An ancient form of divination, the Tarot is becoming increasingly popular. As the world transcends to new heights, we are turning to new ways of doing things. Some of this involves esoteric methods that have not been popular for quite some time in our rational-minded society.
Crystals, manifestation, the Law of Attraction, and astrology are just some of the things that are building curiosity among an increasing number of people.
As we continue to evolve as humans, we begin to tap into our intuition more. People begin to realize that they possess extraordinary gifts that previously lay dormant.
For some, this has meant exploring divination methods such as Tarot!
What Exactly is Tarot?
No one is entirely sure how it works—that’s the beauty of the intuitive world. It’s so mysterious, and much of it is about belief and trusting yourself.
When intuition is harnessed in the correct way, it can open up a realm of possibilities.
The Tarot is essentially a set of cards. Each card tells a story, and when you pull the cards and lay them out in a spread in answer to your question, the Tarot answers the question for you based on the meaning of the card and the imagery.
As such, Tarot is complex and has many different layers to it. It can be tricky navigating your way through the Tarot, and the experience is individual to each person.
So we’ve broken down this article into beginner, intermediate and advanced spreads for you to try based on your personal Tarot journey level.
Remember, there are no hard-set rules. Even if you are just starting out with Tarot, if you feel able to try the intermediate or even advanced, then go for it. The truth is, you don’t know your own abilities until you leap in there and try.
Don’t feel that just because you don’t know by heart the meaning of every single card, you should limit yourself to one type of spread.
To test your abilities, you have to cross your own boundaries.
The Best Beginner Tarot Spread
If you’re new to Tarot—or even if you feel like a quick spread to start your day—this three-card Tarot spread is just right!
This is a simple advice spread.
As it is a general spread and not focused on one particular issue, it can help familiarize you with card meanings. It also has no special position for each card, which allows you to just focus on the card meaning itself.
Shuffle the cards and ask:
What advice do you have for me today?
Lay out three cards for your reading when you are done shuffling.
Not sure how to shuffle your Tarot cards? Read How to Expertly Shuffle Your Tarot Cards first.
General Advice Example Spread
Now, let’s take a look at an example spread.
Card 1: 10 of Pentacles
Card 2: 7 of Cups
Card 3: 4 of Swords
The 10 of Pentacles highlights family and legacy, indicating that focusing on family matters is likely to be a priority throughout the day. As it is a pentacles card, this focus will be on practical matters. Possibilities include home decor, money issues, and work-related matters in the home.
The 7 of Cups as an advice card advises you not to get too swept up in your own imagination! It also indicates that your imagination is especially strong today.
The 4 of Swords is a card of rest and suggests that it is important to take some time out to nurture yourself and rebalance your energies. It suggests you have been working hard and need a break.
Take as long as you need to meditate on this type of reading. Write down your findings—and then you can compare notes once the day is over to see how your reading matches the events!
The Best Intermediate Tarot Spread
This is another three-card spread and has specific positions this time. This is a past, present, and future spread designed to help you with a problem you have at this time.
Let’s say your question relates to your relationship and a problem within it. In this example, it relates to trust issues.
Shuffle the cards and ask:
How can I improve the trust issues in my relationship?
Past, Present, & Future Example Spread
Card 1: Past: 7 of Swords
Card 2: Present: 5 of Wands
Card 3: Future: Death
The 7 of Swords as the Past cards indicates betrayal. This highlights that you have experienced some betrayal in previous relationships or in your life, which is contributing to your trust issues.
The 5 of Wands as the Present card is a card of conflict. This conflict may be in your relationship itself, but it can also indicate conflict within the Self. Your heart and head may be battling as you try to deal with trust issues.
The Death card as the future indicates a major change. As this is a Major Arcana card, it indicates that the change may be out of your control. It could indicate the end of the relationship if trust issues are not dealt with, or it could indicate that a major transition will happen in your relationship.
The irony is that this does indicate it is in your control. You may take steps to tackle your trust issues, like seeking counseling or therapy. You may decide to take a break from the relationship while you work on yourself.
Even when it seems the future is set in stone, our lives are in our hands, and we have the power to make choices in whatever situation we find ourselves in.
The Best Advanced Tarot Spread
This advanced spread is a love and relationship Tarot spread—and is very popular!
It is a nine-card spread, has specific positions for cards, and provides much in-depth analysis. It concentrates on a person’s feelings for you and where they want the relationship to go.
Shuffle the cards and ask:
How does ______ feel for me?
Then, arrange and select the cards in this order.
Card 1, 2, & 3: Their feelings for me
Card 4 & 5: How they see me
Card 6 & 7: What they want to happen between us
Card 8 & 9: What action they will take toward me
Love & Relationships Example Spread
An example spread is below:
Card 1, 2, & 3: 2 of Cups, The High Priestess, & The Sun
Card 4 & 5: The Empress & 5 of Swords
Card 6 & 7: 10 of Cups & 10 of Pentacles
Card 8 & 9: 2 of Wands & 4 of Wands
The first three cards indicate a strong and powerful attraction (2 of Cups) and that this person feels you share a deep connection (High Priestess). The Sun card indicates you make this person feel happy—all in all, good cards for feelings!
The cards for how this person sees you indicate they see you as the perfect partner (the Empress) and also appreciate your kind and compassionate nature. However, the 5 of Swords is a card of defeat—this person may feel you are out of their league.
For what they want to happen, the 10 of Cups and 10 of Pentacles indicate they want a solid, stable relationship with you—perhaps even marriage! The 10 of Cups shows a happy home life, and the 10 of Pentacles shows a stable home life.
This person can see themselves building a life with you.
For their action, the 2 of Wands is quite passive. This person may be hesitating as to whether to make a move or not. If they see you as being out of their league, this may explain why they are hesitating. However, the 4 of Wands indicates that a move will be made and indicate a possible gathering. They might ask you to a party or to meet up (maybe with others present).
Sharpen Your Intuition with Tarot
These three spreads are just three of many. There are so many spreads out there for beginner, intermediate, and advanced readers.
The more you engage in Tarot readings, the more familiar you become with the cards, and best of all, the more you nurture and sharpen your intuitive gifts!
Remember to always ground yourself and meditate for a few minutes before a reading in order to clear your energy. A mind that is stressed or heavy can sometimes affect the outcome of a reading, where the interpretation or even the reading itself is either unclear or incorrect.
In time, your confidence as a Tarot reader will grow. And remember, there is no right or wrong way to do things – do what feels right for you!
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