Okay, here’s my take on sharing my tarot card pulling experience, blog style:
My Tarot Journey: How I Learned to Read Cards for Myself (and You Can Too!)
Alright, so I’ve been messing around with tarot for a while now, and people always ask me how I actually do it for myself. It feels kinda weird at first, right? Like, can you even be objective? But trust me, it’s totally doable. Here’s my experience in a nutshell.
First things first: The Deck
I didn’t just grab any old deck. I spent ages looking online, watching videos, and eventually landed on the Rider-Waite Smith deck. It’s classic, the images are pretty straightforward, and there are tons of resources out there for beginners. I felt a connection to it when I saw it, and that’s important. Find a deck that speaks to you.
- Cleansing my deck: When I first got it, I cleansed it. I ran it through some incense smoke. You can also put it under the moonlight or visualize pure energy flowing through it. It’s all about setting your intention for a fresh start with the cards.
Learning the Basics (and I Mean Really Basic)
Forget memorizing the whole guidebook right away. I started with the Major Arcana – those are the big, important cards like The Fool, The Lovers, Death, etc. I’d pick one card a day and just… sit with it. What did the image make me feel? What keywords popped into my head? I wrote it all down in a notebook. No pressure, just observation.
Then I moved on to the suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles. Getting a handle on what each suit represents (fire, water, air, earth) was key. And then, slowly, I started tackling the numbered cards within each suit.
The Big Hurdle: Asking the Right Questions
This is where it gets tricky. You can’t just ask, “Am I going to win the lottery?” You gotta be more specific and open-ended. Think about the area of your life you’re curious about. Relationships? Career? Personal growth?
Here’s what I do:
- Reflect: I spend some time thinking about the situation. What’s bothering me? What do I want to understand better?
- Phrase it carefully: Instead of “Will I get that job?” I’d ask “What can I do to improve my chances of getting the job?” or “What should I focus on in my career right now?”.
My First Few Readings: Messy, But That’s Okay
My first readings for myself were… interesting. I pulled cards, looked at the meanings, and went, “Huh?” It felt vague and confusing. But I kept at it. I started with simple one-card pulls. Just asking for guidance on my day, or a quick check-in on my energy.
Spreads: Keep it Simple, Stupid (KISS)
Don’t jump into complex spreads with tons of cards right away. I started with the classic three-card spread: Past, Present, Future. It’s simple, but it can give you a surprising amount of insight. I’d write down the cards I pulled and then journal about them, trying to connect the meanings to my question.
Dealing with the Cards You Don’t Want to See
Okay, let’s be real. Nobody wants to pull the Death card or the Tower. But those cards aren’t always bad! Death often represents transformation, and the Tower can signify a necessary shake-up. The trick is to look beyond the initial shock and try to understand the deeper message. What’s ending? What’s being destroyed so something new can be built?
My “Rules” for Reading Myself
- Create a Calm Space: No distractions. Light a candle, put on some chill music, whatever helps you relax and focus.
- Clear Your Mind: Take a few deep breaths before you start. Visualize any stress or anxiety leaving your body.
- Shuffle with Intention: Focus on your question as you shuffle the cards. Really feel the energy of the deck.
- Trust Your Intuition: The guidebook is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to go with your gut. What does the card feel like to you?
- Don’t Overdo It: I try not to read on the same question too often. Give the universe time to work!
It’s a Journey, Not a Destination
I’m still learning, and I mess up all the time. Sometimes the cards make perfect sense, and sometimes they’re a complete mystery. But that’s okay! Tarot is a tool for self-discovery. It’s about connecting with your intuition and gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and your life. Just start, be patient, and have fun with it!
