How to Do Tarot: A Beginner's Guide

Hello, curious minds! Today, we're diving into the mystical world of tarot and learning how to do tarot for beginners. No fancy robes or crystal balls required, just an open mind and a deck of tarot cards. Let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and how to do tarot.

What is Tarot?

Before we roll up our sleeves and dive into how to do tarot, let's first understand what tarot is. Tarot is a deck of 78 cards, each with its own symbolism and meaning. The deck is divided into two main parts: the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). The Major Arcana cards represent life's big events and spiritual lessons, while the Minor Arcana cards represent day-to-day situations and emotions.

Choosing Your Tarot Deck

The first step in learning how to do tarot is choosing your tarot deck. There are countless decks out there, each with its own unique art style and interpretations. As a beginner, you might want to consider a deck with clear, traditional imagery. Some popular choices for beginners include:

- Rider-Waite-Smith: This deck is known for its detailed, symbolic imagery and is great for beginners. - Thoth Deck: This deck, created by Aleister Crowley, has a rich, esoteric symbolism but might be a bit too complex for beginners.

How to Care for Your Tarot Deck

Your tarot deck is like a new friend; it needs some TLC to grow and thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for your tarot deck:

- Shuffle Regularly: Just like a muscle, your tarot deck needs to be stretched and flexed. Shuffle your deck regularly to keep the energy flowing. - Store with Respect: When not in use, store your tarot deck in a safe, dry place. Some people like to store their decks in a special bag or box. - Cleanse When Needed: Tarot cards can pick up energy from their surroundings. If you feel your deck is holding onto some unwanted energy, cleanse it. This can be done by burying the deck in the earth, leaving it under the moonlight, or simply fanning the cards and visualizing the energy leaving.

How to Shuffle a Tarot Deck

Shuffling a tarot deck might seem simple, but there's a bit of an art to it. Here's how to shuffle a tarot deck:

1. 1. Hold the Deck: Hold the deck in your dominant hand. Some people like to hold the deck with the cards facing them, while others prefer to hold it with the cards facing out.
2. 2. Shuffle: Using your other hand, shuffle the deck. You can do this by cutting the deck (dividing it into two piles and interweaving them), or by riffle shuffling (holding the deck in one hand and using the other hand to lift and release cards from the top of the deck).
3. 3. Shuffle Again: Once you've shuffled the deck a few times, cut it again. This helps to ensure that the cards are well mixed.

How to Read Tarot Cards

Now that we've covered the basics of how to do tarot, let's dive into the fun part: reading the cards! Here's a simple three-card spread to get you started:

1. 1. Past: Shuffle the deck and draw a card. This card represents a situation or emotion from your past that is influencing your present.
2. 2. Present: Draw another card. This card represents your current situation or emotions.
3. 3. Future: Draw the final card. This card represents potential outcomes or influences on your future.

When interpreting the cards, trust your instincts. Tarot is about intuition and personal interpretation. The meanings in the guidebook are a great starting point, but don't be afraid to add your own insights.

Common Tarot Questions

Here are some common tarot questions you might want to ask:

- What should I do about [situation]? - What does the future hold for me? - What lessons do I need to learn? - What strengths do I have that I'm not using?

Remember, tarot is a tool for self-discovery and guidance, not a fortune-telling device. The future is always changing, and your actions can influence the outcome of any situation.

How to Do Tarot Spreads

Once you've got the hang of basic three-card spreads, you might want to try some more complex tarot spreads. Here are a few to get you started:

- Celtic Cross: This is one of the most well-known tarot spreads. It involves laying out 10 cards in a cross shape, with the remaining cards forming a circle around it. The Celtic Cross can provide a detailed look at a situation, including its history, influences, and potential outcomes. - Past, Present, Future: This simple spread consists of three cards laid out in a row. It's a great way to get a snapshot of where you've been, where you are, and where you're going. - Horseshoe: This spread consists of seven cards laid out in a horseshoe shape. It's a versatile spread that can be used to explore a situation, a person, or a question.

How to Cleanse Your Tarot Deck

As we mentioned earlier, tarot cards can pick up energy from their surroundings. If you feel that your deck is holding onto some unwanted energy, it's a good idea to cleanse it. Here are a few methods you can try:

- Burying: Bury your tarot deck in the earth for a day or two. This can help to ground and cleanse the cards. - Moonlight: Leave your tarot deck under the moonlight overnight. The moon's energy can help to cleanse and recharge the cards. - Smudging: Burn some sage or palo santo and waft the smoke over your tarot deck. This can help to cleanse the cards and remove any negative energy. - Visualization: Hold your tarot deck in your hands and visualize a white light surrounding the cards. See the light growing brighter and brighter, until it fills the entire deck. This can help to cleanse and recharge the cards.

How to Store Your Tarot Deck

When not in use, it's important to store your tarot deck in a safe, dry place. Here are a few ideas for storing your tarot deck:

- Deck Box: A deck box is a small, hard-sided container designed to hold a tarot deck. It can help to protect your cards from dust and damage. - Tarot Bag: A tarot bag is a soft, cloth bag designed to hold a tarot deck. It's a great way to keep your cards safe while also adding a touch of personal style. - Altar: Some people like to store their tarot deck on an altar, surrounded by crystals, candles, and other spiritual symbols.

How to Do Tarot: Final Thoughts

And there you have it, folks! How to do tarot in a nutshell. Remember, tarot is a journey, and it takes time and practice to develop your skills. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or to ask for help along the way.

Above all, have fun with your tarot practice! Tarot is a tool for self-discovery, creativity, and growth. Embrace the mystery, trust your instincts, and let the cards guide you on your journey.

Happy tarot-ing! 🃏