Hello all! I am back for another Girl Spirit Magic post. When it comes to learning to read tarot, I don’t think there is any wrong way to go about it. Sure, some methods may seem easier depending on the person, but I thought I’d share how I began learning tarot and the methods I use now. Reading intuitively seems to be an on-going process of learning and you never stop opening yourself up to different perspectives; I love this about tarot!

I mentioned before that I began my journey of knowledge with AeclecticTarot, which I think is a good starting base and interpretation of the Major Arcana and The Story of the Fool. This story definitely helped me remember the meanings and significance of the 22 trump cards. However, navigating the other 56 numbered suit cards was a bit of a challenge. Numerology is at play here and I will be honest, I am not good with remembering things especially in terms of numbers! I tried that route, learning all the ones, twos, threes and so on. And nothing ever stuck. I got frustrated and ultimately decided that putting the guidebook away for awhile, was best.

I truly took time to study the cards. The imagery, the colors and how it set a mood. I tapped into how each card made me feel and the message it conveyed to me, and things just fell into place. I have been studying each card from The Starchild Tarot and writing my own interpretations on  a sticky note that I place in the guidebook, on the page pertaining to that card. I then go back to read the book’s explanation of the card, and usually I am spot on in terms of definitions. I’ve learned in tarot/oracle that you have to go with your instincts..that is the entire base for learning.

I also recommend this method for learning new decks if you are a tarot collector, as it seems I am developing into! I have different feelings and intuitive insight towards two cards that may represent the same thing, but are from different decks with different imagery. So, always trust your heart and intuition. All tarot decks have their own style of imagery, and in turn, their own types of messages. I do believe this is why readers use different decks depending on the quarant’s questions; wether it be love/relationship related or career path. For me, I have my main and most studied with deck, and others that I gravitate towards depending on my mood or sense of clarity at the time.

The more you put what is learned into practice, the easier it becomes. I started out with simple one or two card drawings a day, until I worked up to three card spreads and even larger, six and seven card spreads. The messages were easier to remember, the more they came up and were interpreted in different situations. Over the course of a couple of months (with consistent practice!) I was able to think clearly about the message and not be overwhelmed with memorization. Be patient with yourself; it’ll take time.

I usually practiced twice a day; once quickly in the morning and a longer session at night before bed. On days I didn’t have work, I enjoyed learning different spreads with the book The Ultimate Guide To Tarot Spreads by Liz Dean. I plan to do a review on this helpful guide, later on. That’s pretty much it!