While I suggest that you treat yourself to a Tarot book to learn more about the cards, I would like to give you a little information here to get started. If you are looking for card meanings, click here.
The Daily Reading Spread
This is a simple layout that can be performed as very basic Tarot reading. This spread is used to give the seeker a map for how to apply his or her energy to the day in front of him or her. While many people do perform their own readings, I feel it is a more meaningful experience to perform them for others as well as have others perform readings for you.
To begin, I like to suggest a reading be performed in an area of low traffic, without lots of distractions. In my earlier days as a reader, I would perform readings whenever the opportunity presented itself just for the experience. What I learned is that when you do a reading around a large group, it is very hard to stay focused. The respect of the activity is dwindled down to performing a parlor trick and your quality of discussion will be very low. I also advise at least taking a few deep breaths to clear the air before getting started. Many practitioners insist on meditating first and burning incense to clear the room.
The reader should start by shuffling the deck three times, this clears the previous reading from the deck and puts some new random energy into the cards.
Secondly, have the querrent shuffle the cards three times themselves. If they are not good at shuffling, allow them to randomize the cards whatever way they are comfortable doing so three times.
Next, have the querrent cut the deck into three stacks. After this is done, have them re-order the stacks and re-assemble the deck.
Now is the time to draw from the deck and arrange the cards into the spread, place them in the order below, picking out each card and turning it over as you would turn the pages of a book:
To begin, I like to suggest a reading be performed in an area of low traffic, without lots of distractions. In my earlier days as a reader, I would perform readings whenever the opportunity presented itself just for the experience. What I learned is that when you do a reading around a large group, it is very hard to stay focused. The respect of the activity is dwindled down to performing a parlor trick and your quality of discussion will be very low. I also advise at least taking a few deep breaths to clear the air before getting started. Many practitioners insist on meditating first and burning incense to clear the room.
The reader should start by shuffling the deck three times, this clears the previous reading from the deck and puts some new random energy into the cards.
Secondly, have the querrent shuffle the cards three times themselves. If they are not good at shuffling, allow them to randomize the cards whatever way they are comfortable doing so three times.
Next, have the querrent cut the deck into three stacks. After this is done, have them re-order the stacks and re-assemble the deck.
Now is the time to draw from the deck and arrange the cards into the spread, place them in the order below, picking out each card and turning it over as you would turn the pages of a book:
Position One - Past Influence
This is a recent happening affecting the attitude of the seeker at present. It is related to the mind, since this even no longer exists, our mind is where it is kept.
Position Two - Present Potential
This card is ourselves in the present moment. It is what is around us or what is happening that we need to understand. It is related to the Body as we are living beings in the present moment.
Position Three - The Challenge
This card is a clue to our opposing force of the day. This could range from a personal difficulty to an interpersonal conflict.
Position Four - Future Opportunity
Depending on how our day is spent, this card is chosen to represent the outcome. It is related to spirit, as it is the spirit with which we undertake our action that directs its outcome.