Reading Tarot Cards

How do you find out information on the past present and future through a pack of cards? This page outlines how a tarot reading is conducted.

A tarot reading begins with the shuffling of the cards either by the fortune-teller or the subject. The cards are then laid out in one of many particular spreads to provide information on the subject. The cards are said to provide information on the subjects past, present, future and current thoughts. The cards that are laid out each have symbolism that is then attributed to the subject. Some fortunetellers believe that a reversed card means the opposite of what the picture is meant to mean. And others consider the reversed card to have a stronger meaning.

Three common spreads are the past present and future, the Celtic spread and the solo card. The past present and future cards are laid out face down in a fan shape the three cards that you are most drawn to are then taken from the pack the cards are then lined up the card to the left represents the past the middle the future and the final card on the right represents the future. The Celtic spread focuses on the near future. Five cards are laid in a cross formation and special attention is paid to what cards are next to each other and what this could mean. The solo card is picked by asking a question and picking a card that calls to you which is said to give you the answer to your question.

There are two types of readings: question and open. Question readings ask the cards questions but don’t expect a yes or no answer. Open readings engage with the subject’s whole life as a much broader subject. Questions are meant to be focused, positive and neutral and you must not already have a desired answer in mind. The cards can be interpreted as what they mean to you as you see them or alternatively there is a general guide of what each card means.