The essence of a tarot reading is simple. A reading occurs whenever you use your cards with the intent to receive inner guidance from them. You don't have to lay out your cards in a certain way or interpret them according to fancy principles. You just have to have a desire for understanding and a plan to use your cards in some way that serves that purpose. With this in mind, let's first look at the environment most conducive to receiving inner guidance. The environment includes both the physical setting and your internal state.
The external environment of a tarot reading is the physical setting in which the reading takes place. The ideal setting is one that elicits feelings of quiet, peace, even reverence. You could do a reading in a crowded airport, but the noise and distractions would make inner attunement difficult. Since you will probably be doing most of your readings at home, let's look at how you might create an agreeable environment there.
Set aside a place in your home where you will do your readings. By using the same spot over and over, you build up an energy that reinforces your practice. If you meditate or pray, you can do these activities here as well, as they harmonize with the tarot in spirit and intent.
Try to create a sense of separateness about your spot. When you use the cards, you want to turn away from the everyday world and go into a space that is outside time and the normal flow of events. A separate room is ideal, but a corner set off by a screen, curtain, pillows, or other divider can work well too.
Try to create an atmosphere of beauty and meaning. Place items nearby that are special to you. Objects from nature, such as shells, stones, crystals, and plants are always appropriate. A talisman, figure, or religious icon may help you shift your focus from the mundane to the inspirational. Consider pictures and artwork, especially your own, and appeal to your senses with such items as flowers, incense, candles, textured materials, and quiet, meditative music.
These touches are nice, but all you really need is a space large enough to lay out the cards. You can use a table or the floor. There is a grounded feeling to the floor, but, if that position is uncomfortable, a table is better. The ideal table is made of natural materials such as wood or stone.
If you like, cover the table or floor with a cloth to create a uniform area. The material should be natural, such as silk, cotton, wool, or linen. Choose the color with care as colors have their own energies. Black, dark blue, and purple are good choices. There should be little or no pattern, so the images on the cards stand out from the background.
Store your cards in a container to protect them and contain their energies. Any natural substance is fine, such as wood, stone, shell, or a natural cloth. I know of one woman who sewed herself a silk, drawstring bag and embroidered it with stars, moons, and other designs. Consider keeping your cards wrapped in silk cloth when inside their container. Silk has a luxurious feel that will remind you of the value you place on your cards.
Tarot cards can pick up the energy of those who use them. For this reason, set aside a tarot deck that is just for you, if you can. These cards are going to be your personal tool of communication with your Inner Guide. You want to bond to them closely.
When you do your tarot work in a place of your own, the experience can be quite powerful, but extra preparations are never necessary. All you have to do is use the cards. That's the important part.
CREATING A PLACE FOR YOUR READINGS
Spend some time thinking about where you will do your tarot readings. Consider some of the suggestions in this section, and use your own ideas. Don't feel you have to create a showcase location. Simply see what you can do to create a setting that is pleasing and comfortable.
QUEST FOR A SYMBOL
Read the description of the Fool (page 62). This card often stands for the feeling of joy and freedom that comes from beginning a new adventure. It is in this spirit that you will seek an object that will be a personal symbol of your tarot practice.
Hold the Fool in your hands, and close your eyes. Announce your desire to find or create a tarot symbol. Once you have affirmed your intent, let it go. You will find what you are looking for. When you have your symbol, place it in your tarot spot as an inspiration for your practice.
This exercise will strengthen your faith and commitment to your tarot work. It will also help you learn that hidden within seemingly “foolish” acts is the experience of life as an adventure.
There are five inner qualities that are beneficial when you do a tarot reading.
1. Being Open: Being open means being receptive. It is an attitude of allowing—being willing to take in what is offered without immediate denial or rejection. By being open, you give yourself the chance to receive what you need to know.
2. Being Calm: It is hard to hear the whispers of your Inner Guide when you are in turmoil. Tarot messages often arrive as gentle hints and realizations that can be easily overwhelmed by a restless mind. When you are calm, you are like a peaceful lake in which every ripple of insight can be perceived.
3. Being Focused: Focus is very important. I have found that when I feel a question strongly, I receive a direct and powerful message. When I'm scattered and confused, the cards tend to be the same. Your most insightful readings will be those you do when the desire is very strong.
4. Being Alert: When you are alert, all your faculties are alive and awake. A cat is alert when it is watching a bug. Of course, you won't be stalking your cards, but you will find them difficult to read if you are tired or bored.
5. Being Respectful: Being respectful means treating the cards as you would any valued tool. You acknowledge their role in helping you understand yourself better. You honor the choice you have made in deciding to learn the tarot and handle the cards accordingly.
These five qualities are important, but they are not necessary. You can have a meaningful reading without them, but it may be more difficult. The best way to decide if the time is right for a reading is to look inside. Your inner sense will tell you if all is well.
The subject of a reading is the person or issue the reading is about. This book is oriented toward readings you do for yourself, so often you will be the subject of your readings. Sometimes, though, you may want to do a reading about a different subject. It's important to recognize that such readings are also for you, if not about you. The cards are offering you a perspective on the subject that is appropriate for you to absorb at the time.
When someone else asks you for a reading, that person picks the subject. The message of the reading is for him or her, not you. You simply help interpret the cards. Appendix B offers some suggestions for how to do readings for others.
You choose the subject of a reading before you begin. In this way, you pinpoint more exactly what it is you really want to know. You also have a focus to guide your interpretation.
A reading can be about almost anything you can name: your health, a project, a friend, a group, a political issue, or the world itself. It's important to give your chosen subject a name. This label acts as your focus during the reading. It helps you relate all the insights you receive in a meaningful way.
Tarot subjects can be divided into eight categories: self, other, group, area of life, situation, time period, question and open. The overall meaning of a reading is greatly influenced by the subject type.
1. Self: You will often want to be the subject of your own readings. In this way, you make it very clear that all the cards refer to you personally. They may allude to other people and aspects of the environment, but the focus is explicitly you. This is the default subject if you don't name one.
2. Other: You can do a reading about another individual—a person, animal, plant, place, object, or idea. These readings can be quite informative, but always remember you explore other individuals from your own perspective, not theirs. The insights you gain are for you.
When your subject is another person, try to view that individual in an evenhanded way. Even if you do not like or admire the subject, respect her right to her own individuality. Try to set aside any preconceived ideas you might have about the subject. Be grateful that this person is giving you a chance to learn and grow despite any challenge she represents.
3. Group: You can do a reading about a group with a common identity. Some examples are a marriage, family, class, team, work unit, or organization. The group may or may not include you. The cards in a group reading refer to the group as a whole although some cards may relate to an individual within the group. You can also focus on a very large group such as a country or the Earth, but the message will be very general.
4. Area of Life: An area of life is any general category of experience that endures over time and involves situations that come and go. You can explore your own areas or someone else's. Some examples are career, finances, romance, health, and friendships. Areas of life aren't really separate from each other, but it can be useful to look at them this way in a reading. See Part Five for a list of areas.
5. Situation: A situation is a unique set of circumstances that exists for a limited period of time—for example, a job opportunity, project, ceremony, or family issue. Unlike areas of life, situations don't endure. They come and go as people and events flow through your life. A disagreement with a neighbor is a “situation” in this sense. Four common subtypes are:
Problems—challenges or concerns you perceive as troubling
Choices—decisions, either yes/no or among alternatives
Tasks—projects or endeavors with a certain goal
Events—specific happenings with a clear beginning and end
Situations are the grist for life's mill—the concerns that absorb us day to day. Some, such as weddings, are personal. Others, such as political elections, are more general. Readings that address a situation can be especially insightful.
6. Time Period: Most time period subjects have a clear beginning and end—for example, a day, week, month, season, or year. Other time periods are more general, such as the past or the future. In readings, cards about the future always show probabilities, not givens.
7. Question: You can write a question about any topic and make that question the subject of a reading. A question lets you focus more narrowly on a particular aspect of a subject. You then receive your “answer” by interpreting the cards.
Rather than do a reading about a speech you have to give, you decide to write the question “How can I improve my ability to speak to groups effectively?” Your real concern is not so much the speech event, but your comfort level in public speaking. See Part Five for some suggestions on how to write an effective question.
8. Open: An open reading does not have a subject. These readings give your Inner Guide an open opportunity to communicate what you most need to know at a given moment. You receive a higher level of guidance that embraces the larger patterns that are shaping your everyday experiences.
Open readings can be quite powerful. I try to use them sparingly to preserve their out-of-the-ordinary quality. Consider them for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, ceremonial days, equinoxes, and first days (new job, date, trip). An open reading is worthwhile whenever an expanse of unknown is opening out before you.
SUBJECT PRACTICE
Knowing how to choose a reading subject and name it quickly is a useful skill. Look for subjects within your own life, but also within the lives of others. In each case, identify the type and give the subject a label. People already have names, but you can also label a person by a relationship (Anne's Mom) or function (Director of Manufacturing). Concentrate on areas of life and situation subjects as well. Try to become clear on the differences between the two.
QUESTION WRITING
Any time you face a problem, take a moment to create a suitable tarot question about it. Work on it while you're doing routine activities, such as riding in a car or doing housework. Writing practice questions helps you learn to analyze a personal problem quickly and recognize what you want in various situations. Also, if you decide to do a reading about the problem, you will have your question handy.
Once you decide to do a reading, you need a plan for how to proceed. Here is a complete, step-by-step procedure for doing a tarot reading for yourself. (Part Five includes a summary of this procedure.) The page numbers refer to sections in the text where a topic is covered more completely.
Having a procedure to follow is very helpful in tarot work. When you follow the same steps over and over in a certain way, they help you center yourself in the moment. The details of the steps are not that important; in fact, you can change any of them, if you wish. The goal is to maintain a spirit of mindfulness. Doing a reading with loving concentration will make your tarot practice very powerful.
Choose and label the subject of your reading, unless it is open (see above). Consider bringing a picture or memento of your subject to the reading to help you focus.
Assemble all your materials in the space you've chosen for the reading. Place your tarot cards nearby in their container. If you are using a spread, bring a sketch if you are concerned you might forget the details. Quickly review the positions, their meanings, and the order of placement. If you have a written opening statement or a question, be sure to have these handy. A pencil and paper or tablet are useful for taking down notes and recording the cards you choose.
When you are ready, sit down on the floor or at a table leaving some empty space in front of you. At first, a full reading will probably take at least thirty to forty minutes. Try to arrange your affairs so you won't be interrupted. With experience, you will be able to shorten this time, if you wish, but it is always better to feel unhurried.
You now want to create a conducive mood. Begin to relax and still your mind. Put aside your worries and concerns for now. (You can always get them back later!) Settle fully into the present moment. Take a few deep breaths and feel the quiet as you turn away from the outside world. Take as much time as you need for this calming process.
When you feel centered, take your cards out of their container. Hold them cupped in one hand while you place the other hand on top. Close your eyes and bring the cards into the circle of your energy.
Now, make an opening statement, if you wish. Some possibilities are:
a prayer
an affirmation
a description of how you are feeling
a simple hello to your Inner Guide
You can say the same opening statement every time, or you can speak spontaneously. It is more important to speak from your heart than to mouth an empty formula. Say your statement out loud, as sound adds energy and conviction.
Declare the subject of your reading as well. Request guidance that is in the best interest of all concerned. Set aside any biases or preconceived ideas as much as possible. Try to adopt a curious, but open orientation toward your subject.
If your subject is a question, read it exactly as you wrote it, or say it from memory. This is important because one of the mysteries of the unconscious is that it is very literal; the cards you choose will be keyed to the precise wording of your question.
If your reading is open (no subject), say a general message of intent such as:
I welcome a message of wisdom and open myself to receive the guidance I most need at this time.
Open your eyes and begin shuffling. It is important to shuffle the cards because this is how you sort through all the forms your reading could take and arrange at a subtle level the one you will receive. There are a number of ways to shuffle the cards. Each method has its pros and cons. Choose one that is comfortable for you. I describe different shuffling techniques in Part Five (page 332).
While you shuffle, keep your mind as open and free of thoughts as possible. If a thought drifts by, let it gently pass without fixing on it. Ideally, you should feel as if you are an empty house with all the windows open to every soft breeze.
When you feel you have shuffled long enough, stop and place the cards facedown in front of you with the short edge closest to you. Cut the deck as follows:
Grab some number of cards from the complete pile.
Drop this smaller pile to the left.
Grab some part of this second pile, and drop the new third pile further to the left.
Regroup the cards into one pile in any fashion.
It's best to regroup the cards in one quick motion. Don't try to figure out which pile should go where. Just let your hand move where it will. The cut is an important finishing step that marks the end of the card-arranging stage. Once you have regrouped the cards, the pattern of the reading is fixed, and all that remains is to lay out the cards and see what they reveal.
Pick up the deck, and hold it in one hand with the short edge closest to you. With your other hand, turn over the first card as you would the page of a book. Place this card in position 1. The position number corresponds to the placement order of your spread. Turn over the second card, and place it in position 2. Continue in this way until you have placed all the cards for your spread. Set the remainder of the cards to one side.
Turn around any reversed cards if you are not considering card orientation. Do not be concerned about altering the cards in this way. Your Inner Guide knows whether or not reversals are meaningful to you at the time of the reading, and so your actions do not impact the message. See page 333 for a shuffling method that avoids reversed cards.
Pay attention to your reactions to each card as you lay it out. At first, you will not know or remember the usual meaning of a card. Your responses will be based mainly on the images. As you practice, your reactions will become more informed, but also more predictable. Try to keep some of your original openness as much as possible. Pay attention to any responses that seem unusual or out of place.
Remember the cards refer to your subject, but from your point of view. This may or may not be related to what the subject actually experiences or believes. The message of any reading you do for yourself is always for you.
When all the cards are laid out, take a moment to respond to them as a whole. Do you get an overall impression? Do you have any new reactions? Jot down some of your thoughts, if you wish. Don't worry if you can't remember all of them. Just as with dreams, you will recall the most important. Try not to get too involved in any notes as that can break the flow of the reading. You simply want to capture a few ideas quickly.
Begin to analyze the individual cards in more depth. See Chapter Three for some hints on interpretation. You can proceed systematically, or go from card to card spontaneously. In the beginning, use the Card Description Section. Later, you can examine the cards on your own, but you may still find this section useful. I use it myself from time to time!
Look up the individual page for the card and read through all the keywords and actions. Look for actions that make you say “Yes, that one really fits!”
I experience a kind of jolt of recognition when I see one. Don't shy away from actions that seem less pleasant. Trust your intuition, and reserve judgment until you've seen all the cards. Note any stray thoughts or “irrelevant” feelings that come to mind.
Also consider the relationships between the cards. Look for card pairs and card groups (covered in Chapter Three).
For open readings, a detailed analysis is not required. You can instead step back from the minutiae of your life, and let the cards show you larger themes. Concentrate on patterns as revealed in the reading. View everything in a wider context. Open readings are not about the everyday.
You could ponder a reading for hours without running out of insights, but, of course, this isn't practical or desirable. Do try to spend some time, however. Your reward will be equal to your effort.
At some point, you need to pull everything together. I call this creating the story (page 34). Your story will help you understand your subject and give you guidance for the future—what you have been seeking all along.
I recommend that you create your story spontaneously. Once you have finished your card review, let that analytical approach go. Your story will be more authentic if it arises freely from within. When you feel ready, simply begin speaking your story, saying whatever comes to mind. Use any notes you have to help, but don't focus on them too much.
I encourage you to tell your story out loud. Writing is too slow, and just thinking your ideas is too vague. Your story will gather strength as it is spoken. If you begin to ramble or lose your train of thought, don't be concerned. Simply pause, regroup, and start again. As you practice, you will become better at speaking on the fly. You may also want to record your story. When you play it back, you will be amazed at what you hear. You will truly feel you are your own best tarot reader.
Your story is done when your words slow down and stop naturally. Your next step is to distill the main theme of your story. What is the essence of your guidance? Ask yourself these kinds of questions:
What seems to be the main issue for the subject?
What is my role?
Do I sense any recommendations for action?
What does my Inner Guide want me to understand, and how do I feel about that?
Your Inner Guide has responded to your desire for insight, and now you want to capture that wisdom in a form you can remember. Try to summarize your story in one or two short sentences. Concentrate on the message in the cards and not the mechanics of your interpretation.
The main event is over, but as with any ceremony, there are a few final steps to be taken to end the reading and leave your cards ready for next time.
If you have not yet done so, write down the cards you selected and their positions. It is easy to forget them. Now, clear the deck to remove all traces of the energy patterns of this reading. I clear a deck by scrambling the cards together gently. It reminds me of erasing letters in the sand with a sweep of my hand.
You may enjoy this technique too, but any shuffling method will do. While you clear the deck, try to view only the backs of the cards. Stop when you feel you've shuffled long enough, and gather the cards together. Your deck is ready for your next reading.
Before putting the cards away, hold them again for just a moment. Place your deck in one hand with the other hand on top, and close your eyes. Say what you feel you have learned from this reading. Express your gratitude to your Inner Guide for helping you via the tarot cards. Gratitude is a wonderful sentiment. It provides the ideal frame of mind in which to end your reading.
When you began, you initiated a cycle. You created meaning in the form of a reading, and now you have completed that cycle by returning the cards to their resting state.
The reading proper is over, but the inner work is just beginning. Your goal is to integrate what you have learned into your life in some way. If you don't, your tarot practice will remain a beautiful pastime with no power to help you.
Decide on one or more appropriate actions you might take to put your guidance to work. You can reinforce what you're doing now or make changes, either radical or minor. Specific actions are usually more helpful than vague plans. If the reading is open, it's not necessary to commit to specific actions. Simply absorb the spirit of the message, and allow it to guide you in a general way.
If you are keeping a journal, write down what you intend to do. Commit only to what you know you will actually carry out. I know how easy it is to lay out some cards, look at them briefly and then never think about that reading again, especially when your reaction is less than positive!
If you were not the subject of the reading, you can consider sharing your insights with the actual subject, but remember the reading was for you. Share from that perspective, not from a desire to inform or lecture the subject about any “facts” he or she should be aware of.
As the days go by, think about your reading and how it meshes with your life. Ask yourself these questions:
How meaningful was my story?
Did I miss anything important?
Did I make a change, and, if so, what happened?
Did something unexpected occur?
Do my daily readings, if any, shed light on this reading?
After your reading, you may wonder if you did everything correctly. Remember there is no one correct approach or interpretation. What you see in the cards is right for you by definition, and, no matter what, you will come away with something of value.
You may be tempted to do another reading on the same subject, but it's usually best to wait until there are significant changes. Assume that your reading covers all you need to know. If you are puzzled about certain elements, mine your reading for more insights. By going deeper, you will get closer to the heart of the matter. (Serial readings are an alternative, offering a way to explore a subject through multiple readings in one sitting. See Chapter Eleven.)
Using what you have learned is a vital step, but also perhaps the most difficult. It involves moving beyond playing with the cards. When you actually commit to integrating your tarot insights into your life, you have realized the true and lasting benefit to be gained from the cards.
This is my ideal tarot session, but to be truthful, I don't always follow it. Sometimes I linger over these steps, sometimes I neglect quite a few. I encourage you to adopt whatever procedure best suits your interests and needs at the time. If you don't enjoy the cards, they'll just gather dust on the shelf. The details aren't that important; it's the intention that counts!
A SUBJECT READING ABOUT A NEWS EVENT
Go through today's news, and choose a topic of interest. Look for a topic that is intriguing and somewhat controversial. A short-term media event is a good choice because you will get feedback on the situation quickly.
Read over the facts that are available, and choose an appropriate subject. Follow the guidelines in this section. Later, when the situation has resolved somewhat, go over your reading and relate it to what actually happened. Remember to stay focused on the message for you in the cards about this event.
AN OPEN READING
During the next few weeks, look for an opportunity to try an open reading. I recommend a fairly quiet day when you feel at peace with your life and attuned to the moment. It should be a day when you have the time and inclination to step back a little and look at the larger patterns that are influencing you at this time. If a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion happens to fall during this period, use it as the basis for your reading.