Introduction
As professional tarot readers, we have seen the transformational power of tarot reading in many people's lives. At Tarot Unleashed, when someone comes in for a reading, they often have preconceived notions about this technique. They would also have questions about how everything works and so on. This article serves as Tarot 101 for everybody looking to get a tarot reading done.
In this article, we will cover the following topics:
- What are Tarot Cards?
- What can a Tarot Card Reading be used for?
- Different types of Tarot Readings?
- How is a Tarot Reading done?
What are Tarot Cards?
Simply put, Tarot Cards are a special deck of 78 cards with pictures. They originated in 15th-century Europe as playing cards for games like Tarocchi, with the earliest known tarot decks being commissioned by wealthy Italian families. Initially used solely for gaming, Tarot evolved in the 18th century when people began assigning divinatory meanings to the cards. Over time, it transformed from a simple card game into a tool for spiritual insight, personal growth, and divination, captivating people with its rich symbolism and archetypal imagery.
How Does a Tarot Reading Work?
Tarot reading operates by tapping into your intuition and higher consciousness. The cards serve as a mirror, reflecting the patterns, energies, and choices in your life. When you ask a question or set an intention for a reading, you open yourself up to receive guidance and insights from your higher self and the universe. The tarot reader's role is to interpret these cards, providing guidance to help you make better decisions and take actions that align with your greatest good.
While tarot cards are not magical or supernatural, they possess a unique energy and symbolism that resonates with the subconscious mind. The images and symbols on the cards can trigger certain emotions, memories, and associations, facilitating a deeper understanding of your situation. This process allows you to gain insight into your life's circumstances, revealing hidden truths and patterns you may not have consciously known.
Practically, a tarot reading begins with the reader asking you to think and focus on your question or intention. During an online reading, the reader shuffles and draws cards in specific spreads tailored to your query. In an in-person session, you would concentrate on your question and select a few cards yourself, depending on the chosen spread. The tarot reader then interprets the drawn cards, considering their positions, symbolism, and intuitive insights to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your situation.
The effectiveness of a tarot reading depends on several factors, including the chosen spread, the type of deck used, the skill of the tarot reader, and most importantly, your intention and openness to the guidance offered.
We'll discuss spreads and decks in the following sections, but remember that your clear intention and willingness to receive insights are paramount for a successful and enlightening reading.
What can a Tarot Card Reading be Used for?
Topics of a Tarot Card Reading
People might want to get a Tarot Reading done for themselves or their loved ones for many reasons. Here are a few areas where a reading can help. Note: This is not a comprehensive list. You can seek guidance from Tarot on any and every topic under the sun.
- Self-reflection and personal growth: Tarot cards can serve as a tool for introspection, helping you explore your thoughts, feelings, and life circumstances from new perspectives.
- Decision-making guidance: While not predictive, tarot readings can offer insights to help you weigh options and make decisions about various aspects of life, including relationships, career, and personal development.
- Relationship insights: Tarot can be used to gain perspective on interpersonal dynamics and communication patterns. Colloquially, such readings are also known as Love Tarot Card Readings.
- Creative Inspiration: If you belong to art-based professions, such as writers, poets, designers, and coders, you can get a reading done to spark ideas or overcome creative blocks.
- Meditation aid: You can also incorporate tarot cards into your meditation practices to focus your thoughts or explore specific themes.
- Problem-solving: Tarot readings can help reframe problems and offer new ways of looking at challenges.
- Emotional processing: The symbolism in tarot cards can help you work through complex emotions or experiences.
- Goal setting and planning: Tarot Spreads can be used to explore potential paths forward and set intentions for the future.
- Daily guidance: Some people draw a single card each day for insight or inspiration.
It's important to note that tarot readings are not meant to predict the future definitively but rather to offer guidance, promote self-reflection, and provide alternative perspectives on life situations. Many practitioners view reading tarot as a psychological tool rather than a supernatural one, emphasizing its ability to tap into the reader's intuition and subconscious knowledge.
Different Types of Tarot Readings & Spreads
In the last section, we explored how tarot readings can help in various areas of life. Now, we'll dive into the different types of readings and spreads used by tarot readers to provide guidance on these topics.
When you book a tarot reading, you'll typically be offered different time slots, such as 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 45 minutes. For instance, at Tarot Unleashed, we offer three types of readings based on duration:
- Mini Reading: 15 minutes
- Detailed Reading: 30 minutes
- Advanced Reading:45 minutes
During your session, you can ask questions related to any topics within your chosen time slot. It's essential to distinguish between the types of readings (based on time and pricing) and the types of tarot spreads (the layout of the cards).
Common Tarot Spreads
Tarot spreads are universal layouts that tarot readers use to interpret the cards. Here are some common spreads you might encounter during a session.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list. There could be other Tarot Spreads that your reader might tap into.
Celtic Cross Spread (10 cards)
- This is a detailed and in-depth spread that covers various aspects of your life or a specific situation.
- It provides insights into past influences, present circumstances, future possibilities, and hidden factors. It's ideal for comprehensive guidance and understanding complex issues.
Three-Card Spreads
- Past, Present, Future: This layout offers a snapshot of how past events influence the present and what the future holds.
- Mind, Body, Spirit: This spread provides a holistic view of your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
- Situation, Action, Outcome: This spread is useful for decision-making. It examines a current situation, the action you can take, and the likely outcome.
Single Card Pulls
- Description: For specific questions or areas of life, individual cards are drawn.
- Usage: Each card is interpreted in-depth, providing focused insights and clear answers to your questions.
Five-Card Spread
- Description: This spread offers a detailed reading on one topic.
- Usage: It's often used for exploring the nuances of a particular issue or question, providing a comprehensive understanding through five different perspectives.
Yes/No Tarot Readings
- Description: A simple spread where one card is drawn to answer a specific yes/no question.
- Usage: Ideal for straightforward queries requiring a clear, concise answer. The card's interpretation (upright or reversed) gives a yes or no response.
Combination of Shorter Spreads and Single Card Pulls
- Description: A flexible approach tailored to your specific questions.
- Usage: This method allows the reader to adapt the session, combining different spreads to cover multiple aspects of your queries.
Typical Tarot Reading Sessions
Most tarot readers charge by the hour. Within your time with them, you might experience some or a combination of all the tarot card spreads that we discuss. The exact number and type of readings will depend on the reader's style, the complexity of your questions, and the discussion during the session. Some professional readers may also offer shorter sessions with fewer spreads. Remember, the quality and depth of the reading are often more important than the number of cards drawn. A skilled reader can provide valuable insights even with a simple three-card spread.
What Are Some Popular Tarot Card Decks?
Previously, we discussed typical tarot spreads that your tarot card reader might use during a reading. While these spreads play a role in the accuracy of your reading, it's primarily your intent and the tarot card reader's skill that matters the most. Now, let's explore some popular tarot card decks that your tarot reader might use. Although the influence of the specific deck used is usually minimal, many readers find a spiritual connection with a particular deck and use it consistently in their readings.
Tarot enthusiasts have a wide array of decks to choose from, each offering unique artwork and symbolism. Here are some popular tarot card decks that a tarot reader might use:
Traditional and Widely Used Decks
The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot remains the most influential and widely used tarot deck around, especially for beginners. Its variant, the Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot, offers a similar experience with more muted colours. These decks are foundational in the world of tarot and are often the first choice for many readers.
Modern Interpretations
For those seeking contemporary designs, the Wild Unknown Tarot by Kim Krans has gained popularity for its striking nature-inspired imagery. Another modern favourite is the Modern Witch Tarot, which offers a diverse and inclusive reimagining of classic tarot symbolism.
Occult and Traditional Decks
The Thoth Tarot, created by Aleister Crowley, is known for its symbolic map and deep occult symbolism and is favoured by those interested in esoteric traditions. The Tarot de Marseille is another traditional deck renowned for its historical significance and classic imagery.
Unique and Artistic Decks
Several decks stand out for their unique artistic styles. The Ethereal Visions Tarot features dreamy, Art Nouveau-inspired designs, while the Deviant Moon Tarot captivates with its surreal and somewhat eerie artwork. The Tarot Illuminati is among most decks known for its vivid and richly detailed images, and the Crow Tarot draws inspiration from nature, particularly crows and ravens, to convey its messages.
Each of these decks caters to different tastes and interpretations, allowing readers to choose one that resonates with their own path, personal style and spiritual approach. Ultimately, the connection a reader has with their chosen deck plays a significant role in the effectiveness of the reading.
Conclusion
Alright, we are at the end of this article! We had a lot of fun creating this for you. Remember, a tarot reading can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, personal and spiritual growth, and gaining clarity with a new perspective on life situations. By connecting with your inner wisdom, intuition and the symbolism of card meanings, you can discover the answers you seek and empower yourself to make better decisions. Whether you get an online tarot reading or work with a professional tarot reader, remember that the power lies within you.
If you want to book a tarot reading for a friend or family member, try Tarot Unleashed. You can book an appointment here.
Love & Light!