Journaling is a great tool for this path of self-discovery since we read the cards to learn about ourselves as well as the future. However, it can be challenging to know where to begin, so here are some strategies that we have found to be useful.
Try to write as soon as you wake up. What occupied your dreams? What perceptions of the world do you have while awake? Bypassing the ego and surprising your conscious mind will help. No matter how bizarre or fantastical these notions seem, sometimes those are the greatest! You are free to use any amount of poetry. Consider the world through a child’s perspective. What is novel and exciting? If you were suddenly transported to this planet with no prior knowledge, how would you interpret its events?
And bear in mind that, despite your desire to retreat within, it is beneficial to maintain contact with the larger society. Your opinions and others’ are both worth considering. so give! As we keep a notebook and share it with others on social media, it’s kind of like journaling has evolved naturally.
Gaining a greater understanding of life itself is the goal of divination, which goes beyond just predicting the future. The tarot offers us a window through time into potential futures, alternative courses, and forgotten pasts. The self continues to be the focal point of everything throughout. Your readings represent who you are, who you were, and everything you might become. Even if you weren’t able to see this beautiful tapestry at the time, journaling will help you find it.
Are you a tarot notebook keeper? Please let us know how this method performs for you. Specify in the comments or get in touch with us on Instagram!
In This Article...
How does tarot journaling work?
The concept of the daily draw is what persuaded me to get a tarot deck. Each day, many tarot readers choose one card to assist them determine their focus or aim. This practice actually inspired me to buy a deck when I learned that the daily draw could also serve as my writing prompt for the day.
I set aside some time in the morning to shuffle my cards every day (or as frequently as I can remember), removing myself from the emails, to-do lists, and bustle. I mentally examine my physique as I shuffle to see how I’m feeling today. It is comparable to meditation.
I then draw my daily card and place it next to my journal. I start by writing down anything that might have come up while I was shuffling, but I also start to incorporate any feelings I might have in response to the card meanings I already know, as well as any observations I make about the image or other aspects of the card. After I’ve noted my initial impressions, I’ll research the card’s meaning online. One of my favorite sources is Biddy Tarot.
I make a note of the phrases or concepts that stand out to me the most when I search up the card’s significance. As I’m still getting to know the cards, this isn’t a copy of the definition; rather, it’s a tool for me to glean connections and meanings.
My pen then moves over the paper as the card’s meaning takes over. Sometimes the card clearly relates to how I’m feeling right now, and I’m able to write in my notebook about that aspect of my career, relationship, wealth, or creativity. Sometimes that card isn’t as evident, and I journal in a more exploratory manner, lightly touching each item to determine which resonates with me the most. There have even been a few occasions when the card brought to mind a particular person in my life, prompting me to write in my notebook something I had never before recorded about that person or a recollection of them.
Basically, the daily tarot draw encourages you to go outside of your typical thought patterns and think about many aspects of your life that might not always be on your mind, as well as to look at issues and circumstances from a different perspective. You can then start writing those daily pages.
Can you interpret your own tarot cards?
It most certainly is. Tarot is a technique that aids in deepening our understanding of the present moment, honoring our intuition, and predicting future possibilities. Although it might seem complicated, the technique is actually quite straightforward.
How should tarot cards be stored?
Your deck will stay clear and tidy for longer if you give it the utmost care.
Vanderveldt says it’s nice to keep your deck in a set location because of this, whether it’s on an altar or a clean shelf. She adds, “I think putting it away consciously after each usage or at the end of the day is a beautiful way to care for it both energetically and physically. You may wrap it in a piece of cloth, lay it in a box, or put a crystal over it.”
Additionally, she advises “absolutely designating a spot to put them,” such as a shelf, basket, or ornamental box, if you have a collection of cards.
Magdaleno advises that if you’ve had a certain deck for a while, you should be sure to pull it out occasionally as putting your decks in shady areas of bookcases or drawers might result in stagnant energy.
Questions you don’t really want answered
Even though it might seem apparent, it’s advisable to refrain from asking the tarot cards questions that you aren’t prepared to hear the answers to. That’s because answers to these questions can reveal information you’re just not quite ready to hear.
“Tarot can definitely come off as offensive if you’re not willing to hear the truth or consider an opposing opinion. Tarot reading Nicole Fortunaso
According to tarot reader and life coach Nicole Fortunaso, “tarot may truly come out as offensive if you are not willing to hear the truth of the problem or look at an alternate viewpoint.” She advises analyzing why you’re reacting the way you are in order to reflect on how to effectively address the underlying problem if you ask the question and aren’t satisfied with the response.
How do I make Tarot cards on my own?
What I actually wanted to do was open a store that offered independently made tarot and oracle decks like the ones I collected, first online and then offline. I would purchase these independent decks from vendors like Two Sides Tarot and Little Red Tarot, and I imagined that perhaps I might create my own small collection to offer to Manila residents (and maybe Asia).
Now I know some of you who frequent this blog do have tarot deck creation goals of your own… so I thought I’d put together a guide that can *fingers crossed* walk you through the creation process the way I did it.
Disclaimer: If you think this piece is going to be about suppliers, printers, and the like, I’m going to warn you right away that it isn’t. I get a lot of queries about those things. I encourage you to conduct independent research on execution. You can set together your decks just as easily as I did by conducting your own research. Your best friend is Google.
So let this serve as a guide, but don’t expect any spoon-feeding. Open yourselves up to the experience of learning through process, discovering through research, and creating a tarot deck all your own.
Have a goal in mind. Back in architecture school, we had to begin with a design challenge before we could even begin sketching or discussing aesthetics. You must understand your why. Initially, why are you building a deck? Is your deck an outlet for your creativity or an attempt to tackle a problem? Are you making a deck in order to generate income, support a certain cause, or get a little more tarot knowledge for yourself?
Knowing your why will set the tone for your entire creation process. Give this fundamental step time.
begin with a notion. These days, independently produced cards are based on themes. It’s too general to say, “I want to create a tarot deck.” Make your creation worthy. Do you want an animal-themed deck? Why? Do you favor having a “Stranger Things” theme? Eighties soap operas? political leaders
Select a form of artistic expression. If you’re into impressionism, Op-art, or post-modernism, go ahead and do whatever you feel at home with, unless you’re making a deck to broaden your style or portfolio. I selected collage because that’s the medium I’m comfortable with.
Setting your parameters will help you create a visually appealing deck (unless the concept you’re working with calls for a range of art styles, in which case mixing things up might make sense).
You need to accept your own artistic ability at this point. If you have a deadline, consider what you can actually accomplish in that time. Perhaps painting frescoes, photographing them, and then processing each image is not the ideal course of action if you want to complete a deck in a month. Consider whether you can actually complete 78 canvases (and possibly more since you’ll need extras for do-overs and such) if you’re comfortable working with oil on canvas.
Establish your guidelines so that you have a reference point to use when you build your deck.
Make sure you understand what you’re getting into before you even start. I am aware that many artists who have no background in tarot take on the task of creating a deck. But I think their cards have a distinct vibe than real tarot readers. They aren’t as useful as decks created by those who are proficient in spreads, have a thorough understanding of their archetypes, and can read for themselves or others. Even the most accomplished artists are unable to discern tiny elements when using the tarot, despite their skill.
If you are familiar with tarot, create a deck. If you are proficient with it, construct an oracle deck. Do your research.
Start working. The part that most eager beavers are anticipating, you’ll just have to put in the effort. Tarot cards cannot “magician their way into existence.” Get your iPad out, start using Procreate, get some scissors, paint thinner, and brushes.
Be prepared to make a lot of stops and starts at this phase of the process, and be nice to yourself. whenever you’re ready, display your work to the public. You’d probably benefit from getting feedback from both a non-tarot reader and a skilled reader, just to see whether what you’re doing resonates with both target groups.
Remember to keep the big picture in mind. Although we occasionally interpret tarot cards individually, we often use pairs of cards and broad spreads. You must have the ability to take a step back from your task and assess how the cards stack up. three, five, ten, and twelve-spot spreads. Lay them all out to check for stragglers, see if any visual or thematic trends emerge (extremely important in a deck! ), and determine whether you like the way they all look when arranged in a formation.
Beyonc staging Bey-chella comes to mind. She had to make sure that everyone on stage appeared flawlessly coordinated.
Make a trial run. The effort isn’t ended once the art is finished, whether you plan to build your deck for sale or just want a copy for yourself. You want to check to see how the tarot cards represent everything. Look for a printer who can produce a single copy at a low cost on common card stock, or if you want to wreck your inkjet printer, do it yourself at home. This is to determine whether your art, in any size you decide, works. You can use this to check for border problems, uneven cropping, etc.
Use your test deck as soon as you obtain it. Carry it around and do readings for friends, family, and future clients. Trust me, once you acquire that tester, it won’t leave your hands. Check out how it functions in the wild.
Revision is essential. My least favorite project stage, but one that is absolutely necessary if you want to do things correctly. You will be able to determine what needs shifting and what needs altering after holding your sample in your hands and using it for 10, 20, and 50 readings.
With my initial run of the PM Starter Deck, I saw a few things that I wanted to change. The fact that I only had 11 copies printed allowed me to fix any errors I found without incurring significant costs.
Examine the market. If you’re quite certain about your deck, you can have a professional finish it right away. You can either order a task for a small print run for yourself or a large print run if you want to take the plunge. You may relax knowing that you tested your deck, made any necessary adjustments, and took into account everyone’s input.
See whether people are interested in your cutting-edge independent deck. Consider going commercial if individuals appear to be really engaged. Examine your numbers to see if you can feel as like you are taking a calculated risk.
If you decide to place a large print order, say a Hail Mary and good luck to yourself. Who knows, your invention could be the next item to appear on the independent shelves of Two Sides Tarot and Little Red Tarot.
Can a tarot reading be recorded?
It might be time for you to try a tarot card reading, whether you’re searching for some clarification on your crush, insight into that promotion at work (crossing your fingers), or wondering if that girl’s trip is a good idea.
People have used the tarot deck to predict the future ever since the 15th century. Tarot card readings can assist you in finding the answers to all of your questions, giving you the knowledge and intuition you need to proceed. Simply put, it’s a simple (and fun) self-help and self-love activity.
The Major and Minor Arcana of the tarot deck each contain 78 cards. Consider the Major Arcana as the trump cards of the deck, or the A-list stars of Hollywood. The Emperor. A lover. a Devil. The Dunce. the organization of awareness in people. A reading with a large number of trump cards is potent and may imply that the matter is out of your control and is left to “fate.”
The Minor Arcana (the suit cards) are the supporting players that give the reading greater depth and perspective. If the majority of the items on your spread are suits, you are being advised to assume control of your course.
The four elements of air, water, earth, and fire are discussed in the Minor Arcana. These are shown in the tarot card images, which might give you a deeper understanding of your reading:
If you receive several sword cards in a reading, it may indicate that you are overthinking the situation or that you need to pay closer attention to the details. Swords stand for reasoning and communication.
The cups serve as a holding place for our feelings and highlight how we relate to how we feel about ourselves and other people. They can be viewed as either being half full or empty. Your decision is yours.
These coins stand in for the physical world. anything that you can touch directly. Money, your new shirt, and your roof are all important. Many pentacles in a tarot reading typically indicate practical issues involving our resources.
Wands typically represent the possibility of action or expansion (and potentially emanate). Perhaps it has to do with the promotion or the person you have your eye on.
There are a few things you should be aware of before having your first tarot card reading in order to truly appreciate the tarot’s power. You won’t regret it, I promise.
We understand that it’s simple to be dubious of any wellness technique that lacks strong scientific support. Tarot readings are meant to serve as a roadmap for obstacles in your life, and they can be interpreted in a way that points you in the right direction. Give yourself some power through reading. Otherwise, feel free to leave what you’ve learned at the door if it doesn’t resonate with you.
Bring some specific examples of situations when you’d prefer more clarity to the reading. You could inquire, “What is preventing me from receiving ? such as “Should I relocate to New York City? It is simpler to relate the meaning of the cards to what you’re going through the more detailed your inquiry is.
When I was younger, I used to be scared of tarot cards and psychics because I thought they would foretell an imminent catastrophe. It turns out that a “poor reading” doesn’t exist. For people going through a difficult time, the Death card in the deck may be a really encouraging element of a reading because it actually denotes the conclusion of a cycle and suggests that it will soon be finished.
Reading-related insights can be incredibly restorative and helpful, but they won’t be able to give you guidance if you can’t recall them. Your tarot reader won’t mind if you take notes or record the session so that you don’t have to try to process everything at the speed of light (there will be a lot to listen to). It won’t hurt your experience; it will only improve it.
You become more used to the lessons that can be learnt from each reading when you pull your cards more frequently. Keep in touch with your intuition and the spiritual forces that shape our earthly energy by buying your own deck, studying the tarot’s rules, and getting weekly (or monthly) readings from a professional.
Do you have a hankering for a tarot card reading? Is Mercury Retrograde giving you the cold shoulder? I gave my buddy three readings, and each confirmed that she was feeling the power of the full moon. View the cards she has (hint: she might have pulled The Devil card).
You *Just* Had a Tarot Reading
Unless the reading is about a completely new and specific subject, I suggest waiting at least three months between professional tarot readings. Before returning to the cards, let things to develop and alter.
You Want a Redo
I frequently observe people attempting to “chase the right answer.” People will visit several tarot readers or ask the same question repeatedly to the same tarot reading until they receive the response they desire (which, by the law of averages, does happen eventually). This is basically useless!
Your Question Is About Someone Else
Tarot readings are not the solution if your entire line of inquiry is about another person’s thoughts and actions (such as what your ex is up to). Tarot is meant to help you gain understanding of *yourself,* not other people. (A better option would be to reconsider and rephrase your query as if you were looking for help on how to move past your split.)
You’re Looking for Medical Advice
Simply said, neither physical nor mental health concerns can be diagnosed or treated using the cards. Some things are better left in the hands of medical specialists rather than tarot readers!
How should I maintain my Tarot deck?
While rearranging the cards in the tarot deck is a good approach to purify and clear their energy, there are some circumstances in which you might wish to perform a more specialized ritual. If you’re just getting started with tarot, cleaning your deck can be an excellent place to start.
You might want to clean your tarot deck for a variety of reasons, including:
- beginning with a fresh deck
- readings for other people
- You think you need to recharge.
- Your card readings seem a touch “odd” or “disconnected”
- Your deck hasn’t been used recently.
- Your deck has been handled by others
- You think you’ve been utilizing your deck a lot. A LOT, especially for books with strong emotional content
Why should you cleanse or clear your tarot deck?
Tarot deck cleansing helps keep the energy flowing between you and your deck. Consider it as a little spiritual hygiene to maintain a strong and clear connection. It’s not necessary, but if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, try a few of the energetic cleansing techniques listed below and note which ones seem to work the best for you.
How often should you cleanse your tarot deck?
This is another way of stating USE YOUR INTUITION: there are no hard and fast laws. Don’t stress if you don’t believe it is necessary for your deck. Alternately, if you like to cleanse them once per week or once per month, that’s great. If it feels appropriate to you, you can even place your favorite crystal on the balcony each night.
If you frequently place crystals on your deck and store it on an altar while not in use, you might not feel the need to cleanse it frequently because this quick ritual will likely be sufficient to keep your deck feeling nice.
There are numerous ways to cleanse your cards, just as there are numerous reasons why you might desire to do so.