Performing a tarot reading can be a compelling and transformative experience. It allows you to tap into your intuition, connect with your higher self and receive spiritual guidance on important life matters. Tarot readings are a bit intimidating for those who are new to the practice, but I can assure you there’s nothing to fear from the cards and the practice itself. Instead, it can be a lot of fun! In this article, we will go over everything you need to perform your first tarot reading with confidence and ease, from choosing the right deck to asking the right questions.
Choosing the Right Deck to Perform Your Reading
Tips to Choose Your First Deck
The first thing you will need is a tarot deck. Looks simple, right? But it can actually be the most difficult step. There are so many different tarot decks available on the market, that choosing can feel overwhelming! Each deck with its own unique artwork, symbolism, and energy. When choosing your first deck, it is important to choose one that resonates with you and feels like a natural fit in your hands. Even if you can’t physically examine the deck, there should be an immediate visual or energetic appeal in its style. Personally, many of my decks have been “love at first sight” due to their captivating and distinct energies. If you’re seeking guidance in your first deck choice, you may find value in exploring these 15 tarot decks tailored for beginners.
Most Popular Tarot Decks and Where to Find Them
The most popular tarot decks are the Rider-Waite deck, the Crowley-Harris Thoth deck, and the Marseille deck. These are also three very different systems, and it’s up to you to decide which one you want to start practicing with. There are also many variations of these decks. So, once you start studying the Rider-Waite, you’ll find that there are thousands of different visual renditions of these cards. Artists from all over the world have been repainting or recreating the original Rider-Waite, and among them, you can surely find the right deck for you.
You can purchase a deck online, at a spiritual bookstore to see the decks in person or buy it from a local tarot reader. Shopping online for tarot decks is convenient because you have many options. Websites like Etsy and Amazon offer a wide range of choices. If you’re new to tarot, I suggest starting with the Rider-Waite deck. It’s a good choice because it’s popular among readers, and it’s beginner-friendly. A classic option is the Smith-Waite Centennial Edition, which is a remake of the 1909 Pamela Colman Smith deck. This can be a great starting point for you.
Setting the Atmosphere
Once you have your deck, you will also need a comfortable space to conduct your reading. This can be a designated room in your home, a quiet outdoor area, or simply a corner of your living room. It is important to choose a space that feels sacred and protected, where you can focus your mind and connect with your intuition. You may also want to dim the lights or play soft music to help set the mood.
To further prepare your space, you may wish to use crystals, candles, and incense to enhance the energy of your reading. For example, you could place crystals such as amethyst or clear quartz on the table to promote clarity and intuition. You may also light candles and burn incense to create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. It is important to also cleanse your crystals before use by holding them under running water or smudging them with sage.
In addition to your deck and space, you may also need a tarot cloth to protect and honor your cards. A tarot cloth can be any soft fabric that is large enough to spread out your cards and can be decorated with symbols, colors, or patterns. Some people like to use silk or velvet, while others prefer cotton or linen. A tarot cloth not only protects your tarot deck but also provides a sacred space for your readings. Choose a cloth that feels special to you and evokes a sense of peace and tranquillity.
Your Tarot Space Should Be as Unique as You Are
Your tarot journey is about you, your energy, and your intuition. It’s your own unique style that sets the stage for meaningful readings.
The heart of your tarot practice lies within you, not within the items you use.
Now, about those traditional practices that involve crystals, candles, and incense—they can be delightful sources of inspiration. They add an extra layer of ambiance and symbolism to your readings. Yet, if these don’t resonate with you or aren’t readily available, that’s perfectly fine. Your readings will be just as heartfelt and insightful without them.
This space is where you’ll connect with the wisdom of the cards, so make it as comfortable, welcoming, and uniquely you as possible. Think of it as an open invitation to embark on a magical journey where your personal touch reigns supreme.
Cleansing and Protection
There are many tools for cleansing and protection, like sage or palo santo for smudging, crystals for energy clearing, or a selenite wand for protection. These tools can help to create a positive and safe environment for your readings, but they’re not mandatory. Cleansing helps to clear the energies of the deck and the reader, removing any negativity or outside influences that could affect the accuracy of the reading. Protection instead creates a protective barrier around the reader and the deck, allowing them to focus on the reading without any external distractions or interference. These rituals help to ensure that the reading is accurate, insightful, and meaningful. They also provide a positive experience for both the reader and the person receiving the reading.
Smudging is a spiritual cleansing ritual that involves burning sage or other herbs and using the smoke to purify the energy in a space. In the context of a tarot reading, smudging can be used to create a sacred and peaceful environment in which to perform the reading. The smoke from the sage is believed to remove negative energy and create a harmonious atmosphere, allowing the reader (and the seeker) to connect with the tarot cards and spirit in a clearer way. It’s important to remember that smudging is a personal choice and some people may choose not to use it in their readings.
Asking your Question
Before conducting your first reading, it is important to be relaxed and centered. Sit quietly. Take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and focus on your intention for the reading. Take a few moments to clear your mind of distractions, and let go of any stress or worries. When you are ready, take your tarot deck in your hands and hold it close to your heart.
Once you are relaxed, it is time to ask your question. A tarot reading is most effective when you have a specific question in mind, as this helps to focus your energy and intentions. Some common questions include “What do I need to know about this situation?”, “What guidance do I need for the future?”, or “What do I need to do to achieve my goals?”. It is important to phrase your question in a positive and open-ended way, rather than asking for a yes or no answer.
It’s better to ask open-ended questions in a tarot reading because they encourage a more comprehensive and insightful response. Open-ended questions delve into the nuances of a situation, promote self-reflection, and empower you to make informed decisions, fostering a richer tarot experience.
Shuffling and Creating a Connection
Next, you will need to shuffle the deck. Shuffling the cards allows you to mix up their energies and create a bridge between you and the cards. It is a very important part of the tarot reading process. To shuffle your deck, simply hold it in your hands and mix the cards up with your fingers. You can shuffle them several times, or until you feel that they are well mixed. Then, cut the deck into three piles and shuffle them together. Repeat this process several times until you feel ready to start your reading. Some people like to ask the universe to guide their reading while shuffling, while others prefer to simply focus on their question. There are also several different shuffling techniques you may want to explore.
Laying Out the Cards
Starting with Simple Spreads
Now, you are ready to lay out your cards. There are many different spreads, or patterns, that you can use to lay out your cards. The most basic spread is the three-card spread, which consists of laying out three cards in a row, each representing, for example, the past, present, and future. Another popular spread is the Celtic Cross, which involves laying out ten cards in a cross pattern and can provide a more in-depth reading. If you’re a beginner, you may start with simple one-card, two-card, and three-card pulls.
When laying out your cards, it is important to focus on your question and let your intuition guide you. Some people start by picking a card from the top or the middle, while others lay out the cards in a specific order. Personally, I always recommend beginners assign a position to their cards, since it will facilitate the interpretation process. Another possibility is to choose to use your left or right hand or to hold the deck in your hands and allow the cards to fall out randomly.
Intepreting the Cards
Once you have laid out your cards, it is time to interpret their meanings. This can be done by using a tarot book or a deck-specific guidebook, or by relying on your intuition and personal associations with the symbols and images. Some decks come with awesome guidebooks that can help you learn the basics.
In any case, there are some important things to consider when interpreting your cards, including the card’s placement in the spread, the position of the card (upside down or right side up), and any connections or patterns you are able to recognize between the cards.
It is also important to remember that a tarot reading is a form of self-discovery and reflection. The cards can provide insights and spiritual guidance, but ultimately it is up to you to interpret their meanings and apply their advice to your life. Trust your intuition and allow yourself to be open to the messages that the cards have for you.
Summing Up
Doing your first tarot reading can be a powerful experience, but it requires preparation and intention. By choosing the right deck, preparing your space, and focusing your mind and intention, you can receive accurate and meaningful spiritual guidance from the tarot. Remember to ask your question, shuffle the deck, and let your intuition guide you as you interpret the cards. With practice and dedication, you will soon become an accomplished tarot reader and you will be able to use your tarot deck to explore your innermost thoughts and feelings, and connect with your higher self. And why not, one day you may find yourself reading for family and friends and starting to help other people too. Enjoy the journey!
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