How I read Tarot for myself and others

I want to start by talking about how I use tarot. I read tarot for others in a divinatory way, but when it comes to reading for myself, I choose to use tarot for self reflection, personal growth, healing, shadow work, and connection to deity. If I want to ask something about what I should do in a situation, if and when I can expect something to happen, or something else along those lines, I book a tarot reading with a trusted professional and have them throw cards. I find this to be the best way to stomp out any bias I may bring to a reading. While I have no problem leaving bias at the door when I read for even the closest of my friends or family, I don’t want to muddy the waters when I am hoping for and trying to manifest things for myself. 

So, when I’m reading for myself in this way, I don’t usually carve out sacred space or have any sort of ritual I must do every time (with the exception of when I am working with deity or doing something in connection to my craft). What I like to do is get comfy, maybe make myself a warm drink, put on some music, and pull cards. I process what is coming through in the cards, or the activity I am doing, by doing a lot of journaling and deep thinking. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Katey Flowers Therapeutic Tarot exercises. I also recently purchased Andy Matzner’s Tarot Activity book and that has been really awesome. I recommend it for anyone who likes to do a lot of “face up” work with the tarot. 

So what about my querents? I often read for them in a divinatory way. They come to the tarot and their readings with questions. They are looking for direction, help making difficult decisions, and they often want to know what things will look like on the other side of any actions they take. This is where tarot can come in as a roadmap to show you what outcomes are possible and to help assist you in moving forward. 

So, how is my process different for querent readings? I will often (though not always) set out some of my favorite (or relevant) crystals, light candles and/or incense, put on music (thank you Spotify for the ability to make great playlists), do a short grounding and centering meditation, invite my guides and begin shuffling my cards while thinking about their question or situation. I often use spreads for client readings. Once I am ready to begin the reading I shuffle my cards while I have my eyes closed. I usually I concentrate on feeling my intuition (which, for me, is a sort of chill that runs across my neck and through my arms and hands). When I feel the relevant card, I’ll pull it out of the deck and lay it face up on the table.  Once I have drawn all of the cards I look at all of the cards and how they relate to each other. I pay attention to any major themes, similarities (multiples of a number or suit), and the overall color scheme. Then I dive into each card as it relates to the question asked in it’s position of the spread.  When I’ve finished with the reading, I will again do a short meditation, thank my cards and guides, blow out any candles or incense, and put away any “reading accessories” I’ve used such as candles or reading cloths. I don’t have a designated space for reading so I tend to clear up my area after each reading session. If I’m reading for multiple querents I’ll wait until I’ve finished for the day to “pack up.” 

So, how do you read the tarot? Do you have any rituals that you do when you begin reading? Are their things you don’t read about for yourself? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 

Thanks for reading!!

❤️ Charis