Okay, so I’ve been meaning to get into reading Tarot cards for a while now, and I finally took the plunge! I decided to start with the Tarot de Marseille, because it’s, like, the classic deck, you know? The OG of Tarot. I figured it’s a good place to learn the basics.
First, I ordered a deck online. I went with a reproduction of a classic design, because I’m a sucker for that vintage aesthetic. When it arrived, I was so excited! I carefully unboxed it, feeling the texture of the cards. They were a bit stiff at first, but I knew they’d soften up with use.
Getting to Know the Cards
Then came the real work – getting to know the cards. I didn’t want to just memorize meanings from a book, I wanted to really feel them, you know? So, I started by just looking at each card, one by one. I noticed the colors, the symbols, the characters… everything!
- I spent a good few minutes just staring at The Fool, trying to understand his journey. What’s in that bag? Where’s he going?
- Then I moved on to The Magician, admiring his tools and his confident stance.
- The High Priestess, with her mysterious scroll, really intrigued me.
It’s really interesting with those pictures.
I also started reading about the history of the deck. The Marseille deck is super old, dating back centuries, and it’s been used by all sorts of people for all sorts of reasons. Learning about that history made me feel even more connected to the cards.
My First Reading (It Was a Little Clunky)
After a few days of just familiarizing myself with the cards, I decided to try a simple reading for myself. I shuffled the deck, really focusing on my question, which was basically, “What do I need to know about today?”
I laid out three cards, following a simple past-present-future spread I found online. Honestly, it was a little clunky at first. I kept referring back to my notes and the little booklet that came with the deck. But, slowly, I started to see a story emerge.
The cards I pulled were, The two of cups in the past, The five of wands in the present, and the King of Swords in the future. It was… interesting. The booklet suggested that the Two of cups means *, i flipped the Five of Wands. I was so confused, but the book said, conflict!
Finally, I drew the King of Swords. That guy seemed pretty intense, and I felt like he was telling me to be clear and direct in my communication.
It took me a while to piece it all together, but eventually, I came up with an interpretation that felt right for me. I saw The five of wands, it reminds me my friend, Jenny. Maybe I’ll argue with her today.
It’s definitely a learning process, and I’m still very much a beginner. But it’s been so rewarding! I’m excited to keep practicing and deepening my understanding of the Tarot de Marseille. I’ll keep you all posted on my progress!
