread allows you to meditate on a specific query with more information from the additional cards.
Typically, you would read the cards from left to right. There are many variations on different themes or ways of using the cards.
For example, the three cards could represent the past, present, and future. Another common approach might be a card for yourself, a card for another person, and a third card for your connection. Have fun with it and create a theme that works for you.
Celtic Cross Spread
One of the most well-known spreads, albeit quite a bit more complex, is the Celtic Cross spread. Given the additional cards, this spread can be used in a tarot reading when you have a bit more time and want to explore your question or inquiry more deeply.
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Card 1 - The Present: This card represents your current situation, reflecting where you are right now. It’s about grounding yourself in the present moment and recognizing your starting point.
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Card 2 - The Challenge: This card shows the immediate challenge you are facing. It’s about acknowledging what’s in your way, understanding that challenges are part of the journey.
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Card 3 - The Past: This card reflects the events that have led to your current situation, inviting you to honor your journey and the experiences that have shaped you.
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Card 4 - The Future: This card offers a glimpse into what could lie ahead, suggesting potential paths and inviting you to embrace possibilities.
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Card 5 - Above: This card represents your conscious thoughts and goals, focusing on what’s at the forefront of your mind and what you are aspiring towards.
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Card 6 - Below: This card shows your unconscious influences, the deeper currents guiding your actions and feelings, often operating beneath your awareness.
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Card 7 - Advice: This card offers guidance on how to proceed, suggesting compassionate next steps and encouraging you to trust your intuition.
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Card 8 - External Influences: This card highlights how those around you are affecting your situation, reminding you of the interconnectedness of all relationships and external factors.
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Card 9 - Hopes and Fears: This card reveals your inner hopes and fears regarding the situation, encouraging you to sit with these tender parts of yourself and understand their impact.
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Card 10 - Outcome: This card predicts the likely result based on the current trajectory, offering a reflection on where your path may lead and inviting you to consider your next steps mindfully.
Whether you're pulling cards for self-reflection or seeking guidance on something specific, this spread offers a nuanced and layered understanding. Your reading will likely have some of the major arcana cards as well as the minor arcana cards from your tarot deck, which will give you a holistic view of your current situation, challenges, and possible outcomes for the future.
Some Final Thoughts
In my own practice, I try to approach each reading with an open mind and flexibility. What I mean by this is that should I choose to take a detour mid-reading and approach things 'outside of convention', I give myself permission to do so. Tarot doesn't need to be intimidating or constricting; instead, it can be something supportive and nurturing. Hope you have fun!
References
Tarot | wikipedia.org
The Way of Tarot | Alejandro Jodorowsky, Archive.org
The Marseille Tarot Revealed A Complete Guide to Symbolism, Meanings & Methods | Yoav Ben-Dov
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot | Arthur Edward Waite
The Big Book of Tarot: How to Interpret the Cards and Work with Tarot Spreads for Personal Growth | Joan Bunning
The Modern Witch Tarot Journal | Lisa Sterle
Disclaimer
The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only. Take what resonates with you and leave behind anything that doesn't. Anahana is not liable for any interpretations, insights, or outcomes that may arise from using the information provided.
