My methods of Tarot Reading
© Venus Satanas, 2009
I taught myself how to read first by using regular playing cards. as my interest advanced, I moved into studying the tarot. I got my first deck in 2005, when i finally decided to study. My first and only choice was the Rider Waite Smith Tarot. I also purchased the companion book to the rider Waite, known as the Key to the Tarot. Every day I studied and absorbed the knowledge within the cards until my life was in sync with the readings that I was doing for myself. It was at this point that i realised how empowering the tarot can be.
My tarot deck has been my constant companion and one of my most important tools of magic and manifestation. Through the insights that ive learned by reading tarot, I am able to understand myself and the world around me in a better way. The tarot has guided me through many personal decisions, leading the way with its infinte advice. In times of crisis, my tarot has helped me to face tough decisions with the empowerment of knowledge. In times of joy, my tarot has confirmed things in my life and has revealed personal truths to me.
Tarot reading can be complex, even with just one card. So many things can be read from looking at the images and relating them to the meanings of symbols. It is said by the writer and tarotist Mary Greer that a single tarot card can be read in 21 different ways, and its true! An entire reading can be devised from just one card. So, how do I read my cards? With several different personal and traditional methods that allow me to see what the cards are illustrating, and by interpreting those symbolic meanings into a reading.
Basic Method, One Card
The most simple method, is the one card reading. This reading is really good for getting specific insight into a situation. Drawing one card while asking the question, the card that is drawn reveals the totality of the situation, like an overview of the whole picture. When I read with just one card, I am able to see the positive and the negative influences of a situation. Both the problems and the solutions are apparent by choosing just one card.
Elemental and Astrological Aspect
In the many ways that a card can be read the most basic is on an elemental level. As each card is represented by an astrological symbol, each card is also related to one element. For instance, the Strength card, in the Rider Waite deck, is related to Leo, and also the element of Fire. I know that within the reading there will be an element of passion, desire, ego, personal strength, and other matters both spiritual and physical that relate to the element of Fire.
Numerological Aspect
Each card is also related to a suit, and numbered, so there are methods of divining from having this knowledge. For instance, the hermit card, is the ninth card in the major arcana and it can represent spiritual journeys, inner work, and self mastery. Since it is a major arcana card it is showing a major or important aspect in life, and because it is the ninth card, the numerology meaning adds to the interpretation of the card.
Upright and Reversal Meanings
The card's orientation is important as well. When i read tarot, I interpret reversals into my readings to gain a unique type of perspective. The reversal reading allows me to specifically know what is wrong, or right with an issue. in a reading that only uses upright cards, this meaning can become obscured with the upright and positive meaning. however, the reversal of a card also shows the benefic aspect just as the upright of the card can sometimes represent a malefic aspect, depending on the card itself and the nature of the question.
The Images Tell All
Another thing to consider in reading is the images of the cards. An image can speak a thousand words. What are the figures in the cards doing, or not doing? What is their condition? Does the figure in the card represent a specific action, or way of being? For instance, in the minor arcana, the two of pentacles shows a man dressed almost like a court jester, juggling two pentacles with precarious, careful uncertainty. His dance looks carefree but really it is a method of balance. The card can be interpreted in a literal way by showing the reader that there is a decision to be made and that these decisions should be examined carefully. It could also show that things are out of balance, or undecided in some important aspect that should be considered.
Literal Interpretation
There are many times when the card shows a literal interpretation. Such as with the Tower card, showing a situation that is falling apart or doomed to failure or sudden ending. Or the death card, that shows the rider of death stopped in his tracks, that clearly says its time to let go, and move on, seek an ending before you are able to heal. And, the lovers card which shows the balance of union and partnership through the image of the lovers united.
Spiritual Meaning
There is also the metaphysical symbolism to consider within a reading. The symbolic images of the Hirophant show the rule and order of society and the use of tradition. The High Priestess is a vision of the mysterious and divine, her silent stare bringing you closer to the revealed mysteries of nature. The judgment card shows the dead rising from their graves, bringing abut visions of completion and manifestation. These are sometimes archetypal images and symbols that speak to the unconscious in a way that is beyond what language can express.
Just like any complex source of knowledge, the knowledge that is within the tarot seems to be infinite. When a reader knows how to read the cards, the cards are able to speak to the reader in a very spiritual and literal way. I have bonded with my deck that I use every day, so much that I can draw just one card and it will provide the solution to me. My deck will tell me what I need to know. There are times when I want to do a full reading, using more than one card. In situations like these I use specific layouts that enable me to put the reading together from the many different aspects that each card presents.
The Tarot Layout
When reading more than one card, each card's position in the tarot layout (as its called) is important. The placement of the cards are the source of the interpretation. For instance in a basic five card reading, the card in the center represents the main focus of the reading, and the present situation. the cards to the left and the right represent the past and the future, respectively. and the card above is the benefits and advantages, while below it represents the risks and disadvantages.
There are literally, hundreds of spreads that can be used in readings. There are only a few that I have found to be useful. My five card reading is good for the present focus and a look into the possible future, if the current course of action is taken. The ten card reading is shaped almost like two pyramids that touch at the point, the center card being the focus of manifestation. I have also used the classic 7 card Celtic cross which is a variation of the 5 card. this shows the additional pathways or choices that could be made in the situation or question asked.
I AM - I WILL - I CREATE
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