Anonymous said: I'm new to tarots and want to learn how to perform a reading. I hope you wouldn't mind teaching me. How do you ask the tarots your question? It would be very helpful if you link me to spreads related to love as well so that I can try 'em in the future. I want to learn the entire process from shuffling to coming to the conclusion. Just an example would be good to give me heads up about what is the actual procedure. I really appreciate your help. Thank you very much. Have a good day!!
Hi, there! Learning tarot is pretty simple. I’d recommend getting a book on tarot if you have the money, but if you do, realize that a lot of things tarot books say are “necessary”, aren’t – like sleeping with your deck before reading from it, or keeping it in a cloth pouch, or not letting anyone else touch your cards. For some, these are really helpful for feeling connected with their cards, but it is by no means a requirement.
Biddytarot is a good resource for card meanings if you want to look them up quickly. There are also tons of apps online for tarot that can tell you card readings, teach you spreads, and even quiz you on what each card means. You can check my #tarot spreads tag for tarot spreads. I may have tagged a few as #tarot spread instead, so check both. My #witch101, #tarot101, and #tarot tags also have more info, if you’re curious.
As for how to ask the cards a question, this is my general process: I’ll silently ask the question, then I’ll almost have a conversation inside of my head about things surrounding the question. For instance, if I want to know about the weekend, I’ll ask a general “How will my weekend go?” But as I shuffle, I’ll focus on the plans that I have currently, anything that’s worrying me, or what I’m looking forward to doing. I’ll then cut the deck into three piles, select one, and repeat this process as many time as I feel necessary (usually I just cut the deck twice). How many cards you pull will depend on the spread, and their meaning will have to with their position, orientation, and personal reflection.
Nicole’s Top 5 Tarot Tips
Read with intuition
Try to think of ways to associate card meanings with the image on the card itself. This will make memorization much quicker.
Start reading as soon as you feel comfortable. Again, this will help with memorizing the cards because it gives a more hands-on approach. It’s also probably what you’re looking forward to most, so might as well get started!
Asking the same question multiple times will get you no where. It will just leave you feeling drained, confused, and irritate your cards!
Define how you feel about the power tarot cards hold. I see them as quasi-sentient, so they are capable of having ‘personalities’ and ‘voices’ based on my interpretation of the deck itself. Think of it like an inner voice – but this inner voice is shaped by the energy of the cards. Not everyone thinks of them this way, which is why it is important to define this for yourself!
And lastly, do not be afraid to ask for help! The tarot community on tumblr can be very welcoming and kind :) Not everyone will be patient and helpful, but a good majority were once just as new as you are now! Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough – divination is a constantly evolving art, which means that even the most adapt tarot reader still has a thing or two to learn.
