My Way of Doing It
Alright, so people sometimes ask how I actually go about pulling tarot cards. Honestly, it’s not some big ceremony for me most days, just a quiet little routine I’ve settled into over the years. Here’s how it usually goes down when I grab my deck.
Getting Started
First things first, I find a quiet corner. Could be anywhere, really – my desk, the sofa, wherever I can get five minutes without interruptions. Doesn’t need candles or incense for me, just needs to be calm.
I get my cards out. I use the same deck pretty much all the time, the corners are soft now and it just feels familiar, you know? Like shaking hands with an old friend.
Shuffling and Focusing
Okay, then I take a moment. Just breathe. Try to let go of the day’s noise in my head – the to-do lists, the worries. I just try to be present.
If I’ve got something specific on my mind, a question or situation, I’ll hold that thought gently. Not force it, just let it be there. If not, I’ll just ask something simple like, “What’s useful for me to know right now?”
Shuffling is key for me. I’m not fancy. I usually just do a basic overhand shuffle. Mix ’em up good. Sometimes, if I feel like they need a real good scramble, I’ll spread them all out face down on the table and just swoosh them around with my hands. Feels like getting my energy mixed in there properly. I stop when it feels right. Don’t ask me how I know, I just… do.
Cutting and Drawing
Once the shuffling feels complete, I gather them into a neat pile.
Most times, I’ll cut the deck. Usually into three piles, using my left hand. Then I stack ’em back up in whatever order feels right. Sometimes I skip this if I’m in a hurry or just don’t feel the need.
Then comes the actual pulling. For a quick look, I might just pull one card. If I want a bit more context, I often pull three. My go-to is simple:
- Card 1: Past / What led here
- Card 2: Present / The situation now
- Card 3: Future / Possible outcome or advice
I usually just draw them right off the top of the pile I just shuffled and cut.
Looking at the Cards
I lay them out in front of me, face up, in the order I pulled them. Left to right for the three-card spread.
Then, I just look. Really look. What catches my eye first? Is it a person, an object, a colour? What feeling does it give me right off the bat?
Sure, I know the standard meanings after all this time, but I try not to grab the book straight away. It’s more about how that card’s story connects with my story right then. How does the picture speak to my question or my day? Sometimes it’s crystal clear, sometimes I gotta mull it over.
Wrapping Up
I’ll sit with the message for a minute or two. If something really stands out or feels important, I might scribble it down in a notebook I keep nearby. Helps me remember, or see patterns later.
And then, that’s pretty much it. I gather the cards back together, slide them back into their box or pouch. A little mental ‘thank you’ maybe. Done. Nothing too complicated, just a moment to check in with myself using these cardboard pictures.
